Almost Summer
Summer is about to happen on a calendar near you and here’s the seasonal conquest for most of us: lighter hair and darker skin. Ah, can’t you smell it? Barbecues. The ocean waves luring you in the ice-cold waters? Retrospectively speaking, I thought back to all that time I spent in the sun (which probably fried my brain as well as my skin), but nonetheless I did achieve my goal. It must be the promise of memorial day weekend. Fast forward to now and my desires for this summer are to read more, and pare down my weekend getaway wardrobe to 9 things that promise to deliver everything you might need. The tenth thing is this paperback I have been yearning to read.
In am attempt to make the transition from spring to summer-wear, the reality lies in favor of beach-inspired styles that belong on the beach but somehow linger on the streets of New York City. Summer dressing is fun to watch as wispy nothings resembling schmattes, beguiling your work wardrobe appear all summer long. I’m game for straw bags, tortoise shells, and Pom-Pom platform sandals, which at $585, is half off the original price, still scream for a DIY.
Consider this an unofficial summer kick-off to the good times that lie ahead. Click ahead to see my top ten, and get psyched for the first of many weekend getaways. Once night falls, go for a dressed-up look, including a maxi dress and stacked sandals, but consider this a weekend away from looking overly done — a swipe of lipstick and a tub o’ sunscreen is all you really need. Not going away this weekend? We can always pretend we are frolicking on some beach, just by some turf and a rooftop. That’s the great thing about fashion. Here’s to memorial day weekend by the sea, by the lake, or in your apartment/house. You dictate your own packing destiny. I’m going light.
Collage by Carina Gupta
Topshop black tie dye cage cover up, because this all you need post beach day and at $52.00 who’s complaining? Dolce & Gabbana reversible printed triangle two-in-one bikini that you can wear throughout the weekend and nobody will ever know you didn’t actually shower or change. A.J. Morgan cupcake shades for a mere $24. and you know how much I love sunglasses. Isabel Marant beaded cuff because nobody does anything better than Isabel. Norma Kamali graphic Zig Zag striped cut-out swimsuit to wear with flips flops for a trip to the beach bar. Mar Y Sol for all the beach essentials, a packing list for those precise items listed above, my favorite of them all Zoe Karssen’s twist on summer as FUN FUN FUN. Yes or yes? And finally, Gap leather flip-flops in hot pink for good measure.
And there you have it. And should you be home this weekend, don’t forget to check out Nordstrom’s Half Yearly Sale happening right now on a computer near you for prices that will blow your mind. Sale ends June 2, I’m heading there now.
Get Framed
Going head-on into summer, although mother nature doesn’t want to agree, we are nearing beach days, sand dunes, and possibly hammocks. Gone are the socks, the formal affairs, the heavy layers. Bright sunshine is a big part of this equation and protecting your eyes, while letting loose a little, is an issue we all relate to very well. Summer also means a time to invest in a new pair of shades.
I know you’re probably wondering why the heck in the pic featured above, I am wearing a hat and a sweater? It’s May, you fool. This photo was taken a few months ago, and I will say here that sunglasses are required all-year long no matter the season. So I will swap out that seater for a tank top, and that cap for a lighter weight fedora.
When I buy sunglasses, like the pair above, I like to try them on. At home in my own mirror. I recently tried Warby Parker’s boutique-quality eyewear which offers great price points. Warby Parker minimizes the risk of buying a pair of frames that don’t fit one’s face with this Home Try-on feature; they sent me five frames to test at no cost (as long as they’re returned promptly). Recently quoted as being the “Netflix of eyewear,” (there is free shipping and 30-day returns on all frames), the company also offers a wide selection of shades that range in design from old-school tortoise to light-weight titanium. Warby Parker is so hip it hurts. See below for verification.
Starting at top left: Winston, Tenley, Madison, Jasper. All available for 95 bucks.
Their newest collection 1922, which recently made an appearance, reminds me of Great Gatsby spending fluorescent-lit days dreaming of champagne-fueled nights. I like the clear injection of fun and quirkiness that their glasses have to offer. A whimsical mix at a great price. Still not convinced? Head over to the brand new New York store and see what I mean.
Blogs need eyeballs. Eyeballs need glasses. And in case you’re wondering, this is not a paid ad. Now go get framed.
