MANIFESTO

2011-05-01T15:53:00.000-07:00

image found from http://www.maisonmartinmargiela.com

Margiela

2011-05-01T15:07:00.000-07:00

I used to be in love with Martin Margiela. Everything about the brand was intriguing. The clothes were interesting, conceptual, often irreverent. Not always beautiful but then again, one of the most interesting things about Margiela's clothes is that they challenge your perception of pretty. They can border on kitschy and are heavy on the concept.

Within the past few years, the elusive designer has left his eponymous label and while his design team are very competent and the label is known for its collective nature. Many fans of the brand have noticed the spark of brilliance missing from many of the clothes. With that being said. While the clothes might not feel as exciting as they used to, the accessories on the other hand still make me tingle. I just wish my bank account could handle my love for these accessories

2010-07-15T20:56:00.000-07:00

Yes yes blog hiatus. New ideas. New plans. Big plans.

Me and Mr. B_kronos along with another very talented friend are embarking on a brand new project. Called La Révolution; it's gonna be something special in fact check out the blog, watch the video be inspired. more blog posts to come soon I promise. My whole idea Manifesto is for it be sort of like a web diary of the project I do for La Révolution and also maybe a few tid bits of inspiration I find around the interweb.

............oh yeah also I am working on another project right now, but it's gonna be kept secret for awhile. It could go nowhere....but I'll post about it soon. Preliminary meeting is saturday. So stay tuned this year is gonna be a doozy

The Perfect Loose Sweater (Even thouhg it's summer)

2009-08-12T14:25:00.000-07:00

Whats more comfortable than a cashmere sweater. Soft and like butter. Baggy and loose to perfection. Torn an worn for optimum comfort. I can't wait for fall to come, so that I can throw on a huge comfy sweater and a pair of leggings or skinny jeans.

You know who wears big comfy sweaters the best......the Olsen twins. But then again they have that joie de vivre that makes everything they put on amazing.

Victorian Underwear Calvin Klein Resort 2010

2009-06-04T18:55:00.000-07:00

www.style.com

relizations and revelations on a tuesday night

2009-06-03T02:21:00.000-07:00

It's 4:21 in the morning and I'm eating an apple with peanut butter. I'm desperately needing a cigarette which can't be had until my parents leave for work at 8ish. So I 4 hrs to go. I'm contemplating my life and the priorities, that have recently been in control. I'm finally taking a hard look and reevaluating what I'm doing with my life. I have spent many hours in bed wallowing like a tragic hero who has fallen due to hubris. And in a way it was hubris that has brought me to this point. Countless times, I laughed in the face of the academic gods, giving them half assed attempts at being a student. And it worked too! For awhile at least.....and then the many all nighters and late assignments caught up to me. One day I realized where the attitude had gotten me......Nowhere. I had become an average student with no exceptional talents or skills. I had friends who were exceptional musicians and artists or writers. I had dabbled in all of those things and showed talent in all. What made me different from them? Why didn't I have a talent that destinguisded me from everyone. I realized now that I had no drive. They all were trying to be the best they could be. I only had the drive to be the best until something got too hard and fustrated me. Then I cut and run. Which is exactly what happened with school.

The right thing to do when you realize that you've become mediocre at everything that you have tried, is to actually work harder and show the world what you're made of........I did exactly the opposite I gave up and became a recluse. I slept to escape reality knowing that it was only a temporary fix. And now I am finally waking up. No more half assed attempts at life. I am going to idnetify what I want and get it.

2009-05-25T13:37:00.000-07:00

Today has been one of those days where staying in bed is the only option for happiness. And not just happiness but BLISS. I had coffee, the blinds were open to let the soft white light from he cloudy day in, and was doing ballet in bed. Not real ballet mind you. It's hard to explain it. But.....you know when your a body of water and writhe and twist around underwater. It's kinda like that except in a bed.

fashion, whiskey and romance......late at night

2009-05-17T01:34:00.000-07:00

To nights is the first night that I will be going to bed alone and ok with it. It's taken awhile to getting used to the idea that my soul mate isn't going to drop from the sky. It's just that I've wanted to be in love so bad. So that I finally I can feel the feelings I read about or see in movies. But, ;ove rarely happens like that. And when it does it is sporadic and has no predictable pattern. But, I'm slowly getting used to the idea that being single is ok. Wild romances and affairs are for made up characters. Reality rarely allows for such flurishes. I'll get mine in the end I just have to wait and be patient.

