The Rack and The Ram

2011-03-06T20:38:00.000-08:00

While I figure out some technical issues, please visit my other blog at
http://emilyseger.wordpress.com/

Thanks!!

2011-02-28T16:04:00.000-08:00

Rodebjer pants photographed by Harmony Korine

2011-02-21T19:53:00.000-08:00

Karlie Kloss in Rodarte's Fall 2011 show.

Shot backstage by my fave Aussie magazine, Oyster.

Marchesa: Trust Me

2011-02-18T11:13:00.000-08:00

Marchesa (of the intense mood board) sent out an incredibleeeee collection this season. Although, I read that the models were fainting from the intense light and pencil thin heels :(
Despite the poor models, the collection was amazing.

The look above was my favorite. Gah!

All pics Style.com

Marchesa

2011-02-17T16:57:00.000-08:00

Soooo...we all need moods, yes? Designers and trend forecasters channel images to illustrate their vision via mood boards for each project. Seems strange, but it really sets the tone. This is one of the most tricked out I've seen so far, it is from Marchesa for their current collection:

I can just imagine 4 interns hovering over this thing. Thanks Vain and Vapid for this, see more boards here!

Vera Wang//Jen Kao

2011-02-16T12:47:00.000-08:00

Vera

Jen Kao

Friday Night Skate

2011-02-15T12:39:00.000-08:00

Here's a fave look from Elise Øverland (god I wish I had that symbol in my name). Give me more FACE model!! I never got over those Prada furs from a million years ago so this is a little revival. I love the big fake cotton candy hue. Just stay away from the gorilla armed jackets that are all over the runway this season. You're better than that.

Øverland's show was set on an ice rink as you can see. As a kid in Shaker Heights, we had an event called Friday Night Skate every week. It was HUGE in 5th and 6th grade, and pretty socially intense. Everyone would just skate around in a circle and want to talk to That Popular Guy.

Give Me Som

2011-02-13T21:37:00.000-08:00

Normally I don't go for Peter Som. His looks are far too mature for me and predictable. But with the lack of good shows to surf on Style.com I clicked. And I liked. Maybe it was because of the NYT's Cathy Horyn's accolades but Som had some definite winners. LOVE that grey coat.

All pics Style.com.

Double Rainbow?

2011-02-12T18:34:00.000-08:00

Never been so busy! Sorry for the lack of posts, school has begun, work continues, and an awesome
trend forecasting internship has arrived. Whew! But obviously Fashion Week revolves around all of these entities. I made a little mood board with some color inspiration I've been thinking a lot about lately. Hope you enjoy, more to come!

Oh, just found this: the most used Pantone shades for fall 2011, thanks WWD.

I Do

2011-01-28T15:41:00.000-08:00

Alexis Mabille Spring 2011 Couture

Floored

2011-01-27T22:50:00.000-08:00

Besides couture, a hand-crafted aspect can be found in the most modern artists. The idea of crafting works by hand in such a digital era yields infinite bragging rights. I stumbled upon Debbie Lawson's handmade work this evening. Her organic compositions sprout from an unlikely medium- prim Persian carpet. The question is, how did her hands make these?

Fountain, 2008

Medusas Chest, 2008

California Dreaming, 2008

Leaf Legs, 2008.

Fine Finishes

2011-01-26T15:06:00.000-08:00

The current couture season could not be more breath taking. Our first stop is Chanel, where Karl made this dress that looks like shattered glass:

The flats have been shocking everyone too but YOU read my blog and know they are already in. Right?
Chanel also brought us some ill advised styling, concerning the combination of pants under skirts. Please no.

I must also mention the looks below, which are hypnotizing. The print and texture really is beautiful. Apparently his head couture embroiders teared up when executing the designs.

2011-01-23T12:03:00.000-08:00

"People commit to sleeves of tattoos and they'll say 'Oh no, I can't wear a red lip,' and I just don't get that. Enjoying makeup is having a joy and appreciation of your own appearance. It's not a sin to be high-maintenance, rather a pleasure. ... I don't consider myself commercially beautiful, but I experimented with a lot of different looks and found one that worked for me. It's important to find a beauty look you feel comfortable in."

-Alex Box, Creative Director of crazy Brit beauty brand Illamasqua.

Photo is a cover of Japanese Vogue. Makeup by Francois Nars. Work your weird!

See Through Head

2011-01-20T16:18:00.000-08:00

Wow, free days! I just can't wait for you to see these. Don't smoke kids.

Photographed by Karine Basilio
Styling: Erin O'Keefe
Model: Luisa Bianchin
Shot for L' Offceil Brazil

Also, Happy Birthday to the beautiful Jordan.

2011-01-19T11:44:00.000-08:00

“Even though the line may be sexy, there’s nothing really sexy about someone struggling in her shoes.

I don’t care whether it’s the runway or the sidewalk.”

