La Petite Marmoset

Friends with Benefits

2013-01-04T10:13:00.000-08:00

♪ I got 4 pickles hey hey hey hey ♫

Photos by Lida Ramsey

Sequin Moto Jacket- Walter Baker (scored at Sample Sale in Chelsea Market, similar here), Scarf- Denada Design, Sweater and Maxi- Thrifted (the sweater is Saks and the "maxi" is a nightgown), Eel Clutch- Vintage, Shoes- Dolce Vita, Jewelry- wholesaler

I : fashion as my best friend Lida : food --- basically, we count on each other to find out about gems in our respective areas of interest. So when Lida told me she wanted to take me on a tour of the Eat Good Food Group (hey, I like to eat good food!) and several of their restaurants in Alexandria, Va, I didn't hesitate. We lunched at Restaurant Eve--- It was like finding the secret garden of gastronomy! It's tucked away in an alley and has a very quiet, relaxing atmosphere. I would definitely recommend their "Lickety Split" lunch-- any two items on the menu are $14.98. Loose mermaid dress advisable ;)

Time to Pretend

2013-01-02T15:21:00.000-08:00

My first watch since, oh, 7th grade...

Photos by Cheralee Lyle

Tunic- random store in NY, Wool Maxi Skirt- Thrifted, Necklace- St. Clair Jewelry, Bracelet- wholesaler, Boots- UO, Wrap-around watch- c/o BCBG Generation

My time zone is currently set to Latino Eastern Standard. Aka chronically 10-15 minutes late (Wait! Before you cry "stereotype" read here). When I was 12, I thought that owning the coveted frosted metal Fossil analog would help fight this tendency AND make me "cool" at the same time (Abercrombie + Fitch, Addidas flip flops, and Express flare jeans can all be included in this category). I soon found that not only was I still late (who could tell time with numberless ticks?), my AIM friends list had not grown in number (MocoMamasita18 was not pleased). I decided to let my chain link watch gather dust along with my stretchy tattoo choker necklace and rhinestone monogram pendant.

To me, this is a Mexican textile meets-friendship bracelet meets-watch. There's no pressure for me to use it for its intended purpose (umm, being on time for life) because I actually want to wear it with everything.

Did I mention one of my New Years resolutions was to always be 15 minutes early?

Merry Soxxmas

2012-12-24T15:23:00.002-08:00

Never thought I'd see the day where I'd be excited about a pair of heels under 4" #growingup

Photos by Cheralee Lyle

Dress- Rebecca Taylor (via Net-a-Porter), Jacket- Thrifted, Socks- c/o Soxxy, Boots- Dolce Vita

Hope everyone is gearing up for a great holiday! This dress has become my go-to holiday party dress mainly because a) it gives the illusion of a small waist (all the better to hide my week-long cupcake binge with) and b) it looks like a disco ball (just spin in circles and everyone starts dancing!).

And now, my Xmas gift to you... free socks! (wait, it gets better)

Knee high socks and I don't have a good history-- for one, they tend to make me look like a rugby player (thanks a lot, thigh genes), and secondly, they never want to stay put. I was so happy to receive these Soxxys in the mail---- they have a gel grip on the inside that keeps them from sliding down your legs and sagging around your ankles. Sagging generally = the opposite of anything that connotes sexy.

Here's how to enter:

Merry Christmas! xoxoxo

Baroque Creek Park

2012-12-21T11:10:00.000-08:00

"Rrrrruff!" -- Thanks dawg, I like these pants too :)

Photos by Cheralee Lyle

Hooded Scarf- Denada Design, Blazer, denim shirt, and purse- Vintage, Skinnies- Target, Boots- Urban Outfitters

Went for a romp in the woods with Cheralee a little while back--- this is one of the few things I miss about living in the 'burbs (although Rock Creek Park is still very close). It's a dangerous thing, having a Target one floor down from my gym--- I stopped by to pick up makeup remover and walked out 10 minutes later (in a trance) with 3 pairs of printed skinnies, gloves, and no makeup remover. Cheap convenience strikes again!

