phosphene

where is my mind

sophia@phosphenefashion.com (Sophia) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:22:00 +0000

Hello! My name is Sophia. And I haven't blogged in over a week. Bad me.

What have I been up to? Sadly, nothing too grand. Mostly going to classes and seeing patients with much caffeination and lack of sleep thrown somewhere in the mix. I did have some free time though for a one-day trip to NYC, which was both invigorating and exhausting. My friend and I both brought our own DSLRs, which may seem like petty weight but, in reality after hauling it up and down countless blocks from dusk until dawn, is probably a form of cruel and unusual punishment. Of course, NYC is divine as ever. I finally had the chance to stop by Oak on Bond and picked up a General Idea hoodie for my boyfriend. The store is pure art. Monochrome heaven with a monstrous extraterrestrial-like white boulder smack in the middle easily occupying 70% of the store's space. Man, I wish I took photographs. The NYC day trip continued with a whirlwind of H&M's, Zara's, Topshop, Topman, Pixie Market, Uniqlo, fortifying my love of the Meatpacking District, and concluding it with gyros consumption on the street.

The photographs are what I wore a few days back. Apologies for the delay!

Wearing: H&M bandage dress, Miu Miu mirror platforms, Forever 21 faux leather jacket, Chanel purse, vintage star print shirt

foliage

sophia@phosphenefashion.com (Sophia) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:10:00 +0000

The autumn foliage is the reason why I love living in New England so much. I can never imagine living in a place where there are no seasons. The photographs here were taken on Halloween. We drove out of the city into the suburbs and took a quick pit stop in a park right near my childhood home. I wanted to stay on that field forever! As for Halloween festivities, it was mostly filled with family time, catching up over coffee, and admiring the beautiful day. I'm not exactly a party-goer (despite Halloween being one of my favourite holidays), so it was the perfect way to enjoy an exceptionally pretty Saturday. I'm also wearing my Pleaser shoes again, sorry sorry, but at least they look better with opaque tights.

(Wearing H&M satin top, vintage gold locket, vintage belt, vintage leather shorts, Chanel bag, Pleaser shoes)

super furry animal

sophia@phosphenefashion.com (Sophia) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 02:45:00 +0000

I believe this will be one of those outfits I'd pick if someone asks me in the future, "Are there any outfits on your blog that you sorely regret?" Furry oversized sweater, faux leather pants with zippers and faux knee pads and Pleaser fetish shoes to top it all off? Sadly, I loved wearing this and happily hopped down the sidewalks as my boy looked on disapprovingly. What I love most about outfits like this one is how the pieces sound like they couldn't possibly get along with one another. I'm envisioning the furry sweater in one corner of the boxing ring and the Pleaser shoes in the other . . . and only one comes out victorious from the match. However, I'm rather pleased with how playful yet pulled together this outfit turned out. Woot.

And if you're wondering, Pleaser is the same brand that makes exotic dancing boots called "Xtreme" and chaps called "Delight 5000." I wanted a pair of those Marni suede platform mary janes, but I ended up with these instead. Wish for Marni, end up with fetish shoes instead. Story of my life.

Happy early Halloween!

(H&M furry sweater, H&M faux leather pants, vintage leather bucket bag, Pleaser shoes)

jil

sophia@phosphenefashion.com (Sophia) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:29:00 +0000

So you know you're a dork when your 3am study break is posting a new blog entry and pictures on Chictopia. A fashion dork, that is.

Anyway, my Jil Sander's have finally made their blog debut! I've had these Jil Sanders sitting in my closet for some time now and have only whipped them out on some special occasions. I wish I could leave them permanently attached to my feet but the platform is ridiculous that whenever I wear them I'm the same height as my 6'2" boy. He loves them because, consequently, we can talk eye-to-eye, but it doesn't change the fact that I look freakish and my feet appear bigger than my head! Silly self deprecation aside, these pictures are for a small magazine feature of a DIY dress. I've received permission to post them here so you lovely readers can have a sneak peek before the issue is out November. I'll post more details once it's out. The DIY is unbelievably easy (chimps with the slightest manual dexterity can even do it, not to diss chimps) that I'm a little ashamed that it's one of the 3 DIYs I've submitted to the mag, but I figured it was good to mix it up a bit and not make all 3 DIYs seizure inducing-ly difficult. Ya know? The steps are as follows:

You'll need:
* plain black dress (hint: I bought my dress from Target's maternity section. The fit will give you more fabric to slice up creating a heavier pile of shreds)
* scissors

