Monday, November 30, 2009

Trend of the Moment: Tights, Man




Tight gear from DSquared, Marni, Calvin Klein, and Disney's "Meet the Robinsons"

Tights were a major staple in the 80's and still stands strong today. Women are the primary patrons of tights since a number of them (and counting) already traded their jeans for the body-hugging alternative. However, there are a slew of men who are entranced and, ultimately, enlightened with the tights trend.

Designers gave tights an opportunity to enter their menswear collection. Marni, for example, gave its latest Fall-Winter collection a snug pair of cashmere "meggings" (man-leggings). And a few seasons past Calvin Klein, a label known for minimalist sportswear, outfitted its Spring collection with brightly colored tights. And if a dose of neon spanx wasn't enough, Maison Martin Margiela generously gave a metallic sequined offering.

Martin Margiela's glittering looks

Sure enough, there are men who wear tights because of necessity. A couple of sports, for instance, deem tight-fitting clothes necessary for competition. Specifically, sports that prize streamlined silhouettes such as track and field, cycling and swimming. Also, American football players wear their color coordinated spanx for increased range of motion.

Although there is raised awareness of men donning the stretchy pants a try, there are still no tights marketed especially for men. Furthermore, a majority of men balk at the prospect of giving the skintight pseudo-trousers a chance outside the athletic field. As anyone who has seen ballerinos and male medieval characters, tights do not really provide the proper covering for men. Even Bryanboy, a renowned fashionista, once professed "My tights are, well, tights....I for one always have to wear long tops just to cover my bits up."


Amen brother.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Event of the Moment: Turkey Day!


I just want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! I know, I know, this holiday is the most American as one could get (besides 4th of July, which is the time when Americans get all crazy with patriotism), but I want everyone to have a great Thursday. A huge bonus is the fact that Black Friday is coming up next! For those not familiar with Black Friday (no, it's not the holy week Black Friday, for you Catholics), it's the Friday after Thanksgiving where retailers and department stores slash prices to all of their merchandise (50-80% marked off). Its purpose is to spur consumerism before Christmas arrives. Plus, it's a time to check all that Christmas wishlist off your back.

Indeed, there will be turkey, pumpkin pie, green bean casserole, and other food tomorrow! Unfortunately, my family won't be reenacting the whole Pilgrims dining with Native Americans thing. I'm just imagining me in a Pilgrim costume. I wonder what that would be like?

Thanks to Trish for taking the initiative of photoshopping me

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Oddity of the Moment: Snakes and Sales


I was perusing the famed Proenza Schouler PS1 bag through Barneys' website and saw something so perplexing I just had to ask why.

Upon clicking on the PS1 in python skin, there was a note at the bottom of the product description that said something along the line of "This product can't be shipped to California." I wasn't sure if the New Yorkers at Barneys (hence the name Barneys New York) are vigilantly depriving Californians of some drool-worthy goods, so I gathered my investigative wits to find out why. And, boy, was I mad at the wrong folks.

In 1970, California instituted a ban to selling items made from python as a response to preserving the endangered animal. Consequently, anyone caught trading python-skinned-anything in the Golden State will be slapped a jaw-dropping $5000 fine (which is probably the amount you shelled for a python bag in the first place) or prison. Generally, this law equates python handbags to illegal drugs--as contraband!

The law, however, doesn't state anything about Californians buying their python-made goods out of state, then bringing it back home. Law abiding celebrities, for instance, fly to Las Vegas or New York City just to score their snakeskin fix. Others succumb to anaconda skin as an alternative. The anaconda, known for constricting its prey before feeding, is not on the ban list. Kind of ironic, huh? (NY Times; WSJ)

Currently, California is the only state in the United States that vigorously prohibits the sale of python skin. Next up on the ban list: alligator and crocodile leathers. (About)

Python bag by Proenza Schouler, $4250 at www.barneys.com

Friday, November 20, 2009

Collection of the Moment: Fashion Snorts Crayola and More






One crack-tastic collection you get on a fashion high

For designers to be successful, they have to tap into their creative juices and produce something mass consumers would actually want to wear. And by "something the masses would actually want to wear," I meant stripped-down, run-off-the-mill clothes that lack the ingenuity and craft of a designer.

Luckily, Agatha Ruiz de la Prada--a spunky denizen of good ole España--sticks to her guns and creates fashion that is neither lackluster nor boring. Fall-Winter takes on a whole new meaning with de la Prada's Crayola-colored collection. Neutrals, generally, are nonexistent and in its place is a barrage of brights and neons. Add the mix of superfluous details like cello F-holes and cages fitted for Tweety Bird, and the clothes go va-va-voom!

