Good Morning

Inside and out! Have a great day!

Monkey!

Lacey

Halloweekend

Me as Gaga

The Real Deal

Hey everyone! I hope you all had safe and fun Halloweek-ends! As planned I dressed up as Lady Gaga and I had a lot of fun with it! I didn't get a chance to dress up as Michael Jackson but that's okay. Maybe it was too soon? Anyway here is a pic of me on Halloween as Lady Gaga. Yes I know she is blonde but in my defense she was originally a brunette AND her promo for "The Fame Monster" features her as a brunette (there is some type of collector edition of this which also comes with a lock of her hair...that is so weird that I freaking love it! I mean a celeb giving out locks of hair? That's just so fun and silly)! So anyway tut tut to wigs! Who needs ya? I can work with what I've got!


So tell me! How was your weekend? Who did you go as? What was the best costume you saw all weekend?

101 Glam Girl Ways to an Ultra Chic Lifestyle

Fashion Stylist and boutique owner Dawn Del Russo can now add author to her list of accomplishments (which also includes graduating from Parsons, styling celebrities, and being featured in magazines/ TV shows). If you aren't familiar with Dawn I highly recommend you check her out. Her boutique can be found online at http://www.belladawn.com/, and if you are into twitter she goes by DawnDelRusso.

Her book is called "101 Glam Girl Ways to an Ultra Chic Lifestyle". I was psyched when she sent it to me to review! I love being able to take tips from those in the fashion world that I look up to so that I can apply them to my life.

This book is a compilation of tips that are meant to make girls and women not only look great, but feel great as well. Dawn offers up fun tips such as "Dress for a red carpet" She also includes healthy smart tips such as "Wear Sunscreen". Dawn also gives suggestions that are meant to make her readers more well rounded, worldly, and educated. That was important to me because looks can only get one so far in life. Two of my favorite pages in the book included the tips "Love Yourself" and "Be Yourself". There is nothing more glamorous than having a good self esteem and being true to yourself.

Overall this book offers up fun and creative ideas to improve your quality of life so that you are happy, healthy, and chic! I think this would make a great gift for a friend, family member, or even for yourself!

It can be purchased at Dawns boutique: http://retwt.me/fxym and at Amazon http://retwt.me/1gDNN

Image Via belladawn.com

Being Lady Gaga

So yeah I am being SUPER original and I am going to be Lady Gaga for halloween! I secretly wish I could dress up like her all the time but for obvious reason non-pop stars must save such daring looks for Halloween and the like (theme parties).

What are you guys going as?

Viktor and Rolf Paris Fashion week

Viktor and Rolf clearly had wild imaginations and illusions in mind for their Spring 2010 fashion show in Paris. I think it's really cool. Something I've never seen before. I wonder if any celeb would actually rock this look? We've all seen some crazy couture on the red carpet so you never know! Also- how KILLER are those heels? So beautiful for spring.
All Image via Coutourture

La Chambre

This is the collage I put together on and around my closet door. These are photos i've acquired from my favorite blogs and websites over time. I have a mixture of inspirational fashion, quotes, and artwork. I'm currently working on covering the entire wall behind my bed as well as finishing this little area. I love being able to see my favorite pictures everyday, it makes me happy. When one of my friends saw it she remarked "Oh I get it it's on your closet so you feel inspired when you go to pick out your clothes right?" Absolutely right !

Bouncy metallics

I really like both of these items from Forever 21. On the website they both look really nice but there is potential for poor quality in person which makes me hesitant to order them. Don't get me wrong I love Forever 21 but I'm just not sure. Any thoughts?

love at 1st sight

Just ordered these "Lunia" over the knee boots from Nine West. LOVE LOVE LOVE THEM! Cannot wait to get them and wear them!

LowLuv

 Erin Wasson may be busy getting ready to show her 2010 Spring RVCA line but she has something else in the works too. It seems Erin will be launching a costume jewelry collection with jeweler Pascal Mouawad. The line will be called LowLuv. According to WWD "“the collection is inspired by the Southwestern desert and features 25 styles, including rings, necklaces and bangles in base metal plated in gold or silver. Prices for the line range from $40 to $200 at select retailers that also carry Wasson’s RVCA apparel.” 

