Birds of A Feather SS08

BACK stage at fashion week... our model muses are at it again. Every IT girl's favorite pose...

Birds of a feather flock together.

Flamingo Edition II

Jessica Stam & Lilly Donaldson @ Proenza + Coco Rocha & Behati Prinsloo @ Posen

Bette Franke @ Narciso Rodriguez + Agyness Deyn @ Dolce
Ps. I'm totally digging the new Agy's new hair color. Are you?



Magdalena Frackowiak @ Proenza + Julia Dunstall & Maryna Linchuck @ Dell'Acqua

Aqui Estoy

HELLO DARLINGS!

It seems like it doesn't pay to have a server other than blogger, because for the last few weeks, my blog has been unavailable. I thought about starting a completely new one but alas, I kept emailing tech support and finally got a response. The problems all solved, and I'm back at my addiction...

I missed blogging about NY fashion week, but I'm pretty sure you got enough of that coverage already. And we have all season to decipher the collections. We'll get to that...

So during the time that I've been M.I.A., I drove across country from New York to LA and have been trying to get adjusted to driving everywhere.

In case you've never been to LA, the fashion scene is completely different from New York's. It seems that every corner I turn, there's another MK or Cory Kennedy clone. I love the boho look, but I also miss the put together, run about town in heels and jeans look. Perhaps I haven't been here long enough to decipher the fashionologie here, but I'm slowly paving my own way, and I'm determined to make this city my home.

Thanks for your emails and comments! I really really really missed my blog. For the past two years, it's been my outlet to vent my worldly frivolities and frustrations. So like an old (semi dysfunctional fashion fiend) friend.... it's nice to see you again!

P.S. click here to find out which supermodel's boyfriend stated these sacrilegious words:

“I hate fashion, in fact I f****** hate fashion. I don’t go to the shows - I just think they’re f****** stupid. One hundred per cent stupid,”

having problems with blogger...should be up and running any moment now.

bare with me...i've missed you all.

The Devil's Wrath

THE WRATH of Anna "the devil" Wintour reaches far beyond the cold cold walls of Conde Nasty...

Apparently the devil is a tennis fan, slash event planner. The devil threw a lavish dinner party for Roger Federer at the tres chic Grammercy Park hotel this past Thursday in NYC. Among those attending were designers Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, Dianne von Furstenburg, and Mr. my handbags are waaaaay too overpriced, but you're all stupid enough to lust for them, MJ (Marc Jacobs).

Seems like the two have been getting on quite well... Very, very well...

Federer on the devil: “I know Anna very well,” Federer said. “And then meeting the designers — these people are a big inspiration. I’ve gotten into fashion the last few years, done my own fashion statements on center court at Wimbledon."

NY Magazine goes on to deliciously claim that devil giggled flirtatiously all night, and was seen accompanying Federer arm and arm as she introduced him to the fellow fashionistas in the room.

Anna the cougar?!!!! I.love it.

Labor of Fashion

SORRY for being gone so long. I haven't abandoned you. This blog is admittedly my obsession, and I've missed you dearly. I'll fill you guys in on why I've been M.I.A in just a moment... now lets talk about fashion, shall we?

Take a second to reflect on what you're wearing. Who made the clothing on your back? The lovely shoes on your feet? Some of you may have answered Marc Jacobs or even Route 66, but you're wrong.

Chances are you're clothing was made by a factory laborer working under abject conditions in a third world country, and that worker could possibly may have been a child.

Many of these workers make only pennies a day, making the clothing that we so desperately lust after, including high profile lines such as Kate Moss's TopShop collection. "The claims reported by some media said that workers (for Kate Moss's line) in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka were promised high wages and that they were paid less than five pounds a day for working 12 hours a day, which is to say, 40 percent less than the average wages in the region."

I'm not trying to give you buyers guilt or come back on a sour note, but this is a very important issue that I've been thinking about, and if you'd like to read a little more on this, check out this article I just came across titled The Dirty Laundry of Fashion that delves a bit into the questioning of aesthetics versus suffering, and poses the question. Do you stand by what you wear? Something to ponder...