This blog is turning out to be nothing about fashion oops.....

But here is something fashion related. Chanel Resort 2010 in Venice. Fanciful and delectibly 20's. Right in keeping with my recent obsessio with anything from the jazz age.

www.style.com

I really want to have a 20's party. Opium den or prihibition club ambience and everythind. A smoky den, gin, and good jazz. hmmmmmmmmmmm dreams will one day come true

I like being trashy

2009-05-08T20:31:00.000-07:00

I had dinner or sorta like dinner with my friend Brad today, at our local coffee shop. We always have the most surreal times there. Tonight mainly because I unwittingly (or maybe not?) and in detail began to engage in a conversation with a friend about my sexual exploits in front of a "Jesus Freak" and sorta scared him off. I was kinda drunk off of a cheap wine named MD 20/20 which cost me a whopping 3.25. I know right! Amazing! That's my excuse for my behavior. Fun times had by all. We smoked. I drank. I ate. We laughed.

Hmmmm

2009-05-05T15:58:00.000-07:00

I was reading Hipster Runoff....yes I read hipster runoff, and guess what? I enjoy it too.
It's irreverent, ironic, and occasionally relevant. Any way I was reading a post about PBR maybe not being cool anymore and I started to think about what my alcohol choice said about my own personal branding. So now I'm trying to find a beverage that will get me toasted and at the same time add to my image/kewl factor.

Something cheap and boho maybe slightly intellectual: like a famous write might have drank himself to death with it.

I would choose Soco but it's too sweet and makes me want gag when ever I drink it. It sorta makes me feel like a bad southerner.

I think maybe I should start drinking colt 45. I am black but not very stereotypical black. It would be ironic for me to drink it. Then maybe I could start smoking menthols like kools.

warning this blog is a carthatic post and is rife with bad grammar Its simply a concious stream of thought

2009-05-05T02:01:00.000-07:00

This post has nothing to do with fashion or design or art. Or maybe it has something to do with all of those things. See they all have a a place in my life. They give me meaning. My evolution in all of them relate to my evolution in myself. I sadly haven't even thought about fashion in the past few months. I don't know....maybe It's not me anymore. Or maybe I'm just going through a phase right now. I can't say that I've been busy. I haven't been doing anything besides drinking and wallowing in my own loneliness. Wondering when I would be truly happy again. And then I got pissed. Pissed at everyone for being happy; for being able to find peace. And for those who couldn't find peace like me. I got pissed at them too. Because they brought me into their sadness. Misery does love company though. Too bad my misery is anti social. I can't help but wonder if I even like people or if I just don't want to be left alone with my own thoughts. That's probably why I have an internet addiction. If I turned off the computer and tv and just sat by myself I wouldn't know what to do.

But, all of this is about to change. I'm going to be fruitfull this summer since I'm not going to school next semester I need to do something to keep myself busy besides working a dead end job that hopefully won't become my life. Their all pretty much pipe dreams that probably won't happen but damnit I won't let that happen. Idk if it's me being bipolar or if all the good karma I've racked up is finally helping me out. But, I've become inspired. Hell yeah. and hopefully I will have the energy to upload inspirational images i find to help me out. So yeah new creative ventures and life change.
----Work out and get the hell in shape. I'm gonna tone my skinny body and by the end of the summer ill look like a Dior homme model then I'm gonna get a tattoo to commemorate the summer....but only if i can get in shape. The tattoo is my reward
----I want to start a Salon and showcase creative endeavors of me and my friends. We have so much talent but no outlet.
----"Dinner" or that's just a tentative name for a multimedia project I want to start on. It would encompass video, photographs, sound, and installations of found objects, recording the meals I have with friends. I've had some raucous times and some great conversations. It's nothing new. But it sound interesting to work on.
-----I just recently had an idea to start a series of fictional letters to my imaginary lover that I might one day have. Somewhat modeled after french love letters during the days of royal courts and swooning aristocratic ladies.

thats enough......maybe this blog isn't about fashion anymore? Maybe it is? I don't know yet? I hope it still is?

