storm and stress in a sundress

alfabetza @ 2009-02-18T23:11:00

2009-02-19T04:12:23Z

I've moved my fashion blog to blogger.
It's so much simpler there to blog! It's amazing.
Anyway, it's

dressfox.blogspot.com

alfabetza @ 2009-02-18T11:53:00

2009-02-18T16:59:43Z

weheartit.com

This is the most amazing site ever. I discovered it upon my daily random searches for fashion photography and product reviews, and have been absolutely hooked. I've been recently thumbing through furniture magazines for ideas, seeing as how I'll be getting my own place in the fall (in order to attend FIDM LA). I love this site, because I can think up a color palette along with the proper fabric choices to complete a cozy, sophisticated domain in which I will probably Tivo House of Style and What Not To Wear. I'm completely in love with the idea of having a place of my own and just cuddling up with a deliciously soft throw pillow on a buttery-colored sofa and calling it a day. This site allows me to pre-plan (because I am an obsessive-compulsive worry-wart about the future), and organize my visual loves to boot. I heart it.

weheartit.com

coins, keys and candies for cuties

2009-02-12T18:41:09Z

currently wanting.

2009-02-08T21:24:38Z

Right now, it is the laziest Sunday ever.
It's February, meaning it is too cold for picnics.
So, right this moment, I'd love to have:

Senorita Margarita body wash, Philosophy, $16

Floral shirt, Old Navy, $24.50

Rilo Kiley: Portions for Foxes ((playing on repeat))

drinking beer may spawn a purse, or two.

2009-02-08T04:42:25Z

The up-side to working in retail is having the opportunity to stay indoors for hours at a time and view multiple outfits, courtesy of the customers revolving in and out of the store. Luckily, I speak to these customers in order to get the much-appreciated 411 on the location of certain interesting and seemingly unattainable merchandise. Today, I had the good fortune of meeting a woman with an unbelievable bag. As soon as I saw it, I knew I had to have it. The amazing creation was a Pop-Tab Purse. Her daughter creates them and sells them on her own website. She originally began collecting pop tabs for her college, who was holding a fundraiser in which they would donate the pop tabs to charities that could then turn the aluminum goodies into a profit of thirty-three cents a pound. They are eco-friendly, free of sharp edges and refreshingly lightweight. See? Beer can do a body good!

Pop Tab Purse, pictured below, $65

poptabpurse.tripod.com/index.html

I no longer fear hell; I have worked in retail.

2009-02-08T04:01:56Z

I work in retail. I have a thankless nine to five job that pays minimum wage and demands that I beg customers to apply for a Fashion Bug credit card, even though they probably won't get approved. Such is my life. There are women in their thirties and forties who have worked for the company upwards of ten and twenty years. My first week on the job, said thirty and forty- year old women blatantly told me that 1) I am young. 2) I should live at home as long as I can. 3) I should not have boyfriends, only "boy-toys". One woman lived at home with her mother, father, husband and two children. She also was suckling Uncle Sam's teat by getting welfare illegally. This is something to aspire to. This is not a rare thing to happen in the less than glorious city of Garfield Heights, Ohio.

On top of this, my family seems to think it is a joke that I am interested in pursuing a fashion career.
This is very difficult.

On the bright side, I bought this gold, vintagey heart pendant yesterday.
The picture is semi-dark. For this, I apologize.

coco rocha!

2009-02-05T02:57:29Z

Model: Coco Rocha
Photographer: Hedi Slimane

alfabetza @ 2009-02-04T21:40:00

2009-02-05T02:48:33Z

I've been toying with the idea of experimenting with lip stain for spring. I've always wanted a perfectly painted pout. I think I'd go with a red-orange shade, since I'm brown and it would compliment me. Or, maybe a lighter shade of purple. I'm so unsure! Lately, drugstore-brand makeup brands have been hopping on the lip stain bandwagon, with both Covergirl and Revlon introducing their wallet-friendly lip stains in assorted colors.

H&M expanding

2009-02-02T23:40:42Z

Despite poor economy having come through and swiped countless jobs from the American public, trendy Swedish retailer (read: H&M), is hiring. Hiring may be an understatement. In a recent article (Yahoo! News), H&M stated that they are looking to hire 7,000 people in the next year. This past year, the growing empire hired approximately 6,500 people, for a grand total of 53,400 employees. During the height of our economic crisis in November, H&M's profits rose 9.4%.

