Winding Up!

Count down until December 5th! I can't wait to hear Gwen's new album. I am completely sold on 'Wind it Up,' and Gwen's new look. I know she says she's channeling Michelle Phifer in Scarface, but I think there is something very Sue Ellen Ewing (of Dallas!) going on (minus the drinking problem and icky JR, of course!). Wind it up!

Pretty Pretty Peggy

Since cropping my hair and dying it black, I've found more and more style inspiration from the fantastic Peggy Moffitt. More than a mere model, Peggy was a muse, an artist, and an icon. Plus, no one else ever looked as righteously feminist posing topless as she did: modeling Rudi Gernreich's infamous 'monokini.'

I don't think I'm the only one taking fashion tips from this icon, either. Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs certainly owes some style credit to Moffitts' legendary Vidal Sassoon bowl cut!

It's SAFE!

And speaking of Sci-fi influenced clothing to love. . . I was thrilled to discover today that one of my fav DIY designers, Rebecca Turbow of SAFE, has updated her online store. I am totally coveting one of her dresses or coats: perfect for a party on the moon, or rocking out all night to your fav garage band.
With each collection, Rebecca's designs are becoming more and more polished and tailored while retaining their avante garde conceptual origins. I can't wait to see what she's come up with for Spring '07!

Cyborgs rule, OK!

New Zealand designer Mala Brajkovic has won my praise merely by titling her Spring 2007 collection "Cyborgs rule, OK!". Supposedly inspired by retro sci-fi films like Metropolis, I'm imagining some fabulous retro futuristic glam. Unfortunately I've been having a hard time finding many images of Mala's work.

Her website is currently under construction, with a tongue and cheek claim that they ". . .currently have an army of robots working on this site."

If anyone knows where I can view more of her collection, let me know! And meanwhile I'll be checking the website until those robots are finished!

I want my Mooka Kinney!

I can't open a fashion magazine these days without seeing one of my favorite new labels: Mooka Kinney. From WWD, to Elle, and now Nylon: they're everywhere. . . And with good reason! Rachel Antonoff and Alison Lewis, the designing duo behind Mooka Kinney, seem to be on a mission to fill your closet with cuteness. Their designs are right on key with the 1970's retro childhood nostalgia/ thrift store chic that's currently so popular. .. As well as the current runway trends of 1960's jumpers and mini shift dresses. Their designs are available in fun fabrics that will have you wanting to relive your early years. My Little Ponies optional.

wig

I had some fun wearing a wig out to see my fav Atlanta band, the Selmanaires last night. This was a cheap, fun, wig. . . But the experience had me eyeing the Raquel Welch wig collection for some quality styles.

I'll be holidaying at the K Ranch with all of my favorite poodles and ponies (and family!). Happy Thanksgiving!

kate is great

I know some might think Kate Spade can be a bit too classic preppy. . But I love her whimsical designs, many of which seem to channel the simple elegance of the 1960's. Needless to say, I was delighted to get her holiday catalog in the mail today.
I think I might be in love with the apple green leather mittens trimmed in mink fur and lined in cashmere. . . But I wouldn't say no to these ladylike ones above, either! Santa, take note.

death attack

Illustrator/ Pratt grad/ silkscreen maven/ long time friend Alex Heir may have strong feelings about Tom Ford's former empire, but I think his Pusshead inspired illustations are just plain fun. Check out his website, deathattack.com for more of his skull fueled satires.

queen of the jungle

Ah, leopard. It never goes out of style, does it? Here is Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B. coat for Fall'06

And me, thrilled to be breaking out my faux leopord 1960's coat for yet another winter.

a very modern girl

I've been itching to watch an Audrey Hepburn movie.

This could be because of my current obsession with late 60's style: from pixie cuts to the mini dresses I've been stocking my closet with lately. I love these two images from How to Steal a Million. The makeup is inspiring, and the white hat looks like it came straight from Balenciaga's Fall '06 collection!

why not?

Why not wear your favorite summer sandals this winter, with stockings or socks?

bad day bad day bad day

And to make a nasty rainy day worse. . . It's 2am and I just got home via cabbie. Andrew and I got TWO flat tires on our car, coming home from drinking tea at Octane. Bummer.

wonderfully irregular shoes

Irregular Choice Shoes. . . They tend to be hit or miss. Some styles are decadent little works of art for your feet. Others, look like they couldn't possibley have been designed on planet Earth.
Either way, the label specializes in delightfully off-beat styles for those who crave a little bit more from a shoe. I adore these striped boots. . . They remind me of something Rod Stewart might have worn in his Faces' days: glam rock meets psychedelia. I just hope they won't end up looking too Motley Crue. In a bad way.

rain, rain. . .

On dreary rainy days like today a fashionable umbrella seems most essential. This victorian inspired one from Anthropologie suits me just fine, but the $158 price tag doesn't suit my bank account at all. I'd love to find a similarly fab, cheaper alternative. Any suggestions?

Love. Angel. Music. Baby.

Today Target releases the much anticipated (well, by some of us) Gwen Stefani dolls. Each different doll is designed to represent Gwen and her Harajuku Girls during their Harajuku Lovers tour. Look for your favorite outfit from the videos and tour. I think I'm going to have to get the Hollback drum major Gwen (The plaid lining on the cape is such a great detail), as well as the Tick Tock/ Alice In Wonderland doll.
While releasing doll versions of the Harajuku Girls was a neat idea, their outfits aren't especially inspiring. Baby does look hella cute, though, with her L.A.M.B.-esque sweater and afro puff.

