Sometimes a T-Shirt Isn’t Just a T-Shirt…

…  And in this case, that is true.  When I saw this Siouxsie Sioux t-shirt from a brand called Cassette I knew it had to be mine, regardless of the price.

When I was 15 my parents divorced and I started public high school after having attended a parochial school my whole life.  Divorce effects everyone differently.  For me, it opened my eyes to the world around me.  I started to question things I’d been taught were fact and began to figure out what was right for me in my life.  That was the year that I started to become the person that I proudly am today.  Before public school I had a very limited view of the world and a very black and white perspective on life.  But high school in suburban Chicago in 1991 exposed me to amazing music, interesting people, wonderful opportunities, and fresh points of view.  I quickly fell in with the Goth/Skater/Punk crowd and figuratively became a sponge soaking up everything around me.

Music became a HUGE part of my life.  It influenced the way my friends and I dressed, where we hung out, where we shopped, etc.  I even became a d.j. at my high school radio station and started to go to shows downtown with my friends.  Every show we’d go to we’d have to buy a concert tee to show support to the band.  There were two types of concert tees.  There was the one that you actually got at the concert that had the dates of the tour on the back.   The other was the  not-so-cool type that you bought at a store or from a catalog that didn’t have any concert dates printed, indicating that you hadn’t actually gone to the concert.  I can honestly say that I had both.

Freshman year in high school was the year I became obsessed with Siouxsie & the Banshees, headed up by the dynamic, other-worldly Siouxsie Sioux.  I admired and imitated Siouxsie.  She wasn’t a conventional beauty but she was stunning in my eyes.  Her dark hair, ever-changing.  Her egyptian-like make-up.  Her super unique personal style.  I loved everything about her and her music.  In fact, I still do.  A couple years later, I did actually go to a Siouxsie and the Banshees show with my good friend Lucas in D.C., or maybe it was Baltimore.  I can’t remember, but I was living in northern Virginia by then.   The show was phenomenal.  I remember her spinning a lot on stage, which was kinda cool.  For some reason, though, I didn’t get a concert tee.  Maybe they were sold out, or I didn’t have the money, but I never had a Siouxsie t-shirt.  So, when I happened upon this t-shirt in L.A.’s American Rag last spring, I knew it was going to be mine without even looking at the price tag.  It spoke to something nostalgic inside of me and made me giddy.  It’s funny how certain objects can do that. 

Modern day me in my Siouxsie Sioux t-shirt from Cassette, a pair of Madewell grey-brown cords, a light heather grey cashmere Club Monaco cardigan, my ever-present striped merino wool Club Monaco scarf, and Minnetonka black moccasins.

These intricate silver hoops were a score on a business trip to Istanbul years ago.

My silver cuff from New York Adorned.

I decided to cuff up my cords so that the fringe from my comfy Minnetonka mocassins was more visible.

***Music today.  Duh.  Siouxsie and the Banshees “Once Upon a Time/ The Singles”.

Kapital

I love clothing that has soul. The Japanese are masters at taking classic American sportswear and reinterpreting it into something so artisanal and romanticized that the clothing actually takes on a personality of its’ own. There’s always something homespun that I love about the delicate details, the exaggerated proportions, and the overall individuality of each piece that is created. Of course, you’ll pay a premium price for these pieces but in my opinion, they are worth every penny.

I recently became aware of an amazing Japanese brand named Kapital. Their website is almost entirely in Japanese and they don’t have a store here in the U.S. but you are able to view images from their most current and past catalogs. Here are some of my favorite images which I find so incredibly inspiring, and I hope you do too.

***Music today. M83 “Saturdays = Youth”.

Like Mother, Like Daughter

Isn’t it crazy how much we take after our parents? As I’ve gotten older, I see more and more of my mother in myself, which I think is a great thing, albeit creepy. It got me thinking of other mothers and their daughters, specifically the incredibly gorgeous style icon Jane Birkin and her two beautiful daughters Charlotte Gainsbourg and Lou Doillon. Both women have inherited their mother’s effortlessly chic, incredibly individual, tomboyish, sexy style. On a side note, I’m happy that I’m growing my hair out so that maybe next year at this time my hair might look as tousled and sexy as theirs.

Jane.

A very young actor/singer Jane with her husband actor/singer Serge Gainsbourg. A low cut, body conscious v-neck sweater, multiple gold chains and tousled hair.

Jane in a super feminine blouse tucked into a high waisted pair of corduroys and carrying a basket for a handbag.

Jane and Serge taking a stroll on the beaches of Cannes. Jane in a fitted white bateau neck tee with rolled sleeves tucked into a pair of high-waisted lived in jeans and her basket

A modern photo of Jane in wide leg trousers, a long sleeve tee, over-sized scarf, and sneakers without socks.

