Let's Talk Fetishes

“One evening in Paris, my lover spontaneously wore her Kilian Parfum black lacquered perfume box as an evening bag. Her original, bold and sensual gesture inspired me to create real evening bags, for her and for all women.” – Kilian Hennessey 

After reading about Kilian’s inspiration for his "Night Fetishes" evening bag collection, I couldn’t help but feel intrigued. I mean, after all, that must be one fancy perfume package. Then again, if I was going to spend $225 on a small bottle of perfume, I'd expect the box to be quite nice! But that's neither here nor there.

I first fell in love with his “Surrender” bag when I spotted it in a tiny feature in my most recent Elle. I thought the box-like clutch was cute and oh-so-perfectly femme fatal. I found the rest of the spring/summer 2011 collection online and a couple of them would be definite must-haves if I could afford them!

Pictured below are my three favorite Kilian evening bags (in no particular order). The Prohibited also comes in a Black Edition, which is gorgeous as well, but I simply couldn't resist the Red Edition!

 

Aphrodisiac - $2,795 

Photo: By Killian

Prohibited Red Edition - $2,895
Photo: By Kilian

 

Surrender - $1,995
Photo: By Kilian

Although he is better known for his luxurious perfumes, Kilian will also be undoubtedly successful in the world of handbags with his new collection. Oh, and the fact that he’s the grandson of the founder of The LVMH Group doesn't hurt. ;)

 

Currently Listening: Poison the Well "Apathy Is a Cold Body"

Lanvin for H&M? Yes, Please!

As I’m sure you’re all aware by now, well, I hope you are anyway, Lanvin collaborated with H&M on a limited edition, and highly anticipated, collection, which was released a few weeks ago in November. I could barley contain myself the moment I first read about the glorious partnership. I’ve recently become a huge fan of Alber Elbaz’s work, and the Fall 2010 RTW collection is one of my absolute favorite Lanvin collections, so I was simply ecstatic when I found out about the collaboration!

Like every other Lanvin-loving girl out there, I was checking the H&M site constantly for news and pictures, and I couldn’t wait to see the list of stores that would be releasing the collection. The closest H&M store to me is three hours away in St. Louis, and I had a feeling the collection wouldn’t make it to this store, but I had high hopes anyway. Needless to say, the collection did not make it to a store near me.

The collection release came and went and I had to take a back seat to the excitement and joy that other bloggers got to face as they made their purchases on release day. My closet and I were both feeling a little empty when I suddenly remembered the one place that could help me fulfill my Lanvin void: eBay! I went onto the site and quickly found a Lanvin for H&M dress in my price range. I eagerly awaited the final countdown and posted my bid at the last minute. After a grueling 30 seconds, I had won my very own Lanvin dress for around 100 bucks! I was so thrilled that I even paid extra for the hanger. Yes, I paid $6 for a plastic Lanvin for H&M hanger. But I’m okay with that. 

I apologize for the dressform pictures, but I
absolutely could not get this dress zipped by myself!

 

 Isn't she gorgeous?!

Photo: Rachael Gardner

I adore this neckline!

Photo: Rachael Gardner

Love the back too! 

Photo: Rachael Gardner

Currently Listening: Haste the Day "Blue 42"

For Your Viewing Pleasure

While getting my hair done this past week, I finally had the time to look through and read my December issue of W. I hate how much time goes by between receiving my magazines and actually reading them; sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day. Anyway, as I was flipping through the issue, I came across a truly impressive set of photos, which hasn’t happened too often since the magazine’s recent revamp and takeover by Stefano Tonchi as Editor in Chief. But this editorial, photographed by Paolo Roversi and styled by Alex White (W’s Fashion Director), is simply breathtaking.

Inspired by The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, both Roversi and White’s talents played major roles in the fantastic execution of this shoot. I must admit, though, much to my mother’s recent dismay, I have not read or seen any of The Chronicles of Narnia books or movies. And I honestly know very little about the plot, so if it weren’t for the magazine’s clever titling, I wouldn’t have had any idea that the children’s fantasy novels had anything to do with the beautiful styling and imagery. 

"Family Circus"
From the December issue of W

 

Photo: Wmagazine.com

He is so cute; I can't even stand it!  

Photo: Wmagazine.com

These photos are so inspirational, and I think my favorite thing about them is how the models and clothing are absolutely gorgeous, yet there seems to be some kind of dark theme lying just beneath the surface.

Photo: Wmagazine.com

This Dior Haute Couture dress is stunning!

Photo: Wmagazine.com

Currently Listening: August Burns Red "The Eleventh Hour"

(I love this song - it has an intense message)

She's Out of Your League

This past September, my beloved Style.com turned 10! I couldn’t believe it! I mean, why has this glorious website only been a part of my life for the past few years? Nonetheless, I now know that I can always depend on Style.com for the best runway photos and reviews. It is my ultimate, go-to site for everything that is fashion-week.

