garçon noir

Loafers Club do NYC

2010-08-21T22:52:00.005-04:00

I went to NYC this week with some of my really good friends. It was the perfect ending to our summer vacations, and I had a blast. I got hit on a lot, ate some great food, got lost on the NYC subway system by myself, got lost in Brooklyn, broke my duffel bag, pretty much ran from Soho up to Fashion Ave, and met with some future employers. All-in-all, it was one of the best trips I've ever taken.

Shirt: Zara; Shorts: Thrifted; Loafers: Thrifted

Lunch in Central Park.

Ferocious mannequins at Forever.

On top of the Empire State Building.

Such a great trip.

Chris Comes to Town pt.2

2010-08-21T22:30:00.004-04:00

Chris and I went to a few vintage shops in Carytown.

World of Mirth

We were both craving soul food, so we found this amazing place called Croaker's Spot (located on Hull St.). They have have the best soul food I've ever eaten in my entire lifetime...and 5 different types of hot sauce.

I got 3 trout fillets, mac & cheese, and a huge piece of cornbread. The portions were out of this world.

After. Best food ever. Biggest stomachache ever. Worst case of the itis ever.

Chris Comes to Town pt.1

2010-08-21T22:01:00.000-04:00

My friend Chris came down to visit Richmond this weekend. We started out by having breakfast at one of my favorite spots: The Village Cafe.

Pancakes and bacon...my usual.

Cardigan: thrfted; Shirt: American Apparel; Shorts: Vintage Boyscout Shorts; Boots: Thrifted

on my wishlist

2009-11-26T13:28:00.001-05:00

I don't know what my current (by current, I mean for the past 6 months or so) infactuation with loose, drapey garments originated, but I'm loving this Circular Oversized Pullover by American Apparel. It's so simple (and I'm sure I could DIY it myself), but also makes a statement at the same time. And for only $40, I'm sure I'll get my money's worth out of it because I'll probably wear it everyday.

What the Hel

2009-11-26T13:17:00.001-05:00

Mette 28

I came across this site (Hel Looks) over a year ago, and I just love the style of the people in Helsinki. It's uncoventional, edgy, and fun...all what fashion should be. They're definitely 5 steps ahead of American fashion. Oh, how I love European fashion!

Trompe L'Oeil

2009-11-26T12:55:00.000-05:00

Wish you could turn an oversized black tee into an LBD? Or transform a simple shift dress into a sexy boustier dress? Well, with the Trompe L'Oeil Collection by young designer Rosalind Keep, all of your wishes can come true. Keep is getting rave reviews about this new collection, which is being called a "breath of fresh air" for "otherwise painfully boring clothing."

I don't know how I feel about this collection. Perez Hilton and I both agree that it reminds us too much of those God awful tuxedo shirts (remember those??). But it is fun, and screams DIY! Trompe l'oeil is chic and cheap!

I've moved!

2009-08-30T14:36:00.000-04:00

Hello dear GARCON NOIR readers.
I've decided to venture to bigger and better things, so you can now find my on tumblr:
http://streetsophisticato.tumblr.com/
My new site is called STREET SOPHISTICATO. I weeding through all of my old post and picking and choosing which ones to carry over to tumblr because I really think the blog's had a very successful summer. So stop by my new tumblr page, leave a comment or two...or three, and follow me!
http://streetsophisticato.tumblr.com/

La Roux

2009-08-15T16:43:00.000-04:00

La Roux - Bulletproof
Uploaded by UniversalMusicGroup - Music videos, artist interviews, concerts and more.

I discovered La Roux while I was watching It's On With Alexa Chung a few weeks ago, and I immediately began to look up and listen to more of this British group's songs. Bulletproof is by far my favorite, and the video is so visually haute.

LB_look of the week

2009-08-15T12:55:00.001-04:00

Damien V.

19 yrs old

Montreal

Who likes short shorts...and oversized deep v-necks...and big bulky boots...and shiny sequin jackts???

