"In fashion sometimes you play against the designer..."

Ostrich feathers anyone?  ...Yes.  Oh yes Brenda Dickson.  Perhaps not all of you are familiar with Brenda.  Also known as Jill Foster Abbott in The Young and the Restless.  Opulence is my go-to word for 2009 to play against the recession.  And in this video there is no shortage.  Gold Lame, major hair, costume jewelry or maybe just an enormous self-portrait.  Brenda awakens my passion for being a woman.  Maybe I should shed my daily head to toe black ensembles and try throwing on some red leather boots or a suede jacket?  I probably won't, but anyhow here are some highlights of the video:  Teleportation.  Wire Hangers.  Towel tucked into her laminate vanity.  Brenda Dickson.  You are my hump day crush. xo C.

It's sunday and what else are you doing besides roaming around your apartment in your favorite skibbies, eating cereal, reading this blog and downloading new music off of itunes. So here's something to sink your teeth into.  A perfect marriage of sounds.  MGMT's "Electric Feel" remixed by Justice.  A little back story for you.  The MGMT are some brooklyn boys (yes, there actually is talent coming out of brooklyn) who have been tearing up the music scene with their sexy, digital, and as Spin magazine quotes "shape shifting" new sound.  JUSTICE (pictured bottom) Gaspard Augé (left) and Xavier de Rosnay (right) are two tasty guys from Paris doing unreal new electronic beats.  Both of these bands have individual equal love in my heart, and when I came across this remix...it just made so much sense.  So check it out and enjoy dancing around in your skibbies to this unbelievable song. xo C

Drink the water, drink it down, this time I know I'm bound to spit it back up...

Just had dinner with a friend and while we were chatting, we noticed the water she picked up was not your regular Poland Spring.  Through trickery of clever shelving at Whole Foods, this was the only water offered in the refrigerated section accessible when standing in the checkout line. The label reads "This water has been programmed with music, crystals and prayer for good health, happiness, creative energy and prosperity." So many questions.  Not enough time.  

Tastes like a sham to me.  xx

Can I kick it? (yes, you can)...

Wow.  I couldn't concentrate on the clothes while looking at Rodarte because of these puppies (style.com).  And it is one of the few instances that I am digging the grey over the black version. Bondage hip high platform boots.  I don't even know where to start.  Love the tough chic element - plus the idea of all those straps, putting them on, taking them off, a little touch of crazy. Wow.

Amazing fantasy.  But in reality?  I own a pair of thigh high, gunmetal croc boots with a heel. They sound scarier than they look.  I have worn them once, covered neck to toe with all black - jeans and long sleeve sweater to make sure no 'hooker' vibes were put out there.   And when I did wear them, a friend leaned in and asked "what are those, made of T-Rex?"

I think I may prefer fantasy on this one. xx

Hump Day Crush

He keeps me company on late nights (or lazy weekend mornings through the genius that is DVR), makes me laugh and has some sick moves.  Could you ask for anything more?  

My hump day crush is Conan in NYC - there is something about a smart nerd who can make me laugh that has so much appeal.  My favorite bit of all time was when Conan went shopping with Isaac Mizrahi.  Isaac shopped for Conan at Barneys (suit and tie) and Conan chose an outfit from Kmart for Isaac (denim jacket with fake fleece hood/sleeve cuffs sewn in).  It was amazing and I giggle just thinking of it now.  I searched high and low but wasn't able to find this clip anywhere, probably locked in the vaults.  But this one will do just fine.

I am hoping that he continues his string dance, 'year 2000' segments, 'ass' stamps and all around ridiculousness in LA.  I hope this crush can carryover to Conan in LA.  All I can say is his giant hair wave better survive the travels too...xx

Just to add regarding Alexander Wang's fierce Fall show, I did find one thing rather uncanny.  Top picture is model Trish Goff, sporting a hat and headdress.  Pictured below model sports a hat and headdress...except below picture is from Jean Paul Gaultier Fall 2004 show. Was this a strange styling coincidence?  Are we past this look?  You be the judge.

No one on the corner got a pocket like this...

After checking out NY Fall 09 to date, this is my favorite look of the week so far (Marc Jacobs, look 46, style.com).  The accessories, the clothes, the attitude - she is definitely an expert in getting over yourself.  

