Sunday, November 27, 2011

A Sunday Stumble

Who doesn't love some good alliteration? I'm thinking about making this a permanent fixture on my blog, just highlighting something new and exciting that I've randomly stumbled upon (not like the discovery engine) during the week that I just had to share with you! 

This week I discovered the mystical world of Tim Walker, a fashion photographer who plays with fairy tales and his wild imagination to bring fashion photography to a whole new level. I think his work can speak for itself...










Kind of eerie and fantastic, right??

Uhh, you're just discovering Tim Walker?? I'm sure many of you are thinking. Well, yes. Yes I am, and that's way I call myself the naive aesthete. I have to say, just getting into the fashion world now, and getting to dig through the treasure box that it is, has been an exhilerating journey so far. Everyday I get to discover something new, like this! 

Tim Walker does a lot of editorial work for British Vogue, and ad campaigns such as Juicy Couture and Dior. His work is easily recognizable, due to its extravagance and Alice in Wonderland-esque charms. He's been a freelance photographer for 15 years now, and rumor has it he is now working on a film! Very exciting. Monday promises a new fashion house highlight, who will it be??

Ciao for now xx


Saturday, November 26, 2011

*Weekend Obsessions*

The Boyfriend Shirt 

What's not to love? It's flattering, comfortable, and versatile! I may have been abusing my boyfriend shirt this week, but I can't help it! It just goes with everything...

Boyfriend Shirt and Belt: J Crew, Shoes: Madewell, Pants: Zara


Riding Pants: Zara, Boots: Urban Renewal, Watch: Michael Kors

Blazer: Silence & Noise, Bag: Longchamp

Pants: H&MxVersace, Sweater: GAP




And some celebrities gettin' their boyfriend shirt on...

 
Alexa Chung looking stylish as always

Fergie, Mischa Barton, Rachel Bilson, and Keira Knightly all rockin' the boyfriend shirt

So what do you think of the classic style? Do you rock your boyfriend shirt with leggings, jeans, or in a totally different way?? In my opinion, it's one style you can never go wrong with. More obsessions to come tomorrow! 

Ciao for now xx

Friday, November 25, 2011

Marc Jacobs: A History of Success

Happy late Thanksgiving everybody! 

Up here in Canada, us Americans don't get any holiday recognition (the Canadian Thanksgiving is in October, as they have an earlier harvest to celebrate), but I managed to rally together my roommates and collaborate on a really delicious meal! I made cheesecake (deadly...) and the rest of the meal went to the boys. All in all, it was a fantastic make shift "family" Thanksgiving with lots of laughs, good conversation, and random YouTube playlists (Harry Potter theme song anyone?).

The semester is slowly (and quickly) coming to a close, meaning I'm getting piles and piles of work that always seems to be due on the same day. Regardless, I'm still so excited to sit down at my computer everyday (almost) and get those creative juices flowing right onto the pages of my blog. Today is my last day highlighting Marc Jacobs, which I know I've been a little flighty about, but there are just so many exciting trends and events happening in the fashion world right now, such as a long whispered about collabo between Tom Ford and H&M, that it's hard to stay on track!

Speaking of topical fashion news, a Marc Jacobs advert for his new perfume "Oh Lola!" was recently banned in the U.K by the ASA, essentially for depicting a girl as "too childlike and sexual". Check out the story here and share your thoughts; is the ad pedophilic in nature, or simply portraying a story?

Anyway, here it is, my little abridged Marc Jacobs history, complete with photos of his work from over the years...

Marc Jacobs was born April 9, 1963 in New York City. He showed an affinity for art at an early age as he graduated from the High School of Art and Design, and then went on to study at Parson's School of Design in New York City (Project Runway anybody?)  In the mid 1980s he then joined forces with Robert Duffy, who is still his creative collaborator and business partner, and together they formed Jacobs Duffy Designs Inc., which still exists today. A couple years later, in 1986, Jacobs designed his first collection under the Marc Jacobs label.

Marc Jacobs
Robert Duffy

In 1994 Marc Jacobs produced his first full collection of menswear, and just three years later, in 1997, he was appointed created director of Louis Vuitton. He created LV's first prêt-à-porter collection, and he remains the creative director to this day. Just ten years ago, in 2001, Jacobs introduced his secondary line, Marc by Marc Jacobs, which is a diffusion line with more than 200 retail stores in 60 countries.