I do!
And Damien does too

on my wishlist

2009-08-15T12:38:00.000-04:00

My obsession for all things American Apparel continues, and my obsession for all things shiny is starting to blossom. All while I worked at AA last year, I never paid this jacket too much attention, but now that I look at and see how it closely follows a lot of the trends for fall, I'm now dying to buy this jacket. AA's Shiny windbreaker is the perfect jacket for early fall because it's thin, and would be a really good layering piece for light sweaters or tee's. Plus, this is a great "starter" jacket before I buy a leather one for the cooler autumn days.This fun jacket would be just right for the day, but also could be dressed up and look soo good for going out at night. Now, all I need is $58 so I can buy it!

Sir GaGa

2009-08-12T18:20:00.000-04:00

So Lady, or shall I say Sir GaGa is a hermaphrodite. I always knew there was something different about her that I couldn't figure out, but never did I guess that she had her very own disco stick. It doesn't change the way how I feel about her music, and I could care less if she was born with boy parts... and neither does she:

"It’s not something that I’m ashamed of, just isn’t something that I go around telling everyone. Yes. I have both male and female genitalia, but I consider myself a female. It’s just a little bit of a penis and really doesn’t interfere much with my life. The reason I haven’t talked about it is that it’s not a big deal to me. Like come on. It’s not like we all go around talking about our vags. I think this is a great opportunity to make other multiple gendered people feel more comfortable with their bodies. I’m sexy, I’m hot. I have both a poon and a peener. Big f*cking deal."

I still love her wacky style and crazy personality, so if she's fine with it, then so am I...but I must say, it is still a little weird.

Check out the video clip below(you can see it at 1:10), and see what caused all the hoopla concerning Lady GaGa's little friend

Lady GaGa. Money Honey [Live HQ HD]
Uploaded by weezy75 - See the latest featured music videos.

zara f/w 2009

2009-08-11T16:20:00.000-04:00

This is posted on every other blog, so I started to feel left out. So, here it is...Zara's new campaign for the upcoming Fall/ Winter seasons (with the exception of a few...these are my favorite). Everything is stellar, and I love it all...especially the 1st and 3rd looks.

LB_look(s) of the week

2009-08-07T22:13:00.000-04:00

Rodrigo

19 yrs old.

Spain

Blanca

24 yrs old.

I couldn't crown just 1 look as my favorite Lookbook look of the week, because I saw these 2 awesome looks.

Rodrigo pulls his eurochic look off so effortlessly. I really like his shorts, and I love how all the colors look so good together, although all are different shades of blue. The ankle socks with the flats are classic, and everyone who knows me, knows that I'm a fan of longsleeved tops with shorts.

Blanca's bag and belt really make her look come to life. The detail of the belt is amazing, and the fringed purse was the icing on this cobalt blue cake. Blanca looks like she read my blog and decided to have an Indian Summer too (one could only wish, right?)!

don'tcha wanna dance?

2009-08-03T20:44:00.000-04:00

Whitney Houston - I Wanna Dance With
Uploaded by jpdc11 - Explore more music videos.

Someone please tell me why this song has been stuck in my head for nearly a week? I find myself singing this at the most random times...it's really starting to annoy and upset me. lol.

Oh well, Whitney's making a comeback at the end of this month, so I guess I can let is slide for now ;)

too legit

2009-08-03T20:06:00.000-04:00

As you all may know by now, I'm not afraid to play around with fashion and different trends, so it's no surprise that I jumped on the harem pant bandwaggon. I used to own a pair (and I still do) that my good friend Shanice made for me last winter, but I had to retire them recently because I wore them out so much that they now have holes! They struck a lot of attention around campus (both positive and negative), but I didn't care...I just loved them so much. Well, as a gift to myself, I purchased a these new harem pants from American Apparel last week (for only $40), and I'm in love all over again. These pants are amazing, look amazing, and fit amazing in all the right places. They're tight around the leg and low in the crotch, making them easy-breezy for the summer weather. I love pairing mine with a tank or a button down tucked in, but they also look great with just a fitted tshirt. I'm sure that within the next few months I'll have to buy another replacement pair of harem pants, but sadly by then, they'll be retired in the hall of fame of "Fashions of Decades Past" like they were after MC Hammer sported his in the 90s. So go get yours and have a blast before these pants become fashion history yet again!

