While fashion trends shift constantly, Normcore – a style made of unisex, ageless and time-tested pieces – is here to stay. Now, Normcore has evolved into a lifestyle…from the shows we watch, to the food we eat, and even to the electronics and products we use. {Product provided for review/feature consideration}
Showing posts with label style. Show all posts
Showing posts with label style. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Sunday, September 15, 2013
August 2013 Favorites-Mini Me Edition!
 |
| Set created by Peyton on Polyvore (you can follow her: peytonstyle) |
I talk a lot about my youngest daughters {probably because they are with me A LOT!!}, but I also have a 13 {!} year old daughter named Peyton. She's beautiful, smart, thoughtful, and oh so creative! She loves to read, music, beauty, and fashion - so she may not look a bit like me, but in a lot of ways, she really is a "mini" me {I put mini in quotes because at this point she's actually taller than me}! I thought it would be fun to let her be more involved with the blog {in hopes that will quench her desire to be active on social media outlets that I think she is SOOOO not ready for} by doing book and product reviews when appropriate and sharing her monthly favorites. So without further ado, here are Peyton's August favorites...
Sunday, August 18, 2013
July 2013 Monthly Favorites-Mini Me Edition!
 |
| My Teen Queen :) |
I talk a lot about my youngest daughters {probably because they are at home with me ALL DAY!}, but I also have a 13 {!} year old daughter named Peyton. She's beautiful, smart, thoughtful, and oh so creative! She loves to read, music, beauty, and fashion - so she may not look a bit like me, but in a lot of ways, she really is a "mini" me {I put mini in quotes because at this point she's actually taller than me}! I thought it would be fun to let her be more involved with the blog {in hopes that will quench her desire to be active on social media outlets that I think she is SOOOO not ready for} by doing book and product reviews when appropriate and sharing her monthly favorites. So without further ado, here are Peyton's July favorites...
Sunday, June 23, 2013
A Pair for Every Day of the Week!
This post brought to you by Coastal.com. All opinions are 100% mine.
I got my first pair of glasses when I was eight years old. At first I was super excited about them {I mean, who doesn’t like being able to see}, but the novelty of them soon wore off. By the time I was 11 or so, I was counting down the days until I’d be able to wear contact lenses {my parents told me that I had to wait until I was 13 and mature enough to take on the responsibility of maintaining them}.
To see the rest of this sponsored post, click here!
To see the rest of this sponsored post, click here!
Thursday, April 4, 2013
A Guess Girl Spring! (Spring Fragrance Roundup)
Guess Girl is the latest fragrance from the fashion house and is one of my favorite new fragrances I've encountered in a while. Not only is the packaging beautiful and feminine, the fragrance within is the perfect mix of girly/feminine and sexy/sophisticated. In fact, I was so inspired by this vibrant fruity/floral fragrance {that I was sent to review}, I put together this all GUESS set. This is my ideal fashion accompaniment for this scent. The only thing missing is a pair of hoop earrings and a gorgeous handbag-this outfit is perfect for a lunch date or girls' night out!
Friday, February 1, 2013
Forget Wood! The Fifth Anniversary Gift is Vince Camuto!
My king and I "celebrated" {it's in quotation marks, because we didn't exactly celebrate, as I was sick} fifth wedding anniversary earlier this month and he proved, once again, that he has impeccable taste {which is obvious, because he chose me as his wife!}
Monday, January 21, 2013
Fashion Sense from No nonsense!
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of No nonsense. All opinions are 100% mine.
I'd say that my fashion style is all about the details. Often times, I pay more attention to the accessories and accoutrement than the actual outfit. But that doesn't mean that my clothes don't matter! They have to be the perfect canvas for all of my pretty add ons.
As a busy mom, it is important that my style comes off as effortless and chic. It is just as important for me to feel comfortable as it is for me to look fantastic. That's why staples like No nonsense tights and leggings are such great additions to any woman's wardrobe. They can be dressed up or down, and offer quality (which is important in leggings because we all know that cheap, shiny, see-through leggings are not the business) without breaking the bank. No nonsense leggings and tights can be found at most drugstores and mass retailers, so it's tempting to go out and buy every variety, especially considering the introduction of style maven, Jill Martin as their Brand Ambassador and style expert! Jill Martin, author of the New York Times bestselling style guide "I Have Nothing to Wear!," has signed on as the new face of No nonsense and will be assisting them to educate women on how to best incorporate the brands new colors and styles into their wardrobes.
