KarTRASHian

For those who know me, this post's title may come as a bit of a shock. I love the Kardashians (you shouldn't be that surprised to hear I'm watching Keep Up With the Kardashians as I write this). From their low-class reality show to their empire of boutiques, products, and social events, I think the Kardashians are insane geniuses. Even that four hour wedding special had me watching and rooting for Kim and man- Kris. In my mind, the Kardashians can do no wrong. They're successful! They're entertaining! They're funny! They're fashionable! Little did I know, I would have to rethink the latter.  Now you must be wondering what happened. Cannes happened.

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Sure, there have been a lot of crazy outfits at this year's Cannes, but this one is officially my least favorite. Ever. So why didn't I just include this bad boy in my Cannes roundup? This ensemble was so painful, it needed my undivided attention. I must admit, her hair and makeup is stellar. Sexy and clean at the same time. Scratch that- I like her makeup. I'm such a sucker for the smokey eye and nude lip combination. That hair, on the other hand, needs to go. A slick ponytail would've been perfect, not this greasy mess!  And that awkward slicked back do is horrendous with the Balmain. Speaking of Balmain, as much as I love Olivier Rousteing and everything he does, this gilded mini just does not work with Kim. She's too boobalicious and curvy for this silhouette and deep v. Especially for Cannes! This is a classy event- not the MTV movie awards. On a side note, why  is Kanye even wearing jeans? THIS IS CANNES! HE'S AT CANNES FOR HIS MOVIE.  For such a glam-obsessed "couple," I'm majorly disappointed.  In a world of red carpet glam, does this really suffice? No.

As if this ensemble couldn't get any worse, Kim decides to put on those Giuseppe Zanotti booties. Not only are they an uncomfortable height, but why would you ever pair those with a mini?  She looks like a second-rate street walker. I hate it. This weekend, I decided to re-watch the first season of Keeping Up With the Kardashians and Kim claimed she was a stylist in one episode. I scoffed as any fashion snob would.

To top off this fashion horror story, Kardashian did the unthinkable: repeated an outfit. Sure, she didn't wear the same thing twice, but she stole Gwyneth's show-stopping Pucci from the 2011 Emmys, which is worse.

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Though this happens all the time in Hollywood, Fashion Police wouldn't have a weekly "Bitch Stole My Look" segment if there wasn't, this is terrible. How could you copy a look as infamous as Gwyneth's? So wrong. Especially since the same dress is showcased at two very prominent red carpet events: the Emmys and Cannes. Plus, it's not even like Kim looks better. While er hourglass figure offers a different look, I hate those earrings. They are neither here nor there.

Kim has had some fashion successes since then; however, I really wonder if I'll ever forget this. As much as I hate to say it, I feel like Kim Kardashian is no longer relevant in the world of fashion. It's fine, I was always more of a Kourtney fan anywho.
xx

Why Milan Fashion Week Gave Me Back My Soul

Is this blog post title a little too dramatic? Well deal with it, that's how I feel. As my devoted blog readers (aka my mom) knows, London Fashion Week absolutely crushed me. BORING, BORING, and some more BORING.  I was so close on having a wardrobe meltdown, in response to the terribleness, but then something happened. Milan Fashion Week happened. SO MUCH BEAUTY AND SO MANY DETAILS. As I happily sat at my desk and clicked through style.com,  I couldn't help but feeling as if humanity was restored to the world. Okay, maybe that was a bit dramatic.

Here's how Milan made me feel:

That may have been too dramatic as well.

Now I don't know about you, but I'm kind of bored with the typical format of these Fashion Week blogs so to spice it up-  and this might end up terribly so bare with me- I would like to summarize my feelings about Milan Fashion Week in the tune of The Sound of Music's "My Favorite Things."



Maxis at Pucci and florals at Prada
Bottega Veneta has texture galore
Crop tops go girly at Blumarine's show
These are some things from Milan Fashion Week

Dolce & Gabbana has sequined dresses
Aquilano Rimondi's detailling
Fendi has clean lines and tailored pieces
These are some things from Milan Fashion Week

Girls in pastels with studs at Versace
Iceberg has funky prints and awesome jackets
Gucci's art deco looks are uberglam
These are some things from Milan Fashion Week

When I think of
London Fashion Week
It makes me really sad
I simply remember Milan Fashion Week
And then I don't feel so bad

So that was really silly- and more difficult than you'd think- but as I always say,

FASHION IS FUN.

