Saturday, March 31, 2012

April

April

April by colette featuring knit tops

Happy April! (& April Fools Day)... which means I should be on alert. I am really into the mint green and light blue-green color right now. I find it really fresh and rejuvenating. One thing that I would really like is a black leather jacket. I think they're really versatile and stylish. And that's a picture of me in my natural state, wrapped in a blanket.

Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice


Sorry for not posting in a while. I have been so busy with school. To day I wanted to pay homage to my favorite book/movie of all time, Pride and Prejudice. Jane Austen is one of the greatest authors to ever walk the face of the Earth. Her keen eye of wit and romance shall hopefully never go unnoticed. I tried in this one to image what their wedding might have been like with a few modern elements. I adore the Alexander McQueen dress that Pippa Middleton wore for her sister's wedding. I think it would have been a simple and elegant choice of gown for Lizzie. xo

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Maxxinista

I interrupt your professional blogging experience with this awful webcam photo post about how obsessed I am with TJMaxx. I went this evening with no intention of buying anything and came back with a blue oversized Nine West clutch for $20 and nude Kelsi Dagger pumps for $40. I was planning on getting a job at the new TJMaxx opening in my hometown, but I will probably just buy out the store. Good thing I had my $25 gift card to help me today. College student problems. I am hoping that maybe I can wear the shoes in the fashion show (and not die, that's always a plus). Now I have to go back to writing a Sociology paper. 
xoxo, Justine

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Flashbacks

I'm going to rewind back to the beginning of the school year. My roommate and I found this awesome nail tutorial (link below) and this was the result. Trust me, it was way more awesome in person!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvZ3_W7qk6E&feature=player_embedded



And finally, I have developed a love of lipstick. My current favorite is L'Oreal Paris 138 Forever Fuchsia. I am still looking for a great red with a blue undertone. If any of you know of one, let me know!


xo, Justine

I found this amusing...

You know that I love Downton Abbey, so when I saw this featured on People.com I felt the need to share. 


http://www.dogster.com/the-scoop/if-the-characters-in-downton-abbey-were-portrayed-by-canine-actors-what-breeds-would-they-be

Monday, March 26, 2012

Happy Birthday Keira Knightly!

Happy Birthday Keira Knightly!


I can't believe I almost forgot! Happy birthday you perfect human being! She is one of my favorite actresses from Pride and Prejudice, Atonement, and Pirates of the Caribbean. I still want to see The Duchess and A Dangerous Method.

Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana


I am in love with some of the things Dolce & Gabbana has been doing. Their collection of jeweled corsets and sparkling mini skirts is something to behold. While larger gems on a garments can sometimes look tacky, they artfully mastered them into a work of art. Each piece is intricate and interesting. They also have lots of fun colors. The mixing of blacks and metallics with jewel tones and primary colors is something that can easily be translated into regular dress, such as colorful bangles, flats, and sequined shorts and skirts, along with a playful print bag can liven up a regular outfit.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

London Calling

London Calling


For all of you who probably don't know, I am obsessed with British things. Union Jack, Jane Austen, BBC shows, Harry Potter, Burberry, London, British accents... you get my point. Hopefully in 3 semesters I will be studying abroad in Canterbury, England! That would be a wonderful experience. I would love to go back to Europe. Where in the world would you all love to go?

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Inspirational

Today we went on a store visit to a local store downtown from our college. The store was owned by a man who worked his way up in the fashion industry from a high school drop-out retail sales associate to the regional president of a high fashion Italian menswear company in NYC. He has friends with designers and executives at major retailers and smaller boutiques. After the company went under after some unfortunate circumstances, he came back to his home town and opened a designer warehouse store with the samples he bought off the company and has been successful for the past 12 years. His biggest advice was to work hard and to make friends with everyone. And if you do clash with someone, to make up immediately. He says that those people he clashed with became his best friends. It was nice to see how someone so close to home made such a great career for himself over such a relatively short period of time.

Friday, March 23, 2012

Is It Summer Yet?

Is It Summer Yet?


It's been unusually warm here in New York for the past week in the 70's and 80's, making want to just lounge around in the sun instead of doing work. My legs are killing me from model training. I could really use a beach break. I am really in love with this Dolce & Gabbana leopard print swimsuit. It feels more like a sexy bodysuit than a swimsuit. 

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Project Runway All Stars!


