Since it seems like Gatsby fashion is everywhere, I thought I should write a post about it. When I was done the words were more of a discussion on homage and the limits of interpretation. You ready?

Consider two beautiful and inspiring fashion shoots based on the same original work. (Well, in this case a movie reboot from a film that was based off a novel but you know, same thing.) The first is the cover story for Vogue and the second is Wildfox’s lastest look book entitled, Gatsby Girls. The two editorials couldn’t be more different, which makes sense considering the difference in audience and brand for each.

Images via Vogue.com

I recently came across a blog that places recent fashion images next to an image from the past that clearly inspired the latter. The blog is called Part Nouveau and I highly suggest checking it out. Some posts show examples of very literal interpretation while others have a distinctly modern feel with discernible nods to the original version. Part Nouveau isn’t calling anyone out, it’s more of an academic vibe from an author who clearly has immense love for the history of fashion.

I know that fashion is notorious for repeating itself.  I know that it is incredibly difficult to constantly create, but I am starting to get exhausted with all the references. At first, it’s a fun game of fashion discovery. You see an old photo on Tumblr by Guy Boudin and your all “Holy shit! So, David LaChapelle didn’t make that up.” Suddenly your manically searching “fashion photography 70s” and making all kinds of mind blowing associations. Then comes the, “NOTHING IS ORIGINAL” feelings and it’s kind of a downer. Knowledge is power people. Also, a great responsibility.

So, why is there just now a blog identifying whom exactly is paying homage to who? I for one really appreciate it. I read a lot of magazines, but I don’t have the down time I would like to study the VOGUE archives. (Although that does sounds like a super awesome way to spend a few days.) When it comes to inspiration and homage here are how my two examples, Vogue and Wildfox, have played it.

Vogue did it by going all out literal. Why? Because they can, duh. Book Carey Mulligan. Dress Carey as her Gatsby character Daisy Buchanan. Pull every feathered, fringed or Prada item in existence and let the lessers worry about “making it new.” Enter Wildfox, which is personally my favorite interpretation, and also, an obvious lesser. Wildfox takes more of an adorable pajama party with head pieces and stockings kind of angle. The look book is titled ‘Gatsby Girls,’ so all 1920s references are intended, highlighted and promoted.

Images via Wildfox.

Both Vogue and Wildfox’s Great Gatsby interpretations are safe. These are respected. These are obvious examples of homage.

Where things get fuzzy is when the inspiration is not named in the title or doesn’t feature the actress who is currently starring in a film about the source. Terry Richardson recently shot a campaign for Aldo that is notably inspired by Guy Bourdin’s work for Charles Jourdan. Fashion photographers, editors and journalists will recognize the Boudin reference. The question is will anyone else? Does it matter? Would Guy Bourdin be pissed?

Image via Part Nouveau

In my opinion, what Terry Richardson did for Aldo is equivalent to titling the piece in Guy Bourdin’s honor – it’s very literal. Bourdin’s work is very well known and recognizable. The above image from 1979 is particularly iconic. Especially considering that Bourdin worked with shoe designer Charles Jourdan between 1967 and 1981 and his advertisements for the brand were highly regarded and anticipated by the media and fans. Terry Richardson is in his third year working with Aldo and I’ve grown to look forward to the campaign. The first ones with Jessica Stam and a lacquered cheetah were fierce as hell. Then there was Lara Stone straddling an inflatable shark, so yea, the ads are usually pretty awesome.

I’ve been inspired myself by Guy Bourdin’s work. David and I used the below image as a major reference for our Planes, Trains and Jumpers shoot.

What do you think? I genuinely want to discuss the line between copying someone else’s “idea” and recreating work through homage in the fashion industry. Drop your thoughts in the comments below, xx.

Left Image via CaptureFashion.com. Right Image by Guy Bourdin 1977.

I’m heading back to my home in Miami on Sunday. It’s bitter sweet because I have enjoyed my time in New York so much. I love the city and look forward to coming back here more often.

I want to thank the Mobile Nations team for hosting my stay and for being kick-ass people. I’ve learned so much more about styling menswear, online publishing and creating good content. I can’t wait for the #TM2013 launch and to be able to talk about the huge project the Mobile Nations team has been cooking up while here in NYC. (And mostly looking forward to adding Crackberry Kevin’s looks to my portfolio, duh)

Next posts will be from Miami! It’s been real. x

Men’s jacket, borrowed from David. Nasty Gal crop top. Vinage Levi shorts. Zara boots.

