Fall Fashion Wishlist

I haven't been seriously shopping in years.  The last pair of jeans I bought were purchased in my second year of university, and aside from the t-shirts I recently bought at Urban Outfitters, all the other ones are starting to come apart.  Part of the problem is that I just can't force myself to enjoy shopping outside of chic boutiques and vintage stores, and the other part of the problem is that, as a freelancer (it feels pretty cool to say that) money isn't always coming in regularly, so I'm not one to go spend a bunch on clothing.  I'm craving loads of rich, saturated colours like mustard, royal purple, and magenta.  And I yearn for luscious fabrics like velvet, lace, and tweed.  So, here are a few of my fall must-haves:

1. Anthropologie Dancing Blooms Cardi $128
2. ModCloth Charming Correspondence Skirt $63
3. Banana Republic Silk Belted Ruffle Shell $79.50
4. Chloe Kerala Slouch Tote via Bluefly.com $980
5. John Fluevog Dig Boots $379
6. Angelina Burgundy Opaque Tights via Amazon.com $9

Feeling Victorian

I've always had a soft spot for the Victorian Era.  I used to be obsessed with the clothing, lifestyles, even cooking utensils of the early 20th century, and lately, that nostalgia has been at peak levels.  Maybe it has something to do with my current reading, but I've been daydreaming about early 20th century New York and ways to stay warm in the winter without central heating.  I long for adorning myself in fur capes and muffs, large decorative hats, delicate silk and chiffon frocks, and boots that take an hour to lace.  And I don't think I'm the only one, I've been lusting after Victorian inspired dresses from Anthropologie, and as always, John Fluevog never disappoints!  I will be swooning over all these choices as a scour eBay for early 20th century inspired clothes I can actually afford!

1. John Fluevog Lourdes Boot $415
2. John Fluevog Guilia in velvet $289
3. John Fluevog Lanciano $249
4. Anthropologie Spectre Dreams Dress $248
5. Anthropologie Time Gone By Dress $128
6. Anthropologie Laced With Grace Dress $168

Fall Accessories Wishlist

It may not even be August yet, but I can't wait for the fall.  I have always been a much bigger fan of the fall than the summer.  It reminds me of new beginnings, school supplies, and a back-to-school wardrobe.  While I may not be able to afford a brand-new wardrobe, there are a few accessories I could probably splurge on here and there...

1. Anthropologie Dusky Roads Mary-Janes

2. Stella McCartney Boston Bag

3. Alex & Ani Tree of Life Bangles

4. Balenciaga Wallet

5. Frye Rogan Engineer Studded Boots

6. My Pet Octopus Necklace from Modcloth

7. La Mer Bali Stud Watch from Urban Outfitters

8. Kenneth Jay Lane chandelier earrings

9. Fur Felt Bullet Cloche from Hats in the Belfry

Can it be fall yet?

The City Cancelled?

Today on Fashionista.com, Lauren reported that there is a rumour floating around that MTV's The City will not be returning next season.  Normally, I would not address any rumours or news about reality TV, as I think most often it is a contributing fact to the decline of high-culture, but I kind of like The City, so this rumour is a disappointing one.

Unlike the first season of The City, this season has been a lot more focused on the budding careers of the four protagonists, Whitney Port, Roxy Olin, Erin Kaplan, and Olivia Palermo.  And while most of the careers are rather unbelievable (I would say all of them are reality TV based except Kaplan's), it was nice to have a show focused around women in the workplace as opposed to women in romance and friendships.

I know that The Hills had some focus on Lauren Conrad's career, but let's be perfectly honest, that show was about relationships, friendships, and drama.  And while The City isn't without any of those factors, it stood above the rest as being a show that could have a potential positive effect on the younger generations watching it.

But such is the world of MTV.  I think it's time for me to face reality...MTV has went from being a place of subversive alternative culture and programming to one of declasse consumerist filth.  The City (although still ridiculously consumerist and superficial) gave me some hope amongst a sea of My Super Sweet 16 and The Hills. 

