Moncler Store Window

Trippy.

Street Style: Soho

For my trendspotting class, I am scouring the streets on New York for new street trends. It's been fun to see people's different style point of view. Here are a few of my favorite looks from the shots I have collected. Stay tuned for more to come!

Inspiration: Music

Music and fashion are inextricably linked. Both are used as a means of expression and communication that transcends the barriers of language. Both are a reflection of our mood and personality, and have the power to influence our emotions. So, it's no wonder that when it comes to finding inspiration, music is my go-to source.

I love finding  new artists and listening to the evolution of particular genres - the blending of hip-hop with dance, for example, or rock with electronic. Music is an ever-changing entity that can transform something static into something dynamic. Music is therapeutic - whenever I'm feeling bored, sad, or lonely, I blast some Cut Copy and my spirits are lifted immediately.

But how is music related to fashion? There is an undeniable creative relationship between the two - take for example the music that a designer chooses to play at his/her runway show. The music has the power to enhance the overall ambience and theme that the designer is trying to portray. In this way, the viewers are able to really feel the emotion and mood that the designer has injected into their collection. 

The fusion of music and fashion is deep-rooted, and for me, it really comes to the forefront at music shows and festivals. The people who attend these events come dressed to impress: they want to emulate the music they are about to hear. I get so inspired by all the unique fashion and music when I go to these festivals that I am buzzing for weeks afterwards!

Coachella music festival: a melting pot of fashion + music

Ready to Rock! A look from Coachella music festival

Music serves as a great inspiration for me - I admire its ability to channel the creative force into something cohesive and meaningful. I could certainly never imagine my life without it.

Resolutions

I've spent the last few weeks in Hawaii among family and friends. Life here has been simple and sweet - quite the opposite of a busy hub like NYC! While here, I have tucked away the noise of city-life far back in my mind. But now, as my trip comes to a close, I must shift gears a little and start to look forward to a new year...2011, here we go!

To me, the great thing about starting a new year is that you are able to kind of "clean off" your slate and set new goals for yourself - force yourself to think about where you are now and where you want to be. I often forget about looking ahead because I get too caught up in the now. Change is inevitable, so why not take back some control and make stuff happen for yourself? Easier said than done, but you gotta start somewhere.

So, some basic resolutions that I have set for myself:

1) Cook - not only will this save me money, but it will also allow me to stay aware of what I am putting into my body.
2) Read - time will be a huge factor here, but I would like to find mental balance by opening up to new genres and mediums
3) Budget - this is going to mean majorly cutting back on my shopping addiction...yikes. But a very necessary step and a huge reality-check.

These will probably be revised as the year goes by, but for now, there it is.

Happy New Year!

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!)