Friday, September 30, 2011

New Obsession: The Cambridge Satchel

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I cannot stop thinking about these Classic Cambridge Satchels. The 11" black with gold monogram is literally calling my name. I may be purchasing this real soon; perfect for Coachella. It's a great bag with a super subtle but classic shape. Who can beat the price too, it's practically a fraction of the cost of an Hermes Constance or PS 11 and kind of the same concept. simple, chic, and practical. MUST HAVEE NOW!!
Nancy & Betty the cambridge satchel company

Arizona Muse for Vogue Paris October 2011

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I was reading an article Mark Holgate wrote in Vogue's September issue about Emanuelle Alt and I remember her saying that she already knew what she had wanted to change about the magazine now that she was now the Editrix in Chief for Vogue Paris. "I knew what I wanted to change about it. I wanted to see things with humor, present ideas and pictures that will make people laugh or smile. I am a happy person," she said. Little did I know she was seriously doing just that, especially with this spread with Arizona Muse literally laughing, smiling and appearing as a "happy" person. I do love the editorial and the focus on les bijous. C'est tres magnifique, no? Kudos Alt! I can definitely see this new direction Alt is taking the magazine and so far, I'm liking it. View the full editorial here.
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Monday, September 26, 2011

Interview: Franca Sozzani

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Besides Anna and Carine, I really admire the work Franca does as the Editrix in Chief of Vogue Italy. Since 1988, Franca has been the lady in charge for 22 years and has managed to keep the magazine not only relevant, but boundary pushing in many ways. She's had her all black issue, top black model spread, and her plus size issue featuring Tara lynn, Candine Huffine & Robyn Lawley. Here's an interview I read and enjoyed with the the editrix her self and model.com's model manager, Christopher Michaels.


Christopher Michael: You have been the editor-in-chief of Italian Vogue since 1988. What sort of demands do you find yourself facing today that you did not have to deal with then?
Franca Sozzani: The fashion system has completely changed, so what was twenty-two years ago has nothing to do with today. Then, Italian Vogue was called the first experimental magazine. We didn’t even have so much sex in the beginning, but people were so conservative then that we were always dubbed the “experimental” magazine, and for the first two years, we suffered for this. Italian Vogue is an Italian magazine; it’s written in Italian, a language that is only spoken in Italy, so my idea was that in order to become international, we had to develop a visual language. At the time, photographers were appreciated, but not perceived as the artists or image-makers that they are today. Today, all magazines are hyper-visual—you buy any magazine and it’s one image after another. But we were the first magazine to prioritize the images—and this was, of course, before digital photography! Back then, we were always working on the lighting, and sending prints back and forth by Federal Express. Now you put images up on an FTP, and the next day you are already able to do the layout. Before computers, we did our layouts with tape and scissors. That seems like it was 200 years ago, but the big change has really been in the last ten or twelve years.

CM: Speaking of the visual language, another interesting choice you’ve made is the unprecedented ongoing relationship between Vogue Italia and Steven Meisel. It has to be asked, what reason was behind your decision to use one photographer for all of your covers for so long?
FS: I needed to have a consistent, recognizable look to every cover. My idea was that even if you took the word “Italia” off, you know what Vogue Italia is. Many magazines don’t seem to have a connection between one cover and the next, and it becomes hard to tell them apart. Especially today—images can be printed in such a high quality, but that also flattens them out, in a way. There’s a similar problem in fashion. Everyone can buy clothes—the most accessible clothes are not of the best quality, but unless you look at the label, you don’t know who it’s by. It’s this kind of oversaturation that makes me believe we are on the brink of another huge change.

CM: Italian Vogue, now more than ever, has really become a global brand. Do you believe that the time when markets were regional and separate is over? That we are becoming one global market?
FS: No. I believe that even today, there’s still an appreciation for the different system, or attitude, that each country has. What is surprising to me is how Vogue Italia is being appreciated in China, India, Korea, and Japan. This does not happen to every magazine. Sure, American Vogue has that, but they are an institution. Italy is not as powerful, but I think our international popularity goes back to your first question. The big difference between then and today is how much more conversant people are in visual language now. We can communicate because the language is no longer limited to words. It’s spoken in images.

