I don't even want a rebound

Its been over three weeks since I stepped in the Chloe showroom, and I'm still hung up. The side effects of this trip are far more intense than I ever expected.

Symptoms include:
Lust for silk blouses
Obsession with the following colors: Buttercream, Rose, Beige
Conducting endless Ebay, Yoox, Bluefly, and Outnet searches for any semi-affordable apparel from the label
Spacing out at work dreaming over the Phoebe Philo days

Chloe F/W 2004

Chloe S/S 2005 (I had to post this partially because it featured baby Gemma)

It's dangerous.

For weeks I've been crafting (obviously in my head) my Fall must-haves, and a certain Chloe something is topping my list. So I've come to the realization that in my current economic standing investing $1200 on the worlds most stunning white blouse probably is not the greatest idea...thus I am on a mission to find a decent alternative that will hold me over.

I'm glad my love for a button-up blouse dowsed in ruffles and chicness parallels the availability of this item for Fall. After scouring my favorite online shopping destinations, plenty of designers are producing said blouse. I have only just begun the hunt, but here are some contenders:

photo: Shopbop

Elizabeth and James Havana Blouse

This would be freaking adorable with my newly acquired Seven for all Mankind gray skinnies and a pair of OTK boots that soon will be mine (that's a whole different quest).

Here is a more dressy option by DVF, but I would wear it all the time with jeans, tucked into shorts and skirts...drool.

photo: Net-A-Porter

I could bore you with more options, this is really just for my own personal reference to these items, but you get the idea.

I know I could step into Zara or Topshop and pick up a decent knock-off and be set for the season, but I'm done with wearing fabrics I've never heard of. I'm about quality and craftsmanship. A beautiful silk blouse is the perfect way to display classic design  and when punctuated with tasteful lingerie it couldn't be chicer.

In Brief

Even to this day, my father asks me each week, with enthusiasm on par with a day camper hopped up on pixie sticks,  "DO YOU KNOW WHAT TUESDAY IS?!"
 I've learned to read this trick and know that this excitement is not only fabricated for the moment and to catch me off guard, but out of sheer stupidity. The answer is, "Its trash day." Yep.

I consider Monday and Wednesday with the same regard, except my enthusiasm is not geared to irk my child, rather to see the new arrivals on Net-A-Porter. See, it's a little dumb, but somewhat valid. ANYWAY, I came across the ultimate novelty.

I give you: Stella McCartney Knickers of the Week

Image: Net-A-Porter

For $195 you can have achingly adorable black cotton briefs delicately embroidered with each day of the week in every shade of Easter. God forbid you forget what day trash day falls on, just look at your crotch! I find these...actually cute. I never saw the point of referring to your nether regions for the date, but when Stella McCartney does it....how could I not love it? When you purchase this crotch-calender these briefs don't just come in a regular box...oh the horror...they come in a mini bureau.

Image: Net-A-Porter

It's the thoughtful packaging like this which almost has me at check out. I love when designers, or any product for that matter, take the extra step to make the consumer feel like they are buying something special.

Another example is shoe designer Charlotte Olympia.

Photos: Luisa Via Roma

First, her shoes are brilliant. Unlike anything on the market right now and she is a product design genius. Apparently, when you purchase a pair of her whimsical sky-high heels included in the box is a matching pair of  tights bearing her spiderweb signature. The moment I read that, I wanted her shoes. Not just because they are gorgeous, but I want them because you get free tights. Obviously they are not free, but its just something special, something that says "hey girlfriend! I know these shoes cost you half your paycheck, so here is something extra! You deserve it!"

In a consumer market where we so often buy for the sake of trends rather than quality, it's details like these that we are missing out on. When fashion moves so fast, it's impossible for brands to include details of craftsmanship or originality, but things are slowing down. I wrote about it months ago, and the print media is writing about it now. Slow fashion is happening. It's moments like these, when thoughtfulness occurs, that we can once again appreciate fashion for what it should be: a display of art, talent, and creativity.

