louise or valentine

Black Layers Upon Layers, West Village

2011-12-19T09:44:00.000-08:00

Red Docs, Collared Shirt and an Oversized Jacket

2011-12-15T05:15:00.000-08:00

Spotted right by Parsons, which makes sense.

Hello Kitty and Navy Coats- Lafayette St.

2011-12-13T07:49:00.000-08:00

One of the best combos ever- saddle shoes, round gray felt hats, navy cap with an elongated collar so it appears to be a cape and a hello kitty bag? I only wish I were this cool.

Chunky Knits on Bleeker St

2011-12-09T07:56:00.000-08:00

The Subway and Green Hair

2011-12-08T08:45:00.000-08:00

Schillers, Rivington St

2011-12-06T13:54:00.000-08:00

Pendleton esque pants, and gray scarves; spotted during winter when it's about to turn into evening and the light in the shade is the prettiest blue color.

She Sings Murder Ballads

2011-12-01T10:52:00.001-08:00

Shot in Propsect Park, with Miu Miu Glitter Sunglasses A/W 2011

Red Hair Girl Spotted in Chelsea.

2011-11-30T09:59:00.000-08:00

The prettiest hair and the best shoes. Why are those things so in tandem with one another? You know what, doesn't matter. I like it.

Lafayette, New York

2011-11-15T07:06:00.000-08:00

C-A-P-E-S and winged glasses, Williamsburg

2011-11-11T05:20:00.000-08:00

Ashley Hanosh, Proprietress of Honey in the Rough

2011-11-08T10:01:00.000-08:00

Photographed right outside of her amazing Lower East Side store.

Black Curls and Ecote Shoes

2011-11-04T11:05:00.000-07:00

I have super, super curly hair and I am in awe of any curly haired girl that has nice hair. A nice length, styled great, curly bangs (which seems impossible for me to achieve); curly hair that looks styled and looks good with their overall style. My curls just feel frizzy, limp, and almost verge on dreadlocks. I spotted Ioana on 2nd Ave and chased her down half a block for her picture. I love how effortless she looks, and how great the brown Ecote shoes from Urban Outfitters pop against the black layers of her outfit. But the main reason I wanted to take her photo was how great her hair looked. I am kind of obsessed, in a ridiculous way, with curly haired girls who have really great hair styles.

Snakeskin, Soho

2011-11-03T10:03:00.000-07:00

This sort of reminds me of an off duty Kate Hudson/Rachel Zoe look. I'm feeling the vague "Almost Famous" inspiration, brought by the rabbit fur coat and long snakeskin print skirt.

Marc Jacobs and a Jacket My Great-Grandmother Made

2011-10-31T16:44:00.000-07:00

From my old house in Houston.

Soho Sightings.

2011-10-27T07:22:00.000-07:00

Jasmin, Spotted on Houston St

2011-10-25T08:45:00.000-07:00

Jasmin, of Vintage Vandalizm, spotted after dark on Houston Street at Billy's Antiques. One day, I want to grow up and be a classy lady that has amazing hair, perfect makeup, amazing back seams and the most perfectly tailored winter wear with a lot of chutzpah who sounds just as confident and in charge as Scarlett O'Hara. For now, I am continent to wear my beat up brogues, torn tights, and bright red lips.
However, back to Jasmin, check out those studded leather gloves! The fascinator hat, the fox fur scarf and studded leather gloves all worn together?? This outfit is insane in the best way, so elegant and fierce at the same time.

Joby, Bushwick

2011-10-18T10:14:00.000-07:00

The Cutest Couple I know

2011-10-14T14:25:00.000-07:00

My good friends, Clark and Julia, photographed in Bushwick on a really lovely day during the summer. They moved to Portland a while ago and I miss them so much. Clark, no matter what, always looks dapper. Julia traveled all around the country, sometimes by train or by car, and around Europe, living out of a suitcase. Most of her clothes are from the thrift store around the corner from her house and she always, without fail, looks like a beautiful vintage lady that lives in a refurbished barn in the middle of a tall, green forest and drinks wine while she paints.

Green Collars and Coffee

2011-10-13T08:05:00.000-07:00

Red Jeans and Leopard Print Heels

2011-10-11T09:12:00.000-07:00

There's a lot to love here, where should I start? The red jeans, chambray button down, leopard print heels, beige buttery leather tote and round John Lennon/1920's sunglasses? Yup, all of that. Combined that I saw her in front of a cute green house and she was just sauntering along to a lunch spot? Check that as well. The thing I really like about this image is that she looks really put together and almost conservative, since she's wearing jeans, heels and a button. However, then you notice that she's wearing leopard print shoes and bright red jeans, and then it becomes a super interesting outfit.

Cha Cha, Julia St

2011-10-07T09:10:00.000-07:00

There is just something wonderful about a pretty lady with tattoos and high waisted pants. Maybe it's because I always idolized the super sexy rockabilly girls at shows, but I've always admired a lady in pencil skirts or high waisted anything with tattoos and vintage accessories. L-O-V-E

Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

2011-10-06T08:19:00.000-07:00

Lady Davie Crockett, with Short Shorts and Fur Tails.

