Fall Reds & Trompe L'Oeil

If I'm going to wear (or exhibit) the color red, it has to be something extra special, super minimal, or downright kooky.  It's a color that has big impact in carefully edited doses (awesome), and can easily end up looking ....well, gaudy as hell.  But I say, if you (or your living space) are going to end up looking gaudy as hell, at least do it purposefully.  And have a shit ton of fun with it.

While specimens No. 1 & No. 2 pique my curiosity, I'm completely smitten by this wonderfully weird steak n' roses rug by illustrator Nathalie Lété (and check out her other items available at Anthropolige) via The Jealous Curator.  Shades of red for fall & winter 2013 via the Pantone Color Report.

Office Zest

It's lovely how everything gets bright and peppy in the summer, but I don't want to work unless I can have a flamingo on my desk!  And a mug that clearly states how much I want to see everyone in the morning, too. Hah!

The illustrated notepad and anti-social mug are both items from my design shop, the Rive Gauche Craft boutique.  Speaking of which, I recently plunged in with a whole bunch of CSS and gave it a little re-do.  Have a look and tell me what you think?  Furthermore, stay tuned for some exciting new announcements coming soon from Rive Gauche Craft to you....     

1.  Lemon Neon Leather Planner    2.  Citrus Cat Notepad    3.  Frenchie Stamp    4.  "Go Away" Coffee Mug    5.  Flamingo Wooden Tape Dispenser    6.  Minty Green Eraser    7.  Fluorescent Fountain Pen

Thoughts for Style | Miuccia Prada

A favorite sentiment from a favorite icon, and a gal with killer style (captured on the street by none other than Tommy Ton).  Editor Julia Sarr-Jamois is a massive risk taker - I mean, those shoes!  And one of my most seriously inspiring girl crushes.

Ensemble: Florals & Stripes

Does the floral & stripes combo ever get old?  I'm starting to think this look has some real classic potential.   

Add splashes of punchy color with a mint bag and vermilion shoes (the understated shapes keep this ensemble chic, instead of discombobulated), and top it off with a tiny pastel charm necklace for a dash of playfulness.  This little Ted Baker ice cream cone is juuust grown up enough to get away with, by virtue of the thin gold chain, innocuous size, and limited pastel surface area.    

    

yves saint laurent lip color in fuchsia, $34  /  ted baker london ice cream necklace, $80  /  rien mint leather bag, $378  /  zara striped blouse, similar, $60  /  paul & joe sister floral print shorts, $179  /  zara orange ankle strap heels, $50

layout made with polyvore 

Style 101 | Bohemian Mix

Is there a formula to Bohemian dressing?  One might think not, as this style seems rather intuitive and impulsive (or slapdash - as my sister might say). 

For those of us with a hankering for eclectic pattern and print, but without the know-how, I say there is indeed a formula!  The real key to making this look work is balance.  You know, give-and-take.  With this look, pattern takes, so everything else must give.   

Style Guide  |  Bohemian Dressing

1.  Go wild with pattern  /  print  /  texture / vintage elements.  This includes embroidery, beading, eyelet, raffia, leather, flora & fauna motifs, you name it.

2.  Simple silhouettes only!  Patterns are high-energy elements, so keep everything else about this ensemble low-energy. The top in my ensemble is a basic tee shape, and the shorts are crisply tailored.  This keeps the patterned elements just wacky enough to be cool and eclectic instead of wacky-bizarre.   The fastest way to send this look down the toilet would be with too many frills or too much volume.  

3.  Keep color saturation low.  Balance clashing patterns by keeping colors mostly muted.  

4.  Restrict your color palette.  Choose just a couple of main colors for your look, so that they don't compete with the mix of patterns.  My main colors are blue and orange/red - they range between navy, royal blue, aqua, tangerine, vermilion, and light peach.    

5.  Invigorate the look by adding just one or two pops of bright color.  A bit of bright tangerine at the ears, balanced by a petite dash of vermilion red across the feet keeps this ensemble from getting too muddy.  The look ends up both playful and modern.

6.  Finishing Touches?  All you need is a fresh face and a sheer lip balm.    

  

isabel marant embroidered silk top, similar, $558  /  joie mid-century print tailored short, $298 /  zara tassel sandals, $80  /  palm tree embroidered leather clutch, $460  /  asos crocodile drop earrings, $31  /  white & gold striped floppy beach hat, $144  /  kiehl's spf 15 lip balm, $10  /  lennon retro style sunglasses, $60

layout made with polyvore

Wear It | The Boyfriend Jean

This is one of those tricky styles that seems like it was invented for only the coolest gals.   

How do you wear the "boyfriend" jean without looking mom-ish?  The biggest secret to pulling this off is confidence.  And no, you can't buy that.  The good news is that confidence is one of those "fake it till you make it" type things.   

