Monday, May 25, 2009
Crack #5: Tie-Dye elements ( only restricted to BLUE AND WHITE color combinations)
One of the most important indication of the popularity of a trend is its extension into the "twelve by Twelve" line at Forever 21*. Based on this observation, the surface of this Tie-dyed Cardigan at Forever 21 (Pictured above) indicates that, after two decades of neglect or even disgust by the fashion world, that this trend is back once more, stronger than ever, to invade each and every wardrobe of fashionastas around the world.
The Tie-Dye we are referring to here is not the kind that you would find on the ageless (and homeless) hippie on Haight Street, or on the average American dad that are bought from the soverneir shops in Hawaii. The ones that we are referring to only consists of 2 colors ( This statement is backed up by 3 hours of research online to find a single piece of designer tie-dyed item that has more than 3 colors) -- mostly Blue and white, with the occasion combination of other colors such as black, grey or red with white. Note, that no matter what color the tie-dyed is based on, it MUST be paired with white.
The Evolution of the Tie-Dyed element within different types of clothing is basically the same as the evolution of the trend itself (which will be explained later when we discuss the origin and th starter of the trend): The Tie-Dye element is first found in Handbags (by Miu Miu), then later on extended into Dresses (Thakoon) and Jeans (Balmain). With the help of the mass-produced retailers such as Forever 21 and Urbanoutf
So which designer started the Tie-Dyed trend for this season? It seems that Miu Miu had already incorporated the idea of using new color in tie dye in their handbags way back in 2007, and given the excessive appreciation from the Olsen twins and fashion insider such as Taylor Tomasi, the trend has gained momentum into transforming the once symbol of the hippie ( signified by the bursting colors) to the now important element of every cool girl in town.
Thakoon has later on continued the inspirations by constructing dresses with Tie-Dyed patterns. The patterns has later on became his signature design asthetic, transferring from his own line to his guest collection with Target.
The Tie-dye trend is in its full speed this season when Balmain send their models waltzing down the runway with the ribbed tie-dyed jeans.
It is then we realize that Tie-Dye actually LOOKS GOOD on the lower body; Suddenly, UrbanOutfitters started carrying Tie-Dyed jeans; then it's Tarjay, Forever 21, and god knows, later in the year perhaps Old Navy and Aeropostale starts having these Balmain-inspired jeans in every color.
The trend is predicted to continue on this summer as it transcends to younger and younger girls (<15)as they roam around the streets with Tie-Dyed Levis Jeans or Forever 21 Tie-dyed leggings; though hopefully in the future, our children will still remember that the Original Tie-Dye looks like this:
Perhaps by then, though, with the addition of more and more possible colors and clothing item ( i.e tie-dyed socks?) , it might not be surprising that eventually, the rainbow tie-dye will be "in" again.
* Twelve by Twelve is the "premium" line at Forever 21 that features "designer" details, and sold at a slightly higher price than the normal Forever 21 line
Labels:
Balmain,
Forever 21,
Miu Miu,
Taylor Tomasi,
Thakoon,
Tie-Dye
Friday, May 15, 2009
Interruption#2:Crack #4: Natural Beauty
Dear Readers,
Apart from my usual lusting of designer items all over the internet, I came across this photo that inspired this post. Hence my Interruption, yet again, on the post about Crack #2: Studded elements.
Crack #4: Natural Beauty
Who is she?
**excuse the extremely poor quality of the photo and the large pixels**
(scroll down to see the other half)
The story behind this couple can be read here.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
Pictured here with hubby Michael Aris.
Yes, she is perhaps the most beautiful women in the world. No Designer duds, no expensive purses. Runs the true blood of royalty, yet chooses to invest her money, time, future and all those luxuries of life in something she believes in. A true Beauty inside out, one that exceeds any genius designer item in the world. (And yes, she is a fashion pioneer too. Look at that Bob)
Is The Satorialist's street style photos inspired by this one?
If you have a religion, please pray for her safety from her recent arrest; If you don't believe in a god, please take the time to read this article.
As for me, it's time I stop lusting for this past season Chloe Milton bag,
and start thinking about using the teeny weeny power of this money to help someone do something that I would never even have the courage to think of.
That is all.
xoxo,
Susanna.
P.S The post on Crack #2: studded elements is coming soon. The importance that studs plays visually and culturally in the fashion world is such an enormous topic, with which I want to take more time into finding the true meaning behind the phenomenon of the craze for studs.
Just Kidding.
