An "Acquired" Taste

A look by Viktor & Rolf

How is it that something that you once found unbearable can become one of your favorite things???

I remember the first time I tasted wine, I was 15 years old. The first sip made my face crinkle in disgust - it was sour, bitter, and woody all at the same time. It left a gross film in my mouth and I reckoned it tasted a bit like how I imagined dirt would. 'How on earth could anyone stand this stuff?'

Fast forward 10 years and there is almost nothing I enjoy more than chilling out and sipping a rich glass of red wine (right now chianti is my red of choice, cabernet sauvignon a close second). I guess it's true: beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

In fashion, the same idiom is applied. Some of my favorite pieces are those that I could never see myself wearing and at first sight, they even confuse me a little. 'Do I love it, or hate it?!' And yet over time, when better understood, shocking pieces (like the ones shown above and below) can become timeless works of art that provoke and inspire. Fashion is art, and without some of the wacky creations put out on the runway, we would not be where we are today. In other words, your all-time favorite sweater or coat or dress has been, in one way or another, inspired by the runway! Go figure.

I guess fashion is just like wine - It might end up being your new obsession, if you open your mind to it!

One of my favorites from the late Alexander McQueen

A look from Yohji Yamamoto's S/S 2011

Travel Gear: Thanksgiving Weekend

I'm really looking forward to spending this holiday away in the company of my family and friends. Whenever I travel, I like to pack as efficiently as possible (a.k.a. stylish yet comfortable). Often, I revert to black because I find its the most versatile! But this has got me thinking about my perfect travel pieces...

The airplane can be uncomfortable (and static ridden...yuck), so its important to choose your outfit wisely. Like most, I try to wear my bulkiest pieces while on the plane so I don't have to waste room in my suitcase. For me, a large sweater is ideal - it can dual purpose as a pillow, it's super cozy, and easy-chic!  Pair that with shoes that are easy to slip off while on board, perhaps a cute accessory or two, and you're ready to jet!

Here are a few travel-friendly pieces I found on google's new shopping site, boutiques.com (which I'm loving, by the way! So easy and fun to browse!)

Shawl Collar Cardigan by T by Alexander Wang

Striped Sweater Coat by Vince

Oversize Sweater Coat by Marc by Marc Jacobs

Pair it with...

"Josephine"Clog by Dolce Vita

"Emmett" Boot by Frye

Floppy Fedora Hat by Rag and Bone

PS1 Lux Leather Bag by Proenza Schouler

"Railroad" Tote by Rag & Bone

Happy Thanksgiving!!! :)

"Mr. Ford" Returns

Read the full article at vogue.com

Curiosity killed the cat....but I'm only human! Here's a sneak peak at Tom Ford's much awaited Spring/Summer 2011 Women's collection.

Images from Vogue.com

Latest Crave :: Creatures of Comfort

This NYC hot spot has been dubbed by the New York Magazine as the "new Opening Ceremony". Boasting brands like Acne, MM6, Rick Owens, APC, Alexander Wang, A Detacher, No. 6, Surface to Air, and Rachel Comey, this place is like crack for the fashion addict.

The store space, at 205 Mulberry St., has a super chill vibe and the clothing is laid out in a way that invites you to touch and feel them. I'm all about being comfortable and fashionable at the same time, so no wonder I love this store. Each piece seems to be carefully selected because of its timeless and season-less characteristic, which helps quiet that voice inside me screaming "it costs how much?" Owner and buyer, Jade Lai, wins me over by showing me that sweatpants can still be super chic.

Rick Owens "Lilies" Capris

Check it - here.

Living in the 'Now'

"What's next? It doesn't interest me. I only know that my instincts work flawlessly. So I breathe in and out and sense what's ahead for me. It's that simple."

- Yohji Yamamoto

I came across this quote by famed Japanese designer, Yohji Yamamoto, and it really caught my attention. I can relate so much to this way of thinking - living in the now and trusting your gut. It sounds so simple, doesn't it?? As always, so much easier said than done.

As you move through life, in all of its mysteriousness, you can't help but wonder: "why am I here?" or "what will I do next?". In a way, constantly questioning yourself keeps you challenged and pushes you through difficult times. And just when you reach satisfaction if your life, it seems something else pops up as soon as you put your feet up.

