Vintage Mizrahi

As of lately, I've been using my Netflix account not to rent the latest and greatest movie releases, but to rent fashion and music documentaries. A few weeks ago I received the Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton documentary which was a hit! Loved, loved it. This week, to my delight, Unzipped was delivered to my mailbox. You might be thinking Un-what? I know it's a bit 90s but this is a classic fashion documentary that follows designer Isaac Mizrahi around as he prepares for his 1994 Collection titled, "Unzipped." Mizrahi is dramatic, honest, moody, funny, energetic, genius and overall creative. A great highlight of the film is when you meet his models: Kate, Cindy, Naomi, Amber, Linda, Christy and Kate. Have you heard of them? And the best part is when Linda Evangelista and Naomi Campbell get in a cat fight over heels vs. flat. Watch it here. It should go down in model catfight history. The first of many "behind the runway" catfights. Aside from the model drama, it is amazing to see where Isaac gets his inspiration from- "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "Nanook of the North." With cameos from Andre Leon Talley, Eartha Kitt, Ingrid Sischy, John Galliano and Sarah Mizrahi (his mother) this is a great inside look into Mizrahi's mindset and talent. The tidbits of black and white reels along with confessional segments is something we see in modern day docs and TV. What a trendsetter. I love you Isaac. Love when you first designed for Target, loved your cameo in Sex and the City and love you in The Fashion Show.

*Images courtesy of wikipedia.org, pagesonline.it, fashionencyclopedia.com

Check out Chan Luu

I thought I was over wrap bracelets for the moment, but then I discovered these unique ones by Chan Luu. We just got them at my store and I absolutely love them. This one in particular is gold vermeil faceted beads loomed on Greek leather with a gold vermeil button closure. It wraps around most wrists about 5 times and is perfect for layering with other bracelets or bangles. Chan Luu, a graduate of Boston University and FIDM, has been designing jewelry since 1996. A previous apparel buyer and boutique owner, Luu followed her desire to design and made it come true. Now, her goods are found all over the globe at Neiman's, Sak's, Bergdorf Goodman, Harvey Nichols and the list goes on and on. And her collection goes in depth with regards to the wrap bracelet. Luu has designs that wrap around the wrist ten times (can also serve as a necklace), one with multi-strands of leather and offers all of them all in a variety of colors, precious metals, semi-precious stones and pearls. Although they are a bit pricey, ranging form $170- $500, it is worth it and will be a great staple in your collection. I know, I know you're thinking you can get something similar at H and M or Forever 21 but you're wrong, you can't and if you do it will turn your skin green. If you need further validation, celebrities wear Luu's jewelry. The roster includes Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Sandra Bullock, Janet Jackson, Christina Aguilera and yes, Britney Spears! Check out her necklaces, earrings, fine jewelry and silk/cashmere scarves as well.

*Image courtesy of chanluu.com

National Celebrate your Skinny Jeans Day

During my insomnia the other night, I was up watching E! News and there was an annoying segment on how skinny jeans are dangerous to your health. I scoffed at the notion and was about to turn it off, but then I was kind of intrigued. Some shiny faced journalist from a fitness magazine said that skinny jeans can cause a condition called, lipoatrophia semicircularism, in which mechanical pressure on the thighs can cause skin depressions due to atrophy of the subcutaneous tissue. Huh? In other words the jeans are too tight and your thighs get messed up. She went on to say that skinny jeans cause fertility issues in both men and women as well as digestive problems. And then she launched a revolution to rid of all skinny jeans. Yeah, like everyone is going to start to wear flare or bootcut jeans. Why would E! present such a debbie downer segment when they feature all the hot celebrities who wear skinny jeans? And its such a fallacy as well. I've never heard of anyone having such problems. Skinny jeans should be taut and fitted, but not too constricted where its pressing up uncomfortably against your babymaker. So I'm going to declare today, in my grand little world, "National Celebrate your Skinny Jeans Day." And I'd like to kick it off by sending a big shot out to Susie Crippen and Jeff Rudes, the creators of JBrand denim who basically re-launched and re-introduced the skinny jean trend into mainstream fashion. Thank you for having the skinny jean evolve ever so eloquentely in the past 5 years. Of course we have to look way back to the punk movement in the 70's where The Ramones and Sex Pistols were wearing the tightest jeans ever (thanks Vivienne Westwood- never afraid to rebel) and then into the 80's where Mick Jagger, Pat Benetar and Chrissie Hynde rocked them as well. Thank you, thank you!

