the kawaii life
Mukluks...the Anti-Ugg
I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of a pair of adorable, furry Mukluks - a birthday gift from my hubby. When Uggs first hit the scene many many years ago, I was intrigued by them, and was inclined to buy a pair, but was just turned off by the price tag. I couldn't justify $200 on a pair of boots that weren't particularly cute or flattering...but they just looked oh-so-warm and comfy! As celebs grew weary of the Aussie brand and as knock-offs started to proliferate like LV bags on the streets of Chinatown, I decided that I just couldn't jump on the bandwagon.
Although celebs have been rockin' out in Mukluks for some time now, these Canadian aboriginal-inspired booties haven't hit the mainstream quite yet. Maybe its the fact that the furry shoes are a bit over-the-top; maybe its the equally (if not more) hefty price tag; regardless, I love that they are different and would allow me to stand apart from the masses. Besides, if Kate Moss is sportin' them, then you know they're hot.
A few years later, I've noticed that Uggs have become a staple for everyone from stylish teens, to infants (they make baby Uggs!) to even soccer moms and grandmas. These shoes are everywhere! So, as winter has taken hold and everyone is sporting their sheepskin boots to keep their gams warm, I started to feel the need to find an equally warm, but more stylish and unique alternative to the Ugg.
Although celebs have been rockin' out in Mukluks for some time now, these Canadian aboriginal-inspired booties haven't hit the mainstream quite yet. Maybe its the fact that the furry shoes are a bit over-the-top; maybe its the equally (if not more) hefty price tag; regardless, I love that they are different and would allow me to stand apart from the masses. Besides, if Kate Moss is sportin' them, then you know they're hot.
Shopping: Charlotte Ronson Romper
Rompers are yet another 80’s throwback making their way back onto the fashion scene. While the pants versions can be pretty hit-or-miss, romper shorts are a less serious look than their longer counterparts and are much easier to pull off.
This Charlotte Ronson Lace Inset Romper in distressed cotton is oh-so-cute. The lace trim on the front flat and the straps that tie in the back are a girly touch to the otherwise androgynous style, and the short-shorts that show off those gams also serve to balance out the loose fit of the top. A great casual look for summer! $163 available on shopbop.com.
Sock + Sandal + Leg Warmer?
I am so torn on these sandals by Cocobelle. Part leg warmer, part gladiator sandal, part flip-flop, this evolved design is sure to turn some heads (not necessarily in a good way).
Although the jersey and rubber shoes would probably be outrageously comfortable - kind of like walking around in those footy PJ’s we used to wear as kids - I’m not sure that too many people (minus the likes of Kate Moss or the Olsen Twins) would be able to pull them off with enough confidence.
Innovation and redefinition is clearly key to fashion and style, but sometimes I wonder if sporting designs like this show that we’re trying too hard to be different?
Would you wear these sandals?
A. Absolutely, I love pushing the envelope.
B. Maybe. They would look cute with the right outfit.
C. No way, they are a bit much.
Steep vs. Cheap: Graphic Tees
Comfy and casual, rocker t-shirts are a must-have for summer. Thrown one on with a pair of jeans or cute sweats, and you’ll be stepping out in some true SoCal style.
STEEP
Ed Hardy tees and hats are a favorite with celebs, with their vintage tattoo prints spotted on the likes of Jessica Alba, Britney Spears and Carmen Electra. The tiger tatt is one if their iconic looks, and this t-shirt couldn’t be more perfect given the safari/jungle trends we’ve been seeing for summer. $121 available online.
CHEAP
For a much more affordable option, check out this tiger tee by Rogan for Target. With a similar rocker-chic vibe but with a more abstract tiger print, this t-shirt from the organic line would be an equally stylish, but also eco-friendly pick! $16 available at Target.
SJP vs MK: Fashion Visionaries or Fashion Victims?
You can only love or hate SJP and MK’s senses of style. Willing to take risks, donning what most could not even fathom wearing, these two fashionistas are sometimes called style visionaries, other times, they are called less flattering things in the back pages of gossip rags.
No matter what, these girls always set the fashion world abuzz with the outfits they choose to wear, and never seem to apologize for their mis-steps. Case in point? The latest get-ups that the two were photographed wearing.
At the oh-so-huge SATC premier on Monday, Ms. Carrie Bradshaw took the floral trend to new heights (literally) by arriving in an all green ensemble, complete with floral bouquet stemming from her chapeau. And on the other side of the pond, the Olsen twin was spotted in what looks like a green suede jacket with fur trim, suede moccasins and a chinchilla fur bag that she could easily fit into – in the dead of Spring no less.
Who do you think committed the bigger fashion crime?
A. Sarah Jessica Parker
B. Mary Kate Olsen
The Odd Couple: Target + Barney's
We’ve been talking a lot about Target’s collaboration with famous designers like Proenza Schouler, Temperley and Gryson, but in most recent news, the mass retailer announced that it will be teaming with high-end department store, Barney’s New York, to sell its latest collection by featured designer, Rogan Gregory.
As strange as this sounds, this means that Rogan’s Target collection, with prices ranging from $15-$45 will be sold at Barney’s, next to Rogan’s regular RTW collection with prices at nearly ten times the Target line.
