Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts

Thursday, June 30, 2011

A demonstration of how uncomfortable I am on camera


My friend, Jeneille, featured my "this is all I've unpacked" ensemble on her fashion blog.

Outfit breakdown/reasoning:

1. LA Eyeworks Hedgehog glasses - these glasses are prescription and transitional meaning they turn into sunglasses outside. I figured they wouldn't be so obviously transitional with larger frames.

2. Necklace - It's an ebay find and my secret to dressing up t-shirts for work because I hate feeling sweaty at my desk.

3. Joe's T - it's the softest one at the store

4. Vintage men's Lacoste cardigan - Ebay. It's cheap. And I like the bigness.

5. Vintage D&B satchel - I really wanted a Proenza PS1, so this was an alternative. It was still featured on some fashion blogs during fashion week as a top pick. Woot woot. I got it on ebay for $15.

6. Vintage Levis 501's shorts -  Who in california doesn't have these? they're slightly big for me so they're more comfortable and well to prevent denim sweating. Gross. Plus they're always a little unexpected with more conservative pieces

7. Vena Cava x Tenoversix platforms - These chunky's help me feel feminine but they're sturdy enough for me to run after folks or wear to work.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Pajama Chic


Hi Zara April Lookbook, I'd like to introduce you to my closet.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Coachella and my constant denial of hipsterdom. Real talk.

Coachella, Southern California's most crowded desert music festival, has just announced their 2011 line-up.  My reaction- I know where I will not be in April.

I love music. I listen to everything. I play instruments and have friends that play instruments. But why not Coachella? I appreciate that Coachella shares the work of hard working musicians to people who haven't heard their music. I appreciate this inspired outfits on the sexy music lovers. I applaud the kids who camp out or have all night parties at fabulous desert vacation homes. But I just don't feel comfortable there anymore. 

Beyond the fact that I can probably only recognize a handful of bands and this reminds me how out of touch I am with new music and thus igniting flashbacks of high school ignorance of then cool bands. A feeling I hope no one else feels. In addition to the 100 degree heat,  100 yard long portopotty lines in that heat, $5 waters, crowds and  I dread the fact that going to Coachella may just stir up my inner-ugly-superficial-LA-wannabe-model that wants to blend in with the other desert minxes who had just ransacked Urban Outfitters and Opening Ceremony. I just can't bear the shame, but that's not it.

I think I've  lost that romance for the music festival. That feeling of inadvertent coolness that comes when you see a band that you have respect for, that thought "o man I look like hot shit in these jeans/sunglasses right now", having respect for people who also like the band you have respect for, the whole excitement of how your pictures will look on Facebook when you get home, or hell the idea that you could be there and someone else couldn't (despite the thousands of people that can go). I lost it. Or maybe I just realized it's bullshit.

I'm older, an asshole and my sense of adventure is not picture worthy enough for a hipster.

But these are my well wishes: that people go to Coachella for the love of music and befriend people on a less superficial level. That those music geeks who are truly passionate about music become king and that they get to make out with models, or at least, wannabe models.


Tuesday, April 6, 2010

An Update and Sorry, Hipster, you've been Pinkberried.

Ah yes. I'm back to my old typey ways.

There have been a few developments over the last 30 days: A couple weeks ago, I had a bicycle crash going down Topanga Canyon in Malibu. Wind blew me over a guardrail sending me into a pile of boulders where I had most certainly hit my head and broke my helmet. No broken bones luckily enough! I watched Precious while I recovered. And New Moon to recover from Precious.


A week ago, Mike had given me a new fancy helmet for my birthday. And yes, I'm wearing it right now. (He has had a couple things to brag about as well. WHILE I was in the emergency room, he had just won podium at the San Dimas Stage race. He is now #2 in the state! What a bike stud!) So thanks to my new thinking helmet, I am now unleashing all of my post-concussed thoughts  upon you. Let me put a picture up so I don't lose you with all the text.



