Happy Thanksgiving

This holiday season, I am thankful for Korean BBQ, Zachary Quinto coming out, and my SNL fantasy (Bill Hader, Andy Samberg, and Jason Sudeikis).



It has been an incredibly busy holiday. I have been really behind with writing while preparing for the big move to New York. To tell you the truth, I have been drowning myself in work, completely uninspired. But I have a helluva vacation lined up and I cannot wait to go to the Philippines and Hong Kong. Also, I might try and score a new camera on Black Friday so I can easily take more daily photos. Lugging around an SLR is neither easy nor practical. Other objectives for boxing day include a new flatscreen, a Playstation 3, and some Blu-Rays. The fact that there are no clothes, bags, or jewelry in that line up is telling. Either I am in a creative slump, or I am saving for my trip/move. Perhaps it's both. But the holidays are here, and I have much to appreciate: I have the best family and friends anyone could ask for!! This is my favorite time of the year. I hope you all get to spend time with your loved ones :)

- jerome

REBOOT

Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen in their Halloween video for Style Mint
An entire day of blogs, news, and Charmed has inspired me. I haven't been able to post lately on account of writer's block. A lot is about to happen in my life and the stress had me so flustered I forgot how fun fashion can be - it all depends on the mood I'm wearing. I just wish I wasn't in a savings holding pattern. Hours of correcting what the Halliwell sisters are wearing has made me want to go shopping!!

- jerome

All in the Family

Here is the legendary mother Jerry Hall and her gorgeous offspring Georgia-May Jagger in the latest campaign for H&M. I am forever in love with Jerry's glamor, and it is no surprise her looks would be passed on to Georgia-May. Flawless, unique, blond bombshell beauty - true signs of rock royalty.

Speaking of H&M, the launch for the Versace collaboration is only a week away. There are a few pieces that I want but I am reluctant to wait in line and join the madness this year. It was different for Comme des Garçons and Lanvin because those menswear pieces were timeless and seasonless. Versace is anything but subtle. I feel like you must be cautious when selecting from this season's limited editions. If you show up to a party wearing a turquoise palm tree print shirt, there is a huge chance some other queen will too, and no one will NOT notice.

- jerome

Varsity Blues

Zara Jacket, J. Crew Khakis, Lanvin High-Tops, Hermés Jewelry
My long time need for a letterman jacket has been temporarily sated by this piece from Zara. It isn't quite the quarterback special, but the contrast leather sleeves make this the big sister version. The proportions can be changed with a simple tuck, it wears quite differently from doing up the buttons. I love the shape of the neck as well. Applause for versatility!

As happy as I am about this jacket, I still want a nice letterman with my initials and a few patches. Let me know if you see something!! Obviously the prep and spike combo continues. I find myself wearing more black again, but I don't think I could ever give up color. There is much from my closet to be sold as I prepare to move to New York. I wonder what will make the cut and what will prove to be cases of fast fashion impulse buying...

- jerome

Black, Blanc, Blue: Back to Basics

Uniqlo +J Jacket, Zara Caftan, J. Crew Denim, Burberry Prorsum Loafers
Sometimes, nothing beats the classic combination of a crisp white shirt, your favorite jeans, and a well tailored jacket. Update the look and play with proportions. I can't wait to go shopping for winter :)

- jerome

Dries Van Noten SS2012

My favorite show from Paris was Dries Van Noten. Quite a bold statement, but this SS2012 collection is in tune with my personal style on every level. The prints, the tailoring, and even the peplum pants have my checking account tearing with anxiety. The master of prints mixes the city with the wilderness in a random - yet perfectly orchestrated - selection of images. The "lightscapes" are from the works of photographer James Reeve in a series that focuses on capturing the light in the dark. This theme is off beat for your average Spring show but Dries often benefits greatly from the unexpected. I never thought I could feel the same serenity in representations of both the ocean and Circus Circus, but trust Dries to harness that kind of emotion. He is so bad ass clever he decided to throw in an embellished matador jacket to an already stunning show of sophisticated silhouettes.


Dries was quoted backstage that he was inspired by the volume he had seen at the "Balenciaga and Spain" exhibit in San Francisco. DEAR DRIES: I CANT BELIEVE YOU DIDN'T CALL ME?!! I totally go to the de Young like all the time, dood!

I have to stay on top of these shirts so that I don't have another Céline mishap. The Circus Circus print reminds me of my childhood and running through the Midway, playing games to win stuffed animals and begging my parents for more quarters for the arcade. Everything would stop when the acrobats would perform over head. The peplum pants and shorts may have to be a try on, but I am pretty sure they will both be too feminine for my taste.

Photo by Emil Dizon

BUT I TOTALLY WANT IT ALL

- jerome

Norman Ambrose SS2012

The last show I attended for New York Fashion Week was Norman Ambrose. I had no idea what to expect, but it was a treat when standing room guests were allowed seats and I was able to get to the second row. This came at a huge advantage for Ambrose's Spring 2012 runway presentation. There is an incredible amount of detail in the endless opulence of this collection. Each ensemble was dripping with sparkle; crafted from luxurious fabrics that were tailored to perfection.


There is a distinct Asian influence in the design. I loved the black paddy hats and mix of coral and jade. The stand out piece has to be the golden urchin jacket. Watching it come down the runway, I overheard one of the design assistants say that the piece was made of glass rods. That thing has to weigh a ton! Now I may not like the entire collection but I can appreciate the work and skill that went into it. Maybe one day I will be a legit Fu Tai Tai (the Mandarin term for "Real Housewives of China") and need a jewel encrusted cover up for my jewel encrusted bikini, but until then the only thing I can relate to is the urchin coat - kind of. It has to weigh as much as the Burberry Prorsum studded jacket. Still, a lovely presentation by Ambrose.

- jerome