I highly recommend that everyone checks out Prada, Bottega Veneta, Blumarine, Dolce &Gabbana, Aquilano Rimondi, Fendi, Versace, Iceberg, and Gucci.

All of these collections have everything I look for in fashion: innovation, femininity, fashion-forward thinking, glamourous, versatile, classic...EVERYTHING. I know this blog post may be deemed "lame" for it's lack of pictures..so here you go!

PUCCI

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PRADA

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BOTTEGA VENETA 

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 BLUMARINE

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DOLCE & GABBANA

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AQUILANO RIMONDI

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FENDI

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VERSACE

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ICEBERG

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GUCCI

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Next Up: PARIS

xx

Resort, Shesmort

Resort collection is one of those crucial summer staples. Personally, I never consider the summer to be a fashionable season; my hair is always frizzy, I'm super sweaty, and try to wear minimal clothing. Anti-glamour. Resort is a friendly reminder, and a shove if you will, that you should always be stylish. And Resort 2012 was no different. Sure there were some collections I didn't love- Bottega Venata, for example- but most of them were utterly fabulous. So, in order to give you the creme de la creme of Resort 2012, I give you my top eleven. Why eleven? Well, I was originally doing a top ten but then Prabal Gurung blew me away. The usual. I'm a strong believer of an inevitable beauty within everything; therefore, I'm not ranking these. I was enamored with all ten of these collections, for some reason or another, so they all win!

PUCCI

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Ever since I can remember, Pucci has always been the epitome of fun summer-wear: the prints, the colors, the copious amount of maxi dresses. If that doesn't say summer, then I surely don't know what is! And this Resort collection didn't fail me! I loved the pastels/white/ black color scheme. The colors suggest a very laidback summer; however the seriousness of some of the cuts and frequent suits gave us something in between. Just when you could write this collection off as boring and professional, you get something so summery and so right on. It's that versatility and juxtaposition that I truly loved about this look. I think the most juxtaposed, aka strongest, piece of the whole collection was this zebra-printed jacket with pastel blue pants. Somehow, it wasn't overbearing, just funky! Funky in a good way, nonetheless. And in general, I wholeheartedly approve of zebra prints with pastels. When I get some zebra print up in my closet, I will definitely be trying that! I also need pastels...hmmm...well clearly, I need to go shopping!

J.MENDEL

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Before my lovely friends picked me up for our Hamptons escape, I was wearing my dark purple leather vest and my floral maxi. My mother, who I think I'm starting to portray as my fashion foil, hated that look. I guess it may have been too hot for that kind of attire, an aspiring fashionista NEVER listens to the weather, but I thought it looked cool. Anyways, J.Mendel totally backed me up on this  idea. Whenever I think of J.Mendel, I always think "Oh...so this is what Taylor Swift will be wearing to an awards show." Now don't get me wrong, I love soft and girly. But sometimes, I crave something a little more...tough.  That's exactly what J.Mendel gave us for this Resort season. Don't believe me? Just check out this colored fur! Who even does colored fur? J.Mendel, I'll tell you that! Of course, we also got our share of frilly feminine, but I'm so happy with the crisp silhouettes and color-blocking. I love how some of these looks may appear to be really minimalistic but, if you look closely enough, has some kind of detail to make it uber edgy and sharp.Thank you, J.Mendel, thank you very much!

LANVIN

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First and foremost, I think it's actually impossible to not love a design house when they incorporate BABIES. Not only were the model insanely cute, this girl was my personal favorite, but the clothes were undeniably chic! But besides the babies, I love the eclectic aspect of this collection. Yes, there are so many "rustic chic" looks; however, Lanvin gives us all a little something to tickle our fancies: metallics, ruffles, fringe, and some lace! My absolute favorite feeling when looking at a collection is not the tingly goosebump feeling, although that is quite fabulous, but the running thought of "this needs to be my closet." With those kind of collections, such as Lanvin Resort 2012, there's no need to pick out your favorite and obsess over it; all of the pieces are distinct enough that the whole sha-bang could create a wardrobe. I mean, do we need anymore reasons for Alber Elbaz should win the coveted Dior prize?

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Just what I thought.

