Soulless Sex Appeal

Indie lyrics matched with a funk/jazz sound make Omaha's Shiver Shiver (or shiva shivah - as I like to pronounce it) a truly unique sound on the scene. 

Chase Thornburg (left) plays drums while Jordan Elsberry (right) plays the keyboard, and they both sing, very sexily. 

This photograph (thanks to their Facebook page) was taken December 26th at the Nomad Lounge, which doesn't usually hold live shows, but instead chooses to feature DJs every night. I thought Nomad, overall, was a good venue for the stylish duo. The only problem being a wooden beam dividing the audience's attention between the two performers. 

Soulless Sex Appeal is Shiver Shiver's latest album, and seeing pictures of these dudes all dolled up and watching them gyrate live, certainly earns them that title....my only question, are they lovers too? That would be too good to be true.

Embrace it, Fear It

Embrace it, fear it: The wise words of Regina George from 2004's Mean Girls, and a definitive description of several different facets in my life right now.
I'm moving to New York in June and am FREAKING out how I'm going to afford living there. One part of me is terrified of having to leave my comfort zone and getting off my parents insurance, while the other half can't wait to be submerged into the rejuvenating creative energy of New York City.
When the time comes, I'll be ready...embracing and working to solve whatever curve balls are thrown at me, but still fearing to stay afloat. The perfect balance of idealistic optimism and conservative decision making.
If fate had a say...meeting my best friend and future roommate in New York while working for a former fashion editor in Omaha, Nebraska, I'm headed in the right direction.
Like my friend John Van says, "Here comes the Flood."

(Embrace it, Fear it!)

Stage Crew Chic

When someone tells me to wear black, I automatically run through my closet in my head and think about all the items I have..mostly sheer, going out items: Leggings, tights, tube tops, back-less tops, my one lone black T-shirt. 

While on costume crew for the One Acts I had to wear black every night. This was a challenge because I am a very, very colorful person. 

The first night of tech, I was way to cold for comfort, so I borrowed a large black hoodie from my brother Eddie, a sophomore at Creighton Prep, with ample pocket room for safety and bobby pins. My Kidrobot sad banana keychain found a home on the zipper, and Saturday night I got a hot pink (to match my patent Dr. Martens) NebraskaFish emblazed on my sweatshirt from the NebraskaFish Rising show at the Bemis.

Here's a picture of some of the theater crew and me. The angle's bad for the sweatshirt, but be on the lookout. My brother did let me keep it. 

A Night of (Debauchery) Durang

Creighton University, the Mecca for cookie-cutter North Face-wearing, taboo-repelling, basketball-watching Midwest stock, will host a Night of Christopher Durang Thursday through Sunday in the blackbox theater at the Creighton Lied Center. 

Durang, a naughty, absurdist contemporary playwright, likes to write about child abuse, Roman Catholic dogma and sexual tendencies.  His plays aren't complete without several layers of parody and uncomfortable situations. How refreshing is it to have his presence in ours!

The five student-directed one act plays are The Actor's Nightmare directed by Matthew DeNoncour, Medea directed by Kathleen Lawler, The Hardy Boys and the Mystery of Where Babies Come From and Naomi in the Living Room directed by Wesley Pourir and For Whom the Southern Belle Tolls directed by John-Paul Gurnett.  

I'm on costume crew for the plays and have a whole new respect for people who work behind the scenes. The crew has to show up earlier, stays later and doesn't even get to see the plays performed (if you work backstage). 

I assist actors with quick changes behind stage and make sure everyone has all their costume pieces each night and wears them properly. The first act features the first three plays mentioned above and the second act follows with the last two. 

Tonight we ran tech for act two and I stayed on the second level of the theater to help two boys change, one into a dress and one into cloud-covered footed pajamas. Who knew undressing two boys in one night would get me school credit and be so anticlimactic. I could tell the boys were nervous when they both told me that I would see them in their boxers, poor underclassman. ("As if!" as Cher would say). 

I had to suppress a sneeze or two, but even though I couldn't see the actors I couldn't help laughing out loud (quietly). 

Wesley's shows should be crowd favorites, but the others make great compliments. If you're in the mood for some wild hilarity, that's barely PC on campus, don't miss the chance to see actors stripping, screaming and dropping F-bombs onstage. 

Rebels unite!

