A Tree Grows

The Coveted

(ssense.com)


(shopbop.com)

Three of my favorite pieces from Skirt were the Cupcake Bomber Jacket by Diane Von Furstenberg, and the Pheasant Feather and Ruffled Chiffon Mini Skirts by Haute Hippie. The leather on the jacket was so soft and light, and I love the collar. It's the perfect mix of tough and girlie. The leather is a good weight for the spring weather. The jacket is also available in beige, but I prefer the black.

I couldn't stop staring at these skirts. I love minis and feathers and if I had money I would spend it on the entire Haute Hippie line along with Haute Hippie Nude, which produces the world's greatest, softest, most covetable oversized cardigans made of silk, cotton, and cashmere. These along with HH's cute, flirty dresses, oxfords with attached necklaces, and sequined minis are all available at Skirt.

I'm here for you she said, and we can stay for a while

Long Sleeve Shirt: Martin + Osa, Tank top: American Eagle Outfitters, Skirt: Tracy Feith for Target, Belt: My Mom's from the 80s(?), Shoes: Made by Elves, Necklace: J. Crew, Earrings: Gift

Today was the 2nd and last day of Senior Inquiry at Skirt. I really enjoyed my time there. The boutique is well edited and carries some great brands including: DVF, Mainline favorite: Tory Burch, Theory, Cynthia Steffe, Shoshanna, and my new favorite: Haute Hippie. I am lusting after their ruffled leather jacket by DVF, a one shouldered bead detailed Shoshonna dress, Theory oxford shirts, and feathered or sequined Haute Hippie mini skirts. They also carry jeans from such great lines as 7 For All Mankind, Hudson, and AG, amazing shoes for summer, and cute, unique costume jewelry at reasonable prices. I picked up a stunning, sparkling pair of earrings to wear to prom. The women who work at the store are so friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable about the fit of the garments and what to wear to flatter all body types. I am so thankful that they allowed me to help out at the shop with them.

And I would like to call it beauty

Long sleeve top and tank: American Eagle Outfitters, Skirt: Juicy Couture, Shoes: L.A.M.B., Scarf: Collection Eighteen, Sunglasses: Cynthia Rowley

Today was my first day of Senior Inquiry at the great Bryn Mawr Boutique, Skirt . I'm so tired now that I am going to take a nap. I'll try to post about my experience later this week. I am in love with my new scarf though. It has taken me a while to find one that I really like because it seems like everyone and their mom had a flowered or buffalo plaid one. I got this one at Marshalls last Friday. What do you think?

Spring Cleaning

Since I've been blogging for a while now, I figured it was time to add a little more to the Mainstream Misfit Visual Experience. The new header is a tempera painting I did a few years ago that I think befits the blog well. It's part of a series of two identical still-lives, except one is painted in dark colors and one in brights. This one had a very different feel from its sister, which is painted in shades of purple, beige, olive, grey, and navy.

Loves

BCBG Paris Chloe Leather Kooba Booties

Spring Fever

My dad said yesterday, "Isn't it amazing that it can reach 70 degrees in winter?" Now it is Spring and a beautiful day to get free water ice at Rita's! This was such an amazing week, weather wise (besides Monday) and today is no exception since it's going up to 72 degrees in my area! If you happen to be stuck inside today, here's some cool modern art for you to enjoy. I am generally not a big fan of modern art but I LOVE pop-art and I loved this painting that I saw at the Met. I'm so sorry that I forgot who it's by. The colors are so vibrant, happy, and perfect for Spring.

The Formerly Title-less Post!

Blazer: Proenza Schouler for Target, Yellow Tank Top: Loomstate, White Tank Top: Mossimo Target, Jeans: Levi's, Shoes: Payless, Necklace: J. Crew, Earrings: Gift
The weather here is so rainy and dreary. I tried to pick my spirits up by wearing this outfit to a musical my friend was performing in last night. It was amazingly and so funny. One of my friends was wondering when I was going to wear these jeans again and I wore them the day after she was thinking about them. I love them so much.


When people think of art, the sometimes fail to think of the artistic qualities of furniture or fabric. This is a photo I took at the Met in the mirror of a cool vanity with what I believe to be a Paul Poiret textile in the back, though I'm not too sure I read that correctly. I love how the mirror is held up by two silver peacocks. Got to go, have a great weekend, even if you're stuck in the rain.