First...the weather and what I would call "earthquake weather". Yup plenty of cold then lots of sunshine. Then rain. Then sunshine. Here in Venice, we seem to have been getting a lot of this, so I predicted the earthquake that happened over Easter. Good thing I had my helmet on! But speaking of appropriate attire, I've been noticing that it's officially short shorts and tank top weather. I believe that every year there is a designated time when girls collectively decide to just wear shorts and tank tops despite the frozen tundra of 50 degree weather outside. It's just time. This is what I would classify as seasonal as opposed to trendy. It manages to puzzle me year after year. In 60 degree weather, I prefer to find any excuse to wear my cashmere, boots (not Uggs) and black clothing so that I resemble a Japanese pirate.

Anyway, I anxiously await the horned hats to come into trend. I like to think of myself as trendy and/or hip, but I end up mostly awkward fashion-wise. A harsh reality, but something I embrace nonetheless. But these terms HIP and TRENDY have disturbed me recently because they are associated with the following specimen:



And thanks to the mass appeal of leggings, neon, cheap vintage finds and "being different", young people dress like this everywhere. This is what I consider the Pinkberrying of Hipness- the over-repetition of something good so that we all grow tired of it. Like Pinkberry's owners who decided to open Pinkberry shops on every shop corner of Los Angeles because one PB shop had a long line a long time ago. It was a good thing until it became  synonymous with neon nausea. It's rather sad. Like Starbucks. Like my friend's overused "That's what she said" jokes. Sorry, hipsters.

 I now find myself in a hipster paradox in that it's probably "hip" to bash "hipsters" thus making myself one. Oh dear. But in order to breakaway from this kind of negative cyclone of hate, I will provide hope for the impressionable- It'll be OK. 

One day, neon tight pants, feminine canvas shoes, and asymmetrical haircuts won't be so trendy. And if you stick to your guns, dear hipster, and you keep wearing that stuff, it becomes "your thing" or "the thing you truly love" and you're no longer a hipster, but a "boho hippie hip hop something something" instead of those other impressionable hipsters who went into a space tranny disco phase (another prediction) and became space tranny disco hipsters. Then in a decade, neon tights may just come back into trend and look at you, trendsetter. You're back in mode and you'll go "gosh I was so into this years ago" and you inherit an ounce of certified fashion contempt. You're welcome. 


Sunday, February 14, 2010

Channeling: The Secret Life of Bees (the movie)


I love how light and effortless these clothes were. They look comfortable enough to laugh in which is always important to me. Notice the details: Queen Latifah's neckerchief, the medal pins on Sophie Okonedo's top, to Alicia Keys' headband. 

Bonus (as in the Gidget's sailor chic fashion) these women often wore canvas sneakers with their outfits.

Happy Valentines Day to Me!



I won my Vintage Porcelain Poodle Brooch on ebay! ($6!) Vintage finds on Ebay are some of my favorite things.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Channeling Gidget



Oh, Gidget, you trendsetter. From sailor chic to boyfriend clothing, you've effortlessly fashioned your tomboy classification into an ultra girly timeless style.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

My Perpetual Struggle With Wanting

OK. While I admire those who can live with a single pair of multipurpose shoes (usually men), everyday I enjoy the privilege of choosing which pair of shoes to wear. More often than not, I choose my Toms or a vintage pair. Those are the practical and I don't feel so materialistic when I wear them. Here's the struggle: Despite the comfort, I still wish I could wear a pair of sky high Christian Louboutin's, or YSL's or whatever!

I love fashion. I like the glamour of it despite full knowledge that true glamour doesn't exist. The illusion of glamour, really. I appreciate the energy put into it, I suppose. How much thought is placed into every accessory and how much grace and swagger comes as a result really intrigues me. Something about the dazzle of it all. I wish I was graceful! Then I wish I had that Alexander McQueen dress, the Balenciaga whatever, and the Goyard luggage. Now, the dangerous temptation...

