Six Six Sick

V Ave Shoe Repair Fall 2012: X-Ray Vision

2012-01-30T20:26:00.001-05:00

Not that this is of any great importance to anyone but myself: I am missing New York Fashion Week for the first time in seven years because I am currently not allowed to travel back to the states under my Swedish visa. I'm already having a serious case of FOMO (fear of missing out), and I even made a list of the shows I'm most looking forward to seeing from afar for NBC's The Thread. Nonetheless, I am enjoying a very cold Stockholm Fashion Week right now, and will also be heading down to Copenhagen on Thursday.

V Ave Shoe Repair is always one of the most highly anticipated shows of SFW, infusing a much needed jolt of drama into the mostly minimalist feeling Scandinavian fashion scene. The collection was inspired by contrasting human hand craftsmanship with forms created from 3-D computer modeling, and the show juxtaposed V Ave's signature draping and deconstructed silhouettes with sculptural accessories that jumped out from the body while simultaneously caging it in. The designers were also inspired by X-Rays, and their ability to show the inner workings of the body. In some cases, the inspiration manifested itself in a literal manner, with light up accessories framing certain parts of the body, and in other cases, it was alluded to through the transparency of the garments.

You can see more of my photos from Day 1 of Stockholm Fashion Week on Papermag.com.

-Tiffany

Winter's Bone

2012-01-29T14:25:00.001-05:00

All drawings by Laura Laakso

We're deep in the heart of winter here in Stockholm, and while I'm counting every added minute of the lengthening day with an obsessive fervor (7 hours and 50 minutes of daylight today!), I know that we still have a long way to go before the sun truly comes back. With that in mind, I've been kinda digging all the cross-country skiers in my neighborhood, all the snowmen popping up only to get peed on by dogs on their walks, and all the confused and aggravated babies being pulled down the sidewalks and shoved down hills in their miniature sleds. I am also obsessed with these illustrations by Laura Laakso that I found in Monki's magazine, which actually features some pretty good content to supplement their tastefully put together catalog of inexpensive sartorial offerings. The first two illustrations are from Monki, and feature articles of their clothing, and the rest are from Laakso's other projects. I think all of them perfectly capture the mystical, magical, and also somewhat miserable, Scandinavian winter.

-Tiffany

Swan's Way

2012-01-28T11:58:00.003-05:00

What is it about swans that constantly capture our imaginations? While they had their big moment last year following the release of Black Swan, I don't know if we've fully exhausted our obsession yet. One cruel friend who's known for her Elmyra tendencies (hi Gabbi) says that she fantasizes about taking their long necks and tying them into a knot. I think most of us though are more drawn to their elegant silhouette and their long-standing fictional romanticization. Whatever your feelings are, I think it would be easy to fall for the swan-inspired accessory series created by Singapore-based designer Mimi Pong. The small collection includes the "Bird of Two Feathers" bag that converts from a Swan to a Cygnet when you turn it inside out, and two sweet enamel swan necklaces. Perfect for anyone who's ever felt like an ugly duckling.

-Tiffany

Brow Mapping

2012-01-24T15:59:00.005-05:00

ASOS feather jacket, Uniqlo heat tech shirt, Arms and Armory necklace.

A little while back, Anastasia of Beverly Hills sent over one of their Beauty Express Brow Kits for me to test out. I'm pretty low maintenance beauty wise, and generally stick to a daily routine of eyeliner, blush and bronzer. I know brows are important, but I usually leave mine rather neglected and shamefully out of sorts. The brow kit that Anastasia sent over included gel, brow shadow, eye shadow, a brush, and a set of brow stencils to choose from according to your face and eyebrow shape. Clear and simple instructions from the brow expert herself detailed how to achieve the golden ratio, and were easy enough for a complete beauty novice like myself to understand and follow. I'm pretty pleased with the results. If you're interested in getting a little help with your brows, the company is currently running a "Wish You Were Here" contest to be flown to L.A. to have your brows done by Anastasia herself. Instructions on how to enter are here (U.S. Residents only, sorry). Good luck!

-Tiffany

Walk This Way

2012-01-23T17:41:00.003-05:00

I'm always incredibly impressed by the amount of talent some of my fellow bloggers have. While we all have a shared interest in fashion, a few of us are also designers ourselves. I've known that Monica, a long time blog friend, designed shoes, but she's been pretty shy about showing off all her designs, and has only given us quick flashes of her creations. I recently did a little more digging myself and found some of her fun, humor filled heels. Inspired by swinging 60's London and rock and roll, her shoes are decorated with cheeky motifs, including wedges adorned with lips smoking cigarettes and blowing bubbles, giant wire spiderwebs, and golden Pegasus wings. Having watched my gay husband Brandon fight his way through his shoe construction course, I know how incredibly difficult it is to make shoes, and have an immense amount of respect for anyone who takes on the treacherous field of cobbling. This whole time I thought the hard part was walking in them. Anyway, here's a peek at her Spring 2012 collection, which are all, unbelievably, made to order.

-Tiffany

Here Comes The Magic

2012-01-22T15:25:00.001-05:00

All photos by Valquire Veljkovic

I've always wondered how the literary theme of magic realism would translate into a clothing collection. The Berlin based label Tata Christiane has given me a pretty solid idea with their spring 2012 collection, which was largely inspired by Gabriel Garcia Marquez's book One Hundred Years of Solitude, and his unique style of blending magical elements with reality. Tata Christiane integrates elements of fantasy into everyday life, with garments that vividly blend familiar feeling print patterns and textiles with silhouettes and shapes from the sartorially unknown. Doily-crochet, afghan knit, furniture trimmings and scarf prints are remade in bulbous capes and evening jackets, that look part grande-dame, and part grandmother. While the clothes clearly cater to eccentrics, I think anybody can appreciate the magical feel of seeing all of these strange, sumptuous colors and soft, mismatched knits wondrously fused together.

-Tiffany

Eye Poppers

2012-01-20T13:31:00.000-05:00

All photos from the Mercura Sunglasses site and blog

The Chelsea Hotel is currently in the throes of a major legal battle, with the building's longtime mix of eclectic tenants going up against a new landlord who is seeking to throw them out. While I was following the on-going scrum back in New York (the landmark is only a fifteen minute stroll from my apartment), I've somewhat lost track of what's going on since I left. The last I heard was of a controversy concerning a planned private performance for the hotel's tenants by Patti Smith. I don't know how many people have been kicked out, and how many remain, but one tenant who seems to remain firmly in place (at least according to their possibly outdated website) is Mercura Sunglasses.

I look at Mercura as one of those quintessential little New York labels. They have been busily doing what they do best--making outrageous one-of-a-kind sunglasses and accessories--for several decades, attracting attention from industry insiders while remaining relatively under the mainstream radar. The line, designed by Rachel Cohen-Lunning and Merrilee Lichtenstein Cohen, counts Lady Gaga as one of it's biggest fans, and is a wardrobe staple for stylists and collectors. Nonetheless, the made to order sunglasses aren't mass manufactured, meaning that you're not going to find them on the shelves of your average department store. They're also made from non-standard materials, like plastic flowers, trinkets, miniature animals, feathers, and other bits and bobs, making them more appropriate for special occasions than for being smushed up in your purse with all your other junk. I love the off-kilter eccentricism that the line represents, undoubtably somewhat influenced by the famously artistic and outrageous tenants of the Chelsea Hotel.

-Tiffany

Camilla Norrback Lookbook Preview

2012-01-19T10:24:00.001-05:00

Linda styled the shoot

A few weeks ago we shot the second part of the Camilla Norrback lookbook at our offices. Playing on classic themes of Nature vs. Culture, the new Autumn 2012 collection juxtaposes modern forms and structures while natural themes. The petrol colors and structural silhouettes reflect the industrial aspects of our society, while the earthy tones and animal prints evoke a back-to-the-land sensibility. Here's a sneak peek of the new collection, I'll post the lookbook when it is finished!

The Autumn 2012 inspiration board.
I'm obsessed with this faux broadtail gilet

The team

Camilla styles a dress.

-Tiffany

baby's on fire, better throw her in the water

2012-01-18T17:56:00.004-05:00

All photos by Marikavera.

Lingerie is almost always sensual, but rarely conceptual. Marika Vera's diverges in this respect, serving up both eroticism and feminism in equal measure. Her eponymous first lingerie collection was named for the 19th century novel, Venus in Furs, the story of a man who becomes enslaved to a woman. The pieces give off the same sense of Victorian sensuality portrayed in the book (which happened to give masochism its name), and are all about simultaneously concealing and revealing, with lightly layered silk panels that open up in not-so-discreet slits. Vera gives the wearer the entirety of the power, and her pieces are both feminine and delicate, while remaining modern, elegant, and entirely in control. Any subject would be entirely enslaved.

-Tiffany

Printspiration

2012-01-15T17:16:00.002-05:00

All photos from Vogue Germany January 2012 via Fashion Gone Rogue

I almost never post fashion spreads here, but this editorial from the January issue of German Vogue was too gorgeous not to share. Spring is still a long, long way off, but when it comes, this is what I want to be wearing: layers of mismatched prints, clashing colors, and vintage Versace mixed with new Mary Katrantzou. Piling on light airy scarves looks so much more appealing than wearing one pair of stockings pulled on top of another to keep warm.

