Ear to Ear

It has been a tough, trying month at work. My partner has also been busy with a hack-a-thon (building a video game in 48 hours with a team all the way in Argentina - play it here!) so we haven't been able to spend much time together this passed weekend. So finally when I came home from work and he had finished the game, we got to spend some well-deserved quality couch time together. These two videos that I made him watch made me smile incredibly big yesterday. I am assuming that is what this emoticon symbolizes :))))))))


Models aren't really paid to dance, but I wish more fashion campaigns would be like this Lanvin AW2011 video. Even Alber Elbaz got to dancing! Raquel Zimmerman and Karen Elson look stunning while Lowell Tautchin and Milo Spijkers shuffle sweetly to the awkwardly choreographed routine. This video shows the sense of humor that makes Elbaz and Lanvin so lovable. Prada also did a music video for Spring, but there is something so candid about this Lanvin one that I love.

Get More: 2011 VMA, Music, Beyoncé

It is no secret that I am a huge Beyoncé fan. No once can deny that she is the hardest working woman in show business. Her song and dance was flawless, but the true surprise came when B revealed her pregnancy. She concluded her performance by opening up her purple sequin Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo jacket and rubbing her belly to tell the world that DESTINY HAS A GRANDCHILD NOW. Some highlights of the video include Adele lipsyncing at 1:35 (which made my head explode from diva worship) and the beaming father Jay-Z and pround Uncle Kanye at 4:30 (that caused my eyes to well up). GO B! She is unstoppable.

- jerome

Is That What the Doctor Ordered?

Dr. Martens AW2011 Campaign
Aggy and Ash star in Dr. Martens' Fall 2011 Campaign. The rude boy styling is pretty sweet, and I think it is time to get some white socks again. These tasseled loafers are absolutely adorable! You know me, anything with tassels and a kilt and I am all over it. However, there is the small predicament that they are incredibly close to the Burberry Prorsum Tasseled Loafers I already have in black and white. Dr. Martens is confusing me with more options!

Burberry Prorsum Tasseled Loafer in Clove Brown with Amber Sole $595 VS Dr. Martens Adrian Shoe in Burgundy $170
Check out these horrible pictures of two options for my next tasseled loafer. I already know that the thick gum soles are extremely comfortable on the Prorsum shoe. Dr. Martens are extremely resilient, but they are notorious for a lengthy break-in process. Is it silly to get two colors of the same shoe? I mean, my track record proves that I have no problem buying multiple colors of the same thing. Considering the fact that the Adrian is the color of a shoe I already DO have, I might already have my decision made. However, the price difference is a bit severe. #firstworldprincessproblems

- jerome

UPDATE: I WENT WITH THE BURBERRY PRORSUM LOAFERS!

Party Girl

Photo from Esquire Mag
Tonight is the birthday of an "infamous party girl" in San Francisco. Which happens every month really. The funny thing about the small city of SF is that there are very small degrees of separation. Thus, when party people combine their birthdays into a celebration known as "The Every Mother Fucker You Know Party," it is an inevitable shit show. I just hope no one dies, and I end up on top like Tina Fey in that brilliant editorial for Esquire.

- jerome

Target Confirmed: The Hermés Illico

How adorable is this new bag from Hermés?! Like the Chanel WOC, I think the size and crossbody strap make this little gem functional and practical. Now let's wait and see if the price is practical too...

- jerome

All Over the Place

It happened with Gaga, it happened with Beyoncé, and now it happened with Adele. I will never forgive myself for missing out on this broad during this tour.




I could listen to her both sing and speak forever. And sure, I feel like weeping while sitting at the bottom of my shower whenever I listen to her music, but it's like the good kind of weeping while sitting at the bottom of my shower - ya' know? This depressing non-summer in San Francisco has left me a bit uninspired. Going back to music helps a lot with this problem. But when I listen to music I always feel like traveling. Itchy feet. My plans for moving to New York in March are solidified in my mind. The motions have been taken to transfer with work to the East Coast and I am pretty anxious. I wish I could just fly away.

Photo via We Could Grow Up Together
Isn't this one of the best pictures of the sky taken from inside an airplane ever? I am pretty surprised with the view. Kwannam Chu took this photo on his way to Hong Kong from Tokyo. The skies I have seen on trips to Japan are truly inspiring. Chu's Blog We Could Grow Old Together has been my latest obsession. The colors, the plane tickets, the Céline... a brother from another mother.

Thus endeth this scatter brained post.

