fashion fille

another transition

2012-05-27T17:05:00.000-04:00

Taking my pseudo-Parisian self back to NYC this week. Keep up on-the-go with Twitter and Instagram. See you there, and constant thanks for sticking around.

it's not a goodbye.

2012-05-14T18:03:00.000-04:00

Paris, you've done it. You've got me totally, completely, utterly fanatic about you. Five days left, and I'm grasping on to what remains.

A month ago, I was exhausted, beyond ready to flee, ready to commence my next exciting journey, ready for my life as I knew it back. I felt as though everything had been amazing, but that good things must come to end. Blame the rain, but I got a renewal of enthusiasm, and it came on hard.

My last week here has suddenly arrived, and as I'm rushing to cross off every last thing on my list, an indescribable feeling has been coming over me. I'm anxious to be back in the comforts of the US, to eat Chipotle and hot dogs and put Sriracha on everything, do yoga and rush down the streets, smile and speak English to strangers and laugh loudly in public, randomly text my best friends and have a quick phone chat with family, and especially, to be back in New York, where most of my heart is (I'll be leaving a piece of it here).

But, I'm so sad to go home. I've smoothly adapted and become very attached to the incredulous qualities of Paris. Each step over each cobblestone sends dismay through my body, knowing that step is closer to one of my last (for now). Each evening walk adds to the feeling, when Paris is arguably at it's most gorgeous, with cafe corners full of friends. I say to a friend "we have to go to [insert local cafe/boutique/shop/street here] sometime!", only to remember that the time is very limited; that I need to make the best of everything now. I'm so happy to have been here and so sad to see it end. This feels like separation anxiety at it's finest, and I know I'm in for a shocking first few days in America. I fear I won't be able to properly identify how I feel, and that no one will be able to understand, leaving me craving for the comfort of my friends, eventually back at their homes, spread across the country. I know I'll be thrilled to back in New York, back to my dreamy college bubble, back to everything I knew before Paris, but I'm scared. Will this all feel like the remnants of a deep, visceral dream?

The past four months have gone faster than anyone could ever explain. The past four months have taught me more than I could ever share in a lifetime. The past four months have introduced me to the most amazing people from all over the globe, helping me feel connected to our world in a way I could have never anticipated. The past four months have opened my eyes, my perspectives, my abilities to empathize, understand, bond and relate. The past four months have fortunately allowed me to travel so frequently, visiting places that will never leave me. That past four months have given me a new love, and I'm leaving my lover behind. I just don't know what to think after these past four months. Yes, I'll miss my friends, the people, the unreal food, but I'll miss Paris the most.

In January, I began my adventure to Paris, never visited the city before, yet somehow knowing so deeply that I needed to be here. I was right. Paris is unlike anything else. Its energy, lifestyle, charms, food, passion, values, style. I'm completely in love, and it hurts not knowing when I'll be back.

For now, Paris, thank you. I'll be back very soon, and we will pick up just where we left off.

the great hat expedition

2012-04-23T05:59:00.001-04:00

Above lies two photos of a hat. An olive green hat adorned with pins. A vintage, child size cap from the WWII era. A beautiful hat that I adore, yet even my tiny head wasn't tiny enough to fit in. Which leads to the previously mentioned expedition: I must replicate this hat. Cute lil' pins and all.

Hopefully Paris will throw the cap in my face in the next few weeks before I head back to 'merica, but this appears to be a project I'll be working on for some time. Any tips for pin shopping or other ideas, send them my way. Merciiiiii.

constantinople

2012-03-11T18:57:00.000-04:00

Flying to Turkey with a mind prepared to bargain, search and fight for imperial accessories, as well as a wallet freshly stocked at the ATM with crisp euros: dangerous. Oh, and an insatiable hunger for all foods Turkish? Even more risky.

With a tendency to center all my travels around eating and shopping for the gem (often quite literally) of the trip, Istanbul was an ideal trip. I was constantly being stimulated- be it through a melting bite of baklava, touching a handmade pair of intricate, antique earrings, or taking in the sounds of 5-times-daily prayer. Looking at the current stamps in my passport, I can firmly say that the Turkish emblem is one I'm most fond of.