-Tiffany

Claymation Creations

2012-01-13T16:06:00.001-05:00

All photos by HoKiou

I don't know whether or not this was a universal phenomena, but during fifth grade, the Fimo bead trend swept through my junior high. You could buy the perfectly pre-made variety from the also very trendy Bead Store (a highly popular Upper East Side birthday party spot) or, if you were crafty, could attempt to make your own fimo creations. I was of course eager to experiment, and I have to say that in retrospect, the results were rather misshapen lumps strung up on cheap string. I quickly abandoned Fimo, having since decided metal is a much more favorable material for jewelry making, and haven't actually thought of clay much since.

That is, until I came across HoKiou. The Paris based jewelry designer elevates polymer clay way beyond the boundaries of my stunted fifth-grade imagination. While I would never dare to move beyond clunky, hunkering beads in psychedelic colors, HoKiou shuns beads in favor of shaping the clay into intricately crafted miniature menageries. Subjects include incredibly detailed snowy deer, howling wolves, sleepy foxes, and gliding jellyfish, each encased in a tiny glass sphere. HoKiou also makes very twee crochet storm clouds and custom initialed hearts, which are also irresistibly cute. Perhaps I will be inspired to take up playing with clay again.

-Tiffany

Painterly Touch

2012-01-10T14:24:00.001-05:00

Though the bulk of the products from the U.S. Urban Outfitters and the European stores generally overlap, I've noticed some key differences in the selection of young designers, based on each region. For example, I was somewhat delighted to find that I could mail order Jonathan Saunders and Faster by Mark Fast from the E.U. website should I have the desire. Another exciting discovery were these hand-painted vintage fur coats, done by Urban's own stylist, Katarina Kovics. Each piece is one of a kind, and is adorned with images of ravens, geishas, and koi fish. I'm personally obsessed with the sleeveless raven-covered shearling. If you like what you see, you better act quickly, they're already disappearing. Or, if you're a bit more crafty, you could give it a go DIY-ing, which I'm seriously considering...

-Tiffany

Into The Wild

2012-01-09T17:26:00.001-05:00

Demonbabies Sweatshirt c/o Blood is the New Black, Gestuz pants, Alexander Wang boots, Barneys New York hat, sunglasses c/o Norma Kamali, Gerard Yosca cuff, Triskaidekaphobia tooth necklace.

One of the weirdest things about living in Stockholm is that even though it's a pretty big, semi- cosmopolitan city, you can still walk out of your apartment and find yourself in the middle of the woods. As a New Yorker, it's an incredibly strange dichotomy to swallow. I'm a five minute subway ride from Sodermalm, which is in the center city, yet I also live steps away from a giant nature reserve, and a ten minute walk to the nearest ski slope, Hammarbybacken. On my way to the subway yesterday, I witnessed a giant deer being chased frantically down the street by a miniature greyhound sporting a black and red wool jacket. True Stockholm fashion capital realness.

Anyway, I'm slowly adjusting to my new surroundings, and this weekend, Jimmy and I took a long hike in the woods. I don't have much in the way of hiking clothes, so I threw on my new Blood is the New Black sweatshirt, a fur coat, and my Alexander Wang boots, which have proved to be the best winter weather boots I've ever owned. Even though Jimmy slipped and fell three times, I managed to remain on my feet throughout the entire walk! Here are some photos from my neighborhood.

Jimmy slipped a few times so he was covered in snow

Hammarbybacken

-Tiffany

Lines and Curves

2012-01-06T07:27:00.000-05:00

All photos by Metalepsis.

My friend Astrid Chastka is a woman of many talents. Professionally trained as an architect, she decided to divert her design talents towards the world of fashion, and currently designs Upstate, a line of scarves which is sold at taste-making retailers like TenOverSix and Albertine. This season, she's launching her first foray into jewelry with the help of another former architect, Victoria Cho. The collection, Metalepsis, is a series of flat bronze castings of geometric shapes that are based on mid-century modern Scandinavian design as well as the art of Sol Lewitt. The shapes combine linear and curved geometries, and all of the necklaces are constructed from a set of interchangeable shapes. While Metalepsis offers some pre-made design options, they also invite the buyer to create their own combination of shapes. Each necklace is a very reasonable $86, no matter what combination is formed. My personal favorites are the pieces which combine the soft half-circles with the tougher looking angular pieces. Here you can see them modeled on our gorgeous friend Dakota, who is usually behind the camera doing hair (he did the hair for our lookbook!), but now gets a much deserved turn in front of it.

-Tiffany

Bitter tears keep me going

2012-01-05T16:52:00.001-05:00

I've spent a fair share of this winter curled up inside watching movies. While mindless comedies of yore always provide a good mood fix, sometimes serious films can serve up some much needed escapism. One of my all time favorites is Rainer Werner Fassbinder's The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant, which is a film classic that also contains incredible costuming that has inspired numerous designers, photographers, and stylists alike. The title character, Petra, is a fashion designer, and the movie follows her sadistic relationships with her assistant, as well as her obsession with a young model. While this might not sound terribly exciting, everything is filtered through Fassbinder's twisted interpretation of the female psyche. Additionally, through Petra, we see fashion as the ultimate costume to mask one's true, unknowable self. This film is definitely worth watching and rewatching, but as a teaser, here are some stills I found floating around the internet.

-Tiffany

Absolutely Qoo Qoo

2012-01-04T14:03:00.003-05:00

All photos by Qoo Qoo.

I obviously don't spend nearly enough time trolling the wonderful world of Etsy, which is why I'm only just discovering the magical label Qoo Qoo. Latvian designer Alyona Bauska started as a graphic designer before deciding to take her outrageous patterns and apply them to clothes. The whimsical prints include bears dressed up as astronauts, baroque interiors, and a tribal pattern re-envisioned to include Pacman. They're perfect for girls who grew up loving Lisa Frank, but are too old (and too big) to wear her clothes in a dignified manner. I don't know if dog-printed lace dresses are that much more dignified, but they're certainly a slightly more adult answer to all my craving for wacky, candy-colored explosions of unabashed joy. Another source of unabashed joy? The wallet friendly prices: almost everything on the site is between $55 and $135.

-Tiffany

Last of the English Roses

2012-01-03T07:17:00.002-05:00

All photos by Hermione de Paula.

London based designer Hermione de Paula's elaborately printed garments may be bursting with florals of every plant species known to man, but they're hardly designed for shrinking violets. Her spring collection, appropriately named "Darlingtonia's Obsession" (who wouldn't be obsessed upon first sight), is a prime example of her work. The designer rarely strays from her favorite blossoming subject, and the florals that she presents are more likely to evoke a trippy, Alice in Wonderland-style Audubon-redux than a casual summer stroll in the garden. The vivid and fantastical prints are slightly reigned in by the refined tailoring, which is sensual, soft, and decidedly feminine, without being revealing or overtly sexual. While your eyeballs do double duty trying to take in all the visual information, make sure to take a good look at the shoes: a collaboration with Nicholas Kirkwood, for whom de Paula consults on prints. I'll take one of each please.

-Tiffany

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T15:50:00.001-05:00

Coven dress, Uniqlo leggings, Chanel bag, shoes c/o 80%20, vintage turban, J. Crew socks, Arms and Armory necklace, Triskaidekaphobia ring.

For New Year's Eve, I finally go to break out the Coven dress that my friend Ashley gave me before I left for Sweden. I spent my evening celebrating at an extensive pot-luck dinner with Jimmy and our friends, followed by a midnight round of fireworks. In fact, we started off the New Year with a bang as our friend Oskar accidentally sent a firework whizzing in our direction and ricochetting off an apartment building. Hopefully Oskar will stick to his forte, baking cakes, and stay away from setting off explosives in the New Year. Anyway, I hope that you all have an amazing 2012!

-Tiffany

Touch of Neon

2011-12-30T16:04:00.002-05:00

11" Pink Fluoro Cambridge Satchel, iPad with Nicola Formichetti Zombie Panda cover

There's no better way to fight Seasonal Affective Disorder, something everyone deals with in this region, with a big walloping dose of fluorescent pink. Even though I already have a large purple Cambridge Satchel, which Urban Outfitters gifted me a while back, I've been longing for the small neon version ever since it started making the blog/fashion week rounds earlier this year. I finally decided to put it on my Christmas wishlist after Michelle mentioned that they sell lightly damaged factory seconds off the website, and Jimmy got me this "imperfect" bag, which has two barely visible nicks on the flap. What Cambridge Satchel doesn't mention on the website is that the 11" bag is actually the perfect size for an iPad. Even though it is quite small and gets cramped up pretty quickly, I managed to squeeze a decent amount of things into it, albeit with bulging satchel buckles.

Inside my bag: Pippi Långstrump (Pippi Longstocking, which I'm reading to practice my Swedish), iPad, Miu Miu wallet, iPhone with cover courtesy of Rebecca Minkoff, keys, and dinky Swedish phone.

-Tiffany

Dreams of Electronic Sheep

2011-12-27T12:36:00.001-05:00

I'm always keeping an eye out for fun knitwear lines, and Electronic Sheep is a new favorite. Designed in the U.K. and produced in Greece, the colorful and illustrative patterns manage to convey entire stories using the medium of scarves, hats, hoods, and knit capes. For the fall collection, the theme was "The House of Many Mansions." The patterns, including overflowing fruitbaskets, distorted tartans, and roaming peacocks, are meant to evoke a life of plenty, as well as the sense of the shabby glamour of a reclusive eccentric along the lines of Edie Bouvier Beale. I'm particularly obsessed with the knit capes, which were made in collaboration with the awesomely dressecd British DJ duo, The Broken Hearts (make sure to take a peek at their photo gallery).