I think I know where I'll be job hunting..

muse alert! muse alert!

2009-02-02T06:32:31Z

Behati Prinsloo has become a favorite of mine. She's a model who was discovered in her homeland of Namibia, Africa. Prinsloo has been quoted stating "I never wanted to be a model." Someone who has the confidence and courage to make such honest statements is certainly someone worth watching. Prinsloo has been photographed at many after-parties and events sans makeup. I love it.

alfabetza @ 2009-02-01T10:57:00

2009-02-01T16:16:47Z

Jesus loves me.
How do I know?
Diane Von Furstenburg's Spring 2009 Collection is on Pre-Order!

Also, this is very nice:

i'm better than fine.

2009-02-01T03:54:10Z

Fiona Apple: Waltz (Better Than Fine)
If you don't have a song
To sing you're okay
You know how to get along
Humming
Hmmm

If you don't have a date
Celebrate
Go out and sit on the lawn
And do nothing
'Cause it's just what you must do
Nobody does it anymore

No I don't believe in the wasting of time,
But I don't believe that I'm wasting mine

If you don't have a point to make
Don't sweat it
You'll make a sharp one being so kind
And I'd sure appreciate it
Everyone else's goal's to get big headed
Why should I follow that beat being that I'm
Better than fine.

nina ricci must thank olivier theyskens for this.

2009-02-01T03:07:02Z

I think the entire world owes Olivier Theyskens applause for this:

Despite his confirmed rumors of leaving (or being cut?) from Nina Ricci, there is no mistaking that he is a genius, what with his architecture-type styling of the top half of this dress, with the mermaid-like flowing train following behind.

Hopefully, everyone is an excited as I am for Alexander McQueen's Target line. It is slated to hit stores in early March of this year. I will snag my size in every piece. I'm really looking forward to the slim-fit blazer. Others are slightly underwhelmed by his line construction and the lack of detail. I, for one, am a fan of understated pieces with classic shapes. So, there.

hello california, what a lovely sight to see.

2009-02-01T02:16:39Z

Right now I'm really loving Rachel Bilson's style. Along with the ladies of The Hills, Bilson seems to be my favorite person to style-stalk. She seems to add a little something special to each outfit--a subtle nude piece, studs, a beautiful silk scarf, etc. Revel in great style for just a moment:

current product obsessions

2009-01-31T05:40:17Z

Burberry Brit perfume: my signature scent.

Dove body wash: pretty much the only body wash I use.

Bumble and Bumble styling lotion: absolutely perfect for soft hair with a classic look.

Butter London nail polish: amazing polish that doesn't smell horrendously like most polishes do. Semi-expensive, but has long-lasting, great colors.

tat tat tatted up.

2009-01-31T03:32:22Z

I've always been so afraid of getting tattoos.
Marc Jacobs is my favorite designer.
Meshing those two ideas together, I've realized that there's no reason to fear some body ink. I've realized that I do want a tattoo. In fact, I want a koi fish tattoo on the back of my neck. There's something boundless and fearless about fashion, and to be fair, I'd like to explore all of the artistry of fashion. I think this is a good start.

Oh hai Marc!

revolutions

2009-01-31T00:13:50Z

I think I love my casual style so much because I'm always waiting for Rage Against The Machine to start a revolution spontaneously and I'd like to be comfortable for that event.
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pretty paisley

2009-01-30T16:40:50Z

I love paisley. No, not Brad Paisley, but this kind:

a better use for office paper...

2009-01-30T04:56:25Z

FYI, the elegant headdresses at Chanel's Couture '09 Show were made of office paper! The hairstylist/genius behind this extravagant idea had seven assistants (plus self) collaborate in order to create these wildly elaborate headdresses from two packets of office paper. Fashion just went cubicle.

alfabetza @ 2009-01-29T22:44:00

2009-01-30T04:07:35Z

My spring/summer inspiration is Lauren Conrad. For some reason her style is just so casual and it's so much like mine and I L-O-V-E it. Sometimes I find myself wondering what she would and wouldn't buy. I don't know, I'm rather curious.

My spring fling begins here. I am completely enthralled with all of these simple, yet classic shapes and casual styles.

