Pseudo Cosmo

Over it

2009-01-23T03:39:00.000-08:00

No more here.

More here.

Envy-Worthy Relationship

2009-01-17T20:46:00.000-08:00

Bliss in grunge paradise, methinks.

Irony is...

2009-01-14T13:41:00.000-08:00

When your new turtleneck arrives in the mail, but as you go to pick it up from the lobby of your apartment, the sun comes out and shines gloriously over the entire Bay Area.

Cyndi Was Right

2009-01-12T01:01:00.000-08:00

(Alexander McQueen Spring 2009)

Girls get to have all the fun.

Modern Times

2009-01-09T18:03:00.000-08:00

There is something fundamentally wrong with youth today.

WANT WANT WANT: Leather High-tops

2009-01-08T17:25:00.000-08:00

   Oh sweet Jesus, please let me win this auction. I have been wanting these bad boys for almost a year now and I finally have a pair within my grasp.
   In recent years, Diet Butcher Slim Skin has become pretty well known for their high-tops. Yeah, sure, everyone raves about the Lanvin ones, the Rick Owens ones, the Balenciaga ones, and (but of course) the Raf Simons ones. But for me, these are what sneakers really ought to be. The past few seasons have seen DBSS making high-gloss patent sneakers, metallic foiled sneakers, and some super-sleek horse-leather ones.
   But for me, the distressed deerskins from two years ago will always be the holy grail of sneakerdom. Everything about these are just right: the extra-long laces, the careful distressing, the padded ankle, the oversized zipper-pull. Perfect. Now I just have to cross my fingers and hope that nobody snatches these from me at the last second.

WANT WANT WANT: To Smell Like Laundry

2009-01-04T10:53:00.000-08:00

(Commes des Garçons Synthetic Series 6 – Dry Clean Eau de Toilette, $56@Blackbird)

Commes des Garçons consistently produces some of the most interesting range of fragrances, at least from a conceptual point-of-view. I'm not saying I don't have faith in the wonderful people who run Penhaligon's, but I trust them for tradition, not for innovation. The idea of capturing not simply a smell, but a verb, a location, a context within a fragrance is weird, but fitting. Our own experiences tell us that no other smell makes me remember better than smell. And given how kindly the Korean couple down the street handled by (potentially) bedbug ridden clothing, I can't help but have some good associations.

Frankensuit

2009-01-03T17:43:00.000-08:00

I never thought it'd happen, but I'm actually living in my room again; that is, my things are in my room, in the places they ought to be rather than crammed into plastic trash bags. For those of you in the know, this is an absolute wonder, since my bedbug infestation has left me paralyzed with fear for both my both and my closet. But it's a lot like terrorism — if I live in fear of the bedbugs, then the bedbugs have won. Or something. Reclaiming my wardrobe has made me dive back into pieces that I have touched in months, most noticeably any of my more structured and formal jackets and pants. And it got me wondering why, exactly, don't I wear slacks and jackets more often. I suppose the main problem lies in the practicality of it: how worthwhile is it to stuff myself into a pair of slacks and a suit jacket and a shirt if I'm just going to sit on my ass all day in class? But that's a cop out; you can be dressed and be comfortable. Hell, I'm usually just as, if not more, comfortable when I'm wearing more structured and formal clothing than otherwise. The lines of a jacket make a man stand taller, straighter.

And now a series of 300 pixel wide images of men that I like/want to have sex with/would enjoy a sandwich with/could learn a lot from/never be able to match/wish were real.

I swear to god that I did not intentionally pick all black and white photos, they were just the first nice ones that turned up on my Google Image Search. Seriously.

2009-01-02T17:08:00.000-08:00

Jennifer 8. Lee would be one of my favorite writers even if she didn't write about food, one of my favorite things. But she does and she does it damn well, with the same keen and childish curiosity that deftly straddles the edge between cheeky and puerile. Intellectual girl crush status.

Twilight Ode to Yogurt

2008-12-18T00:29:00.000-08:00

I love you so fucking much, yogurt.

WANT WANT WANT: Babies

2008-12-08T23:06:00.000-08:00

Walter Van Beirendonck makes kid's clothes? What the fuck? This is the most awesome thing ever. I need to have a bajillion babies right now, just so I can dress them in this shit. I already go nuts whenever I pass by the baby/kids section at Target, so this is nearly unbearable. I am ready to grow an ovary just to feel it explode in maternal need.

These tights are unbelievable. Smiles? Eyes? Smiley eyes? God damn. And contrast heel and toe? Ridiculous.

And let's not forget that this is translated from his last menswear collection; entitled "eXplicit" and presented at Pitti Uomo. That leaf skirt began as some mask on a random model's face. Let's not forget how that girl on the right is fucking working that pout for everything she has got. Bitch knows how hard the economy is and wants to prove her worth as a model.

Well.

2008-12-07T23:25:00.000-08:00

I have no ambitions other than to finish.

That's pretty much it.

How Am I Supposed to Feel?

2008-11-27T03:20:00.000-08:00

Catching up with Return to Cookie Mountain in a spartan room. Recently stripped walls and empty halls and not much else. There's also the knowledge that I'm going to be living out of a motley collection of trash and Ziploc bags for two weeks. And the unrelenting sensation that there is a swarm of insects within my mattress and that the only thing stopping them from greedily feasting on my veins is a few sheets of plastic.

I told Connie that I didn't experience my usual post-purchase bliss after picking up some Fiorentini + Baker boots in the city. It was a bad sign. Anytime that shopping fails to evoke some sensation of joy/elation/nigh-orgasmic happiness typically indicates that something is very wrong. And I still can't quite wrap my head around the series of events that have been so very unfortunate. I'm relying upon my recent aid to a could-have-been fatal car not-quite-accident and my forbearance with this current trial as some sort of good karma orgy; that is to say, I am in the thick of so much shitty shit that the cosmos probably — indeed, must — cut me some slack in the future. I'm thinking about this whole ordeal as a sort of karmic investment.

My Thanksgiving is not going to be a Thanksgiving. It's going to be me sitting in old clothes on an old couch in an old apartment that just won't let me go. Angry letters and lawyer threats have failed to extricate me from my landlord's grip and all I really want to do is eat an entire pizza by myself. Oh wait, I already did that.

Nothing in the recent past has done nearly as much to convince me that I absolutely, positively must leave this place by any and means necessary. The faceplates stuck to the wall with a lazy slash of paint, the circuit breaks that break at the slightest provocation, the dishwasher that fails to wash dishes. It's like Godot designed my apartment to be the least livable space possible. It's only by sheer effort that the three of us had managed to transform this place into something even remotely resembling an apartment.

There's nothing cathartic about this. This is why people get old. This is why people have high blood pressure. This is why people grow cynical. This is why people get into credit card debt. This is why people dream of buying, not renting. Just when you've dug to the bottom of the barrel, past the first three layers of frustration, dissatisfaction, and complete, mind-numbing anger, then you realize that there's actually a wormhole that leads to a whole parallel dimension of bullshit. Of bullshit apartments and bullshit building managers and bullshit things like bedbugs. I remember somebody telling me this was adulthood or something. Yeah, right.

This is just bad luck.

Smells Like...

2008-10-26T10:34:00.000-07:00

Vintage eau de toilette by John Varvatos

...passing by a carpenter, the quiet whirr of a saw like a reassurance of activity. Pulling out a well-worn dollar bill from a wallet. A mild shower after a run through the brisk fall breeze. How your favorite leather chair squeaks ever so comfortingly when you rest in it. The melting of ice cubes in a glass of scotch.

The Truth Is

2008-10-25T22:21:00.000-07:00

Somebody Loved - The Weepies
So, apparently, I'm a big, blustering vagina that cries at just about everything. Also, Changeling is good. Please go see it.

WANT WANT WANT: Nau Mélange Knit Sweater

2008-10-24T09:19:00.000-07:00

As times get leaner and pursestrings grow tighter, I've found myself getting pickier and pickier with my purchases. But pieces like Nau's variegated V-neck sweater ($235) in several shades of mélange cashmere/angora blends. Produced in accordance with the strictest environmental, sustainability, and performance standards around, it's hard not to see pieces like this as a genuine investment. I'm glad the folks at Nau (after a fortunate re-injection of capital) have come back in full force with their trademark blend of sporty, chic, and super smart.

"She's beautiful"

2008-10-19T11:38:00.000-07:00

Yes, some men come to ogle the candidate, too. “She’s beautiful,” said a man wearing a John Deere T-shirt in Weirs Beach. “I came here to look at her,” he said, and his admiration for Ms. Palin’s appearance became more and more animated. Sheepish over his ogling, he declined to give his real name (“Just call me ‘John Deere’ ”).

-The New York Times

Welcome to the modern American political discourse.

Wherein I Fulfill One Promise

2008-10-03T01:05:00.000-07:00

I told you that drastic changes were in the works. After a long period of servitude to the massive mane that kept me weighted down, I decided to rebel with a shorter razor cut. I still wanted some shape and movement, so we left it kind of long. I'm still playing with it.

And yes, I know that I look like a little boy. I'm okay with that.

Dramatics

2008-09-28T21:12:00.000-07:00

A show, hastily cobbled together, and frenetically staged. I paid little attention to myself, resolving to pick clothing that was easy more than anything else. All craziness aside, it was extremely satisfying. All about that hustle, son.

WANT WANT WANT: Manly Jewelry

2008-09-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

Giles & Brother leather wrap bracelet with hook, $122 @ Oak

I'd like to think that in our day and age, we're past the point where men find the idea of jewelry too inherently feminine. There was an era (the landscape of memory is dominated by DIESEL and D&G stamped on an endless sea of dogtags and big watches and bracelets) when men felt the need to overly display their masculinity, needing something big and shiny and sharp, as though to make their jewelry anti-jewelry. In recent years, menswear has opened itself to a much larger notion of what men can wear. The spectrum from dandy to derelict (as espoused by everyone from Paul Smith to Rick Owens) has also brought a sense of refinement; the fashionable teens of the 90s have turned into the tasteful, restrained men of the 2000s. How else can I explain the emergence of such sophisticated work like Philip Crangi's collaboration with his sister Giles — Giles & Brother? Their ability to marry different materials, ideas, and aesthetics into one distinctly masculine vision of jewelry has got me itching for an excuse to blow a wad of cash on some new trinkets..

