IS MENTAL

a NY thing

2012-01-30T17:19:00.010-05:00

I'm so stoked to see that one of my fave NYC streetwear labels, aNYthing, decided to use Venus X for their new spring lookbook. If you haven't heard this chick's name before, LEARN IT. This Harlem native has been generating steady buzz over the past year, largely due to an underground Brooklyn warehouse party she started called GHE20GOTH1K. I went a few times last year, and let me just tell you the vibe transcends amazing. Aside from that, she produces, books DJ gigs at NY Fashion week, and is an all around badass you'll definitely be hearing more of soon. But back to the clothes....that paisley shirt is like screaming my name. Go peep the rest of the lookbook here!

Gangsta grillz

2012-01-18T12:55:00.006-05:00

I'm getting to that point in my life where I am finally starting to look at jewelry as an "investment." Whatever that means. All I know is when I look at this oversized Givenchy shark tooth necklace, I can picture it on my future eccentric 80 year-old self.

That look

2012-01-17T11:37:00.001-05:00

This past summer I wrote about Alice Goddard's label Lovetits that she founded with her sister Molly. Their brilliant idea of covering mesh tops with sequin shapes over the boobs has definitely resonated with me. Alice's stylist work, however, has a much different aesthetic. It's got that perfect formula of tomboy & effortless cool that's hard to pull off...can't wait to see where else this girl goes with her career. Check out more on her tumblr!

UH merica

2012-01-12T00:06:00.008-05:00

I was originally going to be an American Gladiator for halloween last year. That didn't happen. Well the next best thing would be adding a second flag-inspired swimsuit into my collection, especially one by Jeremy Scott. Hey, I go to the beach like A LOT in the summer. Plus this can double as a bodysuit! On another note, I put up new stuff in the Mart.. go PEEP.

images via Nitrolicious

Under the Sea

2012-01-08T22:25:00.000-05:00

The man, the myth, the legend...KARL. I don't know how he does it season after season. For Chanel's spring extravaganza he found his inspiration in a place where the sun don't shine. No, not THAT place you freak...I'm talking beyond the depths of the glistening ocean, far down where nature so elegantly takes its course. Think the fantasy of Little Mermaid meets the shimmering magic that is Glinda, the good witch from Wizard of Oz. Silvers and whites and iridescence formed the collection around a set only Karl could pull off. But beyond the clothing, the hair as an accessory, body jewelry and makeup really kicked some serious mother-of-pearl ass.

via Elle

Get up

2012-01-04T12:41:00.000-05:00

It's a new year! Now we all have that extra kick in the butt to do the things we talked about last year but never got around to. For me that's taking a metals/jewelry class so I can learn how to cast kick-ass stuff. Artist Michelle Lopez had the brilliant idea of making these sterling silver band-aid rings...perfect for the clumsy-type with a sense of humor, aka ME.

available at Artware Editions

Holla-daze

2011-12-16T00:42:00.005-05:00

So the past few months, I've gotten quite addicted to Svpply. If you aren't familiar with the site, it basically lets you install a button in your bookmarks bar so whenever you see something you like/want/have to have/want to dream about but realistically won't buy, you can click it and it saves it in your "Wants". It comes in handy a lot, and it's a good way to figure out if that thing you were DYING over 3 months ago still makes you feel the same way when you look at it again. Anywho, Svpply is holding this holiday wish list contest so I made an entry. There's only a few more days left to vote, but thought I'd ask you guys! Can you vote for me (please and thanks)??

Ashish for Topshop Leopard Rucksack, Bing Bang Diamonds & Dollars Studs, Momofuku Milk Bar Cookbook, Asos Bobble Hat, Alexander Wang Platform Boots, Nixon Rose Gold "Spur" Watch, Sophomore 99 Problems Shirt, Skateboard Stool

It's on!

2011-12-06T15:00:00.003-05:00

So it's that time of year...sample sale season! There's just too many to post, but I couldn't NOT mention the OC sale to you guys..that would be greedy.

The drug & the dream

2011-11-29T21:13:00.007-05:00

DimePiece recently sent out a recap of the launch party and exhibition held last week in LA for their upcoming line The Drug & the Dream. For spring, the ladies took it to a HIGHER level (if you catch my drift), fueled by the idea that escapism, whether achieved naturally or chemically, leads to some of their most inspirational moments. I don't think the collection needs much more explanation than that! I look forward to seeing the full lookbook, but in the meantime, peep some of the images from the launch party. I'm kinda going all "OH SHIT" for the "oh shit" dress.

Time will tell

2011-11-27T00:07:00.008-05:00

Now that Thanksgiving is over in the states, our minds are instantly programmed to think "shop shop SHOP!" It's pretty annoying eh? Well let me try to help with just one suggestion for a gift this year: a watch. A watch? Yeah, I mean regardless of the fact that we all get the time from our cellphones these days, it hasn't lost it's popularity as a statement accessory. Designer Agni Tilla struggled to find interesting, affordable watches for her everyday wardrobe, so she founded May28th last year. Each of the limited edition watches are named after a time, like one of my favorites, 08:14AM. Besides the fact that there is guaranteed to be one for everyone's tastes, they are perfectly gift-priced at $39 with free shipping....yeaaaah boi!

Do your thing

2011-11-07T22:33:00.007-05:00

Rough around the edges, hardened by city life and that 9 to 5 grind...I'm more inspired by the raw and real these days than a retail catalog. So I found myself in New Jersey last weekend at the Exxxotica Expo, supporting my good friend, photographer Ellen Stagg, who had a booth this year. It was intriguing to see this world summed up in a few aisles at a convention center. That and the people watching....and I thought NYC had interesting characters.

