I know I'm a little slow to catch on with this one, but I really love the newest Rihanna video, Only Girl in the World. I like the song, but I love the staging and the clothes--it's shot with extreme color filters in some chaparral hills around southern California. The clothes have a great, faded post-Apocalyptic color palette, and the clothes themselves are really girly, which makes for a fun contrast.
Rihanna: Only Girl in the World. Watch it. Trust me.
So of course I had to use this as an excuse to go shopping and find some pretty clothes that were inspired by the video.
Alice + Olivia Dress with Organza Skirt, $298 at shopbop.com, Elizabeth & James James VI Blazer, $395 at shopbop.com: The skirt on this dress is basically identical to one she wears in the video. On top of that, it's pretty, the faded rose hue is romantic without being too cutesy, and the contrast between the streamlined, fitted top and the textured, voluminous skirt works perfectly. For a more structured take on the look, and a fun twist on the usual officewear, you could do a boyfriend blazer in a mauvey-beige like this Elizabeth & James blazer. The boyfriend cut balances out the quirky feminine hue, and the slight sheen of the fabric gives it all an offbeat twist.
By Malene Birger Baquilla Mohair Sweater, $235 at shopbop.com, Alice + Olivia Cascade Cardigan, with Fur Collar, $550 at shopbop.com: There were a fair amount of knits and furs in this video, both of which can look really heavy if you aren't careful. I'd follow Rihanna's lead her and stick with muted pastels and lighter fabrics. The open knit of this first sweater looks a lot like Rodarte, which goes with the aesthetic of the video nicely, and the slouchy fit keeps all that sheerness from being too sexy. The black-tipped pink-fur collar on this second cardigan is just sick. In a good way. Combined with the pink cashmere sweater, the pink fur is very daytime girly-glam, and then when you add in the black accents and the hook and eye closures it all takes on a deliciously dark twist.
Alice + Olivia Marianna Rhinestone Dress, $596 at shopbop.com, 3.1 Phillip Lim Laser-Cut Silk Dress, $695 at net-a-porter.com: If you want to go the fairy princess route, which she definitely explores in this video, do it in mixed textures and a lovely warm, dusty rose-beige like these dresses. The rhinestones, bows, and ruffles of the Alice + Olivia dress would almost be too much if it weren't for the haphazard nature of the layers on the skirt and the faded, neutral colors. The laser-cutting on this Phillip Lim dress, combined with the handkerchief hem and uneven layers takes what would be a very feminine babydoll dress and puts it in more Rodarte territory. It's pretty on first glance, but then you start to realize that something's a little off. Which is the best part.
The key to styling pieces like these is to keep in mind that they are very girly, and need a little rustic or edgy twist to keep them from being too precious, like a pair of brown leather boots or a little motorcycle jacket.
Maud disagrees with me, but I think the late and great show, the OC, was awesome. Awesome in a ridiculous, cheesy, and over the top way, yes, but still awesome.
And the awesomest (I'm have a '90s moment, bear with me) part about it: the music. Which, incidentally, was picked by my old neighbor, who also does the music for Grey's Anatomy, Gossip Girl, and the Twilight Series. I KNOW. Of course, she's moved to a much nicer neighborhood now, but when she lived here I got all the soundtracks like months ahead of when they were released. Sigh. The OC had a great mix of upcoming and relatively unknown bands with a mellow, beachy vibe, and I found one of my old CDs in my room and can't stop listening. Here are a few of my favorites. Enjoy :)
I did a lot of wandering around and shopping today, mainly in Santa Monica. Can I just say how much I love the Kitson Outlet? Kitson itself generally annoys me, but this outlet had the biggest selection of embellished sandals EVER, and Butter London/Lippman nail polish for $5, and things like Jill Stuart dresses on serious sale. If you're in LA, I definitely recommend hitting that up. Now, on to the general randomness.