In no way would I ever write such a yummylicious topic in such a heavy way. Studs are just pure..... awesome. The blog should just be filled with images after images of genius usage of this square eye candy, ready for you to lust your guts out before you could ever afford a single item pictured. Yes, I promise you, not even be able to afford a single stud on any of the items.
Just Kidding again. (wait..... maybe not so kidding. Could be true. Look at this Jacket:
I bet I couldn't even afford to TOUCH the studs. )
And my other point of putting Carine's photo is to end this post with another Natural Beauty, this time with all the designer duds!
I believe all of us don't have a problem with that ( for both Carine and the designer duds, I mean)
Apart from my usual lusting of designer items all over the internet, I came across this photo that inspired this post. Hence my Interruption, yet again, on the post about Crack #2: Studded elements.
Crack #4: Natural Beauty
Who is she?
**excuse the extremely poor quality of the photo and the large pixels**
(scroll down to see the other half)
The story behind this couple can be read here.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
Pictured here with hubby Michael Aris.
Yes, she is perhaps the most beautiful women in the world. No Designer duds, no expensive purses. Runs the true blood of royalty, yet chooses to invest her money, time, future and all those luxuries of life in something she believes in. A true Beauty inside out, one that exceeds any genius designer item in the world. (And yes, she is a fashion pioneer too. Look at that Bob)
Is The Satorialist's street style photos inspired by this one?
If you have a religion, please pray for her safety from her recent arrest; If you don't believe in a god, please take the time to read this article.
As for me, it's time I stop lusting for this past season Chloe Milton bag,
and start thinking about using the teeny weeny power of this money to help someone do something that I would never even have the courage to think of.
That is all.
xoxo,
Susanna.
P.S The post on Crack #2: studded elements is coming soon. The importance that studs plays visually and culturally in the fashion world is such an enormous topic, with which I want to take more time into finding the true meaning behind the phenomenon of the craze for studs.
Just Kidding.
In no way would I ever write such a yummylicious topic in such a heavy way. Studs are just pure..... awesome. The blog should just be filled with images after images of genius usage of this square eye candy, ready for you to lust your guts out before you could ever afford a single item pictured. Yes, I promise you, not even be able to afford a single stud on any of the items.
Just Kidding again. (wait..... maybe not so kidding. Could be true. Look at this Jacket:
I bet I couldn't even afford to TOUCH the studs. )
And my other point of putting Carine's photo is to end this post with another Natural Beauty, this time with all the designer duds!
I believe all of us don't have a problem with that ( for both Carine and the designer duds, I mean)
Labels:
Aung San Suu Kyi,
Carine Roitfeld,
Crack #4,
Natural Beauty,
studs
Monday, May 11, 2009
Interruption: Crack#3: Urbanoutfitters
Hi there-- Sorry for a little interruption from my post about Crack #2, but I found a much more interesting shopping habit of the fashion conscious young population nowadays that i think I have to talk about here.
CRACK #3: finding equalvalents at URBANOUTFITTERS
So for all the young people from 15 - 35 living in the geographical locations of the US and the UK, they would have, at some point, stepped into an UrbanOutfitters store*. It is a must have stepping point that each and every other fashionasta have come across in their life on the way to high end fashion. Apart from Forever 21, the even cheaper alternative to the chain store, this is the place where a lot of teenage girls gets their inspiration from, or for young women in their mid-twenties to buy alternative items that can temporarily act as a supplement to the pair of perfect high-end jeans or leather jacket that they are longing for.
* note: unless you are not into the trashy hipster trend that dominates 70% of the young population in major cities.
The stuff sold at Urbanoutfitters are tailored to the Hippie inspired lifestyles of young people, the kind that loves to dress like a hippe, but definitely do have the cash to spend $100 on a PVC made-in-china vintage-inspired purse. Their targeted customers are college students who opposes the preppy american style (i.e Abercrombie & Fitch, Rugby), and often invites independent artsits and designers to do special products for their store, and sponsors enviromentally or Human Rights conscious (whatever that sounds like a good cause) events to build up their brand image as a . Basically, the coporate is building their hippie empire one by one by competing local independent stores out of the market with their marked up made-by-third-world-countries goodies.
So one way to make friends with fashion lovers is to talk about how you used to love UrbanOutfitters, but would now puke to the idea of stepping into the store again*. ( at the same time praying to yourself that they won't find out you got your necklace from their online store) Talk about how you used to love their BDG jeans, their sandals and their lace tops, and then trash about how you find the quality of the items bad, and most of all, a big copy cat and insult to all the genius it-designers of the 21st century (i.e Alexander wang, Rick Owens, Balenciaga).
