TREND FORECAST: toeless tights

my tight, legwarmer, and toeless sock order arrived!

Every winter tights and legwarmers come back into the picture, mainly as a cute option for warm winterwear. This fall and coming spring is no exception. With platform peep toe shoes ruling the runways and streets both this fall and also on spring's runways, and leggings still continuing to prevail as the pant of choice, I've been noticing a newer trend happening- longer leggings that cover the heel and most of the arch of the foot- basically full tights with the toes cut off.

on the runway

balenciaga, from style.com

alexander wang, from style.com

on the street-

the past few days I've seen a lot of pics showing the stirrup / toeless tight look, but unfortunately I can't seem to find any pics of what I was looking at...so I guess you just have to use your imagination...!

Though this style has been around, it is all the more apparent now that open toe shoes are the trend. I've been seeing more stirrups, and that's going to continue morphing into toeless and even heel-less (i bought some! pic above) versions. Tights and other leg coverings are the easiest and cheapest way to freshen up an old oufit- just take a look at Sheena at the Uniform Project. The best part is that the 80s flashdance style legwarmer has been reinterpreted, and you're going to start seeing it a LOT more. I believe in my prediction so much (or rather, I was inspired to spruce up some of my looks) that I caved and bought an assortment of legwear to satisfy any whim when it hits:

-loooong slouchy legwarmer-esque socks

-not quite so long slouchy socks

-fuzzy leg warmers

-japanese leg warmers more like thin socks without feet

-japanese tabi socks- toeless and heeless

I'd totally layer all of these. Maybe with a sheer tight underneath, or with a looser legwarmer over. I'm sure you're wondering about the striped tabi socks- I imagine them with my red ballet flats and leggings.  I can also see the orange leg warmers layered with shades of grey (no black!), or worn low covering just the arch/heel/lower calf, layered over another open toe tight. Such a cute pop under boots too. Can't wait for it to start getting cooler (yes, another heatwave in LA..boo!)

TREND FORECAST: textured knitwear

Why aren't there many good knitwear designers in the US? It's a dying art, but there is a breath of life left in the handmade art in Eurpe and Australia. I am completely inspired by these designers I stumbled upon- only found by doing a decent amount of research hunting down knit designers. It's actually a bit difficult to search, especially for any US designers, but once I found the right vein, there were inspired designers by the handfull. I was happy to have stumbled upon Knit Kicks, who does a great job of showcasing knit newcomers that have already made an impact on the scene.

I love love LOVE textured knits, from cables to ropes and braids, great knits add a sort of refind artiness to outfits that many other fabrics can't quite acheive. It adds an interest that works so well with other silkier fabrics for layering, but ultimately great textured knits add a sort of human element a garment. One that makes you want to wrap yourself in knitted chunky coziness. One that makes a person appear "soft". The new knits come in a wide range, from soft and fine to sculpted and shaped. Here are a few striking designs from some designers I spotted- and you can be sure I will be spotlighting a few of these! Enjoy these labor-intensive wearable works of art- just a few of the great artists Knit Kicks has highlighted.

derek lawlor, style.com

sarah backlund, another magazine

craig lawrence, another magazine

beatrice k newman

Hmm...makes me think. If you want to be a successful designer in the US, the thing to take up just might be knitting. You'd have a whole technique/style/genre of fashion to yourself (well, you along with Rodarte), but you'd have most of the market cornered...! Know any good US based knit (not jersey knit) designers? Let me know if I skipped any- but some designers spotlights to come soon!

LIFE: late night confession

"spooky owl" from redbubble.com, copyright Justin Aerni

There is something about doing what I love, researching inspiring things, listening to good music, and surfing the internet in the middle of the night that makes me feel a bit indulgent. For a born night-owl like me, there is a small version of myself in my head, 15 years old again, expecting to hear my mom yell at me to go to bed. It's like a constant reading-under-the-covers-with-a-flashlight feeling. It's when I get the best ideas. It's when my best work is done. I hope that feeling never goes away.

INSPIRATION: the uniform project

Okay, so I know this has been around for a while. (176 days to be exact.)- but the video is new! I had come across this blog before and then couldn't quite remember where I had stashed the link. I suddenly thought about it today while browing blogs and looking through many girls' daily outfit posts and changes, realizing how many of them didn't quite reuse many of their pieces, but instead always show what pretty new things they've bought.