-Tiffany

God Jul!

2011-12-25T17:34:00.002-05:00

Ursidae scarf, Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair tunic, Uniqlo leggings, sunglasses c/o Norma Kamali, Alexander Wang shoes, Triskaidekaphobia tooth necklace.

Just a quick note to wish everyone a God Jul and Merry Christmas, for those who celebrate it! I got back from our vacation to Nice on Friday, just in time to celebrate in the self-proclaimed Christmas capital of the world, Stockholm. As incredibly cozy as it is here right now, it was really nice to catch a tiny bit of sun and warmth in the south of France. I got to wear my new Ursidae scarf, which I ordered from my friend Maja, and which is a little too light to wear in the middle of Scandinavian winter. It was the perfect weight for a breezy bike ride on the Côte d'Azur.

Anyway, after two full days of feasting with Jimmy's family, we're heading out to celebrate with our friends at Top Nice. Hope you all have a wonderful holidays!

-Tiffany

I'll Follow The Sun

2011-12-21T11:56:00.000-05:00

I don't even know why I bothered bringing so many pairs of sunglasses to Sweden considering the fact that I've barely seen the sun since I moved. http://casteyewear.tumblr.com/ I'm currently on a short escape to Nice before Christmas ( hence the short pause in posting) and have been soaking in every last moment of cherished sunlight, wearing all of my beloved sunglasses. I just discovered a line of sunglasses that I feel compelled to add to my small collection. Cast eyewear, is based out of Indonesia and designed by the fascinating Fa Empel, who can be seen modeling a pair of her designs above. In addition to creating the line of statement shades, Fa also has a sick tumblr, which I've been lurking around for hair color inspiration. Take a look at the video lookbooks for a pre-holiday treat, and then add a pair of shades to your Christmas wish list, I know that the "tell him that you and I are in love" model is on the top of mine.

The Cast Eyewear
CAST Eyewear x Markus Diyanto from Miles Pitt on Vimeo.-Tiffany

90's Kick

2011-12-16T11:05:00.006-05:00

Daniel Palillo dress, shoes c/o 80%20, Carin Wester scarf, Jo Gordon hat, 0770 ring from Wobblin Betty.

Recently I've been on a big 90's music kick. While grunge has experienced a huge style revival, for some reason all the over-the-top techno music and accompanying candy-raver looks, which were equally popular, haven't really made much of a comeback. This Daniel Palillo dress reminded me of all those old-school rave looks, and actually seems like appropriate attire for Stockholm's new underground rave scene. I recently wore this outfit to one of Cheap Monday's parties out at an old factory in the suburbs of Stockholm (you can see my coverage on Papermag.com). The music is different now, but the feeling is the same. Anyway, here are some of my all time favorite 90's songs--not all of them are rave appropriate, but they've definitely been in heavy rotation of late.

-Tiffany

Everyday Hero

2011-12-15T17:53:00.002-05:00

My friend Aapo recently started working at Finnish Elle, and his new job has included some awesome business trips. On a recent visit to attend some fashion-related parties and events in Warsaw, he met Polish designer Robert Kupisz, who got his start as a celebrated hairdresser before deciding to launch his clothing line in the spring. Robert's collection is very Aapo, and of course he sent over the images for me to have a look at. For winter, Robert was inspired by the historical Polish heroes of the Warsaw Uprising, the rebellion staged by the Polish Resistance to liberate Warsaw from the Nazis (I admit, I had to do a little Wiki research, as Polish history isn't exactly my area of expertise). While the inspiration may be serious, the overall feeling was uplifting and lyrical, with a strong sense of national pride. I look forward to seeing more from Robert, who can be seen modeling his menswear collection below.

-Tiffany

Postcard Perfect Picture

2011-12-14T16:41:00.001-05:00

After recently spying Bora Aksu's incredible line of paneled tights, I felt inspired to take a closer look at the London-based designer's entire Spring 2012 show, which I immediately fell in love with. The romantic collection of flowing, semi-transparent dresses adorned with perfectly placed frills and plentiful peplums was inspired by a series of antique postcards that Aksu found at a flea market. The postcards, sent between Rose and Charles in 1905, and written in curvaceous French script, conjures vivid images of turn-of-the-century romance. Even though the inspiration and the overall sentiment is laden with nostalgia, the designs themselves remain firmly planted in the present, perfect for some modern day romance.

-Tiffany

Knock it off with the knockoffs!

2011-12-13T17:19:00.002-05:00

The original Bijules Nail Ring design

I've always thought that being a jewelry designer is like being the drummer in a band: every jackass thinks that they can do it, but very few can actually do it well. The easiest thing to do when you're either lacking in skill, talent, or inspiration is to copy other designers, which is a sadly commonplace practice in the fashion industry. Fast fashion retailers are often the most brazen and frequent perpetrators of knockoffs, and every single one of them has been called out for their shameless design thievery. Topshop, however, has hit very close to home for me on multiple occasions, first replicating a dress we made (which was then replicated by everyone else), and later, according to my friend Sara Zucker, copying our Triskaidekaphobia tooth necklace. We learned about the tooth necklace too far after it happened to actually see it, but Sara assures us it's the same.

Now, Topshop has knocked off our dear friend Jules Kim of Bijules, creating a near-exact replica of her signature nail ring, which she's been selling in various styles for years. The price is probably cheaper, the quality is definitely dinkier, but the design is quite obviously the same, with only a slight difference in the shape of the snake's head. I'm pretty sure Topshop targets younger designers in particular, under the belief that they, unlike Louis Vuitton, will not have the money and resources to retaliate. However, I know that Jules is a very feisty lady who will fight back. As for the rest of us, the very least we can do is speak out.

The Topshop knock off

-Tiffany

Northern Exposure

2011-12-10T14:31:00.001-05:00

Here in Sweden, where winter nearly lasts six months (conveniently the six months that I'm here, heh), you cannot underestimate the importance of warm knits and sturdy outerwear. Stockholm-based designer Camilla Wellton seems to be an expert in both areas, and her online shop is loaded with dozens of gorgeous styles that combine her feminine aesthetic with architectural cuts and silhouettes. They're figure flattering, yet directional, and have the added bonus of being functional and warm. Most intriguingly, Wellton offers made-to-order options: if you see a coat that you like, but find a collar from another style which you would prefer, Wellton will custom make it for you. She also offers custom fit pieces made to your measurements. Of course, the prices for such garments are on the steep side, but Wellton is offering 40% off of coats before Christmas. When the only thing anyone is going to see is your coat, you may as well make it a good one.

-Tiffany

So Bad, So Rad, So Wonderful

2011-12-07T16:11:00.001-05:00

I was just alerted to some bombshell news for any girl-child of the 90's thanks to Susie G over at Stylecaster: Lisa Frank has launched an apparel collection. If you are, for some reason, unfamiliar with the rainbow colored perma-party that Lisa Frank embodies, I invite you to peruse the website, which offers gems like rolling suitcases full of glitter makeup and cookie jars shaped like golden retriever puppies. The products feed into every 8 year old girl's sugar coated fantasies, and I was so attached to my Lisa Frank sticker box and stationary collection that I still have them buried somewhere at my parents' home.

Of course, the Lisa Frank apparel collection might initially strike you as one of those so-bad-it's-rad moments. Most of the clothes are meant for kids, but the website cheerily points out that the "generous cut will also fit smaller adults." And even if I am one of the aforementioned "smaller adults," I can no longer get away with t-shirts emblazoned with smooching dolphins, which my younger self would have loved. Nonetheless, I have to say that the more I look at the tie-dye mini shorts on offer, the more I think "that pink pair would look great with an Ashish sequined top" and "I wonder if those are high waisted?" Also, the idea of shocking my fellow stoical Stockholm subway commuters in the morning wearing one of the rainbow pom-pom swing top might be worth the $35 cost of the top in itself.

-Tiffany

Holiday Bling Bling Bling

2011-12-06T16:26:00.001-05:00

Holiday season is full swing, and we're celebrating with two sales: one in New York, and one online for those of us who can't be in New York for the holidays (myself included :::SOB:::). This Friday, we will be selling Triskaidekaphobia pieces for at least 50% off the retail price, alongside some of our other favorite jewelry designer friends: Bijules, Chris Habana, and Arms and Armory. If you can't make the sale, we are also currently participating in Chictopia's 12 Days of Chic. We're offering selected pieces from our store, with special discounts on certain items. Shop for yourself, or if you're feeling generous, pick up a gift for someone else!

-Tiffany

Kouklitas Vs. The World

2011-12-05T14:09:00.001-05:00

Andrew Yang & THE KOUKLITAS at Galeries Lafayette Paris from Swoon NYC on Vimeo.

While I'm still disappointed that I was unable to get down to Paris for the launch of Andrew Yang's Kouklita installation at Galeries Lafayette at the beginning of the month, I've been able to keep close tabs on Andrew and his gang of dolls via a series of videos from Swoon NYC. Directed by Ramon J. Goni, the series document all of Andrew's exciting activities, including his recent trip to Qinghai, China, to visit two schools that were built with funds raised from Andrew's charity collaboration with MO&Co. The latest installment features the aforementioned moving window installation, and even though I've seen hundreds of Kouklitas, this is the first time I've seen them come to life, move around, dance, and dress each other's hair! Can't wait to see what Andrew and the girls are up to in the next few videos!

