Back in the Saddle

Sorry sorry sorry sorry...
Once again, the missing blogger phenom. is a peculiar one since you can't communicate. It's like I got lost somewhere in cyberspace and one of these days when I url the blogspot I'll find a sad sign saying "Out of Business- Thank you for your patronage." Poof.

Yesterday I received some really thrilling/exciting/motivating news and it has allowed me to get back to blogging with abandon. Job hunting occupied such a large part of my free time, even if that just meant stewing in the stress in front of a television or cooking food that I didn't really intend to eat just so I wouldn't be on mediabistro for an excessive amount of time.

Depressed by the overuse of the word "layoff" even if this was an appropriate term for the situation. Sigh sigh sigh.

Night sweats, panic attacks on the subway, twisted stomach every time I watched the news, exceeding my "5 drinks a week" testimony given to my general care practitioner, and an eerie familiarity with The Today Show, advice for managing my finances and diet plans echoing in my head. I know these are not properly constructed sentences. I was in the grammar club.

And lastly, dare I admit: The Hills on hulu. I still hate that show.

But what I couldn't do was blog- since that required me to consciously step outside of my job hunt. Granted, I did a lot of pilates and yoga, read a ton of books and caught up on countless film classics from the library. Oh yeah, and I also interned at Lucky which was absolutely lovely. So it wasn't all dark and stormy. Just partly.

But we're back and I'm gearing up for a trend forecast for 2009, sharing recipes that I have experimented with over the past months and providing some fun highlights from my latest read, Anthony Bourdain's "The Nasty Bits." Such a suitable title which requires not a word more of my moaning.

Work It

Sunday
November 23rd, 2008

A little experiment in styling for MCS Designs Jewelry

Please tell me which you like the best- over 200 pictures, here are my faves but narrowing the choices down is not easy

Coco, once again, shoots jewelry too

I'm stealing Coco's computer this weekend (hehe) to photoshop them

Let's say # 1 is the very first image from top and so on as you move down. Please tell me which you like. That means you, S.

p.s. that last one is totally silly but I can't get enough of the red socks

p.p.s. these aren't, obviously, really showing the jewelry but more for my own use so don't worry about that part

Watches for Women and of course Men

Before you can come to my apartment and call me out for the little black book that is perched on my bookshelf reading "Nina Garcia's: The Little Black Book of Style" I am going to admit it. Isn't that the first step in recovery?

I'm not knocking Nina nor the fact that she wrote the book, which is a decently researched and entertaining tome, I am more bemused by the guilty pleasure of pouring over the book in the course of one afternoon at the Strand and subsequently buying it. I know I am "working in fashion" but I still blush when people see me reading fashion novels much the way I would were I sneaking in chapters of a self help title- which coincidentally is the section most often these books are located near.

So back to my point. She outlines in the book the importance of owning a classic man's watch. I know. I know. Of course she does. Is there anyone out there who would eschew a Rolex, a Panerai, or their boyfriend's Baume and Mercier (which was my old favorite to borrow)?

The tricky part is trying to obtain that look in the Recession.Depression or whatever other horrifying word the media is threatening us with today.

It is insanely difficult to procure a watch that doesn't require a few months of homelessness- especially, sadly, if you work in fashion.

So on the hunt I've found a line that is relatively new to the US from Switzerland which, when it comes to watches, is always a good thing. Called the Manoir Collection from Jacques Du Manoir, these Swiss made watches don't price over $350 (most retail for $299) and they look quite similar to Audemars Piguet and Hublot- lines that will undoubtedly cost you a five figure deduction on your bank account.

They are available here.

Admittedly, these are a bit of an edgier interpretation of a man's watch on a woman, but there is something extremely appealing to me about that heaviness and masculinity when paired with, say, a delicate dress.

Lucky Shops

There are times when a really simple piece suddenly becomes the missing link and presents itself in a kind "Eureka" moment and you ask yourself: How could I have gone so long without?
That's how I felt when I found this silk black Vena Cava floor length skirt at Lucky Shops yesterday.
It's a terribly difficult thing to find I presume, since I can't even remember the last time I even tried one on, but it's simplicity and versatility make me wonder why we don't seek this piece out?
The skirt sits much lower on my hips than on the model here, and it's being hemmed right now so that it just allows the toe of a heeled ankle boot to peep out.

Coco Shoots Bags

Well- with her camera that is.
Yesterday we went to this amazing property in NoLita to help our friend Mara shoot her super luscious, boho chic handbags.
Her line is just about as beautiful as she is (and that says A LOT) and it conveys that really enviable, luxe bohemian quality that we love to chase.
Soon to post link to her site that is going ecommerce!
More later...