This post really means nothin

2009-03-28T10:50:00.000-07:00

I know this has nothing to do with fashion but lately I've been thinking of everything but fashion. You know......relationships, lost love, non existent love. Basically, the fact that I'm alone and it seems as if everyone else are finding someone. So, I've started retreating into other outlets to either help me understand myself better or to atleast numb the annoying buzzing pain I get when I am around a couple or someone talking about being part of a couple. But anyway part of my distractions has been interiors and decorations. I'm obsessed with moving within the next several months. And the most exciting part about moving is the fact that I will be able to decorate my very own place. Yes, yes.......I'm a big mo. But, I've lived with my parents for the past 20 years with a few brief interludes of campus life. And while that was freedom, living in my place will grant me the freedom that I can never get at home or on campus. But anyway. I found a fresh take on how to display photos without using pesky frames. Instead, you can use glass jars and bottles.

IDK what this means

2009-02-23T00:09:00.001-08:00

I haven't posted in a long time. It's kinda depressing actually. I've been in a bad place in my life and instead of taking proactive steps to making my life better. I've just been wallowing in my own self pity. I've moved back in with my parents which is rather disheartening. Now it seems as if New York is years away. For some reason when I walk into my house I feel this stifling opression come over me. I can't think or feel creative at all. My parents go to bed at 10 and constantly complain about me being too loud and coming in too late. I'm currently looking for a job and new place. I feel a new start with a new place would make me feel better.

Okay.....this is a fashion blog so I feel I should say something about the NY collections that just ended and the London collection that just began.

First off. I had very few favorites. It seems like many New York designers are letting the recession get to them. There were three camps of designers in NY this fall. The first are the ones who let the economic slump overpower them. They delivered severe clothes with no real panache. Some say in these uncertain times where even the big names are hemorrhaging money, designers should stick to special pieces that will weather trends and the recession. We'll find out later if they are right when stores put in orders for the collections.

Then there are the designer who feel they must force a kind of optimism on us. Marc Jacobs I felt did that. His clothes were full of color and print. He was inspired by the 80's and going out. When girls used to spend all evening devoted to preparing themselves for a night out on the town. Each girl had her own individual make up and hairdo. It was good concept, but in reality the collection felt like a fashionable Frankenstein. A mish mash of elements and ideas. He fused them together and shocked them into life with mood music. But, like Frankenstein the collection lacked the true light that makes something thrive and live with the veracity that is good fashion.
Another collection that forced optimism on us by ignoring the economic slump all together was Marchesa. The two design partners unveiled an escapists collection. They'll no doubt be a hit with the Hollywood crowd. Their clothes are glamorous and pretty. But, sometimes feel overdesigned.

The last camp of designers were the smart who stuck to their guns. They made clothes that they loved and it showed threw every seam and cut. Fransisco Costa at Calvin Klein, Vera Wang, Alexander Wang, Doo Ri, Chado Ralph Rucci, and Ralph Lauren were all standouts.

Disheveled Perfection

2009-01-05T19:32:00.000-08:00

(www.refinery29.com)
I found this on the website refinery 29. This is Anna Ifould taken in SoHo, New York Cit.
I lover her outfit. Its so androgynous. I wanna try and pull it off. Uhhhhh she looks uber cool.

Why!?!

2009-01-04T14:51:00.000-08:00

Why must I love Ann Demeulemeester so much? I couldn't afford a tie from her. She makes such covetabel pieces that are sensual and sexy.

I need these boots badly.

(pictures from www.stylehive.com and www.momscape.com)

Party Make-up

2008-12-31T20:18:00.000-08:00

Lately, I've been needing to step my party game up. Too long have I just showed up in a cool outfit with the feeling that something is missing. Well, I figured out what's been missing. Make up. So, I'm finding runway and editorial inspiratio for my next party appearance. Too bad I can't put any of these new found ideas to good use this New Years Eve Night. Seeing as my parentals have decided that I am to spend New Years Eve with the family tonight. Ha.... I've been in my room all night researching make up and party pics.

So I will be spending my New Years Eve like Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and The City; curled up in bed, except there won't be a touching scene at the end of the night.

New Obsession

2008-12-29T12:30:00.000-08:00

Costumedept.com................The place for amazing leggings.

2008-12-28T17:41:00.000-08:00

When ever I need style inspiration I know I can look to either Mary Kate or Ashley Olsen for effervescent natural fashion forward style. picture from Perez Hiton.com .

