noteworthy.

HPPY FRDY !

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 19:22:38 -0700

RESORT 14

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 19:36:39 -0700

while off-season resort and pre-fall shows aren’t given as much attention as their spring and fall predecessors, i would argue that the commercialization and effortless outfitting makes for some excellent and straight-forward outfit guidance.

my favorites from last week’s shows below.

BALENCIAGA

MARC BY MARC JACOBS

BAND OF OUTSIDERS

RACHEL COMEY

CHANEL

RAG AND BONE

JASON WU

CHRISTIAN DIOR

ELIZABETH AND JAMES

HELMUT LANG

???

Thu, 23 May 2013 22:56:00 -0700

when you don’t know how you’re feeling, there’s always THE INTERNET.

MET GALA 2013

Mon, 06 May 2013 23:12:00 -0700

this year’s met gala theme was PUNK: FROM CHAOS TO COUTURE, which was taken literally by some, and brushed off the shoulders by others. as you know by now, this is THE biggest night in fashion. (recaps of 2012 and 2011)

so let’s start with the BEST, BEST dressed:

CARA DELEVIGNE IN BURBERRY. when the theme is “punk” and that’s just the style you’re known for, expectations are high. but, she successfully perfected the juxtaposition of badass femininity.

other contenders for BEST DRESSED:

ALEXA CHUNG IN ERDEM. although not quite as punk as it was feminine goth, i still LOVE the sheer iteration of a crop top.

ALISON WILLIAMS IN ALTUZARRA. for someone who usually plays it safe in oscar de la renta and jason wu, this was a big stretch. but i appreciate that she stayed true to herself and didn’t try TOO hard.

SARAH JESSICA PARKER IN GILES DEACON. sarah jessica parker has been the best dressed person at the met gala since 2001, so naturally she’s the only candidate to actually pull off a couture mohawk headress. and she did it damn well.

ROONEY MARA IN GIVENCHY. black was too obvious a choice for someone already as badass as rooney mara, and i LOVE that she went with white. and that dress is insane.

TAYLOR SWIFT IN J MENDEL. tswift falls under the alison williams bucket of “this was a big stretch for me, but i didn’t try to hard”. and i loooooove that she crimped her hair. well done.

TAYLOR TOMASI HILL IN THOM BROWNE. again, for someone who’s known for her tomboyish, high/low looks, i love that she played it totally femme with the subtle badass spikes on the shoulders. amazing.

ANNE HATHAWAY IN VINTAGE VALENTINO. at first i was naturally devastated because THIS ISN’T FANTINE. but then i realized how sick this 1992 valentino dress is, and she kinda of looks amazing. well done, anne. RIP fantine.

and now for a category entirely of their own…only because my loyalties towards them could never drive me to expel them to the worst dressed list. i give you:

MARY KATE OLSEN, wearing what i can only call a Miss Hannigan costume (you know, the drunk, slutty woman who runs the orphanage in the children’s musical ANNIE).

ASHLEY OLSEN, who maybe shrank-wrap herself in some kind of orange chiffon, and then attempted to feel indifferent about it?

and now, we reach the other end of the spectrum. in my opinion, the WORST:

KIMYE. why are her hands covered up? why is her pregnancy literally taking over her entire body? WHAT IS IN THERE.

GWYNETH PALTROW. gwyn, it didn’t have to be like this, but when you’re vocally self righteous about kale juice cleanses and your organic lifestyle, i’m already inclined to not like you. arriving at the PUNK themed met gala wearing A PINK GOWN, just makes you look like a total bitch. especially when we all know you’re fully capable of this:

that’s all i have.

justin timberlake wasn’t there in a tom ford tux this year, so nothing else matters.

xoxo

AMERICAN WOMAN

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 22:17:35 -0700

“THE AVERAGE AMERICAN GIRL POSSESSES THE VALUABLE QUALITIES OF NATURALNESS, HONESTY, AND INOFFENSIVE STRAIGHTFORWARDNESS; SHE IS NEARLY BARREN OF TROUBLESOME CONVENTIONS AND ARTIFICIALITIES; CONSEQUENTLY, HER PRESENCE AND WAYS ARE UNEMBARRASSING.” - MARK TWAIN

