Model of the week

Okay, so maybe I'm not winning any blogging awards anytime soon, I admit, I've been slacking. I've had a lot going on, but thought it was about that time pick our Model Muse for the week. Put your claws together for Elise Crombez, formerly known as the "model who fell down the runway at Proenza Schouler show" last February. To some, this was horrific, a tragic mess captured by media outlets all over the world. To me, this was model greatness! Genius, I tell you.





Elise single-handedly put Proenza Schouler on the map, and by map I mean that even middle America housewives have now heard of Proenza. Target anyone?

It was the finest publicity a designer could ask for. Hopefully Elise, learned that there is NO such thing as bad publicity, picked up her heels, raised her head up high, and will strut it down this week like never before, proving to industry sharks that she's still got it.

We'll be watching...

Whats going on here?

Seriously folks, what the hell is going on in the fashion industry
right now? This whole models are too skinny for the runway talk is
nonsense!

I can tell you for a fact that come February 2nd, there won't be single body working that catwalk over a 130 pounds (unless its a he). The truth of the matter is, fashion, excuse me- high fashion isn't made for everybody. Do I think this is the nicest thing in the world? NO. Is it realistic? Yes.

And now on to what I really wanted to discuss...

Lets call this the "Rachel Zoe" syndrome. The RZS is a serious condition where people that are paid to create fashion i.e. designers, stylists, bookers take on a persona that begins to overshadow their own clients. Take VH1's upcoming "reality" show "The Agency". "The Agency" follows the lives of bookers at Wilhelmina and chronicles what really goes on behind the scenes of a high powered agency.

The Formula for "The Agency"= 8th and Ocean on crack (quite literally) + clients/models (such as Halle's boy toy and singer/model "Me and You" Cassie) on the roster (although I don't know if they'll make appearances) fabricated story lines, some fabulous editing done outside of context, mixed with a few cocaine problems, high strung bookers slash celebrity wannabee's and last but not least...eating disorders! and voila!
you've got a "reality" show.

Will you be watching?

In Case You Cared

Jennifer Anniston on fashion:

"I almost resent the whole fashion thing - it`s a pain in the ass! I don`t like feeling that every time I walk out of the house I`m going to be ridiculed or put on trial, so often I just wear flip-flops and jeans,"

Really? I would have never guessed.

source

Like A Virgin

"Everyone is searching for their own form of paradise...and thats what we can find in these clothes"



"It's about the Aesthetic beauty of Virgins".

All Hail To Thee...

John Paul Gaultier needs no introduction. He is the one. The only... So innovative, and provocative. His Couture show was sheer beauty. Upon seeing these pictures, I had a moment... a little reflection that made me realize why I adore fashion. To say that my appreciation for this couture collection runs strong would be a understatement.

Religion was an obvious muse, and imagination ran wild...

Dita Von Teese strutted down the catwalk looking fierce. There's something about Dita, which is oddly glamorous. She also has that whole 50's well put together look which I love. She has that unconventionally pretty appeal going for her. As for the whole divorce situation, I'm definitely on Team Dita. Hands down.



Erin O'Conner in one of my favorite dresses of the show.

The stained glass effect gives it that no so subtle wow factor. I wonder if this was hand painted? Or better yet, how much do you suppose one of these dresses would cost...If you could even get the house of Gaultier to make one of these custom creations for you? Probably the same amount the average American pays for a house. Seriously.

Guisela Rhein makes an appearance in a voluminous canvas of fashion perfection. Looks like ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Very fresco'ish which I love. DaVinci would be proud.


One of my favorites... Marc Jacob's muse and "it" bag namesake, Ms. Jessica Stam. Always so full of grace.


I could picture La Lohan or Madonna trying to get their little claws on this, but the dress is so precious, I'd rather they stayed away.


Overall, a strong showing. Long live Gaultier.

Que viva!

In Search Of...

I've been searching for a light jacket that would be great for layering. Something that I could wear to work, or just run around New York City with. One of my favorite online sites Shop Bop is having a MASSIVE sale, and I think I've narrowed it down to these.

What do you think about this little number? an AKA New York Toggle Jacket with attached hood available in three colors?



The hardware is a nice little touch on this 100% cotton "toggle" jacket. Not too shabby.



Personally, I'm torn between the olive and the brown. I suppose the brown is the "safer" bet


...But the olive is so tempting. I've never owned a jacket in that color, so I'm debating this one a little too much.

I better act fast because I doubt it will be in stock for long. It's down from $389.00 to $119.40. I usually don't do store sales because I hate the lines, but I'll take an online sale any day of the week (preferably on payday).
Score!

OR:::

The Double Breasted Side Pocket Lafayette Jacket from Lauren Moffatt.


I really like the buttons on this jacket, and the black pockets go surprisingly well. Not too overpowering.