 

"Let them eat Cake"

Local artist/designer/cartoon character, Miss Cake just keeps getting cuter. Saturday night, she showed her fashion designs, that are currently sold at the Black Market in Lincoln and Scout, in the first ever Loom Weaves Fashion event. 

The monthly Loom parties are usually held at Espana Tapas Bar in Benson, and are focused on bringing different cultures together, "weaving the social fabric through dance." 

Fashion Loom allowed local designers to showcase their designs on models during the party.

Multi-faceted Miss Cake is not only a seamstress, but a painter and graphic designer. She has an Etsy site where she sells stationary, underwear bowls, barrettes, and tongue-adorned canvas tote bags.

I describe her style as one part Dr. Seuss, one part Fafi mixed with one part candy-coated japlepeno baked to perfection at 350 degrees. 

Here am I wearing one of her custom dresses. Note the "Let Them Eat Cake" writing on my arms.

Let's just say I should have eaten the cake before I hit the vodka. 

Who wasn't an English major?

I was eating dinner at a friend's house the other night, and the topic of college majors came up. One man asked the group, "Well who wasn't an english major?" As it turned out, only me (journalism) and another friend (philosophy) were the only two non-English majors in the room. The group was made up of teachers, musicians, and staff from the Bemis Center and Saddle Creek Records. It was then that I knew my parents were wrong.

I had always wanted to be an English major. I came to Creighton because I won a creative writing scholarship. I had big dreams of becoming a poet, being published in the New Yorker (like Dan from Gossip Girl) before I graduated college. 

My sophomore year came around and it was time to declare a major. I was going for English, but my parents said I couldn't be an English major without becoming a teacher. I didn't want to teach, it wouldn't be fair to students having a teacher straight out of college. I wanted to experience the world first. So I chose the next best thing, journalism. 

I've been overall very happy with my major. I've learned design programs, how to write stories that I don't especially care for, and how to work as a part of an editorial team, among other valuable things. 

That didn't stop my heart from freezing when I saw the annual New Voices event for Creighton and UNO English majors, hanging on a campus bulletin board. 

One of the writers featured was a boy that was in the English class that changed my life back in my sophomore year. I had to go to the reading, not for him, but for myself.

I had to see what I could have been up against, who I could have been friends with, what kind of progress a creative writer makes in two years. 

The first two women that read were dewy-faced, never leave the library bookish types that spoke of family vacations in Montana and a mother's touch. You can imagine my disgust when one of them announced that she became engaged the night before. 

The next woman was a bit older, with kids of her own, that read an excerpt from her novel about her first love and his eventual death in Iraq. She was funny and created images that even a young child-less girl like me can relate to.

Finally was my friend from English class, we'll call him Max. Max read a story about a sixth grade boy who couldn't pass the grade despite his extensive knowledge of scalene triangles and Aristotle. Max made me wonder what kind of philosophy and science classes he has been taking over his four years, it was a well-researched story.

The reading left me feeling out of place and kind of relieved.

I hate to admit it, but maybe my parents were right?

Sooo you wanna work at a magazine...

Stylista, Wednesday nights on the CW, is my new reality obsession. The show follows 11 aspiring fashionistas all competing for an editorial job with Elle magazine under the scrutiny of Elle's fashion news director Anne Slowey. Each episode includes an assistant task like picking out Anne's breakfast, dressing mannequins, or picking a theme for a demanding 10-year-old's birthday party, followed by an editorial challenge of styling and laying out a fashion spread.

Since right now my dream job is, and has been for awhile, to work at a magazine I watch this show like I am one of the competitors, trying to decide who I would want to work with and who would be my biggest competition, while furiously biting my nails.

I know one of the most important  working in the fashion industry is to not let anyone break you. In the second episode Jason had a panic attack, had to be taken away to the hospital, came back for the editorial critique but still got eliminated. I mean honestly if you have to be taken to the hospital while you're competing for an assistant position, you're not right for the job. I can't help but feel for him though, because in the past, I have let my emotions take over my cool.

In the third episode DyShaun, who says the funniest things ("No one, hopefully is dying over a pair of shoes"), really hit home when he said, "In this business you can be sweet, but you have to have some sort of bite to you." He was referring to Cologne, who I think was the bigger person, when she "gave up" the mother-daughter team that team two and three were fighting over in the third episode. 