Steps:
1. Put your dress on and measure off where you want your shreds to end. I made my slits end mid-thigh, but the choice is up to you.
2. Make a mark with tailor's chalk (or just eyeball) where you want to cut.
3. Take your dress off, lay it flat, and fold the dress straight across where you've marked (or eyeballed) it.
4. Take your scissors and cut straight up from the hem to the fold. Depending on how far apart you cut your lines, you'll get shreds of varying widths. I cut my lines 1mm apart.
5. Cut lines until you've circled around the entire circumference. You can embellish your shreds with nail heads or studs for some edge. G'luck!

mirror mirror

sophia@phosphenefashion.com (Sophia) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:08:00 +0000

I've developed a bit of a shoe obsession lately. I never thought I'd be one of those "shoe people." Tragically (to my bank account), however, I have fallen victim. And these Miu Miu mirror platforms are one of my recent purchases to prove this. They add the perfect touch of girliness to any outfit. Finally, I leave you with this epic photograph.

Wasn't that fantastic? Thought not.

let's live fast

sophia@phosphenefashion.com (Sophia) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 22:19:00 +0000

The lovely Chel and MJ over at Let's Live Fast interviewed me for their October Style Spotlight. If you're into reading babble, what I'm listening to on my iPod, my style inspirations, and the such, head over there! Their layout design is also exquisite. My personal favourite is that I look like I have super powers floating above a shimmering green amorphous backdrop. LOVE IT. Thank you Chel and MJ. Big kisses.

Finally, if you're feeling that the blog has been a little dormant lately, it's because you're a keen individual and you're very right. I've been involved with DIYs here and there (I have some news regarding this one very soon) and some new ideas. Lots of exciting things are in store. I can't wait.

meatpacker

sophia@phosphenefashion.com (Sophia) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 23:54:00 +0000

It was one of those weekends where neither my boyfriend nor I could sit still. We talked about happiness and what it meant to us. We talked about what made us happy. Upon finishing the conversation we hopped in the car and drove. We had no plan but decided on Providence. As we were heading into the city we drove past a region of desolate warehouses. It was a weekend and there was absolutely no one around which only added another layer of eeriness to the place. It was quiet, grungy and perfect. As I started walking around I noticed that the air reeked heavily. I freaked out not being able to identify the stench. My boyfriend, just in time, told me it was a poultry factory and meatpacking area. Phewww, because my imagination had already started to wander in the direction of the movie Hostel.

Anyway, the next couple of days will be a little hectic. I'm in the middle of DIYs, both figuratively and literally (I'm squashed between all my supplies on my couch as I type this), but can't exactly show them on here until November because it's for a magazine (details will come)! It's exciting news and I'm looking forward to sharing with all of you what I've been attempting to make (or destroying).

hooded

sophia@phosphenefashion.com (Sophia) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:39:00 +0000

Just a simple look for running errands in the neighbourhood. This hooded black vest had been in my closet for years. When i first received it as a gift I remember wondering, “well, this is kind of a dud. When am I going to wear this?” Of course, a few years later, I love it and can imagine wearing it over all kinds of dresses to add a touch of tough chic. Now I'm into full blown hood obsession and eyeing this.

tim hamilton

sophia@phosphenefashion.com (Sophia) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:53:00 +0000

Finally, I am blown away. Every little thing here is perfect, from the proportions, the draping, sheer blouses, leather and those shoes. Tim Hamilton, you are now on my radar.

school staples

sophia@phosphenefashion.com (Sophia) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:58:00 +0000

Inspiration doesn't normally come 7am when I'm still groggy and looking at a full day of classes ahead of me, so this is the go-to ensemble on such days. The blazer, trousers, flats, basic tops and leather bags are fail-proof for a full day of lectures, running about the city and eating frozen yogurt in the freezing weather (as pictured)! Anyway, it's been busy here. School, projects, and some DIYs that I'm very excited about sharing soon, so stay tuned to my misadventures. Hints: Lots of black and white, heavy studding, undeniable romanticism, shoulder details and draping. It's funny how nice it all sounds, because we'll just have to see how nice it will actually look!

open market

sophia@phosphenefashion.com (Sophia) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 15:54:00 +0000

