Last night was the Refinery 29 San Francisco Launch party. I am so excited that my beloved city now has its own edition! Refinery 29 is one of my favorite online style sites, keeping me up to date on news and deals. Things just got local :)
Man do the folks at R29 know how to throw a party! It was so much fun I didn't have time to take too many pictures - what with all the dancing and debauchery.
For the longest time I was obsessed with pointed toe boots with Cuban heels. The higher the heel and the pointier the toe the better. I finally found winklepickers and footwear from the London Underground and I thought that shoes couldn't get any pointer. And then my partner showed me the video above. Behold: the Pointy Boot tribal dance crews of Mexico. I mean, pointy doesn't quite cover it. The boots of this fashion trend have been known to span up to a whopping 7 feet (charms and other festive adornment not included). I am truly impressed with the craftsmanship and pride that goes into the boots. The sheer number of styles each member of a crew must own is something to admire, especially when most pointy boots are custom made for each "battle."
If you watch until the end of this video there is a clear message that really resonates. Dressing apart from the norms of the status quo can garner unwanted attention in the form of stares, back talk, and verbal harassment but consider the pointy boot dance crews. As ridiculous as they may seem to us, these crews are proud to wear their pointy boots because it makes them feel good. Sometimes it is disappointing when people put each other down for what they are wearing, just because it is different - or in my circles not "fashion" or not "forward" enough. The reason I fell in love with fashion is the way that it can alter my mood in the best way possible. A power handbag and the right fit working together in perfect harmony on my body makes me feel happy. So whenever I hear hollering about what I'm wearing from some random guy outside a dicey bar in the Mission, I will just imagine him in his pointy boots, giving me props for WERQING MY LEWK.
Shirt and short by Tim Hamilton, Blazer by Zara, Patent slippers by Purplow, Stole by Louis Vuitton
On beautiful days when I don't have work, I like to dress up and pretend I have some sort of function that called for such attire. What possible occasion could there be that would merit for shorts and such? SHOPPING, DUH. I think next time I shouldn't photograph myself with my hands in my pockets because it makes me look bottom heavy DAYUM. Not much else to report other than the fact that May is on the horizon - quarter life crisis birthday month is about to begin!!
Stylist Charlotte Brière must be a kindred spirit. This editorial for Hungarian magazine The Room showcases my current favsies: random exaggerated footwear styles, fashion cholo silhouette, man peplum realness (faked by color blocking). I do love my color lately, but this black and white color palette may ironically be my summer inspiration.
My dear friend Anthony and I worked together to shoot Samuel Ferrier (Q Models, NYC). It was really fun putting together a shoot based on military uniforms. There is a whimsical aspect to the decoration of soldiers, particularly in the chords, epaulets, and badges. Of course, not all of the pictures can be selected, but thankfully Sam is a pro and turned it out.
(from top to bottom) Sam wears a Vintage Bulgarian Aiguillette, Cutt-off Shirt by Neil Barrett, Trousers by Helmut Lang, Vintage Jacket, Tee by Pleasure Principle, Short by Shipley & Halmos, Boots by Dr. Martens
Watch out for Sam. Not only is he a natural model with the grace and physique to match, but he is also the biggest sweetheart! It was such a pleasure to work with Sam and Anthony. I am beyond proud that this set made it to The Fashionisto!! Go team :)
These are things I need like RIGHT NOW right now: 1. Classic Black Biker Jacket 2. More jewels 3. Burberry Prorsum Creeper Platforms
The search for the perfect leather jacket continues with the classic biker. My current loyal black leather jacket is a little too big for me and not quite the right silhouette for my style mood. I love it dearly and trust it completely, but it is time for a new love. Also, I need more bracelets to accompany my CDCs and leather wraps, preferably in stud r spike form. I am not sure if Kate has the AW2011 platforms, but I am betting she will be one of the first to be seen wearing them. There are creepers with tassels in both the mens and womens Prorsum collections too.
Speaking of tassels, Ms. Lanphear wouldn't wear these but the tassel overload kind of makes me in dire need of them. I am not a huge fan of metallic shoes on me, but the triple tassel wings are calling my name. This particular pair is from Spring 2010 so I am back to trolling eBay. Keep an eye out, y'all!
Denim Jacket by H&M, Tee by Adam Kimmel, Jeans by J.Crew, Shoes by Prada, Bracelets by Hermés, Stole by Louis Vuitton
Runway pieces are fairly hard to come by. I am fortunate enough to live in San Francisco, a city not heavily populated by the fashion obsessed with large flagship stores offering runway collections from many major fashion houses. My sales associates at each store are at the ready after each show I view during fashion week. Building relationships with the people at the luxury stores in your area will help you secure hot items, just like the Prada Espadrilles. My sales person at Louis Vuitton came through, and now the Louis Vuitton X Scott Campbell stole is mine!
When I saw the Spring 2011 shows I knew that it was an expensive season. Thank goodness this is the final piece on my wishlist I will acquire for Spring before my birthday!. Louis Vuitton's menswear doesn't usually catch my attention. My affection for the house stems from their heritage and history with luggage, handbags, and accessories. During the Spring 2011 show, I took notice of the tattoos on the models and the graphic designs on the accessories. The stoles were particularly beautiful and versatile and I imagined layering the piece as on the runway. The color and hand of the marvelous accessory is very bewitching in person. The all-cotton stole drapes beautifully and is lighter than air. My Birkin fund has taken a massive hit this season but I think runway pieces are worth it, if not purely for exclusivity. There is a second color - Khaki - that still may be available at the SF store, but you're looking at 1 of 15 pieces in the country. This is my second Louis Vuitton Tattoo stole, and let me tell you I am a big fan!
Watch this video on the Louis Vuitton and Scott Campbell collaboration. You can see Campbell inking the drawings found on the stole. The design is based on Chinese astrology with a subtle LV monogram. His tattoo style is quite beautiful and flowing, perfect for the collection. The second video in this series showcases the design and realization for his custom tattoo kit by Louis Vuitton. I hope that one day I can get my own quality custom piece made from the house!
And while we are on the subject of fashion and tattoos, focus your attention exhibits A and B. On the left we have a model sporting Scott Campbell's (washable) tattoo design for Louis Vuitton's Spring 2011 menswear runway show. On the right we have an anonymous-yet-unfortunately-infamous LV monogram sleeve tattoo that has absolutely no context or personality. I mean, let's just hope this guy is a part of the LVMH family (judging by the chin strap, it doesn't seem likely). I may have a clear addiction to designer clothing but because I ain't ballin' out of control, I have to be careful with my luxury purchase choices. The same caution should be exercised to the 100th degree when getting a new tattoo. Perhaps it makes him happy; I certainly don't have the balls to do it. Bold move, sir.