Another modern photo of Jane in a simple cashmere lightweight sweater, lived in straight-leg jeans, and a pair of fabulous heels.

Charlotte.

You gotta love a woman who chooses to walk the red carpet in a fabulous pair of trousers. Actor/singer Charlotte in a low cut fitted black v-neck top, perfect black trousers, a striped scarf, and a graphic evening bag.

Charlotte at a fashion show in a rather boyish slender jacket, white tee and skinny jeans.

Charlotte in a classic trench coat with very modern proportions and simple black scarf

Charlotte with her husband actor/director Yvan Attal, whom she stared with in his beautiful film “Ma Femme Est Une Actrice” (My Wife Is An Actress). I think what I love most about this look is that most women could NEVER pull this off, nor would most ever try. However, for Charlotte to throw on a rather severe, yet fabulous, Balenciaga dress with chunky Balenciaga shoes just looks right because her make-up and hair is very understated. Also, there’s something very chic about a woman who posesses the confidence to wear heels and tower over her man.

Charlotte at a recent concert in a tailored jacket, white tee tucked into straight-leg jeans, and cowboy boots.

Her version of the little black dress. Tailored, belted, with modern details, and sexy chunky shoes.

In a boxy Balenciaga trench , black tee, and worn-in black skinny jeans with Balenciaga designer Nicolas Ghesquiere.

On the cover of French Elle in her signature button-up shirt and jeans only accessorized with a simple personal necklace anda great leather belt.

Charlotte in a black tailored motorcycle jacket, white tee, high-waisted belted jeans

Lou.

Lou in a simple gauzy, feminine dress with sexy high heels, a leather handbag, simple necklace, and red lips.

Lou at a fashion show in a white tee, super short shorts, a menswear inspired jacket, and printed sexy sandals.

Lou dressing down a modern empire waist gown with a shrunken leather jacket and black clutch.

Lou in a plaid button-up shirt tucked into a pair of straight-leg lived in jeans accessorized with narrow leather suspenders and black cowboy boots.

Lou in a perfect menswear-inspired look, striped button-up shirt, tailored double-breasted jacket, and wide leg trousers.

Dressing down a feminine dress with a tailored boyfriend jacket.

***Music today. What else? Charlotte Gainsbourg “5:55″.

Hangin’ At The Bike Shop

I made a visit to my boyfriend’s bike shop The Tenafly Bicycle Workshop the other day after a very long day running around the city. While I was there, I managed to convince him to take a picture of my outfit since I’d been too busy that day to do so. I chose my favorite bike in the shop, a black Electra Amsterdam Sport 3i, to pose with. FYI, the bike is on sale right now, just in case you’re interested.

It’s a beauty, isn’t it? But wait, this blog is about clothes not bikes. If bikes are your thing, check this blog out. I’m wearing a Clu light heather grey pocket tee under a navy Club Monaco chunky-knit cashmere cardigan and my J.Brand high-waisted jeans.

Taking my own scarf styling inspiration to heart, I decided to wear a vintage silk printed scarf loosely tied at the neck. The color of the print adds a lot of interest to the outfit. I also wore my antique brass locket that you may remember has pictures of two very cute little boys in it that I can’t bare to remove. I often wonder what became of those little boys. One of the reasons I love anything antique or vintage is because each object has a story.

On my feet, my black leather Farylrobin boots.

***Music today. The Cooper Temple Clause “Kick Up The Fire, And Let The Flames Break Loose”.

Playing Dress-Up

I missed the Golden Globes the other night because I forgot they were on. Shame on me, right? It wasn’t until the next day when I was talking to my friend Marc on the phone that I was reminded. The truth is that I’m mostly just interested in the clothes anyway, so I was fine with checking in online the last few days to see what everyone wore. For the most part, I think everyone looked beautiful but there were some major stand-outs for me. Some real knock-me-down looks that I think just killed it (in a good way). As Rachel Zoe would say, “I die.”

Here are my favorites:

from Style.com

from Elle.com

Maggie Gyllenhaal in a printed Lanvin gown. If there is a way to wear a print, this is it. Truthfully, I love Maggie always. I think her personal style is absolutely amazing. I can’t remember a time when I haven’t been captivated. This look in particular, is classy, chic, effortless and very individual. I love the gold drop earrings she chose because they are super dramatic yet work as back-up for the dress. Her make-up and hair are classic, understated, and flawless.

from Style.com

Rumer Willis in Reem Acra. This eggplant color with her red hair and ivory skin is absolutely stunning. I love that she decided to pair a vintage inspired black jewel encrusted belt with this gown. This is a stunning dress, but the belt elevates it and makes it that much more interesting and individual.