Smells Like...

2008-09-24T23:23:00.000-07:00

Endymion by Penhaligon's

...a quiet day in a café. The stirring of a latte matches the revolutions of the lazy fan overhead. Newspapers, folded and refolded, haphazardly lie on a table. Worn leather chairs quietly protest as warm bodies leave for another cup of coffee. Occasionally, the steam wand hisses. A silent, comfortable sort of romance.

The Rise of the Douche

2008-09-18T22:00:00.000-07:00

Since when did you have to be a total douchebag to be cool? What happened here? Skimming over the Internets, I've noticed several trends, but most of them can be considered a subset of the ultimate trend: being a douchebag. The Oakland Art Museum recently had an exhibit on the birth of "cool"; that is, the concept of "cool" and how it was first defined, how it began to spread, and finally how it came to be commercially packaged. I think I've hit upon a similar notion. In mathematical terms:

American Apparel

some form of irony

alcohol

affected androgyny

douchebag behavior

cool

How did we let this happen? I use "we" in a very loose sense, seeing as how I would like to think that I've done nothing contribute to the creation of this soul-sucking scene. I guess you can say that there's always been an attempt by every burgeoning generation to define itself, to set itself apart from the loins that birthed it, but this is just getting out of hand. The namechecks, the gratuitous drunkenness, the LA-manufactured uniform, the refusal to acknowledge the 80s as the vortex of tacky costume that it was — it's just too much.

Some folks would like to say that I'm talking about "hipsters" (Adbusters has gone to great lengths discussing the word), but I don't know what exactly I'm talking about. There are some folks that I see, that I sense, that I can practically smell who would fall very much into this categorization, but it's more than just what people have been wearing. Flipping through any catalog, any channel, or any product geared towards youth and you don't see anything of any real value, in either social, intellectual, or aesthetic terms. To borrow a phrase, they all "rook arike".

Am I part of the problem? Maybe. The problem with discussing the problem is that to engage in any dialogue about the subject requires you to employ the vernacular involved. So even if I were to use the word "hipster", and I don't necessarily always do, but if I were, I would have to talk about it in terms of my own role within the greater orbit of hipsterdom. This doesn't change the fact, however, that the majority of people who are being tagged "cool", for better or for worse, behave in a way that unequivocally demands the label "douchebag".

This certainly isn't the most articulate polemic issued about the topic. In fact, I'm not very sure what my topic really is. But I do know that there's something going wrong here. When you need to guzzle as much alcohol as possible, make out with as many members of the same sex (despite your oft-repeated love of the opposite one), restrict your wardrobe to a narrow set of ideas, and simultaneously befriend and alienate everyone you see in order to prove your "cool" factor, then there's something wrong with "cool", you douchebag, you.

Lumiere

2008-09-13T09:49:00.000-07:00

Swoon.

Play on Gray

2008-09-13T00:23:00.000-07:00

I enjoy dressing up. Comparing my time spent in shirts and slacks to my time in tee and jeans reveals a noticeable dearth of energy and money spent towards defining how I like to dress when I'm supposed to dress. Now that I've passed the halfway point, I feel like it's time to start gearing up for what's next (knowing what's next is an entirely separate matter).

Jonathan Saunders for Target

2008-09-05T17:53:00.000-07:00

A friend recently noted the dearth of discussion about womenswear and I blame school work, magazine work, and work work for my inability to muster up anything worth saying. But while helping Connie pack for her trip to Fashion Week, we wound up talking a lot about high-end designers and their low-end collaborations. Succeeding Richard Chai as the latest Target Go International Designer, British colorblocking extraordinaire Jonathan Saunders has created a whole range of looks that take his signature aesthetic and tones it down a little.

This isn't to say that it's watered-down Saunders; the prints on some of these pieces are definitely out of the mainstream tastes. But with more manageable silhouettes and a quite a few separates, I'm sure everyone is going to find something they like. What really interests me, though, are those boots that the model is wearing. What can I say, I obviously have a thing for strapped boots. Now if only I could find a pair that would work for me...

(Images from Nylon and NYMag)

I BOUGHT THIS / I WANT THAT

2008-09-03T21:00:00.000-07:00

And so the vicious cycle continues. The influx of black continues even as the sun refuses to turn it down a notch. But when it does decide to scale it back a little, I'm definitely going to be prepared. I've been on a big multi-function sort of kick lately, so this sleeveless top with attached scarves from Diet Butcher Slim Skin was a natural draw. Add cashmere and silk and you've got one sold customer. For brisk fall days, I've got this Lad Musician jacket with a roll-away hood if I'm in a pinch. These April 77 Chelsea slacks are actually intended for a super secret event next week, but if I said what it was, then it wouldn't be so secret, now would it?

But with every itch you scratch, you always wind up with another. And some of these itches are not easy to scratch. Maybe for a reason? Fiscal responsibility notwithstanding, I've still get my eyes peeled for what's next and — surprise, surprise — it's more black. I'm don't usually consider myself a big sneaker head, but these canvas high-tops from Diet Butcher Slim Skin's fall collection ($390 @ Blackbird) would give anyone reason to pause.

As great as my current bag is, I can't help but feel the need for something a bit more professional. I'm not any big proponent of the green fashion movement, but I don't see any reason to pooh-pooh something just because it's vegan leather or anything. And the Jobs briefcase from Matt & Nat ($258 @ Alter) might make me turn over a new leaf. Everything from the zippers to the handle to the subtle branding certainly makes a persuasive argument for eco-friendly consumerism.

Also, the jewelry hunt goes on (does it every really end, though?) and this acrylic feather pendant from Alex & Chloe ($48 @ Alex & Chloe) is just the touch of light humor that my slowly darkening wardrobe could use. Who knows? Maybe I'll really step outside the box and try it in fluorescent pink? Well. Definitely not. But I'd give the white version a chance. See? I'm trying to be adventurous.

So maybe I lied. Maybe this isn't all black. This grey, high collar, double-breasted jacket from Endovanera has positively set my knees a shaking. I tried it on at Acrimony the other day and had a really hard time taking it off. Sharon, I blame you for any and all future calamity that befalls my checking account.

So...

2008-09-01T22:19:00.000-07:00

I promise that things are going to start changing. And then it'll get really interesting.

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

2008-09-01T00:24:00.000-07:00

Please stop chiding me. It's not like I haven't been desperately trying to book an appointment to get my hair cut. Because I have.

Things On My Mind

2008-08-23T00:44:00.000-07:00

I guess the sparse sounds of Blank Dogs go well while I ruminate on this funnel-neck hoodie from B. Son's collaboration with Urban Outfitters. Both give me pause. On Two Sides sounds like a lot of things you've heard already; it's easy to draw the line between Blank Dogs and New Order, Sonic Youth, and Soft Cell. It's New Wave, but not. It's raw, but the production values show some deliberate polish. It dips its toe into noise rock, but then some dance-y pop hooks show up. If anything, the original unoriginality of On Two Sides reads like a very appropriate and thought-out approach. The album's inherent tensions — between songwriting and dance-compelling — provokes a mixed reaction. Part of me hates it, because I could just turn on some Sonic Youth and listen to this done much better. But then part of me loves it, because if Sonic Youth had made this album, it wouldn't have been so willfully different.

Likewise, I can't decide whether I'm repulsed or enamored by B. Son's B100 line, produced specifically for Urban Outfitters. When the first word about this hit the Internet, I was expecting some watered-down, over-designed garbage. The problem with so many of these BLANK x BLANK x BLANK endeavors wind up being attempts to produce something very high design at a much lower price point, but the lower manufacturing/material options make that intrinsically impossible. It's a retail reach-around; sure, you're getting to play with someone else's junk, but all you can think about is how the other guy doesn't know how to use your junk like you do. You can't squeeze a larger, more sophisticated and costly aesthetic within retail and design constraints that simply make your original design irrelevant.

The folks who run B. Son sure are sharp, though. They've avoided this problem by designing for Urban Outfitters. Now, I realize the label already says B100 by B. Son for Urban Outfitters. The preposition isn't what I'm really talking about. I'm talking about intention. But trimming down the B. Son aesthetic to its core components and trashing the rest, B. Son has managed to produce a collaboration that looks like it was designed by B. Son, but doesn't look like fake B. Son or B. Son-lite. Granted, the silhouettes and construction may be taken straight from previous season's collections, but the overall feel of the B100 stuff is pared down enough from the original that it feels like something different.

Or maybe I'm just trying to justify buying a hoodie that I initially wrote off and now kind of like how it fits, but don't really want to admit to making an error in judgment. Or something.

2008-08-19T15:56:00.001-07:00

I shower as a means of preparing myself for daily engagement with the world around me.

Buying Time

2008-08-18T17:11:00.000-07:00

In some attempt to curb my spending, I had resolved to completely stop buying things impetuously. After (almost magically) spending money that I really didn't have any right to spend on a couple of items, I found myself wanting to wean myself off my bad habits and to try and stick to some sort of plan — a financial diet, if you will.

But the problem of the impulse purchase kept arising. Whether I was trying to casually stroll through the streets of the city ("Oh, just look at Barneys displays!") or through the Internet ("Oh, look, the Julian Red sale is on!"), I kept finding myself drawn further and further into the maelstrom even as I was trying to put more and more distance between myself and my temptations. My Macbook Pro did little to ease the situation as it kept filling in those damn forms for me, making my purchases require that much less thought.

My solution is no solution at all. Creating a list of fall must-haves (black trousers, new coat, et cetera) has focused my shopping into a product-oriented process. This isn't to say that I don't flip endlessly through catalogues and magazines and websites; far from it. Indeed, I'm doing as much, if not more, random shopping than ever before. What I have been doing is actually buying less. The more and more I deliberate, the less likely I've found myself actually purchasing anything. Perhaps my problem lies in the "impulse" part of "impulse purchase". I enjoyed the fantastical feeling of new-ness that every purchase imparted. But as I have required myself to think and analyze each item more, the true flaws of both the garment and my reasoning eventually show through and casts a rather unflattering light on both my habits and my would-be purchases.

