I know you’ve been looking for more…I do apologize again for my spotty posts here of late. I’m currently lost in Los Angeles but please stay tuned…I have lots more up my sleeve…
Alpha Vomero
Occupation: Wardrobe Stylist, Fashion Designer
Location: NYC
Blog: DISCOFUNBATH
You can find me taking pictures of strangers that catch my eye, endlessly shopping (or what I would call “looking”, unless it’s for work… then I’m buy buy buy!), and laying in the park, drinking white sangria, and reading horrible gossip magazines with my partner in crime, Clayton Vomero. I love my life!
1. Talon knuckle ring by Made Her Think >> One part beauty, one part tough as nails…. all parts awesome! more info
2. Bikini by Lover >> If it ever stops raining here in NY I’ll wear this adorable little number on my roof top deck! (I’m not holding my breath though…. and honestly, I don’t have a roof top deck. Damn.) more info
3. Blazer by Alexander Wang >> Ah yes, every girls dream jacket…. casual and oversized, and at the same time fun, silky, and ready to party! more info
4. The “look” >> Simply lovely…. and that hair could not be more perfect. Good find Mr. Sartorialist! more info
5. Prosciutto and melon with a drop of olive oil >> My new summer love…
6. Zombies >> I’m reading the book “World War Z” at the moment…. and I’m constantly watching my back for zombies… more info
7. Alfa Romeo >> This car and I are meant to be together someday…. Here’s a nice photo of Sofia Loren and Daniel Day Lewis in a vintage Alfa Romeo Spider in Rome….more info
In this latest installment of Staples™ Chic, let us marvel at the amazing pencil dress that is on the table of contents page of “Cheap Date” volume 5. Perhaps you’d like a Disaya Pencil Shaving Cuff to go along with that!? Don’t forget the pencil sharpener ring too….
I apologize for the lack of more substantive posts over the past two weeks. I’ve got a lot of balls in the air at the moment so please bear with me…I’ve even been so busy in fact, that I haven’t even had much of a chance to check out the plethora of amazing end-of-season sales going on…But luckily, I did just barely manage to eek out enough time to score a pair of the op-art Henrik Vibskov silk trews that I’ve been eyeing all season from Creatures of Comfort and a fit-to-be buttoned, buckled, and tied Acne dress from OAK. Although both are already sold out at both shops, I did see that Azita has the Vibskov pants on sale as well… (wink wink).
It’s been an unusually wet NYC summer that might rival springtime in Seattle drop-for-drop. Along with the extra humidity, unfortunately comes the extra frizz-itity, but this amazing editorial from Russian Vogue (via Fashion Gone Rogue) makes me wonder if maybe we should all just play up the kink instead? Of course it wouldn’t hurt if you also had some Margiela, Schwab, or Victor and Rolf to accompany the ‘do…
In light of Michael Jackson’s unfortunate passing, I thought it might be nice to share one of my favorite pieces by visual artist/composer Christian Marclay. His series, “Body Mix” combines various LP covers to create a different composite body. I wonder what this technique might yield using various Fashion magazine covers or ad campaigns?
Rest In Peace, Farrah and Michael…
In the summer I tend to stray away from wearing necklaces and bracelets too often. Instead, I typically reach for rings. I recently purchased this giant handmade silver one from Barcelona-based Masaoms a few months ago (thanks to Simply Olive) and it’s quickly become , hands down (or hands up as this photo suggests) one of my favorite accessories of the season…
If you live in or are visiting the Netherlands, be sure to pick up this month’s issue of Dutch AvantGarde. I’m honored to have been featured in an article that features favorite shops, restaurants, and points of interest in Paris, London, Venice, Madrid, and my own town, New York City…each from a fashion blogger’s point of view.
Amanda Ford
Occupation: art director/graphic designer
Location: NYC
Blog: Is Mental
I’m a Sagitarius so I’m a flighty girl and a dreamer. I think this attributes to my creativity as a graphic designer, and my fondness of anything that reminds me of being a kid like sour patch kids, holograms, and thunderstorms.
What I’m Into Right Now:
1. United Nude Stealth Wedge >> I love the architectural heel and the elastic looks comfy! more info
2. Ksubi Shirt >> I first saw this total acid trip of a shirt in a Tokyo streetstyle shot and have been obsessed ever since. more info
3. Maria Francesca Pepe Tube Necklaces >> Probably my number one most wanted piece of jewelry. more info
4. I dig this girl’s look A lot that I found on a Melbourne Street Fashion. >> She took something very challenging to wear, a glittery dress, and toned it down into what I call “a good witch.”
