the couture bomber

I've been obsessed with gray for quite some and this jacket enforces my preference for this color even more. It's all about the cut here, from the front to the sturdy looking sleeves.

Fendi. Fall 2007. Look 5.

source: style.com

copy cat

How Jil Sander. Hmm. I definitely think it works for the Gap, since their main motto this season is "clean and simple". But, I just can't get out of my head the Jil Sander effect in this ad. And I have to mention the legendary Carmen Kass--love her.

yellow!

My first yellow purchase ever. A yellow belt. I will definitely wear this with my gray jeans or for a much dramatic effect, my black pair. And I'm getting very excited about some electric blues I've recently seen at American Apparel, which will look superb with this yellow belt.

Today, in New York, we had our first snow for this winter. Quite sad, I know. But that doesn't stop me from thinking about spring, crisp white shirt with rolled sleeves and green tress. Wishes. Hm.

simple is always good

One of my all time favorite models, Malgosia Bela is a part of the Gap spring campaign. I just love her eyes. I also like the concept in here such as the relaxed pose and her loose hair.

the delicate collar

Athletic gear gets serious.

Dolce & Gabbana. Fall 2007. Look 25.

source: style.com

green coats

Winter is here, and I am already planning colors for next winter. How genious. Hah. Anyway, a must have item for next fall would be a dark green coat. I fell in love with the first version from this photo, which is Bottega Veneta but then also saw this electric, very technical looking coat from Jil Sander that I also like.



source: style.com

the graphic sweater

I love block of colors. This was an instant hit the moment I saw it.

Missoni. Fall 2007.Look 22.

source: style.com

turtleneck

It's all about those thin, simple lines that makes it more than your average turtleneck.

Jil Sander.Fall 2007. Look 17.

source: style.com

legs

Slim shorts=Toned, lean calfs

Break that treadmill.

source: gq

hoddie

Doesn't get more hipster than this.
Basic ingredient: key.

Available: Urban Outfitters

air

Just love.

Calvin Klein gets a new concept with the advertising. Much cleaner than previous seasons, this feels very airy and light and it's nice to see that they have incorporated the sheer detailing concept from the collection here. Also, it doesn't hurt that Natalia looks better than ever.

alternative

I've been suggesting to my female friends to start wearing loafers this spring with their skinnies instead of ballet flats. It's something very fresh in my opinion, which I think it adds little much more sophistication to the outfit and makes it less Kate Moss-ish. One might think this makes an outfit more uptown and more serious, but then I don't think so. There are many colors to choose from, and also a new season is about change. So, let's hope the sights downtown would be more original this spring.

excellent

Just like the collection, the ad campaign for Jil Sander is quiet yet mysteriously strong and very modern. I love the purity of Johanna, her pianist hands and the very calming pose she gives in this photo. I especially cannot stop looking at the perfect collar and the right amount of yellow popping out the coat.

it's all about the money

I wonder what would Diana Vreeland say to this.

casually wonderful

Late 90's model of the moment, Anouck Lepere is just so cutsy looking in the new J.Crew catalog. She stays within the boudaries of being commercial, but still posses this unique ability to look adorable. Anouck!

some vintage

...because great beauty is eternal. Gia. Enough said.

source: tfs

bette

Bette looks more than perfect in this dreamy Chanel look. The hair, the porcelain skin, the lips, the hips... Just great, no?

the colors i see

I am definitely feeling this whole bright, rave reminding color vibe. I think that there will be more of it in the spring and summer and I'm looking forward to it. I especially like the yellow, and am personally surprised because I don't like yellow. But it is growing on me.

Oh, and I want those yellow jeans. Yes, really.

goor-geous

As walking in H&M today, I had to stop and look at this photo for more than a minute. Just wow. Liya is very womanly--a trait much missed in today's most popular models.

they do things differently in bourgeois bohemia

Isn't there a better way to start the New Year, but with a psycho bitch, women slapping, intensely mind playing drama? Please give us more of Judi!!!

And, I am already cheering for Dame Judi Dench because she absolutely, definitely, must need to win an Oscar or a Golden Globe. She gave a breathtaking, stellar performance. A must see.

happy new year!