Please Santa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-25T00:36:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas morning right now actually, but since I know Santa (that cheap son-of-a-bitch) hasn't and will never bring me any of these things. I feel I can take the liberty to appeal to the overweight burglar for some trinkets that I feel would enhance my life.

Leica C-Lux 2 (http://www.pma-show.com/leica/)

This is an adorable compact that would be great for snapshots. Plus, I need a camera for this damn blog.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 (http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/5678/camera-of-the-year-2008-panasonic-lumix-dmc-g1.html)
I wouldn't even know where to begin when using this camera. In fact I would probably use the point and shoot more for the blog. But, when I get up the courage up to do something professional I want this camera with me.

Chloe Studded Boots(http://jakandjil.com/blog/?cat=12&paged=2)
Ahhhhhhhh The things I would do in, for and with these boots are too numerous, violent, and deviant for me list. But, I want these Chloe Studded boots so bad.

New ideas and big dreams

2008-12-19T00:52:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling a studding phase coming on. I want studded black boots. Made by moi. Add some pvc leggings and a pair of sunglasses and you've got my staples for winter. The question is where can I go and get some latex/pvc leggings that will last and not be ratty. Target has latex leggings but they look cheap and shiny. I want a dull sheen to the pair that I get. I might have to shell out a good amount for a pair but Oh well it's all in the name of style. I also need a big coat maybe fur but I'll get t that later.

2008-11-23T19:17:00.000-08:00

I've been gone a long time. I apologize, I've had a mental block for the past few months. Bullshit and drama clouded me. But, now I feel reinvigorated and want to start playing again. Fashion is my true love, above anything else. I want to live that passion.

So............I think I might want to re-design the blog. Make it new.

Paris

2008-09-27T22:29:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in awhile. I'm going to do a big post though soon.

Paris shows started today and I'm very excited about so many shows. Paris is truly the place to be excited about fashion

Inspiration

2008-09-02T16:40:00.000-07:00

Jean Michel Basquiat and Gustav Klimt have been in my head lately. I know, two artists with different styles and approaches to their creation of art as well as their approach to the society that sees their art seems like an odd couple to share space in my head. Though decades and art movements separate these two artists, they both have given me inspiration for my approach to dressing.

Klimt's work makes me want to embrace the inherent sexuality in all of us. His erotic painting and scream at my puritanical nature and motivates me to adorn myself in my sexuality.

Basquiat has a special place in my heart. Being the first black artist I started to notice, his works has shaped my sense of identity and judgement of beauty. Before him art to me was Renaissance. His works opened up a world of vulgarity and revolution that I hope will transfer to my wardrobe.

FAB FUR!!!!

2008-08-14T14:12:00.000-07:00

Rick Owens Fall 08 (style.com)
Fur is wrong....fur is atrocious......damn fur feels so good on skin. No matter how hard I try to hate fur somethings about it just stand out at things most of us want to attain. Fur, can say to the would different things. Fur has the ability to make a person look tragically rich but if worn with the right amount of irony, fur can be fabulously tragic. I think the trick is to wear fur as if it were another piece of fabric or to wear it, knowing the satirical quality of something that ostentatious.

I think that's why love Rick Owens or for that matter the Furrier that he design for Revillon. While in the hands of a more traditional designer fur might seem stale and dull. But, when seen through the eyes of Rick Owens pieces of fur become elegant and primal creations; unconscious of the fact that they are pieces of dead animals. Tortured femininity is a cornerstone of Rick Owens designs. The women who wear his clothes look like warrior queens when traipsing down streets and catwalks.

My fall staples

2008-08-12T14:35:00.000-07:00

It's almost time for school to start. Summer is almost over for me and I am excited. Tank tops and short were cool the first month but southern heat doesn't leave many options open during the summer and so I am ready to start wearing sweaters and pants again. I keep wondering what I need to be looking for, for fall. A few things are on my staple list and others are in the "dream" file.

---------Staples-----------

over sized sweaters and cardigans
jersey t shirts for layering
rugged boots
leggings
A new scarf
leather driving gloves
wool shorts
black jeans
a pair of ray bans

-------Dream-----------

something with fur trim in it
YSL Johnny Boots

Gender Fuck

2008-08-08T18:11:00.000-07:00

Gender is a state of mind

Free Yourself

source: http://fashionesedaily.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/3.jpg

YSL Johnny Boots

2008-08-08T05:46:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about boots for fall.

