I think I have strep throat and it's probably because I was busy pretending it was seventy degrees today when it barely breached the mid fifties... So if we're going to keep on pretending spring has sprung, then it means that Coachella is right around the corner and we're going. 

I went to a thrift store today in search for a denim dress and I kid you not, the first thing I put my hand on was a silk Isabel Marant Etoile Dress much like the silhouette of the one pictured, just with a much smaller print and in a deep maroon. I'm an idiot though - because I left without it. Every spring I find myself wanting to emulate this carefree girl that exists in my head - she has 101 different quirky vintage t-shirts and this Weekday Banana Tee  is 101% something she would own -  however this shirt is sold out and this website does not ship to the US, so that girl probably lives abroad. I go in and out of phases where I love a bold lip and I hate a bold lip and these Karen Walker sunglasses  seem like a good alternative to making a statement on your face without too much of a commitment. I'll be honest and state that I found this denim brand "Runawaydreamz" on Kylie Jenner's Instagram, that is also a "z" slapped at the end - likely so the brand wouldn't be confused with this. The Runawaydreamz shorts are a little on the high side, but look how beautifully faded and frayed. 

Once I think I've decided what I want from Zara, I find three more things the next week that I deem even better that the items from the weeks prior, most recently these fringy sandals. Part sneaker, part sandal, part loafer Phillip Lim got it right with these. This Lulu Frost Gold Code Moon ring, could be a moon, or it could mimic my first initial. 

If I glue pom-poms all over this jacket will it be equally as cool as this Phillip Lim embellished bomber?

This Opening Ceremony Sumi bag is charming in many ways, the electric hue, the cracked leather and the round little discs that make up the handle... it's the little things. The carefree girl that I mentioned earlier (the one with the t-shirts) also happens to have every peasant ruffle blouse you could not only imagine - but want...like this Isabel Marant one. This is really a sunglasses case, but I believe it has the power to pretend that it's the french-est of french minaudière. Why not bring a little bit of France to sunny so-Cal?

Okay see you at Coachella. Toodles.

Fashion Month is nearing it's end, but the past two days in Paris have been giving me new life - even thousands of miles away in New York. From blue-grey palettes and emerald offerings, to prints so good they'd turn a solid girl into a printed lady, bordeaux in feather form, an athletic aesthetic so bright it almost singlehandedly convinces you to go to the gym, cloaked cashmere that seems suit for this never ending winter, and knits tied and layered so well that it prompts smiles from even the models. 

 New Hue

Julien David showed fuzzy woolen bomber jackets with matching skirts and the clunkiest Birkenstock style sandals. Phoebe Philo was like I'm going to make all of these girls want to be one of my girls, and that is exactly what she did. The Celine woman eludes a distinct brand of effortless energy, clad in clothes that feel so right now - gingham turtleneck dress + blazer/dress with oversized embellishment, and will continue to feel right for years.  Acne's collection garnered attention through their risky silhouettes - can we get a heck yeah for those huge hats? At Viktor & Rolf, through there surrealist meets kitschy take on the season, I picture them saying faux bralette that forms faux peplum but lets do it with culottes. It's a conversation that makes sense in my head, and apparently in their heads too, but most importantly through the clothes. 

Emerald Club 

Isabel Marant does something very similar to Phoebe Philo, in terms of making you want to assume the brands very same identity. Upon clicking through images from the show I thought this is a physical manifestation of the modern urban warrior. Make of that what you will. If we are still actualizing a modern warrior then look no further then Aquilano.Rimondi That coat is not beaded, but rather adorned with three dimensional metal flowers. Often times I believe that Marni does not receive enough credit for the truly remarkable pieces Consuelo Castiglioni produces. This is in turn one of those times - from an ombre trail of feathers, to that boxy emerald neoprene skirt suit paired with those bright white pointy metallic trim loafers. Dries Van Noten shined with metallic optic prints, with pieces that were two parts wearable and three parts funky fresh. Julien David balanced a basic black jacket with a dress full of fun in fringe formation. 

All Good Things in Bordeaux

Lanvin brought flapper fringe to new-age NOW, through fringe ascending down tops, skirts and coats all in a different matter.  Marni continues to be 150% Marni, this time with a full on fringed feather top paired with what would have been just a basic skirt - that now suddenly seems like something more. Aquilano.Rimondi continues with metal additives this time on bordeaux dress, that would look oh so good over a charcoal turtleneck. Peter Copping does amazing things at Nina Ricci, with a collection that is equal parts wearable, provocative, and elegant. What could be a maroon plaid blanket is currently moonlighting as a blanket coat at Etro, but to make matters even better, look at those boots, look at the fringe tassel necklace. Just look at those looks.

