A taste of spring

Posted: under Street Style.

I could not resist doing another street style post with the amazing weather that we’ve had in NYC this weekend.  It appeared that the way New Yorkers’ were dressing reflected their inner joy. I think we deserve at least one day of sunshine after an unusually snowy month and what seemed like an endless streak of frigid days.

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I found this bombshell looking like a breath of fresh spring air in Central Park. Even with the last remaining bits of snow behind her, she bravely brought out the sailor shirt, white blazer, acid wash jeans, and shiny oxfords (with no socks!). Her chic and playful ensemble really reflected the mood of the day, which gave us a break from stressing about winter layers in order to go out and enjoy a pleasant weekend afternoon. Okay, I lied… I do know this girl, but I couldn’t resist posting another picture of her amazing sense of style. Vanity Fair is lucky to have her as their newest employee.

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I actually did find this lady by chance walking along Lorimer St. in Williamsburg and was instantly enamored with her CHICKEN PURSE. That’s right… chicken is delicious, and it can also be used to carry your cell phone and keys (just make sure the chicken is made of rubber).  The handsome fellow that was accompanying her claimed to be the one who purchased said purse. Looks like he knows how to treat a lady. In addition to the poultry bag, I enjoyed her carefree style, including ripped stockings a la Courtney Love, as she strolled along on a lazy Sunday. Let’s hope that these days continue! (reality check… they will not, but one can dream, right?)

Comments (0) Mar 07 2010

The stylish (but just as delightfully creepy) side of Tim Burton

Posted: under Movies.

tim-burton-helena-bonham-carter-vogue-uk-december-2008-tales-of-the-unexpected-2-764179Burton and Helena Bonham Carter in Vogue UK Dec. 2008

For years director Tim Burton has been captivating audiences with movies that mix dreams, nightmares, and all the kooky things in-between.  From Sweeney Todd to Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, the outrageously creative director has given us some of pop-culture’s most memorable character looks. Although we love him for his humorously grotesque characters (Jack Skellington! Beetlejuice!), we also adore the director’s beautiful and surreal characters, like James and the Giant Peach. His latest film Alice in Wonderland, which opens today, is guaranteed to be just as visually stimulating as the rest. Academy Award winner Colleen Atwood designed the costumes for the film with the intention of moving away from the cutesy Alice costumes that we know from our youth and adding some of Burton’s signature elements.

aliceCostume design for Alice

alice2Costume design for The Red Queen

Quite a change from this drawing of Alice and the Red Queen from Lewis Carroll’s original story Alice’s Adventures Underground:

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In honor of the eccentric director’s latest film, let’s take a look back at some unforgettable costumes from Burton’s past cinematic masterpieces:

burton1Johnny Depp is a cut above the rest in Edward Scissorhands (1990); Actress Lisa Marie is out of this world in Mars Attacks!(1996)

burton2In Beetlejuice (1988), Michael Keaton makes you say his name; In Ed Wood (1994), Johnny Depp shows off his more feminine side

burton3Johnny Depp struts his stuff in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005); Michelle Pfeiffer looks purrfect in Batman Returns (1992)

Visit the Tim Burton exhibit going on at MOMA until April 26th to see a few of these costumes along with hundreds of props and sketches from his exciting career.

Comments (0) Mar 05 2010

Plaid to the bone

Posted: under Shopping, Street Style.

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It’s not easy to look fashionable while the sky dumps inches of wet snow on our heads. The dreaded “wintry mix” forecast typically calls for humdrum waterproof boots and extreme puffy jackets that inevitably end up looking as dull and wet as the sky itself. I spotted this cheery girl walking near Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg last week and was immediately charmed by her vibrant ensemble in the midst of a white landscape. Instead of going the usual parka route, she was dressed in plenty of plaid with practical waterproof pieces, sort of like Braveheart meets Debbie Reynolds in Singing in the Rain. Later I found out that she is a fashion photographer who works for Market Publique. If you haven’t checked out the site yet, I highly suggest that you do. It’s a fantastically organized and diverse vintage shop online, always full of interesting treasures for vintage fanatics like myself.

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Speaking of vintage shopping, I’m going to take a moment to shamelessly display these beautiful dresses that I picked up recently at a store called Odd Twin Trading Company in Park Slope. It’s a great shop that sells everything from wacky retro board games to elegant 40’s evening gowns. I can’t stop gushing about these fabrics! The one on the left is a psychedelic peacock print dress from the 70’s, and the one on the right is a coral drop waist SKORT dress from the 60’s. Now I can blend in at the zoo and ride a bike with ease.

Unfortunately these dresses must remain on hangers until spring comes and brings us some warm weather. Until then, enjoy this beautiful wintry view of Prospect Park. Perhaps snow isn’t always a bad thing after all.

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Comments (0) Feb 26 2010

Dangerously in Love

Posted: under History, Photoshoots.

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Long before Brigitte Bardot and Beyonce immortalized them with song, Bonnie and Clyde (pictured above) were two real life criminals who robbed and killed until they were finally shot down in 1934.  Their outrageous crime spree and media coverage made them instant legends, which inspired Hollywood to make a movie starring Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty in 1967 entitled Bonnie and Clyde (not to be confused with the Hillary Duff version coming out this year… weird). Photographer Peter Lindbergh re-imagined the classic film for the March issue of Harper’s Bazaar featuring model Anna Selezneva and actor Wes Bentley as the deadly duo. The editorial is spot-on to many of the film’s famous scenes (shown below), and the fashion is clearly our “most wanted.”