- jerome

Simple and Clean: Back to Basics

Jacket by Uniqlo +J, Tee by Adam Kimmel, Denim by J.Crew, Loafers by Burberry Prorsum, Collier de Chien Ring by Hermés, WOC by Chanel
I wear a lot of prints. Stars and polka dots are my favorites, but every now and then I like to keep it clean. There is nothing better than an ensemble comprised of a well cut blazer, plain white tee, and a classic shoe. I was fortunate enough to acquire a +J Blazer at Uniqlo the last time I was in New York. I hear this fall collection is Jil Sander's last collection for Uniqlo, so I will probably spend some time there in September. The tee I am wearing is the perfect weight of cotton in the perfect shade of white. It is comfortable and simple, just like these old J.Crew jeans. To add some interest, pair a simple outfit with a spin on a classic shoe, like these thick-soled tassled loafers by Burberry Prorsum.


My Chanel Wallet on a Chain is the best. I love the classic, simple shape and clean design of the bag. When the chain or cross body style doesn't go with an outfit, the WOC works perfect as a clutch. There is nothing more useful than a versatile classic :)

- jerome

Something is Missing in My Life

RIP Burberry Prorsum Barbed Wire Ring 2009-2011
Amongst a roller coaster ride of a day (literally), I am devastated by a terrible loss. Today, at Six Flags, my Burberry Prorsum Barbed Wire Ring was lost. I have worn it almost every day for almost 3 years and it is quite painful to be without it. The strange thing is that it my most secured ring, a true fit for my right pinky. Losing this treasure so dear to me is absolutely heart breaking and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. I love you, ring, wherever you are.


When I lose something like this, I always wonder what will become of it. In this music video, Jerrica loses the earrings that allow her to become Jem. Strangely enough it is exactly what I am going through right now. Losing this ring is like losing a part of me and I have to think of where it is now. Like what happened to that huge sapphire in Titanic when Rose dropped it into the water? Unfortunately, my ring is probably covered in trash and scraps of funnel cake. I wish it a better fate, and a person worthy of wearing it.


The ring is from many seasons ago, so it is next to impossible to replace. I hope the powers that be will put one on eBay, or someone out there will see this and be able to sell me one. This one is going to take a while to heal :(

- jerome

Blue Period

Scott Campbell Tattoo Stole in Bleu by Louis Vuitton, Navy Wallet on a Chain by Chanel, Custom Navy Pentagram Harness by Zana Bayne Leather, 35cm Bleu de Malte Clemence Birkin and Indigo Suede Collier de Chien by Hermés
I am going through my blue period. Blue has always been one of my favorite colors. It reminds me of the sky and the sea, calm and clarity. A deep, rich shade of blue is bewitching - especially in leather. Here are a few of my true blue darlings displayed on a wooden deer head and gold leaf console from Shotwell SF. If you have kept up with me thus far, all but one of these treasures should already look familiar. Welcome to the family the Chanel Wallet on a Chain. It is the cutest, handiest little bag. Inside, the elegant clutch is lined with navy grosgrain ribbon and comes equipped with 6 card slots, 2 pockets, and 2 zippered pouches. On the outside, the luxurious caviar lambskin leather is decorated with silver double C's and a convenient pocket on the back, hanging on a silver chain that is laced with more leather. Originally I bought the bag to serve as a crossbody, but when I tuck the chain away it becomes an awesome clutch. The size is functional and fits all the essentials. I am still on the fence about getting one of the classic 2.55 bags because it is too feminine for my style. Not that this Wallet on a Chain is the butchest thing I own, but it still compliments my wardrobe. It is the perfect first Chanel for me!

Blue is a color I really connect with. I wonder if there are any colors that just sing to you?

- jerome

'Till the World Ends

All clothing by Burberry Prorsum SS2011
I have been holding off on blogging this piece because it took me a while to photograph it in ways to show off my favorite parts. I am no model, and my self-timer/tri-pod had a fun time trying to get it right. My Burberry Prorsum collection continues to grow as I welcome the SS2011 Studded Jacket to my closet. First of all, this piece is heavy. It has to weigh at least 10-12 lbs. So far it has broken 3 plastic hangars! The studs are solid metal, which adds most of the weight. It is interesting because the lambskin used for the jacket is so soft and delicate, so you can really see how it is affected by the hardware. There is definitely a distressed look created by the tension that you have to see up close.


I am not quite sure when exactly I am going to wear this piece, but when I saw it on sale, I knew I wasn't going to leave the store without it. The weight of the jacket alone is unpractical, but I don't think that is the point. There is something special about it. Having a studded biker jacket feels like you are wearing armor, or something special at the very least. I feel powerful when I zip it up. Usually biker jackets have strange sleeves, or are cropped in an unflattering silhouette. The cut of this jacket is perfect and flattering. WIN.