*This is the same theory that when you were in junior high, you used to hate aeropostle and think American Eagle is what the cool kids wear.
Though, many fashinastas would admit, as much as they dispise Urbanoutfitters nowadays, they still thank the store for being a part of their shopping memory in their youthful days.
P.S - this post is dedicated to one of my other favourite blog, Stuff white people likes. If you've noticed, the writing style of this post is greatly inspired by the blogger of that site.
What inspired me on this post is the little shopping spree at Urbanoutfitters.com that I just had half an hour ago. Although I do puke at the idea of going in their stores, I do occasionally go to their online store to check whether they have any Rick owens wannabe jackets and Balmain-inspired jeans there. Yes, I am a contradicting, self-clueless bitch with no stance. Hey, I got 10 items for a ridiculously delicious price, what's a laid-off fashionasta gotta do? I can even afford the idea to consider a 2k leather jacket. :(
Here are the list of items I bought:
1. Rendez-Vous by Paul & Joe Sister Normandy Cape
I plan to DIY this jacket with chains and studs. Will show pictures of the product after it's finished.
2. Coincidence & Chance Spacedye Cardigan
3. Silence & Noise Dolman Hoodie
To be DIYed item #2
4. Pins and Needles Coming Up Rosie Triangle 5. Leather Snake Skimmer
6. Side Striped Tight
CRACK #3: finding equalvalents at URBANOUTFITTERS
So for all the young people from 15 - 35 living in the geographical locations of the US and the UK, they would have, at some point, stepped into an UrbanOutfitters store*. It is a must have stepping point that each and every other fashionasta have come across in their life on the way to high end fashion. Apart from Forever 21, the even cheaper alternative to the chain store, this is the place where a lot of teenage girls gets their inspiration from, or for young women in their mid-twenties to buy alternative items that can temporarily act as a supplement to the pair of perfect high-end jeans or leather jacket that they are longing for.
* note: unless you are not into the trashy hipster trend that dominates 70% of the young population in major cities.
The stuff sold at Urbanoutfitters are tailored to the Hippie inspired lifestyles of young people, the kind that loves to dress like a hippe, but definitely do have the cash to spend $100 on a PVC made-in-china vintage-inspired purse. Their targeted customers are college students who opposes the preppy american style (i.e Abercrombie & Fitch, Rugby), and often invites independent artsits and designers to do special products for their store, and sponsors enviromentally or Human Rights conscious (whatever that sounds like a good cause) events to build up their brand image as a . Basically, the coporate is building their hippie empire one by one by competing local independent stores out of the market with their marked up made-by-third-world-countries goodies.
So one way to make friends with fashion lovers is to talk about how you used to love UrbanOutfitters, but would now puke to the idea of stepping into the store again*. ( at the same time praying to yourself that they won't find out you got your necklace from their online store) Talk about how you used to love their BDG jeans, their sandals and their lace tops, and then trash about how you find the quality of the items bad, and most of all, a big copy cat and insult to all the genius it-designers of the 21st century (i.e Alexander wang, Rick Owens, Balenciaga).
*This is the same theory that when you were in junior high, you used to hate aeropostle and think American Eagle is what the cool kids wear.
Though, many fashinastas would admit, as much as they dispise Urbanoutfitters nowadays, they still thank the store for being a part of their shopping memory in their youthful days.
P.S - this post is dedicated to one of my other favourite blog, Stuff white people likes. If you've noticed, the writing style of this post is greatly inspired by the blogger of that site.
What inspired me on this post is the little shopping spree at Urbanoutfitters.com that I just had half an hour ago. Although I do puke at the idea of going in their stores, I do occasionally go to their online store to check whether they have any Rick owens wannabe jackets and Balmain-inspired jeans there. Yes, I am a contradicting, self-clueless bitch with no stance. Hey, I got 10 items for a ridiculously delicious price, what's a laid-off fashionasta gotta do? I can even afford the idea to consider a 2k leather jacket. :(
Here are the list of items I bought:
1. Rendez-Vous by Paul & Joe Sister Normandy Cape
I plan to DIY this jacket with chains and studs. Will show pictures of the product after it's finished.