One luxury, if you could call it that, has been magazines. I arrived at Michael's doorstep last night and was greeted by the latest issue of VMan. That in addition to Antenna, V Magazine, Details, Men's Vogue, and Vanity Fair have been clogging up my reading time. Truth be told, purchasing the magazines is really just a proxy for my more voracious and less fiscally responsible desires. A Lanvin ad is hardly a Lanvin suit. Hardly.

New School

2008-08-07T13:08:00.000-07:00

(Raf Simons x Eastpak padded bag, £89 @ oki-ni)

I honestly don't know what to think now that I'm entering my second half of my undergraduate education. Am I supposed to be more serious? More sure about what I want to do for the rest of my life? Because I don't. The only thing I do know is that I need more Raf Simons in my life, and it might as well be on my back.

2008-08-06T15:53:00.000-07:00

FORGET GUILT.

FORGET EVERYTHING

HEDONISM IS KING.

Dressed for Dining

2008-08-03T23:11:00.000-07:00

Ate My Fill

2008-08-03T22:59:00.000-07:00

Low-res food porn from my birthday dinner at Bushi-Tei? Why yes, I can do that.

Wine-cured mackerel over green zebra tomato gazpacho with purselime and turnip

Ahi tartare with tobiko caviar, wasabi-crème fraiche, coriander seed, and herb oil

Venison prosciutto with galia balls, galia sorbet, baby frisée over montbriac

Foie gras over kabocha pot de crème with pistachios and red onion marmalade

Fukko seabass over rockshrimp polenta and lobster nage

Intermezzo of yuzu sorbet

Grilled day boat sea scallop and saffron dumpling over yukon potato chowder

Antelope loin with chanterelles over potato mousseline with port wine reduction

Lobster and hand-made Italian parsley gnocchi with shaved truffle and tarragon lobster nage
Flourless chocolate souffle with roasted strawberries and organic ice cream

Black sesame blancmange with pineapple-strawberry salsa and coconut milk reduction

Lemon gâteau with yuzu-infused mascarpone mousse

2008-08-01T03:44:00.000-07:00

It works because you want it to.

2008-08-01T03:08:00.001-07:00

Youth is over-rated.

On a Journey

2008-07-30T12:47:00.000-07:00

A: You look like a rockstar.

!: I'm just a skinny immigrant Asian kid staring at a green Aztec dragon.

Not Giving Up

2008-07-26T09:18:00.000-07:00

So this still stands. And I do, too. This is actually last night, but who's really trying to keep track. Everything has become so much more interesting now that I've sloughed off a lot of random existential baggage. Whatever that means.

2008-07-24T02:59:00.001-07:00

I gave in and made one.

WANT WANT WANT: Pierre Hardy for Gap

2008-07-18T10:24:00.000-07:00

The ladies had their fun with Pierre Hardy's first collaboration with Gap, resulting in some wonderfully sleek and minimalist shoes. And now the French accessory designer extraordinaire has got two slick new pieces for the guys to drool over. Available starting September 15 at select Gap stores, the combat boots will go for $298 and the desert boots will cost you $178. While these are certainly an elevation above the usual Gap price point, affixing Hardy's name and his eye for shoe design carries a hefty premium. Although these aren't anywhere in the same ballpark as Hardy's mainline shoes (even those cool primary color sneakers are still $500 some on sale now), I think it's something I'll definitely be interested in.

All in all, I'd have to say that the Patrick Robinson revamp of the brand has been successfully aesthetically; we'll have to see whether or not his work can do anything to revive such a sluggish market.

Admit One

2008-07-12T19:46:00.000-07:00

Never has the term "rock out with your cock out" been more timely or applicable. My ticket to the Treasure Island Music Festival came in the mail today. And now my entire summer is going to be reduced to a count down until September. Great. Assuming that everyone's properly clicked on that link (go on and do it if you haven't), it's easy to understand why I'm so god damned psyched for this. I know for a fact that Jon is coming with me and I think Alex and Des might come, too. The only thing that I'm certain about is that it will be awesome.

2008-07-12T18:45:00.000-07:00

So things here have quickly devolved into me just throwing up pictures of myself rather than any actual commentary. For reals, I promise to actually put up something of real substance. You know, other than my skinny ass.

2008-07-10T23:14:00.000-07:00

So I have this complete hard-on for Rick Owens. But I can't afford Rick Owens, you see? So what am I to do? Well, then I remembered that he also makes a great diffusion line. So now I've got a total hard-on for that. Um, so if someone is willing to give me a couple hundred dollars for a kick-ass denim jacket, I'd be willing to take fabulous pictures of myself wearing it.

Black, black, black

2008-07-10T16:21:00.000-07:00

Don't know if there's any actual demand to see this shit, but there are the boots. Also, my Alfredo Bannisters came in today. Fit is a bit loose, so I need some nice insoles. Both need to get re-soled anyway, though.

2008-07-08T20:36:00.000-07:00

I'm supposed to be doing something, but I wound up sitting around the house instead. Summer tends to do that to my motivation.

He Said, She Said | Vol. I

2008-06-30T15:03:00.000-07:00

"I get so confused. Everyone in Condé [Nast] dresses so fucking well...except the girls at Glamour."

2008-06-29T00:09:00.000-07:00

Somewhere along the line, someone told you that chic is about being fashionable, about being trendy. And that is a boldfaced lie. When someone is chic, they are not fashionable, they resist the very notion of fashion. When someone is chic, they declare independence from the tyranny of fashion. What does fashion have to do with being chic? Fashion is our need for newness, for luster. But being chic is our need for constancy, for definition.

TRANSFORM

2008-06-27T16:19:00.000-07:00

I started out like this:
But a rush of customers, needing to put up a sign, dusting, and changing window displays meant I wound up like this:

2008-06-23T14:43:00.000-07:00

Bored and boring.

As Told by Dior

2008-06-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

I snagged a copy of Christian Dior ... Man of the Century from the library and have been voraciously consuming it. Published in conjunction with the centenary of M. Dior in 2005, the book was a complement to the exhibit at the Dior Museum, housed in his original home in Granville. But this book is more than just a side dish to a museum exhibit, it also contains a copy of Je suis couterier, Dior's famous autobiography.

More than anything else, I'm struck my Dior's sense of humility – there are pages upon pages of his thanks for his friends and business partners whom he obviously treasured – and his earnest desire to create something beautiful. His descriptions of his aesthetic dreams (women with waists like reeds, skirts blooming like flowers) showcase a mind obsessed with the perfection of form, the construction of beauty.

I'd recommend anyone to check it out, but my searches online have yielded nothing (hence the lack of cover art or link to a bookstore), but if you ever get your hands on this, it's an absolute dream to just flip through; Bar Suit here, embroidered gown there, gorgeous sketch somewhere else. Long live, Dior!

2008-06-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

Animal skins have just been popping into my imagination and the Fates of Fashion have sent a couple lovely pieces to the forefront. This Natalia Brilli studded wristband ($310) is just the coolest execution of studs, one of the most played-out looks in recent memory; thanks, Hot Topic. Topman's LTD 100 series features designers from the London College of Fashion and Maria Sheremeteva made a fantastic drapey, one-size sheepskin coat ($757). The ragged edges and drapey construction just add such a great dimension to shearling outwerwear. This Rick Owens two-tone leather jacket ($2,365) was part of the surprisingly sporty Spring/Summer '08 collection and having seen it on plenty of people around town, I can say that I genuinely covet this piece. Oh for want of cooler weather to make such things reasonable.

Oh who am I kidding? Since when has that ever gotten in my way?

2008-06-14T17:00:00.000-07:00

~The principle aspect of my personality.~

Over-indulgence in my own interpretation of the universe.

~The quality that I desire in a man.~

An appreciation of the need for weakness.

~The quality that I desire in a woman.~

Zeal for independent thinking and living.

~What I appreciate most about my friends.~

Their patience.

~My main fault.~

My lack of understanding about my own impact on others.

~My favorite occupation.~

Exploring.

~My dream of happiness.~

A new city every year.

~What would be my greatest misfortune?~

Blindness. I would miss the sight of letters and the warmth of colors.

~What I should like to be.~

A man consulted for his opinions.

~The country where I should like to live.~

France, Hong Kong, or America. I need to be in a place that feels self-important.

~My favorite color.~

Grey.

~The flower that I like.~

The bud. I'm enamored less by the flower than by the promise of the flower.

~My favorite prose authors.~

The ones that make me believe they are more right than I am. The ones that make me doubt my interpretation of things. A few off the top of my head: Hesse, Woolf, Ishiguro.

~My favorite poets.~

Those unafraid to speak as they wish to be heard. Whitman, Pope, Eliot.

~My heroes in fictions.~

Batman. The repressed sexuality of it counts for a lot.

~My favorite heroines in fiction.~

Electra. I think she's a concept of feminine heroism that is completely foreign to my universe. And I can't help but be entranced by it.

~My favorite composers.~

Philip Glass, Mozart, Mendelssohn, and those guys who did the Safety Dance.

~My heroes in real life.~

My mother and father, for their courage in seeking a home on the other side of the globe.

~My heroines in history.~

Marie Curie.

~My favorite names.~

Malarcus. A butchered rendition more genius than the original.

~What I hate most of all.~

Willful ignorance.

~Historical figures that I despise the most.~

Traitors, although you don't see much of that nowadays.

~The military event that I admire the most.~

A soldier's first step into a war-zone.

~The gift of nature that I would like to have.~

The ability to draw. I'm always frustrated by my inability to translate my mind's eye into my hand's pen.

~How I want to die.~

Surrounded by a small, but close circle of people.

~My present state of mind.~

Restlessness.

~Faults for which I have the most indulgence.~

Vanity and pride.

~My motto.~

None of the ones I've tried to stick to have worked for me yet, so I'm still looking.