Keep Calm and Brunch with Net-a-Porter

2012-12-20T10:07:00.000-08:00

Documenting just got a little more exciting ;)

Photos by Lacey Sue Maffetone

Faux Leather Peplum top- South Moon Under, Trousers- Vintage, Feather Minaudiere- BCBG Maz Azria (gifted), Spike Necklace- Random jewelry store in NY, Shoes- Guess (via DSW), Notebook- Smythson (c/o Net-a-Porter)

I would have died a happy blogger had I just eaten that upside down chocolate ice cream cone fiesta (the actual name on Bibiana's brunch menu was something more sophisticated, but that's what it was to me!)---- I was thankful as a whole to spend time with some of my favorite local ladies and Net-a-Porter. It felt like a mission accomplished that the successful designer e-tailer recognized that DC was "having a moment" in fashion and there are actually many women here that frequent their site (myself included, but all I can afford to do for now is drool). Excuse me while I get back to ~~salivating~~ admiring these...

All Night Long

2012-12-11T14:58:00.000-08:00

Balmain Fall 12' inspiration

Photos by Lise Silva

Jacket- Vintage (via La Petite Marmoset), T-shirt- random shop in South Beach, Shorts- Marshalls, Tights- CVS, Pumps- Guess (via DSW)

It was spring break of 2007 and my 19th birthday--- I was stumbling around the streets of Miami, chicken alfredo jumbo slice in hand (sidenote: I'll never forget that pizza, it was the best i've ever had! Unfortunately, it was from the drunk Platform 9 and 3/4 of pizza places and I could never find it again.) I had gotten separated from my friends and was perusing obnoxious beach t-shirts ("I'm a **insert vulgar female term**, Deal With It!" and "I Slept With Your Boyfriend Last Night" were popular variations that year). And then, the alcohol-driven decision making gods shone their heavenly light on this Lionel Richie T-shirt (**cue angelic music**)--- It was too perfect not to get! Only happy thoughts come from looking that Jheri curl!

And, unlike most morning-after emotions, I did not regret my purchase when I rediscovered it crumpled up in my purse. Let's take a moment to celebrate the beauty that is Mr. Richie, the art of dance, and 80's fashion:

See? Only happy thoughts:)

Thank you for the positive response and support for yesterday's post! DC will always be my home. I intend to come back here in a few years and it feels great to know that there is such a strong community here :)

Big News, With a Little Help From Drake

2012-12-10T15:19:00.002-08:00

Sequined sistas :)

All things sparkly- Vintage (Via La Petite Marmoset)

Here are a few snaps from the Red Sprinkle event held at the showroom two weeks ago--- Ashley and I were feeling just a tad festive as you can see.

And that brings me to our big announcement...

We're pregnant!

Pregnant with excitement that is. You see, thanks to the undeniable powers of YOLO, we've made some important life decisions:

1) I am moving to New York at the end of January to spend time learning and growing. I will be interning with a multi-line showroom and taking design classes---- overall, just immersing myself in the industry and learning from people who know a whole lot more than I do :)

2) Ashley is starting her own online store and working towards opening a brick and mortar shop in DC called Anthom. Think under-the-radar brands and indie designers in a boutique edited for the fashion forward. Watch her progress here :)

So what does this mean for LPM? Well, we're taking a break, a radical sabbatical you might say. I will still continue to blog and share my new adventure with you, as will Ashley. We will look forward to working together again/collaborating in the future :)

I want to thank everyone who has supported us in and outside the DC community over the past two years---- we feel blessed to have been part of a growing movement and have learned so much!

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to shoot me an email at lapetitemarmoset@gmail.com

<3 Katherine

How to Lose a Girl in 10 Seconds

2012-11-30T10:45:00.000-08:00

Photos by Cheralee Lyle

Fringe Jacket- BB Dakota (old), Shift dress and collar tips- La Petite Marmoset, Clutch- Vintage, Shoes- Nine West, Belt- Asos

Apologies for the lack of photos (because I know you guys are sooooo disappointed there aren't 7+ pictures of me)--- recently I've been having some issues with blurriness. On the day we took these photos, an elderly man sauntered over, burst my personal space bubble and said, "You make me want to have babies. Are you gonna make some pretty babies for me?" This was followed by a smoochy sound mating call. As difficult as it was to turn down this offer, I had to decline---- I thought a first date was in order before any further discussion of family plans.