JPeople Mag & Quafle

So heavy

2011-11-01T01:14:00.003-04:00

On their way across the Atlantic is 5.5 inches high of pure leather illness. There was no way I could get through another cold weather season without a new pair of chunksters. I will wear these into the ground.

The search for animal chin

2011-10-19T18:59:00.013-04:00

Those crazy kids at Finnish label CTRL just sent out their latest lookbook for SS12 and the tomboy in me thinks it's pretty damn awesome. The Animal Chin Collection came announced with a description in engrish, and I had to nod my head when they boldly proclaimed it their "strongest collection to date." Yep, sure is! The boyish cuts and micro-prints (I need those yellow cheetah pants) have done did it for me. Check out the full mens and girls lookbooks here.

Puffy

2011-10-17T14:52:00.005-04:00

Man, halloween can be a stumper. I have a lot of awesome ideas, but am limited due to a combo of laziness and budget. A few of my ideas though rely on the "hair" being the main selling point of the costume, like an ice cream cone or dandelion. In the process of researching, I rediscovered the Spring '08 show from japanese designer mercibeaucoup, where models donned puffy pastel hairpieces in shapes like bows, stars, and bunny ears. I'm definitely inspired.. whether or not that will motivate me to go all Edward Scissorhands on a wig is yet to be seen!

via here and here

#Allcleareverything

2011-10-06T23:43:00.005-04:00

You know when you're walking on ice-covered sidewalks in the winter and you carefully plot out each step to choose the baldest spots on the concrete? Yeah, that sucks. You know what doesn't? Clear heels. It's like walking on ice...without walking on ice.

top, Modekungen; bottom, Dries Van Noten

Supreme stash

2011-09-28T23:23:00.003-04:00

I've been about the snakeskin for a minute so I had to get my hands on one of these stash pouches when I saw them at Supreme. As much as I like carrying a bag, this little sucker was a great hands-free option for the laundromat tonight!

Beat from the street

2011-09-26T22:24:00.005-04:00

U Mag has been around since 2004, but I really didn't get on board with it until the past year. Every time a new issue comes out now, I keep that tab open for awhile on my browser, looking at it over and over again. This obsession comes from the perfect formula U has going on being an accessible free online magazine with amazing fashion editorials and absolutely gorgeous layouts that inspire my own work as an art director. I picked this story from this month's issue cause I loved the way the stylist worked hats into somewhat classy looks...mixed with those braids and eye makeup and I'm tempted to copy all of it BRO.

OMG NYFW

2011-09-20T01:09:00.003-04:00

I really haven't had the time to get all up close and personal with Hurricane Fashion Week just yet, but from the itty bitty browsing I've done, I got most excited by a couple of things: the green beetle pants at Theyskens' Theory and the electric knits at Rag & Bone. I guess I'm after that POW factor for spring?

Don't judge

2011-09-20T00:52:00.006-04:00

Poor taste is still taste, and yes, I would wear two folks going at it around my finger. At least it makes for a good conversation starter when you're ordering your drink?

Schuhtutehemd

2011-09-13T23:14:00.005-04:00

Tumblr is like the best procrastination/inspiration source in the WORLD [WIDE WEB]. If you like my general taste on this here blog, you'll probably dig this tumblr Schuhtutehemd as much as I do. It's a curated gallery of mainly amazing vintage finds and weird accessories, with some current dope stuff mixed in. Whoever runs it also has a crush on Denise Huxtable from the looks of the facebook fan page. Obviously that's rad as she was one of the coolest chicks to come out of tv land EVER!

Inside out

2011-09-12T12:29:00.005-04:00

It's great to see Helmut Lang back on foot at fashion week...and a solid show it was. Everything seemed designed to sell, including these awesome asymmetrical bra tops that I bet will be snatched up faster than a late 90s Furby!

images via Style.com

Life on Mars

2011-09-02T11:58:00.004-04:00

Damir Doma made one of the most fantastic pairs of shoes of the fall season: a creeper/wedge mash-up that has an alien vibe I'm really digging! Get em at LN-CC!

Blingee

2011-08-31T00:29:00.007-04:00

Meadham Kirchhoff SS10

Since seeing these Meadham Kirchhoff glitter tees from Spring 2010, I've longed for something similar. Well a click of the heels and a stroll down the yellow brick road to Zara and I've found myself a nice alternative! I also just learned the news that their US e-commerce store is opening next week. DANGEROUS.

Don't get fresh with me

2011-08-29T22:50:00.004-04:00

I think I found my look for next spring thanks to House of Holland. Mexican blanket! No, but really, it's pretty awesome right? I'd wear all of it, and then be a living FIESTA. I'm also a sucker for any kind of bone prints so I'm really feeling the jacket in this collection, and uh, this shirt.

House of Holland Pre SS12

Youth Blood

2011-08-23T19:36:00.010-04:00

I gotta hand it to UO. The retailer's vision is having a glimmering moment in catalog form for the early fall push. A combo of the right models (Anja Konstantinova!), great styling, and really creative art direction and photography has made for some pretty rad spreads this month. Catalogs are such a stale thing these days, so it's refreshing to see them given a more editorial treatment to get consumers' attention. Otherwise, their fate in the recycling bin comes a whole lot quicker!

Photography by Colin Dodgson, Eléonore Hendricks, Charlie Engman, and Colin Leaman

Mixed messages

2011-08-21T23:59:00.002-04:00

Sometimes you just gotta wear your heart on your sleeve...or your head...or your neck. You get the point.

