Pretty Legit

2008-12-05T11:53:00.000-08:00

This blog has been like a baby to me, but (obviously) Mommy has a serious case of blogging ADD, and decided to switch over to Tumblr. I'll keep this blog open for occasional product reviews and such, but the majority of my blogging will be done there. Catch you on the dark side!

Visit me at PrettyLegit

Really Obsessed With: T Mobile G1 Phone

2008-12-05T11:41:00.000-08:00

If there was an award given to the best phone destroyer, don't even think about competing with me. I have: dropped them in the toilet/sink/sewer/soup, lost them in a cab/Wisconsin/bookstore and have marred the screen, scuffed the case, broken the buttons and damaged the hardware to more phones than I can remember. Just after I lost my fourth phone of the year (seriously), Glam sent me the T Mobile G1 to test out for a month...and guys? I think I'm in love. It's a half touch screen with a keypad that flips out so wishy-washy types like me don't have to choose between iPhone minimalism, or Blackberry tactility. It's also got a slew of free applications, YouTube playing capabilities, sharp graphics, a sleek case, and this amazing amazing Guitar-heroish game that plays Rick Astley songs. Ack. So far, I've had the thing for three weeks and there's nary a scratch to be seen! Maybe true love does conquer all...

Really Obsessed With: Old Navy Shades of Grey

2008-09-28T19:36:00.001-07:00

I went through a phase in high school where everything I bought had to be in a bright color. And because of my limited budget and my limited shopping options, the majority of my clothes came from Old Navy. My tastes have changed significantly since then (thank god), but it seems that the mid-America favorite Old Navy's matured a bit too. After being sent a cute cardigan in the mail (thanks Old Navy!), I ended up making a trek to San Francisco outpost to check it out. And OH GOD! So many cute grey things! The blazer (oversized) would be awesome as a go-with-everything coverup and the pleated camisole would look sweet paired with high waisted pants and I could totally see myself wearing the loose tunic every single day. When I was there though, I did pick up the smock dress (which is a lovely crepey material) in a bright, bright yellow though. What can I say? Some things never change :)

Really Obsessed With: Priestess Clothing

2008-08-30T14:16:00.000-07:00

It's funny how someone's style can drift so much in such a short amount of time. Last year around this time, I was all about the cutesy, matchy thrift-store look (wouldn't be caught dead in anything dark and twisted), and today, I've ALL about the sculptural, modern pieces that I eschewed not so long ago. Priestess' clothes are perfect for the here and now, and designer Cody Ross has basically perfected the architectural femme-fatale thing that I love so much. Alas, his show at Fashion Week is going to be when I'm still on the plane (September 4th--via Expose NY), but Cody promised me a dress-up play date! Expect lots of giddy pictures, lovely readers!

Inspired By: Hedi Slimane's Diary

2008-08-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

I'm a terrible photographer (which partially explains for the lack of outfit posts), so I really appreciate really good photographer. The new V Magazines are littered with Hedi Slimane's brilliant photography which prompted me to return to the man's online photo diary which I've left unread for way too long. And ack! Such brilliance! Make sure you browse through the ocular feast for yourself. Visit: here.

Fresh Junk: American Apparel Afrika Pring

2008-08-23T11:17:00.000-07:00

Prints at American Apparel! The Afrika line consists of printed leggings (which are borderline Zubaz), a headband, a cute bandeau bra, and this tube dress. The black version is a bit more versatile than the red, but both are cute additions to your assumedly growing collection of body-con pieces. Bonus: they'd be perfect for upcoming fratty Jungle parties you know you're dying to head back to (look for more themed party posts soon!)

OMG Why: Melissa Clogs

2008-08-22T13:34:00.000-07:00

It's no surprise that I'm generally a fan of pretty ugly things (I'm in the facebook group even! That's how you know I'm telling the truth!). So my first reaction upon seeing this plastic clog on the Melissa website was one of delight. "Lookit how shiny it is," I cooed. "It's so chunky! So modern! So sculptural!" Then I realized that no, despite it being all those things, it's still a black, plastic Dutch clog and even if you could wear it with a sackful of irony, you're still going to be wearing a clog. Case closed.

Fresh Junk: Topshop Platforms

2008-08-21T16:42:00.000-07:00

While I generally agree that Forever21 is the Topshop of the United States, it really doesn't compare with our Euro friends when it comes to unique, fashion-forward designs. While Forever21 usually is a cheap carbon copy of runway favorites, Topshop's merchandise always has a bit of originality (although it's plenty inspired). Case in point: these shoes. You can totally see the Marni and Prada flavors, but it's not a total duplicate. Absolutely cannot wait for the Topshop store to open in NY this fall.

Fresh Junk: Margiela Ripoffs

2008-08-18T20:26:00.000-07:00

I'm baaaaack! Thanks to Ben for the Photoshop help--I promise that I'll be updating MUCH more regularly now.

These "celebrity censored" sunglasses from Fred Flare are unfortunately sold out, but I wonder if they were on sale before the Margiela L'Incognitos? In any case, the boat might have left the harbor regarding this trend, but I'm a sucker for a sick pair of sunglasses.

Check the Hotties: Fashion Bunnies

2008-08-11T13:32:00.000-07:00

I tend to veer more towards leath-uh than lace, and I'm always one to eschew cuteness for something a bit more edgy, but I have to say that I'm not too upset over this inundation of bunny-related fashion icons that's recently taken over my google reader. Oh Star Von Bunny, Fifi Lapin and Bunny Bisous, you make me want to toss all my studded and sharp things and start fresh with florals and rosettes and lots of soft and friendly pieces.

Really Obsessed With: Studded Shoes

2008-08-09T23:35:00.000-07:00

I'm home again, resting up, seeking out Photoshop and planning on a huge retrospective post to pay penance for my extraordinarily bad blogging etiquette--but before I do all that, I just want to direct your attention to just how freakin' sick these shoes are. If I'm not mistaken, they're both from this one place on Lafayette St. (all you in the area, help a sista out with the name?). The entire store is stocked to the brim with custom-studded shoes, boots and jackets as well as vintage tees, distressed denim and everything else you could imagine showing up in Erin Wasson's closet. I'm KICKING myself for not picking something up while I was there, but I'm going back in September (MORE ON THIS LATER DUDES) so I'll be able to cash in on the studded fun.

EDIT: so the store's called Bess and doesn't really have a real website, but I'll take plenty of pictures when I return.

Extra Baggage: Radar Article

2008-07-23T09:20:00.000-07:00

If you folks are wondering what I'm busy doing over at Radar, check out my newest article up on Celebrity Baggage.

Really Obsessed With: Colorblock Steve Maddens

2008-07-23T09:12:00.000-07:00

THESE are delightful! I usually stay away from pumps (they're usually too cutesy of a shoe for me), but the cone heel, mustard yellow, patent leather and suede upper have got me in a shoe tizzy. Sure they're kinda pricey, but my birthday is only (er) 3 months away, and I'm sure the price will creep down soon enough.

Channeling: Black and White Cookie

2008-07-21T12:37:00.000-07:00

You've got to forgive me as I'm scratching at opportunities to use other people's photoshops as they're not looking--so posts are going to be few and far between (but seriously, check out my tumblr for updates because I miss you guys lots). To compensate, I've been gorging myself on black and white cookies which are SO addicting. I've been averaging two cookies/day at Conde Nast (each is bigger than my outstretched hand) and I have a whole tub at home that I've been munching on while Casey has something healthy like yogurt. I'm not sure if it's the cookie that's doing it, or the general aesthetic of the city, but I've recently realized that over 50% of my wardrobe now consists of pieces in black, white or grey. Coincidence? Perhaps, but all I know is that I WANT THAT BUSTIER SO BAD.

Topshop shoe
Forever21 bustier
Topshop blouse
Betsey Johnson watch

I SUCK

2008-07-19T21:16:00.000-07:00

GUYS, I am all shades of lazy and terrible and my bad-blogging tendencies have only spiraled out of control now that I actually have more things to blog about (Jessica Stam spottings, Alex Wang sales, industry events, ack ack ack).

But until I figure out how to get photoshop again, I'm going to be kind of MIA from this blog for awhile. Until then, check out my tumblr account at prettylegit.tumblr.com.

I'LL BE BACK. SERIOUSLY.

Just Purchased: Vintage Whiting and Davis Necklace

2008-07-06T19:42:00.000-07:00

Fellow summer intern Sanhita and I made our way to Chelsea to thrift mecca Housing Works this morning. She had managed to score a Botkier handbag there a month ago for something ridiculous like $5, so needless to say, I was a little anxious to see what I could find for myself. But of course, like every other activity that involved any bit of planning on my part, we were foiled and the store was closed when we arrived. But not all hope was lost: a cute costume jewelry shop was open right across the street and I zeroed right in on the raddest, most incredible necklace I've ever seen. True, the price was a little steep ($45), but the shopkeeper said it was vintage Whiting and Davis from the '40s that they copped from an estate sale. And you readers should by now that if there's any one person whose style I'd most want to emulate, it's wealthy old little ladies wrapped in fox-furs who reek of muskoils and Sidecars.

Fresh Junk: Deer Dana Tees

2008-07-03T12:24:00.000-07:00

How amazing are these? Although I have to say, Andre's crotch is looking a little broke. Get yours here and here.

Really Obsessed With: Black Lace Bralettes

2008-07-02T14:52:00.001-07:00

My crush on Alexander Wang has only grown exponentially since I've been here. Sure, living a few blocks away from him and occasionally bumping into him, tongue-tied, flabbergasted, and completely starstruck on the street doesn't help. But what's really led me to believe that we should become lifelong besties was his sample sale this past week where I fell in love with everything and spent WAY too much on a dress and a pair of shorts (that you can see on Casey's teenvogue post). The dress I bought (which I'll do a post on later) is cut like many of Alex's pieces that really flatter those of us who are kinda concave in the bust department. Although his dresses don't really require bras, most of the girls working the sale (who were also rocking his pieces), were wearing little black lacey bras under their dresses. I went out to get myself a lace bralette to pair with dresses and shirts(and snatched up a pair for $7 at Forever21). They're perfect for summer: they breathe, they're flirty and they offer enough vamp to spice up sweet pieces. The best part? They're cheaper than your regular bra, so you can stock up.