Utility Dressing
What should be the easiest part of everyone’s day ie: getting dressed in the morning, is sometimes the hardest. Getting dressed is actually a real pain. Matching, styling, digging through your closet — especially at a way-too-early morning hour. Luckily, this spring’s hottest denim trend comes in one easy piece: the overall. They can be great especially on a lazy Saturday when you don’t want to wear your gym clothes all day long, you don’t have any real plans, but you are miffed by what else besides basic jeans you could throw on.
Nineties style as I have written about before, See: Neo grunge, has returned in a big way, with flannel shirts, floral babydolls, and Dr. Martin combat boots slowly taking over our wardrobes. But that one item I wore in the 1990s I truly haven’t missed: overalls. Remember wearing overalls?! There were long ones, short ones, skirt ones, colorful ones, corduroy ones. Sometimes I’d even leave one strap unbuckled for cool points.While it can be intimidating for those of us who haven’t donned a pair since elementary school, no fear–why not try a pair and see how easy it is to get out and start your day?
Overall, (get it?), wearing them is a great idea, except for the bathroom necessities when you’re out and about. Last week while on a showroom appointment, I used the ladies’ room and my straps literally fell into the toilet. Sometimes you have to laugh things off, and not take life too seriously. The key here? Wear them, don’t style them. It’s a very real piece of clothing. Nothing underneath except a tube top or a blouse.
Wearing Topshop Full-length overalls, get a similar pair here and Current / Elliotts here, J Crew Breton striped shirt Elizabeth & James bright pink blazer, V73 transparent tote bag, Retrosuperfuture sunglasses
I watched silky overalls march down the runway s this past fashion week and wasn’t sure how quick it was going to catch on. I’ve already spotted many variations of the ’90s-tastic style, some even with one strap un-hooked à la Salt N’ Pepa. I think it’s safe to officially call it a spring trend.
Céline sandals
Photos taken by Ria Michelle
Adorn Me
I’ve never wanted to get additional ear piercings, because I was too afraid I’d regret it later, never had the desire for unnecessary pain by needle, and wasn’t that into punk. Frankly, I have a hard time drawing attention to the side of my head, namely my hairline. But it is really hard to ignore my recent appreciation of the single earring and hair jewelry happening right now in the accessories world. Piercing on all counts, is definitely a hallmark of punk style – in a safety-pin through the ear kind of way. Even if I consider a delicate piercing, it is out of the question for me, as my children delicately told me they would disown me if I were to pierce any body part. While I still fantasize in some way about going through with it, and regret my 19-year-old self bailing on the prospect, (I have truly seen too many horror stories) my ear cartilage is happy to be in tact.
Pamela Love head piece, Mara Hoffman runway show spring 2013
Edgy and modern Generation Xers are constantly searching for something new. With their ears, lips, nose, and others piercings already adorned, they are on the hunt for the next body adornment. Not part of Generation X nor Y, with all the offerings available now, I am happy to say that you don’t need to pierce a body part to get the look. Why not try a toe ring this summer? Or jump into hair jewelry, or the single unmatched earring in a hole that is already pierced? Obviously Claire’s does the ball and chain thing pretty nicely for the under-13 set, but I have a new-found appreciation for all things delicate and simple. With a downtown edge. No needless needles going through my body required.
Today on The Fashion Hunter, we celebrate the adornments sans needles and the temporary fix to get just the decoration your ear and head is looking for. The key to decorating your limbs is to mix and match a me with a spiked cuff, and watch all those single eyes widen.
From top left: all links are optimized for your shopping pleasure. Why don’t you try a cloud and lip? A star and me? Your choice of the 11 things for the win.
1. Max & Chloe Nolan Chain black diamond chain cuff earring, $340.00
2. BCBGMAXAZRIA chain elastic headband, $48.00
3. Nasty Gal Hematite spiked ear cuff, $25.00
4. Maison Michel ‘Liberty’ Studded headband, 651.00
5. Delfina Delettrez Eye ball in gold/pearl/enamel single earring, $575.00
6. RP Encore single ear crow earring, $100.
7. Perfect for spring “It can’t rain all the time” single earring by Delfina Delettrez who lends us her sense of humor on our lobes, $320.00
8. Jacquie Aiche Ball chain ear cuff, $165.00
9. Jennifer Fisher star mini star and moon with pave diamonds, $1,200
10. Jennifer Meyer me stud in rose gold, $275.00 to mix your messages on a daily basis, $275.
11. Anni Jurgenson ear cuff with gold-plated spikes, $47.00
A Spring Uniform
Spring’s performance has been less than stellar of late and now that it is finally May, and not much has changed in the weather department over these past few weeks, (okay we had one warm day), its time to break out the classics; the boyfriend jeans, the blazer, and the oversized men’s shirts. Borrowing from the boys has always been something that I lean towards, given my pared down simplified routine, and it isn’t a bad thing. Especially if you’re surrendering to a solid spring uniform.