2011-10-04T16:07:00.000-07:00

It was ninety degrees out when I photographed this. I love the juxtaposition of the fur with her moccasins, short shorts and tube top. It's got this lady Davie Crockett vibe to it.

Theyskens' Theory vs Theory

2011-09-30T13:53:00.000-07:00

Today I was invited to a Theory event at Saks. I showed up, and I was super excited since I had seem some of the new Theory, which I had assumed it was Theyskens' Theory. Turns out, it was just normal Theory. There was this amazing sheer collared button down in a photographic glitter explosion print, in addition to leather mini skirts, velvet blazers and sleeveless wool drop waist dresses.

A lot of these elements, leather, velvet, sheered collared shirts, and drop waist dresses are present in Theyskens' Theory. My theory on Theory, as clever and pun-y as that sounds, is that the success of Theyskens' Theory and the obsessive cult following it has garnered has gotten the attention of the bigwigs at Theory. If adding more of a "Theyskens" edge to normal Theory, while still keeping true to the basics that Theory sells, might add to an increase in sales, then why not do it? This is an idea that I like because, honestly, I have always found Theory useful but boring and staid. If a woman needs a slim cut suit, you go to Theory. If a woman wants a unique piece of clothing, it wasn't going to be Theory, until recently. What Theyskens is doing with contemporary fashion is brilliant or rather that he was hired at Theory is brilliant. Why not try to make basics more interesting and unique while still staying true to the brand?
Why not indeed!

Theory

from Theory's own website.

Theyskens' Theory

Images from Elle Magazine and Style.com

Bianca and Sean, Houston, or Me, Caroline, Getting Nostalgic About High School

2011-09-29T09:59:00.000-07:00

These photos epitomize what I love about Houston or rather why it will always have a soft spot in my heart. I moved to Bunker Hill, a suburb of Houston but still considered a part of Houston, from New Orleans when I was eight. My mom thought we would only be in Houston for two years, enough time for my dad to set up the Houston office of his work place, and then move back to New Orleans. Two years ended up becoming ten years and then I went off to college. In high school, I dressed like a decora kid from Fruits magazine and I loved punk music. Houston, since it was so big, allowed me to dress any way I want and I didn't have to worry about my mother's friends would say if they saw me, b/c the odds of me running into them across town was slim to none. And since Houston was so large and we were a pretty far drive from Austin, it had a great music scene and all the bands I would like there on tour. Bianca and Sean, in the above photographs, remind me of my friends from high school. Some of them I don't speak to anymore, we fall out or "broke up" in the heartbreaking way that high school friendships end sometimes for one reason or another. Some of my high school friends are like my family and I can't imagine my life without them. Regardless, even though I don't live in Houston anymore, I feel pretty grateful for spending my awkward years there. It was a great place to run around, be exposed to art, to hear music, specially punk music in shitty clubs and go to all ages shows. It was kind of awesome.

And for good measure, here's a photo of me from high school that my sister recently posted on facebook.

Clearly, I'm the one with the green hair. The girl in red shorts is my sister, and the girl in blue jeans is our friend Hannah. We were on a roadtrip with Hannah's mom. PS I'm wearing a Harry Potter tee shirt, cut off jeans underneath my pink Betsey Johnson skirt, black and white striped socks and my worn out black converses with bright pink laces that i wrapped around my ankles. I am too cool for words.

Rachel, Houston

2011-09-27T11:14:00.000-07:00

I love how Rachel's red maxi vintage dress has a delicate lace camisole peaking out from the top of the neckline. Also, I'm really into the various components of the outfit: the chunky brown shoes, the thin brown belt and the over-sized black cardigan are all thrown together but work really well as a whole.

Brian with the Porkpie Hat

2011-09-23T09:25:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite songs is "Rudie Can't Fail" by the Clash. This could be the reason I have such a fondness for hats, particularly pork pie hats.

"You think you're pretty hot
In your pork pie hat
But...Rudie can't fail"

This is Brian, an actor and dancer from New Orleans. Look at how his green watch pops against his neutral outfit, which is mainly browns, jeans and whites. The hat, vest, watch and bag really make the outfit what it is, which is super interesting. With men's fashion, it's all about the cut of the clothing and the accessories you wear.

Street Style-Anthropologie, New Orleans

2011-09-21T09:28:00.000-07:00

This look exemplifies the perfect Anthropologie outfit but is also the perfect example of what an artistic and fashion inclined girl that lives in New Orleans would wear. Anthropologie style is rooted in a pretty and vintage aesthetic. It's for people that are incredibly artistic or visual and love treasure hunt when it comes to their furniture or clothing as opposed to shopping in just a department store or mall. Anthropologie takes these ideas and manufactures a whole lifestyle out of it to sell people, which is brilliant. It's the perfect store if you love the idea of combing over thrift stores, ebay and estate sales, but lack the time. Anthropologie will just do it for you; it's one stop shopping.