The Ever Amazing La Garconne

It seems so trivial to talk about clothing right now. But oddly enough, it tends to occupy a lot of mental space for it's wonderful ability to help us escape the daily stresses that life gives.
I haven't purchased anything in a LONG time. Hence, I have been raiding G's side of the closet frequently. In a pathetic whimper the other day when he realized ANOTHER shirt had been borrowed and sullied I moaned "I'm sorry! I'm desperate!"
Ever the calm and rational ying to my empassioned, melodramatic yang, he rolled his eyes and I like to think was amused.

So when this do-sy of a lookbook arrived in my inbox today, needless to say, I had to share at the very least with you all.
Now if this doesn't inspire you to go against every bit of sound advice Susie Ormond gives on the Today Show I am inclined to believe NOTHING WILL. And if that's the case, count me very, very jealous.

What a cruel trick this "fashion" thing is.

Art Exhibit on Bowery and Houston

A few pictures I took from this amazing FREE installation in Bowery and Houston this Sunday.
That last picture are pieces made entirely of RUBIK'S CUBES! It reminds me of the iconic photo of Raquel Welch from One Million Years B.C- but without clothing of course.
I loved this show and encourage you to go consumers...
Even G with a notoriously lackluster attitude towards art exhibits was incredibly impressed.

DIY Projects

In July G and I performed some major home makeovers and when we were at a satisfactory point we called a treaty with ourselves and decided the makeover was complete. This was primarily because, as anyone who has done anything similar will atest, re-decorating, buying new furniture, organizing, installing etc. is EXHAUSTING. And once you really get going, you realize how much more there is to do! So we called it quits and took a break. But this month, we seem to be back in the swing of it...
Two weeks ago after picking up some drift wood on the beach by my parents place on the North Fork, I was reminded of a lamp G's aunt had constructed out of drift wood in her enviably cool and sophisticated apartment.
I was determined to create my own- albeit with slightly less talent- and the results are pictured above. We visited Lighting Plus on Broadway for the cord, switch and Edison bulb as well as the base, which they gave us for free. We weren't sure if the base would function properly and were amazed at how perfect it worked out. Painting it white and nailing the wood to the interior of it helped us forget that it used to be a wire dispenser once upon a time.
Then this weekend we FINALLY got my home office assembled (of which I am writing from right now). There was an awkward space in the apt. that we had previously used for storage and occasionally to hang coats that I was determined to make practical use of.
After searching and searching for a desk that could fit our small alcove (without wheels since the floor is sloped, gotta love the east village) we decided to hit up the lumber yard on Spring and Thompson for cut to order pieces. The result is, in my mind, perfect. I love the small space and although many people may loathe the idea of a small work cubicle, I am embracing mine wholeheartedly. My inspiration board above helps...

Lamp, Bulletin Board and Chair are all Ikea.
Not the best pictures, I admit, but hopefully I'll be able to upload some better ones soon.

OTTO ENOTECA

Dear Dieters,
As you probably have noticed my entries are becoming fewer and far-er between. Many new factors in my life are contributing to this.
1. I am looking for a job. Looking for a job is a full time job. The cliche rings true.
2. I am launching a newsletter for Wunderbloc. My afternoons are often spent researching new designers and finding ways to write about them. So doing it after hours can be quite tiring!
3. I am interning at Luckymag.com. Such lovely ladies are training me to find my way as an editor. It's very exciting.
4. I am freelance writing and editing as any jobs come my way (speaking of which, please send my way if you are in need)

So, as you can probably see, I am living and breathing work right now particularly of the fashion variety and subsequently have little left to say at the end of the day.
BUT- I did realize, that my Monday night food entries flew out the window late spring and I miss writing about food!

I think it will keep me writing and hopefully keep you engaged dieters!

Yesterday was the perfect opportunity to divulge my gastronomic curiosities.
It started with super sweet, fresh jonagold apples from the market outside St. Mark's Church. My heart belonged to Honey Crisp, but after OD'ing slightly, my taste buds were craving a change.
Yum.
Crispy, milder than Honey Crisp, and slightly less crunchy but they have a wonderful texture and smell that reminds me of the farms I grew up near.

Balthazar for breakfast- a soft boiled egg and tartine with apricot preserves. Simple and delicious. G's omelette, however, made me wish I had a bigger appetite- Gruyere and herbs (chives, oregano and basil we surmised). The Gruyere was absolutely definitive of french cheese, strongly flavored and melted to perfection, but still firm enough to cut through. Memories haunt.