Style Icon: Stevie Nicks

My roommate and I don't disagree on a lot of things., and we're lucky that way.  Unfortunately, the one big disagreement in our house is, of all things, Stevie Nicks.  My roommate, hates Stevie Nicks.  We are talking a vehement passion against this woman, a passion that she does not express towards anyone else she does not know.

I, on the other hand, love Stevie Nicks.  I once made my parents buy me Rumors on vinyl, and my dad's response was "really, Alex, I've had this album for 30 years and you want me to buy it for you"?  My love of Nicks has not stopped since.  To this day, laying in my dark room listening to Rumors is my favorite way to start my week.

Yes, I love her rough, sorta annoying voice.  I love the lyrics her and Buckingham wrote during their breakup, but most of all, I love her style.

Call it gypsy, witch, peasant, or victorian, whatever you call it, I want it.  I want to wear billowing layers of lace, skirts of velvet, and shirts adorned with ruffles.  And more than anything, I want to pair it with six inch suede boots that make me fear for my neck whenever I walk on cobblestones.

Granted, I'm not a musician or a quaalude queen, which makes pulling off this style a bit more difficult.  Maybe I need to drop out of life, find a profession in the arts, and invest in some ridiculosity.  After all, if there is any place I can pull off a Stevie Nicks look, New York City is the place to do it.

My First Big 2010 Purchase

As I've mentioned before, I don't really care for shopping.  I'd much rather spend my Saturday reading a book then fighting through throngs of people in Soho.  However, sometimes when the mood strikes, you just have to run with it.

Yesterday I deviated from the plan.  The original plan to make a list of purchases I actually needed, and avoid spending money frivolously.  A friend of mine, noticed me looking at the John Fluevog website on Friday and fell in love with some of the shoes.  Being quite familiar with Fluevog, I am always encouraging of biting the bullet and spending a few hundred dollars, and since he had the money to spend, I thought it would be a good idea to take him down to the store on Mulberry and Prince.

And then I walked in and had to see these:

The Mini Zaza's in purple and orange.*  I had known they were going to come out, and I had been trying to avoid the store for this very reason.  The minute I saw them, they were already mine.  Having owned four pairs of Fluevogs already, I am well aware that they are stylish, sturdy, and most importantly, comfortable.  I can walk up and down the streets of this city and back and have no problems.  A rarity for heels.  

Fluevog's aren't cheap, but if you want a shoe that gets looks, you can wear like crazy, an are investment pieces, then these are the shoes you want to go for.  You can order them online, here.  Or if you want to get the best possible Fluevog shopping experience possible, I suggest hitting up one of their stores.  The salespeople are beyond knowledgeable, super helpful, and not the pushy annoying staff that you get at other stores.  If you live in New York, ask for Anton, he's probably the best Fluevog salesperson out there.  The store here is located on Prince and Mulberry, and it's worth dodging the hoards of models and tourists in Soho to check it out.  Here's a couple more pictures for proof and nostalgia :)

My new favorite Fluevogs.  The purple and orange are just obnoxious enough for me to want to own.  If only they were purple and gold, they could be my Viking's shoes.  Are you listening John Fluevog?

* Thank you to two of my favorite people in the world, Anton and Paige for spoiling me on my birthday and allowing me to afford these.  

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 :)

Best Montana Find: Vintage Prada

One of my favorite parts about Montana is that I have the opportunity to buy designer vintage for much cheaper then I would find it for in the city. While it is rare that I am able to find anything designer (it's Montana after all) I can usually manage to find one or two really great items.

This trip, I was on a mission to find a more professional wardrobe. One of these days I won't be working at a restaurant and I may actually have to look semi-professional. I killed two birds with one stone when I found these vintage Prada loafers on sale for $30.

Vintage Prada Loafers, Blue Suede with Brown Leather Straps

A bit tight, but still comfortable.  These loafers make me think of Audrey Hepburn meets Molly Ringwald.  I fully plan on wearing them with leggings, skinny jeans, and dresses come spring.  Not bad for $30 bucks.