JASON WU

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I tend to think that I have a quasi-semi-totally- skewed view of reality. Prime example: I believe that I will one day go to the MET Ball, accompanied by Jason Wu. Why Wu? Why not! I'm consistently impressed by his collections. Resort, quite obviously, is no exception. In my mind, this looks like a modern version of Louis Vuitton's 2011 Resort. What's best about this whole collection is its mixture of chicness and wearability. In every collection, Wu successfully "edges up" a classic femininity. I don't look at this collection, wishing I had a place to wear this or that to. Instead, I think, "this is a better version of something I already have." For example, the hoodie? I'm not one to go crazy over sweat apparel, but I was obsessed with this! In short, everything Jason Wu does is pure magic.

NINA RICCI

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Okay this Nina Ricci collection may not be quintessential "resort," but I am enamored with it nevertheless. This sounds like a really dumb thing to say, but all of it is so pretty! The details on each piece is truly something. As a result, I become inspired. Not inspired in the sense that I want to change my look to "rich socialite," but inspired to accomplish all that I want so I can wear fabulous pieces like these. Anyways, more on the actual collection: it's so brilliant how the separates are paired in such a nonchalant manner. These looks aren't sloppy; however, these pieces are more approachable: Nina Ricci Resort 2012 is not just for Upper East Side Mommies!  My favorite look of this whole collection is the black mini with the lace front: the silhouette of the dress is so tea party, but lace makes it a bit more sultry. All in all, it was beyond.

NAEEM KHAN

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Well, this collection wins for funnest collection. Sometimes I consider going to the west coast after graduation; if I want to be a celebrity stylist, is there a better place than Hollywood? But there's one thing  that scares me about the west coast: color. Don't get me wrong, I do love some pops of color; however, I am urban at heart and do love my darks. The colors in this Naeem Khan collection inspired me so much!   Khan cleverly mixed extraordinary colors with rather simple silhouettes, thus creating beautiful pieces. The red brocade (it sure looks like brocade) mini? It was life-changing.  I thought it was really interesting how she had two looks with the same exact silhouette but different colors (see: here and here). A lot of times, people really do forget how fun fashion can be: it's always what's on trend and who will take over Galliano's position (not knowing is killing me slowly inside). Khan's collection, however, reminds us that fashion is about taking risks: wearing bold colors, sporting some feathers just because, and not being afraid to really sparkle. In my mind, this collection is all about bravery, which I love.

MARC JACOBS

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Usually, I'm never completely obsessed with a Marc Jacobs collection; however, I love love LOVE this resort collection. If you couldn't tell by this blog post,  I'm love juxtaposition in fashion; after all, that's what makes fashion unique and fun. This time, it's the juxtaposition between boyish and, well, feminine. This collection, more or less, represent a transition. The beginning,  really masculine and boring. Very Royal Tenenbaums, don't you think? Throughout the collection, the looks get more and more feminine: we see a full skirted dress and some sparkle until we finally get the finished product, a completely feminine look. I love when a collection tells a good story, or a collection has enough of a plot so-to-speak that I can create a story. Also, I really want that pink skirt.

GIAMBATTISTA VALLI

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I remember looking at the collection, convinced I would hate it.  But, when you really examine the details and review the collection as a whole, it's really something spectacular.  I don't know about you but during the summer,  it is imperative to be chic and comfortable: when I get sweaty and my hair starts to frizz, the last thing I want is a body-con dress. Unless I'm going out for a night on the town, that's another situation. Anyway, the shift-esque silhouette gave me extreme ease: Mr. Valli, you get me and every other aspiring fashionista suffering from heat exhaustion and humidity. But fear not fashion lovers, this collection is both pragmatic and stylish.  There are so many vibrant colors , quirky silhouettes, and so much leopard, you're bound to find something you love!  Speaking of leopard, don't you love the leopard hareem pants? I died. And the maxi dresses? Absolutely gorgeous.  It just goes to show you, don't judge a book by its cover! 

CYNTHIA ROWLEY

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If anyone asks me to sum up Cynthia Rowley's Resort 2012 collection, I would simply say it's "the functional anti summer." There's a common misconception to think of Resort as solely shorts, mini dresses, and beyond fabulous bathing suits. In my mind, Cynthia Rowley but an end to that. While looking at her collection, I noticed that most of the looks were not your typical summer collection: the hemlines are longer and there are so many long sleeves. If the fabrics were changed, this collection  could  easily be Pre-Fall or maybe a small Fall RTW collection.  Even some of the colors weren't very Resort-esque. Yet it worked: this is a Resort collection and a fabulous one at that. What I loved about this collection is how some of these looks can easily carry you into the fall. And we aspiring fashionistas do have to wear an outfit more than once!