The silhouettes are playful and easy to the eye. In fact, de la Prada includes whimsical structure in her collection with the likes of one cactus-looking top and a triangular dress. Furthermore, she showered her collection with love as exemplified by a generous sprinkle of hearts. Unlike the Emanuel Ungaro catastrophe, hers was adorable.

And did I mention the recurring presence of glorified food motifs? Eggs and sausages are now a welcome addition to the famined fashion family!

News of the Moment: We'll Miss Daul Kim


Korean supermodel was found dead in her Paris apartment. Police concluded that Kim (pictured left), a successful model who began modeling for Vogue Korea, committed suicide. Clues lead to her blog entries that suggest unhappiness, and depression. For more information regarding Daul Kim's established career in modeling, visit New York Magazine.


Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Art of the Moment: Birds of a Feather


Winter is creeping up in the Northern Hemisphere which means heavy coats and scarves for everyone. But for tropical dwellers around the equator, now is the time to snag this feathered vest by Bea Valdes. Not only will it look fetching in the glimmering twelve hour sunny days, but it'll also be airy and light enough to keep sweating at bay.

There's no need for jewelry when worn; simply pair it with a simple black tee and skinny jeans for that perfect on-the-go outfit. Embellished with beads, crystals and sequins, this piece is art by itself.

Vest by Bea Valdes, approximately $2940 at www.couturelab.com

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Phase of the Moment: Gone Gangster





From top: sparkles, coats, and tights galore!

Gangs are considered the bane of modern society. They act violently, indulge in debauchery, and worst, put on clothing that is arguably unfitting. Al Capone power suits are no longer fomented in the mischief industry!

Tossing the respected gangster suit aside, twenty-first century gangsters stuck to baggy-anything. Generally they wear saggy, baggy jeans, baggy T-shirts, baggy jackets, baggy socks, baggy eyes, and so on. Accessories are either nonexistent, or limited to the typified ostentatious jewelry.


Nonetheless, this atrocity didn't stop Givenchy from making a collection straight from the gangster's closet. Givenchy's Fall-Winter 2009 collection was aiming straight at the gangster look, supplying the models with razor cut hair; wide, hulking physiques; and that signature look of intimidation. Thankfully the house's creative director, Riccardo Tisci, deleted the sinfully baggy fit and replaced it with tubular silhouettes.

The coats and jackets were voluminously boxy, confident, and very reminiscent of the ones Jay-Z and P. Diddy would wear. However once you view below the belt, tights made from leather (!) and thigh-high bondage boots come to a big reveal. The contrast provided an appeal that somehow fused head-bashing with luxury, and formality with, uh, foot fetish.


And for sartorial gangsters longing for understated bling, Tisci even added scarves with metal detailing, necklaces and, wait for it, bejeweled boots!

Personally, I feel Givenchy gave me some ideas on what to wear for Fall. I just had a haircut that exudes more gangstah than normal (I blame the lady who cut and buzzed my locks). I should be rockin' the big jackets-and-tights look! Anyway, for more information, visit
Givenchy.

Updated Tag of the Moment: What's Playin' Good Lookin'?


Thank you so much Jessica for giving me this tag! To think about it, Abby has been wondering what the heck I listen to on my not-iPod MP3 player. No more mysteries my friend!

Top 40 of the moment:
1. "Empire State of Mind" by Jay-Z: makes me wish I live there

2. "Lip Gloss" by Lil Mama: Prada made it divine
3. "Le Disko" by Shiny Toy Guns: Abby and I even have a dance to it!
4. "I Know Ur Girlfriend Hates Me" by Annie
5. "Take It Off" by The Donnas: this song made me like The Hangover

3 songs that represent your feeling at the moment:
1. "Jump" by Madonna
2. "Low Life (LA Riots Remix)" by Scanners: oh Uffie, you are hilarious
3. "Lights and Music" by Cut Copy

Song(s) that gives you spirits when you are down:
1. "Click Flash" by Ciara
2. "Ice Box" covered by Frankmusik
3. "Welcome to the Jungle" by Guns N' Roses

Wedding (a.k.a. my cheesy songs):
1. "Kiss Me" by Sixpence None the Richer
2. "I Wanna Be With You" by Mandy Moore: remember her?
3. "I Wanna Get Married" by Nellie McKay