These YSL Johnny pair are enticing.

Can you believe that they are men's shoes!

source:http://media.uber.com/media_fetch/243719199_354_detail

Ce Chic

2008-08-07T17:56:00.000-07:00

I was thinking of Hermes and what classic french style means.
So I see this as a Rhapsody on Hermes.

FANNY PACK MADNESS!!

2008-08-05T22:41:00.000-07:00

I have the sudden urge to buy a fanny pack. I'm thinking that maybe if I get one that is as ironic and luxuriously disgusting as humanly possible the look will be so wrong it will work.

source:http://www.resurrectionvintage.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=317

Happy Birthday

2008-08-04T14:52:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday 30th Betsey Johnson.........well not the designer. She's way older than that. She celebrated the label and collaboration between her and her business partner and CEO Chantal Bacon at her Soho store surrounded by friends, family, and fans.

Converse Addiction

2008-08-03T21:19:00.000-07:00

I have a serious love for Converses of all kinds. And these are just so damn pretty!

These are done in collaboration with MC Lupe Fiasco for the RED program.

source: http://www.nicekicks.com/lupe-fiasco-x-product-red-converse-chuck-taylors/

Fashion Obsessions

2008-07-31T14:55:00.000-07:00

Obsession isn't even strong enough a word to describe the feeling that I have for these boots. Their totally worth eating ramen noodles for a week.

Bess studded combat boots. 282$

http://www.mens.style.com/

Why can't I be rich......or have a sugar daddy.

Ferragamo boots. 750$

www.mens.style.com

Ok I really need to have my line of credit extended......or sell drugs. ( Don't Judge me!!!)

BBlessings Weekend bag 645$

www.mens.style.com

Port by Port

2008-07-31T14:09:00.000-07:00

ResidencSea is a floating city where people buy space on this mega Cruise ship. They actually buy space like in real estate. The average minimum income of most residents are 5 million. And I must say this ship is luxurious living. What an exciting way to live. The Condo space you buy aboard the ship is tailor made to you tastes. After all you spending millions of dollars. The occupancy is full time and they travel the world.

What recession? These people don't seem to feel it.

source:http://www.condohotelcenter.com/images/residensea4.jpg

Chic Design and function

2008-07-28T14:21:00.000-07:00

What happens when you combine chic design with an individual flair and cutting edge technology. You get the uber hip and innovative website http://supermarkethq.com/. They sell the work of independent designers. Customers can buy a range of products. They also have a blog where they display new products. I am personally obsessed with this site and as soon as I can get some money I will be buying this bag. Ahhhh a boy can dream.

Absence

2008-07-23T21:12:00.000-07:00

I haven't been blogging in awhile but I've been thinking about projects to start.

1. New hairstyle....maybe a paige boy or short afro or dreds.
2. Re-imagining old clothes for new situations.
3. Investing in classics that will last.
4. Hats!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5. New Accessories...bags,bracelets,glasses
6. I just adopted a hermit crab.

I have new things I am writing right now that are really interesting.

Tea Staining

2008-07-16T19:22:00.001-07:00

After watching the documentary Marc Jacobs & Louis Vuitton I have become more and more interested in the random and chaotic style that is Marc Jacobs. Like any queer worth the penis in his ass I bow to the God of everything cool and hip. He is the hipster king and debatable one of the most influential American designers of our generation. We still see him as the geeky long-haired neophyte in glasses who put supermodels like Naomi Campbell on the runway in cashmere flannel shirts. His grunge collection for the label Perry Ellis was applauded by critics yet lost him and his business partner Robert Duffy their jobs. Fast forward years into the future when he is the Creative Director of Louis Vuitton to his Spring 2007 collection inspired somewhat by Virginia Woolf's Clarissa Dalloway. The random destruction of lace dresses and tea stained fabrics and bags referenced from the Victorian era; Jacobs created a collection filled with sweet confections with a dark undercurrent. There was something off kilter about the sweet flower girls traipsing down the runway. Its interesting that after all these years Marc Jacobs can still make clothes so expensive look as casual and unpretentious as a pair of Levis.

All of this has everything to do with my new project, which involves tea staining and an old pair of Vans that my father wanted to throw away. But Marc Jacobs in his infinite hipness is giving them a new lease on life. New updates as the project progresses.