If you haven't heard about The Uniform Project, it is an exercise in sustainable fashion by Sheena Matheiken. She is wearing the same little black dress (with 7 copies) every day for a year, changing up accessories, footwear, and various layers to keep the looks fresh. She is doing this with minimal additional spending, instead reusing, rethinking, and repuurposing things she either already owns, or with items donated by her supporters.Ultimately, the daily blog is serving a higher purpose, and for every day that Sheena doesn't buy new clothing or accessories, she puts that money towards the Ankanksha Foundation, a grassroots organization built to raise edutcation funding in Indian slums. Her mission statement can be found here.

the dress by itself

for the coney island mermaid parade

dainty vintage

love the headscarf and sleeves

one of my favorites. so subtle and feminine but clean and unfussy.

today. adorable Sheena of the uniform project, with etsy-designer donated accessories
pictures and video credits: the uniform project

I really appreciate this attitude toward fashion. It takes away the disposable nature of modern clothing and instead makes wearers think creatively and indirectly makes a statement about longevity. (even with 7 copies, if each dress is washed per wearing, it needs to stand up to 52 washings- take that F21!!!)  In some ways, this is actually more difficult to do than simply going out to buy whatever it is you might need on a whim. I came across another blog, CAGreinvented, who was also smitten by Sheena's project. So smitten, she took her on in a Little Black Dress Showdown. It was interesting to read how CAG was wiped out by the end of the challenge- it takes a lot more creativity and thought to rethink and re-purpose an item- fashion or not- and is something we should all do more of.

Over the past year I've been purging myself of any extraneous clothing, shoes, and accessories that are not necessary or haven't been used in a while. Though it feels refreshing to have less, it is also a contradiction- as a stylist, you never know what gem you'll dig out that will finish off a killer look. Guess that's the chance I'll just have to take...

STATE OF THE UNION: Documentary- Schmatta

 

 

credits: HBO

I REALLY want to see this HBO documentary on the garment industry in the US, "Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags." Though it's focus is on New York, the fashion capital of America, its message on manufacturing in the states is the same no matter NY or LA. Having worked in LA's apparel industry at a company that produced everything locally in Los Angeles, this film really hits home. It was difficult to compete against other companies who outsourced to Asia and other countries, and the direct outcome defintely hit hard. The film trailer states that in 1965, 95% of American fashion was produced in New York's garment center. Now, in 2009, it is down to 5%.

American Apparel isn't the only American manufacturer fighting the good fight...just one of the more visible ones...

Unfortunately, I don't have HBO or I would have seen it yesterday. Anyone want to share?

LIFE: impoverished LA?

somehow this looks pretty familiar... (previous post pic)

look- they have sateen tool and organza tafta!

Driving around in South Los Angeles yesterday with the windows rolled down during strange heat wave, I was hit in the face with the stench of rotting garbage. It was like a slap in the face, and I recoiled in shock, trying not to inhale. I find it often smells like that in the area, with the unrelenting sun beating down on the concrete jungles of the area south of Downtown without a breeze for relief- but yesterday was the worst.

You're wondering what this has to do with fashion? LA's largest and most visible clothing lines are located in South LA, mostly Vernon, to be exact. Guess, BCBG, and True Religion are among the many manufacturers that call Vernon home, not only producing goods overseas but also right in here in Los Angeles.

The stench was one that was instantly familiar, and I was immediately transported back to Cambodia. Fresh on my mind from the previous post, the smell of trash, heat, rotting trash (because of the heat), and pollution,  along with the sights, sounds, and smells of outdoor food stands and trucks rattling by left me confused. I felt a strange familiarty tug at my heart having spent 6 months in South East Asia, but was also repulsed at the same time. We are really all not that different from Cambodia, after all.

LIFE: LA fashion week

me! hanii y top, h&m skirt, killer pierre dumas shoes, hue tights, boyfriend's belt

fellow stylist Camille Yvette in her amazing fringe top

It's been a busy week. Running around pulling for multiple shoots left me little time and energy to really absorb the scene that is LA fashion week. This weekend marked the "official" close to LA fashion "Week" for Spring/Summer 2010 -and was just the start of the festivities around the rest of the city. After peeping a few fresh outfits out of the crowd at Chic Little Devil's party with Jerell Scott, we went down the street for Lost In A Supermarket at T&A Showroom. It was a refreshing sight, with the crowd a wide mix of people and styles.The vibe was less LA scene, and more underground NY. Camille turned heads with her vintage fringe top and white denim combo. Completely eye catching and totally on-trend, the look was also totally her.

STYLED: Another AfroStyle Magazine Editorial- Behind the Scenes, Issue 2

custom feather shoulder epaulets (by me!)

styling the feathers on Beatrice, the model

here's me hidden behind Beatrice(as usual)

it takes two: editor-in-chief Amaka with Camille tying a Nigerian gele (headwrap) on Beatrice.

Here's a sneak peek at the recent "AfroCouture" shoot for AfroStyle Magazine. I styled the gorgeous looks along with Camille Yvette, a fellow stylist and friend. A super shoot with celebrity photographer Kate sZatmari with highly stylized looks that will definitely command attention. We went with the great strong silhouettes of the fall/holiday season, vibrant color, and rich patterns and texture for the magazine's holiday release.

INSPIRATION: travel memories

I was going through a friend's blog and reading about his recent trip to Senegal, and looking through pictures from his travels. His feelings of reverse culture shock, and acute awareness of the little things we not only take for granted here but consume in excess, reminded me of my experiences during (and upon return from) my yearlong backpacking trip through South East Asia. (another blog)

I appreciate the call back to basics, and while it is currently fashion week here in LA, I remember that there is more to life than running around from party to party. I appreciate the many experiences- not only the luxury of free time I had, and of course pretty postcard locales, but also the uncomfortable feelings that ultimately resulted in learning and growth.