5. Bozu >> Hands down my favorite restaurant ever. It’s a Japanese tapas spot in Williamsburg, Brooklyn that has the most amazing lychee martini and these delicious sushi rolls called “bombs.” more info
6. Scented Candles >> I sort of have an obsession with scented candles, especially ones that are very sweet smelling like vanilla and coconut. I just came across this marshmallow scented one at Colette that I’m dying to have! more info
7. Tauba Auerbach >> Amazing artist and visionary who is as old as i and has accomplished so much already in her lifetime. I’m drawn to her pieces that take something so familiar like TV static, and reinterpret it into beautiful art. more info
It’s like gambling…addicting, thrilling, you could score big-time…I seriously look forward to OAK’s bi-annual 304050 Sale, and it drops tomorrow. Things start at 30% off, and here’s where the gambling comes in…you can go for that shirt you’ve been eyeing it or risk it to see if it makes it to the following week when an extra 10% will be slashed. Can you see my poker face?
I’ve been a die-hard fan of Surface To Air accessories since I first slipped an aluminum two-finger duster over my knuckles several years ago. It’s the one piece that I can honestly say that I’ve worn consistently season after season…futuristic timelessness that really packs a punch…quite literally. Daniel Jackson, one of the original founders of Surface to Air and the designer of the accessories line, clearly focuses on the concept of conflict, both offensive and defensive, with his tongue-in-cheek approach to accessorized weaponry. I recently stumbled across Surface To Air Accessories newish site that just launched a few months ago and I’m finding myself lusting after so many of the unisex pieces. There are of course the ubiquitous dagger pendants (Woah, Hasselhoff…Knight Rider in shining dagger) but there’s also a few more dusters that I’ve got my eye on, namely the the ’stacked flattop’ which I feel is a bit daintier while maintaining it’s tough edge.
Once upon a time, in the tiny hamlet of the East Side Lower, nestled betwixt sidewalk and thicket, thrived a sanctuary of magical pixies? Ah forget it…Pixiemarket needs very little introduction to ham it up… The amazing globe-trotting tandem, Magda Pietrobelli and Gaelle Drevet’s keen eye for unique, affordable avant-garde pieces from up-and-coming designers has made waves worldwide over the past couple of years. I’m stoked to find out a little more about the magical gals behind the cult following…
How did Pixiemarket get its start? >> We both love London markets like Portobello and Spitalfields where one can find special finds from small upstart designers…at mostly affordable prices. We wanted to showcase something like this in NYC … so we gave it a go. Gaelle Drevet (my partner lives in NYC, she is French) and me ( I’m based in London) own the shop together. It’s been a fun mad ride so far.
Pixie: a folkloric creature, a haircut, a ’90s band, or something entirely different? >> All of the above.
Describe Pixie market’s overarching aesthetic. >> We try to make Pixie Market a very item driven shop and I would say very edited whether its girly or edgy. We really try hard to give the girl on a fashion budget something to get excited about.
Do you have a muse? >> Charlotte Gainsbourg, Kate (the Johnny years), Elvira Hancock from Scarface, Blythe the doll…..and definitely our customers, they tend to be pretty fierce!
Your boutique has become synonymous with new independent talent. Is there a story you’d be able to share about discovering a new or little-known designer? >> We definitely prefer small designers and labels from around the world. There is something quite special and exclusive about working with small designers; they march to their own creative beat without all the commercial constraints of bigger brands. They are also much more flexible and personable to deal with. In fact many of them become great friends. We are very stoked we can offer them a venue to showcase their work.
I’ve read that you often travel to the ends of the earth to find unique new pieces to showcase in your store. Do you have any stories to share about a great “find”? >> I think we have visited just about every young designers market in the world! We also go to many International fashion fairs and we have been very fortunate to get many referrals from our existing designers…Plus Bloggers like yourself and others do an amazing job in finding new talent to be coveted.
Where’s the farthest you’ve traveled for a Pixiemarket piece? >> Tokyo but soon it will be Down Under! Yeah!
If Pixiemarket were a superhero, what would her superpower be? >> Hmm…The ability to shape-shift so you can fit into everything.
One of the highlights of Pixiemarket are your private label shoes, Maud. Do you have any future plans of expanding your line to include clothes?>> We will probably try it … Or collaborate with someone else…think it will be fun.
What are your five favorite pieces that are currently in stock or have been in stock recently? >> The Stolen girlfriends club cut out leggings, the Blak bat shoulder dress, the Motel floral leotard, Tutu blu silk print dresses and soon to come Maud Raleigh grandpa buckle sandal…
You typically only stock only a few pieces of each design. What’s your current record for quickest item to sell out? >> The Blak Zip Bat shoulder dress sold out in like 2 minutes.