Would I ever wear this in reality?  No.  Me + Leather Pants = disaster.  And charmeuse, forget it.  Easily one of my least favorite fabrics to wear, second to leather for pants maybe.  But, those pants wouldn't be as fabulous in another fabrication, the leg just wouldn't be the same.  And the easy tee with extra low pocket is just simple fun, playing with the idea of matte and shine.  But a girl can appreciate and dream.  xx

Girl you know it's true

Alexander Wang.  There is something about his aesthetic that is so appealing - it blurs the line between tomboy and sexy seamlessly and provides an instant attitude.  Each season there is something drool worthy that can easily be worked into a wardrobe.  Fall 09 is no exception (black croc wrap jacket, textured leggings, graphic cut outs ala The Fifth Element).  But there is one look that I just can't get my head around.  The opening look, on style.com, above.  The strong shoulder cardigan jacket captures the mood, but when paired with leggings and boots, I can't help but think of Milli Vanilli.  Do I need to get over that thought? xx

Cut that Sh*t

I noticed this lovely looking middle aged woman this morning...

Of course the longer you stare the more you notice and eventually find a flaw.  Box heel square toed shoes.  The girl next to her in vile Uggs.  But that's not the offense!

As my eyes drifted down...there it was.  An orange "X"

The giant cross stitch located on the back kickpleat which screams CUT ME before wearing.  It's generally bright yellow, orange or red so that you know to cut it off.  The utilitarian purpose for a "kick" pleat is so that you can walk.  Leaving the string in defeats the entire purpose of the pleat.  I have friends that have been guilty of this on various occasions (you know who you are.)  After reading this, perhaps it will spread the word that it's not okay...ever.

Am I under arrest or should I guess some more?

Take a good look at this picture.  See anything odd?  I am not talking about the enormous back vent, the vintage boots or the leather jacket.  I am referring to a matching set of bracelets, a mass produced classic design connecting lady and child.  Do you see the silver glint of metal between the right side of the woman and the left side of the child? That's right, I am talking about handcuffs.  Today, while walking in NYC, a lady and child were walking down the street connected by handcuffs.  I was completely baffled.  Handcuffs.  This is like 17x worse than the child leash. 

And that's pretty low. xx

All I need in this life of sin, is me and my Birkin...

The Birkin is the holy grail of handbags.  Handcrafted by master artisans, it is the height of luxury with a hefty price tag and wait list to match.  In my naive youth, I vowed to myself that I would purchase my own on my 30th birthday (black, pebbled grain, silver hardware, 35cm).  I may have even nicknamed my ING savings account "the Birkin fund".  I'm just saying.

So, of course I was drooling a bit when a woman walked on to my subway this morning with a matte crocodile Birkin in black.   The skin was amazing and the texture was perfectly matched through all sections of her bag (no small feat...you get what you pay for).  I saw her buckle her bag up, and caught a flash of the authenticity stamp as she laced her straps through the silver hardware.  I could not believe her next move - she leaned down and rested it on the floor of the subway, in between her feet.  In fact, I was so appalled, I was compelled to take out my phone and snap this picture.  And we all know how I feel about taking pics on the subway.

I would like to just put it out there now, in a couple of years when I finally get my Birkin, I promise that I will never put it down on the subway floor, and definitely not next to a coffee cup that is rolling around with every jerk and move.  If you ever catch me doing that, feel free to snatch it away since it deserves a better home. xx

Hump Day Crush

MEN WITH PONYS...ponys I say!  This hump day crush was inspired by a sighting in NYC at dinner the other night.  You know who you are.

There is something about a man with a pony or long hair that is ridiculously hot.  And I am not talking about balding dudes who are holding onto their 17 remaining strands for dear life.  I am talking about the guys with luscious locks, who are masculine enough to rock something that is universally recognized as feminine, with no doubt on their masculinity.  It takes effort to upkeep and some dedication to grow, which makes me feel that men with ponys may have attributes that men with short hair lack.

The new CKone ad captures long hair in 2009 - and I think it feels right for the first time since the emergence of grunge/heroin chic in the 90s. 

And Troy Polamalu, forget it.  The mass of curls seems to increase his talent on the field and the slick pony/bun increases his hotness off of it.  Somebody get the man a Patene commercial.