We tried Otto for the first time last night and it did not disappoint! The stars were the apps- Octopus (by the far the best thing we ate), marinated mushrooms (served cold but still delicious), and escarole and sunchoke salad. Octopus was incredible, mixed with celery and perfectly marinated. Meaty enough for this vegetarian with occasional cravings...
I had a goat cheese and balsamic onion pizza and G had the carbonara. We agreed the carbonara was a bit too salty (like inadvertently so) but my pizza was simple and delicious. And I hate to do this, but I brought half home and had it for lunch today and time was on it's side.

After Otto, I know at some point I murmured to Guillaume (the Tokai slurred my thoughts some) that it is clear that Mario Batali knows food. Nobody really disputes that but I have often been let down by high profile chefs. Not so here.

Denim Woes

Balls dieters! Why do I always fall prey to denim trends? I want to be above it, not give in to Katie Holmes and Current/Elliot fever, stay true...
BUT- I want a pair of boyfriend jeans. That's what I want to be wearing.
It's a conundrum- leaving me angry I hadn't thought of just slipping G's jeans on long ago but alas, there's the issue: I didn't.

So yesterday at JCREW- clearly my chain du saison- I found their version to be as good as any out there. Pictured above, japanese denim, great cut, and $175.00.

Remember the days that $135.00 on jeans felt like a splurge. Geez I swear it wasn't long ago. Now anything under $200 feels like a score.

If you're like me and kind of loving the trend despite it's trendiness GO NOW GO!

Casi Me Caigo

In love. Yes. These are the ones. $350.00. Jcrew. Based off my past Jcrew purchases, not much gets by these beauties. They are incredibly well made. Putting my steve madden's to shame...

AND more...

Fall Boot Wish List

I cannot stop looking at boots right now. Thinking I have to do some discount boot shopping in bulk.

Above are images of my favorites, swiped from Ninewest.com and stevemadden.com.

What do you think consumers? Any favorites from the list above?

Full Report

For everyone interested in Lyell- I am taking some time to divulge DETAILS.

Hot and sticky weather conditions yesterday didn't really help my overall feeling as I arrived BEFORE 12:00 and saw a line already amassed around what appeared to be a teeny tiny store front.

I waited it out. At noon when the doors opened, they let in about 15 people (possibly 20) and when the rain started to fall that urgency that I feel about sample sales increased about 10 fold.

Thankfully after about 20 minutes, I was permitted entrance. Emma Fletcher was manning the register and actually offering really helpful suggestions to the half clothed women battling over A SINGLE MIRROR. One rack of her vintage pieces, many in states of disrepair, did hold some very inspiring beauties and were I not playing the role of "What do I NEED?" may have been tempted to buy one...just to have. Without any real space to change- the register area worked fine for me- you had to kind of tactfully push through the crowd to get a glimpse at an already overworked mirror.

But, alas, such is the sample sale and maybe that's half the fun. Despite all these obstacles, I did bring home one beautiful dress. And try as I might to find a picture on her site, no such luck. Apparently it will be part of the Spring '09 collection too...
It's beautiful and the bf had an emphatic reaction to it so I feel like I left victorious- although seeing a dress I was debating on and left without on the Barneys site for $610.00 made me think I should have taken a bit more advantage of the situation.

All pieces shown in the pics above were there.

With all that confusion, I always try to play it safe and only allow myself one item. It's my best defense for sample sale impulse buying.

Honestly, well-worth the treck to the LES. Sizes were varied- actually more 6's and 8's than anything- but many were just samples so the sizing was irregular.

I would stay on the lookout for the next one.

Weekly Diet

One day sample sale this Saturday

102 Forsyth St (Near Grand), New York, NY 10012
Saturday September 27th
Noon - 6.
Cash only.


WHO'S COMING WITH ME?

London

Oh how I wish I was there dieters. I'm having way too much fun perusing the shows at style.com. I'm finding them so much more exciting than what I saw at NY fashion week. It's not always this way, but this year I didn't have one of those really giddy reactions to a collection I saw. I'm just loving the big wedges in London, the bright colors, and the amazing head pieces. Somehow the clothes feel much more statement making but also wearable.
Richard Nicoll's collection has been my favorite so far. Amazing blazers and great baggy trousers. Cleary you can't wear these and not crave a little attention, but I think that's precisely what my all black wardrobe is craving these days...

