The Ghost Bride

The spring Couture shows are something of legend and I hope to attend one day!  What makes French Couture the special art that it is the level of skill, time and talent that it takes to pull off the shows.

Givenchy is a legendary French fashion house that has recently been trying to revive itself after falling into fashion disrepair.  Well, Tisci sure is trying his best.  The fact that the house was able to put together a Couture show for the Spring that was worthy of being photographed is certainly a victory. 

Tisci is definitely known for being gothic & dark, and even though the collection is primarily in white, it stays true to his over-arching signatures.  Quite frankly, it looks like something a ghostly bride would wear.  Not that it is bad, it actually is a wonderful take on this spring's white-based neutrals and art deco inspired cuts.  It will be interesting to see how the collection is interpreted into the ready to wear!

Picture from style.com

Some Things Are Just Wrong

There are some things that look great in runway shows and store displays, but don't always work out in reality.  One would be Marni's peep-toe platform boots.  It isn't that they are bad in and of themselves, but boy, with the wrong outfit it is just a mess!

What I am specifically speaking of is the disaster of a combination as exhibited by Mariah Carey that appeared on www.perezhilton.com  Wow, is that no good!  The whole leggings/tights the same color as the boots with the most neutral and boring of outfits just isn't nice.  And, the boots appear to be too big or of a length that just don't look right.  

I get that boots like this were produced by a number of designers.  They have the potential to be great.  But, please, make sure you pair them with an actual outfit and that they look like they fit you!

Picture from perezhilton.com

Another One Bites the Dust

The economy isn't that great right now and has slain many company.  Well, one of those companies that isn't doing so hot is Conde' Nast.  It has decided to shut down its magazine, DOMINO.

DOMINO was the home-decor version of LUCKY MAGAZINE.  It was probably one of the only decorating magazines out that was aimed at younger people who aren't interested in having farm houses like Martha Stewart.  It even had decent cooking suggestions.  It is very sad to see such a new and fun magazine fold!

Picture from dominomag.com

Ocean of Ideas

Sometimes there are designers that are so interesting and unconventional that their work is more like artwork instead of just something to wear.  A major player in the realm of wearable art is the design group ThreeAsFour.

ThreeAsFour was originally "AsFour", but in 2005 one member left the company due to personal problems.  The three remaining designer

s have continued making their unconventional ideas come to life.  They generally collaborate with major icons like Bjork and Kate Spade.  In recent years, they released a small collection called As FourKateSpade, which included textiles and clothing.  They also frequently use Kate Spade shoes in their shows--probably not what you would expect for super avant-garde fashion designers, but they always defy expectations!

The trio design out of their New York studio and show in New York Fashion Week.  But, they are also known for their very unconventional ways of exhibiting their clothing.  Because they don't just make clothing, but rather all manner of artwork, they are well-known for exhibiting in major museums and other artistic avenues.  

The trio are well-known for their circle-shaped bags and circle-seamed coats, such as ones worn by "Samantha" on SEX AND THE CITY.  They derive much inspiration from nature and in their SS09 collection, even had cut-away sea shell ornaments on their clothing as decorations and clasps.  

Pictures from threeasfour.com

Shiny Pretty Things!

In the realm of jewelry there are usually two kinds--cheap costume and expensive real stuff.  The middle ground of do-able priced jewelry with high-quality metals and stones is extremely hard to find.  And, usually if they can be find they either have the world's smallest stones or are incredibly cheaply made.

That is what makes dashaboutique.com so cool!!  The prices are incredibly reasonable and half the time there is a great discount code available too!  They have stuff of every stone and design to go with just about everything.  Even diamonds!  What really makes it cool is that they will do custom orders, especially for weddings or other events and at a discount.

The earrings pictured at green prehnite and pearls--the ear findings and metal are up to you!  These earrings are absolutely beautiful in person--I know because I wear them all the time!

Picture from dashaboutique.com

The Yes Dress

There are some dresses that will never go out of style and will always be flattering.  Most of the time, those dresses are also boring.  But, not this one!

This Rick Owens dress from this spring is to die for.  The cut is insanely flattering.  No matter your shape or lumps, it is disguise it and make you look like Heidi Klum.  The color is such that it looks great on everyone and is the perfect neutral.  Imagine how many cute accessories could be worn with the dress!  And, the dress could either be worn casual or for more dressy events--it will just depend on what accessories it is paired with!