Once I entered the gates of the Grand Bazaar, all I wanted in my hands was a gorgeous, patterned, vividly colored carpet bag. I sprinted from booth to booth, most conversations ending without settling on a fair price and me storming away from the vendor in a purse fueled rage. I had a price in mind and my own it-bag imprinted in my thoughts. Apparently, it wasn't meant to be. I flew back to Paris with several additions to my scarf and jewelry repertoires, but lacking a new bag. Damn it...

keeping up

2012-02-15T13:48:00.000-05:00

I tend to capture small moments as they happen, and Instagram seems to be the best way to organize those mini-moments. I can take photos and post them later, as opposed to drafting tweets that become irrelevant by the time WiFi is available. If you'd like to keep up with these postings, my username is elysiamann. See the snaps on the web here (though Webstagram seems to have a lag in updating photos).

antiquities

2012-02-13T15:27:00.000-05:00

One of my biggest missions here is to find cheap, fantastic, vintage jewelry to bring home. I've found fantastic pieces; cheap not so much. Though rough on the wallet, Le Louvre des Antiquities is easy on the eyes, and has case after case of stunning jewels spanning centuries. The perfect stop before or after a day at the Louvre for a dose of luxury and window shopping, walk through the halls feeling like a queen while you peer at solid gold lion's heads and pocket watches. I plan to go back just as often as I visit the Louvre--plenty.

street talkin'

2012-02-12T11:20:00.001-05:00

Each place I visit and travel to, be it a tiny alley in the Lower East Side or a hidden neighborhood in the 20th arrondissement of Paris, I'm entirely drawn to and inspired by street art. There's something about knowing how much passion and power is behind those spray-painted streaks excites me, plus the bright colors are one of the most sincere ways to brighten up city streets. Get a taste of what I've been peering at in the past few weeks above and below.

the reason I'm here?

2012-02-08T16:38:00.000-05:00

Phew, time flies. Finding time to blog is even more difficile than expected. Anyways, let's get to the root of Paris and what pulled me across the sea:

The fashion! The shopping! The stylish culture!

I might also have been attracted by these, this, and, um, these (1, 2, 3). (Real talk: these people aren't human. Something in their water breeds pure beauty.)

But the fashion!

So during my class breaks last week, I scoped out some of the best shops near campus (in the Marais district). Beyond the tiny boutiques that are way above my budget, I discovered a couple of gems.

Vintage, vintage, vintage. Fur, leather, denim. I cannot get enough. I've been shockingly good and haven't shopped too much; hopefully the window shopping will continue to suffice. I'll try to update more often! Parisian life is keeping me busy, busy, busy. For now, une bise for all!

part une

2012-01-25T17:59:00.001-05:00

Day 3 of Par-ree is coming to a close.

Thoughts so far? I love the culture-- no matter how many people say Parisians are persistently pissed, I prefer the terms private, composed, and pulled-together. Every single thing I've seen so far has been fairy-tale-style gorgeous, and the charm of the country reflects in each of the city's citizens. Most people are friendly as long as some broken Française is at least attempted and you don't look like a stupide Américain; blending in with the norms is highly appreciated.

More to come as I explore further! Please send any and all recommendations to eat, play, and see to elysiamann@fashionfille.com.

Bisous!

wear a bull

2012-01-20T15:17:00.001-05:00

Wearabl acts "as a Daily Deals platform connecting independent fashion designers to customers looking for unique, well-crafted wares."

Perhaps due to the website teasing me with several varieties of thread (and that's about it), I'm very curious to find out more of what Wearabl plans to bring us in the future--which is slated to be in the next few months, other than goods from young, deserving talent. To get tips about the launch as it rolls out, follow Wearabl on Twitter. I'll be waiting patiently with you.

pc: weheartit

la fille va à paris!

2012-01-06T14:27:00.002-05:00

Three and half years ago, Fashion Fille was born. The title was crafted in a moment of French inspiration and alliteration fixation. Little did little-me know, I would be spending a semester in Paris.

Fashion Fille is going to France. And you're coming along.

Stay tuned. Not only is this space coming alive again, but it's getting a burst of French flair.

Any and all suggestions for where to eat & play are encouraged. Please!

sunny days

2011-12-03T14:39:00.001-05:00

Who's in for a round of word association? Let's go.

accessories::sunglasses::Lookmatic::wayfarers::hipster::Instagram

And we've arrived at the end. Instagram-ing a hipster pair of Lookmatic (previously Spex Club) sunglasses, specifically the Ricky. There didn't seem to be a more appropriate way to document my newest eyewear. I can't get enough of the two-tone frames, and the vintage-looking sepia lenses. Thank you, Lookmatic. These are spexy!

time of the season

2011-11-07T14:25:00.000-05:00

For boots, that is.

