Lets get back to it

I know, I know. It has been an unacceptable amount of time since I have written. Getting back to school has been great and this weekend I experienced my first taste of crispy weather in months. yum.

Before Style.com posted their Fall trend report, I had been crafting a list of my own essentials for the upcoming season (basically since fashion month ended....so since March...I know I'm insane). The items I decided were vital were not just trendy-one-season-forgettable, but pieces I felt could be worn until the seams start to fray or dye beings to fade.

I am going to do this sort of as an on going guide, mainly because there is just too much for me to cover in one post and I feel like I can break this up into styles versus specific pieces.

PART 1: BACK TO BASICS

1. Grey Denim- I am a firm believer that one can never own too many jeans, mainly because if I said everyone should just own one pair of really great jeans I would be a terrible liar considering my stash is creeping towards 25ish pairs. Non-blue denim is an awesome way to wear a classic and comfortable  staple while incorporating new hues into your wardrobe.

Grey is such a wonderfully safe and chic basic, plus you can get away with wearing your denim shirt from this season without pulling a farmers tuxedo. I'm a huge fan of MiH jeans, here is their awesome Breathless jean in grey:

 photo: shopbop.com

2. Camel- THE color for fall. It's just so yummy (I think more of eating caramel things than eating a camel when I say yummy, but when you see this color done right, you just want to eat it...well I do at least..but I'm crazy...so please ignore this.) I love the warmth of this color and it works for all pieces. Try to add one piece of the shade into your fall line-up. How about a great chunky knit like this one from Alexander Wang?

photo: shopbop.com

See what I mean by complete and utter yummy-ness?

3. Blouses- From my previous post, you can probably get the idea that a silk blouse was a chart topper for me, but I feared that the perfect one would be either nonexistent (picky doesn't begin to describe my shopping process and very often the items I crave simply do not exist for the season) or just completely insanely expensive (not even put $20 bucks away a week doable). Well of course the super duper amazing unaffordable one is out there by my favorite Stella McCartney, but I lucked out with a Rag & Bone tunic that I tailored into a shirt.

photo: style.com 

 mmmm...Stella perfection. 

A great place to find said shirt is your local Goodwill, SalvA, or consignment shop. There are so many left over from the last decade that have found their way into these stores. It is equally amazing and dangerous.

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!

In the words of Will Smith and Jazzy Jeff: Summer Summer Summertime, Time to Sit Back and Unwind

After selling my college textbooks and getting back a measly $63, I am home and so ready to get this summer started.

I kicked off vacation with a weekend trip up to NYC with my mom. She was being taken by a furniture design company who put us up in a gorgeous room at the Bryant Park Hotel. We met up with my friend Chris for a fantastic lunch at Via Quadronno on the UES. If your stomach is in the market for delicious a panini and wonderful espresso go here. The space is cozy (if you have issues with basically sitting on a strangers lap in a booth, I guess this isn't your place). The flying pigs painted on the walls and the tiny tables with Pellagrino make you feel like you are anywhere but 73rd and Madison. 

Photo: ontheinside.info

I ordered "La Madunina" which was a panini with prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, black olive paté, and fresh tomatoes. The prosciutto was the closest thing to the pure bliss I've tasted in Italy, along with the incredibly fresh melted mozzarella. I was worried that the paté might out-flavor everything, but it was perfectly distributed and was a wonderful complement to the other flavors. I wish I took a picture to show you the greatness of this panini, but here is a photo of another sandwich that captures what you are getting yourself into when you eat at Via. 

 photo: Via Quadronno

Before heading to the Met, we finished our meal with a Cappuccino. Unreal. My friend Charlotte can attest to my adoration for foam, let me just say this was the Pièce de résistance of foam.  