“SHE BEHAVES AS IF SHE WAS BEAUTIFUL. MOST AMERICAN WOMEN DO. IT IS THE SECRET OF THEIR CHARM.” - OSCAR WILDE

“WHILE YOU HAVE TO BE NATURAL, YOU ALSO HAVE TO BE DIFFERENT. IF, THAT IS, YOU WANT TO MAKE AN IMPACT” - SLIM KEITH

“I DON’T MIND LIVING IN A MAN’S WORLD, AS LONG AS I CAN BE A WOMAN IN IT” - MARILYN MONROE

So I’m working on this this thing for work right now that relates to defining American Style. Since I’m a narcissist, it’s impossible to define American style before I look within and ask how I perceive American Style for myself.

Lauren Hutton on a motorcycle with Robert Redford feels like a good starting point.

As much as fashion loves chic Parisians and romantic Italians and exotic, uncharted lands…there’s something incredibly inspiring about iconic and classic American pieces. What makes our style unique, as American women, is that we can be just as comfortable and just as feminine in a pair of jeans and sneakers as we can in heels and lipstick. And I think once we understand and harness that understated simplicity, our confidence and style are born.

Daryl Hannah

Meryl Streep

Diane Keaton in Annie Hall

Amanda Brooks, the previous Fashion Director of Barney’s New York

Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw

J Crew model Michelle Ouellette

1. Gap Essential Tee

2. J Crew white button down Oxford

3. Levi’s Denim Trucker Jacket

4. Chapstick

5. Gap Jeans

6. White Converse sneakers

7. Manolo Blahnik Suede heels in Electric Blue

8. Nars Matte Lipstick in Orange Red

gatsby? what gatsby?

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 23:31:26 -0700

“well, ‘ive had a very bad time, and i’m pretty cynical about everything.” - daisy buchanan

i know everyone is anticipating this movie, but here’s proof that i’ve been waiting since november 2010. my all time favorite book, my favorite director (baz lurhmann), and the number one love of my life (LEONARDO DI CAPRIO - ARE YOU KIDDING ME). i remember sitting in my college apartment and reading that carey mulligan had been cast as daisy, and thinking about perfect that was. on monday vogue released their may cover, and it really couldn’t capture the complicated character of daisy buchanan more perfectly. bravo. this movie will either be my greatest upset or have me in tears for at least a solid week.

watch this video.

watch this trailer.

Carey Mulligan in Chanel.

Photograph by Cecil Beaton, New York, 1927.

Carey Mulligan in Nina Ricci.

Photograph by Man Ray, 1930.

Carey Mulligan in Oscar de la Renta.

Lee Miller, 1925.

Carey Mulligan in Chanel.

Bergdorf Goodman dress fitting, 1928.

Carey Mulligan in Oscar de la Renta.

Vogue, July 1930.

J U X T A P O S E

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:54:00 -0700

I really, really LOVE the above images of New Mexico’s landscape, taken by German photographer Thomas Hoepker in 1990.

San Francisco doesn’t really have a Spring or Summer, so I find it impossible to want to incorporate soft florals into my wardrobe when it’s 60 degrees outside. Also, overt florals make my eyes roll because they’re just not interesting. The below image from January’s Vogue has been on my wall the last few months, and the juxtaposition of graphic stripes with florals continues to resonate with me.

Lately my favorite outfits are those that don’t make a lot sense - florals with stripes, dresses with sneakers, overalls and lipstick. But at least it keeps things INTERESTING.

