Tweed & Vulture

Empire State of Mind

2012-08-14T11:42:00.001-04:00

I love these portraits of NYC buildings over time, ending with what the skyline will look like next year with the inclusion of the new Freedom Tower. It's so cool to see how NYC evolves over time, and yet some things stay the same long-term, such as the Brooklyn Bridge.

Stine Goya Spring/Summer 2013

2012-08-12T11:51:00.000-04:00

Fashionising

Stine Goya is one of my favorite somewhat under-the-radar designers - she does a lot of great prints and has a modern but wearable style. The Copenhagen-based label's S/S '13 collection conjured images of a carnival funhouse, with diamond patterns and metallic gold details. One print reminded me of the ornate images you'd find painted on a carousel, while others in the collection were in soft pastels. The looks that weren't marked only by their prints had easygoing silhouettes and sporty touches. Speaking of touches, my favorite? The little diamond-shaped buttons decorating simple shirts and pencil skirts.

"The Way You Are" - Elle Taiwan

2012-07-27T17:59:00.000-04:00

the Fashion Spot

These images from the July Elle Taiwan capture gritty California style: acid-washed jeans, lace-up sneakers, itty-bitty hot pants, tousled hair. Mix in the graffiti and skateboards and I'm sold. In general, I root for the sporty-downtown-cool-chick type in magazine spreads and lookbooks versus the pretty-polished-stiletto-wearing-woman. These kinds of styles seem effortless and not overly calculated (I think the model above is even sporting a candy necklace), which is why I love them.

Then & Now: Platform Shoes

2012-07-23T17:57:00.002-04:00

Though I'm most comfortable (and least likely to end up in the ER) in my flats, platforms are hard to avoid. They come on little stilettos, chunky boots, or on sneakers (flatforms, anyone?). I did a brief post (click!) about platform shoes - from their disco origins to now being a Nasty Gal staple - on the Get Stylin' tumblr.

I Think I Love You

2012-07-15T12:06:00.001-04:00

Chambray shirts are a dime a dozen these days and are now considered a wardrobe staple. I like this version from Free People for its woven patches adorning the pockets, sleeves, and back yoke. The casual southwestern-ish style could be played up with shorts and boots in the summer, and this shirt could be layered and worn with pants or a thick maxi skirt in cold weather. This button-down could even be an amazing topper for a feminine dress, acting sort of like a lightweight jacket. This versatility is exactly why chambray shirts are a staple - this one just has extra personality.

Mash-Up: On Board

2012-07-14T12:35:00.000-04:00

last image via Vogue.com

CK1 from RVCA on Vimeo.

For a long time, I've found skate culture to be inspiring. It's a little rebellious, laidback, and a cooler alternative to a bicycle (even with bikes being a legitimate accessory on street style blogs like The Sartorialist). Movies like Lords of Dogtown have motivated dreams of one day living in SoCal, and online skate videos have made me wish I could do some of the crazy tricks the pro skaters do (including gravity-defying moves like riding on walls - no idea how they do it). Even the way skaters fall is impressive - they know exactly how to roll and land to (usually) not break any limbs. With all this skill and swag comes style that fashion can hardly compete with. Sure, your 10 year-old punk neighbor who tries skateboarding around your street may not seem too inspiring, but I still wish to one day live in NYC and pass pedestrians up in my ballet flats... on my board.

"Apocalypse Dreams" by Tame Impala

2012-07-08T19:25:00.001-04:00

Tame Impala just released this track from their upcoming album Lonerism and I'm super excited! Tame Impala is easily my favorite contemporary band - I'm all about their psychedelic layers and poppy hooks. In fact, I'm currently dabbling in jewelry design and am referring to their euphoric sixties style to inspire some of the designs (maybe more on that later?).

Listen to the track above and download it while it's available. Then, look forward to the release of the album in October (one more reason to anticipate fall. The others being leaving the heat behind and embracing jackets again).

"Electro Model" - V Magazine Spain

2012-06-30T17:07:00.001-04:00

Trendland

This editorial from Spanish V Magazine contains polished and highly accessorized looks given a dose of psychedelic-rave with fluorescent paint strokes and coloring. Styled by Tom van Dorpe, classic peplums, tailored coats, and fuzzy sweaters mix with blinged out bangles, broaches, and other costume jewelry-esque glitz.