- Linda Fargo of Bergdorf Goodman

Blow Out

2011-01-14T12:24:00.000-08:00

It's not every day that I am blessed with an Alexander McQueen campaign spread. Lindsey Wixson stays sationery while Monarch Butterflies sail past. New designer Sarah Burton is certainly staying true to McQueen, as Monarchs are a signature of his. They are a tribute to his first patron and late best friend, Isabella Blow.

Also, I've been reading a classic by Patrick Dennis, Auntie Mame. It's about a fabulous woman in the 1920s and 30s. She is a character as much as her clothes are. It's also a movie and play but I haven't seen those yet...the books always better, yes? Check it out!

The Return

2011-01-11T18:25:00.000-08:00

Mixed-media illustrations by Cedric Rivrain for the Maison Michel S/S 2010 lookbook. I know her stuff is kind of oldish (remember the olsens rocking the lace bunny ears?) but I love these. Wish I could draw like this!

Photos are from Tish's Place.

In other news, I'm back from Costa Rica! It was true tropical paradise. Actually visited a town called Flamingo! Here's a shot of my sister and mom enjoying the sunset.

See ya soon!

Tip Toe Obsession

2011-01-02T13:21:00.000-08:00

If you haven't seen Black Swan yet, please do. It's definetly one of my permanent faves. Natalie Portman dances into a tripped out mania in the Darren Aronofsky thriller. Also interesting to see Mila Kunis in such a serious role. Good for her! I hear she's nice in person.
This movie is visually orgasmic, even down to these retro inspired move posters designed by LaBoca studio. wow.

In other news, Portman, newly pregnant, has signed a contract with Dior Beauty. Can't wait to see that...
Here's the finale from the actual ballet, performed by the American Ballet Theater.

Natasha Springs into Action for V Magazine

2010-12-28T19:35:00.000-08:00

Ms. Poly is captured by Willy Vanderperre for our fave American magazine, V. Acid prints and glossy brown hair.

Beauty Notes

2010-12-01T18:31:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it's already December? That's something I seem to have been asking alot of people lately. Having just lit my roommate's Hanukkah candles and hung up a fine tapestry of cats with ornaments//hats on, I'm pretty sure I should stop asking. The weather is getting chilly chill even though I'm in San Francisco.
I know I'm not really a beauty blogger (seriously, who wants to a picture of my arm with 12 eyeshadows on it?) but I had to give this product from Living Proof a shout out.

It's really helped my blah hair gain buoyancy. I hear the defrizzing stuff is revolutionary too! I think I might talk a little bit more about beauty on here. I've been working at Benefit Cosmetics as a PR intern and I have a real passion for it. You should see their offices! EVERYTHING is Benefitted out. Gorge.

First shot from Harper’s Bazaar en Español November 2010. Second from Sephora.com

Only Pose in the World

2010-11-29T19:15:00.000-08:00

So Rihanna was shot by Mikael Jansson for Interview. While a few look stunning many of these shots have awkward posing and weird crotch-centric compositioning. Yes, I know that singers are not pro models but I was confused by this shoot, some stuff was great while other things were disastrous. See for yourself.

Strange expression.

Pretty! Very French Vogue.

WTF.

This one makes me want vacation. Also I'm pretty sure she should be a spokesmodel for a juice or punch of some sort. YES that is a compliment!

Happy Cyber Monday everybody...

All or Nothing

2010-11-26T16:18:00.000-08:00

Ever heard of a little guy named Mario Testino? Duh. This little clip shows some of the images he's been shooting lately.
Of course I have to include more Kate pics, he does them well:

Love this one of her and Galliano. Maybe someone will get me the $1,000 book for xmas? :O Just kidding...

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T13:14:00.000-08:00

Just sending you good tidings. I can hear my mom carving the turkey downstairs.. Eat up! Even the models do it...

Natasha Poly(dosen't look like her to me!) shot by Terry Richardson.

Pyramid Song

2010-11-17T19:42:00.000-08:00

Just came upon jewelry line Allforthemountain. As someone who is a sucker for triangles and crystals, this line's aesthetic is calling to me. While Carly Margolis, the designer, began working in New York, she currently designs from Pioneertown, CA. What's more, the apocalyptic graphic designs are so bad//good. Have a look at the pieces and the crazy styling below.

Screaming Females

2010-11-16T22:37:00.000-08:00

Sooo... I feel like I've been missing out on some things, even the guilty stuff. Prime example is this music video where Rihanna is sorta kinda gay and all the way FLAWLESS.

If the video isn't showing click hereski.

2010-11-07T21:44:00.000-08:00

Erin Wasson,
You annoy me usually but I can't ignore this image from Jalouse.

_The Rack and the Ram

Dream a Little Dream

2010-10-27T20:45:00.000-07:00

I have always said that when I grow up, I want a chandelier. Well, I'm almost grown up.... maybe when I move to New York or London after school I'll figure that out. Until then, I have some pretty pictures to share.

Photos thanks to Fuck Yeah Chandeliers (any relation to Fuck Yeah Pretty Nails?), last two by jewelry designer Solange Azagury-Partridge (more on her later.)