1. Silk Floral tee

2. Vintage overalls (I’m stealing my mom’s from Old Navy in the 90’s and couldn’t be more excited)

3. Alice and Olivia pumps

4. Mickey Mouse crop top sweatshirt

5. J Crew Floral Jacquard pencil skirt

6. Maison Martin Margiela Glitter booties

7. Gap Denim Vest

8. Carhartt Beanie

9. Topshop Midi Dress

10. Supergas

currently /

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 00:16:00 -0700

this —> SONG

am i taking this too far?

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 11:26:50 -0700

YESTERYEAR.

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 13:42:13 -0700

Because sometimes the present gets boring, here’s a throwback to Ralph Lauren Spring 2000 & 2001.

I’d wear it all, minus the heinous kitten heels.

WILD HEARTS CAN'T BE BROKEN.

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 10:53:00 -0800

the best of the best of nyfw.

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 12:10:00 -0800

If you follow anything fashion related, then you know last week was a flurry of shows and moments and looks and trends. And while there’s a lot to digest, I’ve condensed my top 3, end-all *EVERYTHING* shows, just for YOU!

(you can see the rest of my favorites here)

RAG AND BONE

Rag and Bone has always struck a chord with me, but this season inexplicably came to full fruition, as I felt these looks were designed for my soul (because I am a narcissist) with the perfect execution of menswear tailoring with JUST enough cool-girl femininity. Upon reading the Vogue.com review, I realized why:

“The “girl,” their “girl,” is, of course, important to them. It’s who they talk about, who they design for, who they want to bring into sharper focus from the corner of their eyes. Oftentimes, designers will talk about their “girl,” and you don’t think she ever existed beyond the fancy of a design studio. But the Rag & Bone girl is everywhere you look, living downtown (even if in reality that’s more of a state of mind for her than a reality), standing beside you on the subway, going on a juice detox, watching Girls, getting drunk after said cleanse. In short, a living, breathing, fun creature that they have learned to dress instinctively, and rightly.”

Rag and Bone - I want to be your girl, forevermore.

3.1 PHILLIP LIM

What Rag and Bone did for me in individual tailoring, 3.1 Phillip Lim did for me in styling. The theme of the show was ROAD TRIPPING HEROINE, lest I need to articulate my love any further. Biker jacket wearing gypsies translated in very, very wearable ways. YES.

REBECCA MINKOFF

Rebecca Minkoff is just simply cool. Cool in a wearable, effortless way. Her styling also resonates strongly with me, and confirms that yes - BEANIES ARE HERE TO STAY.

DENIM JACKET PSA FOR THE BOYZ

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 11:43:00 -0800

This was INTENDED to be a post about highlights from yesterday’s NYFW shows, but as I was reviewing the February Free People catalog, something much more important suddenly came up.

My eyes aren’t particularly drawn to any of the Free People clothing, and I think that’s most likely because Girls’ Christopher Abbott is more or less the scene stealer.

*SIDE NOTE* This weeks Girls episode solidified the sheer genius of Lena Dunham, and I was fully in tears at the roof scene.

Anyways - here he is, walking around town, all scruffy and rugged with this forgettable Free People-clad woman when I realized THIS JEAN JACKET IS VERY IMPORTANT.

IF you are a male and you are NOT spending your days walking around while happily kissing women, you should automatically deduce this is because you’re NOT wearing a denim jacket.

I googled, like any good researcher, and my revelation came to full grown fruition.

Here we have Charlie again (who PS, got way hotter in Season 2). He is WEARING this Denim Jacket, structured and mighty; the denim jacket is not wearing him. Layering is key here, so please pay attention:

Zac Efron is doing it too.

RYAN GOSLING IS OBVIOUSLY DOING IT.

This brooding smoker from The Sartorialist is doing it, and doing it well.

The lesson here: if you are a boy, and you aren’t wearing a denim jacket, you’re doing it wrong. So please:

Levi’s Trucker Jacket

JEAN.machine

Nudie Jeans

You’ll thank me on Valentines Day.

xoxo

MAN STYLE.