Andrew Yang in CHINA from Swoon NYC on Vimeo.

-Tiffany

Camilla Norrback Sample Sale- Stockholm

2011-12-02T20:12:00.001-05:00

Just a quick note to let you know that if you're in Stockholm, the company that I'm working at now, Camilla Norrback, is hosting their seasonal sample sale. Prices start at 100 kr, and there's plenty of super-discounted warm and fuzzy knits that would make a great Christmas gift for yourself, or more generously, someone else. Additionally, the current Fall collection will be discounted 50%. Make sure to stop by sometime this weekend for some glogg and shopping; the store is at Norrbacksgatan 60, and will be open tomorrow and Sunday from 12-5.

-Tiffany

The Anatomy of Desire

2011-11-30T16:31:00.001-05:00

Una Burke pants. Photograph by Diego Indraccolo.

Harnesses and restraints have been a running trend for the past few years, and in the newly released book, Design Behind Desire, they get a lengthy examination along with other fetishistic accessories. The stunning hardcover, part of a new series of art, fashion, and design books from Farameh Media, is a comprehensive survey of work from contemporary designers whose pieces are either overtly or covertly erotic. Naturally, Fleet Ilya's revised Hannibal Lecter style mask makes the cut, along with Bliss Lau's leather and metal body armor, and Betany Vernon's cheeky and lux jewels. While the focus is mainly on designers working now, recent work is juxtaposed against classic fetish pieces like Meret Oppenheim's fur coffee cup. Gathered together in one book, all the objects explore the different facets of desire, and even if whips and bondage aren't your cup of tea, you're bound to find something between the covers that inspires serious material lust.

Fleet Ilya Mask. Photograph by Justin Borbely.

Cuff and bodychain by Bliss Lau.

Pearl Massage ring by Betany Vernon. Pearl restraints by Kiki de Montparnasse.

Gold Leaf Shakti Mirror by Mark Brazier-Jones. Divorce Ring by Gisele Ganne.

Aoi Kotsuhiroi boots.

-Tiffany

Fading Light

2011-11-27T17:48:00.001-05:00

Pants courtesy of East West, Proenza Schouler x Target Top, Rodebjer cardigan, shoes c/o 80%20.

I spent the past few days working at the V Ave Shoe Repair sale at Tvalpalatset and as much fun as I've been having making off-colored jokes with my favorite fellow obnoxious-American girls (the sisters Loeb), I've been sad that I've had to spend the few gorgeous, sunny days that we've had so far working in a basement with no natural light. I took the day off today to cook for a belated Thanksgiving celebration, and was so happy to get a glimpse of the sun this weekend, as the ratio of light to dark hours have had me feeling a bit like a a vampire.

-Tiffany

Nail Envy

2011-11-23T16:04:00.001-05:00

I have to admit, I am not the biggest Lady Gaga fan. While I can enjoy a round of Bad Romance on the dancefloor, the Lady has definitely reached media oversaturation, giving out a fair amount of inane quotable quotes along the way. Having seen her perform in her early days at one of my parties at Marquee, I can also say that stylewise, she is very much indebted to Nicola Formichetti. Trash talking aside, I do appreciate Formichetti's hand in Stefani Germanotta's remarkable transformation, and while there have definitely been highs and lows, one element that's remained consistently good are Gaga's manicures.

Gaga's nails are the work of New York based nail artist Naomi Yasuda, who has a long list of celebrity fans, but still makes time to do house visits. While Yasuda's rates aren't above the average ones you'll find for a Japanese 3-D manicure, blinging out your nails with bejeweled tips on a weekly basis is financially impossible for most of the ladies I know, myself included. Thankfully, Yasuda has come up with several ways to make her one-of-a-kind nails more accessible to the public with several collaborations. First, she created a series of stone, gem, and chain encrusted press-on nails with artificial nail manufacturer Kiss, selling for $45 a set. Second, Yasuda collaborated with Minx to create 2-D gold and silver graphic nail stickers, which are $35 for a pack. Lastly, for the hardcore nail fanatics, Yasuda created a limited edition of hand-cut and crafted nail sets, which were filed into crazy shapes and loaded with nail charms and stones. Only 30 pairs were made, and each pair costs $225. Of course, all of the nail sets will be available exclusively at the Barney's x Gaga workshop.

-Tiffany

Warmi Up!

2011-11-22T13:35:00.001-05:00

While surfing the loveliest e-shop on the internet, The Moon and Mars (maybe I'm a bit biased since we sell there), I came across the most amazing new line of fun, colorful and kooky knits, Warmi. Designed by Sylvia Toth in Paris, and then hand knit in the towns of Tausa and Sutatausa in Colombia by artisans, the line combines traditional Latin American textile craftsmanship with Parisian fashion-forwardness. While I love the cartoonish depictions of snakes, birds, and other fuzzy four-legged creatures, I also appreciate Warmi's dedication to the craft of knitting. Each of the Colombian artisans is featured in a small bio on the website, and all of them sign the pieces that they create. Additionally, Warmi encourages people to knit their own pieces, selling kits so you can get started on a leopard-print armband project, and perhaps move on to more complex things from there. Warmi has certainly inspired me to pick up my own set of needles soon--maybe I'll knit up my own phantasmagoric creature to keep me warm this winter.

-Tiffany

Everybody Must Get Stoned

2011-11-21T15:24:00.001-05:00

Each season, Iosselliani gets more and more colorful. The original collection started out with intricately constructed noirish pieces encrusted with smatterings of clear and black crystals, and though the collection still presents darker undercurrents, they've infused the jewels with a vibrant jolt for a more gothic meets gypset vibe. Although that might not sound like the most appealing combination (I wonder how often those subcultural sets meet in real life), it somehow manages to work. Semi-precious stones mix with crystals, spikes, and semi-oxidized chain to form the most intricately composed swathes of rock and metal. The true beauty of these pieces is that on first glance, they appear to be more traditional beaded necklaces, but upon closer inspection, reveal claws clutching at pearls, itty-bitty skulls attached to stone settings, and dangling dog's heads. Nonetheless, if wearing color just isn't your thing, most jewels still come in classic black.

-Tiffany

Heutchy x Love

2011-11-20T15:59:00.001-05:00

Heutchy (pronounced "hi-chy" rather than "hoochie" as I had previously believed) started as a men's footwear line meant to fill the gap between casual and formal shoes. Following plenty of praise from the boys, they've started to branch out into women's shoes too. For spring, designer Wells Stellberger collaborated with Richard Chai, making shoes for both his menswear line and his Love line. The adorable women's oxfords that resulted come in both shiny patent leather and striped fabric, and display the easy, informal elegance at the core of the line. They're the perfect alternative to sneakers, when you don't want to look shabby, but also refuse to sacrifice comfort--something that I find myself increasingly unwilling to do. Pair them with the rugged-refined Heutchy backpacks, and you're ready to go!

-Tiffany

Take Me Upstate

2011-11-17T16:43:00.001-05:00

Upstate's hand-dyed scarves and garments have a dreamy, escapist feel, and this spring's gorgeous lookbook has me fantasizing about a long weekend in the country. Each piece is individually dyed by designers Astrid and Kalen using traditional shibori techniques, making them one of a kind, as well as infusing them with a certain wabi-sabi quality of imperfect perfection. Structured grids and geometric patterns go fuzzy around the edges, and the cuts are simple, yet often convertible, and versatile.

-Tiffany

Factory People

2011-11-14T15:54:00.001-05:00

As much as I've tried to organize my life via Google calendar, plotting appointments, meetings and events with obsessive compulsive attention to time/location/date, I inevitably wind up making a fair share of mistakes. One such mishap involved arriving an hour late to the Factory by Erik Hart presentation during fashion week, only to see all the show-goers exit, and the models run off to their next shows dressed in their civilian attire. I had no idea what I missed until I stopped by the showroom to take a look at the collection in person. Hart is both a designer and an artist, and his multidisciplinary approach is evident in his collection of elegant, minimalist designs, and his directional silhouettes. His Spring 2012 collection echoes the 90's work of another artist/designer, Helmut Lang, and all of his clothes appear to be made for a gallery girl in Berlin. Every piece is cool, elegant, and sophisticated, yet still completely wearable. And, if you're living on a meager gallery assistant's salary, Hart's clothes are miraculously within reach: prices start just below $100.

-Tiffany

Black on Black

2011-11-12T08:33:00.001-05:00

Top courtesy of Yoana Baraschi, Bruno Pieters x Weekdays skirt, Devaki hat.

Now that I'm in Sweden, where it's already pretty much transitioned to winter, I've found myself reverting, at least temporarily, to an all-black wardrobe. While I normally prefer more color, it's hard to think outside of black when the weather is permanently grey. However, black can still be fun, and I've been wearing this Yoana Baraschi feathered neckline top non-stop since I picked it up at her press preview last month. This is definitely one of Baraschi's less colorful pieces, as the designer definitely favors bold hues and bright prints. At the preview of the Spring collection, I was particularly drawn to a series of graphic striped knit pieces with a nautical vibe, as well as a group of lace dresses and separates that came in neutrals as well as an eye-popping coral. They're something to look forward to when the spring time comes in six months.