One more picture, for proof

The Most Un-PC Thing I Do

I am usually known for being very PC. I try not to generalize or stereotype groups of people, I try to live by John Stuart Mill's standards of Liberty, and I don't eat a lot of meat. It's usually this last clause that I get hung up on.

I love animals. I often thing that the farming industry mistreats their livestock and I try to buy as knowledgeable of that as possible. I was often referred to as the "Food Nazi" while living at home after I posted a list of over-farmed fish on the fridge. I am a valiant animal loving hippie who loves to spread the gospel around.

Sort of.

You see, underneath this hippie exterior lies a total hypocrite. Regardless of my animal and food politics there is one thing I do that cannot be made up for. I wear fur.

Hold onto your cans of red paint. I, of course, have rules by which I wear fur. It has to be used, it has to be vintage (the longer it's been dead, the better I sleep at night), and it doesn't have to be real. I know that these rules will never make up for my fur loving, animal killing self, and one day I may look back and be disgusted by my choices. But that day, is not today. No, today was the first day I decided to sport my newest fur addition:


BEHOLD: THE PATCHWORK RABBIT JACKET

A year ago, I would have thought this jacket tacky, and not for me. However, ever since I watched Wait Until Dark starring Audrey Hepburn, I have been obsessed with getting a patchwork fur. At the beginning of the movie, which takes place in New York in 1967, a minor character is spotted wearing a trench length patchwork fur. While I'm too short to wear a trench length anything, I think this shorter version will suffice.


A better view of the length




And a close up of all the different colors.

My roommate and I have established that it's probably rabbit (though I was secretly hoping it was fake actually). If only my PETA member mom could see me now...

My New Vintage Obsession: Men's Vintage T-Shirts

As I mentioned in my last post, I often shop vintage in order to save money while living in the city. Well, that and I cannot stand to even walk into an H&M or any other sort of big boxy store, which leaves me with all the great Soho boutiques I can't afford. Right, so vintage it is.

Usually my vintage shopping leads me to great vintage dresses, maybe a jacket here and there, and some accessories. Growing up, I was never a t-shirt and jeans type girl, but with the stresses of the city, that has quickly changed into my everyday, non-work wardrobe. The one difficulty I have had with bridging the gap between my love of supersoft tee's and vintage shopping is that it is impossible to find really killer t-shirts, that still fit, and stick true to my personality.

Well, call me Lady Luck, because all of that has recently changed. First, came my vintage-esque* Ramones T-shirt that I only managed to snag after Annette had second thoughts and threw it back on a random rack. Then, while shopping for my Halloween costume (I made an amazing Garth), I came across a vintage Woodstock t-shirt. Now, it's not like these t-shirts come with tags of authenticity, so I know that this shirt may not be from 1969, but I do know that it is tissue paper thin, is oversized enough to look amazing, and the screenprint is so worn out that you have to squint to read it. Even the check-out girl was totally jealous, I thought I had myself quite the find.





Shortly thereafter, I decided to give the vintage store another go (I hit it about every two weeks, and usually leave with one, maybe two items depending on my luck that day) and on this particular day I decided to start in the men's t-shirts. I had actually been going back to see if an old Cars concert tee was still there, when lo and behold, I found it. The holy grail of vintage t-shirts for me, a Prince, Purple Rain t-shirt.



Now, I have this sick obsession with Prince. I don't know what it is, maybe the crazy androgyny? Maybe the fact that in Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet the choir did a gospel version of "When Doves Cry," either way, I recently bought a raspberry beret just so I could justify singing the song to myself when I walk down the street. Over the past week this shirt has become hands down my favorite article of clothing. I will forever keep it with me, and when I can no longer wear it, it will go into a trunk alongside my mom's ancient Bowie and Police concert tee's (which may get stolen at Christmas).

Here's one more pic of all three tee's, just so you can get an idea of what I'm wearing on a day to day basis. Lately, I've been combining these shirts with my Kimchi and Blue harem pants, some random knee high black boots I got ages ago, an oversized cardigan and fur vest. Nothing beats being comfortable and warm in the fall in NYC.




