Truly Enthusiastically

PROOF I AM NOT DEAD: A SUMMER BIRKENSTOCK ADDENDUM

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Alston) — Wed, 21 May 2014 02:46:00 +0000

I am not dead, I promise, just taking time off to learn a new skill. However, I have been thinking clothes and shoes and art and stuff. Which means I have been thinking about you all.

Colorful, no? I am thinking instead of wearing boring earth tone orthopedic sandals, the trend should be to wear colorful orthopedic sandals. Albeit the added color makes the sandals a little more ugly than usual. This season colorful Birkenstocks say I understand what is on trend and I understand that summer is around the corner. And I am ready for it.

CELINE SPRING SUMMER 1999

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Alston) — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 21:11:00 +0000

APIECE APART: THE MOOD FOR SPRING

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Alston) — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 17:31:00 +0000

I can't get enough of Apiece Apart (e.g. here and here). With spring right around the corner, I think now is the perfect time to share their spring 2014 collection.

WHAT HAVE I BEEN UP TO LATELY: FASHION HACKATHON

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Alston) — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 05:56:00 +0000

What have I been up to lately? Well I'll tell you: "exploring the juxtaposition of fashion and technology." Kent State University recently hosted a Fashion and Technology Hackathon. I had a blast. I made wearable photo-voltaic panels with a high fashion twist. Although, my prototype would short my phone battery instead of charging it, I still felt idea was still successful. I didn't win anything, but my friend did, I was so proud of him.

These hackathons align perfectly with my current curriculum. Right now, I am studying computer science at Kent and have never been more enthusiastic.

Find me at 2:55

SOPHIA WEBSTER MAKES THE SHOES OF MY DREAMS

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Alston) — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 03:07:00 +0000

So the other day I was thinking,"You know what, it would be really cool if there was like a shoe that was a jelly shoe but a really awesome heel." And then, I saw these.

Given that I have zero of no fucking place to wear these beauties and negative dollars (because, college), I don't think I will see these shoes anytime soon. But, a girl can dream.

By the way, Sofia Webster makes the shoes of my dreams. Exhibit A:

ART SOCKS: FRIDA KAHLO SOCKS

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Alston) — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 03:34:00 +0000

I can't get enough of these socks. If 2014 yields any good trends and ideas, these socks should be included among the most notable. There are more examples of art socks after the break.

The pictures, they came from tumblr and tumblr

ADVERTISEMENTS FOR ARCHITECTURE: BERNARD TSCHUMI

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Alston) — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 08:44:00 +0000

P.S. I wish I could write more about architecture, on this blog, but I have too much to say; I don't know where to start.

The photos are from tumblr.

FWK BY ENGINEERED GARMENTS SPRING 2014: PICKING UP WHERE I LEFT OFF

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Alston) — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 08:16:00 +0000

Picking up where I left off with Fall 2013, I want to talk about Spring 2014. God, I love this shit. I can't afford it, but I love it. I live in rural Ohio so these looks are right up my alley. The combination of utilitarianism and femininity comforts me. I see myself as the FWK woman. Right now, I look to the current FWK looks and the past looks, both FWK and Engineered Garments, for inspiration. I admire the attention to detail, textiles and cut, as well as functional design. I feel like a jackass talking about all the things I love but can't afford; they turn into this desire that I can't quite shake.

image sources: http://www.fashion-press.net/collections/2555

POST-MODERN TRAPPINGS: TOGA PULLA

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Alston) — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 04:50:00 +0000

So I love these Toga Pulla jackets. Each jacket is a combination of the two jackets you feel inappropriate wearing together: a bomber jacket and a long tailored coat, a cardigan and a motorcycle jacket and a parka with something. I like the layering and combination of black and navy. Currently, I am trying to pull of this look and I will post more outfits soon so you can judge for yourself.

Toga Pulla is also known for their amazing boots, check them out after the break.

AMERICAN HORROR STORY COVEN: "ON WEDNESDAYS, WE WEAR BLACK"

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Alston) — Sun, 17 Nov 2013 07:29:00 +0000

This fall, my favorite show to watch, and the only show I watch, is American Horror Story: Coven. I know everyone and their father is watching it and that is because it is good albeit a bit cheesy. Now I am just a little inspired to wear black, all black.

I used to wear all black when I was in high school because I thought I was cool or something. But then my black clothes started to look hazy and I gave up on the look.

Now, I am interested, again. Here are my dream "all-black-everything" looks:

Something elegant:

Something casual:

Something also casual:

Find some more items from my dream witchy-wardobe after the break.

I would be the best-dressed witch on the planet, at least until someone puts a spell on me.

COLLEGE FASHIONISTA: GPOY

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Alston) — Sat, 09 Nov 2013 02:56:00 +0000

Hey. Check me out. I was going to class the other day and a nice lady took my picture. I guess this can count as an outfit post. My coat and skirt are second-hand. My top and sweater came from Gabriel Brothers. My mom bought me the tights and socks which means I don't know where they came from. And, the boots are from Anthropologhie. Here is a link to the entire story, "Accessories Report: Tight Club".

