>>4/28

"Inequalities of appearance are redressed by government plastic surgeons, but the scalpel isn't used to make everyone beautiful - it's used to make everyone plain." 

I think what has kept fashion so close to my heart (and so filling in my closet) is the idea of expression. 

I always feel such an appreciation toward the girl/guy who will take the road less traveled, so something a little crazy, be bold. It takes guts to display something that hasn't been seen on a regular basis because anything that is considered different is also linked to being weird or inadequate to the means of society's standards (whatever weird means and whatever the standards may be considered). However, I have come to find that being a part of that "outside" area is quite comfortable. Besides, there's so much more out there if you're just willing to let it all in. 

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Although I'm not a fan of forcing model's to be emaciated, I do really have a love for Twiggy. Even now that she no

 longer appears to be the icon she was, I look at an old picture of her and am encapsulated. The way that she could gaze into the camera with bulging eyes always makes me wonder what was going on in that little head. I recently realized that most of my fashion is influenced by the 60s. I can't pinpoint one specific time period that I could fall into as far as daily fashion is concerned, 

but I feel most connected with that of the sixties. Maybe since this was a time when music was blazing full throttle, freedom began to ring (in terms of expression), and color was beginning to come into play (since women were limited in attire and everything imaginable) it just rings all of my bells. So, Louis Vuitton is ringing right in my direction with the fall/winter 09-10 collection. I am more than okay with the volume and vibrancy, popping patterns, and frock and fringe. Bring it on, Louis! 

As I'm swallowed by the depths of sleepiness, i will say goodnight and hope for a day as bright as the sun which will be perched somewhere behind the cloudy sky tomorrow. 

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: 

"Fashion is health, it is the moral code of which he unfashionable is nothing but illness or diversion."

>>04/19

As always, I picked up a book at the library. This time, it has nothing to do with any of the assignments I should be researching... More or less a good read for a late night after lots of work to help wind down: "The Language of Fashion"- Roland Barthes. 

What struck me most? "Human clothing is ambiguous expression, both mask & advertisement of the unconscious self." Until I opened this book, I would rarely think of the technicalities of fashion, style, and clothing. Yet as I continue flip the pages of this book, I find myself developing a bit of an x-ray vision in garments. What is the history? What was the thought process behind the construction, function, and design. It is incredible to this that at one point all bodily coverings were strictly created for function and now nearly all apparel is designed for stylistic purposes (sometimes with the least amount of flattery and comfort). 

A second statement, "Clothing, in its diachrony, becomes a monotonous series of ruptures, a disordered succession of opposites," reminded me so closely to the words of Thoreau: "Every generation laughs at the old fashions, but follows religiously the new." There is usually a FAD of every few years, each completely expelling or going against the idea of the previous and creating no inkling of what may follow. It strikes me as odd that one would choose to wear something simply because it "reflects that time period," when in essence nothing that we wear in today's society truly mirrors what is going on around us. We actually, contradictorily, portray ourselves in a provocative, unflattering, or over-embellished manner when it comes to trend. Why don't we instead combine what compliments, comforts, and creates a bit of an image of the present, with a pinch of the past.   

Yesterday made me realize (even more than I already knew) how strongly my mood is influenced by my surroundings- the weather, people's energy, music, etc. Perusing through the cutesy town of Manayunk, in and out of Tibetan stores, purchasing used CD's, cups full o' coffee, sunshine in the sky, and good company. All of my favorite things rolled into one- what more could I ask? I was greeted by the smells of Tibet from initial entrance to the store- I was mesmerized by the intricate designs of the tapestries and designs on the garments. I don't remember the last time I saw something with a label, "Made in USA." I truly appreciate seeing something like that; something that took so many hours to construct. After exploring for all too long, we were introduced to an instrument of meditation. Among all of the kit and kaboodle, I settled for browse over bargain and moving along to become a victim of the used CD hoarder. My summer habits are slowly being collected as the weather strolls along into the season. 