Plenty of Prints

While everyone was on the same Fall florals page, each print is remarkably different. We'll start with Marni who did a black based floral with splotches of pale pink and green. Next up at Issa, with an eye-catching emerald and Pepto pink sash.  Rochas with a smaller black based floral, this one with more of an ethnic feel, with fleurs in deep violet and bordeaux, paired with buttery leather dish gloves. Dries Van Noten made me want to book the next flight to Hawaii with bright and orange and navy florals with the fur, with the fur. (sung to Low by Flo Rida). The burnt orange layered sunflowers over gingham at Stella Jean seemed so definitive of Fall. 

Athletic Shade

From the palette de Americana at both Iceberg and Jacquemus - let freedom ring. The Jacquemus girl (3rd and 4th lewks) - always has a certain confident sporty je ne sais quoi - this season was no exception. Meanwhile let us backtrack to Dior where Raf Simons continues to be the Andy Warhol of Paris with pops of color that seem so right, and color combinations that the average mind would have never considered ex: draped and ruffled vibrant red and pink, and that cobalt vest paired with the sportiest of pumps.

Parisian Ease

Casual elegance through looks that seemed so indicative of the effortless nature of the French. Starting at Celine, with a thick long olive green rib knit paired with a skirt and creepers in the same hue. The Chloe show prompted one single tear to fall from my left eye upon its closure, from the draped baby pink coat, to the cascading silk ruffled dress, to the leather boots with a tongue that seemed like a gentle jab at the sneaker wedge, I didn't want it to ever end. Maison Rabih Kayrouz continued the trend with long nubby knit coats, draped gingham, and a luxurious silk dress only elevated by the large simple tie up top.

Swaddled Knits

Just keep knitting, Just keep knitting. Whether it be a turtleneck, or layered and tied, I want to be wrapped and cloaked in all of these looks if at all possible. Starting a Barbara Bui with an ecru poncho like braided and rib knit turtleneck. Layers formed visually through a thick wrapped and tied scarf atop a white sweater of the same variety at Sonia Rykiel.   Knitted yak wool and denim, beige and deep olive, necks and knees covered, Christophe Lemaire is the unsung hero of knitwear. Ter et Bantine in eggshell, with a cropped turtleneck, over short choppy layers and a long mid-calf skirt over leggings.  Lastly grey blanket like coats with fluffy fringe where Issey Miyake summed it up best by stating, "Cloth harbours the power of life: wrap yourself in it and feel an instantaneous metamorphosis into pure joy at the wonder of living."

All images from Style.com & Nowfashion - links accordingly.

Part III of Fashion Month to follow.

It occurred to me in the latter part of last evening that I had yet to plaster my favorite looks across this page - let alone with accompanying lyrics. New York, and London have since passed and Milan is creeping along. I'm a little behind. While normally I post collection by collection of which I'm loving, bestowed below you'll find my collages compiled of images by trend. (All images from  Style.com)

LeSport (minus the sac) 

Upon first viewing, I thought those white Fendi booties were actually suede high top sneakers - they're not, which doesn't even detract from the faux athleticism occurring. The Prada show wasn't as clear cut compared to last season, but in turn would clothe a variety of different players. I'm convinced Christopher Kane, who designed the middle and far right looks, is indeed the British version of Alexander Wang. His innovative page turning book inspired ruffle technique truly added another dimension to his collection. Lastly, Fay tapping into the psyches of the girls who want to be shot by Tommy Ton so badly that they would be just as jubilant as the Snoopy birds plastering their chest.  

Knits and Purls

Starting at far left, in Helmut Lang, we can see how comfortable the model truly is, eyes closed about to take the briefest siesta of all siestas. Whereas The Row said forget the turtleneck, with a neck so large that it extends to mid back (I'm going to go ahead and refer to this one as the Rhino neck). No. 21 must have read my note about fringe, because that shaggy sweater is better than any 70's carpet.  A. Detacher  incorporated a nonchalant waist tie worked into an already effortlessly wearable jumper. Chris Kane, at it again but this time with ruffled knits and dainty detailing. Francisco Costa stepping up his game in what I'm deeming the resurgence of Calvin Klein - occurred with a plethora of cashmere and mohair knits paired with lug sole horse hair combat boots. 