I had the opportunity to try a pair of basic black No nonsense leggings and love them! They are so comfortable, but so easy to dress up! My favorite way to wear them is similar to how the leggings are pictured above, as seen in this post. What is your favorite way to incorporate leggings in your wardrobe? Are you all about basic black (like me) or do you prefer more bright and colorful choices? My inquiring mind wants to know! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And don't forget to like No nonsense on Facebook ! Until next time...
I'd say that my fashion style is all about the details. Often times, I pay more attention to the accessories and accoutrement than the actual outfit. But that doesn't mean that my clothes don't matter! They have to be the perfect canvas for all of my pretty add ons.
As a busy mom, it is important that my style comes off as effortless and chic. It is just as important for me to feel comfortable as it is for me to look fantastic. That's why staples like No nonsense tights and leggings are such great additions to any woman's wardrobe. They can be dressed up or down, and offer quality (which is important in leggings because we all know that cheap, shiny, see-through leggings are not the business) without breaking the bank. No nonsense leggings and tights can be found at most drugstores and mass retailers, so it's tempting to go out and buy every variety, especially considering the introduction of style maven, Jill Martin as their Brand Ambassador and style expert! Jill Martin, author of the New York Times bestselling style guide "I Have Nothing to Wear!," has signed on as the new face of No nonsense and will be assisting them to educate women on how to best incorporate the brands new colors and styles into their wardrobes.
I had the opportunity to try a pair of basic black No nonsense leggings and love them! They are so comfortable, but so easy to dress up! My favorite way to wear them is similar to how the leggings are pictured above, as seen in this post. What is your favorite way to incorporate leggings in your wardrobe? Are you all about basic black (like me) or do you prefer more bright and colorful choices? My inquiring mind wants to know! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And don't forget to like No nonsense on Facebook ! Until next time...
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Baby, It's Cold Outside! AKA- A Shop With Me LookBook
I don't like the cold, but I like hats and sweaters and boots! Here are a few pieces I'd love to add to my wardrobe to keep things chic even as the thermometer dips. And you can add them to your wardrobe too! Just click on a picture and it will take you right where you need to go to purchase it! I hope you lovelies like my selections and continue to enjoy these "Shop With Me" posts! They're super fun to put together...
Until next time...
Until next time...
Monday, September 17, 2012
Yes, I Would Love It If Christina Applegate Dressed My Daughter! AKA: Kenzie + FabKids + You!
 |
| Kenzie *modeling* her brand new outfit! |
This is precisely why I love Facebook! Perhaps I would have found out about it in some other manner, but it just so happens that I discovered it via a post on Facebook last Tuesday. I read something about a 3 piece outfit for little girls for $39.95 shipped and I had to find out more. So I clicked through and was introduced FabKids, and I found myself (happily) sucked in to another subscription service...
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Classic Smokey Eye With Rimmel London-AKA: Give Good Face
Rimmel London originated with perfumer Eugene Rimmel, whose experimentation with fragrance and love of color led him to cosmetics. Upon his death in 1887 his sons took over developing the extensive range of shades and textures. Today Rimmel London creates contemporary products with a professional finish, from eyeshadow palettes and mascaras to classic khol eyeliners.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Maxi-mize Your Style Like Kourtney Kardashian!
Could that title be more pun-tastic (now go back and read that sentence a la Friends' Chandler Bing)?!?! Lol. One of my favorite all time favorite styles is the maxi dress. I love how effortlessly chic they are and how with accessories you can morph the same exact outfit into an everyday, running errands garment to elevated elegance. Even style maven (and uber chic mommy of two) Kourtney Kardashian is taking advantage of the style to stay fashionable (without drawing negative attention to her post baby figure).
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Be Chic Literate: Dressing Marilyn (A Book Review)
One of my style inspirations is Marilyn Monroe. To me, she embodies ultimate glamour and femininity. This August actually marks 50 years since her death (there will even be a special memorial for her in Los Angeles). Ever on the look out for good chic lit, I jumped at the chance to preview the new book Dressing Marilyn, by Andrew Hansford with Karen Homer, about the man that styled Marilyn throughout her career, William Travilla.
This book is the perfect gift for any Marilyn Monroe fan or even those simply interested in old Hollywood glamour and fashion. It is a beautiful book, full of pictures both familiar and new of the fabulous designs of Mr. Travilla. It is truly one of those rare books that can be enjoyed over and over again and is the perfect conversation starter as a coffee table book. Even the hubby was impressed with how beautifully the book is put together and my 12 year old daughter is often thumbing through its pages.
