I want ... What She Wore

What I Wore is my new favorite style blog. Check out this look by Jessica Schroeder - I think she was headed to Fashion Week in NYC. I like her aesthetic; very vintage classic. Snappy, but lady like. Definitely one I'd like to create for my closet. So cute!

the bag that got away

Ever see a dress or shoes that you immediately love, need to have, can't live without? Such is the case with the above Mulberry Bayswater handbag in pony hair. Retails for $2500 and was sold on eBay early this morning for $523. I knew I should have snatched it up when I saw it. The print is so chic and well done. Certainly a bag I would have had forever. Tear streaming down my cheek... Another animal print item I see EVERYWHERE and can't decide about moving on is the Alexander Wang Alla Leopard Wedges. Is it worth the $900?

boyfriend jeans are perfect for jet lag

white american apparel tee, current/elliot bf jeans, CVS headband

i haven't posted in a bit because of a lovely ski holiday to Chamonix France. Such a wonderful escape from my big girl life. Travel always rouses this weird unsettling self dialogue that usually subsides upon landing. However, for this return, the little voices in my head are getting louder. This could also be because I'm sick at home watching this on TED. To paraphrase, Tony Robbins poses, "How would you live if you were going to die tomorrow?" People watching is a most favorite past time of mine. I like to try to imagine what those strangers think, who they love, what they do when they are alone. Only speaking for myself, there is a quiet, but fierce spark that lives in my in being and it's always pushing me to look ahead. "Are you happy?" is a daily conversation and there are many answers. More on that in the future. I need to get some sleep.

sunday = work

Work is the order of the day... sigh. In an ideal world, I'd be enroute to the market in search of delicious somethings equaling a proper Sunday feast for friends. For journeys of this sort, what does one wear? A reluctant, slow work day or an afternoon full of cozy, close nibbling with friends. For me, the look to the right strikes a balance. The pairing struck a cord with my mood; maybe it's because my bf is in cali, calling daily with bits about fabulous weather and beaches. It's from a shoot styled by Jessica de Ruiter. Not sure exactly what magazine; I came upon her website via Garance Dore. I love it with little flats and an interesting black tight.

God Rest McQueen

Alexander McQueen spring 2010

While Googling info about Detroit's fashion scene, I stumbled on the sad news of Alexander McQueen taking his own life yesterday in London. Also the day of his McQ line's presentation which was canceled out of respect for the circumstances and his family.

My immediate book of business didn't grant much hands on experience with his collections, but to be in fashion and not take notice of his fantastical designs would require one to live under a very large rock in a very far off land. Even my mom knows who he is, largely because of Lady Gaga, but that says something too. My heart hurts for those that are so hugely talented but often times are ravaged by their limitless talent. Everyone can most likely name someone in their life who lives in the same unpredictable world. Regardless, fashion lost a visionary who drew from a creative swell that very few can tap and, perhaps it's that way for a reason.

More details from NY Magazine:

The Daily Mail is reporting that Alexander McQueen committed suicide. The British paper says the designer was found dead at his flat in London, and is believed to have hung himself. His mother had died a few days earlier. A source at McQueen's office confirmed the suicide, saying, "It is a tragic loss. We are not making a comment at this time out of respect for the McQueen family." Details of his death have not been released yet. McQueen, who was discovered by Isabella Blow, was extremely close to the fashion editor. Blow killed herself in 2007.

McQueen was widely considered to be a genius in the industry. His whimsical designs moved many editors to tears; often the showmanship of his collections pushed them to feel something beyond mere fashion. He dropped out of school at 16 to learn tailoring on Savile Row, and it's tailoring that set his designs apart (his skill set was touted as the best in the industry). After he showed his degree collection at Central Saint Martins in London in 1994, editor Isabella Blow bought the entire line, cementing her role as his mentor. When Blow committed suicide, McQueen dedicated his spring 2008 collection to her.

put it on paper

I love Suitor stationary company sent to my email by Dailycandy.... pricey but chic. Hand written notes are some of the best gifts I have received. Suitor has prepared message note cards as well as personalized stationary.

put your name on it

My newest obsession is personalized jewelery. It started with a small part of Amanda Brooks' I Heart Your Style where she lists a few of her most favorite pieces of jewelry: an ID bracelet with her grandmother's name in diamonds, a stent (a medical device used to fix a "broken" heart) bracelet made by a friend. BTW - her book is fabulous. The pictures span many decades, many styles are really are eye candy for anyone looking to try on a new "style" hat. On the topic of personalized jewelry, the NY Times Sunday Style section and the LA Times both recently wrote about another new favorite of mine: Ann Dexter-Jones ID bracelets. Apparently she collected them while on tour with ex-hubby Mick Jones of Foreigner. Love this except the $4500-7000 price tag. I'd stacked with more delicate bracelets and a chunky watch. Tad bit out of my budget so I'm on the hunt for the "julie" version aka inspired but affordable.

"a girl should be two things: classy and fabulous. " - coco chanel