Winter's Cold is Too Much to Handle (Polar Pleasures)

Does the thought of another cold winter with record snowfall give you the chills? Are you tired of freezing your arse off while trying to look cute in thin tights or itchy wool/angora sweaters? Do you wish you didn't have to resort to wearing Uggs or leggings that could cause unsightly camel-toes? If you answered yes to any of these questions, Karl Lagerfeld has provided you with a solution. Behold the Chanel furry bodysuit! This faux fur suit will keep you warm all winter long without the discomfort of the aforementioned items. Get a leg up on mother nature and purchase one when they hit stores in July. You can even get a matching one for your boyfriend!

But seriously, the Chanel show was great, as it prominently featured faux fur (yay!) in nearly every ensemble. If it wasn't on the clothes then it was on the shoes. There was also an abundance of knits, crafted with close-to-couture techniques. And of course, the set design and presentation were unique and memorable. Models walked through a Scandinavian iceberg as it melted around them. If there is another winter like the one we just experienced, we will definitely be prepared.

Hidden in Plain Sight

Today I am highlighting a certain building across the street from the Met. The facades of the 5th Ave. buildings are so beautiful and unique and I love how they pop up between more modern looking buildings. The architectural detailing is so ornate and adds to the charm of the Central Park area. Sitting on the steps of the Met, Gossip Girl style, and just looking out onto 5th and taking in all the sights and sounds of one of the most stunning areas of the city is something I revel in. In the midst of all this hustle and bustle, I felt calm and at ease, peaceful, tranquil. I didn't want to leave.

*Alexander McQueen's final collection was shown today. It was one of the most beautiful collections I have ever seen. The fabric and prints of 16 looks call to mind the days of well dressed, opulent royalty, but the gilded cuts are totally modern. It was a fitting tribute to McQueen. The collection can be seen here.

New York I Love You

Blazer: J. Crew, Vintage Silk Blouse (Stolen from my mother): Sunny Leigh, Lace Trimmed Tank Top: American Eagle Outfitters, Jeans: Paige Premium Denim, Shoes: Urban Outfitters, Necklace: H&M

Today is the first day of a series of posts about my field trip to one of my favorite places in the world, The Metropolitan Museum of Art! Naturally I begin with the obligatory outfit post. I love this blouse that my mom wore back in the '80s. It's so light and the perfect thing to wear underneath a heavy velvet blazer. The necklace complemented the blouse's neckline while cascading down between the blazer's lapels. The weather was beautiful and I saw some great art and architecture so check back all this week for some exclusive photos and commentary.

*Oh and if you see a close up of the Prada dress I loved at the Oscars, it's covered with mini scissors and kitchen utensils!

Oscar Fashion

Anna Kendrick looked demure in this light, ethereal Elie Saab Haute Couture gown. This was one of the more successful Oscar looks that debuted on the Couture catwalks in January. Rachel McAdams also wore Elie Saab, a billowing watercolor print gown, and she looked great to.


Not only was Sandra Bullock the best actress winner, she was also a winner on the red carpet in this antique beaded Marchesa. The dress was heavy, but it was totally worth it. Simply stunning.


Gabourey Sidibe, also in Marchesa, saved her best look of the award show season for last. This cetrainly was, in her words, "the money look." The color and cut of the dress were perfect for her.


Elizabeth Banks went with Versace and what a good choice! The ruffles on the skirt and were fun and flirty and the swirled, gathered fabric drew attention to her small waist.


Cameron Diaz looked stunning in shimmering gold Oscar de la Renta. Keeping the hair and jewelry simple with just a pop of bright red on the lips were key to pulling off this look.


In an awards so season when many celebrities played it safe, Jennifer Lopez did not fall into the bland trap by donning a sweeping Armani Privé gown. Surprisingly, she claimed that one of the reasons she loved this dress so much because she could walk in it despite its abundance of fabric. (Photo: x17)


The best dressed of the night, in my opinion, goes to Carey Mulligan who sparkled in Prada.

There were a few more looks that I liked (such as the always classy Kate Winslet in YSL) but the prevailing trend on the red carpet was toned down. I applaud those who took risks, but found that some of these risks did not pay off. Zoe Saldala's Givenchy Haute Couture gown, while breathtaking on the runway, just looked too busy on the red carpet. Sarah Jessica Parker wore Chanel Haute Couture, but although it was draped nicely, the yellow color made her look more like a Oscar statue than a shining celebrity. I think she would have faired better in one of the white or pink versions. Charlize Theron's custom made Christian Dior was a great color but the large rosettes that covered her bust were awkward and distracting. Miley Cyrus, in Jenny Packham, appeared to be slouching the entire night and the bust of her gown seemed disconnected from the skirt. Vera Farmiga was another Marchesa fan and her dress made the biggest statement of the night with the biggest ruffles. I'd never wear it but it's good to see someone who's not afraid to wear what she loves. Congrats to all the winners!

