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.”

Now that I’ve found my perfect party dress, my attention has shifted towards finding a flirty babydoll dress. The babydoll theme is thought-provoking since the style, (hence the name) is mimiced after little girls’ clothing. This can either look really cute or really stupid. So, if you’re shopping for a babydoll piece, perhaps you should bring along a friend.

The dresses, camis, nighties etc are sexy, but more in an ‘I want to take your innocence way’. Even the stylists at the fashion shows often put the models’ hair into pig tails or have them carry a giant lollypop or lunch box as a prop to complete the visual concept. And it works. On a simple level the styles are cute and playful, but when you think about why they are sexy, it’s a bit strange when realizing that on some level designers are tapping into the taboo male fantasy of being attracted to a little girl. Knowing this, can make it even more fun to wear. When you slip into your little girl inspired ensemble, you can also assume the part in a flirtatious role-play (all subtle and played into merely on a subconscious level).

Below is a collection of designer babydoll dresses which I am basing my search upon; finding a dress similar to these styles but at a price I can afford.

First stop: Ebay. Try to focus on the dress only rather then the model or atmosphere. As an Ebayer you often have to use your imagination, on how you’d rock the piece. Shopping online can be challenging enough since you can’t try it on or feel the fabric, but shopping for vintage online can be even more difficult.

Group 1: I like the pastel colors, gingham pattern and candy-striper style. But dress #1 looks a little too Dorothy from the Oz…May be to over the top.. Out of this group, my pick is #3. I like the color for the warm season and the lace peeking out of sleeves. My only hesitation would be where the bustline hem would fall on me. I’d prefer the hem to start right under my bra rather then mid-way. This is one of those times I wish I could try it on.

Group 2: I love wearing white in the spring/summer and since the babydoll dress attracts enough attention on its own, I may want to work within a neutral color pallet. Dress #1, I like lace on the pinafore and the wide neckline, but I’m looking for more of an empire waist, rather then a drop waist. Dress #2 and #3: the material looks cheap especially on #3, it doesn’t look soft and flow-y. And this cut is leaning more towards peasant-y instead of babydoll-ish. Must stay on track. Moving on..

Group 3: Dress #1 is awesome without the sleeves, so I have to factor in the alterations. Dress #2 I like the subtle print and cut, but might be too long..more of a prairie look. #3: Like the cut, ivory background and muted terra cotta colored floral pattern. Folks we may have a winner!..And since it’s ebay, I could always buy 2

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.

Sometimes I wish trends would take just a wee bit longer to catch on. This way all the cool chicks in-the-know can enjoy them, without looking ‘trendy’ and it’ll give us at least a season before the look is played out. I blame the teen clothing companies. They must send trend spotters to fashion shows to comb the upcoming season’s hottest fads. Because it seems the fashion secrets leak almost instantly and every window in the mall tween shops are filled with styles I thought were fresh. Knowing this, it makes it even more challenging as a bargain shopper, who definitely scours the sales racks for good finds. And I must say having to rebuild a wardrobe every season gets darn pricey because God forbid I look ‘SO last season.’

For instance, spring/summer 2005 was all about Bohemian chic. If you are not aware of this, then please crawl back under the rock you’ve been hiding under and call it a day. I happened to really like this look, since I have an affinity towards hippie-ish things..not in the dirty Liberal way, but in the flowing skirts, chunky jewelry, long hair way. With this trend, long wooden beaded necklaces and peasant skirts came full-force. This season; the popular trends of the moment are the long necklace with circular links and bright prints on similar-cut skirts and dresses. This is really just a new version of a trend that marked the look of last summer but instead of a laid back hippie chic, she becomes a sassy Brazilian Lolita.

Ok..what to do..In order to disguise last year’s trends, you have to trick the world (and maybe yourself) into thinking the item is new. I do this by wearing an accessory with an outfit opposite of what it was worn with before. Instead of wearing head-to-toe Boho, just wear the beaded necklace, but pair it with another, maybe shorter gold necklace with charms or a variation of the inter-locking links I mentioned before. As for your favorite wispy skirt you lived in last summer, you don’t have to kiss it goodbye entirely. Just hike it up and add a high-waisted belt or bright sash. Since silhouettes are trending at the moment, the style is ‘now’, even though the skirt may have been last year. Wear this with a colorful, bold printed top and you’ll be back on top of the fashion game. There’s my style advice for the day..consider it a gift from me to you.

In the constant quest of self improvement, I’ve decided now’s the time for me to stop moping around and take some steps in becoming a happier, stronger, lovelier person. Although I don’t yet have a master plan laid out, I figured just a few minor adjustments may work wonders in boosting my mood. And here are my thoughts thus far.. This spring I vow to wear more dresses, get regular pedicures, wear head scarves to the beach, commit to a regular butt-lifting routine, find a mentor in the arts and continue to blog. More to follow, so stay tuned..

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.

I came across this New York Times article, found it interesting and so, I will pass it along…

It turned out that beautiful people were no better than ordinary peoplen solving mazes. But despite having the same productivity as others in this task, beautiful people were a lot more confident about their own abilities. Being good looking seems to be strongly associated with self-confidence, a trait that is apparently attractive to employers.

Interestingly, employers thought beautiful people were more productive even when their only interaction was via a telephone interview. It appears that the confidence that beautiful people have in themselves comes across over the phone as well as in person.

So perhaps beauty is a two-edged sword. If you are beautiful, people expect you to be better than ordinary-looking people, even in mundane tasks like solving mazes. But when good-looking people do not perform as expected, others feel let down. The rest of us can take solace in the fact that it is easier for us to meet expectations.

Fashion critics are stirring over Marilyn Minter’s latest exhibition. The NY artist engages audiences with her satirical photos of haute couture being slummed through mud. And as sacrilegious as this is for fashion obsessors, I find it deliciously indulgent. It reminds me of being kid and all I wanted to do was stomp in every puddle in my Sunday shoes. Of course I was the type of child that wanted to touch something because I was told it was too hot, fell because I stepped too close to the edge or paced back and forth deciding whether or not to surpass the “do not enter” sign. I’d test every limit, pushing the boundaries. Not because I was a defiant child, but because my curiosity was fierce. So, even when I was burned, scraped my knee or received my scolding, I’d remember the sweet gratification I felt from satisfying the gnawing question “what if.”

Minter plays off the feeling of the careless destruction of the precious, like tossing a diamond ring out to sea. Her exaggerations are making people cringe and by using fashion as the subject matter, she exposes the petty obsession of the industry. But the irony is still yet to come…Rather then displaying the work in a gallery, public-art provocateurs Creative Time, have displayed her photographs throughout the streets of Chelsea, Manhattan’s art district. Her art, posing as fashion billboards are really the final affect of a brilliant installation piece.

Source

While in the spirit of all things girly…check out these playfully risqué pendants available at Retro-A-Go-Go. I’m not so into the suicide girls, nor do I understand the fetish that has been built around the hardcore chicks. But I do like the images taken from vintage magazines. Vintage clothing and jewelry aside, I happen to be a collector of relics from the 1920’s through the 1970’s, including a vintage playboy collection from the 50’s, Marilyn Monroe memorabilia and of course a love of Varga girls (artwork centerfolds produced for Esquire magazine in 1940).

The sexy pin-ups have suggestive messages laden with strong sexual undertones ..encouraging our inner vamps to appear loud and proud.The collection also includes retro–inspired cigarettes cases, charm bracelets and card holders all created from images, movie posters and ads from the yesteryear.