Back to my delayed blogging reality... I've been busy packing up my things, and saying my goodbyes to my peeps here in the NYC because I'm moving to L.A. at the end of the month! I'm a bit sad to miss out on New York Fashion Week, and all the great shows, including those I was never really invited to, but managed to sneak past the PR police, and still sit front row. I'll just have to catch one of my favorite up and coming designer Toni Maticevski, online.

I don't have a job lined up yet, so I'll have plenty of time to work on a fresh new layout, and check out the LA fashion scene, especially their thrift shops. It's a new beginning, and I couldn't be more excited to share my journey with you all. Hope you'll stick around to see what I've got in store...

Recycled Frocks

ONE fashionista's garbage, is another fashionista's treasure. I came across an interesting article about a young hipster by the name of Apple who has managed to build her a lot wardrobe on clothing she has literally found on the street.

Apple 31, has been dumpster diving for duds since her college days in Brooklyn, NY Pittsburg, and now, post law school in Chicago. Apple describes the streets of New York as a "mecca of discarded clothing"... she even documents her fashion finds on her blog, Found Clothing.

As you darlings may have guessed, Apple has found some great pieces on the streets of New York such as a BCBC Max Azaria dress, but hasn't had the same luck on the streets of Chicago.

Have you ever found a piece of clothing on the street that you've actually worn? And if you haven't would you ever actually wear something found on the street?

Newused Goods

WHILE browsing the internets (typo that I'm keeping) at 5am, I came across something that was a bit odd...

A lovely pair of Rupert Sanderson pumps priced at $595.00... scuffs already included.


Am I such an anal retentive fashion connoisseur that only I would have caught this at 5am? Are these pumps (like faded denim) meant to look worn? or was the photo editor too lazy to retouch these? Either how, IF I did in fact drop almost six bills on these shoes, I'd like my pair, sans the scuffs.

pic via: Net-A-Porter

Not Just Hype

EVERY now and then a beauty product passes my way and becomes something I have no idea, how I even lived with out it. Such is the case with Sally Hansen's Airbrush Legs!

Last summer (and luck would have it), I developed a terrible allergic reaction to Cherries, my favorite fruit. I got small scars all over my legs, and became extremely self conscious about them. Although they're not even very noticeable to others, I notice them...although obsessing would much much more like it. After realizing that no matter how much sun I got, my legs would never get as tan as my upper body, and the imperfections would never go away, I decided to give this a try.

If you have any marks on your legs that need covering up, freckles, discoloration, scars, veins, fret no more my darlings, this will (inexpensively) cover it up. Although models my look perfect in editorials, many of them also have imperfections (including stretch marks) that are covered not only with airbrushing during editing, but with pricier make up such as Dermablend, applied by professional make up artists, ensuring them that flawless look.

The product is pretty self explanatory, and if used with common sense, it will work wonders. It's priced at only $12.99, and available at any local drug store, plus, it's a lot better and healthier alternative to tanning.

Have you ever tried a sunless tanner or similar product? If you've tried this product, weigh in...

I Spy...

SPOTTED. INCOGNITO Forbes top earner Daria Werbowy looking casually flawless as she strut down Forsyth street in China Town last night. Can't tell you what she was wearing, because I was pretending not to stare...

Vintage photographs from the Sport Couture March 2004 Vogue UK editorial shot by Mario Testino. Check out the rest of the editorial HERE.

Not Feeling Too Well

Will post tomorrow.

P.S. What would you wear to a rooftop afternoon party in Williamsburg? Any recommendations?

pic source

Dangerously Titillating

FASHION influences can be found everywhere... in the whimsical beauty of a child's laughter, the subtlety and shape of a rose, or even a crime scene...

If you haven't by now, meet Melanie Pullen. LA based Pullen, is known for her "High Fashion Crime Scenes" photography. Part morbid, part fabulous, these photos are inspired by actual vintage crime scene photos.

"Pullen herself has noted that she takes aim at society's glamorization of violent acts and crimes by literally redressing what are deeply disturbing events. To create High Fashion Crime Scenes Pullen at times enlisted the help of up to sixty people per shoot: set builders, makeup artists, models, stylists, and stunt crew among others. Her models have included actresses Rachel Miner and Juliet Lewis. Many important fashion houses have lent or donated clothes and jewelry for shoots, among them Prada, Bvgari, Gucci and Chanel".

