So it seems Cory Kennedy’s been up to her usual tricks. Partying til 6 in the morning and getting herself noticed by hitting all the hot music venues wearing a montage of stylish gear. As her popularity grows, you can’t help but wonder what is it about her that people find so interesting? I’ve concluded that there are two points of intrigue. Her style and her lifestyle.

Style-wise Cory possesses both the ability to throw together an outfit that ends up looking effortlessly cool and somehow manages to make a pair of $700 boots look like she found them behind a dumpster. It’s a strong combination of both and neither of which should be taken for granted. And although the later may seem like a downfall, it’s exactly the opposite. Taking a high fashion item and pairing it with casual pieces makes it wearable throughout her inner circle. Cory’s following is a young, hip crowd rather than women of refined sophistication. So the “downgrade” she brings to high fashion couture is actually an introduction of versatility..Giving the ok to hipsters everywhere to step out of their black grubs and embrace a look that’s loyal to their code of artsy rebellion while appearing fashionable.

Here Cory Kennedy wears a simple tshirt, wild screen printed leggings and Emilio Pucci rain boots. She doesn’t reserve the Pucci boots for a special occasion or even a wet, rainy night. Instead she pairs them with a colorful outfit and ends up looking rad.

Cory pulls it off because she dresses like she doesn’t give a shit when she clearly cares a great deal about fashion and devotes a lot of time and energy to branding her style. And people have taken notice. Needless to say, she’s working with a well fortified wardrobe to start. So even if she dresses every morning by picking up the first article of clothing on her floor, chances are it’ll be a coveted funky piece to work with. She obviously has a love of shopping, a daring take on fashion and a steady cash flow to support it all.

This Spring, we’ve all had a wake up call- thanks to the skinny jeans. Every trend is not for everyone. Lesson learned. So, I have to stand my ground with suspenders.

I’m not a masculine dresser even when the trend calls for it. I don’t own a boxy shirt dress and will never wear a man’s tie. The closest I’ve come to dressing manly may be the little boy’s polo shirt I have in bright yellow, which of course is a few sizes too small. Therefore, I’ve decided I will not be partaking in the suspenders trend when it invades the streets this fall. Although it leans towards masculinity, that’s really not what turns me off. Frankly, I think it looks goofy and seems more like a costume than fashion. Sure it looks ok on the models, but not great. And what doesn’t look decent on a 5’11” frame with 34 inch hips swaggering down the runway? I can’t help but be reminded of an over-sized clown suit with floppy shoes and a big red nose- a look that clearly can’t be taken seriously. So I’m hoping it passes quickly, because in my book- suspenders have been vetoed.

I’m trying to understand everyone’s obsession with Cory Kennedy, a Fiona Apple look-a-like, back when Fiona should have been cast for ‘Girl Interrupted’. She’d writhe around in her underwear looking so disturbed, it was sexy. I realize Cory has mastered the hipster look and goes full force as a fashion anarchist. Making sure every outfit clashes as much as possible. Although, occasionally she gets it right and mixes vintage labels well by downplaying an over-logoized Gucci, Chanel or YSL piece making it actually wearable. But who is she? Is she just a club kid who’s always at the scene and gotten herself noticed because of her fashion sense (or lack there of)? Because to me she just looks like a young girl in desperate need of a shower.

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T-shirt designer Atypyk has caused quite a stir with their ‘Be Tough’ t-shirt which includes a trompe l’oeil print in the back. It seems UK officials are offended and have made statements regarding the seriousness of gun culture. And as expected, the publicity it received has made the t-shirt even more popular. I personally like the t-shirt and don’t think it’s over the top or socially dangerous in any way. I dig the blunt silhouette, placement of the print and the subtle ‘don’t f with me’ message it reveals. It’s certainly a shirt I’d add to my wardrobe for the days when my mood applied.