The Ramones

Chrissie Hynde


Katie Holmes in J Brand's "The Deal"


Rihanna in J Brand's "912 Oz"


Vanessa Hudgens in J Brand's "910 Skinny"


Lauren Conrad in J Brand's "912 Wounded Knee"

Jada Pinkett Smith in J Brand's "912 Pencil"

*Images courtesy of jbrandjeans.com, wikipedia.org, content.answers.com

Signature Sequin

For the past few months, I've been obsessing about buying some sequin pieces, may they be vests, jackets, tops or skirts. I hope this doesn't make me sound like a Vegas showgirl, but sequin done right can be just glorious and iconic at the same time. And I know that I'm not far off because this trend was seen on the runway for Fall 2009 collections. 3.1 Phillip Lim, Alexander McQueen, Badgley Misckha, Chanel, Diane Von Furstenburg, Thakoon, Gucci, Michael Kors, Matthew Williamson, Balmain and many others all presented some beautiful sequin pieces. Some were embellished lightly with sequin, others were heavily adorned with them. As smart as it would be for me to spend $1,500 and up on something from those collections, I find it best to stay more within my price range. Here are some attainable pieces that have caught my eye. So shiny.

Robert Rodriguez Sequin Jacket


Gryphon "The Sequins Short"

Alice + Olivia Sequin Top with Oversized Armholes

See by Chloe Sequin Camo Blouse

* Images courtesy of shopbop.com

Singer 22 Super Sale!

I usually can't stand going through sale racks because I wasn't born with the patience. I do, however enjoy flipping through web pages all while the comforts in my own bed, watching reality television (tonight it's Miami Social). Singer22.com, a favorite website of mine is having a ridiculously good sale. Take 20% off already marked down items! Yay! Here's to building your contemporary label collection! And let me tell you, I've surveyed the sale items and there are some good finds. They include:

J Brand "Wounded Knee" Jeans
Dolce Vita "Air" Sandals
Vince Cardigans
Kettle Black Boyfriend Shirts
Alice + Olivia Dresses
Madison Marcus Jackets

...And so much more!!!

Determine your checking account or credit card balance and budget for this sale- it's too good to pass up. Log off this blog and buy now! Let's get the economy jump started in the name of contemporary trends!

Date Night

It seems as though my boyfriend, Steven and I can never escape our busy schedules for a date night. When I'm free, he's working late. When he's available, I'm glued to my laptop tending to work or school. And then throw Rocco, our wonderful bundle of joy into the mix and well you get the idea. I'm over it. No more excuses. I'm scheduling date night each week and were going to hit the town. I also like to use date night as a reason to play dress up. As you know by now, fashion to me, is incorporated into everything I do. I have a new Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Smocked Wrap Dress that I've been dying to wear and its debuting this week. Going to pair with Charles by Charles David "Glad" Wedge and a Rebecca Minkoff MAC.

Were going to go to Ginza Sushi in Tiburon. This is an amazing sushi joint tucked away on Main Street in downtown Tiburon, adjacent to the area's historic Ark Row. The interior is full of modern furniture and sleek, sparkly granite tabletops and counters. My favorite dishes from this place include the Hamachi Carpaccio. The hamachi is so fresh, it melts in your mouth and the ponzu sauce is a perfect balance between tart and sweet. Other popular dishes include the Seafood Udon which is stocked full of squid, shrimps and scallops; the Sunomono Salad that combines snowcrab meat, cucumbers, and sesame seeds; and the Aussie Roll, a shrimp tempura roll topped with crab, avocado, jalapeno and tobiko. And the Sake menu is diverse offering a variety of dry and sweet selections. Perhaps after dinner, we will head to the iconic Sam's Anchor Cafe, a local watering hole, for a few stiff ones.

Oh date night, how I look forward to thee.