Can't get enough of these couture crime scenes? Check out more of Melanie Pullen's work here and then order yourself a Pullen inspired t-shirt by Harlow here.

pics via: ace gallery

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SHE’S usually not someone worth mentioning on this blog (even I have standards) but Britney Spears has done the unforgivable...

During her photo shoot for OK! Magazine:

- After eating fried chicken, she wiped her filthy, oily hands on the Gucci dress she was wearing destroying it with grease.

- Her puppy defecated all over the set, and Britney cleaned up the mess with... a Chanel dress.

Her complete disregard and respect for anything and anyone disgusts me. As of today, she's officially banned from this blog. I'm so over her and her issues, and with that said, the voice of Coco Chanel echoes profoundly...

“Some people think luxury is the opposite of poverty. It is not. It is the opposite of vulgarity.”

UPDATE: Here's one of the pieces stolen from the shoot...

A Gigi Caron "Borgia" ring "Inspired by Lucrezia Borgia, the daughter of a pope and wife to three noblemen. Tradition has it that she wore a hollow ring in which she carried poison". According to designer Wendy Brandes, "OK! will make good on everything" and reimburse her $5,625.00 for the loss of the drool worthy, yellow gold diamond encrusted ring (and other items). Check out B.S's loot when the OK! issue hits the stands on page 46.

Sight for Sore Eyes

QUICK question for those of you who live in the United States... Have you seen the Lens Crafters commercial with a not so subtle product placement of white lace up Christian Louboutin ankle boots? That red sole is unmistakable, and I can spot these ultimate status shoes a mile a way.

When did Lens Crafters become synonymous with luxury and high fashion? Apparently, Lens Crafters wants those Loubtoutin wearing consumers to purchase their YSL and Prada glasses from them. Not rocket science, but isn't there a bit of irony in this... it's the ultimate statement that self image is important, even to those who don't see too well. These aren't the exact pair, but very similar. "Miss Fred" shoe boots priced at $695.00 USD by Christian Louboutin.
On another note, the weather in New York City is currently as pleasant as walking around the city in six inch open toe shoes. So I'm currently listening to Notwist's Pilot off their Neon Golden album. Their music's light, edgy and sweet...just exactly what I'm in the mood for today. If you like Death Cab for Cutie, Postal Service, or +/-, than you'll like Notwist. Check them out.

Oh, and in case Queen Bee Ms. Wintour looks extremely refreshed, that's because it's not Editrix Wintour! It's actually thinspo modelo Snejana Onopka in one of the best editorials in years, for the August Vogue Paris, shot by photographer extraordinaire, Mario Testino. I wonder how Ms. Anna feels about these photos. Surely the devil must be slightly flattered, or atleast amused... Snejana nailed this shoot, and this my darlings is flattery redefined. A fashion evolution!

As always, BRILLIANT work tino. Loves it.

Check out the entire editorial at Bryan Boy.

I'll Kick Myself Now

CHANEL IMAN and her namesake, Iman at the Trace magazine party last night at Room Service, which I was invited to but didn't attend, due to that little terrorism scare we had in Manhattan yesterday.

.

Chanel looks pretty here, but a bit understated. I know that models are human beings after all, but if I knew I was going to be photographed, I would have definitely stepped it up a notch. Chanel's only 17 (according to her myspace page) so I'll forgive her... but, it's so refreshing to see that Iman is still looking fierce for a 50+ year old woman.

Hopefully Iman's S.I.T. (Supermodel In Training) Chanel, learns a couple of things from Mrs. David Bowie, who post supermodeldom, has made lots of money outside of the catwalk...

Lucky bitches.

P.S. Iman also has a myspace page.

pics via: ybf

Fashion Is One Hell Of A Drug

JUST what exactly is a Fashioin Junkie? Is it a heroin or cocaine abusing underage, underweight and oversexualized model? Because if so... Sisley wants you to know that this is what a fashioin junkie looks like, and I doubt that any of these models are over 18.

This bold in-your-face glorification of high fashion, low weight fueled by drug consumption, FW advert depicts two models snorting a white tee (which obviously isn't fall attire ) is way beyond tongue and cheek.

Has Sisly's ad agency done one too many lines? or is this advert going on your wall because this is exactly the kind of editorial you live for?

