monochromatic

I really adore the completely monochromatic looks that popped up on a bunch of the runways for fall collections (and not just the typical all black monochromatic). My favorite was Bottega Veneta. I realize a while ago I was complaining about Samantha Jones' all red outfit in the Sex & the City movie, but I feel Bottega Veneta's collection is much more doable because the hues are far more muted than alllll fire-engine red. Therefore, these looks are much less blinding/LOOK AT ME... they create a simple elegance. These are some of my favorites from Bottega Veneta's Fall 2008 Ready-to-wear:

Eh?

So I was thinking of making a trip to Canada this summer anyway. And considering the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is having an exhibit on Yves Saint Laurent from May 29 - September 28, I think the trip is now a necessity! Canada or bust??

Really is Bringin Sexy Back

While I still like his music, JT has been a bit of a tool lately... but there is just nottttthing wrong with this new Givenchy ad (I am even looking beyond the 2004 style Photoshop)



However, I think we can still safely say that NO ONE will ever beat David Beckham's Armani ads. So just for fun...



Enjoyyyy!

Lisa Frank?

SO glad Ashley introduced me to this fantastic fashion blog, Bryanboy.com! This guy is so fabulous that Marc Jacobs personally sent him the BB bag straight off of the Fall/Winter 2008 collection runway. JEAAAALOUS! Anyway, on this blog there is a "sneak peek" at the totally 90s influenced Gucci Spring/Summer 2009 menswear runway:


I think it is SO FUN! Really loving it.

Bryanboy also has the newest Marc by Marc Jacobs ads up, including this one I have been obsessing over in the newest issue of Vogue (with Nicole Kidman on the cover):

I really adore the bag (which is one of my current favorite colors) and the jacket is also amazing.

Also looooving this new Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Twinsie Sweater':

It looks the same in the back as the front, and I think it gives such a funky twist to a wardrobe staple.

Oh, and for everyone that does not know, BCBGMAXAZRIA has an incredible sale going where so many great things are 30-70% off! Today I got the cute sandals (below) that were originally $200 for $60! Heyyyy!



Also... the wonderful salesgirl at BCBGMAXAZRIA gave me a sneak peak at the pre-fall footwear that is not quite out yet and seriously it is TO DIE FOR. There is this perfect pair of maroon heeled booties with patent and gold detailing and AGH, I am going to need to go back there every single day until they are finally onsale!

I think I am in LOVE

with Zooey Deschanel. So I have basically been in love with her since Almost Famous came out BUT all I have been listening to lately is her "band", She & Him. Their album, "Volume One", is just so great and she has such a unique, beautiful voice. Plus it is great to see women in Hollywood who don't just hop from "career" to career because they can/want the attention but have ACTUAL talent. You practically never see her on the pages of Perez Hilton and that is refreshing.



The video above is of She & Him performing on Craig Ferguson. Her voice (surprise!) still sounds amazing, and she looks fantastic -- I love that dress.

This leads me to more reasons of why I love her... she has FABULOUS style -- always. For example:




how perrrrrf is this Zac Posen on her?!

So between being absolutely gorgeous, being in a few of my favorite movies, having a ~romantic~ past with one of my all time faves (Jason Schwartzman, duh. Shut up, Liz!), and an absolutely incredible voice, it is safe to say that I am in love.

Obsesssssion

Currently loooooving/wanting:


Yves Saint Laurent Y-Mail Black Patent Coin Purse... since my wallet NEVER fits in my clutches.


Betsey Johnson Feather Earrings


ASOS Double Bar Mary Jane Shoe


Betsey Johnson Large Eagle Bracelet


Dolan Side Button Dress in Blue


Lotus Patent Peep Toe Shoe With Ankle Band


Betsey Johnson Large Feather Pendant


Jennifer Behr Victorian Crystal and Silk Satin Headwrap. However even I would not even try to justify $162 on a hair accessory.


French Connection Wizard Cotton Dress


MICHAEL Michael Kors Berkley T-Strap. 4" heels = always, black patent t-straps = of course, zipper detailing = love. I would have gotten them yesterday in AC but they did not have my size and my sales associates should know by now that I need a new pair of shoes every time I go in there. Can one person have too many pairs of shoes? I am worried I may be meeting my quota.

Currently NEEDING:


Yves Saint Laurent Downtown Tote. I am not sure what color, but I am 100% POSITIVE that I muuuust have this bag!