Jacobs continued to expand his company, and in 2006 he started a new line of body-splash fragrances in affordable 10 oz bottles. These fragrances have become increasingly popular in recent years. Jacobs has established himself as a prominent figure in the NYC celebrity scene, and he is quite a celebrity himself. Various celebrities commonly attend his fashion shows, such as Kim Gordon and Vincent Gallo. Jacobs commonly references past decades through his collections, particularly the 1980s and 1940s. Upon describing his clothes, Jacobs has said "what I prefer is that even if someone feels hedonistic, they don't look it. Curiosity about sex is much more interesting to me than domination. ... My clothes are not hot. Never. Never."

Vintage Marc Jacobs Dress, date unknown

Marc Jacobs Vintage 90s Tunic

Marc Jacobs Editorial Elle shoot 1992

Marc Jacobs for Perry Ellis 1992

Marc Jacobs Fall 2000
Marc Jacobs Fall 2001 with Sophia Cappola
Marc Jacobs Spring 2005 on Jennifer Lopez
Marc Jacobs Spring 2005 on Kate Bosworth
Marc Jacobs Spring 2007
Marc Jacobs with Victoria Beckham 2008
Victoria Beckham in Marc Jacobs Spring 2009
Anne Hathaway in Marc Jacobs 2009
Frida Pinto in Marc Jacobs Fall 2010
Michelle Williams in Marc Jacobs Resort 2010
Marc Jacobs Spring 2010
Leighton Meester in Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2011

And you can, of course, refer to this post to check out Mr. Jacobs' most recent line, it's pretty much to die for....

Well, that was a lot of research, and a lot of beautiful clothing!! Jacobs has clearly made a smooth transition over the years, with each season being more exciting and innovative than the last. I'm guessing his innovation has a lot to do with why he wins so many awards...

Hope you learned as much as I did! Tomorrow and Sunday, get ready for some exciting *Weekend Obsessions*. What are you obsessing over this weekend (besides leftover turkey and pumpkin pie)?

Ciao for now xx

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Trendy Wednesday: Totes and Faux Fur

Well, it's that time of year again, folks. The time when snow and ice glaze over the sidewalks, and people walk around like ice skating robots, hoping to make it from point A to point B without spilling their seasonal peppermint lattes. The time when while innocently waiting at the bus stop, a car flies by and kicks up dirty brown slush and splatters it across your camel-colored riding pants, causing them to resemble a failed Jackson Pollock painting. The time of year when Republicans and Democrats get riled up about political correctedness even more so than usual and wage the annual "War on Christmas." Yep, for the northeast and Quebec, it's the most wonderful time of the year

What a Grinch! you must be thinking. Well, if you haven't heard, we've had our first heavy snowfall of the season up here in Montreal, probably around three inches. After being in Spain all of the last Winter, I am just not prepared for this slushy mess nor the constant fear of slipping on the sidewalk and waking up not remembering my own name!! Either way, I suppose it's time to whip out my Sorrells and fuzzy socks, because it' coming regardless. 

Cynicism aside it is Trendy Wednesday!! This week I've been drooling over certain items more than usual, as I was sick for a couple of days and therefore had too much time on my hands to scan fashion blogs and tease myself by filling up an online shopping cart and just kind of leaving it there...am I the only weirdo who does this?? Anyway, the objects of my desire of late have been tote bags and faux fur (a cold winter classic). So, accordingly here are my top five favorite totes I've stumbled across, and top five favorite faux fur pieces....enjoy!




 


5. MARC BY MARC JACOBS 'Too Hot to Handle' Leather Tote
4. MARC BY MARC JACOBS 'Reversitotes' Tote
3. Dooney & Bourke 'Dillen II Janine Satchel'
2. Paul's Boutique 'Maisy Patent Large Shoulder Bag' (I may have ordered this one...)
1. Hermés 'Kelly Bag' (such a classic look, it's named after Grace Kelly for god sakes!)





5. Generation X 'Leopard Faux Fur Coat'
4. Armani Jeans 'Faux Fur Collar Jacket'
3. Levi's 'Sherpa Jacket'
2. Rachel Zoe 'Faux Fur Vest'
1. ASOS 'Faux Fox Fur Coat' (this might be on my Christmas list...)

So what do you think? Do you have a favorite tote or faux fur item that you think should be on the list?

Lookin' forward to tomorrow when we delve into some Marc Jacobs history (and hopefully melted snow!!)

Ciao for now xx