WHAT is in the kool-aid at Boy. Band of Outsiders?? Every piece they’re churning out is more perfect than the next. How?? How do they keep outdoing themselves??

If I could cherry pick any brand in the world to sponsor me, this one would be it – unequivocally. 70% of items on my “to buy” list this year are by Band of Outsiders.

I’m infatuated with their rock ‘n roll take on classics; and this white blazer is noo exception. I swear my heart skipped a beat when I first saw this today. I may have even shrieked.

The perfect sibling to this black blazer, this white number is a timeless classic; a wardrobe staple. I’m obsessed with the leather detailing (on the lapel and buttons) – but then again, when am I not infatuated with leather.

Plus, this featured white blazer is cotton. Parfait.

When picking a white blazer, I strooongly urge you to choose cotton over silk. A silk blazer – especially in white – isn’t pragmatic. It wrinkles asap, and the silk attracts dirt like white on rice. I have yet to wear a white silk blazer once without it requiring a trip to the dry cleaners by days end.

Learn from my trials. Avoid white silk.

Photos by Amelia Rose Blaire

Catchy title, eh? Excuse the Oprah mag cover semantics. I can never resist a good (or obvious) word play.

As I’ve stipulated before, I am not a dress person. I have no issues with dresses or skirts – especially on other peeps; I’ve just found they don’t parlay into my lifestyle. I spend an inordinate amount of time in my car (welcome to LA, girrl). Subsequently, I eat most of my meals in transit- an obvious disgrace to my European relatives, am  prone to getting things wrinkled in 10 seconds flat, and accidentally flashing people (mainly valets) when undemurely exiting my vehicle. TMI? This is why I love pants.

So what am I doing in a dress (besides being a dancing hypocrite)? Well, I came across this Temperley London dress while cleaning out my closet(s). Its years old and I’m ashamed to say I forgot I had it. Anyway, clearly a purchase from my Dita Von Teese / 50′s inspired phase, I couldn’t bare myself to break up with it. It’s handmade and exquisitely cut – apropos of all Alice Temperley designed clothes – and a wearable piece of art as far as I’m concerned. It felt sacrilegious to keep it stuffed in a closet, so I decided to give it a twirl in real daylight. A super feminine (and delicate) dress, I felt like I was getting a lovely break from myself. Clothes do hold a transformational power.

Of course I changed into J Brands and a T right after these photos were taken.

]]> http://www.wearareyougoing.com/outfits-gals/spring-into-spring/feed/ 0 http://www.wearareyougoing.com/how-to/custom-design-converse-sneaks/ http://www.wearareyougoing.com/how-to/custom-design-converse-sneaks/#comments Mon, 14 May 2012 20:43:59 +0000 admin http://www.wearareyougoing.com/?p=8056

Celebs rocking Converse sneakers: Gisele Bundchen, Jennifer Aniston, Nicole Richie 

I never thought much of Converse sneaks until I was at JFK airport several years back, waiting at my terminal to board a flight to Heathrow. Knowing me, I’m sure I was wolfing down a Diet Coke and pizza (this was before I found out I was allergic to dairy – joy!!), while perusing Vogue.

I was immediately taken out of my food/fashion haze/bubble the moment a striking blond woman sat down across from me. She had a Carolyn Bessette Kennedy-esque look: straight, long blond hair, piercing blue eyes, minimal make-up, Birkin bag in tow. She was wearing small diamond studs, a white T, black blazer, a Hermes belt (I think it was green), fitted blue jeans, and…..white Converse sneaks. (I have a freakish memory when it comes to memorable outfits…hah!)

I remember feeling surprised by her sneaks, because they seemed soooo contrary to the rest of her ensemble (and its price tag). Yet my instant reaction was, “I need to get a pair of white Converse sneakers.”

And I did. Five years later, I still wear them all the time. I’ve grown to love their practicality and minimalist look. Plus, if you’re prone to wearing designer pieces (like me), Converse sneaks can be a great way to downplay (perceived) pretentiousness – or inaccessibility.

However, my white Converse are due for an upgrade, and I know just what I’m gonna replace them with:

Can you tell they’re leather?? I’m sooo excited. And even more so  ’cuz I designed them myself.

You can too, by clicking here.

