artfully unraveled

Style Icon: Nicki Minaj

noreply@blogger.com (jocelyn!) — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 18:31:00 +0000

Oh, the many faces of Nicki Minaj' - how I love them all.

I'm not saying that she's flawless but I am saying that she's fabulous. Her style (like her music) is all over the place right now, let's call it growing pains. Some say that she is doing too much and I'd agree but I'd also argue that too much is better than not enough. It has to be intense to be that talented, creative and inspired and to have crazy amounts of fame dropped in your lap. She seems to be trying to please every new fan - trying to fit every outfit, every song, every concept in all at once.

I haven't seen her live but I've read that her show is overwrought with costume changes and lacks fluidity. She's trying to spotlight a closet full of "personas" and while that may be a mistake it's impressive that she can even be three or four different women over the course of one concert.

Sure, her "rap" fans feel confused and betrayed and her "pop" fans don't appreciate the harder stuff but her catalog is made for someone like me. I love tough, grimy rap as much as I love a solid dance track. My favorite song from Pink Friday is "Did it on 'Em", hands down, but "Starships" is for sure my summer jam. I appreciate how clean "Beez in the Trap" is and I can't resist a hot mess like "Stupid Hoe". I may be the minority but I don't think that experimentation is the same as selling out.

It's lazy to accuse her of biting Lady Gaga or Lil' Kim. If you pay any attention to music or fashion then you understand that neither would exist without influence, inspiration and a little bit of flat out borrowing. Nicki's style is outlandish, experimental, bizarre and almost always on point. She is brave, funny and seriously sexy. In photo shoots she packs a supermodel's talent into a five foot four frame and don't even get me started on all of her lovely assets. It's hard to imagine a future where she is not relevant or one where she's settled into a style. I think that like Lady Gaga (and certainly Madonna before both) we are witnessing the beginning of something special. Some may call it an identity crisis but I say she's just being herself - whoever herself happens to be on any given day.

Cheers to self expression!

xo - jocelyn

Images: nickidaily.com

Wordless Wednesday - Be Nice Or Leave

noreply@blogger.com (jocelyn!) — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 19:20:00 +0000

Sharing with : Project Alicia

xo -jocelyn

I Think Kitty Pryde is Made of Magic.

noreply@blogger.com (jocelyn!) — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 20:58:00 +0000

Maybe that is symptomatic of a bigger problem. Regression? Arrested development? Totally possible. I am a grown ass woman but I am also a 14 year old girl. Maybe every woman is sometimes - when you like a boy, when you don't get whatever the grown-up equivalent of a pony is, when you just want to wear your favorite ripped up t-shirt and not brush your hair, when you hear a song that hits the spot...

Her music is obviously not for me and her tumblr makes my eyes ache but I can't stop watching and I can't stop listening. There is some simple, sweet perfection to it. Her rhymes are cute, heartbreaking, true and funny. Obviously something in her delivery speaks to Beautiful Lou too - the dreamy production of Okay Cupid is flawless. Then there is the mystery of the thing. Teenagers are painfully transparent these days so it's not hard to buy what she's selling - a clever suburban teen who works at Claires, has a tight grip on pop culture and a sick flow. Of course, the internet can be tricksy and there is always a possibility that the wonders that it births are not as authentic as they seem. It's not hard to imagine that she is a carefully crafted trap but if she is I've fallen in...

Her music is a reminder that we've entered an age where anyone can be anything that they want. Generation X carried that banner but we never really believed our own hype. Even at our most angsty we were all still terribly uptight. There is a new generation of kids who have so much freedom and so much inspiration. I care about real hip hop but I don't feel like it is a fragile thing that needs to be protected. I say let goofy white girls rap if they want to. She is not hurting anyone. She is expressing herself and that's good. Her generation is not confined by our stereotypes and they can't help but put all of their ish on blast. I certainly can't relate to it but I do appreciate the cultural significance.

