LOOKS LIKE...somebody needs to tone down the crazy just a tad!

     Helena Bonham Carter: wild and crazy, exciting and eccentric, dark and mysterious. Based on the attire she chose to wear to the 2011 Golden Globes, I would put an emphasis on the crazy part. Sure, we all have off days and may or may not end up with mismatched shoes (it's happened), but I'm not entirely sure what side of the bed one must get up on in order to go out the door wearing an ensemble quite like this.

     Christmas time already? Miss Carter must think so with those festive kitten heels she has going for her. The awkward length dress and Beatles sunglasses sure add to the ensemble (maybe the glasses blinded her from seeing what she was putting on?). Though I am a huge fan of hers, perhaps she took her commonly crazy roles a little too far into the real world this time!

LOOKS I LOVE...Isabel Marant playing with layered practicality!

     Boho? Sleek? Practical? All of the above is the correct answer when you're referring to Isabel Marant's Spring/Summer 2011 collection. The french designer took "real people clothes" to the runway in an unusual yet crazily commonsensical way! Comfy sweaters layered with trendy skirts and casual trousers paired with sequins all made an appearance in this collection.
     Blazers and basic tees is a combination that I would wear every day if I could and Isabel Marant just gave me my umpteenth option for doing this by mixing in a pop of blue sequence that peeks out from underneath. She used lots of basics for layering and belting to give a "sorta-laid back" yet still figure flattering appearance to all her looks. The sleek heels wrap around the ankle to add some edge to classic pieces.
     These looks work for anyone on the go or just chillin' with a coffee drink in hand. They are varied from the usual t-shirt and jeans but let anyone keep their top priority in mind: COMFORT!

Warning: Yes, layers can be flattering and comfortable, but if you choose to layer too many pieces in the wrong order, you may end up appearing as an abominable creature of sorts. Do not drown yourself in unnecessary layers. Instead, opt for layering a few basics with one standout piece to pull it all together!

INSIDE MY HEAD...Superheroes (sort of)!

  
     Here is yet another trial section being added to my blog: I will post sketches and runway show ideas that  I feel are worthy of being exposed to the public every so often and will wait and see if and how many rotten tomatoes are virtually thrown at me!
     My first two sketches have been done today and are the start to my superhero story collection. I do realize this could either be incredibly cheesy or, if pulled of correctly, incredibly...INCREDIBLE (like the superhero of course)! The show would start off in the pitch black with the villains slowly appearing into the crowd. Then they will proceed to slay the audience...kidding! Anyways, here are two of the villains with superheroes and sidekicks to come!

NEW SECTION-5 THINGS TO DO WITH...a spoon!

    

     While I was sitting in my room sketching designs, I decided that I would create a new section to my blog that would somehow incorporate the use of common items into my mainly high fashion blog!

      What better to do than use the very thing that was in my hand at the time? And a spoon it was. From there, I wondered how a spoon could possibly have anything to do with fashion. So, I began to sketch out a few ideas of how someone who is bored with the oh-so conventional use of a spoon could experience some of the crazy that goes on inside my head for themselves! Try out any of these five ideas. Though I of course recommend the last as my favorite, the others will do as well :).
     You can wear spoons as a decorative hair piece, as a bangle around your wrist, attacked to a belt as a buckle, as a necklace on a long chain, or just to eat your favorite ice cream :).

Warning: if you need to bend the spoon in order to attain a certain one of these looks, make sure you have a witness nearby who may watch over you in case the spoon decides to lash back at you in fury (it happens).

LOOKS LIKE...it's back to the future!

 

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     No, I don't mean the movie. Fashion is once again delving back into the future for new modern twists. 

     Look at these guys-I hope you love the Jetsons because the future is back and it's hitting fashion HARD. Sleek cuts, strong shoulders, and marvelous metallics go from head to toe on these models from Armani's Spring 2011 collection! Not sure what to call them exactly, but I'm really diggin' the protective-looking head shields. They put that extra futuristic spin into these looks! The downward curve employed into almost every look in this collection is INCREDIBLY flattering and cuts off in the perfect spot!

