A Break

This Saturday, I'm moving all of my stuff to St. Paul. Our interweb won't be set up until Wednesday, so I'll be taking that break to get everything settled in.

If you're a music fan, pick up Tegan & Sara's new album "The Con" . . .
It may not impress you on first listen, but it will creep slowly into your head until you're humming all of their songs.

Miss me?

Who's Your Favorite Model?

My favorite model is Gemma Ward. Also up there for me is Jessica Stam, Kate Moss, and Natalia Vodianova. And I want to know: who is your favorite model?

The Row

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are off again on another business venture (though they claim it's not one), and this time they're giving us overly priced basics in their new line called The Row. Of course, they've got a few other pieces: fur coats and sheer dresses. I'll admit, I'm in love, but not for the price they're asking. Comments?

Happy Sunday

a random spackling of things that made me smile today:

Bloomers :)

[keds]

[jean paul gaultier]

the colors in nygards anna's photographs.

Viktor & Rolf for H&M

At this point, I'm crossing my fingers that the H&M in MN is one of the "select H&M boutiques" to carry Viktor & Rolf's collection (set to hit stores November 9th). You can see the rest of the pieces and read the blurb on Elle.

47 Mile Drive

I'm off to Fargo [ND] / Moorhead [MN] for the next 5 days. These 2 cities are in close proximity to eachother, so I like to visit both at the same time and fondly refer to them as Fargo/Moorhead.

A short jolt of history: I attended MSUM [Minnesota State University Moorhead] this past school year as a college freshman. I met so many superb people in this 2 city little bubble of joy. And since I'm moving to St. Paul to attend McNally Smith College of Music this fall (instead of returning to Moorhead), I have to have one last hurrah! with my Fargo/Moorhead peeps. They already started school this past week, whereas I don't start until September 4th. Long story short, the next 5 days I will be spending reminiscing and spreading joy throughout Fargo/Moorhead with old friends (many of whom I haven't seen all summer!).

And I may not get to post as often as I'd like these next few days.

I'm not sure how many people are already reading this blog. [I like to think it's in the thousands already--gawd!]

I'm bringing along a ridiculous amount of dresses and belts and pumps for these next 5 days . . . so my wardrobe looks more like it's for the next MONTH, not 2/3 of a week.

AND I'm going to try and take lots of fabulous pictures and videos of all of my fashionable chic friends, so I'll have plenty to make up for the fact if I miss any days, to entertain you.

I know you're excited.
Be excited.

Day-Lab

I just came across the most darling little e-store. It's called Day-Lab. Here's what I just ordered:

I can grow my own grass in this precious little eggshaped ceramic animal pot :D

And chrysanthemum! I'm going to grow flowers in this little ceramic egg too.

So sweet! And just the thing to add life to my new apartment.

Oh Ebay, You Nasty Devil

I wanted to share with you what I won on ebay the past few days. Ebay is an addiction, and I know I should avoid. I'm quite proud of my kill though . . .

These superb BCBG suede t-strap heels:

This black dress with suspenders and a high-waisted pencil skirt in one:

And I also won that stellar blue dress that I posted last week in my "Vintage Ebay" post:

Hayden-Harnett Handbags

Hayden-Harnett makes some amazing bags/purses. I've spent too much of my morning oogling their fantastic designs/styles, crossing my fingers . . . to win the lottery. I thought I'd share my find with you kind people :)

Fashion Is About Privilege

I've become sort of obsessed with fashion. It takes a hold of the strongest parts of me and bows them to it's command.

I watch runway shows and stare at the frighteningly stick-like models wishing, with every part of my heart and my being, that I could be that . . . that I could be there. If only for one moment, to experience what it feels like . . . all eyes on you. The privelege.

I scan through pages of marc jacobs purses and paul & joe dresses and christian louboutin shoes, wishing I could know what it feels like . . . draped in such splendor. The privilege.

It's a privilege to be thin enough to fit into the most coveted fashions, right?
It's a privilege to witness the most coveted runway shows, to get the bags full of swag, to double kiss the cheeks of the rich and well-dressed, right?

Sometimes I think about it until it makes me sick inside.

And I love fashion. I do. I love being able to look good, feel good in the clothes I wear. I love reading the magazines and blogs and watching the runway shows.

I just wish I could be closer to the action, yes.
But without sorrow, there is no joy.
Without tears, there is no laughter.

Everything loses it's splendor without privelege.
We wouldn't want it so much if we could all have it.

Bang! Pow!

How is everyone on this lovely Wednesday?
I'm here at work, thinking about moving to St. Paul and such. I've sure got a lot of packing to do, and I'm not sure I have enough space for all the things I want to bring (shoes . . . *cough*).

