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Hervé Léger

My pictures are very blurry because everyone keeps shifting around. I thought you'd like to see how the models stay busy backstage. I guess the language barrier keeps them from chatting with the hair stylists and makeup artists, hence the PSPs and Blackberries. Today I have four shows scattered around the city and it seems my heels get lower each day. Today I'm going to wear flats (gasp!) and hopefully won't be as exhausted or forgetful (yesterday I lost my Hervé Léger umbrella, the only NYFW gift so far). Wish me luck!

OMFG

Lynn Yaeger outside of Alexander Wang

Standing outside for over an hour, freezing with the editors, waiting to be picked to enter the Alexander Wang show was a lot like gym class--if the cool kids wore China-doll makeup and Comme des Garçons. This is my first fashion week and  seeing Lynn Yaeger in the flesh rendered me speechless--in fact I even forgot her name (pathetic) and whispered "excuse me" when I saw her. I thought my window had passed, but seconds after, she turned around and asked if I'd like a picture. Me and my Powershot that I don't know how to use? Fuck, yes.

Backstage Wang

Alexander Wang, Roseland Ballroom

sex

wings

cigarettes

lights

camera

Black

Beige

sweat.

Show Time

I'll let you know how they go.

At Last

"...if you can find the Elizabeth and James Knuckle ring, it's yours..."Anon

Be My Valentine

(La Perla, The Indomitable Collection, net-a-porter.com)

Valentine's Day is synonymous with a stockpile of cringe-worthy images--rose petals, candles, chocolate, cheap champagne, and of course, lingerie. Sexy underwear can't help but try too hard, with its penchant for lace and girly colors.  I say, instead of combating this with a "tasteful" set--something lacy, but beige maybe--channel Pam. Ms. Anderson knows she's tacky and embraces it, flaunts it even, and thanks to Vivienne, Pam is an unsuspecting fashion icon. So let's have some honest trashy lingerie this year. What do you think?

Jesus Loves You

(Justjared.com)

Madonna and Jesus Luz: W Magazine--an A-Rod upgrade.

Pregnant Pause

(Huffingtonpost.com)

M.I.A., performing "Swagger Like Us" with Kanye West, T.I. and Lil Wayne, on her due date, in a bumble bee costume: best dressed, no contest.

Grammy Wishes

(Marchesa, Alexander McQueen, Balmain)

I just finished Live From the Red Carpet Grammys 2009, or glorified prom. Why can't we have more of those dresses and less of these (although I love Leona)?

(fabsugar.com)

Easy Like Sunday Morning

(Sophomore Lookbook, Spring 08)

It's finally warm and I'm going to spend the whole day outside wandering Fort Greene.

You're a Stud

(Olsens Anonymous)

It could be the 20 degree New York City weather, but it looks like MK has abandoned some of her old bleach-blond, spindle-legged, Balenciaga boot, fur wearing style for something more discreet. Although I'm nostalgic for MK in grungy plaid and ripped tights, this sleek new silhouette looks more current and less familiar than the flannel overload of late.

I Heart You

(Alexander McQueen)

At first glance these beauties could be Louboutins, but look closer--an absence of  the red sole (that dare I say I'm sick of) and a heart shaped peep-toe. I'm anti-V-day dressing, but these are too perfect to pass up! 

"Say Ambular? Was that you going through my dirty laundry?"

Vogue had NHL player, Sean Avery, McQueen loving athlete/ intern of Summer '08, so it was only a matter of time before ELLE followed suit. Enter Stew Bradley of the Philadelphia Eagles, ELLE's newest celebrity intern. He has already attended a DVF lunch and when asked by the designer what he was wearing answered, "PRPS jeans, Diesel, and PF Flyers." Nice try Stew, but PRPS are Sean Avery's favorite jeans. Sounds like Stew could learn a thing or too from Kanye, the only celebrity intern who who sat front row at the shows before his foray into fashion. 

High Brow

When it comes to beauty trends, I am currently channeling Ali Michael's thick, untouched arches for Burberry Prorsum Spring 2009. My eyebrows have looked anorexic, they've been overly sculpted and malnourished, penciled, stenciled and manipulated in ways two tiny plots of hair never should be, but they are finally being restored to their natural glory a la Ali! Tweezers have been banished and in their place are now two of my favorite eye-brow enhancers.

(Benefit Cosmetics Speed Brow Eyebrow Gel, Urban Decay Brow Beater)

Green with Envy

(justjared.com)

Jennifer Connelly in Balmain at the "He's Just Not That Into You" premiere.

Eviction Notice

(New York Times)

News surrounding New York Fashion Week remains grim, as it will soon be announced that the venue will move from Bryant Park to Lincoln Center in 2010. Bryant Park has been home to Fashion Week for the past 15 years and costs IMG $1-1.5 million, but apparently Bryant Park Corporation is sick of all this fashion nonsense as it interferes with more important things like skating around an ice rink or lying on the grass. To channel my anger, I've made a list of reasons why Bryant Park must continue to host New York Fashion Week and Lincoln Center is not suitable!