2008-06-14T13:50:00.000-07:00

Random weather, so random clothes: Obscur hoodie I picked up off Sufu, a random BDG tank off Urban (sometimes when it's hot I just run in and grab a pair), the same old Aprils, and these cheap Zig-Zags I ordered in the mail.

Misadventures in Fashion #1

2008-06-13T16:17:00.000-07:00

(Scene opens on an Ann Taylor; track lighting, sales racks, 40-something sale associates and all. L. diligently browses the racks while I absentmindedly flip through a couple of marked down shirtdresses.)

Me: (looking around) You notice anything, L.?

Her: (not looking up) No...what?

Me: You're the youngest person in here by about...30 years.

Her: (turns away from rack and looks around) Oh shut up.

(The two stand around while L. continues going through the racks. She stops abruptly.)

Her: Let's get the fuck out.

2008-06-11T15:00:00.000-07:00

It's hot.

2008-06-09T12:00:00.000-07:00

Not what I wore today, but rather a few days ago. Work and errands have been keeping me busy, so I snapped the shot but didn't post the result. The heat has had its desired effect upon my wardrobe and I have shifted to light garments and taken to rolling a sleeve or two every now and then. I'm thinking of perhaps object dying my Zuriicks, since they aren't as dark as I'd like, and I think it'd be cool if they had a slight yellow cast, too. Inspiration comes from both the Margiela dyed high-tops and the Raf ones, but a devoted Zuriick customer made a couple custom dye jobs (all sold out, unfortunately), which is the real impetus behind this daring foray into any experimenting.

And while it very effectively raises my pant cuffs, summer also has a tendency to lower my attention span and idle dreaming quickly overcomes any other thoughts. Connie's recent score of some Yves Saint Laurent pants (timely, no?) from the 70s is totally Le Smoking, what with the wide leg and the fabulous row of sequins down the outseam. The sequins got me fixated on sparkles and – surprise, surprise – I find myself browsing through Net-A-Porter's sale section. And when I stumbled onto this Burberry Prorsum jumbo paillette top ($1,046.25 on sale from $1,395) I couldn't help but see the same sense of glamour.

Naturally, I clicked over to Marc by Marc Jacobs and found the same sense of flash (though more subtlety executed) in this double-breasted sheath ($321 from $428). And the item that Net-A-Porter suggested you should "Wear it with"? This oversized cardigan ($299.60 from $428). I'm not sure I necessarily agree with that pairing (and I don't), but I must say that it's a piece that has lots of mature glamour. And so does this Marni patent leather envelope ($797.30 from $1,190). Now somebody go out and get these so I can live vicariously through you.

Who's Next?

2008-06-06T21:59:00.000-07:00

As I recently observed over at the BARE blog, there's pretty universal acknowledgement that Yves Saint Laurent's passing marked the end of something significant. As Christian Dior's successor and a ceaseless innovator with his own label, Saint Laurent was the pivotal figure in shifting the commercial focus of fashion from haute couture to ready-to-wear. But with his passing and the continued march of time, maybe it's time to look at who is forming the new vanguard, who are forces that are shaping the boundaries of our creative landscape? My list, in no particular order:

Helmut Lang, for making simple beautiful again.
Alber Elbaz, for making me smile. Always.
Raf Simons, for thought-provoking, forward-minded collections.
Yohji Yamamoto, for exploring every frontier, as well as making some up on his own.
Hedi Slimane, for bringing danger back to sex.
Christian Lacroix, for reminding us of craft.
Martin Margiela, for four white stitches.

Dunkin' Donuts Now Dyeing Garments

2008-06-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

Though he isn't one of the usual suspects for designers that drain my wallet, Kean Etro certainly has a clever idea for what to do with white shirts that you've ruined: ruin them some more. Although I'm a very careful drinker of coffee – black, no sugar, no milk – even I am not immune to the effects of overly full cups of joe. The founder and designer of Etro suggested taking any accidents to their natural conclusion by cooking your clothes in coffee. His recipes for how to properly prepare cuisine-inspired fashion also includes salt baked and blueberry soaked shirts, too. Très chic, bon appétit!

2008-06-03T18:34:00.001-07:00

The setting summer sun's leaving these long, lazy rays of light across my living room and the colors and shapes have me jonesing for jewelry. My ever vigilant eye had been on a few pieces anyway and I can't resist the combination of bright summer clothes and darkly brilliant accessories. This clever ring from Margiela, modeled after the one that bartenders frequently wear, (£65/$127) has "Cheers" inscribed on one side and a bottle opener on the other. Jewelry focusing on the mundane has been another favorite, especially Kiel Mead's necklace cast from a mathstick and 22designstudio's seven-sided ring crafted from concrete, of all things. Surface 2 Air also picks stands out for its simple, stacked two-finger ring. Life's more fun with shiny things.

Today is the Day Before Tomorrow

2008-05-25T16:25:00.000-07:00

So, according to the weatherman, summer has started. But with the blustering wind outside and the random mix of clouds/sun that I've seen in the past few days, I highly doubt the veracity of that claim. Now that school's out, I've been at a loss for how to while away all my extra hours, but maybe I'll be better about posting to this thing (for reals?). On a completely unrelated note, the much-talked-about bag is finally mine and I must say that I love it more than I thought I would. The abundance of pockets and the detachable shoulder strap makes this the ideal replacement for my slowly decaying Ben Sherman number.
I actually have a few goals for the summer:

Work out. No. Seriously. I will.
Build a serious summer wardrobe. The dearth of shorts, boat shoes, lightweight button-ups, and whatnot are going to be a serious problem once the real heat kicks in. And unlike my last job, my current one has no air conditioning.
Get a few more recipes under my belt and in my noggin. It's easier to cook for one than three, and the summertime gives me access to a plethroa of veggies and time. Farmer's market, here I come.
Read more. I've got quite a list building up of things to read (Ishiguro, Purple Fashion) and re-read (Eggers, Rand) and my bus commute is the perfect place for it.
Spend less. It's high time that I start actually saving money. As enjoyable as spending it can be, the lack of safety net/emergency funds is definitely a problem that needs to be addressed. (Happy now, Angela?)
Learn another language. Maybe French. Is this a totally crazy idea? I think it might be, but it's worth putting it down.

That ought to be enough for me to say I'll do, wind up not doing, and regret later. But if I need more, I'm sure there are a few infectious diseases that require my inattention, as well.

2008-05-16T23:23:00.000-07:00

My my my, resort has arrived and so have the shows. I'm still not certain what we're supposed to think about resort as a season. It's pretty much there de facto, but are we intentionally not saying anything about it? Is there anything to be said?

Seasonal existential crises aside, Oscar de la Renta presented a covetable, if slightly repetitive, show. It's hard to make the same intense artistic demands on a season predicated largely upon the commercial and marketable aspect of fashion. That being said, de la Renta showed his old tricks, but in a refreshing way. Although some prints seemed to be trekking dangerously close to Jonathan Saunders' work, I suppose that it's more so the palette than the actual working that reminds me of his stuff. The dresses were, as always, immaculate. The numerous takes on the L.B.D. made me do a double-take to Ghesquière's show for Fall 08, but de la Renta dreams about the dresses while Ghesquière contemplates. It's the same difference between reading and studying.

For a season that I still don't understand, I've got to say that the results are pretty eye-catching.

2008-05-15T11:55:00.000-07:00

"State Supreme Court says same-sex couples have right to marry"

Victory.

2008-05-13T22:09:00.000-07:00

Conversations with Connie about clothes might start off in the realms of vision and imagination, but they always wind up firmly rooted in the pure practicality of the matter. Case in point? My much beloved and much desired Surface to Air Cargo Bag and this awesome heat-sensitive, color-changing tank top from Anzevino and Florence have turning over in my mind.

Now, is $78 a lot for a top? Yes. Is it a lot for a tank top? Most certainly. I certainly know there are better deals out there on jersey tank tops (Urban carries them for $10 each), but cut of it looks great and drape-y and the color changing bit is absolutely cool and looks absolutely beautiful. But how do I value those extra qualities? The market says I should value them for $68 more than the ones from Urban and I agree. But why? Why do I find myself aligning with the number that the market has mysteriously* produced?

(* Okay, it isn't such a mystery. It's a combination of research, drafting, advertising, fabrics, production, and also the brand's "value". I acknowledge the various elements of the industry and the variety of intersecting functions that are necessary to create, market, and sell a single product, much less an entire collection. )

So I find the top desirable, so I desire it, and so I'm okay with paying $78 (not that I have...yet). But what if someone else doesn't think that's reasonable? How am I supposed to explain myself? We obviously don't look for the same traits in a garment (me: fit, cut, fabric, design / them: price, availability ), so I can't argue that it fits my criteria for a "good" garment. This is the sort of dilemma I encounter whenever someone asks me about my spending habits. The problem I find most often is that people find me unreasonable for my willingness to spend a larger quantity than average. They think that I am unable to settle, that I'm trying to create a gap between myself and others, but that has nothing to do with it.

You don't think I'm reasonable? Fine. I don't think you're reasonable because you wear Crocs and you're over the age of 5. We'll just have to agree to disagree.

Lowbrow Moment

2008-05-10T23:58:00.000-07:00

Not my fault if I'm hopelessly addicted to this song (despite its obvious artistic shortcomings and the fact that it's months old), but the near constant replay of it on the mix at work has slowly drilled it into my skull.

Showing BARE, Saving Bucks

2008-05-05T03:40:00.001-07:00

I'll keep it short and sweet this time. I promise.

Might I proudly present the BARE Magazine Blog, an extension of the eponymous student rag on whose staff I serve and whose second issue is right around the corner.

And so long as we're tickling your palette for fashion, I might as well let it drop that Yoko Devereaux's remaining stock from their Spring collection is now on sale, with items reduced as much as 80% off.

Things On My Mind

2008-04-29T22:45:00.000-07:00

Recently, things have begun to fill my brain and stay there. This does not include any of my real responsibilities—of course—but just random junk that's trickled in through various channels.

