Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Entering Roger Rabbit Territory!
You know in cartoons where the character sees something he/she likes and their eyes bug out of their heads and their tongues unfurl from their mouths like amazingly long pink carpets? Sometimes steam comes out of the ears? Table-top fist pounding may ensue? Well, I just had a similar reaction (much to the horror of those around me) upon seeing a capelet by Mona & Holly. I didn't know I was capable of such a thing, but man, volume, big buttons and puff sleeves will get me every time:
Daydreaming
I am reading this book called "Stumbling on Happiness" by Daniel Gilbert, that was recommended to me by a friend. As much as I enjoy the interesting facts this book contains, I am still not sure of its point (even though I am halfway through it). An interesting point the author makes is that one thing that distinguishes us from animals is our ability to make detailed plans about the future. Our ability to daydream and plan actually gives us pleasure - since most of us are imagining nice futures for ourselves, instead of bleak ones. I must confess, I like to daydream, and my daydreams mostly revolve around what I would buy if I had the money (like Zac Posen's entire collection!). After realizing my fashion-centric ways, I decided to daydream more practically. Here is a fun exercise. Let's pretend that a stranger walked up to you and gave you $100. Assuming that you don't need this money to pay bills or buy groceries, what would you do with it? Here's how I would spend $100; which is a much more manageable daydream figure than $6 billion.
1) Three lip tints from NYX Cosmetics. NYX Cosmetics is new, affordable, and outrageously chic. They have great color palettes and great products. Plus, you won't break the bank buying these. Total for 3 liptints: $18.
2) Hummingbird Tights. The picture says it all ($32):
3) Snap Fold Over Booties from Urban Outfitters. I've been coveting these for awhile ($48):
Total Spent = $98
Sure, it's not that much stuff for $100, but they are things I've been wanting for awhile, and also versatile items that can single-handedly spice up my wardrobe. What would you buy with your $100?
1) Three lip tints from NYX Cosmetics. NYX Cosmetics is new, affordable, and outrageously chic. They have great color palettes and great products. Plus, you won't break the bank buying these. Total for 3 liptints: $18.
2) Hummingbird Tights. The picture says it all ($32):
3) Snap Fold Over Booties from Urban Outfitters. I've been coveting these for awhile ($48):
Total Spent = $98
Sure, it's not that much stuff for $100, but they are things I've been wanting for awhile, and also versatile items that can single-handedly spice up my wardrobe. What would you buy with your $100?
Monday, January 29, 2007
Midwestern Sensibilities
The latest issue of Nylon (Sienna Miller cover, February 2007, p. 48) touts the burgeoning hipster awesomeness of Kansas, a state just a little north of my own. Yes, my friends, the reputation of the midwest is a-changin'. This is no longer a refuge for hicks and Gloria Vanderbilt jeans clad soccer moms. The moms in our towns are wearing Gucci now (okay, at least Coach). While I was catching some awesome music (Mates of State, Broken Social Scene, Murder by Death, etc) at the Bleeding Kansas Music Festival in Lawrence, KS this summer, I happened across some very chic clothing vendors set up near the festivities. Here are some cool Kansan girls who did not get a mention in Nylon:
Katybird Designs.
Rare Adornment.
Castoffs 1977.
A Shade Crazy.
(The above are members of the group Kansas City Craft Mafia.)
I was particularly intrigued by this designer: Take a Halliday. Her clothes were so unique. She handmakes everything, and can custom make it to size. Plus, her price range was excellent. You can contact her on her website about custom clothes.
And as for you local Oklahoma readers, here is a list of my favorite stores to shop in. Stay tuned for a detail shopping guide to Oklahoma City, complete with interviews, directions and pictures. This will be hitting the blogosphere in the near future!
Blue 7 - I was their original employee back in the day. They've changed owners since then, but still remain the coolest shopping destination in the city. You can find Matt & Nat bags here, local artist designed clothing, an amazing range of indie designers, original art made by local artists, gifts, jewelry and more. It's the epitome of awesome.