So, inspiration from some distant district, a beverage to sooth some addiction, friends for some frolic, and the beauty of the out doors for enjoyment of life's simple pleasures. 

Here's to life. 

Music of the Moment:Let it fall//Lykke Li 

>>04/13

One's trash is another's treasure. 

As I have oddly been finding myself saying lately, I fully approve of this statement. One of my favorite experiences is exploring a thrift store, garage sale, or my grandmother's closet and finding something completely bizarre or old fashioned an outdated to sport proudly on the trendy streets which I roam (oh, how I attempt to make my life appear so exciting in my explorations). I enjoy giving my clothes to consignment as much as I love to find another's on

 a discount rack. For some reason, I have always had no trouble giving up the tangible, especially clothes, jewelry, or some wearable object. In my opinion, clothes have feelings too and to leave them hanging in a closet for a year simply because you can't find the "right time" or "perfect outfit" or whatever to go along with them just leaves them sure for abandonment. I would much rather donate them or do a clothing swap to a person who may wear it consistently, giving it the love and attention it deserves. Similarly, I enjoy gaining a new item that I know belonged to someone else. Not because I'm dirty (I was it of course), but because I feel as though I'm wearing something that tells a story. What is the vintage dress I'm wearing to prom was worn to prom by a woman who is now 85 years old, gray and slowly fading, but enjoying life just as much as she did when she was wearing that dress to her big night. Prom may not be as big of deal now as getting drunk before the actual event, but sometimes I dance around in my dress and think, "she must have been beautiful. I hope that she enjoyed her night as much as I'm going to wearing something so special." Clothes may be objects, but since us consumers are such victims of materialism anyway, we may as well give them some meaning and make them worth every penny. Who knows, someone else may be wearing your favorite skirt in a year or two. You wouldn't want them to leave it hanging in a closet, now, would you? 

Totally. Into. Isaac. 

With an outfit like this, how can one not be tempted to explore Isaac Mizrahi's new collections? 

This season brings some brights, bolds, and beautifuls to the table and magically combines the beauty of all of our favorite trends of the decades. Cropped pants don't always work, but when paired with a long coat, some killer heels, and colors that make sunshine and periwinkle seem to be a subdued description. These new pieces are not only getting me excited for the season, but are getting me extensively enthusiastic about his upcoming show, which I am lucky enough to be helping out at. Saks Fifth Avenue will be featuring his new collection, as I will observe, googly-eyed like a little girl in a candy store (or a grown woman in a fabulous shoe store). I'm hoping to gain some connections, acquire some goodies, but most of all some inspiration. What mostly draws me to Mizrahi's clothing is his ability to connect such opposite-ends-of-the-spectrum pieces to create such a cohesive look. It is not always successful when one pairs banana yellow with an elegant, soft pink, but this man (myth, and legend) has found a way to make the impossible so possible that it looks easy. 

Cropped creations, popping prints, and daring for the trendy trailblazers...

escape with Isaac to a fashionable frenzy. 

"Every generation laughs at the old fashions, but follows religiously the new." 

-Henry David Thoreau

I bid goodnight to any readers, the stars and the moon and will soon be welcoming the sun. 

>>4/05

This picture is how I feel whenever I think about being outside in t

he sun and all of nature's beauty. 

I can't imagine what my life would be like if I lived somewhere without different seasons. 

I mean, I can imagine, but I don't know that I would enjoy it as much as I do experiencing the beauty of all four of them. I cannot say that I truly like one more than another. Yes, the warmth is always more convenient, but I absolutely love waking up to peer out my window, covered in frost and seeing snow stop the trees, blanketing the ground, and squirrels running for shelter as the sky dumps large white chunks down to the earth. If I could personify precipitation, I think I would say that there are little children playing in the clouds with icing and having a food fight and all of the icing that doesn't land on the children lands on our ground. How much more enjoyable would mother nature be viewed as if we made silly stories about her all the time? 