PS-This book was sent for review by the publisher or PR. I was not paid for this review and all opinions stated are 100% honest and my own. This post does contain affiliate links-if you choose to click on a link AND make a purchase, I will receive a small commission :)
About the Book
William Travilla is one of the best costume designers of all time and Marilyn Monroe his most famous client. Dressing Marilyn: How a Hollywood Icon Was Styled by William Travilla focuses on the striking dresses that Travilla designed for Marilyn, from his early work on the thrillerDon't Bother to Knock and the gorgeous pink dress in which Marilyn sang “Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend” to the legendary white dress from The Seven Year Itch, which arguably contributed to the collapse of Marilyn's marriage to Joe DiMaggio. Featuring Travilla's original sketches, rare costume test shots, dress patterns, photographs of Marilyn wearing the dresses, plus exclusive and never-before-seen extracts from interviews with Travilla, this book offers a fresh insight into the golden age of Hollywood.
About the Author
Andrew Hansford has been involved in fashion for many years, having worked as a model and established his own business in the beauty industry. However, his life changed dramatically in 2007 when, after a phone call from a friend, a box of dresses designed by William Travilla for the screen legend Marilyn Monroe arrived on his doorstep. Since then, Andrew has worked with the Travilla Estate to help Travilla regain the renown he deserves. Andrew now manages Travilla's archive and has been responsible for six exhibitions showcasing Travilla's stunning work.
This book is the perfect gift for any Marilyn Monroe fan or even those simply interested in old Hollywood glamour and fashion. It is a beautiful book, full of pictures both familiar and new of the fabulous designs of Mr. Travilla. It is truly one of those rare books that can be enjoyed over and over again and is the perfect conversation starter as a coffee table book. Even the hubby was impressed with how beautifully the book is put together and my 12 year old daughter is often thumbing through its pages.
Dressing Marilyn: How a Hollywood Icon Was Styled by William Travilla is now available at many fine retailers, such as Amazon and Target.com.
Ciao, XxO
Q
Friday, August 3, 2012
Mary Jane (in my Rick James voice)
I think my first pair of legit high heeled shoes was a pair of Mary Janes: they were black suede and patent leather, done in the style of an oxford/wing tip. They had this great chunky, stacked heel and I just knew that I was grown up when I wore them. I LOVED those shoes! Unfortunately, they were lost by Delta Airlines en route to Chicago, along with another pair of my all time favorite shoes-another pair of Mary Janes. These were a little taller, and infinitely more sophisticated; t-strapped faux alligator print in a gorgeous cognac brown. It's funny-I lost a lot of things in that debacle, but the only items I still remember (and this is over 15 years later) are those two pairs of shoes. C'est la vie...
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Weekend Uniform
MAC Cosmetics mascara
nordstrom.com
Inspired by the Ralph Lauren Big Pony 3 fragrance for women that I wore this weekend to the mall. In case you couldn't tell, the trip included a stop by the MAC counter too :) It's actually very similar to what I wear when running errands with the fam: skinnies, tote bag, some arm candy, aviators, and sky high wedges! Until next time...
Ciao, XxO
Q
PS- This post contains affiliate links (in the thumbnail pictures and corresponding links; to either the exact item or something very similar)-if you choose to click on a picture or link AND make a purchase, I will receive a small commission :)
nordstrom.com
Inspired by the Ralph Lauren Big Pony 3 fragrance for women that I wore this weekend to the mall. In case you couldn't tell, the trip included a stop by the MAC counter too :) It's actually very similar to what I wear when running errands with the fam: skinnies, tote bag, some arm candy, aviators, and sky high wedges! Until next time...
