The End of an Era

And no, I'm not talking the Harry Potter movie franchise coming to a close. I'm talking about Borders. For as long as I can remember, Borders has always been there for me. It was the best place to find odd books and, even though I never went in  that much, the clerks always stayed the same. Back in my youth, I got tragically lost from my mom and sister during my first Borders trip: Hawaiian music was blasting, the scapegoat for this traumatic time, and I heavily considered life as an orphan.  I went to Borders today because today is the day the liquidation sale begins. It was really sad: lines of eager beaver moms grabbing books for their children and "Everything Up to 40% Of" signs hanging everywhere. I was on the prowl for some nice coffee table books-yes I am a 90 year-old-woman trapped in a teen's body- I was thinking some fun fashion ones or even really good photography pieces. Since I am a poor college child,  I'm waiting until things go on sale more, but I decided to blog about it. But to not make this a completely selfish blog, here are some fashion books I think everyone should have. Go before your Borders closes...seriously...it's really sad.

Stupid internet.

• Fashion Questionnaire: I got this book a few years ago and I love it! It's essentially just a book of Cosmo-like interviews with some of the biggest and best names in fashion: Alber Elbaz, Diane von Furstenburg, Karl Lagerfeld,  Oscar de la Renta, Nicole Miller, and Michael Kors, to name a few. My favorite part of the book is how there's a whole section where you can fill in your own answers. This part can act as a little diary/ "Look How I've Grown" section for all aspiring fashionistas. Which reminds me, I need to update mine!
• This Little Piggy Went to Prada (By: Amy Allen): If I ever become a mother when I'm older, I think I'll start a movement that suggests all mothers read this book to their kiddies. If the title wasn't obvious, this book gives a fashion spin to some classic nursery rhymes. How funny is "there was an old woman who lived in her Choos." Or what about, in the tune of Row Your Boat, "Front row for the show, with the Harper's team, head-to-toe in Moschino, Mummy looks a dream"? Of course this book has the original rhymes in the back, just in case you want to kick it old school. Putting this on a coffee table would be adorable and super fun for all of your party guests to flip through. 
• In Vogue: The Illustrated History of the World's Most Famous Fashion Magazine (By: Alberto Olivia): A must must have. I was really smitten with this book today. This book gives readers the creme de la creme of Chanel: historical peaks and shots from some of the most fabulous fashion photographers. The perfect way to become a fashion expert! 
• Balenciaga and Spain (By: Hamish Bowles): Without a  doubt, Balenciaga is one of the most chic fashion companies in the world. Looking at Cristobal Balenciaga's inspirations and designs is extremely inspiring and goose-bump worthy. This book also divulges Spain's impact on Balenciaga's designs and shows some of his clientele, like Grace Kelly! And if that's not enough for you, how cool is the cover?

• The World of Vogue: People, Places, Parties (By: Plum Skyes): If you haven't realized by now, I live for the glamour of styling. If you're like me, I'm sure you want this book so far: a handy dandy collection of some of the most fabulous parties and I'm assuming some incredible Vogue spread. Even excerpts about Truman Capote boating with some of the world's most fabulous people! Does it get any better? Not at all. In a way, this book looks like a guide to fabulousity. And if you're not like me in this situation, Tom Brady's on the cover! 

As you wonderful people go to your nearest Borders, don't be surprised if I fight you for some of these books!


xx

If Perfect's What You're Searching For, Then Just Stay the Same

Recently, I fell in love with Bruno Mars' songs: no, I don't know why I'm on such a music/fashion craze this summer, but I don't mind. Anyways, I love the range of really deep songs, a la "Grenade", to chill summery songs, like "The Lazy Song." His voice is so silky smooth and I always end up singing with my iPod:



In addition to his music, I truly think he has great man-style. Sure, I'm not the biggest fan of his hair; however, he has this great mix of trendy and classic in his wardrobe. And my thoughts were solidified by a behind-the-scenes look at his Vogue photo shoot.

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I love how he can wear a skinny-tied suit in Vogue and it looks neither typical nor random. In my mind, his style is the epitome of man-chic. Not to mention, I love his love for hats. So for this blog, ladies and gents, I've decided to pick apart SLASH analyze some classic Bruno Mars looks.