I think that sometimes I can be too sweet and just do the extra work because it's easier than asking someone else to do it. Not that I'm a pushover by any means, because I will definitely let you know if I'm upset, but I just think I'd rather get things done quickly and correctly rather than have to fix someone else's work or painfully coax the person to even do the work. That is definitely something I need to work on. It's just hard to know what the right balance is.

Which brings me to the contestant, Kate, who was criticized immediately for her disgusting, exhibitionist tendencies of showcasing her cleavage. Kate is whiney b*tch and unfortunately a poor representation of a leo when she said, "I'm a leo, I don't work in teams." She's made excuses for every team she's worked on and has cried several times on the show, which is in the fashion world, is a sign of weakness. 

All I have to say is that I'm in for the long run and will do (almost) anything I have to not to hear the words, "You're not the right fit." 

 

OMJ...little J that is

So far I've avoided posting about Gossip Girl, my favorite guilty pleasure TV show, because well that would be too predictable. But after watching little Jenny Humphrey's transformation from quitting her job with prominent designer Eleanor Waldorf, who was stealing her designs, to launching her line J Humphrey Designs via a "guerilla" fashion show...I couldn't not mention it. The collection is very hipster chic...with a lot of plaids, bold colors and plenty of attitude. If it was a real line, NYLON would eat it up. Check out the video here. Do you think Jenny's on to something?

Show me your guns...

I usually don't give up my Sunday yoga afternoons for just anything, but yesterday I opted out to demolish pumpkins at my friend's farm in Griswold, IA...with a 20-gauge shotgun. 

Not as swank as the Versace Machine gun shown left (photo courtesy of www.rotoevil.com), but it still had enough kick to leave bruises on the inside of my right shoulder.

I'd never shot a gun before; I never even let the boys I babysit play or pretend to play with guns.

The gun was a lot heavier than I thought, and I had to be shown how to load and shoot it. I also had a hard time hitting my target because the gun kicked back so hard...honestly I had never felt more like a girl in my entire life, but the day was so beautiful and the opportunity so beckoning I couldn't pass up an afternoon of shooting pumpkins and cans.

Not that I would ever wish for a situation to use these weapons, but they make me want to have my own graphic novel. 

It's Raining Shoes

With the cold weather, and a fatter paycheck this week I decided it was time to invest in some new(ish) fall shoes. First I went to check out Bellwether boutique  which carries high quality vintage clothing as well as fashions by local designers like Buf Reynolds and Spano Lang by Shannon Hopp. (Click the link to see video of the shop and the opening fashion show. The strawberry blonde with the puppy is owner Jessica Latham.)

I found a brown velvet blazer by Renoma Paris ($20), and the highlight of the trip: navy vintage 'Vara' pumps by Italian shoemaker Salvatore Ferragamo ($20!). Today his 'Vera' pumps run for about $350. I immediately put the shoes on (even though I was wearing black) and showed my mother who told me that my grandmother's favorite shoes used to be Ferragamos.

After I got my vintage fix I headed to Target to check out the Sigerson Morrison for Target line and bought the fierce patent bootie ($39.99). The booties were twice as expensive, half as comfortable and definitely not as well-made as the Ferragamos. 

Moral of the story? Shop vintage, especially if you're on a budget. 

Target, is it really you?

Target's designer collaborations keep getting better and better. New York fashion photographer and cult handbag designer, Monica Botkier's, line ran from July 21st- September 14th. Following in her footsteps is none other than British designer Anya Hindmarch's handbag line  which became available October 12th and will be in stores until December 26th. As far as footwear stands, Sigerson Morrison, a high-end line for the classic, elegant woman runs alongside Anya through the December holiday. 

Merry Christmas anyone?

In other fashion news:

• According to fashionologie, Omaha-native Thakoon Panichgul's sportswear collection for Target will be available Christmas day. 
  
• Mary Kate and Ashley's book, Influence, is available starting Thursday, October 28th.
• Anthropologie, Urban Outfitter's older sister, opened earlier this week at Regency Court in Omaha

All Aboard...

My friend and co-worker Hannah Rood makes some pretty nice clothes. She is a graduate student at University of Nebraska at Lincoln in the Marketing, Communication and Advertising program. She began sewing at the age of nine and began designing clothes at the age of 12. 

Hannah shot her portfolio Monday at the Durham Museum in Omaha and I had the opportunity to model for her. 