Luckily for us it debuts on Sept 11th at her RVCA show. Of the line Erin says “I really felt like it was time to open up LowLuv to the customer who’s been lusting after the expensive stuff but could never afford it,” she continued “That’s my girl. She’s the girl who wears Erin Wasson X RVCA and I wanted to make LowLuv attainable for her, too.”

Erin does a great job of designing for clothes that fashion lovers lust for, I'm sure her jewelry line will be no different. I can't wait to see it!

Thanks Nitrolicious

They're back!

Although the first movie was a bit too cheesy at times I'm still psyched to see all of the girls on set and back in action. While some people are dying to hear the plot line I'm anticipating the spectacular fashion. Judging from these few photos, Patricia Field will not let me down (check out those purple studded shoes!). Though this movie won't be out for a long time the internet will satisfy my curiosity about the fashion on set.

Peter Cotton Tail

I wish I could rock out some bunny or mouse ears and look fabulous. 

Goodnight!

It's true!

Hope your day is filled with love and laughs!

Images Via lelove.

Random

Hello fashion lovers, Currently I am at the library passing the time doing a random assortment of things (printing stuff for class, facebooking, working on some internship projects). Having two hours between classes is sometimes tough to fill especially on the second day of class. Anywho happy September! I hope all of you in school are enjoying it and having fun. Here are some random pictures. I used the plotter yesterday (HUUUUGE printer at the library) to print out gorgeous fashion pics that I blew up in photoshop to collage my room. It looks pretty spiffy but it's not quite done yet, I'll post some pics when it is. Hmm I'm off track..well here are some of the pictures I used in my collage. Hope you like them!

One-Word Inspiration Behind the Collections

One word to describe their upcoming NYC fashion week collections...

"Fluid"

Diana Von Furstenberg

"Waves"

Thakoon

"Mediterranean"

Christian Siriano

"Oceanic"

Thom Browne

"Off-Shore"

Proenza Schouler

"Off-kilter"

Maria Cornejo, Zero + Maria Cornejo

"Perv"

Alexander Wang

"Edgy"

Vera Wang

"Evocative"

Jason Wu

"Disheveled"

Rag & Bone

"Techno"

Nicole Miller

"Structure"

Narciso Rodriguez

"Strength"

Alexandre Herchovitch

Let your imaginations run wild! Mine is!

Check out some more here:

http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2009/08/one_word_spring_preview.html

Back To School

I'm not sure where I originally acquired this picture but I think it's great. My classes start on monday and this picture screams COLLEGE to me. I'm excited. I secretly love starting class, openly adore the fall weather in Bloomington, and we all know what back to school means....shopping! 

FIERCE

Christian Siriano has written a book! It promises fashion tips from A list celebs (including Posh, love her) and the forward is written by TIM GUNN (LOVE EVEN MORE). Will you pick up a copy? I'm not sure yet. I have lots of books like this Zoe, Gunn, Garcia, Olsons, etc. Hmm actually I may have to add it to the collection. I need some Ferocia Coutura (sp?) In my life. 

Just for funzies...

Lovely Fashion. I am not a fan of her lifestyle (the drugs, the nannies taking care of the kids..etc) but her fashion sense is pretty great, I can give her that.

Avant Gaudy Interview

I was lucky enough to get to interview Deborah Umunnabuike the co-founder of Avant Gaudy. She is truly an inspiring woman who I believe fashionistas have every reason to look up to. Not only does she attend the University of Chicago but she also created and continues to run a successful fashion e-tailer that sells amazing timeless vintage pieces (at affordable prices too!) So now for your reading pleasure:

 

1. What inspired you to start a vintage online clothing boutique?

Avant Gaudy really began as a summer project and a way for my sister and I to do something constructive during the summer. Beyond that, it was really a way to connect with other people over something that really inspired me: fashion. We felt we were making a difference in the fashion world by presenting something unique and truly different, showing the world that  vintage fashion is modern and relevant.

 

2.              What makes Avant Gaudy different from other online vintage stores?

Most vintage stores are in an entirely different category. They see vintage as a link to the past, something that stands in contrast to today's trends. While Avant Gaudy and its customers do have a reverent attitude toward the past, we see vintage as modern, and as relevant as what's on the runways or on the street.

