New site addiction

I know I've previously admitted my love of street style, but when I stumbled across this site:

http://www.chictopia.com/

I was HOOKED. Who knew there were fashionistas in Nebraska?!

My love of street style borders on obsessive. I am absolutely one of those "crazy people" who will stop a well-dressed person on the street to compliment their outfit or request more information on something they're wearing. It's usually flattering, sporadically inspiring, and almost never awkward; I find that most people who are stopped are more than happy to explain the inspiration behind their attire.

So I ask you: have you loved your local fashionistas lately?


And on a broader scale of fashionista:

http://mrs-o.org/

Michelle Obama is one of my top style icons. She is a modern day Jackie O. She is pure class and sophistication wrapped up in a J. Crew skirt and some chic little heels. FLOTUS knows what looks good on her and she WORKS it. I want a shopping date with Mrs. O ASAP. If only...

And excuse me, but can I talk for a second about how damn cute Sasha Obama is?:

(Photo courtesy of Mrs. O blog)

I don't care that this is a nine year old; I'm 27, and I want this outfit. That canary tulle skirt is precious! And check out her little pearl bracelet. Nine years old, and she already accessorizes better than most adults.

You know what? Screw the kids, I just want the clothes!

Yikes!

Image courtesy of Stylelite

"Earlier this week we reported Daphne Guinness's reasoning for stopping the Christie's Isabella Blow auction of Blow’s most prized belongings — most notably over 90 Alexander McQueen dresses. Guinness simply found it soon to commercialize her late best friends’ lives.

We wonder what Ms. Guinness would think of Selfridges recent window display in Manchester. The window display shows a recognizably Alexander McQueen design hanging from a flood light on some sort of industrial structure. And yes, the operative word in that sentence is “hanging.”

What on earth was the visual team at Selfridges thinking? Anything having McQueen’s name on it should still, at this point, be treated with the highest level of sensitivity. This display screams thoughtlessness and disrespect for the late designer whose tragic cause of death was suicide by hanging.

How long do you give it until the Selfridges team, tail between legs, realizes their err and disassembles the window display? We’re shooting for under a week."

source

I think that in all actuality, Selfridges did not intend to invoke the representation of Alexander McQueen's recent suicide by intentionally hanging his clothing on display.

Hooooowever, I think the display itself was done in poor taste, and somewhere, some little marketing moron is wondering how they didn't see this reaction coming...

RIP, McQueen. You were a fierce bitch, baby.

Street Style and Paris Fashion Week

I am currently obsessed with the following two blogs:

Beyond Boston Chic

Easy Paris

I love street style, particularly here. I frequently find myself doing double takes in this city, because Boston has a really unique sense of style. There's something about it that just grabs me: vaguely reminiscent of Jackie Kennedy, but just edgy enough to allow for a studded cuff, some insanely intricate chandeliers, or (be still my racing heart!) some gladiatrix stilettos. Many a late night ride on the T has resulted in me looking like a creeper, because women in amazing outfits get on and suddenly I'm staring at Girl #1's pink patent d'Orsay pumps or Girl #2's LBD.

But Paris...Paris is the creme de la creme, if you'll excuse the expression. It is AMAZING. There's something about fashion and the French that have always just gone hand-in-hand. It's nearly a universally accepted given that "chic" is in their blood. Everywhere you look, you see gorgeous women and men in the most unbelievable clothing. It's completely effortless and pulled together, and it is pure artistic brilliance.

Karen over at Where Did U Get That? has a fabulous street style blog that does a great job of capturing her unique sense of English funk. I'd love to run into her sometime and get a look up close. She's so damn cool.

Street blogs do a great job of finding the best looks on the street, and presenting them in a media that allows people to experience innovation in fashion. Not just anyone gets a pass to Paris Fashion Week, but anyone can read a blog and find inspiration in the attire of a complete stranger.

It certainly inspires me to dress myself up :)

Speaking of Paris Fashion Week, Valentino presented his 2010/2011 collection last night at Versailles. I honestly can't imagine a more impressive runway than the beautifully crafted Hall of Mirrors. Unfortunately, the collection itself left a lot to be desired, at least in my opinion. I found it to be drab, uninspired, and a little dated. I know fashion is cyclical, but the mid-60's wasn't really a great look for anyone; I'd suggest leaving that particular era alone.

But feel free to judge for yourself.

Galliano, however, killed it when he debuted Dior's collection on Sunday (video).

I love Galliano. No one this eccentric could do anything BUT make beautiful clothing. Love love love him.

Yeah, he's on a horse. He means business.

I'm really excited to see what comes down the runway when Chanel and Givenchy present their respective lines this coming week. I have the feeling I'll be wiping copious amounts of drool off my keyboard, but hey, what can ya do?