Her collection consisted of several coats (all lined with her signature tie trim) and dresses. The backdrop of the old train station really complimented her 30s-50s inspired modern look. 

Accessories were provided by Trocadero and Bellwether boutique. 

I do have to say that modeling is harder than it looks. I've always fantasized about it, but knew I could never do runway at my height (5 ft 8 in). For this photo shoot, I worked for 6 and 1/2 hours. I got to have my makeup done by a Chanel artist, which looked beautiful (probably $500 worth of makeup on my face!), but I found it hard to be confident the whole time, especially when the other two girls were two to four inches taller than me and much more experienced! 

I tried my hardest to keep the energy up, had a good time on set and was happy to oblige my friend and blossoming designer Hannah Rood...that's really all a natural disaster can hope for. 

Trocadero Turns One!

Trocadero, the lifestyle boutique I work at, celebrates it's first birthday tomorrow. The store sells accessories, shoes and gifts and is the brainchild of former In Style magazine accessories director, Alice Kim. 

If you haven't been in the store yet, it's a mecca of all things chic and unique to Omaha. Favorite products include Brian Atwood shoes, Wizard of Oz pop-up books, Korres greek skincare, jewelry by Helen Ficalora and Kidrobot collectable vinyl toys, among many others.  

There will be plenty of munchies, samples and interesting people around all day, although I can't tell you what the door prizes will be. You'll have to come see for yourself. 

"Fashion by Chance"

I'm lucky not to have class on Tuesdays, but the downside is that I'm usually doing homework (or at least worrying about homework) from the time I wake up in the morning until I finally get to bed around 2 a.m. 

The upside: I actually have time to get ready for the day. 

Today I wore white lace tank top (dates back from 7th grade when Abercrombie was actually cool) under a men's blue plaid shirt with snaps for buttons (that I think came from an old co-worker), my trusty Banana Republic chino jeans, and silver ballet flats that I got from Target last fall. I also put a white sweater with black details in my bag in case I got chilly. 

I went to Aromas Coffeehouse to do some homework, worked for a few hours and then took a break to go to Second Chance Antiques with my friend Kevin when he got off work. I found a necklace (see picture) that hits right at my breastbone, that encases an Estée Lauder jelly perfume ($6).  

"Vintage, so cute." 

I went back to Aromas and couldn't decide whether to put my sweater on under or over my plaid shirt (big deal, I know). My friend and Aromas regular, Anthony, suggested I flip a coin. If it was heads, I'd wear it over and if it was tails, I'd wear it under. 

And there you have it, fashion by chance.  

I would be gay for her...

Jenny Lewis, an indie/folk singer based out of California, released her latest solo album Acid Tongue September 23rd. Not only does she have an intoxicating voice and catchy, provocative lyrics, but she's got incredible stage presence and impeccable style. 

Her last solo album was released with the Watson Twins in 2006, and I remember watching them sway in perfect rhythm at the Sokol Auditorium show, almost like they were mirror images on either side of Lewis.  

Lewis performed with her other band, Rilo Kiley, formally of Saddle Creek Records, last May supporting their 2007 album Under the Blacklight. [Trivia fact: I was able to see the sold out show after a certain boss of mine made friends with her manager!] Lewis wore a blue haltered romper cinched with a skinny belt, shiny tan dance tights and what appeared to be vintage heels. 

photo courtesy of www.instantcast.com

                                            

I'm so dorky, I wore my own version of her romper inspired outfit to work the next day (American Apparel Tri-blend Halter Romper in Athletic Blue, $28) .

Tonight I had the opportunity to see the front-woman make an appearance on Late Night with Conan O'Brien performing "Acid Tongue" off her album of the same name. She wore cuffed wide-legged jeans, a navy, sleeveless polka dot top and a black fedora. She played acoustic guitar while her five band members sang backup. I think this was the first time I've seen her in jeans!  

Lewis was last in Omaha playing with Conor Oberst September 20th at the Anchor Inn.  

Cultural Funfair

Yesterday was a whirlwind of unexpected fun. It all started out at the Scout Candy Land fashion show in Dundee, where I got to dress up in an outfit of my choice and have my hair and makeup done by Halo* Studios. I wore a green boy scout shirt with a cranberry colored scarf, a Free People jean shirt with a rainbow belt, and vintage red Dorthy-esque pumps. My hair was big and backcombed (garnished with a hair clip made out of purple candy) and my makeup was blue and purple with matching blue lips painted geisha style.  