 

3.              What struggles did you face when you first got started? What struggles do you have now?

When we first got started, the biggest challenge was figuring out the technology behind running a webshop! We’ve since learned a lot about HTML, CSS, shopping carts, and the little things that can make shopping online fun. In the past, we focused on repurposing clothing and had more of an ‘underground fashion’ appeal. The current incarnation of Avant Gaudy showcases fashion-forward looks with more widespread appeal among urban fashionistas. Today’s primary challenges consist in creating a cohesive brand image across different social networking platforms and on our site.

 

4.              How have you managed to balance being a full time student at the University of Chicago with starting up and running a successful business?

Balance comes through constantly checking in with myself and reassessing my priorities. Do I have enough time to complete my reading for classes? Should I scale back on the merchandise buying this week? Am I still doing something that I am passionate about? There are daily trade-offs, though I’ve gained a better understanding of time management. I also have come to be far more patient with myself!

 

5.              What is your advice to young people who want to start their own successful businesses?

Extensive research is key. At Avant Gaudy, research can fill half of a workday, but it enables us to form better relationships with our customers and within the fashion community. This way, our customers can be ahead of the curve. Most importantly, follow a business idea that you are passionate about. People are always curious as to how much money a student entrepreneur's business makes per year. In response, I've always said that if it wasn't worth doing, I wouldn't be doing it.

 

6.              What are your favorite vintage turned relevant trends for fall 2009?

The 80’s influence in fashion is everywhere these days. You see it on the high fashion runways, on the streets of Helsinki, and in Forever 21. It’s been a trend that’s lasted through several fashion seasons, and I see it as continuing well through the end of 2009.

 

7.              What is your best advice for both men and women about incorporating vintage pieces into their wardrobes?

Most people would say start small, but I disagree. If you find any piece that you absolutely love – such as a dress, a bold shirt, or a jumpsuit, then go for it. Women can balance an avant-garde piece with long, layered necklaces, bangle bracelets, and torn leggings. For men, a neutral pair of pants or jeans makes a vintage look timely and timeless.

Finally, don't be afraid to modify a garment to suit your taste. We frequently remove the shoulder pads from dresses, and one of our standout pieces is a pair of shorts covered with decorative patches.

 

8.              How did you become successful at finding quality and fashionable vintage pieces? 

Finding quality pieces is literally a full-time job. We have a team of buyers who source clothing from all over the US. In addition, they're busy researching trends when not on buying trips. Our criteria vary from trip to trip, but all of our pieces must be authentic vintage, in good condition, and have that indescribable “wow” factor. Whether it be a pair of collapsible shoes, a yellow suede skirt, or a bag with pop-up handles, our buyers intuitively know a good find when they see one. Above all, the time investment and the talent of our buyers has made us successful.

 

9. Any last advice for those interested in working in the fashion industry?

Start a blog. While it's easy to get lost in the shuffle, a distinct vision and the right connections will help you stand out. Networking within the blogosphere is also great practice for networking within the industry. But above all, remain true to your vision.

I must say Avant Gaudy does offer the “wow” factor with their truly unique vintage finds. I’m so impressed not only with the merchandise they offer but by the entrepreneur who started the business. I’m a full time college student and there is a lot to be learned from this success story. I highly recommend checking out www.avantgaudy.com

I hate moving

I have been cleaning and packing and prepping for the big move across town tomorrow (4th move in college so far, hopefully the last) I will update with oodles of posts just as soon as I'm settled!

Just thought you should know...

Today is a gloomy, rainy, thunderstormy day. I love it. I feel bad for the puppy though she is currently taking up residence under the bed to hide from the thunder. I am taking this opportunity to snuggle up in bed and get my blogging on. While I work on that here is a little something to make you smile (I hope)

Wrap Ring

Here are two similar rings, one is a "Leaf Wrap Ring" and the other is a "Feather Wrap Ring" one is forever 21, the other Topshop. Can you guess where each is from?

Fashion DOES rock

Lindsay Lohan for ELLE UK

Pretty fabulous, except for the whole sticking her hands in her mouth thing. She should retire that pose.