Poor Little Rich Girls

2010-10-17T11:06:00.000-07:00

Karl Lagerfeld is a genius, yes, but the recent Chanel show was a true train wreck. Despite a few exceptions the entire collection was just extremely unflattering. Not only that, it was 87 looks long. Really could have edited it. UGH.

Here We Go

2010-10-14T15:30:00.001-07:00

I've been seeing stills of Rihanna recording her video for Only Girl in the World for a while now, and finally the video is here. While I can't say the Ronald McDonald hair is the best for her, I love Rihanna and this video. The color scheme makes you feel like you're soaring. Love the poppies and the dress tree lanterns.

Freckle Face

2010-10-12T12:18:00.000-07:00

More and more I'm hearing disastrous facial forecasts. I am pale, and have had freckles all of my life. Apparently this is a flaw. More like a cash cow. Skin companies are releasing skin spot fading creams into the young, freckled market. Yes, it does mean sun damage has occurred, and that is the last thing that I want. Now I wear spf everyday and definetly stay out of the sun when I can. But if I could, I'd choose Team Freckle.
Schön! Magazine agrees with me. Here is a lovely shoot starring a model only named as Claudia.

Can I Take Your Order?

2010-10-10T12:26:00.000-07:00

Rose Cordero rocks the waitress fanny pack at Reed Krakoff.
Speaking of orders, I just nabbed the Givenchy limited edition tee for Style.com's tenth anniversary!
Despite contributions from Christopher Kane, Prada, and Proenza, it was the only one worthy of my attention. Awesome smoke patterned rib cage. Cannot. Wait.

GARETH!

2010-09-29T10:39:00.001-07:00

GARETTHHH! S/S 2011
Director Ruth Hogben
I love how those wide legged
pants move.

WTF GVNCY

2010-09-27T19:41:00.000-07:00

Givenchy is opening their first cosmetic store in the US. Would you believe me if i said that it was in Orlando, Florida? How about in Epcot Center? Yes, for some reason Givenchy is opening a flagship cosmetic boutique in the land of Mickie Mouse.

“We are thrilled to open our full-range boutique of Fragrances and Cosmetics in the France Pavilion in Epcot®.” said Jean-Christophe Gandon, General Manager of Parfums Givenchy, Kenzo and Emilio Pucci Fragrance “This is the only place in the United States where the entire range of Givenchy Fragrances, Skincare and Make-up will be available under one roof. We think that Epcot and Givenchy both share the same mission to celebrate innovation and provide an outstanding experience to the consumer. I really believe this new boutique will soon become a favorite among visitors to the France Pavilion in Epcot®,”
reports the Givenchy Press Release.

I would include the video, which involves Minnie Mouse jumping about, but it is truly too disturbing. Still, it sure beats a water bottle with Donald Duck on it...

In less ridiculous news, we can get excited about Chloe's new fragrance, Love Chloe. Here is a making of the commercial, starring, of course, Raquel. Reminds me of the Charlie by Revlon ads...

Hello Milan

2010-09-25T17:06:00.000-07:00

I USUALLY DON'T FIND
VERSACE INTRIGUING, BUT...

I'M DIGGING THE WRAPPED BUN AND TEXTILES!
MAXI FRINGE SKIRT? YES PLEASE!
LOOK AT IT MOVE, BABY.

XO THE RAM

Clothing For Tomorrow

2010-09-23T23:14:00.000-07:00

Designer Kosuke Tsumura created a "Cocoon Cradle" dress for a Mother, and a cradle for a baby. They are made of "sonic-cut units of Felibendy™" and intrigue The Ram.

XO THE RAM

Credit Design Boom

Haunt

2010-09-22T03:22:00.001-07:00

HAUNT

MODEL: SHEILA MARQUEZ
BY: DIMA HOHLOV
MAGAZINE: THE DIRTY DURTY DIARY FALL 2010.

Doutzen Doutzen Doutzen

2010-09-21T21:35:00.000-07:00

Doutzen Kroes for Elle France. Shot by Alex Cayley

Trasparent Variety

2010-09-20T02:08:00.000-07:00

One major trend I spotted at New York Fashion Week was the use of transparent fabrics. Early trend adopters have been latching onto this trend since this past spring, when mesh & lace tops became trendy on the streets. Now, the trend has dabbled into an overwhelming amount of collections in the S/S 2011 fashion shows thus far.
Seen at Richard Nicoll in maxi skirts, tight fitted pants, tops, and more:

(Full transparent review coming soon)

XO THE RAM

Wise Words

2010-09-19T12:38:00.000-07:00

"It's not about right or wrong,

it's about the right time

or the wrong time."

- Calvin Klein's advisement to house designer Francisco Costa.

Push, Faint

2010-09-16T23:40:00.001-07:00

UPTOWN & DOWNTOWN
PHOTOGRAPHER: MARIO TESTINO
MAGAZINE: V #67

Manish Arora

2010-09-16T14:40:00.000-07:00

Photos courtesy of 160g magazine, one of the best online zines. The ads move! how can you beat that?

