Walking in Gramercy Park

Linen Motorcycle Kimono Vest by Haider Ackermann, Vintage Cropped Trousers, Boots by COS, Large PS1 in Smoke by Proenza Schouler, Cuff by Hermés
So this is what I wore in New York. I love the summer evenings there, and never worrying about bringing a jacket. I have to invest in a smaller camera because my trusty SLR weighs too much! I am on the corner of 3rd Ave and E19th in Gramercy Park where our apartment was. Apparently the block was famous for shooting Gossip Girl scenes. We did see scenes being filmed on the street and stoop 3 doors down. I tried to hide it, but I couldn't help but be a little excited to see it all. I wonder if I will ever be jaded after I move.

- jerome

Target Acquired: Proenza Schouler PS1 in Smoke Leather

Shirt by Uniqlo, See by Chloé Shorts, Sandals by Burberry Prorsum, Bracelets by Hermés, Handbag by Proenza Schouler
I finally got my PS1!! It took forever for the smoke color to be re-stocked at the right time for me to get it. Thanks again for all of your votes! I am glad that I went with the smoke leather. The color and hand of the leather is of the highest quality. Somehow the bag even smells wonderful. There are many pockets and compartments in the PS1, along with a convenient cross body strap. In the few weeks I have had it, my new bag has proven to be one of the most versatile pieces in my artillery. Definitely worth the wait! The beautiful leather will age nicely; imagine the patina of the smoke gray in the future :)


The Smoke PS1 is featured in a Charity Buzz auction to benefit Japan. The auction, "Includes: the opportunity to custom design a Proenza Schoulder PS1 bag with Jack McCullough and Lazaro Hernandez." I mean that opportunity is priceless, but you would simultaneously be helping aid those effected by the earthquakes and tsunami in Japan. Click here to place your bid!

- jerome

Eyes On Your Own Paper Pt. 2 - PS WHAT?!!

I mean I thought it was peculiar that Jack and Lazaro were missing from all the latest Target Go International marketing collateral. Clearly Proenza Schouler is one of the most successful collaborations within the series, which is why some of their garments were included in the revival season. Maybe I am jumping to conclusions, but these might have something to do with it:


Check out these PS1 knock-offs by Mossimo. The similarities are too abundant to ignore. I can get passed the school boy satchel shape but the hardware and closure are practically the same. I would feel really betrayed too if a partner of mine made profits from a copy of one of my greatest works.



I NEED THE PS1 IN SMOKE. The color sells fast, but I have high hopes because of the bag's popularity. It-bag stigma be damned, the PS1 is forever.

UPDATE: I was right! Check out this article by Cathy Horyn and the statements issued by Proenza Schouler. Such a shame :(

- jerome

You Know It's a Classic When...

Photo posted by @ProenzaSchouler via Twitter

Proenza Schouler posted a picture of the newest reincarnation of the PS1. From Mulberry to McQueen, there are so many look alikes out there that the PS1 might actually be considered a classic. This bag has functionality, keeps interest (I AM STILL WAITING FOR ONE), and has been produced in a variety of colors, textiles, and skins. But there is one finish that truly tests the makings of a classic handbag - enter: the patent PS1. I am not sure how I feel about this one yet, but flags go up when something is produced in patent leather.

Judging purely on the basis of wear, drape, and usage frequency, patent might not be the best look for a leather PS1 because such a finish cracks and peels over time, losing the "wetness" the owner fell in love with to begin with. The PS1 is an easy everyday bag that should build a beautiful patina over time, not lose its luster.


In other news, Marc Jacobs poses in drag for the latest cover of Industrie Magazine. Hope you can handle all that ferosh. If you disagree, he is MARC JACOBS and you hella aren't then take it up with Patrick Demarchelier (the guy who did all those other covers that make you not eat) and Katie Grand (the voice inside your head that says, "I NEED EVERYTHING ON THIS PAGE.").



- jerome

Aspirations, Thinspirations... Like, Real Goals

Mary-Kate Olsen with Bodyguard, purveyor of my entire wish-list

Sometimes I wish I was Mary-Kate. She doesn't ever have to choose. She can have her cake Céline Luggage tote and eat it have her PS1 too. Extra large. In Python.

Since I am a post-grad living in an economy presently in a recession, I have to choose one... for now anyway. LET'S NOT KID OURSELVES - I WILL BE GETTING BOTH. It is more of a matter of which one comes in first I think. Obviously the PS1 is near and dear to my heart. I even took a poll of which color I should get because there are so many lovely colorways. However, the PS1 is the "it-bag" of now whilst the Céline tote is close to my heart as well. The tote is also an it-bag but being dubbed "the new Kelly" it has classic potential. I have been alerted that both of these beloved leathers will be making there way into the store SOON for this upcoming holiday season. Fingers-crossed they don't come at the same time... The Birkin fund cannot take too many more hits! I promise I will cool it with the bags after these... I may or may not have my fingers crossed on that one too.

Until the time comes when I can spend like an Olsen, I will continue to dream of a shopping furiously like MK for hypothetical babies.

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

- jerome

Rock the Vote: Proenza Schouler PS1

I have been known to talk myself off ledges right before major purchases. Picking between two jackets, bags, or what have you, can be like Sophie's Choice when the only difference is the color way. Such is the case when I fantasized about the Proenza Schouler PS1 bag. I think I am finally ready to purchase one, but my preference in color and size keeps changing. Remember when I narrowed it down to 3?? Everything has changed again. The large size is perfect, but I find myself second guessing my need for the second cross body strap that is exclusive to the extra large size. Then there is the matter of choosing a color. I first fell in love with the Midnight color when I first discovered the bag years ago. However, the Smoke color captured my heart and has been my number one choice for the longest time. But then the Military Olive color was released, stirring up the debate once again.

I HAVE NARROWED IT DOWN TO THE LARGE SIZE IN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING COLORS:

If you or someone you know own a PS1, I would love to hear your feedback. Please let me know what color and size you think work best for your lifestyle. So exciting!!

VOTE NOW IN THE POLL LOCATED ON THE RIGHT
(under my silhouette)

- jerome

PS1 (Proenza Schouler, Not Playstation)

The PS1 Bag by Proenza Schouler was made available for purchase on their website today. More and more fashion houses are beginning e-commerce initiatives, which is very exciting for people who would not otherwise have access to designer goods. I have been in love with the PS1 bag for some time now, frequently visiting it at Barneys on my lunch breaks. It has a classic silhouette with modern lines, and is first and foremost a practical bag for both girls AND boys. I have seen it worn different ways, by hipsters and dandies, fashionistas and ladies who lunch. What I found is that the PS1 has a personality to match its owner, which is why I trust it to be a smart bag. The black leather is definitely an option, but I think the midnight or tobacco suede would suit me better.





Lusting for years now, I still haven't gone ahead and bought it. I remember watching a video clip of Jack and Lazaro talking about the bags and how they gave them to their favorite girls at the time, like Mary-Kate Olsen. Each bag they gave was made from python, the exotic PS1 model, and had the recipient's initials engraved on the inside. For some reason I cannot seem to save up enough money buckle down and buy one for myself. Though the shape of the bag is classic, there is just enough contemporary elements to have me doubting. Don't misunderstand, I do love a modern bag. But with each piece I collect, I have to wonder if spending the money is wise. Is it a piece for the moment, or a piece that will stand the test of time? I look back at pictures of my mother, who has already passed down some priceless accessories to me, and see the timelessness that comes from careful selection. Especially now, when my style is in this transitional period, I have to be smart about big purchases like this. Something to think about (or add to my Christmas/Birthday list). But damn that bag looks good on boys!



- jerome