Karen Walker & Huf

The Slits

2011-08-12T17:21:00.006-04:00

It's been some time since I've worn loose jeans. I know the "boyfriend" fit has been pushing its way through the trend portal for a few years but I've still kept it slim when it comes to denim. After seeing these new A. Wang cropped jeans though with their rad knee slits and light wash, I'm down to give it a try...but not for $345 though. These are a DIY or at least a BYT (bring to your tailor).

jeans via Net-a-Porter; background by Tauba Auerbach

Lovetits

2011-08-08T23:26:00.006-04:00

Lovetits. With a name so simultaneously adorable and eye-opening, you know there's got to be something good behind it. Alice and Molly Goddard found time outside their Saint Martins workload to put their sisterly powers to work and created a label based around mesh tops with sequin shapes covering the lady lumps. You gotta love your tits to be directing eye traffic like that! Get your hands on these tops that are made to order over at the Lovetits blog.

Saturn's Children

2011-08-01T11:54:00.005-04:00

It's not too often I post a geek-out model post. They are all hot, they all have good style...pretty much. But I have to take a second to give props to Australian model Tallulah Morton for rocking an Electric Wizard tee (only one of the best doom metal bands out there). Well played Tallulah!

image via Altamira

Everybody wang chung tonight

2011-07-28T18:27:00.003-04:00

So, this is next week...

Can't beat the feeling

2011-07-27T01:19:00.010-04:00

I'm a big water drinker myself, but there are times when a Coke is the only thing that can hit the spot. I guess that red and white branding is IN now too? By the way, look how many slogans they've gone through!

Tao Okamoto in Vogue China, August 2011; Foam Mag, Aug/Sept 2011; Backstage @ Jeremy Scott Fall 2011

Aqua Teen

2011-07-26T00:12:00.003-04:00

Nothing captures the essence of summer in a handbag quite like these mystery-gel-filled clear clutches from Chris Kane. You are already practically oozing around the city in a puddle so these would compliment your look perfectly (I'm not even being sarcastic)! In case you are curious, they are 90% PVC, 10% glycerine.

images via Browns

The day has come

2011-07-22T02:09:00.004-04:00

So guess what shoe freaks?? Cheap Monday footwear is here! Yes, REALLY. After people lost it over the clear boots last season, they probably looked at each other and were like "Uh, we gotta do shoes." Anyway, if you're as stoked as I am, you'll want to see all the styles that will be available come fall here. In particular, I'm gonna be all over these wedges which you can actually preorder NOW at Solestruck. Those guys really know what they're doing!

Waves are free

2011-07-22T01:06:00.003-04:00

Alexandra Cassaniti grew up a beach bum, a surfer chick who never planned to be a fashion designer, but with a natural love of creating things and the ocean, what else are you gonna do with a smile on your face? I obviously love her and after iconic surf brand Billabong discovered Alexandra, they had to show her some love too. The two collaborated this summer to make a line of cotton tees and tanks inspired by that sandy happy place I've been running off to every weekend. Look for the tops in Billabong stores now, and check out all the styles/colors here.

Walk the talk

2011-07-13T00:45:00.006-04:00

Excuse me while I do a little bit of NYC appreciation here. Even though both of these pieces of awesomeness were created by non-New Yorkers, they both were inspired by the great stinky fun-filled metropolis. The designers of accessories label Cast of Vices, out of LA, took your typical NYC bodega plastic bags and turned them into stunning embossed leather shoppers. Now you can carry your six pack home in style. Final Episode has em available for preorder!

Back in the fall, I posted a preview of the Keith Haring by Nicholas Kirkwood collection in all its insanity. Fast forward to now, and I noticed this wedge pump style has popped up at Colette. Honestly these are better than the early previews! It was 1986 when Haring opened his concept pop-up boutique in Soho selling items bearing his designs. Who would have thought some 25 years later his work could still generate this much hype...amazing when you think about it (these are going for over $1200).

Twentyfive

2011-07-11T14:20:00.004-04:00

Complexgeometries is having a mid-summer sale starting tomorrow! You know you need some of their effortless pieces to get you through the rest of sweaty season lookin good.

Follow the rainbow

2011-06-30T00:35:00.005-04:00

So resort collections are supposed to hypothetically be what you could wear if you hopped on a cruise ship bound for a warmer climate right? Well Christopher Kane has you outfitted for a cruise to Rainbowland, where you will have no problem blending in at the fruit buffet.

images via Vogue

Flagged

2011-06-27T23:23:00.003-04:00

Street style blogs are there to inspire you, so here's some inspiration! This Helsinki girl I spotted over at Hel Looks took a Nirvana flag and turned it into a 90s-style wrap skirt. I don't know about you but I love the idea.

Office Space

2011-06-24T01:15:00.002-04:00

Jeffrey Campbell pumps out new shoes like nobody's business. You blink, and you miss out on some style only sold on one site and gone quicker than you can say Twitter. Despite all the hype, there are always styles that either slip by unnoticed, or are just too strange for the fashion herds. I went on Solestruck today and saw these two kooky ass club kid-meets-office styles appropriately named "Never" and "Get Out." Yeah, that pretty much describes my reaction to each, then I switched to "Why Not?" and "I Might Need These."

A service to all

2011-06-24T00:32:00.009-04:00

So on Monday, Self Service magazine relaunched their site with a pretty healthy archive of past issues. Whoa...inspiration for DAYS!! Besides brimming with a who's who of the past 16 years, it's just a plain goldmine of radically beautiful photography. I picked out a few of my faves, but I recommend spending your lunchbreak looking for yourself.

Time after time

2011-06-21T00:11:00.006-04:00

Even though I have a distorted concept of time, I rarely leave the house without the classic Casio hugging my wrist. Lately I've been building on my love of watches with other pieces that use or are inspired by watch parts. It started with the Margiela watch face ring I scooped from Yoox last year. Then during the W29 Showroom sale a few weeks ago, I got a dope bracelet by Iosselliani that's part watchband, part sparkle. I also found a vintage watch ring in the shape of a bear for 2 Euro when I was in Berlin...score! It just needs a new battery.

last two images via Self Service Mag

There and back

2011-06-20T11:08:00.000-04:00

Sup dudes, I'm back: back from a blogging hiatus, and back from a 2 week Eurotrip! I was all over the place in Reykjavik, Amsterdam, and Berlin getting my party, arty, and shopping on mostly. I will try to share some photos soon, but for now, here's a few of the things I picked up from the Weekday store in Berlin. I went wild in that place!