I've been graced with another fantastic pair of Cougar boots. Meet the Marlas. A shoe so necessary, so quintessential, so F/W*, that they even look cool with just a pair of black-tight wrapped gams. Powah-boot!

Since they've moved into my crammed-closet, I've made a significant effort to get these guys out to play more than any other shoes I own (other than the Steve Madden boots I'm extraordinarily attached to). They look just as great with a chambray and jersey shorts as they do with pink jeggings and cropped sweaters. Throw in their unbeatable comfort and sweet azure laces, and it seems that my favorite boots have some competition. Uh-oh.

Thanks, Cougar. You've hit another footwear home-run.

*It's fun to insert arrogant fashion lingo into posts. I enjoy it.

FRC

2011-10-23T23:57:00.000-04:00

For anyone who stalks me on Twitter (if you don't, start.), you're most likely aware of the endless self-promo I've been doing the past week. I'm a finalist in Front Row Challenge, a contest sponsored by Marie Claire, LOFT, and Rimmel London, that's giving me (and 3 other girls across the US) the chance to style, produce, cast, and etc. our own fashion show. This journey began in August, and this Thursday all of the work, time, and lots and lots of blood (JK!) I've been devoting will end, and the result will (crossing my fingers) be a wonderful success.

Though I wish you could all attend and support my efforts in this, the show will not be in Lincoln Center. It will take place at a very dear location to me: Penn State! Yes, I'm a student here, and yes, this is a contest for college girls. Thus, my event is hosted at this campus. If anyone lives near Central PA and wants to come out, here's more details.

For the rest of you, peruse Marie Claire's website for pics, videos, and interviews with me and the other ladies. Check out the November issue of the mag for even more from Front Row Challenge (hint, hint! More pictures!).

Wish me luck.

UPDATE:

Below are some fantastic photos of the event.

feathery genius

2011-10-23T15:43:00.000-04:00

Damn.

ADAM has been one of my favorites for some time now, and I'm reminded why I'm such a fan when I receive campaigns like this in my inbox. We've moved past the era of fading gray feathers streaked through our hair. A new level has been reached, and it's fantastic. Click through for all of ADAM's feathery creations. Swoon safely.

best of the best dressed

2011-10-12T17:41:00.001-04:00

Fashion Month is as much behind us as our trench coat tails. You know what that means? It's time to analyze every look from every city to decide who's Best Dressed of Fashion Month! Style.com has taken on the task, and your stylish, superficial help is needed. Put your vote in by midnight tonight. (If you really want to know...wait, no! I will not make bias you by sharing who I voted for!) May the most effortless, chic, insert-another-industry-word-here win!

i did it again

2011-10-11T22:06:00.002-04:00

Ooops. Uhhh, it may or may not have been two weeks since my last post. What happened to my "return of the blogging bug?" Must've been a 24-hour thing.

I haven't really been M.I.A. I tweet like a rabid baby animal, so that counts as a presence in the blogosphere, doesn't it? Whatevskis. Setting up a few posts to roll out in the next few days, and I'm actually being honest this time. I don't blame you for not believing me, but check back here anyways! DO IT.

tazmania

2011-09-27T17:43:00.000-04:00

Abbey Lee for ManiaMania's "The Third Mind" campaign

My first ever Twitter profile background was a ManiaMania image (this one, to be exact), and ever since discovering that pic, I've been a huge fan of anything the edgy jewelry brand comes out with. These photos were all shot in a life-size kaleidoscope built by the team themselves, and I fully support the casting of Abbey for this psychedelic project. There's an accompanying short film that can be found on the ManiaMania blog. Enjoy!

