Top 10 Fashion Needs for 2010

I am not a huge shopper.  I like to go vintage shopping, but only between the hours of 10-2 on a weekday (which now that I'm working 9-5 is going to be difficult), I will go shop in little boutiques (but I'm not earning a ton of money, so that will be tough), and I despise most stores like H&M and Forever 21.  Having worked in a boutique from the ages of 17-20, I have an aversion towards most giant stores, something to do with overhead lighting and racks of clothing askew and the chaos that goes with it.

Having said that, I usually keep a list of the clothing items I want.  This way I stay on my budget, I don't end up with too many things I don't need (vintage dresses aside), and I don't have to spend much time shopping.

So far, as my life, interests, and attitude is changing, so is my wardrobe.  My list is growing far more then I want it to, but here are the Top 10 for 2010:

1. Bamboo T-shirts.  I have been searching for the perfect t-shirt for a while, and am dying to move to more renewable fabric sources.  I began this quest with my bamboo bed sheets last year, and I cannot get over how soft they are.  Bamboo t-shirts can be a little pricey, so I plan on investing in a black, white and probably yellow one for the time being.

2. Skinny black pants.  Remember when those GAP ads used Audrey Hepburn a couple years ago?  Well, I missed the boat on that and am now kicking myself for it.  I have a feeling that with enough hunting I will be able to find them, but I have a feeling that these will be one of the purchases I make next fall.

3. Patterned silk scarves.  I have a few of these already, and I love adding them to a t-shirt and skirt as a fun alternative to a necklace.  Hey, it worked for Jackie O.

4. Striped boatneck top.  I secretly desire to spend my days drinking wine, reading Sartre, and smoking cigarettes (even though I don't really intend to ever do this last thing).  I've always seen myself doing that in a striped boatneck top with my hair pulled up in a bun.  Granted, I'm also super tall and skinny in this fantasy, so who knows.

5. Short black Frye boots.  As I've previously mentioned, I have a deep love for Frye boots.  I asked for the Harness Frye's '8' for Christmas, but I think my dad figured that after two pairs, a third was unnecessary.  He may be right, but that doesn't mean I won't ask for them for my birthday.

6.  A signature silver necklace.  I know this sounds a bit weird, but I have been scouring the globe for a simple, classy, silver necklace that is all my own.  I have a silver graduated bead necklace from Tiffany that I love, but it's almost too classy.  I also have a great sparrow necklace I found for $3 at a thrift store, but that too, just isn't quite me.  It's time for me to find my signature piece.

7. New sunglasses.  I want basic black frames, and a decent lens, is that too much to ask for?  Upon last Spring's loss of my favorite Burberry's (left drunkenly behind at Down the Hatch), I have been dying to buy some new, classic sunglasses.  Having gotten all of my sunglasses at amazing prices, I've always been super picky about how much I spend, that's probably a good thing, considering how things go on those drunken nights.

8. Fabulous and practical neutral colored flats.  Recently, I've learned the joy of having fashionable flats in New York City.  Not only do I need something I can wear to work, but I need something comfortable enough to get me through Grand Central at rush hour.  These are a few months off, I definitely plan on spending some good money on these, I need something that will last me more then a month.  I'm not a huge label queen anymore, but I've always thought these Chanel flats to be perfection.

9.  Long, thin knit cardigans.  I have a number of these that I've been wearing for years, but that's the problem, I've been wearing them for years and now they are well-loved and not so work appropriate.  The only problem is that I am super picky about my cardigans, and cannot find the one that I already own.

10. A really practical, really great, really classic, really big bag.  I have a really great collection of purses both vintage, and designer that I rarely carry.  The truth of the matter is that in New York, we carry our lives on our shoulders and that usually requires a big bag.

Now that I'm doing a mental checklist of how much all of this will cost, I realize that it will definitely take me a year to acquire all these items, either that or maybe I should start picking up some extra bartending gigs :)

Style Inspiration: Rebecca

I have been spending a lot of time catching up on my classics everything: movies, books, plays, music, etc. And while catching up on classic films, I have been watching a lot of Alfred Hitchcock.