He reminded me

Karl, why you gotta do me like that? After a not so stellar crochet-infested-disco-suede-orgy that was Resort '11 for Chanel, I was a little upset with my favorite German. All is good now. Holy Couture.

Season after season, Chanel couture never ceases to amaze because it defines how couture fits into today's industry. Yes, it is beyond expensive and completely unaffordable for 99% of humans (unless you have over $90k to drop on a suit), however, it functions as a trend palette. Karl manages to create the ultimate fashion luxuries that most definitely dictate RTW trends while utilizing the craft and skill of couture dress-making.

I feel Chanel is at it's best when it is ultra-luxe aka couture and the most recent collection eloquently exudes opulence. He featured heavy fabrics and treatments like thick upholstery-grade tweeds along with frocks armored in sequins to portray a real sense of weight. This weight along with the exaggerated pleats, hemlines, and shoulders can only be a constant reminder to the wearer and viewers that these clothes are not to be forgotten.

To further intensify the gravitational pull, stacks of bulky bangles adorned the wrists of models and the amazing mid-calf boots were reminiscent of slouchy paper bags.

I highly recommend viewing the entire collection over at style.com, but I shall continue posting my favorites from this drool-inducing collection...

All Photos: Style.com

Trend Watch: Hey there fashion

After viewing the Resort collections, I realized this whole sock and sandal thing is real. The Teen Vogue novelty I considered it back in 2004 has seeped into a notable amount of designers collections and I'm a little worried. If you don't follow fashion week as religiously (and completely insanely) as I do, I'll show you what I'm talking about.

 Image: Blogofbad

 Yeah. It's fashion now. Here's some proof:

Rebecca Taylor

Alexander Wang

Prada
all photos: style.com

I am fully aware that many trends among runway shows never make it into our closet,s let alone stores, because they cannot translate into consumer-friendly goods, however, I have an itch with this one. Because this trend is the simple marriage of socks and shoes...with a twist, and has a magazine editorial history, I feel it will filter into the masses. 

The Cut, one of my favorite fashion news blogs, already has already assembled a slide-show of their favorite sandal and sock combos and claims "we're head over (cutely socked) heels." Also, I've noticed the wonderfully and playfully styled J. Crew catalogs have featured this for months. So, it's been around, and with appearances in many runway collections, it will only become more visible.
Don't get me wrong, new trends excite me. I often find myself uncomfortable at first, but after a few months (or moments) my eyes adjust and I could be embracing the new idea. This one bothers me from the start and I just don't think it's going to be pretty. Let me explain myself. 

First, there is the issue that socks change how shoes fit. Will this cause a slew of women to buy shoes in larger sizes just so they can embrace the trend? Or, will certain designers make shoes special for sock pairing, thus rendering the footwear unwearable without socks? Or am I just really over thinking this? 

Next, I just don't think it's flattering. Socks cause a choppy effect. What I mean is it further divides one's outfit, which leads to strange proportions and a jarring silhouette. It's one of those trends that looks decent on the fashionable uber-tall (aka models-off-duty), yet would look absolutely horrific on me, since I only reach the height of 5' 4".  


Most importantly, SANDALS (sorry I just need to shout a little) were invented to keep feet cool and uncovered in hot weather, also to show off a nice pedicure. It defeats the very function of this season specific footwear. My feet are already sweaty and gross just at the thought of wearing my Wolford ankle socks with any sandal. 


Here is the other side. I love that designers are exploring the function of not only footwear, but everything. It completely challenges how we dress and look at fashion. It gives the consumer freedom and comfort to go back into our wardrobes and experiment.

If anything, try this in the privacy of your wardrobe and dance around to Jason Derulo shamelessly (I, for one, am guilty), or give it a go this season and embrace it. 

Someone's missing

First, I want to say how great a time I had at Reuben Harley's (Big Rube), of Mitchell & Ness fame, photography event at the Vivant Art Collection. Not only was it for a great cause, Big Rube's photos were awesome. He really captures street life along with some super glam moments.

