In the increasingly dull world of red carpet fashion, if you can even call it fashion, there is little creativity. Generally, there's lots of tulle and silk and lovely gowns with draping and pleating and whatnot. However most celebrities are nervous to wear something daring or unconventional because they actually care what the so called "Fashion Police" have to say. Lets note that said organization is comprised of Jay from America's Next Top Model, Guliana from E! news, Khloe Kardashian, and Joan Crawford. They aren't entirely knowledgeable. It's like asking the Gossip Girl cast to replace the panel of the Academy Awards; and I adore Gossip Girl so for the record that's not a dig.

Anyway, here we have Anna Paquin, of X-Men and True Blood fame, wearing one of the looks from Alexander McQueen's spring '10 collection to the SAG awards. The man is a bit of a celebrity himself considering his most recent inclusion of Lady Gaga's unreleased single in his show that was simultaneously streamed live online. It's so nice to see his work displayed to such a broad audience. Whether it's her, or her stylist, the choice was refreshing and I'm kind of proud, in a weird extremely detached way.

Mind you, the "Fashion Police" said that her outfit was not very fashionable and that "she should wear one print at a time."

I think that sums up their credibility.

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So it's a bit redundant to say that Miley Cyrus is a teen idol fallen off the tracks. Although maybe that's a little harsh, considering it was only a few scandalous photos and boy toy choices, but she's one of those celebrities that keeps on trucking even when the going gets rough, probably because she's to rich to care. Don't get me wrong, I am thoroughly amused by her antics and I used to be a huge fan of the show, but I'm far from paying my own money to hop on the Miley train, evidenced by the photo above. Her Max Azria collaboration for Walmart (of all places) was another eye roll for me and most of the public over the age of 12. I pause for a moment and think to myself, poor Max, he's been dragged into this by his money hungry publicists, no doubt. Walmart is a wonderful place for those who are hard on cash but it's the last place a Designer ever wants to bear his name. Vera Wang at Kohls is enough.

Never in my right mind would I envision myself owning a single article of clothing from that line, but lo and behold, the surprises of Christmas morning never cease to amaze. My Grandmother decides to gift us all with pieces from Miley's "collection" and upon reading the label, I barked a laugh. It was when I put it on and looked in the mirror that I fell speechless.

I liked it.

So with this lovely purple tag hanging from all of our candidates we can begin the dissection. There's not much I can say about the logo. There's a slightly different one on the inside of the shirts with a wonderfully creative butterfly but that's it. I would have gotten excited if it was a cowboy hat or a frozen yogurt cup maybe.

*So as a general disclaimer all of the shirts were quite form fitting but they were all smalls and mediums. I'm sure if the right sizes are chosen the clothing would fit a little more comfortably. Moving on.

This shirt was what caught my eye at first. I didn't know where it was from but when I opened the gift I thought it was generally pretty cute. I love peacock feathers and I'm trying to embrace purple as one of the current colors of the season. The shirt is actually pretty vibrant without being flashy. It's a v-neck with helps me to tame my endowed torso, so that's a plus. Overall its a cute shirt for the price my grandma paid. I mean come on, there's no lasso or plaid anywhere, so I'd consider this a step in the right direction.


Right after christmas I planned to jet off to England to visit my friends and Grandma thought I should wear this little number around town when I get there. Yeah, didn't really do that, or pack it in my suitcase at all. Still, it's cute to wear now that I'm back and it's desperate cry for punk rock is nice with it's faded paint effect. This one is the most form fitting but this was a small where the other is a medium so that explains that. At least Miley is becoming a little more worldly.


*I spelled Blouse wrong, my bad*

I am shamelessly guilty of liking this shirt. It's incredibly flattering with it's blouse effect around the waist and black looks good on everyone. The shape and the scoop neck are just wonderful for the upper torso problem area it's almost up to caliber with a good find from Forever 21, also a guilty pleasure. The only thing I can whine about is the material is kind of flimsy and will last about as long as the next song Miley shits out next. I will cherish it until then.

My aunt received studded faux leather leggings and some bizarre pink top from Miley's debut line, but you can seek those out on your own. Do it for Max Azria and his now horribly disfigured public image. Even though moving from High school homecoming dresses to a line at Walmart isn't a significant plunge.

One word that I used frequently and accurately to sum up this collection is "cute." Although that word may be complimentary, it's a very simplifying compliment delegating her fashion creations as nothing more and nothing less.

This summer I purchased a fantastic Hermes scarf. You know, the big 3x3 silk screened one with a fantastic print and color scheme. However, I purchased said scarf with little knowledge on how to wear it or what I would wear it with. I wanted one for the sole fact that it was iconic. Period. So, a bit frustrated with my shopping logic, I vowed to find a way to wear it once a week, but the regular wrap and knot method aged me more than I would have liked. Ergo, I set off on my internet travels to find alternative scarf tying methods. I share these with you in hopes that you will not fear or dread the powerful accessory that is the scarf as much as I did.