Ciao, XxO
Q
PS- This post contains affiliate links (in the thumbnail pictures and corresponding links; to either the exact item or something very similar)-if you choose to click on a picture or link AND make a purchase, I will receive a small commission :)
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Swim-Proof, Sweat-Proof, Heat-Proof Eyes with Smashbox, MAKEUP FOR EVER, and Rimmel
Waterproof Eyes by mamafashionista featuring a creme eyeshadow
I may have mentioned this before, and you may have already noticed, but it's HOT outside. Even before the onslaught of heat, I was super self conscious of the dreaded raccoon eye, because of my oily complexion, so I developed methods to ensure my makeup stayed in place (especially after numerous occasions where I asked the hubby if my makeup was okay, and his response was "yes," only to discover that my eyeliner had actually made a messy migration south of my waterline). But when it's hot outside, I don't necessarily want to pile on products, I'm looking to keep my routine as simple and light as possible. I've found a few products that help me to achieve a simple, yet chic, budge proof look in the least amount of steps possible.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
I'm Starting to Feel Like My Old Self Again
Items in this set:
Cowl neck knit jumper, 675 GBP
Brian Atwood Matrix leather boots, $1,170
City Bag, 1,045 GBP
Twisted Silver - Fine and Funky Jewelry Accessories, $40
Floppy Felt Hat, $19
Cowl neck knit jumper, 675 GBP
Brian Atwood Matrix leather boots, $1,170
City Bag, 1,045 GBP
Twisted Silver - Fine and Funky Jewelry Accessories, $40
Floppy Felt Hat, $19
So lovelies, I have lost 8 pounds... so proud/happy! Still have a LONG way to go to get back to my svelte figure of yesteryear (though truthfully, I'll never be a size zero again, my girls have gifted me with ample T&A), but I'm working my way to a smaller, healthier me, bit by bit. So the Polyvore ensemble above is a tribute to the sexy chic look that I gravitate towards when I'm truly comfortable in my skin. Notice the balance: though it is short, the boots cover a lot of leg, the arms are completely covered and there's even a chapeaux (I love hats!)! Lots of Chanel accessories (you can never go wrong there) and a lovely ring from Twisted Silver (LOVE those ladies; will blog about soon!). Notice that the bag doesn't exactly match. I often do that intentionally IRL, in such a way that some item I have on stands out (so that people may say "where did that come from, it doesn't really fit in with the rest") and thus sets me apart and makes my presence known.
Even the hubby doesn't get that little ism of mine; he wants everything coordinated and matching. He's very much into...not blending in... but not really making a splash by being different. Sometimes I have to remind him that if it were not for my being different from the norm, he may have never even noticed me. I've always been a bit of an oddball and kind of proud and very accepting of my idiosyncrasies. To be truthful, there may have been a time in my life when I was very overtly eccentric, it was actually very liberating. As I've gotten older, I've toned down a bit, but some of the old me is starting to shine through again. And I gladly welcome her back! I hope you all will too (some day :P )... 'Til next time...
Fashion Forever...
Quinn
PS-Don't forget the butter LONDON give away (you MUST become a follower and use butter LONDON nail lacquers in your entry (not just say pink and red)! I love the comments so far, thank you so much for being creative and telling a story with your collections because that is truly what fashion is really about! Also the 15% discount at Anique Michelle is still available. Get shopping! xoxo
Friday, October 16, 2009
Experiment
Items in this set:
Juicy Couture | Izzie leather shoe boots | NET-A-PORTER.COM, 305 GBP
Velvet Box Frame Clutch: Buy Moyna Handbags Clothing, $145
Markus Lupfer Studded jersey leggings, $360
Nancy Caten Chunky silver bracelet, $245
Brass Multi-Strand Necklace, 165 GBP
Juicy Couture | Izzie leather shoe boots | NET-A-PORTER.COM, 305 GBP
Velvet Box Frame Clutch: Buy Moyna Handbags Clothing, $145
Markus Lupfer Studded jersey leggings, $360
Nancy Caten Chunky silver bracelet, $245
Brass Multi-Strand Necklace, 165 GBP
So this is my first attempt at using Polyvore on the blog. I call this set "Date Night." Let me know if you guys like it and I'll keep playing around with it. Polyvore is an absolutely awesome website. It's kinda like playing ultimate fantasy dress up for fashionistas.
I envision wearing this ensemble out with the hubby to our favorite tapas bar (Eclipse Di Luna) and maybe a little dancing afterward to sweat off the fabulous mojitoes (mango is my fave) and burn some calories consumed from the yummy dishes they have to offer (their paella is TDF). Oh to dream the dream. Here's to hoping date night (without the kiddies) happens sometime in my near future (with or without this outfit!)... 'Til next time...
Fashion Forever...
Quinn
PS-The 15% discount at Anique Michelle is good through October 31. Just enter promo code "mama" at checkout!
Monday, October 12, 2009
All the Little Birdies on Jaybird Street
So my little chickadees... I've got some goodies pour vous. I'm coasting on the euphoric high of the epic Go-Girl promo (thank you to all who participated!), so just like a regular "jay" on the street, I'm working hard for my next fix... And here it is...