Sometimes, I fall asleep during these films.  Not intentionally, but usually it's me and the dog on the couch, which is a recipe for napping.  But tonight when I watched Rebecca I couldn't stop watching.  Hitchcock's first Hollywood film and only Oscar winner is a psychological thriller about a newlywed (Joan Fontaine) who cannot quite cope with the memory of her husband's (played by Laurence Olivier) ex-wife.  Excellent acting, a few plot twists, and beautiful cinematography make this film great, but what I really love are Joan Fontaine's outfits.

Pencil skirts, thin silk blouses, cardigan twinsets, and fabulous accessories spell 30's glamour in a subtle, easy way.  Prior to the 1950s era of excess with fabric to spare, hemlines went up, silhouettes went down, and the clothing stayed plain.  Although it is more difficult for me to find pieces of clothing from this era that work for me, I can certainly dig it.

Joan Fontaine kills it with her boxy shouldered jacket and matching hat.  First stop, invest in some awesome vintage hats (my mom and I have been collecting since I was a kid), second stop, a 30s style bob to show off those hats.  I need to start working on my pincurls again.

Fontaine's silhouette is perfect.  Knee length pencil skirt, puff sleeved blouse, short heels, the costume of choice for Hitchcock heroines.  

So instead, I will scour eBay for hours, fighting off the wards of other women who love the look of Hitchcock heroines, film noir, and The Great Gatsby.  I will continue to collect vintage dresses, pin-up style heels, heavy wool coats, and costume jewelry.  In fact, I should probably go check my site now, I think I have some bids about to end :)

New York Band to See: Wakey Wakey!

 I used to view concerts as my type of church.  I know that sounds super cheesy, but being a non-religious person, I used to look forward to the one concert a week I would attend while in college.  I used to save all the money I made in event promotions in college for concerts (where I would stay sober to save money), and in this event forgo all the birthday parties and club nights all my friends attended.  

Granted, when you are raised with a father who has thousands of albums and 25 years worth of Rolling Stone magazines, music does just become a part of your life.  And although I have no musical talent (aside from the viola, which I've played for 10 years, yet still totally suck), I love listening to live music and enjoying those experiences more then anything.  I try not to be picky, I will attend everything from rap to classic rock to obviously, indie rock.  This weekend I decided to take in the Harper Blynn and Wakey Wakey shows at Mercury Lounge.

You may know Wakey Wakey from the CW show, One Tree Hill.  And while that may be uncool in some circles, it does not negate the amazing performance they put on.  Ranging from solo pieces to pieces with 12 musicians (including a whistler and three piece brass section), Wakey Wakey put on a solid performance that could be enjoyed by nearly everyone.  Mike Grubbs is undeniably amazing on the keyboard and vocals.  Anne Lieberwirth is on bass, and while I obviously love female bass players (I one day aspire to be one), it was Anne's shy nature, yet incredible rhythm that kept me captivated.  However, I will say that my favorite band member was Patrick Doane on violin.  With his smallish build and elvish demeanor you would never expect him to wail so hard on a violin, even going so hard as to breaking a few of his bow strings along the way. 

Wakey Wakey is currently on tour here in the east, their next New York show is March 27 at Rockwood Music Hall.  Check out their music here, on their myspace.  

A Quick Side Note

Today I received my first nasty comment on my blog.  Considering I never get any comments on my blog, this came as quite a shock to me, and I decided that the best course of action was to just delete it.  After all, unfortunately, I am a human, I do have feelings, and getting a nasty comment, just kinda sucked.  

On this side note, I realized that I can be a super negative person, although I've been trying to keep this in check lately.  Recently, I have been filling my life with positive and happy people and have left myself feeling far more satisfied with my quality of life.  This revelation has made me wonder why people invite negativity in their lives at all.

I don't know about you, but I don't feel particularly great when I make someone else feel bad.  I don't feel better about myself when I push by someone on my way off the subway, or when I complain at a restaurant.  I feel like the nicer I am, the happier I feel about the world around me.  I know it sounds cheesy, but I like the idea of spreading around some sunshine and love, especially in a world that's pretty tough to live in sometimes.

So in response to this nasty comment I received, tomorrow I think I'll smile a little bit more, be less in a rush in the morning, and tell people in my life how great I think they are.  My recent behaviour is quite a change from who I was a few months ago, but I think I'm starting to like this person better....