California Love

2011-06-02T13:25:00.006-04:00

Summer seems to be the time when irony goes hand-in-hand with dripping sweat and cutoffs. So it's perfect timing that America's favorite hipster photog, Mark Hunter aka The Cobrasnake, has teamed up with my fave kitschy shoe brand Irregular Choice for the release of a limited edition shoe. "The Chica" American flag platform wedge is available for preorder starting today and ships out June 15 (so you should have them in time for your independence day parties woooo!). Don't sleep on these- my girl at IC informed me there are only 72 pairs available! Get them in the Cobra Shop or irregularchoice.com.

Dis Week

2011-05-30T22:55:00.003-04:00

I have mad love for Vena Cava, so I'm really excited that their annual sample sale is this week! This time they are joining forces with Loeffler Randall too, so it will be double the fun.

Slim shady

2011-05-22T23:00:00.005-04:00

You know who rules? Complex Geometries. Being a brand known mostly for their unique loose-cut jersey pieces has not stopped them from shifting gears from time to time. Case in point, they've put out this hot knit style that is available in a bodysuit or tube dress. It's oozing sexy summer robot vibes and I'm totally into it, just maybe not when the sun is blazing on my back.

PS: There's a Complex Geometries sale on Privé this week!

Just did it

2011-05-22T21:43:00.004-04:00

I don't why but lately I've been thinking a lot about some of these uglyish/custom Nikes. It started with the pic of this dude who custom spiked some Air Force 1's. I never really got into the whole spike everything you own trend but I kinda dig the contrast against an all white shoe, especially one as classic as the AF1.

Then I accidentally stumbled upon the world of heeled Nike Jordans. GASP?? I know high heeled sneakers are kinda wacksauce, but again, the all white ones do something for me. I am often attracted to a lot of stuff that would be the source material for a Joan Rivers' joke on Fashion Police. I guess I find beauty in the challenge of something that is so wrong, it can be a right if you got swag.

I also just saw these Nike Gladiator sandals on URBN that are pretty interesting- definitely a Sporty Spice moment happening right there.

Sparkle

2011-05-18T15:59:00.007-04:00

Just a heads up, the W29 Showroom online sample sale is happening now! It goes till Saturday, so if you have a gaping hole in your wardrobe for some cheeky party sequin things, Ashish has you totally covered. There's also some sick jewelry from Iosselliani in the sale... I scooped a piece I will share when it arrives! Happy shopping.

Go 'head

2011-05-16T22:40:00.006-04:00

Oh hey folks! Guess what? It's still not summer!!!! Over it. I mean I've been steadily stockpiling tank tops to get ready for the dog days...and I would like to stop wearing jackets like yesterday. Luckily we had decent weather a few weekends ago for the Kentucky Derby. Now I'm not one to get all superstoke over a sporting event, but this was something new to me, and I embraced it. HATS & LADIES was the name of the game, and my girl came through with this striped number that was perfect for the occasion. Nevermind it was totally reminiscent of Prada's steez for this season (AND I was wearing my newly acquired lucite Prada heels I scooped from Century 21).

I guess I'm like hypnotized by Prada right now, cause I was messing around on Asos yesterday and bought this banana crop tank which I can't wait to throw on with some cutoffs. Summer of SASS.

I'm kinda craving some banana Runts® now...those are my fave.

X-ray Specs

2011-05-01T23:22:00.004-04:00

I can't pick my jaw up off the ground after seeing this Comme des Garçons PVC biker jacket through La Collectionneuse (a tumblr that collates amazing finds online). It's everything I never knew I wanted in a jacket and it's for sale at Colette for a hefty sum. I'd say the pricetag is justified though by the impeccable construction, detailing, and high resale value of this piece for years to come. Should I just start eating ramen now?

Brokelyn

2011-04-29T00:52:00.002-04:00

Oh look what I found! APC sale? I'll take it. Let's see how many cross the river for this one. It's conveniently on the weekend too, which I appreciate given all the sales I can't make during the workweek.

Sit this one out

2011-04-26T01:20:00.012-04:00

I've got a serious case of Peter Pan syndrome lately! Oh, what, you too? Then you might just want to bring that feeling of eternal youth into your pad. I'm obsessed with these chairs by The Campana Brothers, but who wouldn't be? I'd almost pay the probably absurd pricetag to have the opportunity to sit on plush sharks and dolphins at the end of the day and dream about magical underwater fantasies....or sit on the gator chair and wake up in a cold sweat thinking your arms just got chomped off.

Think Pink

2011-04-19T23:35:00.006-04:00

I've had a hard time "thinking pink" since my childhood bedroom bled the shade. Once I was old enough to have my own opinions, I kinda ran as far away from the idea of pink as possible. These days I fully embrace the girly and boyish sides of myself, and colors don't really hold any symbolic influence to my wardrobe decisions anymore. I still have a hard time making pink work for me, but this editorial from NYLON México gave me some good ideas: skintone on skin.

Photography: Tony Solis; Styling: Jordy Huinder; Model: Romy

JNCOS for big girls

2011-04-19T00:40:00.005-04:00

A good handful of you probably had a pair of these or at least smirked at the kids who did. It took me some time to accept the fact that wide leg pants are coming back in, and I can't help but be impressed that designers like Jeremy Laing are figuring out how to tap into our 90s Korn-loving, ball chain-wearing selves, but in a much more 2011, polished fem way. You are still allowed to say NO WAY to the wide leg, but I had to point out this interesting interpretation...if anything, to make you take a second look.