The lovely people at Anique Michelle on line boutique have generously agreed to give my readers a 15% discount on their website through the end of October. I thought I'd celebrate this "mayjah" (a la Ms. Posh) coupe by putting together my ideal outfit from all the goodies Anique Michelle has to offer, just to whet your shopping appetite (as if you really needed any help!). The task was actually quite difficult; there are SO MANY TDF pretties on the site, it was hard narrowing it down. But here are "Mama's Picks." Enjoy... ; P
I would start with a pair of my favorite leggings from F21, my go to ankle boots from Bakers, and add to them:
The "On Display" Dress. I love the roomy cut and mix of patterns. It vees in the front and back so it is perfect for layering on necklaces, such as...
The "Limeade" - umm... I really don't have words for how much I like this necklace. And...
"The Cyndi"-for this outfit, I'd go with the orange one. I'd tie it close to the neck so that the fringe would fall long down the back (what good is a back vee without jewelry to accent it?)
I'd wear "Let It Be" and "Cleo" on my right hand...
... and the "Katie," "Lucky Lady," and "Up All Night" on my left wrist; which would also be carrying ...
"The Tayven"- I love this bag! I love the color and I love the size. It's perfect for me because I can have a stylish bag and still manage to fit everything I need in it AND everything LS needs.
And I'd top it all off with these lovely sparklers on my ears...
Aptly named "Goldie."
So how do you like my picks? Too much jewelry (I'm starting to learn that sometimes it really is "the more the merrier.")? How would you change it up? All together, this outfit adds up to $125.50, but if you put in promo code "mama" at checkout, it'll knock the cost down to $106.67 (+ tax and shipping, of course!). Anique Michelle has a wonderful selection of clutches, rings, scarves, hair accessories, and wallets as well. So many thing to choose from, I may have to assemble another look to post... Visit Anique Michelle on line to put together your own fall masterpiece.
It's been fun playing dress up with you guys tonight, but now the bed is calling my name (funny, the bed kinda sounds like the hubby...hmmm...) So 'til next time...
Fashion Forever...
Quinn
The lovely people at Anique Michelle on line boutique have generously agreed to give my readers a 15% discount on their website through the end of October. I thought I'd celebrate this "mayjah" (a la Ms. Posh) coupe by putting together my ideal outfit from all the goodies Anique Michelle has to offer, just to whet your shopping appetite (as if you really needed any help!). The task was actually quite difficult; there are SO MANY TDF pretties on the site, it was hard narrowing it down. But here are "Mama's Picks." Enjoy... ; P
I would start with a pair of my favorite leggings from F21, my go to ankle boots from Bakers, and add to them:
The "On Display" Dress. I love the roomy cut and mix of patterns. It vees in the front and back so it is perfect for layering on necklaces, such as...
The "Limeade" - umm... I really don't have words for how much I like this necklace. And...
"The Cyndi"-for this outfit, I'd go with the orange one. I'd tie it close to the neck so that the fringe would fall long down the back (what good is a back vee without jewelry to accent it?)I'd wear "Let It Be" and "Cleo" on my right hand...
... and the "Katie," "Lucky Lady," and "Up All Night" on my left wrist; which would also be carrying ...
"The Tayven"- I love this bag! I love the color and I love the size. It's perfect for me because I can have a stylish bag and still manage to fit everything I need in it AND everything LS needs.And I'd top it all off with these lovely sparklers on my ears...
Aptly named "Goldie."So how do you like my picks? Too much jewelry (I'm starting to learn that sometimes it really is "the more the merrier.")? How would you change it up? All together, this outfit adds up to $125.50, but if you put in promo code "mama" at checkout, it'll knock the cost down to $106.67 (+ tax and shipping, of course!). Anique Michelle has a wonderful selection of clutches, rings, scarves, hair accessories, and wallets as well. So many thing to choose from, I may have to assemble another look to post... Visit Anique Michelle on line to put together your own fall masterpiece.
It's been fun playing dress up with you guys tonight, but now the bed is calling my name (funny, the bed kinda sounds like the hubby...hmmm...) So 'til next time...
Fashion Forever...
Quinn
*All pictures in this post were obtained from www.aniquemichelle.com
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
"Some people are just born with tragedy in their blood..."
I would say that I am at a loss for words, but obviously I am not, otherwise I would not be writing this. I just saw my first professional fashion show in its entirety (albeit on my computer). Alexander McQueen S/S 10. OMG. See for yourself...http://bit.ly/19kiwE. Don't worry, I'll give you a second...
