runway or reality?

Raf's wonderful shorts are absolutely sticked in my mind. That exquisite draping, the particular slim puffiness...you name it, I just want one. But, then reality kicks in and you wonder is this for the runway only or can I wear it on the street? Can you push steretypes and be an original?

So, what is it? Runway or reality?

source: firsview

suburbia

Another example of how New York is slowly becoming a giant suburb. JCPenney on 34 St.??? Not surprised.
This photo: Payless Shoes in Soho: Broadway/Spring

neon spring

It's hard not to fall into this craze about 80's or neon. But, it's not like someone forced me into it. I suppose I just felt inspired. Perhaps, it was a good idea for a change. So, here it is: my neon scarf and an acid wash t-shirt.

mag advice

According to New York magazine, short shorts are considered underwear. I say no, and you say...?

saturation point

I love accessories, but when you have something shoved in your face for a long time, you get bored and annoyed because:

1. This scarf is everywhere.
2. This scarf is even worn by high school students.
3. This scarf has become a mechanical part of wannabe chic people.
4. This scarf is so unoriginal.
5. This scarf is still advertised in the latest Urban Outfitters catalog and is paired with a military jacket. The horror.
6. This scarf needs to be stored and be untouched for at least 3 years.

image: urban outfitters spring catalog

urban mixture: tims + skinny

I am not sure if I am delighted or puzzled to write about a new trend spreading among stylish guys in the city. It is quite simple since it derives from an existing silhouette, but little more updated and perhaps twisted. Gone is the indie/nerdy/rocker vibe and replaced with a tough,very don't-f-with-me attitude.

The observed concept is a combination of Timberland tan work boots and skinny jeans. Perhaps this is the next step guys look for in shoes where they switch from beated Converse or white sneakers to Tims. While it doesn't present a logical resolution to this so-called problem or rather a desired change, it is something we should be aware of. How far can we go when interpreting wardrobe elements from different lifestyles?

Can the ultimate staple of hip hop culture be mixed with an essential part of modern day fashionable guys? Skinny jeans and Tims? While people search for inspiration everywhere, it does not have to mean taking action upon anything that is around us. Finally, I am all about taking ricks when dressing, but I think this might be too much.

Originality does not have limits, but acceptability does.

image: urbanoutfitters.com

daria rules...most absolutely, most definitely

Models come and go. As it is well known, many models last for 2 years and after that they have expired. Well, maybe...

However, Daria is such an exception. I will never get bored or annoyed from looking at her. This girl is phenomenal and I am more than glad to see her doing more ediotirals, as witnessed above. My dear friend, Darialogist, has a link to the May issue of Paris Vogue, where she has not one, but two editorials. Will there be more? Please!

spring fever

Spring Essentials:
1. skinny colored belt
2. knitted tie
3. something grey
4. crisp white shirt

the right way

This is how guys in their 20's should dress. Polished, but relaxed in a nerdy way. Love those light colored Vans and the khakis. Perfect! And, Simon Rich certainly pulls it off.

Teen Vogue. May 2007.

something bad

Stripes have taken such a big turn lately, that it seems every single store on Earth has some sort of a striped top. I think one of most unfortunate designs for a stripe to be incorporated is a henley. Henleys are usually solid colored tops, mostly in dark tones and add a little touch of chic with the added buttons. I'd never ever imagine a striped henley--it's just too much. Too much colors, too much fussy, too much busy... it just doesn't look right. It quite disturbing, if you ask me.

Teen Vogue. May 2007.

eternal white

Not my cup of tea, but Adam Brody looks absolutely stylish in this photo. It embodies a summer vibe and certain touch of airness with the white suit and white snakers. I've been seeing some photos of Adam around and it seems that this young actor takes an effort of dressing himself, even if it's too Californian for my taste. It's much better than seeing those other male actors running around with stains on their t-shirts and sweatpants. Don't you agree?

Time. April 23 2007.

interesting

it's pop to read popism

This is essential reading for any 60's fanatic and from the looks of it around us these days, there are many out there. I am talking about half of the city's girls who are channeling the entire 60's look and many others who favor skinny jeans and striped tops. "Popism" is quite a resourceful book about arts and not just Andy Warhol's, but the whole Pop Art movement. Each year of the decade is discussed in details, and Andy dashes anything from fashion to dirty secrets of his friends. A must-read.

I have way too many favorite parts, but some of the most memorable include:

ANDY ON NEW YORK GIRLS:

"The girls in California were probably prettier in a standard sense than the New York girls-blonder and in better health, I guess; but I still preferred the way in New York looked-stranger and neurotic (a girl always looked more beautiful and fragile when she about to have a nervous breakdown).

ANDY ON WEIRD LOOKING PEOPLE:

"The fear of getting shot again made me think that I'd never again enjoy talking to somebody whose eyes looked weird. But when I thought about that, I got confused, because it included almost everybody I really enjoyed!"

polished summer look

This is for looking sharp at brunch and standing out in a sea of people wearing sweatpants on Sundays. No?

H&M Spring Book. Spring 2007.

pink pant

This is definitely about having the right attitude and courage. One might find the pink pant too unachievable or an item that looks good only in magazines. While those notions are utterly correct and rational, one can pull off this look if the color is soft, just as above. But, yes, it can be a challenge. Don't you think?

H&M Magazine, Spring 2007

dd=detail drawstring

To me, design will always be about details: width of a button hole, collar height, cut of the neckline, the stitching... So, when I saw this wonderful jacket, my focus was on the drawstrings falling on the side. I love the idea that you can tie them up, which creates this bunching up on the sides. Also, the cropped proportion and the subdued grey plaid add to an additional admiration. By Marc.

Barney's Co-Op Catalog, Spring 2007

elegant rave pant

Bergdorf are trying to be progressive and against popular demands. While most of the city's fashiony guys favor the slim silhouette, whose main element is the skinny jean, they present us with an ultra wide cotton pant. I haven't seen such a loose pant since the late 90's. I must admit that it looks odd to me and I probably won't wear this look. Perhaps, it's just the most logic opponent to the skinny jean?

Bergdorf Magazine, Spring 2007

would you ever?

Do you consider wearing this on the street? As much it's a part of the hip hop culture, Kid Robot is little kiddy. Or is it just me? I mean, would you wear a hoddie with cows smoking cigarettes printed on it?

Barney's Co-Op Catalog, Spring 2007

dream

Sequence cardigan for men is one of those things that you want really bad, but then you realize that it's not suitable to wear in the streets. Of course, it looks dashing on the model but I think it's quite hard to pull off as a day wear. I'm sure some guys might wear this, but in reality how many of them are there?

Perhaps it would be more wearable if Karl added some part with sequence like a pocket or some piping instead of covering the entire cardigan? Yes, no?

Vogue Hommes International, Spring 2007

source: tfs

turban stories 2

This look stands out from all the usual turban interpretations. You know, the jewel-like, rich bright color, satin feel and shine combo that people use when wearing a turban.

So here we have the dark turban. Moody, very noir. I like this a lot. Don't you?

source: tfs