Utilitarian vs. Copious Coats

I want to wear this No. 21 cattle coat whilst hugging the Chick-Fil-a cow, or standing in an open field in Texas. The embellished detailing on the shoulders reminds me of backpack straps. This Simone Rocha coat, and the Belstaff (far right) have similar pocket placement, but the Rochas girl is set apart by playful Elizabethan inspired oversized sleeve ruffles. No. 21 undoubtedly earning a sequin encrusted medal for their coat game this season with this number, a matching sequin polo is also available FYI. One thing I continue to admire about Fendi is their undeniable ability to use their fur scraps in such a way that it appears to be their first intended purpose - maybe it is what do I know? Finally, Belstaff whose images prompted me to tweet about how I wished my hair and mittens would always look this good. Additionally, I would like my coat and boots to always look this good. 

Lite Brite

Slightly brighter, yet safe enough for those to play freely with color. Starting with 3.1 Phillip Lim who used pink shearling in the form of an elongated boxy vest. Thakoon who sent down a blue based plaid,  with a casually wrapped neck and zipper trim. With accents of reddish orange and baby tassels singing to my soul at every step, Delpozo continues to really understand me, or contrarily maybe I really understand them. While not really all that bright - the compilation of stripes in every which direction, add to the mirage of cascading ruffles at Richard Chai Love. Without a doubt, this has been my favorite Prabal Gurung collection to date. The colors, the knits, the drapery... streaker or no streaker, the collection was phenomenal.  Promulgating the average working man with more convince-ability than eHarmony, Rag & Bone showed lumberjack plaid, mechanics jackets, and baggy red detailed boots with mary jane like detailing.  

 Miss Misc-yMisc-y

When I collaged the above photos together I saved the file as "miscymiscy" I'm going to be blunt and state that I don't really know what I'm trying to say with this image. These looks compliment each other well, and wouldn't really fit any where else. First up, Proenza Schouler - sculpted stark white leather, multi-print skater dress, with shoes so sensible you almost disregard their price tag. The Suno collection overall was very strong, with both textural and visual elements, including this navy polka dot mid length sheath. Marques'Almeida, who showed multiple Canadian tuxedos creating them in a way in which I had never seen before. It had me trying to figure out how I could make something so shredded and similar. The next look is Fendi, where Karl Lagerfeld used patchwork detailing in the most lavish way. Suno again, this time the ethnic inspiration clear with metallic embroidery and a skirt that was laced up on the each side. 

Orange Juice

I'm tired of seeing captions stating "Orange is the New Black" whether it's regarding the TV show or the trendy color for fall. Orange is not and will never be the new black. That's not to say that I don't like a pop of tangerine, or a tangy glass with extra pulp. Mark Fast nailed the hue in a robe-like coat with its oversized sleeves and collar. While not entirely orange, Delpozo was behind brighter shades for fall as well. Ostwald Helgason addressed the color with a sportier aesthetic, and a bit of shimmer in copper tones. The athletic inspired trim on the skirt really completes this look IMO. A sense of raw exorbitance was expressed through bright hand woven tapestry like materials, seen at Altuzarra.

Text-Text-Textures & Textiles

I think one of the most exciting things about fashion is the experimental nature of the designers who are are not afraid of that particular insurmountable force, as well as the textiles used. Proenza boys, Alex Wang - I'm looking at you. Jack McCollough and Lazarro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler, played with building insulation inspired jacquards, woodgrain and speckled prints. The prints layered together with voluminous shoulders and sleek silhouettes, of which were all incredibly wearable. Also the fact that the show was set to Missy Elliot, you have to watch it. This look from Rodebjer captured my eye with what appeared to be a casually tossed blanket around the shoulders, paired with the fluidity of the layers on the lower half.  Continuing my praise for Alexander Wang, he showed innovative color changing heat activated materials, a leather coat with an uneven raw edge, boot x mules, camp-gear pockets, and  quilted pillow top knits, I could go on and on. Go watch this too. Well done Wang. Lastly, we spoke about Prabal Gurung earlier on, this look accompanied with a cropped fur, scarf tied oh so-so, and jacquard knit with bright white contrasting trim. Each expanding their horizon, thus allowing them to truly stand out in a pool of so many designers. Kudos. 