You back? Have the goosebumps faded back into your flesh? Did you pick your jaw up off the floor? Do you need to go change your undergarments? All perfectly reasonable reactions to the SPECTACLE that was that show. The shiny floor, the two robotic cameras running parallel down the runway, the erotic backdrop. And the styling! The Donnie Darko hair (well technically, it's Frank's ears), the prosthetics placed around the eyes, and those pale, shimmery alien faces. And the stars of the show: the shoes and clothes. OMG! The shoes (especially those worn at the onset of the show) were something out of a sado-masochist shoe fetishist's dream. What that man did with cut and patterns and colors was beyond amazing. It was OOC ("out of control"). While I totally appreciate the vision, talent, and imagination that went into the creation of all of the pieces, it really got good for me at around the 9:30 mark. You know, when the shoes changed to the ridunkulous shiny, lacquered, platform pumps? And the clothes were feminine and ruffly and they moved so good it made me want to melt.
It was so uber fantastic. It gave me chills. It was breath taking. But let's be real. The majority of those pieces are just not practical for women like me. And that's okay, because a lot of fashion is truly art; and just as every one can not have a Picasso or Monet hanging on their wall, every piece of haute couture or avant garde fashion is not meant to be physically accessible en masse. And that is okay. Even though I may never fiscally be able to even purchase an outfit straight of a Paris runway (nor am I sure if the beauty of something that high end would even translate in my world), I did acquire something very valuable just from viewing that show.
I can be fearless and bold when making everyday choices, particularly stylistically. I have always prided myself on being an individual. I embrace my uniqueness. When people say I'm weird, I say "thank you." That being said, there is a difference in being comfortable with yourself and taking that extra step to actually stand out. Mr. McQueen has encouraged me to shout without saying a word. Though I know he will never read these words, I want to take this opportunity to say to him, "Thank you, sir."
That being said, I feel the need to segue to a different, yet peculiarly related topic. As I said, I am an unique individual. And I seriously and deeply respect other people that are different from myself. Even when I don't understand where a person is coming from (and though this truly applies to all aspects of my life, for the purpose of this post, the focus is on style), and don't necessarily appreciate the aesthetics of or reasoning behind certain choices, as long as it is genuine and comes from a place of personal insight and respect, I can dig it. To each his own. But really-TO EACH, HIS OWN.
In other words, let me be me, and you BE YOU. While "imitation is the most sincere form of flattery," at what point does imitation become infringement upon someone else's intellectual property? We all derive inspiration from numerous sources, but when we derive inspiration from individuals, at what point does imitation turn into disrespect?
It's been a long day, filled with many lovely things and a little bit of ugliness. But I take solace in the fact that tomorrow is another day. What is your take on inspiration/imitation? Where do you draw the line between being flattered and being offended when someone is quite obviously mimic-ing you? My inquiring mind wants to know. Post a comment and we'll further this tantalizing stream of consciousness. 'Til next time...
Fashion Forever...
Quinn
BTW: Believe it or not, I actually put a lot of thought in to the titles of my blog posts. This one is a quote from the movie Donnie Darko. And in case you've never seen it, and thus do not get the reference between it and the Alexander McQueen show... here are some pictures of Frank (courtesy of www.depooter.org and www.listal.com)
You back? Have the goosebumps faded back into your flesh? Did you pick your jaw up off the floor? Do you need to go change your undergarments? All perfectly reasonable reactions to the SPECTACLE that was that show. The shiny floor, the two robotic cameras running parallel down the runway, the erotic backdrop. And the styling! The Donnie Darko hair (well technically, it's Frank's ears), the prosthetics placed around the eyes, and those pale, shimmery alien faces. And the stars of the show: the shoes and clothes. OMG! The shoes (especially those worn at the onset of the show) were something out of a sado-masochist shoe fetishist's dream. What that man did with cut and patterns and colors was beyond amazing. It was OOC ("out of control"). While I totally appreciate the vision, talent, and imagination that went into the creation of all of the pieces, it really got good for me at around the 9:30 mark. You know, when the shoes changed to the ridunkulous shiny, lacquered, platform pumps? And the clothes were feminine and ruffly and they moved so good it made me want to melt.
It was so uber fantastic. It gave me chills. It was breath taking. But let's be real. The majority of those pieces are just not practical for women like me. And that's okay, because a lot of fashion is truly art; and just as every one can not have a Picasso or Monet hanging on their wall, every piece of haute couture or avant garde fashion is not meant to be physically accessible en masse. And that is okay. Even though I may never fiscally be able to even purchase an outfit straight of a Paris runway (nor am I sure if the beauty of something that high end would even translate in my world), I did acquire something very valuable just from viewing that show.