In New Orleans, there are vintage and antique stores that are almost equal number to boutiques, and that is reflected in people's clothing. I see the mixing of vintage and modern, just like the woman above. Which is one of the reasons Anthropologie is so popular there. I love how she mixed an Anthropologie pin and heavy boots with a summery chiffon dress. The mix of the hard, the boots, and the light, the dress, work really well together.

Leila, French Quarter

2011-09-19T08:44:00.000-07:00

Leila, photographed outside the New Orleans Anthropologie, wearing mostly Anthropologie. What I love about Leila's style is how it is super fashionable and super functional. She rode over to the French Quarter on her bicycle, which was about a twenty minute ride. Her style reminds me of Katherine Hepburn with equal doses of Rachel Comey and colorful whimsy.

Vintage Polka Dots and Red Hair, Houston

2011-09-16T09:26:00.000-07:00

I love how the vintage yellow shirt and the navy polka dot skirt look so cute but almost basic and then you throw in her dyed burgundy hair, it just goes into a whimsical place. Maybe I just have a thing for super cute girls in super cute outfits that also get the biggest smile on their faces when I ask to photograph them? This was photographed in Montrose and her style is somewhat the de rigeur of the area. Great hair, vintage sunglasses, cute wedges, and a vintage or vintage inspired outfit.

Jess, Houston

2011-09-13T10:12:00.000-07:00

Spotted in Montrose, wearing some vintage, looking super cute and heading to Australia soon.

Leap, Houston

2011-09-08T13:41:00.000-07:00

Leap is one of those rare, stylish boutiques that happens to have every single label that I love but has the most engaging, friendly and non-intimidating staff I've ever met. While I was layering all sorts of crazy prints one on top of the other, we talked about fashion blogs, our favorite lines and the Marfa art scene all while I was milling around barefoot. It was absolutely delightful. And they offered to re-order some Rachel Comey shoes in a size 11, which is always a check plus gold star in my book.

Owned by Susan (sitting) and managed by Kate (standing), they stock this charming Houston based boutique with Rachel Comey, Etoile Isabel Marant, Zero Maria Cornejo, Tucker and Suno. It's this place where I imagine the eccentric and well dressed gallery owners with dyed bright hair red as Ariel from the Disney's Little Mermaid clad in vintage Yohji Yamamoto and other artistic women of Texas shop.

Nestled next to the clothing in an antique wooden and glass armor are marble candy colored bangles, hug cuffs dripping with raw amethyst and big iron beaded necklaces. Leather sandals and brogues rest upon paint chipped metal tables in various parts of the store. It's one stop shopping for shoes, jewerly, and clothing that all aesthetically goes together. It reminds me of Bird in Brooklyn but with a tighter edit and a more varied demographic appeal. While Bird feels youthful with the amount of color and prints it buys, and truth be told, it's one of my favorite stores, Leap definitely seems to buy an older clientele in mind. I could see my grandmother and myself both walking away with full shopping bags, albeit lighter bank accounts, from Leap. I bought a Suno skirt from S/S 2011 that I had been eyeing for an age for a fraction of the price.

Kate, against Leap's blue wall. And more on Leap here.

Shut the Front Door

2011-09-07T11:05:00.000-07:00

A/W 2011 Gold Glitter Miu Miu Shoes

Nicholas Kirkwood x Keith Harring at Collete

2011-09-03T06:59:00.000-07:00

These shoes are so amazing, I bet they could cure cancer. I mean, who doesn't want little Keith Harring people collaged over your feet? And that are beaded so they are beyond shiny? These are pretty perfect, if I do say so myself.

Friends in Red Skinny Jeans and Toggle Coat, the Marais

2011-08-30T06:48:00.000-07:00

What I love about photographing two friends together is how often times they seem to fit together like perfect puzzle pieces, complimenting one another. It would make sense that friends who have things in common and that commonality and innate closeness would come out in the photograph, be it through body language, facial expression and similarities in clothing.
However, what I love about photographing teen friends is their effortless style and inquisitive but cool indifference as to why I chose them. And why not? Teens and their style, seem almost unplanned, with their worn out shoes, big bags, skinny jeans and beat up vintage jackets. On an adult, it would work as well as a great outfit but on a teenager, it becomes so much cooler. That's probably b/c when I was a teen all the teens I knew wore Abercrombie and diamond cross necklaces. While these outfits aren't the craziest things I've seen, they are unusual but unaffected, they seem to have just thrown them b/c they were 20 minutes late to meet one another and ran out the door to meet and grab a cafe au lait and go shopping.
In other words, they seem real. Unstyled and they don't really care what you think.
Which makes a great photograph.

Overalls, Paris

2011-08-26T10:23:00.001-07:00

I wish I looked this good when wearing overalls. Maybe it's the repettos and nonchalance?