Hitched Pants @ Maryam Nassir Zadeh

Slasher

2011-04-17T20:00:00.004-04:00

I guess it's been a minute since I saw any innovative sneakers I would actually wear. There was a time when I was all about Nike Blazers and SBs. These days I tend to torture my feet more often than not (I call it shoeicide), but I do have clear converse and leopard vans I'm pretty stoked about. Anyway feast your eyes on these Andrea Crews sandal-inspired sneakers...I love the slashed sides, big eyelets and chunky laces. They are available in limited quantities at Marios Left Tannker or in the Andrea Crews shop.

Just Cheap

2011-04-01T16:46:00.005-04:00

I think now's a good time to revisit Cheap Monday Spring 2011 cause everything is now in stores! I personally think this is their strongest collection to date, especially in terms of wearability, variety of pieces, and the sheer size of the range. Click over to Karmaloop and there's like 3 pages of Cheap Monday for this season! I've already picked up a few pieces, and plan to stop by Alter in Brooklyn to see what they have in stock.

Double dip

2011-03-31T00:13:00.006-04:00

I'm sure plenty of ya'll are busy getting your summer bods in order. Or maybe you can't be bothered! Maybe you eat french fries on the regs and get away with it. Maybe you can appreciate the irony regardless of this Jeremy Scott for Adidas fry print swimsuit. I'm pretty stoked he chose to resurrect this print that originally appeared in his Eat The Rich Fall '06 range that basically took its inspiration from junk food. Even though it's technically swimwear, I can see it looking pretty dope as a bodysuit paired with some denim or shorty shorts...right?

Big kid little jungle

2011-03-22T23:55:00.003-04:00

I'm indefinitely stuck in a kid/adult vortex, so my tastes span high and low. One day over the rainbow, I'll own a Givenchy bag. For now, I'll take the Vans and ride my bike into the sunset.

Reality: Vans; Dreams: Givenchy

Supermarket Sweep

2011-03-17T11:49:00.005-04:00

Grandmas picking out their produce in Auckland, NZ today had a front row seat to the Stolen Girlfriends Club show. Models entered through the supermarket's automatic doors and paraded down the aisles past unsuspecting shoppers. I always love seeing fashion taken out of context like this, even if it has little to do with the clothes themselves.

via Style Sketchbook & SGC blog

On the up and up

2011-03-14T16:05:00.003-04:00

A most basic of shape, the wedge pump, has found its way into my shoe collection out of necessity. These ticked all the right boxes, including the hard-to-find affordable box. Never underestimate Aldo...they really come through sometimes! Now let's see how long it takes NYC sidewalks to beat the crap out of these.

Wood grain I'm grippin'

2011-03-14T14:13:00.006-04:00

There's a lot to be said for the advancement in digital printing on textiles in recent fashion seasons. Fall 2011 was no exception, and once again, I'm smacked in the face with some amazing head-to-toe, or head-to-knee in this case, 3D to 2D designs. Two of my favorites came from Celine and Stella McCartney in the form of wood grain and gold foil prints. I mean, WOW, right??

Vogue.com

Assembly Required

2011-03-06T20:50:00.005-05:00

The ring situation at Margiela for Fall '11 is out of control. I'm not even sure what's going on with some of these- are they knuckle rings, sold separately or what!? Regardless, I'm into the chunky industrial hardware store aesthetic 100%.

Vogue.com

Shaggy

2011-03-06T04:28:00.005-05:00

When I looked at Junya Watanabe's digs for fall, I stopped at this scruffy, lived-in furness. Coats that can keep you warm should your heater break down in the dead of winter, DONE. I dig these fuzzy overthings...evidence that fur doesn't always have to say "Yo I am a baller".

Vogue.com

Perfect Timing

2011-03-02T13:15:00.002-05:00

Damn my tastes have gotten expensive! I mean somewhat. Not having the means keeps me grounded though. A designer watch? I mean I love my $40 Casio to death (literally, I will wear it till it dies), but if the time were now to invest in a nice timepiece, I'd go for one of these Balenciaga watches. It represents everything I love about timeless (har har) design: classic meets modern meets...yum?

Balenciaga SS11

Step into liquid

2011-02-22T23:46:00.005-05:00

Yo, WHAT? 2011, is that you? I knew you were here all along, it just took London to shake things up as always. When people talk about this idea of "the future", this is the kind of weird shit they dream up...the stuff that is actually motivated by science. Christopher Kane was just the creative vessel to bring it to life. I can clearly remember repeatedly pressing my little sticky kid fingers into oily stickers on my trapper keeper, almost willing them to burst open, even though I probably would've cried if that happened. The black dresses with colorful, liquid-filled plastic trim were crazy awesome, but I'm looking forward to the concept finding its way into many more accessories at the retail level. Big kid pencil case purses: I'm for it!

vogue.com

Mixed Metals

2011-02-20T20:33:00.004-05:00

ACNE! One of the collections I anticipate the most each season is undoubtedly from these guys. I always, ALWAYS find something or many somethings I like. They got game: Johansson knows one of their strengths is innovation in leather, so what did he do? He pushed it even further for Fall 2011 with rich colored leathers, in particular mixing it in with METALLICS. It's classic, it's future, it's why we can't help but love Swedish fashion.

Peekaboo

2011-02-18T15:17:00.006-05:00

I guess Jeremy Scott has a lot going on these days! He just wrapped up a crazy, ravetastic fashion show in New York for Fall 11, launched a collaboration with Swatch (with his face in Times Square above the store), and I just clicked over to Colette to see these INSANE shades he just put out with Linda Farrow. Club kids everywhere rejoice!