Mad Delusions: Alex Bittar Bangle

2008-06-21T16:24:00.000-07:00

If there's one thing that I've learned about living out of a suitcase, it's that accessories are key in making pieces go from day to night. The same clothes that I wear to the Conde Nast buildings are the ones that I have to pick from to make a trek to the grocery store, so it was super important for me to find simple ways to dress up a plain t-shirt and jeans. I've worn the hell out of my black beaded H&M rope necklace since it's so ostentatious and bizarre (aka, the perfect statement piece). This bracelet from Alexis Bittar has the same thing going for it, but at $375, I can only dream that Forever21 is going to do some sort of knockoff soon.

PS: read about our vampire weekend debacle at the Teen Vogue intern blog

PPS: huge apologies for blogging so intermittently. The city stresses me out, and when I'm not working, I feel obligated to explore the city. While all the pavement pounding I'm doing is making my legs look like some sort of miracle, it unfortunately means less blogging time.

Just Purchased: Alexander Wang for Uniqlo Dress

2008-06-10T07:03:00.000-07:00

Just so we get things straight here, I actually bought this dress before I bought my YSL's, and even though I paid to get it shortened afterwards, it doesn't technically count (okay? okay.). No doubt you've heard about the terrible, very bad, good-for-nothing heat wave, and it's seriously put a damper on my outfits. Thanks goodness I decided to wear this dress though, because I got lost on the train, and was running around Midtown like a blindfolded chicken (is that even an idiom?) trying to find my way to my first day at Radar (which was awesome, btw). The open back kept me cool, and the folding and pleating in the front kept things interesting enough so I didn't feel like I was going to a funeral. The accompanying photograph is from an Elle.com slideshow, but I wore mine today with sandals and a blazer (which I promptly took off as soon as I left the office).

UPDATE ON THE READER/BLOGGER GET-TOGETHER: Meet us in Central Park (at the Summerstage) on Saturday at one--we'll be the ones with the balloons. Hopefully there aren't multiple people with balloons, but if you get hopefully lost or confused, Casey will have her blackberry so you can email her at casey@teenfashionsita.com and she'll get right back to you.

One last thing: check me out at the teen vogue blog! Guuhh skadfjlskdfj so exciting

Just Purchased: Vintage YSL Tuxedo Pants

2008-06-08T15:21:00.000-07:00

There are few things in the world that make me sweat. One is heat (surprise). The other is making expensive purchases. So, you can imagine how uncomfortable I was when I was standing in Exquisite Costumes in 100 degree weather with Casey looking on with concern as I cradled this pair of vintage YSL tuxedo pants in my arms. On the one hand, they were going to last me a long, long time (and was enough of a classic piece that I could envision myself passing it on to wee DaughterLegits in the future). They were also Yves Saint Laurent (which speakeths for itselfith). They were also unbelievably tailored to the exact proportions of my body, which, for a shortish, smallish person like me, is a miracle unto itself. On the other hand (which was a big, fat, sausage-fingered hand), they were $180. Panic panic panic. But, I bit the bullet, charged that shit, and now I have something faaannnshhy to wear to work tomorrow.

Note: please excuse my apparent wrestler's build in the picture to the left. Yikes.

Channeling: Superheroes

2008-06-07T13:54:00.000-07:00

After work yesterday, I met a couple friends at the Met so we could check out the Costume Institute's Superheroes exhibit. Not to get all cerebral on you guys, but I love love love visual studies and the kinds of societal analysis that this exhibit had (check out their website if you care to find out more). My favorite paper that I've written in college was about how gender roles become more exacerbated in fashion during economic recessions and I went through scores of runway shows for research to do a psychoanalysis reading...(nerdynerdynerdy), so you can imagine how excited I was when I finally got to see all the clothes after reading all the introspective analysis online. On an aesthetic note, they had the gold armored Balenciaga leggings which were AMAZING and Hussein Chalayan dresses, not to mention all these great Thierry Mugler pieces. If you have the opportunity to catch the exhibit before it closes, I really recommend it.

Motel Jumpsuit
American Apparel headband
ASOS shoes
Topshop belt

Fresh Junk: My Shoe Closet

2008-06-02T15:55:00.000-07:00

I'm finally here, and exhausted to boot, but now I can rest easy because all my clothes are tucked away, the fridge is stocked and, as you can see, my shoes are in full display on my bookshelf. My location is perfect and in walking distance to hundreds of restaurants and all the important shops. The best part? EVERYTHING DELIVERS. I'm sure that when I leave, I'll have more takeout numbers on my phone than real people's phone numbers.

Oh, also, I don't think I've mentioned my roommate yet. It's Casey from Teenfashionista (!!), and we're both working for EJ this summer. We've been talking about hosting some blogger+reader get-togethers this summer for anyone in the area--any suggestions for fun things to do?

Just Purchased: Old Navy Rings

2008-05-31T21:46:00.000-07:00

The only time that I've continuously worn a piece of jewelry was in high school when Mommy Legit made me promise that I'd justify the $200 she was going to spend on my class ring, and I wore that piece of crap until the cheap metal turned my finger green. Now, I only throw on a necklace for special occasions, and even then, I always end up taking everything off after ten minutes. But, I saw these Kenneth Jay Lane knockoffs at Old Navy a few days ago and I couldn't help but pick them up. One is a silver, metal, spotted panther inlaid with black rhinestones, and the other is a red plastic with a brass snake. I love how they make me feel like I've instantly dressed up my outfit (you know how one of my favorite activities is fooling myself), and they're ostentatious enough so I don't feel like I'm getting a B-grade, ring-wearing experience.

Really Obsessed With: Martin + Osa Merch

2008-05-31T14:22:00.001-07:00

Since my wallet got stolen and my computer has officially gone to the place where computers go to die (that's San Jose, HP headquarters, FYI), I've had to resort to using my passport at clubs and airports and carrying around all my files on a flash drive. I guess Martin + Osa were reading my vibes because I received a lovely package from Ivy over at Glam with a gift card (which was in my wallet when it was stolen guuhh), a blue sweater, a leather passport cover and a 1G USB port. I've been feeling quite posh carrying these things around, and I love LOVE the smell of new leather, so if you see anyone traipsing around Manhattan in the next few months nose deep in a passport cover--come say hello?

Note: I've received a new tablet PC from hp since they killed my computer (rad rad rad) but alas, I don't have Photoshop anymore (bad bad bad). I'm going to have to get used to gimp for now, but does anyone know where I can cop a free version?

I am a big fat flake

2008-05-26T17:11:00.000-07:00

Sorry sorry sorry that I've neglected to post...er, even once in the past two weeks or so. I've been under siege for the past month and have had to deal with:

1) Finals. And papers. And more finals.
2) A laptop that is still MIA (really hp? It takes 2 months to ship a motherboard?)
3) Pink eye. Gross.
4) A lost wallet.
5) A sprained ankle.
6) A lost camera cord.

I know, waah waah (sob sob), but since my computer is still gone, I don't have access to photoshop, and since I don't have my camera cord, I won't be able to upload pictures until my new one gets shipped in. But until then, I'll think of some other way to document all my preperations for when I leave for NY on Sunday.

Also, I've been wearing the hell out of an old pair of glasses with an outdated perscription (as pink eye + contacts = too gnarly to handle). I've been contemplating a new pair similar to these from LA Eyeworks. I really like the half rimmed ones a la Chloe Sevigny.

Really Obsessed With: Color Changing Tank Dress

2008-05-13T00:11:00.000-07:00

Thank the gods for online shopping because if it weren't for my perverse joy in this particular activity, I would have killed myself with my international relations textbook days ago. Kids, finals are awful skfjlskfjlkdj baaah, but I do do some of my best online snooping during this time. For example, take this amazing tank by Anzevino and Florence that frickin' changes color depending on your body heat. I can only imagine those awkward moments during the summer when you've got colored "pit stains", but I know that if you put me in one now, the whole thing would be pretty monochromatic except for an icy white patch over my heart because all this studying has basically extinguished any feelings I may have. Get yours here.

Really Obsessed With: Fringed Boots

2008-05-09T15:24:00.000-07:00

I've been absolutely impressed with the amount of street cred my fringed bag from H&M injects into any outfit I wear. I can throw on the shlubbiest of sweatshirts with a pair of broken skinny jeans, a pair of heels and the bag, and instantly I'm transformed into someone who looks like they've actually thought about what they're wearing (ha! TRICKED you). But what this actually means is that I really don't have enough standout pieces in my closet that I can mindlessly toss on. Since the fringe is working so well, I've been looking at this pair of Steve Maddens ($199 online) as a cheaper alternative to the Gucci boots from last fall's show. And can we talk about how I want to steal Agathe at Stylebytes' life? She has a pet pig for chrisssaaake.

Mad Delusions: Marc Jacobs Watch

2008-05-03T18:38:00.000-07:00

I have a confession. I'm twenty years old and I have trouble telling time. And not like "it takes me a few second longer to read analog", but rather, "which is the hour hand? How long have I been staring cross-eyed and slack-jawed trying to figure out if it's 1:50 or 11:05. Lately I've been on the lookout for a wristwatch, but my...er, ineptitude makes it impossible to get something tiny and chic. So, if I'm going to have to get something digital, let's make it outrageously digital. This Marc Jacobs watch fits the bill and is nerdier than anything I could have dreamt of. But the $245 price tag is a little pricey for indulging in my inner geek. I might look for cheap Casio versions on ebay instead.

Just Purchased: Doc Martens

2008-04-27T15:05:00.000-07:00

Inspired by Camille over at Childhood Flames, I finally bit the bullet and snatched up the last size six pair over at Bancroft clothing. They were seventy percent off which helps ameliorate any buyer's remorse that I may have had, but the more I clod around the house in them, the more I'm beginning to imagine the dozens of ways that I'd be able to wear them. The perfect look? Probably this (insert ensuing "aww's" here). Also, this is definitely the third shoe post in a row (maybe it's an indication of where my mind's been on the past few days?--and where it hasn't been on...cough*homework*cough).

Really Obsessed With: White Shoes

2008-04-23T22:59:00.000-07:00

Because I'm going to have to fit everything into two suitcases this summer, my wardrobe is going to have to consist of pieces that are going to work for multiple outfits. I'm not really concerned about my clothes because I usually stick to the same color families and styles when I shop, but my shoes are a different story. Basically, I have too many in general, but not enough that would work in a variety of situations. I feel like pair of statement white shoes might spice up my basic wardrobe. These are all from Topshop (I think I've been trolling the site a bit too much) and cheap enough where I wouldn't feel as terrible if I scuffed them up a bit.