May the new 2007 bring us good health, better jobs, worldwide peace, better Gucci collections, more stellar Jil Sander colors and much, much love.

longetivy of a product

This is a more economical and practical solution to the season's tent/puffy/balloon shape. Two major reasons rise here:

1. Getting more out of the trench coat, as this can be worn everywhere...office, going out, travel.

2. Originality because most likely not many people will own a voluminous trench coat. They will go for the dresses.

By Akris.(because they know how to make daywear exciting)

source:bergdorf goodman mag

wordly photo

This photograph brought back some memories of old 50's photos I've seen around with Marylin Monroe and Arthur Miller. What really caught my attentions is the hazy, almost light dotted technique used for taking this photo. Also, you gather a feeling of closeness from Kelis and Nas, although they are not kissing or holding each other, just like Marilyn and Arthur. I love the way they look at you.. it has so much personality. Notice Kelis' almond shaped eyes and the wonderful lighting falling on her face. What a refined and yet very classy couple.

source: ny mag

one awfully pretty dress

Pay close attention to the romantically braided chiffon on top and how it falls just right on the bias. So delicate, so attention grabbing...it can be all yours for nice $5,500 at Bergdorf. By Marchesa.

the patriot

Government agenda and a supermodel? Quite an interesting idea, if you ask me.

Legend Claudia Schiffer looks more than stunning in a campaign to promote economy in her native country, Germany. We really need to give credit to Germany's Ministry of Economy and Technology for being so creative and thoughtful for booking one of Germany's biggest and sexiest symbols for the purpose of governmental advertising. But then, their concept is not bad at all. Claudia has signature German features from her eyes to the most talked about perfect blond hair in the 90's. With this, maybe things will go brighter when one sees Claudia's beautiful but yet seductive face and body covered with a German flag.

the perfect loop

I find most pants or jeans have that standard, medium width loop. This doesn't always work well with skinny belts because they don't' fill up all the space and end up sitting too low with a big gap unfilled on your pants. Solution? More designers should make pants with shorter width loops such as Nicolas Ghesquiere for Balenciaga.

source: gq

elle's new star

Is Nina Garcia over? Did "Project Runway" hurt or advance her image? Those questions certainly make me doubt when a creative director is coming on board.

According to news reported in WWD, Elle's future fashion will be in the hands of Joe Zee, a very well known stylist who is contributing to W and was an editor in chief of cancelled Vitals and Vitals Men. There were many rumors of where Mr.Zee would be working after his two magazines were shot down. Keeping a low profile, and declaring that he's not a big partier, Joe Zee can be seen taking walks in Chelsea or grocery shopping in the area. I wonder if he suggested the neighborhood to Vogue's Sally Singer.

I applaud the decision of bringing Mr.Zee to Elle, because his overall taste and design sense is simply stellar. Also, this makes me excited for Elle and what changes he will bring. I expect new page layouts, photographers, and perhaps different sense of what style is at Elle. Most importantly, there will be a big staff change over there very very soon.

source: wwd, getty

robots are everywhere

Cute, no?

the square toe shoe debate

Long arguments and occasional clashing happens more than often between buyers and designers nowadays. Recently, my friend and I started a debate about American fashion and how there has been some improvements in menswear at the mass stores but also how there is so much that needs to be done in the long run. I, a Merchandising major, was stating that menswear design is very hard to change because people have different taste in the U.S. and also culture plays a big role in this game. If stores did not carry what men wanted, for example solid sweaters and square toe shoes, then how would stores make any profits? We need to face the fact that most of America does not have the same vision of what fashion is at the current moment as to a girl/guy living and working in the industry. Do you really think that men will start buying pointy shoes and yellow sweaters? Didn't think so.

He, a fashion design major, argues that it's the buyers fault for stocking stores with non-exciting, poor selected and utterly boring clothes and accessories. Although, I completely understand his perspective as a designer, I think he misses or forgets the concept of profit. We no longer live in a society where choice is limited and people shop at certain places. If you don't have that square toe shoe or the mocha cable knit sweater, I will go somewhere else. Therefore, with this you lose those important factors: money and customers.

Now, how can this be changed? As already stated, some slight changes are being seen. Biggest of them, is that many stores have slim fit options. Second, there are less carpenter/loose fit jeans to be seen, which is probably a result of the slim/straight silhouette that has been present for some time. I don't see big changes anytime soon at the mass level, but it would be very interesting to see what happens next.