Have a great weekend!! ;)

Velvet, Virgin, and a Good Cause

2012-11-27T07:35:00.000-08:00

What did'orsay??

Photos by Lise Silva

Sweater Cape- LOFT (last year), T-shirt, trousers, belt, and bag- Vintage (via La Petite Marmoset), Pumps- Guess (via DSW)

I've been looking for a nice affordable pair of d'orsay pumps for a while now--- it must have been fate (/death for my budget) that a new DSW just opened up walking distance from the loft! I had been strategically avoiding it for a week but then found myself magnetically drawn to the entrance--- it really wasn't my fault. I love that a nice pair of pointy pumps can instantly turn stretch velvet granny pants into slightly more elegant stretch velvet granny pants.

Also, there are a few spots left in Red Sprinkle's Beauty Lounge tomorrow night! It's being held here at the LPM Showroom---- email info@redsprinkle.com to RSVP :)

Why my Grandpa is a Bad***

2012-11-26T16:16:00.004-08:00

Baroque n' roll time

Photos by Cheralee Lyle

Dress- LPM Redesigned Vintage, Vest- Forever21, Belt- Vintage (my aunt's), Shoes- Nine West (via DSW)

Hope everyone had a lovely holiday! I spent Thanksgiving with my mom's family in New Jersey-- everyone was comparing Sandy survival stories (thankfully no one was hurt). My grandparents lost power for 1 week--- my grandma took refuge with a family member who still had power, but 94 year-old Grandpa Steve, like the Spartan warrior he is, decided to stay and man the fort.

Me: Grandpa, why did you stay at home in the dark for 7 days?? Weren't you cold?

Grandpa: It reminded me of my war days! (grunts)

Me: Oh... yes I can see how you would want to relive those... What did you eat Grandpa??
Grandpa: Cornflakes, cornflakes, and more cornflakes!
Me: Wow! You know some women do that as a diet and can't last 3 days?
Grandpa: *Crosses arms and grins

Then we went on the opposite of a diet and stuffed ourselves with Greek and Latin food. The end!

The Godfather

2012-11-15T13:12:00.000-08:00

♫ I feel like bustin' loose ♩ ♪

Photos by Lise Silva

Faux Leather Jacket- Rainbow Stores, Cropped Sweater- Vintage (via La Petite Marmoset), Blouse- Violet Boutique, Bodycon dress- Rave, Booties- via Solestruck.com

This mural of the late talented Chuck Brown (aka the Godfather of Go-go) in Petworth is is at the top of my list of all-time favorite DC street art because 1) he's blue and MINT and 2) he gives the side-eye to everyone getting off of the metro. R.I.P. Mr. Brown--- you have left your mark on this city and a generation of artists to come.

Mr. Robinson

2012-11-14T11:37:00.004-08:00

Photos by Ashley Turchin

Blazer- Vintage (Via La Petite Marmoset), T-shirt and Bag- Thrifted, Dress- Target, Boots- Asos

Kevin Robinson, whoever you are, your name is branded in Sharpie on the inside neckline of this thrifted Murray Hill High School T-shirt. Why would you ever want to part with it? Such a great layering piece! I'm sure you weren't thinking that while you wore it twiggin'/ footballin'/ultimate frisbeein' or however you used to spend your afternoons (don't worry, I washed all the bro out before wearing). Did you replace it with more distinguished college gear? Or did your mom get fed up with a mess in your room and donate it? Bet you never thought about wearing it with sequins :)

Denada x LPM

2012-11-13T10:13:00.003-08:00

Marmoset surrenders after spending a fun-filled afternoon with Baby Atticus :) Gracias Denada!

