copying: Proenza Schouler PS1

Fashion is not always about reinventing the wheel.  Sometimes it's all about copying it.  Although, I'm sure they'd prefer a slightly more eloquent word for it.  Homage, tribute...something along those lines.  The point is the trickling down effect of trends and styles is an intrinsic part of the industry.  No one describes it better than Miranda Priestly in her cerulean sweater monologue (which does not exist on youtube so you're on your own on that one).  Sometimes it's just a color, sometimes it's an entire piece.  Here in lies my latest venture, where I take a runway-featured item and show its real world counterpart.  Sound good?  I know, majority of shoppers (ie those who don't obsessively read blogs, views slideshows, actually have lives, etc) don't care if their striped scarf is inspired by Prada or cat eye sunnies are Karen Walker knockoffs.  However, it's a peek into the industry and how its cycle works.  We can't all afford the real thing hence why some genius created the idea of fast fashion--offering up high fasion-inspired designs for a fraction of the cost.  Here we go....

First on the list is a popular, must-have bag for fashionistas everywhere.  It's been mentioned in every magazine and blog twice and photographed to death.  Proenza Schouler's PS1 bag is the perfect combo of utilitarian functionality and sleek design that goes with everything.  

(photos via net-a-porter)

It retails anywhere from $1200 to $2500, depending on your carrying needs. 

 It's a beauty, right?  Well, let's cue the knockoffs...

Deep Blue Something

Every so often I'll find myself in a color coma.  Everywhere I turn, there it is.  While "honeysuckle" may be considered the color of 2011, all I'm seeing is blue.  Not just any blue, though.  Yes, it's equally striking as the bright, girly pink hue Pantone crowned but just a little, well, cooler...that's color-speak too so go ahead and embrace that pun.  Electric, royal, lapis...I haven't managed to settle on an overall label for it, but trust me, you'll know when you see it.  It's rich and vibrant and about as happy-go-lucky as the one hit made famous by the band/title of this post.  I've already managed to create quite a collection of blue-centric accessories with my eye on a few more.  And apparently, the fashion world agrees, offering everything from Celine to Zara, trousers to clutches in this striking cerulean.  Sometimes it's ok to have a blue period, just ask Picasso.

jak and jil

streetfsn

zara

design*crush

streetfsn

bulgari by matthew williamson

design crush via ffffound

taylor tomasi hill via because i'm addicted

"cosmic" eyeliner via topshop

poppy delevigne via vogue.co.uk

ADR via streetfsn

"mesmerize"

streetfsn

fillipo minelli via honestly...wtf

asos

prada ss11

The Reel Deal

A roundup of upcoming releases on my list of must sees.

BOARDWALK EMPIRE (sept. 19)

A period drama produced by Martin Scorsese and starring Steve Buscemi--do you need any more reasons to tune in?  Now if only I had HBO....

YOU WILL MEET A TALL DARK STRANGER (sept. 22)

This flick has Woody Allen smeared all over it, from the sordid affairs with questionable age differences to the quirky comedy.  While Allen can give me the heebie geebies, if you know what I mean, I did thoroughly enjoy his last film, Vicky Christina Barcelona, thanks to impeccable casting choices.  His latest includes an equally stellar cast of pretty faces and talents so let's hope it all comes together.  Plus we'll finally get a chance to see if Frieda Pinto is more than a damsel in distress.

MY DOG TULIP (sept. 1)

So charming, so retro and oh so british.  The old school animation is refreshing and makes the story that much more endearing (if that's possible).  Only downside is we all know what's going to happen in the end where the dog is concerned, and I can already feel the tears forming.

BLACK SWAN (dec. 1)

I've always wished I were a ballerina or had stuck out my dance lessons until I reached pointe shoes.  Alas, I have to live vicarisously and what better way than through Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis.  While on paper it may seem like a misnomer, pairing Darrenn Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream) with the fragile and beautiful world of ballet, but the trailer reveals an intense and unsettling psychological thriller that dissolves any trepidation.  Even more exciting are the and costumes, created specially by Kate and Laura Mulleavy, the duo behind Rodarte.   

on holiday

singapore

portland attic

yup, that's a trailer.

vermont indoor swimming pool

suffolk, england

norway

the netherlands (side note: who knew it looked so much like middle earth?)

palm springs

marrakech, morocco

photos via design*sponge, apartment therapy and mod nest

to do list: movies

I'm not really a fan of summer releases since most of them are spectacle-laden stereotypes with bloated budgets and mindless plots.  Ok, so that's a total generalization and harsh, but what can I say, it's not really my style.  Thankfully, there are still some quality films that I can't wait to see.  While most are set to come out this fall/winter, there are a few summer releases that will hopefully make up for Killers and The A-Team.  I'll keep adding to the list as trailers are released.


NEVER LET ME GO (sept. 15)

Carey Mulligan and Keira Knightly star in this erie film about a mysterious English boarding school and the students who attend.  The trailer makes me feel completely depressed and freaked out, which is weirdly a good thing when it comes to my trailer barometer.  It's based on a critically acclaimed novel that is also next on my reading list.




SOMEWHERE (dec. 22)

Sofia Coppola's lastest film follows similar patterns to her past films, but that is far from a complaint.  This also means another stellar soundtrack, this time created by her fiance Thomas Mars' band Phoenix.  Even though the trailer doesn't give too much away plot-wise, i think it's perfect and highlights the themes and tone.




INCEPTION (july 16)

One of the only tent-pole movies on my list due to its impressive cast (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Leonardo Dicaprio, Ellen Page, Michael Cane, Cillian Murphy....) and director (Christopher Nolan).  I still have no idea of what it's entirely about, but I have faith that it'll be easier to understand upon viewing even if leo had some troubles.



HARRY POTTER (nov. 19)

Come on, it's "the motion picture event of a generation."