LONDON-Last night, Diane von Furstenberg and friends celebrated at the Claridge Hotel where she launched the opening of her suites. Exorbitant and print-filled, of course!
Redecorating a series of rooms in this classic Art Deco hotel, DVF uses this project as her first interior design endeavor. Despite being a neophyte to interior design, DVF prevails, backed by her impeccable taste in fabric, and what is now her own iconic prints.
Journalist Samantha Conti quotes DVF saying, "Like you, I’ve had affairs at Claridge’s, and I’ve done business at Claridge’s. If these walls could talk they would write books!”
Her long withstanding relationship with this glamorous hotel in Mayfair, as a guest and friend, provided a unique perspective when it came to the redesign.
Below are photographs of the party provided by www.vogue.it Names in order of photos: Gywneth Paltrow & Madonna, Tamra Mellon, Christian Louboutin & Victora Beckham, Diane von Furstenberg & Natalia Vodianova, Madonna & Valentino
On my way up to Berkeley, to see my exquisite friends, I leave LAX airport, with a single carry-on, and the tools any traditional style-anthropologist would have: a notebook, camera, and gold studded, leather braclet. I have many standards for myself, like kindness, manners, doing good for mankind, the whole lot, but presentable travel-fatigues are amongst the Deakers-Code!
Thou shalt not sport cloth of holes and tatter, ever, even if you are in economy class
It's honestly just something that's been conditioned in me-- I see how tempting One-zie pajamas with bunny slippers are when a flight to Shanghai is in the near distant future, but there is always a better alternative.
As a daughter of a Delta Airlines pilot and flight attendant, I was required to dress appropriately by company regulations whenever I flew with or without my family. As a child wearing her Sunday Best (hat, and all) on her family's seasonal ski trip to Salt Lake City, I thought this rule was just ridiculous. But now, I appreciate what it has instilled in me.
Remember, a traveler is not only a guest venturing into a new place, but an envoy for your hometown. Diplomacy can be represented through a respectful appearance. I would never want people to think everyone from LA wears jumpsuits and bunny slippers, and neither should you.
Here are just a few suggestions for a comfortable and stylish travel outfit. Rocker with a Professional Twist (I wore this exact outfit for my flight to Oakland)...
GUESS Daredevil skinny jeans are clean and pose as perfect pieces to match with potential outfits for your trip. In this lighter indigo wash, these daredevils are slimming AND comfortable with a stretch material. Snug in the perfect places, they always show off your best assets.
I love these Black Book Collection Tanks from H&M... they are great conversation starters with funny lines like "Vampires En Denim" or "L'amour est éternel". The t-shirt design basically reflects a genre of clothing-- internet based designs. Andrè Lorens Stock finds his screen prints online, and creatively composes them together for a snappy shirt.
To make the rocker look complete wear one signature piece to give it that subdued, hard look without going overboard. For example, I just love any skinny, tan leather cuff bracelet with gold studs... I couldn't find the exact one I wore, but these are very similar.
Now, not only will you make your ensemble look more put-together, but you will also save room in your suitcase by wearing your blazer while you travel. I was wearing an ABS cotton, three quarters-length, black blazer on my trip. It gives a professional flare, which is always nice to have, but it is still cozy!
Most of these are boyfriend styles, but even tuxedo, and classic will always work. Halogen, Hinge, and Kenna-T are always dependable lines to get these pieces. While some people think summer is when white should be worn before the expiration date of Labor Day, try coffee hues instead, like Latte!
Romping Around in a Romper
Now for those travelers out there who are tempted to wear their pajamas in the airport, throw your Onezie/footie pajamas in the suitcase (or the trash...), and jump into a romper!
I appreciate the concept of a romper for other people, but like the various religions out there, I respect our difference of opinion, acknowledge the legitimacy and truth of the practice, but do not believe in Romper-ism myself. Mainly because I don't believe God meant for me to wear one with my 5'4.5" frame... but nonetheless, here are some of my favorites!
BCBGeneration has some of the most glamorous and sexy rompers out there in fantastic colors. The teal just makes me want to convert to Romper-ism, God-willing! I suggest always looking for a romper with sleeves of some sort, just so you don't look like you're wearing a bathing suit. But if you find a sleeveless romper with a great sweetheart neckline, put on a jacket to complete the airport outfit.
These are just a few suggestions for summer travel! When it comes to packing, always think of versatile staples that can cross borders just like you are!
When traveling alone, like I did on this weekend trip to Berkeley, I especially love interacting with people, but so often it seems like we all exist independently, separate in our own force fields. I feel like I'm breaking some sort of Hobbesian social code by striking up a conversation with someone sitting next to me in the South West terminal, but my natural gregarious-self cannot remain loyal to such rules.
I've realized, that this resistance to strangers, distances us from learning something from one another. Perhaps the reason travel is so educational, is none other than the inordinate about of people we meet.
Traveling is not only getting to the destination, but the anticipation of it-- being in transit and doing none other than my favorite thing-- PEOPLE WATCHING.
Especially traveling alone, you can't help, but notice the people around you. This blog post is dedicated to a couple I found to be really endearing, and fascinating...