Photos: Reuben Harley

I met Reuben last week when he came into Adresse with a well heeled companion. The more we talked I realized he is one of those rare people that is seriously passionate about photography and just wants people to see what he sees. 100% free of bs. Unfortunately, last night's event was a one-night deal. I look forward to seeing more of Reuben's work and hope he shows more.

In other news, I'm officially Chloe obsessed. I have always adored the brand, but after my trip see the Resort 2011 collection, I haven't shut up about it. I think what I love about the brand is its cohesiveness. Nothing feels piece-y or season specific, everything feels like its going to be in style forever and could mold to your wardrobe in an instant. The style.com slide show displays just a fraction of the whole collection, but articulates Hannah MacGibbon's vision perfectly. Simply put, it was a French interpretation of Japanese minimalism. It was classically Chloe and feminine, but definitely sans frill.

These are just some of my favorites. I would honestly put the entire collection on here...but that's what style.com is for.

U

All photos above: Style.com

When the model came out in the denim dress above, I almost passed out. Just perfection. And then when we were writing our order and I saw the price. I passed out again. It's price tag was completely reasonable, thus, it will be mine. Fall could not come soon enough. I will wear holes into this dress. 

The title of this post is dedicated to my favorite 20 seconds of the new MGMT album. The last bit of "Someone's Missing" is just brilliant. Will someone please remix this?

Sprinklings of Summer

First, Happy Fathers Day!

Today is the first day where I have been home the entire day and it's quite glorious. I finally unpacked the last duffel of clothes that I packed in...May...and have begun to bring my closet to a semi-organized state.I've been working full-time along with attempting to maintain a semblance of a social life. I may be tired, but things have been going well.

There has been a bonus to my job, which I was unaware of upon interviewing. My boss has asked me to join her on many of her buying trips for Resort 2011. I've been lucky enough to see the clothes straight from Style.com days after their debut only to be in store this December.

Last week we went to Stella McCartney. I have never seen floral prints so beautifully executed in clothing in my life. Here is just a taste of what appeared on racks and racks of gorgeous apparel

Photo: Style.com

I was asked to assist her again with buying at....Chloe. (Breathe in, breathe out) Upon being asked my knees turned to a Jell-O like state and some saliva might have dribbled onto the floor. Excited doesn't begin to describe how I feel about this. aldfkj;ladfadf.

In other news, I finally snatched up not one, but two pairs of sandals that meet my requirements. After a failed net-a-porter attempt (too small, way too uncomfortable), I headed over to Cole Haan with little hope in my search for decent footwear. 

Well, I found 'em. The classic leather company has a new line called Cole, Rood & Haan which is based off of the original designs of the company. The leathers are more raw and apparently all the shoes are handmade.

I picked up the "Kisser" sandal in Fatigue. It's light-weight and keeps my feet super secure without any trendy embellishments.

 

Photo: Cole Haan

And then...I walked into Joan Shepp...where they were having a huge sale...on shoes. Great. Well, I ended up picking up another pair of sandals after realizing the deal was too good to pass up and the fact that a girl can never own too many shoes. It should be a rule that when one finds a pair of K. Jaques sandals on sale, they must buy them.

 Photo: Joan Shepp

I liked these because they have the double strap on the toe along with a tie around the ankle, basically ensuring that my foot wont be going anywhere. These are known to mold to your foot and last forever. I can deal with that. 

My New Ad(d)ress(e)

I am currently being serenaded by the lyrical and sweet burst of sports-induced screams of my father and brother as they watch Philadelphia's NHL team, the Flyers, take a stab at winning the Stanley Cup. I'll just say that everything is quite tense in the apartment right now and I probably shouldn't make any sudden movements because we are losing by 2. (Update: my brother left after we were down by 3 in the third period...all is safe now)

While they bite their nails down to the cuticle, I will attempt to update y'alls on my life. Things have definitely changed around here, which is the source of my blogging hiatus. In the past month I have moved out of the house I grew up in on the Main Line to a fantastic apartment in Center City where the view into the Kimmel Center couldn't be better. I have also started to work full-time at a seriously amazing boutique chock-full of the designer clothes I drool over come fashion week on style.com (think Lanvin, Derek Lam, Nina Ricci...you get the idea). Here are some of the pieces in the store that I've had trouble parting with upon their sale:

photo: www.dluxelist.com/

This unreal Lanvin/Acne confection. It's the perfect collaborative piece. Not only does it beautifully display the super-feminine details and flattering cut Alber has down to a science, but the fabric is a fantastic light-weight denim which Acne rules at creating. Sigh.

