Collection Hardware: The Next Factory?

Okay, so the walls aren't coated in silver and there isn't open heroin use. Yet, throughout our quest to find new, unpretentious, relaxed yet vibrant atmospheres, Lauren and I hadn't achieved much luck. Then Thursday night happened. En route to the Stylecaster x Lacoste party, we dropped by a friend's new project, Collection Hardware. Enter through a non-descript door on the Bowery and find yourself in an expansive gallery with high ceilings and oversized flowers. Venture upstairs and be greeted by not only a fully stocked bar, but also a multitude of personalities: old and young, fashion kids, musicians, artists, actors alike. FINALLY. The five floor fully renovated building is the brain child of forerunners in these creative industries. The space includes a full hair salon, boutique, special effects studio and a recording studio to boot. On this particular evening, Direct TV was filming a segment in the recording studio interviewing New Yorkers on live band performances. Having hosted a number of fashion week events and other social engagements, I am sure we are to hear much more of this amazing space and I personally cannot wait to return.

BBQ in the Burbs

What do runway coaching, Beyonce and blue-cheese hamburgers all have in common? No, it's not the next MTV faux reality series hosted by Diddy. It's a Sunday barbecue located in Westchester, NY. Obviously. As previously mentioned, I was privileged enough to be included for a bit of a shindig in the 'burbs Sunday evening, and my, what a much needed change in scenery! We clearly took advantage of the lawn to practice runway walking and enjoy a rendition of Beyonce's 'All the Single Ladies' by Louis M. Yummy fun all the way around.

Well well well...

It's been a full week since my last post and I feel just awful.  However, it's only because I'm too busy having a fabulous time.  I've included my week's highlights below:

Monday: 

• Tried my first Black Cow milkshake.  My life hasn't been the same since.
  

Tuesday: 

• Attended the Christian Siriano preview.  I was enamored by the rich chocolate and teal palette.  Many of his dresses were Rachel Bilson worthy and offered almost a youthful interpretation of a Givenchy silhouette.  However, keep an eye out on the red carpets for his petal layered gowns as some of these pieces are just begging to be worn by a strutting celeb.
• Following the CS preview, hopped over to the Tommy Hilfiger x Paper Magazine party.  Had no clue of the occasion but enjoyed a lemonade and seeing Spank Rock awkwardly stand in the corner surrounded by editors and WASPs alike nonetheless.
• Frolicked over to the Roxy event to promote their new headphones (yes, Roxy headphones-- every North Baltimore girl will be wearing them this summer I am POSITIVE).  Erin from the City was an outfit catastrophe attempting to mix 80s Madonna with last year's MIA -- knee length acid washed skirt, black coated leggings, Nike High Dunks, some sort of black jacket and webbing around her face that looked like she should be attending a funeral, not a party.  Julia Restoin Roitfeld had the new boy toy in tow who pulled off the Canadian tuxedo effortlessly.
• Cabbed up to Lauren and Lea's.  Played on Photobooth with Jen.  Danced to oldies in an empty Kingswood.  Probably the highlight of the evening.

Wednesday

• Last day of the work week.
• Had another Black Cow milkshake.  All is right with the world.

Thursday

• Early morning coffee at the quaintest cutest West Village coffee shop, S'nice.  Mused on life and the direction in which mine should take.  Found out I truly do have a Fairy God Mother.
• Ransacked Jen at work.  Played with Noir jewelry.  Went to the wrong floor in her building by accident.  Got a tour of Fight Club Recording Studio.
• Styled a shoot for artist and dear friend, Jessica Faller, who's creativity and passion never ceases to impress me (jessicafaller.com).  The shoot was shot by friend and photographer Blake Ribbey who is just a delight to work with (ribbey.com)

Friday

• Swooped around the East Village.  Had a picnic in the park. Relaxed.
• Went to the Library with Jules, Jen and Lea.  Learned about music some more from JG.  Ate salsa and chips.  Obviously the night was a success when Mexican food is involved.

Saturday

• I was SUPPOSED to have a doctor's appointment for my MacBook but then Mac cancelled on yours truly.  Was not pleased. So I cancelled on the reschedule time last night.  That'll teach 'em.
• Brunched with Lea and Jen.  Laid out in the park in my community.  Got more Mexican food with Jen.  Started the quest for the perfect fanney pack. Caught up on 20/20.

Today!

