"A" for effort?

OK. So in no way, shape, or form do I consider Paris Hilton to be a style icon. On the contrary, her fashion sense is quite questionable at times (Nikki, on the other hand, usually always gets it right). Anyway, I couldn't help but smile when I saw this picture of her rocking those Eiffel heels from the S/S 09 Yves Saint Laurent collection. I mean, WOW! In Los Angeles?!?!?! It's not often that you see celebrities taking risks like this off the red carpet and without the help of a stylist...especially ones like Paris Hilton. What do you think? Does Paris get an "A" for effort or did she fail miserably?

Get Some Perspective!

Pierre Hardy will be releasing a limited edition unisex sneaker line called "Perspective Cubes". Only 500 pairs will be available worldwide (check Barney's, Dover Street Market, and Corso Como) with a release date set for June 2009. I kinda want to buy a pair so that I can just sit in class and stare at my feet whenever I get bored.

Item of the Day: Henrik Vibskov Hunter Shorts

Henrik Vibskov Men's Harem Pants in Khaki

$148
from FarFetch

In "The Archive": Raf Simons

Today, Oki-ni launched an amazing new section on their website. Called the "Archive", it's basically a back catalog of product from menswear designers who the founders of Oki-ni look to for inspiration and who inspired them to lauch the site in the first place. Launching this archive of designers' past collections and products, they hope to give customers an opportunity to learn more about the history of the brands they feature.

I think the Archive is awesome and a really excellent idea. Many kids today are so obsessed with trends and having the latest, I don't think they really know what they're wearing or understand why they're even wearing it. Whatever Kanye, Pharell, or another trend-setting celebrity is wearing becomes HUGE and sells out IMMEDIATELY. Kids can go to Opening Ceremony, Oak, Odin, Oki-ni, Colette, etc. and buy all these really cool items just because of the label, but I think it's unfortunate that many of them don't know the history or the story of the name's they're wearing.

Anyway, as a designer, Raf Simons is innovative and fashion forward. At the helm of Jil Sander, he's maintained the fashion house's relevance and revamped the menswear market with his own Raf Simons and Raf by Raf Simons labels. Take a look back into this past:

Comment dit-on "work it!" en français?!?!

Lady Gaga doing her thing in Paris!

For Kicks and Giggles: "Don't Tase Me Bro!" 2.0

Naked Wizard Tased By Reality from Tracy Anderson on Vimeo.

Apparently, you get what's coming to you at Coachella! (BTW, the good stuff starts around the 3:00 minute mark...)

For Kicks and Giggles: "La même robe"!

Signé ANNA AH 08-09
Uploaded by marieluvpink

Celui-ci, c'est pour les francophiles. La satire "Singé ANNA" est d'agit Anna Wintour est ses adventures aux New York, Milan, Paris, et Londres. C'est trop drôle. Mon part favorite: "La même robe!" Haha, et c'est vrai! Anna a porté la même robe par Prada aux Peter Som et Armani Privé.
P.S.- For you guys who can't speak French....watch it anyway! It's hillarious and I'm sure you catch the just of it :-)

Don't Quote Me

photo from Contributing Editor

"Fashion is a sport, don't play if you are afraid to get hurt."

YSL x PUMA

Following their collaboration with Alexander McQueen (which was pretty boss, by the way), Puma is now teaming up with Yves Saint Laurent. Under the watchful eye of designer Stefano Pilati, the two companies have created a men's high-top sneaker which is very high fashion but, yet, at the same time has a lot of sportswear influence. Available in black leather and gray suede, the sneaker is currently in YSL boutiques worldwide and will be sold online exlusively on YSL's U.S. site.

The Girl With Kaleidoscope Pants

Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester poses in Diane von Furstenburg, Gucci, Alexander McQueen, Roberto Cavalli, and Jonathan Saunders for Times Magazine. The spread was shot by Terry Richardson and in the article she discusses her new music project, the paparazzi, and BLAIR WALDORF! Check it out:

What about the paparazzi? Do they stalk you to the point that you have to wear full makeup when you take out the trash?