     I wonder where futuristic fashion will head next. I always imagined it as exactly this and never thought this point would actually be reached to such a full extent! Maybe next models will be hovering down the runway? Guess we'll have to wait and see!

CLASS AT ITS FINEST...bleach blonde hair with black underneath

  
  
      Eeeek! That is the first thing that comes to mind whenever I see this mess out in public! I understand bleaching hair if it is done well and appropriately, but what species of animal wrecks their coat like some humans do? I wonder if the intention is to make it look as though someone has a skunk taking an afternoon nap on her head?
     The first example looks particularly frightening-this girl is just WAITING to be abducted by anime obsessors, don't ya think? Though, I do like how she is popping the collar of her pink polo to add a little kick (KIDDING).  I sit and pray as I wonder if the second girl used this as her senior photo. The pink eyeshadow makes it even classier, girl (KIDDING, again)! Catastrophic, you say? I think so, too! If you have the desire to try this look, get out the Billy Bob teeth and you will be good to go!

MIXED FEELINGS...and condiments too!

     Hot and dog. These are the first two words that come into mind when I see this clutch from Louis Vuitton's Spring 2011 collection. I came across this clutch while reading Glamour magazine one day and wondered, "why mustard AND ketchup?" At first I found myself distraught and wondered why Louis Vuitton did not decide to pair red with yellow, orange with yellow, or even red with orange. Then, I realized that, although it resembled (to me) a well dressed, greasy part of a pig's behind, that I absolutely loved it! Although I have not gotten the opportunity to view this clutch in person, I say this vibrant, snack-resembling clutch would add a retro accent to any outfit!

     Just one favor: If you would like to wear a clutch with coloration as vibrant and varied as this one, do not wear many other colors in your outfit; you may appear to be a condiment rack to those with declining visionary abilities.

SOME THINGS ARE JUST NOT MEANT TO BE FULLY UNDERSTOOD...like Vivienne Westwood's Prince Charming collection

     

     Anything goes. Especially when it comes to Vivienne Westwood. ESPECIALLY when in reference to her Prince Charming collection dealing with fairy tales frequenting the runway "appearance" of Hansel and Gretel. Westwood describes the psychological impact fairytales have on children and how "...fairy tales are about dealing with danger, injustice, and terrible morality" when describing this unique and slightly twisted (in my opinion!) collection. In the collection, characters come alive wearing anything ranging from graffiti style prints and tights appropriate for "his majesty" to crowns befit for the Prince Charming himself. 

     Though I'm not too sure if many of the pieces in this collection could actually be worn...anywhere...I do love Vivienne's portrayal of such a magical and dreamlike world! She put a dark and mysterious twist on a usually "fruity" and "sugared" fairytale story. Now, who else could even imagine doing that aside from Miss Westwood herself (we're talking about the woman who started the rocker trend of wearing spiked dog collars as chokers!)? 

     Feel like pairing some orange tights with a cute(?) little Gretel outfit? Be my guest and let me know how that goes. Also, be sure to document all reactions and smirks made in response to such a feat. 

LOOKS I LOVE...kinda slouchy trousers!

Urban Outfitters

     It all began in the university bookstore. I was waiting in an absurdly long checkout line when I caught a glimpse of a girl wearing trousers crafted by whatever goddess is responsible for such things. Her outfit was almost incredible enough to make me waddle on over to her in my daze of awe and ask her a few too many questions.
    This is a trend I cannot wait to try out for myself! It makes for an easy, effortless look that can be matched with almost anything ranging from a t-shirt to a silk blouse or tapered blazer. Need to hide a food baby? Here is the perfect alternative for you and your burgeoning "infant" to hide out in for the day! Make sure you do not unintentionally create a fabric baby of your own by avoiding tucking in bulky fabrics on top. No one likes mysterious bum bulges, yes?
     A cropped "kinda slouchy" trouser is a genius piece cut in such a way that will allow you to avoid being asked the question of whose closet you borrowed them from. Make sure you do not buy these trousers too big or too small as you may appear to be either an awkwardly diapered individual or someone who is having a quite uncomfortable day. It exposes just enough ankle and calf to pass as a piece that can be professional or casual when paired with varied accessories.
   If you wish to try out this trend, do me the absolute HONOR of not wearing tall or even medium-length socks in sneakers with these trousers (though, Vans with low socks work just fine :)). You will appear to be a child who has lost his or her way to the sandbox (and how unfortunate a sight that would be)!
  