Bright and early, before the rain from last night had dried up, my boyfriend and I wandered down our street to the weekly open market. Years ago, our neighborhood wasn't as trendy as it is today. It's flourished into a center of independent arts and theatre, culture, fine dining, and a lively night scene. Our street especially used to be lined with abandoned warehouses, but they have since transformed into showrooms, art galleries and posh restaurants. Every Sunday, on our street near all the massive brick warehouses, there's an open market where you can find anything from home baked apple pies, hand knit mohair scarves from local designers, art prints from local artists, beautiful vintage clothing, mid-century furniture, and on and on. We like to stop by every so often do rummage through the goods and admire the local scene. This is what I love about living in the city. Oh, annnnd this is what I wore.

demeulemeester

sophia@phosphenefashion.com (Sophia) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 01:34:00 +0000

In a perfect world, this would be my wardrobe. Season and season again, I fall deeper in love with Ann Demeulemeester. The draping, the boots, the leather straps, the dark drama and emotion, it's all too perfect. This will definitely be in my mind until warmer weather arrives. I'll have to rock the leather pants, exposed straps, body chains, and bold monochrome graphics whether the streets of Boston like it or not.

mint

sophia@phosphenefashion.com (Sophia) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:09:00 +0000

I posted these pictures over on Chictopia and never got around to posting them here. So, although these are a few days old, here they are! Although I have a penchant for hues of gray and black, I have a weak spot for minty greens, sorbets and some pastels. I don't wear them much, but I still love them. I picked up these minty platform sandals before summer and they've gone unworn until now. Shame on me. They have velcro closures and the platform is so bouncy that they add a spring to each of my steps, kind of like walking on air. Clearly I need more shoes like these. And if you ever doubted that what you wear can have an effect on your gastronomic adventures, doubt no more. The platforms reminded me of mint chip ice cream, so that night I marched over to the JP Licks and grabbed a cone full of it. I love these shoes.

Edit: Ahhh, I'm a Style Icon on Chictopia. Insanity, I say, insanity. I have the biggest grin on my face. Thank you!

gloomier days

sophia@phosphenefashion.com (Sophia) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 17:55:00 +0000

The weather here . . . I'm not even going to waste any more words lamenting it. Boston is like rainy London sans the awesome English accent. We Bostonians do have our own accent, though, and I'm not sure if you've heard it before. If you haven't, you're lucky and really not missing out on anything remotely lovely. But if you're curious, imagine "car" as "cahhh" and "bar" as "bahhh." Lovely, yes? There are so many sunless days here, I might as well pack up my bags and relocate across the ocean.

Anyway, on days like this I also tend to wear dreary black, and lots of it too kind of like a vampire. I don't even need to shy away from the sun because there isn't any.

Wearing: Vintage silk Tiktiner blouse (note the velvet shoulder details!), American Apparel skirt, H&M bow sandal heels, Chanel purse with the equestrian charms from my Chloé Kerala bag, vintage necklace.

details in nature

sophia@phosphenefashion.com (Sophia) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 01:30:00 +0000

There are three shows I wait for with anticipation every season: Givenchy, Lanvin and Jil Sander. They always set the mood for the coming months. I was very excited to see the Jil Sander S/S 2010 collection out and immediately read about the inspiration behind it, combed through all the pieces and details. Raf Simons mentioned how it was all about nature this season. The dresses and pumps looked like the peeling bark of birch trees, the detailed white voluminous shoulders reminded me of orchids, and the meshwork that appeared as pants and over dresses were reminiscent of spider webs. Even the rings reminded me of the quartz pebbles I used to look for in the woods as a child when I lived in Vancouver.

Completely inspiring. I'm still drooling over the details.

not so gutsy

sophia@phosphenefashion.com (Sophia) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 17:53:00 +0000

A very simple look I threw together for running errands. I hope no one can tell, but I'm using a black shirt as a "scarf." Coincidentally, it looks more like I'm wearing a cape. Fine with that, capes are awesome. I also picked up the crop top I'm wearing here on sale. When I purchased it I was convinced that I would wear it with shorts, skinny jeans or a high waisted skirt baring just a little sliver of midriff. As you can tell by the gray tank underneath, I was too chicken to even bare the sliver. Maybe on a gutsier (and warmer) day, I hope!

sophia@phosphenefashion.com (Sophia) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 03:40:00 +0000

Mark October 1st on your calendar because that's when +J by Jil Sander finally drops in Uniqlo stores. The line includes trousers, jackets, button downs, cardigans and sweaters all in her signature minimalistic design. I love the austerity and sparsity, the shrunken collars, and the androgynous forms. I already have my eye on the wool trench and white button down oxford and the cashmere sweater for the boy. The perfect staples for Fall and onward. Too excited.