It really is hard to resist, but so delightful to imagine that so much imaginary glamour and good feelings could come from that one LAMB purse, the Chloe glasses and DVF dress or any other overpriced luxury item. Me wantee!

But this is my understanding. I fully know that these things won't bring me glamour or gracefulness for that matter. I'm no Victoria Beckham. Not to mention that my wallet is nowhere near as capable as Posh or the Olsens. I am aware that fashion is a fleeting artform that changes all the time. It is the art of wanting. And best when you can't have it, otherwise they're just clothes.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Friday, November 7, 2008

Michelle Obama: Fashion Icon?


So Anna Wintour, Vogue's Editor in Chief, has invited Future First Lady, Michelle Obama, to pose on the cover of Vogue. It's been a tradition for the fashion publication to feature first ladies.

I think she's a remarkable woman. She's the tops! I just fantasize that she embraces her inner Wilhemina Slater and becomes a fierce fashion icon. Lord knows that the JCrew ensemble from the Tonight Show won't cut it. Does she want to be a Jackie O or a Jackie No?! This is her time to shine! Oscar De La Renta! Something! I hope she does the cover of Vogue. I'd love to have a fashionable first lady. Of course I want her to maintain her integrity, but who doesn't want to see her wearing couture? The other first ladies all wore De La Renta...but that's because they had to counter their unattractiveness. Michelle would certainly work it.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Bridal Battery : Monique Lhuillier Sample Sale


Carb up and get a good night's rest. It's time for the Monique Lhuillier Sample Sale! My last memory of this sale is dodging concussions among flying silk dresses and nearly nude brides to be. Exciting times! But my boss did score a deal on a lovely gown that made for those elegant and fashion-like wedding photos...

Monique Lhuillier Sample Sale
Sunday 10a-5p
1201 S. Grand Ave, 2nd Floor
Los Angeles, CA
323 655 1088

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Stupid Non-Shoes



"Fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to alter it every six months" -- Oscar Wilde

Thanks, Cher

Friday, September 12, 2008

Style on Style: Eva



She's my BFF with a fashion taste for the anti-vanilla. Eva has combined her Bohemian eye for layers along with her amazing skills as a seamstress to create an artsy utilitarian girl-next-door style all her own. From the tiniest skirts with high leather boots to plunging thermal necklines and Chucks, her style is both practical and risque like her gemini self. Eva's love and appreciation for organic living and wellness (she's brewing her own Kombucha!) also lend to a comfortable choice in her everyday clothing: high socks, jersey tunics, soft leathers, not to mention gauged bone earrings and perfectly disheveled hair. What makes Eva's look so striking is that she rips and mangles pieces to make them her more her style. (One of my favorite Eva pieces is a torn off hood from a sweatshirt that she wears by itself.) Eva is indeed, the coziest and coolest Boho trendsetter on the block!

From Eva:
My style in 3 words: Fun, girly, utiilitarian

Favorite things to wear: tall boots, short skirts, old jackets, scarves, legwarmers

Style influences: post-apocalyptic costume, dance costumes, Victorian era




Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Creepy Contact Lenses



Yes, there are Swarovski crystals embedded in the lenses so that your eyes "sparkle". Here's an idea to keep those eyes sparkling: stop drinking alcohol! This is just ridiculous.

Style on Style: Cher

Inspired by those who strut along the streets of Los Angeles, I wanted to write a little bit about fashion. At first I thought of writing about Marc Jacobs or Alexander McQueen, but I felt that's been done. I'm beginning a series of style profiles on the fashionistas closest to my heart: my friends. It's fortunate for me to have friends who have so much integrity when it comes to choosing the clothes they put on in the morning.


Cher and I have been friends for a few years now and she's never not looked like a superstar.  This graphic designer/fetish model is the epitome of tough girl glam. While Cher is most often in heels, lip gloss and big sunglasses, she always smells like mens deodorant (I believe Old Spice is her stick of choice) and has a mouth just as tough as a man's man's. Balance and humor are Cher's strengths so they come out in her clothing. Her tribal earrings, tattoos, and dyed hair give some edge to her designer/expensive/Neiman's tendencies. But we're friends because she'd wear a fake mustache with a pencil skirt any night of the week.