LOOKS I LOVE...Missoni's wild prints!

     Missoni's Summer 2011 collection is full of eclectic, primal patterns that bring back the glory of mixing and matching anything with everything! The utilization of richly concentrated colors helps bring out the unique shapes in each look. The boxy and billowing cuts help us take a step back from everything currently body-con in today's fashion world. The last look contrasts a little bit of graffiti art with tribal patterns for an unexpected BANG. The flowy sun hats are a fusion of dark, shady, AND summery and contribute a little Sherlock mystery to the situation!  Neck ties add an exotic flair to these already wonderfully wild creations. 

    Missoni's style a little too out there for ya? Scared of going a little too Cro-Magnon? To go for a look similar to this one, try one crazily printed piece and pair it with a simple bottom or top. Add in a mixed print with a small scarf or some printed shoes if you feel like going a little CRAZY ;).

LOOKS I LOVE...white lace handbags!

     Yes, yes, I do realize that I have shown an obsession for the darker side of fashion recently...but I drifted over to a middle universe on a mere Monday night while browsing Dolce and Gabbana's Summer 2011 collection. When I stumbled upon the glory exhibited by white lace on handbags (seems basic, I know),  I was ready to pounce...I mean post.
     The intricacy displayed on these bags is done in such a way that allows them to be understated when you want them to be or add a little "umph" to a basic ensemble. These bags are FANTASTIC because they can be paired with anything ranging from colorful, summery attire to a black leather jacket with daring pumps (though, I realize in this collection they are being shown with the former). They can be used as a dressy accessory or as a "garden party-esque" one. The gold accents on each bag bring out the purity of the white and allow it to stand out without needing a wild pattern or texture.
     White is a timeless shade that will bring out the natural color of your skin and add a dose of chic simplicity to any outfit!

Note: Fear of looking like a polar bear because of a white overload should not be a seriously considered topic (polar bears don't wear Dolce and Gabbana bags, anyways).

LOOKS I LOVE...the updated 70's!

From left: The '70s trend as shown on the spring 2011 runways at Marc Jacobs, Jason Wu, Thakoon, and Rodarte.

     The 70's was a carefree and fearless era when mixing, matching, and messin' around with style were all welcomed customs. Seemingly outlandish headwear was the spice in the chili (for me) when it came to this liberating style. Attire was breezy and flowy as was the hippie nature of the day. Designers from all around retrieved many of the timeless pieces from the 70s and modern-ified them to give us beautiful, new runway collections ready to wear in 2011! High waists, checkered patterns, jeans, and skirts that billow in the wind are just a few trends snagged from an era that has so much to offer us on our quest to repurpose fashion from the past for the NOW.
     Nervous about trying this trend full-on right away? Start with one look such as high waisted pants and slowly layer in the rest in whatever manner suits your style the best. The wonderful part about this style is that there are no rules aside from "you must not be too put together" (finally!)!

THINGS I LOVE BUT DON'T QUITE UNDERSTAND...Alexander McQueen's Fall 2010 and Spring 2011 collection shoes!

     Alexander McQueen is a genius of his time and creates some of the most beautiful masterpieces I have ever seen-THOUGH, his incredibly wild imagination sometimes manages to make my jaw drop HARD and FAST to the ground. His shoes defy the laws of gravity (the two shoes directly above are "floating" on feathers and clouds) and even go so far as to literally take the standard curvature of a shoe and bend it backwards! Willing to attempt to walk the runway in a pair of these? Take caution, employ the use of a very sturdy tripod cane, and carefully slide your feet as you slowly but surely glide past a thousand viewers anxious to see you fall (and farewell to you!).

