Layers, part one...Inspiration: Helena Bonham Carter in Her "More is More Phase"

Ok, let me start by saying I love layers.  In some places it is a mode of survival.  Some people take layers the wrong way and use them almost as camoflage.  Helena Bonham Carter had a stint with layers that didn't do her style reputation much good.  Then again she is gorgeous, British, and married to Tim Burton so I am pretty sure I will allow her some room for error in her chosen means of expression through fabric. 

A layered look of HBC's. 

Another multi-layered and textured creation.  She may have been pregnant in these photos.  See, even having to wonder about that means that maybe there were too many layers...

And so this brings me to some possible inspiration for the following looks.  My disclaimer being that I really enjoy some layering. 

Chris Benz FW 2012. New York. 
Clearly inspired layering.  I think this look is charming and has some redeeming qualities.  Charming.  Like Helena Bonham Carter.

Marc Jacobs FW 2012. New York.
Marc didn't do it again in my opinion (see previous Marc related posts).  I love Marc.  He is a trend-setter, a leader in the industry.  And I am hoping this will not become a trend. 
There are a few good details, but overall feel is a hot mess.  Sorry Marc.  This is not my last word on some of these kooky layered looks.  Stay tuned. 

Cali-eccentric?

As most of you know I am not terribly Cali-centric even though I am currently typing this from somewhere south of the Grapevine.  I do appreciate so much of what California has provided - strawberries in January, delicious wine and beautiful places to taste man made nectar, and of course style.  California style has often been born of necessity - whether it be strolling a red carpet or the boardwalk.  What puzzles me the most is that when poking around said areas above, Californians seem to be lacking a style direction.  I have said it before.  The women appear not to know if they are attending a beach bonfire, drum circle, red carpet event, or going to Starbucks. 

While I appreciate this newly christened mash-up term "Cali-eccentric", I think you will find that it too doesn't have a clear direction.  It's a little boho, a little punk, a little beach, and a little 70s.  Either way it's clear this is a shared perspective.  Note the similarities below: Rachel Zoe FW 2012 and the new line Skaist-Taylor FW 2012.

Rachel Zoe FW 2012
I like this look. I love a maxi with some edge. 

Skaist-Taylor FW 2012
Names sound familiar? They are the ex founders of Juicy Couture (now owned by Liz Claiborne). Note you won't find any words printed on velour in this line.  It is luxe and 70s and all the way Cali-eccentric.  I am still confused about California though. 

Happy Valentine's Day!

I love. YUM!  Do I even need to mention the packaging?

Leather is the New Black. Part One.

I was going to hold out a little longer before posting too much on NYFW, but I cannot wait!  I am gathering so many folders that I have to start sharing immediately. 

As far as "trends" go, let me say the "trend" is very black.  There has been little color in New Black, I mean New York.  Sure it's something par for the course during fall collections, but alas, I love color and color sells. I'll share color soon. 

This little micro-maxi trend is one I cannot ignore.  Leather and long. 

Timo Weiland FW 2012 NYFW. Chocolate brown leather and velvet (is that brown?).

Jen Kao FW 2012 NYFW. Black leather corset dress. 

Cushnie et Ochs FW 2012 NYFW. Black leather. I like that this one has a more casual style.  I use that term loosely. 

Christian Siriano FW 2012 NYFW. Christian always does gorgeous gowns, slightly conservative but sophisticated in their experiementation of texture.  Someone should have worn this at the Grammy's last night.

Catherine Malandrino FW 2012 NYFW. Patent corset top that's either a one-piece romper or palazzo pants.  Either way, daring almost 90s throwback look.  This has the potential to be vulgar, btw. So don't try this look at home. 

Blue Willow Birthday

In honor of my friend Willow Tree's birthday, I had to add this little post. 

I found these "knuckles" made from old Blue Willow china on etsy.  I can't stand it.  These things are incredible. I love whimsical creativity.  Perfect.

Happy Birthday Willow. xoxo

Blue Willow China Knuckles, $60.

Outside Stripes

I promise that not every post regarding NYFW will be about stripes.  But since there are some stripes sauntering down catwalks, I will bring them to your attention. 

This time I am showcasing Outdoor Stripes. 

Peter Som FW12
I use the stripe term loosely here. That does not mean that I love this piece any less.  Above the knee fur is the way to roll.
Of course fur coat + sandals = pure luxury.

