STOP THAT and WAYWT? Serious Spring

      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?

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Food For the Road

     "'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.

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WAYWT: Running Late

(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.

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Eyes Peeled

     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.

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WAYWT: Dressy and Drained

(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.

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WAYWT: Blue Monday

(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.

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WANT WANT WANT: Mystery Boots

     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?

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Head to Toe: Dressing Down, Dressing UP

(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)

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What Am I Doing Again?

     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.

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NOW I AM...

(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.

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Like This Wasn't an Obvious Conclusion

     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.

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WANT WANT WANT: COACD shirt

(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.

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"What Should A Writer Do?" He Asked

     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.

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Head to Toe: Weekday Sleek

(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?

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Glam Design Contest SMACKDOWN

     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.

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Within Without

     "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

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Mind the Gap

(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.

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Wallet Alert: Nudie's Summer Washes

(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.

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Sunglasses at Night?

(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.

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Best Foot Forward

(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.

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