BUNDLE UP: TOP 5 COATS FOR AN OHIO WINTER

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Alston) — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 01:14:00 +0000

Here, in Ohio, winter is right around the corner. And when I say "right around the corner," I mean next week. We have already had our first snow and I have already had my first sinus infection. Fall layers won't cut it anymore, I need to bundle up.

In no particular order, here are my top five favorite coats for an Ohio winter.

The MA-1 Flight Jacket:

Something classic, long-ish and tailored:

Something Technical:

Something Fur or Faux Fur:

The Motor Cycle Jacket:

*BONUS* The Shawl: I know this is not a coat, but it still keeps me comfortable.

Stay warm!

DONNA KAREN SPRING SUMMER 1999

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Alston) — Sun, 03 Nov 2013 07:49:00 +0000

Photographed by Peter Lindbergh

IMAGE the fashion spot

HANG-IT-ALL: VARIATIONS ON A THEME

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Alston) — Tue, 29 Oct 2013 04:20:00 +0000

This is not the first time I have written about Eames design (here and here) and if you memory serves, you may recall that this is also not the first time I have written about the Eames Hang-It-All (to refresh your memory click here).

Now, you know the Hang-It-All is my favorite, ever, I wanted to share all of variations of the Hang-It-All I have spotted. None of which I can afford. Have you guys seen any different variations of the Hang-It-All lately?

"MEN SELDONM MAKE PASSES AT GIRLS WHO WEAR GLASSES, LIKE I GIVE A DAMN"

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Alston) — Sat, 26 Oct 2013 01:41:00 +0000

It's time. I get news glasses about every two years, which is around the same time my prescription needs tweaking. I began wearing glasses when I was eight years old and have been wearing them daily for fourteen years. I know what works for me: plastic, square-ish frame, tortoise shell. For my next pairs of glasses, I want to try something new. I always buy two pairs of glasses at once. Maybe, one pair will be my typical style and the other will be a bit more colorful.

I almost dread going into the different eye-wear showrooms in the mall because I know it will be hard to find what I want at the price I would like to pay. I am seriously considering trying a service like Warby Parker.

My only reservation is knowing how or if glasses I want will fit my face. I understand that I can try the glasses on at home, but Warby, and sites like it, do not offer custom alterations. My ears are small and crooked (which is neither here not there); that makes it hard to find glasses that can be altered to fit my head so I don't look like a mad scientist (again, which is neither here nor there).

People always tell me I should just get contact lenses, which is an obvious solution and a solution I have tried. Unfortunately, my astigmatism is so bad that the contacts designed to for people with astigmatism cause me too much discomfort.

By now, you would think, after fourteen years, I would know how to solve this problem.

I digress. Wish me luck & Happy Glasses Shopping!

MARGIELA: 11

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Alston) — Fri, 25 Oct 2013 04:10:00 +0000

I don't wear too much jewelry.

Typically, I never where jewelry because anything that is not made of precious metals such as gold, silver or platinum will irritate my skin. Even, suspect jewelry that claims it is at the least sterling coated will make me uncomfortable. Recently, I have been looking at jewelry, seriously. I guess I no longer have "mid-western sticker shock" when I look at fine jewelry.

So far my favorite pieces are Maison Martin Margiela. I love their post-modern flare.

WOW, IT'S BEEN A HOT SECOND

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Alston) — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 01:00:00 +0000

Recently, my computer failed, so I lost everything I had ever worked on, ever. My life has never been as fractured, nor have I ever been as transient as I am now. Nevertheless, I am excited to start posting again. I can't wait to talk to you all about:

modular wardrobes
vagabond style
Italian plastic furniture
hack-a-thons (I went to MHacks.)
new music
Christophe Lemaire
John Pawson
swimming
beer
etc.

CURRENTLY READING

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Alston) — Sun, 01 Sep 2013 02:24:00 +0000

Yesterday, I got these books from the library. Currently, I am completing my degree (BS Architecture), and next semester I will begin my post undergraduate study in Computer Science. After an exhilarating talk with the head of the Computer Science department, I was prompted to start my research before my I start my classes. The future has never looked so bright.

CHANGES, CHANGES

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Alston) — Fri, 09 Aug 2013 21:19:00 +0000

I know I haven't posted in a while. Sorry about that. I was a sick. I just wanted to check in and let you guys know that I will be making some changes to the blog. I think I am going to remove some older posts that I find irrelevant. As well as, change the graphics around and add more social media buttons. Stay tuned.

PORTFOLIO INSPIRATION: WORK IN PROGRESS

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Alston) — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 00:02:00 +0000

Some one once told me that a designer should consider their portfolio a work in progress. This is maybe the third time I have put together a portfolio. Here are my current inspirations.