*Vintage-esque- meaning, I don't think it was too vintage, I think it's more one of those shirts that is bought at Hot Topic to be cool, but later consigned when they realize they know nothing about the actual band. However, it still fits correctly and is perfectly worn in.

Fashion and Film: Betsey Johnson versus Streets of Fire

While I was home in Montana last week I spent a day on the couch catching up on movies I had never seen or heard of that my dad loves. Now, what you have to understand about my family is that my parents are young, and therefore, their tastes are not your typical familial tastes. My parents live for the late seventies (hard rock, not disco), and the 80s (and all the gloriously large hair that goes with it, though they haven't went so far as to implement this into their lives, thank god).

Anyway, so my parents have always loved Walter Hill's film, Streets of Fire. When I was younger, I could not have cared less, but now, appreciating Diane Lane for the fine actress she is, I have started to go back and watch her films, so lucky for me, Streets of Fire was on the DVR. Lane's character, Ellen Aim is this hard-rockin' sexpot songstress who gets herself into a bit of trouble. Throughout most of the film she is running around in this black leather and red spandex get-up that is completely unexplainable. And nearly impossible to find a picture of.

Well, I think my beloved Betsey Johnson watched Streets of Fire while designing her fall collection, because this is rather reminiscent of Ms. Ellen Aim:



Or maybe BJ went through a Diane Lane phase, and stole this idea from Ladies and Gentleman, The Fabulous Stains, another Diane Lane film from the 80s. Ahhhh, the 80s, we should have never let you go.

Fashion Week: Betsey Johnson

Oh Betsey Johnson, how I love thee. Recently I was watching a re-run of the Clueless TV show from the early 90's in which Betsey Johnson guest appeared on. It made me love her even more. Last season, I didn't love Betsey Johnson as much as I could have, and that made me a sad panda. And then, BAM!



Betsey designs this. I can't even use words to describe it's joy. I know that in all reality I should be completely joking about this. I should find something to hate about the feathers, crinoline, and *gulp* leopard print tights. But I can't. I'm a fashion victim, make something whimsical, over-the-top, German expressionist, or Tim Burtonesque and I'm sold. I'm such a sucker. Well played, BJ.

Fashion Week: Elie Tahari

Anyone who knows me well, knows that not only is my style highly influenced by music, but is largely influenced by literature. In January, I tackled The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. As I tore through the pages of Rand's philosophy of objectivism, all I could think was "I want to be Dominique Francon." Luckily, I had a close friend who had also read the book, and could relate to my need to be a powerful, savvy, smart, manipulative, sexy, and fierce women in the early 20th century.

So what does this have to do with Elie Tahari? Tahari is one of my to-die-for brands, and I usually wish I could afford every piece. The strange thing, is that Tahari is so beautiful and mature and professional, very unlike my personal style. However, I still find myself coveting every piece in the collection, and Fall 09 is no different. Tahari's pieces somehow bridge eras, generations, and manage to blend architecture, floral, and clean lines. I must have them all. I swear, if Dominique Francon were a character today, she would live in all of Tahari's clothes. In fact, I think this is everything I envisioned her in as I was reading the book. I'm in lust. Sigh.

Fashion Week

I am currently living in New York City for my first fashion week. Although the fall shows are not as important as the Spring shows, everywhere I go, fashion week seems to be on everyone's mind. So, with my usual love of style.com's daily updates, I'll be posting a few opinions of the current shows over the next week. Enjoy!

One Day Our Kids Will Mock Us

Dear Vanessa Hudgens,

I think you're pretty adorable, and even though you were young, and stupid, and maybe a little naive to jeopardize your career at Disney to gain the attention of a boy by sending him naked pictures, I'm still on your side. As someone on your side, let me ask you this, have you looked at pictures of your mom from the 80s? I've spent many a days in my youth mocking my mom's uber-80s style, and although I at times recreate those same styles, I avoid having my picture taken (let alone being plastered all over the pages of Us Weekly and People) when I'm wearing said styles.

That being said, this is a bit ridiculous and over the top dontcha think?