Sometimes there are dresses that are exactly perfect.  And, if anyone can come up with something that is perfect, it is Rick!

Picture from net-a-porter.com

Sasawashi--Origami Papers for Clothes?!

One of the really cool things about the eco-fashion movement is the innovation in materials.  Textile designers and labs are finding new ways to process natural fibres so that they can be comfortably worn.  One of these new fibers is called "sasawashi".

Sasawashi is a combination of traditional Japanese papers with Japanese herbs that are woven in a new and creative way.  The textile is supposed to be great for people with sensitive skin because it doesn't have stray fiber ends to irritate the skin and make the fabric itchy to the touch.  It is also supposed to be nearly 90% UV-proof and full of vitamins.

One of the designers that is really embracing this new fabric is Linda Loudermilk--she has already incorporated it into a variety of garments in this current season, including denim.  

So, next time you are out shopping and see "sasawashi" on the fiber content tag there's no more wondering!  

Picture from lotusorganics.com

The Face Says Awesome

Okay, so kitchy-goth is just annoying and trite.  I know.  But, something about this watch is just cheeky enough to overcome all of that.  Watches are status symbols and are meant to show professionalism and that you mean business.  Well, hmmm.  Watches can also be boring and stodgy, and lets face it, in the age of cell phones and blackberrys, quite useless.  Why not take a chance and wear something fun!  

This watch is by Marc by Marc Jacobs and is a womens' watch.  Not only does it keep time, it actually looks like fun in an adult way.  And, the colors are nice and neutral so it should actually match with most outfits!

Picture from net-a-porter.com

Same Great Seller, Different Name

Ebay for all of its problem, does have a good measure of sellers who are FANTASTIC!!  They have some of the most coveted authentic items at discount prices that arrive quickly and beautifully wrapped.  One of these stellar sellers is "mushroom_city".  Due to recent ill-thought out decisions made by ebay they have had to change their account and it is now "ihave5fatcats".  It is the same great seller with the same *DELISH* goodies, just a different name.  Make sure to add the new name to your favorites!

Mystery to Me

There are many things about fashion that I just don't get.  Stuff like harem pants, pointy shoes and countless other things.  You can add the Longchamp "pilage" bag to it.  I know, "it fits everything" and "is waterproof".  But, seriously, it is the most boring bag ever.  

The first time I really noticed it was the other day on an episode of WHAT NOT TO WEAR.  Stacy wrested it from a lady and pronounced it "not good enough" and I totally agree.  It is just fine to cramming full of stuff to throw in your car trunk for in the event of an emergency.  But, it just isn't a style object nor chic enough to be considered as a bag to use every day.  The things that people seem to love it for are things that all bags do--hold stuff and repel water (well, a good many bags do this anyway).  But, seriously now, you can do better.

Picture from saks.com

The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree

The Japanese fashion companies tend to be insular and apprentice-oriented, so it is no surprise that when they start a new fashion label the designer came from "in-house".  Well, one of the best up-and-coming Japanese designers not only came from "in house" from one of the major labels but also from the home of Mr. Yamomoto.  His daughter Limi Feu has finally gotten her own line up and running!

For a few years Yamomoto and Limi Feu had a joint line--Yamomoto bis Limi Feu.  The line put out some great, edgy but wearable RTW aimed at young women influenced by Japanese street fashions.  Limi's personal line seems to be taking that theme and running with it!  Her spring showing is wearable yet chants "disaffected Japanese youth".  The outfit pictured is great--it has the cuts of all of the major spring trends while looking effortless, edgy  and young.  

Picture from style.com

Happy New Year!

2008 is finally done!  Horray!!  And, in its place is (a hopefully better) 2009.  It is a blank slate and a chance to do something new.  A chance to explore new ideas, make new memories and embrace new hopes.  Enjoy the newness and use it wisely!

Out of any designer, I think Hussein Chalayan is one who is always reaching forward, striving to embrace new ideas and hopes.  I know, many of his pieces are pure fantasy like the dress pictured.  But, that doesn't detract from their beauty and inspiration.  Just because you can't wear the dress to an event doesn't mean that it can't inspire your outfit and attitude.  

Take a cue from Chalayan and look towards this year with strength and dignity and don't be afraid to embrace your inner superhero--may your new year be full of beautiful prints, happiness and butt-kicking!

Picture from ss09 at style.com