-Tiffany

Gareth Pugh x Melissa

2011-11-10T18:23:00.001-05:00

A little while back, those of us who wanted to get a hold of a pair of Gareth Pugh shoes without handing over a month's rent had to make our own (which I did). It's hardly the cheapest alternative or the easiest undertaking, so I was very happy to hear of Pugh's new collaboration with Melissa Shoes. I'm a longtime wearer of the comfortable, inexpensive, recycled plastic shoes, and the company always manage to nab the most forward thinking designers to work with, including Vivienne Westwood and Alexandre Herchcovitch. The Gareth Pugh capsule collection includes two styles: a two-tone gladiator flat, and a open-toed flat printed with a radiating set of stars. The gladiators might not be the most practical purchase during the winter months, but I own another pair of Melissa flats and can testify that they are a year-round must have. The collection is available at Seven, my favorite New York store, which I can thankfully still enjoy from abroad via their webshop. Now we can all breath a sigh of relief that we will no longer have to go through the trouble of having to make our own pair of Pughs.

-Tiffany

My Bloody Valentine

2011-11-09T17:54:00.000-05:00

While there have been thousands of love songs written about heartache and heartbreak, there haven’t been quite as many jewelry lines that have broached the subject. After all, jewelry is more often associated with ground swellings of intense love: diamonds that say forever, lockets that are filled to burst with your lover’s hair, and, of course, wedding and engagement rings that are wrapped up in promises and vows. Nonetheless, Michelle Ng, designer of Young&ng, was up for broaching the challenge. While her Spring collection is about broken hearts, she approaches the subject with optimism, trying to look for the beauty in unrequited love, as well as finding comfort in the belief that you leave a soured relationship stronger than when you entered it. Rather than basing the resulting pieces on saccharine hearts, Ng instead was inspired by blood cells, and the fractal arrangement of cells serve as the basis for her latest series of necklaces, cuffs, and headpieces. The results are breathtaking, and I’m particularly obsessed with the laser-cut metal pieces, which become lace like lattices once the blood cell patterns are applied to them. I’m sure putting on any of these gems would take the sting out of any breakup.

-Tiffany

Issey Miyake TriBeCa 10th Anniversary

2011-11-08T15:11:00.002-05:00

On my last night in New York, I stopped by the Issey Miyake TriBeCa store to celebrate their 10th Anniversary with my two favorite boys (outside of my husband), Brandon and Izzy. Special Birthday shirts were printed up for the occasion, glittering profiteroles were served, and there was a mini-runway show featuring looks from the Spring 2012 collection. The bloom-inspired pieces blossomed off the body echoing the shapes of petals. However, my favorite pieces were the electric colored leggings, that were actually made of different colors of cut-out fabric layered on top of one another. Of course, a night at Issey wouldn't be complete without some of his signature fragrance, which I managed to spill all over myself before the night was complete. I wasn't one of the lucky few to win a Bao Bao bag (although Brandon walked away with one), so at least I will have something to remember the night with now that I am far away in Sweden!

-Tiffany

Natural Wonder

2011-11-07T16:16:00.000-05:00

I first came across Serial Cultura a year ago, and was immediately taken in by the dynamic prints and fluid cuts. Each season, designer Jennifer Jennings creates a new batch of lovingly hand-painted patterns, which are then digital printed onto the fabrics. I love the combination of old world craftsmanship with modern day technology, and both processes serve to infuse each print with wildly varied colors, which work perfectly with the flowing and organically draped silhouettes. This season, Jennings was inspired by natural topography, aerial views of landscapes, and elements of the environment. These subjects have been abstracted beyond recognition, but still can be felt in the rich hues, which echo minerals and rocks, as well as the sky at sunset. As if the garments weren't hypnotizing enough, they're also made from organic and sustainable fabrics.

-Tiffany

Blossom

2011-11-02T23:43:00.000-04:00

Ashish Gupta has never been one to shy away from colors, and one would assume that if he had his way, all women would dress in full array Kodachrome hues. This season he opted to give his take on a favorite colorful standby: giant floral prints. Of course, the florals were given the signature Ashish sequined treatment, and the result is a shimmering disco Laura Ashley redux, more tongue in cheek than saccharine sweet. In the show, the oversized sunflower, daisy, and ditzy floral printed garments were paired with untied Docs laced with live flowers, creating a distinctly 90's feel. You can just imagine Mayim Bialik and Jenna von Oy cartwheeling around in these outfits (for a serious flashback, take a look at the Blossom video below).

-Tiffany

Cat and Mouse Game

2011-10-31T18:46:00.001-04:00

I am about to move to a much colder climate, and as I pack up all my worldly possessions, I'm wondering what I'm going to be wearing though the long Swedish winter. Fall is fun, winter is oppressive. However, looking at Lars Andersson's latest video lookbook has made me feel a bit more inspired. Lars is Swedish, so he must know the old adage, "There's no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing." Therefore he provides a perfect way to counter the elements in style: layer upon layer of thick, lush, heavy knits. In his video, two models chase each other across the rooftops of New York wearing his dramatic creations, which have the practicality of warmth, yet are still elegant, moody, dark, and romantic. Hoping to master this look by the time deep dark December rolls around.

-Tiffany

This Week

2011-10-30T23:17:00.003-04:00

This week is my last week in New York before leaving for Stockholm for six months. I've been trying to get out as much as possible, but yesterday's sudden winter storm put a damper on my night's Halloween plans. I refuse to let any other evenings go to waste, and will be stopping by these two parties and encourage you to join.

Although many chose to forgo Halloween festivities altogether, it has always been one of my favorite holidays, mainly because it involved collecting candy by the bag full. Figuring out costumes can be tough, but luckily I have a full drawer of old Six Six Sick outfits that can dress me for many Halloweens to come. Tomorrow I plan on joining Occupy Halloween for the Halloween Parade, and then heading over to Patricia Field's Halloween bash at Co-op.

On Thursday, I'm planning on stopping by the YPX MOCA Gala, where there will be an open bar and dim sum from 7-9pm. This year will be celebrating honorees who have made significant contributions in the Digital Arena. Tickets are available here.

-Tiffany

Dip Dye

2011-10-29T20:13:00.004-04:00

Dip Dye courtesy of Arrojo. East West sheer top, Joomi Lim cuff, Triskaidekaphobia necklace.

A little while back, I had the pleasure of getting my hair cut at my favorite salon, Arrojo. They recently invited me back to test out their new Goldwell Coloring service, and I jumped at the opportunity to finally get the violet-blue dip dye job that I've been secretly longing to get for the past year. While I used to dye my hair all the time as teenager, I haven't done it in about 8 years, and the main thing that's stopped me is my disapproving husband, who fears that I will look like the angsty teen that I once was. Well, Jimmy happens to already be far away in Sweden (I'll be joining him on Friday), and only has a vague idea of what I've just done to my hair.

Inspired by the candy-colored hair at the recent Meadham Kirchhoff shows, as well as some photos from The Neverending Story blog, I brought some pictures to my dear friend Ashley Kowalski, who is one of the most in-demand colorists at Arrojo. It took a whopping four hours, but with the help of her assistant Jamie, Ashley managed to produce the dip-dye color of my dreams. Thanks so much Ashley, Jamie, and everyone at Arrojo! I'll let you know how Jimmy reacts when I see him...

Inspiration snatched from The Neverending Story.

Ashley started by bleaching my hair to blonde, which took about two and a half hours!

After my hair was properly bleached, Ashley mixed some Goldwell purple and blue colors together.

Waiting for the dye to set

Dip Dye hair flip!

-Tiffany

Season of the Sea Witch

2011-10-28T18:56:00.001-04:00

Last week, I stopped by the Langolier's showroom to view the new Spring collection, and of course pre-order some jewelry for myself. Designed by my friends Zon and Pam, the collection started as a series of pieces based on knits, mixing knit chain, knit fabric, and metal castings of knit thread. While the collection is still heavily based in these textile oriented roots, I'm awestruck by how much they've managed to develop this concept and expand their collection with other ideas that compliment their base collection. This season's show-stopper is the Ursula the Sea Witch inspired breastplate necklace and matching earring set, which both look like slightly malevolent yet majestic gills, worthy of the wickedest sea witch. The giant necklace is of course suspended from a net of knit chain. Another example of Pam and Zon's ingenuity comes in the form of intricately patterned metal mesh bracelets that were made from weaving gold and silver chain together. The amount of anal-retentive labor required to produce such a piece is pretty much beyond my comprehension. I naturally couldn't leave without ordering something, and I can't wait for my Ursula gill earrings to arrive this spring. If you also feel like you cannot live without some Langoliers, you can find their pieces on their online shop.

-Tiffany

Six Six Sick Presents NOMIA!

2011-10-25T19:26:00.001-04:00

After months of talk and planning, we're incredibly excited for our party this Thursday for NOMIA, a New York based women's wear collection designed by our talented (and drop-dead gorgeous!) friend Yara Flinn. We'll be screening the new NOMIA Fall/Winter Collection Video, and toasting with complementary Asahi Beer and an open vodka bar from 10-11PM. Just in case you're not familiar with NOMIA, here's a peek at the new Spring collection, which centers around an agate digital print applied to minimalist, body-conscious silhouettes. I'm personally obsessed with the dresses with agate panels. Hope to see you on Thursday at Anchor Bar!

-Tiffany

POP SOUK!

2011-10-24T16:13:00.000-04:00

Lovely Becca of Chromat modeling one of her head pieces, and a Triskaidekaphobia tooth necklace, hidden by her hair!