Via: My Fashion Life

Impressionism Remix

LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE Rihanna brightens it up in a Luella number for this month's Paper Magazine, photographed by Jessica Craig-Martin. Think what you will about her music, but talent aside (we are a fashion blog after all) her style isn't too shabby for this 19 year old Cover Girl. Rihanna has come full circle, and her fashion pallet has definitely evolved. Don't you think for a second that I haven't noticed... See what a little Luella and Posen (and a good stylist) can do for a woman?!

"Rihanna also decided she wanted to go in a different direction with her fashion sense. After trying out a couple of new stylists ("The old stylist from the first album didn't get that we wanted to upgrade the image -- the new Rihanna," she explains), she found Mariel Haenn, who understood her vision. Names like Zac Posen, Roberto Cavalli and Christian Dior have become a part of her style vocabulary, and for her new release and revamped "glam rock" image, Rihanna is looking to the rock 'n' roll infused designs of Dolce & Gabbana. "[They] are on point with the new image. I hate when stuff is too high fashion. I like when stuff suits me, my personality, my age," she says. " Now I have the right team that can express how I like to dress."

Moving along, here's what I was reminded of when I saw these photos...

Claude Monet's Water Lilies.

Quote of The Week

“People think that fashion is all frivolity and done by people who can’t do proper jobs,” says the writer Adrian Gill, “but Issie (fashion muse Isabella Blow) understood that it is very, very serious business in terms of civilization and culture. It’s the one piece of culture that every single person in the world participates in. Not everybody reads poetry or listens to music, but every single person in the world gets up in the morning and puts on something, and whether you like it or not, that’s a statement about who you are.”

Ditto. Read the accompanying article, in the August issue of New York magazine.

Runways and Cigarettes

KATE MOSS has been rumoured to smoke 60+ cigarettes a day, and now all that nastiness is catching up to her. 60 cigarettes a day?!! That's yuck mouth to the umpteenth power. I don't care how beautiful she is, Kate must smell like a stale ashtray.

Who else do you know that can inhale a cancer stick through their toes?! This takes practice people... lots and lots of practice. Kate Moss is slowly killing her career, and ultimately, herself. How sad is this?

The chain smoking has finally caught up with her, and besides feeling "old and haggard" Kate is not aging too well, so she's enlisted the help of the woman who "discovered her" at JFK airport, Storm Managements, Sarah Doukas.

"Doukas has told Moss to cut down on the cigarettes by half — from 40 to 20 a day. Kate's trying to get a minimum of seven hours sleep a night, which is proving difficult at the moment but she is determined to get into a routine. And she has dramatically changed her diet. She is now on a strict Mediterranean regime of tomatoes, olive oil, greens and fish."

I really hope she quits this disgusting habit, because it's really not a good look. Good luck with that... Hopefully this will be a lesson learned to all young working models today. Smoking isn't cool, and it will AGE you, the curse of an industry based on looks... and this my friends, is the slow death of a supermodel.

Wrinkles caused by smoking= no Agent Provocateur, and no Burberry, who has coincidentally dropped her for 21 year old Agyness Deyn and 20 year old Lily Donaldson.

Sad. But true. Check out more pictures of the Katester smoking here.

It's Back...

UNDER a new law, models under 16 years old will no longer be allowed on the catwalks of London Fashion Week. Find out why HERE. This IS pretty major considering how most agencies have some serious youngin's on their rosters... Like Ford's darling, 17 year old Chanel Iman. Health panel experts in London are also investigating the possibility of sexual exploitation in underage models and state that underage models are often overly sexualized.

Is the modelling industry perpetuating a virgin whore, impossibly skinny ideal?

What's your take on this pressing issue?

Discuss...

Dolce Vita

I'VE never really been a watch person, but I do love piling on the bracelets. One of my favorite bracelets is a navy blue snake skin beauty with a gold clasp which was purchased on the street in Rome. I've been searching and searching for this bracelet, and haven't been able to find it again, but these bangles by Vita sure come close.

VITA medium snake-embossed leather. 24-karat yellow gold plate chain detail. Made in Italy.

Available in yellow, red, green, black and fuchsia for $70.00 USD Get yours@ Neiman Marcus!