Is Love Fashionably Compatible? I Think So!
I wonder if eHarmony.com ever thought of adding style to one of their components to discern compatibility? As people date, marry, and find partners, they can't help but confront style.
But it doesn't matter what you wear, for style isn't what's on your chest, but the beating heart behind it! In many cases, love (and style) is truly blind to your significant other! But in this case, I found two people who happened to have different perspectives, but really complemented one another.
On the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) I met a couple going to San Francisco for a weekend getaway. What struck me about them was their individualistic looks, yet what made them meld together so well (aside from their endearing adoration) was their confidence in their own styles.
I regret that I didn't catch their names, but this couple was so friendly and nice, and I appreciate their open hearts to a budding style writer.
This man is wearing a red vintage cap matching his red converse kicks. While the match-y reds could be overwhelming, he blends the head to toe crimson with a simple black-t and dark wash jeans. The gray light-weight cardigan connects the piece, lightening the color palette on his torso.
This gal, I couldn't help but spot from a mile away. She has two contrasting focal pieces that make the outfit superb.
She wears J-Crew's Panama Straw hat for a vacation look, while having it as a functional piece for all the sight-seeing. Then, her chunky, jeweled long-stranded necklace from Anthropologie, off-sets the the sporty, androgynous look with feminine pazazz.
These necklaces are similar to what she is wearing!
Like good chorus members to any production, they should highlight the stars, which happen to be the Panama Straw Hat and necklace. Her white top, black blazer, and green-brown skinny cargo pants act as a strong backdrop. These masculine staple pieces have feminine flare in the construction, making her ensemble a perfect union of male undertones and feminine fabulous-ness!
Thanks again to the happy couple-- you brightened my day, and I appreciate your enthusiasm! For all those cute couples out there, if I see you, I won't be afraid to ask what you're wearing.
So I just had to show off this video that a friend of mine sent me.
I've developed, what I think to be, a healthy relationship with kitten youtubez... because I am quite deathly allergic to the feline specimen (cut to me bleeding from the eyes near a Calico). What's better than a baby animal of any sort? Oh a baby animal broadcasted for the world to bask in the glory of, that's what!
While this clip may make you laugh, or call Animal 911, I hope it will be a good segue into a discussion on hats!
Wait, hold the phone... before we start, can I just mention that anything miniature is adorable?! Now how the heck did they create such a well constructed hat for a cutie-patootie so itsy?
I've always had this affinity toward top hats (perhaps it's my subconscious desire to be a Freemason, swivel a cane, or know Abraham Lincoln in the biblical sense). They are not only emblems of class and sophistication, but also are imbued with theatricality. I would never suggest someone wear one for say, a night out to Red Lobster, unless you are Lil Wayne of course, but a hat can just be center stage to any ensemble!
Hold on to your hats, folk's its going to be a wild ride!
Working in the fields for the summer harvest? Well, Chanel can throw you this wide brimmed straw hat embellished with silk tulle voile from the Spring/Summer 2010 Collection. Be careful with what you match it with...Little House On the Prairie hasn't been shooting since 1974, so let's keep the flowing, paisley blouses to a minimum.
Pair it with a vintage-looking, one-piece bathing suit for an exquisite sun-soaking look. Or, for Sunday Brunch in the garden, slip on crisp, white shorts, neutral wedges, and a corporate-esqe, pastel button up.
Urban Outfitter has San Diego Hat Co. cocktail hat for $34.00. Always on the go? The wind will never carry your hat away-- this is finished with a hair clip inside, and an elastic cord for a perfect fit.
Why I love this? Because you can dress it up, or dress it down. For the day wear it with jean shorts, and then when you're running to a party after dusk, you can wear it with more romantic, evening colors.
Looking for a little Southern Comfort in your life? Pop on this Colonel Sander's cousin and sip some sweet tea on your porch to cool off. The fedora comes in eight colors, but I like it in Kelly Green especially against the eggshell. Customers say it fits perfectly, and it's "fun and flirty" for the summer season.
Nordy's is probably the greatest place to get exactly what you need, and usually for an exceptionally affordable cost. This Grosgrain Straw Fedora is only $28.00!
Now is it really considered a hat when it's already attached to your head? Lady Gaga makes her hair into a fashion piece.
Ironically, her hair-hat mirrors a sun with those rays shooting out, but it doesn't seem to protect her from any of that paparazzi bulb-burn. Love the Free Bitch! Always revamping an orthodox idea, and flipping it over the avant-garde edge!
To quote the great and ever-present force that sashays through my head, Liza Minelli says, "It's up to you"!
And yes it is-- like a lot of things in life, your sheer will and determination has everything to do with your present attitude. And style is no exception. Let's wave our jazz hands as I show you my favorite fashion moments at the Tony's. No Chorus Line gold leotards necessary.
Obviously this post is musical theater themed (like much of my life). So don't mind the crazed theater-y jokes.
My version of Julie Andrew's "My Favorite Things" from the Sound of Music would consist of Broadway and a red-carpet dress. I love those two things so much, I just wouldn't know who to save if perched on the opposite ends of an erupting volcano.