5028 N. May Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
Bohemian Spirit - This slightly clausterphobic store carries some of the best vintage goods in the region. Unfortunately, the prices can be high, but the pieces you'll find are so very worth it. They carry kitschy household items, and just about every era of vintage clothing you can possibly imagine. They are in the process of moving right now, but they will soon be located at:
3021 N. Classen
OKC, OK
The Makeup Bar - Before we had a Sephora, we had the Makeup Bar. They've even garnered a write up in Lucky magazine. The owner likes to treat guests to martinis every so often. Come here for a knowledgeable and friendly staff, full service "bar" with facials, reflexology, massage, body treatments, and more. They carry great lines like Nars, Fresh, Cargo, and Tarte.
Lucca - I stumbled across this place in Penn Square Mall. It is independently owned, and should definitely be a free-standing store. It's far too hip for the mall. Think the coolness and trendiness of Forever 21, but with MUCH more quality pieces (and slightly pricier). They have everything your heart desires. I have never left there empty-handed, which is why I absolutely must not set foot in there between paychecks. If you haven't been to Lucca, you're seriously missing out.
Galaxy Vintage- Also located in Penn Square mall, these guys stock an awesome mix of vintage rock t-shirts, designer jeans, and vintage accessories. Plus, the employees that work there are always really cute.
My other favorite places (fashion or non-fashion related) are:
Books:
Aladdin's Books
Book Beat & Co. -great selection of used records
Bars:
The Red Rooster Bar - great neighborhood bar, plus cheap Killian's on tap!
Junior's - for a posh mafia-esque late night bar experience
Maker's Cigar Lounge in Bricktown
Thrift/Consignment/Antique:
Uptown Thrift
Old Paris Flea Market
Nearly New Shoppe on Western
Ancient of Days Antique Store on NW 10th
Any of the antique malls in Bethany
Goodwill
Bargain Thrift
Community Thrift Store
The Velvet Monkey
Sparkle Plenty Vintage
Jean's Vintage Clothing in Bethany
Food:
Galileo - great food, live music, and poetry slam nights!
Queen of Sheba - amazing and authentic Ethiopian food
La Baguette - authentic French food, w/ a kick ass bakery
Fuji Japanese Steakhouse in Edmond - best sushi I've ever had (and I used to live in California!)
Pho Bulos in Edmond - delicious Vietnamese Pho
The Grand House - catch their delightful dim sum on Sat and Sun mornings until 2pm
The Mantel - fancy shmancy, but very delicious.
Poblano's in North Park Mall - goddamn delicious Mexican food.
Shopping:
The Spiral Beadery - the ultimate hippie bead-girl store
The French Cowgirl
Gil's
On a Whim
Katybird Designs.
Rare Adornment.
Castoffs 1977.
A Shade Crazy.
(The above are members of the group Kansas City Craft Mafia.)
I was particularly intrigued by this designer: Take a Halliday. Her clothes were so unique. She handmakes everything, and can custom make it to size. Plus, her price range was excellent. You can contact her on her website about custom clothes.
And as for you local Oklahoma readers, here is a list of my favorite stores to shop in. Stay tuned for a detail shopping guide to Oklahoma City, complete with interviews, directions and pictures. This will be hitting the blogosphere in the near future!
Blue 7 - I was their original employee back in the day. They've changed owners since then, but still remain the coolest shopping destination in the city. You can find Matt & Nat bags here, local artist designed clothing, an amazing range of indie designers, original art made by local artists, gifts, jewelry and more. It's the epitome of awesome.
5028 N. May Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
Bohemian Spirit - This slightly clausterphobic store carries some of the best vintage goods in the region. Unfortunately, the prices can be high, but the pieces you'll find are so very worth it. They carry kitschy household items, and just about every era of vintage clothing you can possibly imagine. They are in the process of moving right now, but they will soon be located at:
3021 N. Classen
OKC, OK
The Makeup Bar - Before we had a Sephora, we had the Makeup Bar. They've even garnered a write up in Lucky magazine. The owner likes to treat guests to martinis every so often. Come here for a knowledgeable and friendly staff, full service "bar" with facials, reflexology, massage, body treatments, and more. They carry great lines like Nars, Fresh, Cargo, and Tarte.
Lucca - I stumbled across this place in Penn Square Mall. It is independently owned, and should definitely be a free-standing store. It's far too hip for the mall. Think the coolness and trendiness of Forever 21, but with MUCH more quality pieces (and slightly pricier). They have everything your heart desires. I have never left there empty-handed, which is why I absolutely must not set foot in there between paychecks. If you haven't been to Lucca, you're seriously missing out.