The first thing is that I got the Crystal Castles CD and really, really liked it. It gets a bit rough about some spots, but it's really fun and is just really engaging. Likewise, the HEALTH album is really a lot of sound to deal with, but it's rewarding if you take the time and listen. It's not an easy album and it certainly lacks the upfront hooks that Crystal Castles use, but it's still a well-produced, finely-tuned piece of work. I hate agreeing with Pitchfork (because everyone does), but the album's tendency to delve into the self-indulgent certainly is a problem. At moments, the allusions to Liars and Deerhoof stopped being allusions and became HEALTH writing a Liars or Deerhoof piece. But saying that something sounds as energetic as Liars or as arresting as Deerhoof doesn't really constitute any negative critique about the album's quality. Even if we're hearing the same noise, it's not really the same sound.

On a more visceral note involving victuals (And yes, I would actually say that in real life), asparagus is in season, so I made some scallops and asparagus for dinner a few nights ago. I had a few spears left and couldn't resist encasing them in some pork-based goodness. The grease was everywhere. I loved it.

And I would try to formulate a smooth transition into discusses these Palladium boots, but I fail to see a reason why. Since when do I ever need a reason to talk about shoes? At $120, they're certainly not the cheapest pair, but they certainly aren't a frightful burden, either. The grey would certainly help me kick my all-black habit. And those new PF Flyers coming into the store won't hurt, either. Damn it. I was supposed to stop shopping. Ugh. I'm hopeless.

Another day, another shamble.

Red Sun Rising

2008-04-26T02:52:00.000-07:00

My head's been buzzing ever since the temperature shift has forced me to ditch fall coats in favor of spring shirts. Jeremy Scott's collaboration with Ksubi has definitely been on my mind (late for the bandwagon, much?) and I don't remember how, but Mondrain's name has been tossed back and forth for random reasons. And when my new April 77 Colordrives came in (and my alarm didn't go off), everything sort of just fell into place.

2008-04-19T02:23:00.000-07:00

(Clockwise from top: John Varvatos Slotted Brief, $895 @ BlueBee; Ben Sherman Accordian Laptop Case, $99 @ Urban Outfitters; Surface 2 Air Paris Black Cargo Bag, $552 @ OAK; Banned Brand Laptop Bag, $164 @ 111VOX; Sandqvist Arne, $178 @ 111VOX; Sandqvist Meryl, $148 @ 111VOX)

I haven't been able to take my mind off the idea of a big, black bag. Since when is having a slim, slouchy sack that can swallow all your belongings a bad idea? The Swedes seem to agree with me, since three of my picks are from 111VOX, a webshop based in Stockholm. Not a plug or anything, just a coincidence.

I am all over this "black for summer" thing. I've snagged a few more things, but I'm planning on making a shopping expedition sometime soon, so expect me to have more prattling in days to come.

Charmed, I'm Sure

2008-04-14T17:07:00.001-07:00

(Marc by Marc Jacobs Fan Jewelry Key Ring, $78 @ ShopBop)

I'm supposed to say something about this, but all I really want to do is hold them up and jingle them around. That's a totally normal urge, right?

What's it Worth To You?

2008-04-14T02:55:00.000-07:00

You know, I don't often make "rules". It's too easy to be proven wrong. It's less stressful to set vague boundaries for yourself. I am referring mostly to dress, but you can apply it to pretty much anything.

But after recent developments, I think I've come up with something that I can comfortably adopt as a rule in life. Be clear about value. Don't treat a t-shirt like it's a mink. Likewise, don't act like fur coats grow on trees. Acknowledge and respect the value of a given thing and say nothing more or less than it deserves. Do I love my April 77 coat? Fuck yeah. That thing is my most worn piece of outerwear. It's cut great, the color is deep, and the details are fantastic. And as much as I love it, I don't feel like it's necessary to parade it about, to act like French vegetarian labels are the most common thing in the world.

Similarly, when I buy cheap shit, I say "I am going to buy cheap shit." I feel no need to defend or praise my ability to find and/or buy cheap shit, as my ability is completely immaterial when gauging the value of the item. Is it of lesser value? If so, then I treat it as such. I'm avoiding really delving into this "value" thing, because I know (from experience) that it's the forays into specifics that get you. You know what? The bigger the hole, the less likely you are to find a peg that won't fit.

Ambiguous? Sure. But something I can actually call a "rule for living"? I think that's some kind of existential headway, no?

WANT WANT WANT: Sleek in Schwarz

2008-04-07T22:41:00.000-07:00

(Surface 2 Air Paris Mountain sneaker in black leather, $118 @ Blackbird)

If this shoe doesn't get me to start writing more often, then I don't know what possibly could. It's smart, clean, and the leather version of the one I pined over last Decemeber. I would have loved for it to be all black, but it's still absolutely stunning. Everything that I liked about the army canvas version looks ever better done in black leather. And tomorrow, after I grab my paycheck, it's going to be mine.

Long-Winded

2008-04-05T00:30:00.000-07:00

Long time no see. Long time no speak. A variety of technical difficulties, scheduling fiascos, and overall lethargy have contributed to my extended absence. But I'm back, and in full force. Currently, my time is being spent divided between frantic attempts to finish my homework, sluggishly trudging through my classes, and working my ass off at my job. But the results are stunning. I just bought...

...(clockwise, from the top) Rogan henley, Engineered Garments t-shirt, Cheap Monday L.L. Vintage button-up t-shirt, , Uniqlo short-sleeved gingham, and Uniqlo short-sleeved chambray. Many thanks go to Connie for the Uniqlo shirts, which she got when she snagged herself an internship for this summer. Talented bitch.

And on a note that doesn't remind of how worthless my career possibilities are going to be, I finished Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things for my post-colonial lit class and I am in delirious love with it. From her deconstructive approach to language to her fractured and demented play with chronologies and temporality, Roy does a real doozy for my understanding of what a novel can do.

Any future delays in posts will probably be due to my inability to think of 5 pages to fill up on the Aeneid/my desperate scramble to interview someone for my journalism assignment/my ever-increasing hours at the boutique/my lack of the Adobe Creative Suite on my computer.

Don't worry. Things will get better. Or at least I'll be able to afford things until they do.

STOP THAT and WAYWT? Serious Spring

2008-03-25T05:15:00.000-07:00

Rarely do I ever offer direct admonition. It's not something that I feel like I can do very well. And rarely do I ever feel like I'm in a position in which my opinion really matters, but I can't just let this one go.

Urban Outfitters has decided it was necessary to re-create the Alain Mikli custom numbers that Kanye had made. Say what you want about him, but Kanye has swagger in spades and can rock those shades, even if they're a ridiculous idea. But to do them in these obnoxious colors for people who believe that "nu-rave" is a real thing? I think I've already seen a few floating around the campus (which is ridiculous the moment you stop and think about it) and i only worry that it might get worse. I refuse to provide a link, lest I aid in Urban Outfitters pushing more of these unsightly things into innocent people's hands.

Urban Outfitters, stop that. Stop that right now.

On a lighter note, the day was lighter.

(Zara shirt, random cashmere scarf, Opening Ceremony jeans, thrifted leather lace-ups)

It was a good day for rolled panted. I wish I had some cropped trousers for this outfit and a better shirt, but hopefully Connie will be bringing back some nice bright shirts for me, which just requires that I buy some nice cropped khaki pants. Maybe it's time for some brown boat shoes? Or some other variant of loafer?

Food For the Road

2008-03-23T16:10:00.001-07:00

"'But we call it lembas or waybread, and it s more strengthening than any food made by Men, and it is more pleasant than cram by all accounts.'"

-Book II, Chapter 8, 'Farewell to Lórein'

So it's a lazy sort of Sunday and I've spent my entire day grocery shopping/doing dishes, but I decided to take an hour out to try out a new recipe. I know it sounds silly (and it is), but I decided to try making lembas, based upon a recipe that I found at Happy Love Strawberry and I'm really happy with the results.

I won't reproduce the recipe below, because I'm far too lazy, but I will note that I made mine a little sweeter by actually using sugar and honey, although I probably will use just the honey next time. Also, I had planned on adding some lemon zest, but I had already thrown away the squeezed lemon by the time I remembered. Oh well, there's always next time. Also, I wound up adding a wee bit too much milk in an attempt to keep the dough cohesive, but it ended up being a little stickier than I wanted. I rolled it into a ball, wrapped it in plastic wrap, and gave it a chill, which solved that problem rather nicely.

So I'm obviously not the neatest baker, but I really wanted these things in the oven and having eaten one, I have to say that I am supremely satisfied. The best description I can possibly come up with is that it's a cross between a biscuit and a cookie with hints of lemon and just the slightest bit of sweetness. And yes, this was the nerdiest thing I have ever done in a kitchen.

WAYWT: Running Late

2008-03-20T15:02:00.000-07:00

(Fink seersucker jacket, French Connection skull t-shirt, April 77 grey Colourdrives, Gram 406g sneakers)

So this whole day started off rather strange, but I think it's going to wind up pretty okay. I wound up oversleeping (damn you, alarm clock), but my professor e-mailed me the test, so I'm going to just turn it in tomorrow. He didn't say if I was going to automatically receive less credit or anything, but I'm already taking this pass/no pass, so it's not much of a big deal. The real happy moment was finally turning in that damned paper that I spent all of yesterday/today writing. Now I just have to tackle a summary and this test and I'm free. Free, I say.

Eyes Peeled

2008-03-20T04:41:00.000-07:00

I just managed to grueling (nearly) non-stop writing session and managed to pump seven pages out of my rear end for an English paper. I'm going to try and grab myself a couple hours before scrambling off to my Journalism midterm. Gazing into my crystal ball, I see a few things in my future:

Mystery boots in a nice, big box from the postman (when I manage to save up the dough)
Sending Connie off to Uniqlo and snatching things for me
Getting some sleep
The feel of a cheap, but freshly laundered pool towel
Working hard for the money
Michael Bastian shirts at Gap

And I promise, my doppelgänger, I will see you at some point tomorrow.