Wine, Women, and Big Boobs

This weekend I attended a large wine tasting event with a great group of friends. There were endless tables of wine, tons of delicious food, and lots and LOTS of great eye candy (the clothes, the bags, the shoes!).

So in impatiently getting down to the good stuff, let's see what the lovely ladies of Wine Riot '10 wore.
Name: Jill
Age: 27
Occupation: Teacher

Jill is exactly like me; she loves to look cute but she's a budget girl (most teachers are, actually). Consequently, she's a fantastic sales junky. This adorable denim wash dress was a steal (less than $15 at New York and Co.). Pair it was some tights and some slouchy boots, and she looks great! A belted dress does amazing things for a torso, but Jill keeps herself in good shape by running. She looks beautiful and healthy, so naturally anything she puts on is going to look fabulous.

Name: Elina
Age: 27
Occupation: Financial Analyst

*Forgive the less than stellar photo, but it was the only one that showed her full outfit. Plus, look at that pose!*

Elina has amazing style, plain and simple. She knows the pieces that will work for her, but she also knows that a little bit of drama is going to catch the eye. The first time I saw this cardigan from Anthropologie, I'm pretty sure I drooled. The color and the texture really make a simple sweater pop. Elina paired her sweater with earthy tones, so naturally the eye will focus on the bright jewel tone of the sweater. The skinnies tucked into the cute (but functional-two in one; awesome!) rain boots makes the outfit casual but fun. Elina is a very healthy person, so naturally that lends a good helping of confidence (as you can see by the pose). She knows she looks good here and you can see it on her face.

Name: Jeanette
Age: 24
Occupation: Account Executive, CBS Radio Mix 104.1

I was totally minding my own business while drinking a glass of delicious red wine when these shoes literally stopped me in my tracks. Look at that color! It matches the blue of the skirt so well, and when emphasized by the black foundation of the tights and shirt, it just grabs your attention. The skirt is great; I feel like I'm looking at a Picasso. The wavy hair and long necklace add a hippie feel to the attire, and I'm a sucker for neo-hippie casual. Who knew radio could be so fashionable?

And lastly, here's me:
Saturday was the first time I've dared to wear this shirt in public. As previously stated in my bikini lamentation post, I've focused my energy on feeling and looking healthier. By watching what I eat, getting lots of exercise, and some deep thinking, I've started a good trot down that particular path. I'm feeling good about my body and personal health, and naturally, I want to look good.

This shirt is made of a very clingy cotton, so while I love the rosette texture and think it does wonderful things for my upper body, I wasn't crazy about the fit around the waist/hips. On a whim, I tried it on before leaving the house, and voila! I felt chic, comfy, and best of all, I thought I looked fantastic! I paired it with a black tank top just to keep "the girls" in order, but I felt really good in this outfit, and when you hit a home run like that, how can you not wear it?

And now for the budget breakdown:
-Rosette Shirt: Unknown brand from T.J.Maxx ($15)
-Jeans: Joe Jeans, on clearance from Marshalls ($80 marked down to $40)
-Tank: The Limited ($24 marked down to $10)
-Cardigan: (not pictured) Old Navy ($18)
-Shoes: Black Flats from Target ($24)
=Total outfit cost: $107
*See? Teachers love bargains!*

There were so many amazing and tasty wines at the Wine Riot, and when combined with great friends and fun conversations, this weekend was really one of the more fun ones I've had lately.

On a side note, I'm pretty much in love with Christina Hendricks. Not in a girl-on-girl kind of way, but because she makes me comfortable with the body type I have. Take a look at this cover:

(Photo courtesy of Esquire and the Huffington Post)

Christina Hendricks is an actress on AMC's Mad Men. The show is set in the 1960's, a time when women were expected to be curvy and buxom (a la Monroe and Bardot). You don't get curvier that that cover!

After the wave of heroin chic models in the early 90's (thanks for making a chubby girl's life hell, Kate Moss), it became uncool to have curves. "Full-figured" has been a dirty euphemism for fat for as long as I can remember. Christina Hendricks is decidedly NOT fat, but rather sports an amazing rack and some killer hips. Unfortunately that hasn't stopped her from being targeted by fashion critics who deem her hourglass figure "big."

She isn't one to be quiet about it, though. In response to the hate, she fired back and decided to refocus the issue from her body to her talent.

I've had a tendency to let myself feel victimized for my body. I've alternated between feeling "fat" and "pornographic." It's refreshing to see Ms. Hendricks rocking her body on the same red carpet as Kate Hudson or Kate Bosworth or any other run of the mill twiglet.