This blog will be much more fun (I promise!) -and probably harder to keep up with- once I start school. I'll have a reason to dress up again (getting to be around bunches of new people!). I haven't strayed far from jeans and tshirt wardrobe at my job all summer, because I don't see much more than 1 or 2 people all day. I got lazy. I'm not proud of that. But that will change!

Today, I'd like to tell you about Bang! It sells awesome handmade, one-of-a-kind bags and accessories that are affordable! The green bag (to the left) is only $22.

the SEQUINS! disco! disco!

I got my black sequined dress today in the mail, so I made sure I could show it to you all before I head off to bed. I'm in love . . . getting little inspiration flashes of fall, booties and tights. I can't wait to wear this baby.

Lela Rose

What I fell in love with while looking at Lela Rose's fall collections were her shapes and sheens. I love the way she pairs voluminous bubble skirts with more fitted blouses as well as skinny pants with the tunic/tent shape on top. The fabrics she played with are equally wonderful, satins and sequins and those shiny silver pants. I'm left inspired for fall.

Jovovich-Hawk

I ran into these incredible designers, Milla Jovovich and Carmen Hawk, in a wonderful blog called Oh Joy!

In the bio on their website, it states that "they share the view that clothes have to be wearable, comfortable and need not make a spectacle of the wearer." Sure, they may not make the kind of spectacle Milla and Carmen are referring to . . . but clothes like theirs certainly would be noticed.
You can view the rest of their beautiful collection here.

Garage Sales [to make room for new clothes!]

I'm currently located in my garage, manning our 2nd rummage sale of the summer. So far I've made about $70. I've got to get rid of the old clothes and make room for this fall, not to mention moving to a new city with less storage space.

I thought I'd share with you some photos of the fall H&M clothings! Maybe you've already seen some of these items in the store! Their fall collection was starting to hit stores already in July. I've borrowed some of these photos from Nitrolicious.com, so I must send thanks to a fellow blogger for posting these!

I Want To Get Married In This . . .

Thank you so much to Jennine over at The Coveted for sharing a vintage clothing site called The Frock. It's where I found this beauty. I think I'm in love already.

Alice Temperley

It's FRIDAY, yay!

Alice Temperley is the latest designer to be tapped by Target for its Go International collections. The limited-edition holiday line is set to hit stores in October.
[news from FashionWeekDaily.com]

View Alice's current collection here.

Paul & Joe Sister

I've long admired Paul & Joe, first seeing their ads in Vogue and other fashion magazines. Their clothing is simply out of my price range, so when they launched their new line in Spring 2006 (marketing a slightly younger--and poorer--crowd) I was elated. The Paul & Joe Sister Collection is a bit more casual and more accessible than Paul & Joe, as well as being less expensive (most items between $100 and $300).
Perhaps you first heard of Paul & Joe when they launched a collection Summer 2006 for the Go International line at Target.
You can find their newer pieces for purchase on quite a few different websites, Net-A-Porter and REVOLVE Clothing among them. Woot!

Vintage Ebay

I thought today I would share my top ten favorite ebay stores for finding vintage items.

My favorite store on ebay would definitely be Lullie Vintage (and it's obvious that many others feel the same). Prices tend to get a little too rich for my blood over at Lullie (too rich being anything over $20), but their items are top notch vintage and always SO cute. That keeps me coming back.

Another superb choice is the store where I found the precious blue dress photographed above. Nasty Gal Vintage is definitely my second most watched store on ebay. The bids start low, so it's easier to snatch up something great (within my price range)!

A great store for accessories is Street Chic Vintage. It's my favorite place to look for belts, purses, boots, and pumps.

Bunny Hut Vintage is the place I go to find the CUTEST dresses. Their sizes tend to run small, so all the petite ones (like me) should check them out!

A great seller of vintage (though they don't have a store) is Indie Cult Vintage. This is where I found that yellow mexican-style dress I posted this past week.

Couture Allure Vintage Fashion is for those who want more upscale vintage. I find myself drawn into this store for hours just looking at all the amazing items. This is a store I reccommend at least a glance. If you're looking for a dress or suit for a formal event, look no further.

To round out top ten (stores that are no less important):
Liebemarlene Vintage [cute vintage dresses!]
Meat Market [super sweet dresses--lots of small sizes!]
Noir Ohio Vintage [with new clothes listed every week--in all styles!]
Tiny Tree Vintage Auctions [they've got awesome jewelry and shoes, as well as clothing!]

Just One More Thought . . .

then I'll call it a day.