LB_look of the week

2009-08-02T19:38:00.000-04:00

Marc

18 yrs old

Ontario

Pretty obvious as to why I like this, so there's no need for an explaination.

Trend Alert? Half-Shaved Head

2009-07-20T19:21:00.000-04:00

I didn't like it when Cassie did it, and I'm not too sure if I like it now that Rihanna's done it. Although Rihanna's following the trend that many famous femmes seem to be doing, it actually doesn't look bad on her (but there's only so much that I can take of Rihanna trying to validate the fact that she's edgy...WE GET IT, RIHANNA!).

Now that a few ladies have "made the cut" (including Elle style director Kate Lanphear, British model Alice Dellal, Carmen Electra, and former Mtv VJ LaLa Vasquez), I've concluded that this half-shaved head look only looks best with short hair, and NOT with long hair like Cassies' (which reminds me of My Little Pony).

Elle Style Director Kate Lanphear

So ladies (or gents), if you're brave enough jump on the "half-shaved head" bandwagon, please make sure that 1) you have the right face shape to carry such a short cut, 2) you have a pretty face, 3) you have a pretty head, and 4) you exude tons of self confidence because it's going to take A LOT to pull off this do.

LB_look of the week

2009-07-20T18:12:00.001-04:00

Madalina

18 yrs old

Bucharest

Blazer, silk scarf, seersucker, and great legs...what more could you ask for?

OBSESSED: Lykke Li

2009-07-20T14:56:00.000-04:00

I don't know what my current obsession is with this girl and her music. Like everything else, I don't really have an explaination as to why I like a lot of things. But she's good, and thats all that matters.

HAUTE

2009-07-20T03:12:00.001-04:00

Photo cred:

http://hotgossipcooljams.blogspot.com/

How to Get Shot by the Sartorialist

2009-07-15T01:17:00.000-04:00

This is sooo funny. My friend Ayesha came across this, and I think it's the best thing I've seen in a long time...the sad thing is, I may actually try it out!

*Click photo to enlarge so you too can find out how to be shot by the Sartorialist!

LB_look of the week

2009-07-12T16:57:00.001-04:00

Andres S.

18 yrs old

Toronto

Me being bias again...I promise for next week I'll try to find a look that's so not my style. I just couldn't resist when I saw this today. And the fact that it's titled, "Ferris Bueller will never have a day off again!" made me like it even more. Thanks Andres for making me feel like I'm not the only one out there who dresses like an 80s teen from a John Hughes film.

OBSESSED: STYLISTA, ep 1

2009-07-11T22:20:00.000-04:00

I liked this show when it aired on the CW last Fall...thought I'd introduce it to people who didn't or haven't watched it.

OBSESSED: THE CITY, ep.1

2009-07-11T22:11:00.000-04:00

The City - MTV Shows

I don't know what my current obsession is about this show all of a sudden, but I pretty much wathced the entire seaso in 1 day...I know, I have no life.

LOL

2009-07-09T00:21:00.001-04:00

Saw this online and I had to post it. Looks like the fashion world IS taking steps to promote healthy models. Taken backstage of the Givenchy Haute Couture Show.
Photo cred: http://jakandjil.thepop.com/

It's On With Alexa Chung

2009-07-08T23:19:00.000-04:00

Awhile back, my friend and I were watching MTV, and a promo for "It's On With Alexa Chung" came on. He asked me who she was, and I honestly didn't know. I had seen bits and pieces of her show before and it was okay, but it was nothing to jizz in my pants about. But as I watched more and more of her show daily, I began to really like the show and Alexa Chung. She has awesome style, and everyday I look forward to see what she's wearing.
Her great sense of style may be due to her being a former model for both Elite and Storm Models, and also having a successful career as a host and fashionista in the United Kingdom. Now that she's here in the United States, reviews have been mixed about her and her television show, but I think a lot of people just don't understand her sense of humor. She conducts offbeat interviews with celebs, and plays silly games and asks them off-the-wall questions.
She's also very witty, and has a dry sense of humor, which is why I think I like her so much. If you haven't wathced her show yet, you really should check it out. Catch "It's on with Alexa Chung" on MTV, 12pm everday.
*BTW- did you know she's half Chinese??