From Cher:

My style in 3 words: Sexy, rockstar, chic

Favorite things to wear:  my headbands, Balenciaga handbags, my "Mary-Kate" boots, wife beaters and skinny jeans

Style influences: Mary-Kate Olsen, Nicole Richie, Victoria Beckham, Alexander McQueen, Vena Cava, Balenciaga, YSL, and Rag and Bone







Note: Cher has her palm up because that means "SUPER" peace.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Miguel Torres, fashion designer


This afternoon I walked around Hollywood just to enjoy some sunshine. I visited a store called Antenna and came out with a lot of cool stuff by LA based designer, Miguel Torres. (Sometimes I have a problem with spontaneity)

His costumy fashions evoke a creative boho style that the Burners crave. It lit my lightbulb.

Love it yourself at Miguel Torres Designs

Lorenzo Style Lab: A Lost Fedora

A recent staple of Lorenzo's fashion was a choice grey fedora. The fedora had met an untimely death due to the incompetent employees of his local drycleaners.

Let's take a moment to enjoy the hat.


OK, so now, we can all join together and find him a new one. Suggestions?

Friday, August 8, 2008

Melrose Avenue on Thursday nights are for the sexy consumer

After an extremely relaxing Thursday, Lorenzo and Nathan ( my two most hip hop fashion conscious friends) heard word of a party at the G-Star store on Melrose to launch their new underwear line. OK, it took a little bit of coaxing, but I decided to go out with them because pizza was involved in the plan of events.

We found out that Thursday night was the night to celebrate LA's appreciation for consumption and ultimate good looking-ness. Nathan had once again flirted with his "mall girlfriend" who worked there. While Lorenzo, Jason and I gawked at the fashionistas in denim and undies at G-Star, we heard word that there were "hot chicks in underwear" down the street at Affliction. (A line of clothes by Ultimate fighting champ, Tito Ortiz. Ultimate testosterone charged apparel) The guys were really excited about this idea. I was really not into that, but at least it was closer to the pizza joint. 

And of course it was everything I'd imagined: scantily clad busty blondes on a red carpet. Paparazzi rushing. Fancy Ferraris and Jenna Jameson's fancy white car. Gag me! It had to be the biggest concentration of hot chicks with douche bags in this hemisphere.

After some nagging, I finally got to the Tomato Pie for my pizza. HOWEVER, after having to get through the lines of a shoe party for ASICS, we then had to cross the Affliction red carpet or somehow get by. Nathan and Lorenzo snaked through the sea of people with Jason and I trailing behind...only to get cut off by a gaudy limousine. Hugh Hefner's limo. Arm in arm, Hugh Hefner and girlfriend no.1, Holly Madison, road blocked us in. Jason started to throw a fit (maybe because there were so many fighters around) about how they're blocking a public sidewalk. I was distracted. It was actually quite amazing to see how young Hef looked. Perhaps his blonde colored fountain of youth works...

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Real Men Can Tie Bow Ties


My father once said this to me after one of our formal occasions. And therefore, Lorenzo must be a "real man." 

One of Lorenzo's latest fashion conquests: the non-clip on, traditional gentleman's bow tie. After trying to learn how to tie one for about 8 hours, he finally did it. I believe the success photo was taken around 4:33am. (Note: Cher got it in a few minutes, and Michelle had known all along thanks to her work at Ralph Lauren)








**This will the be the first of many fashion adventures I will chronicle. From his fedora, to his dashiki ("hey man, nice dasheeeki...") Lorenzo has courageously walked down LA streets like they were his movie set. While some may consider some of his choices failures, it's always good to know someone's taking the risk. See his work at www.savelorenzo.com