After strutting the catwalk and taking advantage of the free keg beer, I  went to Amsterdam Falafel around the corner for some delicious curry fries with my new found friends Nolan and Eric. 

We then headed back downtown to the Slowdown to catch Lincoln band, Mr. 1986, play 1 of 3 reunion shows, before retiring for good. I was happy to experience the multi-layered purely instrumental music that reminded me of a Midwestern Explosions in the Sky. Outside on the patio I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with Lindsay Baker, the Omaha Reader's style beat reporter. 

As if the night wasn't colorful enough, my friends and I decided to stop by an after-hours party on the way home, where I got to meet Darren Keen, the crazy mastermind behind the anti-Creek Omaha band The Show is the Rainbow. 

My editor for the Creightonian recently sent me an e-mail that ended with a quote from Thoreau, "How vain is it to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live." 

I think I'm on the right track. 

Apple of my Heart

It's been almost two weeks since I got back from New York and I have yet to talk about two of my favorite encounters.
First was the Colette Paris (for GAP) store temporarily set up adjacent to the GAP flagship store on 54th and 5th Avenue. Colette is a Paris boutique that carries a wide variety of products including clothing and shoes, beauty, art and design books and random gifts and treasures. This is the first time Colette products have been released in the US, and I was lucky to be able to experience the store. The first time I stopped by Colette, the line was too long and I had to book it to make it to the New York Library to set up for the Jill Stuart show. The second time I witnessed firsthand the Euro's power over the dollar. I stumbled upon a charm necklace/bracelet by Aurelie Bidermann that I just had to buy (but set me back $75). Each necklace was engraved with Colette loves NY and could be found in four classic symbols: the four-leaf clover, heart, apple and star. I of course chose the apple.
Speaking of the Big Apple, I often have heard that New York abuses you and you have to abuse it back to survive, but on my short trip the city embraced me with open arms. When I was leaving the Kidrobot offices in Chelsea, I was having a hard time finding the downtown F train that would take me to the Kidrobot store in Soho. I wandered around a bit and eventually wandered down into a station to look at a map. As I was walking down the stairs, a cute kind of hipster boy locked eyes with me and said hello. I smiled and said hello back and continued walking down the stairs. As I was staring down the subway map, it was clear I was at the wrong station and was kicking myself that I didn't ask the cutie boy for directions. I turned around and he was standing there holding out a demo for his band Baby Teardrops that was playing that evening at the Mercury Lounge. I asked him for directions and he took me to the correct station and rode with me to my stop. He ended up being from Kansas City and thought it was way cool that I was from Omaha. He was taking a mid-afternoon break from his advertising job and was telling me about his band and wanting to work for Sesame Street. I missed his show, but I have a feeling that won't be the last time we meet.
New York runs on energies (and lots of caffeine), being able to tap into that really helped me navigate my way around. I know the city is for me, now it's all about getting there.
[read about my experience at the Charlotte Ronson show at scene.creightonian.com]

Obama for fashion, or fashion for Obama?

While on Barack Obama's campaign site earlier today, I discovered that he has quite the (fashion) designer endorsement. I mean, it makes sense that he would be popular with the young, creative class, but I guess I've been living under a rock because I was astonished to see prominent designers like Nanette Lepore, Vera Wang, Alexander Wang, and Zac Posen with custom Obama T-shirt designs for sale. Not to mention tote bags by Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg and Rag and Bone, among others. 

My favorite shirt is probably the white racer back tank by Alexander Wang ($45) that says "Change", although if I was still in my Juicy Couture days I would have picked their "Dude Where's the Hope" tee ($60). 

I also like the Rag and Bone tote that says "Change is Awesome" ($75), but was disappointed with editorial darling Marc Jacobs's lame "Obama '08" tote ($75). 

I tended to favor designs without the campaign logo, but not because it's a bad design. 

If you're looking for poor design, visit the McCain store and while you're at it buy a Bikers for McCain bandana ($8). 

Omaha Fashion Week

Tonight I had the pleasure of taking part in the inaugural Omaha Fashion Week event at the Nomad Lounge. I had my hair cut live by Lisa Anderson, co-owner of Icon Studios. I would say the look is like a modern "bowl cut"...chopped short in the front, shaved along the sides and leaves me with just enough shape to put it in a ponytail (look for me on campus).