from Style.com

from GossipGirls.com

Cameron Diaz in Chanel Haute Couture. This pink gown is just breathtaking. I love that she paired an elegant silver satin shoe and a slightly edgier silver metallic bag with this dress. They’re not matchy-matchy, rather they add interest to the stand-out dress. I love her simple parted-down the middle, non-fussy hair. It just adds to the overall effortlessly chic look.

from Style.com

from Elle.com

Anne Hathaway is the picture of class and elegance in this beautiful Armani Prive gown. The navy blue of this gown is absolutely perfect with her coloring and the fact that she’s chosen simple jewelry to compliment the dress… She’s a goddess.

from Style.com

Marisa Tomei in Oscar de la Renta. I love this super feminine, slightly bohemian look on Marisa. This look is not for most, but on her… Stunning. All of the accessories are well thought-out, opulent additions. As detailed and gorgeous as this outfit is, there’s no doubt that Marisa is the star.

from Style.com
from JustJared.com

Bombshell Eva Mendes in a white Christian Dior gown, a stunning statement turquoise Van Cleef and Arpels necklace. and modern, slightly messy updo. A very dramatic and chic look. Absolute perfection for Eva.

from Style.com

from Elle.com

Evan Rachel Wood in a beautiful black Elie Saab Couture gown. This gown has a bit of a vintage feel to it, which I love. Her strawberry blonde hair color and ivory skin look flawless against black. I love that she decided to wear very understated make-up and elegant accessories with this dress, even a red lip could have made this look a little too severe. Overall, it’s elegant, feminine, and absolutely gorgeous on her.

And now for the guys’ turn… It should be easier for a man to get dressed for one of these events, but it really comes down to the details. A lapel that is only 1/8″ too wide on a blazer, or maybe the wrong fit all together. A fabric that is slightly too shiny, or maybe the wrong shoes or tie. It’s easy for them to make mistakes too. That’s why I think it’s important to applaud those who looked exceptional on Sunday night.

from Moviefone.com

Dominic Cooper looking dapper in a classic tux with a peaked lapel. The fit on this suit is exceptional, narrow and modern, yet still classic.

from Style.com

Dustin Hoffman in Calvin Klein Collection and his wife Lisa Gottsegen in Morgane Le Fay. Dustin’s tux is also the perfect fit and proportion. He added a modern edge by adding a narrow tie. He looks phenomenal.

from Style.com

Jeremy Piven, a modern style icon in a perfect John Varvatos black suit. Notice the slightly wider tie and shirt collar, as well as the slightly wider notched lapel. It gives this otherwise modern 2 button silhouette a rather classic edge. Love the slight sliver of a pocket square peaking out of his chest pocket too. He is elegance embodied.

from Style.com

Jonathan Rhys Meyers taking a chance in a three piece tux. His slightly loosened tie and and tousled hair adds a slightly casual, sexy counterpoint to his otherwise very formal attire. Very nice.

from Moviefone.com

Patrick Dempsey in a super modern, angular, well fitting suit. I love the detail on the peaked lapel and the straight hem of the jacket. Definitely a nice slightly edgier approach to a suit and it looks great on him.

***Music today. The National “Boxer”.

Let’s Try This Again

Remember just a few short weeks ago when I mentioned that I used to wear cut-off shorts with tights all those years ago?  Well I figured if Kate Moss can do it, so can I…  I mean she is older than me and she’s pulling it off, right?  (Okay, she’s also an ultra skinny supermodel, but whatevs.) So, I decided to give it a try since it wasn’t that cold out today.

My kitty Lily is totally poaching this picture.  To be honest, I’m surprised this hasn’t happened earlier since she’s my shadow whenever she’s not sleeping.  I’m wearing a Maje Paris printed silk blouse over a white ribbed Old Navy tank and a pair of garment-dyed cut-offs (created from my white Madewell ankle jeans), black Wolford tights, Farylrobin black boots, and my black tweed Club Monaco jacket.

Two of my favorite accessories, my J.Crew turquoise beaded necklace and my merino wool Club Monaco striped scarf.  I love this necklace with this top.  Although it’s been a while since I’ve worn them together.  The stripes in the scarf have so many colors that it almost looks good with anything.  Notice the soft lavender and brown of the blouse echoed in similar colors in the the scarf.  The scarf brings it all together.

Black onyx locket ring, a gift from my good friends Shelly and Joe.

My big brown carry-all from Erotokritos.

***Music today.  Neko Case “Fox Confessor Brings the Flood”.

My Favorite Vintage Plaid Shirt

My love for vintage started when I was 16 out of plain necessity. I was working for minimum wage and wanted to wear interesting, unique clothing that no one else had, so I became a thrifting queen. My best friends and I would go to every rummage sale and thrift shop within a 50 mile radius. Our favorite shop was called Blossom & Bloom in Leesburg, VA. Especially during their 25 cent sales when everything in the store was 25 cents. We’d leave with bags and bags of ill-fitting, moth-ball smelling, polyester madness. It was awesome!

