Susie Bubble

Susie Bubble & Saga Sig - Mystical Playground from The Avant/Garde Diaries on Vimeo.

Video via Vimeo.

Susie Bubble aka Susannah Lau @ Style Bubble is so thoughtful--I like her vintage Polaroid and she’s a bit of a hoarder—buys items for their sentimental value; I suffer from the same affliction. I agree with her sentiment that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to achieve the avant-garde in fashion.

Alexander McQueen

Image via The Museum at FIT.

This Alexander McQueen evening dress is featured in The Fashion & Textile History Gallery's current show at The Museum at FIT. Titled His and Hers, the show explores changing perceptions of "masculine" and "feminine" dress from the mid-18th century to the present. McQueen, of course, subverted gender codes in various ways. From his Fall 2008 collection, this dress consists of black leather, white silk and black tulle.

Heathers (1989)

This movie never ceases to tickle me--its one of my favorite dark comedies of the 80s. Its commentary on high school social politics and the desperate pursuit of approval (aka popularity) is still acute and the fashion was, like, totally rad.

Roger Vivier

Image via The Paris Traveler.

I've got the yummiest post for you today! Right now (well, after you read this post!) you have got to run over to the Roger Vivier site and see the most amazing video about their new collection--its magnificent! It encapsulates a day in the life and the joie de vivre of a stylish woman who adores Vivier! Its New York, Paris, macaroons, fresh orange juice, croissants, lattes, motherhood, premieres, gallery and museum hopping, dancing, prancing--and the soundtrack is so mod--it makes me want to live, live, live!

Milly Paisley-Embroidered Silk Blouse

Image via Net-a-Porter.

I live in white jeans in the summer; this blouse would be a breezy accompaniment.

Celine Spring 2010 Ad Campaign

Clearly, I'm crushing on Phoebe Philo--what she has done with Celine is spot on. I keep going back to this ad from the Spring 2010 ad campaign. Everything is right about this look--its perfectly balanced. And you know I love the wedges!

TIBI Silk print playsuit

Image via NET-A-PORTER.

I'm dying for a beach vacay and this playsuit is perfect for a sunny destination. I purchased a TIBI linen playsuit last year that I wore on my honeymoon. Its so comfy--like a grown-up onesie--you can throw it over a bikini or dress it up with fancy sandals for evening.

J.Crew Matte jersey curator pant

Image via J.Crew.

Hands down, this is the perfect, perfect work pant.

Phoebe Philo for Celine

Image via style.com.

I adore the way the  shirt peeks from under the khaki skirt--simply adore it--how cheeky. This is the perfect uniform for spring/summer--crisp white blouse, mini A-line skirt, and platforms.

Such Great Style! Costume Designer Sandy Powell

 

  

  

Images via Getty Images.

I think Sandy Powell had the best style at the Oscars--the majority of attendees were dressed by stylists, but its clear that Sandy Powell, the consummate costume designer, dressed herself--and she was perfect. The details were impeccable--the two arms of bangles, the sequined tam, the deco print on the dress, the fingernails, Tom Ford on your arm--flawless.

Theory Shirtdress

 

Image via style.com.

I've been on a dress binge lately. What's more, I had an outfit like this that I would insist on wearing at least twice a week when I was in the fifth grade--I would have so much fun in this shirtdress--it would tickle my fancy.

Such Great Style! An All Black Uniform

 

Image via Garance Doré.

Doesn't model Jeneil look divine dripping in all black? I love an all black uniform--its not monotonous if done with elegance, texture, and distinction.

Fashion, Africa, and Animism

 

Image by Viviane Sassen via Nowness.

The title of today's blog reflects the content of this interview with photographer Vivianne Sassen. The image above is from her Light Trip In Tanzania series. I stumbled across all of this on the new LVMH sponsored site "Nowness"--which I think is ultra cool. In the New York Times, Nowness is described by the site's digital vice president, Kamel Ouadi, as "a subtle, discreet and elegant way to offer original, interesting and ever-changing content to intelligent and aspirational people — and those who are already embedded in the digital culture." This is a concept that stays in trend--being embedded in digital culture. As an educator, I feel its imperative to be in trend and conversant with the emergent media(s) of our times--its important for me to speak the language of myriad generations. How else can you expect to engage in any meaningful way if you don't speak the language(s) of those you intend to educate and collaborate with? Its important to stay in the flow--for me its a principle of practice/theory.

Eugenia Kim Holly printed linen sunhat

 

Image via NET-A-PORTER.

This is darling--its like a modified cloche and I love the way the bow sweeps under the brim ever so slightly. 

Leah C. Couture Millinery

 

  

Images via Leah C. Couture Millinery.

I just learned that designer Leah Chalfen will create unique wedding headpieces for J. Crew. This is so great. I seriously considered wearing one of Leah's headpieces (aka fascinators) to my wedding and then decided upon a more traditional veil as I was getting married in a Cathedral. I remember visiting Leah's atelier during one of my lunch breaks last Spring and trying on one great whimsical piece after another. They were so dramatic and chic--I still want one! I think I might treat myself to one and maybe pair it with the black jumpsuit I'm pining for. Wouldn't that stop traffic?

Elva Fields "Against A Sky of Blue" Necklace

 

Image via Elva Fields.

Wow wee. 

This cobalt necklace belongs on a chic woman on a long hot summer night with an Elderflower Cordial in her hand. This is just the most. Wouldn't this be a great "something blue" for a bride?

Gryphon Trench Coats

 

  

Images via Gryphon, New York.

Aren't these trench coats fantastic? We're planning a trip to Paris this spring and either of these (or perhaps both!) work be perfect for strolling the boulevards. I particularly adore the bell sleeves and coin purse on the second one. Don't you?

Chloé Jumpsuit

 

Image via style.com.

This Chloé jumpsuit from the Spring 2009 Ready-to-Wear collection is so chic and perfect for the spring and early summer black tie events that are on my calendar. I love the deep pockets and it just looks so comfortable and sensible.

Chloé Woven Leather Sandals

 

Image via net-a-porter.

These t-bar sandals are super hot and perfect for the warm weather that I'm pining for.

Trapper Hats

 

Image via W Magazine.

I woke up to wet, sticky snow this morning and am seriously lamenting the fact that I have yet to pick up one of these must need winter toppers which serve as hat, ear muffs, and style accessory all in one.