Events take place all week at the Nomad Lounge with cute boys serving $3 drinks, and the more you drink the more special they get. 

Please see www.omahafashionweek.com for more information, and don't miss the Premiere Catwalk event on Saturday, September 20th featuring local designers and models. 

It's all about putting Omaha on the map, right?

Uncreated Light 1980-2008 By Steve Joy

Acclaimed artist, Steve Joy's, latest exhibit at the Joslyn is no short of stunning. Joy is described as "one of the most eloquent practitioners of art as a vehicle for conveying spirituality and the mysteries of the journey for self-understanding" according to the museum's provided information. Joy is an abstractionist that uses his artwork to create feelings rather than depict images. His use of color and geometry dominates the effectiveness of his art. Three paintings in particular stood out to me.
The first one is entitled Prairie Night (1987). The piece was separated into 4 black quadrants, and looked to me like 4 different views from one place in the dark. The top left corner had a faint rectangular image in the upper right hand corner that appeared to be a haystack or similar object in the distance. The top right hand corner had thick, bold white lines painted horizontally suggesting a nearby fence. The bottom left hand corner featured a waning moon-like shape, and the bottom right hand corner had a faint horizontal dark strip suggesting the texture of a crop in the dark. From far away only the left bottom left hand and the top right hand quadrants were visible. This painting made me feel secure and isolated, stars illuminating anything visible.
The next painting is entitled Knife/Rescue (2000). Up close the painting looked like a mutilated finger with gorgeous red 'blood' flowing from the 'finger'. It reminded me that pain is beauty with the incorporation of rich, gold and red tones. After making my rounds in the gallery, I spotted this painting again from about 100 feet away and it looked exactly like the silhouette of a Christian Louboutin shoe, complete with the red bottom. I got really excited and ran up to the painting again, but the 'bloody finger' remained.
My final favorite was a piece called Aquasparta (1998). This piece was separated into 3 panels with square gold or green leaves all on an entrancing aqua background. The aqua color in this piece drew me in like a bug towards neon. I wanted to drink the color, paint it on my body and take it with me.
Steve Joy has two photographs currently hanging in Aromas Coffeehouse at 11th and Jones... if you're lucky you might just find him there sipping a dry cappuccino with his girlfriend and her daughter.
Uncreated Light runs through October 5th 2008.

the Wack, Dope 90s

I have always had a sick love for Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen. I can even still recite some of their songs from The Case of Thorn Mansion and You're Invited to Mary Kate and Ashley's Birthday Party! Disgusting right, no what's disgusting is that I drove to Lincoln to see a movie where Mary Kate has a 3-scene stint as Union, a mushroom tripping, ecstasy radiating sex pot.
Set in 1994, Jonathan Levine's The Wackness is a story about the foggy existance of a pot-dealing teenager, Luke Shapiro (Josh Peck), struggling with love and depression in the summer after his high school graduation.

Shapiro, constantly plugged into his walkman listening to Notorious B.I.G and the like, is suprisingly a loner considering his music taste and job title (all the pot dealers I knew in high school were extremely social people). Shapiro trades pot for time with his shrink, Dr. Squires (Ben Kingsley), who tells him that all men need to have sex and encourages Shapiro to get laid.

Shapiro, who hasn't really had sex before but is "not a virgin!" desperately wants to get with his shrink's step-daughter, Stephanie (Olivia Thirlby). When Stephanie's hot (Ray-Ban wearing) Asian boyfriend, Justin (Aaron Yoo), leaves for the summer she decides to humor Shapiro coaching him through their (his) pathetic attempts at making love, ditching him on Fire Island after Shapiro drops the Love bomb.
The Wackness was worth seeing just for the soundtrack and seeing MK on the big screen, but what fascinated me most was Stephanie's power in deciding when she was through with Shapiro. The stereotype is too often the reverse. It's truly a women's world, and it's about time.
Mary Kate would know.

they passed the test!!

Last summer it was espadrilles, this year the summer 'it' shoe (if you haven't noticed already) is the gladiator sandal. I was weary to buy into this trend because even though I really like the style of shoe and have sold them to several customers, I don't usually like items that last only a season. When Trocadero's DV gladiators went on sale I almost bit the bullet and bought a pair, but I held out and was rewarded when a pair of silver(!) DV gladiators were brought back for me from the WSA (World Shoe Association) shoe show in Las Vegas!