Showtime needs to step it up

So, while I was anticipating the start of the fourth season of Weeds, I had also known the show was on its way down since third season. It had just become too ridiculous and too unbelievable (I say this as if the scenario was ever "believable") but was just interested to see how they would even TRY to keep it going after the season three finale. And anyone who saw the season premiere, Mother Thinks the Birds Are After Her, the attempt wasn't very successful. Instead, it has become even MORE unbelievable (yes, moving 2 hours south to San Diego will make allll of her problems disappear... riiiight). There still are some funny parts but definitely not as good as in the first season (which was amazing!) or the second season. Basically, I am disappointed. But I will probably keep watching because now I just HAVE to know what happens with stupid Nancy Botwin. Oh, and about Nancy Botwin... I liked in the beginning of series how they made her easy to like and made her remain somewhat wholesome and have now turned her into a backstabbing whore. I'm just not on her side anymore? And I think that was the initial goal of the show?

I also decided I would try out the new series, Secret Diary of a Call Girl (the name is too long). I actually already saw the first two episodes (yay for OnDemand), and the first one was definitely better than the second. I liked the introduction type of thing she did in the first episode. I do not like that they are breaking the fourth wall in the show (think first few episodes of Sex & the City, main character talking to the camera). I guess it is good for establishing the premise of the show but I think it will get really old really quickly and I am assuming they will eventually stop it just like they did on S&TC. So while I kind of enjoyed the first episode, although they could have calmed down with the amount of sex scenes, the second episode didn't really old my attention. The show also appears really low budget, and doesn't seem to be purposeful, and it seems silly for such a huge company like Showtime to do that. So I can't really decide what I think but I will probably watch a few more episodes to see where it goes.

In conclusion (god I suck), Showtime has nothing on HBO. New season of Entourage NOW please!

Stole this from Liz

Your Birthdate: December 19

You are resilient, and no doubt your resilience has already been tested. You've had some difficult experiences in your life, but you are wise from them. Having had to grow up quickly, you tend to discount the advice of others. You tend to be a loner, having learned that the only person you can depend on is yourself. Your strength: Well developed stability and confidence Your weakness: Suspicion of others Your power color: Eggplant Your power symbol: Spade Your power month: October

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Ehh, I like reading/doing things like this... but this is pretty inaccurate. I don't think I in any way had to "grow up quickly" and I definitely am the furthest thing from a loner. However, eggplant is one of my favorite colors!

Oh haaaay

CURRENTLY drooooooling over Prada's fall line!


Nappa A Hobo, $2,120.00
This may just be the most perfect handbag I have ever seen in my LIFE. Seriously, I need it.


Suede Shoe Booties, $620
These actually look really similar to vintage shoes I got about two years ago, however mine are just black. I am obsessed with the block coloring and suede ankle boots are a favorite of mine.

Louis Vuitton + Murakami

Finally, after being released to select Louis Vuitton stores June 15 (they had previously only been at the Murakami exhibit at the Brooklyn museum), some good photos of the new Murakami with Louis Vuitton line have been put on the internet. Prior to this I had only seen one photo in a magazine and it wasn't a very good one... I didn't think that I liked the line and now that I have seen a better picture -- I definitely do not like it (however, I do like it better than the previous Murakami/LV). To me, Louis Vuitton is the epitome of classical, timeless fashion... and these basically look like someone took a Dickies bag and screen printed little LV's all of it. Cannot ~wait~ to see the knock-offs of these all over the place (please note the obvious sarcasm).

Baggy Jeans?!

Victoria Beckham, really? It is RARE to see a photo of her without sky-high stilettos on... But I can see the flip-flops for a day at Disneyland with the fam, five inch heels would not be practical even for the poshest of them all. But, those BAGGY jeans?! Are those David's??? I can name about a thousand different articles of clothing that would have been just as comfortable and not completely heinous. OH well, she is still perfect in my eyes.

Top 10 Summer Essentials

So since every magazine/website/everything I read has lists of summer "must haves", I decided that I should obviously make my own because I know everyone is very interested (alright, and I am procrastinating).

#1.

Stila's Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15
I am totally not a foundation type of person, so this is fabulous for me, but definitely perfect for ANYONE in the summertime. It gives very light coverage to even out your skin tone (it comes in 10 different shades), moisturizes, AND with protects your skin from the sun to keep yucky wrinkles away!

#2.

Gladiator Sandals
Yessss I know, me and everyone else is obsessed, so this is very obvious. I have a couple of pairs already and I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my new platform ones. They are a perfect accessory to compliment a plain outfit, and I love that I do not have gross monkey feet so they look amazing on me!

#3.

Fun, bright nailpolish!
OPI's The "IT" Color is one of my favorite, and their Mod About Brights collection also has perfect shades of blue, green, orange, pink, and coral. I need to stay away from Ulta because I buy too many bottles of nail polish... which is silly since I get my nails and toes done every two weeks anyway (an all-of-the-time essential, not just summer!).

#4.

Bumble and Bumble DeFrizz
Anyone who spends the summer months on the East Coast knows the humidity is hard to beat. Bumble and Bumbles DeFrizz serum is highly concentrated, but not too sticky, it gives you some shine and ACTUALLY works. You can use it on straight or curly hair... I would be lost without it.