Jackets upon Jackets, Two Different Ways, Marais

2011-08-25T07:24:00.000-07:00

Two different ways to wear light jackets, one swing coat style, almost cape like with a super cute black dress and another as a cropped jacket with amazing trousers.

Girl With a Suitcase, Paris

2011-08-17T23:24:00.000-07:00

Aviva, Bleeker St

2011-08-15T22:01:00.000-07:00

Clad in vintage and thrift store finds.

Sara, New York

2011-08-14T07:45:00.001-07:00

Sara, one of my good friends, photographed in the foray of another friend's apartment building. Sara is wearing an Urban Outfitters dress, H&M shoes, and a Jewelmint necklace. When I heard that Kate Bosworth was starting an affordable jewelry line that also functioned as a club, I was incredibly skeptical. Skepticism coming out of my ears and the promotional jewelry I saw in Lucky did little to dissuade me. My skepticism draws from how, can paying a flat sum of around thirty dollars a month, result in well made jewelry? Multiple pieces of different types of jewelry are produced, and what if you don't like anything one month? Can you get two the next month, or do you forfeit the money? All that makes me feel rather curious.
However, when I was hanging out with Sara, and then photographing her super cute outfit, I finally got to see Jewelmint jewelry up close. And honestly, from what I saw, I have to say that it's pretty good quality and super cute. I'll eat my words, skepticism dissuaded.

Justine, West 10th St

2011-08-11T12:34:00.001-07:00

In a super cute printed ASOS dress with a cross criss back, black repetto shoes and a vintage bag.

White Linen Night, New Orleans

2011-08-10T11:48:00.000-07:00

White Linen Night in New Orleans is a massive art opening night in the Warehouse District of New Orleans, where the streets are closed off, and everyone wears white linen. It's hot as hell, but there are's plenty of live music, free wine and foodstalls lining the street.A week later is Dirty Linen Night in the French Quarter with French Quarter art galleries.
Some photos of White Linen Night.

Alannah, Brighton Beach

2011-08-09T13:33:00.000-07:00

Photographed at dusk on the boardwalk in a modified Free People dress and Steve Madden shoes. Russian Orthodox Bell Choir playing just off to the side, not pictured.

New Orleans Street Style, Leila

2011-08-04T11:50:00.000-07:00

Spotted in the Marigny in a striped tee shirt Steven Alan esque dress.

Jeepers Creepers

2011-08-01T08:37:00.000-07:00

So...I may or may not have an obsession with creepers? To the point to where it's the only shoes I want to wear and own for the rest of my life.
But, until I own them, here are some photos that I took of them. Oh and some prada platform brogues for good measure.

Flat Tops and Brighton Beach

2011-07-29T10:10:00.000-07:00

Sorry that I haven't posted in a while! I went to New York to visit friends for a week and thought I forgot my card reader (the card stores all of your photos and information on your camera and I use a card reader instead of a cable to download images and such to my computer). But it turns out I had it, it was just wrapped up in a tee shirt I never ended up wearing.

B-u-t this photo was taken my second day in town, and honestly, it's one of my favorite photos ever. This guy was super nice and super stylin' at the beach. I was in awe. I always looked like a drowned rat and this dude looked good to go, like hi I'll conquer the world, sure, and yes, my hair is amazing.

Back from France

2011-07-20T09:19:00.000-07:00

Expect an elegantly long update tomorrow full of my "tourist" photos and perhaps some cool shoes I spotted.

Until then, my adorable cousin, Jennifer Leigh, in Beaune on wine tasting tour.

Ps. I'm off to New York tomorrow- only for the week! I am so excited. Even though it's going to be in the 90s.

Paris, Along the Seine

2011-07-15T16:06:00.000-07:00

Two friends along the Seine: black pencil skirt, high waisted kakis, trainers and parkas- the sort of effortless chic I was I could've pulled off when I was these girls age. I'm guessing 15 or 14 maybe? When I was that old, I looked like a reject from Fruits, dressed all decora style and reading manga. Actually, I take it back, I looked pretty awesome, Tavi would've approved.

Le Marais, Paris

2011-07-11T13:08:00.000-07:00

from this amazing store on Rue de Graviellers st. this woman really reminded me of my friend nera, just how beautifully laid back but put together.

Outside Collete, Paris

2011-07-09T08:37:00.000-07:00

In a beautiful, red marni coat I believe.

Brooklyn Heights, Cropped Shirts and American Apparel

2011-07-06T09:53:00.001-07:00

Sorry that the updates have been so sporadic! I just moved back to New Orleans for the Summer and maybe part of the fall (I may thinking about moving somewhere else in September, maybe back to New York, maybe to a new city in general- London, Los Angeles, Paris, Charleston...who knows?)
AND I'm currently at the airport for waiting for my flight to France; I'll be international bound for the two weeks.

Bryant Park, Black on Black with a Cropped Sweatshirt

2011-06-30T06:23:00.000-07:00

I thought she was incredibly elegant looking; the way she mixed her cropped pants and collared shirt unexpectedly with a cropped sweatshirt is great. The oversized round glasses are the perfect finishing touch.