The 14 year old girl in me loves this but really, I don't envy teenagers. Being a teenager is the effing worst.

xo - jocelyn

Images: Bandcamp

You Can't Fake Fashion

noreply@blogger.com (jocelyn!) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 18:04:00 +0000

BCBGMAZAZRIA

Deborah Llyod for kate spade

Foley + Corinna

John Varvatos

Joy Gryson

Nicole Miller

Robert Gellar

Rogan/Loomstate

The CFDA and Ebay have teamed up for another round of "You Can't Fake Fashion" totes. Bidding started at 11 AM EST and the designer bags are already sold out. Still, if you love all things fashionable it's worth a peek - think art installation not missed opportunity. Over 75 designers contributed to today's offerings. Each designer used 1 of 4 CFDA canvas tote's as a backdrop for their own work of art. Designer bag sold for $200. The canvas tote's are still available.

The campaign's focus is on raising funds and awareness to combat counterfeiting. The Ebay marketplace is a unique environment where you can score an incredible deal on designer but there is a seedy underbelly, too. I am proud of Ebay for fighting the good fight. It benefits them to maintain a good reputation and kicking counterfeiters out of our community benefits us as Ebayers. Personally, I feel that establishing trust and loyalty between buyers and sellers is the best way to combat for this cause at the grassroots level.

The slogan kind of kills be, though. I hate to split hairs but isn't the issue here that counterfeiters CAN, in the most literal sense, fake fashion. Maybe not the concept or the art but certainly the execution. Sure, most knock-offs are just that but high-end falsies can look just as fresh as the real thing. Still, it's catchy and it gets the point across.

I support fully embacing the sentiment - buy a CFDA canvas tote ($45) and create your own work of art. Go all blank dunny on it. But no matter what you do please don't sew a hot pink boa on to it. Betsey already did that and you can't fake fashion.

xo - jocelyn

Images: Ebay Fashion Vault

Wordless Wednesday - Dear Oakland

noreply@blogger.com (jocelyn!) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:48:00 +0000

Sharing with : Faith, Hope & a whole lotta Love + Project Alicia

xo -jocelyn

I'm a Silly Christmas Baby!

noreply@blogger.com (jocelyn!) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 07:54:00 +0000

Bwain hurty understandy Cwismus...

xo - joce

Occupy Oakland, Occupy Everywhere

noreply@blogger.com (jocelyn!) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 06:10:00 +0000

See you there.

xo - jocelyn

Ebay Update - Vivienne Westwood Blazer!

noreply@blogger.com (jocelyn!) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 02:35:00 +0000

Vivienne Westwood Red Label Blazer - Size 40/US 6/UK 8

This blazer is super haute. It's preppy but also tongue in cheek. The shoulders, bust and waist are flawlessly tailored. It has clean lines and a very posh silhouettte. I love this interpretation of the signature heart collar. Now you'll never wonder what it would look like if Vivienne Westwood designed a prep school uniform...

This gem will be up for auction starting tonight and ending the evening of November 6th - 10 days only! For more pics, details and to bid see it here.

I will be posting new stuff Thursdays and Sundays all month long. Check out my other auctions and remember to check back here for updates and highlights.

xo - jocelyn

Pendleton - The Portland Collection

noreply@blogger.com (jocelyn!) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 18:12:00 +0000

Wow. I am crushing hard on The Portland Collection by Pendleton. I stumbled upon this new line on the Anthropologie site and was immediately intrigued. Pendleton is an American classic but with the exception of the occasional vintage piece (The Dude's Cowichan, for example) I've never been a big fan.

The Portland Collection is spendy but the pieces are timeless. Pendleton is known for quality craftsmanship and each of these classic pieces will get years of use in the right closet. The spirit of independent design is prevalent in this line but the look is still very Pendleton. Native American inspired pieces are hot right now and Pendleton has a rich history of perfecting the style. The über hip ad campaign is flawlessly executed (and a reminder that you should never underestimate the power of lifestyle branding). My favorite piece is the Penobscot Poncho. It has definitely made it to the top of my winter wishlist.

xo - jocelyn

Images: Fall 2011 Lookbook, The Portland Collection Blog

A Change In The Weather

noreply@blogger.com (jocelyn!) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 18:28:00 +0000

Dark clouds rolling over Lake Merritt

Oh, Fall.