I would never do that! Take out the trash, I mean. [Laughs.] You know, I never really had a problem with them but recently there have been a couple of incidents that have made me say, “What?” I was getting in a car after an event — where I had been photographed all night, by the way — and I was done posing and just wanted to go home. When I refused to take any more pictures, one of the photographers outside actually said, “We know where you live.” That was creepy. But you know they don’t bother me on a daily basis. I can pretty much go anywhere.

Your character, Blair, is very carnal and knowing for an 18-year-old. Were you a precocious teen?

I actually find Blair naïve. I look at young girls like her who are obsessed with guys and with being the most popular and the prettiest, and I just want to shake them. Maybe you just grow up a little faster when you’re a young performer, but I was definitely never like that.

To what extent has your personal style influenced what Blair wears on the show?

Not at all. If anything, it’s the opposite. Her style is a little expensive for my taste but it loudly communicates that she is who she is and that she does what she does. I find that admirable. And she’s always dressed appropriately, which I can’t always say about myself.

Your character graduates from high school next season. What’s going to happen to your look?

It’s yet to be decided, but I’m definitely going to college — to N.Y.U. — and not wearing any more school uniforms. Thank god we’re not pretending we all get held back and just continue with high school like all those other high school shows. I guess I’ll wear magnificent clothes every day that don’t have anything to do with school.

You are working on a CD. What kind of music is it and can we expect a Lady Gaga makeover?

Absolutely. I’m determined to no longer wear pants. The music is electric pop, with a little bit of rock element to it. It’s not like bubble gum — it’s actually very edgy.

Gareth Pugh, A/W 09, Video Presentation

Here's a pleasant way to start off this rainy, Richmond morning! Enjoy this awesome video presentation from Gareth Pugh's Autumn/Winter 2009 Collection at Paris Fashion Week. Compliments of me...and YouTube...and Gareth...and Ruth Hogben....and, eh, you get the point.

Don't Quote Me

"LA Fashion Week...is incredibly arrogant and demanding. I mean, these editors have been all over the globe for a couple of weeks [for Fashion Month] and then LA is saying 'Okay, now you have to come here.' Please, I mean, get off your ass and go to Europe. I mean, that's what I did and you just have to go where you have to go ... [W]hy do they have to be a fashion capital? They're the movie capital of the world and they've always been that, can't they just be satisfied with that?"-Rick Owens to Hint Mag Online

Can YOU spot the fake: YSL vs. Bakers

This one should be easy for you.

Which one's the S/S 09 "Tour d'Eiffel"-inspired YSL heel and which one, well....isn't?

vcuStreet Style: Meet Alison

Name: Alison
Where: Corner of Harrison & Main St.
Occupation: VCU student, junior
What are you wearing: "My shoes are Betsey Johnson, my skirt is 5th Avenue Shoe Repair (from Barney's), my top is from Arden B., and my bag and watch are both Burberry....but my hair's from Egypt."
How did you choose your outfit today: "Well, I just bought this skirt and since it's so over the top and excessive I thought the rest of my outfit should be, too!"
Your style icons/inspiration: "None, really. I guess I try not to be too mainstream so I take what I like and mash it all together. I never aspire to dress like someone else."

Also, be sure to check out Alison (and more!) in our new vcuStreet Style slideshow!

Check me out in GQ!

"I find myself tipping $50, $60 a week, and I'm beginning to think it's overkill..."

Ok, not really. But I'm super excited that one of my quotes is featured on the front page of men.style.com, home to GQ and Details. I'm a frequent commenter on their forums and I guess they decided to use my quote to attract more members. Who knew tipping would be such a hot topic! If GQ digs my writing skills so much I say they should hire me...(you guys reading this)?

For Kicks and Giggles: That's So Gay!

Really...they seriously had to make a Public Service Announcement for this? Come one guys, that's so gay.

This is NOT o.k.!

just wrong...

Alright, so first I have to say that I'm all for Britney Spears and I think it's great that she's getting her life back on track. While I'm sure she probably has a lot going on right now promoting her new single "If You Seek Amy" and touring, she might want to keep a closer eye on her official website, BritneySpears.com. Apparently there's a so-called "fashion" section which shows you how to take looks from her Circus tour and incorporate them into your everyday wardrobe. This is where things get interesting (see photo above)...