Photos by Lise Silva

Me: Open Wave cowl (in Plum) Ashley: Hooded cowl (in Charcoal)- c/o Denada, Clothing- Vintage (via La Petite Marmoset)

From the moment TPWP first introduced me to local brand Denada Design last year, I dreamt of owning one of their yummy hand crafted knit cowls--- those dreams became a reality last Sunday when owner/designer Virginia Arrisueño stopped by to visit the LPM showroom (with baby Atticus in tow). All Denada scarves are made with love in Peru (the birthplace of Virginia's family)--- no sweatshops happening here!

Want to knock out a chunk of your holiday shopping list? Denada is offering all LPM readers a 15% discount from now until November 20th with the discount code "LPMxDENADA"

Check out Denada's post here :)

Tacky Xmas Blowout

2012-11-13T09:10:00.000-08:00

Ready for some diva hair wind! (apologies for the gross mirror)

Photos by Ashley Turchin

Faux-Leather Jacket- Forever 21 (from 3 years ago), Duster- Violet Boutique, Tacky Xmas Sweater T Shirt- c/o Skip N' Whistle, Trousers- Zara (3 years ago), Belt- Vintage (via La Petite Marmoset), Clutch- Love, Cortnie, Shoes- Miista

The only thing better than a tacky xmas sweater? A tacky xmas sweater print T-shirt! This is what I chose to wear to my appointment with Ashley at the new Drybar in Georgetown---- I was a little hesitant at first when they told me they wanted to give me the "Southern Comfort" blowout (Images of overly-teased trophy wife hair came to mind), but I ended up loving the result! For the next 3 days, I felt like I was a living, breathing hair commercial and found myself shaking my bouncy tresses back and forth in slow motion (ohhhh yeaaaa). Eventually, the clock struck 12 and I turned back into a pumpkin--- will be returning for more blowout magic soon :)

The Son He Never Had?

2012-11-06T11:51:00.001-08:00

Left: My dad circa 1976; Right: Me with a ponytail stache

Photos by Lise Silva

Jacket- Vintage (My dad's), Dress- random shop in Dublin, Hat- Forever21, Booties- Asos

It's the night of December 31st, 1976--- My dad is a newly arrived Colombian immigrant stepping out of JFK airport, marveling at the mass of cars stuck in traffic. EFF IT'S COLD!-- The wind hits him like a ton of bricks as he attempts to hail a taxi, unaware that the fare all the way to Patterson, NJ will cost him every last penny. Well, at least the 5 other people sharing his attic room would provide some body heat...

Naturally, the first thing my dad wanted to buy when he saved up enough money working less than minimum wage at a sheet metal factory was a heavy duty, impenetrable (and might I add swag-tastic) winter coat. This coat is so thick, I swear it must be bullet proof--- it weighs at least 6 lbs. Even though its 70's lapels and exaggerated pockets fell out of fashion, my dad always held on to it as a symbol of overcoming his first struggles here in the U.S.--- he has since gone on to become a successful ophthalmologist (the journey to that point could be a whole series blog posts, but I'll spare you). He would tell me the story about the oxblood leather trench hanging in the back of his closet as a little girl--- I loved it so much I would try on the coat, practically drowning in it and toppling over. As I got older, I toyed with the idea of having it altered to fit my frame, but decided against it out of fear--- I wouldn't trust just anyone with a pair of shears.

This coat is ridiculous, groovy, amazing, and although a little over-sized and missing one button, perfect the way it is :)

Cruella

2012-10-29T08:45:00.000-07:00

My public transportation-personal space-protector blouse

Photos by Cheralee Lyle

Blouse- Violet Boutique, Trousers and purse- vintage (via La Petite Marmoset), Knuckle Ring- Pure Dead Brilliant, Shoes- Aldo

I purchased these two tone "Cruella DeVil" beauties over a year ago after seeing them at the IFB conference in NYC (and having an unforgettable shoegasm). I have yet to wear them until now--- I thought they were too perfect to throw on with any old outfit (besides, had to do the infamous Disney villain some justice!). Let's take a walk down childhood memory lane shall we?