All of the final collections were wonderful. Mondo's "Therapy" was eventually deemed the winner, but I feel that Austin had some incredible pieces. The only one of Michael's I felt that I would wear was his second dress that was actually fitted and pieced and not draped. Congrats to all of the participating designers, especially the final three! Good Luck at Marie Claire, Mondo!

North & South

North & South


I just finished watching North & South the 4 part BBC Mini Series. It was beautiful, and wonderful, and you should go watch it. Like Downton Abbey, it's rich in historical issues and customs. It focuses on Mr. Thornton, a cotton mill owner, and Margret Hale, a Northern newcomer from the South. It shows the plight of cotton workers and the risky business of industry. Parts of it I have to admit are very sad, but the ending is completely worth it.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

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Kayture

Kayture


Kristina Bazan has to be one of my favorite bloggers. Other than being a gorgeous human being, her style is sweet and sophisticated with a modern twist. Look her up at http://www.kayture.com/!

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games


Katniss Everdeen- the girl who was on fire. I am really excited to see The Hunger Games movie. I hope that they didn't completely mask over the violence in the book in order to keep the feeling of the movie true to the book. I am unfortunately not going to be able to see the movie until a week after it comes out, so if any of you see it early let me know how it is! And I read the book, so don't completely worry about spoilers unless something is completely different (which makes me pretty annoyed).

Lace

Lace


Lace dresses, overlays, and accents have been popular on the couture runway with designers such as Marchesa (top L), Elie Saab (top R), Louis Vuitton (bottom L), and Alexander McQueen (bottom R).

Monday, March 19, 2012

Romantic Revival

Skinny Love


I think that once fashion moves past this trend of neon colors, colored jeans, and ultra modern cuts that a more softer, romantic style will swing back into trend.  More fabric, embroidery, pastels and wider/flowy cuts would be some elements that might be seen in future mainstream fashion.
By the way, the upper right corner is a picture of my taken by my bff.

East Meets West

Inspiration: Byzantine


Ah, the Byzantine Empire. So large and culturally rich. Karl Lagerfeld did a wonderful job with his Byzantine collection (above) a while ago capturing the jeweled elegance of the time period. I also really enjoyed his take on India with the Bombay collection (below). The details in the jewelry and fabrics were spot on. I also enjoyed his take on the sari and the lengha styles.




Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey


I have to say that Downton Abbey has become one of my new favorite TV shows. This PBS Masterpiece Theater show is rich is historical drama and witty humor. Maggie Smith as the Dowager Countess brings wit and humor to the screen with her old fashion views and unflattering comments. It follows the storylines of both the servants and the Crawley family of Downton Abbey. The beautiful depictions of English country life pre-WWI and the changing time period in both technology and woman's rights are done so well that it feels like you're there back in time with them. I recommend this to any Jane Austen fans and those who love period dramas. Not to mention I enjoy seeing all of the costumes for the time period.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Pastels

Pastels



This is another look I would love to try out for spring: mixing pastels. I usually wear lots of black, dark blue, and grey; so this would be a fresh change. Finishing out my first year of college now, I have figured out what clothes have become practical- but not exactly fashionable. My goal is to be able to build up a wardrobe of basics such as tanks, tees, blazers, jeans, and shorts that are comfortable, appropriate, and stylish. I really love this dress because it is fun and would be easy to wear dressed up or down.

A Few of My Favorite Things


This picture has three of my favorite things: Elie Saab, White, and Karlie Kloss. This beautiful white dress is one of the gorgeous pieces from Elie Saab's Spring 2012 Couture show. The reason Elie Saab is one of my favorite designers is his exquisite attention to detail from start to finish. Every one of his pieces has a distinct look and shape while being completely cohesive from colors to embellishments. The beading and lace work featured in many of the pieces is visually appealing and interesting. No wonder Elie Saab is a favorite on the red carpet.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Fashion Inspiration

Fashion Inspiration


Emma Watson has to be one of my style icons. I am usually in love with the adorable outfits and glamorous looks she wears with grace and style. She keeps a nice edgy feel to her looks mixing black elements or straight classic lines with softer colors fabrics, or details.