Later that day, I met up with my friend and fellow Art History major, Morgan, at the Park Avenue Armory for Christian Boltanski's No Man's Land exhibition. Prior to its New York arrival, the show was at the Grand Palais in Paris. Of course the connection I made was that Chanel has its shows at the Grand Palais and Marc Jacobs has his at the Armory. Boltanski's work deals with death, mortality, and memories. Some of his work displays massive collections of items. At the installation, there was a pile of 30 tons worth of clothing surrounded by a graveyard-like grid of clothing lit by sterile halogen tubes and a massive crane. In intervals of about 40 seconds, the crane would lower, pick up a claw-full of clothing, and let it drop back on the top.

In such a grand scale, the clothing could not be treated through single articles, but as one large unit. This brings up questions of why do we keep things and what importance or utility do items have after they are used or their owner is gone? The sheer volume of clothes effectively displayed the notion that the purpose of collecting and saving things can lose meaning or be forgotten. Why do we need material reminders of anything? Why can't we trust our ability to remember? 

As I pack up my house to move, I've been faced with many of these questions. I've come across too many math worksheets from 5th grade and untouched Beanie Babies. I forgot why I kept some projects from middle school, which obviously were important to me at the time. There is a struggle when deciding what to toss and what to keep. I might come across an item had meaning to me in youth, but now I wrack my brain trying to figure out why I need a brochure from Sesame Place. 

To distract myself from the insane amount of papers, toys, books, clothes, furniture, art projects--you get the idea--I've realized my beloved Rich & Skinny dark-wash skinny jeans are way past their expiration date. I have officially worn multiple holes into the pockets, the once ink wash appears more like a pair of faded Levi's, and they are paper thin. Mind you, I have worn them basically every single day since I purchased them in November 2008. Luckily, I didn't need to break out into a full blown quest for a great pair of skinny jeans. I'm ready to buy me some J Brand Petite Low-Rise Pencil Leg jeans. 

 photo: J Brand

I've always loved J Brand. I wore out my gray skinnies years ago and have rediscovered my Love Story flares. I love the way their jeans fit, definitely true to size and the perfect amount of stretch. The details are simple, no fancy pockets or stitching. These skinnies are great for me because I don't have to worry about a trip to the tailor or excessively rolling them up. I know these jeans aren't cheap, but to find a great pair of jeans that I know will last a long time and are well made is worth it. 

Many empty boxes await to be packed and a huge carton of strawberries in kitchen has my name on it. I'm out. 

I promise you I'm still here!

So while I have a moment to breathe in the midst of packing up my room and saying goodbye to friends, I would like to say that I am still alive despite my hiatus. Although I cannot dedicate myself to a full out post, I once again have a quest. My newest challenge: Finding the perfect Maxi dress. I always want to say maxi-pad, but that would be wrong. Ever since Spring weekend, I've gotten an itch to own a floor sweeping jersey dress. Of course I found the perfect James Perse tank dress at 60% off, but some force told me not to buy it. I hate you force.

Photo: Alexander Wang

I'm tempted to just give into the T by Alexander Wang and shell out the dollar bills, but I've never owned one of his pieces. Are they worth it? Do they pill after a couple washes? Halp.

You Can't Sandal the Truth

I think one of the things I love about magazines, fashion publications specifically, is their focus on wordplay. At this point, I feel like every adage or term has been torn apart and mashed back together so it's relevant to platform heels or unisex clothing.One of the best parts of looking at style.com is their little puns. You cannot escape a slide show without seeing "Halston's slash dance" or "Knotty but nice at Vionnet." They are generally lighthearted, but its always cute. Hence, the title of this post is intentionally cheesy and practice for my  (hopeful) future career

ANYWAY. I'm taking a break right now from doing research on Rothko's use of space as subject matter for an overwhelming/impossible/kill-me-now paper I need to get done so I can maintain some level of sanity.

The following occurs every single summer, and I do not know how to overcome this, so I am asking (BEGGING) for your help. Look at this pug. I am this pug. I want to stop making this face.

Okay, so I have major issues with sandals. I have never been able to find a pair that 1) like, 2) can afford, 3) don't result in falling arches, and most importantly 4) are comfortable. Summer is when I'm outdoors the most and walking around all the time, so why is the shoe associated with this season so sucky? Think about it, sandals rarely have any arch support or traction, and if you want any sort of cushioning you are looking at a pair of orthopedic Teva's....not so cute.