I find it funny how the most unexpected items become my most cherished. Of course jeans and purses will be used until they fall apart, but it's hard for me to gauge other items [like shoes or dresses] on how much they'll be worn [which is why often times I shy away from the expensive items]. Usually it ends up being the item that I got at a thrift store for $1 that I don't know how I ever lived without.

Forever21

I am a sucker for cheap, fashion-forward clothes (ala H&M and Forever21). Here's the damage on my latest trip to Forever21.com. I seem to have gravitated towards items that only come in black.
On a side note, it's a good thing that H&M doesn't have an online store. I really need to learn some self-control . . . Don't we all?

The Sweater Dress

H&M definitely hits the top ten list. The last time I was there I bought this sweet slouchy completely comfortable (and so chic!) sweater dress.

I am now itching for fall . . . a sign of cold weather . . . even just one day where I could comfortably sport this dress. A day where I wouldn't have to be confined to air conditioning (that is).

I move to St. Paul in about two weeks. My first stop will be H&M (most definitely), where I will spend a ridiculous amount of time just trying every item on. I heard they started stocking their fall stuff back in July. I'm so out of the loop.

Tashkent by Cheyenne: The J Cole Wedge

The Godess of all ankle boots:

The Bootine

Wandering the web again, I've seen these "bootines" (their word, not mine), with the folded over collar, everywhere. On high fashion sites and even at Payless Shoes [ http://www.payless.com ] for $30.

I found this awesome advice on about.com from Stella Kae on how to pull off ankle boots (if you were ever unsure, like I first was):

If you are . . .

• Tall & Slender - You look best pairing ankle boots with leggings or skintight denim.
• Petite - You look best pairing ankle boots with bubble skirts or cuffed shorts and fitted tops.
• Tall & Curvy - Layering long tunics and footless tights with ankle boots is your best bet.
• Plus Size - Wear your ankle boots with a funky, a-line dress and opaque tights for the most flattering results.

Sequin Dress

A few weeks ago, I saw a photograph in Agathe's blog of her wearing a beautiful black sequined dress. It was immediately added to my list of things I covet. And so began the ebay search, where I found this dress (the black one on the right). Deciding it was perfect, I put in my bid, and voila! the sequins will soon be mine.

Coincidentally, on Face Hunter a few days ago, I also saw two different girls sporting sequins (one in a blue sequined dress and the other with a sequined scarf around her neck).

Tights

3.1 philip lim, givenchy, rachel comey, trovata

Here's a trend that I love (and something I honestly haven't worn since kindergarten). Tights. They came in bulk in every color on the runways and in magazines. They're perfect for under those summer dresses, giving them life for a few more precious months of wear. My favorite kind (the kind I am most definitely coveting at the moment) are from American Apparel. They are made to last and come in basically every color imaginable.

Pregnancy

No, I'm not pregnant. But my sister is (and she's due this november!).

If anything could put you in a fashion rut, I think pregnancy would be it. I've joined my sister on a few shopping trips and been disappointed by the selection (and the prices!).

I guess my sister lucked out with timing. Just think of all the tunic styles that are in right now! At this point, she's still able to go to forever21 or h&m and actually fits some of their clothes.

I just thought I'd give a little credit where it's due (she still looks fabulous, 6 months pregant!), and ask what all of you out there in the fashion world are thinking on such a subject.

Belt Buckles

Lately, I've been craving these western-looking belt buckles. I have a friend who wears the cutest ones with moose and horses and guns on them. And when I inquired to where she got them from, she told me they were thrifted! I guess it's the same sort of feel as leather and lace. I like that look of toughness with completely girly glory. I made an effort to look for them at each store I hit the other day, but only came back with one. It's a maroon color with a brass type buckle. It isn't tough enough for my taste, but it does satisfy my western craving . . . for now.

I guess I'm off to ebay to search now.

Velvet Leaf

I've become a bit smitten with Velvet Leaf Clothing. I actually came across their myspace page the other day. I love that they believe in sustainability (the ability to provide for the needs of the worlds current population without damaging the ability of future generations to provide for themselves) by making all of their clothes 100% organic, with all natural fabrics. Environmental science aside, they also happen to make beautiful fashion-forward clothing.

Velvet Leaf was started in Los Angeles in March 2005 by sisters Laura and Becky Carter. They began by hand-making clothing out of recycled materials and selling such items at farmers markets and craft fairs. It's blown up since then, selling in more than 70 stores in the U.S. alone.

P.S. Be sure to check out their myspace! I returned today to find they've posted 70 new photos of their spring and summer 2008 clothing!