People power

2011-02-17T12:53:00.007-05:00

Regardless of your feelings on the character, Kanye can DRESS. Case in point, he rocked an Actual Pain cap front row at Jeremy Scott yesterday. TJ's got to be at least a little proud to have someone so influential repping his gear! The hat is sold out in their shop, but the pyramid graphic is available on several other products, including a tank which I own and plan on wearing out this summer.

image via Zimbio

Booty bounce

2011-02-16T00:35:00.005-05:00

I LOVE a weird sole. I am a weird soul. Booties and shorts for summer 2011.

Asos & Acne

All eyes on you

2011-02-14T15:03:00.005-05:00

Spring 11 Supreme is gettin creative- watch out! I checked out what's in store for the coming season (which includes dog bowls so your pet can feel cool) and was immediately drawn to this eye print shirt...obviously because it was staring at me. I feel like there are so many ways this could be rocked too, for the guys or girls. It can run the spectrum from weird artist type, to matchy matchy streetwear kid, to sexy nerd chic. I think I fit in there somewhere.

Sweet tartan

2011-02-14T12:45:00.003-05:00

I smell a tartan trend! Both Y-3 and Thakoon dipped their design brushes in bright red and blue check prints for fall. Try to steal a chick's tartan jacket in the club...you aren't getting very far!

Y-3 & Thakoon Fall 2011

B.U.M. Equipment

2011-02-11T00:51:00.019-05:00

I feel like I've been bummin' it most of this winter- wearing random layers most of the time instead of proper winter pieces. It amounts to that sort of hippie dippy streetwear aesthetic that the Tokyo kids do so well. Or, you spend an hour to look like you "threw something together in 2 minutes"....riiiiiight. I really just need me a wacko acid bright fur coat to awesome up any outfit- should have snatched one at Eva last year.

Droptokyo, Koshka blog, Stockholm Streetstyle, Streethearts, Vice Style, 3 Dollars, Droptokyo, Unknown

The buck stops here

2011-02-07T16:27:00.005-05:00

I've been watching Zara's handbag game get progressively better. They are good at fooling the average fash rat with bags that look way more expensive than they are. How's this for a fancy fuzzy shopper tote? ACE.

Slick city streets

2011-02-03T18:33:00.007-05:00

Ann-Sofie Back has officially taken Cheap Monday to a new level under her stellar creative direction. Spring 2011 looked amazing, and now Fall is a journey into the beyond with epic layering, the shiny dark side of techno, and a comfort level of 10. It was refreshing to see how far Back pushed it- there were hardly any jeans shown for women, which is impressive for a company founded on denim. But there WAS patent leather and velvet. 90s? Where, what are you talking about?

Images via Cheap Monday & here

I came across this Swedish blog that made an interesting point: Acne started out as jeans brand, eventually evolving into a globally respected fashion label that is now showing in London each season. It seems Cheap Monday is heading down the same path...hopefully they stay cheap as they grow more chic!

Can they do no wrong?

2011-02-03T18:27:00.005-05:00

If you're an Olsen hater, not an Olsen lover, you can change the channel...now. I don't peep the gossip blogs too much, but I guess Mary-Kate and Ashley had a little party in NYC yesterday to celebrate Textile Elizabeth & James, which according to Ashley is "a well-rounded collection of casual to dressy options for the trend conscious customer." MKA wore pant styles from the Fall '11 collection but I'm just in love with both their looks 100%...and those Balenciaga heels- JESUS!!

images via Just Jared

My lips are sealed

2011-02-02T14:46:00.006-05:00

I grow more and more fond of Danish brand Wood Wood with each season that passes. They always represent the perfect mix of timeless style with not-too-trendy staples. The color palette for Spring 11 alone is magical. Wood Wood has a nicely designed webstore that in addition to their own label carry brands like Bernhard Willhelm, Jeremy Scott, and Perks and Mini. I'm considering picking up one of these new crispy white button-up styles with all over lip print. I'll actually be in Berlin in June so I can't wait to visit the store...someone will have to hold me back from ODing on Wood Wood!

Go mental in the mart

2011-02-01T23:05:00.005-05:00

Finally, the cobwebs have been cleared and Mental Mart has fresh items up ready for you to buy, with new stuff to be added throughout early spring cleaning season. Prices so great, it's m-m-m-mental! [You're supposed to read that in your best used car commercial voice]

C.neeon hoodie and MM6 dress

Shout out to my girl Krysta for holding down the modeling!

Angel Hair Pasta

2011-02-01T21:40:00.007-05:00

I can't really predict what I'll be feeling come spring, but I feel like I'm curiously peering down this minimalist path á la Calvin Klein in the 90s- tanks, dresses, and one-pieces that are plain as day, but somehow still innovative. Other then the obvious comfort appeal, I like that this sort of style really leaves the door open for coo coo for cocoa puffs accessorizing...if you choose to go that route.

Acne, Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair, Acne, Asos

Purple flavor

2011-01-27T19:47:00.006-05:00

For "practical" reasons, most people tend to stick to black or earthtone-colored coats for winter. Yeah, yeah, makes sense. Sitting on the subway though, sometimes I wish I didn't blend in so much in the winter. Up pop those thought bubbles...the techno precision of Raf Simons combined with a tasty grape purple would sure look nice against all this snow. And cozy? Look at it, it SCREAMS cozy, even if you get stared at a whole lot more (at least Barney & friends will be on your side).