Style Inspiration: Network

I love Turner Classic Movies 31 Days of Oscar.  It has given me the opportunity to fill my DVR with all those pesky movies that fill my "Must-See Film" Excel spreadsheet (yes, it exists).  Currently, I'm watching Network, and while i can appreciate the message, the acting, the directing, etc., what I can't stop admiring is Faye Dunaway's super 70s wardrobe.  

Seeing as tomorrow is my first day in a business-casual environment, I am stressing over how I will turn my primarerly vintage wardrobe into any semblance of corporate cool.  Enter: Faye Dunaway.  As Diana Christensen, Dunaway spends the entire movie rocking mid-70s pantsuits, silk blouses, and amazing skirt and turtleneck combos that make me seethe with envy.

Dunaway, who is usually seen as a fashion icon for Bonnie and Clyde, or Chinatown, rocks the 70s penis-envying male styles that I have come to admire and seek.  Sticking mainly in the same neutrals I have always sought-out when outfitting myself for a day in the city, she manages to bridge the gap between being totally badass, and completely sexy, another ideal I can only hope to one day achieve.

Granted, my body may not be the slim, tall 70s ideal, but that doesn't mean I can't try.  So after my rent and utilities come out of my first paycheck, I think the rest of it will be spent on some wide-leg trousers, a button up silk blouse, and maybe a patterned scarf for good measure.  Super corporate bad-ass chic, here I come.  

RIP: Alexander McQueen 1969-2010

On the first official day of New York Fashion Week, we have been graced with tragic news.  Legendary fashion designer Alexander McQueen was found dead at age 40 from suicide.  The news broke this morning, and I have been heartbroken and devastated ever since.

McQueen's looks with gothic, whimsical, and absolutely perfect.  Before I remember Marc Jacobs, or my love of Lanvin, for me, there was always McQueen.  As a young high-school student in small town Montana, I found myself one day hoping and wishing that I would be able to afford a pair of McQueen's killer shoes, and I often used to browse his runway shows in my business classes.

I do not fail to hesitate when I say that everything Alexander McQueen did was absolutely perfect.  Borrowing from every era, while managing to hold his own creatively, McQueen was one of the few designers that I wanted to own anything and everything of every single season.

The more I write, the harder this is.  As I mentioned in a previous post, it is impossible to know what is going through someone's head when they are to the point of suicide.  I just wish McQueen would have talked to someone, this is truly one of the most tragic losses I have seen in my lifetime.  Alexander McQueen is my Kennedy, my Lennon, my Michael Jackson, I will always remember first hearing the news that my favorite designer took his own life.  RIP: Alexander McQueen.

To the left: Alexander McQueen from his Ready-to-Wear Spring 2005 collection.  Much of this collection was very early 1960s, I'm sure that it partially influenced the clothes we see on Mad Men (this outfit is so Joan), and I know that this collection definitely influenced my early age vintage collection.  McQueen managed to pull off the right brights, the perfect neutrals, and still give us something fabulous.  

To the Right: McQueen from Spring Ready-to-Wear 2008.  McQueen was often used on Sex and the City, which was an obvious influence on my fashion and New York expectations at a very young age.  This piece manages to be beautiful, gothic, and out there all in one.  Just scroll through some of his runway shows over the past decade on Style.com, and you will understand where Lady Gaga got much of her fashion inspiration.  It is difficult to believe that such a pivotal designer will no longer be able to grace us with such beauty.

Point: NYC

My close friends often hear me say that I "hate New York."  I know, I know, how could anyone hate NYC?  Well, being from the west, the land where I have mountains, lakes, trees, and stars at my disposal, I often find myself missing all those things.  Even if I hate all those things, I still have every intention of sticking it out in New York for a while, I have great friends that I love, get to see tons of concerts, have quite the pickings for vintage clothing, and love my living situation.

New York also gained another point for me today, and that is the ability to have anything delivered.  I often try not to be lazy enough to have anything delivered, weather pending, but after being stuck on the couch for two days with the stomach flu (which I have subsequently passed on to my roommate, poor thing), when I ran out of gingerale, and needed some soup today, the deli across the street had everything I needed.  So congrats New York, you won my heart today, even if I spent the time on the couch instead of out enjoying the sunshine.

