black is the new green

Inspired by New York City bodega shopping bags, Cast of Vices launched a collection of soft leather bags for those willing to indulge in a backwards take on the Go Green revolution.  Made in Los Angeles, these bags are only available at Collete with prices ranging from $300-$350.        

sasha pivovarova for free people

The April 2011 catalog of Free People features 26-year-old Russian model Sasha Pivovarova.  Previosuly featured on the cover of Vogue 2007, signed with Prada for six consecutive years, and having walked for Chanel, Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, and others, Pivovarova's stunning presence graces the pages of the bohemian-inspired spring collection.  Although much more affordable than haute couture, Free People still skims the surface of pricy.  In order to get Pivovarova's look for less, try these tips:

-Take your old necklaces and wrap colorful string/rope around the chains.

-Purchase similar lace booties from Forever 21 here.

-Make your own friendship bracelets and pile them on your ankles to compliment your sandals.

-Paint indian stripes on your arms if you're lacking in the accessory department.

spring outdoors

Stylish girls must be capable of throwing the party of the season.  With spring peeking its way through the nippy weather, a celebration is required.  There is no better way to embrace the greenery than with an outdoor party.  

Use these pictures as inspiration for decorations.  Tie yarn or hemp around candles to create a natural-looking holder and hang them from the trees in your yard or the woods.  Wrap white christmas lights throughout tree limbs.  Incorporate as many throw pillows as you possibly can.  Use a pale color such as white as your base color for tablecloths and furniture.  Serve tea and miniature hors d'oeuvres.  Have a battery-operated stereo play classical music instead of the top 40 one hit wonders.  

This is sophistication at is finest, so dress the part.  Have all guests arrive in spring dresses, or maybe even require them to wear fancy, oversized hats.  Go overboard, embrace the season, and make it an evening for everyone to remember.          

el en ay

Flipping through the pages of Teen Vogue generally ends in a brief ascetically pleasing experience, yet an unsatisfied thirst for inspiration.  However, Andrew Bevan's article, "Three's Company," in February 2011's issue caught my eye and held the potential to satisfy my craving for something new, something different, something worth reading .  

Under the direction of three driven young women, a unique line encompassing "editorial, celebrity, and consumer appeal" was born: LNA.  Beginning with a 19 year old Lauren Alexander sewing dresses on her mother's sewing machine, the clothing line began to take shape once paths were crossed with April Leight.  Immediately recognizing that each was wearing a men's T-shirt, the girls shared a liking for basics and began compiling samples. Ashley Glasson "hopped on board as business director," and the line quickly gained celebrity interest and appeal.  The three girls were comparable to my ultimate fashion heros.  

How did I not know about them? I needed to find out more, and fast.  The corner of the article revealed a DIY directed by LNA to be found online.  A 19 year old starting out on a sewing machine must have some extremely noteworthy ideas for at-home clothing design.  I snapped the magazine closed and whipped out my laptop.  After watching the video disappointment engrossed me...did I really just waste my time watching these girls rip a basic T-shirt with a razor blade?  They couldn't share any of their grand designer ideas with young girls craving challenging tasks?  Did they seriously just teach their audience how to put holes in fabric? Seriously? 

I was insulted by their lack of creativity and simplemindedness that they bestowed upon viewers.  Granted their line is unique by its "basic" feel, comparable to a scaled-back Alexander Wang collection, yet they took the definition of "basic" too far.  Here is an audience of girls interested in fashion and consistently looking for fresh inspiration; here is  LNA that did a DIY which most girls learned back in 6th grade when they ripped their own pair Abercrombie jeans.  Despite the DIY being a waste of time, their website is worth skimming.  Those looking for a new take on the generic black legging will not be disappointed.               

lux

First image Alexander Wang striped sweater with cut outs, $765.  

Second image Nasty Gal slashed stripe knit, $54. 

I recognize that knock-offs are looked down upon with utter pity by those who can easily afford an unending supply of designer pieces.  I also recognize, however, that those who cannot afford a high-end wardrobe need not scrape together pennies in order to appear "high-end".  Who is to say that a dangling price tag defines a luxurious appearance?  My opinion should not be mistaken for promoting cheaper lines producing other label's designs; rather, it should be taken at face value allowing for creative expression.  Take a designer's labor of love and craft your own look for less.  Whether whipping up a DIY or rummaging through sites to find clothing embodying similar looks/feels, don your own personalized  take on luxury.