Galaxy Vintage- Also located in Penn Square mall, these guys stock an awesome mix of vintage rock t-shirts, designer jeans, and vintage accessories. Plus, the employees that work there are always really cute.
My other favorite places (fashion or non-fashion related) are:
Books:
Aladdin's Books
Book Beat & Co. -great selection of used records
Bars:
The Red Rooster Bar - great neighborhood bar, plus cheap Killian's on tap!
Junior's - for a posh mafia-esque late night bar experience
Maker's Cigar Lounge in Bricktown
Thrift/Consignment/Antique:
Uptown Thrift
Old Paris Flea Market
Nearly New Shoppe on Western
Ancient of Days Antique Store on NW 10th
Any of the antique malls in Bethany
Goodwill
Bargain Thrift
Community Thrift Store
The Velvet Monkey
Sparkle Plenty Vintage
Jean's Vintage Clothing in Bethany
Food:
Galileo - great food, live music, and poetry slam nights!
Queen of Sheba - amazing and authentic Ethiopian food
La Baguette - authentic French food, w/ a kick ass bakery
Fuji Japanese Steakhouse in Edmond - best sushi I've ever had (and I used to live in California!)
Pho Bulos in Edmond - delicious Vietnamese Pho
The Grand House - catch their delightful dim sum on Sat and Sun mornings until 2pm
The Mantel - fancy shmancy, but very delicious.
Poblano's in North Park Mall - goddamn delicious Mexican food.
Shopping:
The Spiral Beadery - the ultimate hippie bead-girl store
The French Cowgirl
Gil's
On a Whim
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Truly inspiring
In searching for new fashion blogs to read, I stumbled across something remarkable: a blast from the past. This blog is called Dorothy's Diary and is a woman's diary from 1945. Each day it is uploaded with a new entry that corresponds to the modern date. It mentions a lot of things about the fashion of the times. What an inspired and original take on the fashion blog!
The Next Big Thing
I've mentioned Fash Match before - a clever little site where you match outfits and can browse other users matches. Now, there is a host of fun new sites that allow you to do similar things. The ones I am really digging right now are:
- The Wists feature on Popgloss. Sign up for wists and drag a handy little link to your toolbar and you can add any and everything to your "Wist-List." This makes remembering something you saw on the internet so much easier. Now you won't have to hunt through your History in order to find that beloved item again. My Wistlist can be found here.
- Trendmill is going to be the next big online community. And the best part about it is that it revolves around fashion. Create a profile and you can instantly update what you're wearing and check out other people's fashion pictures. Create an "Entourage" of friends (similar to a friends list on My Style Diary, but far more interactive). You can also vote on the coolness of new fashion items, read articles by other Trendmill members and more. I could play with this site for hours. My Trendmill profile can be found here
- The Wists feature on Popgloss. Sign up for wists and drag a handy little link to your toolbar and you can add any and everything to your "Wist-List." This makes remembering something you saw on the internet so much easier. Now you won't have to hunt through your History in order to find that beloved item again. My Wistlist can be found here.
- Trendmill is going to be the next big online community. And the best part about it is that it revolves around fashion. Create a profile and you can instantly update what you're wearing and check out other people's fashion pictures. Create an "Entourage" of friends (similar to a friends list on My Style Diary, but far more interactive). You can also vote on the coolness of new fashion items, read articles by other Trendmill members and more. I could play with this site for hours. My Trendmill profile can be found here
Saturday, January 27, 2007
In My Room
I now live in a much smaller place than I used to, and even when I had more room I still complained about lack of space. My shoe, purse and jewelry collection had certainly gotten out of hand. So, I stored about 3/4 of it all and brought about 1/4 of it with me. Even with a greatly reduced supply, I am still overwhelmed by things. Thankfully, Ikea and the local thrift store have helped me economize my space. Now my room is my sanctuary, and very, very reflective of Me. I absolutely adore it. Let me take you on a tour:
^This is where it all begins, with a stack of books by the bed. Books are also a part of my storage problem. At my old home, my built in floor-to-ceiling bookshelves were overflowing, and so were my 8 other separate bookcases. In fact, there were about 5 boxes of books that I never got to unpack. I just brought the essentials with me here.