D&G S/S 2007: Inspiration

2009-07-05T20:44:00.000-04:00

I know this collection is more than 2 years old now, but I don't care. This is certainly inspiration for whole "Indian Summer" theme. Now, if only I owned every piece from this collection...

faux pas: Christopher Kane Monkey Tee

2009-07-05T20:14:00.001-04:00

I'm all about embracing current trends and hot, new, "it" items, but I'm sorry to say that I absolutely desteste the Christopher Kane tshirts that almost every fashionista and celebrity is sporting. I don't know if I'm missing something or what, but I don't understand why anyone would want an all-over print of a gorilla, a chimp, or a baboon on a tshirt. And the fact that this shirt retails for over $300, makes me want it even less. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of Christopher Kane's work, but this is something that Idon't think I'd be caught dead in.

LB_look of the week

2009-07-05T17:16:00.001-04:00

Andy T.

24 yrs old

Amsterdam

There's not much that I can say about this look except that I just simply like it. It's one of the best I've seen all week, and all of Andy's looks are great. Check out her blog Style Scrapbook at
http://www.stylescrapbook.com/

Spring 2010 Trends

2009-07-04T23:51:00.000-04:00

Paris and Milan Fashion Week just wrapped up, and there are quite a few standout trends that male fashionistas should be looking forward to this upcoming Spring. Men.Style has broken down the top 10 trends, but I've only decided to highlight the 5 that I like the most, and already happen to wear now in 2009. Looks like I'm ahead of the game yet again.

GUN SHOW

Sleeveless tops, tank tops

This Look: Hermes

BLACK AND WHITE

Chic black and white combos

This Look: Raf Simons

TIGHTS FIT

Tights and leggings for men

This Look: Louis Vuitton

GLADIATOR SANDALS

Greco-Roman inspired footwear

This Look: Givenchy

BERBER SHOP

Loose, drapey North African inspired garments

This Look: Yves Saint Laurent

To see the other 5 Spring 2010 Trends go to http://men.style.com/fashion/top_ten.

Givenchy Spring 2010 Menswear

2009-06-30T18:40:00.000-04:00

Gawd, I don't I don't even know where to begin with this collection. I think I loved everything that Riccardo Tisci had to offer for Givenchy's Spring 2010 Menswear line, and I think anyone who doesn't is dumb (sorry, I had to say it). I'm glad that menswear is finally getting some elegance and masculinity back, and I'm also glad that Tisci is continuing to be one of few designers to keep his model selection diverse and masculine. It really is refreshing to see manly men wearing high fashion, as compared to the sickly, feminine looking waif boys that many designers cast in their shows.

Let's see...I loved the play on black and white, the leggings with shorts (for those who know me, I tried really hard to bring leggings into menswear this past fall and winter seasons!), the North African prints, loose, yet fitted silhouettes, and God, I can't forget the shoes! Those gladiators are INSANE! Well, I could sit here all night and rant about how amazing this collection is, but you all have eyes, and you can let the images above speak for themselves.

Check out the rest of Givenchy Spring 2010 here:

http://men.style.com/fashion/collections/S2010MEN/review/GIVENCHYMEN

trend alert: fall 2k9

2009-06-29T21:54:00.000-04:00

Julien MacDonald Embroidered Suade Stingray Jacket

Miss SIxty Leather Shorts

Miu Miu Bleached Jeans

Balmain Leather Jacket

Remember the post I did on leather being on trend for the fall? Well I was right! I've been seeing leather, studs, and an all around biker chic trend all over fashion sites, blogs and magazines. I was on the Elle Magazine website and discovered the "Biker Glam" trend for fall and I decided to post a few pieces that I found really haute. It shouldn't be too difficult to find knock-off pieces that I featured, so recreating these looks and following this trend should be a piece of cake this fall. I like to think that I had something to do with this new fall trend because of my previous post, but we all know that it was just another coincidence! Let's see what I "coincedentally" predict for the following season.

inspiration

2009-06-29T21:38:00.001-04:00

It was only today that I discovered Jak&Jill Blog. Where has it been all my life?!?! I'm in love, but I'm even more in love with these images that I found on the site from this past month's Fashion Week. I want EVERYTHING from these photos. I can feel a lot of DIY's and themed thrifting in the near fall season! Check out Jak&Jill Blog for more photos like these!

http://jakandjil.com/blog/

LB_look of the week

2009-06-29T20:10:00.001-04:00

Sacha

18 yrs old

Paris.