IMAGE SOURCES: mostly dirokken.com, designeverywhere-tumblr, inspirimgrafik-tumblr

TORO Y MOI TOMORROW NIGHT

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Alston) — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 22:52:00 +0000

I am so excited to see Toro Y Moi tomorrow night. My boyfriend and I are huge fans of Chaz and company. When my boyfriend, Jeff, finds music that he likes it inspires him to do something creative. This time around, he made an action movie and arcade video game inspired piece set to Toro Y Moi's "Never Matter". I hope you enjoy it.

Find more videos my boyfriend produced, directed and edited after the break.

GINNICO VOGUE ITALIA: QUESTIONS ANSWERED

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Alston) — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 21:00:00 +0000

Recently, I have gotten some emails about an image I used in a post about Adidas soccer jerseys. A couple of you guys asked about the origin of final images in the post. At first, I could only say I found the image on tumblr, which is a black-hole. And then, I got lucky. A link to the editorial, which included the images showed up on my tumblr feed.

The images are from Vogue Italia. They are part of an editorial from 1994. The photographer is Steven Meisel. Below, I have provided each image of the story with an accompanying Italian to English translation (from left to right, where necessary). And, I am sorry the translations are so terrible, I don't speak Italian well, so I had to rely on Google Translate.

Original:

Ginnico

é l'ultimo trend primavera '94. Non più "gym wear" relegato in palestra o uniforme rasta gettonata ad Harlem. Oggi un must del grunge sale in passerella. By Steven Meisel

Translated, poorly:

Ginnico

is the latest trend in spring '94. No more "gym wear" relegated to the gym or even rasta gettonata in Harlem. Today a must grunge salt on the catwalk. By Steven Meisel

Original:

America-Europa: sfida di stile tra i fashion desgners. Lo stile più hot guarda ai giovani " on the road" e non conosce frontiere.

Translated, poorly:

America and Europe: the challenge of style among fashion desgners. The style of the hottest looks to young people "on the road" and knows no borders.

Original:

T-shirts, shorts, leggings. Bande laterali, tessuti "techno"; emblemi di un marchio dello sport nei più straordinari e nuovi mix.

Translated, poorly:

T-shirts, shorts, leggings. Sidebands, tissues, "techno", emblems of a brand of sport in the most extraordinary and new mixes.

Original:

Ambiente ideale, una palestra. Ma è un look "open": da indossare, scomporre e reinterpretare con variazioni di tempo e di luogo.

Translated, poorly:

An ideal setting, a gym. But it looks "open" to wear, break down and reinterpret with variations of time and place.

Original:

All'insegna della libertà totale oltre ogni convenzione: forme minimal, materiali lucidi e leggeri, colori contrasto. Declinabili con fantasia.

Translated, poorly:

Under the banner of total freedom over every convention: minimal shapes, shiny materials and light colors contrast. Workable on with fantasy.

Regardless of the poor translations, I still understood the editorial. I can say that I was still inspired by the text as well as the pictures. I guess that is the power of great work in fashion. I know I won't become bored with this look anytime soon.

Image Source: the fashion spot

FWK BY ENGINEERED GARMENTS FALL/WINTER 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Alston) — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 21:00:00 +0000

In this week's installment of the things I want but can't afford, I take a look at FWK by Engineered Garments. I love this line because it does not feel too disconnected from the menswear line, Engineered Garments. Sometimes, when a menswear brand spawns a women's collection, the ideas and processes that make the men's clothes unique are lost while trying to appeal to a feminine shopper. Fortunately, nothing is lost on FWK (I wonder what "FWK" means). The women's pieces complement the men's pieces nicely. Currently, I have my eye on the "hawaiian" print vest, and that red pull-over coat.

IMAGE SOURCES: fashionpress.net

VOLUME: THE EAMES CASE STUDY HOUSE INTERIOR

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Alston) — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 19:30:00 +0000

I have seen so many pictures of the Eames Case Study House, but never any like the ones above. Typically, architectural photography, features spaces that are stark, either without furniture or sparse furnishings, like the images above. It is unusual to see the Eames house in this way. Usually, the images show a home full of color, life and character (see the images below). The very quirks and idiosyncrasies of Ray and Charles were plastered on every surface.

To see the house without furniture, you can truly get a sense of it's volume. It is immense.

IMAGE SOURCES: the189.com, The Library of Congress,

ADIDAS: BLACK & WHITE

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Alston) — Thu, 04 Jul 2013 21:53:00 +0000

I have placed a moratorium on my active-wear ban. Two years ago, you would never catch me wearing sweat clothes if I wasn't sweating. Nowadays, my ideas about clothing, dressing and personal style are far more relaxed. Recently, I have been interested in all things Adidas and black and white. Here (above and below) are some of my inspirations for wearing the three famous stripes.

IMAGE SOURCES: streetfsn, redcat, shorties in adidas-tumblr, coup de foudre