So You Wanna Be An Indie Kid? Brooklyn Edition

The other night I attended the Sunset Rubdown concert at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. Not only was it my first official New York concert, it was my first official time in the real Williamsburg (not East Williamsburg a.k.a. Bushwick). Needless to say, I was thrilled. Here I was, getting to see one of my favorite bands, in a place that is know for it's 20-something indie scene.

Unfortunately, indie kids disappoint me. In both towns I lived in before, the indie kids were easy to spot because they looked different. Here, there was a room full of people who all looked the same. Not to say that they are any less indie for that, but it makes me want to be the iconoclast I am and change the way I look. So if you wanna be an indie kid there are some very easy things I noticed that you can do.

Guys:
Grow a beard. Not a goatee, but a full on scraggly beard. And if you don't have that ability, at least try.
Don't cut your hair for a while. Unless you have a beard. Short hair and a beard work, long hair and a beard even better, but clean cut is a definite no-no.
Build a collection of vintage t-shirts/concert tees/clever and witty tees. Make sure that they aren't too big, not too small. They have to fit just right.
Borrow your girlfriends jeans. If you can't fit into her jeans, make sure you invest in a pair of tight jeans that look like the belong to your girlfriend.
Travel back to 1992, and stock up on plaid shirts. Oh, if only indie kids knew what a role Marc Jacobs had in all this.
If your eyesight is poor, get yourself some Rivers Cuomo glasses.

Gals:
Give up your heels. Unless of course, they are attached to knee high worn-in, vintage boots.
Start buying vintage. Dresses and tees specifically. Also boots. Boots in various colors as long as they come to your mid-calf or higher and are flat.
Run to your nearest American Apparel and buy up everything in your sight. T-shirts, dresses, leggings, hoodies, everything American Apparel will work.
Channel Jenny Lewis or Irina Lazareanu with your hairstyle. Thick heavy bangs, long straight locks, or slightly wavy.
Invest in a big slouchy cloth bag. The indie scene is not somewhere you will see Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, and Coach bags. Unless of course, they're vintage.
Start drinking beer. There seem to be an alarming shortage of girly drinks in the indie scene.

There you have it. The easiest and surest way to fit into the indie scene in Brooklyn. I also suggest a "I don't give a fuck attitude" for good measure. The sad thing, is that I used to feel slightly original with my indie-ness. Of course, I lived in a town clad in Abercrombie and Fitch and American Eagle. Wearing vintage was weird and original. I'll be spending the next couple weeks trying to figure out a way to reinvent my style.

Out of Touch With Reality: The Skinny Issue

Last night, my boyfriend and I were watching the MTV awards (which I found absolutely awful) and during Rihanna's second performance, my boyfriend made the comment, "I bet it's pretty hard to sing like that when you're a size triple 0." I turned to him and said "She's not really that skinny."

Wow. I think I've lost my mind. Yes, Rihanna is not an emaciated former concentration camp victim like the women we call "super-skinny" in the celebrity world are. She looks relatively healthy, and strong. But let's face, she is really skinny. Then I realized why I was just so out of touch with reality.



Yes, that's right! It's fashion week. Of course Rihanna doesn't look that skinny next to a runway full of models. I suppose I need to live in a little more in reality, because let's face it, Rihanna has a gorgeous body that she clearly works hard for, and she is NOT the norm.

Fashion Week Favorite 2008: Nicole Miller

I like to pretend that I am a fashionista. I am not. It is true that I can tell you whether or not a Louis Vuitton is real, I can distinguish between Christian Dior and Christian Louboutin, and I know the significance of Marc Jacobs on my generation. But let's face it, I'm in Kalispell, Montana. Our definition of high fashion is high-end jeans that we buy at overpriced tourist destinations, and second rate Dooney and Bourke purses from TJ Maxx.

However, through all my posing as a fashionista, I have gained quite an interest in actual fashion, and this includes scanning the daily updates on style.com during fashion week. A lot of high fashion I don't quite understand. A lot of it I can't see myself or anyone that doesn't look like a model wearing, and I definitely can't see a lot of people shelling out hundreds of dollars for the pieces. But today there was one collection that I would sell my second rate Dooney and Bourke purses for. Nicole Miller.