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 21:57:00 -0800

for all the men i’ve yet to love:

ny: a love letter

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 11:42:00 -0800

“He adored New York City. He idolized it all out of proportion. No, make that he, he romanticized it all out of proportion…He was as tough and romantic as the city he loved. New York was his town, and it always would be.” - Woody Allen, Manhattan.

MENS FALL 13.

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 12:24:33 -0800

MEN’S FALL FAVORITES THUS FAR:

LOUIS VUITTON FALL 13. Hold the phones, we could stop here and look no further than this National Geographic, nature inspired collection with snow leopard coats, ethnic Bhutanese prints, and elegant Asian carpet bags.

BURBERRY. Christopher Bailey is an utter genius. Tailored masculinity juxtaposed with hints of leopard feels like the perfect blend for an iconic house looking to push the boundaries. Also, structured mixed print doctor bags - YES.

CARVEN. Carven’s Fall line is for the 20something French hipster-gone-professional. If the Carven Fall line is for you, please call me.

GIVENCHY. Tonal texture, noted.

MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA. Turtlenecks have never felt more relevant.

MONCLER GAMME BLEU. Thom Browne’s highly overexaggerated Scottish spectacle is a bit much, but let’s look past his man skirts and Les Mis-esque revolutionary war paint, and find some good tartans.

But honestly, real talk, i would date this man, mostly because he’s like, “Hey, im really proud of my heritage, but also i’m quite elegant and formal, but also, im wearing french war paint”.

OKAY that’s all for now, but there WILL be more.

the unsung heroes of pitti uomo.

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 09:55:17 -0800

Fashion week is encroaching upon us and soon enough, the internet will be chalk full of photos featuring Cara, Miroslava, Anna’s (Wintour and Dello Russo), to name a few, in meticulously executed outfits smoking cigarettes between shows.

But before New York and London and Paris and Milan…

{image of Belstaff inspiration board via NYTimes}

WE GET THE BOYS SHOWS. Which, I understand might be more exciting for someone who let’s say…works in Men’s Fashion. It may also be exciting if you happen to be a male who is so sartorially inclined to be interested and intrigued by what you’ll be wearing in Autumn/Winter 2013/14.

Before even scraping the surface on the actual shows, homage must be paid to the unsung heroes of Men’s Fashion week, that is…the incredibly cool style of female attendees. There’s something insanely effortless and accessible about the street shots I’ve been seeing, and I can’t get enough.

This is how you emulate a 21st century Annie Hall: the juxtaposition of a pencil skirt with Nikes, a silk dress with work boots, red lipstick with a tie.

Now go and be cool.

GRAPHIC.

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 10:46:42 -0800

“graphic” is currently having it’s moment as THE aesthetic buzzword. much thanks to marc jacobs and louis vuitton’s spring 13 shows, the trend is beginning to actualize before our very eyes.

there’s something quite appealing about 1960’s, cool girl stripes. perhaps in the light of the new year, it’s a bit cliche, but there’s something that about graphicness that brings sharp clarity and freshness.

there’s also a nod to the women who were behind the mod movement of the 60s in london who shed their full skirts and pin curls for cigarettes and eyeliner. they were rebellious in their time for making themselves visible and autonomous, not wanting to be attached to a man and seeking their own independence and identity.AND WE ALL KNOW I CAN AGREE WITH THAT.

for sake of importance, i will also throw add that the shift crop top is having a major moment (as depicted below in louis vuitton’s spring 13 runway), but that my friends…is another story for another day.

and just in case you also feel the passion behind this mod revival, here’s some picks JUST FOR YOU:

1. J Crew bikini top (i would personally love to wear this bad boy in the least conventional way possible, and that is with a high waisted black pencil skirt, and and open chambray button up)

2. Dior Liquid eyeliner

3. Madewell striped knit pullover

4. Topshop graphic tee

5. Alice and Olivia striped pumps

6. Striped slouchy pants

7. Banana Republic striped tulip skirt

*one last note* while the subculture of this movie isn’t quite pertinent to the mod movement, “that thing you do” WAS set in 1964. and besides being a complete dream of a story and boasting a catchy soundtrack, liv tyler’s hair and makeup in this movie are killing it. watch for inspiration.