#5.

Looooots of Sunglasses!
Victoria Beckham is rarely seen without a fabulous pair of oversized sunglasses on -- she knows what's up. Sunglasses protect your eyes from damaging sunlight, prevent nasty crows feet from squinting, and they are a perfect way to accessorize! I love sunglasses. Okay, I reeeeeeeally love sunglasses.

#6.

High Waist EVERYTHING
High waistlines are absolutely amazing. They are so flattering and turn anything from denim shorts to a cotton skirt into a fashionable item that can be worn with sandals for a casual daytime look or dressed up with heels. My collection of high waist shorts, pants, skirts, etc has been ever expanding for the last few months... and I don't see it stopping anytime soon.

#7.

NARS Bronzing Powder
While I am naturally much more tan than the average white girl, I take precautions to keep the sun off my face because I never want wrinkles (heellllllo SPF). This bronzer is amazing for kinda faking that natural glow and comes in two pretty colors. In the summertime I use the darker of the two, Casino, but I would recommend Laguna to anyone who doesn't have quick tanning olive skin.

#8.

Smooooothies
While smoothies are definitely good all year round, they are perfect walking through the city on a hot summer day. My favorite is strawberry banana (sorry Lauren)!

#9.

Body Scrub
Before I go out in the sun for an extended period of time, I make sure to use a body scrub so I get a nice eeeeven tan. They're even better in summery scents like this coconut one from Philosophy (ALL of their stuff smells soo good).

#10.

VACATIONS
Duuuh! I already have plans to go to Los Angeles and Las Vegas (San Francisco may be in the works as well), as well as little trips like to the Hamptons (and basically any beach as often as humanly possible). If it was up to me I would be traveling 90% of the year... so if anyone wants to plan any vacations in late August, let me know!

OctopusME!?

This jewelry designer, OctopusMe, has a really interesting line that uses real octopus to make their jewelry (such as the earrings above. They cast the tentacles in sterling silver, and even make custom jewelry. This both intrigues me and skeeves me out (I have an irrational fear of octopus that stems from the 20 Thousand Leagues Under the Sea ride at Disney), and I can't quite figure out if this is cruel or not? It doesn't really say on the site how/where they get the tentacles but it does point out that they regenerate soo, I don't know? Thoughts? The price of these don't seem too terrible either -- starting at about $42 and going up to around $160. Definitely original.


An accessories trend I am really into, however, is all of the feathers! Everywhere! On everything! Such as the feather hairclip (Urban Outfitters, $18) and the headband (Urban Outfitters, $18) pictured above. Now, I realize I would most certainly look like Pocahontas with any sort of feather accessory anywhere on my head, but this just may be a risk I am willing to take. Who DOESN'T like Pocahontas anyway?!

This Week in (Leaked) Music

A few days ago I had the pleasure of having new Sigur Rós and the new Coldplay albums sent to me by friends. Pretty exciting since both are such highly anticipated albums and thus far, I am very impressed!


Coldplay's Viva La Vida is a bit of a turn away from their last album, X&Y, however none of the tracks really strike me as being truly original. It is kind of obvious that they were playing it fairly safe with this record (hey, I don't blame them... they have a good thing going) especially with tracks like "42". My favorites so far are the instrumental opening track, "Life in Technicolor", "Yes", and "Lovers In Japan/Reign Of Love", all of which I would say are the furthest away of what I would expect out of Coldplay. And while the album artwork is I GUESS looks "cool", I think their use of Delacroix's Liberty Leading the People does not fit in with the album conceptually at all. So far, this album hasn't pulled me in enough to really dive in to every song... instead it has kind of just been playing in the background.


Sigur Rós' Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust, on the other hand, has already proven to be much more than background music. They took a leap of faith with this and you can tell they were really inspired to create this new sound. The only song I could do without on the album is "Festival", which would have been quite fitting on any of their other albums but seems very out of place on this free-spirited album. Major credit to them for breaking out of the self-created mold that they have always had, and I think that should be noticeable to anybody who has heard the first single, "Gobbledigook". So far I haven't been able to choose my favorite track on this album, but it is safe to say it will be in heavy rotation for a long time and I will probably choose a new favorite song once a week. Also, as far as album artwork goes, I think this cover does a perfect job capturing the happiness conveyed through this record.

I AM SO EXCITED

officially the official democratic candidate!

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

Double Vision?

Anybody who has seen the Prada 2008 Resort campaign (above), notice anything similar when you are browsing through the mall?



The picture doesn't quite express it as well as in person, but part of the women's summer line at Express seems to bear a quite striking resemblance to the Prada campaign... maybe TOO much of a resemblance. Hopefully for Express, Prada's design house truly thinks that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. I, on the other hand, will have to disagree with that one.