I put them on immediately last night when I got them and have been wearing them all day...they even passed the Old Market Test, (if I can walk the 9 blocks to work and be comfortable, then I can wear them all day.) I guess the true test will be if I can wear them all day tomorrow.

You can't tell from this picture but my right big toe nail is missing from a dance party I went to last Saturday night. Which reminds me of an advertisement that I saw in Vegas in May, it was so awesome I had to take a picture.

Dancing makes everybody feel better, especially in Vegas and while wearing close toe shoes.

Bang for your Buck

A couple days ago Miss Cake and I ventured across the interstate to find some deals at two South O thrift stores. First we went to New Life Thrift on 36th and Harrison which was actually featured in a November 2006 issue of Nylon Magazine (but of course I've been going there for years). I found three dresses for less than $10, my favorite one (pic coming soon) setting me back 98 cents!! I also bought a orange button up shirtdress and a red peter pan collared dress adorned with a huge black bow (perfect for Fall '08). At New Life I also found a long gold necklace with a juicy red apple and a small black purse... plus all my purchases added up to less than $12! Take that Urban Outfitters!
Next we went to Thrift World at 36th and Q and I found a scarf, pair of sandals, a belt...and I thought I had already had a good day.
What I love the most about thrift shopping is that usually it's hit or miss, and when it's good it's great and your barely spend any money. Some of my best 'personality' pieces are vintage finds that have cost me next to nothing. Even if you don't end up wearing them as much as you thought you would at least it's not $60 down the drain.
Which brings me to a funny story. Another intern and I were working when two women came in and inquired about Bellwether Boutique that just opened around the corner from Trocadero. We said that it's a gorgeous space with vintage clothing, to which one of the woman asked, "Vintage is that like used?" I bet those women don't even recycle :(
In other fashion news...

• Prosper Assouline the publisher of high-end fashion and art books opened his first American location, secondly only to Paris. The boutique is located at the Plaza Hotel in New York, and features an in-house bar.


• The New York Times reports that statement earrings are the latest trend, thank you Kate Moss

stay tuned..

La-di-da

Tonight I went to Filmstreams and checked Annie Hall off the Trocadero Intern Required Movie list. The brillant Woody Allen film that is often thought of as setting the standard for modern romantic comedies, was fun to pick apart. I took notes during the entire thing, writing down outfits and funny sayings. I originally thought that I had never seen a Woody Allen film before, but I did see Match Point, which was darker, but equally good. Even though I have only seen these two movies, I can tell Woody Allen's style has matured over the decades.
I thought Diane Keaton (Annie Hall) rocked the menswear look, with little vests, scarves, and men's pants. I also noticed that sometimes she and Woody Allen's character (Alvy (Max?!) Singer) would be matching so closely that they could have switched outfits in the middle of the scene and each character would have still given off the same vibes. This was especially apparent during the scene when Keaton was wearing dark thick glasses (like Allen's) with a gray wool suit and a red and yellow plaid scarf tied around her neck, while he was wearing a gray wool vest with red accents.
By the end of the film when Annie was living in LA, her style had become so much more flowy and colorful, really epitomizing the LA laidback style while Alvy did New York proud in one of his signature plaid ensembles [hipsters take note].
The tennis scene and the characters' immaculate tennis whites made me want to pick up my neglected racket, pop my collar and channel my inner suppressed preppiness...I might just have to arrange a tennis match soon.
My favorite part was when Alvy gave Annie a black and red negligee as a present just to see her disgust, and then presented her with a watch that he knew she wanted. That's love right there, a man buying a woman accessories that she actually likes!
I usually feel that romantic comedies are too predictable...boy meets girl, they date/have sex, something goes wrong/they break up...and oh my God they still end up together in the end. That just doesn't really do much for me. Annie and Alvy don't end up together in the end, but the last line of the movie Alvy is talking about relationships, "they're totally irrational and crazy and absurd and - but uh, I guess we keep going through it...because...most of us need the eggs." Cue credits without music. This last line was so honest and optimisic. It just kind of spoke to me now that I'm a single girl and getting used to this new phase in my life. The breaking up process can be optimistic because at least you're facing the music, not afraid to move on or try something new (hopefully not getting screwed over in LA).
Oh and I definitely learned a new acronym : VPL (visible panty line) that I'm going to drop as soon as I see it, which will be soon.