Shot by Eric Sposito, Styled by Ray Teturia

90s Trend Gets a Modern Spin at Y-3

2010-09-13T20:03:00.000-07:00

The bulk of Y-3's S/S 2011 collection involved the silhouette of a bare tummy. Immediately, I reminisced scrunched tube tops and oversized denim of the 90s. Street style and popular culture has been obsessed with the 90s grunge look for at least a season or two, so the skin baring came as no surprise to me.

The part of this silhouette situation that I do respect is the edged twist that Y-3 delivered in this collection. Monochromatic ensembles in all black or red simplified and modernized the looks. Also, the dark lip and corresponding eyeshadow added to the modernization. Honestly, I enjoyed the low slung fit of the repeated pant in this collection, even though it won't look great on the bulk of society!

XO THE RAM

Winner Takes All!

2010-09-13T00:15:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS, GAGA
8 MOONMEN!
WE DID IT!

GORGE

WARDROBE BY
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN,
GIORGIO ARMANI
& FRANC FERNANDEZ

You Are Approved

2010-09-12T14:10:00.000-07:00

Alexander Wang Spring 2011

2010-09-11T20:22:00.000-07:00

Merry NY Fashion Week

xo,
The Rack and the Ram

Image Michael Angel via Style.com

2010-09-11T20:17:00.000-07:00

Susan Seddon Boulet's Raven Woman. Came upon the artist through my Color and Design class. Her pieces are so warm, peaceful and multifaceted. This one reminds me of the Knife.
-Rack

Working it on Labor Day

2010-09-06T13:06:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! thought I'd bring you some sexy lace-coated browtastic images from Marie Claire Italia.

Bo Don by Johan Sandberg for Marie Claire Italia September 2010.

Sigh!

Also have any of you been watching Mad Men? Don is ridiculous this season. Kind of want to slap him. Joan is looking amazing, though. Happy Labor Day U.S. readers! Go eat a cupcake!

The Ram At Play

2010-09-05T14:09:00.000-07:00

I've had an account on Polyvore for about a year or so now. I had played with it a couple times, but never truly dedicated my time to trying to figure out the secrets & tricks of the site. A couple of weeks ago, I decided to dedicate my time to it, and I've been addicted ever since.

An avid collage-ist since middle school, I find comfort in scouting for images and layering clothing, items, and backgrounds over each other on this digital collage program. Also, I've really enjoyed experimenting with negative space and proximity of the images I collage onto Polyvore's blank canvas. (You will see examples of this in my work below.)

Logging hours on Polyvore doesn't feel to shameful because I'm making creative works and becoming inspired by other users. There truly is a wide variety of style and interests on this site, and it's always exciting when you find a user with similar taste as you.

I wanted to share some of the collages I've made so far and hopefully open some minds up to trying out this great website! Enjoy x

View the rest of my Polyvore profile here.
XO THE RAM

Chalk Bored

2010-09-04T13:59:00.000-07:00

Jessica Stam turns her kitten face into a zoned-out countess with this editorial shot by Steven Meisel. Danielle and I have already professed our love for cotton candy hair shades... here is a great example.

-Italian Vogue 2003
&
Fashion Gone Rogue

FALL COLLABS

2010-09-01T21:15:00.000-07:00

To be excited about! (So far)

First up, MAC Cosmetics x Disney! Who knew this collaboration could occur? As a huge Disney fan, I am very excited for the packaging, as well as the collection's color story! Can we say nail polish and lisptick?! Great hues for fall. Said to be on the counter for sale on September 30th. Grab more info here.

Next is H&M x Lanvin! Mysterious promo videos have been released, but not too many sneak peeks have been provided to us image-hungry consumers yet. The collection is said to be in stores September 9th. SO soon! Here is my favorite video:

Third, V Magazines's issue #67 is NYC themed! I was already excited, since I love V Magazine and NYC dearly. Then, today I found out that Lady Gaga and Marc Jacobs posed together for the cover. Help! Overload!

XO THE RAM

Chanel Soho Collection: Steel & Strong

2010-08-30T14:59:00.000-07:00

Peter Philips explains his inspiration behind Chanel's limited edition Soho Collection. The video is simple and nicely punctuated by a big band jazz song. Try Philips' tongue twister towards the end.

-Rack

Photo of ze Day

2010-08-29T13:33:00.000-07:00

Barbara Palvin shot by George Katsanakis

Fizz

2010-08-28T22:39:00.000-07:00

A little smokey inspiration. Not in the house!
-FFFFOUND
_Rack

Threadbare

2010-08-28T16:44:00.000-07:00

Had to share this beautiful dress with you all! It's by Precocious, a label based in Stockholm. The designer, Gabriella Loeb, crafted the checks by pulling out each string. I could wear this anywhere....