I can be fearless and bold when making everyday choices, particularly stylistically. I have always prided myself on being an individual. I embrace my uniqueness. When people say I'm weird, I say "thank you." That being said, there is a difference in being comfortable with yourself and taking that extra step to actually stand out. Mr. McQueen has encouraged me to shout without saying a word. Though I know he will never read these words, I want to take this opportunity to say to him, "Thank you, sir."
That being said, I feel the need to segue to a different, yet peculiarly related topic. As I said, I am an unique individual. And I seriously and deeply respect other people that are different from myself. Even when I don't understand where a person is coming from (and though this truly applies to all aspects of my life, for the purpose of this post, the focus is on style), and don't necessarily appreciate the aesthetics of or reasoning behind certain choices, as long as it is genuine and comes from a place of personal insight and respect, I can dig it. To each his own. But really-TO EACH, HIS OWN.
In other words, let me be me, and you BE YOU. While "imitation is the most sincere form of flattery," at what point does imitation become infringement upon someone else's intellectual property? We all derive inspiration from numerous sources, but when we derive inspiration from individuals, at what point does imitation turn into disrespect?
It's been a long day, filled with many lovely things and a little bit of ugliness. But I take solace in the fact that tomorrow is another day. What is your take on inspiration/imitation? Where do you draw the line between being flattered and being offended when someone is quite obviously mimic-ing you? My inquiring mind wants to know. Post a comment and we'll further this tantalizing stream of consciousness. 'Til next time...
Fashion Forever...
Quinn
BTW: Believe it or not, I actually put a lot of thought in to the titles of my blog posts. This one is a quote from the movie Donnie Darko. And in case you've never seen it, and thus do not get the reference between it and the Alexander McQueen show... here are some pictures of Frank (courtesy of www.depooter.org and www.listal.com)
Thursday, October 1, 2009
House of Worth
So... I've always been a shoe fiend, well maybe not always, but since I was at least 12. Everyone in my family is taller than me, so though I am of average height,I developed something of a Napoleon Complex having to stand next to them constantly. So I began to wear high heels. I'm sure it was nothing more than two inches at first, but that was enough to put me face to face with my mother. Then of course as I got older, my heels got higher and higher, and over time, I never wore flats unless it was absolutely mandated (like for work or P.E.). In fact, it got to the point that I actually walked better in high heels (I would literally stumble whenever I wore sneakers). Long story short, I LOVE shoes, the higher the better.
Usually a love of shoes goes hand in hand with the love of handbags and I never really jumped on that wagon. Purses were cute but sort of strictly utilitarian for me. Often times, I would stuff necessities into my pockets (or the pockets of whoever was with me), a girlfriend's purse, or my cleavage (it was astounding how much would fit in there). This does mean that my handbags were not cute; they were actually quite cute. I just didn't really view them as accessories, or as a means to accent my clothing. I did not change my bag according to what I was wearing or what shoes I had on. I used the same bag until it wore out.
It was not until I met my husband that I grew to appreciate purses. He is the type of man that likes to give gifts, nice gifts. One of the first things he bought me was a beautiful soft pink Coach bag, with a suede bottom, silver hardware and a single brown leather strap. I was in love. I've never looked at handbags the same. And then I had LS.
I HAD to carry a diaper bag. The one we used was an adorable gift from a friend, so it was chic and useful (which is always awesome). But there was no way I was lugging around that behemoth of a bag AND a purse AND the baby. So I just put everything that I needed into the diaper bag as well. So no pretty purses for me for the last 16 months. Just my big pink diaper bag. But people, it's a new day!
Baby girl no longer needs the trappings incidental to newborns and infants. She's a big girl now. Her stuff can go in mommy's bag instead of vice versa. So I have a huge decision to make. What new pretty do I get? I've done my research and here it goes. Now some of these are obviously categorized as fantasy items (how many stay at home moms do you know that carry Alexander McQueen clutches?) but most are definitely in the running as new additions to my collection. I figure I need a good size purse, a multi purpose tote, and a clutch to cover all of my bases and quench the thirst that these long of abstinence have caused.
Here are the contenders:
The Rebellious II (in black) and
Peony Clutch (in silver) from
Carrie Valentine.
Carrie's bags have been seen on Gossip
Girl, and on the arms of Fergie, Eva Longoria
Parker, and Jessica Biel. She's also my
Twitter buddy, so please check out her site
by clicking on either of the bags.
