Work It. Fall 2008 Part ONE

First of all, before I start I need to throw out a big hell yeah to Mario Testino. The September issue of VANITY FAIR contains an article and spread on the supermodels of the '90s and if you've read any of my previous posts, you know that those girls are forever divas in my book. So anyway, here's what he says in the article by Bob Colacello,

"Let's show those terrible actresses that it's all about fashion, beauty, chic," Testino exhorts, referring to the fact that for several years now Hollywood starlets have replaced models not only as Vogue cover girls but also as the highly paid faces of major cosmetics brands. "No, no not terrible--lovely actresses," Testino hastens to add.'

Okaaaaaay? Thank you Mario. Thank you.

So here's some stuff that I'm liking about Fall 08.

Two-tone tights from Chanel. Brilliant. Why? Because only the right person can wear these tights. All those peeps out there who are dying to know how much they cost better have long Giselle legs because bulgy, muscular calves will not do. Like, you really gotta have personal style for these. And chances are, if you're wondering or asking the internet gods how much they cost, you're not the right person to be wearing them. Ouch.

Of course, I lu-hu-huv the textured-tights-with-clunky-shoes look, mostly seen and superbly executed by Marni. Makes me really happy to live in a state where it gets cold. I obviously can't wear shoes with heels this high since my sorry ass has to walk everywhere, but I don't think they need to be that high to pull off the look. I like Marni's Fall collection too. The layers don't bother me and I like the basic color scheme--it's not all jewel-toned out.

Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Mascara: How crazy is that wand? It looks scary, like some weird micro organism you look at under a microscope. I wanna try it though. It's supposed to catch all the itsy-bitsy lashes your normal mascara brush misses. I don't know though. I wanna read reviews before I make the purchase. [photo from www.sephora.com].

Hmmmmm...what else. In terms of clothes, of course Marc Jacobs comes to mind. But that's a given. His shit is SO cute, always. [photo by www.nordstrom.com]



There's actually a lot that I'm not crazy about when it comes to Fall. Don't like the frilly tops, for example: and .
Nothing against Nanette Lepore and Robert Rodriguez (respectively) because they're just doing what they have to do every fall, but the frilly ruffles are so Jack Sparrow. Not to mention if you're not rail thin, you're just going to look like Meat Loaf circa 1970's (ew). [photos by www.nordstrom.com]


Anywayzzzzzzzzzz, that's my take on Fall 08 for now. I say go with basic, muted tones (grays, beige, brown, black, white) and then throw in one article of clothing or accessory that is jewel toned--my pick would be something emerald green. I'm not feeling burgundy or purple this time around. Maybe a nice deep red. Think Marni, Phillip Lim, Marc Jacobs.

Lookey Lookey Here....

So..... I was on the hunt for this months fashion magazines and being at Wal-Mart, I knew that my options were crazy slim. My eyes grazed over the usual lame-o's that are so not worth buying, and for the longest time, that included American Vogue (read earlier entry for some background info)...BUT to my great surprise, who do I see on the cover? KATE MOSS! (this isn't the picture (duh) but you get the gist)

Have the American fashion cherubs heard my cries and delivered the message to someone, anyone, at Vogue headquarters? Are they starting a new trend by putting models back on the covers? oh mi god. So of course I bought it and I didn't hate it. I'm not jumping ahead of myself though...we'll see if this new trend continues, or if next months issue will be Paltrow again, or like, Rhianna.

When I Grow Up

Ok, I know my last blog featured an older, yet fashionably fabulous woman. And after you read this blog, you may start to wonder if I am obsessed with wanting to be old. Honestly, growing older doesn't bother me at all. Especially if I am capable of looking like Carmen Dell'Orifice.
I know, I know. I'm not white. And I'm not thin. And I have curly hair. But it's her image. She's like seriously 77 years old. Yet, she exudes beauty and grace and makes a lot of "younger" models and so-called fashionista's look like they're all trying way too hard.
Carmen is a supermodel, still. She makes aging something to kinda look forward to. I read in an article that the main beauty product she uses is bag balm..the stuff they sell for cow teats that can be found at your local drugstore.
Seems simplicity works the best. I'm no fool though. I know that Carmen wears tons of make-up and probably uses the latest night beauty serum. And who knows? She may be a really mean-spirited person. I mean, really, it's not like I know her. But for what its worth, it's inspiring and uplifting to see a woman, at seventy-something years old, rocking her white hair like it's nothing and not looking like 'Old Mother Hubbard.