So, my dear readers, what is your stand on this debate? Agree, disagree, why, why not...tell me!

ss is for slim shorts

The Coherent will certainly be wearing these slim shorts in the summer. Unfortunately, not Prada but some less money challenging option. Topman designers, you hear this? Although, I have to admit that I and my dear friend X, wore similar slim cuts this past summer and rolled them up. The rolled hem is an important element because it makes them more casual than formal, which puts them on the list of summer wardrobe essentials. And yes, guys with developed thighs can wear this shorts if they are straight cut instead of slim.

Can we please, please leave the cargo shorts for at least one summer? (Sigh) I wish Abercrombie and American Eagle designers would read this.

source: gq.com

the new jean

We simply cannot be counting how many times overalls have been ridiculed and I am sure that many people, including myself have considered them absolutely dull, utterly unattractive and just oh-so-Midwestern. So, let's reconsider this notion again.

The cool people at Iron Army have introduced a new pair of what I would call the 21st century overall pant with straight/skinny leg. Instead of the tacky high patch that regular overalls have, this pair has a smaller patch which is much lower and aesthetically pleasing. Also, this allows for your top to be seen much, much better. Then, they have adopted the skinny fever of suspenders that has been going for a while and attached them in denim to the patch. Result: unwanted classic turned into a hot new denim item.

Available at: Behaviour, NY

source: hx mag

yes, color!

First 2: Vogue US, rest: German Vogue

I am a very big contrast person, so you've guessed that I was in pure joy when I saw these two editorials. Also, rich, vibrant and playful color is much needed since I haven't seen this much intense color for some time. There has been lots of green these couple of last seasons and change is more than welcomed.

Therefore, how about some lemon yellow from Jil Sander? It is such a refreshing color and makes any metallics look wearable for daytime. Perhaps Medici dark red courtesy of Miu Miu? And no, red does not only look best with black and white. How about marine blue? The combinations are endless. What gets attention is playing with non-traditional and new colors. I hope you enjoy it.

photos: tfs.com

spring's hard edge

We all know that Elbaz is a genious. Season after season, he presents us something new, utterly chic and quite memorable. In this case, how could I ever forget his pvc charged collection for spring?? I absolutely loved it, and this was reconfirmed when I saw the lovely Caroline wearing one of his trench coats. Everything from the make up to how the hair slighly is blown and her soft-core yet very strong stare, makes me excited for the season. I enjoyed many of the collections in the fall, and looking forward to wonderful and inspiring editorials during this new season.

Vogue, January 2007

source: tfs.com

error?

I couldn't help but noticing this shoe in the new Vogue US editorial. What happened?? Why Sasha is not wearing the flats, but late 90's strappy spiked hills that remind me of merchandise purchased at Aldo? This looks quite out of the picture to me. What do you guys think?

people

New York Magazine tops everyone this month with a genious cover where Meryl Streep, Sofia, Helen, Ugly Betty and Borat are all in one. Perhaps, some other weeklies or even monthly magazines should take a note??

originality

Talk all you want about Karl. Criticize him, love him, don't like him. Like that matters when you see that even the Christmas lights on his 5th Avenue Fendi flagship store are in the shape of one of the house's most popular bags to date. Bravo Karl and team, and we wish more stores embraced their talent outside of the design studios.

hungry for hilary

I have been waiting for quite some time new material from Ms.Rhoda. Hilary is magical and captures your attention with that brunettes-only stare. Her dark features and little thicker than average eyebrows brings a much needed personality among today's alien/kiddy looking models. She reminds me of the early to mid 90's craze about girls looking healthy, energetic and American. Although, I would not classify her beauty as purely American, she definitely embodies that spirit.

Note to editors: Hire Hilary more and all those complaints about anorexic models might stop.

scans from Harper's January 2007

camera, lights and...??

This is what happens to beautiful clothes when bad lighting is applied. To me, this just looks weird. Look at that light on her arms and most importantly the dress...can you really see the dress? Yes, maybe?? If one has not seen it on the runway, then determining how it actually looks might be hard. I am totally understanding the entire romanticism idea behind this, but has it gone little too far. Too bright...and it looks as a June or July issue instead of January and introduction to the new collections. Oh, the beauty of it...

on the watch

With the constant openings of luxury stores, high sales volumes and evidence of grand wealth, Russia has been placed on the fashion map for a while. Eastern Europeans are increasingly keen on fashion and quite conscious of what's going on in planet fashion. If you're not so sure, just ask Gilles Mendel of J.Mendel who announced today that he is taking a trip to Moscow and meet with his loyal clients who contribute to sold out ready to wear and furs.