MAC Shadow in Carbon, $14.50 at maccosmetics.com: So MAC and Maroon 5 may not seem all that related, but the new Maroon 5 video for their single, Misery, just came out, and I'm loving the eyeshadow the evil girlfriend is wearing (her fab side-braid is also worth looking at). It's a matte black smudged into the lower lashline and upper lashline, winged out a bit, and smudged some more. The interesting part is there's no shadow on the inner corner and no liner on the waterline. It's a really intense look without piling on too much product. I'm intrigued, and shall be picking up MAC's Carbon to try it out.
Here's the music video just for the heck of it. It's hilarious and the song is great and I think it deserves taking a little work break to watch.
Too Faced Leopard Love Complexion Perfection Kit, $30 at sephora.com, Kenneth Jay Lane Box Link Toggle Bracelet, $88 at shopbop.com: I'm not a big fan of Too Faced, but this Leopard kit is too cute to pass up. First off, it's a great value to get all three of these in the same compact, complete with little instructions/ideas on how to wear them. The shades are Peach Leopard, a bronzy-apricot hue, Candy Leopard, a pop of bright pink, and Pink Leopard, for an illuminating golden/pink glow. I really like that you can get a blush/bronzer/highlighter combo in the same palette, and that the shades have multiple shades in them, so you can get a ton of different colors out of a single palette. I realize this bracelet looks a little boring just lying there, but on the wrist it basically looks like a ton of stacked bangles. Except without the noise and annoyingness of wearing a stack of bangles. It's a great way to make a statement, but it's also not so in your face that you can't wear it all the time.
Venomous Villains for MAC: More pictures of Venomous Villains! I think the packaging is a little better than I expected from the initial pictures, and I'm still loving the Evil Queen and Maleficent. And check out that purple polish with the teal duochrome! It needs to be on my nails. Right now. It's a little evil and murky looking, but not so crazy that it's not appropriate to wear to work, etc. I just wish it had the fun packaging too. :(
Wildfox Couture: Peace Racer Tank, $32.99 at ebay.com, Peace & Love Tee, $29.99 at ebay.com, Valley Girl Tee, $32.99 at ebay.com: I have a teensy confession to make. Every so often, and not in public, I like to dress just a teensy bit trashy. As in annoying logo tees and Victoria's Secret sweats and hoodies. At my trip to Kitson's Outlet today (OMG love), I saw some Wildfox Couture tees. And yes, they are totally trashy in a Miley Cyrus sort of way, but they're also kind of adorable and somewhat affordable if found via eBay. The peace sign tees are just your general hippie cuteness, but I love that Valley Girl tee. So many people at school in Boston talk about the California accent and how it's that we say "like" and "omigod" all the time. Which may be true, but I think it's a heck of a lot better than a Boston accent. There. I said it.
Alessandra Ambrosio for Moschino: I think it's really interesting that following Louis Vuitton's Fall show with a bunch of Victoria's Secret models, a bunch of Victoria's Secret models pop up in Fall campaigns. I love it, I just hope that it lasts. Alessandra as a pirate? I'll take that any day over Sasha in the same poses and the same styling. It's jaunty, it makes a statement, it's fresh, and I like it. I call this one a winner.
Chanel Iman for The Block Summer 2010: And for a little summer inspiration, here's a lovely shoot with Chanel Iman for The Block (no idea what that is, gonna be honest). Her pixie-ish haircut and '60s liner work perfectly with the rustic setting and ulta-glam/edgy clothes. It's just dreamy.
Lara Stone and Abbey Lee Kershaw for Calvin Klein: My two favorite super models in the same ad? You guys know what's going up on my fall when this comes out in the mags. Hot damn.
Both ABS: Sequin Panel Dress, $238 down from $396 at chickdowntown.com, Short Satin Dress, $178 down from $297 at chickdowntown.com: I like ABS, but I generally think that their dresses are overpriced. And now they are on serious sale. Imagine that. The gown has just enough gravitas to be formal, and just enough chiffon and sparkles to still be young and fun. The shift is a little Michelle Obama and a little Mad Men, but with a dash of sexy from the deep v-neck back. Total cocktail party perfection.