Green Raincoat, Lafeyette

2011-06-28T08:22:00.000-07:00

Along West 24th St, NYC

2011-06-24T09:01:00.000-07:00

When I worked in Chelsea, I had the hardest time dressing, especially in the summer. How does one keep cool, and still look business professional but not looking too, too business like because you are working in a creative profession?
I tended to wear a lot of dresses and sandals.
But when I was visiting my old gallery, Hasted Kraeutler, last week I passed this girl on the street. This is how I wished I had dressed. It's perfect. Minimal, super clean lines, very cool, and just the right amount of casual it's summer time and hot and I work in a gallery surrounded by wonderful contemporary art.

Cigarette Break, Chelsea

2011-06-23T09:06:00.000-07:00

Having a cigarette break in Chelsea, wearing work boots and I'm going to guess an amazing pair of Marc Jacobs sunglasses.

Chelsea, New York

2011-06-21T08:06:00.001-07:00

Along Houston St, New York

2011-06-17T07:59:00.000-07:00

Yasmina, Elizabeth Street in NYC

2011-06-16T06:14:00.000-07:00

Vessel Parfums, Essex St

2011-06-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

I got off the F train, and these two girls walked right past me. The Alexander Wang bag and the platform boots immediately caught my eye and I asked these two girls if I could photograph them. When they turned around, I noticed their perfume necklaces. The girl on the right is Hollis N. Schwanz, the creator behind Vessel Parfums, a specially crafted perfume company. Her first perfume is Occult which comes in a .5 ml size on a string, which is my personal favorite or a 2 oz size. I love the combination of cosmetics and accessories, so not only is this a cool necklace, it's also a novel way to keep your perfume on hand, instead of having it bounce around in your purse.

LES, Jean Shirt

2011-06-10T10:28:00.000-07:00

I love minimal his color palette is. The white jeans and brown bag cause his blue shirt and laces to really pop.

All Over Manhattan

2011-06-09T07:39:00.000-07:00

Some random street style photos of things and people that caught my eye.

Brooklyn Flea, Williamsburg

2011-06-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

Again, it's all about details and accessories. The shirt and shorts are cute on their own, but without the bobby socks, shoes and cambridge satchel the outfit wouldn't be as interesting as it is. Maybe I'm just a have of satchels and leather briefcases. Also, if you look really closely, on her belt there is a tiny, metal "A" near a belt loop.

Union Square, Mix Matched Prints

2011-06-03T08:51:00.000-07:00

One of the best ways to beat the heat- cotton floral and chevron prints and candy colored printed sunglasses.

Bowery, NYC

2011-06-02T09:39:00.000-07:00

The things I come to associate with the Bowery: Incredibly dressed people or rather interesting-ly (Yes, that is a word..), lots of black, and great shoes.
This post lives up to all of those things.

Street Style, Brooklyn Flea

2011-05-31T07:35:00.000-07:00

This is the best idea to stay cool on a hot day. A fan- yeah, it's never dawned me on either to carry one. But it's so simple, and, not gonna lie, it looks kind of awesome with this girl's outfit.
Like a 1930's debutante that got lost somewhere in the Dust Bowl for months on end and she's having to make do.
At least that's where my mind went when I saw this girl wandering at the Brooklyn Flea.

Upper East Side

2011-05-27T08:29:00.000-07:00

Twelve little girl in two straight lines...
Right by the Met and the Central Park.

I have a strange affinity for uniforms. Perhaps it was because I had to wear uniforms (even though I hated them at the time. You would, too, because it was in high school.) But there is something very minimalist about them, these remind me of the Jil Sanders collaboration with Uniqlo.

More minimalism in the Upper East Side-the cut of the shirt and the details (like those rings) really make the outfit the wearer's own.

Seersucker, New Orleans

2011-05-26T08:32:00.000-07:00

Somewhere on Magazine street...

I went back home to New Orleans for a week and somewhat forgot to update my blog. I clearly took photos and had the intention of writing this post sooner, but alas time escaped me. That happens in New Orleans, you get on New Orleans time. You'll do things when you do them and everything moves as slow as molasses.
My friends and I were eating po-boys on Magazine when, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted this man. He works at one of the vintage stores, Miss Claudia's.
I am a sucker for a boater and seersucker suit or rather, very put together menswear.
Southern menswear is like that. Everything is totally put together, with the right accessories, such as belts, handkerchiefs, hats, watches, etc.

street style, adorable couple on essex

2011-05-19T08:54:00.000-07:00

I don't think I've ever met someone with as much charisma as this lady.

Her and her man friend.

Jeffrey Campbells on Ludlow and Rivington

2011-05-17T06:12:00.000-07:00

Bond Street

2011-05-15T08:27:00.000-07:00

Dear New York,
Remember last week when you were sunny and warm?
I sure did. And so did these lovely people.
Dreary, rainy weather gtfo.
Thanks,
L-o-V

Street Style, Lafayette and Washington Square Park

2011-05-11T11:05:00.000-07:00

Spotted- Designers Coco & Breezy
They are probably the nicest people I've ever photographed. I love how they've styled themselves and how their looks compliment one another but are also pretty different outfits.

