Monday, August 10, 2009

flats for fall: lace-up jazz and loafers



I am getting excited about Fall shoes!

I am obsessed with two types of flats this Fall: loafers and lace-up jazz flats. They are so adorable and will look great with super skinny ankle length pants or loose boyfriend jeans (personally I don't do the boyfriend jeans, but they are a popular casual look). I am really a heels girl so it takes a lot to get me excited about flats!

I have already started searching everywhere for the perfect pair of flat lace-ups. I mostly love the black patent leather that look just like the shoes I wore to jazz class in 7th grade, but there are a few colorful styles that are cute too. Here are a few to get you started...

{Steve Madden "Tuxxedo" Flat}


{Repetto Zizi Femme Flat Lace-Up}

{Christian Louboutin Fred Flat}



{d.co 730 Brazil Flat}


{Pour La Victoire Charlie Oxford Flats}

Please share if you find some cute jazz flats...especially if they are under $150! I am still searching...

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lady gaga inspired by architects




Two of my obsessions, Lady Gaga and architecture, have now been joined. It has been wittingly discovered that Lady Gaga's extremely unique and cutting-edge wardrobe choices have been inspired by works from some of the world's most famous architects. It seems that she has found the key to devoting a life to architecture, yet withstanding the design field's current recession...

Here is the article from Flavorwire last week:

More Than Just a Poker Face: Lady Gaga as Architectural Cipher

I can't wait until her next video comes out to see if she incorporates a Michael Graves tea kettle into her wardrobe choices.


Related posts...

Images: Flavorwire

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Thursday, August 6, 2009

new trends for fall and winter fashion 2009

Fall fashion is here!

About a month ago I made my quick picks for fall 2009. Right before those big fat September issues of fashion magazines come out, I would like to share my ideas about trends that I see coming this fall. There are only a few changes from my initial observations last month...

The looks this season will be very 80's rocker- and menswear-inspired. I think there will be lots of dark leather and metal details, which should be balanced with saturated hues, feminine accessories, and soft materials. Some of the menswear-inspired looks seem to be inspired by the late King of Pop, with flat lace-up oxford shoes and ankle-length cigarette pants. Here are the pieces that I will be watching for this season:

clothes...
{Haute Hippie Wool Boyfriend Jacket}
(7 For All Mankind Motorcycle Ponte Pants}

  • long blazers - These will be an update on the 80's version with a slouchy feel, open front, and rolled-up sleeves. The blazers will be menswear-inspired, but will have a long skinny fit and tight shoulders. No shoulder pads please.
  • ankle pegleg pants - Skinny stretchy trousers that push the line between leggings and pants will pair wonderfully with your slouchy blazer. Think skinny on bottom and voluminous on top! Pants with a hem that hits right at the ankle bone are a perfect length.
  • vests - The thin slouchy vests worn this summer will transform into thick puffy vests for the fall. Vests will be in materials like leather and fur (fake I hope!). Layer a plush vest with soft cotton underlayers.
  • gray - I love finding beauty in gray. I am interested in gray suede, gray boots, fluffy gray sweaters, gray leather, gray wool hats, gray distressed handbags.

shoes...
{Kelsi Dagger Rosabella Bootie}
{d.co. brazil flat}
  • detailed booties - Take the idea of the open-toed rocker bootie and gladiator sandals into Fall and you get an intense heeled bootie with unique details. There will be lots of variations, but I like the styles with flashy embellishments or open toes.
  • open toe pumps - You can wear your open toe and thick strap pumps in materials like suede and patent leather with thick opaque tights when the weather cools down. If you wear super warm tights then you should be able to wear them through the season.
  • flat lace-ups - Oxfords and jazzy flats will be worn with short pants and no socks until it's just too cold to bare the ankles.

accessories...
{Fiona Paxton Sylvia Necklace}
{J.Crew Pointelle Ribbed Tights}
  • bowler hats - Think of it as this year's cloche...cute and vintage-inspired. There will be even more cloche styles this year, but if you want to try something new then the Samantha Ronson bowler is it.
  • layered statement jewelry - New and flashy accessories paired with basics will be a good way to create new outfits during a recession. Wear pieces with multiple strands that hang down below the chest.
  • velvet - I want to see the softness and romanticism of velvet explored in new ways. It should be used minimally to bring a feminine balance to the harsher looks this season.
  • patterned tights - Again, a great way to spice up your outfits without investing in a clothing piece is to try unique accessories like patterned or colored opaque tights.
outerwear...


  • leather jackets - The rock 'n roll vibe will continue through the winter, so look for fitted leather jackets with unique designs and colors. Balance a leather jacket with softer materials like silk and layered cotton..


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just added bloglovin



I am trying to get more connected through social networking...I heard that Bloglovin is actually better than Google Reader so I'm giving it a shot!

Follow my blog with bloglovin

Let me know if you're a bloglovin lover!

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Tuesday, August 4, 2009

san francisco...where's your style?


{Image: SF Gate}

I just read an article in SFGate about the different styles in the different neighborhoods of San Francisco. I was extremely sad to see that the overwhelming style was...fleece hoodies!? I hope that some true SF residents can read this article and let me know if it is completely stereotyped or if it is at all close to the truth. Please tell me there is fashion in this big city! We need the Sartorialist to visit SF to find the most stylish people on the streets!

SF Gate: The S.F. look neighborhood by neighborhood

I hope to prove this article wrong and find that there can still be unique and interesting style in a land of gray and cloudy days that goes beyond the functional needs of waterproof windbreakers and layered fleece.


I hope they are at least wearing some Prairie Underground hoodies....

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Monday, August 3, 2009

how to shop at a sale...


I now write for the San Francisco edition of Examiner.com! I am very excited to be officially the SF Budget Fashion Examiner. My first article posted today and it is a list of my secret little rules for how to shop at sales and not end up buying tons of merchandise that you will never wear.

I'm just starting to understand Examiner.com, but I think you can add me as one of your Favorite Examiners if you want to stay updated on my articles! I write for the local edition, but a lot of my posts will apply to budget fashion shopping everywhere...

Check out my article:

How to shop at a sale and only buy items that you will wear


Hopefully I'll be able to keep up with Hello Kelli, Splendicity, Blisstree, and Examiner!

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prairie underground sweatshirt coats

{prairie underground - long cloak hoodie}

Sorry about the huge break in posts...I just realized that it's been a week! I was out of town last week and have been busy getting ready for my move to the bay area. I have a lot of ideas about Fall fashion so I will be posting soon!

Until I have time to write more, here are some super cute, but unfortunately also super pricey, fashionable interpretations of the soft sweatshirt hoodie from Prairie Underground. These lovely coats are made from organic cotton by designers Davora Lindner and Camilla Eckersley in Seattle. I tried some of these styles on at a boutique in Ashland and they are so comfortable and warm...perfect for casual nights in the Fall. I definitely can't afford one now ($242 for a long hoodie is a bit much in this economy!) but I'll let you know when they go on sale!

If you want one now, they are available online at tobi.


{prairie underground - prairie hoodie}


{prairie underground - moth coat}


{prairie underground - dreamcatcher coat}

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