• Morning bagel. Designing a dress for my sister. Sketched some. Read some more of the Bell Jar.
• Going to Elisa's house in the burbs for a BBQ with a plethora of personalities captured on stylelikeu.com.  I'm actually looking forward to getting out of the city and to the suburbs for a minute.  I never thought I would say that.

My First Margiela

There comes a time in every girl's life when womanhood seems to be lurking around every decision and with one simple purchase this transition is solidified. That fateful event occurred for me yesterday with my acquisition of my first Margiela piece. Returning to Howdy Do, Michael, one of the co-owners, pulled out an amazing piece he had stowed away just for yours truly. It was silver, large and glowed in the dark. Although at a glance it appears to be a simple t, switch of the lights and a wonderful storm scene appears as it glows in the dark. As a diehard Margiela fan, I've always admired from afar, but now just have to take a few steps to my closet to admire his amazing craftmanship and creativity. Although this may not be the 'biggest' Margiela piece or investment, I can see this is the beginning of a beautiful relationship.

Chanel Resort Show: A Venetian Stroll Through Memory Lane

Welp, Lagerfeld's gone and done it again. This resort season, Karl offered a nod to Coco's past vacation joint, Venice with the opening of a mass of leggy ladies in black cloaks and panties. With wigs allowing a cohesive glance at nautical trends, classic Chanel outfitting and Edwardian infused pieces, Karl gave a stupendous retrospective at Chanel's past showings. Tonuge-and-cheek sunglasses presented in masquerade style added a rambunctious edge to the collection. My two favorite looks are included below and are sure to be replicated by our favorite knock-off retailers shortly. I would possibly take a bullet for the cream blouse with its echoed Edwardian reference and impeccably placed sheer panels. I am desperately in love with the play on the Chanel classic shoe/bootie as well. Oh Karl, you never cease to amaze me.

photos courtesy of style.com

En Route to the Milkshake Store...

While taking a milkshake break this past week, I decided to take an unusual detour to ABC Home. I am guilty of not visiting interior design stores as frequently as I probably should, however, on this particular day, I couldn't restrain my curiosity. While strolling through the rows of chairs, sofas and side tables, I was drawn to the clothing section (obviously) and absolutely fell in love with the designs by Gary Graham. If you've met me, you probably know my adoration for anything sheer and most things batwing. So, when you combine the two, I will most likely be in love forever -- and this is just what Gary Graham did. His spring collection offers multi-purpose dresses, sheer batwings (aforementioned) while finding the perfect balance between feminine draped pieces and masculine leather vests, shorts and shrunken motorcycle jackets. You can imagine my disbelief when going hanger to hanger and becoming more astonished with each new garment. Visit his website: garygrahamnyc.com or visit his booth at ABC Home if you're an NYC-er.

Fashion Feel-Good

I'm typically a monochromatic, black-white-grey (and maybe navy) kind of girl. Usually, I'd prefer to experiment with shape or an interesting fabrication. However, upon entering my new favorite vintage joint in the East Village, Howdy Do Pop Culture, I became re-inspired on not only color but the fun playing dress-up can be. Leaving the store and its wonderful owners, with a 1987 Disney neon paint splattered black sweatshirt in tow, I bopped down the street anxious to dress in the vibrancy of my new digs. Rewind to a few weeks previous, and the purchase of a fantastic Christopher Lemaire men's short-sleeve button down with bright colors mished and mashed -- also resembling paint now that I think about it, I had a similar giddiness exiting the sample sale.

Maybe it's the spring peeking its head around the city or my subconscious telling me if I purchase one more monochromatic item my closet will revolt and begin to protest, but it's amazing what a fun purchase/garment can do. For example, Monday: dull and surprisingly chilly, I threw on my new sweatshirt and could barely wipe the grin off my face. In this time where greyness, empty pockets and constant unfriendly reminders of the state of the world, infusing my wardrobe with some silliness seems the most efficient and simple way to up my spirits. So, in this economy, do you splurge a little to have a some fun or do you stick to your guns now more than ever? Whatever the case, I look forward to getting lost in my closet and imagination this weekend and seeing what nonsense I can create.

Photo Credit: Refinery29

Michael Bastian, Bergdorf's, lifeguards. Oh, and Whitney Port too.