LITKE shirt, available in Fall 2013 at OAK. Get a similar one here, Proenza Schouler jacket, Stella and Dot charm necklace.
Tired of sporting those washed up prints from last season? Or the “ish” dresses that sit in your closet? Me too. Not coincidentally, menswear for women is nothing new. I’m obsessed with the idea of a uniform, and men have that down to a science. I find myself picking up style tips from men’s sportswear. When I stare blankly into my closet wondering what to wear, eureka! It’s so simple. I just want to wear a blue and white striped dress shirt with an easy-to-manipulate collar and silver buttons that would look so incredibly French and chic, layered over anything. Maybe it’s the style hound Emmauelle Alt, the Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Paris, who makes that dress shirt so appealing. Her raison d’être is nothing but mere existing in her blazers and skinny jeans, and yet her über handsome French style is copied worldwide. Paired with a just right mini skirt for work, or jeans for le weekend, and a small lizard pouch, I know this look will do the trick with a capital T.
Jerome Dreyfuss python popoche pouch, Valentine Gauthier Mirage skirt available at Steven Alan in the Fall.
Mother’s Day
I recently asked a handful of the chicest moms I know to tell me about their dream Mother’s Day gifts. The common theme? Jewelry, homemade breakfast in bed, and some sleep. I can totally relate to that and the older my kids get, the more I just want the sleep portion of the day, and some good hugs, rather that anything else. With each passing year, my understanding of what it means to be a mother deepens, gets challenged and teaches me more and more about myself. Even with the joys, trials, and tribulations of motherhood, given life’s circumstances, there is no way I would trade it for the world. Today and throughout the weekend, The Fashion Hunter is dedicating this to all the beautiful mothers in the world, especially my own.
As far as what to get mom, she would probably be happy with just a long phone call, but why not go the extra mile for the woman who spent five hours baking your birthday cake or consoled you when that guy broke your 16-year old heart? Not a mom? You can give these things to yourself too, you know.
This is a brief collage of last-minute gift ideas should you find yourself without anything to give her on Sunday. Those on team mom, shift your eyesight just below where you will find a small slew of ideas, and don’t forget to show your appreciation and thank her for giving you a life which is more than anybody can ask.
Starting top left: Acne Studios ponyhair baseball cap for those moments that you just want to have that extra shade. Moving down the ladder, Catbird stackable necklaces because You are My moon and Stars says just about everything. Who has time for a mani pedi these days? Let alone waiting for the polish to dry? Hopefully somebody will cut you a break and give you the gift of time. This Butter LONDON black nail polish is awesome, get a similar one from NARS.
Middle row, on the top, the Jayson Home Burlap vase with the white roses inside is just the thing to make her smile. Did somebody mention rest? ZZZ right on this Calypso St. Barth skull rabbit pillow, no alarm clock needed. I was told by my dermatologist how important using face cream is especially now that the sun’s rays are known to be damaging to the skin, causing unwanted wrinkles. Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay cream is just the magic potion you need.
And finally, spread the joy and light up the room with some black votives, tell everyone how much you love them with this Paris Love ring, curl up with a cool stack of DIOR books, have your freaking Magnum Ice Cream bar if you want, and call it a night. Because nobody deserves it more than you.
Here’s to mom.
Prom Dresses
Come the beginning of May, high school girls’ thoughts stray away from homework, final exams, and school work as they start daydreaming about going to the beach, taking off their thinking caps for a bit and of being asked to the prom. Pinterest is currently swarming with weddings, cocktail attire, and details of what to wear for all types of party-goers. Tis’ the season for dressing up, and today on The Fashion Hunter, we will throw it back to the high school prom, not on throwback Thursday, otherwise known as #tbt, but on a random Wednesday.