 DAYUM

So this is a cry for help. Have you found the perfect sandal? Are they cute? Are they comfy? Is he gettin’ you Mike n Ikes? Oh, you like Mike n Ikes? Is he hefty? Is he comin’ back?

Tobias was a never nude, which is exactly what it sounds like.

When it comes to buying denim shorts, the first thing that comes to mind is the most wonderful character that ever graced us with his presence on television, Tobias Funke. I own a pair of cutoffs, not only as an ode to a television favorite, but it was my first attempt at denim shorts. For some reason, and I hope it isn't just me, I have such trouble finding a good pair of denim shorts. Not only have prices skyrocketed to disgusting highs (basically they are expensive postage stamps. I tried on a pair of True Religion and not only was my tush exponentially exposed with every step I took, but the sales person attempted to convince me that this was a cute look...bahahhahah), but it's also difficult to find the right cut.

Le Cutoffs, a little awk, right? 

 Look at me! I have no emotions because I'm cooler than everyone looking at this picture!

You think, well, shorts are shorts, right? Not so much. My first attempt was made 2 summers ago at a vintage store where I procured a pair of perfectly worn-in men's Levi's cutoffs. I was definitely influenced by Alexander Wang, but because I am not Erin Wasson, I began to have major issues with the waistband. Cutoffs are cute, but men's jeans are made for men, not for women, mainly for the huge issue they cannot bear children aka do not have hips. At this point I reserve my beloved Tobias shorts for flowy tops, wearing tights underneath, and impressing people when I say I have nevernude shorts (at which point I proceed to model them and do a Mrs. Featherbottom impression).

A couple of weeks ago, I decided I would not go another summer making excuses for my Tobias pants, and proceeded to hunt down the perfect pair of cutoffs.

My criteria:
-They would be made for women
-A dark wash, but not indigo.
-No pocket peakers
-Ass must be fully veiled
-Must fall on hips, not at waist
-Minimal pocket detailing/distressing

So I was on a quest for basically mythical shorts. Well, to my surprise, good ol' Philly based pseudo-hipster retailer Urban Outfitters had my golden ticket (and a golden twinkle in my eyeee. Maddie, calm it down.). I present to you Levi's 501 Cutoff Short. It fits all my requirements and then some.

u

Photo: Urban Outfitters

My favorite thing about these shorts is the length. I have the option to roll them up (while keeping my backside covered) or to bring them down to a more fixie-riding-hipster-cutoff length. The wash distressed, but definitely feels worn in while being dark.

Photo: Urban Outfitters

The back (or I prefer "donk") is not only flattering, but the pockets are simple classic Levi's with yellow stitching. No fancy shmancy in your face logos.

Overall these shorts are winners. Now, excuse me while I attempt to write 10 pages on Rothko's spacial phenomenology and gouge my eyes out.

My Motherboard, My Self

 Not only do Carrie Bradshaw and I share the same adoration for footwear, but we both have sickly laptops.

Yes, I just titled my post after an episode of SATC, because right now I am typing furiously from a library computer. My laptop is ill thanks to a lovely little virus and now is in the hands of technology support being stripped of all files and sass. Before I trekked on over to the techies, I realized I had to make some changes to my Dell.

The following was altered:
My desktop background: A still shot of the Dolce and Gabbana F/W '10 runway where there is a stampede of pantless models. I didn't want to give the impression that I have some sort of leg fetish.

My password: In order to gain access to my computer, one must enter the following: Lagerkins. I really didn't want to have to explain my penchant for a certain German.

I never realize how personalized my laptop is. I have files and folders dedicated to paintings, couture, vintage, magazines, and other fashion related items along with little sartorial notes I write down to give me a hint on what to wear. Now let's pray they don't look at my pictures of the stupid faces I make and take pictures of when I'm ridiculously bored and send to my parents and friends. I never would have though my dignity and reputation would be in the hands of a wire frame and WWC t-shirt clad tech-saint.