For as long as I can remember Fall has been my favorite season. I love a drizzly day, a chilly breeze and rolling clouds. I love Halloween and Thanksgiving. I love layering.

This year, for the first time I am actually dreading the "change" in the season. With the exception of a handful of unusually hot days that hit the East Bay over the last few months it was a chilly, cloudy summer. Before that was a chilly, foggy spring. Fall, so far: a week of dark and rainy days followed by a few hot and sunny days.

I live in an area famous for it's moderate climate. Am I complaining? Yes, I am. Without a doubt I am ready for a change. Most notably, I am ready to experience summer again - so I can go back to looking forward to Fall....

xo - jocelyn

Wordless Wednesday - The Details Of The Day

noreply@blogger.com (jocelyn!) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 17:33:00 +0000

WW, sharing with : Faith, Hope & a whole lotta Love + Project Alicia

xo -jocelyn

Currently Coveting - Alexander McQueen Clutch

noreply@blogger.com (jocelyn!) — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 18:55:00 +0000

I. Love. These. Bags.

I am most intrigued by the Chained Skull Knucklebox. The chunky gold chains

and glittering skulls make for a fascinating contrast to the black satin and white embroidery. It is intricate and pretty, opulent and gaudy at the same time.

My favorite of the collection is the bright Orange Pony, just stunning. It's not so spooky and very fashion forward. The gold compliments the orange and as a result the skulls are less gothic, more tongue in cheek. It is perfect for fall. This and the Navy Suede are probably the most trendy and most wearable of the collection.

But, at the end of the day the Leopard Pony is the one that I can actually imagine carrying. It's isn't as glamorous as the others but it's tough and chic and just my style. It is the perfect punk rock clutch - a statement piece that I could pair with almost anything. I love a bag that I can rock with a little black dress or skinny black jeans and a tattered tour tee. Sigh. A girl can dream...

xo - jocelyn

Ebay Update - Vintage Dress Up

noreply@blogger.com (jocelyn!) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 20:05:00 +0000

I love vintage clothing. I love buying it and I love selling it. I love the variety, how each piece is special, how you can trade in it for years and rarely see the same garment twice. I love the quality, the construction, the fabric, the tiniest of details. I love researching facts, weaving a story and being a part of each piece's history. As much as I love wearing vintage I also love finding the right home for each piece that passes through my hands.

That said, I'll admit that I have a problem. I can value vintage to a fault. It's hard for me to give up a dress if there is even the slightest chance that I might wear it one day. I've held on to dresses for years that were a size too small, a size too large or not exactly my style. I'm not a collector, just a dreamer. I often find myself tucking a gem away in the back of my closet while imagining the me that might wear it. She may be a little thinner, a little more brave, a little classier or maybe she's just the sort of girl who has the sense to take something to the tailor.

I recently took a big step and passed on a pretty 40s silk dress. It was a little overpriced and it needed some work. That hasn't stopped me in the past but this time I asked myself a tough question: will I really wear this dress? The answer was maybe. Maybe I'll replace the buttons and I'll have it tailored. Maybe I'll wear it but probably not that often. So I left it behind for someone who can answer that question with a much more enthusiastic yes. It felt great.

Now I'm doing the same thing in my own closet. The first step - letting go of a few really fabulous dresses. Maybe each one could be the perfect dress for me some day but it's much more likely that each will be the perfect dress for someone else right now. So I have decided to share. After all, I know how hard it is to find vintage in my size and I know the thrill of finding that special dress that feels like it was made for you...