I was hanging out in Washington Square Park with my friends, people watching, this girl entered my peripheral vision. The first thing I noticed her patterns and I love how she mixed all of the different striped fabrics.

Street Style, Festival of New Ideas

2011-05-09T08:20:00.000-07:00

Artist Hayden Dunham next to her art installation at the Festival of New Ideas.

Spotted in the East Village and Williamsburg

2011-05-04T07:31:00.000-07:00

Spotted outside of Amacord Vintage off Bedford Ave

Near 1st Ave and Houston

Spotted on a Lovely Day in the Lower East Side

2011-05-03T07:37:00.000-07:00

I love how this is considered a super causal look. Slouchy jeans, comfy jacket, and then some insane shoes. Its a look, for sure, but a super cute look. I don't know if I could ever wear those shoes around all day, but I gotta give this person kudos.

Look quirky and comfortable these ladies look. This is sort of what I try to achieve every day I get dressed and yet, I never look as put together as they do. It's good to have goals to aspire to. Such as goal 1- dress in a artistic but vaguely professional yet secretly incredibly comfortable outfit. Check.

Rooftop Gardens in the West Village

2011-04-29T08:07:00.000-07:00

Just one of those great New York days people here about. Drinking beers on the roof, listening to Hank Williams, enjoying one of the first nice summer spring days. Kind of perfect.

Aviva in her mother's vintage dress, shoes from Germany and my old Zara sweater.

a close up of the shoes. I am a huge fan of ugly pretty shoes and these are it. Not only do they look super comfortable, they are just so weird and cool.

me making a weird face

american apparel skirt, vintage jacket and shirt, hansel from basel socks, jeffrey campbell shoes, vintage pin.

Aviva's cat

Aviva jumping

il est extraordinaire

2011-04-28T08:18:00.000-07:00

Danlly, shot in his apt complex, dressed in a tan Burberry suit, Prada tie, and Christian Louboutin shoes for a friend's wedding.
I would say it's a completely perfect spring time outfit.

It's Officially Spring in New York

2011-04-26T09:46:00.000-07:00

I spent all of yesterday wandering around in the delicious sunshine along Houston Street from the Lower East Side to the the Bowery.

The Orange Blossom Special

2011-04-21T14:29:00.000-07:00

Some highlights of my week.

Including easter decorations in Cobble Hill, Miu Miu beetle shoes, and a Samantha Pleet dress.

Street Style, Williamsburg

2011-04-19T07:27:00.001-07:00

Spotted: Lafayette st near La Colombe

2011-04-13T18:13:00.000-07:00

I love his jaunty socks.

Emily Thompson Flowers

2011-04-12T15:02:00.000-07:00

New York has been gray skies and rainy weather plagued for weeks. Temperatures dip daily into the '40s. Morale is at an all time low.
Emily Thompson's Dumbo floral arrangement studio has provided the perfect spring refuse from the winter in April we've been feeling. Tulips and dogwood decorate the store, next to pin bugs and sculptures. I feel like I'm in the living embodiment of a Francesca Lia Block novel.
My friend Aviva Rowley is the assistant at the floral arrangement studio. Listening to music and chatting, it was a delightful afternoon. Aviva's Marc Jacob's skirt went perfectly with her Jaguar tights , further adding to the whimsy of her workplace.

these are a few of my favorite things

2011-04-08T08:59:00.000-07:00

LD Tuttle's from Oak, in a size 41, which is unheard of. I am obsessed with these shoes, primarily b/c of how comfortable they are, but also b/c you can customize how you want to wear them.

Rachel Comey Dress from Bird. It was a rainy dreary day on Wednesday and this bright some springtime into my day. I love how Bird is decorated, look at how the wallpaper goes with my dress.

Rodarte for Opening Ceremony Skirt and Opening Ceremony shirt. I feel like Alexa Chung in the best way possible. The snake detailing on the chiffon skirt and the sewn in collar on the shirt are kind of killing me softly.

My friend Barbie from Hasted Kraeutler and me at the Andreas Gefeller opening at Hasted Kraeutler Gallery.

Suno dress. I may or may not have worn this three times in the past week or so. W-h-a-t? Yeah. A bit obsessed with it.

greetings

2011-03-30T08:56:00.001-07:00

So I've been traveling quite a bit the past month, hence the lack of updates.
Some 4x5 photographs from my Appalachian adventures in the states of Ohio, West Virginia and North Carolina.

my new favorite thing

2011-03-11T15:34:00.001-08:00

Emma Cook jellyfish dress and Florian necklace from Honey in the Rough.

Kind of obsessed with it, not gonna lie.

happy mardi gras//ash wednesday

2011-03-09T07:50:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am still alive. I just went home for a week and some change for Mardi Gras.
Here is a festive outfit that I wore.

dress by kate towers, tights tsumori chisato, random shoes.