Ladies, the above look is NOT ACCEPTABLE. I repeat, NOT ACCEPTABLE! American Apparel booty shorts and a bikini top does not constitute an outfit...even with sandals. Whoever is in charge of this portion of Britney's website should be fired immediately and sentenced to at least 30 years-to-life. Let's leave the costuming up to Britney. At least she knows how to keep it on stage.

Last one! (I promise)

Kate's grand entrance with Topshop owner Sir Phillip Green

Alright...so I know you guys are probably all Topshop-ed out by this point. My obsession has gotten a bit out of control. I've been following literally every blog and twitter page possible throughout the day to get the latest updates on the SoHo opening (from how long the lines were to what time Kate Moss made her appearance to even what people were buying). I can go to bed tonight happy and satisfied that, although I wasn't able to be there in the flesh, I was there in spirit nontheless. So, with that said dear readers, I leave you with pictures from America's first and only Topshop/Topman flagship (courtesy of Nitrolicious) and with a promise that this is the last post for a while referencing anything to do with that store whose name I will no longer mention. Good night!

Item of the Day: B. Son Zip Collar Hoodie

B. Son Fleece Zip Collar Hoodie in Heather Grey
$110
from Revolve Clothing

For Kicks and Giggles: Bruno has arrived!

AHAHAAHAHAHA! I've been waiting for this movie to come out! The trailer for Sacha Baron Cohen's latest film, Bruno, was just released and it's hilarious. Cohen follows his last comedy, Borat, with this one about Bruno, a gay Austrian fashion reporter. Everything you see in the film is real, including his crashing the Agatha Ruiz de la Prada runway show last year in Milan. Check it out!

OMG It's Happening!

The 50-person deep line in front of Topshop at 8:30 am

Let the madness begin! According to New York Magazine, there were only about 50 people in line for the Topshop opening this morning at 8:30. The first shopper arrived around 6 a.m. and employees handed out gift certificates, water, and biscuits to those who were waiting in line. By 9:48 a.m. however, things were beginning to get out of control! "The line is growing fast and now huge," a New York Mag writer reported via Twitter, adding, "we'd recommend only brave, patient types go shop there today." With only about 10 more minutes until the store officially opens, I can only imagine the scene will be more intense than

"spending my time on a girl i know..."

"...she's got jimmy choo's,ooo's,ooo's"

The collaborations seem to keep coming and coming and coming, no matter how strange they've become. Take for example one of the latest one: Scottish rubber wellington boot company Hunter (the brand of choice for the Royal family) has teamed up with stiletto master Jimmy Choo to create a line of limited edition boots. While still maintaining Hunter's traditional black rubber silhouette, the boots have been embossed with the signature Jimmy Choo crocodile print and feature a leopard print lining, metal rivets, and gold buckle hardware. Available in June 2009, the boots will be sold exclusively in Jimmy Choo boutiques here in the U.S. as well as in the U.K., and worldwide on www.jimmychoo.com.

I don't know what to think of this one, guys. On the one hand, I love Hunter and I think it was a great idea to revitalize the brand with a fashion maven like Choo. On the other hand, however, it just seems to be a lot going on for one boot: crocodile embossment, leopard lining, black rubber, gold hardware...would at least two different styles and colors have been too much to ask for?

T minus 14 hours and counting!

Uggghhhhhhh, I so hate my life right now! Not only do the people living in New York City right now have the privilege of, well, actually living in New York City, they will also have the best day of their fashion lives tomorrow with the opening of the Topshop flagship store in SoHo and the Balenciaga Outlet store (the first one ever on our continent...or in our hemisphere for that matter) at Woodbury Commons Mall! Check out this video to get a sneak peak inside the Topshop store. You can feel like a New Yorker for about 2 minutes and 29 seconds.

Marc Jacobs just got married (finally)!!!

Wow, this is such HUGE HUGE HUGE news! Click here to read all the details and see what Marc and Lorenzo wore to the wedding...