Fresh Junk: Knee High Gladiators

2008-04-23T03:10:00.000-07:00

So the fug girls may have decried my little Ashley's gladiator sandals back in '07, but anyone blind enough to hate on Chloe Sevigny is dead in my book. Truth be told, they're a little intense, and the Topshop ones seem a little bit intimidating (the loopiness of the other straps don't help much), but I'm sooo dying for a pair of statement gladiator shoes, and these are the perfect price (€50), will no doubt the perfect mix of shock and awe (hopefully less of the former), and are the perfect accompaniment to all those flimsy floral things I have. Thoughts?

Current Threads: Luella Wannabe

2008-04-19T14:39:00.000-07:00

I should impose a self-ban to not look at runway shows until the season that they're supposed to be representing. For example, spring has finally reared its floral head and the sun and the warmth and the 20,000 strains of pollen spores were all calling out for me to don this Luella look. However, I've been reading about this look for six months now and frankly, I'm almost had enough of the nerdy/floral thing. I realize this logic makes no sense because, after all, the look is supposed to be S/S08. Whatever. I did it, and I have to say that even though I feel a tad as if I'm running through the fad gauntlet, it's is the perfect look for a beautiful springtime weekend.

Anna Sui skirt
Lacoste shirt
H&M cardigan
Steve Madden shoes
AA socks

Really Obsessed With: Forever21 Underthings

2008-04-14T22:32:00.000-07:00

I get creeped out a lot by the word "panty" so I've been hesitant on posting about these, er...panties even though they are the prettiest little underthings that I've ever seen Forever21 stock. I'm not one to spend lots on lingerie and this is probably TMI so cover your eyes if you're getting creeped out but I do have this beautiful pair of frilly blue panties (ack ack) that make me feel like a doll even if I'm shlubbing it in my grossest sweats. The best part about these Forever21 ones? 3/$10, baby. They come in thongs too but I'm not sure how the ruffle ass floss might feel...

Roadtesting Trends: The Harem Pant

2008-04-12T21:34:00.000-07:00

It's so easy to get caught up in your own fashion fantasy, especially when you're logged onto a computer for most of your waking hours and see pictures of hot girls wearing things like this and this, then go shopping with equally as delusional people who say things like "yes of course those pants are versatile!" and then step out into the real world with all the starry-eyed sartorial ambition you can muster and immediately encounter a fellow classmate who asks you which corporate MC Hammer position you're interviewing for. Ouch. But just you wait you drab-derrièred folk--give it a year (or two) and the rice-patty pant is going to be all the rage. Make sure to pair them with something a little sexy on top and keep your shoes high (to downplay the masculinity of the pants).

Express tank
H&M pants
Target shoes

Celebrate Good Times: THE OFFICE

2008-04-10T19:46:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone was able to catch the return of the office earlier tonight (if not, I think episodes go online in an hour). I won't give too much away but, seriously. Jan's boobs? 2 points if you wore white Keds while watching (3 points if they were whiter than Pam's). 1 point if you had on a blazer. 5 points for a Casio watch, and 293842 points if you understand the bat reference.

Keds shoes
Topshop blazer
Girlprops bat necklace
Casio watch

Spring Break '08: Day 5 and 6

2008-04-08T22:58:00.000-07:00

OH GOD YOU GUYS you have no idea the kinds of misery that has expired between myself and my computer in the past week. First, the backlight decided that it wanted to quit on me. Then the sound fizzled out just as soon as I started getting used to hooking up my computer to a projector. Then after a week in repair, my video card became corrupted or something and then it decided to shut down every two minutes.

Coooollllll (naht)

But after I let it sit in the corner and think about what it had done for two days, it decided that it was done playing games and is now back to its normal self. So, back to blogging, and more importantly, back to how my spring break ended more than a week ago. Oh, boy.

Wednesday was spent pretending to be a Gossip Girl and traipsing through the Upper East Side. I wish I were kidding.

But I knew that I wanted to pack a lunch and a blanket to picnic in Central Park, so I brought this AMAZING nylon rucksack from H&M along with me. It's seriously bottomless, super sturdy, and the snaps in the back allow you to readjust everything to convert it from a shoulder bag to a backpack, then to a shopper tote.

But it turned out to be way way too cold and windy for a picnic (and I kept panicking because Central Park is a freakin' Minotaur labrynth and I wasn't smart enough to remember to pack twine). But the area was basically impressive, and sterile, and really concrete-y, and I wish it hasn't been an entire week after I went so I could remember more about it. BAH

The best parts about the Museums were definitely the stupid pretentious pieces of shit (actually, literally). For example, Exhibit A:

"Rock and Found Hair Mounted On Pedestal"

Or Exhibit B:

Ew.

But in the basement of the Met was the blog.mode fashion exhibit which was INCREDIBLE. Hussein Chalayan, Yves Saint Laurent, Alaïa, Rodarte, Galliano, al;kdfja, andslfj, djkfdjfsd--I stayed in the exhibit until the museum closed. Then, it was off to Chinatown for some eats and then a night spent watching Weeds to rest before my last day in NY and two interviews before I left.

I'm dumb and forgot to take pictures of my outfit the last night, but I wore a vintage floral tiered Anna Sui miniskirt over a grey heathered tank from Target, the same Limited blazer, the tights, grey socks (that were supposed to be taken off before my interviews because NY is freeeeezing but I forgot dumbdumbdumb) and those shoes from hell again.

But I woke up early to finish packing. Because of my bad scheduling, I had planned my last interview a few hours before my flight, and the night before, I had received a last minute email from another magazine asking me to stop by. So unfortunately, I had no other choice but to lug my suitcase, my purse, and another carryon with me to the Conde Nast building in Times Square.

OMGG you have no idea how incredible it felt to stand in the lobby at Conde Nast. I recognized a handful of editors scurrying in and out of the elevators and nearly passed out when I was going through security with an official nametag. I stepped into the elevators and was in there by myself when it stopped and a short blonde lady in a Chanel jacket stepped in.

Readers.

I kid you not.

I shared an elevator with Anna Wintour.

ack ack ack ack kkkkkkkkadsfjakdljf [this was basically what I was fighting to keep from spitting out]. It took every ounce of self restraint not to jump on the poor woman and/or vomit when she half-smiled at me. Yes, she was beautiful and intimidating and very very short. And no she wasn't wearing sunglasses.

By the time I got to the floor I was supposed to be on, I could much less remember my own name than the editor's of whom I was supposed to meet with. The interview went wonderfully and I can't tell you how embarrassed that 1)Anna Wintour saw me wearing socks and sandals, 2)Anna Wintour saw me with my roommate Will's army green beat-up suitcase 3)I think I may have let one "ack" slip out in the elevator (of which Anna Wintour probably heard).

But right after this ended, it was off to the UES again for my last interview at a much lower key (no ack attacks here) and much less stressful and really wonderful and brilliant and I can't stop using gushy adjectives because ladies and gents, my whole experience with NY was really just that gushy and surreal and wonderful and brilliant.

Then it was back to JFK, then back to San Francisco, then back to midterms and papers and the doldrums of springtime academia when I finally got replies regarding my interviews.

And if you'll let me readers, I'll post in the comments section of this entry the place(s) I'll be working this summer.

Spring Break '08: Day 4

2008-03-28T18:43:00.000-07:00

I woke up super early for last minute tweaks on my interview outfit. This was my initial plan, but the weather was just not cooperating, so I threw on a pair of black tights at the last minute. And horrors of horrors, there was a huge run going the entirety of my back leg. I ran out to Duane Reade, but all they had left was a pair of black stirrup tights, but it was way too late to care to much.

The tie-dye dress was from Forever21, the blazer is an old one from my Forensics days in high school (The Limited, I think), the insanely high platform shoes were from the sick fucks at H&M (oww), the bag from H&M also, and the necklace from ForLove21. Overall, the outfit was comfortable enough to sprint around in, but the unholy, terrible shoes of death didn't feel like cooperating much.

My plan was to the area fairly early and buy some coffee a few blocks down to sip while walking there. The plan would have worked, save for the fact that the streets were completely paved with COBBLESTONES so what I imagined would have been a super-fashionable sashay turned into this a super-precarious tiptoe with my coffee spilling everywhere. Wahoo.

I got to the offices, and was informed that the editor was going to be half an hour late, so I started going through my portfolio. And then, the office doors swung open, and guess who walked in.

LC.

From the Hills.

LC FROM THE FREAKIN' HILLS.

I cannot even tell you guys how surreal it was to have watched the Hills premiere the day before and then see Lauren actually sashay into the offices with her personal assistant in tow. I don't exactly remember what they talked about, but the names "Kristen", "Audrina" and "Les Deux" definitely popped up.

But the interview went swimmingly and I'll let you know my decisions as soon as I make them!

I rushed to the Coutorture offices in Brooklyn right afterwards, and had a wonderful chat with Julie who took time out of her busy, busy day full of photoshoots and press releases to talk about the industry and Coutorture. Thanks for the afternoon Julie!

By then, I was POOPED but was adamant on going thrifting, but as soon as I stepped into Beacon's Closet (thanks for the tips LC), I was feeling unbelievably uninspired, my feet were being eaten alive by my terrible shoes, I had to pee, and all I wanted to do was take a fat cat nap. So I did a quick run around the store, saw so many fabulous things that I kick myself in hindsight for not at least trying on, and headed back uptown. I fell asleep at 9pm and didn't wake until noon the next morning.

Spring Break '08: Day 3

2008-03-28T17:52:00.000-07:00

Since I knew I was going to be trying a lot of things on, I wore this really fantastic vintage silk top and high waisted jeans from Urban (no shots of the jeans, but they're braaaaided). The bag is my favorite part of the outfit. It's totally convertible, and you can wear it as a backpack while shopping so you have your hands free, or you can change the snaps around and turn it into a cute shopper. I wore it on my shoulder for the most part, but this thing is seriously bottomless, so I was able to fit most of my stuff in there.

Knowing that I have the worst sense of direction EVER, I plotted out all of my shopping destinations via the MTA trip planner (nerd nerd nerd alert). I got off at the Prince Street exit in Soho and stepped into Dean and DeLuca's first to grab some breakfast. I'm not sure how representative this is of snobbish, high-brow supermarkets, but I can say with some confidence, as someone who lives right in the middle of the most snobbish, most high-brow supermarket district ever, Dean and DeLuca should probably reign right up there with them. The coffee was meh, but I've never tasted a fresher peach in March.