2008-07-15T10:55:00.000-07:00

(pictures from the sartorialist)

Every morning when I log onto the internet I check the sartorialist for well, some sartorial advice. Actually.... not to sound obsessive but his blog is my homepage so I never have to look for it when I get on. Today was no different I checked his blog and ran across a gorgeous picture Titled: Variations on a Theme, Milano. The proportions of the woman in the picture's outfit are interesting. Loose slim pants and an oversized, possibly a mans shirt in a crisp color. I just wouldn't do it with a pair of white pants. Too much to look after....you'd have to check out where you sat and what you ate. And washing them would be a bitch. But, otherwise I really want to try out this outfit.

Cinderella Fashionista

2008-07-11T19:14:00.001-07:00

After hours of immersing yourself in documentaries on high fashion and the world of haute couture, nothing wakes you out of your luxurious slumber like your mother shrieking for you to clean the bathroom. Does Daphne Guinness or Amanda Harlech clean bathrooms? I think not.

Denim Cut-offs for men

2008-07-11T17:32:00.001-07:00

I recently wore a DIY fashion experiment that I had created on a boring Saturday filled with hours of time that I had free.

I've had a pair of destroyed jeans that I had bought during my Abercrombie and American Eagle phase for ages and the seams below the knee started to come loose. I didn't want to just throw them out. I had payed a good amount of money on them and my dad had threatened to throw away every time he saw me prancing around in them.I loved these jeans, I had saved them from the trash so many times.
So after seeing a few men on the Sartorialist and other streetstyle blogs sporting the look I happily took to the pants that had supported my ass through 3 years of high school with a pair of scissors.
They turned out ok....the legs are a little uneven but I think that it gives them character. Plus the looks people give me when they see a boy in cut off jeans are interesting. They're only cut off right above the knee and I would occasionally roll them up to my thigh and wear them a few inches above my knees but I think for many southerners I am showing more that the prescribed amount of leg a guy suposed to show. But, oh well maybe when fall hits I can wear leggings and really shake things up.

Are these Pretty?

2008-07-10T21:27:00.000-07:00

Prada is known as one of the most innovative and thought provoking labels; with Miucca Prada as the creative director, Prada continues to set the tone for the fashion scene. That said, are these pretty. When I first saw them on style.com I was taken back and then they grew on me. The remind me of the Classical god of travel and messenger, Hermes. I expect a girl wearing one of these shoes to fly away and dance on clouds.

Rosario Dawson

2008-07-10T18:50:00.000-07:00

I am in love with Rosario Dawson. Oh what the hell I've always been in love with her. Such a beauty and she has such a nonchallance about her that is too sexy.

(from about.movies.com)
(from http://www.cinemaisdope.com)

Manly Bag or baguette

2008-07-08T17:46:00.000-07:00

When was is it decided that a man with a clutch is unacceptable. I am sick of having to carry around either everything in my pockets or in a messenger bag. I detest bulky pockets that bulge out like two massive erections, and I am through with the messenger bag that's just bothersome on days when all I need is storage space for my keys, phone, money, cigarettes ... need I go on?

I want a clutch!

A man can carry a clutch or any such small bag and pull it off as long as one carries it with a sense of nonchalance. For that matter, a man should not fear the clutch's neglected brother, the tote, for everyday use. I love this Louis Vuitton Richard Prince joke tote. I want to hate it but I can't! It is too garish to not like. I'm sure I will see some trashy blonde bitch swinging it around paired with her True Religion jeans and Abecrombie t-shirt......Ugh!!!!!!

(picture provided by http://www.iofferphoto.com/)

(http://www.celebrityarmcandy.com/)

This Hermes green clutch is so chic and luxurious. It's great for everyday use.

This Prada clutch from fall 07 is simply beautiful and the ombre effect on the leather is breath-taking.

(www.pursepage .com)

2008-07-07T21:21:00.001-07:00

I was musing today on my personal style and came to the conclusion that I had no real point of view or statement for myself. Now, everyone needs a philosophy to govern their wardrobe purchases. These statements can change continuously throughout our lives because while style might be timeless, that does not mean that it is stagnet. So, I have a philosophy that will evolve with me as my style changes throughout life.

“Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn."