This jacket is 80% wool, so I suppose it is a bit warmer than the AKA jacket, but I can't seem to make up my mind. Did I mention that this one half price off? Was $407, and is now only $203.50.


Decisions Decisions.

SSpecial Delivery

Perfection. Such is the word that comes to mind when I lay my eyes on Karl Lagerfelds SS07 Coutoure Collection shown today in Paris. When it comes to knowing what a woman wants to wear...Uncle Karl delivered the goods. It's very non coutourish...but I still love it.

COCO ROCHA

Chanel Glamour at its finest. I love the contrast of shapes and lines. Tres chic!



INGUNA BUTANE

Fun, flirty and versitle. Expect the unexpected.


KIM NOORDA

I'm not one to shy away from trends, trust me...I'm wearing a pair of skinny jeans as I write this, but enough with this "backpacks will be all the rage" nonsense! Don't give me turbans either!

All I want is a perfect short, tailored dress...


TATIANA USOVA
These gloves drive me wild. And have I mentioned my love for tights? The contrast of black paired with the light fabric makes this outfit complete. The gloves definately add an edge to a soft look... a little naughty like uncle Karl.

beautiful only on the outside

Naomi's coming to a screen near you...


Vogue UK is reporting that the trashionista will make a guest appearance on Ugly Betty play herself:

"I'll play a loony who loves to shop and can't find a man," she told CONTACTMUSIC.COM. "I like that sort of role." Naomi, who pleaded guilty to assaulting her housekeeper in a Manhattan court earlier this week, has undergone various anger management courses and said recently that she feels she is a target for people wanting to damage her reputation, will make her debut as a loon on the show later this year. Ugly Betty won two Golden Globes on Monday: Best Television Series and Best Performance By An Actress In A Television Series for lead actress America Ferrera.

Naomi playing a loony won't be too far from the truth. She really needs to retire and let the new "it" girls reign. I'd rather see Irina Lazareanu, Gemma Ward or Chanel Iman or even Janice Dickinson on the show.

The Skinny on Anorexia

"I never suffered this problem because I had a very strong family base," Bundchen was quoted as saying in Friday's edition of O Globo
newspaper. "The parents are responsible, not fashion. Everybody knows the standard for models is to be thin,"

Not so fast Giselle... I partially agree with what she is saying. Yes, parents have a role in shaping identity, but to say that the fashion industry is not at fault would be a lie.

Does she realize that some models now don't even live at home? All agencies have "model apartments" where these girls live with other models, and last time I checked, without their parents. Anorexia is beyond physical, and more likely than not, models aren't calling home and telling their parents about what they did, or did not eat. Most of them are also still in their teens.

The fashion world isn't for the faint of heart and can be tough on a young girl's psyche. Even male models, are held to an incredibly hard to attain standard. There are realities such as drugs, and eating disorders which no one likes to discuss, but do exist. Hiding the problems won't make them go away...

Do you agree?

SOURCE

from runway to reality

Okay...

I received some emails asking me why I didn't post anything on the fashion selections of the Golden Globes, but honestly, I wasn't too thrilled. All the usual suspects showed up in very predictable attire (seriously, who DIDN'T expect Beyonce to wear a barely there gold dress?). If I were on the red carpet, I would stick to only something that was custom made, or Vintage.

Cameron Diaz wore something straight off the Valentino Spring 07 runway, but somehow the look did not suit her... I hate to say this, but her look reminded me of Bjorks tragedy.



RUNWAY: IMG's powerhitter, Jessica Stam



REALITY

A WORLD OF NO



Sadly, a little all too familiar.


Photo Credit: Style

And that's that.

the night I "discovered" Elissa

Last season during Spring Fashion Week, I had the pleasure of attending the Diesel Launch party where to my surprise, James Brown performed and the concert was beyond amazing! I'd never seen James Brown in person, and was truly blown away. I couldn't believe the moves on a man his age. His suit was exceptionally tailored, and was an interesting off white shade with very strong lines. I almost skipped this party, but months later, I'm glad I attended, and got a chance to witness the "Godfather of Soul" in action.

Later that evening, while on line in the restroom, I spotted a girl in front of me, wearing the loveliest shirt. I admired the quaility, the color, the cut, and wanted to know where she had purchased it. I dared to ask, and she told me she was a designer and gave me a business card. I put the card in my pocket, and googled her the next day. Her name happened to be... Elissa Coleman, a fab designer from Australia. I found some of her stuff on one of my favorite sites, Net-A-Porter, and have been addicted since.

Her clothing is very transitional, has amazing detail, and can be worn to school, work or even out for some drinks. Best part of it all? A million other girls won't be wearing your outfit...

Here are some of my Elissa picks

Pink knee length satin trimmed silk dress with embroidered trim on short sleeves. Dress has a high-cut neckline, satin trim on sleeves and down the side and press stud fastenings on sides.