My Neverending Quest For The Perfect Eyeglass Frames

I've always a thing for thick, black frames. I think they're cool. I have a pair already (chanel) but I want an update. Ideally, I'd like to have them round and over-sized....
like Iris Barrel Apfel, who is too cool.



I don't know how I'll find these eyeglass frames...I think they have to be custom made--duh. Oh well, I found these for right now:
These will have to do.

omg. Dior. Your. Rings. Are. So. Me.

So like, I'm not a big jewelry person. I'm really not. I've tried the bracelet, necklace, earring, ring thing and I don't know...it never feels right. I only wear my wedding ring (awwwww, how cute) and am now considering wearing different earrings now that my hair is fabulously short.

BUT LO AND BEHOLD! Christian Dior's recent jewelry line has made a grand entrance into my life and it is very welcome. LOOK at the crazy cute yet sophisticated line. LOOK!!! How hot is the oui ring? What!

Now look at the cutest shit ever..the diorette collection. Flowers for days gurl, days. It's like having a bouquet growing out of your finger. I want. I want. I want.

It doesn't end here though. It doesn't.

Come to mama, gourmette de dior come home to mama. Yes, these are very nice. Very, very nice. But I can see how sometimes I may want to sport something like this: which is understandable since it looks like dripping gold. Dior's Nougat. love it. I would wear this with either a plain cotton white t-shirt, maybe even a husband beater, jeans (medium blue), and some cute Chanel ballerina flats. OR, a black dress (jersey), nude eyes, balmy cheeks and lips, sheer nails.

This one is borderline old lady, but I've always liked rings like this. It's simple, a plain old flower (well not plain...) meant to be worn solo on a bare hand with a sheer white nail color, or if you're at least kinda hip, something darker, like Vamp or Black Satin from Chanel---something contrasting its delicate nature. No bracelets..nothing to distract. The gwendoline ring. Perfection.

Why Sophia and Frida Rock.

Sophia Loren is one of the most beautiful women in the world. She has the perfect skin tone in that she can pull off any hair color. She is voluptuous and sexy and is Italian...how cool is that? BUT the coolest thing ever are these photos of her with hairy underarm pits. I don't mean hairy as in, like a wolf, but you get the point.

The pics, to me, are so liberating. (I actually have clearer images of these photos but you'll have to wait until I get back to NM to scan them.) Anyway, yes, these photos are liberating because they say that beauty is not confined to the so-called definition of what makes a woman beautiful. Hair grows naturally and, for too long, women have been made to feel completely embarrassed for having underarm hair.

Women need to wake up and understand that it's ok. It's natural. For the longest time, I could not, for the life of me, imagine having hair under my arms, much less letting anyone see them. It finally got to the point, after 20 years of shaving, that I shaved so much I was getting in-grown hairs that would form lumps, which scared me, being so close to my breasts. I began to rethink the bare underarm thing. Was it worth it? I began letting my hair grow and realized that I liked it. I wasn't worried about lumps and bumps, and most of all, it was a big 'fuck you' to conformity. I don't care if people see my underarm hair, and if it offends them or grosses them out, GOOD.
The same goes for Frida. She let her eyebrows and her moustache grow. Again, very liberating because Frida was still beautiful and more importantly, unique. She could have shaved and plucked, but didn't. I'll be honest though. There is obviously a difference when it's natural or when you have like a thyroid problem. I think in the case of Frida, it was natural. I think it's harder for women to let their facial hair grow--I mean let's face it, we live in a society where that's considered ugly, not exotic. But Frida didn't care and I think that's what made her so beautiful.
We need more women like Sophia and Frida to stop the brainwashing of women.

I Heart Sonia Rykiel's Tulip Sunglasses

omg. There are a few things that I love and have to have. No matter what. I don't care about the cost, who gets hurt, what bill doesn't get paid. This is one of those things:









These are too cute. I know, I know..the style isn't super original because I think Prada or some other label had sunglasses in this shape a few years ago, but these frames are so much sweeter. As of right now, these are IT for me. I want them. And I want them ni-zow.

But fabulousness goes beyond your classic black frames. I will always, always, fall back on black frames, but that doesn't mean I can't have these either:


These are ANGELIC. There are other non-black frames, like beige-ish/goldish with brown lens that are crazy cute too.

Thank you Sonia Rykiel, for coming out with these! They will do wonders for outfits and they are a definite must in my life!!