WAYWT: Dressy and Drained

2008-03-19T22:19:00.000-07:00

(Shades of Griege peacoat, Forever 21 cardigan, Express shirt, Penguin tie, Marc by Marc Jacobs jeans, loafers)

I suppose it's time for a change of locale. We were taking photos for the yearbook and were instructed to dress appropriately. But apparently "taking photos" really means being squeezed into a huddle and photographed three times.

I really can't spend any time writing this, as my precious brain cells should be directed towards finishing this damned paper.

WAYWT: Blue Monday

2008-03-18T15:55:00.000-07:00

(Stock cardigan, vintage Polo Ralph Lauren polo, vintage tie, vintage belt, April 77 Dischord, loafers)

Oh shit. It's Tuesday. Totally forgot. Nothing interesting. Just felt like the day would be a good day for navy.

WANT WANT WANT: Mystery Boots

2008-03-18T09:09:00.001-07:00

Sorry folks, but this is one that I'm keeping all to myself. Some of my favorite boots ever (EVER) produced are on already sale for more than 40% off and I'm having a severe case of itchy trigger finger. On the one hand, the unnamed store does tend to have really good sales and if I could pick these up for under $150, I'd be so insanely happy.

So I guess that's my issue: go for it and make sure that I get one in my size? Or hold off and see if I can't squeeze a few more dollars out of the deal? Thoughts?

Head to Toe: Dressing Down, Dressing UP

2008-03-16T04:47:00.000-07:00

(Click for full-sized image)

So, going out with Connie only makes me realize how pathetically meager my own closet is. In the spirit of that (and Coors Light, Jäger bombs, Jack Daniels, and absurd 90s covers), I present my smart casual options for the coming summer. I love the idea of a muted palette for spring with a flash of color. I know that this hits a bit close to "nu-rave hipster steez" for some folks, and I understand that. But I also don't give a fuck and think that this is a great set of stuff.

(one) Rogan Henley in black: I actually picked this up on sale at August and, let me tell you, it fits like a dream. It's fitted, but drapey, and the extra-long sleeve gives it such a great subtle twist. ($120 @ BlueBee)
(two) Endovanera Carrot Pant: I can't help but love the idea of cropped trousers. Lord knows that no one needs to see my legs in their full untanned horror, so cropped trousers seem like a great compromise to the upcoming climate change. ($187 @ Oak)
(three) Spitfire 83 to Infinity sunglasses in black/red: So, while I love the Ksubi shades, I can't help but think they're a little played out. No, I do not have any Gold Card hang-ups when it comes to clothes. But I like the idea of mixing it up. Black frames with a bold stripe of red certainly seem like a great answer to the increase in sunshine we've been getting. ($35 @ Tobi)
(four) Raf Simons Canvas Fasten belt in grey: Throw in a bit of white to break up all those dark neutrals. And who doesn't love webbed canvas for a quick shot of texture? ($132 @ Oki-ni)
(five) Driftwood Skull Ring: Moody? Sure. But you can't deny that this ring is a real eye-catching piece. Made of silver and finished with polished black enamel, the detail on this thing is absolutely ridiculous. ($93 on sale from $185 @ Active Endeavors)
(six) J. Fold Weekend Bag: And the bag hunt continues. I'm honestly very surprised that I haven't just given up and grabbed the first Chrome or Puma bag that's come my way. But, truth be told, the seeking has been so much more satisfying than the finding. ($350 @ Tobi)
(seven) Opening Ceremony Simple Dress Shoe in grey: If I love their jeans, it's not a real stretch of the imagination to expect that I'd love their shoes as well. Patent grey? The novelty wears off quick, but the lustrous and deep color certainly stays. The rounded toe is perfect for dressing up or down and the cut would be ideal for going without socks on a warm summer day. ($325 @ BlueBee)

What Am I Doing Again?

2008-03-13T15:08:00.000-07:00

Reading? No. Studying? No. Finishing the magazine? No. Eating a proper breakfast? No. It was more like a hurried mélange of everything I was trying to/should/wanting to do. But not enough time to actually complete anything in any meaningful way.

At this point, I'm just really hoping that the weekend can redeem my life.

NOW I AM...

2008-03-10T21:18:00.000-07:00

(Click for full-size image)

...(clockwise from top left)...

LISTENING to Hot Chip's Made in the Dark: Honestly the most fun I've been having during this entire weekend of studying. I just got myself the Ready for the Floor remixes, so I'm expecting more enjoyment out of this one.
WATCHING Living With the Mek: The Adventures of Mark and Olly: I am absolutely enthralled with this show, mostly because of how bunglingly inept the two of them are. I mean, it's fascinating to watch the other culture, but the best parts are when the show produces moments that are absolutely ridiculous and would never exist outside the context of a television program (i.e. sleeping with pigs, sex stories with ladies).
READING Four Theories of the Press by Fred Siebert: Technically there are other writers, but Siebert's writing is what really motivates you to read it. That and the forthcoming assignments that I'll have to do.
BUYING Tide Cold Water detergent: Has anyone tried this? I mean, it's not nearly as useful when I'm not the one paying the water bills. But I'm running low on detergent and I want to try something new. Rebellious, no?
WEARING Marc by Marc Jacobs burgundy cords: Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know you're tired of them already.
EATING Beemster X.O.: A slice of dairy heaven that's bound to please anyone who likes cheese. Thick, nutty, and aged to perfection, this Beemster has gotten 26 months under its belt and it's learned quite a few tricks during that time. Nutty, warm, it is simply a textural dream.

Like This Wasn't an Obvious Conclusion

2008-03-08T19:18:00.000-08:00

I would like to attribute the dearth of posting to my lack of time and my lack of post-worthy material. Life has been straight up boring for quite a while now. Luckily, I spent the day with my two favorite ladies—Connie and Jon.

While not necessarily my most successful shopping trip (I had hoped to snag myself a new bag to lug around campus), this certainly was one of the most fun/efficient/entertaining. After a quick stop in Zara, which yielded a fun shirt that screamed "Buy me, Jon!" and a shrug for Connie that I am certain will work it's way into her work outfit, we lingered in Bloomingdale's long enough for me to stare at the absolutely fantastic mannequin display in the men's section. Styled to look like they were walking through heavy wind, the dressers had run wires through almost all the clothing so that it would retain the shape. These sorts of ideas, while inspirational, are utterly out of my budget/scope.

Far too much time was spent lingering in Barney's where we all got to longingly interact with things we wanted so badly. The Band of Outsiders jacket that I had tried on last time had (of course) been snatched up and the only A.P.C.s left were in ridiculous sizes (34 is ridiculous, right?), so it was a lot of looking around. I saw a fantastic bag that would have been my ideal lug-everything-around bag by Surface 2 Air Paris, but I lacked the financial fortitude necessary to buy it.

A hop, skip, and cab ride later, we were strolling through the Fillmore, though we were blatantly directing our steps towards the Marc by Marc Jacobs boutique, where I found a delicious pair of jeans and a pair of burgundy cords.

Honestly, this photo — taken as it is with my shitty camera — simply cannot do any justice to the real depth of color on those corduroys. The jeans are a wonderful dark grey-toned blue and both have a pair of rivets on the back right pocket with "M J" stamped upon them. While these jeans certainly aren't going to catch any serious denimhead's attention, I must admit that I love love love the cords. Unfortunately, I lacked the funds necessary to buy them both at the same time, so I charged it. Which means that once I have enough cash, I'm going to return them and re-buy them using cash from my checking account so that there isn't any serious $190 dent in my credit card statement.

Oh, such is the needlessly complicated and totally immature world of a college fashionisto-wanna be.

WANT WANT WANT: COACD shirt

2008-03-04T15:33:00.000-08:00

(Blood is the New Black COACD.com shirt, $20 @ Blood is the New Black)

I'm having a hard time containing my explosive desire to possess this garment. I literally squealed when it popped up on my screen. If I start talking, I won't stop, so I better just shut up.

"What Should A Writer Do?" He Asked

2008-03-04T03:22:00.000-08:00

If you were to ask me, I would say that the moment that every writer should strive for is the moment where he recognizes how sheer the cliffs are that he must scale. I mean, when you come across the bulk of existence, of literature, of art, you are a tiny, infinitely small speck. And I believe that the greatest truth about the self is found only through the unconscious recognition of these differences in size. And as the moment approaches and you slowly get closer and closer to the surface of this great monolith that Man has made, your neck cranes further and further back in some silly attempt to comprehend the size of it. And the first step up this bulwark is when the writer first writes in acknowledgment of how unknowingly high he must climb. I can't say if and where the cliff ends, I have no idea how many blind gropes up the craggy mountainside it will take. But that on the top of that cliff, one may see out until forever.

Head to Toe: Weekday Sleek

2008-03-03T22:25:00.000-08:00

(Click for full-sized image)

While I'm walking around and running errands, I've been staring at a lot of concrete. And I've been modifying my wardrobe to be sleek and comfortable, but versatile. So while I've been in cardigans and skinnies, my ideal choice would be a combination of tailored, but slightly off-kilter pieces. Endovanera's pull-back jacket provides the kind of streamlined silhouette I've been trying to emulate (to varied degrees of success). A pair of Raf Simons' pleated trousers with an untucked tuxedo shirt from Mjolk creates a casual sense of refinement perfectly suited for everyday chores. I love the proportions of those pants and the shirt's details, from its Peter Pan collar to its hem, keep the look casual without sacrificing any of its style. I've loved the Schmoove line of shoes for their bold approach to sneakers and their Jamaica Corso combines the comfort and sleek lines of a sneaker with wingtip detailing for a captivating clash between classy and casual. That's enough alliteration for one night, eh?

Glam Design Contest SMACKDOWN

2008-02-27T22:52:00.000-08:00

Oh yeah, bitches. It's time for round two. Glam hasn't invoked enough of my wrath (my love? my time?), so we've got an another set of would-be designers trying to shove their work down our throats. But you know what? It didn't leave half as bad a taste in my mouth as last time. And I've had plenty of rotten shit down my gullet, so that means a lot.