Rag & Bone FW12
The layers and the cropped jacket are wearable.  Yes, so far we are mere days into Fall Fashion 2012 and most everything looks very RTW (ready to wear).

Rag & Bone FW12
Great look.  Although as stated in a previous post I am not too thrilled with black + red color combo.

Rag & Bone FW12
Flowing, striping, belted...CHIC! 
Could I do this with a broken in Hudson Bay blanket? Bill Cunningham would say YES (check out his video on nytimes.com today regarding the Art World Fashion. I believe that to be his way of saying he is a little bored by this year's catwalks thus far...)

Creatures in the Wind, FW12

Little kicks off any fashion week like stripes. And leather. 

(You know how I feel about stripes; it's my favorite color next to pink...)

Here are some treats from Creatures in the Wind to get you thinking about your Fall-Winter 2012 wardrobe before you have even started wearing your Spring-Summer 2012 collection. The silhouettes, texture, and pattern are nothing short of divine. 

Keep an eye on Creatures, they have a nice mix about them. (PS not to mention their genius Grey Gardens looking stage)

Pink and Orange! My current favorite color combo.  I love clashing.  (I recall when my mom told me what "clashing colors" meant and I think I was a little confused because I love color so much I think they all go together in one form or another.)

Striped leather. Hello. Love. I am not a huge red and black fan; it's a hangover from the not great shiny black leather-ness of the late 80s (think bad sectionals and satin).
But I do love the Desperately Seeking Susan* pointy-toe boots very much. Indeed.
*PS if you're under 30 you really need to note-take-while-watching Desperately Seeking Susan. It could be the best 80s-NYC-East-Village-CBGB's punk princess style time capsule on film. The boots "Susan" trades for her incredible pyramid jacket are insane. Get back to me on this.

Scarf Love, Part Deux

Now I am thinking of the silk scarf.  It is, afterall, 75 degrees here this week.  In the morning I can get away with wrapping a gauzy number around my neck, but by early afternoon it feels like a self-induced sauna.  I know, to have such problems.  I am working on embracing this temperate challenge to open my mind to different forms of expression (in fashion).

Welcome Back, Silk Scarf.

I found some lovely images online.  Some realistic, some not so much unless you are Iris Apfel or en route to a Comme des Garcons show.  Embrace the accessory.  Always.  Happy Scarfing*.

*if you're in a latitude where you are still wrapping the cashmere kind, don't worry your silk days are as close to popping up as those daffodils...

Courtesy of the folks at Kate Spade.  Good reminders and how-to imagery.  I love pictures!

The dreamiest way to wear a silk scarf.  And the dreamiest way to nap. 
Hermes (of course).

This is a real statement.  Made in a statement-kind-of-place (note the plethora of cabs).

Love the ikat.  Again, statement look (note the buildings = NYC).  I admire it but I would look like I used a scarf instead of a towel that morning...and forgot.  Don't be afraid to try new things...but know your limits. 

If you are afraid to embrace your inner silk scarf wearer, there's always the option to frame! Gorgeous!  Wall of Hermes.  Love.

Bonne nuit mon ami! 

Happy New Year!

Today in celebration of the Chinese New Year I will be donning one (or two...or all three?) of my Kenneth Jay Lane Dragon bracelets!  Aren't they gorgeous?  Even the fangs are hand-painted with white enamel.  Can you get over it? 

It's the year of the water dragon, and there's no more appropriate welcome in SoCal than with unusual downpours in the desert today!  

A Statement on The Winter Fashion Rut

I am in a fashion rut*.  When this happens I need to remind myself to seek out the help of those streetwise fashionistas being photographed around the globe.  It's true my current professional lifestyle does not require such eloquent dressing, but I can still make a statement with one giant necklace.  It's unavoidable to the eye and in my experience immediately lifts the spirits (while hopefully not weighing you down, some are so heavy!). 

Enjoy the necklace inspiration below.  Remember (to myself and others) that the corresponding outfit need not be complicated; a simple grey t-shirt and white jeans will do*.

(*I am in a late-Spring-like climate and yet it is January and natives all around me seem to be wearing winter gear. But it's 73 and sunny outside. Oh the difficult dilemmas I have to sort out, I know.)

Petite for a statement piece, but packs extra punch in with highlighter yellow - a favorite color of mine that I love to treat as a neutral.