I’m on the hunt for the perfect summer clutch. I’ve been eyeing Backstage’s boxed perspex clutch for what feels like ages. I might have to finally pull the trigger and order it. Few accessories feel as light and summery as a handbag you can see through. I put together this hit-list of acrylic bags I’m feeling. Which is your fave? x

Clockwise from top left: Backstage 5.0 Transparent clutch. Nasty Gal Summer clutch in pink. CC Skye Sunset Boulevard clutch. 3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Minute clutch in clear. Charlotte Olympia Pandora clutch with Spider clasp.  Charlotte Olympia Bamboo Pandora Clutch. Coast Adara Floral clutch.

There’s nothing particularly awesome going on in these photos other than the fact that I am carrying a different phone in every pic. I use both an iPhone and Blackberry Z10. I recently switched my main phone to a Z10 and am LOVING it, but I can’t let go of Instagram and never want to either. Until BB gets Insta, I’ll be forced to keep my iPhone in the game. I have nothing against Apple products, I have a Macbook and an iMac, but I also like to see what else is out there.

I tagged along with David and the Mobile Nations team last Friday on a long walk through downtown Manhattan. We stopped for Dim Sum in China Town, saw the bull statue with a million other tourists on Wall Street and meet a guy with Google glasses in meat packing area. It was a fun day! xx

Blazer, ALEXIS. Croptop, Nasty Gal. Skirt, Urban Outfitters (similar). Bag c/o Kenneth Cole. Boots, Steve Madden.

Did you all watch the Met Ball red carpet last night? It was hysterical! Between the fashion world anticipating just how punk is punk and the always awkward red carpet interviews, the live stream was throughly entertaining.

Best moment? When she asked 16-year-old Hailee Steinfeld if she has ever been through a punk phase.

Hilary Rhoda looked gorgeous, but a better choice would have been to hire  a trained journalist. A fashion journalist preferably (nothing is worse than a non-fashion person attempting “Rochas or Proenza Schouler” for the first time.) Hilary is a fashion model (experience points) and blogger (media points) so she “makes sense” as a worthy interviewer.  But, let’s be real – she wasn’t  great. The same 3 bad questions were asked to each and every red carpet guest no matter how inappropriate. Best moment? When she asked 16-year-old Hailee Steinfeld if she has ever been through a punk phase. Ha! I mean it doesn’t get more awkward than that gem. Oh wait, except it did get more awkward. Hilary Rhoda then asked Miss Steinfeld if she has a favorite punk song, to which Hailee replied, “Avril Lavigne!”

Epic stuff, no? There were some great quotable moments from the night and it’s all in good fun. I should make it clear that Hilary Rhoda did NOT have an easy job. I would be nervous as hell to talk to my idols all up close and on camera. And talking about punk culture? Forget it! It’s easy to judge on this side. I give her credit for making it through the night and scoring the honor in the first place. I do stick to my opinion, though. She was unprepared and perhaps let her nerves get the best of her.

On to the more important stuff…speaking of the word stuff….one more quote I must include from Kate Upton:

“I’m here with Diane von Furstenberg and I’m… wearing… all of her STUFF” – Kate Upton.

— bryanboy (@bryanboy) May 7, 2013

So, who are your best dressed picks last night?  I just can’t stop thinking about all the people who gave a damn vs. those who were just boring and hardly tried.

Here are my faves:

Kristen Stewart, Sarah Jessica Parker, Miley Cyrus and Nicole Ritchie for all going with the theme and making it their own. Props out to Ashley Olsen and Olivia Wilde for just being chic as hell.

Should we talk about Miley for a second? ‘Cause I’m all about her right now. I think it started when she cut her hair. Miley’s recent style is on point and her beauty is flawless. The hair I have no particular opinion on, but it did wonders for her evolving self expression. Whatever it is that is making Miley Cyrus kind of awesome – I’m down. xx

Last week David and I met up with Rene Ritchie and Martin Reisch in Bryant Park to collaborate on a fashion photography feature for iMore.com. Check out the article here to watch a video of David offering tips on how to get the most out of your iPhone camera and to read Rene’s article our process.

On this gorgeous day last week, the weather was sunny and  in the high 60s. I’m really falling in love with spring. I’ve only lived in Florida, so I’ve never properly experienced the seasonal change from winter to spring. It’s absolutely intoxicating. You cannot not go outside on a day so fresh and in bloom.