LOOKS I LOVE...long skirts!

From left: The long skirt trend as seen on the spring 2011 runways at DKNY, Givenchy, Dries van Noten, Proenza Schouler. 

     This is a new trend that I am beginning to love! The laid back nature of this look is a great break from the perfectly put together looks from Fall 2010. These slimming skirts are flattering for any form and can be beautifully accented with either a large or several thin belts. Layer a flowy top (like in the Proenza Schouler look) or a slightly more fitted top (like in the DKNY look) to mix up your look and add some unexpected contrast! 

Warning: make sure your skirt is hemmed properly or you will be forcibly thrust in a forward direction as you trip over excess fabric WHILST wearing the four inch wedges you probably paired with it (run on sentence anyone?)! 

I WANT TO BE THE FIRST TO TRY...socks with heels!

    
     I think this trend is INCREDIBLY hip and progressive (just like my super-cool vocab!). It puts a casual and comfortable twist on any dressed-up outfit to let everyone know you're approachable and up for a good time! This trend also allows you to mix in either a neutral or another accent color into a plain outfit to warm up your look in the cold winter weather! Try this for fun: neon colored POP accent socks (as soon as I get a hold of neon colored socks, I WILL be trying this out :)). Socks alone are ranked right up there with sliced bread (for me) and definitely add an unexpected flair to any woman's big-night-out outfit! Try this out and have fun with it (also, be sure to look out for all reactions that are good, bad, ugly, eyebrow-raisin', and confused!).

LOOKS I LIKE...dressy "casual" fabrics

     Valentino's Spring 2011 line-here we go...again! This time I've found yet another up and coming trend that I love! Dressy "casual" fabrics make for a great transition from the dark, heavy fabrics of winter to the lighter, more versatile spring and summer fabrics. The metallic flair incorporated into these looks dresses up this "short-suit" and summery dress. The nude flats allow this unique fabric to stand out and illuminate your beautiful skin!

LOOKS LIKE...people chose the wrong furry animal/shoe to stick on their tootsies.

    
     Wallabees: how exactly might one proceed to describe such a phenomenon? This shoe looks like a combination of a nicely wrapped crepe and a platypus ready to pounce and attack. I DO realize they are comfortable and act as a nice southern tradition that many love to follow, but I personally get chills when I see these crepe/platypus creations. Wear them around the house and in the mountains, but if you plan on exploring the big city in these dandy kicks, expect a few peculiar stares and other odd things of that nature.

LOOKS I LOVE...nudes designs!

     As you can see, I am slowly making my way down a long list of renowned designers and have been stuck on Valentino and his Spring/Summer 2011 collection for awhile (and may continue to do so)! There are so many details in his line that make it one of my favorites; specifically, his use of nude mesh adds sensuality to his seemingly conservative pieces. They also allow for the wearer and the designs of the dresses to be showcased without being overshadowed by a loud color or pattern. I love his idea to feature these looks with colored flats as opposed to the usual catastrophically tall heel. While watching out for new trends, Valentino seems to be lookin' out for these models and their safety ;) (not really)! 

     If you do not wish to walk out in public feeling quite so naked, opt for a nude flowy top paired with a black tank underneath. This will create a similar effect and keep the boys winkin' at ya. If you do not wish to "keep the boys winkin' at ya," don't bother with the nude top at all and pastel your eyebrows with one of the many assorted colors from my earlier post (comes with a guarantee!). 

LOOKS I LOVE...finger clutches

                 I know we've all tried wristlets and clutches before, but how about a new combination involving the both of them? Valentino accessorizes his Spring 2011 runway models with studded "finger clutches" that I am ALL over! I love how he incorporates long chains into the handbags to add versatility and some extra BLING to the looks. These bags are subtle enough to allow your clothing to take the lead. They can be matched with almost any outfit that ranges from flowery and frilly to bold and brilliant! Nervous about walking in a big city alone? These might come in handy if you need to put 'em up and sock a sucker or two in the face!