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CM: Due to economics, many publishers want their magazine editors to work within safer creative boundaries. Vogue Italia seems to have managed to continue allowing its photographers the same creative freedom. How have you managed to maintain that?
FS: Most of the photographers at Italian Vogue—Bruce Weber, Paolo Roversi, Peter Lindbergh—they started with me. We have a special relationship, because we all started together. Even with people like Tim Walker and Craig McDean— we’ve been working together for so long, and there is a trust that develops in that kind of working relationship. Condé Nast gives you freedom. If you don’t disappoint them while using that freedom, you are able to keep it, and I’ve been there for twenty-five years.

CM: You write on your own blog every day. What was the catalyst for starting it?
FS: When we started the website, I was sure that we could find a distinct language for the web, which was not the same as the magazine. What is the difference? In a monthly magazine, you have time to think about the images, to figure out how to make the layouts, and all of that. The web is exactly the opposite: it’s quick and it has to be out. I thought that if I were to do a blog, I would again take the responsibility for developing a voice, as I did with creating the visual language for the magazine. I thought I could make it about more than just fashion—it could be about television, news, scandal—but I would take responsibility for what I say on it. I don’t want to destroy the image of anyone, and I always try to stand by what I say. As a result of my work with fashion and photography, I have credibility with a certain audience, and I can use that to branch out into different subjects. It doesn’t mean that I don’t get attacked from time to time, but on a blog, you can have a dialogue with your critics. I think it’s very important to take responsibility for what you say. Whenever you do something publically, you will have critics— when I started at Vogue, people were always saying things. I like the opportunity to have dialogue, but first I have to expose myself and take the risk. It can be very tiring—I write six days a week. But the site has been successful, with over one million unique hits this month alone. It’s been great.

CM: Your approach to fashion goes beyond the clothes. It seems to be a very culturally aware, or even philosophical approach. Is this something you consciously cultivate? Or is that just the way you experience fashion?
FS: When we talk about fashion, we should have two different points of view. There are people who are very creative—they make fashion. And there are people who are really good with product—they make style. When someone is very creative, even if their work doesn’t sell, follow them. They are opening up a new way. When you are talking about style—or styling—it’s different. Anyone can do styling, and make a “correct” show. But a creative show relies on thousands of little ideas underneath the surface. It’s very important to see this difference. Because instead of focusing on one “fashion,” you focus instead on different women. You should not be provocative all the time, because if you are provocative all the time, people get tired of it. To be provocative every month means that you have to say the opposite of the issue from the month before. So you become unreliable. If you address the different kind of women that will always exist—the romantic, the chic, the perverse, the sexy—you encompass all of the fashion that you see. So I mix the two, the creatives and the people who are good with product, this brings something for each kind of woman; this is what I do.

Read the full interview here.

Inspiration: Randy Phillips


Only because Randy Philips is inspiring...and cute. As a member of the US Military and now an active member of the gay community, I'm sure it took a lot of courage to tell his Southern dad that he was gay. After watching this extremely admirable and emotional video, I couldn't help but imagine what it felt like. Surreal perhaps, but overly happy and relieved once it was said and done. I remember one particular lecture vividly during my time at UCSB studying as an undergrad in the department of communication and it was in my family communication class. My professor had told us that there are three things a kid, a son or daughter, grandson or granddaughter always needs to hear and it's I love you, I accept you, and I am proud of you. I'm sure Randy's father thinks nothing less of his son given his orientation and I think that's how it should be. pure & simple.

Milan Fashion Week: Spring/Summer 2012 Favorites part two

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Salvatore Ferragamo - Creative director Massimiliano Giornetti definitely had the tropics on his mind when creating the Ferragamo ss 12 collection. With an array of mixed combinations of animal prints, vivid colors and floral patterns, the presentation illustrated a sleek and sexy Ferragamo woman with form-fitting silhouettes, high slits, cut outs, and old Hollywood glamour hair. No tropical ensemble isn't complete with exotic bags to match so Giornetti accessorized his looks with maxi-bags made of Nappa leather and crocodile maxi-clutches. Overall great collection in my opinion. View the entire collection here.