Groovy Baby

2012-10-26T11:45:00.001-07:00

Rothko-esque alley behind the showroom

Photos by Lise Silva

Dress, clutch, and turquoise ring- Vintage (Via La Petite Marmoset -here-), Boots- Asos

This vintage 60s velvet number used to have an awkwardly itchy mandarin collar. I imagine someone once wore it with go-go boots and a pageboy cap while making peace signs and saying things like "Shagadellic!" Everything in the movies is true right??

Voila! The turtleneck is gone and it is now a more updated shift dress. White pleather go-go boots will not be completely ruled out...

Mint, we Meet Again

2012-10-25T06:52:00.002-07:00

When Ruffles met Buckles...

Photos by Lise Silva

Dress, Jacket, and Clutch- Vintage (Via La Petite Marmoset), Soccer Bracelet- Thrifted, Belt- Asos, Booties- Miista

I thought I was all mint-ed out after summer. I thought wrong--- when Ashley brought in this cast off bridesmaid gown, my inner Boticelli Venus couldn't resist. Did I mention I'm writing a new book called 50 shades of Mint? Consider this my last sea foam hurrah for the season :)

Love me or Leaf me

2012-10-24T08:52:00.001-07:00

Photos by Ashley Turchin

Sweater, clutch, and bracelet- Vintage (La Petite Marmoset), Liquid Legging/Pants (Rainbow stores 3 years ago), Booties- Miista

I love that over-sized novelty sweaters are back in trend for fall--- my last 5 years of hoarding tacky 80s knits has not been in vain! This particular print that Ashley picked up is one of my current favorites in the shop-- there's something surprisingly elegant about the contrasting leaves. Or maybe they're still obnoxious. Tomato Tomahtoe...

Smoke and Mirrors: LPM Oct 2012 Lookbook

2012-10-17T06:05:00.001-07:00

All clothing from La Petite Marmoset

I'm a huge pansy. HUGE. I haven't seen a horror movie in 6 years, and every time an ad for Paranormal activity comes on Hulu I hit mute and close my eyes (lalala not listeninggg)

Sooo, when Lise suggested several weeks ago that we do a Dia de los Muertos/seance themed lookbook, I got so scared planning out the details that the sound of the wind slamming a door upstairs sent us scrambling into the hall with a chef's knife. I swear we heard footsteps! Anyway, once ~~Lise calmed me down~~ we gained the courage to re-enter into the showroom, Lise crept upstairs (knife in hand) and karate kicked the doors open to investigate... and of course found nothing. We broke into adrenaline-fueled laughter.

It's precisely these types of pee-your-pants, scare yourself silly moments that we wanted to show in this lookbook. From W Salon's oxblood lips and crown braids, to Ashley and Carlis' great styling mix, to Lise's original artwork, to Caroline's creative videography and the models tip-toeing the line between spooky and sexy... everything came together beautifully. But still kind of scary. But also pretty. And scary. But still fun. And now I am afraid to sleep in the room where we shot the seance. You get the idea ;)

LPM October Lookbook "Smoke and Mirrors" Credits

Creative Direction/Photography:

Lise Silva

Ashley Turchin- La Petite Marmoset

Katherine Martinez-La Petite Marmoset

Videography:

Caroline Lacey

Styling/Set:

Ashley Turchin- La Petite Marmoset

Katherine Martinez- La Petite Marmoset

Carlis Sanchez- Spicy Candy DC

Lise Silva

Hair/Makeup:

Megan Mosig- W Salon VA

Ann Cornelius- W Salon VA

Models:

Emma Jade

Gabriella Cauterucci

Melanie Blankenship

Artwork:

Dia de Los Muertos Sketch- Lise Silva

Saturn Devouring his Son- Francisco Goya

Jersey Girls

2012-10-10T10:09:00.000-07:00

Some little girl's BFF bracelet made its way onto my wrist--- no shame.