1. Bryant Park is Louboutin walking distance from 4 Times Square. Lincoln Center is on 65th street.

2. The last time I was at Lincoln Center, David Blaine was living in a bubble, or seeing how long he could hold his breath.

3. "Nothing else is as good," said Anna Wintour, regarding Bryant Park.

4. Because tents on opposite sides of New York State Theater mean walking a block between the two. 

5. With Vera Wang, Peter Som, DKNY and more opting out of Fashion Week, a new venue could be a catalyst for other to follow suit. 

What do you think? Add to the list!

What Goes Around, Comes Around

New Look, Topshop, Rag & Bone, Vintage

Today I'm wearing a seven-year-old floral dress from Topshop, just like the new one above, and  it almost got thrown out with the cargo pants and crop tops--the horror!

Revenge of the Nerds

3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2009

I want you, pink glasses.

Don't Look at Me

(popsugar.com)

The Price Is Right

(highsnobiety.com)

Mark your calendars, the Uniqlo Designer Invitation project launches on March 9th with Steven and Alan and Opening Ceremony and then again on April 13th with Shipley & Halmos and Gilded Age. I'm most excited for Steven Alan button downs at under $100--perfect for pairing with little shorts and strutting around like an Olsen.

Hot and Bothered

You would think after last year's Eva Mendes nipplegate: Calvin Klein edition, the brand would have gone a little more Gap and a lot less V mag. Not so, they're back with an even racier ad and a big 'fuck you' to the U.S. television networks. Not to worry though, Europe isn't fazed by super-model orgies.

Star Search

My favorite Brooklyn boutique, Thistle & Clover, is hosting open calls for new designers on February 9th, so if you think you're the next Alexander Wang, be there! P.S. Check out my interview with the co-founders, Rand and Camilla, on the Teen Vogue Beauty Blog

Boot Camp

Forever 21, Free People, Dr. Marten, Mike & Chris.

iloveyoursmile

Waeis Ahluwalia, Lou Doillon. Collette Boutique, Paris.

It girls like to pout,

When staring down at a lens,

But Lou's, red lips smile!

Mind the Gap

Nylon Guys

Okay, everyone needs to cool it with the '90s right now (I'm guilty, for the last post), but this is getting out of hand. This Nylon spread is not inspired by a Gap ad, it is one, and no, not even the Stam can convince me to double polo it, or single polo it for that matter. If you're going to give me '90s Gap at least include the Broadway dance routines. C'mon!

Girl Talk

Converse, Eyeko Punk Polish, Forever 21, Lip Smacker, LeSportSac, Urban Decay

Working at Teen Vogue is making me age backwards! Yesterday the only things I wanted from the beauty closet were a massive Watermelon Lip Smacker (which I displayed proudly on my desk) and some Eyeko glittery nail polishes. Maybe I'm taking the 90s revival a little too seriously. 

Wonder Woman

British superhero + Boobs + Baywatch = Vivienne Westwood, Spring 09 

Ask Emma

Stockholm it-girl, Emma Nygren isn’t afraid to try anything, be it a new trend, city or career path, and her bright, minimalist daily style pictures are truly addictive. Read on for a look inside Emma’s crave-worthy closet.

1.How would you describe your personal style?
I often wear very natural colours, high heels and many layers of clothes.

2.Whose closet would you most like to raid?
Maybe the Olsen twins. I would wear everything they own!

3.If you could meet anyone, living or dead who would it be?
Edie Sedgwick, she’s a very interesting woman. And so beautiful it hurts. Or maybe Andy Warhol, I would really like to know what was going on in his head.

4.Least favorite trends?
I can’t say there is a trend I don’t like. I give everything a chance because I know that what I don’t like today I might die for tomorrow.

5.What are the three most cherished items in your closet?
My grey oversize jacket, my wonderful fur and black vintage “briefcase”.

6.What are your must have beauty products?
Lipbalm from rosebud, and black mascara. That’s all I need!

7.Where are your favorite places to travel?
London and Paris, but I would love to go to New York! I haven’t been there yet.
I really like big cities. I would rather spend my vacation in Paris than in Mexico.

8.One of the most unique things about Emmascloset are the daily photos. How are they taken?
I take (almost) all pictures myself. I recently got a new camera, a Nikon d60, it takes really great pictures! But if I shall be really honest I sometimes change the colours in photoshop afterwards. To me it’s important that my blog gives a great general impression.

9.Emmascloset is an internationally known fashion blog, what was your “I made it” moment?
I guess it was when I realized that I had my own thread at thefashionspot.com. That was very big for me!