Blingers

2011-01-25T00:59:00.005-05:00

I've wanted a nameplate necklace for a really long time, and it has nothing to do with a certain Carrie Bradshaw. In fact I didn't even want my name, in part because there's too many jerkfaces in the sea of millions here that would abuse that. I guess I wanted something more, er, "clever"? I forget where I saw it, probably some recent editorial, but the model had a nameplate necklace that said "Nobody." That was my AHA moment, so as soon as I had the chance, I headed down to Chinatown, and ordered up "Somebody." I'm kind of a smartass so it suits me well!

While i'm on this topic of shiny bold lady jewelry, I've been coming across some pretty sweet big earrings lately. I'm usually more of a tiny stud person myself (I have these silver cubes that have not left my ears), but look at these hoops...nothing but net!

Mouth hoop earrings, Aurélie Bidermann; Perspex phone earrings, Holly Fulton

Then there's this amazing piece from Ann-Sofie Back I spotted at Daily Projects that I don't remember seeing in her Fall collection. I don't even understand how this stays on your ear but it's totally badass! Instant sci-fi elf status.

Rally for Rowley

2011-01-24T11:54:00.009-05:00

Attention New Yorkers (well, fans of Cythia Rowley's colorful, urban, sporty vibes anyway)! She's having a sample sale this week starting Thursday promising 80% clothes and accessories, so you might want in on this action. I just revisited Rowley's Fall 10 collection, which should pop up at the sale, and there's some pretty amazing pieces. Seeing as the end of winter is nowhere in sight, maybe you could still make good use of a sweater or puffy coat.

Still an animal

2011-01-19T00:44:00.010-05:00

Here's your January dose of Japanese crazy, this time from Tokyo-bred label BANZAI. A giant stuffed tiger got it on with a jacket...while a matador watched. I like that the tiger looks to be a backpack at first glance, but is really attached to your back. Interested? The jacket is only available at Ilil in Tokyo right now, but its designer, Yoruko Banzai, promises he is "roaring towards large projects" in the near future so watch this man's blog!

Hot mess

2011-01-17T22:52:00.007-05:00

Sex sells- that's a no-brainer. Somehow it still has enough shock appeal to stir things up stateside, but for Argentinian label A.Y. Not Dead, it gets the job done...especially with the help of a certain blonde named Dree Hemingway. Moving past the bonerific campaign images, A.Y. Not Dead's Summer '11 range offers a saucy mix of revealing cuts and radical prints...equally effective under a strobe light or the daylight. I have my eye on quite a few pieces, and I'm stoked to recently discover the label is stocked at Asos. You better believe if I ever find myself in Buenos Aires though, I'll be paying one or more of their six stores down there a visit!

Boom

2011-01-14T15:33:00.004-05:00

Well look at this, Fendi just stole my heart...

via Luisaviaroma

It didn't hurt

2011-01-13T01:14:00.017-05:00

A lot of us have several more holes in us then we were born with- I'm talking about the holes with metal shoved through them! The starting point of Ann-Sofie Back's Spring '11 collection was pornography and manipulation of the body. This translated down to the accessories which included a ring and necklace that look like long metal rods poking through the neck and finger.

The necklace is kind of chanelling Frankenstein eh??

How dope is the ring!!!?? I'm definitely stalking this one...

images via Style by Kling & NY Mag

Fur sure dude

2011-01-11T15:00:00.005-05:00

Oh yeah, pre-fall yeah! Look at some of the goods Phoebe Philo came up with for Celine. Call it Girls Gone Mod if you will. My faves were about the fur and the shine- that green iridescent PVC coat is bananas! And yeah...LV did foxtails, so what? Phoebe put them on a tiny flat clutch and I dig the play on proportions. If I could reach through the screen and feel that animal hide-looking top, I would.

pc: style.com

Chicken noodle soup

2011-01-10T16:22:00.004-05:00

Thankfully I'm not sick, but I gotta do a better job of not letting heat escape through my head. Supreme has a lot of dope beanies this season...and for the frozen non-wallflowers, may I suggest this ski mask?

Sophomore Spring '11, Supreme

Most wanted

2011-01-06T17:57:00.006-05:00

So here's two of my most wanted shoes for spring. I've had a crush on the United Nude block pump since first laying my eyes on them. They are architecturally sexy and definitely look dope with shorts. I'm glad I've held out, because I like this latest version with the wood heel the best. Then there's these cut-out oxfords from Minimarket that showed up in Solestruck's Spring '11 lookbook- they remind me of puzzles!

Minimarket image via

Megabytes of Spring

2011-01-06T02:09:00.008-05:00

If you weren't excited for spring yet, you will be now. Ok, that's assuming the thrill of wearing brighter clothes and showing more skin keeps you awake in twitches of anticipation at night. Maybe creepy gifs of well-styled models will lick your brain next time you lay your head to rest. "Digital fashion mavens" Reed + Rader hit it out of the park with this new editorial Megabytes of Spring for vmagazine.com. Go...clickity CLICK and see all the magic kids!

Styling by Jessica Bobince

Jurassic

2011-01-05T01:02:00.008-05:00

We all have our "style icons" out there, some of whom we may stalk on the daily...don't lie, you read Fuck Yeah Mary-Kate Ashley too. On the opposite end of the spectrum is a familiar face on the Tokyo scene, Mademoiselle Yulia, who I have been following for the past few years because, well, she rules at life. The girl is a DJ, singer, and designs an accessory label called GIZA that blows me away. Yulia OWNS her style...it's hard to sum it up, but she's big into Jeremy Scott, short shorts and blue hair. If you look at any recent pictures of her, she can probably be seen sporting the collection she recently collaborated with LA-based Joyrich on, which is due out real soon. Joyrich x Giza is the perfect marriage: it's got classic pieces like tanks, shorts, and motorcycle jackets, all decked out in prints like dinosaurs and wrenches. I mean!!??