I made a quick stop into Old Navy first where I headed straight for the shoe sale racks. I was on the lookout for the canvas wedges that Fashionista blogged about before--and believe my luck when I saw one last pair in the exact size and color that I wanted. I also picked up a pair of cheap black sandals.

Uniqlo was A.Ma.Zing...oh god, so many walls of the most beautiful basics you could possibly imagine. I picked up a grey sweatshirt and a pair of new pair of dark skinny jeans. I'm always on the search for really raw, inky indigo jeans. Marcus and the boys apparently try to only handwash their denim, but handwashing jeans don't quite get them back to that original, tight fit. But after a few machine wash cycles, the jeans inevitably start fading, and I need to go pick up a new pair. My favorite purchase was definitely this typography t-shirt. I'm a nerd for typefont and there are few things in this world that can get me as riled up as a good debate about modernist and post-modernist fonts. I also picked up a men's blue gingham short-sleeved button up as well as dark grey chambray shirt of the same cut for Marcus.

Muji was also sooo sick, but alas, I just didn't have any room in my luggage for any home goods, so I'm going to wait to go back until this summer when I have to outfit my temporary dorm room (huzzah!)

I walked up a few blocks to Opening Ceremony so I could check out Chloe Sevigny's line. It was hot, most definitely, but it was so close to treading in "Contempo Casuals" waters that it really didn't justify the extreme price tags. I did try on the floral bustier dress, but I was surprised at how thin the fabric was and how infuriatingly simple it was for a $400 dress. I also tried on a few White Trumpet shirts which were beautiful origami creations in thin jersey from recent grads of St. Martins, but there were some obvious fitting problems especially in the sleeves, so I left them alone. I ended up just getting a Sevigny canvas bag which was cheap enough so I won't have to worry about taking too good of care of it.

By then the sun had set and since I'm so paranoid, I rushed back to the apartment, hunkered down with some paella and pineapple smoothies and watched the Hills. For serious, can we talk about Heidi's face?

Spring Break '08: Days 1 and 2

2008-03-24T14:20:00.000-07:00

I'm currently all cozy under some blankets at my friend's NY apartment by the Bronx and I finally have some time to blog a little about my trip to the East Coast. but, like an idiot, I left my camera cord at another friend's in DC, and won't be able to post any pictures until I get back to Berkeley. So, until Thursday (or Friday, let's be realistic here Connie), here's a briefish post:

After 5 hours by plane, 1.5 hours by subway train, and 4 more hours by a terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad Chinatown bus (but it was cheap, and since that's usually the qualifier, I probably shouldn't be complaining), I finally arrived in DC in the evening to meet up with my friend Bekah. Exhausted, hungry, and slightly delirious, we went on a little Georgetown rendezvous to a local hookah haunt for some shisha and pitas and later walked along the waterfront. Someone had placed a single cupcake on each pillar and maaaaannnn I wanted one so bad.

So we made our own! The supermarket didn't stock food coloring, so we said a quick prayer that we wouldn't die of poisoning and bought easter egg dye. But we (by which I mean "I") ate half a dozen and am still alive, so no worries.

The next day was spent wandering the city and going to all of Bekah's favorite places. But first we got our nails done at the Watergate Hotel. Yes. The Watergate. So bizarre. Then, it was off to the Sartorialist exhibit by way of Embassy Row. Side note: the Iraq embassy is one of the first ones you walk past when you exit Dupont, and it's all abandoned and creepy now. Sad stuff.

The Sartorialist exhibit was nice, but it was honestly a underwhelming as I've seen all the prints before (they're up on his website). The prints were going at around $1200 for a signed photograph, and the most expensive one was incidentally my favorite (go figure)--you know the one of the redheaded chick in the black dress and grey kneesocks standing in what looks like the backyard of some cobblestoney place whose hair has just caught the wind? Yaddadimean? I probably should also comment about DC fashion at this point because this picture of me at the Adamson Gallery hallway is pretty representative (albeit, accidental). There's the requisite black, trendy coat (because it's still fairly chilly); dark, skinny jeans; black flats or boots. There's also the the stuff that I'm not rocking: the structured bag; diamond or pearl stud earrings; sleek polished hair, and big, oversized sunglasses. It's part Jackie-O, part senatorial wannabe, and very, very conservative and sophisticated.

Then it was to the Post Office Museum which Bekah swears is the best place in DC for silly photo ops. As I've been to DC a few times before, I really didn't feel the need to see the Smithsonian, the Natural History Museum, or the monuments again, so this place was a refreshing surprise. This was one of the pictures in our series titled "Senior Photos: Into the Wild Edition". The embarrassed/whoops face is because an elderly couple walked in us right when Bekah was taking this shot. Ehheheh.

Oh, and I finally got to wear my new VPL silk/wool off the shoulder top that I got from Shopbop. I got it one size up so it drapes a little more dramatically.

Then back to Bekah's for a girly movie fest of My Best Friend's Wedding, Before Sunrise and Center Stage. Oh yeah, and more cupcakes.

I didn't do any shopping in DC, although it was hard to stop myself from going into all the pretty boutiques and shops in Georgetown because I knew that I would have plenty of time to shop in NY. So, sorry on the fashion-lite-ness of this post, but I guarantee that I'll make up for it with subsequent trip posts.

What's coming up:

My afternoon with Soho and why me and my bank account are NOT on speaking terms anymore
Wandering around under a bridge in Chinatown for half an hour
Interview outfits (we won't talk about the 30482 hours it took to put it together)
Trip to the Coutorture offices
My night in Jersey
The Upper East Side (xoxo)
The most magical, transformer shopping bag EVER

Until Friday, lovelies!

Really Obsessed With: Neck Scarves

2008-03-19T17:04:00.000-07:00

Kate Moss's new line for Topshop launched today, and while the pieces in the collection are a little too Duran-Duran's Summer Tour in Bali, I did find myself gravitating towards these vintage looking scarves. I can't tell how big they are, but if they're substantial enough, I imagine wearing them looped once around my neck with the tie in front (kind of sailer style, yaddadimean?). Wearing them graffiti-artist style feels a little contrived, but you don't want to get too saccharine by tying it in a bow around your neck. I'm trying to prep my wardrobe for the colder weather in NY, and I'm bringing way too many of scarves like these to keep me warm.

Inspired By: NYC

2008-03-17T12:21:00.000-07:00

Big, big apologies for the week and a half hiatus--but I swear, I was cramming all my schoolwork in before I leave for New York this Friday for Spring Break! No doubt my trip will be fantastic, but I need a little help from all of you. I'm looking for: cheap eats, cheap buys, cheap thrills, and lots and lots of fabulous things to look at. I'll keep you all posted on my outfits (there are interviews, trips down to DC and Jersey, and a whole lot of aimless walking days), but until then, here's the quintessential NY outfit which is a bit of Blair, a smidge of Holly Golightly, and a whiff of those creepy touristy vendors.

Really Obsessed With: Marching Band Jackets

2008-03-07T13:36:00.000-08:00

This girl from facehunter (I think?) has been haunting my Inspiration board for a few weeks now. This chick DEFINES what it means to be effortlessly chic. It's like she rolled out of bed in her black tank, grabbed the nearest jacket and a pair of jeans and slipped her feet into the first pair of heels she could find. This look is neither dated nor trendy, quirky enough for my tastes, and look! She's having fun! There's no trace of that "OOH fashion is SO serious" thing that makes most facehunter regulars resort to that stone-faced "I'm pretending to be noncahalant" pose. I've been on the lookout for a similar jacket, but my stipulations (primary colors, fitted, with tails) have made it pretty tricky. The jacket on the right is up on ebay right now and bidding ends soon so make your move if you're feeling it.

Channeling: Claudia Kishi

2008-03-05T00:52:00.000-08:00

I was such a Babysitter's Club fan when I was younger (I'm plead guilty of turning my closet into a club headquarters where I presided over my stuffed animals and doled out babysitting assignments). Those days are over, but I still look back to the raddest babysitter of them all for fashion inspiration. Topshop's new stuff in this week totally reminds me of Claudia: heavy floral printed skirts, drapey masculine tops, and a good side helping of arts-and-crafts jewelry. Who cares if her seven year old sister could do her math homework and she failed middle school? Claudia could draw like a bamf and always had leftover candy to share at meeting (remember?).

Neon Doc Martens
Rest, Topshop

OMG, Why?: Boho Tunics

2008-03-04T01:02:00.000-08:00

Even though I hail from Berkeley, I cannot condone the recent proliferation of "stoner-chic". It is not ironic, not "fun", and I pray for Shopbop's soul for using the word "hot" to describe the monstrosity on the right. And if you follow Shopbop's advice and "wear it on vacation", I can guarantee that the locals will stay far away--the knuckle graing sleeves, unflattering stripes and general "Robin Hood of Sherweed Forest" look just screams "I have decided to accessorize with dried bits of bum vomit and microbrew beer stains. Huzzah!" And it being comfy and "alternative" is NOT an excuse to spend an offensive $300 on something that looks like it passed through Bob Marley's digestive tract. Just say no, boys and girls. Just say no.

Really Obsessed With: Sretsis

2008-02-27T16:41:00.000-08:00

Damn you Bridget from Fashionista Diaries!! Even though your show's been over for months, I can't seem to get rid of your little nasal-y authoritative voice no matter how hard I try. So even though I hate your chicken strut walk and your baby voice and the way you give those tiny half-assed smiles after you judge someone's outfit, I still want to steal your wardrobe. So (surprise, surprise), as I was browsing Milk's online store, most of the pieces that I picked out from my window shopping were from same brand as the outfit that you wore on your first day on the job. Sretsis (sisters backwards) makes the most perfect outfits for librarians gone bad. Linen rompers, tromp l'oeil glasses (I'm looking at you behind big glasses) and lots of florals and ruffles are all made with the perfect combination of nerdy, girly, tough, and pretty.

Really Obsessed With: Preen Shoes

2008-02-25T00:49:00.000-08:00

Forgive me lovely readers, but weeks of procrastination have snuck up on me and have given me a nice big bite on the ass. I won't bore you with the (minute, tedious, odious, terrible) details but it involves midterms, papers, and whole slew of robots. Meanwhile, I've been running around in the most unholy of unholy shoes (sneakers, if you can believe) because it's the only way I'm able to sprint from the library to class to robot meetings and make it on time. But you can have faith that the entire time that I'm shlubbing it, I'm dreaming little dreams of beautiful spring dresses and the perfect shoe to wear them with. I'm kind of growing tired of the whole industrial/embellished/shoes-on-crack look and these Preen sandals from Topshop are the perfect 180 to what we've been seeing all fall. Wear them with something tough, or just embrace your inner princess and pair them with sheer dresses and bare legs.