Thanks to Six Six Sick

-Rack

Lady G & Jojo

2010-08-28T16:24:00.000-07:00

Jo Calderone graces the current issue of Vogue Japan's Homme edition. Guess who it really is...

Pretty excited Gaga is taking on alter egos. She always looks different, but this is definitely outside of her persona. Another cool Nick Knight project.

Also here's a grainy pic of Olive sleeping in my roommate's slightly open dresser drawer. What a goon.

Flower Pop

2010-08-25T00:30:00.000-07:00

Murakami's cover for Pop magazine featuring an image of Britney Spears. I'm thinking that is a wax figure.

-Rack

Inspiration

2010-08-23T15:44:00.000-07:00

Herb Ritts, 1990.

-Rack

Beautiful Ones

2010-08-23T14:53:00.000-07:00

My greatest apologies for not updating lately, blog friends! Went to Santa Barbara last weekend to see my old high school friend. Very fun and sunny, got me listening to a lot of Suede and Ride.

In that similar vein, allow me to show you something that I have been meaning to share. It's the Prada Fantasy Lookbook! Alexander Reichert and Fausto Frantinuoli illustrated over Phillip Meech's photography to create an interesting, disjointed collage of the fall collection. Perhaps you should play the video above while viewing...

It's a nice Monday.

-Rack

INFINITY

2010-08-16T00:38:00.001-07:00

Honestly, I try to avoid Alexander Wang and following for his trendy spells. But, almost nothing captures like a good fashion video. This is the video for his Fall 2010 Lookbook, with a dubstep remix of The XX's "Infinity" (my fave) in the background. And high powered wind machines. Yes please!

XO THE RAM

GOTHIC + PUNK

2010-08-14T23:36:00.001-07:00

PHOTOGRAPHER MAURIZIO FANTINI

HAIR/MAKEUP GIANCARLO RODIA

MAGAZINE: 'SPRAY' DECEMBER 2009

CUT&PASTE

2010-08-12T22:23:00.001-07:00

DESIGNER

ALEXANDRA VERSCHUEREN

(REPPING ANTWERP)

WITH A PAPER MEDIUM

XO THERAM

Something Girls

2010-08-12T13:24:00.000-07:00

Miranda Kerr and Kasia Struss star in the Fall 2010 Jil Sander campaign. The shoot was captured and styled by Willy Vanderperre and Olivier Rizzo.
Jil Sander has always resonated with me. Some may over look their simplicity, but I really like the delicate balance of their designs. It takes a certain ability to make clothes look both smart and sensual.

-Rack

Shut Uppp

2010-08-03T13:23:00.000-07:00

Gargyle is a pretty cool shopping site, but their prices are a little out of reach. Right now they have a big sale going on and these Surface to Air sandals:

_Rack

Slow Hands

2010-07-29T20:46:00.000-07:00

"Woah, is that Chanel's Nouvelle Vague?" would be a pretty interesting pickup line at a bar. We all know that nails are a girl thing. Shades and brands reach cult status at the rate of sound. A fun way to procrastinate is the blog fuckyeahprettynails I ran into today. Pretty sure I could execute a lot of these looks...on my left hand.

Only in French Playboy...

2010-07-28T19:29:00.000-07:00

...would this amazingness happen. Lara is actually suing the publication for posting the photos, saying they were done so without her permission. Maybe it's ok to post these on a fashion blog instead.
Don't sue us Lara! We love you.

-Rack

Angel vs Eel

2010-07-24T13:36:00.000-07:00

"Don't listen to Metric, it's wannabe Blondie crap." is the first advisement I heard about Metric in high school. Emily Haines' side project (a founding member of Broken Social Scene) is parasitic. Their songs are irresistibly catchy, making every cell of estrogen vibrate to synth lines and metallic vocals.

The quoted friend and snobbish hesitance have dissolved into an open adoration for the band. Here is a Deco Dawson short film set to "Help I'm Alive." Enjoy!

-Rack

JOIE de VIVRE

2010-07-23T22:41:00.000-07:00

NEW SHOWSTUDIO VIDEO

STARRING GARETH PUGH'S
F/W 2010 COLLECTION

Love, The Ram

The Ram's Closet

2010-07-23T02:21:00.000-07:00

WHAT THE RAM WORE TODAY

beaded jacket & lace pants: goodwill

Love, The Ram

TAKE A BITE

2010-07-22T14:33:00.000-07:00

LAST WEEK, I visited New York, and caused havoc while dreamily walking through the streets. I attended Gaga's performance at The Today Show, and had my photo taken by Bill Cunningham. The night of, I pulled up in a black SUV, stepped out, and a few fans thought I was her. Costume design by me and my best, Brent Duplessis. Everything created by Brent Duplessis. I plan on adding on little bits to this costume for The Monster Ball in San Jose on August 16th. Cannot. Wait.

Love, The Ram

View the entire "Gaga Garb" street style slideshow by Bill Cunningham here.

Gimme a Russh!

