Fashion Blog

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 01:52:58 GMT

The Torn Identity

Street Style photos from Garance Dore and Style Sightings. Runway photos from Style.com. All other sources are linked to below.

Torn jeans are hardly unusual. In fact, I''m wearing a pair with rips at the knees right now. I know that in the past, hole-y clothing was considered a sign of poverty, but these days it''s much more of a norm. I don''t feel comfortable wearing ripped jeans to a nice restaraunt or party, but for every day I even like the look.

Quick semi-related joke: Why did the rabbi get wet? Because his umbrella was hole-y! Har, har.

Back to the point - I''m used to jeans with the knees worn out, with frayed hems and threadbare bums (well, to a point). I wear ''em til they''re no longer serviceable, and then out they go. But one thing I''m not used to is the kind of jeans that we saw on a recent Maison Martin Margiela runway (See above on the top right, second from left on the bottom). With decisively tattered legs, these creations barely cover more than a pair of shorts. They look like someone ran them through the paper shredder, and while they intrigue me, I''m not such a fan. For now.

But a toned down version of the look? That''s something I could really get to like. The Urban Collection jeans (worn by the red-haired model above) are slightly less ripped up, and as usual, the styling is impeccable. I find the torn black jeans worn almost as leggings to be quite appealing. The Rick Owens leggings (top left) are also pretty sweet.

Mr. Margiela may have had the idea, but I''m sure you could come up with something a lot nicer and way cheaper on your own by taking a pair of scissors to some old skinny jeans. From the examples above, I''ve decided I prefer black jeans (which I don''t actually own) for the project, but I think any color would do very nicely. Also, tighter jeans look pretty good, and the jeans work just fine when cropped, even if I prefer them long. Also, should I get my act together and actually find some jeans to work with, I plan to wear them under dresses and tunics. I will carry a fake squirt gun and call the look "The Torn Identity." Tee hee. Oh, puns. You know you love it.

Thoughts? Ideas? Puns to share? Bring ''em on! Posted by: Kori      Read more     Source

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 22:05:39 GMT

I Spy a DIY

I think my laziness (let''s say it''s summer-induced laziness, to save face if nothing else) has been compromised. The universe appears to be kicking my butt into gear.

Summer courses, the responsible things I really should be doing instead of sprawling on my bed with a stack of glossies, and a few exciting extras to be shared at later times have raised my stress level a bit. I mean, I''m not hugely busy, but if I didn''t procrastinate so much, I would be. But such is life.

That''s why it''s so unfair that I''ve been itching to do some DIY projects. I don''t really have the time, damnit! But I hope to do them just the same.

Firstly, the new denim issue of Nylon had a fairly easy DIY for these adorable denim romper shorts. Want ''em, must have ''em, will make ''em! The article isn''t on Nylon''s website, so you''ll just have to trust me on this one.

Then, there''s this picture of a blazer on the Urban Collection website:

Isn''t it stunning? I''d like to think I can make one like it. A trip to the thrift store and craft store should do the truck, and I honestly think it shouldn''t be too hard. It would be a piece of cake if I could use a glue gun to attach the silver buttons, but then I wouldn''t be able to wash the blazer. I may suck it up an sew by hand; it should be worth it. A garment like that will definitely draw the right kind of stares!

I know, I know. I rarely do DIY projects on this blog, which is kind of strange considering I was ultra-crafty as a kid. I''m a nightmare with a sewing machine. But I''d like a chance to redeem myself, please!

Do you have any neat DIY ideas? Have you made anything really smashing lately? And more importantly, who wants to buy me the Urban Collection blazer to save me from ruining a thrift store one I attempted to spiff up when I should have been doing homework? Posted by: Kori      Read more     Source

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 22:46:52 GMT

Ethical Couture Gems

A mashup of many elements make this jewelry so special: say hello to Seraglia! This jewelry is combined using Swarovski crystals plunked down right next to accent bits and pieces that have been scoured and scraped straight off the street— how romantic! In a variety of colors and designs, this jewelry keeps you looking fashion-forward without making too much of an impact on the earth's resources. Oh yeah— and they won the Catwalk Genius Award as well, so they're not just a one-off discovery without a track record.

Check out Seraglia right away! Posted by: Meieli Sawyer Detoni      Read more     Source

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 03:55:43 GMT

Compensating for paleness!

Summer is usually all about the short dress, which is all well and great for people with fantastic tanned legs, which is not me. I am the pale redhead with the pale legs who rarely sees the sun (my skin will thank me later!). In order to compensate for the heat I go with a long blowy dress, also called a maxi-dress, that will cover my legs, but leave me free to enjoy the breeze. Bonus for not having to worry about it blowing up and showing everything in the subway station!

If you live in NYC, there is a great shop in Chinatown called Madness Boutique on Canal and Broadway that has great long sundresses at amazing ($40!) prices!

A gorgeous, long dress in a beautiful peacock blue. $64.89 ASOS Lurex Stripe Maxi Dress This dress is perfect for the beach or Sunday brunch! Terry halter maxi dress, $69 at Victoria's Secret Posted by: Ryan      Read more     Source

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 01:59:31 GMT

Primark: Will it make a difference?

Recently, Primark the fast fashion outlet of the decade has come across serious scrutiny thanks to shows such as the BBC''s Panorama and Channel 4''s ''The Devil wears Primark''.

Although The Devil wears Primark was the first to explore the really, really, cheap prices that Primark has to offer, the show came up short. However, the Panorama team managed to expose three locations being used by the retailer in which children were being mistreated and workers were being forced to work in terrible conditions. Following the investigation Primark has since cut ties with all three suppliers.