If you could dream outfit anyone alive or historical, who would it be and what would they wear? >> Coco Chanel with a leather blazer and leather skinny pant suit, a lattice cut out visor and lots of pearls of course… she might put us in front of a firing squad though.
How do you two divide your roles as business owners? >> Well we wear many hats , one day we are painting candy color toy dinosaurs for the shop window, the next day we are scouting for young designers and another day (we hate this one) crunch numbers in an excel sheet…even though our accounting skills are kind of dodgy.
Pixiemarket has two shops, one in NYC and one in LA. What are a few of your favorite neighborhood haunts in each city? >> We just closed the shop in LA in order to focus on the website….it was getting too hectic with LA being on the other coast but thankfully they still visit us via the website. As for NYC there are so many great spots because the city still keeps a very independent vibe…but we have a soft spot for LES.
Is there anything on the horizon for Pixiemarket that you’d be able to share? >> We intend to conquer the world…… one jeweled encrusted shoulder pad jacket at a time ^__^
Thanks Magda!
Check out Pixiemarket online or visit their store at 108 Rivington St. in New York City
If you’re in New York City NEXT weekend June 25-27, be sure to stop by the Bijules Trunk Show at Henri Bendel to say hello to the amazing Jules Kim and check out her awesome jewelry in the flesh!
I know it’s not really sock season per se but these socks by Ashidashi could make for a pretty ‘heel-arious’ gift. I’m especially amused by the Meat tray…imagine bringing that one to the next BBQ. Then of course there are the ‘Kick the Habits.’ Subtle, very subtle…
We’ve been seeing a lot of amazing new designers emerge from this week’s UK Graduate Fashion Week courtesy of Susie Bubble but I just realized that we’ve not seen much from the graduates on this side of the pond. Why don’t NYC schools host a fashion week as well!? Luckily, Leigh from Paper-Doll has introduced recent Parsons grad, Lauren Jennings. I’ve been admiring Lauren’s voluminous A/W 09 thesis collection and find myself especially drawn to the giant ivory cocoon coat paired with acid yellow leggings. This gal’s definitely got a bright future ahead of her…
I was recently going through some of my old magazines and ran across a stack of Cheap Dates. I had forgotten what absolute gems they were. As far as I can remember, Cheap Date began across the pond in the late ’90s by Kira Joliffe (whose dad by the way was best known for his cartoon of a talking penis, Wicked Willie) She won a poker competition and pushed the proceeds toward Cheap Date’s fledgling four issues. Relocating to New York City shortly thereafter, Kira teamed up with thrifting NY/UK socialite, Bay Garnett and graphic designer Marlon Richards, (Keith Richards’ son) to spread the Cheap Date gospel state-side. Their irreverent grown-up answer to Tiger Beat with a Wear Whatever the F@#k You Want attitude quickly became the toast of the town, evolving into a hipster anti-fashion/ anti-lifestyle manifesto of sorts. Their formula was winning: a pinup of Liv Tyler next to an article about Karen Elson modeling armpit wigs, followed by a spread of celebrities’ cigarette butts and “David Copperfield’s Top 10 Magical Pickup Lines”.
One of my favorite spreads was a high-end campaign for thrift shops. At the time, thrift shopping as we know it today was in its infancy. The New York Times apparently proclaimed Cheap Date’s efforts as being “The Start of The Trash Revolution.” I now think about all of the amazing vintage shops both brick-and-mortar, and online, such as Vagabond, Nasty Gal Vintage, and great Ebay outposts like Noiroho and Lullie. In some small way they owe a lil’ bit to Cheap Date for helping to make vintage mainstream…
My other favorite feature of Cheap Date was “Shop Dropping”…a subversive/reverse form of culture jamming. Kiera, Bay and company puffy painted “Take Me I’m Free” or “It’s The Rag Look” across vintage clothes and stealthily hung them amongst the racks of clothes in shops around New York City. Genius. I really wanted to try this myself… perhaps attempting a little “Topshop Dropping” myself but security’s so tight these days I’d be afraid I’d get caught…Imagine the headlines…”Nabbed: Reverse Shoplifter.”
Awareness & Consciousness knows dreamy draped jersey (and hair). Designer Christiane Gruber, who has worked with the likes of Victor and Rolf and Jean-Charles de Castlebjac, has not only mastered her craft but also seems to tap into altered states of consciousness with her collections’ photography.