I've haven't seen all black done this chic in awhile, though I wouldn't suggest wearing an outfit like this in the hot summer heat! But I do love how everything looks so good together...it really is a great cohesive look. I actually own the oversized tee that Sacha is wearing in the photo (which happens to be from American Apparel) because it is a very versatile piece. I'm wearing mine as I sit here doing this entry as we speak! I like the layered necklaces (which was DIY), and although I'm not one for headbands, I do approve of how it's used in this look. From the contrasting oversized vs slim silhouette (which I'm I'm oh-so-fond of), this look certainly gets an A+ from me this week, and gives another meaning to "garcon noir"!

hiatus

2009-06-29T20:04:00.000-04:00

Sorry guys for being MIA for awhile, but it's been a very busy 2 weeks for me. I've been looking for a job, and celebrating my good friend's birthday with a week long celebration!. But now that's over, and I'm back! The only problem now is trying to find something to blog about!

LB_look of the week

2009-06-13T23:54:00.001-04:00

Annabu...

21 yrs old

I love this whole look. It's simple, chic, and very funny. Annabu actually made the jacket and the tshirt herself, which pokes fun at the legendery Karl Lagerfeld. I also think it's clever that this look is entirely black and white, which happens to be what the Chanel brand is famously known for. I got inspired by Annabu's look, and created my own "fashion" tee. Here it is:

I did a play on words of Yves Saint Laurent's initial. I love it.

Indian Summer: Kimchi Satchel

2009-06-13T12:58:00.000-04:00

Call me a little obsessed, but I'm seriously taking this entire Native American inspired summer fashion to heart...So much, that I've decided to call my entire summer devoted to these fashions Indian Summer (clever, huh?) Well, here's something for the ladies who want to take part in Indian Summer. This is the Kimchi Blue Braided Satchel from Urban Outfitters.

This bag incorperates metal studding on the sides (a big trend for the season), and a feather trimmed zipper pull, which gives it that Native American flair. It comes in mustard and brown, but brown would be your best choice because the mustard isn't appealing at all. Get the Kimchi Satchel for $68 exclusively online at urbanoutfitters.com

is there a DOCtor in the house?

2009-06-09T09:23:00.000-04:00

Streetwear is my forte, and that's the area of fashion that I'm thinking about going into, so it's been brought to my attention a current trend that I've been seeing on a lot of on streetwear blogs: the return of Doc Martins. Not since Kurt Cobain and the grunge movement of the 90s have these big, clunky boots been somewhat "on trend", but now, they seem to be making a strong, and not so ugly comeback. The company has introduced a new Vintage collection that are replicas of the first boots produced on April Fools Day, 1960, and they come in brown, black, and a very nice, and popular, wine color. An alternative to the vintage, retro collection would be the bright, neon and pastel colors that Doc Martins offer. Ladies are pairing up their Doc Martins with light summer dresses or floral prints to achieve a tough, yet feminine look, while guys wear theirs with super skinny jeans, with a look reminiscent of the British Punk era in decades past. I'm a little on the fence on how I feel about these boots, but I think if I continue to see lookbookers, facehunters, and other streetwear mavens pulling off their boots so effortlessly, I may have to purchase a pair for the upcoming fall and winter months.

it's come to my attention..

2009-06-08T22:43:00.000-04:00

...that I have a lot of items on my wishlist. But then again, who doesn't? What's wrong with wanting a lot nice things??

Nothing.
That's all

on my wishlist

2009-06-08T22:36:00.000-04:00

I know that this tote has been around forever, but I just really want one. It's by one of my favorite designers, and it's perfect for school. I found a really cheap one on ebay for only about $40, so when I get the chance, this bag will def go from my wishlist, to my shoulder.