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Dolce & Gabbana - With the dismissal of their sister brand, D&G, Stefano and Dominico brought out an equally as strong collection for their main line. Their ss 12 collection presented feminine and sexy pieces adorned with fruit and veggie prints, crystal embellished bodices, floral prints, incredible lace/eyelet and twill suits in shades of orange, light blue, and soft green. Just like the past ss 12 collection I've seen, the Dolce & Gabbana collection continues to prove how strong statement earrings and tummy showing bustiers/bandeaus are as a trend for it's season. View the entire collection here.

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Emilio Pucci - I've always been a Pucci "girl" at heart. Sexy, feminine, and fashion forward all at the same time. I love how there always seems to be a subtle fetish or kinky undertone to Peter Dundas' creations. In my opinion, the collection was inspired by Rock and Roll/gypsy glamour with sheer skirts, lace embroidered blouses, big ruffles, waist-tied sashes and shoulder & tummy bearing tops. I love the printed shirt and slid grey bermuda shorts; sexy and still sophisticated. THe presentation showcased a variety of colors with focus on white, red, and black and a myriad of 70's inspired prints. Gwyenth Paltrow was lucky enough to get her hands on one of the ss 12 pieces and rocked it at the 2011 Emmy's a few weeks ago. View the entire collection here.

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Sportsmax - Probably the most sportswear inspired collection I've seen during the ss 12 Milan shows, but also the most minimal in a sense. All the previous Milan shows I've mentioned as favorites donned consistent prints, patterns, and vivid colors, but I loved how refreshing and minimal (but still a twist of prints), the collection was for Sportsmax. With a youthful mix form-fitting silhouettes and slouchy outwear pieces, the Sportmax girl exuded confidence and a subtle tone of sexiness. The presentation focused on pastel colors in blue, pink, and purples, but also included neutrals in white, beige, grey and black. I thought the knits were impeccable, and I enjoyed how the prints complimented the solid pieces and we're the main attraction of the collection. Just like Vera Wang and Mulberry's ss 12 collections, Sportmax used drawstring details, which will be a trend for the season. View the entire collection here.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Missoni for Target: Purchase

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Rachel Zoe isn't the only one sleeping in Missoni now. After a cruel and at that time painful hour and a half shopping experience on Target.com, I was able to nab my Missoni for Target purcahses. I picked up a tie for work and the classic chevron printed duvet set for my room. Despite some problems with my order and the tracking of my shipment, which made me nervous, I'm happy to say that I got both items safe and sound. I'm used to solids as bed sheets, so doing a print of me is a challenge, but I absolutely love the duvet set and how the print adds a pop in my room. Can't wait to see who Target's next genius collaboration will be. What did you guys get?!
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Eugene Tong

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Besides Eugene's awesome and drool-worthy wardrobe, the senior style editor for Details Magazine has an effortlessly chic style. A fuse of all american classics with some downtown flare. The secrets and details are in the quality of his clothes & accessories, which is something I love about him.


From The Sartorialist.

Milan Fashion Week: Spring/Summer 2012 Favorites part one

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Iceberg - This collection is so far one of my favorite ss 12 shows in Milan. The collection showed a variety of menswear inspired pieces mixed with well tailored trousers, skimpy bandeaus, striped mesh tops, intricately crocheted separates (which we're probably my favorite), jumpsuits, stripes, and sequins. I thought Paolo Gerani, creative director of Iceberg presented a strong presentation with his creations. The accessories from the belts, shoes, and bags we're also beautiful. Pure chicness in my opinion. View the entire collection here.

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D&G - Although Dominico & Stefano stated that this was their last collection for the sister brand of their household label, I thought their final presentation was incredibly strong. I loved the the prints, which is fair to say because of the history of D&G's expertise in prints. The presentation showcased a lovely range from pants, skirts, dresses, shirts, and even a double breasted denim suit. Not a huge fan of the shoes, but I thought the jewelry was absolutely stunning and complimented the collection very well. Will you be grabbing a piece of D&G''s final collection before it goes buh bye? Can't wait to see the mens collection. View the entire collection here.