2. Coincidence & Chance Spacedye Cardigan
3. Silence & Noise Dolman Hoodie
To be DIYed item #2
4. Pins and Needles Coming Up Rosie Triangle 5. Leather Snake Skimmer
|
6. Side Striped Tight
Friday, May 8, 2009
Coming up: Crack #2: Studded elemnts!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Crack #1: Balenciaga Handbags i.e BBag
Yes, I would dare say 80% of anyone who have been in one of the major cities (New York, San Francisco, Tokyo, Hong Kong) have come across this slouchy looking, briefcase - but not so structure type of bag before. The 80% of anyone includes your father and any men who would not have any single correlation with fashion at all. Not that they have seen the real BBag, but the replica, and the replica of the better replicas.
Yes, everybody, for the first fashion "crack" to be mentioned on this blog, there is no other item, trend or designer than to feature the Balenciaga Motorcycle bag.
The basic question, about what Balenciaga is, will most likely to be asked by anyone who will ever come across this blog. ( but in case if you do, here's the wikipedia page). All I can say is, it is perhaps the most legen -- wait for it -- dary brand of now. (sorry about my Barney from "How I met your mother here. Check out their newest episode here) There will be much more posts about this fashion house. Wait and see.
The Balenciaga Motorcycle bag has been gracing the arms of the most famous women in history, according to this article:
"In 1915 the young Spanish designer Cristobal Balenciaga began designing fine fashions for some of the most notable women of the ear, including the Duchess of Windsor and the Princess of Monaco"
And till today, the famous women translate to the following women nowdays:
(The red purse that Lindsey is holding is the YSL Muse bag. We will come to that later. Also, Nicole seems to love the BBag wayy too much.)
And now, here are some of the ladies ( and men) that, in my opinion, totally rocks the Bal bag:
The biggest thing about the BBag is how its style last through years, if not centuries. The most famous forms of the BBag, the motorcycle bag, has maintained the same style season after season ( the only variations are of the shape, with which they distinguish by the names of Twiggy, city, midday, etc. I am no expert here, but the ladies in the Balenciaga forum on "The purse forum" can give you a whole lecture on that). What varies season by season is its colors, with which they have soecific names such as "praline", "officer", etc. (again, please refer to the ladies on The purse forum about color styles)
Anyways, since I am no BBag expert, I would stop here for now since you would know enough as to understand the craze for these bags. As for me, I currently own 2 BBags -- one white midday, and one Officer City. In case you are interested in my white midday, here's a link to give you more details.
I am currently lusting on the Praline City, which just came out this season. Aaaahh the pretty pretty damn thing!
So what do you guys think about the BBag? Is it still way too expensive and overrated, or is it justified?
Love,
Susanna
Photos courtesy of the Satorialist and The purse Forum
Yes, everybody, for the first fashion "crack" to be mentioned on this blog, there is no other item, trend or designer than to feature the Balenciaga Motorcycle bag.
The basic question, about what Balenciaga is, will most likely to be asked by anyone who will ever come across this blog. ( but in case if you do, here's the wikipedia page). All I can say is, it is perhaps the most legen -- wait for it -- dary brand of now. (sorry about my Barney from "How I met your mother here. Check out their newest episode here) There will be much more posts about this fashion house. Wait and see.
The Balenciaga Motorcycle bag has been gracing the arms of the most famous women in history, according to this article:
"In 1915 the young Spanish designer Cristobal Balenciaga began designing fine fashions for some of the most notable women of the ear, including the Duchess of Windsor and the Princess of Monaco"
And till today, the famous women translate to the following women nowdays:
(The red purse that Lindsey is holding is the YSL Muse bag. We will come to that later. Also, Nicole seems to love the BBag wayy too much.)
And now, here are some of the ladies ( and men) that, in my opinion, totally rocks the Bal bag:
The biggest thing about the BBag is how its style last through years, if not centuries. The most famous forms of the BBag, the motorcycle bag, has maintained the same style season after season ( the only variations are of the shape, with which they distinguish by the names of Twiggy, city, midday, etc. I am no expert here, but the ladies in the Balenciaga forum on "The purse forum" can give you a whole lecture on that). What varies season by season is its colors, with which they have soecific names such as "praline", "officer", etc. (again, please refer to the ladies on The purse forum about color styles)
Anyways, since I am no BBag expert, I would stop here for now since you would know enough as to understand the craze for these bags. As for me, I currently own 2 BBags -- one white midday, and one Officer City. In case you are interested in my white midday, here's a link to give you more details.
I am currently lusting on the Praline City, which just came out this season. Aaaahh the pretty pretty damn thing!
So what do you guys think about the BBag? Is it still way too expensive and overrated, or is it justified?
Love,
Susanna
Photos courtesy of the Satorialist and The purse Forum
Labels:
Balenciaga handbags,
bBags,
Mary Kate Olsen,
Nicole Richie
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