Dresses above are currently available for sale in my ebay shop. Left to right:

Pink on pink stripe cotton shirtwaist dress - Linda Lane, sz. 20 - B42 W34

Black & White lace party dress - Lane Bryant Jr. Plenty Shop - B44 W34

Red wool wiggle with big bow color - Grace Taylor, sz 22 1/2 - B46 W40

xo - jocelyn

Wordless Wednesday - Lassen National Park

noreply@blogger.com (jocelyn!) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 22:34:00 +0000

WW, sharing with : Faith, Hope & a whole lotta Love + Project Alicia

xo -jocelyn

Style Icon: Christina Hendricks

noreply@blogger.com (jocelyn!) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 23:24:00 +0000

I love: vintage clothing, sassy broads, redheads and curves. So naturally, for me, it doesn't get much better than Christina Hendricks. She has it all - striking beauty, an expressive face, a sweet smile, impeccable style and acting chops. She is the quintessential hollywood bombshell.

Right now I am watching season 4 of Mad Men and re-watching season 1 with my husband. So much Joan. Her character has developed a lot over the years but I've recently had the opportunity to reflect on just how impressive she was that first season. Most notably I am reminded of the initial excitement that came with seeing a curvy gal land a role like that. How meaningful it was. In a country where the average woman's dress size is 12-14 it blows my mind that an "average" sized woman appearing on television can make such huge waves. America may be ready for a chubby best friend but it's painfully obvious that some are still not ready for the curvy sex symbol. Despite being named the sexiest woman alive by Esquire the media and public are still hypercritical of every inch and every outfit.* Such a shame. I'll admit that Joan was a little shocking to me at first too, but only because I am not accustomed to seeing my ideal on television.

Off screen Christina's style ranges from retro to sleek and modern. She wears a lot of outfits that Joan might and many that she would certainly frown upon. Without the restrictive undergarments her shape doesn't change much; she looses a little definition in the waist but she is still a classic hourglass. She is proud of her body and knows how to dress her curves and I respect that immensely. In interviews she comes across as clever and likeable, sometimes even a little goofy. She's the sort of girl that I would love to have cocktails with. We'd talk about Joss Whedon, Tom Waits, 30's era carnivals and good food. I'd ask her how she really feels about her Barbi's unrealistic proportions. Hopefully she would be much more candid in private then she was on Ellen...

xo - jocelyn

* If you are pro Christina, pro curves, a feminist or all of the above and want to get riled up read this article.

Images 1: LA Times Magazine, 2: Marie Claire,3: GQ Magazine UK, 4: NY Post, 5: Huffinton Post,
6: liveforfilms.com, 7: Just Jared, 8: Examiner.com

Socialites & Drag Queens - Unleashed by Garo

noreply@blogger.com (jocelyn!) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 21:10:00 +0000

"Can I pull you a little bit tighter?" Garo Sparo asks a socialite with self esteem issues as he cinches her waist in six inches, and thus the first episode of Unleashed by Garo is named. It's fortunate that Garo considers himself part artist and part psychologist because it is obvious that all of the clients featured on his new show will need more then a killer outfit to get their heads right. I am not crazy about reality tv and the drama on this one defintely feels forced but regardless I really enjoyed the premiere.

I like Garo. He seems authentic and he's certainly talented. His claim: "With a single outfit I can unleash the real you" seems genuine and he managed to connect with each of his clients on a deeper level. He specializes in costume pieces and all additional creations from wedding to couture are only slightly less dramatic. He loves bias-cut silk charmeuse, beads, baubles, embroidery and a corseted silhouette. Though his gowns are not my style the over the top costume pieces make my heart race. His design house is filled with interesting and immediately likeable characters. Gerrold, the "in house gadgets guy", describes his approach to design as less fashion and more science fiction. Gerrold's steampunk look is quirky and stylish and his work seems very cool. I also have a huge crush on Sequinette, the "corset specialist". Strange that they showed her all dolled up but never mentioned that she is a female-to-female drag performer. In fact, Garo is the head designer for Screaming Queens Entertainment so I imagine that drag will continue to play a big role on this show. Less Hedda Lettuce and more Epiphany Get Paid, please!