Doesn't this look like it came straight out of an Urban Outfitters' catalog? Or maybe as if it was taken in a Urban Outfitters' changing room? Anyways, I really like this juxtaposition of hipster and toughie. I don't like hiprims, although they do look pretty good on him. If he didn't add that red leather, he would've looked like just another hipster, which sounds rude and I don't mean it to sound rude but conformity is a funny thing. Anyways, the red leather makes this look less hipster and more fashion forward, which I love. And especially red? This guy's definitely willing to have some fun with his looks. (Photo Cred)

 Besides Michael Buble, who honestly wears a suit on tour? Exactly. The fact that he's wearing a suit definitely suggests that he's a class act. The baggy fit and the nontraditional grey suggests that he's funkier than Michael Buble- don't worry Michael, I still love you. (Photo Cred)

Maybe this is the aspiring fashionista in me speaking, but there's something very sexy about a boy who has  an effortlessly chic sense of style. Yes, that's probably my inner fashion slave talking.  BUT THE POINT IS that this is such a prime example of laid back style. Wayfarers add instant male chicness. No really, I think guy's look a million times better them! Anyways, the hat is the perfect amount of trend to counteract the white shirt. Yet, he's not trying too hard (is he trying at all)? Perfect. (Photo Cred)

See?! Now do you understand the Wayfarer effect? Musicians, especially at the Grammys, tend to get very...creative with their looks. I love love LOVE how Mars kept it classy in this suit; however, the unbuttoned shirt and the beautiful sunnies made him the coolest guy at the party. J'adore. (Photo Cred)

All of these pictures made me realize how interesting Bruno Mars' bone structure is... NOW that I've been sufficiently awkward, I will bid you lovely people goodbye!

xx

The Stereotype

This rant might come off as arrogant or odd but I'll try to do the best I can. Ever since I got the best gift ever for Christmas, TiVo, I've been recording everything in sight. So when I saw a cheesy made-for-TV movie starring Hilary Duff was on ABCFamily, I had to record it. Last week, I snuggled up with my boyfriend's slanket (no judging...it's comfy) and watched Beauty and the Briefcase. Although it was uberpredictable and extremely corny, I loved it. At twelve thirty in the morning, I was cheering Lane, Duff's character, on as she raced to confess her love for the guy who was always there for her (no name will be revealed...WATCH IT YOURSELF)! But there was one thing that I reeeaaaaaalllly hated in the movie: the fashion. Lane is supposed to be an aspiring journalist with a crave of all things fashionable. So in every single scene, she is decked out in extremely bright clothes with polka dots, plaid, and stripes. I know that fashion is in the eye of the beholder, but I feel like fashionistas are frequently portrayed as bimbos who don't know anything else but "the history of polka dots" (Legally Blonde. Case and point). If t you like polka dots, that's fine, but fashion is more than bright cheery colors. In my mind, Lane and Elle Woods were so similar! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Legally Blonde (ask anyone who knew me circa 2002-2003) but I hate the portrayal of a fashionista. Elle did some great work at Harvard Law school, but it would always be related to beauty and fashion. That's fine too, learn from what you know, but I just think that fashionistas are dumbed down for society and I don't get why! Because we (well I'm still aspiring, but I will include myself in this elite society for the sake of the argument) care about how we present ourselves to the world? Is that such a dumb thing to do? We're marketing ourselves! Honestly, if you open up the pages of Harper's Bazaar or Vogue, you see a bunch of great pieces but ARTICLES. WE'RE NOT READING PICTURE BOOKS. Okay I'm tired and this rant is getting a bit stupid. Fashionistas are smart. Done. xx

Not Gonna Reach My Telephone!

While me and my friend, Emily aka cutluvandprosper.blogger.com ,were shopping until we literally dropped in London, we saw simply one of the coolest window displays. There, right in front of us, was Lady Gaga and Beyonce-esque mannequins dressed in their "Telephone" in the window of Bershka. I do believe that window displays are completely important: they show us what to expect when we enter their store. I mean, isn't it the window displays in Saks Fifth Avenue that excite us every Christmas? Everyone has flipped through Vogue or Harper's Bazaar, wishing they could emulate the fabulous cover girl or pull off a

certain trend seamlessly. But there's one

problem: you have no idea how to begin! Window displays are the perfect antidote for this problem! They say "home hither, I'll solve your fashion problems". Although Bershka has a Spanish origin, they target clothing at all fashionable teenagers. Emily and I had been to many places to shop: Brick Lane,Selfridges, TOPSHOP (my absolute favorite),and other random stores. We passed this store a plethora of times, completely ignoring its existence. The only reason we went in was because of the window display. Having just seen "Telephone" in it's entirity, I was intrigued to enter Bershka. Could I purchase all of these outfits, somehow transform my hair into Gaga's crazy locks, and poison a whole diner?! Unfortunately, that didn't happen, but I think this window display was genius on Bershka. Love her or hate her, I personally love because she's embracing originality, Lady Gaga is one of the hottest celebrities and fashion icons of our newborn decade. And "Telephone" is so hot right now; it's currently the number one downloaded music video on iTunes. Although I absolutely love all window displays because of their artistic quality and originality, this is my absolute favorite! It added both pop culture and fashion together. All of the other window displays are strictly fashion with a concept, but I think it's important to add a whimsical fashion world into reality. Now if you all excuse me, I'm going to listen to some Lady Gaga now!

xx