2010-07-21T15:35:00.000-07:00

MODEL: Alessandra Ambrosio

MAGAZINE: Russh #35

PHOTOGRAPHER:Will Davidson

How Do You Make Tea 'Young' Again?

2010-07-20T19:08:00.000-07:00

By making Lady Gaga the spokeswoman of your company! It is rumored that Twining's tea company wants to sign a large contract with Gaga and have her be the new face of their company. They even want to create a Gaga blend! I do think it's a bit random for Twining's, since they don't really have any advertising strategies. But, I guess it isn't really too farfetched once you remember that Gaga's been sippin tea in public for quite some time now. I guess it was just a matter of time before a smart tea company jumped on this advertising opportunity!

Other thoughts:
1. I believe that most of the youthful generation already likes tea. So, this will definitely boost sales.
2. I love Twinings + Gaga seperately, so I'm in on this idea.
3. Gaga is already bringing tea 'back' by taking personal images and posting paparazzi images of herself running around with vintage tea cups, so good timing, Twining's.
4. Maybe this will boost Anthro's beautiful tea cup sales?
5. Next promotional idea: Teacups by Gaga! I'm sure they would sell out in a day.

Love, The Ram

Dear Sam Edelman,

2010-07-20T03:05:00.000-07:00

It was not too long ago that you drove consumers crazy with your 'Zoe' boot. Now, the 'Lorissa' is beginning to sway my money spending situations.

My heart might need some rest.

Sincerely,
The Ram

Inspiration From Dark Places: Rodarte and MAC

2010-07-19T19:04:00.000-07:00

The genius Mulleavy sisters have paired up with MAC Cosmetics to spackle their aesthetic on eyes and lips September 15th. The collection was inspired by a road trip the sisters took across Texas. The pair sparked controversy by naming a shade "Juarez", a crime-ridden Mexican city where rape is very common. Rodarte has responded with an apology send to industry insiders and with a donation from the products to those in need in Juarez. Now let's get to the makeup! I'm praying for silver, beige, dark lips, and lots of texture, a signature of the Mulleavys. Let's hope there's a bit more to the collection than the official image (above). Below is a chart from Fall 2009:

Lilo Leaves us With Complex Magazine

2010-07-19T18:44:00.000-07:00

A puer complex- an individual's unconscious dread of growing up, of losing one's romantic ideals or freedom.

Linday Lohan is a personal guilty pleasure of mine. I just can't let go! Before shipping off to jail tomorrow, the internet land has been buzzing about her shoot for Complex Magazine. It's pretty, well, simple but you can't look away. Artist KAWS provides illustrations harking back to the starlet's Disney days.

And a vid...

Universal Travler

2010-07-18T10:11:00.000-07:00

“The Paris woman is everywhere today, everywhere but Paris.”
-Jean Paul Gaultier on his worldy muse for couture 2010

Top Couture Trends

2010-07-10T16:02:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Couture Week, Readers.
May we present a report on the dominant trends and the jaw-dropping ensembles that illustrated them.

Red

Above: Alexis Mabille, Chanel, Jean Paul Gaultier, Elie Saab.
Lipstick red popped up sultry silk and lace incarnations. Beading gave the pieces a holiday feel. (carrying on the jewel toned velvets of last season.) Red red red was most memorable at Elie Saab. Our takeaway? The season invites you to look Lydia-Beetlejuicetastic.

Lace

Above: Givenchy, Alexis Mabille, Jean Paul Gaultier, Chanel, Elie Saab.

Lace is a touchy subject, as it can easily look elderly. This season designers applied lace fabric over the nude body for a confusingly sexy look. The best use of lace goes to Alexis Mabille. He may have only dwelled on it briefly, but its hard to forget the full skirt gowns and tiny bustiers.

The Full Skirt

Above: Dior, Chanel, Alexis Mabille, Elie Saab.

Perhaps inspired by Louis Vuitton's volumptuous cuts last season, designers have been needing quite a bit more fabric to complete each look this season. On Chanel coats, Alexis Mabille's governess dresses, and Dior's flower bombshells, the full skirt is running circles around us.

Three Dimensional Florals

Above: Valentino, Dior, Chanel, Alexis Mabille.

Floral themes were everywhere, but the most interesting were the life like designs that actually looked like they should be watered twice a week. Don't agree with florals for fall? This is a now a world fully acclimated to seasonless dressing. Or think of them as fabulous human wreaths.

Work The Rodarte

2010-07-08T02:48:00.001-07:00

SOLILOQUY 88 from JASON LAST on Vimeo.

Whole Wheat

2010-07-07T17:38:00.000-07:00

Muse Magazine and photographer Nino Munoz gives us a mixed bag of Gisele-dom. More and more commercial models are being placed in shadowy editorials and high fashion runway (see Miranda Kerr at Balenciaga, every one at Louis Vuitton).
And the weird thing? They are great models even when it's time to get avant. Here's the best example.

Big wow to these last three.