Posted by: Monica Oyedele      Read more     Source

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 03:40:52 GMT

Addicted to Accessories!

I have, I must admit, a bit of a jewelry addiction. I’m like a cat with a little bell around my neck - my friends can always tell exactly where I am at any given time due to excessive charms and bangles jingle jangling. Despite said addiction, I rarely buy into jewelry trends or invest in new styles, preferring my eclectic collection of hand-me downs, charms from my travels and vintage gems. Posted by: Katy Smail      Read more     Source

Mon, 19 May 2008 00:03:02 GMT

Primal Shopping Urges

Last weekend my friend and I had a fabulously successful shopping day. We were vaguely in the market for some kind of dress to wear to Senior Night (I''m not really sure what it is, but I''ve been told the dress code is semi-formal.) Mostly, though, we were just shopping because we felt like shopping. It''s a primal urge among fashion bloggers, I''ve been told.

My purchases: A pair of light blue, thin (and therefore perfect for summer), comfy, baggy jeans on sale for $4.99 (!), a gorgeous halter top discounted to a reasonable price, a cute belt, the world''s softest white tee, and a dress that I had to have, even if it''s not as summery or casual as what I was looking for.

I''ve been meaning to photograph my two favorite purchases for you all week, but I only just got to it. Better late than never, eh?

Here''s that amazing halter top:

Gorgeous, right? I''m in love! In addition to the beautiful pattern, there is beading below the bust and the straps are made of braided fabric.

My other new love is my dress:

I really had no choice in this purchase. My friend tried it on and it didn''t work on her, so I tried it on for the hell of it and was pleasantly surprised. It was amazingly comfortable, reasonably priced, and made my butt look bigger. And when I say bigger, I mean in a good way, not an I-ate-too-many-Cheetos way. Seriously, they should label the thing "Insta - Badonkadonk."

Or not. I mostly just said that because I wanted to use the word "badonkadonk." You know how it is.

Oh, and by the way, I didn''t just suddenly lose my bangs. I like to wear them pushed to the side occasionally, just for a change. And yes, I really am that pale. Posted by: Kori      Read more     Source

Sat, 17 May 2008 02:14:21 GMT

Fashion Victims or Fashion Visionaries?

No matter what, both Sarah Jessica Parker and Mary-Kate Olsen always set the fashion world abuzz with their outfit choices, and never seem to apologize for their mis-steps. Case in point? The latest get-ups that the two were photographed wearing.

At the oh-so-huge Sex and the City premiere on Monday, Ms. Carrie Bradshaw took the floral trend to new heights (literally) by arriving in an all green ensemble, complete with floral bouquet stemming from her chapeau.

And on the other side of the pond, the Olsen twin was spotted in what looks like a green suede jacket with fur trim, suede moccasins and a chinchilla fur bag that she could easily fit into - in the dead of Spring no less.

Who do you think committed the bigger fashion crime?

• Sarah Jessica Parker
• Mary-Kate Olsen

Posted by: Angie Omata      Read more     Source

Fri, 09 May 2008 02:36:04 GMT

Guest post time!!

Ladies and gentlemen, boy oh boy do I have a treat for you! Ms. Kai Bandele is Editor-In-Chief of Step-In-Style Magazine , the Premiere "Virtual" Magazine for All Things Style and she has graciously done a guest article for you all. Please enjoy this amazing voyage into Vince Camuto Shoes!

Step-In-Style Magazine

Vince Camuto Shoes
By Kai Bandele

You may not recognize the name, but you definitely know the style! Vince Camuto has been setting trends in women's shoes since he co-founded Nine West Group in 1991. The footwear veteran went on to start his own company, The Camuto Group, which designs some of the most beautifully crafted women's shoes you'll ever feast your eyes on. (Sidenote: If you like Jessica Simpson Shoes or BCBG Shoes, he also holds master licenses for both). Unlike most "luxury" brand shoes, however, these are both comfortable and reasonably priced. Here are some of my favorite Vince Camuto shoe picks:



Ghost Flats in Silver
Three smoking hot spring trends - metallic, cutout and peep-toe come together seamlessly in this delightful spring flat! $109.00 shoes.com



Hester Pump in Multi
Snakeskin upper in playful color blocks laced with elegant black frame make this a perfect fall-to-spring transition pump. $135.00 nordstrom.com



Maris in Golden Apricot
The classic nude platform gets upgraded with a sassy hole punched heel! Perfect with a long, flowing maxi-dress, or your favorite-fitting jeans. $111.00 shoes.com



Camuto Angel in Bright Red
Ring the alarm - these bright red patent leather pumps are sure to set any room on fire. Only the bold need apply. $111 endless.com



Taylor Sandle in Gold
Going for All-Out-Glam, this T-strap sandal with metallic leather uppers and sleek designer heel will get the job done. Period. $134.00 zappos.com

Don't forget to go check out Ms. Kai Bandele is Editor-In-Chief of Step-In-Style Magazine, the Premiere "Virtual" Magazine for All Things Style . Posted by: Ryan      Read more     Source

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 22:16:52 GMT

Pretty Ponies: Playing with Pastels

In an attempt to temporarily escape the stress and reponsibilities of adult life, I am turning to a most beloved childhood toy. Not for some kind of twisted juvenile comfort, but for style inspiration, of course. Yes, I intend to drift through the monotony of grown-up life this spring in a colour palette derived entirely from My Little Pony.

Posted by: Katy Smail      Read more     Source