After perusing through the site a couple of days ago, I remembered the celebratory, limited edition designer t-shirts that were available a couple of months ago. On my quest for the t-shirt link, which I assume doesn’t exist anymore, I came across The Top Ten lists that Style.com created to celebrate their birthday. These special lists include The Top Ten Collections, Models, Men’s Shows, and the especially intriguing Fashion Icons. Much too eager to find out Style.com’s fashion icon picks, I hurriedly clicked through the slideshow to get a glimpse of each icon before taking the time to read the info. I must admit, I was getting a little disappointed in some of the picks (Michelle Obama?) when lo and behold, I came across my ultimate favorite: Carine Roitfeld!

As I’m sure most of you are aware, Roitfeld has been the mastermind behind Paris Vogue since 2001. Prior to taking on the magazine’s position of Editor-in-Chief, Roitfeld gained notoriety in the industry as Tom Ford’s muse for Gucci and for her collaborations with Mario Testino. With her impeccable taste and phenomenal styling skills, Roitfeld is one of the top editors in the fashion industry. And in my opinion, she is one of the most stylish women in the world, and I would be absolutely thrilled if I ever got the opportunity to meet Carine Roitfeld. 

 Photo: Style.com

Currently Listening: Austrian Death Machine "If it Bleeds, We Can Kill it"

PS: the songs I choose have nothing to do with the post content :)

And the Winner Is...

Okay, first things first, I watch America’s Next Top Model. I know, you expected better from me. But thanks to my ex-roommate, and the fact that I tried out for the show a few seasons ago (only because I was recruited), I have indeed fallen victim to the overdone and highly criticized reality show that has gone on for way too long in order for it to really be considered legitimate.  Nonetheless, I have watched the last couple of seasons, and the most recent Cycle 15, which ended last week, was by far the most interesting.  The girls of this cycle had the opportunity to win some of the best prizes ever given away on ANTM, which included a spread in Vogue Italia and a cover of Beauty in Vogue.

In the beginning of the season, the awkward and shy Ann Ward, whose 6’2” height and extra thin frame caused her great strife growing up, was the first contestant in ANTM history to win best photo five weeks in a row. Consistently a favorite amongst the judges and guest designers, it was no surprise that Ann won the grand prize during the finale when she was pitted up against Chelsey Hersley, the fashion-savvy 23-year-old. And while there is no doubt in my mind that Ann is unique and “high fashion,” I personally didn’t see what all the hype was about.

Don’t get me wrong, Ann is a beautiful girl that fits perfectly into that avante garde mold, if there is such a thing, but her presence was simply too lack luster for me. Throughout the entirety of the season, Ann was socially awkward and truly lacked the ability to find confidence within herself. During the last episode, the finale, the two finalists shot Cover Girl beauty ads and walked for Roberto Cavalli. Neither of the girls had a perfect walk, but both girls had gorgeous Cover Girl shots. 

 Ann vs Chelsey
(Wait...where is Ann's neck?)
Photo: CWTV

Ann and Chelsey posing for a group photo
Photo: CWTV

If Ann can gain some confidence and boost her grace on the runway, I think she certainly has the potential to become a “top model” whose known for more than her appearance on the reality show. And with that kind of success, she may even be able to change my opinion on the show’s legitimacy. 

 Ann looking especially radiant after being named the winner!
Photo: CWTV

Currently Listening: Underoath "When the Sun Sleeps"

I Could Stare at Your Photos All Day Long

After doing research for a class earlier this semester, I came across the fantastical fashion photographer of Tim Walker. Don’t even ask me how I wasn’t aware of this British-born editorial master until a couple of months ago, because I really don’t know. What I do know is that Walker is an amazing artist whose work is clearly defined by its top-notch whimsy and magical charm. He has seriously mastered the art of creating playful images, and his work has a tendency to take me away from my reality and into a much-welcomed fantasy world full of theatrical characters and fanciful settings.

Some of you may remember one of Walker’s most famous shoots in which he collaborated with Tim Burton to create a multi-page spread of darkly fantastic photos for the October 2009 issue of Harper’s Bazaar. Well, like I mentioned before, I hadn’t heard of Walker until recently so I didn’t get to experience the awe-inspiring photos of this shoot when it was first published.

I’m currently taking a styling class and for this semester’s midterm we had to create an idea for an editorial photo shoot. We had to come up with an inspiration, location, hair and makeup styling, and even the models we would use. Ironically enough, I chose Edward Scissorhands, the character, and Tim Walker as the inspiration for my shoot. Unbeknownst to me at the time, Tim Walker had already done his own shoot with a full-on Edward Scissorhands character in one photo! I was completely blown away when I saw this photo for the first time, and although my idea had already played out in someone else’s head, I was still thrilled to see my own inspiration come to life in a real editorial. 

  Tim Walker for Harper's Bazaar October 2009


Currently Listening: As I Lay Dying "Illusions" 

Rick Owens? Yes, Please.

I was taking a break from my hectic homework load last night to eat some chocolate cake and watch an episode of Kell on Earth. Yes, I’m extremely behind on my Kelly Cutrone reality TV, but with my busy schedule I simply do not have to time to watch shows on an actual television; watching downloads months later on my computer is much more efficient. Now, I’ll go ahead and admit that I have this slight addiction to reality television. Real Housewives of…anywhere? Yes, please. Reality shows involving the fashion industry? Yes, please!!