Photo: Jerome C. Rousseau

My mouth begins to water when I walk in the store each morning to great the day...and these insane Jerome C. Rousseau pumps. They are surreal. People are quite terrified and confused when they pick these up, mainly because there are no ankle straps and there is a large metal toe barrier. You would thing these could qualify as the worlds most uncomfortable shoes, but that would be false. They are quite comfortable considering the front bit contains your toes and adds balance. So the fact that these are equally practical and gorgeous has me sold.

photo: www.style.com

I get it. Tie-dye is big for S/S '10, but after seeing so many of those Proenza long-sleeved tops on every celebrity and editor, I needed some refreshing. This Lela Rose frock may display the trendy technique, but I find it completely timeless. Lela's shapes are classic and made for the everyday woman. I'm bitter because this dress is now on sale, and....we just sold my size. Tear.
 
Within my first week of work, the store was ranked as one of the top ten places to shop for designer  apparel in the WORLD by USA Today. I'm surrounded by the creations I adore and able to work with really special clients, along with the greatest bosses (they are not aware that I write this blog, so I ain't no brown-noser). The store is the manifestation of all my shopping philosophies aka the focus is superb customer service and attention.

We (me, my co-worker, bosses) are completely aware of the prices in our store, but also completely aware of the talent and genius of the designers we carry. It is our job to make sure the customers can appreciate these clothes as much as we do, so educating them about the labels is key for their shopping experience. Supplying anything (drinks, ordering food, alterations, shipping, special orders) is standard along with making shopping fun and personal.

I could probably go on forever raving about my workplace, but I need to talk about food. With moving into a new place comes tons of take-out. Luckily, Philadelphia has awesome food. I'm completely overwhelmed at this point because I want to try everything, but also keep eating the fantastic dishes I've discovered over the past weeks. I'll start with my current obsession: Pumpkin.

My first taste of the South Street gem was a beet salad my mom brought home after a tired day at work. It was a no-frill salad, just the basic spring mix, beets, goat cheese, and onions, but oh my lord was it fresh and delicious.

Pumpkin prides itself in using locally grown and organic ingredients which truly transforms a basic dish a superb plate. I went to pick up a bite for dinner and decided I should check this place out for myself. This is not a one stop shop. There are 3 Pumpkins. Yes, that's right, there are 3 places to enjoy the flavors of Chef Ian Maroney within a block of each other. There is Pumpkin Market where you can pick up cottage cheese fresh from the farm or their house cured pickles. Pumpkin Cafe is where you will find (me drooling over) affordable and awesome plates ready to eat in the small seating area or grab them to take back to your table.

The other night I had a complete Spongebob moment with their Vegan Bean Burger at the Cafe.

You get the idea.

I haven't had the pleasure (yet!) to go to Pumpkin Restaurant, the trifecta's fancy cousin. This one changes its menu daily and can feature items such as Bluefin Tuna Crudo with avocado, pine nuts, and baby beets. The menu is more expensive, but I am sure it's completely worth it considering the amazing quality of the less expensive digs.

The staff is incredibly friendly and they trust their customers. For example, I ordered an iced coffee at the Cafe, but they didn't have any. I paid for it there and they suggested I run across the street to the Market and they would make it for me. I crossed 16th to the other side, and without asking any questions the guy behind the counter made me the beverage and didn't doubt for a moment that I was pulling some trick to get a free drink.

Before I pass out (long week of work + full day at the Roots Picnic= endless exhaustion), if you are in the Center City area on Wednesday, June 9th stop by 1706 Locust from 4-8 to check out the store (it's called Adresse) for our "What to Wear with White" event featuring jewelery from Egan Day Jewelery!