J. Crew Torque Moto Cardigan, $49.99 down from $118 at jcrew.com, Taylor Swift at the CMT Awards in John Galliano: I've already blogged this J. Crew sweater, so all I have to say now is: it's on CRAZY sale, it's a really fun alternative to the basic sweater, and it's a neutral color that you'd get a ton of wear out of. I love this look from the CMT awards. Taylor is pushing her envelope a little, especially with the straightened hair and bustier bodice, but she still looks elegant and age appropriate, which isn't the easiest thing to do. Her Galliano is so fun and summery! Drool.
And for the most important part of the post, of course, TRUE BLOOD STARTS THIS WEEKEND. OMG TIMES A MILLION SO EXCITED GAAAAAH. Ahem. Well, if you haven't seen the season 3 promo, here it is below. Stuff is going DOWN.
In honor of said momentous occasion, I picked out a few True Blood inspired things to get us all in the mood.
Sweet Leaf The Original Sweet Tea, Fresh Sugar Plum Tinted Lip Treatment, $22.50 at sephora.com: Sweet Tea. Total southern classic. I actually really love the Trader Joe's Sweet Tea, but I couldn't find any pics, and this stuff is pretty good. Sweet tea is basically black iced tea with a lot of sugar. But it doesn't taste like that bottled Nestea/Lipton stuff, it doesn't delicious and summery and awesome. When I think of vampires and I think of makeup, I come up with smokey eyes and vampy lips. Obviously the second option is more summer heat proof, especially when it comes in lip balm form with an SPF. I've been meaning to try the Fresh Lip Treatment forever, and now that it comes in this vampy hue...it might just make my b-day wish list.
Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Spray Perfume, $22 for 1.2 oz at sephora.com, Benefit Dallas, $28 at sephora.com: I don't think the blood orange needs much explanation. I mean, I don't think anyone wants to smell like actual blood, and I think blood oranges are both fitting and rather Southern. I have the solid version of this perfume, and it's bright, straight-forward, and sweet, very much something Sookie would wear. If you guys have read the books (as I may have done...this last week...don't judge me), you know that Sookie loves to tan. You also know that Dallas played a big role in Season 2, which makes this bronzer/blush doubly appropriate. It even has a little sparkle, which may not be True Blood vamp appropriate, but I think the Twilight fans would approve.
I feel like I've posted every single Lady Gaga video on here. I wouldn't be at all surprised if that was true. I think part of the reasons is that I have to talk about them to understand them. Take Alejandro, for instance.
Here's the video. Alejandro
I'm going to be honest, I don't fully get what's going on here. I'm pretty sure she's making a statement about homo-eroticism and the treatment of gay soldiers in the military, and maybe another statement about the Catholic church's stance on homosexuality, and while I think both of these are really great points, I don't see the connection to the song at all. I almost like it better on mute because I feel such a disconnect between the video and the song. I like the video itself. She has some really interesting frosty eye makeup going on, and girl can DANCE, but...I kind of miss the old Gaga. The Gaga that wasn't trying to be ugly just to make a statement.
Take Gaga in Pokerface. Still pushing boundaries, still making a statement, but the video and the song mesh.
Either way, I don't think she can top Bad Romance. I think she hit the perfect balance between provocative and relevant in that video.
On a totally unrelated note, here's a peek of Oscar de la Renta Resort 2011. I promise to put out better Resort 2011 coverage this week, I really do. But for now, here's some insane loveliness. That gown on the left: the incarnation of Gothic romance. That gown on the right reminds me of the Louis Vuitton Fall 2010 collection, and I kind of want to spend the rest of my life in it. The tiny buttons, the tiered skirt...drool. Very modern Marie Antoinette.