With Spring collections you can almost always expect bright colors and florals, rebirth, growth, and all those metaphors. But Nicole Miller's bright stripes paired with suit pieces, brought a new revival to what I expect from Spring collections. I was also pleasantly surprised by the abundance of black used in this collection. Usually designers stray away from dark colors after wearing them nonstop during the winter. What I loved more then anything about this collection was the bright patterned dresses. Not only do they look fun and festive (for some reason I was brought back to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and I was reliving my childhood), but they look wearable. Even for us non-models. Pair them with the chunky necklaces Miller used and I was salivating over the collection.

Anyway, it's late, and I have to figure out how to get 5 pairs of boots, two pairs of platforms, and various other shoes into my suitcases tomorrow. Wish me luck and check out Miller's collection on style.com

On My Wishlist: Leather Pants

As I gear up for my thrilling/exciting/terrifying (circle one) move to New York, I can't help but picture what I will be wearing as a I strut up and down the streets of the city. Considering nearly all of my NYC fantasies include me at a cafe reading a book, or perhaps taking in a concert (ridiculous, yes?), or perhaps running into Ed Westwick (it COULD happen), in every one of my fantasies I happen to be fabulously dressed.

Although I wear bold clothing now (sequins, fur, bright colors, not your Montana style), my NYC wardrobe has to be that much MORE wonderful. And the one thing that keeps showing up in my NYC dreams (besides my brown leather jacket that was tragically stolen) is a pair of leather pants. Not a pair of leather biker pants, and not the leather flared pant that was oh-so-popular when I was in junior high (of course those were all pleather). No, what I really want is a pair of super-tight, super-skinny leather pants that I can wear with towering heels, my red velvet boots, and maybe even a sequin or two if I'm feeling daring. Of course, without the hundreds of dollars to wear the same brands as celebrities, I am coming up short on just where to get such leather pants. I suppose this is the dream the big city holds for me. Art, celebrity, culture, music, and a land full of opportunities and leather. Preferably black pants and a replacement brown coat.

So tell me? Are leather pants wearable in day-to-day life, or are they best left to the celebrities?

FASHION AVAILABILITY: WHEN IS LUXURY MERELY A CONVENIENCE?

Recently, in the article “Fakes are Never in Fashion,” on Styledash.com, the book Deluxe: How Luxury Lost it’s Luster, was referenced. Although I have not yet read the book, from the reviews I gather that it is a piece of muckraking journalism (I use this as a term of endearment) on the luxury goods market.

Although I agree with the fact that counterfeit accessories will help lead to the decline of the luxury goods market, other sources of “luxury” leave me questioning the future of the market. Mainly, big box stores like TJ Maxx and Ross Dress for Less that offer brand name luxury at a low, low price.

Don’t get me wrong, I love a good bargain as much as the next person, but when I step into one of these stores no longer do I find brand name luxury at a low price, I find brand name luxury being brought to trend followers in small towns. For example, after the Dooney and Bourke Charm bags became a huge hit, TJ Maxx started carrying the bags in a variety of styles…about a year later. I do not have a problem with bags being from a former season, or bags being available to those in small towns. What leaves me feeling uneasy after a trip to a luxury box store, is the legions of 13 and 14 year old girls who spend their allowance on the bags.

After seeing tweens strutting through the malls complete in their Abercrombie and Fitch denim skirts, UGG boots, topped off with a D&B or Coach bag, it makes me want to abandon my previous love of the status symbol bag.* I guess my question is whether or not I am alone in this? With the availability of “high-fashion” status available to tween girls around the country, does it lose it’s appeal for those of us who truly love high fashion?


* Personal Anecdote: After hearing “I LOVE YOUR BAG” in response to my Vuitton classic canvas bag by a 12-year-old girl in my mom’s office, I have nearly abandoned carrying it. A tragic tale, but I can’t bring myself to carry a bag that even a tween worships.