Gorgeous. Piece. Of. Jewelry.



Love the bold look over demure and classic crisp white blouse.

The Queen of Fine Jewelry wears a classic torsade of gems with a simple sweater. That's how to do it ladies!

Yabusame porcelian horse necklace from Anthropologie.

Adia Kibur neon green and rhinestone multi-strand necklace from Shopbop, $174.

losselliani mussed up strands with deer horn detail (love me some antlers) available at Shopbop, $674.

Happy Birthday to Dixie

My beloved yellow Dixie dog!  (wearing grass skirt and leis of course)

Hooked on a New Print

I have always admired fishing flies - bold colors! texture! creativity! 

Throughout my life I have pondered collecting them while examining my grandfather's fishing hat or flipping through the Fall Orvis catalog.  At flea markets they are gorgeous and beckoning (now I know why the fish bite), if only they weren't sharp to the touch and otherwise useless in my daily life.  Until now!

 

Vibrant! Beckoning print of larger than life flies!

Silk printed pants, the softer side of fishing flies.
Genius.

Going Big in 2012 at the Urban Barn in Southern CA

Happy New Year!

I am opening 2012 with a wonderful and inspiring gem located in Escondido, California (a 30-minute jaunt from San Diego proper and approx. two hours from LA - worth the drive folks!).

Welcome to the Urban Barn - a co-op of thirty "booth" style spaces of incredible vintage accessories and furniture - reworked and original - as well as new items of clothing, accessories, gifts, and more.  Not only will your creative juices flow but you will be inspired by the layers of incredible pieces available in price points from $2 to $600+.  Have a look below, as my mother says "a picture is worth 1000 words"...but I cannot refrain from adding some words of my own...

Urban Barn located at 155 W. Crest St, Escondido, California

Genius and gorgeous - a large chandelier in this vintage birdcage.
Enormous warehouse doors open this indoor-outdoor showroom to larger-than-life displays.  This store makes Anthropogie look amateur.  Incredible.

A "booth" space with a Shabby Chic/French/Vintage look - furniture and glitter and antique mixing bowls! 

Dying. For. This.  A Happy Birthday tiara.  It's vintage.  I LOVE.  A mere $48.

Gorgeous display of German glass glitter.  Shakers ranging from $6-20.  This is the good glitter people.  You know the stuff that makes disco balls look dull.

Entrance to the outdoor space - incredible cement garden finds as well as plenty of vintage furniture. 

Shell cake.  Whomever has this space is seriously gifted with shells, and has incredible amounts of patience.  This shell cake is stunning.  A gorgeous gift for the seaside bride or bridal store. 
Note the dress form covered in a shell bathing costume behind. 

I am a sucker for vintage iron lawn furniture.  I grew up with it (and complained about it since it was not "new" and
cushy or neon in the 80s) but now I have a real appreciation for these pieces.  They are used beautifully at the Parker in Palm Springs and look incredible around a croquet lawn.  Hello!  This settee above is perfection. 

Trust me this vintage shopping adventure is worth the trip if you find yourself floating around SoCal.  I have already been there twice in 24 hours buying an incredible marble cheese cloche for $8 and a stunning black and white marble cafe table with an iron base for a steal. 

Run, don't walk. 



...and a few more ideas...

Here are a few more ideas of gifts for other people.  Or maybe for myself.  Either way, here's some cool stuff to check out...

Best Friendship Bracelet Ever.  Excellent.  How did I not think of this look when I was 11 and making these things semi-professionally?  I need one of these immediately if anyone is listening.  Oh right, this is not supposed to be about me anymore.  These are presents for other people.  Shoot. 

Alexa Pulitzer Stag Alphabet correspondence cards, $75.  BG
These are incredible! 

Boissier candies, $15. I really just like the tins. I am sure the candy is nice, too. Great looking stocking stuffer.

Rablabs Agate and Gold rimmed cheese plate, $450.  BG.  Gorgeous. 

John Darien luggage tag decoupage trays.  I Love Graphics and Fonts and Design.  These are wonderful. 

Unicorn Stocking from Barney's Lady Gaga collection.  I love whimsy.  It makes me want a safari collection of stockings...hmm. 

Pancracio chocolate sardines in porcelain container.  I do not like fish, especially fish that comes in a can.  These fish are the exception. 

Michael Wainwright bowl, $385 @ BG.  Love.