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.

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. 

Music gives us the ability to retain the smallest of vivid memories, almost better than pictures, which later through our imagination allow us to create images within our minds. A few days ago, I heard On the Sea by Beach House while I was in the car on the highway at night with my brother. The sky was flooded with clouds making the most ominous sense of darkness diluted only by the grey foreground; it was calmly illuminated by a soft yellow haze in the distance. Last night the same image of the sky appeared in my dreams, only as the beginning of a runway show, to the same tune. Projected onto a large concrete wall were my mental images of the dark sky. A single spot light appeared on the models, whom languidly traipsed down the runway, slowly as if they were lost. From my perspective, the models appeared to be walking into oblivion. The runway was long and ended with the models disappearing into a darkened exit - the reverse of where they began. The clothing seemed to be oriental inspired, with metallics, jacquards, boxy skirts, and ruffles that fluttered in the wind. To complete my show, after three long pale peach organza gowns, I rode side saddle on the back of a llama, smug and expressionless, down the runway. After my exit the song ended in a buzz, with complete darkness coming over the room. I'll never know if people clapped or not because I woke up, but I've been replaying the show all day inside my head.

Images: Tumblr, Open Lab, Scandinavia S/S/A/W, Hunger Magazine, Vogue Russia, Vogue China.

"How many euros? asked my mother, after falling for my oh-so-persuasive emails which detailed the aspects of attaining gold, Golden Goose sneakers emblazoned with my initials. After careful explanation that these sneakers were indeed meant for me, as why would an Italian brand broadcast the abbreviations of Canada or California? (Please disregard the related 'NY' style) These were meant for me, meant for me.  So suddenly, the prospect of owning these geese became so real that a flock of thoughts overwhelmed me. Hear me out: these sneakers are a commitment, and I'm not sure if I'm there yet. Mostly though, would I hate myself a year from now for investing in pre-distressed gold sneakers with the glittery letters that I was born with, smacked on the sides of them? But then I told myself, inevitably you will get sick of everything eventually, which is really a more formal version of YOLO.

 Essentially Price Per Wear or Price Per Other Options, pick your poison. 

Why buy flowers per bouquet, when you can get a Marni flower of printed leather and silk crepe, that will never wilt or whine for water? Would your friends mock you for investing in sneakers? If you invest in this Jennifer Fisher gorilla ring, he will be judging your every move, all the time - just look at those eyes. Or maybe investing in dangling Dannijo gems are more practical? However if you're really about practicality, look no further than this vintage Jean Paul Gaultier unicorn printed silk vest and wear them with those actually extremely practical Rachel Comey loafers. While examining that unicorn print, it dawned on me that the price per goose vs. 3.1 Phillip Lim faux shirt tie skirt, that I lusted for since its' birth, is approximately the same. That's like choosing your favorite unborn child. Or you could bet all your cards and store them with your cash in Balenciaga or Proenza. Or if your less into walking and more into twisting your rhinestone encrusted ankles, then these Tibi mules are for you. All suitable options with a considerable amount of desire, but they really don't come close in terms of comparability.  

So what will it be? Geese? No Geese? 

What a smize. 

It's okay, I was overwhelmed too.

So many models wearing 3.1 Phillip Lim leaving Oscar de la Renta, they all must've been getting excited for Phillip Lim for Target

 All white after Labor Day 

Peter Som's Choose Love bags reminded me of Juicy Coutures Choose Juicy bags circa 2005, colorful leopard print prevalent in both cases.

Anna Sighting.

 Actual Anna Sighting.

Probably my favorite photo I took all day. Young fashionista with doting mother, but who I was really trying to capture was this diva on the far right.

While my birthday happens to fall in the later days of summer, and the early days of it's almost, fall it's all most fall excitement, this list could be taken either as 'Fall Favorites' or 'Birthday Must Haves.'

Conveniently they coincide with each other.

1. Comme Des Garcon Embossed Makeup Bag - I've taken a liking to using multiple wallets per bag, so throw in a pouch and it might really liven things up.

2. Marc Jacobs Honey -  I've yet to smell this, however Marc has never let me down before in terms of scent, and I can't resist another cute bottle to add to my collection.

3. 3.1 Phillip Lim Sono Mama (as you are) Tank - the beaded collar reminds be a bit of Dannijo, but once again much like Marc, Phillip can do no wrong.

4. Kurt Geiger Close toed slip on - These remind me both of my grandma, and my childhood seeing as the straps are reminiscent of those the mary-janes I lived in as a chid. They also act as the middle man that could ease me back into nude/neutral footwear after ruining a pair of nude Jimmy Choos a few months prior. (Rest In Peace)

5. Lulu Frost Halo Ring - I don't know if you knew, but Beyonce and I happen to share the same birthday so it's really no surprise that she's all about the Halo too.

6. Leather Jacket - The search for the perfect leather jacket seems to be endless. Either I don't like the hardware, the belt that might hang awkwardly at the bottom, the collar, the sleeves etc etc. Or the small voice in the back of my head that's telling me maybe I should just listen to my dad who said, "you should get something practical, like something lined with fur"

7. Opening Ceremony iPhone Case - the shape on this case is so unique, as I've never been a huge iPhone case collector, it makes it seem worth it to upgrade my phone for this case.

8. Penny Loafers - The penny loafers I've been finding all follow the same trends: either they don't come in my size, or they are Balenciaga. (Pictured above are from Etsy)

I found that the Dillard's "Celebrate Dad!" Ad, was the perfect place to transcribe my thoughts on the many resort collections I looked through. Relevant no, but some how my scribbles praising the various designers juxtaposed with Dad golfing in the background provided a great mix. The collections, some with vast differences, and some with many similarities, were a clear indication of whats to come, stay and grow.