Friday, March 16, 2012

Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence


Jennifer Lawrence and white. What a way to start the spring. White and peach tones are always a nice way to refresh a look and give it a delicate and romantic feel. I am particularly in love with this Valentino dress because it is structured with a beautiful fluttering sleeve mixing the elements of hard and soft, much like Jennifer Lawrence. Jennifer has a very soft beauty about her, especially in these photos. Her soft curls and rounded features offset her harder personality. She is funny, sarcastic, and in The Hunger Games plays the strong female protagonist, Katniss Everdeen. I also loved her in Xmen First Class as Mystique.

So Excited!

I am going to be modeling 3 outfits at our college fashion show! Wish me luck that I learn how to master the walk!

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Best of Fashion 2


What's in an outfit?


(This is a picture of me being a dork.)

My best friend asked me the other day, “Why do people care what they look like?” At the time I didn’t give it much thought coming from the boy who wears t-shirts and sweatpants every day. However, that question stuck with me. I can only account for my own opinion, reasons, and feelings because these are what drives me to do things. Some of the reasons I immediately though of were respect, self-esteem, social acceptance. My main part of the day right now is to survive. I may wear a dress when feeling good, wear crazy impractical shoes because I can, and change up my make-up because I feel like it. When I have a presentation, I feel expected (and sometimes am) to look nicer. Some days as soon as I am done, the first thing I do is change into sweatpants.


So tell me, Why do you dress up or feel the need to “look nice.” What do you feel the most comfortable in (physically/mentally)?


(Some of the feedback I got to this question from people on tumblr is that there sometimes is that definite divide between comfort and style.)

"I'm Channeling Anna Sui."



I was dying with excitement when I saw Anna Sui used animal hats during her runway show (top). I think it is a fun look that I am very personally into (bottom). Anna bringing this to the runway is an example of what I love most about fashion- quirky and unconventional.

Fashion goes Futuristic.



I am so in love with the new Alexander McQueen RTW collection. It is like a fantasy! Such a brilliant use of cuts and fabrics. The belts and glasses give the collection a a royal futuristic feeling. It’s Marie Antoinette meets A Space Odyssey. The glasses especially set off this futuristic feeling, giving off an almost robotic look to the models. 






I also really like this look as a futuristic interpretation too. The silver cuffs feel reminiscent of Wonder Woman or some type of sci-fi heroine, along with all of the silver metallic elements such as the shoes and bag. They would go right along with a fashionable space suit!

Color for Spring: Orange

I predict that orange will become a big color for the spring and summer, especially in accents such as blazers, hangbags, lipstick, and accessories. I love the combo of orange with a light neutral, like cream, or mixing it in a complementary turquoise color. Keep it fun, keep it fresh!

Untitled #832



Valentino Couture Spring 2012


After reviewing the photos for the new Valentino runway show, there is a definite mix of old meets new. The light white fabrics give the clothes a effortless, dream-like feel that is appropriate for the spring season. While many of the actual prints on the garments look very homely or for a curtain, the clothes are cut so flattering and beautifully that it actually works.
Valentino keeps in trend with many of the other designers with the prints being continued from head to toe, with the clothing print being used on the shoe as well. Another trend I have been seeing a lot more of lately in couture is lace applique over sheer fabrics. Valentino, and other designers like Marchesa, features this trend in many of their garments during Fashion Week. This technique is visually appealing and combines modestly with sexuality. Much of this technique is done over the bodice of the dress or sleeves. Valentino also incorporates many classical elements such as a high collar with lace and a square neckline reminiscent of their inspiration, Queen Marie Antoinette.
 Valentino did move away from the conventional ultra-sexy, sparkle of regular red carpet couture for a more modest and almost effortless Indie look. A certain type of celebrity, such as Michelle Williams, would I think be able to effectively handle an ensemble from this collection with her grace and spirit. I love this airy romantic style Valentino has brought back to fashion and hope it stays around for a while. Is modesty really coming back into style?
(Justine’s WWD Review for Fashion History: 12/26/12)
http://www.wwd.com/runway/spring-couture-2012/review/valentino 

Get to know me!

 Who am I? Awkward. Fashion Addicted. Neurotic.
All of the above. My name is Justine and I am currently a freshman fashion merchandising major at a small college in New York. I made this blog in order to talk about some of the trends that I observe, show a glimpse of some of my own outfits, and just write and respond to all of you. My favorite topics are couture/high fashion and historical elements of costume. You can also check out my tumblr at daisy-couture.tumblr.com, where I also have more links  to different social media sites and whatnot. I hope you come and join this blogging journey with me!

All photos are taken by my bff.