I’m thinking of forming my roving piles of clothes into an extra chair a la Mathieu Mainguard. Functional, yes, and I’ll bet it would be pretty damn comfortable as well…
On the off-chance you’re headed to Disneyland this summer, slip on these Jean Charles de Castelbjac heels from Colette, pair ‘em with this Priestess Romper, and you’ll be assured instant induction into the Mickey Mouse Club…
Queen Michelle
Location: Scotland
Occupation: Graphic Designer, DJ
Blog: Kingdom of Style
I am Queen Michelle, I’m 36 years old and one half of Kingdom of Style. I am a graphic designer and a DJ who refuses to give up in vinyl.
What I’m Into Right Now:
1. LaRare shoes >> Loving the Polly in brown especially. Every detail about her shoes is so perfectly considered. more info
2. Vintage corsets and girdles >> I’ve loved these since I was a teen but they were so hard to get, but obviously having t’internet makes procuring them pretty easy now. Ebay is best for sourcing them. You just need to be patient.
3. The Givenchy harness top >> I would give my right lung for this.
4. This look from 10 magazine >> It’s perfect in every way. Rick Owens and Marni coats, rubber body suit, Antonio Berardi boots and hair pulled into a tight bun. Stunning.
5. Non-Format >> These two graphic designers are basically as close to heroes as I’ll ever get and their design style is so ‘me’ except done a million times better. A constant inspiration for me. more info
6. Marilyn Monroe >> I love her so much and like to read about her a lot. I always, always cry at the bit where the author talks about her being found dead. I’m currently reading Victim: The Secret Tapes of Marilyn Monroes by Matthew Smith.
7. Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! >> It’s a great film from 1965 by Russ Meyer. I’m currently all about working a Varla look dressed all in black with a cinched in waist and lots of black eyeliner. She kicks ass. Literally! more info
A friend of mine sent me a link to French editorial photographer Grégoire Alexandre’s stunning portfolio. His simple theatrical sets seem to allow light to be the protagonist and the model to be its femme fatale. That visual language of sculpture and light reminds me a bit of Film Noir, but I guess in Grégoire’s case, it might be Film Blanc…
I’d walk a mile in these shoes, and I have…many times. Being a full-fledged Manhattan pedestrian, summer can be brutal and relentlessly cruel to your poor feet. You really have no way of judging if a sandal is going to end up rubbing you the wrong way before you buy ‘em. Unfortunately, quality shoes (read: expensive) aren’t necessarily exempt. But…I can tell you firsthand that these canvas Slow and Steady Wins The Race wedges are just about the the closest you can get to walking on pillows and they look great too. Look, ma! No blisters!
Photos >> Bona Drag
I saw that Refinery 29 recently visited Buenos Aires, which is hands down one of my favorite cities. Coincidentally, I was doing a bit of spring closet cleaning this weekend was reminded of my trip to B.A. a few years ago. I unearthed several pieces that I had purchased during my stay, which at the time, the exchange rate was incredibly favorable. (Guilt-Free is even better than Duty-Free!) I’m quite excited to have rediscovered these pieces in my closet…not only for their slight sentimental value but also because I feel like they’re still stylistically current. One of my favorites (below) is a voluminous, twisted, drapey (and yes, a little wrinkled from deep storage) jersey top from Trosman, a label that I check-in on from time-to-time from north of the equator…
Designer Jessica Trosman’s current collection features also features her signature masterfully draped pieces but she seems to have expanded repertoire to include silk, splatter-paint and even sandals…
Although it’s been it’s been several years since I visited A.Y. Not Dead’s boutique in Palermo Viejo, I still remember their colorful space filled with a rainbow of skinny jeans, dresses, and a certain pair of short brown leather boots that I proudly wore back to NYC. It seems as though the line has grown quite a lot since then, not only in size but also in aesthetic. I’m especially liking the fringy bodysuit (very top image) and peplum skirt paired with swiss-cheese tee and lace hose (below).
I’ll be excited to (hopefully) read more about some of the new designers that Refinery 29 discovered in one of the hotbeds of South American fashion… In the meantime, I’ll stay abreast of Buenos Aires Street style via On The Corner.
Ok now THIS is a good idea…A massaging bag hook!? How many times have I been seated at a restaurant only to discover that the chair has a rounded back and no purse safe-haven in sight? I’m not putting my buttery leather bag on that nasty greasy floor! Enter Garrett Smith’s table hook for bags. What’s cool is that the hook doubles as as a massager to help knead out your giant purse carrying ‘knots’ from carrying around the five pounds of unnecessary cargo…I hope to see this one soon on a late-night infomercial.