--Gore Vidal

"Elegance is innate. It has nothing to do with being well dressed. Elegance is refusal. "
--Diana Vreeland

I know Gore Vidal might seem an odd choice for a style philosophy, but the quote refers to something far deeper than clothing. His words reflect on how we view ourselves as people in relation to other people.

j>

Anne Valerie Hash Haute Couture F/W 08/09

2008-07-05T19:47:00.000-07:00

(All images from style.com)

Chanel Haute Couture F/W 08/09

2008-07-05T19:21:00.000-07:00

(pictures from style.com)

east by west

2008-07-01T11:16:00.001-07:00

TAKASHI MURAKAMI is exploring/exploiting not only the variety within his japanese culture, but that of the western world as well. how can he get away w/ it, perhaps b/c he thinks it's all fair game. on his site--

http://www.takashimurakami.com-- he claims in the spirit of OSCAR WILDE: "When I consider what Japanese culture is like, the answer is that it all is subculture. Therefore, art is unnecessary."

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in 2004 he released a line of LOUIS VUITTON bags grossing around $30m dollars world-wide. however, he focuses more on the anatomy of anime and their ... hm-hm, shall we say bodily functions. not to undermine his versatility, but most striking are his series of semi-nude/nude anatomically correct anime-esque sculptures caught in the act of lactating or ejaculating, but not in the least modest as bright smiles are plastered across their faces. he is also widely acclaimed for his adorable DOB creature (who's bright eyes can be seen in the LV print above).

"HIROPAN"

Style Muse

2008-06-30T20:28:00.000-07:00

so I have recently been obsessed with M.I.A. You know ... the UK rebel with a hard grimy sound and lyrics straight out of a freedom-fighter's manifesto. formerly a Central Saint Martin's student, now an unstoppable musical artist. She is the hipster darling of many an indie magazine like Paper. Google her dammit! J<

pBc's blasphemous addition to the blog

2008-06-27T14:43:00.000-07:00

this is to let anyone (if there is anyone reading this) know that joi de vivre is now a joint venture. jeremy (now christened w/ the sexy new title "j<") has invited me to re-fashion his fashion/art blog. start reading, you might learn shit.

some things you can look forward to:

EM critique--they just might suck

flats? da shit or shit

BRING BACK TASSELS/FRINGE: 20s = right way ... now = not so much

back to black: the lil' black dress

ND done right: movies, books, junk--which leads us to ...

shi-Treasures

drink o' the week

(and, most important) weekly wunnah-fuck

While we have the time

WEEKLY WUNNAH-FUCK

It doesn't matter what your sexual preference is, everyone must admit this couple exudes a type of animal magnetism that draws you in. Every picture of these two seems as if they've just finished making sweet, raunchy, dirty love to each other. Check their backs, I'm pretty sure there are rug burns on both of them.

Land of Aesthetically Dead

2008-06-23T21:56:00.000-07:00

I truly abhor Walmart. And not just the corporate beige entity that it is but also for the mediocrity at low prices that it promises. The people inside have this sad sheepish look on their faces. Transfixed by cheap 2 for 1 sale on plastic pitchers and over sized ill fitting coordinating denim outfits with bejeweled accents they shuffle the white sterile floors hunting for bargains like zombies in a bad B-movie horror film.

Places like Walmart and bargain bins like it steal the joy of shopping. The hunt for a prize that one never knew they wanted. They joy of a half off item that a person can cherish is lost on the zombies of fluorescent lighting. Accustom to the aisles of useless clothing and poorly made dish wear, the zombies rear back in fear at the prospect of something with quality and elegance found after a good search.

Also the bad lighting does nothing for ones appearance

Viva Milano

2008-06-22T19:27:00.000-07:00

Milan's Spring 09 Menswear is open for business and I have already found one of my favorites of the season. Not for its innovation but for its pure sex appeal. Dolce & Gabbana rolled out an impressive ad wearable wardrobe for the modern man. And the design duo channeled the sex pot playboys of the fifties and sixties for their inspiration but updated the silhouette by making the pants fit looser and the jackets tighter. Even when these Hughe Hefner wanna be's are dressed down in open toed sandals and silk shorts they ooze elegance and sex.

I think that next spring I'll be needing me a silk ascot and maybe a bow tie.