Photos by Oresti Tsonopoulos

the sunlight walked beside her

2011-03-03T06:59:00.000-08:00

location-heather's house and freemans, clothes (mint and black silk and lace dress- thrifted marc jacobs, the rest h and m)
the date- sometime in february when it was much too cold to be outside.

New Orleans Street Style

2011-03-01T15:45:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the delay! I've been in New Orleans since February 21st, escaping the New York winter. Mardi Gras season is officially starting and I'll be here until the end of that, which is March 9th.

Aviva and Willy

Two French Explorers in the French Quarter

Introducing Hayden Dunham

2011-02-22T09:24:00.000-08:00

One of my nearest and dearest friends, Hayden Dunham, presented her first collection at the Williamsburg Fashion Show on Saturday night at Glasslands Gallery.
Featured amongst other designers, some with a more plain and traditional aesthetic, really allowed Dunham's work to stand out. Referencing Margiela and Rick Owens, Dunham's use of the avant garde within her designs seemed courageous for such a young and novice designer. Sometimes fashion, especially designer fashion or ready to wear, is too literal, too plain and too traditional, lacking whimsy and fantasy. Dunham's work pulls from the imagination, and stays within the realm of the fantastical. Fashion is a form of art and design and when it references it's roots, that's when fashion really works, in my opinion. Clothing should be functional but it can also reference form.
With this being Dunham's first completed collection, I am quite intrigued to see what feature seasons hold for her.

Street Style, Soho

2011-02-21T10:33:00.000-08:00

Spotted in Soho.

Relax Your Mind, You Know the Feeling is Mighty Fine

2011-02-18T07:24:00.000-08:00

My two favorite outfits I wore during Fashion Week

vintage coat, hat from my mama, marni dress, rag and bone sample sale boots (I'm about six feet tall in these)

super old burberry coat, zero maria cornejo dress, vintage fox fur, rag and bone boots

Fashion Week Street Style

2011-02-17T05:22:00.000-08:00

Some interesting people from a rather interesting A/W2011 Fashion Week.

Spotted on Bleeker st, a very sharply dressed Mr. Danlly Domingo, in a Rodarte x Opening Ceremony sweater and happy socks.

Nomia Autumn/Winter 2011 Presentation

2011-02-15T09:15:00.000-08:00

From the Standard Hotel.

Nomia's style is a mix of super structured clothing, science fiction and ladies who lunch elegance. Structured, sexy dresses in silk alongside steel gray jumpsuits, with pops of emerald inbetwixt khaki and black. It was an amazing collection. My favorite in the collection was the long sleeved silk emerald dress with a chiffon layer peaking out underneath the dress's hem. Nomia's clothing is sexy without being overtly sexy, and it feels grown up without being too adult, it's something I could wear or a 45 year old art director could wear.

Elise Overland on Ice Skates, and oh yeah, Johnny Weir

2011-02-14T08:36:00.000-08:00

Saturday was the Elise Overland Presentation at the Standard Hotel ice skating rink. It was, by far, the most creative and breathtaking presentation. Models stood in front of an ice sculpture on the rink, while figure skaters that were decked out in Elise Overland wares skated around them. It was so cold, I momentarily lost the feeling in my fingertips, why I thought not to bring gloves to an outside presentation centered around a large chunk of ice is beyond me. But the very beautiful ice skaters and the really loud techno music distracted me from the cold.
This presentation was one of the few of this season that allowed for passerbyers to interact and see the collection. A lot of tourists that were walking along stopped to take photos. I got to the rink a bit early, and wedged myself right up against the edge of the rink in an attempt to try to photograph.

and Johnny Weir

Fashion Week: Whit Presentation

2011-02-11T08:10:00.000-08:00

Fashion Week started yesterday. Accompanying Ashley Hanosh, the proprietress of the clothing boutique Honey in the Rough, we trekked up to Chelsea for the Whit presentation. I prefer presentations, which is essentially like an art gallery opening but with clothes and there's no booze, over a runway show, because it gives you a chance to talk, to see the clothes up close, to even ask the models questions, and it is much much easier to photograph. The atmosphere is a lot more causal and fun, and if you have a question about the collection, the PR team and designer are right on hand to answer.

Whit is one of my favorite brands, it's super quirky and sometimes preppy. Their Fall 2011 collection was inspired by a photograph of one of the designer's friends as a child. Everything felt vintage inspired, but updated and fun, like a grown up being nostalgic for the childhood game of dressing up in your parents clothing. One of the dresses patterns is actually vintage wallpaper that they reprinted for the dress. The collection felt really cohesive and almost everything shown was oh my, I want that inducing. Everything was styled really well, in a very wearable and organic way, so that each model embodied the "Whit" girl. Notice the cool plexiglass jewelry? The designer is adding jewelry to her Whit collection.

My two favorite things:

I loved how this dress was styled and I love the cut of it, but it's really the print that I'm the most into. Horses? I want it.
This coat as well, look at the cut and the detailing of it. It's winter so the only thing on my mind right now are cold weather related things, and this coat is a knock out piece.