A Beautiful Sight

Yes- that's right. The aftermath of an amazing birthday. I can't imagine 3 bags that can so succinctly reflect my favorite things...
Mayle (no need to elaborate...)
L'Artisan Parfumeur (The best perfumes in the world and the one I received "Tea for Two" is hands down my favorite scent ever)
Assouline (Publisher of some of the most beautiful books in print)

Lovely day, lovely people and chocolate cake.

Happy Birthday to Me

Consumers,
Tomorrow is my birthday and I have taken it upon myself to start celebrating just a touch early.
I took the plunge and purchased the Mayle Jeanne bag in black yesterday and it's all wrapped up waiting for me to open it...
Won't dare until tomorrow morning.
It's been on my wishlist for a LONG time and I knew with Jane Mayle's...umm...resignation, I could easily regret not purchasing it for years to come.
Just beautiful consumers.
In Nina Garcia's "Little Black Book of Style" (I actually can't believe that I am referencing this) she prescribes three bags for every woman- a tote, a clutch and a chain strap in-between shoulder bag. Note: this was not my motivation for buying this bag!
But being the extremist that I sometimes I am (yes, I'm a Virgo) I tend to have very little of those in-between sizes. And am always wishing I wasn't lugging what feels like luggage some days when all I need is a wallet, keys and book.

At Zero

Consumers,
I'm kind of running myself a bit ragged these days...such I suppose is the life of a freelancer. I miss my dieter musings, so bear with me.
Zero + Maria Cornejo on Monday was a great show! If you don't read fashionindie, I am posting my review of it here.

The Maria Cornejo client is probably celebrating the designer's 10th
anniversary just as much as the designer herself- a loyal following that
showed their support for the designer at yesterday's show, many wrapped in
the brilliant cobalt blues of her Spring 2008 collection and in her
signature cinched neck dresses.
The show was a homage to her 10 years of exploring the draping, shaping and
wrapping that makes up her recognizable style. It's a particular taste, one
perhaps more suitable for a downtown gallerist if you really want to wear
the line head to toe.
Cornejo introduced a few menswear items into the mix, those parkas just as
suitable for the waify cropped haired ladies gliding down the runway-
further perpetuating her playful toeing of the androgyny line.
Most remarkable and wishlist worthy: a blue silk knee length dress, the
material a perfect choice to keep the wearer from being, um, worn and a
beige hooded trench with triangle "lapels."
Was also oogling the shoes as Maria teamed up for a third time with footwear
designer Eileen Shields. I'll be damned if I don't get me a pair of those
leather sock/sandals next spring. Another beautiful collaboration from the
duo that included a blocked heel, toeless ankle-boot and a snakey flat
sandal (that design echoed in the statement necklaces that adorned many of
the model's necks).
All that geometry might make some creative types glaze over a bit, but you
certainly can't undermine the excitement of seeing it so passionately on
display.

The Convention

I'm not going to get political here (yet) but at some point yesterday it was remarked that fashion week is like a convention- everyone kind of running into each other over and over throughout the day, generally eating at the same downtown locales and likely having drinks late night amongst the same company.

It's not such a crazy time for me, as I'm not an editor scooting around from show to show. But it seems like a very apt. assessment of the week, I would imagine for many.

Yesterday was an exciting day for shows- lots of my favorites were on deck. Was so excited to discover a designer I had never come across, Koi Suwannagate. Perusing her collection on style.com, although a bit grating with her butterfly inspiration, had some beautiful and soft silhouettes that made me really want an ethereal wardrobe of white and silk. Definitely pieces that a humid day like yesterday could have been tempered by.

Fashion Week Strikes Again

Hi consumers.
Tiny, itsy bitsy hangover today after last night's fete. So exciting and inspiring was the Resurrection party at Christie's that I wanted to jump into my closet and throw everything away, replace it with collectibles and Paco Rabanne dresses. Of course, I am completely dreaming...
But such was my fervor after viewing the beautiful pieces on display at last night.
And so inspired was I, that I didn't mind shamelessly accosting every waiter that walked by with a tray of cocktails. Highlights included Vivienne Westwood bags that appeared to be made of old printed punk t-shirts and vintage Sid Vicious jackets and T's worn by none other than the man himself.
I loved a little cropped fur coat striped with chain links. Truly amazing.
So many stylish people, and me in all black. I debuted my Kookai steal.

Agyness Deyn was at some point reprimanded by a crazy woman who claimed she had stepped on her foot. It was probably the funniest and most awkward exchange I have ever had the pleasure to slyly over-hear.

