My gift to myself.

Heart and apple prints are everywhere mixed with neon stripes, puff cuffs, and bracelets, especially for Miu Miu.  I wasn't too sure if I could work those bell bottom pants and loved the little scarves but looked a tad too difficult for me to pull off.  I decided on a little add-on that will go with all of my every day denim that will add a dash of fun.  A little somethin' somethin' from this resort season, my small gift to myself.  :)

Ohhhh how divine...

The Shhhow. Coming Soon.

Thirty days. Thirty clues.
An art and design show, somewhere in Hawaii.
Can you find The Shhhow?

Clues begin November 1st on
theshhhow.tumblr.com

A new show by our friends at the
Department of Public Works

Cozy up!

Maybe it's just the inherited hypochondriac in me, but I convinced myself that I'm afflicted with Anemia. Okay, no big deal really, all my symptoms are relatively tolerable....Except for the fact that I get very cold easily, even in tropical climates. Why the TMI, you ask? I'm headed north for the winter, off to snow country. Oh yeah, I'm gonna freeze! So now the search is on for that perfect, winter coat.  Here are a few (affordable) options i've been eyeing out.

P.S.- I don't know if hypochondria is actually inherited but I'd like to take the opportunity to blame my father!
P.P.S.- Sorry dad, but you know this to be true...

 ASOS PREMIUM coat- Flattering silhouette: I will need all the help I can get with the multiple layers underneath. asos.com

 French Connection coat- Flirty; Prada-inspired: I have a soft spot for Miucia. asos.com

Zara coat- Neutral: Breaking from the blackness! zara.com

Tree Bucks

You know how when you're shopping for something specific and you can never find it? On my day off, I was in search of vintage furnishings for my new house. Couldn't find anything, unless you have a fetish for gaudy sofas, but found this gem for 3 dollars. This book was published in the seventies, and even though it's technically a used item, it's still pristine. It comes with a dictionary of sewing and material terms,  and it is a rich treasure trove of information on the history of designers. It explains everything I need to know and do to become the World's Greatest Seamstress! Muahahaha

Ann Demeulemeester F/W 2011

 Nobody does black and white better.  I always seem to gravitate toward this complicated to put on sort of look.  In the fitting room, I will be tripping and squirming while putting some of these outfits on backwards, but they sure are stylish to look at!

This is my hood!

Gorgeously dilapidated buildings , vine-crawling up the sides, Terracotta brick lined streets, and bicycle friendly.  My dream is to wake up every day and look out  onto this old-world, quaint euro-anywhere town everyday wearing black, head to toe!  The catch- city life, within walking distance... Is this too much to ask for?

Whoa, I forgot I had a blog!

Still mourning the loss of my stolen goods, my ubiquitous YSL bag, Miu Miu wallet and Chloe sunglasses... This Prada bag is my alternate, a tad on the blah side.  Yet this gal makes it work, with her lovely locks and awesome stripes!  I'm feeling this totally calls for a wardrobe resuscitation-- yay for fall!  Okay, maybe in Hawaii it's more like a pseudo-fall.

WAITLISTED!

I recall the day Mel and I found these boots back in winter.
Didn't care for them in the store, liked them when I tried them on.
Now I NEED them. Mel informed me to get in line! Huh?

Let us look back...

  

Christian Dior collections, 1957.

Doesn't this make you wanna buy some gloves and wear em in the daytime?

Karl Lagerfeld: Fendi Designer Talks Fall/Winter 2010-11

Did you notice the new peek-a-boo handbags and fur being the main attraction
in many F/W lines? Refinement is what he calls it.

Meow

I am a lover of framed handbags and platform shoes and look what I found?  Prada Cavallino Frame handbag $3,400 (Saks Fifth Ave.) and Christian Louboutin tie up booties $1,795 (Neiman Marcus).   Oh how these feline print pieces could transform my boring outfits into something spectacular!

Plus one...

Introducing Yohji, the newest addition to our Dept. 50 family.  Black and white, compliments any outfit and/or home decor.  He is our cute excuse for slacking with the posting and web launching.  How can anyone resist that face?  Check out my adorable woven straw tote with pom-pom embellishments.  Gone are the days of receiving handbags for my birthdays, now I'll be getting doggy bags, cute leashes, and chew toys.      

Jewelry Junkie

Tonight I was cleaning all my clutter and came across my Vogue Nippon magazines that I acquire from time to time. That brings me to this photo--what stands out to you, other than the Gucci dress?  For me I noticed the jewelry and immediately thought of Rie.  She will shop online until the wee hours of the morning to find the most unique pieces of jewelry.  If she tells you that she is exhausted today, that probably means that she was feeding her thirst for that perfect piece...for me it would be the Twilight saga!!  :)

Wonderful Randomness

Wondering why so much cuteness?  While perusing Vogue Nippon online I stumbled across their pet blog.  Yes, you heard right, along with an Anna Dello Russo blog, they have a pet blog.  How cute is that, only in Japan, right?!  Anyway, I couldn't help myself, I had to share this, it's completely charming!  Fashion people need best friends too!!!

The Black Go To's

Here, Mel has put together a few timeless black items that can be paired with just about anything. Styles that stand the test of time should be acquired at any time you come across it. Who cares if it's scorching hot outside. Save these pieces for the bluster and chill of the winter months and forget about it. Enjoy the summer sun while it lasts. Preparedness is a virtue worth striving for!

In vacation mode

The skies were clear and prime for outdoorsy activities.  The beach beckoned and we couldn't resist!  Now we are back on track, sort of!  www.dept50.com, here we come!!!

A Classic in Givenchy

As a result of many busy nights and hectic working days, I decided to vegetate and watch a fashion classic film. Of all the designers at the time, Givenchy was selected to outfit this leading lady. She was primped in simple black dresses, glitzy costume jewelry and posh head accessories. 

Initially Hubert de Givenchy thought he was supplying outfits for Katherine Hepburn. Who knew that Audrey Hepburn would become such a fashion icon?

Quote of the Moment

"The illusion that next time it might be perfect keeps us going"

...Spoken like true artists

Check out the duo Viktor and Rolf's most recent collection, Fall 2010.  Wow, how insanely theatrical...yet still wearable?  "Willy Wonka's of the fashion industry" BTW, love that backdrop!

Serpentine Adornments

Im a fidgety little thing. One may inevitably catch me in the act of tucking, tugging or tweaking my outfit about ten-thousand times in the span of a day. Every morning I throw things on and improvise as the day progresses. That's why I love accessories, particularly multi-purpose ones. Sure it may not be a Bulgari bracelet(pictured above), but this silvery serpent sure pulls its weight in versatility! It coils a choke hold on your arm, waist or neck while the magnetic ends help to charm this guy into submissive obedience. Like a little child amused by sparkly objects, this thing will keep me stylishly occupied. So when you see that my belt has found its way to my arm, it probably means I needed to give my waist a break for the midday nosh-induced tummy pooch!