(Left 3.1 Philip Lim, Right Christian Dior)

A certain blue and orange (complimentary colors bold enough to make any middle school art teacher proud) color scheme was seen at 3.1 Philip Lim and Christian Dior. A moment of silence for Raf as he transforms modern femininity to a whole new level, yielding power through confidence. Secondly, a shout out to Philip Lim, boasting metallics with outer pockets, and proudly proclaiming "I am CFDA Accessory Designer of the Year" through his sleek new backpacks.

(Left Lela Rose, Right Altuzarra)

This round I also found myself drawn to pants. (this is a rarity). We'll start with Lela Rose which offered many of the printed variety some were cropped, fitted, flattering etc. And then We'll check in on Altuzarra, where a certian brand of slouchy loose fitting pants were born, unlike any before their time. Aside from these game changing pants, Altuzarra offered up tasteful cutouts that not even the fastest of fashion -I'm looking at you Zara- could mimic. In addition gold lame skirts, jumpsuits and gowns, that would make even P'trique proud.

(Left Marc By Marc Jacobs, Right Rag & Bone)

Coats Coats More Coats. Marc Jacobs re-captured my love through Marc By Marc Jacobs. A multitude of houndstooth, oversized, grey wool coats all proved to be functional for layering during those brutal winter months. While the multi-zip coat at Rag & Bone -reminiscent of a Burberry coat I still regret not purchasing at super discount via Nordstrom Rack- well, I didn't think coats could get much better than this, but it did when I saw said Rag & Bone coat - in red.

(Left Jill Stuart, Right Moschino Cheap & Chic)

Lastly, can we chat briefly on the Flower Power happening at both Jill Stuart and Moschino Cheap & Chic? Textures bloomed through the crop at Jill Stuart (har har flower puns) in the most perfect shade of pink. While Moschino offered a different Cali-cool-flower-power (never never say cali cool) through faux tie-dye and leather skirts (similar to those of Alice & Olivia), and a daisy print playful enough to match the Marc Jacobs fragrance, Daisy.

All photos from Style.com

I've been mulling spring trends this week. I was expecting this week (aka spring break) to have me leaping into spring spirit, but I'm just not quite there yet. The weather was not warm enough for spring, but too warm for winter dressing. Upon shopping I kept asking myself

  "what am I even looking for? I don't know what I want"

After careful thought/consideration I can say my Spring Top 5:

1. LOVING Denim everything. (well thats pretty basic... I said to myself) Patchwork, overalls, crop tops dresses etc. particularly with black and white pieces, along with some various pop of color. Also leaning toward lighter bleached denim, which I normally don't favor. This was basically my wardrobe combo for the entire week.

2. Coral and Baby Blue, partially because I fell in love twice with a pair of pale blue linen Acne shorts that would have rang up <$40.00, turns out they were three sizes too big and I was just too excited to check the size.

3. Dainty and not-so-dainty collars. Yes, both. I can't make up my mind (The Khai Khai 'Cloudy With a Chance of Rain, and Lulu Frost Demeter Collage Necklace are my reigning favs)

4. Cut out boots, I feel like the pair I recently purchased completely transformed my wardrobe.

5. Overalls, especially vintage, or of the Zara silk variety.

Kenzo Belt, Lulu Frost Demeter Collar, Simone Rochas Neon Embroidered Organza T-Shirt, 3.1 Philip Lim I Love NY T-Shirt (Nueva York, I love you), Zara Denim Patchwork Top  Sea NY Cotton Linen Stripe Shorts, Zara Printed Bermudas, Rachel Comey Acker with Holes, A Piece Apart Agnes Tank, Boticca Unicorn Ring

MiH Scalloped linen blend shorts, Alexander Wang Marti Bckpack, Olympia Le Tan Blouse, Lulus sunglasses, Zara neon flat sandal, Rebecca Minkoff Heart Stack Ring, Rebecca Minkoff Woven Box Bag, Zara beaded shorts (shout to Philip Lim), Lulu Frost code ring, Prada Sunglasses, Scotch & Soda Linen Safari Playsuit

ASOS Leather Flat Sandals, Topshop Kaboom Crop Tee, ASOS Chunky Blue Necklace, Topshop Moto Acid Wash Denim Jacket, ASOS Necklace, Opening Ceremony Blouse, Topshop Advance Cut out Boots, ASOS Metal Top Keyhole Round Sunglasses, ASOS Round Sunglasses with Pearl Highbrow, Opening Ceremony OC LA Perforated Bag

I'm kind of having a moment with overalls. Granted, I haven't worn them since my Pre-K days,  but I'm loving the easy-laid-back way about them. They also provide new opportunities for layering. 

 I've looked on Etsy and eBay, the inner bargain hunter in me trying to prevail, however all that I can find is size 16 maternity overalls, and that is not going to cut it.

 So here is the Topshop Moto Teal Cord Pini Dress, Uniqlo Denim Linen Overalls and the 

Monki Hanna Dungarees, really wishing they shipped to the US, these are perfect.

(photo from River Island)

Rihanna x River Island Collection Dungaree Top, which I recently acquired from Opening Ceremony. I plan on taking this one through the seasons with me, wearing it now with a turtle neck and high waisted skirt, and later as a bathing suit cover up.

3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 13 Photo From Style.com

Overalls too reminiscent of your childhood? the 90's? your Elmo days?

You're probably more the statement overall type. Bright, printed, or leather versions of your formal childhood wardrobe, will feel fresh and relevant this spring.

See 3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2013; Shopbop also has a great selection.