Date Night Look: Bright + Bold Lip and Bettie Page Hair
This is my first YouTube video! In this video I show you how to do a bit of a retro-pin up look, inspired by one of my heroines, Bettie Page, and also Beyonce’s look in Lady Gaga’s Telephone video. To view the mark. products I used in this video please visit my mark eBoutique. Hope you like it! Let me know what you think!
Jewelry by Flying Lizard + Bellissima on Gilt Fuse
SALE STARTS 3/22 NOON EDT – “Wear your art on your sleeve with the unique designs from Flying Lizard and Bellissima Jewelry. From stone fringe earrings to bird pendants and knot cuffs, these pieces fuse vintage and semiprecious materials to create statement-making jewelry that’s both pretty and playful.”
Just came across the Flying Lizard and Bellissima sale on Gilt Fuse and I am in love. I’m particularly drawn to the chunky chain link necklace and acetate flower rings by Bellissima. Here are some of my favorites.
BELLISSIMA CHAIN LINK NECKLACE $44 GILT FUSE
BELLISSIMA HEART COMPACT MIRROR $12 GILT FUSE
BELLISSIMA RECTANGLE LINK NECKLACE $54 GILT FUSE
BELLISSIMA FLOWER RING $16 GILT FUSE
FLYING LIZARD OUTLINE FLOWER EARRINGS $18 GILT FUSE
FLYING LIZARD CHAIN TASSEL EARRINGS $15 GILT FUSE
FLYING LIZARD PEARL DROP EARRINGS $38 GILT FUSE
FLYING LIZARD SIZED LINK NECKLACE $22 GILT FUSE
Images from Gilt Fuse.
Alexander McQueen: Final Collection, Paris 2010
Sorry for my absence as of late – we have finally made the move to Asheville, NC! I’ve been unpacking and getting all of those moving details squared away for the past while. I will be getting some photographs of my new home and the style of the Asheville streets very soon. But first I have to unpack my closet… 😉
Yesterday I came across images from Alexander McQueen’s final collection and a beautifully written article about the legend and his last works. The 16-piece collection was only at 80% completion at the time of his death and draws inspiration from the art of the Dark Ages but with a new perspective, incorporating mohawk, feathered headpieces and specially ordered fabric that translated digital photographs of demons by Hieronymus Bosch and high-church angels. I feel a kinship to this concept of juxtaposing the new and the old, the digital and the… analog, art and technology. It is one element as to why I’ve always been such a fan of Alexander McQueen.
Here are a few of my favorites from the collection. View the entire collection at style.com.
I can’t help but think that these pieces are only a small part of the entire vision. One can only imagine what artistry would have encapsulated this collection on the runway. The simple and intimate showing of this final collection may not have been what McQueen had in mind – it was his showmanship as well as his garments that made him what he was – but it offered his close friends and colleagues a moment to reflect and one last look.
Photos:
style.com via
Christopher Moore / Courtesy of Alexander McQueen
NYFW: Rag & Bone Fall 2010 RTW
Though Rag & Bone duo David Neville and Marcus Wainwright have been designing for women since 2005, their Fall 2010 RTW show is the first time their women’s collection has been shown apart from the menswear. They explained that their inspiration for this collection was taken from the “crazy English guys who climbed Mount Everest in the twenties in tweed.” Ah-ha. As a fan of knits (gosh, I love me some “sweater-dressing”) I was thrilled to peruse the images from this show full of textures and patterns that make me not dread the continuous freeeeezing weather everyone seems to be experiencing this winter. Here are some of my favorite samplings from the show.
Rag & Bone Fall 2010 RTW
Rag & Bone Fall 2010 RTW
Rag & Bone Fall 2010 RTW
Rag & Bone Fall 2010 RTW
Rag & Bone Fall 2010 RTW
Rag & Bone Fall 2010 RTW
Rag & Bone Fall 2010 RTW
Rag & Bone Fall 2010 RTW
View the entire collection at Style.com
And for all of you fashionistas who, like myself, are sadly not in NYC to enjoy NYFW first hand… I present to you a selection of shows that are available to watch live streaming online. Here’s the who and where for you to schedule in:
- Alexander Wang – Feb. 13 at 5 p.m.
- Calvin Klein Menswear – Sunday, Feb. 14 at 2 p.m.
- Mark Jacobs – Monday, Feb. 15 at 8 p.m.
- Rodarte – Thursday, Feb. 16 at 12 p.m.
- Calvin Klein Womenswear – Thursday, Feb. 18 at 3 p.m.