In the world of fashion and styling, it is easy to get caught up in appearances, or who/what is the newest, hottest, coolest thing...but I am really liking the small changes that happening now that consumers are becoming more conscious about what they are spending their money on...because there are more important things than being the best dressed one out there. Being the mindful of the world around you, and putting yourself out there, can be the best, most beautiful thing you can do for yourself. These pics are just my visual reminder to step out and become a little uncomfortable once in a while.

A peek inside my head...

These pics are in no way representative of my entire trip, only a hint...

though I would definitely say that most of my "learning" happened in Cambodia.

wat suan mok silent meditation retreat, surat thani, thailand

concrete bed and wooden pillow at wat suan mok

bug snacks at the central market, phnom penh, cambodia

 local gas station, phnom penh, cambodia

phsar kandal market at night, phnom penh, cambodia

STATE OF THE UNION: Richard Chai Love

 
credits: style.com

Not to be a killjoy on the current state of our economy, here is another post on how the recession is affecting our consumer driven lives. Richard Chai's new secondary line, Richard Chai Love is taking a proactive step towards adapting to the fashion consumer's current lifestyle. Instead of denying reality by declaring that he is "so over" the recession like many other designers out there, Richard Chai embraced his customers and decided to show his secondary line during his Spring 2010 runway slot instead of his primary high fashion line. I'm loving all of it, and feel an unmistakable 90's era (read: recession) return to grunge and minimalism in both the same line.

Do people really want to see designer fantasies played out on the runway, or is the fashion on the runways out of touch with reality? We'll see how (or if) Chai's choice affects his numbers once the clothing is available to the masses.

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: Prabal Gurung

credits: style.com

I really liked the soft, detailed, structured looks of Prabal Gurung's SS2010 collection. My favorite looks were the white bow-tie lapel suit, the white one-shoulder dress with the feather underlay, and the beige dress with black gauze "bandage-wrappings" (hinting at a bit goth). I'm a sucker for muted neutrals, especially sheer blacks, and hard-to-name beige and blush tones. Gurung's clothes stood out from the rest, precisely tailored, crisp and clean, and tastefully dramatic. None of the pieces were screaming for attention, while all of them were definitely attracting it in a effortlessly chic way. Makes me hope that I'd appear just as effortless if I were to wear them...

STATE OF THE UNION: retail signs

A few weeks ago, AFTER the arrival of "new" fall merchandise, this is what the salesfloor of a popular Bay Area Nordstrom looked like. The expanse of empty carpet felt naked to me, and I had NEVER seen a salesfloor this empty before. EVER. It is interesting to see how one retailer dealt with the plummeting sales numbers- by buying as tight as possible, and not hanging on to any excess merchandise. Anyone who has ever merchandised a store will focus a detailed eye on the singular face-outs attached to full hangbars on the wall...which would normally be full of clothes.

It would be very very interesting to see this image in a side-by-side comparison with Macy's, who appeared to have the exact opposite philosophy at the exact same time. (unfortunately I didn't take any) "Pre-fall" sales racks cluttered the sales floor, and items were marked down in huge percentages before their selling seasons had even begun.

Today I visited Loehmanns, where normally finding a great deal feels like a treasure hunt. I usually have to sift through racks and racks until I find something that doesn't scream "leftovers." Today, however, I happened to catch the designer clearance sale. There were actually many racks full of great jackets and skirts- ones I would actually be excited to wear! But though discounted, their prices were still pretty killer. There seemed to be a large discrepancy between things priced in the $100 range, and then a leap into the $500 range. Of course, all of the great pieces I loved were in the $700-$1000 range. Darn this expensive eye of mine! A thousand dollars is still a thousand dollars, no matter how great the designer....

A non-clothing related sign: Take a look at these Cheez-Its spotted yesterday while grocery shopping, . Notice their price (yah, i know it's kind of small)- $3.69 for the SMALL box and $2.99 for the LARGER box. Granted, this wasn't a discount store (it was Gelsons), but I'm sure the price difference is visible even at larger chain supermarkets. I believe the bigger box is from the older stock, at the previous price...and the smaller box is from the new stock, at the new price point. We're going to be paying more...for less.

Kind of sounds like the Payless slogan, doesn't it? Only, in reverse...

Can't wait to see how the spring lines roll out in the stores.

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: Rodarte SS2010

 credit: style.com

Though I'm still looking at the numberous spring collections, with more to come, one line in particular had captured my attention a couple of weeks ago- and continued to hold it. The spring offerings from Rodarte feel inspired, pretty, distressed, textured, airy, and heavy all at once. Though other designers also had interesting and creative pieces within their collections, Rodarte had a collection consisting of one strong look after another. I really like the yellow lighting/fog and black grit runway as well. Very well thought out and excecuted collection.