*Images courtesy of Saksfifthavenue.com, nordstrom.com, ginzasushi.com

The Unveiling of Ms. Wintour

My friends have been buzzing about the new documentary, The September Issue, a fashion tell all of the preparations of the ever monumental Vogue September issue. Wow that can't sound too exciting, you ask? Well you're wrong because it will follow the ever controversial Vogue editor in chief, Anna Wintour! I think everyone can remember The Devil Wears Prada, where Amanda Priestly's character played by Meryl Streep was based on Anna Wintour. Well, in real life here are some of her criticisms: She's told Oprah and Andre Leon Talley to lose weight, she's been sued by past coworkers, she's requested that Milan Fashion Week move around their shows to fit her schedule, she's supposedly had affairs with key people to advance her own career and the list goes on and on. On top of that she's been deemed "cold" and "aloof." Hmmm...well all I can say is that this documentary will finally let us see a snippet of her real self. She's so private so I find it surprising that she's even gracing the big screen. I have to admit, I saw her in a segment in the Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton documentary, and she seemed poised, humble and grateful to sit in on Jacob's runway preview. Best you believe that I will be there opening day, September 11, in my Manolos and oversized Chanel shades watching intently. Please check out the preview here. It's spellbinding. I got chills. Notice her "Madonna Esque" eye blinks-she's fierce.

*Images courtesy of imdb.com

Half Shaved Hotness? I think so.

So I kinda just ignored it when singer Cassie rocked a half shaved head hairstyle...didn't really flinch when Carmen Electra dabbled into the trend as well, but now Rihanna has succumbed to the pressure! And I gotta say I love it on her! Maybe it's because I expect something uber avante garde from her based on her eclectic and fierce fashion sense. According to rumors, Rihanna's hairstyle wasn't for her own doing, but for a recent Italian Vogue shoot and was cut by celebrity hairstylist, Ursula Stephen. For some reason, I feel if Rihanna was around in the 1960's, she would have been part of the Youthquake movement and definitely would have been besties with Andy Warhol, hanging out at The Factory all day long.

*Images courtesy of icydk.com

A Taste of New York in the 323

Okay, so a much needed trip to L.A. must be planned soon. I'm needing to get my hands on some items that can't be found around here. And I'm so over online shopping at this moment. I'm not asking for a week, just a quick weekend getaway. And this time, my sights are not set on Kitson, Lisa Kline or Madison (The Robertson Blvd. Elite). I'm off to Maxfield, Ron Herman and most importantly Confederacy, a relatively new store that is entirely unique to Hollywood. The concept of this store is old New York with bits of Americana and the 1940's. The goods are a mix of contemporary and luxury brands ranging from Alexander Wang to Givenchy to Rebecca Minkoff. There's a shoe living room and a 1950's/60's inspired tea room for private fittings for clients. And the best part includes vintage phone booths that serve as the dressing rooms. You summon the front desk via antique phones to get sizes and styles without having to step out of the dressing room. That is magic and so much fun! Not only can I shop for some amazing pieces from labels such as Commes des Garcon, A.L.C. and Olga Kapustina but I can pretend I'm in a museum, immersed in some serious east coast culture. This cleverly constructed store comes from the masterminds of actor Danny Masterson and Ilaria Urbinati, former buyer for Satine and Milk. Even the staff gets to wear uniforms designed by Rag and Bone and they constantly change to reflect the current collections in the store. Must be nice to have to wear mandatory Rag and Bone attire to work. They are even planning on opening the popular Brooklyn coffee spot, Gimme Coffee in the courtyard cafe. That's pretty legit. Got to hand it to Danny Masterson...didn't know what was going to happen to you post That 70's show, but you've done good, you've done me proud.

Whiz Kids: Danny Masterson and Ilaria Urbinati

*Images courtesy of shopconfederacy.com

Current Style Idol

As "The Rachel Zoe Project" Season 2 nears its debut in late August, I'm getting excited to see what great style Taylor Jacobson (one of Zoe's assistant) will serve up. I absolutely adored her in in Season 1 as the witty and moody busy gal who was constantly annoyed with Brad Goreski, the rookie of the Zoe camp. She always seemed to look effortlessly stylish and cool as she ran around town, juggling her own styling gigs while catering to Zoe. What I didn't know is that Jacobson has quite an impressive resume that includes working as a wardrobe assistant for Gwen Stefani's Harajuku Lover's Tour and The Chronicles of Narnia. Look likes she is always wanting to expand her horizons even though she does work for the most sought after stylists in Hollywood. Geez Taylor, can you share your insight? I will use you as my current inspiration especially when I'm coordinating my outfits.

