Like sunshine for fashion

Nothing makes me happier than endlessly flipping through the stills from Anna Sui's Spring 2009 collection. But her loud prints and vibrant colors aren't only for show. As always Anna Sui grounded her collection in a fascinating cultural reference to mid-century modernist design. Inspired by the way textile designer and renaissance man Alexander Girard and his doll-maker friend Marilyn Neuhart made folk modern in the early 1960's, Anna Sui has once again created one of the most artistic, joyous and thoroughly researched collections of Spring. The runway was lit up by a procession of full skirts, short dresses, peasant tops, sash belts, studded gladiator sandals, and huge jewelry (compliments of costume jewelery designer Erickson Beamon). What amazes me the most is how Anna Sui was able to draw from so many different ethnic inspirations to create one stunning cohesive collection. Her designs were all at once Russian doll, sari inspired, Spanish toreador, and African goddess while still maintaining a completely fresh, modern and unique feel. Anna Sui successfully took folk references and made them relevant to the 21st century. I don't think anyone can keep from smiling when they see one of her gorgeous and playful pieces! Her collection is a reminder to keep fashion light and fun and to not take ourselves too seriously! 

If I find a job...

I will totally invest in a pair of gorgeous (yet seriously unpractical) Jeffrey Campbell shoes! I am obsessing about his vintage inspired ankle booties and strappy heels, although they look semi-dangerous for a girl who has to traverse uneven pavement amongst frantic berkeley students running to class and uber-hipsters who just can't seem to pass by you on their fixed gear bikes with more than two inches to spare. Anyhow, these are my favorite picks a few of which are sold through Urban Outfitters and various other online boutiques.  

From top to bottom:

the Paris Pump,Blink in Black/Gray,         Marley platform,Berry double cross         platform pumps,wrap platforms.         

Loving...

...Couture Millinery! There is something so classic and nostalgia-inducing about the days in which women attended the horse races in beautiful gowns topped off by amazing headpieces. Perhaps its because as a child the horse race scene in My Fair Lady was my favorite, or just because I'm a firm believer in dressing up, but I LOVE extravagant hair pieces. Leah C. is by far my favorite couture millinery designer and has a range of styles from bridal, to cocktail, to "the aviary" ( a self-declared place where birds and butterflys coexist...swoon). Because really, who wants to have to wait until their wedding day to wear beautifully colored feathers, veils, and jewels in their hair? Lucky for me, the feathered hair pieces are making a comeback. check out Urban Outfitters for a huge selection of feathered hair accessories. Now I just have to work up the guts to sit in lecture with half a small bird on my head...

Playing around with print and color

 

So it's been a while because i've been extremely busy putting together a photographer and model book and basically whoring myself out for BARE magazine, the fashion publication on campus that i'm artistic director for (as of like a week, yay!). It's been all cloudy and dim lately, which would normally send me running in the direction of every cozy gray and black sweater or cardigan I own. But today I decided to compromise with myself by sticking to my black rainy day motif while adding a dash of yellow The trick to spicing up your plain blacks is to go with a print and pick a subtle color in the print to accessorize with and break up the black. This is a vintage dress (previously mentioned) that I found at a flea market in Paris. The little flower print is rimmed with a hint of gold-brown so I decided to punch it up with my mustard colored H&M scarf and my mom's old Chadwick boots (did I mention that i'm on a budget of like 0$). Hint number 2, trying mixing a print dress with patterned tights! The ones I'm wearing are from Nordstrom, they have an amazing hosiery department!