And yes, it is the male version of the jacket Britney Spears wears in her 'Till the World Ends music video. As Britney demonstrates, I am totally equipped for clubbing in a post apocalyptic society!

- jerome

Captain Brunch

Tee by Dries Van Noten, Shorts by Carven, Belt by Hermés, Loafers by Burberry Prorsum
The summer heat of New York really solidified my love for a good pair of shorts. I had no luck at Barney's in menswear when searching for the perfect pair, but I lucked out during the summer sale some months ago. These Carven shorts are very comfortable, and the silk and cotton blend of the fabric made it great for the weather. I wish it was summer already in SF! I also got a pair of the Burberry Prorsum AW2011 Tasseled Loafers with the thick, white, rubber sole. They make me about 1.5" taller and are one of the most comfortable pairs of leather shoes I own! I am ready to brunch, y'all.

- jerome

Brace Yourself Part 2

Top by Zara, Pants by Uniqlo, Shoes by Whoop-de-Doo, Cuff by Hermés, D Buckle Belt by Dior Homme, Low Brace Belt by Zana Bayne Leather AW2011

Another one of my obsessions is this top by Zara. It is a blatant rip off from Céline by Phoebe Philo, but since I did not have access to the real collection, this is an adequate substitute. It moves really well! The front tuck is an excellent way to wear it, especially when you pair it with a good statement belt. Here you can see another way to wear the Zana Bayne Low Brace Harness. The straps simulate suspenders and I love how it looks layered with another functioning belt.

Flowy top + Leather Harness + Stacked Heel = FEELING POWERFUL

- jerome

Brace Yourself

Plain White Tee by Adam Kimmel, Camouflage Cargo Pants by Uniqlo, Boots by COS, Low Brace Harness by Zana Bayne AW2011

BOOM. Instant man peplum. Behold the Low Brace Harness/Belt from Zana Bayne Leather AW2011. This is an amazing new accessory to add to my collection. When fastened, you can really define your waist or change the silhouette of your ensemble. The Low Brace also looks like an oversized basic harness, which moves beautifully when you're in motion.



I am pretty obsessed with these Camouflage Cargo pants from Uniqlo. I mean, they are designed to slim the leg. What really surprises me is the fact that they are camouflage and cargo, yet totally awesome. Uniqlo is the best. I have to go back to New York or Tokyo or Hong Kong and stock up on more goods!!

- jerome

Funny Grandma, Dick

Here is a video of Barbara Streisand in 1975. This is simply the best performance of this song, and it will never be sung like that ever again. I loved the smokiness of the 1970s and the attempted revival of art nouveau (or is that misty, watercolor VHS tracking?). But then there was also the whole moomoo period too. You can see B give a fatty "NAMASTE" to the crowd before she kills her own song. I happen to like this particular gown though. It reminds me of something Galliano would have designed for Dior haute couture, minus a head piece, crazy make up, and some ankle breaking heels . I must have posted this video in different places dozens of times, but I still cannot get over how perfect her profile is. GAY GAY GAY GAY GAY.

- jerome

Welcome to the Dungeon

Button down by Prada, Cuff by Hermés, Denim by Uniqlo, Pentagram Harness by Zana Bayne

Whilst vacationing in New York, I paid a visit to the studio of my dear friend Zana Bayne. Her leather fashion happens to be garnering a lot of attention these days and I could not be prouder! I wanted to preview her Fall 2011 collection, pull for my photo shoot, and shop. Upon entering, I was met with racks of harnesses, rolls of hyde, and the fragrant smell of leather. It was incredible to see the volume of product that she produces in her studio. There are certain samples being packed and readied for some impressive names in the business. One couldn't possibly resist placing a few orders! Above is a custom Pentagram harness that Zana made for me. It is the only one she has ever made in navy. Each strip of leather is delicately finished with painted sides, showing the quality and craftsmanship in her hand-made pieces. I feel so special!!



So that is where all the BLACK magic happens. Zana's space is such an inspiration. She has such a good idea of who she is as an artist and designer, but I know that she will always have this ability to grow and evolve in the best possible ways. I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next! I left New York with the navy Pentagram harness and two other pieces from her upcoming AW2011 collection, including the Hex harness from the last post, and the new Low Brace harness/belt that I will show you in my next post.

Until then, LEATHER UP. FEEL THE POWER.

- jerome