Does anybody out there remember Your Prom Magazine? A few years back, I was their in-house stylist, and I can recall the drastically different dresses from then to now, testing my knowledge of the prom market. I used this shoot as a launching pad for my upcoming styling work on three high school girls who were willing to strut their stuff. Like any fashion shoot, it was a showcase to style the girls in three different looks in three different price ranges: vintage, glamourpuss, and the columnar embellished glitzy dress whilst covering just the tip of what’s out there for prom – sans the boyfriend. This post was a lot of fun to style as these young stars surprisingly never modeled before. To be honest, it was a day of girly fun starting at the hair and makeup station at 8AM, to getting lost en route to our location, to the perfect final shots.
I asked each girl what prom meant to them and I am happy to report that nothing has changed since the dinosaur age of my prom days. It’s all about top 40 remix heaven, the getting ready beforehand, and of course, stashing the heels and enjoying the after party. Take a peek below at the lovely girls and what they have to say. Notice a similar thread running though each of their minds. Say yes to the dress, but the date takes second place by far.
Starting with Sarah who says “getting dressed is the biggest thing and looking pretty for the pictures. Date doesn’t matter, that is just a detail.”
Decode 1.8 strapless prom dress, $298.
Unique Vintage dress, $290. available only at The Look, Qupid shoes get a similar pair from G by Guess, $44.00
Michelle says prom is “glamorous, magical, and fun. Getting dressed up is definitely the best part , hair, makeup, and nails — it’s fun being a girl! It’s special, the one night you can let loose!”
Von Vonni convertible Transformer dress, $160.00, Nine West shoes.Va va Voom.
For Olivia prom is about “spending the night with a guy that you have a good time with. She says, you never really get the chance to get all dressed up and really look nice. Even better? Your favorite teachers can come and see you at your best.”
Sue Wong spaghetti-strap dress, $450.00
Pretty in pink, was the theme of the day because , well they looked like princesses getting dressed for the ball. And frankly, in the end, it fit their ideal prom look. I loved how they lived in the moment and laughed the day away. And then the fun happened. And as you can see from the pics below, those sky-high shoes were ditched for bare feet.
Dresses left to right: Nicole Miller open back jersey gown, Decode 1.8, Nicole Miller high low gown.
Photography: Jim D’Angelo
A big shout out goes to The Look for supplying all the dresses, and as a special offer use code UNTER to get 15% off ! Contact The Look for more details.
A shout out goes to Carina, my intern, for helping out with hair, makeup, and assisting me on-set, Jim D’Angelo for taking fantastic magical pics, and for all the lovely girls for making this day possible.
The Best For Less
Collage: Carina Gupta
Do you know what I spent most of Sunday doing? Editing the sad state of my overcrowded closet, putting some once sartorial treasures up on Copious, (I am selling a pair of awesome overalls), and relegating what once adorned by body, in a massive love affair, to the internet masses. And do you know why? Because everybody likes a fresh look. And after a few seasons of wearing the same few ripped jeans, motorcycle jackets, and freakin’ Margiela black boots ad nauseam, frankly, the state of my outfits feel stale and boring and I want new garb.
Every morning I gaze into the depths of my closet, wondering why I feel the “I have nothing to wear” syndrome, but that just isn’t true. The sweaters and coats that lived on my body this winter need to peel off moving towards lighter, brighter days. And after endless editing, my last season’s garments still look, eh. Ah, yes! it’s this time of year where it’s not cold, but not hot either that we all face this dilemma.
And what’s a fashionista to do under these circumstances? Buy a new uniform for spring.
Everyone loves a bomber jacket, and this Miu Miu red leather one, for $2,990 is the bomb. In fact, from street style hit to front row uniform, a bomber jacket is essential for spring 2013. Destroyed light wash denim? Duh. Here’s a pair of J Brand for $216. Moving down to the accoutrements: DVF Carolina Lips snake and leather clutch is the perfect conversation piece in a turquoise blue adding just the right pop of color and Gianvito Rossi black studded leather pumps for $445 and $960 respectively. All yours for a grand total of $4,600 excluding tax.
And for a more economical version of the same look, here you have it. Topshop Varsity bomber jacket, $70. and Topshop MOTO bleach skinny jeans for $70. An ASOS clutch turquoise bag with the same pop as the DVF number, for $33.00. As for the black studded shoes, they are ZARA for $69.00. Total all in for this look? $242.00.
So what’s the takeaway here? Think about how many times you will wear said outfit costing you $4,600. vs $242.00 and dividing it by cost per wear. Don’t have a budget? No problem. You won’t need a calculator. But, for the rest of us, who may need to go thrifty, save up something big. Like this shark tooth pendant.