LB_look of the week

2009-06-08T22:10:00.000-04:00

Ragnar

19 yrs old

Finland

In celebration of my whole indian (native american for you people who are concerned with being politically correct) inspired summer wardrobe, I crown Ragnar for having the Lookbook look of the week. I love his feather necklace, which he says is DIY, so that's something that I'm looking forward to making once I'm back home from vacation. His entire look is exactly how I want to pull off my indian summer look, oversized tee, slim silhouette on the bottom, and sandals... I'm just jealous because I won't look as skinny as him :( Oh well, I can't have everything.

Thanks Ragnar for a great look and inspiration.

Check out more of his chic looks: http://lookbook.nu/user/39944-Ragnar-O

on my wishlist

2009-06-06T00:34:00.000-04:00

It all started with a wolf sweatshirt from Urban Outifitters over a year ago. Now, it's gone from a wolf sweatshirt, to dream catcher necklaces and moccasins. I don't know why I have a sudden urge to change my wardrobe to all things Native American this summer, but I'm following that urge. To help me achieve this look, I really want to purchase these two-button boot moccasins by Minnetonka. I tried on a pair today at a little native american shoppe in Orlando and instantly fell in love. They're comfortable and will look perfect with a pair of denim cutoffs and a simple tshirt this summer. Once my wallet isn't on empty, I'm most def going to buy a pair.

http://www.indianvillagemall.com/mocs/classicboot.html

LB_look of the week

2009-05-29T15:37:00.000-04:00

Garrett

20 yrs old

Canada

For two weeks in a row now, I've managed to find someone on lookbook who happens to dress a lot like me. From the circle scarf, rolled up sleeves of the blazer, cuffed shorts, and gladiator sandals, Garrett and I practically have the same fashion aesthetic. Let's see what Garrett has in store for us in his next lookbook post.

thrift store finds: YSL BLAZER

2009-05-24T18:43:00.000-04:00

I am not lying. I actually found a vintage Yves Saint Laurent Blazer for only $5! I stumbled upon this at a hole in the wall book shop on Broad Street across from Empire yesterday, and when I found it, I nearly died. I think I did die actually, and came back to life because if I stayed dead, I wouldn't get a chance to wear it. It was just sitting there on a rack with a few pieces of clothing for only $5. I STILL cannot believe that I own this. This is the first and ONLY time this will probablly happen to me in my life.

LB_look of the week

2009-05-22T19:05:00.001-04:00

Kadeem

19 yrs old

Brooklyn, NY

Is this me?!?! haha, This guy is def getting my award for look of the week...and yes, I am being bias because I dress like this and he's black (the blog IS called garçon noir, is it not?)

on my wishlist

2009-05-22T01:37:00.000-04:00

...and I used to think my dad looked ridiculous for wearing sandals like these in the early 90s. Funny how I now have taken a liking to these type of shoes too.

ASOS Navajo Sandal

ASOS "Step Down" Basket Weave Sandal

DIESEL Black Gold Novel Gladiator Sandal

back detailing

all of these sandals can be found at http://www.asos.com/man/

for the record...

2009-05-21T21:12:00.000-04:00

I just realized that I've done 6 posts in 1 day (now it's 7 with this one). I officially do not a life whatsoever.
This is a result of:
1. No job
2. Being sick
3. Being bored out of mind!
Let's shoot for 8 posts, tomorrow, shall we? lol

miss cleo of fashion?

2009-05-21T20:51:00.000-04:00

I love reading (well, looking at) street fashion blogs, but I haven't really been following them for a few weeks now. Just a few minutes ago I was on Facehunter and Hel Looks, and what do I come across? Motorcycle Jackets! Now, I know motorcycle jackets are quite common in streetwear, but I just think it's funny how I made a post earlier today talking about how I really wanted one for the fall. Is it a coincidence, or am I a true fashion psychic?

This seems to happen to me a lot: predicting something, and then the next season, someone else runs with my idea (well, it's not like the looked into my thoughts and stole it, but you get what I mean). It's happened with jumpsuits (for both men and women), harem pants, and tee-shirts with deliberate holes. I honestly think I may have a career in fashion forecasting... we'll see!

make me into MOUNTAHA

2009-05-21T19:42:00.000-04:00

Dear Mountaha,

My name is Dekota Waller, and I love you.