Unleashed By Garo premieres tonight on the Sundance Channel. I caught it on Hulu and will definitely keep it in the queue.

xo - jocelyn

Images: 1-7,9,10: Garo Sparo's myspace page 8: Motherboards NYC, 11.Sundancechannel.com

Climate Change Chic

noreply@blogger.com (jocelyn!) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 23:03:00 +0000

Tonight I am packing for a trip to the East Coast. A few days back I asked my family about the weather and was told that they have experienced everything from record highs to downpour (and flash floods) this summer. In an email today, Hurricane Irene was mentioned. My first thought: "A hurricane? Oh my! Whatever will I wear?"

My query: In this age of extreme weather what do you pack for a vacation? Of course, when I asked myself this question reality quickly faded to fantasy...

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to pack my entire closet.

xo - jocelyn

Images: 1,2,4,6: Diesel Ad Campaign - 'Global Warming Ready', Adsoftheworld.com 3,5: The fabulous David LaChapelle, Artnet.com 7: High Tide Heels by Paul Schietekat, Upliftmagazine.com

Miu Miu - Fall 2011 Runway Collection

noreply@blogger.com (jocelyn!) — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 21:19:00 +0000

I feel like we've barely had a summer in the Bay Area this year so it's hard to face the fact that fall is right around the corner. Of course, fashion marches bravely forward - magazines and department stores have already made the seasonal switch. When fall collections hit the runway during fashion week earlier this year they offered a lot of rehashed mediocrity: chic ponchos, graphic stripes, leather skirts and awkward silhouettes. The highlights for me were grungy plaids and ethnic prints, some fresh takes on menswear and some sweet 40s inspired pieces.

I'll admit that I am a 50s girl at heart. I like a cinched waist and a full skirt but I love love love a slinky rayon and a sparse 40s print, too. This Miu Miu collection was love at first sight. It's classic, chic and refined. There are times when it veers in to '90s does 40s' territory with ridiculous shoulders and harsh triangular silhouettes and while I am not a fan of that look I do understand that it's still relevant. On the flip side several pieces are just flawless. The prints, the bags, the cateye sunnies, and the shoes are all pretty killer. Salmon suede on gold glitter? Oh my! With the 40s look popping up in the Vuitton fall line as well, I am keeping my fingers crossed and hoping to see stores offer an affordable homage to this runway look soon.

xo - jocelyn

Images: Runway: Style.com, Shoes + Sunnies: Fashionologie.com

Yoü And I: Mother Monster, Yüyi, Jo Calderone

noreply@blogger.com (jocelyn!) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 07:22:00 +0000

Lady Gaga started as a guilty indulgence but she quickly turned in to something more. She's a gem. An odd beauty. A fierce fashionista. Truly talented. A total weirdo. Sometimes she can be too much - Too Gaga and frankly too Madonna.
Still, I respect that even when she is too much at least she isn't too little.

I've found this new batch of singles disappointing. Contrived, even (but I suppose that is the nature of pop). I don't love 'Born This Way'. I feel neutral towards 'Edge of Glory' and so far I actively dislike 'Judas'. Maybe one night after a few drinks and some serious dancing it will play and I will make my peace with it but until then thumbs down. Ultimately, I had already sort of checked out until today...

'Yoü And I' pulled me back in. It is solid. Totally unlike the others. I love the country twang. Like 'Speechless', it's more classic rock ballad than club hit. It is a welcome reminder that she is an interesting and versatile artist. Like Madonna, Gaga is destined to spend her career trying on new looks and new sounds and though I won't always like what I hear, often I will. The video is strange and beautiful. I'll admit that I'm a sucker for an alter-ego but I am fascinated by Yüyi the Mermaid.

If I'm being real - the song is good and the video is inspired but it's Jo that I can't get enough of. I am smitten. He was shockingly handsome in his Vogue Hommes Japan debut last year (below) but in this video he is more masculine, more gritty and more authentic. Stupid hot.