Here's my favorite way to wear the look:

 -    My Guidelines    -   How to Style Slouchy BF Jeans

1.  Keep it simple.  

2.  The top should be slightly loose- not overly fitted, and not voluminous. 

3.  Maximize on clean lines and minimalism to keep the slouchiness balanced.   

4.  When in doubt, pair with black. 

5.  Leather makes these jeans more badass, and erases all notions of hippies and moms. 

6.  No horizontal stripes.  Period. 

7.  Keep the cuffs rolled up just past the ankle.  (Keeps you from looking swallowed up in a giant denim tarp / places emphasis on the fact that you do have legs) 

8.  Have fun with the shoes!  Almost anything goes.

marni printed button down, $740  /  allsaints biker jacket, $668  /  sass & bide boyfriend jean, $270  / alexander wang bag, $860  /  zara heels, $90  /  photo (top) via the sartorialist   /  layout made with polyvore 

Side Note... While we're (back) on the subject of denim, I posted about one of my fave looks - the infamous Canadian Tuxedo - the other week, and this is verbatim what my hilarious sister (isn't she a peach?) had to say: 

"OH GAWD no Hunney that just looks AWFUL like the poor thing got LOST in the CLEARANCE section of GOODWILL."  

Y o u r   T u r n .

 Have you given these a whirl?  What's your favorite way to wear them?      

Thoughts For Style | People Will Stare

Here's to the gals with the chutzpah to throw caution to the wind.   

So take that, Monday. 

photo by tommy ton, fashion editor joanna hillman via harper's bazaar

Yes We Can | Denim On Denim

Denim on denim is one of my favorite looks for any season.  Yes, I said it: any season.  Maybe I like it so much because it seems like such a faux pas, and I enjoy challenging the perceptions of passersby.  It's especially fun to play this game in non-fashion towns, like the one where I live. 

My favorite ways to style this look: with leather and neutrals for a bohemian sort of nonchalance, or with a bright shoe and a red lip.

This "Canadian Tuxedo" features Club Monaco's denim shirt with Rag and Bone's distressed shorts, and Opening Ceremony's tortoise aviators.   

Keep it Easy  ///  maison martin margiela snake effect shoulder bag, $1,995  /  ottoman hands labradorite ring, $75  /  topshop gladiator platforms, $140   

Brighten it Up  ///  yves saint laurent  rouge volupte lipstick in orange shiver, $34  /  lizzie fortunato jewels safari clutch, $460  /  zara trf coral wedge, $50

photos  /  1 vanessa jackman  /  2 the sartorialist  /  3 fashion limousine   /  layout made with polyvore

Thoughts for Style | Amy Poehler

A simple thought for a Monday.   Stay inspired, and don't let the bastards grind you down. !

In other news, please pop over to Emphatically Elle today to see a handsome blog and an effervescent gal.  Fellow fashionista and cat lover Elizabeth has featured a bit of my work.  I'm pleased as punch!  Especially since her blog is one of my latest discoveries and newest daily reads.

photo via honestly...wtf 

The Cat Lady Strikes Again

It's hardly a secret; I'm a cat lady in the making.  Apart from having one, I also paint them, design them, and pin them like they're going out of style.  Cats are pretty much my equivalent to crack.

How awesome are these old school gals?  All lined up down a Hollywood street with their matching cats, dressed to the nines at a casting for black cats in 1961.  

Photos from Life Magazine via OddStuff

I suspect Consuelo Castiglioni, of the glorious Italian label, Marni, is a cat lady.  I go nuts when luxury designers incorporate fuzzy felines into their work, particularly when illustrated in a sketchy, crazed, or child-like style (1 & 2).  You should see me drooling right now.

The other thing I'm addicted to (I'm almost, but not quite ashamed to admit) is temporary tattoos.  Yes.  I'm 25 years old.  Temporary tattoos.  Because four year olds can't have all the fun.  So, the obvious question: why not get a real tattoo?  Because I'm not a real badass.  I'm a temporary "badass". (?) 

Anyway, no matter what your age, I sincerely feel that there is a certain euphoric elegance about these temporary cat tattoos, designed by super talented illustrator Harriet Gray.       

1/  marni pink resin cat pin, $257  2/  marni cotton poplin "scratchy cat" floral shirt, $680  3/  madewell brass cat ring, $22  4/  tsumori chisato zippered cat pouch, $45  5/  cat origami pin by hug a porcupine, $25 (it's a british company, but they ship internationally!)  6/  temporary cat tattoos by illustrator harriet gray, $8.54  7/  forever 21 cat print cosmetic bag, $7

Conundrums of Fashion Week

Firstly, I would like to say that I whole heartedly laud these ladies for their bravado.  This is the brand of chutzpah I aspire to have.  These are my favorite charmingly bizarre and gall inspiring street style moments of Fashion Week's Fall 2013 shows, shot by the infamous Tommy Ton. 