And now for the random shopping portion of today's post:
Rebecca Minkoff Je t'Aime Pouch, $55 at shopbop.com, J. Crew Rugby-stripe Ginny Dress, $128 at jcrew.com, J. Crew Wildcat Ombre Pencil Skirt, $98 at jcrew.com: I will be the first person to admit that this Rebecca Minkoff pouch is overpriced, but it's also really, really cute. And the same price as a similar key pouch thing at Coach, just significantly cuter, and well, Frencher, which is always a little better, let's be honest. THIS WOULD BE THE CUTEST AFFORDABLE ANNIVERSARY PRESENT EVER. Just got a little carried away with the capslock. Moving on...One of my lovely readers pointed out this J. Crew dress (she was going to wear it to prom. So adorable), and I'm really taken by its combination of corduroy stripes and chiffon. The visual interest from all that texture takes this LBD from basic to really unique, but still versatile. I'd style it with a crystal/blingy statement necklace and a thin, brown leather menswearish belt for contrast. So not only did J. Crew come out with a leopard pencil skirt (this is why I love them), but they decided to dip dye the bottom in pink. Ombre + leopard + pink + pencil skirt + less than $100 = OMG.
All J. Crew: Layered Tulle Paget Gown, $3,500 at jcrew.com, Chiffon Augusta Gown, $995 at jcrew.com, Jacquard Jardiniere Gown, $1,100 at jcrew.com: I know I've mentioned this before, but I really do love J. Crew's bridal options. They're in keeping with the brand's overall aesthetic, and they seem to combine designer craftsmanship and style with an affordable price range. This first dress has layers of chiffon over a more modern, streamlined body, which makes for a lovely juxtaposition of ethereal and down to earth. The second gown has an absolutely gorgeous chiffon floral detail at the waist. It's very organic, but at the same time very polished, and what girl doesn't want to get married in that much chiffon? This last gown is my favorite. I love the simple a-line/sweetheart shape, and the embellishment of that ribbon at the waist is the perfect finishing touch. I'd add some sparkle at the waist and maybe some sparkly jewelry, and when your wedding dress is less than $1,200 (sounds ridiculous, but having done hours of research, aka watching Say Yes to the Dress, I have concluded that this is a bargain) you can afford to splurge on some extra bling.
Is anyone else dying for it to be June 13th and the premiere of True Blood Season 3 already? OMG. And it's totally fashion-related too, since there are some fab sundresses and trenches on that show.
Keep Calm and Shop On, $14.95 at etsy.com, Keep Calm and Eat Cake, $14.95 at etsy.com, Keep Calm and Latte On, $14.95 at etsy.com: Have you guys ever seen the British WII propaganda posters that say "Keep Calm and Carry On?" I totally love those posters, and I really love these modern takes on that poster. There's a fab Etsy shop that sells 100 different versions of this, everything from Keep Calm and Love Dogs to Keep Calm and Blog On (lol). These are three of my favorites. I got the first one for my dorm room. They come in 20 different colors and right now you can get 4 for the price of 3. How fab is that?
Miley Cyrus: I'm not one to fawn over Miley Cyrus. However, her eyeshadow here is really, really pretty. That sparkly, frosty pale lavender is both summery and flattering, and just a little offbeat.
Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner, Rory Beca Bailey Cutout Halter Dress, $289 at shopbop.com: There's no actual point to me posting this KStew look. I just wanted to point out that she actually looks happy! And her clothes fit! Yay for KStew. We all know that's difficult for her. On a totally unrelated note, how adorable would this dress be as a swimsuit cover-up at the beach? It's light, it's a fun color, it has sexy and therefore beach-appropriate cutouts, and would transition easily from sunbathing to shopping or cocktails.