Rodarte x Opening Ceremony

2011-02-09T11:54:00.000-08:00

I've had this theory, for a while actually, that Rodarte and Rachel Comey are related, maybe identical twins or cousins that look like siblings. I've hypothesized that if the price points of Rodarte were lowered to that of Rachel Comey, Rodarte would look p-r-e-t-t-y similar to Rachel Comey. The Rodarte x Opening Ceremony collaboration proved my hypothesis as correct. Another bonus, an even bigger positive than the fact that the collaboration looked like nerdy, pretty, intellectual clothing for the girl that loves mary janes, taxidermy, dusty pink florals and cupcakes, is that the Rodarte collaboration clothing is of a much higher quality than the Chloe Sevigny collection.

Other than the quality, which is comparable to that of Rachel Comey and Mayle; the designs are also very pretty and wearable. However, the Rachel Comey comparisons come not only from the fabrics, but the color choices and the shapes and draping of the garments. I'm reference the garments below mainly. While Rachel Comey does not own the use to solely use blush, dusty pinks, and floral prints, one cannot deny that the Rodarte Collaboration is, if not inspired by Rachel Comey, it is of the same vein of style, albeit with a more hipster edge. At the store today, there were some definite Rodarte pieces though, such as full fringed vests (a shout out to their knitwear) and thick white battenburg lace see-thru blazer and pants (very Prada A/W 2008).

I am kind of obsessed with this whole collection. I really think that it's brilliant, and there are a ton of pieces I would hypothetically buy, own and love, if only my bank account would allow for it. My favorite piece is this one circle skirt made of a printed chiffon that mimics snakeskin. Aside from the leather works (shorts and pants) and the handknitted vests, this skirt was one of the most expensive in the collection, priced at around 500 dollars, and the fabric is from the Rodarte main line. The only criticism I have about the collaboration has nothing to do with the collaboration at all, and it's really about the idea of Rodarte. If they can make interesting and well made clothing for cheaper which obviously still fits in with their aesthetic, then why make $14,000 dresses that few people can afford? If one can make cool shoes, skirts, and dresses all priced fairly reasonable for a small contemporary brand that aims to sell at Opening Ceremony, then why not do it?
To then debate with myself, I'll represent the other side of this argument- which is that Rodarte makes beautiful, art like clothing that is not intended to be manufactured for a great number of people. Idealistically, they make clothing for the sake of making clothing, it is not for everyone and they make beautiful things because they desire to.
However, in an ideal world, it would be great if they could marry these two ideas- the desire to create with the manufacturing of clothing that is somewhat more affordable than the ready to wear but almost haute couture prices fashion world they are currently inhabiting in. Or even better, make two lines- continue with the collaboration and continue to make the original Rodarte line (please, please, please?)

On a side note, they had some amazing tights and leggings. I bought a pair of the tattoo tights. Because, honestly after Rodarte S/S 2010, I really debated about drawing fake tattoos all over my body via sharpie to mimic the runway show. The tights make undertaking my endeavor quite a bit easier.

Two final photos from the Opening Ceremony website that I really enjoyed. Opening Ceremony made a GIF of a bunch of still images and some of the jpegs had this seizure inducing color on them. ENJOY

first image from RackedNY, all the rest are from Opening Ceremony

photos of New Orleans

2011-02-08T09:30:00.001-08:00

Some things I have recently shot- all 4x5 film fuji color film.

My mother's friend's Elizabeth's house. Her husband collected all of these doll heads post Katrina and now they decorate their liquor collection.

Elizabeth's backyard

A house near the corner store where I buy the Times Picayune everyday so my mother can do the crossword.

My mother's living room

A house in my mother's neighborhood

happy chinese new year

2011-02-07T08:25:00.000-08:00

Blasting confetti, tons of crowds, delicious brunch and really bright Christmas lights.
Every Sunday, my friend Heather and I have a standing date where we hang out all day and eat and bake food and watch movies. It's the way a Sunday should be, incredibly chill and relaxing.

H&M spring outfit

Wandering around in Soho

2011-02-04T08:39:00.000-08:00

Some sartorial choices of note that I spotted yesterday. I would say middle photo has the most lust-worthy outfit.

from my desktop

2011-02-03T10:46:00.001-08:00

Random things I've collected off of the internet to share with you.

Because right now, I'm out shooting or attempting to shoot some street style.

this one may seem like an odd addition, but I applaud Anne Hathway for rocking some nerd girl Marni looks. And also, cos I covet her pants and sweater combo.

weather induced hiatus

2011-02-02T15:51:00.000-08:00

today the weather felt a bit bi-polar; it rained but because it is so cold outside, the rain froze once hitting the ground.
great.
so i stayed indoors, turned up the heat and pretended it was spring time.

wearing my new chloe flats and cynthia rowley sample sale tights.
c'mon, groundhog, make it warmer.
where the hell is spring??