Last Dance

Dress: DKNY Jeans, Shoes: Calvin Klein, Headband: Express, Earrings: Charter Club (Macy*s), Bracelet: Gift from a friend

Last night was the father daughter dance at my school, the last one for me. I have to upload a photo of the fabric of this dress, it features embossed flowers with little silvery threads running through it. I decided that instead of wearing a necklace, I would sport the bling in my hair with this bejeweled gray satin ribbon headband. The earrings, bracelet and my favorite snakeskin evening shoes finished the look.

The Oscars are tonight! Check back tomorrow for my favorite looks from the red carpet. Anyone have any predictions?

Pure Gold

My usual 4-5 photo summary would not be enough to show off the genius of Nicolas Ghesquiere's Fall 2010 collection for Balenciaga.



The construction, the colors, those SHOES!! People have talked of the "modernization" of fashion, but I feel that some of the collections, such as Jil Sander, that many have been lauding as fashion for the fast paced lifestyle of today's woman, are cold and stern. This collection has transformed the mundane into the beauty of right now. The shapes are new, the colors are somewhat springy and evoke a happy mood, the shoes are unique but familiar. And those pieces with the words!!! I am dying for them. I love magazines and fonts so much, that I believe that these clothes really embody my feelings towards the print media (a future paperless society-let's not get too crazy). Style.com has compared Ghesquiere to an alchemist, but he has accomplished what the alchemists of yore could never do, he has turned the ordinary into pure gold.

Read into It

Have you ever walked in the bookstore and gazed at a beautiful coffee-table book that detailed the life and work of your favorite designer? Did you ever decide that you were going to purchase one of these books only to find that it had at $95+ price tag. Did you ever place the book down and walk out of the store with a small tear in you eye? I know all about that. I also know that some of the best fashion books are quite affordable. In honor of World Book Day I am showcasing The Sartorialist by Scott Schuman and Fashion Illustration by Fashion Designers by Laird Borrelli. These books offer a lot of inspiration for not a lot of money.


As soon I found out that Schuman's book was available for pre-order at Barnes&Noble.com I quickly grabbed my gift card and logging into the site. I purchased it at a discounted price at 11:45 pm on a night in July and waited eagerly for it to arrive in August. This fabulous paperback contains many of Mr. Schuman's greatest photographs and is only $25. Even if you don't have a computer at the ready, you can revisit the looks that drew you to his blog in the first place. Anytime I am looking for outfit inspiration this book is one of the first sources I consult.



Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci Illustrations

I purchased Fashion Illustration by Fashion Designers on a trip to NYC a couple of years ago. It is quite an impressive compilation of fashion sketches by some of the world's leading designers and those that are lesser known. For someone who enjoys sketching, it was interesting for me to see the different styles and mediums that these designers use and the role sketching plays in their design processes. Not only does this book contain illustrations, it also includes blurbs about the designers and their backgrounds. At $40 this quality hardback is a good value. These books may not have many words, but they provide the reader with infinite inspiration.


That is a good book which is opened with
expectation and closed in profit.
~ Amos Bronson Alcott ~

*And the collection I raved about in my last post is Pucci, but you already knew that didn't you?

The Return

Sorry I've been a bad blogger lately! Especially because I've had 2 snow days and the rest of the weekend to blab about New York, London, and Milan Fashion weeks, but I could not bring myself to do it (I figured that you were already stalking the collections and might not want to see me raving about the same labels everyone else is raving about i.e. Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Proenza Shouler-LOVE- Prada- though a younger version of Miuccia's vision featuring pieces from my closet is in the works). Yes, I must say that I am liking the classic, wearable turn fashion has taken this fall season, but I can't say that I am ready to discard all of the flashy things I've acquired lately- as a matter of preference I will always love short skirts more that long ones, since they make my legs look short-but I digress. That's why it's Peter Dundas to the Rescue!!! Not only has this man made the long skirt sexy, he has breathed new life into the sequined mini dress! I am also excited about the prevalence of the high waisted trouser pant, since I bought a pair of trouser jeans a couple years ago and the trend never really caught on. I sure am rambling today (and using tooo many sets of parenthesis)!

But I digress yet again. This collection is a sensual, sexy, young, but also a bit sophisticated homage to the '70s. The scarf mini dresses are fresh, while the sequins and lace are simply fabulous. The trousers and especially that crocodile trench give the collection a more grown up feel. Even if I find the prevailing trends refreshing, I love to see a designer who gives a nod to said trends with tailoring, or a certain element such as skit length, but then decides to update what we might have already seen. Because, while we "young people" would love to have more casual, wearable clothes in our closets, we still need something sexy and shiny to party in.