10.With the success of Emmascloset, what do you hope to achieve in the future?
I hope this will help me get a job in the fashion industry. My blog is like my diary and my portfolio. I hope someone will notice me and all I have to give. If not, I’m so grateful for all I’ve experienced and all wonderful people I’ve met already.

Shop Brooklyn

Sometimes leaving Brooklyn makes me nervous, as though I'm late and I need to get back immediately! It's really best to just stay on this side of the bridge, especially for shopping. 

A.P.C. Surplus- Half- price discounts on past A.P.C. collections, yes, please!

33 Grand Street

AliKat- When you're feeling nostalgic for teen favorites like Junk Food tees and Hard Tail sweats why not indulge?

225 Court Street

Bird- Paved the way for Brooklyn fashion in the spring of 1999, proving you don't have to leave the borough for 3.1 Phillip Lim, Acne, Maison Martin Margiela Ligne 6, and Stella McCartney.

220 Smith Street

316 Fifth Avenue

203 Grand Street

Built By Wendy- Count on clean lines and classic pieces with an indie touch from Chicago native, Wendy Mullin.

46 North 6th Street

Catbird- For the best selection of new jewelry designers like Digby & Iona and Bittersweets NY.

219 Bedford Avenue

390 Metropolitan Avenue

Jumelle- Stocks my favorite window candy from French designers like Isabel Marant and Sonia Rykiel. The store integrates classic, bohemian  and vintage styles for effortless cool.

148 Bedford Avenue

Sleep- This softly lit Williamsburg space is the French boudoir I wish I had, full of rich colors and candles. The store boasts subtly sexy lingerie by Elle Macpherson, Only Hearts and more. 

110 North 6th Street

Thistle & Clover- A must for sophisticated new designers and timeless pieces--you won't leave empty handed!

221 Dekalb Avenue

Zoe- This spacious and airy DUMBO store has been a mainstay since 1995. The always tanned and stilettoed owner, Lisa Brock,  frequents the shoes in Paris, Milan, New York, and Los Angeles to keep a range of worthwhile investment pieces on the racks.

68 Washington Street

FYI

Happy Friday and get ready for some exciting interviews in the next few weeks--even one with the Queen Bee of Swedish fashion!

Work Force

Wolford Tights, Rebecca Minkoff Nikki Hobo, Pamela Love Cuff, Rag & Bone Double Breasted Jacket, Theory Boots, Generra Twill Pull-On Skirt, Wayfarer Glasses

I have some interview dressing rules for myself that this outfit complies with:

1. No fur- this just gets awkward with animal loving types.

2. No eye- catching prints or generally obnoxious expressions of style.

3. Keep jewelry to a minimum. "But Mary-Kate wears sarcastic amounts of jewelry, why can't I," you say? Because if you want the job, just don't.

4. As I mentioned before, I love skank shoes, but not today. Just go with something tough, but feminine.

5. Non-prescription frames-they made you look smart in middle school, why not now?

Queen Victoria

Victoria Beckham, Russian Vogue

Dear Ms. Wintour,

Although I'll never stop reading American Vogue, could we please have more of this, and less Serena Van Der Woodsen on the cover? 

Okay, thanks. Bye.

 

Your Place or Mine?

Bird, One Night Stand Clutch

Bird handbags have been on my radar since my first internship at Elle Accessories (RIP). The Los Angeles market editor featured one of the exotic bags and was thanked with about five of them! Needless to say she regifted, although not to any of the interns--a very sad turn of events. Liz Carey, the designer behind Bird, is an ex-supermodel/ rocker wife/ actress/ bad bitch, which makes these bags even better. 

Working Girl

Which one of these is not like the others?

Sometimes I like stomping around my apartment in hooker heels. I pretend to be Elizabeth Berkley in Showgirls and say things like 'I'm a dancer!' and pronounce Versace, 'Ver-sayce.' It's a hoot! There's really nothing wrong with slipping the occasional stripper shoe into an outfit when they almost pass for your favorite Gucci's and Giambattista Valli's anyway.

Amélie

I try to see as many French movies as possible so I can continue to pretend I speak the language. This weekend I watched Amelie the story of a 23-year-old woman who had a bizarre and isolated upbringing and enjoys some of my favorite pastimes such as dipping her hand in sacks of grain, cracking creme brulee with a teaspoon, skipping stones, and trying to guess how many couples in Paris are having an orgasm at one moment (in my case Brooklyn) and letting her imagination roam free. After finding a secret box of hidden childhood treasures in her bathroom, left by a previous tenant, Amelie resolves to do good around Montmartre. Of course by doing so she manages to find love with an unusual garcon who works in a sex shop and collects torn up photo booth pictures. Oh, Happy endings! What I really love about this movie though, is Amelie's delightfully nerdy little cardigans and skirts and sensible shoes.

Heavy Metal

JAK&JIL

Love Kate Lanphear's accessory overload at Milan Fashion week? Check out these Forever 21 finds.