One, two, buckle(s) my shoe

I bought these beauties from PacSun a few weeks ago for only...
wait for it...

$12 bucks! Originally $35 so, not bad! Especially since I usually avoid PacSun like the plague- I'd rather not have to wash the hipster/sk8er ick off of myself every time I shop. Then again I do enjoy Urban Outfitters... *shrugs*


Also, please don't judge my dust-bunny floor. Domestic is not my middle name, nor do I pretend it to be ;)

I'm going to get in trouble.

If Jessica Simpson did anything right, it was launch her shoe collection.

Jessica Simpson "Kullie" platform, $89.00

So, when I accepted the job at Macy's womens' shoe department a few weeks ago, I thought I'd be just fine as to not blow my entire paycheck on shoes. You see, handbags are my weakness, not shoes like a lot of women. HOWEVER, we just got a shipment of these lovelies a few days ago, and I've been trying to justify why I would need them in my life- they are super comfortable; they could be worn in the warmer months with skirts and cut-offs or in the chillier months with textured tights; they are casual yet could be dressed up easily, etc. etc.

See? How could I not pass these babies up?? It would be ridiculous NOT to =P

It's too early to come up with a witty title

Or search for song lyrics.

Louis Verdad presented his Louver collection at downtown LA's fashion week in a gallery upstairs in the Museum of Contemporary Art.  The entire 21-piece collection was presented on mannequins which is neat! and for the most part (save 1 0r 2 pieces) it was entirely black.  Okay so all black is rather boring, and this is coming from someone whose wardrobe is about half black and grey.  BUT there were some interesting pieces that made his collection not entirely flawed.

For a collection truly Goth-inspired, complete with spikes and leather, I like how he keeps us guessing with some sophisticated basics, like LBDs and great day wear.

AND I love how the pieces ranged from space-age and modern to very vintage, like the frock on the right.

And I truly adore the detail on the back of this coat, it gives and unexpected twist to a somewhat drab and dated all black pantsuit.

I also liked Verdad's nod to the strong shoulder.  It's not quite as sophisticated as Balmain, sure, but a fun bolero-jacket, nonetheless =)

"I wanted to keep it edgy without making it trashy," he said of the Paco Rabanne and John Galliano-inspired collection (no way.)  "Dita Von Teese is my muse."

So  I give it an A for effort.  We have seen all black before, but Verdad delivered some great silhouettes and details.  However I mark some points off for the awful over-the-knee slouchy shiny boots we've seen everywhere for being just plain fug.  I'll be glad when those go away.

quote: wwd

photos: Blackburn & Sweetzer

A week's worth of inspiration

Important Linkage (must-sees):

Iris van Herpen @ If I'ts Hip, I'ts Here

Markus Pierson @ The Contessa Gallery in Lyndhurst, OH

Orange ou noir?

Coco over at Coco's Tea Party recently posted a "would you rather?" survey of sorts on her blog, and one of the questions was all orange or all black for spring?  I originally replied all orange, because I'm constantly wearing black, but after seeing a few of these pieces from OAK NYC, I believe my infatuation is justified.  Despite being all black they are quite loose and breezy, perfect for printemps.

P.S.  OAK's photography is gorgeous, and totally effective.  It makes me want to buy everything!

[[OAK]]

Complex Geometries Giant Black Square hoodie, $145.00


Joy Division tee, $20.00


Dolce Vita Wynona boot, $136.00


Y-3 Tube pant, $236.00


Ideen Shine dress, $101.00

Matt & Nat Have Good Taste in Music

I love chic Canadian-based accessory line Matt & Nat. It is known for its fashion-forward, sustainable, and completely vegan designs, utilizing materials like water bottles, cardboard, and faux leather. They say that the brand is influenced by art and architecture, but I cannot help but notice that it must also be influenced by music. In fact, I've found a few of my favorite bands as the namesakes of some of the designs =)

These next 3 designs are from the label's "Pool" collection of high shine faux patent leather and 100% recycled suede lining.

The Royksopp handbag, $350.00 (also available in red, white, and blue)


The Bauhaus overnight bag, $375.00


The Knife handbag, $285.00


And this one is from the "Streamline" collection, also constructed of vegan leather and faux suede.  Who ELSE would be behind the name other than my beloved Trent?  The Reznor wallet, now $57.oo

4 more EFFING days

I just wanted to let you guys know that I got THESE today:

And I cannot WAIT to wear them with these:


And carry around THIS:


Unfortunately I'm not allowed to have ANY of this until Christmas *sad face*
That is all.
Note: "Firolie" boots by Aldo, leggings and Sabina satchel at Urban Outfitters

Black Tie, White Noise

So... I know I'll be sad when skinny jeans and huge sunglasses go out of style, but I will REALLY be bummed when black nail polish does.  No, I'm not going to stop wearing it, but it has just been nice to not hear "You listen to Nine Inch Nails. You wear black nail polish. You must be gothic."

Yes, because the rest of me is sooooo "gothic."

Face it.  You may be sick of it but black nail polish hasn't left us yet!!  Of which I am happy about simply for the above reason.

BUT I hate *cheap* black polish.  You know, the kind that chips after 1 day of wear and it looks like shit.  I painted mine black for Thanksgiving (festive, I know) last Thursday, and it still looks decent today, not very chipped at all.  Thanks O.P.I!
One of these days I will buy the real good stuff: Chanel.  But I just can't bring myself to spend $25 on nail polish when the $11 O.P.I. does just fine.

Oh and apparently black lip gloss is in too, now, thanks to YSL's runway show.  The non-runway stuff is supposed to be really sheer and easy to wear.  I actually can't wait to try it! (In public, that is.)


YSL gloss in Pur Black, $28.00 and Lancome Color Fever gloss in Piha Black, $48.00
style.com

note: BTW, I did mine with just L'oreal eyeliner (the kind in the little jar) topped with a shit-ton of clear gloss =)