Wanted to give ya a quick shout out on this glorious Monday, ‘cuz some new goodies have just been updated to “Shop My Closet!”

As pictured from left to right, tops by Anna Sui (size 2), Matthew Williamson (x-small/UK size eight) and Milly, size 4 are currently up for grabs:

Additional pics and info available here.

Happy shopping!

1. Barefoot Contessa Cookbook Collection (Includes three books: Cookbook, Parties!, and Family Style)

2. Chanel No. 5 Perfume (Although perfume is an incredibly personal choice, but this one is a definite classic) 

3. Kelly Wearstler Woodgrain Scarf

4. Weston iPhone Case

5. Pippa Small Ring (18-karat gold)

6. Mulberry Continental Wallet

7. Diptyque Violette Candle

8. Weston Calcite Journal

*Mum and I (in Lilly Pulitzer) in Santorini, Greece circa 2002*

It’s easy to say someone’s amazing, but in the case of my mother it really is true. She’s a trailblazer with an infectious love of life. The only one of her sisters to graduate from college (and then Columbia grad school), she traveled around the world on a boat after college. She’s fluent in three languages (English, Japanese, Spanish), and while living in Columbia she got her pilot’s license. She’s an astounding cook, known to create delectable, creative dishes on a whim (a salad of crunchy, unripened peaches, diced celery, and a sweet homemade dressing is one of my faves). She’s an incredible pianist; I can always deduce her mood by the song she’s playing when I walk through the door. Oh, and did I mention she’s an avid sailor and skier ? (It’s solely thanks to my Mum that I too can ski, sail, and read music.) What. a. slacker.

I will forever be in awe of my mother’s gregarious nature and ability to  make friends everywhere (even in line at the grocery store) ; her entrepreneurial spirit (thanks for passing that onto me;) ; and her complete lack of criticism (particularly regarding my appearance or weight – even during my goth stage). I’m consistently inspired by her gumption and fierce independence. I’m particularly grateful that she raised me to be emotionally honest and open.

I once heard you choose your parents. You may disagree, but I wholeheartedly feel my Mum and I chose each other. I know our relationship has humbled, challenged and inspired us both. I can’t wait see what this next chapter brings. My ambition’s rooted in my desire to give as much to my Mum as much as she’s given me. xx

*Jeans: J Brand Zoey, Shoes: Miu Miu, T and Sunnies: Forever21*  

Photos by Amelia Rose Blaire

This afternoon my ADD took hold and I ventured into a decrepit alleyway behind my favorite coffeehouse. Luckily, I didn’t bump into a crack dealer. Instead, I was met with this timely message: “We’re clever but we’re clueless.” Obviously, I started laughing immediately. And I use the preface “obviously” because “clever but clueless” is the most apt description of me I’ve come across…in weeks. (Also, what great self-awareness on the part of the – criminal – grafitti artists. So many layers of hypocrisy there.)

I’m quick with biting comebacks, but lacking in street smarts (which is ironic, because I was born in NYC). For example, this weekend I asked my American sister if she could get us tickets to “The Book of Mormon.” Her response: “Yo no sé.” My response: “You know, there’s another word for that.” Her: “What’s that?” Me: “Pretentious.” (Granted, I am totally guilty of interchanging Spanish/English/French words in texts…so by default, I’m pretentious too.)

Other talents include quoting the entirety of “Bridget Jones’ Diary”  (in character) and confidently driving a stick (shift); all invaluable life skills, clearly.

However, when it comes to anything pragmatic, I’m clueless. I’ve worn 5″ platforms to the dog park (on a hill no less) more than once; all the scratches on my car are from ineffectively backing in/out of my garage; I assumed electricity just “came with the house” until I got my first place; and yesterday I mistook a bottle of shampoo for face wash.

I’m immune to embarrassing moments. Which is why my style is decidedly non-feminine. As long as I’m wearing pants, I never need to worry about flashing someone as I get out of my car.

*Proenza Schouler PS 11 Tote, Alberto Aspin Chambray Shirt, Boy by Band of Outsiders Long Blazer (w/ Leather Trim)*

*J Brand “Zoey”*

*Christian Louboutin “Janice”*

Considering my go-to brand right now is called Boy. by Band of Outsiders, it’s not coincidental that I’ve also been buying myself mens shirts – for myself. I was having no luck finding basics – like a chambray shirt that wasn’t “frou frou she she”- in the women’s section of anything. The wash was either off or the buttons looked cheap. Why is it always so difficult to find the simplest pieces?? (Note to self if ever have the opportunity to collaborate on a collection.)