In November, a club in Taiwan played host to a party celebrating the collaboration. Of course Yulia was behind the decks! She even arrived in a Lambo.. now that's the life.

images via Cadmus Family here and here

Nebula

2010-12-26T21:29:00.006-05:00

I've managed to accumulate an impressive amount of bikinis to outfit my frequent beach trips and tropical-related travel this year. It's not like I need any more swimsuits, but have been keeping my eyes peeled for a one-piece that doesn't have much more fabric than a bikini (aka a lot of cut-outs) and this one by NZ label Cybéle pretty much fits the bill!

images via 1AM Magazine and ESA/Hubble

Snowmageddon

2010-12-26T18:18:00.005-05:00

We are in the midst of a blizzard here in NYC, complete with thunder and lightning! I was away in Maryland for Christmas but found myself jumping in my car a bit early today to try and beat the white stuff (um, FAIL as you can see). Man do I hate driving in snow, but at least I was comfortable. These Rosenmunns pants are the coziest things on the planet...I never want to take them off.

tank, Actual Pain; hoodie, Uniqlo; coat, Zara; pants, Rosenmunns; boots, Opening Ceremony x Dr. Martens

Your FACE

2010-12-21T01:24:00.008-05:00

So there's this somewhat obscure Japanese label called Facetasm...maybe you've heard of them? Maybe you also agree that it's a genius name for a clothing label! I mean, DAMN. So prepare for multiple facetasms when you feast your eyes on some of their latest and greatest...

So yeah, it's basically a printSPLOSION of wonderful proportions. To top it off, they did these fantastic down mufflers for the chilly season that are so crucial. I really can't get over the Last Supper one...anything that can simultaneously delight and offend is a sure winner.

Ironically, I found the muffler images on an e-store called DeepInsideinc. WOW.

I Saw You Standing

2010-12-19T17:22:00.005-05:00

The images in the last post came from an editorial on Platform, a London-based online mag I only just discovered that's a pretty entertaining and informative mishmash of cultural this and fashion that, mixed with a healthy serving of generation next photography. Like a lot of the more fashionably relevant online mags out there, Platform has a street style section, but theirs is refreshingly different. Instead of a single still full-body photo, Platform films the stylish subjects, and edits the footy together with tasty beats and details on the outfit. I feel like you get a better take on the person's personality, even if it's just through subtleties like them laughing and gazing into the distance. I'm def a fan of this format and predict others will eventually follow suit!

Feral Girl

2010-12-19T16:52:00.005-05:00

I came across this bangin editorial yesterday on a google image search for "Isabel Marant fur coat" (you know, THIS one). I wanted to show my roommate the similarities to the craze fur number currently on Topshop's homepage, which I am now stalking thanks to a tip from Jayne. Anywho, I love the styling concept in full effect here- designer (talkin bout Isabel Marant, Jil Sander, and Margiela, oh hey now) mixed with army surplus store finds and the sickest hair steez I've seen in a minute. I was actually so inspired, I stopped in a local army store in Brooklyn today and picked up some gloves and a Carhartt beenie. BRRRR.

Photographer: Bella Howard, Styling: Margaret Crow, Make up: Clare Read

Just breathe

2010-12-15T19:22:00.003-05:00

I took a peep at Bless's upcoming range, Nº42 and I gotta point out the awesome loose knits that will be hot over just a bandeau or swimsuit if you're beachbound. You can see where my mind is at right now, which is very far away from black ice and a cruel windchill.

Margiela-ela-ela

2010-12-14T00:05:00.007-05:00

So I've been holding on to these Margiela wedge sandals for years now, after purchasing them at a sample sale and only wearing them once. They just don't fit my foot right but are honestly one of the coolest pairs of shoes I've ever laid eyes on (GUYS THEY ARE IRRIDESCENT), so you can imagine why it took me so long to let them go. Anyway, they are US size 8/8.5, Euro 38 and you can bid on them here. Good luck!

Eyescream

2010-12-13T18:37:00.007-05:00

I gotta say I can def be a fan of New Era hats on dudes- especially if they are a slick design, and the guy has good style without looking like he stares at his closet longer than I do. That being said, these caps genius London-based menswear designer Katie Eary did for New Era are pretty damn amazing.

caps available at CANDY

While we're on the topic of Katie Eary's mind-melting prints, I came across her t-shirts available on Asos, some which she designed exclusively for the site and are now on sale (plus free shipping worldwide right now!). Pretty crazy-licious right?

For the gold

2010-12-12T18:40:00.006-05:00

I'm not much of a clutch person but look at this thing Matt Bernson made! It's a gold bar that unhinges to store anything you might need on a night out- pretty conceptual for a guy that mainly makes shoes, and just in time for New Years. Get yer swag on!

BedHead

2010-12-08T23:50:00.009-05:00

Recently, one of the coolest haircare lines on planet earth, BedHead, contacted Is Mental to be a part of a really unique project. I geek out about getting my hair cut each and every time- I love the whole salon experience (ahem, shout out to Laicale), and I love experimenting with hair products, especially ones that smell yummy, so this was a no-brainer! The project was the big relaunch of their site (designed by the amazing Taxi Europe) and it's set up like an interactive magazine where fashion, nightlife, music, style, and art come together in a really fresh way. Is Mental was selected as one of the blogs that would be featured in the fashion category. How sweet is that?? Anyway, enough bragging- go check it out for yourself and buy some BedHead dudes!!

Grandma gone wild

2010-12-08T18:18:00.005-05:00

Do I get an award for the most zany knit find of the season? If so, I will gladly accept the find itself: this crazy cardigan by Japanese brand Hiro. It's available at this shop in Tokyo called Acycle which I stopped by this past spring when I was there- only a few doors down from the new Mishka store. As far as "streetwear" goes, it has one of the best and most interesting selections I've seen worldwide, clearly illustrated by this gem!