VERSACE

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Versace, like Pucci, is one of those brands I constantly associate with Resort wear. The label is always so fun and sexy and isn't that all we want to be during the summer? What I found most interesting about this collection was the frequent use of black and white. But black and white is so boring, right? Wrong. Through incredible silhouettes, unique prints, and your occasional splash of color, this collection was divine. And that's the beauty of Versace: the constant innovation to make something out of a potentially boring situation. As much as I love a LBD, they can get a little boring. But the Versace LBD this collection? The sheen on the fabric gave an allusion of leather: fun and sexy!  Some of these looks don't say, "this is so Resort;" however, they're totally summer friendly. And the detailing was absolutely phenomenal. J'adore.

PRABAL GURUNG

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The only way I can accurately express my love for this collection is with one word: fabulous. Everything about this collection was truly fabulous. The polka dotted looks were fabulous retro, like something you would see out of an old movie. But, mixed with a floral top, polka dots look so relevant. Amazing. And the red and black dress is my personal favorite. And the evening gowns were so beautiful. This is one of those collections that I can't pinpoint the exact reasons for loving it, but it's seriously outstanding.

Sorry this blog post took absolutely forever to complete, but Resort was awesome and there was so much of it!

xx

What's It All About, Alfie?

So my lack of finals- combined with everyone else studying like Mad-Men, packing, and leaving- has led me to use and abuse my new Netflix account. Although I'll always be a BlockBuster kind of girl, I'm so happy that I have hundreds of movies and television episodes at my disposal. Anyways, I watched Alfie - the Jude Law remake- a few days ago and it left me with one thing.

OBSESSED WITH SIENNA MILLER'S LOOK. ALWAYS.

In real life, I think she's a fashionista in her own special way. I'll never forget the Pucci she wore to last year's MET Ball. So haute couture hippie.  Even her street style has this glamorous, yet I-Don't-Really-Care-I'm-Just-Throwing-This-Together, vibe. Personally, clean cut is getting a little bit old. Fashion is totally about experimenting and creating your own personal style, not looking like everyone else. And I think Sienna Miller embodies her own style and what works for her, which I really admire. Of course I'm not saying that everyone should dress just like her, that'd be contradicting what I just said. While there are going to be those Plain Jane's who don't really care about fashion, it's kind of cool to see this chic look of indifference. 

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Of course her style is not perfect, but I really admire her overall look.

Anyways, back to Alfie! 

I haven't been able to find many full shots of her outfits but let me give you an overall idea:

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The clothes? London in the 60's. The hair and makeup? A toned down version of Brigitte Bardot. I just love the nonchalant use of fur.  All of the looks reflected Sienna Miller's personal style, which I loved. If anyone wanted to mimic this Sienna Miller/ Alfie look, I would check out the following brands:

• Free People: A classic for bohemian.
• Top Shop: They might have some funky jackets and accessories to create that "oh I just threw this together" look.
• Emilio Pucci: The use of prints, ruffles, and lace in the brand is a more resort version of Miller's look, but still good!
• Missoni: The knitwear? Absolutely classic!
• Haute Hippie: Some of these separates would make extremely awesome looks.
• The Row: They have some great staples, especially the leather pieces, that would be awesome with oodles of accessories.
• Halston: Obviously.

Hopefully I'll watch some more movies and blog about more style-spirations. But in the mean time, keep it trendy! 

xx

Some Extra Flare

Whenever I think of flared pants, I can only think of 1960- 1970 hippies: strikes for peace, Woodstock, flowy dresses, and everything in between. But lately, flares have been making a come back, and I am personally loving it! The fashion of our past honestly had some of the greatest trends and pieces out there. But being the indecisive girl that I am, I can never be inspired by just one time period. This hippie period, as I like to call it, is extremely fascinating: I just love the relaxed atmosphere that is further portrayed in the fashion. When I first heard about this emerging trend, I had some reservations. Although flared pants sounds like a good idea in theory, it isn't a universally flattering, or loved for that matter, trend. But the revival of the pant allows a variety of fashionistas to wear it! Chloe rocks the very loose flared trouser,Pucci has a very embellished pant, Rochas (pictured) uses cool leathers, Issey Miyake created a capri flared pant (intriguing, right?), and Derek Lam has a fitted version of the trend. Needless to say, I really like this trend. Even if someone is not influenced by the hippie era, this pant has its pros. You can essentially go flared and embody any persona,not just the peace loving chic from way back when. And now I really want some flared pants...shopping excursion? Yes.

xx