the softer edge

sophia@phosphenefashion.com (Sophia) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:04:00 +0000

Anna J and COS. Couldn't get any better.

sophia@phosphenefashion.com (Sophia) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:14:00 +0000

So this is what you get when you combine:

A bored girl
+
15 minutes of spare free time
+
Too many safety pins
+
Old tee
+
Scissors

Not too inspired nor even tremendously wearable, but my safety pinning skills have improved ten fold.

fashion shmasion

sophia@phosphenefashion.com (Sophia) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:35:00 +0000

I have to say I haven't been too swept away with the Spring 2010 collections. Phi, Preen, Jill Stuart and Helmut Lang have been the only shows that have left a lasting impression on me thus far. I can see Phi's sinewy lingerie inspired dresses, Preen's corset girdles (which I admit to spending WAY too much time the other night looking for vintage versions of) and Jill Stuart's heavy 80s influenced pieces doing well and eventually trickling down to H&M and Zara. But that was New York. Now moving onto London. After some contemplation, I'm beginning to appreciate Burberry's show. Lots of ruffles, girlified (that's not a word, right?) trenches, ruching and mummy draping, and all in various pastel hues. All very pretty pretty. The only downer being I found the canvas belts and the Burberry plaid handbags immensely distracting as well as the hemlines being dangerously short (the dresses I selected here were the "longer" ones). Christopher Kane similarly played with a pastel colour palette but with mad amounts of plaid. Plaid never looked this feminine. Girls, prepare to wear plaid into the summer.

Eh, so in all in all, nothing too standout yet. I'm excited to see what unravels the next several days. What are your thoughts? Any favourites? I'd love to hear what you think.

Image source: Style.com

zinc

sophia@phosphenefashion.com (Sophia) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:27:00 +0000

The marriage of metal and leather on these is just too perfect. Industrial, gritty, and bold. If I were the female version of Trent Reznor circa early 90s (disturbing imagery, I apologize), these would be on my feet. Available for pre-order on Oak here.

Also, congratulations to Jillian over at NovaStyle. She's been selected the winner of the ostrich feather trim DIY dress! My mind's been bustling with ideas, so more giveaways coming soon.

vintage goodness

sophia@phosphenefashion.com (Sophia) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:16:00 +0000

I'm kind of going through a gaga for vintage phase (eh, not exactly a phase, it comes in waves, so more like poly-phases?). I was starting to feel a bit like a drone shopping at all those chain stores. It's too easy to dress head-to-toe H&M trend, which I must confess to doing a lot of lately. Doesn't make me feel like the most creative kid. I hopped on over to Etsy and found these beauties. I cannot wait to play around with these. I'm already envisioning these girly pieces contrasted with black tights or leather pants.

Clockwise left to right: [1] 1950s ruffled blouse (hrrm, wonder if it's really from the 50s) [2] 1970s J Tiktiner silk blouse with velvet sleeve details [3] same as 1 [4] vintage leather bucket purse (all from Etsy)

shake your feathers - part deux - the giveaway

sophia@phosphenefashion.com (Sophia) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 23:43:00 +0000

I'm giving away this dress exclusively on Chictopia. I feel as if I've been neglecting the account and have only given my blog readers the giveaways. However, if you want to enter too, all you have to do is hop on over to Chictopia and stop by my profile here. Say hi, add me as a favourite, a friend, or throw tomatoes at me. The giveaway ends Monday at midnight, good luck!

shake your feathers

sophia@phosphenefashion.com (Sophia) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 21:06:00 +0000

I hate it when the weather is gorgeous on a weekend, but I have to spend it nearly entirely indoors studying for exams. For lack of better words, POOP. Which is why before I locked myself up in my room, I just had to run some errands in a pretty dress, a DIY ostrich feather fringe dress I recently finished. I threw on a vintage vest, some black tights, and leather boots. The wind swept through the feathers as I walked . . . it was fantastic.

I'll be making a few more of these dresses since this one didn't turn out exactly how I had envisioned it (thus, I'm giving the one I'm wearing here away). Probably a white one and black one will be next and I'm thinking more plumage. Well, at least as much plumage as my overactive immune system and allergies can handle.

zombie part 2

sophia@phosphenefashion.com (Sophia) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 22:33:00 +0000

H&M Trend white puffed sleeve shirt and Garbage Dress leather harnesses.