Via NBCNewYork
Alexander The Great: R.I.P. McQueen
Photo courtesy of style.com
I had every intention of writing a post today that centered around the start of NYFW – a joyous event in my mind and in that of every fashion darling. However, when I came across the news of Alexander McQueen’s death this morning I felt anything but joyful.
The official statement found on alexandermcqueen.com:
“ON BEHALF OF LEE MCQUEEN’S FAMILY, ALEXANDER MCQUEEN TODAY ANNOUNCES THE TRAGIC NEWS THAT LEE MCQUEEN, THE FOUNDER AND DESIGNER OF THE ALEXANDER MCQUEEN BRAND HAS BEEN FOUND DEAD AT HIS HOME. AT THIS STAGE IT IS INAPPROPRIATE TO COMMENT ON THIS TRAGIC NEWS BEYOND SAYING THAT WE ARE DEVASTATED AND ARE SHARING A SENSE OF SHOCK AND GRIEF WITH LEE’S FAMILY.
LEE’S FAMILY HAS ASKED FOR PRIVACY IN ORDER TO COME TO TERMS WITH THIS TERRIBLE NEWS AND WE HOPE THE MEDIA WILL RESPECT THIS.”
Alexander McQueen’s runway shows were always ones that I looked forward to the very most. More than just a fashion designer, this man was truly a very talented artist in the truest sense. According to the articles I’ve been able to find, it is believed that McQueen’s cause of death was suicide though no official statement from his family has been made.
Lovers of his eccentric and controversial work are saddened today but we can take comfort in the amazing art he created through which he lives on.
Alexander McQueen Paris Fashion Week Fall 2009
Illustration by me of the same © Ciara Pickering 2010
Trend I Love: Digital Prints
As a fashionista with a background in graphic design, I can’t help but be completely elated when I see my two passions co-existing together so seamlessly! Needless to say, there are many emerging trends to watch for on the Spring 2010 runways and I must say that one of my favorites is the abundance of digital prints. There are a lot of beautiful prints around this season — from the inescapable florals that one can expect for spring, to the emergence of ikat from Gucci and Marc Jacobs — I am most drawn to the striking, optical, and often graphic prints of Balenciaga, Givenchy, Versace, and, as to be anticipated, Proenza Schouler.
Balenciaga Spring 2010 RTW
Balenciaga Spring 2010 RTW
Givenchy Spring 2010 RTW
Givenchy Spring 2010 RTW
Versace Spring 2010 RTW
Versace Spring 2010 RTW
Proenza Schouler Spring 2010 RTW
Proenza Schouler Spring 2010 RTW
I particularly enjoy the juxtaposition of such strong, graphic prints with flowing fabrics and soft edges (see Givenchy). The contrast within the prints themselves might be enough, but this pairing of hard and soft can be seen through out all of the aforementioned collections and adds such a nice dynamic element.
For all of you graphic design buffs, if you haven’t played around with it, try Processing, an open source programming language and environment for people who want to program images, animation, and interactions. It is an incredible tool to explore and can (among infinite other possibilities) help one create images quite similar to these fabulous digital prints.
Images from Style.com
All I Want For X-Mas: Full Rodarte for Target Look Book
When asked about my favorite designers, Rodarte easily pops to the top of my list. So, needless to say, I have really been looking forward to the Rodarte for Target collection which will be in stores December 20 through January 31. Here is the look book (in full, with prices). I love the styling in these pictures so much! Will definitely be on the look out for some combat boots…
Lace Bow Dress in yellow leopard: $44.99 Lace Tights in black: $12.99. Photo: Courtesy of Target
Slip Dress in black: $39.99. Bow Belt in yellow leopard: $12.99. Lace Tights in black: $12.99. Photo: Courtesy of Target
Lace Cardigan in mustard: $29.99. Lace Cami in black: $19.99. Lace and Tulle Skirt in mustard: $29.99. Bow Belt in black: $12.99. Lace Tights in black: $12.99. Photo: Courtesy of Target
Sequin Dress in gray leopard: $44.99. Lace Cardigan in black: $29.99. Bow Belt in gray leopard: $12.99. Lace Tights in black: $12.99. Photo: Courtesy of Target
Swiss Dot Dress in blue: $39.99. Bow Belt in yellow leopard: $12.99. Cut-Out Knee-Highs in tan/peach: $9.99. Photo: Courtesy of Target
Denim Jacket: $39.99. Tulle Bow Top in navy: $24.99. Lace and Tulle Skirt in navy: $29.99. Lace Tights in black: $12.99. Photo: Courtesy of Target
Sequin Rib Cage Dress in black: $49.99. Striped Tee in white/navy: $16.99. Lace Tights in black: $12.99. Photo: Courtesy of Target
Lace-Print Dress in tan: $34.99. Lace Cardigan in tan: $29.99. Bow Belt in gray leopard: $12.99. Lace Tights in black: $12.99. Photo: Courtesy of Target
Lace Tee in navy: $16.99. Asymmetrical Cardigan in gray: $44.99. Lace and Tulle Skirt in navy: $29.99. Bow Belt in yellow leopard: $12.99. Cut-Out Knee-Highs in tan/peach: $9.99. Photo: Courtesy of Target
Particularly fond of the lace tights, anything with tulle, and the last three looks.