Channeling: Hot Dog on a Stick

2008-02-15T14:02:00.000-08:00

Some people settle down with a cocktail at the end of a long day, some kick back by vegging in front of a television. I, on the other hand, cozy up with a mug of tea and an hour or so perusing Shopbop. The newest “gem” on the site was clearly inspired by a certain food court uniform. Now don’t go making fun of the look quite yet—although the getup is absolutely hideous and rather embarrassing, the employees get paid bank. So on one hand, the employees have to wear circus reject outfits, but on the other hand, they can actually afford the Marc Jacobs replica.

Celebrate Good Times: Valentines Day

2008-02-14T22:04:00.000-08:00

Apologies for the tardiness of this post, but sometimes a girl's just got to nap after ingesting double her weight in See's chocolates (and strawberries and Indian food and more chocolate). So whoever and whatever your date was tonight (boy, girl, or in my case, some chocolate and a well deserved shut-eye), Happy Valentines Day.

Miu Miu carved wooden platform

Photo credit: MissMaryMakk on Flickr

Fresh Junk: Jovovich Hawk for Target

2008-02-11T13:22:00.000-08:00

There isn't a Target within walking distance of my house (and I'm too afraid to take ol' rusty Che--Alec's moped constructed around the 8th century AD), so I haven't been to Target in ages. However, I popped in the other day to buy a new coffee maker, and stopped by the clothing section out of habit. Lo and behold--no Go International line?! There's apparently a brief hiatus until the Jovovich Hawk line comes out (March 2), and judging from the prereleased pictures, I might have to sit this one out too. There are a couple of cute pieces (namely the blue dress, the adorable chambray shorts and the vest), but there's just too much "Oklahoma" in this line to tickle me. But then again, I'm biased against anything without leather and an edg and I know that the whole "Bohemian Cowgirl" something or another look is hip for spring (whyy). So if you're into this kind of thing, I can't think of a cheaper, more complete line to pick from.

Just Purchased: Tri Tone Socks

2008-02-08T14:07:00.000-08:00

Today, my roommate pointed me towards an article on CNN about how people spend more money when they're sad. The “misery is not miserly” phenomenon makes sense and whatever—but of course she had to do show me after a particularly destructive shopping trip after a particularly shitty day. But you know what, if terrible days end up producing wonderful shopping trips, I say bring it on. I did get that rad tri-tone sock from American Apparel (only $12—huzzah) to whet my mood. (the chocolate chip cake and two hours of Cashmere Mafia also helped). The socks work with a variety of different shoes, but they are a wee bit too short, which makes no sense because I'm not especially tall and they are one size fits all.

Prep the Themester: Saved by the Bell

2008-02-07T13:27:00.001-08:00

Anonymous asked what one might wear to a Saved by the Bell party. First off---can I come? Secondly, you're in luck because this fall and spring were chock full of 90's throwbacks. Ikat prints, tea dresses, structured shoulders and color blocking are easy trends that'll work for this party and your regular wardrobe. Just please make sure your look is modern enough so you don't look too costumey, and throw in a few ridiculous accessories so you look like you tried. Just avoid going head to toe 90's, unless you want people saying "Hey, hey, hey! What is going on here!?" (eheheheh)

Cheap Monday jeans
Topshop hoodie
Forever21 heels

Fresh Junk: Chloe Appliqued Dresses

2008-02-06T15:18:00.000-08:00

In the 4th grade, there was this girl on my block whose mother used gave her free reign when it came to her outfits. She came to school wearing sweatpants with Christmas tinsel taped to the waist and ballerina tutus with Barbie shoes hot glued to the edges. While I never wanted to sit next to her (for fear of casualty glitter attacks), her arts and crafts philosophy really had something magical about it-—which makes me sooo happy to see Chloe’s appliquéd dresses from Net-A-Porter. They make what would have been average looking draped dresses fun and youthful.

Left and right

Fresh Junk: Gryson for Target

2008-02-04T14:17:00.000-08:00

Target’s past accessories collaborations have featured pretty rad designers (props especially to Loeffler Randall), but the styles have never actually tempted me to buy anything. The problem? Mainly that the distinct shapes and substandard materials usually led to people instantly recognizing your bag as a cheaper version of the real thing. Also, I like my bags to be able to stand up to as much damage as I can give—anything flimsier than a duffel usually have a shockingly short lifespan. Enter, former Marc Jacobs disgner, Joy Gryson. Her bags usually have beautiful detailing in luxe leathers with just that touch of badass to keep your street cred healthy. Expect seeing them in stores in Spring of 2008.

Note: these aren't actually the Target line--but I'll make sure to get pictures up when they're released.

Really Obsessed With: Braided Denim

2008-01-30T16:49:00.001-08:00

I’m not a big fan of “spicing” up your denim. My jeans are pretty much all the same—a medium or dark wash, skinny or bootcut, and low to mid rise. My only deviation is a pair of high waisted trouser cuts that I bust out for special occasions. In fact, I would go as far to say that I have a particular distaste for any embellishment, adornment or cut that strays too far from ol’ Strauss’s original game plan. That said, I harbor a strange affection for denim braiding detail—blame the Laura Ingalls Wilder, but these braided glories are perfect for the fall to spring transition. They’ve got idyllic charm, but also conjure up enough rawr to keep you from looking too hippy-dippy.

Anlo Shannon jeans (Shopbop)
Opening Ceremony (Creatures of Comfort)
Grey Ant (Creatures of Comfort)

Channeling: Men.Style.com

2008-01-29T13:06:00.000-08:00

As winter weather rolls along, I’ve been finding myself standing uninspired in front of my closet more often than not. However, after finally digging into my massive pile of unread magazines, I’ve found some encouragement to rethink how I put my outfits together. And surprisingly, scruffy faced chiseled man-of-men grace the covers, and articles about muscle cars, scotch and video games fill the pages. There’s something so refreshing about clean, no-fuss separates and the low maintenance pairing of corporate wear with sportswear, that, when translated to women’s wear, makes old things new again. For example, I have never ever worn my Thomas Pink shirt buttoned al the way up for fear of looking like a Jil Sander mannequin. But today, I paired it with a crew neck sweater (ALWAYS crew necks if you’re going for menswear—only hipsters wear V necks), a salmon windbreaker and dark skinnies and it somehow worked. But remember, pair your shit with feminine accessories like uberfemme shoes and costume jewelry to avoid the Sir/Madam question.

Topshop windbreaker
Heritage (Forever21) sweater
Thomas Pink shirt

Really Obsessed With: Rain Boots

2008-01-28T20:18:00.000-08:00

To all my Midwestern friends, mad commiserating for your shitty weather. I spent the past ten years trudging through three foot deep snow in arctic conditions for five months of the year. However, I have to say that although your plight is pretty terrible, there’s something to be pitied about the poor souls who have to deal with the Mediterranean monsoons on the West Coast. I’ve been back in Berkeley for a week, and today was the first day that I’ve left my umbrella at home, and I’m afraid it’s the only respite I have for the next few weeks. Bottom line: being wet sucks. A lot. That said, staying dry doesn’t mean you have to look frumpy: PLEASE graduate from those bright printed boots that you can get at Target that’ll make you look like a fourth grade fashionista. Instead, opt for more elegant shapes in neutral colors that’ll pass for regular shoes. If you really want to buy real leather boots, make sure that it’s in a patent leather or something else that is completely impermeable to rain. There’s nothing worse than sitting in warm class worrying about the trench foot cultivating in your shoe.

Clockwise from top left:
Green, red and yellow Original Hunter Wellingtons
Marc by Marc Jacob boots
Chloe buckle boots
Hunter Lady N boots
Jeffrey Campbell chelsea boots

Channeling: Daft Punk

2008-01-27T15:57:00.000-08:00

I'm not quite ready to abandon all the toughness from my wardrobe in time for spring. In fact, my new leather jackets and platform ankle boots are dying to be paired with floaty floral dresses and amorphous tops. The epitome of this tough look resides with my old electronica favorites, Daft Punk. Rock this look with head to toe black, unexpected quirky jewelry and a serious panache for incognito-look-at-me-ity.

Topshop leather bomber
House of Sunglasses shades
Forever21 earrings (a sly nod to their French doppelgangers)
Forever 21 lego ring
Cheap Monday jeans

Fresh Junk: Gauzy Tiered Miniskirt

2008-01-24T15:17:00.000-08:00

I mention my one year of dance training in elementary school so I pretend to speak with some authority on the whole ballet trends. But really, my leftover gauzy skirt overlays (an attempt at preserving my modesty courtesy of Mommy Legit) are going to be seeing new light this spring. I have to admit though, the whole look borders a little on the bizarre sartorial world of Hannah Montana teenyboppers. But instead of wearing mine with bare legs, a glitter top and a fake headset, I’ll be pairing mine with a wide industrial belt, a thin oversized top and sheer stockings. And remember, the look is supposed to be ethereal: if you choose a material heavier than tissue paper, you’ll risk looking like an unfortunate middle schooler trying to look like an unfortunate lady of the night.

Upper left: Earl Jeans, the rest are Topshop

Just Purchased: Forever21 Camisoles

2008-01-23T12:46:00.000-08:00

I don't usually buy clothes online (the last two times I tried to get something on Shopbop were fiascos), but I couldn't really resist getting these lovelies from Forever21. They look like they'd be perfect summer camisoles to wear under cardigans or by itself and are Lolita enough to pass for Marc Jacobs. The ivory and orange ones are now mine mine mine. Get yours here.

Channeling: Swan

2008-01-22T11:38:00.000-08:00

My ballet career was exactly one year long and ended because my mother refused to sew any more sequined costumes for me. Alas, I never got to dance in Swan Lake (but I was a cowgirl in "Rodeo Hoedown"), but I can admire their costumes from afar. Marc Jacobs showed his 2008 SS collection with loads of bejeweled fairy tale characters, but my favorite was definitely his swan choker.