Anyway, I’ve come to a recent realization, after watching Kell on Earth, that I love everything about the style of Andrew Mukamal, Kelly’s now ex assistant. That’s right. If you didn’t already know, Kelly fired Andrew last month after her reality show inflated his ego to the point of no return. I was a little disheveled after reading the awful news that Andrew had been let go. After all, he is the one who educated me on the existence of Rick Owens. Mukamal, in all of his gothic glory, was, and probably still is, obsessed with designer Rick Owens, and thanks to him, now I am too. 

 Andrew Mukamal

With his distressed leather, neutral palette, and edgy knits, Rick Owens should be every woman’s designer dream-come-true. Now that I really think about it, who doesn’t love black leather and wedge boots? One glance at Owens’ most recent fall collection has me struggling to keep the drool within the outer limits of my lips, which can't seem to find each other.

 Rick Owens Fall 2010 RTW

 www.net-a-porter.com


Currently Listening: As I Lay Dying "Through Struggle"

Change is Inevitable

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to keep in touch with people these days? I was reading this article and thinking about how nearly everyone I know has a Facebook account. Even my grandpa, who will be 80 this December, has his own Facebook account.

For me, Facebook is a source of entertainment. I can go onto the site and check out the profiles and pictures of any of my 284 friends to see what’s going on in their lives. This makes me feel as though I actually know all of my “friends” without ever having to speak to them; it’s weird. This is why I try to keep my list short, tidying it up every six months or so. 

Now that it’s been three and a half years since I graduated high school, I think it’s so interesting to see how much people have changed. I love looking into how different people are now than they were in high school. I can’t even tell you how many people are married and having kids. Old friends are leaving Missouri, joining the military, and starting these lives that seem so vastly different than the ones they lived not even five years ago.

Out of all 284 of my Facebook friends, there is one dear friend that I’ve “lost” contact with. Her name is Sarah, and apart from spending nearly every waking moment together during our high school years, Sarah and I are also cousins. Growing up, my family spent a lot of time together so it was easy for the two of us girls, being only eight months apart, to acquire a special bond. We did everything together when we were younger but grew apart during middle school. Sarah was a grade above me so when I made the big transition into high school, she was there to be my guide and we became the closest of friends.

We were once again doing everything together. We’d meet boys together, go to concerts together in hopes of meeting the bands, hang out everyday after school, and during the summers, I’d spend most of my nights at her house. We were always there for each other through thick and thin, and trust me, there were some really thick times for us. But high school came and went and we began to grow apart due to a lack of time to hang out, and we both began to go down different paths in life. The two us were beginning to become different people; we no longer thought the same thoughts nor did we lead the same kind of lives.

The last “real” conversation I had with Sarah was over a year age. Since then she has moved to California to live with her boyfriend. The two of us have continued to grow into completely different people whose beliefs and life philosophies are so opposite that it’s hard to remember the days when we were basically the same person. Perhaps, one day, our life paths will bring us back together, but for now, there’s Facebook.

Currently Listening: Demon Hunter "My Heartstrings Come Undone"

The Birth of a New Blog

I often like to refer to fashion as my soul mate. I have this undying romance with fashion that I can no longer tame. I’m here to be your fashion ambassador, to be your source for fashion news, and to let you in on my affair with fashion. This blog will be a place for me to share anything and everything about fashion that sparks my interest and inspires me.

As I’m sure you all know, fashion bloggers aren’t hard to come by, but nonetheless, I have created this blog to express my everlasting, and sometimes bank-breaking, adoration for the fashion industry. But what you ought to know is that before fashion crept its way into my life and slowly forced me into a wondrous affair, I had music. As a teenager, I was no doubt in love with music. Being front row at metal shows, head banging like a dude, and screaming until my throat hurt gave me a high like no other substance could. That’s right, the breakdowns and shredding in heavy metal music was and is pure euphoria to my ears.

I sort of grew out of my music “stage,” if that’s what you’d like to call it, once my liking of fashion grew into a love so strong that I decided to make it my career. The band posters came down, and the Gucci ads and favorite magazine covers went up. Instead of checking Ticketmaster on a weekly basis for new shows, I was checking Style.com on a daily basis for my next favorite collection.

Don’t get me wrong, though, music is still a part of my life; it just doesn’t consume me like it once did. I still get the same intense, uncontrollable feeling every time I see one of my favorite bands play, and I hope that never changes. 

Right this moment, I am enjoying the melodic voice of guest singer Lisa Miskovsky in the song "Dead End" by In Flames. Their Come Clarity album has been my favorite of theirs since its release, and it’s definitely worthy of your attention.  

Me with As I Lay Dying (my favorite band of all time)! I could not have been happier in this moment. 

Note: This picture was taken pre-fashion love affair. And yes, my outfit is absolutely dreadful. So please, don't even ask me what I'm wearing, because I like pretending that those bad styling days never existed.