June 17, 2010

Time Out



I apologize for my lack of updates. It has been a busy week, and my allergies are killer. Be back soon!!

- jerome

June 11, 2010

Faux Real

OMG DIY LV!!


Vintage Shades, Shirt and Shoes by Virgin Blak, Khakis by J.Crew, Bag by Louis Vuitton, DIY Foxtail


I am not one to accept unavailability. Of course, there are limitations to all of our desires but one should never quit because a runway piece never made it into production. Take for example the Louis Vuitton Red Fox Tail. It was never made available to the public and since I do not know anyone who can score me one of the samples (YET ha!), I had to make my own. The trickiest part about this Do It Yourself project was sourcing the hardware. LV is literally unmatched in the quality of their designs, so finding an end cap large enough to imitate the original was a challenge. Finally, I realized that using hardware that was invisible yet functional was the best way to keep the integrity of the original concept behind the collection. This golden claw is hidden underneath the end of the fur which has been sewn over the hardware. It can then be attached to one of the authentic bag charms or used separately. I can use it on bags or belt loops. Not bad for knocking off Marc Jacobs, no??


Speaking of knock-offs, what are your feelings on buying knock-off clothing? Availability and price can both be barriers when you want the look, so buying a well-made knock off seems like a viable option to many who don't live in fashion capitals and those who won't give up dinner to save money for shoes. I read an article a while back that more and more affluent women are buying counterfeit goods because there is no point in owning the real thing when everyone assumes your entire wardrobe is authentic. I would never buy counterfeit goods because I DO NOT SUPPORT TERRORISM AND I AM ALLERGIC TO FAKE PURSES but I definitely have bought knock-off clothing; I think we all do especially if you have ever shopped at TOPSHOP or H&M. It is my personal opinion that if you can pull it off you should show it off... without getting caught. Don't try to pass your clone off as real but always exhibit the "Don't ask, Don't tell" policy, just like when you shop at any fast fashion retailer. Capisce?




SIDE BAR: Am I the only one who eats watermelon like this?




- jerome

June 10, 2010

Something Old, Something New

Nothing borrowed, and something blue. I'm blushing. Here is a mixture of old and new favorites from my wardrobe.

Sunburst Jacket by threeAsFour, Mesh Tank by Dior Homme by Hedi Slimane, Khakis by J.Crew, Sneaker Sandals by Juun.J, Bag by Louis Vuitton

I get a feeling of victory every time I wear clothing I was supposed to "regret buying." It is triumph over the "You're never going to wear that" and "You don't need it" bullshiz we all get when obsession over fashion pieces. I usually reply "Actually, YOU aren't going to wear it because YOU COULDN'T wear it." Sure it cost me a lot, but I don't come to your house and say you wasted money on all those cars/video games/other crap that doesn't make sense to me either so STFU it makes me happy.

Speaking of the newest way to go broke, it was revealed today that the online purveyor of forward designer fashion Net-A-Porter.com will be launching Mr. Porter. The menswear website will carry staples like Yves Saint Laurent and Burberry (fingers crossed for Prorsum), as well as new cult favorites like Balmain and Rick Owens. What is the opposite of ballin' out of control??


In other news, my parents are obsessed with my Burberry sheep. They need a dog. I think the sheep are the perfect pets for me right now, seeing as there are all these handbags, shoes, and leather goods lying around like chew toys. I am allergic to cats, so I want a puppy... but no, no, I am happy with my sheep.


- jerome

June 9, 2010

Bring Your Whole Crew

I AM INSPIRED BY MY FRIENDS.

There is a feeling of security and pride when I walk with a group of my friends and/or family. This resonates in a few editorials I have been seeing lately. These shots have an element of comic book pin-up and boy band heroism, but I like how easy it is to make up stories about the homos homies in each shot.


All photos from The Fashionisto



- jerome

June 6, 2010

Birthday Loot pt. 2

BACK IN BLACK

Leather by Codes Combine, Checkerboard Tank by Dior Homme by Hedi Slimane, Denim by J.Crew, Bag by Burberry, Sneaker Sandals by Juun.J

Here are two more pieces that I acquired during birthday shopping. I am super excited for this Burberry Baby Burnished Bag. The beautiful leather, convenient cross-body strap, and mini size make it the sweetest camera bag in the world. Long have I awaited for this bag to go on sale make its way into my closet because it is durable enough to use as an everyday/party bag, and the strap lets me take photos and hold drinks. You can never have enough bags... or shoes! My newest pair of foot candy comes from Juun.J, courtesy of SevenNewYork. When SevenNY revealed that they would be carrying the line, my hopes were high. I remember my depression after missing out on the Balenciaga peep-toe booties and Giuliano Fujiwara gladiator sandals, terrified that I was cursed away from runway collection SS footwear forever; but by some miracle the limited edition Kim Kiroic for Juun.J Black High-Top Sneaker Sandals (that is their full official name) are mine!! You know I love me a good gladiator/cut-out/woven shoe, so these are bound to be my favorites for summer!



I am stoked to be wearing black again. I think I am finding ways to meld my neo prep with my black-everything past. Happy Happy Birthday!!


- jerome

June 5, 2010

Birthday Loot pt. 1

CHRISTMAS IN JUNE

Duster Coat by Burberry, Oxford and Denim by Uniqlo, Hi-Tops by Raf Simons, Vintage Sunglasses, Bag by Louis Vuitton

It might as well be, right? If you have been in the Bay Area for the past couple of months, you know of the peculiar and never-ending winter I speak of. I suppose I over did it a little this year, but there is something about working in holiday weather that makes me spend holiday money shop windows brighter, turning wish lists into inventory. I have already told the story of my newest LV, but this Burberry Duster is a new addition to my wardrobe. It is very mod, but the mood changes with different ensembles. The pulls at the waist and sweep allow you to play with shape, naturally adding that excellent draped/crinkled look thanks to the properties of the water repellent fabric. I think I was sold the moment I discovered the "tails" on the back... who could resist?!! The sheer volume of the coat is enough to add drama, and that gorgeous olive, much like HANSEL and regrettably less like our current climate, is so hot right now.



- jerome

June 4, 2010

Inspiration

Letters from an Ice Princess to her Desert Prince
Natalia Vadianova shot by Ellen von Unwerth // Andreas Carrere shot by Oli Rust



- jerome