For the love of ruffles I'm still not over it. I know theres newer than new collections sprouting abroad at this very moment but can we time travel back to SS13 when Sacai put the P in peplum with a mélange of lace and sheer organza attached at the hem of a typical menswear shirt. This very link has been sitting in my browser taunting me all morning as I zoom and re-zoom on every image trying to figure out how I can approximate this without completely butchering it. Those words - temporarily unavailable masking the price as well as any opportunity of ownership.  I turned to eBay and it didn't even know who Sacai was which hurt my heart, but then I thought to myself - what proud owner would abandon such.

So then I found myself sifting through men's shirts, as if someone above had maneuvered my limbs like a puppeteer, enabling my sudden acquisition. Short sleeve with the slightest check print, it was Oscar de la Renta and fifteen dollars, so I said yes. But then this very store that had filled my heart, ripped it apart when they told me they had gone "bag-less." Okay, I get the whole green movement but what it the ruffle am I supposed to do during the rest of my errands clutching this shirt sans bag? So I went across the street to buy a Kombucha and a Lara Bar - not because I was hungry or thirsty but because I really needed the bag. Anyways, to continue on my erratic Sacai DIY, I bought cobalt blue lace, dewy grey silk taffeta, and sheer white accordion pleated trim.

I skipped on home like a happy little lamb. Only to open my laptop to find that same image still starring me in the eyes. Now with all the tools necessary, I'm like how exactly do I do this???

To be continued.

Since I've worn wellies the last three days to tromp through puddles and wade the slight rivers flowing through the streets per melting mounds of snow - I see no better time than to approximate my spring lewk. I tend to do this thing where I obsess over a key item or element and then roll with it until I've collected so much of it that I never want to look at them again. (Last spring/summer for me was vests) Ready? You ready? It's fringe, which you probably could have already guessed. 

This fringe Junya Watanabe fringe tunic is everything + more. I'm still trying to construct my thesis on layering fringe - mainly because I've never delved into such ambrosial territory. These sandals are Valentino, they remind me quite a bit of Isabel Marant's Elvis Sandal, accept better because hey fringy fringe. Pair them with these silk Acne shorts. (I saw them in the flesh at FiveStory the detailing is impeccable) High-waist denim shorts they're a staple. Okay, let me explain this tunic - or more so the idea of the tunic. Two days ago I went to study at a coffee shop and ended up at my favorite vintage/consignment shop. How I ended up there is irrelevant, I found this sheer, faded, patch-work grey and navy tunic. It's hand made and label less, but it features this collar - more like floaty flap of fabric that can be folded down as a faux sleeve or folded up to moonlight as a scarf. I basically plan to wear it now until forever. It's a physical manifestation of the dress of my dreams.

 Any who, enough about me - more about my spring lewk. Other than fringe, I'm also loving mix printed paisley, this dress has a real ruffly skirt which I'm always about, it is Suno. I buy the same gold aviators every time I lose the same gold aviators, and I'm taking that as a sign to stop buying gold aviators. These floral sunglasses are semi-printed and from first glance I thought they were a pink speckled tortoise, they're not. I'm still romanticizing the idea of being a clutch girl and please picture this Shourouk clutch with the Watanabe fringe. 

The other day my dad instructed me to not spend all my money at Zara. This occurred right after I had spent all my money on vintage thrills, just kidding sort of. But his questioning me about Zara, only prompted me to refresh their new arrivals page and voila. These Zara sandals remind me quite a bit of Marni, with their wide fringe, and chunky soles. Perfect with point blank everything.

Continuation of Fendi Friends

Fur + Florals

That girl on the left is like ugh how are you so perfect?

blue hair don't care 

Hanne Gaby's like Surfboard

Leaving Wang everyone was like where's Wang - suddenly look up and theres Wang. 

Look at him and his blurry giggle.

Noticeable notions outside Prabal Gurung were furs. Whether it be minuscule Fendi fur monsters, of the striped coat variety, or cloaked around one's collar - they were all 100% necessary.  Also kudos to all attendees on their footwear options/courage/overall ability to not look like they are not terrified of slipping in ice - well done. 

Fendi Friends!

Lily Kwong looking ra-ra-radcial

Yeah - over there, in there, that way.

I think we talked about this.

THESE PRADA SHOES. (they're everywhere) + Anna lurking (in Prada no less)

 

Winter white