Amazing detail


Biscuit silk satin knee length sleeveless dress with a square neckline and embroidery design. Dress has thick shoulder straps with embroidery, a circular embroidered design on the front, a self-tie belt at waist and a press stud fastening on the back to create a small pleat detail.




I'll take two of these


Oh, and more thing... They're on sale at Net-A-Porter

loose change

Anna Wintour a drop out? Who knew?Here's a random tidbit...

Anna Wintour
Best identified by her trademark sunglasses and pageboy hairstyle, Anna Wintour is an icon of the fashion world. She reportedly attended North London Collegiate School, but never graduated. She started in 1970 working in the fashion department of Harpers and Queen in London. In 1976, she was named fashion editor of Harper's Bazaar, followed by a brief stint at New York Magazine, three years as creative director of American Vogue, and finally named editor of British Vogue in 1986.

In 1998, she became editor-in-chief of American Vogue. Wintour's work style is so notorious, the novel "The Devil Wears Prada" and its subsequent motion picture are said to be based on her. In recent years, she's focused on many philanthropic endeavors including raising more than $10 million for AIDS, putting Vogue's support behind women-owned businesses in Kabul, Afganistan, and promoting various post-9/11 campaigns.

[Source]

Fashion is roleplaying, and Anna is my favorite villan. I tried to find the iciest picture possible, but with all that amazing philanthropic work she's doing lately, I decided to warm it up a bit.

Even Prada wearing devils crack smiles.

my college heroes

Are you stuck in the burbs with bigger dreams?
I'm a firm believer that wherever it is that you come from, you should never put your dreams on hold. Need a little inspiration?

Take Gym Class Heroes.

Although they aren't known for their fashion (although perhaps they should be because they rock), Gym Class Heroes are a kick ass band from my college town in upstate middle of nowhere New York.

I remember seeing these guys perform, and kickin' it with the lead singer, Travis at the local college bars. Even back then, Travis and his crew kept their eyes on their goals, and pushed relentlessly. Did anybody see it coming? Not really, but this is the beauty of perseverance.


Whether you want to be a blogger, fashion designer, model, buyer, photographer, or the next Gym Class Heroes... keep pushing. Giving up is never fashionable.

Word.

monkey see...

When I heard that Lindsay Lohan was the "new" face of Miu Miu, I cringed, I really really did. I tried my hardest to be hopeful, and pretend that maybe, just maybe, that with the right lighting, a kick ass wardrobe (and lots of Photoshopping), Lindsay would be a good match.

I was wrong.

Well these two called...and I think they want their "look" back.

Ronald McDonald


Carrot Top


So much for wishful thinking.

model of the week

Kudos to our darling model of the week. Straight from beautiful Norway, Women Model management's Iselin Steiro.




Photo: David Sims for W Feb 07 Models.com

"All my life I've been told that I'm so skinny. When I started to model
the weight wasn't a problem, but funny enough I was told that I was too muscular"

"As a model, I do not have much time to exercise. The most important is to eat vitamins and fruit to care for your health.

"If someone looks up to me, I hope it is because I've worked hard and
achieved something with it. But I've had a lot of luck and had the right look at the right time."

[...

life's little pleasures

Put a little bit of luxury into a low key look with these:


Cashmere leggings by SCOOP NYC.

running around in tights

When I was growing up, one of my favorite things to wear were panty hose (tights, stockings same thing). I loved wearing them with my dull burgandy elementary uniform. I'd wear bright pink ones, white ones, and even lacy ones during Easter to brighten up an otherwise bland color palette (such a diva!).

As an adult, nothing's changed...well except my choice in color and pattern.

Some of my favorite heavy duty show stopping tights are made from Wolford. Wolford makes very durable tights, in fun patters and have even collabatorated with several high end designers including Mr. Zac Posen and many others.

To. Die. For.
Not for the faint of heart.


Possible takers: Rachel Bilson, Nicole Richie, Sienna Miller.


Very vintage Fendish don't you think?


Cool enough to wear to work or out and about with wool shorts and knee length flat boots.

new weekly post

Hey Darlings! I thought about a weekly post that spotlights a model worthy of note, and rocks out ever so fabulous fashion filled world!

Of course I'll have to give praise to the heavy hitters in the game (Gemma Ward, Irina, Stam) but i'll also talk about models that aren't so commercially known, but are definately making their own place in the industry. Please feel free to comment and let me know what you think about my choices.

Lets begin by talking a bit about Ms. Sweet Seventeen, Chanel Iman (Yes, thats her real name, so fab!). Chanel is the hottest thing hitting the runway in years. I believe that fresh attitude, signature walk, and intriguing look, will catipult her into fashion royalty. Ford Model's new darling is featured in February's Teen Vogue (great article by the way).

Here's why she is our muse for the week. Enjoy!