Less Than Zero

Warning: I feel a tangent coming on.

After several recommendations, I finally read 'Less Than Zero' by Brett Easton Ellis, the same author of 'American Psycho' and 'the Rules of Attraction.' With the first few paragraphs you are sucked into a vaccuum otherwise known as Los Angeles, Christmas vacation, or home with the parents, what have you. Semantics. I've never been a fan of LA, however, found myself wanting to be in the dysfunctional company of Clay and peers, the main character of this ever downward spiraling story.

Maybe it was the 85 degree weather this weekend, maybe it was details of driving with the roof down or the excruciating heat that makes you agreeable to anything, but I'm now more than ever ready for summer and of course, summer wardrobe and activities. So now, I am faced with the puzzle of new pieces to be looking to add to my monochromatic, primarily knit, denim and leather closet. Vintage shopping to commence this weekend in search of wonderful men's button downs (the obvious), more Sperry's and Keds, a plethora of soda pop parlor mini-skirts and some body con dresses to off throw my primarily draped and oversized wardrobe. Will keep informed of any finds.

In search of...

During a relaxing park day in McCarren Park yesterday, I fell in love with a girl wearing the cutest most adorable dress ever.  I must find the ultimate printed chiffon trapeze drop-waist dress. Pronto.

Manhattan Vintage Show

Friday, despite sniffling and the inability to breathe, I visited the Manhattan Vintage Show to capture some key pieces for work.  With a sensitivity to sensory overload, I was floored upon entering, welcomed by vintage Louis luggage and piles upon piles of beautiful vintage carry-ons and trunks.  Within seconds after picking my jaw off the floor and actually going into the show, I was mesmerized by the buzz and atmosphere.  Each vendor offered racks of beautifully collected and maintained pieces.  I realized through my photographing my affinity for small white blouses (perfect to be paired with high waisted denim or flirty frolic-worthy skirts). Anywho, more on favorite pieces to come (have to see what's shared on the site first).

Ta.

Ms. Dinsmoor: Chick-a-boom

The film, Great Expectations, is a crafty version of Dickens' famous story.  Now, aside the point that Gwenyth is stunning and Ethan totally endearing, my eye leapt to another face on the screen.  Ms. Dinsmoor, the kooky heartbroken guardian of Estella (Gwen) takes the cake.  With her chiffon batwings, permanent cigarette filter, perfect pearls and ever flaking crusty makeup all while fox-trotting across a decrepit ballroom, Ms. Dinsmoor avenges her broken heart on young Finn (Ethan).  The whole image of what once was, what is still struggling to be and failing miserably in the process is epitomized by Ms. Dinsmoor's character and I love every second of it. Chick-a-boom.

Guest Style Stint at StyleCaster

When you put two knuckleheads like Lauren and I together to style, it's a great melting pot of neon, cropped garments, blazers, platforms and everything in between.  After being photographed during Fashion Week by one of their many lovely photographers, I became intrigued by the concept behind StyleCaster (stylecaster.com) and registered to join.  Not to give away any of the goods but they have really carved out a niche for themselves in this struggling economy for even further struggling editors and fashion addicts alike. With that, I was approached to style for their Daily Looks section and obviously joined up with my neon and print counter-part, Lauren, to join in on the fun.  

Keep an eye out for some fun daily resolutions for a brainfart I-forgot-to-set-my-alarm morning or this really awkward weather NYC is having.  Either way, it was fun to play with clothes for a couple hours with one of my besties this morning.  Hopefully many more duo projects will be in the works soon!

Love yaaaa -- L&L

THESE.

Today Lauren and I styled at StyleCaster (more to come on that) and I instantly fell in love with the above. They not only have a great wedge that's not too high to wear on a daily basis, but also provide a great option to wear when your winter boots become to hot in this fluctuating weather but you still need a great lace-up that's not an oxford bootie being ripped off by Forever21. I wasn't shocked to learn that they were by Opening Ceremony (and available now -- so you can go buy me a pair now okaythanks).

The American Dream: What THIS American is Dreaming About:

1. A vacation. Preferably to St. Tropez or Cote D'Ivoire. But Miami will suffice as well.
2. Peep-toe Dr. Martins
3. The perfect Gladiator sandal that doesn't a. give you cankles or b. resemble Jesus sandals
4. Jeremy Laing's SS 09 Collection to magically appear in my closet.
5. A proper spring.summer hair-do (suggestions welcome)
6. A decided direction in life. (suggestions also welcome)

It's no secrect that I love Prince. Have ever since I was a little tyke dancing in my bedroom to a boombox with sound quality that now makes my skin crawl. I even recognize Prince (pre-Jehovah Witness) to being a key influence in my personal style development and excursion into the fashion industry. So this morning, in a bit of a 'lull' at work, I decided to list my top 5 favorite Prince songs, but couldn't limit myself to 5. Never one to shy away from excess or indulgence, I give you my top 10 favorite Prince songs. You should probably make a playlist of the following. It'll get you through the day. Pinky swear.

1. I Wanna Be Ur Lover

2. Darling Nikki

3. When Doves Cry

4. Take Me With U

5. How Come U Don't Call Me No More

6. The Beautiful Ones

7. New Position

8. Gett Off

9. Solo

10. It's a tie between: Le Grind and Cindy C.

Well Hello.

It has been brought to my attention that, after much trial and tribulation, I should start an online forum of the thoughts that pop into my head on a daily basis. I like to try to find the humor in things and thus, would like to share my observations and experiences on a number of topics to provide amusement to the readers of this little blog or at least some distraction from a mundane work day. Ok then, let's begin, shall we?