(My sister is going to read this and think that I am even crazier than she could ever have suspected, and that on second thought, this post doesn't surprise her that much).

It's a bird...it's a plane...it's a wacky pair of goggles!  

Worn with a metallic laced sweater with a pattern that somehow 

appropriately resembles the eyeball of a fruit fly.

The Return of Grunge...Or Something Like That

Should we all bet on whether or not Grunge is making a comeback?

One thing is for sure, I'm ON this wagon.

Dries Van Noten SS13

Sheer dress layered on top of two totally different plaids.  This makes no sense.  

I love it so hard, I'm drooling.

3.1 Phillip Lim SS 2013

A complete mish-mash of pattern that kind of looks ridiculously cool.

Obsession | Kitschy Cocktail Baubles

A few of my favorite fanciful baubles of the moment...

Refreshing and playful without going over-the-top kawaii.  I'm especially enjoying sister designer duo Nach's combination of a delicate porcelain figurine atop a brass ring.  Take a look at their shop page to see loads more of their beautiful hand painted animal rings.

1  /  Kenneth Jay Lane Porcupine Ring   /  2  /  Oliver Bonas White Rabbit Ring, Similar by Nach  /  3  /  Mod Cloth French Bulldog Ring, Similar by Nach  /  4  /  LeiVanKash Tiger Ring  /  5  /  Nach Fox Ring  /  Layout made with Polyvore

Best Of | Ugly Sweaters

I guess there's not really any such thing as an "ugly sweater" anymore, since ugly became cool.

I'm going with these as favorites because they're just super.......sweater-y.  You know what I mean?  Either they have something big and hokey smack on the front of them, or they came right out of a log cabin. 

Best Log Cabin / Year 1970 Sweaters:  Isabel Marant,  Levi's,  J.Crew.

Left to right  /  Topshop petite cat burglar sweater, $76  /  Isabel Marant Vichy sweater, $655  /  Sheinside black & orange sweater, $33.55  /  Banjo & Matilda cashmere heart sweater, $345  /  J. Crew hand knit Fairisle sweater, $595  /  Levi's intarsia pullover, $88

That. Is a Crazy Ass Bag.

I saw this bag and went 'EW!".

And then I had a revelation...

Snakeskin is a horror unto itself, even without Dolce & Gabbana's ever-so-thoughtful color vomit.  And yet...

And yet ... I have come around.  Suddenly, it's just another dash of exuberant color.  A god-awful eyesore that becomes a fashionista's tongue in cheek, stylish humor when paired with carefully curated items.  This is definitely something the infamous Man Repeller could get behind.

Final Conclusion?  I would wear it.  In a heartbeat.

A.P.C. beige denim tee  / /  Acne neon yellow scarf  / /  Dents orange gloves  / /  Dolce & Gabbana Snakeskin Bag  / /  Malene Birger leather pencil skirt  / /  Maison Martin Margiela gold ring  / /  Bionda Castana leather loafer  

Color Lust | Acidic Euphoria

I find the color and texture in artist Brittany Bass's paintings so inspiring.  Not only does her work soothe my optic nerves, it also seems to invigorate my sense of cheer.

Thus, my sartorial take on Bass's simultaneously gentle and lively painting "Abstract III".

Nude classics get an energetic injection of deliriously happy, intoxicating charm via bright (if not other-wordly) accessories.  I'm enchanted like a little girl with a brand new fluffy kitten. 

I didn't want to skimp on aesthetic pleasure in this post, so here are a few more of my favorite paintings from this artist.  

You can find prints of these works, and lots more of Bass's lovely things in her online shops via Etsy and Bigcartel.

You're welcome. 

Thakoon cardigan  /  Emilio Pucci Patent Leather Pencil Skirt  /  Miu Miu Aqua Croc Heels  /  Jil Sander Neon Yellow Bag  /  Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Riviera

TREND : MAD FOR PATTERN

This season there are loads of geometric, often art nouveau-esque prints for Fall.  These are a few of my very favorites.

I'd wear these one of two ways:

1.  Just a couple of patterned items, mixed seamlessly with classics.  

2.  Devil-may-care pattern on top of pattern on top of pattern.

Mixing patterns together is so tricky, and still often eludes me (see photo below).  But when done right, it has a whimsical, albeit bizarre, bohemian appeal (see photos at the verrrry bottom).

To answer your question, no; non-fashion people will not understand.  Yes, they will think you're slightly eccentric off your rocker, and that's part of the fun. 