So could you imagine my bat-shit crazy excitement for the Tony Awards? My inner gay man was just exploding with show tune squeals.
Here we go, kiddos...grab your pashminas, and prepare to wet yourselves with utter glory.
Lea Michele, star of Glee and once original cast member of Spring Awakening, looks incredible in a Zac Posen saffron gown. Oh hey, Zac Posen, this might be one of my favorite dresses of all time. I have an utter obsession with the color saffron, for its saturation, and eye-catching ability.
So let me just put this out on the interwebz table-- Scarlet Johansson can wear anything she wants and get away with it because she is so gosh darn gorgeous. But I truly applaud this black number. A great choice for her first, and successful Tony Awards. ScarJo won for her performance in A View From the Bridge. The Elie Saab gown is a glamorous and classy rendition of a jazzy, sequin costume Sally Bowles might wear.What I love about this silhouette is the double deep-v action. The slivers of skin create an interesting twist to a seemingly traditional dress.
*Addendum to ScarJo's dress-- I recently was informed that her dress was actually GREEN, not black... oh how my eyes deceive me! Actually, that is just an example of how dynamic fabric and color are with photography and lighting... sometimes fashion can only be truly seen and appreciated with the naked eye.
In this powder blue Atelier Versace gown, Catherine Zeta Jones enthusiastically waves from the stage as she accepts her award for her performance in A Little Night Music. With the structured bodice hugging her torso against the flow of fabric, she is truly reminiscent of Grace Kelly. Nothing can be better than a modernized version of classic glamor!
Viola Davis, exquisite actress and winner of Best Female in Revival, wins for her performance in Fences. She stands with her co-star, Denzel Washington, winner of Best Male in a Revival. When Davis began her acceptance speech she said, "I don't believe in luck or happenstance, but the presence of God in my life". Well, she looks divine in a chartruse halter! While photographs don't necessarily depict how striking the dress really was, television caught how illuminant it was! I love color that really hits you, stamping a memory in your head.
In Italian, the word fashion comes from the verb “facere”: to make, to do. We all participate in this action, one way or another. Interestingly, but not surprisingly, the clothing on our backs is closely knitted to what we make of ourselves, and what we do day to day.
For designers, they are the makers. And for just about everyone else, aside from the nudist colonies out there, we are the do-ers.
It's this collective participation of something simple, wearing cloths, that makes me feel connected to the world, to the far distant people, to the person driving next to me on the 405.
I believe in fashion-- that clothes compliment and complement the personality and point of view of a person. Just like all art forms, style releases a certain subconscious within the artist (the maker or the do-er of clothes).
I can’t speak for everyone, but like many, I have an ardent dedication to staying true to myself through any sort of expression. How I live, how I present myself with style, can be a reflection of what’s beyond the flesh, what’s beyond clothes, to the immeasurable and stunning soul of a person.
Despite my zealous devotion to the written word, sometimes the life inside me just isn't satisfied with the parameters of language. The dynamic fauve, which is undaunted and fierce personality, needs something beyond the cerebral construct of language to express itself.
We search for something that both communicates our thoughts, and concurrently, let's us channel ( or should I say, Chanel?) feelings through the sensation of material. Fashion has dual citizenship. We wear clothes for the basic necessity of shelter, and on another level, we wear clothes for the basic necessity to express.
In shape and color, in movement, and texture, we go beyond the trenches of utilitarianism to the aesthetic, where emotion is unleashed. With these syllables of fabric and design, we live in what we wear. And what's more important than to celebrate life, to honor and surrender to the beauty that is the human form.
But beyond expression, clothing is a conversation. From the dawn of time, in our Saber-tooth tiger skins, to even today's little black dress-- both the loin-cloth and the LBD slung off the shoulder. How interesting that design prevails, evolves, and revolutionizes. It's this dialogue with the physical remnants of the past, the ideas of the past, that help us create what we wear now.
The act of choosing an outfit can seem mundane. But, in our choices we express taste, what makes us feel confident, and how we see ourselves. An ensemble can go from an investment that mirrors our inward desires to something that projects those desires onto others. As one walks out the door, fashion becomes a public act, because the people you pass on the street share the experience of what you are wearing
Living in this unique art, adorning our bodies with what we make, we are tied together through these collective tribes of fashion. We put together a new alphabet in our textiles, and a dialogue beyond words exists in our reality. A part of a community, or culture, we are connected and unified, like the fibers on our backs.
Cloth weaves us into sensation.
The quiet peeps of a gossamer petticoat underneath the sheath of a Vera Wang gown unveil elegance.
The sharp directions of a military jacket follow the confidence for a demonstrative command.
And the classic blue jean and white-T, speaks simplicity and honesty.
Whatever you zip, belt, or buckle, make a statement.
Well hello there-- what's a girl/guy like you doing in a place like this? Oh that's right, you are here for my fashion blog-osity! This portal to style Narnia isn't just about clothes, but the art/industry in the context of culture, media, and my life. Think of me as your personal style-anthropologist... Why is style so important...because it's how we live our lives! Celebrate your style, any style!
