Eternal Masquerade

Monroe Monday

 

  

Taking inspiration from all things retro lately has given me a new perspective on style, how to shop for your body type, and what the meaning of an investment purchase should really be. From perhaps- a polka dot blouse to a new pair of black satin shoes, it's not only about what will stand the test of time, but on which occasions these new acquisitions will be worn. 

As Diane Von Furstenberg so eloquently put it back in October, 2009, "My clothes are friends. So when you wake up in the morning and you feel lousy and you open your closet, you go for your friends." Each piece you purchase should be a friend in some form. So I'm taking a vow right now, to never purchase clothing or shoes that I don't truly feel comfortable and beautiful in that I can't dress up and down. Clothing should be easy and not stressful. Everyday women everywhere work incredibly hard to fit other's standards, so why should they work just as hard to fit a certain designer's size range or body type? It's not worth it. 

I suppose not all of these topics are completely relevant to one another but after some hefty dressing room distress this week, I felt the need to rant a bit. With iconic, screen siren, Marilyn Monroe as my inspiration for today, I just felt obligated to say that what inspires me about this woman, is not her so-called "perfect measurements" but her undeniable confidence with every single step she took. Which is precisely why I will now ask WWMD?

  

Prints Galore

Taking a cue from DVF, Rebecca Taylor, and J. Stuart this season with prints in all beautiful shapes, sizes, and styles.

 

 

 
 
 

 
 

 

 

 

Links à la Mode

 

Rants & Raves

Edited by Ashe Mischief

I was taken aback when going through the submissions this week– there were so many powerful, strong, opinionated pieces that I felt really taken aback. With overwhelming positivity or negativity, the fashion community is finding it’s voice– and making themselves heard! The fashion community is great at sharing the voice of others, and we’ve got several fabulous interviews to prove it. From Derek Lam at Poetic & Chic and White Rabbit’s interview with Irish woman Sinead Doyle (along with my own interview with Amelia Arsenic at Dramatis Personae), there are voices for everyone. We’ve got bloggers ranting on the lack of premium denim in plus-sizes at Denim Debutante (hell yeah!), and some showcasing inspirational figures like KOOS (at M.I.S.S.), Philip Crangi (at Eternal Masquerade), and Maria Felix (at Jewelry Whore). There were so, so many great links this week, it really was hard to narrow it down to 2o. Check out the full listing of Links à la Mode here.

Links à la Mode : March 18th

• Bachman's Sparrow – DIY post on how to use bleach to revamp your “unloved” clothes!
• blackdog finds: – How To: 10 Creative Ways to Revive Less-Than-Loved Clothing
• Denim Debutante: – Guest Blog: Is there Size Discrimination in Premium Denim?
• dramatis personae: – Amelia Arsenic’s Miss X Aesthetic Laboratories & Interview
• Eternal Masquerade: – How I Met Design Duo of Giles & Brother, Philip and Courtney Crangi
• Fashion Hippo – Win Marc by Marc Jacobs Leola Bow Wow Handbag
• Fashion Pulse Daily: – Not Your Daughter’s Jeans: Fit for a Mother AND a Daughter?
• fete a fete: – Whiisical spring designs from Camper shoes
• Forty Not Out: – Louis Vuitton – Fall Winter 2010/2011
• Grechen Blogs: – are you incorporating video into your blog? how is it working for you?
• Independent Fashion Bloggers – A New Map of the Two-Way Street: Why Giving Back to the Blogosphere is Key to Growth
• jesse.anne.o: – How do you swap, thrift or buy resale and NOT get bedbugs?
• Jewelry Whore: – “The Fabulous Jewels of Maria Felix, La Dona”
• M.I.S.S.: – Eyes To The Sky: Before BOHO There Was KOOS.
• Oranges and Apples: – Sustainable fashion part 2: thinking about speed
• Poetic & Chic: – A candid interview with Derek Lam, fellow San Franciscan and fellow high school alumni!
• Pretty Shiny Sparkly: – It’s leather. It’s quilted. It’s a computer, for fashionistas.
• Style Symmetry: – Interview with the Stylish Sisters of Beckerman Bite Plate
• The Thinking Fashionista: – An in-depth, critical look at the Russian Futurist themes of Viktor & Rolf’s Fall 2010 show.
• The Working Man: – Incorporating Spring Into Your Working Look
• White Rabbit: – An interview with Irish fashion Designer Sinead Doyle and the inspiration behind her S/S 2010 collection.

Thanks so much to Ashe Mischief and The Coveted! 