Style Icon: Courtney Love

I have had a thing for the 90s for a while now.  A couple years ago, anticipating the return of the 90s, I started to collect vintage Doc Martens and a few babydoll dresses that would give me that early 90s Courtney Love grunge look.  Now, I am well aware that most people hate Courtney Love, and while I consider myself lucky that my ex-boyfriend no longer reads my blog (saving me hours of a lecture about how awful Courtney Love is), I am still certain to get some flack for secretly loving her.

The once prominent musician (thanks to her tumultuous relationships, zany antics, and Cobain written lyrics), has certainly had her fair share of media downfall.  She is constantly run over the coals for things she is saying, lawsuits she is dealing with, and issues with her daughter.  All that aside, if I could dress like she did in the early and mid-90s and pull it off, I would.

The first step is to build my collection of too tight/sheer/ripped/stained baby-doll dresses.  Thankfully, Spring and Summer are just around the corner and if I pair these with an oversized cardigan (or maybe a flannel button-down), I may just be able to pull it off.

The second item I will need to start acquiring is a great collection of Doc Martens.  This is actually going to be surprisingly difficult.  Now, this won't be difficult because Doc Martens are tough to find, no, it will be difficult to create a great collection of them without looking like a total poser.  Thankfully, I am already well on my way already owning a few pairs, including my white and black polka dot graphic Doc Marten boots, which are perfect for rainy weather or bar hopping in Williamsburg.

I bought these Doc Martens at a thrift store in Missoula, Montana a few years ago for around $35.  I've gotten more then my fair share of wear out of them in the rainy New York weather we've had this past year.

Finally, what really makes Courtney Love who she is, is her makeup and hair, and the fact that it is all just way to extreme.  Dark red lipstick, pale white skin, and kohl rimmed eyes that always look as though you've just slept with your make-up on after one too many PBR's.  The final touch is the bleach blond bob.  Having already been a blond for a large portion of my life, I have recently been contemplating switching my dark to light and my long to short. 

That's not all Ms. Love has proven herself to be.  No matter how much MAC Russian Red lipstick or peroxide I use, I could never be like Courtney without all the attitude and "I don't give a fuck" attitude that she projects.  Love her or hate her, get used to her, because even in her 40s, this woman is still making headlines.  

Sustainable Eating

Every so often, I like to get political, and recently, my political passion has been that of sustainable fishing and eating.  Most people in my life are blaming my current read, The Whale Warriors by Peter Heller.  They would be mostly right, this book is definitely teaching me and influencing me in ways that have been dormant for years.

See, I have been passionate about sustainable fishing practices for years, but as anyone who lives this way, it can be a difficult process.  It takes a lot of dedication to know which fish are on the safe list, which ones need to be avoided, and where these fish are from.  Luckily, the Monterey Bay Aquarium has put out a helpful Seafood Watch list.  At one point, I had this list on my pescatarian mother's fridge, but now the Monterey Bay has taken it one step further in making it easy for us to be environmentally responsible by creating a Seafood Watch iPhone App.  This app is super user friendly, and while my seafood shopping is now going to take me twice as long (checking labels for where it was caught, if it's farmed, etc.)  I feel as though I will leave with a greater sense of satisfaction from my choices.

This unfortunately leads me to another question: why are sustainable fishing practices so difficult?  Some resources are predicting that it will be virtually impossible to find fish for food sources by 2020.  That's only 10 years, and if I believed in having children then I would definitely be worried about their future as well as my own.  The more I learn about fishing practices the more I have begun to convince myself that while I am not ready to fully give up fish right now, I am going to make a strong effort to eat not only sustainably, but locally as well.  While this means that I may not have access to Alaskan Wild Caught Salmon, and that I can no longer eat most Tilapias, it does not mean that all hope is lost for my love of fish.

After all, I still have access to all sorts of yummy bivalves, and we all know how much I love those....

My Post-Apocalyptic Fantasy World

Ok, so I have a slight obsession with living in a post-apocalyptic world, and I don't think I'm the only one.  There are dozens of post-apocalyptic films, books, comic books, and video games in existence, and more being released all the time.  And while my obsession lends itself to many obsessions I have: writing scripts, learning to shoot guns, getting in better shape, learning to grow food, etc., there is one thing that my post-apocalyptic fantasy world has influenced the most, my wardrobe choices.