Vogue's blackout

2008-06-20T21:58:00.000-07:00

I am ecstatic about the upcoming Italian Vogue issue that not only dedicates an editorial on fashion's obsession with all things pale and bland but puts aside a whole issue to the absense of black girls on the runway and in magizines. Tokenism is one the major issues of fashion today. Along with model weight, there is a lack of global fashion showing diversity. Hopefully this issue will act as a domino effect among the fashion elite and style capitols like Milan and Paris will take notcice.
Fashion is about aspiration and dreams. There is no doubt about that but aren't our dream technicolor and not beige. I'm looking forward to seeing this issue portraying every degree of beauty in the black woman's arsenal.

P.S
I also find it slightly odd that Italy a considerably less diverse coountry compared to the U.S is doing an all black issue. I think Anna Wintour should stand up and take notice.

Lazy, am I

2008-05-23T14:08:00.000-07:00

My long absence is over and I have new news. My life is the same as it has been since my last post. The makeover of my friend never happened but the story board I made for her inspired her to dawn a new attitude and confidence. So I did something correct.

Remaking Chic

2008-03-31T15:04:00.000-07:00

After a conversation at lunch with my dear friend Shannon about how she felt she needed a make-over to attract a guy she was interested in, we decided collectively on a project for her. We are going to do her over. Make her more sexy and appealing. But, my ideas for her are less about doing her over and more about giving her the confidence and sexiness that will make her feel more appealing. I am a firm believer in the fashion philosophy that "it is not what you wear but how you wear it". So I am giving her the tools to unlock the chic confident sexy woman inside of her. I don't want to create a whole new woman but polish her into the woman she wants to be. In that spirit I have made the first of a few collages of inspirations that I will use for her. Carin Roitfeld the Editor in Chief of French Vogue and Emanuelle Alt are a few of her many style icons.

I will have more style ideas for her and hopefully some before and after pictures of her as the transformation begins. Along with some fun shopping pictures.

2008-03-18T09:41:00.000-07:00

Prompted by the federalise(my parents) and my dwindling bank account I have decided to do the unthinkable.....get a job! It's horrible; I'll be working long hours for minimum wage as I juggle college and and part-time work.
But, the old saying that every cloud has a silver lining is true or at least I'll make it true. Every paycheck I get I will put away an undetermined amount and at the end of an also undetermined time I will buy myself something special. I'll be searching around on eBay and other sites where one can buy discount designer items to find the perfect reward for my hard work as a functioning tax paying citizen.

I'll post things as I find them in hopes the discerning public helping me decide on my monumental task.

Here's a good start; a white wool Balenciaga turtle-neck with black stripe that thicken as the eye moves down the sweater. I also love the gold buttons that go down the neck and shoulder. Perfect winter item!

2008-03-17T12:28:00.001-07:00

Every great deisgner, stylist, or photograper had some type of female ideal when it came to his creations. Some female presence in his life even if he was gay that tickled his aesthetic fancy. The woman forms some intense spiritual connection to him and was his as he was hers. Her soul, her talents, and her personal style usually intrigued him; Alexander MCqueen had the tragic Isabella Blow, Halston had his Halstonettes Liza and other gracefull women, Marc Jacobs has Sophia Copolla, and Yves St. Laurent had Lou Lou de la Falais.
Well I have a few too. These women exemplify the type of women I wish I could populate the earth with. Their style and personality give them presence and grace that amazes me beyond belief. They are awkward and unprententious yet all of this adds to their fabulousness. They wear flats constantly because they hate heels and go vegetarian after taking a philosophy class. They bust out in song just because they feel like it, even if they are in the middle of the check out line in walmart and fall down flights of stairs because they decided to skip down them. They are critical and sometimes bitchy. They wear clothes they like because they like them and not because they are trendy; and they look terrific! These girls read and are interested in things other than fashion but they know how to look good. These girls are unconventionally glamourouse and wear their weidness like ribbons won at a fair. I love them! They are my girls.

2008-03-07T19:03:00.000-08:00

This is my first entry into my brand new blog dedicated to fashion and the simple joie de vivre of living your life carelessly through clothing, just like the title.

I don't exactly know what I want this blog to evolve into so it'll just be played by ear. You might see a street chic section on here with pictures of interesting people pounding the pavement and look damn terrific doing it! Then one day you might find magazine photos and coverage from fashion week.