Truly Fall

2010-07-06T13:21:00.000-07:00

Armani Prive presented a more mellow, non lunar or gaga-esque Haute Couture collection today. His collection was an interesting 43 pieces (quite a lot for a Couture collection), was perfectly tailored, and created in a beautiful fall color story. Even the red carpet dresses were in hues of deep browns.

Not too sure if Gaga would wear any of it, though. I guess last season's Armani Prive Couture was just a rare avant garde shot by the designer. I have no doubt he will continue to design costumes for Gaga, but Armani is a fantastic business man who is always designing his collections around smart, modern business plans. In sum, I don't doubt what he's doing. Even though I'm not feeling the brooches in his designs.

Karlie & Frida looking adorable backstage!

GO Kloss, GO!

Photo of ze Day

2010-07-06T12:19:00.000-07:00

Supermodel and musician Karen Elson on the cover of Jalouse. Rock!

Also enjoy some Sifl & Olly genius.

MMM Does Couture!

2010-07-05T17:27:00.000-07:00

LET'S REUSE MATERIALS, OKAY?

HERE COMES FALL COUTURE!

2010-07-05T17:23:00.000-07:00

Yes, Fall 2010/2011 Couture season has finally arrived! To me, this is the most spectacular, inspiring part of all fashion week season. I have a love for the over the top, extravagant, one of a kind designed garments, so this time of summer gets me all tingly inside.

MR. GALLIANO came around first, with images just popping up within the past half hour. The show happened today, and the theme was garden flowers. Of course, the "new look" silhouette dominated almost every look, and another Galliano staple, innovative hair and makeup, were adorned on each model.

“If ever a collection were made to savor, to rerun each night on an iPad, perchance to dream, this Dior show was it.” -Suzy Menkes

I LOVE YOU!

love, the ram

First Resort

2010-06-28T17:32:00.000-07:00

Resort grows larger and larger each season. It is the one of the most wearable seasons of the year, and essentially designed to give stores new deliveries and provide hot weather apparel to clients. Riccardo Tisci of Givenchy was quoted, "Resort, for me," he said, "is about making sure the shop floors are stocked with the pieces that our girl has gotten attached to."
However, the designers are putting more and more effort into this pre-collection. Exotic locales, parties, and set design have helped to make this pretty much another fashion week. Resort and Pre-Fall presentations are often interludes to the actual S/S and F/W shoes, so pay attention!
Did you miss it? That's ok.The Rack and The Ram would like to present you with the finest looks from Resort 2010.

Stella McCartney really killed it this season. I love her brand (and perfume) alot, but her clothes often look like they would be horrible on a non-model. This collection has completely changed my confidence in her.

Balenciaga went with their usual formula: aggressive patterns, crazy awesome heels, and wild eye makeup with slick hair. But did we still love it? Yes. Ghesquiere has the power to revive his aesthetic each season with exceptional talent.

Another Rack fave, Givenchy. Tisci used a combination of black, white, leopard, and red to make an exceptionally sexy collection. He is continuing the sheer craze but with more tech-y cuts. Loved the blazers.

Erdem created a print and texture centric collection. His references seemed very obvious (Balenciaga, Prada), but nevertheless his dimensional add-ons and structured cuts will look fantastic in stores.

Phew! That's enough for you to mull over for now. It is safe to conclude that laser lace cut outs, full skirts, beaded extras, chlorine blue, and mary jane strap shoes are the takeaway trends. All pics from Style.com.

Georgia May would like to TYFYT

Make(ing)Up as we go Along

2010-06-27T16:32:00.000-07:00

Jess Stam in a throwback shoot for i-D magazine circa 2004.
Wow, Gay Pride (in SF) was today. Really silly day to plan to go downtown and buy some pillows at Bed Bath and Beyond. (Seriously, who steals pillows from the dryer?) It was pretty cute and I was quite under dressed. I wound up feeling pretty excited about the open minded city I live in.
Also a special shout out to my friend Francesca and her new blog The Daily Dose. She's got everything from inspiration collages, personal photos, and great fashion editorials to inspire you every 24 hours. Add her to your Reader!

Go Big or Go Home

2010-06-25T23:59:00.000-07:00

As if Forever 21 hasn't upped their business enough in the past few years by creating better visual displays and purchasing vacant, recession killed retail spaces, the company opened Manhattan's largest retail space today - a 90,000 sq ft location in Times Square, New York city.

"The new Times Square store will get between 200 and 600 boxes of new merchandise every night. Handling those shipments will be an army of 600 employees, a feat Mayor Mike Bloomberg himself celebrated Thursday." (Wall Street Journal)

I can only imagine how many closers they need every night. The store is reportedly four floors (our San Francisco store is three, but not near the same square footage), and had makeover stations and free gift cards being handed out during it's opening today. Also, it stays open until 2am every night! So, if a strap breaks on your heels, you can run in and buy a new cheap pair before last call.

I am leaving for a trip to New York in under two weeks. Should I walk by? We'll see. It's kinda near Bryant Park, which I always like to visit, so we'll see.