I’ve been a huge fan of the Go International collections being sold at Target and understand how elusive designers would want to tap into the mass market by creating fashions for the mainstream. However, I don’t really understand the logic behind Barney’s New York selling lower-end Target products in their store – especially since they pride themselves in being a fairly exclusive retailer. To attempt to merge the two extremely different markets seems like a strange endeavor that will only raise eyebrows.
What do you think of this latest collabo?
Armani Meets with F.I.T. Students
Giorgio Armani, has taken New York City by storm. In the 48 hours that he is in town, the legendary designer is scheduled to stop by the new Armani flagship store under construction on 5th Avenue, to take a peek at a Saks store window unveiling and to accept an award from the Couture Council. Lucky for me, I was able to catch part of his whirlwind tour, as he addressed (with interpreter in tow) some 300 students of F.I.T. earlier today.
In a small auditorium, Armani, dressed in all black, sat down on stage, gave a brief intro (calling New York a rare place where you can almost “eat fashion”) and then fielded some questions from students on everything from his basic principles of design, inspirations for past designs and possible future ventures. Here is a synopsis of what the fashion icon imparted with the room full of aspiring designers.
Q: What are your basic design principles?
A: Don’t take advantage of people because they are willing to live and pay for fashion. The goal of the profession is to improve people’s images through fashion, and not to be fueled just by our own creativity and fantasy. Clothes need to be made for the streets, not just for the imagination. That being said, creativity needs to also play a big part, but in a subdued and tempered way. At the end of the day, clothes are products that must be marketable and saleable.
Also remember that not everything that is “new” is beautiful. Remember that the human body is to be made more attractive, and ridiculous shapes and styles that are experimental and novel (like a jacket with three sleeves) are not necessarily an improvement.
Q: Did you always know that you wanted to go into fashion?
A: No, I ended up in fashion by chance. As a young child, I saw that there were many aesthetic things in the world that I was not happy with – including how my mother set the table – so I was sort of a victim of destiny. Over time though, I realized that it was my destiny and so I came to embrace it.
Q: How have you been able to develop fashion into such a long and successful career?
A: Versatility. I recognize that there are many different commercial realities, from the young college student who can only afford to spend so much on a pair of jeans (Armani Exchange) to the celebrities and wealthier people who can spend $4000 on a suit (Couture and Armani Prive). Being able to cater to all of the different markets at the same time has helped me continue in this marketplace, especially as women’s tastes have changed over time and now like to mix and match between high and low end.
Q: Do you have any regrets on any steps that you’ve taken along the way?
A: I can not re-neg on what I’ve done. In any case, even mistakes have helped me in my career. For example, over ten years ago, when my show in Paris was cancelled only two hours before the show, I could have easily given up, but instead it turned into an advantage. When the press said that perhaps the French cancelled the show because they were afraid of me because I was competition, it helped to propel me in my career.
Q: What are some new ventures that you are working on?
A: In general, I am working on womenswear and menswear collections that are about to arrive, as well as the Prive collection in Paris. But, I am so busy that I try to ignore what is to greet me in the morning. To say the least…there are a lot of surprises!
Google's New Look!
Images like this signature De la Renta floral motif (pictured above) in addition to over 60 others will soon be available to serve as stylish and fun backdrops to our frequent, random searches. As if we needed another reason to love spending time “Google-ing” during our lunch breaks!
The Rakku Shoe Wheel
I stumbled upon this image of the Rakku Shoe Wheel while blog-surfing today and was just mesmerized by it. Most women struggle to find ample storage space for all of their shoes. Stacked in the original boxes, strewn about on the floor, precariously hanging from one of those over-the-door shoe racks, there hasn’t really been a great way to keep things organized and easily accessible.
This Shoe Wheel seems like the perfect, creative solution to all of our shoe-storing dilemmas. With expandable and adjustable pockets that can stretch to secure up to 30 pairs of shoes, and the rotating feature that allows for easy viewing and access, no stiletto, sandal or sneaker will go M.I.A. or be forgotten! The Shoe Wheel comes in a variety of colours (pink, black, white and silver) and even comes in kids and men’s sizes. $65 available online.
It's That Time Again...Swimsuit Season
Looking for a perfect bathing suit is nearly as impossible and daunting as finding the perfect pair of jeans. Both are candid reality checks on the state of our figures and both typically leave us wishing that we had more or less in more areas than one. Lucky for us (and our boyfriends/husbands), Victoria’s Secret’s 2008 swimwear collection has just hit the market with hundreds of options that will help us find the best suits to flatter our bodies.
Two of my favorite looks in the collection include this Very Sexy Ombré one-piece monokini (pictured above) and the more sporty ANK by Mirla Sabino Heart Bandeau top and print bottom.
Although I would never be able to pull off the revealing monokini look in fear of crazy tan-lines, I think the suit is very glamorous and would work great on women who have ample curves, and perhaps a mid-section that they’d like to mask a little bit. Available for $60.
The ruched bandeau two-piece is definitely more up my alley, and would better flatter my petite shape. I also love that the top and bottom are sold separately so that women who are not exactly proportional (ie most of us!) can choose exactly the sizes they need. (Top: $72, Bottom: $40)