But Yohji is as wise as he is artistically gifted - he is on to something with this "trust your instincts" type of thinking. By worrying about what's next, you are going to miss what's going on right now. We must give ourselves more credit and trust that our potential will shine through even the toughest of times.

Everything happens for a reason - if you give it one.

Style = Confidence

Our beloved Carrie Bradshaw sure wore some crazy outfits, but always rocked them with confidence!

I've been thinking about what it is to have "style" - how is it that some people just have it? They can put on anything and look fabulous, no matter what. I think so much of it is not in what you wear but how you wear it. Personal style is a way to express yourself and to show others what you are capable of. This is why it is so important to have confidence in what you put on your body - if you feel uncomfortable in your clothes, it will show. Fashion is just like an unspoken language with which you communicate your state of mind.

I believe the best styles are the ones that are natural and not overdone. Feeling good about yourself and feeling confident (but not too confident!) will help to give you the proper fuel to be the best version of your self. Everybody likes to look good because it makes them feel good. It's like dressing the part - having faith in your abilities and not worrying too much what other people will think of you (I find that often, you are your biggest critic anyways!)

The Gap changes logo....oh wait, nevermind

Gap's new logo

Last week, the Internet was buzzing about Gap's announcement that they had decided to change their iconic logo. As seen above, they reported a change from their well-known blue logo (on the left) to the "new & improved" logo (on the right).

But alas, today they announced they are going back to their old GAP logo and scrapping the new one after all.

What were they thinking??? One thing is for sure....someone's getting fired.

Latest Crave :: Vince.

Why do I love Vince? Well.......because it's awesome. Although the price-point is a bit steep for my likings, I can't deny that they make really great clothes. They use only the most luxurious fabrics, like soft cashmere and buttery leather, and they have a fabulous array of basic pieces - I know I can always find a new obsession with Vince!

I think their strongest pieces this season are:

This to-die-for shearling leather jacket -

This extremely versatile melton anorak coat -

And, this simple yet chic cashmere hoodie -

Check them out @ Vince.com

Art vs. Science: Living life to the fullest

It is a well-known fact that our brain functions bilaterally: the left-side controls things like logic, analysis, rationality, and objectiveness; where as the right-side operates more randomly using intuition and holistic outlooks. Most individuals have a preference for one of these ways of thinking and thus are said to be either "right-brained" or "left-brained". I know I can think of many people who are lop-sided when it comes to their outlook on life (myself being one of them). But to be successful in life, you cannot be either, or--you must find that delicate balance between the two, and therefore between science and art.

If we over-analyze the tiny details, we would never see the bigger picture. Sweating the small-stuff prevents you from moving forward and reaching that end goal. Conversely, if we only see the whole and don't take the time to look at the individual parts, we would miss those important elements that hold us back from true greatness.

This painting by Salvatore Dali challenges the way we think: Do you see what I see?

One thing that both sides of the brain have in common is growth through experience--that is, by going through the ups and downs of life and getting out there to experience all that it has to offer, you will gain strength through knowledge. We all have the ability to be true "renaissance" people, but it is our own responsibility to reach our fullest potential. In order to do this, we have to force ourselves to constantly think openly and not fall into old patterns.

Dr. Suess said it best:

"Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You."

Denim: the fabric of my life

One of my style muses: Rachel Bilson

I'm pretty sure a day doesn't pass where I don't wear denim in some variety...okay maybe there's been a day. But that is how much I love to where jeans. It is my go to wardrobe choice without a doubt, because there is just so much you can do with it. Investing in denim nowadays isn't cheap - the price of a good pair of jeans could feed a small family for a week. However, in my opinion it is worth it. Although denim trends do come and go, you could get away with wearing the same pair of jeans for years and years.

So when you find that pair that fits you just right, snag it up!

Here's a video on Elle.com that I was featured in...hope it gets your denim juices flowing!

And check out this blog post about denim trends from one of my favorite fashion blogs, Refinery 29.

Looking FORWARD to FALL!

The weather has definitely started to cool down, and instead of getting bummed out that the sun is going into hibernation I am starting to really look forward to fall dress! Time to pull out those sweaters, boots, and jackets again...Fall is coming!

Flashback to this past February's NYFW, designers showed their Fall 2010 collections - here are some of my favorite trends from the runway:

CAMEL

This soft, neutral provides great transition from fall to winter. Plus, it goes with practically everything!