Yesterday afternoon fabulous freaks from all corners of the city descended on Hiro Ballroom for the first ever installment of Ladyfag's Pop Souk pop-up market. We were there selling both Triskaidekaphobia and Arms and Armory alongside some of our favorite nightlife and daylife friends, and I have to say it was definitely the most fun collection of bright new talent, dirt cheap designer finds, out-there outfits, and of course, straight-up random realness/weirdness. Chris Habana was there selling eyeball necklaces alongside antiques, Chromat was peddling outrageous cage gear, Patricia Field set up a booth full of candy-colored glitter wigs, and half naked men sauntered through the stalls modeling three-foot high feather headdresses. Thank you to everyone who stopped by. We can't wait for the next one!

Part of our Triskaidekaphobia Booth

The Arms and Armory section

Shoppers in the main ballroom

Zana stopped by, wearing one of her own signature leather creations.

This dude was walking around

Hiraku was working the Patricia Field booth, wearing a spider-web top of his own creation!

Naomi Yasuda at her Nail Art booth

-Tiffany

Serious Styling at the Manhattan Vintage Trade Show

2011-10-22T19:47:00.001-04:00

Amy Van Doran from The Way We Wore wearing a vintage hat that she altered with a plastic lobster.

Three times a year, vintage sellers and lovers alike gather at the The Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show at Metropolitan Pavilion. The organizers are kind enough to send me press passes to the shows, but unfortunately most vendors won't allow photographs of their precious wares, which designers often buy to replicate for their own collections. So, this year, I grabbed my gay husband to gawk at the inspiring inventory as well as all the incredibly dressed ladies turned out in all of their vintage finery. I'm seriously surprised that I didn't run into any street style bloggers at the show, as I think the women I saw today were much more creatively dressed than the majority of the label-obsessed ladies swanning for the cameras in front of Lincoln Center. Here is just a small sampling of my favorite outfits of the day.

If you missed this weekend's show, do not fret. There will be a Manhattan Vintage Holiday Pop-up Sale at Chelsea Market from December 7-10th. And, if you're a hardcore vintage junkie, Augusta Auctions will be holding their seasonal clothing auction on November 2nd at St. Paul's Auditorium, featuring items from the Brooklyn Museum, and various vintage archives. They were sweet enough to let me take some photos of some of the pieces that will be at the auction, and you can view the entire catalog online.

Goldie Rush of The Way We Wore. I loved her vintage knit sweater!

A flappers dress, and beaded purses that will be on auction at Augusta Auctions.

A beaded bolero from August Auctions

An authentic Zoot Suit from Augusta Auctions

-Tiffany

Brave New Heights

2011-10-21T16:46:00.001-04:00

Alejandro Ingelmo's shoes will always lift you to acrophobic new heights, and this season will send you straight into the stratosphere, with space-age designs resting on 5-6 inch heels. I was particularly drawn to the metallic silver pairs, which have David Bowie glam-rock appeal, updated with a contemporary spin. I do have to warn you though, after trying on a few pairs at the store, I did get a whiff of vertigo as I tottered around on the stilt-like heels. Not for the timid, or those with a poor sense of balance.

-Tiffany

True Blood

2011-10-20T19:19:00.001-04:00

What better way to celebrate Halloween than with a psychedelic romp through the graveyard? Blood is the New Black's new "Nocte Virginis" video and accompanying lookbook, directed by Jesus Rivera of Demonbabies, was inspired by the campy horror films of director Jean Rollin. Long before True Blood, Rollin perfected the art of the silly, sexy vampire genre, producing a long repertoire of cult horror films. It looks like blood suckers won't be going out of style anytime soon, and the trippy occultist theme seems to be the perfect match for the new Holiday collection. As always, BITNB taps different artists to design their tees every season, and this new collection includes prints by Nick Zinner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Fumi Nakamura, and of course Demonbabies. All of the tees featured in the lookbook will be arriving in stores on October 31st, right in time to get your sacrificial virgin look on.

-Tiffany

I know what you're doing this weekend...

2011-10-18T23:57:00.001-04:00

I know it's only Tuesday, but for those of you who like to plan your weekend in advance, there are two events going on that are worth stopping by.

The first is an event that we will be participating in on Sunday afternoon at Hiro Ballroom, Pop Souk. Conceived by the inimitable Ladyfag, who ran a vintage shop in her previous life, the pop-up market will feature nightlife personalities and fashion fiends selling their designs, their closet castoffs, and even their baked goods. We'll be selling Triskaidekaphobia Jewelry alongside our friends Arms and Armory, Chrishabana, Chromat, Telfar, Patricia Field, and Ying Chu (and many, many more). There will be a one-day-only discount of 50% off retail.

Now that I've made a completely shameless personal plug, I thought I should also let you know about the Fight Like A Girl Fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness at Slope Suds in Park Slope. As some of you might know, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month, and Slope Suds is participating in raising money with an all day event featuring a bake sale, a raffle, personalized gift bags, and discounted skincare services. All proceeds raised from the event will go to breast cancer research.

Hope to see you out this weekend!

-Tiffany

Triskaidekaphobia Fall 2011 Lookbook

2011-10-17T21:58:00.003-04:00

Finally, our Triskaidekaphobia Lookbook is done! This season was inspired by high school memories, keepsakes, and friendship/promise rings, Sweet Sixteen parties and Bat Mitzvahs, and our favorite song lyrics and quotes. We have two necklaces made of pennants, one which says "LOVE" on one side and "FEAR" on the other, and another which says "HIDE" on one side and "SEEK" on the other. We also have a banner that says "you can be my silver springs" from the Fleetwood Mac song "Silver Springs," and another banner which says "I started a joke which started the whole world crying" which is from the Bee Gee's song "I Started A Joke." The collection will be arriving in stores shortly, you can view our full stocklist here.

Special thanks to all of our talented friends who helped make it all possible, in spite of a nasty rainstorm in the middle: our gorgeous model, Lulu Chang, our photographer, Serichai Traipoom, our Hair Stylist, Dakota Heman, and our Makeup Artists, Terese Bennett.

-Tiffany

Fast Track

2011-10-15T23:38:00.003-04:00

I've been following Bangkok based brand The Only Son ever since it arrived at Fiftytwo Showroom a few seasons back. Designed by Au Ekbutr Udomphol, the collection caters to both sexes, with its structural cuts and incredible construction. Spring 2012 was inspired by race car drivers, and a look at the clothes reveals hints of the suits that they wear, the tracks of the tires, and the bold colors of the cars themselves. Although I wouldn't necessarily call the clothes futuristic, they do have a bit of a techie quality to them, and even the silkscreened pieces have the strange feel of vinyl mixed with cotton. Even though I don't know how to drive, two of my favorite pieces are a sheer race car jacket, and a jumpsuit style romper. Obviously, you don't need to be behind the wheel to appreciate these clothes.

-Tiffany

Mini Me

2011-10-13T17:09:00.002-04:00

Andrew with my finished doll

A while back, Christina and I made some miniature jewels for our dear friend Andrew Yang, and his collection of couture inspired Kouklitas. In exchange, he promised to make us each one of his signature doll in our likeness. A year has passed, and Andrew has since had his dolls displayed in Barneys New York and Joyce in Hong Kong, and has received a continuous stream of special orders from the most prestigious retailers around the world. He even just got back from a trip to China, where the sale of his dolls built an entire orphanage!

Now I'm getting ready to leave for Stockholm, and Andrew is packing his bags for an extended stay in Paris, where he will be doing a special window installation for Galeries Lafayette. Since we will both be moving, I thought it was best to finally pick up my doll, which has been in the works for many months, and sat to have my face drawn on. I found my doll in an Erdem-like floral dress, made by our gifted friend Soteris, complete with a matching ruffled hat. I'm already dreaming of all the little outfits I'll make her, starting with some cold-weather appropriate attire for our impending move to the North.

Even though we will both be moving, I'm really happy that Andrew will be nearby in Paris, and am already thinking of visiting him for the opening of his Galeries Lafayette show in November. Although all of the dolls have already been shipped to Paris, he showed me the preliminary sketches for the all-doll rock band he created, complete with groupies, photographers, roadies, and screaming fans. There's a sneak peek below, but you can see more photos of the actual dolls on Andrew's blog.

Before the face was painted

Filling in the eye whites

Adding some eyeliner

Blush for the cheeks

Dolls from Andrew's collection

Sketches from Andrew's new doll collection for Galleries Lafayette, incorporating a few of our friends. There's Gabi!

One of Andrew's RTW dolls

-Tiffany

Everyone Needs A Bionic Bat

2011-10-12T20:53:00.003-04:00

DEARRAINDROP hoodie, Comme des Garcons skirt, Dieppa Restrepo brogues.

Last week, I stopped by my friend Allegra's gallery for a dinner to celebrate her current exhibition, featuring artists Joe Grillo and Jason McLean. Both artists were equally awesome, but I found myself particularly drawn to Grillo's series of Bionic Bats: cartoonish renderings of the grinning creature, in varying shades of fluorescent neon. Absolutely joy inducing. I was also somewhat obsessed with Grillo's hand-sewn hoodies, part of his work with art collective DEARRAINDROP. I couldn't have both a bat and a hoodie, but I did end up trying it on. I love the hilarious mishmash of images and the blinding colors, but nonetheless I decided I need art more than I need clothes, so I'm putting my money towards a Baby Bat. The hoodie will have to wait for another time, but if you are interested, they are available for sale at the gallery. I highly suggest you stop by before the show closes on Saturday!

Just a few Bionic Bats.