Photos by Lise Silva

Sweatshirt, peplum skirt, clutch, and cameo ring- Vintage (Via La Petite Marmoset), Bracelet- thrifted, Necklace- belongs to LPM Ashley, Starfish ring- random jewelry party, Booties- Bakers (from 2008)

Move aside Snooki. My mom was an original Jersey Girl. Can you believe this sweatshirt belonged to her in the 1960's? Clearly we must not be biologically related, because if it had been mine, it would have been long destroyed by spills and tomato sauce stains :/

Something Old, Something New

2012-10-05T09:09:00.000-07:00

Quick! Caption contest!

Photos by Lise Silva

Faux Leather Jacket- Rainbow Stores (3 years ago), Blouse and purse- Vintage, Skirt- La Petite Marmoset, Booties- Asos (have gone on many an adventure in these as is evident from the scuff marks)

Do you recognize this skirt? It used to be a vintage sweater and was used in my very first collaboration with Spicy Candy DC (our first fall lookbook which makes me laugh to look back at, but you have to start somewhere!). We decided to give it new life by turning it into a versatile bodycon skirt--- expect to see a lot more of these coming up soon!

They Call me Mellow Yellow

2012-10-04T06:48:00.000-07:00

Do you ever coordinate your outfits with music? (♫ Apple bottom jeans, boots with the furrr ♪ would probably work well...)

Photos by Lise Silva

Sweater and clutch- Vintage (via La Petite Marmoset), Belt and booties- Asos, Jeans- Gap (from 2 years ago)

Here is the song that goes with this particular ensemble:

Leave the gun, take the canoli

2012-10-02T06:22:00.000-07:00

Lise pointed this random truck out to me-- I must meet the owner!

Photos by Lise Silva

Blazer, Trousers, clutch, and loafers- Vintage (via La Petite Marmoset), Bustier- Kim Kardashian for Sears (and purchased in Nebraska no less, who knew?)

Story behind this bustier: This summer, I flew out to Lincoln, Nebraska for a wedding. Upon arrival at the Econo Lodge (3 stars, I might add), I soon realized that I had forgotten to pack underwear (never thought I would be typing this sentence). Where to buy panties in a pinch out in the middle of nowhere? Sears of course! The last time I visited Sears to buy clothing, I was 10 and back to school shopping for turtlenecks with my mom, so I was skeptical as to what I would find--- I wasn't aware that the designer + bargain retailer collab fever that has made Target successful had also spread to the store where my grandma compares washing machines. I was greeted by a ginormous poster of the Kardashians, diva wind and all, floating over a sprawling section of their namesake bodycon dresses, billowing blouses and chunky accessories.

Here's where my snobbery ends. The stuff was actually kinda cute. I tried to look away but Chloe drew me in with her gaze. Gahh! Aside from polka dot boy bottoms, I picked up an elegant gold collar necklace and this bustier. When I got to the cashier, she looked down at my purchases, smiled warmly at me and asked if I was a big fan of Kim. Okay lady, I know what this looks like, but I promise i'm not buying because of your marketing scheme, I just really liked this stuff and I forgot my pantaloons! Not wanting to offend her I replied in the affirmative. She asked if I wanted to keep the plastic Kardashians hanger since I liked them so much. This lady probably thinks I have a shrine or something.

In the end, I loved my purchases, although that night I had a dream about Kris Jenner rolling around in a big mound of cash. :\

Worn Magazine September Launch Party

2012-10-01T06:02:00.000-07:00

Loved Tammy's heels last night!

Photos by Ashley Turchin

Clutch and skirt worn as dress- Vintage (via La Petite Marmoset -skirt here-), Pumps- Nine West

When Worn Magazine asked to pull vintage items to shoot for their September issue, we were more than excited--- Nicole Aguirre is not only a talented photographer, but has a great sense of style and visual aesthetic that shines through every page of her magazine. The end result knocked our socks off! The editorials went effortlessly from chic poolside to Chinese cinema-- all the while making us proud of DC fashion :) Here are some of our favorite shots from the September issue:

Photos by Nicole Aguirre, Styling by Carla Cabrera (The President Wears Prada) and Beth Silberg

Congrats on another great issue Worn!

** By the way, the blog turns 2 today! Marmoset is going to celebrate with a visit to Sticky Fingers Bakery :) **