Forever 21 dress
We Love Colours tights
UO headband
MJ choker

Really Obsessed With: Sephora Smokey Eye Kit

2008-01-21T18:48:00.000-08:00

I'm not one for making new years' resolutions, but I did promise myself that I'd try try to graduate from drug store makeup to products that I might actually feel guilty if I lost. I've thrown away my cheap eyeshadows and blushes in exchange for Nars palettes and am trying to get used to Bare Minerals. Additionally, thanks to the lovely ladies at Coutorture, I finally have professional tools to apply them with. It doesn't seem like it'd make a big difference, but using the right brushes really does make your makeup look a lot less cheap. I loved this smokey eye brush set so much I got one for Mommy Legit for Christmas. Get yours at Sephora.

Fresh Junk: Star Print

2008-01-18T18:55:00.000-08:00

There's that awkward period of time in fashion cycles where certain looks aren't old enough to be vintage nor new enough to be trendy. Things in this category include square necks, spaghetti straps and beanie babies. Things that might be in this category? Star prints. I wasn't a particular fan of the Topshop dress (above right) that Alex Chung was seen trotting around in, but after Kate Moss's star party bash, I'm having second thoughts about the motif. It's campy and tacky, granted, but I can't tell anymore if campy and tacky is necessarily something to avoid. Thoughts?

From left, Viktor and Rolf dress, Topshop shirt, Topshop dress

Just Purchased: Steve and Barry Coats

2008-01-14T21:26:00.000-08:00

Call me a cheapass, but I getter a bigger rush from finding mediocre gems in bargain basements than splurging on one luxe item. It’s probably just because the second option really isn’t an option at this point, but I’d like to think it’s because I’m always up for a challenge, and there’s really not much of a challenge in slapping a credit card down at Saks. Steve and Barry’s never really interested me much (University Sportswear? SJP’s Bitten line? Yawn, yaaawwwn.), but I stepped into one this afternoon to check out Victorya from Project Runway’s dress. The dress was ho hum, and the venue felt like a less sophisticated Old Navy, but that didn’t stop me from running around like a mad woman. The reason? Everything in the entire store was nine dollars. NINE DOLLARS. That included this faux leather jacket and the shearing line jean jacket. The quality sucks, and the design is less than original, but the fit is impeccable. Oh, and did I mention that I only paid $18? Helllloooo Steve and Barry’s!. Forget SJP, put $9$9$9$9 on all your ads. That’ll get the public rolling in.

Channeling: Freezing Hot

2008-01-11T17:48:00.000-08:00

Question from Freezing Cold: I need some help: I just moved from the state of Minnesota, (where it is always either extremely cold or extremely hot) to the Bay Area, with milder year-round weather. The summer went by fine, but when winter arrived, it seemed as if my wardrobe consisted of things that either were too thin and I'll freeze in them, or too thick and I'll contract heatstroke (think, big puffy bomber jacket hangs next to toilet-paper thin top). I don't have anything 'in the middle'. Any ideas?

Oh Freezing Hot, I've been through the exact same thing (a move from MN to the Bay), and I, unfortunately, spent most of the first winter looking like a ridiculous layer monster. I refused to bring any of my parkas because, honestly, who needs a parka in California, but that also meant that I was forced to layer all of my thin sweaters and shirts on top of each other until I resembled something like the Michelin man. Not cute. But this year, I’ve wised up and realized that even if you live in California, you do not have to dress like you live in SoCal (especially if you’re in NorCal). Tip one: finally buy that adorable coat that you’ve always wanted to wear, but was too impractical for Minnesota and take out the lining. You can always reattach it later when it gets colder (get something waterproof if you want to kill two birds with one stone). Make sure there’s a hood so you don’t have to buy a hat. Tip two: scarves, scarves, scarves. If you’re still too cold add a wide pashmina, or a chunky knit scarf. Tip three: For indoors, seriously invest in pieces in thick materials that you can wear in the summer and winter. Sweater dresses and light cardigans paired with thick tights keep you warm enough in the winter. I hope these tips work! Gook luck!

See by Chloe parka
Twelve by Twelve robot dress
Delias scarf

Extra Baggage: Six Things

2008-01-10T14:35:00.000-08:00

I love these Blogger tagging things: Fops and Dandies asked me to list six things that are in my bag.

First off, the bag was $5 from the SF MJ store (steeeaaall), so I don't mind treating it like shit (there are stains and marks all over it). Secondly, I have a hard time reading a book unless I know I've set aside a few hours for the activity--that's why I'm always carrying a magazine around for a quick read (Radar is so my favorite right now). My keys are pretty essential (Forever21 and a MJ keychain to carry my house keys, car keys and bike lock key). I always carry a couple pairs of sunglasses around with me (these are my newest pair of aviators, but they have this annoying leather strap that makes me look like I have a unibrow). I also carry a Tide pen because I spill on myself ALL the time. My purse is also the place where all my broken necklaces and jewelry go to die. Lastly, a notebook and pens.

I tag you teenfashionista, Rori and the girls from Sick.

Fresh Junk: RM

2008-01-09T13:53:00.000-08:00

I remember the wails that filled the fashion world after Roland Mouret called it bust this past summer. After all, his Galaxy dress was just getting major props left and right, and, amidst all the shapeless dresses and boxy silhouettes from the season, his dresses injected a much needed sex appeal. But, I knew it wouldn't be long for us to see his fashion-y little fingers pop up on the radar again. I love how his dresses are futuristic and modern without making a woman look ridiculous. In fact, all the pleating and folding at the booty gives the fashionista a healthy looking butt. Hell, if Mouret's dresses can make Posh look like she's got some natural curves, sign me up and charge it to my account. My skinny ass needs all the help it can get.

Mad Delusions: Love From Australia Boots

2008-01-02T11:52:00.000-08:00

First of all, these boots are way more money than my blogger-income supported self can afford. Second of all, Harper’s Bazaar has deemed over the knee boots “too severe” for this season. Thirdly, Ugg like things are (right behind Crocs and VPL) one of the foulest fashion faux pas one could commit. So, even after accepting the fact that my economic condition, fashion industry authorities and the entire fashion community are keen on dismissing these boots as the most egregious of egregious sartorial horrors, why am I still dreaming about them? Perhaps it has something (ok, everything) to do with the arctic conditions I’m experiencing or the fact that frostbite has moved up my list of things-most-likely-to-die-from, but there’s nothing I’d rather of tucking my toes into these sweet wooly wombs of these boots.

Celebrate Good Times: National Hangover Day

2008-01-01T10:08:00.000-08:00

You had your fun last night, and fortunately, you get a grace day to recover before starting that new life that you pontificated about drunkenly to your friend's ex boyfriend. So, go take off that leftover eye makeup, wrap yourself up in an oversized cardigan and spend the rest of the day hydrating and vegging. Rest well, my pretties-you've got a long year ahead of you.

Fred Flare sleep mask
Anthropologie sleep shorts
Etsy tin (for your Advil)
Topshop cardigan

Celebrate Good Times: New Years Eve

2007-12-31T13:11:00.001-08:00

New Years Resolutions: Learn Java, actually use my gym membership, spend more time with people who are good for me and less time with those who give me a headache (namely, Jack, Jim, Andre and Natty Ice), buy less crap, and spend less time watching videos of kitties on YouTube. But let's not forget that these resolutions don't actually count until midnight tonight, so I'm planning on donning my newest satin party dress, not going to the gym, not learning anything useful, buying paper party hats and spending the night drunk singing "Piano Man" with my homefries. I'll see you all in the morning :)

Dresses from left: Miu Miu, Temperly, Vera Wang
Earrings from left: Forever21, Topshop, Topshop

Just Purchased: Safari Sunglasses

2007-12-26T21:23:00.000-08:00

The last time I posted about sunglasses, one reader called me a "one trick pony". Hands up, I admit it, I agree that I've posted about sunglasses more than it deserves to be posted about. But the truth is, out of all of my purchases, proportionally I buy sunglasses more than I buy anything else. It's like picking up a tabloid at the end of a grocery run; I always grab a pair of sunglasses when I check out of H&M or Forever21. It seems that I've exhausted by sunglasses repertoire, but I finally found something that I didn't have already. These Safari specs from House of Sunglasses fold up to the size of a sand dollar (which sounds useful I guess). They were only $10 and my trip to Florida seemed like a good excuse to get them. However, they came with stress fractures in the lenses, and one of the pins by the bridge is always coming out. But, they're cute novelty glasses that I won't feel too bad about tossing after a week or so.

Celebrate Good Times: Christmas

2007-12-25T14:34:00.000-08:00

I’m spending my Christmas this year lounging on the beaches in Florida—a huge departure from the tundra called Minnesota that I’m used to. Even though the snow’s been replaced with sand, old traditions still hold fast. No amount of sun, surf, or old people can separate my family from our annual Christmas brunch and pajama-decked present ceremony. Although my wardrobe is going to be a little scanty compared to what I usually wear, there are a few constants: something warm to lounge around in until clothing become absolutely imperative, something shiny to distract the relatives from asking the inevitable “where’s the boyfriend?” question, and something fabulous to wear on my feet (hopefully, a present from a certain fat, bearded man). Whatever you’re celebrating this December, I hope it was wonderful!

Topshop shoes
Forever21 necklace
Webundies satin shorts
Built by Wendy hoodie

OMG, Why?: Karzai's Karakul

2007-12-20T22:02:00.000-08:00

Usually I've got no qualms about other people wearing fur, or other people eating veal, or other people chopping off their Doberman's tails for dog shows or whatever. If I don't engage in these activities, it's because the thought of it creeps me out, but I couldn't care less if someone else does it. But there's something soooo Cruella DeVille about Afghanistan's Hamid Karzai's fez constructed out of aborted lamb fetuses. I can't even decide if it's stylish or not (although Gucci's Tom Ford apparently thinks so). Good or baaaaaad (ehhehehheh), it's definitely not something I'd put on my Christmas wishlist.

Prep the Themester: Ugly Sweater

2007-12-19T09:59:00.000-08:00

Ugly sweater parties are a tricky thing. With a theme so specific, it's sometimes fairly difficult to stand out amongst other ugly sweater revelers, and all you costume purists (myself included), face it. It's a party, and girl, you can't go around look all fugly and shit. Best course of action to keep the holiday spirit alive while getting some seasonal bootay: leave you miniskirts and tights (that are oh so obvious to counter the frump-osity of the sweater). Instead, why wait to wear your shiny holiday separates? Get a shrunken boys' sweater from your local consignment shop and pair it with a pair of satin skinnies, a sparkly cummerbund belt and mile high platforms.