^A few years ago I just had to have a vanity. Months of prowling around local antique stores brought me this real maple 1930's gem. It cost me a mere $250. It's kind of covered in makeup, concert ticket stubs, toiletries, jewelry boxes, candles and incense, but its beauty still shines through. This is where I get ready every morning.
^I love this trashcan. I bought it for $8 at a local vintage store called Bohemian Spirit. Next to it is my yoga mat and stack of magazines.
^You can't really tell but over 600 CD's are crammed into this small bookcase that my mother handpainted (ain't she talented?!). I am one of the biggest audiophiles you will ever meet. Music is my life, even moreso than fashion.
^This really shows off my playful side. I have been collecting owls since I was 10, and that is one of my favorite owl statues/candle holders. I also collect action figures and comic books (as you can tell). Homer Simpson was won for me out of one of those claw-handle machines by my dear friend Mike, and the teddy bear next to him is Cinnabear and he's been with me since I was a wee little girl. I love my Cary Grant pop art painting, and the painting below it (Vice Grips) was done by a local artist named Clint Stone. He is fabulous. Oh yeah, and my curtains are folded up that way because my evil kitten, Emerson, likes to claw them, unless they are out of reach.
^I am obsessed with A Clockwork Orange. Also, to the right of my humidifier you'll see a tin with geishas painted on it. I've started collecting old tea and perfume tins from antique stores. They make great pencil cups! Oh, and hanging from the bottom left of the Clockwork Orange poster is a ginormous New Kids on the Block button. Rock!
^REM will always be the #1 love of my life.
Is turquoise my favorite color? Definitely.
^My artfully arranged necklaces and collection of vintage postcards can be seen here. Yes, that is a GIANT turtle necklace on the left.
^My best friend Kody got me the voodoo poster in New Orleans, and I got that awesome clock at Target. Right below that is a cut-out of what my computer came wrapped in. When I opened the box, my roommate Kelly laughed and said, "Don't choke on your laptop!!" because, in case you can't tell, that is a little symbol of a man choking. To the right you can kind of see my favorite paintings of all time: realistic oil paintings of various owls purchased a thrift store for a total of $4.50.
The mug on my windowsill is a Moustache Mug. It has a little "lip" in it that protects a man's moustache as he drinks. It is one of my favorite antique store finds EVER (got it for $7). The pictures are illustrations from an ancient book on Indian folk dances, and the center antique perfume tin holds my hair clippies. Below it is a huge bin filled with purses. Oh the delight that bin holds!
^My favorite chair, me mum also painted this one.
^This is Bruce, named for Bruce Campbell because of his role in Evil Dead 2 where there is talking zombie deer head on the wall. Bruce is the awesomest thing I own. He only cost me $12 and he always makes me smile. He is wearing handcuffs because I wanted to hang cool things from his horns, but so far handcuffs are the only thing I've come up with.
*Not pictured: 1) My evil kitten, 2) My bed, because Evil Kitten had an "accident" on my bedspread last night, and 3) A vintage poster of John Lee Hooker.
You probably have a pretty good idea of my personality now, don't you? Or at least, you really want to go antiquing with me. :)
^This is where it all begins, with a stack of books by the bed. Books are also a part of my storage problem. At my old home, my built in floor-to-ceiling bookshelves were overflowing, and so were my 8 other separate bookcases. In fact, there were about 5 boxes of books that I never got to unpack. I just brought the essentials with me here.
^A few years ago I just had to have a vanity. Months of prowling around local antique stores brought me this real maple 1930's gem. It cost me a mere $250. It's kind of covered in makeup, concert ticket stubs, toiletries, jewelry boxes, candles and incense, but its beauty still shines through. This is where I get ready every morning.
^I love this trashcan. I bought it for $8 at a local vintage store called Bohemian Spirit. Next to it is my yoga mat and stack of magazines.
^You can't really tell but over 600 CD's are crammed into this small bookcase that my mother handpainted (ain't she talented?!). I am one of the biggest audiophiles you will ever meet. Music is my life, even moreso than fashion.