Here's a video from the Wall Street Journal's blog on the opening day of the store.

LIKE A MIDNIGHT SUN

2010-06-22T14:12:00.000-07:00

love, the ram

Animal Collective

2010-06-21T14:26:00.000-07:00

I've finally adopted a kitten! He's white with a tabby grey tail and helmet. The picture above is taken with his sister Miley, after an apparently exhausting battle. It was harsh for the first two days, the breeder not telling me that he had fleas, but he is healthy now.
The name issue was a plaguing one, but I've settled on Oliver in honor of Olivier Theyskens. Check out an interesting interview with him here.

Jeffery Campbell is suspiciously excited for these...

2010-06-20T21:20:00.000-07:00

Dsquared's Fall 2010 spine boots.

Deep Impact

2010-06-20T11:55:00.000-07:00

Some things just look more stunning in black and white.

Happy Father's Day!!!

Congrats, Coco!

2010-06-15T18:36:00.000-07:00

Canadian model Coco Rocha wed interior designer James Conran in France last week. The bride wore a custom mermaid style Zac Posen dress, and The Cut has just released the first picture.

Cute and very fitted. We'd love to see what the guests wore!

Well Said

2010-06-12T19:56:00.000-07:00

"My appreciation for Lady Gaga’s act is simple: I like her insistent awkwardness. She is an ugly duckling with great spook appeal, in a long tradition of such women... I like that she not only appreciates hats but understands the boundaries a hat and veil impose on other people."

- Cathy Horyn, one of the best fashion writers of our time, on the unstoppable Lady Gaga.

Crunch

2010-06-08T15:23:00.000-07:00

Eddie Borgo's bear trap rings.

Resort Retort: Are Teva's Next?

2010-06-08T15:20:00.000-07:00

Alexander Wang showed another mature collection for Resort 2011 with one minor glitch:

It appears that this dear model is shod in...Teva style sandals?? I enjoy the sock with a heel trend, as well as the concept of mixing brown and black (red and green too, for that matter). Wang's gone too far for me here. But then again, if clogs are back...

Ombre Hair

2010-06-05T20:58:00.000-07:00

Hair... I (Emily) can't say I do much with mine. But I do admire others' labor. I have stuck to a short feminine crop for several years now, but lately long hair is very alluring.
Long hair with ombre coloring. The trend is been around for about two years and it's one that is hard to let go.

Vintage Perfume Ads

2010-05-31T14:02:00.000-07:00

Advertising has come a long way, but it's still fun to look back at old ads. It's funny what alot of beauty products promise but a scent always does what it says...

Chanel No. 22, Yum.

YSL Opium
I suppose the 90's are vintage, this ad looks alot older.

Worth

Patou

L'Air du Temps, suspiciously similar
to Marc's Lola bottle.

Lanvin's Arpege

Fun Fact

2010-05-31T13:37:00.000-07:00

The house of Yves Saint Laurent had a total of 190 brand licenses signed in 1980.

A life, a spirit, a name

2010-05-30T13:00:00.000-07:00

MODEL: MARIKE LE ROUX

PHOTOGRAPHER: BEAU GREALY

MAGAZINE: FLAIR MAY 2010

New Leader

2010-05-28T13:42:00.000-07:00

BREAKING NEWS! And, I feel as if I can breathe a bit easier - a new Creative Director has been chosen for Alexander McQueen's house, and it isn't a designer from outside his company! It is Sarah Burton, a designer who has worked for McQueen for sixteen years. Burton now has some big shoes to fill as she takes the position of McQueen's new creative director immediately. Like McQueen, Burton attended Central St. Martin's design school and began working for McQueen's label in 1996, a year before her own graduation. She has stayed with the brand ever since, and was named the Womenswear director in 2000 and was also the lucky gal who received credit for finishing McQueen's last F/W 2010 collection.

She has said, “The creation of modern, beautifully crafted clothes was at the heart of Lee’s vision. I intend to stay true to his legacy.”

Over all, I think it is a great decision. Many industry heads (and even my instructors) have discussed the path that could lead with McQueen's house since his suicide in February. But, Burton has spent sixteen years working for the designer, and I really want to trust and believe that she can carry on his legacy and style in a strong way and form. Gucci group has not announced when her first collection will debut, but I'm sure it won't be too long.

Source

Sweet Spot: Fog City News

2010-05-24T16:24:00.000-07:00

Some have a chocolate fetish. We have a magazine fetish. No matter which one you love, the spot to head to is Fog City News.
This oasis is located on 455 Market Street, SF, CA. It is stocked with over a thousand magazine titles. Just. Incredible. They have the best assortment of indie and forgein fashion publications, such as Another, Numero, Oyster, and a personal fave, The Last Magazine.
On top of that, they boast an unusually thorough collection of hard to find bottled sodas and carefully designed greeting cards. But please, don't forget the chocolate.

Pride Rock

2010-05-20T13:32:00.000-07:00

Cute kitty blog かご猫　