Elvis is Everywhere!

Speaking of Elvis, I want to mention how much I love Kata Billups' Elvis paintings. I stumbled across her website while doing a research paper on Georgia's own Joni Mabe: Elvis Babe.
Unlike Mabe, Kata Billups' Elvis paintings aren't entirely shrines to the King. She works a hint of sarcastic commentary into her paintings: calling attention to retro sexism and the dark side of fame, while dazzling us with the mid-century Americana and kitsch we're all crazy for.
Sadly, I doubt I'll be able to afford an original Kata Billups painting(some of which have sold to the likes of Julia Roberts, Bon Jovi, R.E.M., and various country music stars). Prints of the original paintings are available at a lower price though, on ebay and her website. This way we can all take a little bit of Elvis home.

elvis and me

If I were to cite one book as essential reading, it would have to be Priscilla Presley's Elvis and Me. This is one crazy memoir, starting with the couples' courtship when Priscilla was only 14(!), and following their rocky romance until the King's premature death. Elvis, apparently, was one oppressive husband: he wouldn't let Priscilla get a job, or wear printed dresses (and this was the 1960's!). Still,I must admit that Elvis cultivated an extremely iconic look for his child bride. Fake eyelashes, black black hair, and mini dresses never go out of style. We love you Priscilla!

bagging the IT bag

I'm not too cool to admit to coveting the seasons' IT bags. I own a speedy Louis Vuitton (the one designed by Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, mind you, bought at a thrift for a fraction of the original price). A white Dior Gaucho saddle bag circa Spring 2006, and now I've welcomed a Chloe Paddington bag into my home. It, too, was a deal, and came accompanied by its original $1000 receipt, purchased in Paris. Oh la la. My kitty, Chloe, was especially excited to see it. She can hardly believe a big ol' fashion house would name itself after her.

local celebrity sighting!

Today I spotted Atlanta native, and Project Runway finalist, Michael, shopping in Little Five Points. I initially didn't recognize him, until he was accosted by a heard of teenage fans screaming "Michael! Loved you on Project Runway!" The tv celebrity was casual cool in his usual laid back hiphop style. He was checking out men's clothes at Stefan's Vintage Clothing. . . Personal shopping, or research for an upcoming men's line?

the future is now

Today I wanted to work some of the 'retro futurism' I've been seeing so much of on the spring '07 ready-to-wear runways. I love all of the mod influence mixed with sci-fi that's happening, particularly Balenciaga's gold lame robotic leggings!
I went for a cheaper interpretation of this look with silver leggings from American Apparel. I may just have to spring for the gold ones as well . . .

There's been much talk about spring '07's predominant themes of neo-Romanticism in the shape of lacy floral Gibson Girl looks (from Alexander McQueen) vs. the 1960's futuristic styles of metal, plastic, and miniskirts from Dolce and Gabanna, Chanel, and Balenciaga. As far as wear ability (and isn't that what the RTW collections are supposed to be about?), I'm going to have to cast my vote for the future!

supayana is supa cute!

Adorable New York gal Yana Gorbulsky makes some or the cutest shirts around for her clothing line, Supayana. The designs have a vintage girlie flair with fun pattern choices, bows, and buttons galore! I am addicted to her website, since it's frequently updated with one of a kind designs. These shirts sell out quickly, but Supayana is also for sale in weekly ebay auctions (with many eager bidders!).

The latest designs are looking winter appropriate, with cowl necks, 3/4 sleeves, and cozy plaid and houndstooth fabrics.

Start entering your maximum bids!

loss cat

Local Atlanta artist, R.Land, has completely charmed me with his series of 'Loss Cat' silkscreens. It's a departure from his usual cuddly ugly monster creations, and even has its own website!

Loss Cat has become a national phenomenon: it's now even available at Urban Outfitters. I think I'm going to have to buy a silkscreened print. . . I laugh everytime I see it. Maybe just because Loss Cat looks so much like my own kitty, Ronnie.

Foam.

Let's Talk About, Gwen Stefani

For sping '07 Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B. showed out with models sporting identical platinum wigs, rhasta safari confections, and the line's latest killer shoes and bags.
Gwen cited a very 70's inspiration, in Michelle Phifer from Scarface, for the collection. This also appears to be a look she'll be channeling for her forthcoming album, if its cover is any indication of what's to come.

Along with the gowns and tracksuits, L.A.M.B. also debuted its line of luxury handbags. This is great news for everyone that loves Gwen's style, but couldn't warm up to the nylon Lesportsac bags. Most of the bags are looking quite cute and promising. Though I couldn't help but notice how the the largest bag shown looks an awful lot like YSL's Muse bag. Nonetheless, I hear nordstrom.com will be carying them come December! (Mark your holiday wish list!)

Maybe most exciting are the shoes L.A.M.B. featured this time around. . . I'm loving the major stilletos, particullarly the boots with the built in 'spat' covering. Glam, yet very rock and roll. I'm glad to see the brand moving away from the outdoors-y sneakers and clogs from fall and producing some killer kicks appropriate for the dance floor.