^This really shows off my playful side. I have been collecting owls since I was 10, and that is one of my favorite owl statues/candle holders. I also collect action figures and comic books (as you can tell). Homer Simpson was won for me out of one of those claw-handle machines by my dear friend Mike, and the teddy bear next to him is Cinnabear and he's been with me since I was a wee little girl. I love my Cary Grant pop art painting, and the painting below it (Vice Grips) was done by a local artist named Clint Stone. He is fabulous. Oh yeah, and my curtains are folded up that way because my evil kitten, Emerson, likes to claw them, unless they are out of reach.
^I am obsessed with A Clockwork Orange. Also, to the right of my humidifier you'll see a tin with geishas painted on it. I've started collecting old tea and perfume tins from antique stores. They make great pencil cups! Oh, and hanging from the bottom left of the Clockwork Orange poster is a ginormous New Kids on the Block button. Rock!
^REM will always be the #1 love of my life.
Is turquoise my favorite color? Definitely.
^My artfully arranged necklaces and collection of vintage postcards can be seen here. Yes, that is a GIANT turtle necklace on the left.
^My best friend Kody got me the voodoo poster in New Orleans, and I got that awesome clock at Target. Right below that is a cut-out of what my computer came wrapped in. When I opened the box, my roommate Kelly laughed and said, "Don't choke on your laptop!!" because, in case you can't tell, that is a little symbol of a man choking. To the right you can kind of see my favorite paintings of all time: realistic oil paintings of various owls purchased a thrift store for a total of $4.50.
The mug on my windowsill is a Moustache Mug. It has a little "lip" in it that protects a man's moustache as he drinks. It is one of my favorite antique store finds EVER (got it for $7). The pictures are illustrations from an ancient book on Indian folk dances, and the center antique perfume tin holds my hair clippies. Below it is a huge bin filled with purses. Oh the delight that bin holds!
^My favorite chair, me mum also painted this one.
^This is Bruce, named for Bruce Campbell because of his role in Evil Dead 2 where there is talking zombie deer head on the wall. Bruce is the awesomest thing I own. He only cost me $12 and he always makes me smile. He is wearing handcuffs because I wanted to hang cool things from his horns, but so far handcuffs are the only thing I've come up with.
*Not pictured: 1) My evil kitten, 2) My bed, because Evil Kitten had an "accident" on my bedspread last night, and 3) A vintage poster of John Lee Hooker.
You probably have a pretty good idea of my personality now, don't you? Or at least, you really want to go antiquing with me. :)
Friday, January 26, 2007
Creative Idea
Once, a long time ago, I stumbled across an antique oak drawer utensil divider at a thrift store. The wood was beautiful and before long I had a stroke of genius to buy it to keep my meager amount of jewelry in. Over the years, I have amassed this insane collection of jewelry and something had to be done about this now-too-small antique container. Most of what takes up space is what I call my "danglies" (sounds a bit rude, doesn't it?), which refers to my excessively dangly earrings. What to do with these space hogs, I wondered?
Then a flash of brilliance hit me: I also collect vintage scarves and had recently purchased 4 for $1 at a thrift store. I thought one in particular, a stripey polyester number, would look cool if I tacked it to the wall vertically and stuck my earrings through. And I did just that. Here is the end result -and a space saving solution for where to put me danglies. ;)
Then a flash of brilliance hit me: I also collect vintage scarves and had recently purchased 4 for $1 at a thrift store. I thought one in particular, a stripey polyester number, would look cool if I tacked it to the wall vertically and stuck my earrings through. And I did just that. Here is the end result -and a space saving solution for where to put me danglies. ;)
Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes!
So, High Fashion Girl has been going through a lot of changes lately. I have a new job working in an inner-city shelter for at-risk youth. It is absolutely as fulfilling and challenging as it sounds. I also get to put my fashion and makeup experience at work to get closer to the girls, who can be rather distant and standoffish with the staff. I recently witnessed the eyes of a young runaway 16-year old girl light up at the mention of Gucci. Let me tell you, fashion has permeated layers of our culture heretofore unknown.
Also, I have joined the Delighful Blogs network, the Budget Fashionista's Project Blog database, and the new Lucky Mavens site run by Lucky Magazine. Be sure to check out these great online fashion and blogging communities!