St. Tropez Style

2012-06-29T15:43:00.001-04:00

I recently did a post for the Get Stylin' blog centered around St. Tropez's French-boheme resort style. The easy-going glamour is perfect in the summer heat while remaining classic and put-together. See the entire post, including some St. Tropez street style snaps, here.

clockwise: Element tank top, Delia’s bathing suit, Mango necklace, Victoria Beckham sunglasses, Gucci dress, J.Crew chinos, Calypso St. Barth tunic, Calypso St. Barth belt, MIA wedge sandals, Ganni striped tee, Givenchy hobo bag

I Think I Love You

2012-06-15T17:34:00.001-04:00

I really want this sweater from the Creatures of the Wind for J.Crew collab. Even with how simple they are, I could never get sick of striped tops - but the colors and shapes on this one makes it even better. It feels a little '70s-retro, and it could be worn with denim shorts during the summer or with a coat and long-sleeved tee underneath in the colder months. And, as styled in the above shot, it completely brightens up a conservative button-up.

Get Stylin'

2012-06-13T13:42:00.000-04:00

I'm contributing and blogging for an up-and-coming fashion website called Get Stylin'! It's a great place to post your outfits and style ideas and get feedback and inspiration from others in the GS community. You can also stay up-to-date with fashion news and trends on the GS blog, Twitter page, and Facebook page!

Heohwan Simulation Fall '12

2012-06-12T08:00:00.000-04:00

Trendland

Designer Hwan Heo of London-based label Heohwan Simulation is a master of simple yet striking designs. It's the decision to use a captivating liquid-silk-like fabric on tailored pants, cut an unexpected rounded edge on an otherwise straight hem, or perfectly place an ambiguous stick pattern on a dress that make the looks of the designer's Fall '12 collection memorable. In case you missed the Spring '12 collection (and if so, click here to see it), zippered hot pants and geometric embellishments have hardly ever looked so good.

I Think I Love You

2012-06-11T09:00:00.000-04:00

I'm loving this beaded bikini by Mara Hoffman. The bustier top provides a little more coverage and support than a string bikini, and the conservative navy is contrasted by bright and festive beading. Though there's nothing wrong with the traditional solid suit or tropical print at the beach, this bikini will surely stand out.

Liz Black Fall '12

2012-06-10T16:56:00.000-04:00

Fashionising

London-based Liz Black titled her Fall '12 collection "Superheroine Chic," and the simple but strong shapes do call to mind what a fashionable female might wear when fighting the bad guys. It's clear in looking at Black's previous collections that she has a penchant for modern geometric cuts, but this collection as a whole is her best and least fashion school show of them all. The panels and colorblocking become the trademark of the superheroine, perhaps replacing her monogram and cape, and the leather details are anything but dainty. The artsy paint prints are a fantastic touch, adding a little fluidity to the otherwise straight-forward and straight-cut looks. See more here.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Resort '13

2012-06-08T08:00:00.000-04:00

Style.com

I'm pretty sure I'll still yearn for Marc Jacobs' cool, youthful Marc by Marc designs when I'm 83. The Resort '13 collection reads a little grungy, a little sixties, a little bohemian, and very much the-girl-who-hangs-with-boys-at-skate-parks. That's sort of how I'd describe Portland, Oregon, which Marc used as inspiration for the resort clothes (which I totally respect, as Portland will always have a special place in my heart after I nearly moved there following high school). See the whole collection here.

Metric's New Album: "Synthetica"

2012-06-07T11:35:00.000-04:00

Metric has been one of my most beloved bands since middle school. Yep, li'l 12-year-old Brie was obsessed with Metric for their electro-rock blend that had the same infectiousness as a radio hit. From their "Succexy" dance roots, to infusing more guitar, to epic anthems on Fantasies, the Canadian foursome is releasing a new album called Synthetica on June 12. Emily Haines & Co. bring back their sometimes sweet, usually danceable, and always ass-kicking style with tracks like "Speed the Collapse," "Breathing Underwater," and "Lost Kitten." But don't just take my word for it: stream the whole thing right here.

I Think I Love You

2012-06-06T09:28:00.000-04:00

I don't think it's possible to wear this Presley Skye wrap dress (find it at Nordstrom) and not be happy. The sweet silhouette and polka dots are a little retro, but the bright ombre pastels are a refreshing twist. This easy-breezy silk number is perfect for spring and summer weather, and could go daytime office with basic flats and a sturdy bag or boardwalk-ready with espadrilles and sunglasses.

10 Crosby Derek Lam Resort '13

2012-06-05T14:41:00.000-04:00

Fashionising

Who doesn't want to be the effortlessly put-together girl? 10 Crosby, Derek Lam's very cool diffusion line, is just what that girl needs. Grungy plaids, pencil skirts, tuxedo pants, and silky night-on-the-town dresses go beyond typical resort wear. Between colorful prints and flawless cuts, Derek Lam always seems to make even the most simple pieces modern and bold.

And, yes, effortlessly put-together.

See more looks here.