SHINE BRIGHT.

Sat, 29 Dec 2012 10:37:00 -0800

“SO WE BEAT ON, BOATS AGAINST THE CURRENT, BORNE BACK CEASELESSLY INTO THE PAST.” - F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

In 2012, this blog has had a little over 5,000 visitors, spanning 85 countries. In Internet terms, I know that’s not a lot, but it sure feels humbling. For me, this is about inspiration; inspiration for style, and dressing, and of course fashion. I try not to let my own life bleed into it all too much, but so much of personal style is directly correlated to your circumstances. I believe that so, incredibly deeply, especially upon reviewing posts throughout the last year. I see a style diary, baring my soul and the places its taken me the last 12 months.

While home for Christmas, I attempted to visit my Dad’s gym, using one of his Family passes. When I showed the lovely and friendly (*_*) girl at the desk my drivers license to sign in, she immediately passed it back to me and without making eye contact, said “you’re not from Modesto; we can’t let you in. You’re a resident of San Francisco.” I wanted to laugh at her and explain “No, no…I GREW UP here. I am Modesto; people know me here.” And then I looked around and saw the gym I went to all through high school had different paint on the walls, different equipment, and looked like a completely different place than when I regularly ran through the halls, recognizing cute boys from school. I didn’t recognize anyone anymore, and I’m no longer from there.

Every New Year’s I find myself reflecting the past year and asking myself how much of the past do I take with me, and how much do I barge forward, never looking back. I don’t think there’s a right or wrong answer to that. I know I’ve figured it out little by little, year by year. I know this year was one full of many highs and many lows, but I enter 2013 with a great clarity; knowing where I’ve been and just enough to know where I’m at right now. And maybe…that’s enough for now.

This week, Leandra Medine wrote this on her blog:

“Sometimes I’ll see an image and will connect with it so viscerally and simultaneously inexplicably, and no matter how hard I try to explain the instantaneously forged new, albeit deep, relationship, I just can’t.”

I couldn’t agree more. So many of the images I’ve used on here feel like postcards from my soul; guiding my sartorial inspiration and postmarking a season of my life. So, I’ll leave you with these.

Happy New Year to you all, my darling readers. Whether you read this just to humor me, or if we’ve never met. You make me quite happy, and I wish you the most wonderful 2013.

xxxx

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE, BABEZ.

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 10:14:08 -0800

Today is my most favorite day of the year, largely due to family traditions. For the last 23 years, we’ve opened most of our presents on Christmas Eve at my Grandmas’s house, under her regally, perfectly decorated tree. Christmas Eve was always the day I got to wear my new Christmas dress and it usually meant I got a new Holiday barbie, which for the next year would be the sole object of my unabashed jealousy. I wondered, “when would I get to step out in a gown…so elegant and shiny? Will my life ever hold a place in society that requires me to look so fluffy?” Just look at her would you - I know for a fact I had this CREATURE, dated 1994.

Today, let’s be thankful I’ve never once owned a dress quite like that.

Instead, I’ll leave you with this lovely collage (from Net a Porter, can’t take credit for it unfortunately) that has essentially been defining the way I’ve been dressing the last week. Yes, things have certainly changed for me since 1994 as I’ve transitioned from Barbie doll to 8 year old boy child. I will however argue, that Kevin McAllister’s heritage look was sartorially advanced for his VHS lifetime, and he deserves our upmost respect.

SHOP THE PIECES HERE.

On a more opulent note…a few other things, including my favorite window at Bergorf’s this year - “By Request,” inspired by all girl orchestras of the 1920s. See all the windows here.

Brooklyn stylist extraordinaire Natalie Joos killin it as per usual.

And of course, my favorite Christmas movie scene of all time.

Have a wonderful, warm Christmas Eve with your family and loved ones. xoxo