Really Obsessed With: Pastel Nails

2007-12-18T18:26:00.000-08:00

It may seem inconvenient given what I do, but I have a fear of google image search. It's simple enough--sometimes you just want a nice picture of "kitties" and you come up with a picture of a kitty run over by a lawn mower or something. So, when googling pictures of pastel colored nails, I came up with all sorts of horrible feet fetish pictures of fat little sausage toes picking up feathers and shit. So ignore the actual nails, and pay attention to the colors because pastels like robin's egg blue and pale lavender are SO going to replace all those navy/black/plum shades. They're a little Easter-parade-in-Georgia, but if you wear it with all those goth-tastic separates this winter, they won't look so saccharine.

Channeling: John Nash

2007-12-17T19:03:00.000-08:00

I'm soundly quite like a whiny broken record by this point but sorry, sorry, sorrrryyy for abandoning you all (especially in a time when procrastination becomes an almost necessary activity to keep you sane during finals). But after my Game Theory final, I'm a little more freed up, so welcome back! Now that I don't have to think about John Nash ever again, I feel it necessary that I owe him a little tip of the hat. After all, I've never stressed more about one man than that one time in the 3rd grade when Eric Jones and I were in charge of the lunch bin for a week. Keep the androgyny on the girly side by keeping the long blazer fitted and the oxford high. Although, I have to say, if I were Johnny here, I wouldn't be preoccupying myself with games of "Prisoner's Dilemma" or "Two-Person Cooperation" as much as I would with a nice game of Wii.

PS: I'll get to your questions later on--thanks for putting up with my lazy ass!

Topshop blazer and blouse
Steve Madden shoe

Channeling: The Spice Girls

2007-12-04T12:12:00.000-08:00

GUESS WHO I'M GOING TO SEE TONIGHT!! The Spice Girls stop in San Jose for their reunion tour and me and some friends have scored some pretty terrible seats. They're nosebleeders, they are, but at least I'll be in the same arena as the women who scrawny little elementary-school Connie made up dances to and insisted on listening to in the car. On repeat. With the volume up to eleven. I'm sure my Dad's way of retribution for the fact that he was forced to learn all the words to "Wannabe" was to prevent me from attending one of their concerts when I was younger. But now, a decade later, I'm searching desperately for a pair of platforms, and my old tattoo choker necklace to flaunt at the concert tonight. I'll let you guys know how it goes!

Pleaser platforms
Forever21 sequined dress
Crimper
Uh, Fashion Jewelery Necklace (?) choker
Ricola throat lozenges (for after you do all your screaming)

Channeling: Into the Woods

2007-11-29T13:10:00.000-08:00

I was flipping through my roomie's camping pictures and although they look like they're having a blast (except for the one that Alec aptly dubbed "the one where we're fighting Charlie in Vee-it-nam"), I'm SO glad that I wasn't there. I couldn't imagine a worse time than spending a weekend trudging through dirt, mud, and newts (apparently) to set up a tent that you'll freeze in during the night, only to walk back to where you started. During my family's Yellowstone vacation, I was the one who slept in the car. That said, I have an unnatural attraction to things with a rugged feel. Even if you'll never find me actually using a pair of hiking boots and Patagonia backpack for its actual purposes, you will see me "roughin'" it up to classes in platform Chloe boots and buffalo plaid tops.

Girlprops necklace
Twelve by Twelve dress
Delias scarf
Topshop hat
Chloe boots
Marykate Olsen in a peacock feather headband (and although I know that peacocks aren't exactly woodland creatures, they live in the wild I think, damnit.

Channeling: Perrier Water

2007-11-27T20:22:00.001-08:00

I'm a sucker for good advertising. I've been known to get misty eyed after cute commercials, and I sometimes find myself looking at ads in magazines more than the editorials. That said, mad props to Perrier for rebranding themselves. Their new plastic bottles and quippy ads have no longer got me feeling like a silk-jumpsuit wearing, fake-nailed Dynasty geriatric when I drink the stuff. That said, it's also super tasty when you mix it with flavored syrup and half-and-half (an Italian Cream Soda, anyone?) Anyways, channel the drink by dressing in pseudo classy stuff like Maxim Velcovsky's red-cup glassware, a mushroom beanie (an update from a stuffy beret), and a cocktail ring that looks like it's worth ten times than you paid for it.

Here's the fun part. In the comments section, make up your own "Perrier" campaign. "Sexier's" got the man shaving his chest, "Riskier's" got the woman showering in the tub. Come up with your own, and I'll mail the winner a "Manlier" shirt (shown on the bottom left).

Just Purchased: Alexander Wang Dress

2007-11-26T21:09:00.000-08:00

<

I am having a minor panic attack right now because I have never in my life spent so much money on one item of clothing (panicpanicpanicpanic), but I have an incredible gift certificate to Shopbop and this dress is absolutely wonderful. Please note the pleating, the yellow underslip, the cute little vesty thing, and the wonderful looking crepe fabric. Wrong decision? Bad mistake? Perhaps $500 is a bit too much to spend on a dress, but guys. Lookit. And whatever--I can always return it?

Really Obsessed With: Statement Necklaces

2007-11-26T16:48:00.000-08:00

Apologies for the lack of blogging over Thanksgiving weekend. I took a nice break from my laptop and spent my time doing thing I haven't done in a while. Like sleep until three. And eat meat at every meal. And pretend I'm a Top Model in front of my bedroom mirror to a playlist of terrible 80's synth music. Oh, and shop. I shopped and shopped and shopped until I had receipts coming out of my ears. The store that I did the most damage in was (surprise surprise) that terribly dangerous Forever21 afflilate jewelry store, ForLove21. The bulk of my purchases consisted of huge statement necklaces. I figure that if I'm wearing my gigantic AA t-shirts every single day, I might as well fool everyone and pretend that I'm a classy bitch by wearing a flashy rhinestone collar or gemstone bib.

From left (ludicrously expensive Day Birger Et Mikkelsen from Netaporter; jeweled bib and gold leaf necklace from Topshop; black lucite necklace, gold plate necklace, rhinestone collar from Forever21; Paul and Joe collar from Netaporter)

Channeling: Guitar Hero

2007-11-20T12:15:00.000-08:00

It's a sad day today in my house: roommate Will is taking away the second guitar for our Guitar hero. But, there's still a few hours left before he leaves for home, so until then, I'm going balls to the wall and Guitar Hero-ing until my fingers fall off. I admit, my affinity for the game might have gotten a little out of control--I find myself humming "Knight of Cydonia" in poli sci discussion, dream about those little colored donuts all night long, and sometimes I legitimately worry (after an especially focused sess) that the whole "room getting all warpy and wavey" thing will actually be permanent. Hell, I even threw a mini shit fit when Serena on Gossip Girl fake played her way to a "You Rock!". But, there's something so infinitely satisfying to a might-be-OCD-personality about hitting all the notes on your solos. Whatever the case, in the event that you find yourself in a Guitar Hero situation, throw on your sickest booties (but remember, Guitar Heroes have stability--don't be wearing something that you're going to be wobbling in), keep your Visine tucked away in something glam, and make sure your IcyHot is within reach. Trust me. You're going to need it.

Topshop clutch
Kenneth Jay Lane bangle
Steve Madden boots
Busted Tees tee

Really Obsessed With: Phillip Lim's Mini Me's

2007-11-17T00:02:00.000-08:00

Jesus fucking christ christ als;dkfjdksfjd look at shittttt fuck lookit look fuuuuck my liiiifeeee babies babies fuckkkk.

Sometimes there's really nothing that can describe something as cute as Phillip Lim's children's holiday line than with a good deal of cursing. I've never given child rearing much thought, but after sitting in front of my computer drooling over the prospects of matching my outfits with my perfectly formed 5-7 year old daughter, I'm ready to buck up, find me a sperm donor, and get me preggy. This also may be the PMS / biological clock speaking, but please just let me be hormonal and squealy for a moment because I haven't been this entranced by an image in an really long time.

I need to get out of the house more often.

Really Obsessed With: Horse Print

2007-11-15T13:08:00.000-08:00

I was never a Saddle Club or Thoroughbred kind of girl. In fact, the only real experiences I've had with horses ended in tears and a trip to the ER (don't worry, the horse did nothing wrong--the electric fence on the other hand...). But when you get me around horse print merch? Hold me back ladies and gents, there's little stopping me from riding this trend into the sunset (ha). Avoid light wash denim, straw things and cowboy boots when rocking the trend. You don't actually want to look like you just rolled out of the stable.

Channeling: Ssttresssss

2007-11-14T14:23:00.000-08:00

Don't think that I've been neglecting you, lovely readers. I've actually just been piled under a mountain of readings, papers, midterms, assignments and chores. Hell, I don't even have time for my daily dose of Guitar Hero anymore. College is hard. But fret not, I assure you that while I'm hermit-ing myself in the library along with my fellow crusty-eyed stressed-out students, I'm definitely looking much cuter than they are. Like throwing strike-outs or buying lottery tickets, I believe that effective studying requires ritualistic rites. For example, I always need a hood tied under my chin if I'm going to buckle down. I throw in a couple of focus foxes to keep concentration and my thermos of coffee has to be placed on my left side. Why? I have no idea. Stress coping mechanisms? Shady signs of OCD? Perhaps, but all I know is that you should probably just bear with me for awhile--or at least until next Monday when my twelve pager on developmental communications in Singapore is turned in.

Also, I am incredibly amused by the Benjamin Franklin stress ball.

Fresh Junk: Scarves

2007-11-08T22:13:00.000-08:00

Pashminas are my winter staple, but lately, I've been getting hella bored with them. The bolero knot, the neck-brace, the one-loop-dangle, the snowman--I've done them all. Thank god for Fotolog user, am_lu who shows us a cute way to get more mileage out of them. Topshop and Forever21 have some rad belts right now (I'm crushing pretty hard on the gold snake one). Keep what you're wearing underneath simple to showcase your scarf. Hell, if you've really got the gonads, wear nothing at all underneath. Except for pants. Pants are of extreme importance

Channeling: Facebook's Demise

2007-11-07T14:16:00.000-08:00

News surrounding the Facebook / UConnect court cases have been keeping me on edge for awhile now. I have complete faith that Lord Zuckerberg will be able to pull out of this one, but if he doesn't, we all have to prepare for the Facebook apocalypse. A resolution will be met by the end of next week, so until then, I'm going to be doing some major trolling. What does that mean for my wardrobe? Slippers, socks, robes and huge t-shirts. Hey, even if I've going to spending the next week in comfort mode, it doesn't mean I have to look like crap while doing it.