I secretly wish to dress as though I live in a post-apocalyptic world on a daily basis.  And with my obsession effecting my dreams on a bi-nightly basis, I've decided to write this post detailing everything you need to survive in a post-apocalyptic world:

1. Sturdy and comfortable footwear.  I'm not talking your everyday Nike Crosstrainers.  I'm talking Doc Martens that you can hike miles in, and still crush a zombies* skull with.  Or better yet, Frye boots.  Milla Jovovich wore them in Resident Evil, and I wear my all up and down the streets of Williamsburg.  My next purchase will be these ones, which are perfect for kicking down doors, walking over rubble, and scaling rocky cliffs.

2. Pair these boots with a pair of smart-wool socks, which means, make sure you try your apocalypse boots on with thick socks.  Also, you're going to want to have an extra pair.  There is nothing worse then wet socks while trying to outrun a zombie.

2. The second thing is probably a very sturdy pair of pants.  There is a reason jeans were created during the industrial revolution, they are reliable, durable, and movable.  A great alternative is a pair of Carhartt's, which unless you live in farmland you've probably never worn, but they are the go-to gear for ranchers, farmers, and cowboys.  And they are durable enough to resist a zombie bite.

3. The upper body secret for a apocalyptic dressing is layers.  I suggest cotton underneath, probably a light tank top or t-shirt.  Also, you want to go with dark colors, trust me on this, it's not like you'll have access to a washer/dryer, take a cue from Linda Hamilton in Terminator 2.

4. The second upper layer is key.  This is where you want to add a thin sweater for insulation.  But make sure it's not too oversized/long/flowy.  You don't want that to get caught on anything when you're in a pickle.

5. The outer layer.  I suggest leather.  Leather is durable, zombies will have more difficulty biting through it, and it basically looks super badass.

6. Post-apocalyptic accessories.  Sunglasses- polarized, good fitting, only use them during the day, we don't need no Corey Hart's post-apocalyse.  A sturdy leather belt- chances are, after the end of the world, you won't have a lot of access to food and you might need a belt when your pants start sagging.  A watch (just kidding, watch batteries will be too tough to find post-apocalypse, you're better off using the sun).

7. Functional post-apocalyptic accessories include packs, slings, and holsters.  However, that is a whole different subject that I will save for another edition.

Milla Jovovich in Resident Evil: Extinction.

She designed her own costume for this film, complete with sexy boots, knife holsters, and lots of earth tone layers, perfect for fighting off hoards of zombies in the Vegas desert. 

So there you have it.  Dressing for a zombie apocalypse in a few easy steps.  While you may have greater and cheaper access to all these supplies once the end of the world happens, I suggest building your collection now.  If nothing else, you look super bad ass and totally hipster pre-apocalypse.


*Disclaimer: The apocalypse I am referring to will most definitely be zombie/disease/looting and pillaging related.

Quick Grammy Recap

I normally don't write much on award shows.  I don't usually watch many award shows, but I did watch the first half of the Grammy's this year.  Here were a few of my favorite highlights:

-Leonard Cohen receiving a Lifetime Achievement award.

-Green Day performing with the cast of American Idiot, which releases March 24, and I will definitely be seeing it.

-Beyonce covering Alanis Morissette's "You Oughta Know."  When asked why this song was so often covered by pop stars in the past year by a music loving friend, I suggested that it offered an interesting juxtaposition between anti-misogonist lyrics in the grunge-loving mid-90s, versus 2010 with Beyonce's "If I Were a Boy"

-Pink's aerial silk performance.  The female chandelier is very Howard Hawks circa Gentlemen Prefer Blonds, but Pink's body is banging, she's an amazing performer, and a killer singer.  I really just want to be her.

-Finally, I have to say, that as much as I adored Lady Gaga and Elton John's performance, it was a Lady Gaga performance, that made me originally decide to give into my love for the woman, and I was expecting something insane and wonderful again.  It's okay, I still love her.  In fact, she was so awesome in this Giorgio Armani Prive dress, that it was difficult for me to look directly at her.

Lady Gaga wins my vote for being the best dressed of the night.  I know I'm pretty much alone in this, but the weirder you dress the more I like you (ahem, Bjork).

Lady Gaga has become my surrealist fantasy.  Everything I loved in modern art and cinema is becoming realized through this woman, and one day I feel as though they'll be teaching a class in modern and surrealist performance, studying Lady Gaga concerts and videos!