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Prada - Miuccia Prada never disappoints and after a very VERY strong collection last spring, I think Miuccia did a very good job in delivering another great spring collection. This season the creative director used several themes of the 1950's with vintage automobile and floral prints along with flame motifs. The collection illustrated classic Prada shapes with bulky coats, wide shoulders, and pleated knee high skirts. Miuccia also included bandeaus in her collection, which I'm predicting will be another trend for the season. The earrings we're incredible and I think that jewelry mainly earrings will be a strong trend for the ss 12 season; chandeliers, tear drops, oh my! A standout collection for sure. View the entire presentation here.

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Etro - Utilizing signature prints and patterns, Etro unveiled a modern 1920's silhouette with cut outs in it's collection. This season, it seemed like Etro turned down the prints and combined more solids in both black and white, which in my opinion is refreshing. The presentation wasn't drowning in prints and patterns, but more complimented or emphasized by it. The touch of fringe was also great, because I haven't seen the Italian house do fringe in a long time. View the entire collection here.

Lara Stone for Vogue Japan

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I love Lara Stone & the Givenchy fw 2011 collection, which in my opinion is pure high fashion with a gangster twist. Amazing cover.
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Tuesday, September 20, 2011

New Obsession: 2 Broke Girls & New Girl

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Now that my beloved TrueBlood is wrapped up for the season, it's time to get into gear with my favorite fall shows including Glee, ANTM (all-star cast of course), and Modern Family! I was browsing some new shows and I instantly fell in love with two.

New Girl - I think Zooey Deschanel is a fairly decent actress, perhaps because I only really see her as a "one note" type of actress. In her new fox show titled, New Girl, Zooey plays a quirky weird girl trying to survive life and love all while living with three very different guys. I think that's the twist, a uniquely vulnerable girl living with three guys who are, well, guys. The chemistry between the four characters is infectiously hilarious. The show had me laughing from the start. I can't wait for episode 2! View the pilot episode here!!



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2 Broke Girls - Despite the sometimes not so funny sexual remarks/jokes, the show is pretty hilarious being that it's only a thirty minute series. I love Kat Dennings and it's great to see her on television. But what's even better is seeing hottie Noah Mills in the first episode...pretty much shirtless the entire episode! The comedy series seems looks like it'll be a great show as it portrays the life of one Brooklyn girl (Dennings) trying to survive NYC life with a newly broke upper east sider (Beth Behrs). View the first episode here!!!

Monday, September 19, 2011

London Fashion Week: Spring/Summer 2012 Favorites part two

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Paul Smith - Probably one of the best menswear inspired collections I've seen in a long time. Paul Smith's ss 12 collection was filled with well-tailored sport coats and trousers that gave a downtown chic and softer look to it's masculine inspiration. The presentation was quirky, sassy, and cool, which is something PS does well. My favorite pieces included the trouser pants and those shoes! I need leopard loafers stat. View the entire collection here.

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Matthew Williamson - I think Matthew's a genius when it comes to infusing print and colors together. The end results are almost always stunning. The paisley/ikat like prints were incredible with pops of rich yellows, blues, oranges, and greens. I thought the collection showed great range from pants, tops, shorts, jumpsuits, outerwear, and dresses. Very spring and yet another strong collection for Matthew. I'm glad I picked up a MW x H&M sportcoat when I had the chance. They sure are one of a kind and like any other. View the entire collection here.

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Burberry - Even though I'm a HUGE Christopher Bailey fan, I wasn't too keen on his s 12 collection for Burberry. To be honest the only thing I really enjoyed was the color palette as well as the prints. It seemed like I've seen the pieces he's created before and it wasn't something new or exciting. But if there's one thing that I enjoyed the most about his collections time after time it has to be the craftsmanship that goes into making the pieces. From the sweaters to the hand bags, it seems all so intricate and made with such detail is practically flawless. Check out the video below to get a quick view of the ss 12's craftsmanship and view the entire collection here.