*Images courtesy of Bravotv.com

You had me at studs, leather and double handles.

Just when I feel as though I'm set with my handbag collection at least for 6 months, I find a new "it" bag that I'm obsessed with. Ugh, why sartorial Gods, why? The newest to grab a hold of my heart is the "Mister" by contemporary label, Novella Royale. This studded bad ass bag is sure enough to put major swagger in my walk. No seriously, that is how I feel when I see it. The rows of large studs lined on a simple double handle bag is an even mix of punk goodness and luxury. And the process of making these bags is super cool. They are constructed of recycled vintage leather jackets and lined with organic fabric. Designed and Manufactured in Los Angeles, each bag is one of a kind. It first caught my attention in the August issue of Elle under the Editor's Pick's section (how to emulate LA style) and now I visit it everyday online like a lovesick puppy. A definite must for Fall, I think the "Mister" will get along nicely with its new friends and my reliable "besties" for life- Marc, Louis, Gucci, Foley, Rebecca, JJ and Botkier.

*Image Courtesy of pinkmascara.com

Chop, Chop it Off

I envisioned myself having uber long, flowing hair until my departure from Graduate School. I did this pretty well for about 3 years via hair extensions, patience and deep conditioning treatments. Oh how I wanted to wait until I completed my thesis. For some reason I equated long locks with being rebellious and avante garde- they type of mindset I've been in since starting school (also thought is was very Parisian of me). Truth be told, my long hair was annoying me. I started to realize that my mane looked less like Olivia Palermo and more like Courtney Love . All jokes aside and no offense to Ms. Love, I needed a more updated do that would shape my face more eloquently. When I noticed Jessica Alba's short bob, I got inspired. I did go a bit lighter and am wearing bangs swept to the side, though. See for yourself. Before and After.

From Top to Bottom: Me with long hair at a Madonna Trannyshack soiree in San Francisco, Me Modeling the do' (in Cynthia Vincent dress) my son Rocco and I at his 4th Birthday Party (in Cynthia Vincent top and Tom Ford sunglasses) and Jessica Alba (my inspiration).

*Images courtesy of justjared.buzznet.com

I say "Punk it Up"

After much debate, I've decided to pay homage to my roots and youth and attend the No Doubt concert. And why did I fight the urge for so long? I go to guilty pleasure concerts all the time, a la Miss Britney Spears this past spring. I guess maybe I know that Gwen won't be doing her solo work so I'm a bit hesitant. Also, the band itself hasn't had any new singles so basically it's a reunion tour. Well it is what it is. I thought it would give me an opportunity to get inspired clothing wise. Ms. Stefani has just recently donned the cover of Elle Magazine in an amazing Louis Vuitton ensemble as well as the rest of the issue in brands such as Current Elliott and DSquared. If anything it's going to be great to see Gwen in her No Doubt character wearing contemporary and luxury brands onstage in comparison to the past when she'd run around in Dickies and cropped tanks.


Going through my closet, my wardrobe has shifted just as Gwen's. In high school, everything was vintage and thrift store, thus meaning I was uber "cool" and somewhat of a scenester. During college, I ditched most of those finds and started experimenting with designer denim, pricey jumpsuits, Gucci handbags, and stilettos. Now in my mid 20's I've gone for exclusive denim, luxury and contemporary brands, and iconic as well as classic items. I think tonight, I will mix it all up to create a slightly punk theme- something No Doubt esque, but nothing too juvenile. Check out my digs.

From Top to Bottom: Current Elliot 1968 Love Destroyed Skinny Jeans, Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Clutch, Kettle Black Studded Converse.

Pairing all this with a black ribbed tank will prove for an appropriate outfit for the show. Although No Doubt isn't necessarily punk rock music, it's still fun to play the part. Now, all I need is a fun red lipstick that I haven't worn in years. Who knows I may have a blast tonight? I can still remember driving around screaming "I'm Just a Girl!" It was so liberating at the time.

*Images courtesy of fashionista.com, shopbop.com, singer22.com, rebeccaminkoff.com