-Tiffany

Siren Song

2011-10-11T23:54:00.000-04:00

Nettie Kent could serve as an inspirational example for all the readers who email asking for tips on how to break into the design industry. Like many other emerging jewelry designers, Kent did not receive any formal training in school, but instead got her jewelry education on the job, apprenticing for established jewelers like Philip Crangi and Jill Platner. Her experience helped her forge her eponymous line of ethically made brass jewelry, which often takes on organic or geometric shapes. For this season's Siren Collection, layered and interlocking triangles acts as a recurring motif. Modeled entirely by illustrious local chanteuses like Nicole Atkins, Caroline Polachek of Chairlift, and Elizabeth Harper from Class Actress, the lookbook alone is evidence of Kent's impressive list of friends/fans. As a designer though, I find myself most impressed by the fact that Nettie keeps track of her metal sources, uses recycled materials, and produces everything locally in New York. It is an important model to look up to, as the jewelry business is one of the most environmentally damaging and unethical industries in the world. Perhaps we can all find reasons to be inspired by Nettie Kent.

-Tiffany

Williamsburg Vintage Sale!

2011-10-10T19:24:00.003-04:00

Somehow, I only just started watching AMC's Mad Men, which has given me a fixation with 60's New York, mid-century modern furniture, and of course, perfect vintage styling. Betty Draper style flouncing house dresses are only one of the things that you'll find at La Vie Ann Rose's two day vintage sale in Williamsburg this weekend. The sale, comprised of finds from a recent buying trip in London, includes a selection of men's and women's vintage clothing and accessories from the 1950's-1980's. The sale will take place at Strawser and Smith (487 Driggs Ave btw N 9th & N 10th). Here's a small sampling of what you'll find!

-Tiffany

Like It's Your Birthday

2011-10-09T23:36:00.001-04:00

All photos by Rob Sheppard

I found out today that my toddler nephew Charlie has taken to rejecting the outfit choices laid out for him by his Mom, sending back his practical playground attire, and demanding "Happy Birthday clothes." I can only assume he's referring to the more formal outfits he wears for Birthdays. Who can blame him for wanting to dress like it's his birthday everyday? If I had to dress like it was my birthday everyday, Belle Sauvage might be a good option. Designers Christian Neuman and Virginia Ferreira consistently present collection of riotous colors and clashing prints, in unconventional silhouettes and shapes. This season, the collection took a romantic twist, with plenty of cascading digital print florals and rococo elements mixed with tufts of tulle and floor length hemlines. I think Charlie would approve.

-Tiffany

The Transformer

2011-10-07T15:14:00.001-04:00

Although Rad by Rad Hourani's Spring 2012 collection was saturated with the designer's go-to favorite color black, this season was actually meant to be a study of the color blue. Ranging from the brightest light blue of the sky, to the darkest black blue of the night, the clothes were meant to be a medium to convey the positive vibrations associated with the color: health, lightness, intuition. As always, the garments themselves were created with Hourani's signature unisexy approach, and many of the pieces had adjustable beltstraps that transformed the shape of the silhouette, often for very pragmatic purposes. By allowing the wearer to adjust and change the shape of their clothes, Hourani allows them the freedom to change their attire according to their feeling and moods, and gives them permission to forge a new identity.

For more images, see my coverage of the show on Filep Motwary.

-Tiffany

Good Vibrations

2011-10-06T22:51:00.001-04:00

If I wrote down a checklist of all the things that I currently obsess over in fashion, Timo Weiland's Spring collection would somehow manage to hit a fair amount of them all at once. It has a decidedly feminine side, with plenty of flouncy, pretty dresses, yet also has an edgy tomboy feel that comes in the form of cropped sweaters, bandana printed jackets, and mesh tops. Add to this a set of colorful prints, and you have a collection that I was essentially in love with at first sight. While Weiland and his partner Alan Eckstein worked with digital prints, rather than printing sleek and photo-realistic images on fabric, they chose to do a clever reworking of classic fusty florals, spiked with a technicolor twist. The Timo Weiland florals are giant lilypads, or coastal florals flecked with little birds, and you can almost feel the sea breeze drifting off of the garments. On one strikingly adorable dress, a layer of printed sheer chiffon dances over cotton fabric in the same print, creating a dreamy and semi-hallucinogenic effect. I feel like Langley School's cover of Good Vibrations serves as the perfect soundtrack, encapsulating the ethereal and coastal cool that is built into these clothes.

-Tiffany

V is for Verlaine

2011-10-05T15:40:00.002-04:00

Last week I stopped by the Verlaine showroom to preview their stunning Spring 2012 collection. Designed by Christine Dow, the collection focusses on timeless, architectural pieces that fuse feminine and figure flattering pieces with a dark, edgy twist that comes through in the irregular patterns and asymmetrical silhouettes. Inspired in part by the Art Nouveau movement, the references come in the form of fluid lines and draping rather than trite recreations of Art Nouveau motifs or flourishes. Dow designs many of the pieces by first draping the fabric on a mannequin, and deriving the pattern from the natural flow of the fabric. Every pleat and fold is carefully thought out and meticulously crafted, all in a way that compliments the human body.

-Tiffany

Autumn in New York

2011-10-02T22:42:00.000-04:00

Stine Goya jumpsuit, bag courtesy of Rebecca Minkoff, sunglasses courtesy of Norma Kamali, Minimarket wedges, Cheap Monday socks, VPL bra, Triskaidekaphobia necklace.

After a long sticky summer, fall has finally arrived in New York. I love autumn, and I'm soaking every last moment of it in before I move to Stockholm in November. As you can surmise, I will have the awesome timing of arriving at the exact same time as the first blasts of deep arctic chill and endless darkness creep in (can you tell I'm really excited). While I spent part of my week stockpiling "HEATTECH" undergarments from Uniqlo in paranoid preparation, I am also trying to get the most use out of my transitional clothes. I bought this Stine Goya jumpsuit about a month ago from Urban Outfitters, but it's been mostly too hot to wear until now. Now I've finally had the opportunity to break it out in full Man Repeller form (the only thing less sexy than a printed jumpsuit is HEATTECH long underwear). U.O. is actually having a massive sale right now, including plenty of stuff from my favorite Scandinavian designers, like Stine. I suggest you check it out while it lasts, I even bought these Minimarket wedges for $20.

-Tiffany

Norma Kamali 3D

2011-10-01T22:21:00.000-04:00

Rather than presenting a traditional runway show during fashion week, Norma Kamali took an alternative route, and showed a 3D fashion film featuring the whopping 67 looks from her new Spring 2012 collection. Audience members were given pairs of 3D glasses shaped like Kamali's famous cat-eye sunglasses, and then gathered to watch the fun short film featuring dancing models shimmying around in Kamali's sexy, space-age clothes. Why 3D? Kamali, ever the tech-savvy innovator, states "fashion is a beautiful partner for 3D, it is fun and makes the clothes pop!" The video is now up online, and you can even shop the collection in 3D. Don't have a pair of 3D glasses lying around the house? No worries, you can always sign up for the Norma Kamali email list, and they will send you a pair. In the meantime, you can glimpse some of my favorite looks from the collection below, in 2D, but still popping.

-Tiffany

Suzanne Rae Spring 2012

2011-09-29T17:27:00.000-04:00

All images courtesy of WireImage

The world is a messed up, scary place right now, so it's no wonder that Suzanne Rae looked towards simpler times for inspiration for her Spring 2012 collection. Her clothes are always infused with a nostalgic feel, and even though the cuts are usually modern and minimalist, the garments have the dusty and ethereal look of something that was dug up in an attic or an antique fair. This season Suzanne specifically referenced 19th century Japan, showing plenty of kimono dresses and jackets, as well as collaborating with photographer Renato D'Agostin, and using photographs from his Tokyo Untitled series. The collection channeled the zen-like simplicity of the time, while infusing it with a sense of optimism for a better tomorrow.

-Tiffany

A Singular Obsession

2011-09-28T23:31:00.001-04:00

All photos by LD Tuttle

LD Tuttle has always been on the top of my list of favorite shoe designers. Tiffany Tuttle's shoes are innovative and interesting, cool and conceptual, and never overtly sexy. In fact, with names like The Creature and The Tourniquet, they're pretty much the opposite of FMPs. They're more like fetish objects for shoe obsessed women to covet, collect, and maybe lovingly stroke in the middle of the night. My husband might puzzle over my LD Tuttle wedges with a mohawk of horsehair protruding from the top (he once tried to use them to shine his own shoes to my outrage), but they are the most prized pair of heels in my entire wardrobe. I'm already lusting over the lace-up boots above, and plotting on how I will get my hands on them. If you take a look at the lookbook video below, I think you will become similarly fixated.

-Tiffany

2011-09-27T23:13:00.000-04:00

All lookbook photos by Xi Sinsong

For their Spring 2012 presentation, INAISCE eschewed models, and chose to display their collection on mechanical surrogates, hanging in a sparse gallery setting. Freed from the body, the clothes were meant to be seen for their full utilitarian potential, and the garments were ethereal and airy, yet simple and practical. I admit, it was a lot easier to photograph the clothes without pesky models fidgeting about in them while looking bored and not knowing how to pose. Nonetheless, for such drapey and thoughtfully cut garments, it is often easier to see them on the body, and the lookbook photos provided a beautiful supplement to the show. The photographs referenced the Ancient Sino influences behind the collection, while simultaneously enlivening somber color palette with imagery that takes clothes beyond the gothic connotations that the viewer might initially perceive.