♥ Kind of in love. ♥
Inspiration: Chanel Coco Cocoon Campaign Featuring Lily Allen
First, I will readily acknowledge that I am late to this party. Pictures of Lily Allen for Chanel surfaced back in July and the line launched in October, so forgive me my tardiness. I heard rumors circulating about the Chanel Coco Cocoon line way back but they seemed to get lost in the shuffle of my brain until recently. I finally sought out the images and it was love at first, albeit belated, sight.
I was a Lily Allen fan before the now fashion darling was so well known. There is no question about her musical appeal and edgy style. I recently heard rumors about her plan to open a designer clothing rental shop with her sister and I must say that this news is pretty intriguing…
As for her work with Chanel, I find myself enamored of the aesthetic! The classic, timeless elements of Chanel blown up in quite a literal way (note the gorgeous plush bag in the first and third pictures) paired with the iconic Holly Golightly styling but with such a refreshing edge… just amazing. The choice of black and white photography only emphasizes the drama and visual contrast, especially when in addition to the signature monochromatic styling choices used that Karl Lagerfeld often wears himself. I think the element of contrast is one of the most important in this campaign, from contrast between shades of black and white to the sophisticated homage tinged with grit.
Christian Louboutin A/W 2009 + Barbie
I am absolutely enchanted by the Autumn/Winter 2009 collection by Christian Louboutin! As always, such gorgeous shoes that will now begin to haunt some of my wildest footwear dreams. Here I’ve put together a slide show of the collection.
Some of my favorites:
Christian Louboutin A/W 2009 - Esoteri
Christian Louboutin A/W 2009 - Lady Claude
Christian Louboutin A/W 2009 - Lady Lynch Lace
Christian Louboutin A/W 2009 - Very Prive Studs
And, to make it that much better, I just discovered the Barbie® by Christian Louboutin Doll! As I mentioned in an earlier post, I am an avid Barbie fan and have a small, fun collection of my own. The details of this doll are incredible!
Barbie® by Christian Louboutin Doll
Barbie® by Christian Louboutin Doll Detail
And look, matching pink Claudia pumps! Ciara loves it!
Barbie® by Christian Louboutin Doll Detail
Christian Louboutin A/W 2009 - Claudia Pink
Sources:
Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2009
I was happy to catch the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show last night. There are a number of ways to take the show and a lot of elements to consider. It was a very elaborate production with intense motion/video work projected (the transitions between which were sometimes amazing), The Black Eyed Peas performing, as well as a mini-ANTM-esque competition spliced in… oh yeah, and then there was the lingerie. It was part rave with a glow-stick armed audience, part concert, part performance art, and part (yes) fashion show. Part of me enjoyed the intense mixture of stimulus overload, but part of me found it distracting. While the fusion of fashion, culture, and art is inescapable and, I believe, a wonderful thing, I think there is also a fine line between extravagance and excess.
The range of aesthetics that the different collections spanned was very interesting as well. Though some were not my taste per se, they were cohesive and unified in their own right. In some, the blend of motifs within a single collection was unexpectedly genius. The PINK collection keeps coming to mind with its blend of 70’s acid trip, retro Americana, and a pinch of uplifting patriotism.
This said, regardless of whether it was too much or spot on, each element had at least one moment of brilliance. My main reason for watching a fashion show (as I’m sure it is for many) is for the clothes regardless of the installation/performance piece the show may become. Here are a few of my favorites:
The Million Dollar Bra
If you missed it, you can watch the whole thing on CBS.com. If you saw it (or after you do), what did you think? I wish I could find a picture of the amazing hot pink under-bust corset with the two thick, black vertical lines… anyone notice it? Gorgeous.
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