Out of the Ordinary 

My recent obsession has been funky jewelry. Rather than my usual interesting color 

palette of my clothes and patterned tops, I have recently been toning down with solids 

and accenting with earrings and necklaces. I feel like with the seasons, we can always welcome something new and different. As my surroundings begin to change, I feel the urge to welcome new things into my wardrobe, as well as my life. The warmth calls for a change in wardrobe, the allowance of windows down in the car, which then calls for loud music pouring out of the speakers. The beach brings along beautiful sun-kissed skin, which is wonderful until over done, and gives the ocean some attention after a long break period during the desolate winter. So, spunk up your style with the season if you dare to be adventurous and flow with the flowers, grow with the green, and delve into dreams. Maybe that was a little extreme, but I get all antsy when I talk about what I love. 

quote of the day: 

"Aim above morality. Be not simply good, be good for something."

-Henry David Thoreau 

>>4/04

Tell me what you want, tell me what you need. 

The mishmash of the past few weeks of being at school have confirmed my absolute adoration of the city of Philadelphia. I guess growing up with NYC by your side, you become accustomed to the city's style and atmosphere. Not only do the streets appear different 

physically, but they also feel different. I can honestly say that there is a distinction even between the smells. 

First Friday brought me into my element. Apparently, its birth was only about ten years ago and now contains the collaborative efforts of many galleries between second and third and market and vine streets. The galleries were iNCREDiBLE. I have secretly- well I guess it's not a secret anymore- always had a dream of opening my own gallery- having both clothes and artwork lining the walls and shelves. Advertising the work or local thriving artists and even doing collaborations with them in my own clothing as a way to help them step out. I guess the things that I've wanted for myself may not be what others are looking for, but the idea sounds like something that would be rewarding for and a huge opportunity for anyone else. I stumbled upon some of the cutest boutiques in between the galleries, most of them luring me in with their vibrant colors and catchy names on lit-up signs. If you're interested in window shopping (or some risky shopping excursion in the near future) one shop that was too adorable to walk past was Smak Parlour (219 Market). For any girl who loves frills and funk, edge and spunk (sorry for the constant rhyming phrases) this is definitely a store check out. 

AGYNESSmadness.

I've always had a super girl crush one Agyness Deyn. The day that I bumped into her at Beacon's Closet in Williamsburg and was greeted by her cute accent accompanied by her grunge-chic attire I was so intrigued. The excitement of being a model has become more known to me since I've done silly little jobs for some of the seniors and been able to help out with FIA. I can imagine the downfalls as well, but being able to dress up like a little girl in mommy's closet, putting on lots of make-up, letting it be okay to wear a ridiculous up-do without going to prom, and best of all- showing off something that someone has created through a competitive, hard-working, and intense process (PS: I can't wait to do that). 

So, back to Agyness- her style is not only original, but in my mind, brings out her inner child. I think that every person should be allowed to express their inner child through their clothing. Yes, there is a time and place for sophistication, but lacking in the imagination area can make for a boring and redundant lifestyle. As much as we would like to say that what we wear doesn't make us, it can truly influence our moods, and sometimes other's moods equivalently. I know when I see a person wearing something vibrant I feel just as bright; when I see someone wearing something dark and dreary I feel a wave of darkness. It may sound absurd, but since color and feelings are interconnected it would only make sense that what we wear would directly influence the way we feel, eh? 

I think I'll go buy a throwaway camera today and take some pictures. 

Maybe I'll capture some beautiful people or birds outside my window. 

"It was so simple, it was so simple, it was so simple, uh oh oh oh. Oh, to be with you." 

-Tilly and the Wall.

And on that note, ITS CLOSING TIME. 

4/02 

>>Another day in the neighborhood, would you be mine?  