It's paying off her her, too. Esquire just named her "The Sexiest Woman in America." Bravo!

Fashionista on a budget

In two months time I will be embarking on a new journey: I will officially start my grad school career. In order to fast track my studies and finish within a reasonable time frame, I've given notice at the school where I currently teach.

Which really means two things:
1.) I'll be a study zombie for the next year and a half
2.) With a seriously stunted income, my love for fashion is going to hit a pretty big speed bump.

While I'm not usually the kind of girl to spend lots of money on expensive clothes, I do love shopping, and unless the graduate gods smile on me and I find myself in the oh so coveted paid positions of teaching or administrative assistant, my already budgeted spending habits will require some serious curbing.

So I'm contemplating a new arena to this blog: Fashionista on a budget.

Basically, the rules are these: 1 new outfit a month, on a budget of less than $50.

Let's take a look at the first outfit:Shirt: $38 International Concepts (Macy's-this is kind of a cheat because I had a giftcard from Christmas. But hey, free shirt).
Jeans: No name skinny jeans bought at Marshall's for $15.
Boots: $40 Steve Madden biker boots (purchased from Marshall's). Similar to these but there are three studded straps that criss-cross the ankle.

Grand total: $55. Just over budget, but not unreasonably.

My goal is to recycle as many current items of clothing as possible into a wider variety of outfits, but I know me and I know how I am when I see a really cute item of clothing. So while it's important to keep on a sane budget, I also know I'll go crazy if I don't treat myself to a little something every now and then.

Communist Dictators are the new It crowd?

Dear Lord in heaven. Is this funny or horrifying? I honestly don't know.

Excuse me, Mr. state-run-media Uriminzokkiri, but this...

...is not the look I'm going for when I stand in front of my closet each morning. But then again, I don't live in North Korea.

There are lots of politicians who can make clothing look good. Nancy Pelosi looks chic and pulled together 100% of the time, even if she does wear the same strand of pearls with everything. John Edwards understands the necessity of a good haircut, and even Vladimir Putin keeps in good shape to imtimidate impress other world leaders.

But if I were to compile a top five list of politicians whose appearance SHOULDN'T be emulated, it might go in this order:
1.) Adolf Hitler
2.) Joseph Stalin's very manly 'stache and cossack hat combo
3.) Kim Jong-il (I don't care how comfy khaki is)
4.) Imelda Marcos (seriously, it doesn't matter how many pairs of shoes you had; money doesn't cure tacky)
5.) Gandhi (no disrespect intended, and maybe not a politician per say, but no grown man can make a glorified diaper look good)

Intentions, interests, and pogo jogging. Oh, my!

To be perfectly honest, I struggled with a concept for this, the (possibly?) all-important first post of my newly created blog. I couldn't think of a darn thing to say because really, what could I have to say in my little corner of the internet that would interest anyone else? I'm far from an expert on anything, really. I just have a lot to say...

I didn't want to write the stereotypical fashion blog, because 1.) the Outfit of the Day concept is a little too shallow for me, and 2.) there's more to being fashionable then just the clothes on your back. It's important to be healthy, confidant, multifaceted, and aware (both self and socially). So really, while there will obviously be daily fashion posts, I'll also be posting about food, a healthy lifestyle, and any other interest that pops up.

Like this one: Japanese Men in Skirts? That's something new.

I love gender dysmorphia in fashion. It's edgy in a way that makes people uncomfortable, which is good because it can spark discussion and debate about what's socially acceptable between the sexes. We're certainly all too young to remember Marlena Dietrich in her tuxedo, but without her and Katherine Kepburn's stubborn refusal to parade around in skirts 24/7, trousers on women would not have taken off in the way they did.























Apart from the cigarettes, these bitches look fierce! During the WWII era, women in mens clothing was scandalous. The concept of femininity was so ingrained in them that women coping with rations would pencil stocking lines down the backs of their legs just to look like they were wearing nylons. Imagine how different it must have felt to slip on a pair of pants! And while I'm doubtful that men in skirts will catch on (this is Harajuku fashion, after all), it's certainly an interesting concept at the very least.

On a side note, while perusing People.com, I noticed a twitter post from Khloe Kardashian that featured a pic of Kim and Kourtney Pogo Jogging. Yes, Pogo Jogging.

(image courtesy of Splash News)

I've never heard of this particular workout before, but how cool and FUN does that look?? I might have to do some research and find a local store where I can procure these fantastic kangaroo boots. Can't you just see some of the young ladies of Boston bopping down Comm Ave in these babies?

I have a feeling the staff at Lululemon are going to see a huge spike in the sale of Ta Ta Tamers if this catches on.