I wanted to take advantage of the warmth in the sunny park and wear a flirty dress, bare legs and my new NastyGal kicks. These lace-up booties are my first NastyGal brand shoe purchase, and so far I am impressed. For $88 the quality is not bad and they seem super sturdy. I’m not going to claim they are the most comfortable but that comes with the territory for anything above 4 inches and under $100. I look forward to rocking them throughout summer and especially back in Miami. xx

Zuri Lace-up bootie by NastyGal. Dress by Parker NY. Lips, MAC in Rebel.

Here I go channeling one of my favorite style icons, Gwen Stafani. Gwen is one of the most beautiful and timelessly hot women ever. I live for her white hair and only hope I can maintain mine with a fraction of her commitment. I just google searched “gwen stefani buns” and seriously she doesn’t have hint of dark root in a single photo within the last ten years. Way to set a literal platinum standard!

Since I am back and forth to NYC from MIA and my hair stylist (Patrick Navarro) splits his time between NYC and South Carolina, I’ll be dealing with some roots. It’s okay – I look forward to embracing the 90s grunge/ MET ball Punk vibes going on right now.

In other news…Our Prince of Peace just hooked it up with some new items for Spring and this leather sleeved crop top is one of them. I thought it was kind of perfect for my buns look and asked David to take a quick studio portrait to share.

I have a bunch of posts coming up and one series on a rooftop! xx

Vegan leather crop top c/o Our Prince of Peace. Silver chain necklace, TopShop. Lips, MAC in Cyber.

The Helmsley Building is my absolute fave. I have a ridiculously amazing view of this historical structure from my NYC shower window. Every night the building is lit by a different color scheme and sometimes changes throughout the night. When darkness falls on the city, I love to gaze out at the skyline and see what color The Helmsley is that evening. It hasn’t been red since my first week here, I am hoping that the color makes a come back before I leave.

I made sure to photograph The Helmsley with David for CF over the weekend. It will be nice to look back on these photos when I return to my Miami stomping grounds.

Now – on to this Parker dress. Isn’t it just presh?? I am loving all things black and white these days. It just makes for clean, chic dressing. Add a pop of color through lipstick, accessories, or something like my new blue blazer – boom – outfit complete. xx

Dress c/o Parker NY. Sequin moto jacket, Zara. Shoes and bag c/o Kenneth Cole.

Eeee I love this new Parker blue blazer! You know when you find something that fits so perfectly in your wardrobe that you want to wear it with everything? Well this is that piece for me right now. It’s just too good.

I’m actually wearing Parker from top to bottom here. I scored these leather pants last fall and wear them more than I like to admit. Although, I’m not pretentious about rewearing. It’s your clothes, that’s what they are there for, right? The idea of wearing something I love once and then hiding it away in my closet just sounds so wrong. It reminds me of my sister when she was 4 or 5 years old she wore this frilly dress with a strawberry print every single day for a year. Every day. It was adorable.

Your clothes and accessories should work for you. You invest in them and chose pieces to express yourself. I believe in wearing a piece until it’s unwearable, or I’m over it. #MakeitWork

My mane man, Patrick Navarro, came over for a day of serious hair care and lots of laughs. For my transition from blonde to white, we started by bleaching the hair in sections to keep control over the process. Patrick explained that once product (bleach!) is applied it starts working (and itching) immediately, and because I have fine/thin hair we wanted to minimize the damage and really take care of my baby fine locks. Once I was all bleached I could not believe how much blonder my hair could go. I was Xtina blonde and it was super jaring to see on myself.

Next came the toner to take out the yellowish or brassy color from the bleach. I didn’t look at my hair after this process until it was blown out. THEN it blew me away completely. I love the new color soooo hard! I can’t wait to play with lavendar, teal and maybe even pink this summer. Now that I have an all white base, I really look forward to experimenting.

The final step was picking up Shimmer Lights to alternate with my normal Moroccan Oil shampoo and conditioner routine. Shimmer lights is super affordable and will help to keep the white/ashy tone in the hair. Oh, and it’s totally purple outside of the bottle. It’s pretty alarming actually. I squeezed a bit of shampoo out on my first wash and was momentarily shocked at how vibrant the purple appears. Then it foams lavender and is just kind of awesome.

Drop a comment if you have any questions for myself or Patrick Navarro on how to achieve the look. We will both be checking back to answer any needs. BIG thanks to Patrick for creating my new hair look and as always to my readers who give a damn and visit CF. x