"Sitting Pretty" - Twin Magazine S/S

2012-05-28T22:19:00.001-04:00

Fashion Gone Rogue

I think almost everything is better with a shot of casualness - a pair of Chucks with a dress, a tee with a pencil skirt, slouchy pants with a button up. Shot by Amy Troost and styled by Joanna Schlenzka, this editorial embodies that nonchalance. There's not a stiletto in sight, which makes me admire each look even more, and I could totally wear any (kay, minus the sheer top) of these outfits. Check out the rest of the Twin Magazine spread here.

I Think I Love You

2012-05-26T19:12:00.000-04:00

These perforated Matiko loafers from Need Supply are just light enough for the summer heat without being another pair of flimsy sandals. The sky blue shade is very on-trend, and these would look perfect with your favorite airy sundress or denim shorts.

"High Plains Drifter" - British Vogue

2012-05-24T09:00:00.000-04:00

Trendland

This vibrant spread from British Vogue could substitute an energy drink. The neon brights, ginormous mixed plastic jewelry, and punchy prints (styled by Lucinda Chambers), all against a subdued desert, bring to mind a techno tribal look. The shots were photographed by Mario Testino, and you can see more here.

Keds for Opening Ceremony

2012-05-22T09:15:00.000-04:00

Fashionologie

If you like how cute-n-casual your Keds sneakers are, the Keds for Opening Ceremony clothing line is right up your alley. The looks are a little retro, a little Alexa Chung, and a bit sporty, and everything is priced from $70 to $300. I'm personally eyeing the wallet-friendly colorblocked shell top, but check out everything here.

A Little History

2012-05-21T10:00:00.000-04:00

Teen Vogue Fashion University

Though this blog doesn't even begin to convey it, I spend a lot of time studying fashion (well, in between doing college work and work-work. You know how it is!). Fashion plays such a huge role in my life today, I might as well personify it with a name and face. Anyway, it was only when I was about 11 years-old that Teen Vogue debuted and I received one of those free subscriptions from buying something out of a Juniors catalog.

I clearly remember being a complete spaz and going to my mom's bedroom in the evening, when she's trying to sleep, and just showing her page after page of this life-changing magazine I'd started receiving. I had never seen anyone wear pink and blue and purple all in one outfit; I'd never seen anyone wear a tweed blazer with eight perfectly placed pins and a graphic tee underneath.

Even after my epiphany, I only was really interested in improving my own closet - I never thought about fashion or clothes or shoes or whatever being anything but that. It took me a long time to realize that maybe I was kind of good at this, and maybe I should focus more on fashion and not go to college and major in something that is only appealing because it's accessible and pays well.

The truth is, pursuing a career in fashion isn't very accessible and, for paying NYC rent higher than your Pierre Hardys and working 14 hour days, doesn't pay well. But with all those years of reading Teen Vogue and, even when preoccupied with high school classes and boy chasing, always having an instinct of when Fashion Week was, a seed has been growing and I am happy to follow it.

As a result, I haven't went a day in a long long time without reading some book about breaking into the fashion industry, catching up on magazines, catching all the news on fashion blogs, studying an editorial spread, finding a new designer, whatever.
But every once in a while, a really great opportunity comes along that kind of brings all that stuff to life. For me, this year, that's Teen Vogue Fashion University. I've never attended, but I'm super-excited and hope that I'm chosen to be one of 500 girls to brush elbows with Prabal, Olivier, Nicole (yes, as in Richie), and more. They've had seminars where guests can ask the editors questions, hear how the most relevant designers got their start, tour the Teen Vogue offices (!!), and participate in DIY projects. They also have private shopping events and freebies along the way.

It's a perfect opportunity for anyone pursuing fashion, and my 11 year-old self would've probably stopped breathing if she knew about this.
Fashion U is held in October, and all acceptance notifications are received by September. Fingers crossed 'till then!
For more information, click here.

Coco Rocha: The Making of a Cover Shot

2012-05-20T21:31:00.001-04:00

Coco Rocha demonstrates all the work it takes to get a good action shot in this video for Target.
Also, this will be my new cardio workout.

Check out the cute outfits she styled for the superstore by clicking here.

The Little Black Jacket

2012-05-13T16:11:00.000-04:00

Trendland

Few garments can transcend different styles like Chanel's classic little black jacket can, as demonstrated in 113 images of fashion movers and shakers shot by Karl himself (and styled by Carine Roitfeld!). An exhibit with these shots showed in Tokyo and is making its way to London in the fall. To get more of the LBJ on Yoko Ono, Lily Donaldson, Daphne Guinness, Alexa Chung, Jane Birkin, Waris Ahluwalia, and more, click here.