Prada Clutch  /  Miu Miu printed jacket  /  Proenza Schouler platform boots  /  Marni silk printed blouse  /   Proenza Schouler woven clutch  /  Marni beaded clutch  /  Missoni skirt  /  Balenciaga tri-color heels

Example of Pattern Mixing Gone Wrong:

Me.  Oh yeah.  2009 in NYC.

Oh, this is shameful!  This was me during my senior year of college. I was clearly feeling effervescent (earlier) that morning, and decided to experiment with mixing pattern, and (unfortunately) color, too.  Anyways, allow me to teach you a lesson:  if you must experiment (and indeed, you must) please try for one or the other.  Not both.  Okay, this is painful to look at.  Let's move on...

Reassurance that I dress cool sometimes:

Me & a friend in front of FIT between classes.  NYC, 2009.

My friend there, yes, he has much better pattern intuition than I do.  I think he's working for Proenza Schouler these days.  He definitely belongs there, with the Kings of pattern and print.

[Big Tangent Right Here]
Oh, do you observe me wearing leggings as pants beneath a headline that reads, "I Dress Cool"?
Indeed!  Your eyes do not deceive you.  This too is a tricky thing to wear, but luckily I mastered it early on.  Yes, shameless me - I mastered it!  The trick is...
A) know your size/shape, don't lie to yourself, and love yourself anyway.  if you're the type who can't get away with leggings, don't sweat it.  there are plenty of other awesome options for you.  if you're the type who can't get away with leggings, but doesn't give a fuck what anyone else thinks, mad props to you.  I'd love to wear your skin (and chutzpah) for a day.
B) Always wear nude underwear that matches your own ass.  Ideally, it should be ridiculously smooth, thin, and as minimal as possible.  Yes, I'm talking about G-strings.
C) if you don't want your butt cheeks to be the center of everyone's attention, wear a tunic or long shirt that covers some, most, or all of your behind.
D) tights & panty hose are not leggings.  at all.  ever.

This is one of my go-to looks for fall.  Even in 2012.



Finally, some samples of successful pattern mixing:

I'll be honest with you, I don't understand why the outfit on the right works, but it does.
Yes, my fashion degree is no help in this case.

Alas, the difference between nature & nurture.

So granny.  So wonderful.

Woman on the right - I'm in love.  Floral + polka dot + oversized check?  I envy her gall.

Let's hear it for mixing it up.

!

last 3 photos via Tommy Ton 

RISKY TREND | ULTRA BRIGHT BROCADE

I actually love this as a matchy matchy suit.  The crazy pattern makes it absolutely un-soccer mom.   

These brocade trousers from Miu Miu's FW 2012 collection look almost juicy when paired with even more brights...and surprisingly modern when anchored with a beige jacket.

Runway photo via Style.com  /  Illustration by Garance Dore  /  Miu Miu trouser  /  Alexander Wang blouse  /  The Row leather jacket  /  Proenza Schouler leather tote  /  Miu Miu glitter pumps  /  Portolano gloves

IT'S SEPTEMBER IN HELL.

I don't know if you live in the South or not, but the heat is PERVASIVE.  You know what else it is?  Perverse.  This heat is PERVERSE.

In preparation for the coming lack of cool weather, I'm fantasizing about how I'd like to Autumn-ize accordingly.

Fall details that add "warmth" rather than warmth  +  Climate appropriate actual clothing in subdued tones 

Chloé dress  /  Givenchy shoes  /  Z Spoke by Zac Posen bag  /  Juicy Couture bracelet  /  Iman lipstick  

COLOR LUST | GLORIOUS BEIGE

My favorite color is grey, but beige comes in second place.  

No!  It isn't boring!  It isn't an empty canvas waiting to be filled.  It is the main event sometimes.  That's the beauty of it.  Stop trying to do things to it.  Just let it be beige.  Glorious beige.  

That A.P.C shift dress?  Yes, it's really just a big expanse of non-colored rectangle.  I like to refer to it as modern and understated.  I've paired it with a few notably whimsical elements that add just the right amount of feminine decoration to enhance it's beigeness.  A dash of glitter across the shoes.  A couple of immortalized gold cicadas.  A little square purse to echo the shape of the tunic, trimmed with gold.  And I couldn't resist the skulls. 

There's nothing more alluring than a woman outfitted in something feminine, and sprinkled with subtle traces of mortality.  You just can't pin her down.  The effect is generally inviting, but on closer examination - a complete mystery. 

A.P.C. Silk Dress / Maison Martin Margiela Leather Boots / Christian Louboutin Heels / Z Spoke by Zac Posen Patent Leather Clutch /  Alexander McQueen Scarf & Ring / Stella McCartney Sunglasses