dirty, dirty girls

2011-09-19T20:01:00.001-04:00

Can it be agreed on that's it a busy time? Whether you're hopping around New York, London, Milan and Paris to celebrate Fashion Month (I can check off the first, but still dreamin' about the other glamorous hotspots), jetsetting to Bora Bora for a relaxing time-out before true fall arrives, struggling to keep up with your lecture classes (I hear ya on that), or are just plain old crazed (YUP), we're short on time. I'm a pretty huge advocate of cutting corners when appropriate, which explains why I'm close-to-obsessed with dry shampoo. I may or may not use it more than real shampoo. If you think that's gross, I think you must be a virgin to this divine product. The truth is that it's tough to find a good one that's not uber pricey, and if you're using it almost everyday, your bottle will be empty almost as fast as your wallet. Lucky for us, trusty TRESemmé has a full line for all types of hair, and it's totally affordable. The full line includes something to smooth, volumize, or strengthen, and a foam waterless version that moisturizes. Oooh, fancy! Still not convinced? (Um, why not?!) The students reading might be swayed by this- TRESemmé Fresh Start Dry Shampoo has been voted as one of the Top Hair Products for School (video on that below. No, that girl is not me.) It's so easy to use, too (pretty similar to hairspray, but you're spraying in short bursts at roots as opposed to all over and continuously)-- shake shake shake, lift up sections while you aim at your roots and spray- and shake shake shake in between sections, let it rest for a minute or two, then run your fingers or a brush (gently) through your tresses. Gorgeous! And, your hair will smell yummy too. Perk! I can honestly say that when my can of Psst runs out, I'm going to try TRESemmé next.

I hope I've inspired you to wash your hair less. That's really the mission of this blog.

This post brought to you by TRESemmé. All opinions are 100% mine.

blurs of platforms, parties, & producing posts

2011-09-15T21:01:00.001-04:00

Let's do a little recap, shall we? There's a whole lot to catch up on. Starting with last week, we'll rewind.

I'll drag you through my NYFW journey with some phone photos, because, face it, without iPhones, we wouldn't remember what even happened to us.

HOLY SHIT DVF. She was so beautiful, and so, so inspirational.

The Kardashian Klan (never gets old)

PS-ing with LeSportsac

Something I wish I could explain. Oh, FNO.

A few looks from Jenny Packham. I almost peed my pants, these dresses were stunning.

Mandy chillin' across from me. She's hot.

Packham finale. For the record, I'm obsessed with those hotpants.

No caption required, right guys?

BAH BETSEY JOHNSON OMG OMG FASHION JIZZ OMG

So, moving on to one of my favorite observances: overheard at Fashion Week:

1. Man to woman: "Did you eat dinner?"

Woman: "Yes."

Pause.

Woman: "I ate a peach."

2. A girl complaining to her friends while experiencing FNO in SoHo (big mistake, btw): "Ugh, I really should have pregamed this."

3. Girl at Lincoln Center to her friend: "Is this outfit crazy enough to get street style photographed?????" (It wasn't. Sorry, girl.)

Thanks for reading...next up, we chat about the Marie Claire/LOFT Front Row Challenge. Ooh ooh ooh, this will be fun. Stay tuned.

buzzing

2011-09-07T20:33:00.001-04:00

I have so much to talk about. As in, major major major recaps are in-store between us. I guess this means I've been stung by the blogging bee again? Cool.

I'm back in New York for Fashion Week (more to come on that, duh) and will be bopping around all week. I started with the Lucky FABB Conference today, where this happened:

Yep, thangs got real. Especially when I traipse while arm flailing. Things also got super crafty with the amazing Erica of P.S. I Made This and LeSportsac. If you saw me studding away in the DIY lounge today, hiiiiii! It was a fabulous day full of fabulous people, and I'm quite thrilled for the rest of the adventures I'll find myself on. Yay! I'm going to catch up soon- this time, I actually promise. So, ttyl.

hey bb

2011-08-30T22:22:00.000-04:00

I have a minor obsession with adorable children. It's nothing to worry about...just a consistent flow of coo's coming out my mouth every time I see a creature under the age of 7.

Well-dressed little girls? Now, that makes me bananas. Thanks, Kiddo by Katie, for supplying me with these beautiful, stylish babes to cyber stalk. It's perfectly healthy, I swear.

Let's hear it, everyone. AWWWWWWWWW!

pc: set #1- kids series for Junior magazine; set #2- Kiddo by Katie lookbook

impulse

2011-08-28T14:37:00.000-04:00

Karl! Coco! Sunglasses worn inside!

Watch for some BTS action from the design, styling, and shooting process of the Karl Lagerfeld for Impulse Only Macy's collab, launching this week. Well, I, for one, am excited.

2011-08-13T00:56:00.000-04:00

KID'S WEAR MAGAZINE Vol. 33

Awwwwwwww.

2011-08-12T23:56:00.000-04:00

That Magazine