In addition to this, I will be doing a mini-series of articles at Jargon Chicago on fashion sub-genres. My first article will be about GOTHS. This should be very interesting. ;-)
Also, for sale on Ebay I have a kick-ass pair of Faryl Robins up. They're really gorgeous shoes, so if you're interested just click that little ebay link below my profile.
Last, but certainly not least, the most exciting news HFG has received in a long time has arrived: I will be quoted in the New York Times in a style article by Times reporter Ruth LaFerla. Can you say "kvelling?" My friends and I are going to hold a big New York Times party to celebrate. We will all wear black, act aloof, drink cosmos and manhattans and listen to the following (awesome) New York Mix CD I've put together:
Simon and Garfunkel - The Only Living Boy in New York
Belle and Sebastian - Piazza New York Catcher
Stars - Fairytale of New York (Pogues cover)
They Might Be Giants - New York City
Squad 5-0 - Bombs over Broadway (teehee!)
The Wombats - Moving to New York
Kool G Rap - Streets of New York
Sophie Ellis-Bexor - New York City Lights
James Brown - Down and Out in New York City
Duke Ellington - Blue Belles of Harlem
Herman Dune - Take Him to New York City
The Black Keys - Brooklyn Bound
Montt Mardie - New York
Bob Dylan - Hard Times in New York Town
LCD Soundsystem - New York I Love You
New York Dolls - Personality Crisis
Regina Spektor - Back of a Truck
Alice Cooper - Big Apple Dreamin'
Velvet Underground - Chelsea Girls
Death Cab - Coney Island
Billy Joel - New York State of Mind
The Raveonettes - New York was Great
David Bowie - New York's In Love
The Strokes - New York City Cops
Magnetic Fields - The Luckiest Guy on the Lower East Side
The Beach Boys - The Girl from New York City
Needless to say, High Fashion Girl is back in business and going full throttle. I've missed all of your lovely comments and conversations. I hope to soon rekindle that flame of fashion passion in your hearts (okay, that was unecessarily cheesy!).
Also, I have joined the Delighful Blogs network, the Budget Fashionista's Project Blog database, and the new Lucky Mavens site run by Lucky Magazine. Be sure to check out these great online fashion and blogging communities!
In addition to this, I will be doing a mini-series of articles at Jargon Chicago on fashion sub-genres. My first article will be about GOTHS. This should be very interesting. ;-)
Also, for sale on Ebay I have a kick-ass pair of Faryl Robins up. They're really gorgeous shoes, so if you're interested just click that little ebay link below my profile.
Last, but certainly not least, the most exciting news HFG has received in a long time has arrived: I will be quoted in the New York Times in a style article by Times reporter Ruth LaFerla. Can you say "kvelling?" My friends and I are going to hold a big New York Times party to celebrate. We will all wear black, act aloof, drink cosmos and manhattans and listen to the following (awesome) New York Mix CD I've put together:
Simon and Garfunkel - The Only Living Boy in New York
Belle and Sebastian - Piazza New York Catcher
Stars - Fairytale of New York (Pogues cover)
They Might Be Giants - New York City
Squad 5-0 - Bombs over Broadway (teehee!)
The Wombats - Moving to New York
Kool G Rap - Streets of New York
Sophie Ellis-Bexor - New York City Lights
James Brown - Down and Out in New York City
Duke Ellington - Blue Belles of Harlem
Herman Dune - Take Him to New York City
The Black Keys - Brooklyn Bound
Montt Mardie - New York
Bob Dylan - Hard Times in New York Town
LCD Soundsystem - New York I Love You
New York Dolls - Personality Crisis
Regina Spektor - Back of a Truck
Alice Cooper - Big Apple Dreamin'
Velvet Underground - Chelsea Girls
Death Cab - Coney Island
Billy Joel - New York State of Mind
The Raveonettes - New York was Great
David Bowie - New York's In Love
The Strokes - New York City Cops
Magnetic Fields - The Luckiest Guy on the Lower East Side
The Beach Boys - The Girl from New York City
Needless to say, High Fashion Girl is back in business and going full throttle. I've missed all of your lovely comments and conversations. I hope to soon rekindle that flame of fashion passion in your hearts (okay, that was unecessarily cheesy!).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