Beach Bunnies

 

 

 

 

  
  
 

 

  

 

Playground Love

Longing for the days where you can feel the warmth of the sun on your back, and the slight breeze only faintly brushes your hair back past your freckled shoulders…

Summer inspirations..oh weather gods, don't you hear my cries?

 

 

 

   

 

   

 

 

Some favorite melodic summer tunes for your next road trip to nowhere.. 

Obsession: Always and Forever, Philip Crangi

I have a special story that I've been meaning to share with you for quite some time now. It's special to me at least. Each time I go to post though some other new fantastic topic comes to mind so I switch gears and change focus. But none of that today! No. Thanks to The Sartorialist for snapping this stunning and iconic shot of the man, I was reminded.

 This shot left most who were unaware of Philip and the gorgeous things he has created naming him the "Techno Viking" -- a term I was unaware of until yesterday.

 The extremely well coiffed artist crafted my favorite piece of jewelry that I took months to save up for..The Irulan Collar Necklace by Giles & Brother. The stunning piece has been seen on everywhere; from the cover of Teen Vogue to Eternal Masquerade.

 

  Okay, getting to the point. Back in November, 2009 when I attended Teen Vogue Fashion University, I was standing in line for my next lecture given by Derek Lam which just so happened to be directly across from the media line and mass amount of designers and editors. 

Look I have proof!

 

 

Well you see that highlighted head just below in the left hand corner of my picture? That's Courtney Crangi, Philip's sister and business partner. About 2 minutes after taking this photograph, Courtney tapped me on the shoulder to compliment the lovely necklace I was wearing--Oh wait--it was her and her brother's design. After striking up a conversation about God knows what (I was so nervous I barely remember), her brother then comes strutting over and shakes my hand! Again, we chatted for a few minutes and yet I can't quite remember what about. But, I do remember I dropped my pen as I went to shake his hand and he graciously, and thoughtfully picked it up for me. 

 

The man seems to be so at ease in the industry, completely comfortable creating what he likes which is why I totally admire him. The super sibling duo were in the midst of opening their store that weekend, the Crangi Family Project, and seemed so relaxed at the time. If it wasn't enough to just be a lovely human being, his creations are so unique and surprisingly timeless and exotic that I'd be perfectly content wearing nothing but his jewelry for the rest of my life. If only going nude wasn't frowned upon..

Check out Giles & Brother here.

Check out Philip Crangi Jewelry here.

Lazy Eye

It's pouring rain all over the nation today; from San Francisco where @evachen212 tweets about the dreaded muckiness of the Golden Gate City to good old..very very old Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where the overcast and bleak wind chill almost make you forget about the sunny days we had not too long ago. So of course, I dream of the day when shades were necessary and these Linda Farrow collaborations make wearing sunnies an art..

 
 Some A. Wang Bestsellers! I want those zipper accented shades..

   
  Henry Holland's crazy cool specs..I adore the orange pair.

 How could you forget this famous set? A one and only lady could make them famous..

 

After pouring over the iconic designer's new online store, I have to say I'm feeling the need for a new pair of optical frames as well..

  
 
 

I was recently interviewed by Fashion Girl for an article about young fashion bloggers, and you should DEFINITELY check it out!

Rock the Night Away

With prom approaching at a disturbingly fast pace, I can't help but draw inspiration from one of my favorite editorials of ALL time when it comes to my own very special look.

 
The Twilight Prom feature in Teen Vogue showcases the perfect, sophisticated, yet rocker look that I'd love to draw from for prom. Gloria Baume's charming approach to the evening looks is definitely what I will be keep in mind while on the hunt for that one very special sihoulette.

 

I have to admit, while the girl's dress is just so chic, it's the guy's outfit that really makes me swoon.

 

I also have some exciting news for those of you in the Philadelphia area..I'll be appearing on the CW Philly's morning show on Friday, March 26th in a prom segment as a model. The point of view for the segment is to show prom styles at different price points so if you get CW Philly, be sure to tune in! 

 

Oscar 2010 Favorites

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

  
 

 
 
 

Outfit Post with Nautical Notes

What I'm Wearing Today…

Courtesy of my lovely Macbook Pro Webcam/Photo Booth

Dress: T by Alexander Wang

Blazer: Aqua (Last outfit photo I posted, I was wearing the exact same blazer! Is this bad style blogging etiquette? Who cares! It's uber versatile.)

Necklace: Giles & Brother (one of my most prized possessions)

Ring: Pilgrim

Not Shown: Grey Tights by DKNY, Knee Socks by American Apparel, Boots by Frye.

P.S. check out my ridiculously messy hair + three mini braids. Not exactly sure who I was channeling today while getting ready, but I think I love them.