Thursday evening, I joined a friend in attending Michael Bastian's event at Bergdorf's for Matt Albiani's book launch.  Upon entering, I knew we weren't in Oz (aka downtown) anymore when people basically gasped when viewing my shredded black tights.  Oops.  Anywho, getting beyond the pressed khaki, awful sequin embellishment and quite literal outfitting of the evening, I enjoyed a refreshing lemonade, inaudible music and ... pale lifeguards.  Now.  Let's just stop and discuss for a moment. In doing my homework before going to the event, I read an interesting interview with Albiani discussing the stereotypes of lifeguards. AKA a blinding, deep tan.  NOT pale.  About halfway into the event, I finally deciphered who the awkward male model-y looking folks were who were downing cocktails as if their lives depended on it as some of the lifeguards who were photographed for the publication.  Moving on.  

While circulating through the event, one area seemed to be for press, interviews, what have you.  Then my friend and I realized that there wasn't an interview occurring.  Taking a second, closer glance, blonde hair, legs for days, faux-reality star Whitney Port was filming for the second season of 'The City.'  The entire evening, she and friend (a fresh face to the cast) did not budge from the one mark.  We are talking 2 and half hours in 6 inch heels -- and not moving. No wonder Whitney always seems slightly bored in the episodes.  At one point, a new male (possible love interest?) was thrown into the mix and chatted with the two girls.  Warning: he looks douche-ier than most frat boys.  After maneuvering around four cameras, I accepted the brazen truth that there is not any possibility 'The City' is real. 

Womp womp.

I Want a Golden Ticket

If you asked me what I thought about playing the lottery three years ago, I would most likely scoff, sneer or make an uncomfortable non-descript sound. But a lot can happen in three years, heck, a lot can happen in 3 hours. So when joking with a friend recently about finding means to support a catostrophic shopping habit, the idea of a little paper ticket with some numbers and that slick silver coating came to mind. The next thought was that fateful ticket Hurley purchased on LOST, which made me a bit nervous, but I quickly veered my imagination into a much happier place. Now, I'm a strong believer in making one's own luck, working hard and not taking no for an answer. However, what if your fairy god mother just so happens to take the form of a ticket? A lovely ticket, that can mean that Jil Sander dress you've been salivating over for the last 2 months could be comfortably in your (renovated) closet? So is it worth spending that little cash in hopes of a much higher pay off? I still have yet to purchase one, however, the thought of the wardrobe I could obtain may be more that I can bear. Here are 5 other things I would do if I won the lottery:

1. Find the SoHo loft in 'Igby Goes Down' and make it my permanent residence

2. Balenciaga florals.

3. Three month Europe excursion beginning immediately with as many people as I can fit into a plane

4. Vintage Halston

5. Buy an animal shelter (and adopt at least two Golden Retriever puppies)

6. I know I said five but... The Rodarte boots

7. I know I know... Last one... Buy a Rauschenberg.

NY Times Presents: Marc Jacobs

With print dying a slow and painful death, newspapers are having to branch out into other areas to stay afloat. With that, the NY Times has crafted the clever 'Sunday with the Times' where personalities are interviewed. And so tonight I attended the NY Times Presents: Design Leaders, Marc Jacobs.

From his first bounds onto stage in his red tartan quilt and pressed white oxford, I knew I was in store for a great hour and a half of Marc's answers to poorly constructed questions by T's editor, Stefano Tonchi. Beginning with the discussion of his time at Perry Ellis, Marc detailed his absolute devotion to being himself and not sacrificing his view even when another design house or later, corporate entity such as LVMH oversees the line. Marc then segwayed into speaking about the late 80s/early 90s and basically what he remembered of that time was that he didn't remember. Throughout the entire interview, Marc kept revisiting his interest, influence and overall obsession with youth as it seems to seep into everything that one is or is not and the pure perspective and curiosity the youth possess. Walking out of the event, I had a renewed respect for MJ and his dedication to the craft and art of fashion.

A few highlights:

1. Marc does not understand why Paris Hilton is famous and 'just about anyone can be famous these days'

2. 'Clothes are nothing without the people'

3. Marc will go with an idea just because someone said it wouldn't be for him (ie: Victoria Beckham ad)

4. Marc's french is still atrocious -- one of the main reasons he probably continues to like the french so much

5. Marc thanks editors for lending 'brilliant' ideas to designers aka making them sound even more brilliant than they may already be

6. None of his facebook pages are real

7. Marc openly does not understand Hollywood or the hype around the red carpet

8. He is most influenced and inspired visually. Most of his interests sprung from being visually drawn initially

9. He is still happiest when in the craft of designing: drawing, draping, building the concept