Street Style: Part 2

The New Baroque

The Baroque period, spanning from the late 16th and the early 18th century, is characterized by an artistic style that was full of overt emotion and dynamic movement. Many use the word "baroque" to describe opulence, elaborate ornamentation, dramatic patterns or bold forms because this was the typical art and design of the time.

This past fashion week, we saw the splash of such aesthetic in many of the collections on the runway. However, there seemed to be a modernized take on it - a "new" kind of baroque style. While the opulent, indulgent nature of true baroque style remained, many designers found new and exciting ways to interpret it and make it modern.

Marchesa F/W 2011

Alberta Ferretti F/W 2011

Versace F/W 11

Marc Jacobs F/W 2011

Jason Wu F/W 2011

The commercial success of the new baroque look lies in it's timeless and sophisticated aesthetic. The pieces shown on this season's runway are fresh and innovative, and yet the prints and silhouettes are classical. This baroque sensibility has proven to transcend time - the lavish detailing transports the wearer to another time (and maybe even another life) by making her feel lady-like, glamourous, and ritzy.

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.