Saturday there will be a REAL designer Collab in Town

I'm a little late on the uptake I know. But I've been was out of the country, and then when I was back, well I might as well have been out of the country since I was so close to Canada without internet it felt even farther at times than Paris did.

But, amazing news, Vena Cava is teaming up with Via Spiga this Spring to create three capsule collections for the line. Seeing as the shoes that showed at their last show (although not their design I don't think) led me on a wild goose chase that ended in paraboot I can attest that their taste in footwear is impeccable and this collab will be worth your while.
Yes, dieters, I am sick of the collabs too- but on Saturday at the Vena Cava show, I will be super eager to get a load of those girls' feet and let you know what you can expect.
After this one, I promise not to make any more blantantly identifiable designer collab purchases.

I Think I Found My Soul Mate

But it seems it has not yet found me. Totally unavailable in my size and completely out of my price range. This one is being tracked though consumers. If it makes it to ebay- you'll have to fight me for it.
Ahhh- on labor day all I can think about is finding ways to exploit the fruits of my labor.
Maybe this year can be a financial resolution of sorts and I can really make good on my pact to invest VERY wisely. This will start with a big overhaul of my closet.
Putting it on the "Labor" list.
Happy Holiday!
(Les Prairies De Paris is the coat's origins: a line that was tipped off to me in the subject title in an email while I was there. Thanks C!)
as always image courtesy of lagarconne.com

C's Boots

When one of my best friends returned from living in Stockholm her timing was impeccably terrible. I had literally just purchased a pair of boots for the Fall- settled rather than excitedly sported- and when I saw her she had these perfect specimens on. They are by Acne Jeans and are every bit as perfect as you may believe them to be ;)
It's a style that is repeated each season, in limited quantities. Although I don't have 600+ euros to throw down on them, it reminds me how hard it is to find a great pair of comfortable boots.
A slight heel is my idea of ideal- but I realize for many, flat is imperative.
I hate looking for boots but adore wearing them. If you come across something of such perfect simplicity, in a more Diet friendly price point, please let me know!

Everybody needs a Rest

...sometimes...

So I took one. What an incredible month I've had dieters. I'm actually very happy to be back in NYC- gearing up for fashion week- and strategizing all the exciting purchases I am hoping to make.

I hope the live journaling during my trip wasn't a complete snooze for you. It was a one time necessity and I promise not to indulge in such nonsense again.

Back to business-
Fashionindie.com is hosting an event called "Brooklyn Fashion Week" which I think is supposed to kick off on September 3rd. While I was initially under the impression that the event would be taking place in Brooklyn exclusively, with the borough's talented wunderkinds showing off their spring collections, it seems the shows will be held on the island of Manhattan, but giving voice to some talented designers without the gift of Mercedes Benz tents.

I like the idea- but would LOVE it if it was in Brooklyn exclusively. It kind of feels like a long overdue War of the Worlds that way, doesn't it?

Besides, it would be really nice to give Brooklyn the homage it deserves as many designers get their start out there anyway. Alas, I hope that you all find a way to show some support for the featured designers (Love Brigade, Harriet's Alter Ego and Sheila Frank) and perhaps make it to many of the boutiques hosting trunk shows during the week.

Check out the whole Calendar of Events here:
http://fashionindie.com/brooklyn/category/calendar-of-events/

In Conclusion

You'll notice I added pictures- more or less related to my posts ;)

Happy to be back in NY and actually preparing for my final summer holiday to Western NY to visit my grandmother.

Now that I have my pictures here, a little summary with visuals (oh my!).
First, France seems to have a really nice amount of lines that fall within a moderate price range. Not cheap, but not "designer expensive" either. They don't seem to have the copious amounts of sales that we do so maybe this is their response. Footwear is one category where this is extremely useful (how expensive are the shoes that you are coveting for fall?). SO MANY BEAUTIFUL FLAT BOOTS under $200.00. Above is an example of a few that I was oogling. Not the best pic but I was quickly instructed to put away the camera from a salesgirl. I always hate getting busted for being a blogger.

Next, a shot of the store with the random antiques that will forever haunt my mind- only the bins outside but you get the idea I hope.

Below, another favorite discovery, a musis box store! It wasn't opened when I found it, so I just gazed inside. Tons of amazing little pieces and a whole selection of songs that can be inserted into the box. What an amazing gift that would make!

Thanks for putting up for me over these few weeks. Ready to roll into fashion week/s...