Now if only I could test my theory...xx

Dark Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers

This should be a staple in everyone's pantry.  It's really the perfect treat.  And it must must must be dark chocolate.  Hold on I need to have one right now in order to describe it's perfection...Okay.  It's complex.  Sweet, crunchy, crumbly, with a slightly bitter finish.  If you haven't had one...Get over yourself and try one.  You'll like it.  xC - Crush on this 

I Heart Yohji

There are a few things that I will never grow tired of.  I won't mention the obvious (get your head out of the gutter.)  Whether it's pouring over pages of books or magazines, any design freaks true love definitely packaging.  It could be the most simplistic little envelope my grandfather carried in the 50's or a genius Prada cellophane/gauze t-shirt package collaboration with Basquiat (circa 2007).  

Today was one of those days I walked in with purpose and walked out with unexpected joy.

Pictured is the new Y-3 packaging.  It may look shy in the picture but this baby stands 

20"H x 26"W.  Free gift with purchase.  I love you Yohji.  You never disappoint.

manicure nails to set the pedicure off, she's fly effortlessly...

I have loved nail polish since I figured out I had fingernails.  Growing up, my uncle ran a major international cosmetics brand - he would bring my mom whitening cream and real make up on his visits and I would get a couple of new shades from the latest nail polish collection. Something about the way the lacquer captured color made me feel daring and grown up when painted on, always done with care by my Mom.

In high school, I was all about Hard Candy pastels, Urban Decay metallics and I eventually stepped my game up to Chanel, by way of Vamp and Metallic Vamp.  Since then, I have accumulated a few more - favoring the silver, navy, black hues.  (If you look carefully, you can spot the Metallic Vamp above)  Mom is currently 1000s of miles away, so every once in a while I treat myself and bring my own polish to get my nails done at the shop across the street. I love dark nails for winter, especially four days in when the color starts chipping off a little...but I know I will be wanting something new for warmer days.  Am going to start my hunt for Spring colors and am feeling a lighter purple or maybe neon green.  Any thoughts? xx

 

what do you say me you and your chloe glasses, go somewhere private where we can discuss fashion...

I have a confession to make.  My closet is overflowing.  Well, I should really say closets.  There is one for shoes, one for pants/dresses, one for tops/jackets, and of course one for coats.  Despite the overflow, I have a few favorite pieces in heavy rotation and some that never see the light of day.  This is especially true of my coats.

I don't know what it is about coats, but I just love them.  I am not sure if it stems from growing up in a place where coats were completely unnecessary or since in the winter, coats are a major statement piece people often see more than the real clothes you are wearing underneath.

That being said, I just got a new coat/jacket to add to the line-up.  It is a brand new, custom letterman jacket (Made in the USA by TM Athletics) - I chose everything on it, down to the purple quilted lining.  I love the idea behind something custom made - the specialness of it being crafted just for me.  I busted it out for the first time the other day and have gotten love from some friends on it.  It also drew a lot of random stares from people on the street and the subway.  Not sure what that is all about but am thinking this will be in heavy rotation. (thanks LSO) xx

you've seen it all before, I know...

I love people watching.  And I have found that there is nowhere better to do this than a NYC subway.  I have seen everything from a lady applying roll-on deodorant (why can't this wait until a bathroom?) to a man forgetting he had a cello strapped to his back (this ended poorly).  But nothing has baffled me more than this.  On multiple trains (C,E, N/R/W), in random cars both old and new, I have looked up and seen this sticker.  

I have no idea what it is, if it is part of the train, or if there is some random dude sticking thermometer stickers on the ceiling of cars.  I have made checking for these stickers part of my subway routine - and am always baffled by their lack of/presence.  I am always weirded out by people taking pictures on the train, but decided to get over it and took these on two different morning commutes.

Has any one else noticed these?  Or know what they are all about?  Take a look on your train and let us know. xx

Nice To Meet You.

Get Over Yourself.  

Yes, you.  

Stop the little voice in your head that's holding you back.

Try new things.  Be bold.  And laugh.  Really loud.

And be sure to tell others to get over themselves too.  

Yes, them.

Haters trying to knock you down and hold you back.  You know who we're talking about.