so shredded

 

It's interesting how you can see the peaks and valleys of certain trends. A few seasons ago shredded clothing was fresh on the runway and then of course it was all over the streets. This is one of the few people I saw with something shredded on this season. So while this is on its way out as a trend I liked it here because the way it's shredded reminded me more of antique lace than a punkish persona. This old fashioned vibe continues with the great pale blue cape and the vintage bag. Her single braid worn forward with the big fur hat finishes the look.

Three to go

This is kind of a punk remix and there's something about the Docs (left) and suspenders that make me feel like there is a sort of UK edge to it all. I love the mixing of the formal element of the vest with the less than conventional fishnet. They kind of look like they all got dressed from the same closet and could easily mix and match their outfits in other ways as well.

Underwear/Outerwear 2

A little more extreme...a little more literal. Tracy is wearing outerwear/underwear with chains by Brian Stanziale held up by suspenders and tights so perfectly ripped that they're patterened. (don't know if they came that way or if it's a DIY) This photo proves Attitude (with a capital "A") goes a long way in working a look.

Underwear/Outerwear

Since NYFW is fast approaching I thought I'd post one of the photos that I took last fashion week but somehow didn't make it onto the blog during the season.  I think this look is interesting because in a way she's not wearing much: shorts that are so small you see the top banding on her nylons and a top that is sheer enough to clearly see her lingerie underneath. What makes it –I won't say classy, but definitely not trashy!– is the simplicity of the top and it's higher neckline. Also the neutral color palette and hair pulled back into a simple ponytail.

In Suspense

These girls are kind of working a '90s grunge vibe which isn't necessarily a bad thing. What I'm looking at here though is the suspenders. When I was in Madrid recently I saw an amazing pair of acid green cotton pants with suspenders. I tried them on in the store and while they were very "Y-3" they weren't enough "me" to justify buying them. If I had though, I know I'd keep at least one - if not both - of the suspenders down...but these aren't the only times I've seen suspenders so, like the overalls, I wonder if these are just blips on the screen or retro revivals?

Over-it-all?

I feel like I need to issue another trend alert: this time for overalls. I am seeing more and more of them. Okay, not every day. But probably once a week. And this is something I haven't seen in years. So...overalls –are they coming back? a good idea? or just a blip on the screen?

Seen at Rivington Hotel

Last night there was a little fashion show at the Rivington Hotel. This boy was in the audience but I liked the boxy jacket with the ripped jeans and boots...so here he is...photos from the show itself coming soon.

Baschti near the window

Baschti is looking beautiful in pale blue and sea green. And his sneakers are swell as well...and that's all I really have to say today :)

NYC nightlife icons

Yesterday I posted a photo of Patricia Field and received an interesting comment from a reader. She said she hated everything that Patricia was wearing but still thought she looked amazing. Part of what makes great style is this ability - to wear what you want and push boundaries of what others find acceptable and do it with such confidence that at best you get people questioning their own concepts of style, and at worst you don't care what others think. There were so many at Kenny Kenny's opening that successfully push these boundaries that I wanted to show a few more today.
Me with Kenny Kenny -love the topknot and eye makeup

Amanda Lepore is an iconic presence in NYC nightlife and always looks amazing. She is like a Barbie Doll come to life and is also extremely warm and unpretentious.

Vanity Society (on left) is a millinery and accessories designer as well as an entertainer and Patrick McDonald (center) is perhaps the most famous Dandy in New York and was recently on reality TV series Launch My Line. Vanity Society looks different but always dramatic every time I see him while Patrick has honed a very specific and sharp look. Two different tacts to create great personal style. (I don't know the lovely lady on the right!) Love or hate these looks, they're truly their own icons and for that I give them the mad props.

Patricia Field @ KennyKenny Opening

Not only do I love Patricia Field for dressing club kids through the ages but I love that she dresses like a rock star herself. The lavender satin motorcycle jacket is great but the jeans are beyond brilliant. I don't know if they came this way or she made them herself but I am utterly inspired. I dare you all to try this at home as well! And check out the detail shot below.

more trends coming to a city near you?

About a month ago I posted a photo of the elegant Houman Farahmand wearing rather high waisted pants - which I believe were leather but had a cut closer to leggings than trousers. At the time I thought they were a bit odd but Houman made them chic. Now I am seeing these pants on the left and am wondering if it's a trend that I've only just noticed. Whether it catches on or not it's nice to see risks taken. I also love the pale fedora worn with black...something else unexpected but successful.

street style @ green debate after party

I didn't meet anyone at the after party that was actually at the debate (myself included) but many people were wearing what could be considered recycled clothing. Like this boy's shredded tights over tights. And his tie-dyed frock with the fringe looks decidedly homespun...although the dying is too perfect so I suspect it is something more upscale. Either way, these two have fun and funky looks that work for them.

street style - manhattan hipster

I like to tease Williamsburg hipsters of all looking alike. (you know: big glasses, shaggy hair, skinny jeans) But Manhattan has its own brand of hipster that is similar but not the same. A little edgier and sleeker all at once. Kind of like this girl...

evening jackets dressed down

As girls are wearing more blazers again and boyish jackets, these boys are taking it up a notch by wearing more formal jackets -satin lined tuxedo and velvet- to dress up more casual looks. Well done!

Introducing the twentyten

The other night I was at a party at the Tribeca Grand when I spotted this girl in this amazing dress. She shared with me that it was designed by the twentyten. I then met another girl also wearing a dress by the twentyten. I had never heard of the twentyten but coincidentally earlier in the week had received an invite to a preview of their recent collection. The twentyten is a collaboration of 3 designers: Nina Zilka, Jeff Dodd, and David J. Krause and you can see images from their latest collection as well as read a Q + A with Nina here...nothing I love more then discovering new design talent...

An accident waiting to happen...

Or maybe one that has already happened? MORE shredded looks. Will this never end? Is the Soho Grand overtaking the Tribeca? Will we never tire of either? Of course we will. Eventually. But not yet!

Raquel Allegra: The girl who started the trend

I've been noticing so much deconstruction and shredding and running in fabrics lately. It's like we're having this group reaction to the times in which we live. But there is always someone who is slightly ahead of the curve. In my opinion, Raquel Allegra (that's her in the photo!) is one of those people. She doesn't just run her tights but carefully handcrafts individual pieces into works of art. I met her when she presented her F/W collection last spring. She has the kind of energy that makes you wish she lived on the East Coast so she could be your friend...but alas she lives in Los Angeles. Maybe if I went to hang with her I could actually visit the City of Angels and enjoy it. Anyways, please check out my interview with her HERE!

punkarina

Oh my...this girl draws on herself...little branches and poems and stuff...get Morrisey for the soundtrack! Seriously, we love the originality and daring. And it doesn't hurt that she's hot.

You are so damaged

Okay, maybe you're not. Maybe I'm projecting. OR maybe I'm referring to the trend of ripped jeans and tights. I think this is an international trend born of the recession with a knowing nod to punk and grunge. I love it. I love imperfection. And love that instead of tossing tights with a run I can just add more and make a fashion statement. Perfect, lovely - perfectly lovely.