Topshop robe
Hansel from Basel socks
Chloe shirt
HP laptop (and yes that's a screenshot)

Fresh Junk: Kara Janx Skirt

2007-11-06T12:53:00.000-08:00

This summer, I filled out one of those voucher things that my airline sent me for free magazines. Apparently, I got a little too free-magazine happy, and ended up subscribing to a dozen separate publications. Now, our living room coffee table is overflowing with glossies that run the gamut from "The Economist", to "Entertainment Weekly" to "Wired" and "Bazaar". I'm sure my roommates are a little irked about the inundation, but at least they're never going to run out of reading material, right? Yesterday was crazy--we received four magazines in the mail, and one of them, "Radar", showcased this lovely little Kara Janx skirt (remember her from Project Runway?) on Angela Mi Young Hur, author of "The Queens of K-Town". Angela wears it as a dress, which I think is just way too freakin' adorable.

Check the Hotties: Halloween Parties

2007-11-02T16:55:00.000-07:00

I hold my fellow broke-ass college bro's and ho's to a fairly high standard during Halloween, which means, I hold those who don't have to make a decision between eating Ramen or eating Easy Mac to an even higher standard. This weekend's Halloween parties completely lived up to my expectations: check the elaborate chandelier costume (hooott), the birthday cake and shoe head thing (I'm not sure what they are, but it's rad, nonetheless), the Magritte painting, and everyone's favorite skeletor, Uncle Karl. But even the rich and famous are sometimes afflicted with the novelty headband and fishnets syndrome: what the hell, bumblebee, Playboy bunny, cowboy, and a Donald-Trump-Whore-Thing? Tsk, tsk. I expected better.

Celebrate Good Times: Halloween

2007-10-31T15:14:00.000-07:00

Ladies and gentlemen, I'm glad you're here with me on my favorite holiday ever. Hopefully, you've got your costume down, but if you don't, I have a few cardinal rules for you. Number one: a novelty headband + fishnets make one really, really shitty costume. Number two: either go frumpy on top and sexy on bottom, or sexy on top and frumpy on bottom. If you've got all frump or all sex going on, either you're going to look ugly, or you're going to look like last weekend's trash. Number three: better specific than general. No one wants to see another "cowgirl", but if you're Annie Oakley and carry around a shotgun and a beer bottle, your costume's just gotten a thousand times better. Number four: Facial hair is always funny. If all else fails? Dress in orange and black and carry around a bottle of Lucid. If anyone asks you what you are, respond with "I'm PrettyLegit's favorite holiday. Duh".

Mad Delusions: Christian Louboutin Killah Boots

2007-10-30T20:58:00.000-07:00

So, I'm sure that Sir Louboutin didn't name this exact shoe his "killah", nor am I quite sure what I was thinking when I photoshopped (and thus named) this post a week ago, but just go with me here on this one. To justify: if you were to, say, change your name to Foxy Killah, and cultivate an afro and develop a rolling voice dripping of sex and soup, I'm sure these would be the shoes you would rock. The Olsens have been trotting around town in the black ones, but I think that magenta lightens up the overall S&M-ishness of them.

Celebrate Good Times: My Birthday

2007-10-24T17:50:00.000-07:00

Hugs and kisses all around! It's my birthday today--and I turn a fat TWO ZERO. Thanks for sticking with me long enough to watch me grow out of a teenager mode and enter...adulthood (eek). If I could, dear readers, I'd send everyone a funfetti cupcake and a tiara, but alas, my accountant (read: mother), says I can't so you'll have to make do with the loads and loads of intangible love that I'm sending out right now. Love you all! Muah!

(I am a little bitty inebriated right now which, I feel, makes the excessive gooeyness of this post acceptable. Cheers!)

Fresh Junk: Comme Des Garcons Topshop Archives

2007-10-23T12:29:00.000-07:00

Fashion is cyclical---I'm sure we've all heard this thousands of time before, but I never realized the extent of this reinventing until I saw the newest additions to the Topshop Archives. There's something so modern about dressing "Like One of the Boys" that, with the right accessories, can take the 80's right out of these drapey dresses. Leave your pumps and leggings behind, and instead, think about tall platforms and bare legs.

What's What: According to Miu Miu Spring 08

2007-10-22T17:13:00.000-07:00

There are some things in fashion that I can’t understand. Form over functionality, I know, I know, but it’s really hard to justify things like sheer MC Hammer Pants, or fishnets. Something else to add onto that list: Miu Miu’s super-short pantaloons. I’m probably going to be eating my words come spring when everyone around me is sporting a diaper booty. I’m hesitant to say it’s going to make any sort of impact on the fashion community (since it is so damn fugly), but since every other look that came down that runway involved a poufed nightmare, I’m loathe to say that I’ll never see these things again. So, if you’re braver than I, or have a more avant garde aesthetic—steal those bloomies from right under that beer wench sorority girl next Wednesday. You’ll be ahead of the curve.

Really Obsessed With: Crew Necks

2007-10-22T14:48:00.000-07:00

You know that inadvertent authority figure in your life who, despite all your efforts to silence, always manages to interject their annoying little voices in your conscious during the most inappropriate times. In my case, the voice is Bridget from the Fashionista Diaries--a person that is so coke-chic-Barbie-legged-raspy-up-talk-asdljflask that I want to yak all over SoapNet. And what does she say? "Ew? Like v-necks are so over? Puh-leeaasse." And while I'm picking out t-shirts from American Apparel, I'm waging this little inner war with Bridget about the cute-ness of my V-necks. But then again, maybe she has a point. MK Olsen has the most beautiful, sheer, oversized crew that she wore to the Tonight Show, and lovelies on Facehunter have been tucking them into patterned skirts and high waisted bottoms. Get (cheap) ones by the bulk from Hanes (the lightweight kind, to avoid looking too thug).

Sidenote: for any of you hailing from San Diego, my thoughts are with you and your family (and I am working very hard on sending bad vibes to the forest fire).

Fresh Junk: Moschiono Gloves

2007-10-17T14:09:00.000-07:00

Usually, I've got my winter outfits down the the nines. I don't overlook a single detail--that is, except for my gloves. I've just worn out this dirty dollar store pair that I've had since forever, and right now, my options are to either wear some pharmaceutical company swag thing (with the tips of thumbs cut off for easy iPod handling...cute...), or get another pair somewhere else. Fortunately, Yoox is showcasing almost-vintage 90's Moschino duds for relatively cheap prices. These above range from $40-$100.

Prep the Themester: B.C.E.

2007-10-16T12:18:00.000-07:00

To anonymous with the upcoming B.C.E. dance: Can I first say how much I envy you for going to a school with some sense of creativity? Secondly, there’s such a range of costumes that you could go as. Spice up normal toga costumes by adding character accessories. Perch an owl on your shoulder and you’re Athena. Attach branches to your arm and you’re Daphne. Cleopatra, that weird Roman Wolfmother thing, and an Amazon warrior are other rad (and hot) girl costumes. If you’re looking for something more creative (read: nerdy), go as a fictional character. While George Lucas may not have specified how long, a long, long time ago really was, I’m pretty sure you can argue your case to justify that Danish roll hairdo you've been dying to sport.

Mad Delusions: Marc Jacobs Booties

2007-10-15T12:41:00.000-07:00

Apologies all around for the lack of posts recently--it's true what they say, when it rains it pours. Yours truly has been trying to stay afloat amidst all the work and drama and stress that's been filling up my life in the past week. The best type of therapy for this though? Shoes. Shoes. Ohmygawd, shoes. These Marc Jacobs booties would be the perfect pick me up to get me through the next couple weeks. Seriously, they're perfect. Jewel toned, ribbon laced, with a chunky heel? Someone figure out how to hook me up to an IV drip filled with these babies, and I'll be back with a blogging vengeance sooner than you can say shucks.

Channeling: Bottles of Booze

2007-10-10T14:34:00.000-07:00

Sarah asked "I've been invited to a (mandatory or die) Halloween party my best friend is throwing, and I have to dress up myself and a bottle of booze. Any ideas?" Two assumptions: one, you are poor and don't want to show up with a $200 bottle of vintage wine; two, you're not sharing, so bringing a handle of hard liquor is probably dumb. My suggestions: a forty or cheap, cheap bottle of wine (Two Buck Chuck, anyone?) is probably a smart move. A bottle of Mississippi Mud calls for a bayou-themed swamp costume. You should probably dress as a Minnie if your date is a Mickey's. Charles Shaw calls for a mix of high and low (think overalls and pearls). Dress as a 19th century steel tycoon if you bring a Steel Reserve. And a Colt 45 definitely warrants a cowboy hat. Hope this helps! And also? I AM SUPER JEALOUS.

Celebrate Good Times: Halloween, Animal Style

2007-10-09T17:51:00.000-07:00

My love of costumes and extrapolates far beyond themed parties. Fittingly, my favorite holiday is Halloween. Ever since I was little, I wasn’t content on settling on the mediocre “princess” or “witch” costume that everyone else had. I had to be “Daphne, Goddess of the Starry Sky” or “Johnny Appleseed’s Little-Known Female Companion, Lonnie Appleseed”, or “a camel”. Even today, I have little tolerance towards the ill-planned, hastily thrown together, slap-on-some-spankies-and-a-novelty-headband, and call it a costume, costume. What really gets my goat (you’ll appreciate my word choices in a second), is the popularity of prostitute animal costumes. Stand out in a sea of fishnets and cat ears by taking a normal sweatshirt and attaching eyes, ears, trunks, horns and teeth to the hood. A mess of yarn and a funnel could easily make a unicorn. Have a bit of cardboard and some felt? Turn it into a triceratops head. Or take a cue from this costume maestro and draw pupils on two Styrofoam balls and attach pipe cleaner antennae to your hood. Voila! Ms. Lobster at your service! Keep your outfit from looking too home ec by pairing them with colored shorts.

PS: This is going to be beginning of a series of costume tutorials on Halloween costumes.
PPS: The picture on the bottom right? That’s the first thing that came up when I googled “imagination”, and incidentally, the first ingredient you’ll need in creating your costume!
PPPS: God, I’m corny.