Well, slap my ass and say I was born yesterday, but Janey's creation is a very interesting, very Proenza Schouler-esque dress. Except it's got a little more richness in color. The choker-like construction creates an interesting silhouette, considering the structure of the bodice. Janey certainly is bringing plenty of New York style to this contest. I'm not totally sold on that ribbing (pleating?) along the waist, but I'm actually rather pleased and would not mind seeing this win.

At first, I was going to say that this was a pretty cute, laid-back dress ideal for spring and summer. The color blocking is refined and the palette itself is rather sophisticated. Brava, Kate, brava. You've created a—wait a minute. Using "patchwork quilting" you put together "silk charmeuse, organic cotton, and linen squares"? No, Kate, you did not create a tour de force, as I was about to say. But congratulations, you have managed to create Frankendress. A hideous amalgam of too many fabrics, too many (disjointed) textures, and embedded a stained-glass window in your model's abdomen. Also, I love the Louboutin's that look like torture devices. Your heels actually are torture devices.

If Lau intended for this to be a yellow silk dress with a sheer double-layer over the top, then I'd be in love. If, however, she just forgot to simply erase the abdomen of the drawing underneath, then that's stupid. Fortunately, I'm willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. It's an interesting use of transparency and layers and I'm always a sucker for a yellow dress for spring. Also, love the contrasting colors along the bodice top and as straps.

There's conceptual, and then there's Lejla's hot mess growing next to a freakishly large fruit. "Hay-colored silk"? Since when do I want a dress to be the same color as animal fodder? The collar would have been interesting had it's volume been played up against something more body-conscious. As it stands, I now have a strong urge to rip this off and cut off about six of the seven million yards of fabric Lejla wasted to make this sin against nature.

Remember how we talked about not being stupid and drawing "inspiration from the Orient"? Well, not is so many words and in using offensive terminology. But you know what I mean. Well, Linda has dipped into the dark, double-edged magic of "ethnic inspiration". I applaud the thoughtful reinterpretation, with its smart color choices, excellent proportions, and the under-stated bow in front. I barf at the "train" and the pockets. Now, I object to the train because it's tacky, but I object to the pockets because I have a very dark dislike of them. I know you ladies love the functionality, but let's be honest here. Most of the time, pockets ruin the proportions and/or lines of a good dress. Yes, they don't destroy the outfit, but they are, ultimately unnecessary. I mean, aren't you carrying the James Jean Prada bag with you anyway? Why do you need pockets?

Okay, I'm not usually a fan of "sporty" dresses, but I might have to make a partial exception. I mean, Melinda isn't completely off the hook here. The bib front? A completely contrivance. But the lined hood combined with the interesting hem and just enough sleeve to invoke activewear creates a very interesting look. The silhouette would also be pretty flattering to a lot of women, too. But please. The bib? You should have just gone for a button-up neck.

Was there a memo I missed? Did Ferrero-Rocher become an acceptable raw material for a dress? Okay, fine Shana intended them to be roses. But since when are roses muddy brown? Also, please stop with the cuff. Stop trying to prove to me that your dress is "on trend". Instead, take away the eighties hair and earrings, shave off a bit of those roses, and then we'll talk.

Okay, here's the good news, Stacey, your name isn't an irritating irregular spelling of a common name and your dress isn't a hackneyed attempt to invoke florals. Actually it's a rather interesting take on the magnolia's distinct coloring and petals. But I don't think it's a very successful wedding dress. It's a little too editorial for a wedding, if you know what I'm saying. Also, "hidden side zip"? Do you mean, "ill-fitting mess"? Be smart and just put a zip in the back so that it's easier to fit.

All in all, not that bad, girls. I didn't wind up spending half the time trying to not regurgitate my Thai house noodles, which, by anyone's standards, represents a great improvement. Keep it up, ladies, my gag reflex thanks you.

Within Without

2008-02-24T23:46:00.000-08:00

"To-day I have got out of all trouble, or rather I have cast out all trouble, for it was not outside, but within and in my opinions."

-Marcus Aurelius, Meditations; IX, 13

Mind the Gap

2008-02-24T22:46:00.000-08:00

(Click for full-size image)

Is it just me or is Gap actually becoming much less repulsive? Their latest thing is a "European" collection for men and women that aren't really very European. Sure, the construction is a little more detail-oriented, but let's not kid ourselves, this is American sportswear. That being said, this is damn fine American sportswear. From the men's mac to the ladies' sleeveless belted dress, I am finding pretty much everything in this little collection to be chic, understated, and rather effortless.

The price point (from $30 or so for tops up to $168 for coats) is diverse enough that you could either buy everything and call it an investment or just select a few items and consider it a bargain. The fact that it's part of the European collection means that the fit is a bit slimmer, a little more body conscious. Which, given the clean lines and rather sophisticated silhouettes, seems like a very good idea.

Honestly, prior to this, I had been trying to avoid Gap for quite a while, as diluted as their vision has become thanks to poor creative direction and the endless flood of Product(RED) garbage pouring out its doors. But now that Patrick Robinson is in charge, the brand has received a nice injection of well-edited opinion that reflects upon a genuine attempt to re-cultivate the company and re-position it as a pre-eminent source of uniquely American clothing. Is it totally successful? Well, I'd really like to give it a yes, but I can't say yet. We've still got to see what the mainline stuff for Fall is going to look like. But given the previews so pleasantly provided by Style.com and Men.Style.com, I'm rather optimistic about Gap's outlook.

As always, the rising price point gives me pause, but with the not-quite-a-recession that we're going through, it's expected that costs are going to be adversely affected. That notwithstanding, it's mass market clothing that still boasts some solid design.

Wallet Alert: Nudie's Summer Washes

2008-02-23T15:41:00.000-08:00

(Nudie Thin Finn in Blonde Ecru Embo, $275 @ Matthew Izzo)

Okay, I have to stop giving people shit for wearing washed denim, because someone inevitably puts out some washed denim that I fall over myself wanting and needing. And for the upcoming Spring/Summer season, Nudie Jeans have put out this brilliant iteration of my favorite jeans from them, the Thin Finn. For the uninitiated, the Thin Finn is better for tall, skinny guys as per myself because it's a higher rise with a lower yoke and lower back pockets. Some of my friends who have tried them on think they fit funny, but it's just because their build doesn't really work with pockets that low.

That being said, I cannot get over how fantastic this Blonde Ecru Embo wash is. Like all jeans, Nudie hasn't tried to put any fake distressing in (a la Abercrombie jeans where you pay for someone to basically ruin your denim), but have instead focused on producing an absolutely stunning wash through a combination of ozone and bleach to create a look that I refuse to describe as anything other than abso-fucking-lutely unbelievable. My bank account is woefully unprepared to accommodate any new purchases, so I'll simply have to stare at them every time I pass August.

Sunglasses at Night?

2008-02-23T01:56:00.000-08:00

(Ray-Ban Folding Wayfarers, $149 @ Saks Fifth Avenue)

Can we talk about how ridiculously cute this idea is? If I didn't already own a pair, I'd totally snatch these up. A friend mentioned that you can probably see the line on the bridge where it folds, but I think it's a perfectly legitimate sacrifice for the chic possibility of taking these off, folding them up, and being supremely satisfied with your position in the universe.

Best Foot Forward

2008-02-22T21:52:00.000-08:00

(Click for full-size image)

Three shoes from Fall 08/09 that need some strong women in them, stat. Marni is definitely the most conservative, but most practical, of the bunch. The Prada ruffle heels have got me swooning, but it's Christian Louboutin's custom work for Rodarte that really made me pay attention. Good lord, ladies' feet are going to have one awesome season.

Black Beauty

2008-02-22T03:51:00.000-08:00

(Nudie Thin Finn Dry Black Coated, $159 @ Cultizm)

So I think I figured out what my next paycheck is going towards. But I really would like a pair of black boots.

(Double Identity Black Hi-Top Leather Sneaker, $146.25 on sale from $195 @ Seven New York)

Oh, you mean something like that? Yeah. Something like that.

Gainful Employment

2008-02-20T22:32:00.000-08:00

Landed me a job, bitches. Expect plenty of whoring out for Dapper, especially whenever I get a chance to to unbox stuff. Updates forthcoming.

Head to Toe: Spring Fling

2008-02-19T16:47:00.000-08:00

(Click for full-size image)

While Spring has not quite sprung, a whole day's worth of gloom and grey has made me pine for sunnier days, lighter color palettes, and new shoes (of course). Patrick Ervell's show for Spring '08 was certainly one of the highlights of the season, with its bold colors, simple lines, and fantastic details. And since lighter weather equals fewer layers, it all becomes about bold pieces with loads of detail. But don't get crazy, it's about sprezzatura.

The new Heutchy boots (from Trovata to Shipley and Halmos to them) are part of their upcoming line which is effortlessly classic. And pair that with the YMC motorbike pants ($133 @ Gargyle) for a rugged blend of Americana and European tailoring. In terms of accessories, you can opt for the bright, as in Raf Simons multi-colored collaboration with Eastpak (£279 @ Oki-ni), or the basic with Rag & Bone's canvas satchel ($175 @ Barney's CO-OP). Light scarves are appropriate for maritime excursions and if I managed to take the boat from my rich future ex-husband, I'd tie a loose knot with this Ann Demeulemeester striped scarf ($340 @ Aloha Rag) to keep things light and layered. But I'd be lying if didn't clearly state that my best find is the zip boots from YMC ($190 @ Blackbird), which come with an interchangeable grey pig leather/navy canvas upper that are easily swapped with nothing more than a quick zip. And there's a reverse colorway if you'd prefer your leather darker.

But aren't we trying to stay positive here?

MDBB: London Fashion Week F/W '08

2008-02-17T23:03:00.000-08:00

Mind dump brainblog. noun. The result of my extreme bored with school (e.g. journalism mid-term and the massive readings that I'm supposed to do) coupled with my skill in wasting time. A chance for you to ride along in my head as I flip through Style.com's coverage on London without illustrations, which will be added when I am less pre-occupied with not failing.