*Pictures obtained from Carrie Valentine
Now these two lovelies are from Coach. I love the bright colors and especially the shiny pink patent leather. The pink one is called Spotlight and the multi colored tote is the Pop C Glam Tote. Click on them and it'll take you straight to the Coach website.
*Pictures obtained from www.coach.com
Juicy, Juicy, Juicy. I love this tote
because I could easily toss in some
library books, LS's neccessities, and
my stuff and it wouldn't be over
stuffed. Plus at the cost ($78) I won't
be terribly upset when it inevitably gets
messed up. Click on the bag to see
all the cuteness Juicy Couture has
to offer.
*Picture obtained from www.juicycouture.com
And here is my fantasy line up. The two clutches are from Alexander McQueen (I first fell in love with the design when I saw it in red crocodile in the September issue of Vogue) and I went head over heels for the Louis when I saw it on Avelle. In doing my research, I discovered a couple of new (well, new to me at least) sites that you can link to by clicking on each bag.
So what do you think? What are your must have bags for the season? And what about your ultimate fantasy bag? I know, I know. I was heavy on the pink. But it's something of a signature for me, so there : P . Give me some feedback. I'd love to hear from you.
Fashion Forever...
Quinn
Usually a love of shoes goes hand in hand with the love of handbags and I never really jumped on that wagon. Purses were cute but sort of strictly utilitarian for me. Often times, I would stuff necessities into my pockets (or the pockets of whoever was with me), a girlfriend's purse, or my cleavage (it was astounding how much would fit in there). This does mean that my handbags were not cute; they were actually quite cute. I just didn't really view them as accessories, or as a means to accent my clothing. I did not change my bag according to what I was wearing or what shoes I had on. I used the same bag until it wore out.
It was not until I met my husband that I grew to appreciate purses. He is the type of man that likes to give gifts, nice gifts. One of the first things he bought me was a beautiful soft pink Coach bag, with a suede bottom, silver hardware and a single brown leather strap. I was in love. I've never looked at handbags the same. And then I had LS.
I HAD to carry a diaper bag. The one we used was an adorable gift from a friend, so it was chic and useful (which is always awesome). But there was no way I was lugging around that behemoth of a bag AND a purse AND the baby. So I just put everything that I needed into the diaper bag as well. So no pretty purses for me for the last 16 months. Just my big pink diaper bag. But people, it's a new day!
Baby girl no longer needs the trappings incidental to newborns and infants. She's a big girl now. Her stuff can go in mommy's bag instead of vice versa. So I have a huge decision to make. What new pretty do I get? I've done my research and here it goes. Now some of these are obviously categorized as fantasy items (how many stay at home moms do you know that carry Alexander McQueen clutches?) but most are definitely in the running as new additions to my collection. I figure I need a good size purse, a multi purpose tote, and a clutch to cover all of my bases and quench the thirst that these long of abstinence have caused.
Here are the contenders:
The Rebellious II (in black) and
Peony Clutch (in silver) from
Carrie Valentine.
Carrie's bags have been seen on Gossip
Girl, and on the arms of Fergie, Eva Longoria
Parker, and Jessica Biel. She's also my
Twitter buddy, so please check out her site
by clicking on either of the bags.
*Pictures obtained from Carrie Valentine
Now these two lovelies are from Coach. I love the bright colors and especially the shiny pink patent leather. The pink one is called Spotlight and the multi colored tote is the Pop C Glam Tote. Click on them and it'll take you straight to the Coach website.*Pictures obtained from www.coach.com
Juicy, Juicy, Juicy. I love this tote
because I could easily toss in some
library books, LS's neccessities, and
my stuff and it wouldn't be over
stuffed. Plus at the cost ($78) I won't
be terribly upset when it inevitably gets
messed up. Click on the bag to see
all the cuteness Juicy Couture has
to offer.
*Picture obtained from www.juicycouture.com
And here is my fantasy line up. The two clutches are from Alexander McQueen (I first fell in love with the design when I saw it in red crocodile in the September issue of Vogue) and I went head over heels for the Louis when I saw it on Avelle. In doing my research, I discovered a couple of new (well, new to me at least) sites that you can link to by clicking on each bag.
So what do you think? What are your must have bags for the season? And what about your ultimate fantasy bag? I know, I know. I was heavy on the pink. But it's something of a signature for me, so there : P . Give me some feedback. I'd love to hear from you.
Fashion Forever...
Quinn
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)