Steve Madden sandals:

belted cropped pant from Express:

C&C California legging:

Cheap Monday skinny pant:

Marc by Marc Jacobs bowhaus pendant:

Marc Jacobs quilted bag:

Miss Sixty Rachel pump:

Bumble&Bumble styling lotion for hair:

Shu Uemura false eyelashes:

Urban Outfitters headwrap headband:

Silence and Noise Odyssey one piece:

Sparkle and Fade Crossback one piece:

BDG sheer v-neck tee:

Insight Dear Friends flannel:

BDG lightweight flannel boyfriend:

Urban Outfitters plastic art deco sunglasses

alfabetza @ 2009-01-29T12:11:00

2009-01-29T17:13:54Z

I'm in the middle of developing a very detailed list in picture format of what I'd love to have once spring and summer come through Ohio. I think my favorite color of choice for spring will end up being light blue. There's something fresh and charismatic about the aesthetic of light blue.

Pictures coming soon,
xoxo.

alfabetza @ 2009-01-24T22:41:00

2009-01-25T03:49:36Z

Reverend Run's daughters have apparently been stealing designs from line Johnny Cupcakes. Their tees are practically exact replicas/knock-offs. I think it's sad that two girls from Jersey want to be famous so badly that they steal concepts from a line having to do with bakery. Wait! Their line has to do with bakery! Oh snaps! Anyway, Pastry will probably be on its way out soon, seeing as how their method of advertising their 80s-esque cheap-looking "kicks" is a Benz with their faces on it. Overindulging much? Anyway, I'm sure they'll eventually steal a design from a company who is actually willing to sue the LA-wannabe entrepreneurs for all they're worth--which is however much Daddy is spending to back them. Poor daddy's girls..

Johnny Cupcakes shirt, left

kanye for louis vuitton, marc apparently approves

2009-01-24T03:51:05Z

Kanye's new shoes for the Louis Vuitton line are extra bendy, and Marc Jacobs approves. I think they look ridiculous. Kanye and creative director for Louis Vuitton (Jacobs) conceptualized the shoe from the sole upwards, making it ultra light and comfortable. Walking around in tangerine clown shoes? Not okay. Why have shoes become worse and worse lately? The visual appeal is sacrificed for the comfort factor. I do agree that shoes should be comfortable, but things are getting out of hand.

I'm becoming more and more interested in exploring the uncharted terrain of false eyelashes. Sure, it evokes images of Dita Von Teese and 80s call girls, but there is something amazingly alluring about batting "look at me" lashes. Of course the typical recommendation is Shu Uemura, but I'm really itching to try the Dior Black Lash Kit. It's apparently limited edition, so I should snag one up before they disappear.

alfabetza @ 2009-01-23T15:35:00

2009-01-23T20:35:51Z

I'm currently doing research on the amazing Stephen Sprouse. Why? Because due to the most recent Stephen Sprouse for Louis Vuitton collection bearing LV bags with bright neon lettering, I can't help but wonder how they came to be. In addition to this new collection, there is a website to boot (welovesprouse.com). In addition to the website, there is a book about Stephen Sprouse with a limited edition cover and commentary by the late Sprouse's friends, (including Marc Jacobs, Anna Sui, Kate Moss, and Iggy Pop, just to name a few) that was just recently released (January 13th, to be exact). Sprouse worked closely with Debbie Harry and Duran Duran, and was responsible for their trademark styles and day-glo color schemes.

alfabetza @ 2009-01-23T14:50:00

2009-01-23T20:00:40Z

Clearly the best invention since Rachel Zoe's hit Bravo tv show, these tees showcase a girl's fashion and pop culture knowledge. I cannot wait to get my hands on one of them. Although a bit pricey ($65), it's a great evolution from the widespread Andy Warhol banana tee, which I was incredibly sick of seeing in varying forms (oversized, undersized, neon, outlined, stamped all over, etc.). I'm sure Zoe fans will snatch these off the shelves when they debut. Everyone can pre-order them online at chrissuave.com. In addition to Zoe-approved tees, there is a "Save Anna" tee with Anna Wintour's legendary mug silkscreened on the front. The clamoring for this tee may be debatable, but the Bananas tee is sure to be a shoe-in. Both tees are American Apparel, so you can be sure they're comfy.

Speaking of comfy, when is the Crocs craze going to end? It's winter, and although it isn't snowing everywhere, it's snowing in Ohio. Why are people wearing Crocs with several pairs of socks in order to keep dry? I could understand if they were Laboutin's, but honestly people.