A friend and I went to the Diesel jewelry launch party hosted at the Soho store. It was the typical diesel-ish good-looking crowd, dj’s spinning vinyl, hired models in white tuxes (complete with white gloves and white patent leather shoes) carrying trays to display the chunky silver jewelry. (Although I must admit I kept wishing they were offering shrimp wrapped in bacon and fell for it every time.) Drinks were limited to cosmos, appletinis, champagne and Belvedere with mixers. The vibe was severed because the lights were way too bright, keeping the store-feel and never allowing the guests to sink into party mode. I was easily distracted by all the cool clothes and handbags from the Spring line. And kept wondering if anyone would notice if I slipped off to the dressing room. But I contained myself, sipped my martini and ooh-and-ahhed over the centerpiece of the party- the new jewelry.

The Diesel jewelry line has expanded from just watches to necklaces, bracelets, rings and chokers. Most of it seemed like a heap of jewelry was torn apart then pieced back together using parts from the others; mixing and matching materials and textures. All of it was silver- no gold, copper, leather or cloth. Lots of large links, dog-tag plates, crosses and saber tooth charms. The men’s jewelry was so thick and heavy it looked like it could be a bike lock when not worn around your neck. Overall there were only a few pieces that I liked, but I found nothing to be particularly unique. But go ahead and judge for yourself. Check out the Diesel link to view their new “Cabinet of Visions.”

I love these pics of Russian model Natalia taken by Steven Meisel for Italian Vogue. Natalia Vodianova (face of Calvin Klein) is one of the few models I find beautiful in a truly innocent way. Almost to the point that when her photo shoots are laced with sex appeal, it borders on seeming inappropriate. She happens to be blessed with a face that is so youthful, although 23, she looks only 11 or 12. Either way I think she’s cool. Married to Justin Portman, an English aristocrat, the couple just had their second child. I find it admirable that she’s able to juggle motherhood and a successful career at such a young age. Natalia represents the old fashioned rags-to-riches story of how a young girl who once sold produce in a street market dreamt of becoming a model in the West.

Rumors say she’s an avid pot-smoker, which I find funny, given that a model’s typical drug of choice certainly does not induce the munchies. But inevitably the media works overtime to destroy celebrity images, so they make sure to print each time she’s spotted smoking a joint. This shoot only solidifies that she’s a laid back chick who’s more than comfortable with who she is.

I can’t say enough wonderful things about Anthropologie. Yes, the spring collection is flawless, but Anthropologie is so much more than just pretty clothing. If you have not yet walked through a store and experienced the brand as a whole, please find one today (you can thank me later). Although their online site presents an array of splendid things, it in no way does it justice.

The first time I stepped into an Anthropologie store, I was swept away. Not only did I forget I was in the midst of an overcrowded mall, but I forgot I was in a store at all. The entranceway…{a large weathered wooden door with a tarnished doorknob and an oversized cast-iron knocker, looks as if it were imported from a far off land}..was only the start of the journey traveled within. And when the heavy door closed behind me, I must confess- I was consumed.

Anthropologie hired a team of interior designers to essentially create a place of enchantment, filled with eclectic pieces inspired by beautiful things from around the world. Every inch of the store has been created to draw people in, encouraging them to leave all logic and inhibitions at the door. I’m sure some of these ‘inhibitions’ include the use of your wallet. But the moments spent within the store, make any retail remorse worth every penny. Rather than the typical open room lined with shelves, Anthropologie consists of small rooms and cubby holes inviting the consumer to explore. They’ve created a concept that extends far beyond their product.

The displays and the merchandise being displayed, blend so seamlessly, it is easy to lose sight of what’s for sale. They offer vintage cashmere cardigans, hand stitched leather sandals, embroidered quilts, Victorian jewelry boxes, vintage-looking switch plates, dinnerware, sconces, ceramic knobs, Moroccan lanterns and distressed tin signs each looking as if its origin were flea markets and/or antique shops from Europe, India and the Far East. But the way in which the store is merchandized elevates the idea to a higher level. Rusty drawer handles, delicate lingerie spilling out of an antique armoire, dated bed frames and well used floor boards that creek as you walk- all contribute to the overall style of their line. Anthropologie is the epitome of shabby chic; a term that is over-used and most often used incorrectly. They have managed to transform the shopping experience by taking the customer out of the ‘store’ and creating a vision where digging through your grandmother’s hope chest becomes as much a part of the experience as taking home your purchase.