And as Ludacris says How Low can you go? I only have $20 in my pocket.
Hover. Click. Buy. Repeat.
Punk Fashion
Art historians, writers, and costume designers alike commonly reference the past as a rite of passage. Visionaries in the art and fashion worlds, examine the past and they incorporate many subcultures and styles in their work of today. When those worlds collide, you have art as we know it and fashion on the street.
To celebrate the opening of the Punk Fashion exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum on May 6th, today on the Fashion Hunter, I will illustrate how haute couture and read-to-wear have borrowed punk’s visual symbols, in my much abridged version. Although studs, spikes, and stilettos were not a huge part of my vocabulary in the 1970′s, (yet I was a bit rebellious with a capital R). I mended the rips in my shirts with safety pins, listened to the Clash, attended shows at dark and seedy CBGB, (no, Sid Vicious was not my icon), and decorated my jeans with studs. For a visual snapshot, see Balmain’s runway show below from Spring 2011.
Photo: Style.com
Punk over the years has changed, but the core, it still has the sense of rebellion and controversy. Anna Sui presented punk looks on her runway this season, she actually lived the punk era, and claims that studs and chokers appearing in fashion doesn’t have the same shock value. If you didn’t live through it, she claims consumers today are appropriating the concept which gets lost and cheapens fashion. That bring said, the do-it-yourself impact of punk will never die. My take on punk goes like this: as an honorary member of that era, in the rip-to-shreds spirit, I can wear a choker without referencing rebelliousness, and romanticize the past with the wild crowd and the fierce energy that highlighted the times. Punk fashion is about mixing elements with other seasonal trends.
Fenton Fallon choker, Rag & Bone Jefferson Blazer, VonZipper shades
Photo: Lydia Hudgens
With the sponsorship of Moda Operandi (the website is offering access to the upcoming creations and the upcoming fundraiser on May 6th) they will be live-streaming the show, and will feature designers like Vivienne Westwood and Givenchy on their site May 2nd. I am anticipating a use of recycled materials from trash and consumer culture, graffiti and razor blades to be a part of the exhibition. And, if you are one of the lucky few to attend this celebrity-studded event, I have curated my own outfit collage for your purchasing pleasure below, complete with studs, collars, spikes and the like for you to wear and celebrate with a punk-rock edge for 2013.
Starting on the left, all links are clickable, likeable, and optimized.
Alexander McQueen Long Knuckle studded leather box clutch, Givenchy Interwoven leather sandal, get a similar one here
Joomi Lim Crystal and spike necklace, Alice & Olivia Poppy embellished crepe gown
Tom Binns Safety Binns earrings, Asos Punk multipack rings — you can’t go wrong for $12.00 here! , and finally we all know your feet are going to hurt by night’s end, so why not exchange those heels for these Miu Miu studded leather metallic sneakers? Huh?
ROCK ON!
Game Changer
Being a New York girl, even in the warm weather, wearing shorts to work or to a meeting was never really a viable option ever since I can remember. However, neither are pajamas. But the tide is changing and now almost anything goes. Paired with blazers, jeans can really werk an outfit like nobody’s business, vests are the new motorcycle jackets, and white wrap shorts are my new favorite go-to piece.
My goals are to establish a uniform that is comfortable to wear, yet can be mixed and paired with a multiple of different pieces in my closet. While staring blankly into my closet each spring and wondering what to wear, I came up with this theory of keeping a separate rolling rack in my room with all the basics– white, black, loads of denim, and a pop of color here and there. Keeping them separate really identifies their true power.
Proenza Schouler neoprene top, Zara white wrap shorts, J W Anderson vest, Reed Krakoff Mini shoulder bag, VonZipper Snark Vibrations sunglasses
The magic of fashion is the ability to transform who you want to be on a daily basis. Feeling playful today? See above. Feeling strong and confident? See below. Feeling like a celebrity? op on those sunglasses. It takes years to create an easy dressing routine, but once you know what looks good on your skin, you can master the art of “I have nothing to wear today” dilemma we all face.
Givenchy wrap python sandals, Emily Kammeyer blue multi-snake triple-wrap tassel bracelets, Chan Luu wrap bracelet,
Photography: Lydia Hudgens
Hope everyone has a happy Monday and thanks for visiting my blog! xo