The face that I'm awake at 5AM right now and can't go back to sleep somehow doesn't strike me as odd and the fact that I'm on here, fingers flowing quickly across the keys, thoughts emptying even quicker out of my brain appears far from odd and bizarre as well. This happens at least two or three times a month and as Laura and I have come to find, the best way to react to these types of situation is to "accept and move on." Acceptance is a good feeling to give out, and get back. 

Playing Favorites. 

I have had a Dr. Marten fetish since about the time that I knew what a boot was. I remember seeing a girl in a store wearing some high top black combat-looking boots, shin-high, with zippers running up the side. Not only do I have a strange attraction to combat shoes (especially colored ones), but zippers (especially in unexpected places) have has my heart since I can remember. I decided long ago that my clothing will have lots of fun zippers and pockets because everyone needs something to play with when they're bored and if it's already on your clothes than you have less of a chance of getting "in trouble" for fiddling around. 

Over spring break, I was initiated into the Dr. Marten world, as I stumbled upon the pair that I have been online stalking the white, mid-shin-high, and double-zippered beside the laces boots. It was like some sort of sign for me to peruse down the boot isle, which was comprised completely of black boots besides the pearly white Docs which grabbed my attention. I ran over, ripped down the zippers and musically read the number "9" on the sizing label. What a happy girl I was. 

Although many people say that they are quite uncomfortable until broken in, I am still technically breaking them in and have found them to be über comfortable, as well as easily wearable (well, it may just be the excitement, but I have found them to work with almost all of my outfits but have decided not to overplay them just yet). 

Collectively, if you're looking for some ridiculously rad and rambunctious (in the most positive connotation possible) maybe you can find yourself bumping into some fabulous Dr. Martens down an unexpected isle. I highly recommend if you are so inclined with the choice. 

What's in a name? 

Ever since I was about fifteen or sixteen, I remember questioning the thought of wearing logos across my chest and/or haunches. 

I was never one of those girls that was known for her in-style appearance, but was secretly an observer of those who were. 

What truly makes a person fashionable? What compels me to look a little bit closer when I see a woman/man walking down the street? The last thought which seems to cross my mind is, "What label is that?" I guess when a person sees a designer that they like, it is usually more than likely that they will be drawn to that designer's other clothing. However, it never crossed through my unconventional mind as to what made a garment so important when it had the tag of a famous designer. If that designer has a tendency to use organic cotton or recycled materials, then I'm for sure jumping on the bandwagon. Otherwise, it will take a lot more than effort, duct tape and some bomb-ass chai to get me to purchase some three-hundred dollar item on the market.  

With that whole ramblance in mind (please excuse my dear aunt 

sally for the made-up words), here is some food for thought: 

"The luxuriously rich are not simply kept comfortably warm, but unnaturally hot; as I implied before, they are cooked, of course a la mode." 

-Henry David Thoreau 

On that note, I bid you farewell.

And may you have some beautiful 5AM dreams in your sleep. 

4/01

>>No April Fools On You 

I don't know how anyone else feels about pranks, but I'm not a huge fan. I guess I have been shaken up enough times in my life that I don't want to go giving anyone else that feeling. So, instead of pranking anyone maybe I will just be that much more generous today. From me to you- Happy April. No fools here. 

To my surprise, I got numerous compliments on my wacky head piece creations the past few days. Who knew that something I expected to be ignored would be more than noticed. More are being created as you read this (if you

 read this) and can be customized upon request. All are made from recycled fabric and almost-thrown-out scraps. Patterns are always exciting and vary. No need to be a wastrel now, eh? 

Something I really enjoy which has been popping up a lot lately are shorts with lacey tights and booties or ankle boots. Sexy it up with some shorts or casual it down with a cute dress. Now is the time to show off those legs! Spring is in the air- get seasonal if you dare! 

Just a tacky, rhymey thought. 

Music of the moment: 

Architecture in Helsinki

Easy listening. 

Anytime of the day. 

Cheer up Bounce around Be silly. 

WELL, here's to the rain that is replenishing this grass.

And the beauty of being alive.