Therefore, it's no surprise to see chic Russian actress, Svetlana Metkina making the rounds at film premieres and other functions. Despite the fact that she is quite beautiful and healthy with a great girly smile, Svetlana has that "It" girl factor. I like her style and how is eclectic, but not over the top. She dresses exactly how someone in their 20's should.

Currently, she is in "Bobby", but I sense she might be getting more attention here. Also, I think it would be refreshing to see a new "fashion" girl without her being French or a muse to some big designer. Although there has been a progress in the field of editors who favor certain girls, for example the recent crop of many Chinese actresses, I hope there can be a spot for Svetlana. So, have your radar on for her.

hi helmut

Ah, and how 90's is this? The only slight new thing about it are the skinny cropped jeans. Look at the draping and that slouchy neckline...some bells are already ringing in my head.
I mean, even her hair looks like Alanis Morissette, circa the mid-90's.

In case you didn't know already, this is Yigal Azrouel's look for spring. And, I like it. Just bring back more minimalism please. Tired of seeing roses.

so right

I wish more December covers sticked to the month. Take for example, German Vogue, which presents us with a real, snowy, white and little holiday vibe cover. So simple and effective.

And, Doutzen is just perfect. I sense that this girl will start replacing some other faces soon, since it was just confirmed that she will starring in a new Calvin Klein White Label campaign on TV.

limit

I really think there should be an acceptance border of airbrushing when it comes to covers. Just pay a close attention to Lily Donaldson's face.

freshness

I love this idea of layering cardigans. I think it's just genious.

We should thank emerging designer, Victor Glemaud who started his men's collection this past September in Paris. What's the best part? Prices are affordable and he will show more talented work in February in New York. Can't wait.

Oh, and also, it doesn't hurt that one was assistant to Patrick Robinson. More of Victor here.

photo:

queerty.com

i'm skinny, you're skinny, we're skinny

I am getting very tired of hearing about skinny models or actresses or whatnot. So, the last person we all need to express such statements is the one who started the trend. Twiggy, the 60's legendary model, declares that Hollywood is responsible for the the whole skinny trend.

I just don't get it. Being the way you are whether skinny or round or average or overweight is one person's choice. If one wants to be skinny, go ahead... why do people think everyone will follow Nicole Richie or Micha Barton? After all, it's a free country where diet pills are even advertised on newsstands.

And, Twiggy, we love you but don't you think this is little contradictory?

kate, the singer

I found this quite interesting the other day. I think that Simon is correct saying whether Kate can sing or not. I mean, look at all the other artist who claim themselves to be good singers when in fact they are not. Let's just start with Britney... and all the way to Nancy Sinatra. History shows that if you have power image, famous boyfriend, a group of editors and reviewers behind you, everything is possible.

So, please, let this be true. Because I can already see a duet with Kate and Pete being named the most chic video of the beginning of the century.

owl

"My natural biorhythm is to sleep until 5 p.m. and then have a cocktail."

-Tom Ford

Gotta love him. More on Mr.Ford here.


photo: style.com

purity

You know one is a good model when she still looks beautiful and stunning in a Halloween costume.


photo:
style.com

snap

Nevermind Piere Berrge's spicy comments. Yves' lifelong partner has a constant "thing" against Tom Ford, from the way he expresses himself to his designs for YSL. Most recently, in an article regarding gays/being closeted/hetero in the fashion industry, Mr. Berrge concluded:

"I'm not publicly airing one's sexuality in public. For instance, I think it's gross, whether I'm a homosexual or not, when Tom Ford talks in a magazine about watching a porno film and beating off. It doesn't shock me. I'm not a puritan, it's not that. It's just gross."

Hah.

photo:

style.com

fashion sight of the day: mariacarla

Who: Leggy, doll/rocker girl Mariacarla Boscono

Where: Ralph Lauren Men, West Village, NY

Company: Long haired mid-twenties man

Look: Chiffon vintage printed skirt, black blouse, croc knee high boots, army long canvas coat with rolled sleeves. It seems she is brunette again, and unfortunately looked little tired. She was very quiet, and had a very birdie vibe about her. Still, she is divine.