Just when I was about to give up, I decided to check out the mens department at Barneys – aka my fashion utopia. (If you’re a woman, I urge you to do the same sometime; particularly when amidst the trenches of low self-esteem. The attention you’ll get from the lads will have you feeling back on top in no time.) Anyway, thank God my ADD brought me to the fourth floor; because it ’twas there that I found the chambray shirt of my dreams. Perfect shade of blue, great cut; no off-puting faded wash.

Let’s just say I’ve made peace with the fact that I am not drawn to feminine clothes…quite literally. So naturally I love styling men. And now, evidently, wearing their clothes.

If you’re reading this and scoffing that you’d never be caught dead in the mens department of anything (for yourself), I ask you: Does it really matter where anything came from? No. What counts is the cut, fit, craftmanship and versatility.

Which is why I’m only investing in basics this year – and urge you to do the same. Here’s why. I’ve observed with myself – and all the other peeps I know with extensive closets – that in spite of a grand aesthetic inventory, there are about ten pieces we all seem to wear consistently. And, ironically for me anyway, I was least enthused by these pieces when I purchased them. Like my Burberry tuxedo blazer I bought many years ago and can’t remember why…oh wait, got it. That was the period when I was obsessed with Kate Moss. She’d been rocking a tuxedo blazer consistently, so naturally I had to get one too – by the same designer.

Call me a magpie, but I just don’t squeal for joy at the prospect of buying a white button down – the way I do when I think of a black beaded Temperley cocktail dress.

But now I’m challenging my narrow minded (read: obnoxious) belief that simple things are boring. To that end, thankfully all my favorite designers have come out with basic pieces that have just enough edge to keep me and my ADD brain interested; like classically cut black blazer with a leather lapel and leather buttons – or black pants with silver zippers. These little touches add a definitive cool factor without overpowering the classic (and arguably timeless) versatility of the piece.

*Sweater: Matthew Williamson (old). Top: Rag & Bone. Jeans: J Brand. Shoes: Chloe (old). Bag: Mulberry. Sunnies: Vintage Dior*
Photos by Amelia Rose Blaire 

This week has been full of firsts. Week one of my vegan detox? Check. First visit to a clothing factory (J Brand)? Check check. Oddly, both experiences have left me feeling emotionally frayed and vulnerable.  Never paid much heed to where my clothes came from/who made them/what ingredients are in the food I eat/what farm/factory that food comes from. I don’t consider myself a political person, but I totally get why people – myself wholeheartedly included – choose to be ignorant. Once you force yourself to look under the hood, you can’t go back.

ANYWAY. My trip to the J Brand factory was followed by a trip to the J Brand factory OUTLET. Ah-mazing. To the point where I may define all odds and become one of those mothers that’s like, “Come on kids! Time to hit the outlets!!” But really, when you know there’s a place that sells your favorite brand for 75% off, why would you ever go back? Let’s just say I plan on making a monthly pilgrimage and stock piling up on J Brands while I’m living in LA. I wear these jeans almost exclusively – they’re the only brand that consistently fit me to a T (fellow girls with curves, take note). Plus, their styles are never “frou frou chi chi.” Great cut, and no obnoxious emblems or logos – or sales people. Isn’t it great when all those things collide?

Today marks an exciting new instalment on my blog – Shop My Closet! I’m in a constant process of acquiring/recycling items through my styling work, and looking to itemise my closet down to pieces I love and regularly use. If you like what I wear on my blog, you’ll love Shop My Closet. Updated regularly, this page will feature unique, pre-owned vintage and designer pieces – available for a fraction of their retail cost (sans tax). As an extra incentive, I will be donating 10% of gross proceeds to a non-fashion-related cause. This summer I’m giving to Paul Newman’s The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp – a no-fee camp in CT for children and families coping with terminal illness.’

Below, you can check out my current, favorite for-sale items.

Pop on over to the Shop My Closet page for full details and listing of available goodies!

Vintage Glass Necklace 

Chloe Paddington Bag

Michael Kors Leather Jacket