Kelly's Drawstring Pouch, $398, Emily's Satchel, $498, Krystal's Fringe Shoulder Bag, $498, Karla's Clutch, $398 at coach.com: I have mixed feelings about Coach. Occasionally they come out with a few adorable pieces, generally I strongly dislike most of the stuff in their stores, especially that Coach logo fabric. But this time, I'm totally loving their newest idea. Coach has collaborated with four fashion bloggers, including Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere (love her, more details at the Coach website) to create four bags. The bloggers seem to have had a lot of free reign in creating their bags, and I love that they don't look like the usual Coach fare. My favorites are Emily's Satchel and Karla's Clutch. The idea of doing a doctor bag in pink is just so darn cute, and that clutch is a dead ringer for the Mulberry Baywatch, but at a much lower price and with a convenient shoulder strap. I think I would get the clutch, and since I have a 40% off coupon, I might just end up doing that. It would work as a shoulder bag for day and an oversized clutch for night. Perfection!
Marina & The Diamonds "Hollywood" Music Video: Here's my current most-played song and fashion inspiration. Shameless summer-time Americana all the way.
It's this new Miley Cyrus video. I promise. Words don't even suffice to describe how ridiculous it is. It's like early Britney Spears and Night at the Museum had a baby and it was raised by rabid condors (just go with it). The song isn't her worst, but it's certainly not her best. I mean, it's called "Can't Be Tamed" if that gives you any idea of the quality. Although the makeup is hilarious.
As a little palette cleanser, here's Beyonce's newest video, "Why Don't You Love Me." On first glance it's just amazing costumes and adorably kitschy cinematography, but I think she's making an interesting point. By setting the song, which centers on how upset/annoyed she is that some guy doesn't love her, in such an old-fashioned, almost cheesy environment, it seems like she's saying that the sentiment itself is outdated, and that no girl needs to mope around the house in lingerie crying about how some boy doesn't love her. Props for that, Beyonce. Makes much more sense than whatever Miley was selling.
Have I mentioned yet that today's theme is randomness? So in my unrealistic dream world where I'm an insanely rich eccentric jet-setter person, my house/NYC apartment will be filled exclusively with things from ABC Carpet & Home and Jonathan Adler.
Jonathan Adler: Junior Templeton Chair, $995 at jonathanadler.com, Woodhouse Queen Bed, $2,500 at jonathanadler.com, Prozac Jar, $80 at jonathanadler.com: How adorable is this chair? Answer: so adorable. The fuchsia is so crisp and fun against the white wood, and it manages to strike the visual balance between comfortable and tailored. I just want to curl up in it with a cup of chai and watch Pride and Prejudice. Or play out some other oddly specific daydream. The fact that this bed is called Woodhouse makes me think it was designed with Emma Woodhouse, Jane Austen's protagonist, in mind, which makes me love it even more. I'm really feeling upholstered headboards for some reason, and I love the way that the headboard has so many elaborate curves, but the rest of the bed is so simple and streamlined. The dove grey hue is also insanely chic. It might just be my twisted brain, but I'm highly amused by the idea of keeping makeup or cookies (even better!) in a circus-themed jar that says "Prozac" on it, because both of those things make me happy just like Prozac would. Oh, Jonathan Adler. So clever in his Valley of the Dolls sort of way.
Leather Terrier, $695 at jonathanadler.com, Zebra British Flag Rug, $995 at jonathanadler.com, British Flag Pillow, $98 at jonathanadler.com: I realize that this is fully ridiculous, but yes, I would have a full-sized statue of a terrier in my house that my real terrier would run around and play with. And I would give them matching collars, and it would be too cute for words. I'm normal, I promise. I think the idea of a British-flag printed zebra rug is so, so cheeky. I love anything with a British flag on it, and juxtaposing that counter-culture icon with something as quintessentially rich preppy as a zebra rug is just genius. And for another take on the British flag, this cheerful pillow would brighten up any bed or couch. The unexpected color scheme is a really fun new twist, but it also comes in its actual colors if that's your thing.