From Left to Right: Michael Kors, Derek Lam, Zac Posen, Chloe

LEATHER

This is sure to toughen up any look in an instant. Complemented with softer details, it's a hit this season!

From Left to Right: Barbara Bui, DKNY, Balmain

CAPES & PONCHOS

These pieces provide a beautiful silhouette and allow for multiple layers underneath. Nicely offset with a skinny pant or sleek boot.

From Left to Right: Vena Cava, Rage & Bone, Alexander Wang

VELVET

The shimmery texture of this fabric provides depth and movement to the garments, and is really soft to the touch. Comeback kid of the season, for sure!

From Left to Right: Thakoon, Ralph Lauren

Getting dressed in the morning has never been so fun!

I am a blackberry girl, and probably always will be. But this is so COOL! I just discovered there is an app for the I-phone that, depending on what city you live in, will take into consideration the weather forecast in the morning and put together an outfit for you to wear. If you like what you see, you can even find out where to buy certain items. It's called the "Feather Report" and it's free (for the I-phone...hmph). This is somewhat reminiscent of Cher's awesome outfit-finder-thing in the movie Clueless, and I'm loving it!

My biggest problem right now is the unpredictability of New York's weather (just the other day we had a mini-tornado roll through...yikes!) So this is something that I know I could definitely use on a day-to-day basis. Also, you can search outfit suggestions for future outings depending on weather, body type, and occasion.

A sample outfit put together by the Feather Report

What will they think of next?? :)

Inspiration

After viewing the wonderful collections this past fashion week, I started to think about inspiration. Inspiration can come from anywhere and anything.... but how exactly do we get inspired? I suppose the traditional way I think about inspiration is in the artistic or creative sense. That is, we get "inspired" to create a piece of art or design a beautiful piece of clothing by our surroundings, by the time of year, or by the zeitgeist (what is "in the air" or "of the moment"). But when I really begin to think about it, inspiration can come in so many shapes and forms and can be used for so much more than artistic presentation.

I see inspiration as a motivation for doing the things we do. A reason for getting up in the morning - seeing the bigger picture. If we had no inspiration, we just go through the motions of our day-to-day activities and happiness would be very difficult to achieve. The way I see it, you must be inspired to be a success and to be happy in life. It is often when we are inspired the most that we do our very best work and reach our fullest potential. It is that drive that forces us to push boundaries and strive for the best results possible.

Currently, I am the most inspired by the people around me, and those who are closest to me. No matter if they are halfway around the world or a 5-minute train ride away, I really define myself by these people. They have taught me to open my mind up to many different ways of doing things and that nothing is ever as bad as it seems. No matter how lost I feel, I know I can always get inspiration from my loved ones, so that I may find my way again.

Here is a sample mood board from fashionista.com with things that inspire fashion for September 2010

What do you get inspired by?

More Celeb Sightings - NYC Fashion Week

Victoria Beckham @ Bergdorf Goodman

Whitney Port @ the new Carolina Herrera store (Madison Ave.)

Nicole Richie @ Bergdorf Goodman

Sarah Jessica Parker @ Bergdorf Goodman

Jessica Alba @ Ralph Lauren's FNO celebration

Halle Berry @ Ralph Lauren's FNO celebration

J. Lo @ Macy's - launching new fragrance "Love & Glamour"

Kim and Kourtney Kardashian, with Mom, Kris Jenner - Rumored to be soon opening a Dash store in NYC

Olsen Twins - Mary-Kate & Ashley @ Elizabeth and James pop-up shop (West Village)

Mary J. Blige @ Gucci store

Latest Crave :: AllSaints Spitalfields

This is quickly becoming one of my favorites. They just recently opened one up 2 minutes away from where I live....Hallelujah!

AllSaints Spitalfields is a British brand started in 1994. They offer an amazing selection of womenswear, menswear, childrens clothing, accessories and some home decor as well. I am personally obsessed with the worn, washed look of their leather goods and the oddness of some of their silhouettes. I find their clothing to be very sexy, but not in the typically provocative way (which I also love!). Their collections have this fantastic rock-and-roll aesthetic and yet remains very wearable at the same time.

Here are a few images from their Fall lookbook, which can be viewed here.

And for those style-savvy men out there...