Sexy:
1. "Meet Me in the Red Room" by Amiel: this song takes "sexy" literally
2. "Took the Night" by Chelley

3. "Catwalkin'" by Tony Tisdale

I HATE MY EX, she is a real jerk:
1. "Labels or Love" by Fergie
2. "Case of the Ex" by Mya
3. "She Loves Everybody (RAC Remix)" by Chester French: vicious, isn't she?
4. "Til I Get Over You" by Michelle Branch
5. "The Day You Went Away" by M2M

R&B nite:
1. "Extra Smooth" by Aaliyah
2. "Let's Rock" by Chrisette Michelle
3. "Daydreamin'" by Lupe Fiasco and Jill Scott

Diamonds:
...Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds!

Eccentric:
1. "Hot Chick" by Uffie
2. "Miss Broadway" by Glass Candy: ghostly vocals give it eeriness
3. "X Offender" by Blondie

British:
1. "Crystal Ball" by Keane
2. "Right as Rain" by Adele
3. "Back to Black" by Amy Winehouse
4. "One Night" by The Corrs: wait a minute, they're Irish!
5. "Suddenly I See" by K.T. Tunstall: loved this song more after watching The Devil Wears Prada

Adorable:
1. "Since You're in Love" by Jesse Malin
2. "I Heard a Rumor" by Bananarama
3. "Fallen From the Sky" by Glen Hansard

Since this tag prohibits foreign songs, I'll have a separate category for the following non-English songs!

Not-entirely-in-English songs I love:
1. "Compliante de la Butte" by Rufus Wainwright
2. "La Même Histoire" by Feist
3. "Je Veux Te Voir" by Yelle

And now, to tag people. I'd like to tag my newest followers, Farah, Maha and Fai! By the way, I have links to the songs so it would be easier for you guys to check out. Enjoy!

Friday, November 6, 2009

Introspection of the Moment: I Don't Want to Be Alone!


Last night, I slept over my friend's place and had a great time. Just imagine junk food, bad movies ("Step Brothers" was awful while "17 Again" oozed cheddar), and your lovable best friends all in one place. Not bad, right? Pepper in some chit chat about each other's love life (or lack thereof in my case) and the stupendously spontaneous sleepover becomes one hell of a night.

But there was something that bothered me in our "relationship" talks. While practically all of my friends are moving towards a serious (or playful) relationship, I felt that my biological function (as in find a mate) in life is on a standstill. I am in no hurry to get hooked-up with someone. The mere thought of it even gives me chills! However as I get older (I blame "17 Again" for constantly repeating "20 years, 20 years, 20 years..."), I felt the need to start finding that perfect someone.

Why is this bothering me? Could this be adulthood kicking in? Honestly, this was never an issue before. But now, the silly emptiness that I assiduously ignored is surfacing.

Or maybe, just maybe, it's time for me to go buy something.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Lust of the Moment: Goggle Jacket



A few weeks ago, I stopped by Hollywood/Vine to catch up on my readings. As usual I grabbed my books (V Man, 10 Men, i-D, etc.) and checked out Lula (thanks to Manju for the mention). Unfortunately, I wasn't inspired (with the exception of Lula).

Is it me, or was there a common rock 'n roll and vagabondism themes lately? Anyway, I was adamant on getting my necessary fashion high so I headed to the nearest Vogue Hommes International. Lo, I was simply blown away with the contents: trend reports (yes, guys like trends too), otherworldly designers (like Wooyoungmi), and semi-freaky/disturbing spreads (it's titled Solitary Pleasure--if you know what I mean). I even discovered the C.P. Company goggle jacket in the military trend!

For me, anything that has a tough connotation is a bandwagon I'm willing to ride. I'm not very military-esque (I hate camos, green, and shaved heads), so it sounds appealing for me to embrace a grittier image. I began visualizing me being deployed in Iraq, wearing this jacket, feeling the breeze and sand, and looking smashing with my M16 5.56 mm rifle. But in reality, I'd pair it with shorts, a white T-shirt and sneakers, and it'll be the perfect Fall oufit in Los Angeles (it's gonna work because the weather has been mildly warm--very unusual in November).

In ecstasy, I shared this piece of obsession to my dad. He wanted me to check it out online to see if it's available. It was available alright. But is it viable? Let's just say sticker shock is such a downer.

Goggle jacket by C.P. Company, $2460 at
www.barneys.com