And that kiss? Wow.

xo - jocelyn

Images: 1 Tweeted by Gaga 2,3,6: Popdust 4,5: Showstudio

Dear Diary,

noreply@blogger.com (jocelyn!) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 17:13:00 +0000

I haven't forgotten about you. I promise.

I'm back from an epic camping trip in Lassen. Perfect, amazing. Unfortunately, I came home to a broken laptop. I'm waiting for a replacement part to come in the mail. It will probably arrive while I'm away (camping, again) next week.

So, if you're checking for updates and you're disappointed know that it's only temporary. My next real post, pics and all should be next Wednesday or Thursday.

xo - jocelyn

Wordless Wednesday - Chloe

noreply@blogger.com (jocelyn!) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 18:59:00 +0000

WW, sharing with : Faith, Hope & a whole lotta Love + Project Alicia

xo - jocelyn

Ebay Update - Big Haul This Week!

noreply@blogger.com (jocelyn!) — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

maeve skirt - anthropologie, cami & cardi - free people, jewel embeliished blouse - j crew

Right now my house is covered in clothing. There are clothes hanging from the shower rod, in the doorways and draped over the ottoman. I will be traveling a lot this month so I am prepping as many auctions as I can while I have the free time. The next few days will be nonstop photo taking, measuring and description writing. I will be posting a big bunch of stuff in my ebay store this Thursday.

I am thrilled with this round of offerings. Highlights include a little black dress by Nanette Lepore, A retro shelf-bust party dress by BCBG, a handful of trendy silk blouses, some great vintage finds and several pieces from Anthropologie.

Stay tuned!

xo - jocelyn

Homemade Pizza. Nom. Nom. Nom.

noreply@blogger.com (jocelyn!) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 01:44:00 +0000

If you know me + him us then you get this pictures.

Right now we've got our hearts set on opening a pizza place of our very own. Lately I'm daydreaming of renovations, long days on our feet, making small talk with strangers, shredding pounds of mozzarella, finding our place in a new community. Really, even the parts that don't sound fun still sound just right.

In the meantime it's research, planning, recipe tweaking, taste testing - eating pizza. Looks yummy, right? It gets better every single time. This weeks was pepperoni, pineapple + basil but I put down the camera and ate a slice before the basil even made it on to the pie.

xo - jocelyn

Style Icon: Kyary Pamyu Pamyu

noreply@blogger.com (jocelyn!) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 19:27:00 +0000

If you aren't familiar with Kyary Pamyu Pamyu stop and watch this...

I am seriously addicted. I want to hang out in her crazy Lisa Frank room and eat toast and eyeballs with her.

Kyary is an 18 year old Harajuku model and fashion blogger turned popstar. Funny faces are her specialty. The video above is for her debut single. She has a book coming out next month entitled "Oh! My! God! Harajuku Girl". Her sense of style is killing me - eclectic and totally tounge in cheek. Love all the weird headdresses.

If you can stand mass amounts of kawaii you should visit her youtube channel to watch her and friends karaoking and freaking the eff out.

xo - jocelyn

Images: 1,7: Jpopmagazine 2,3,6: Kyary's Facebook Profile 4: Tokyo Hive 5: Time Out Tokyo

Thrift Score: Handmade Ceramic Jug

noreply@blogger.com (jocelyn!) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 20:14:00 +0000

I found this jug at Out of the Closet in Oakland yesterday. I love the look and feel of handmade ceramics. Even when a piece isn't my style the artist in me can still appreciate the time and the care put in to making it. But this is totally my style...

It's such a hippie buy, I'll admit it. For those of you that don't get it, the long braided leather piece is a shoulder strap. It's a canteen! I'll admit, it's not the most practical container. A water bottle or a travel mug is much lighter and you can throw it in your bag. This is not about being practical. It's about being eco-conscious, sure, but it's really about style. I like that it's heavy and rustic - it feels solid and substantial resting against my hip. Robert suggests filling it up with booze for Hardly Strictly Bluegrass. He totally gets it. Between now and then I'll probably use it as a coffee mug and if I can find a cork this week it's so coming camping with me.

xo - jocelyn