Sincerly,
Dekota Waller

I love me some Mountaha. She has that Agyness Dean look, but with an egdy and ethnic flair, and a great sense of personal style. If she doesn't win Make Me A Supermodel, I'm going to kill myself (Not really).

Bravo TV Video - Get to Know Johnny

2009-05-21T19:16:00.001-04:00

fall into leather

2009-05-21T18:06:00.000-04:00

So I'm kinda over summer fashions already, and my mind is racing trying to decide on a look for fall (this is my own personal look, so you don't have to imitate...unless you want to :) I've never really been into leather anything before, but all of a sudden, I'm finding myself having a strange attraction to leather. I was talking with my friend Shanice (who's a fellow fashionista), and she mentioned her desire to find leather pants for the season. So, for fall, I really would like to purchase a motorcycle jacket. I think it would be an easy and quick layering piece and would look good with a printed or plaid button down (for a downtown look) or a simple white V-Neck (circa Rebel Without A Cause and Grease). Preferablly, I'd choose black, because it's classic and never seems to go out of style, but taking a risk and going for one that's colored would look good as well. Just be careful how you style this jacket. You could end up looking like an official member of Hells Angels, or Stella from Project Runway, Season 5 (remember her "leatha" fetish?). Opt for more of a classic, slimmer cut to keep the look young and fresh.

*This jacket can be found at LeatherUp.com for only $89.95.

FAUX PAS: scrunchies

2009-05-21T17:50:00.000-04:00

Everyone who knows me knows that I love american apparel (considering the fact that I used to work there). what I love so much about them is that there is no other store out there that's like them...they're def a one of a kind. Although I applaud their uniqueness and huge nod to fashions of decades past, I think they've gone a little too far with bringing the 80s back...and when I say 80s I mean scrunchies. They weren't cute then american apparel, so they won't be any better in the 21st century. If I see one hipster who's dedicated their lives to all things american apparel wearing one of these horrid things, I think I might actually punch them in the face. Scrunchies are def a fashion FAUX PAS!

techniCOLOR

2009-05-21T17:27:00.000-04:00

Although my wardrobe has drastically transitioned into almost entirely black in recent months, I'm still a huge fan of color. I know quite a few people who are afraid of color, but color is nothing to be afraid. Fashion is all about having fun, and especially in the Spring and Summer months.

The summer is light and breezy, and so should your fashion choices. Have fun with color...experiment with it. There are so many out there to choose from, so don't limit yourself to what you're comfortable with, take a risk this summer!

photo cred: lookbook.nu

on my wishlist

2009-04-19T03:31:00.000-04:00

call me crazy, but i REALLY want this cape! i have to have it. american apparel is always reinventing old items, and adding a new, modern twist to them. i think the black one would look very chic if done with a very streamline black, or even brown, ensemble. if done right, you could give little red riding hood a run for her money. but if done wrong, you could end up looking like count dracula...and thats not a good thing.

Victor Glemaund F/W 2009

2009-04-19T02:46:00.000-04:00

i got a tip from a very chic friend of mine (you know who you are) to check out VICTOR GLEMAUND, a designer whom i'd never heard of before. apparently, she thought that Glemaund's f/w 2009 collection was, "soo you," so i decided to take a look. with the first look that i saw, i fell in love. the collection interpreted many different shades of grey, and mixed textures to create a very unique look. i'm a huge fan of cuffed trousers, an exaggerated collar, and mixing baggy and fitted silhouettes, and Glemaund's collection consisted of all of the above. Could he possibly be my new favorite menswear designer...it's too soon to tell, but mr. marc jacobs may have some competition!

LB_looks of the week

2009-04-19T01:41:00.000-04:00

(top) renee c. 17 yrs old, the netherlands.

(bottom) gregory g. 15 yrs old, england.

why i love these looks:

simplistic. long, lean silhouette.

black.

loose, drapy fabrics.

subtle, yet bold assessories.