1. the girl in the photo above inspired me to wear my scarf in that fashion and all I can tell you is experiment with it for a few minutes. No fancy knots are required, just a regular one that you kind of have to play with a little in terms of it's location on the scarf.

2. I found this fantastic website HERE that shows you a long list of scarf ties for any occasion and preference. It also has step by step instructions on how to tie each variation with pictures! It's not a good how-to without pictures.


3. the ever classy Brooks Brothers has a lovely Flash tutorial for the basic knots. It's got actual photos instead of sketched pictures and the scarves are lovely to look at. Also, added bonus, at any moment you can stop your scarf tying and purchase a Brooks Brother's scarf via a link in the middle of the screen. How convenient.

4. If you would like it straight from the horses mouth, Hermes.com has a feature called "Playtime with your scarf" that has wonderfully sketched ways to tie one of their scarves. You also get a little fashion show for some of the prints, but ultimately, you get the seal of approval from the French king of scarves himself that you are tying your scarf correctly.

PART ONE

PART TWO

As for a rule of thumb of sorts, all of these sites advocate playing with your scarf to find new ways to wear it. I've come to see that my scarf has so many possibilities if I were to just sit with it and give it a few moment of my creativity. I am not so patient, but maybe you are. Happy styling!

Today we will explore the idea of a style icon, which I've never really had. I don't like to call them icons because I don't just become obsessed with the person's style, I become quite stalkerish towards the actual person or character. I think about them all the time and how I can be like them. A little circa Elementary school which makes me pathetic in a way, but I think it's healthy to draw inspiration from others. Yeah, that's what I'm going to call it. Moving forward. My current style icons are a school bully, a Fashion bully, a drugged out emotionally detached British kid, and a princess. I would include Blair Waldorf, but her style is waning currently and its not really an innovative statement. However, click to find out the style mavens of today!

Style Icon #1: Marion Hawthorne from Harriet the Spy

Granted, this is a bit of a stretch in terms of noteriety, however this was one of my absolute FAVORITE childhood films. So I went on a 90's children movie binge the other day and I noticed how much I loved Marion's style.

Tidbit for the unfortunate uninformed, Marion is the school bully who uses her prissy snobbery to strike inferiority in the student body.

What you can't see in this outfit is her killer chesnut colored riding pant-esque leggings and oxford shoes. Talk about chic androgyny.

Marion is on the left. Excuse the extreme lack of quality. I nicked these screenshots from Youtube.

I adore this. Classic Marion reprimanding her classmates on their lack of refined taste. Over the top she may be, but it works, and she rocks it.

Fantastic. A neutral palette with a pop of color with the ascot. Again she's wearing riding pants and oxfords, but you can't see them. Oh if the pixilation wasn't so strong.

Style Icon #2: Emily Charlton from The Devil Wears Prada

Okay, so maybe not that original, but it is Emily and not Andy that I'm idolizing here. Her modern cuts and sometimes cat-like makeup make her so beyond stylish that she's, dare I say it, fierce. There, I said it, but Emily truly deserved it.

Not quite sure what's going on with the blouse here, but I love it. It's that crazy thing that nobody but Emily owns and for good reason. If you could see the skirt and the boots, this outfit might short circuit your screen.

Again, the structure of the jacket on her shoulders is very obscure, but looks fantastic on her. Her penchant for black is actually realistic in the fashion world. Most New York Fashionistas own mostly black clothes. Sad, but true.

Oh come on. It's the Emily glare. That and she's wearing a storm cloud on her shoulders. FTW.

Style Icon #3: Sara (i forget her last name) from A Little Princess

Think early 20th century with massive bows and uber-girly clothes. To me, that's perfection. Frills with no boundaries. Here, we have a wealthy slightly British girl with a killer wardrobe. Unfortunately, she attends a private school that requires uniforms so we only get a few glimpses into her closet.

What a coat. Just wow. The bonnet is added wow, however not as enviable.

Okay, not Sara, but her classmates in the uniform. How cute is this!!!???

Upon her rescue from being pesudo-orphaned, Sara's father gifts her and her for real orphaned friend with new outfits in, again, white.

Again, not exactly Sara, but her classmates displaying a horribly pixilated version of their overcoats. Think Madeline's blue coat in black with a lovely crest on it. Stunning.

Style Icon #4 (Biggest Fashion Crush Ever): Effy Stonem from Skins






About as notorious in England as Blair Waldorf is in the US, Effy is the younger sister of the series' first and second season's title character Tony. Third season, she took center stage and we really got to know Effy, and her style. She's the fun loving, dark, drug user with emotional problems and sick (both literally and the "cool" definition) manipulation skills. Her style is quite appropriate.

Circa Season 2, Effy grows up a bit, compared to the first picture in which she is 14. This 15 year old Effy is edgier and more gothic. Still fantastic, if not entirely possible for someone as suburban as moi.









Effy's premiere outfit in Season 3. She's apparently ahead of the no pants trend considering this was shot last fall. There are no words.









Again, she's ahead of the leather jacket trend, maybe not entirely, but she got into it before Urban Outfitters started making faux ones. Once that point hits, the trend should get the ax.