-Tiffany

Red or Dead

2011-09-26T23:17:00.000-04:00

Red and black is a notoriously harsh color combination, and the intensity of the two colors was used to full effect in Katie Gallagher's Spring 2012 collection Red Red Blood. This season Katie was inspired by blood--not the splashes of blood from horror movies or nightmares, but instead the sanguine vitality of coursing blood moving through the human body. Rather than thinking of blood in a macabre way, Katie sees it as our lifeforce, which is perhaps why red has always been such an appealing color to wear. With her clothes, Katie takes that vivid, living color, which usually remains hidden underneath or skin, and brings it to the surface.

-Tiffany

i-D & Alberto Guardiani - Shoe Design Competition

2011-09-25T21:52:00.003-04:00

I know that my readers are a creative bunch (I'm talking to you Brandon), so I thought I would share this Shoe Design Competition from i-D and Alberto Guardiani. i-D will be accepting submissions for an open competition for designs from now until November 11th. The ten most innovative designs will be presented to an intimidatingly impressive panel of judges, including Anna Dello Russo, Sarah from Colette and Andrew Keith, president of Lane Crawford. The judges will invite three designers to present their designs at 10 Corso Como during Milan Fashion Week in February. The winner will receive £5,000 and see their design produced as part of the Alberto Guardiani collection. All the details for entering can be found here. Good luck, and Brandon, if you win, I expect a pair of free shoes!

-Tiffany

Never Mind the Bollocks

2011-09-23T22:06:00.000-04:00

Daniel Palillo lookbook. Click on the image to enlarge.

Our Finnish friend Daniel Palillo did a short stint in the states this past Spring, which included DJing my party at Anchor bar, hanging around New York, and generally getting inspired for his latest collection. The new collection is largely based on Daniel's teenage years, dropping references to his music idols, as well as to his day to day activities: Saturday night soccer matches, Sunday morning cartoons. While some icons are immediately recognizable, like Marge Simpson's blue beehive, and Bugs Bunny's winning smile, they are all given Palillo's demented twist. Marge's yellow face is a skull, and Bugs's ears are so long that they extend beyond the boundaries of the tee-shirt on which they're emblazoned. The childish influence translates perfectly for Daniel's second Children's collection, which basically consists of miniature versions of the adult clothes. While the adult clothes pack a twisted punch, the kid's collection is pure humor. I am very far away from having children, but looking at those photos makes me want to kidnap all my nieces and nephews and dress them up as ennui-stricken little monsters and acid-house loving tiny dancers.

-Tiffany

My Nail Polish is Poppin

2011-09-22T23:58:00.000-04:00

Gel nails and 3-D Nail Art courtesy of Spa Martier

In the middle fashion week, the kids at Fashion Indie set up a Blogger Breakroom full of plenty of fun stuff, including a full on beauty salon with eyebrow waxing, massages, and manicures provided by Spa Martier. There were a lot of manicure stations installed around fashion week this season, but how many of them were offering Japanese nail art and gels? Novelty manicures have had a recent spike in popularity, and while airbrushed acrylic dragon talons have always been popular amongst a certain beauty-school dropout set, they've only recently evolved into something more widely acceptable. Not to say that they've broken from their tacky roots, but rather than being ghetto fabulous, the designs are more fun, silly, and smile inducing. You probably won't be winning any "chic points" for having 3D donuts popping off every fingernail (see example below), but having a ridiculous manicure will bring untold amounts of personal joy, as well as the cooing attention of some very strange strangers.

I went for a multicolored reverse-french manicure using gels, with a few 3D flowers and rhinestones. I have been hearing about gels for the last few months, and was thrilled to finally try them. They've held out miraculously well, and after a week and a half, have shown no signs of wear or chipping. They're supposed to last three to six weeks, and I expect to have some nice long nails when I remove them. Best yet, the incredible nail technicians were ridiculously fast, detail-oriented, and dedicated. If it didn't cost around $100, I would probably get it done every week. I'll just have to wait for a special occasion to go back to Spa Martier. I'm planning on getting some donuts, cupcakes, and pizza slices next.

Some of the different designs you can choose from. Check out the donuts in the bottom left corner.

The hundreds of gel colors available to choose from.

-Tiffany

Abstract Expressionism

2011-09-21T22:41:00.002-04:00

While designers often look to artists for inspiration, sometimes lifting from them directly, the results can be mixed. Marc Jacobs was immensely successful with his collaboration with artist Richard Prince, but more commonly you'll see an Andy Warhol soup can cheaply plastered somewhere it was never meant to be. Demi Park is one of the few designers who has managed to take on the genre of Abstract Expressionism in an in-depth, conceptual manner, and the Spring 2012 Parkchoonmoo show was perhaps the most poetic collection that I saw during NYFW. Playing with colors that reminded her of her Korean heritage, Park layered various dyed and stained pieces of fabric on top of each other, in an effect that she describes as "painting with fabric." While the garments are traditionally colorblocked in the sense that bold colors are graphically combined, the layering and movement of the fabrics adds another dimension to the clothing. While it's difficult to see in still images, the garments' dynamically shifting shapes and colors become living abstract paintings. Absolutely breathtaking, and truly expressionistic.

-Tiffany

Technicolor Daydream

2011-09-20T23:45:00.000-04:00

One of the greatest pleasures of being a jewelry designer in New York is becoming part of a tight knit community, and meeting other emerging designers. We met Chris Habana in this way, and come to see him as an older-brother type of figure. Not only is Chris an amazingly talented designer, he's also incredibly fun and radiates great energy, which comes through in his work. Chris always manages to incorporate vivid colors into his pieces, and for spring, he presented two dual collections: his classic line Chrishabana, and his diffusion line, My Enemy. Both collections take popular morbid motifs like skulls, bones, and upside-down crosses, and give them a decidedly acid-house spin with technicolor enamel coating. There is always an edge to Chris's work, but it's also balanced by a sense of humor, mischief and merriment. Much like Chris himself.

You can see more of my photos from Chris's show on Un Nouveau Ideal.

-Tiffany

Twenty Years of Daryl K

2011-09-19T23:28:00.001-04:00

It's hard to believe that Daryl K is celebrating her 20th Anniversary. I remember when she first launched the brand, and reading about the distinctly downtown New York brand in Paper Magazine. Being a preteen with my first taste of label-lust, I knew that I had to get a hold of a piece of Daryl K, even if it was way beyond my budget. Through sample sales and consignment stores, I got a graffiti print long sleeve top that I still own today, as well skintight pair of stretch jeans, which I have long since outgrown and parted with. A lot has changed since the nineties, and though many other designers have since cycled through the spotlight as "it" designer of the moment, Daryl Kerrigan's same sense of ageless, timeless chic remain. Minimalist garment construction was enlivened with an abstract print by artist Spencer Sweeney, depicting swaths of color that looked like giant brushstrokes swept across a blank canvas. And just in case you thought Kerrigan lost her downtown cred, Lizzie Bourgatsos of Gang Gang Dance provided the show's soundtrack of wild drumbeats. Twenty years have past, but it's still the same Daryl K.

-Tiffany

CALLING ALL PANDAS, MONSTERS AND ZOMBIES

2011-09-18T20:04:00.001-04:00

In case you haven't heard, the Nicola Formichetti store opened in the middle of fashion week, with a big ol' steamy party full of assorted pandas, monsters, and zombies, all hoping to catch a glimpse of Nicola. Launched as part of BOFFO's Building of Fashion program, Nicola collaborated with Gage/Clemenceau Architects to build the mirror-covered space, which looks a bit like an imploding Bucky ball. It also resembles the famous Telephone Hat that Lady Gaga wore in the Telephone music video, which happens to be on prominent display, along with several other infamous Gaga outfits. As if being surrounded with a million reflections of yourself wasn't overstimulating enough, there are strobe lights strategically placed around, so the entire interior is constantly flashing and reflecting a trillion watts of lights. Obviously not built for the seizure prone.

Anyway, Christina and I are really proud to have Triskaidekaphobia on sale at the store, alongside some of our besties like Chrishabana and Zana Bayne. The store is only open until September 21st, so hurry down to check it out before it all disappears!

Telephone hat!

Triskaidekaphobia Teeth necklaces

Vintage Versace from Screaming Mimi's

Zana Bayne harness

Zombie Boy Skateboards

PANDAS!

-Tiffany

More and Faster.

2011-09-16T21:46:00.001-04:00

London based knitwear designer Mark Fast presented for the first time in New York, showing his diffusion line, Faster by Mark Fast, as well as his collaboration with ALDO Rise. While the collection displayed Fast's signature skintight, formfitting, and super-revealing clothes, in eye-popping bright colors, the diffusion line obviously lacked a lot of the intricate details. Instead, the Faster line simulates the sexy stretched out knits that made Fast famous with fishnet dresses and cutout bodystockings and bodysuits. The result are clothes that are only flattering on the absolute fittest of bodies, and even the skinniest model would probably think twice before having a meal in one of those outfits, as the slightest bit of a bump or bulge shows. Also, you can just forget about wearing any sort of underwear with these clothes, so you have to have superstar confidence to wear these clothes (or a supreme desire to piss off your parents).

With this in mind, the real draw of the show for me was the ALDO Rise collaboration. ALDO has really stepped up their collaboration game, reaching out to young designers across the globe. The knee-high stocking boots and the two toned heels both had some serious WOW-factor, and you don't even need to have toned calves to wear them. I just hope that the prices have a similarly WOW inducing effect when the collaboration arrives in stores in spring!

-Tiffany