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Comments (0) Feb 24 2010

We’re Movin’ On Up

Posted: under Fashion News.

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New York Fashion Week is officially packin’ up and moving up the island after sixteen years of being held in the iconic Bryant Park tents.  Last week I was lucky enough to attend one of the final shows at the beloved location, which was a bittersweet experience for many people.  Although we will miss the chaos that swirls around the Bryant Park fountain, there are plenty of reasons to embrace the change and new home in Damrosch Park at the Lincoln Center. Designer Donna Karan, who was the first designer ever to have a runway show in Bryant Park, points out “When you think of Lincoln Center, you think of the arts, the music, the dance and the opera, so I think being there will elevate and celebrate fashion as an art.” Even with the change in scenery, New York Fashion Week will continue to be in-tents (badum tish).

Comments (0) Feb 21 2010

Sk8er Boyz

Posted: under Fashion News, Sports.

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It’s been awhile since a male figure skater has become a household name. Thankfully we have the fabulous Johnny Weir to indulge us with his superior ice skills and sequined glory. The three-time U.S. National Champion and World Bronze Medalist has been popping up on style blogs everywhere as a result of his fur costume controversy with PETA. Furry mess aside, the boy is adored by millions. How could you not love an athlete that shares makeup tips and skates like a maniac to Lady Gaga? If you haven’t seen his Poker Face performance yet, do it now. It will blow your mind FOR REALS.

Oh, and have you seen him in this custom knit unitard by Rodarte? Oh mah gawd.

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Weir isn’t the only male figure skating getting some attention in the fashion world. Evan Lysacek has worn costumes custom made by designer Vera Wang, a former figure skate herself. Kinda looks like James bond on ice. Mmm… nice.

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Watch these beautiful men (and their sparkly outfits) compete for the gold at the 2010 Winter Olympics tonight and Thursday night on NBC.

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UPDATE: Gawker has just posted a video of Johnny Weir’s performance during the mens short program competition tonight. Fierce, of course. Check it out here.

Comments (0) Feb 16 2010

Happy Valentine’s Day

Posted: under Holiday.

karlcupid

Roses are red

Violets are blue

Kate Moss is chic

But not as chic as you

Love, Cupid Karl and The Pop Couture

Comments (0) Feb 14 2010

When 2 Become 1

Posted: under Designer, Fashion Formula.

Peanut butter and jelly. Milk and cookies. Gin and tonic.  Some things just go better when mixed, as demonstrated in Alexis Mabille’s Spring 2010 Couture show. The French designer, with a resume that includes YSL and Dior, is relatively new to the fashion world and one of the few brave enough to compete in the woefully fading world of couture. Mabille’s spring collection showcased the young designer’s skillful cutting and attention to detail with geometric shapes and color blocking from head to toe. Here are some mixed-up looks that go together better than lox and cream cheese. Well, maybe not that well….

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Comments (0) Feb 10 2010

America’s Got Buttocks

Posted: under Fashion News.

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Attention booty shakers: American Apparel, widely known for their provocative advertising, is holding “The Search for the Best Bottom in the World”. (Warning: link contains beaucoup de bare derriere)

The contest asks young ladies to “send in a close-up photo of your backside wearing American Apparel panties, bodysuits, or briefs.” Nice marketing trick, American Apparel. And what do you get? ”Two winners – selected by American Apparel judges – will be eligible to be our next butt model. The top ten contestants, as voted on by the public, will receive a grab bag of American Apparel items valued at $300.”

What’s that? You are being compensated for having your rear end exposed and criticized by thousands of strangers with a “grab bag” of items valued at $300? Let’s hope this includes some kind of garment to cover your proud backside.

Guess what, American Apparel? We found the perfect judge for your contest. He likes big butts and he can not lie!

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** Editor’s note: I don’t actually support submitting pictures of your rump on the internet, but I do support being proud of what your Mama gave ‘ya. Keep it classy, folks.

Comments (0) Feb 06 2010

ATTACK OF THE KILLER BRIDES!

Posted: under Fashion News, Shopping.

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Nothing is more terrifying than a bride on a mission.  Every year thousands of bloodthirsty brides-to-be wait outside the doors of Filene’s Basement for the infamous “Running of the Brides”.  The result is typically a stampede of bachelorettes and sidekick mothers ready to fight at all costs for the perfect wedding gown.  This vicious tradition was started in 1947 at the Filene’s Basement store in downtown Boston and has since become a yearly tradition beloved by the media for its utter pandemonium.  In case you’re wondering why any woman would subject herself to such torture, you probably haven’t had to cough up the money for a decent wedding dress.  Gowns normally priced from $900-$9000 are discounted to $249-$699, and most dresses disappear off the rack in a matter of minutes.  We’ve put together some helpful tips to put you ahead of the race:

  • 1.) Wear comfortable running shoes.
  • 2.) Listen “Eye of the Tiger” on repeat while you wait.
  • 3). Brush up on your kickboxing moves.
  • 4.) Practice trying on dresses until you can do it in 30 seconds or less.
  • 5.) Find someone to marry.

Think you got what it takes? The first event kicks off at the Filene’s Basement location in Union Square this Friday. You can find the schedule for other major cities here. Let the force be with you.

Comments (0) Feb 03 2010