MISSONI

(11:10 PM - 17/02/08)

Why does it feel like Missoni is meant for some old, rich lady now?
Where did all the knit go? Did all the sheep die in Italy? I don't understand this.
Some of these shoes are damn fine and sophisticated. Classy stuff.
Cute red dress with twisted bubble hem. I never thought I'd live to see the day.
Very anti-body-con (how bad are these buzzwords going to last?) dress in color blocks. Typical sophisticated palette. But nice tweak.
The jury's still out on the mushroom-puff-collar-bumble-hem sheath.

SINHA-STANIC

(11:33 PM - 17/02/08)

I don't think I can really handle this shiny dress in no established context. Too much, too early for me.
I feel like the schizo-color block thing is a little more effective in muted colors, not bright, saturated ones.
I like the silhouette of the pouf skirts to the fitted tops with the slightly shell-like short jackets. It's an interesting look.
The stacked/wrinkled tight knit dresses are really doing it for me.
Some of these proportions seem a little funny.
Interesting cobweb knits. The color choices are definitely striking and the overall effect really makes you think about what knits can do.
I just don't buy these shoes. Sorry. Next.
But Fiona is as cute as ever. Thank the heavens.

CHRISTOPHER KANE

(11:48 - 17/02/08)

Okay...this is...different.
The severity and the piallettes make for a super subversive combination. Very tongue in chic.
There are definitely better and worse examples of transparency.
None of these are even really standing out to me.
If I bought those shoes, I'd rip off every single thing dangling off of it and throw it at people in ugly jeans.

JUST CAVALLI

(11:55 - 17/02/08)

I just feel obliged to do this because Cavalli wasn't a half-bad judge on Project Runway, so I have to give him some props.
This hat is a good start.
Why haven't I seen more Biba stuff around?
I do love these shoes.
For the age group/price point to which it belongs, some of these shorter dresses are pretty cute.
Some of the florals are pretty restrained, considering what Cavalli typically goes for.
Puffy sleeve blouse under tweed (?) dress with subtle floral tights, metallic shoes, and drawstring bag that reminds me of a bag of magic? Sign me up, yes.

ERDEM

(12:08 - 18/02/08)

Already liking this a lot. It's got drama, it's got style.
The blur print is absolutely magnificently executed.
This duchesse looks like it probably costs a million bucks, and it probably does, too.
The jackets kind of came out of nowhere.
But the second yellow one is really hitting the spot for me.
Some of these coats are less successful than others, but still a very good effort.
The darker hues definitely work better, but I'm totally falling in love with all the purple everywhere this season.

Good work team. We'll figure out how to class this up later.

Art of Darkness

2008-02-17T11:44:00.000-08:00

I saw this ad for an online design competition being sponsored by American Express and run by Glam over at Connie's and decided to just snoop a little. Lord was I in for a shock. The majority of these are ugly as sin. Not just because some of these folks clearly aren't fashion illustrators—that's an understandable result of a competition open to anyone and everyone—my problem is that these folks are the semifinalists. I thought about just leaving it at that, but I seriously have to go through these one by one and rip them apart.

Monique decided to take inspiration from a "candle from the Bahamas". Well, this explains why this is a big, hot mess. I think this girl just decided to throw on as many ideas that she associated with "pretty dress" onto one sketch. Plunging neck? Check. Asymmetrical back strap? Check. Low-cut back? Check. Contrast color star? Check. Oh please. Maybe instead of taking "time out of her classes", she needs to focus a bit more.

"Elaborate"? "Eco-minded"? What is that little thing running down the middle? A bib? Well, you might be throwing up all over yourself if you're wearing this, so I can understand the need. And I bet a ton of people voted for her just because she claimed that this was "made from bamboo". Pssh. I'm from the Bay, girl. I know some real sustainable clothing lines and none of them look this bad/boring/bad. And can we talk about those ridiculous feet? I understand that it's hard to draw shoes, but anybody with a real eye can see that Alexandra still clearly endorses the idea of bound feet, which I don't think is very fashion forward.

I appreciated Anne's attempt to distract me from her boring, boring dress with her model's legs. I know how far a good pair of stems will get you, so I understand what she's trying to do here. Unfortunately this does not change the fact that her dress is basically something that you can buy from any of the following establishments: Forever 21, Target, H&M, Charlotte Russe, Wet Seal, et cetera. A draped neckline and high hem do not a hot dress make.

Too easy. Next.

Not bad, Carrie, not bad at all. Your appeal to my Kate Moss-centric sensibilities definitely earns you a point or two. Your styling, however, leaves something to be desired. Short skirt? Flapper inspired look? Please, don't hurt yourself stretching. I know it must be difficult. The layered skirt, ruched bodice, and asymmetrical strap/collar create some visual interest. I won't be too hard on Carrie because, unlike so many others, she actually tried.

Let's get a few things straight. This is about clothes. I don't know how much time you spent drawing your model's face, but more importantly—and you really ought to be taking notes here, Christina—I really don't care. Droopy cowlneck double-knit dress? Gross. And what the fuck is that on the dress anyway? Did you just make a screenprint out of a piece of your grandmother's couch? And you added leggings. It's like serving a shitcake with piss frosting and a big bowl of frozen vomit on the side.

Now Jessica, I know this is going to be hard for you to understand, but I'd like you to follow along with me very, very carefully. I'll say this slowly to make sure that you get everything. There. Is. A. World. Outside. Palo. Alto. I understand that it's hard to envision a place where everyone doesn't have legs that go on for days, where people don't feel the need to tie their hair into a pony-tail and throw it over their shoulder every day, where the median income for a family is actually less than $117, 574 (I know, take a minute with that one, Jessica). But just because you don't know about this world outside doesn't mean it isn't there. So please, don't pillage some Asian culture with your "Kimoyes" dress in an attempt to make a dress that everyone's seen in a million iterations already.

I never thought we'd get here without me becoming physically ill, but Mary's little number might do the trick. I have been increasing my caloric intake, so this just might be the solution. (I kid, please no angry e-mails. I already eat like a cow. Now get off my nuts.) I think you should try patenting your "triple keyhole neckline", Mary, because I really don't think anyone else has (or ever will) try out that little trick. Did I also mention how deliriously high Mary's model is? And how closely she resembles one of my elementary school teachers? No. Well, she is and she does. Also, the length of her arms may be an indication of knuckle-walking, because Lord knows that my arms don't reach down past my knees.

Folks, if we work together, we can stop bad fashion from happening to good people. Or, in this case, bad people happening to good fashion. Because then all you're left with is ugly people in ugly dresses making everyone else feeling uncomfortable.

Also, sorry for the bad Conrad pun. Just couldn't help myself.

This is What Tomorrow Sounds Like

2008-02-17T10:54:00.000-08:00

My InDesign decided to go crazy on me, so I tried re-installing it. But Jon has me doing impossible things with my computer that will (ultimately) require me to get Leopard, so I must postpone any posts with real—i.e. good—pictures. Instead, I'll just rattle off a list of some stuff that's been buzzing in my ears.

Been doing a ton of house-y, Nu-Rave (New-Rave? Neu-Rave? Bullshit term?) stuff. I'm not claiming to be an expert by any mean. Hell, I'm not an expert about any music. I just like listening to stuff that I think sounds interesting. Tiga's been getting a little bit of play recently, mostly because of that whole hoodie thing. I just grabbed Remixed & Reimagined: Nina Simone because of Ian and there are already plenty of good associations that I've formed in my head with that album, not that I need more reasons to supplicate to the High Priestess of Soul. Klaxons' As Above, So Below EP has been particularly pleasant, but I'm starting to feel that I've overplayed it for myself. But the Justice remix totally makes it worth it. I couldn't do this without mentioned Made in the Dark, which practically requires listening. I, unfortunately, have to try not to play it aloud, because Alison refuses to hear it before she purchases it for herself. I understand this desire, but my personal desire to experience the record is far more visceral than my desire to "do it right". Yelle's Pop-Up is absolutely ridiculous, but I don't know what I'm supposed to dance to in the shower, if not ridiculous music. Patrick Wolf doesn't fit into this picture perfectly, but it's too hard to resist every single thing about The Magic Position. Drawing the parallels to Bowie is too easy, but too hard to miss, as well.

So I guess this wound up being a pretty extensive post, despite my inability to include pictures. More promises that I'll do something dramatic. And more chances that I probably won't.

Shopping Fever

2008-02-14T00:33:00.000-08:00

I would totally make a kick-ass collage out of this, if my Photoshop were working. But due to a series of unfortunate events, I am currently having to live without any part of the Adobe Creative Suite. Yes. This is a new emotional low for me. In return for being so patient while I (meaning Jon Ong) sort out the technical difficulties (which may or may not include getting Leopard), I promise something super fabulous. Paper doll patterns, mayhaps? Or maybe I'll be a bit more consistent with posts? Whatever. I'll probably wind up doing whatever I damn well please, no matter what happens.

So in my mail, I got a refund from the school, saying that I had $600 in credit. Well, I'm never one to complain about receiving money, so I resolved to tuck it into my checking account and keep it for next month's rent, so I wouldn't have to ask my parents for the whole amount.

But then I found out that Gargyle was having a sale.

Fuck.

(Fred Perry 3 Color Check Shirt, $67.20 on sale from $96 @ Gargyle)

(Corpus Cadet Jacket, $225 on sale from $375 @ Gargyle)

(YMC Cropped Chino Trousers, $133 @ Gargyle)

(Umbro by Kim Jones Mork Aztec Sneakers, $108 on sale from $135 @ Gargyle)

(Umbro by Kim Jones Aztec Trim Weekender, $116 on sale from $145 @ Gargyle)

Okay, so I threw in a couple that weren't on sale. So sue me. But now I have another candidate for my next bag. Ugh. I love the shoes and the bag by Kim Jones, who makes just some of the smartest fucking sneakers on the planet. Honest to God, if they had all my sizes in all the above items, I would totally just buy this outfit in a heartbeat. But I have (some) self-control, so the only things I'm seriously considering are the bag and shoes (and maybe the pants if they go on sale in my size).

All this shopping is really just a way of congratulating myself on not only completely my English essay, but also getting over a fever of 100.3°F over the course of one night. Thanks, ibuprofen!

Now if only there were some pill to get rid of all this fucking reading, then I'd be set.