Then I moved to New York City when I was 20, so excited to find what wonderful treasures city thrift stores held. The first thing I found was that most thrift stores here are called vintage stores. And when something is called “vintage” it’s A LOT more expensive than when it’s called “thrift”. I would save up for weeks just so that I could afford one skirt from my favorite shop on 2nd Ave called Rose’s Vintage. Rose’s was the only good shop that had somewhat affordable prices for a stylish college student who was pinching her pennies. Wouldn’t you know, as the East Village became more of a hipster destination the rents went up and Rose’s was forced out. That was a sad day. Most other shops were, and are, super over-priced and picked over. Today, the best places to find quality vintage in NYC are expensive and often by appointment only.

My love for vintage brought me to nearbye Philadelphia in my early years as a fashion designer. There I found a treasure trove of great shops with beautiful pieces at decent prices. I picked up this vintage plaid button-up shirt at a shop there for $10 and have been wearing it ever since. Okay, so it wasn’t 25 cents, but $10 makes me happy too.

I’m wearing my vintage red plaid shirt layered over a light heather grey Ruehl tee and a pair of dark skinny jeans from Duarte with a Club Monaco dark grey merino/cashmere scarf knotted at the neck.

I chose to wear cute tiny turquoise studs that my friends Nina and Blake gave me for my birthday.

I like the little pop of color that they bring to my ears.

This antique agate ring was a Christmas gift from my step-father this year. He knows how much I love antique jewelry.  The color of the stone looks great with the shirt.

The look is finished with my brand new Farylrobin black leather boots and my vintage eggplant leather bag that I got at a rummage sale. I view this bag as being a neutral because it really works with everything.

***Music today. Sonic Youth “Rather Ripped”.

I Heart Band of Outsiders

I love menswear. But I love menswear for women even more. Band of Outsiders is one of my favorite menswear labels. So, you can only imagine how excited I was when they launched their sister line called Boy by Band of Outsiders. The clothes are clean, fresh, slightly preppy, hip, and quirky.

Here are some of my favorite looks from the line. The styling in these looks can easily be interpreted with pieces in your own wardrobe:

***Music today. Interpol “Our Love To Admire”.

Scarf Ideas

As most of you have gathered, I’m obsessed with scarves. I don’t own many, but the ones I do own I wear all the time. They really are a vital accessory in the modern wardrobe. I decided to search my favorite style sites for some new inspiration on how to wear scarves in a new or more interesting way and here’s what I found. Bon Appetit.

large printed scarf knotted at neck (Garance Dore)

loosely tied at the neck (the Sartorialist)

loose neck wrap (Inside Am-Lul’s Closet)

through the loop (the Sartorialist)

long scarf loosely wrapped over a jacket (the Sartorialist)

simply twisted at the neck with a tank (the Sartorialist)

single twisted wrap with loose ends (Garance Dore)

hanging from the neck and belted at the waist (Stockholm Street Style)

casual wrap (Garance Dore)

casually tied onto a handbag ( (Mostly) Manila Style)

colorful and long wrap (Garance Dore)

a chunky knit loop (Copenhagen Street Style)

simple wrapped triangle (Garance Dore)

loose triangle over blazer (Style.com)

tassled triangle (Garance Dore)

simple knot (Garance Dore)

extra long wrap around neck and shoulders (Inside Am-Lul’s Closet)

loops multiplied (Garance Dore)

simple tie at back (Garance Dore)

casually draped around the neck (Garance Dore)

***Music today. Yo La Tengo “And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside Out”.

You Lucky Girls

Wouldn’t you know, right after I write a post about essential handbags and even post my favorite Hayden-Harnett bags, Target premieres a whole collection by them!!! The bags are so friggin’ hot and at great prices too. Don’t delay, ladies. Buy yourelves your very own Hayden-Harnett bag today, because you are never gonna be able to find them at these prices ever again.

Here are my picks:

The perfect handbag. Plenty of compartments, just the right amount of hardware, and you can either carry as a tote or as a shoulder bag.

Also in black.

The perfect carry-on. I love the funky retro print mixed with the brown leather. Also in black.

Perfect black shoulder bag. I love the modern hardware. Also in brown.

Funky brown clutch with an attached coin purse. Funky and modern. Perfect for going out. Also in black.

A perfect black tote with edgy studs and chains. Also in brown.

This is a must for all of the rainy days we’ve been having here in NYC. Bring some happy color to an otherwise grey day.

***Music today. Devotchka “How It Ends”.