And there you have it, my style inspirations at the moment. I want to include Max from Where The Wild Things Are but that would be both impractical because he only wears a wolf suit the entire movie and also a lie; I just really want the wolf suit coming out at Opening Ceremony.

Anyway, enough of me. Go find some style icons of your own.

So perhaps in my transitional summer-to-college state I should not be looking to break the bank, but you know what they say about old habits. However, I'm fortunate enough to have an intense phobia of shopping online. Window shopping, or screen shopping I suppose, I adore, but actually buying something I can't bring myself to do. However it is through trial and error that I do decide on what to buy.

My methods involve scouring numerous on hand department store websites for dresses I like. I collect various potential candidates and then venture out to said department stores to view the specimens in person. It is through this method that I have unveiled the magical altering effects of photography. Shockingly obscene colors are somehow muted online, and fabrics that I would never even contemplate putting on my body are configured to seem normal, likable even. This, and my love for carrying around a shopping bag, has kept my shopping selective and strictly physical. By that I mean contact must be made between my hand and the garment.

That said, I thought I'd display my latest finds. A good chic unique dress is hard to come by these days, so it's only fair that I disclose my findings.


Dress #1

Designer: Nanette Lepore

Price: $288.00

Location: Bloomies, Bergdorfs, Neimans, Nanette Lepore boutiques

Comments: It's just so adorable. It's not to dressy, not too pricy, flattering, and, recession rule number one, it's versatile. Come on.





Dress #2

Designer: Theory

Price: $355.00

Location: Anywhere Theory is sold, it's a pretty accessible brand.

Comments: Okay, so Abercrombie and Fitch, which as of yesterday I am no longer a slave, has been vomiting plaid all summer so it's safe to say I'm a bit brain washed. Although this dress is a good marriage between chic fashion and mall rat style. I think I could rock it.



Dress #3

Designer: Topshop

Price: $90.00

Location: Topshop.com or the flagship in NYC. If you're lucky enough to live in Europe, pop over to England where Topshop originates.

Comments: It's cute and flirty. Very Blair Waldorf. It also comes in black, but it's sold out. I don't know about quality, but it's something sweet to throw on with tights or something.



Dress #4

Designer: Milly

Price: $310.00

Location: Bergdorfs, Bloomies, Saks, Niemans, anywhere Milly is sold.

Comments: I saw this on Karlie Kloss (personal girl crush on her) in Instyle or Vogue or something a while back. It was stunning and I screamed when I saw it available to the general public. I am trying to steer clear of my shift dress motif that I seem to gravitate towards. But, I mean, peacock? Done tastefully? I'm salivating as we speak.



Dress #5

Designer: Nanette Lepore (are we sensing a trend here?)

Price: $348.00

Location: Berdorf Goodmans, Nordstroms, Nanette Lepore boutiques

Comments: I saw this dress when I was walking though Nordies, of all places. The fabric is a bit 5 year old party dress, but its the color that really grabbed me. The shirtdress thing is in anyway, so why not do it with ruffles and girlish flare? I'm dying to.

Sooo there are my shopping efforts thus far. None of these wonderful dresses were purchased, but they are in the back of my mind for when I've saved up my money. No telling how well they will fit ON, though. I'll keep you posted on that bit when I get around to it.

As a child of 21st century media brainwashing, my immediate reaction to the likes of apparent drug victims and party girls is distaste and aggressive disinterest.

Take Courtney Love for example. Tainted by the media, her musical connections and achievements I cannot even claim knowledge of, but her trashy and belligerent behavior are what DO come to mind. All that has been changed by one interview. New York Magazine has got to be my one true love. The Cut Blog is my bible, the Party Lines is genius, and I adore the attitudes and sharp wit of every journalist from the Daily Intel to the Vulture. They are so honest and real in how they tell it; not clouded with big words or political jargon. Which is why I knew that their encounter, and I stress the word encounter because it was exactly what occurred, with Ms. Love was real and unfiltered.

It is because of this article that I can honestly say I believe the real Courtney Love, sans photogs and tabloids, is the best friend I've always wanted. She comes off just as impulsive as you would think, but also like some sort of musical historian. Within her few minutes spent with the Vulture, she rattles off musical know how and shockingly mature statements that are entirely unprecedented. Take a look for yourself and see if personal conversion can come of this intoxicating interview. This kind of stuff only happens to a New York Magazine journalist.

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So while bored on a Sunday I like to, for lack of a more modern phrase, surf the net. You know, just segueing from one site to another. Today, while clothes shopping on Kate Spade, I stumbled upon their personal bloggy type thing that is a random smattering of "things" they love. One that caught my eye was this phenomenal video on how Crayola crayons are made. As an past and present avid crayon fan, this process was mind boggling.

The rest of the Kate Spade blog is equally interesting with hours of fascinating links that they too at some point stumbled upon. Some of them are weird old lady things, but all are relatively artistic and inspiring and utterly Kate Spade. I suggest sparing a few minutes to educate yourself on this fascinating tour through the birth of an orange Crayola crayon, it does not disappoint.



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