colors that pop

{dress} Forever 21+ {studded belt} Gap {lace crop leggings} Xhiliration {heels} Steven by Steve Madden

This season is all about brights. Neons, sherbet shades, and jewel tones that pop! My lovely friend Sarah models this sweet peter pan collar dress from Forever 21. It has just enough vintage flair to remind me of something from Mod Cloth. Lace leggings and stiletto heeled booties add a touch of edginess to this pretty look. I love the contrast of Sarah's fiery red hair with the bright aqua of this dress. The perfect ensemble for a summer carnival date!

RGB x Tenoversix: Blonde on Blonde

{nail polish} RGB x Tenoversix in "Blonde on Blonde" buy here

My blonde ambition is platinum. Granted I'll probably never have Jean Harlow locks, thanks to naturally darker than dark hair, but with RGB's newest polish, my nails at least can be regally blonde. RGB's collaboration with Tenoversix is my new favorite shade. It's called "Blonde on Blonde" and of course, it's inspired by blondies. This hue is perfect for spring, super pale yellow with a hint of pink. So dump the peroxide and pick up this nail color!

under Wilfred

{images from} Aritzia

I love Aritzia. Admittedly, I love Aritzia maybe a little too much. If I were a 5th grader, I'd be scrawling Mrs. Aritzia in my Trapper Keeper. Now they've given me yet another reason to be endlessly infatuated. My favorite under garment ever is that simple silk bralette from 3.1 Phillip Lim Initials. And now Wilfred has debuted a line of bralettes that are oh so reminiscent of those silky little Phillip Lim numbers. Under Wilfred is amazing. I want to live in those silk shorts with an oversized knit, and how pretty would that leopard print bralette look peeking through a sheer Wilfred top?

Lovely Lichtenstein: Phillip Lim FW12

{fig. 1 & 2} TEXTILE By Elizabeth and James Pre-Fall 2012, via Nylon {fig. 3} Roy Lichtenstein's works via gestalt-night {fig. 4 & 7} 3.1 Phillip Lim FW12

Paint me with halftone dots and call me a Lichtenstein! This fall is going to start with a BAAANG! Granted summer hasn't even arrived, but with the fall look books making their rounds it's hard not to think ahead. Fall/Winter 2012 is kicking butts and taking names comic book style, with plenty of "pows!" and "blams!" Just check out the runway from Romance Was Born at MBFWA or Fashion Week Australia, below. The line struck a deal with Marvel Comics to emblazon their fashions with images from their archives including the Hulk, Thor, and Silver Surfer.

The look book from TEXTILE by Elizabeth and James featured models in bright comic-colored skinnies and tees emblazoned with an action text BAAANG! At 3.1 Phillip Lim KAPOW shouted across fun knits, from mock turtlenecks to that amazing cardigan (that one's going on the wantlist for sure!) and classic tees which were paired with Lim's exquisitely tailored pieces. A hot beaded number was even given the comic treatment with the addition of an action text clutch. I love it!

All of these pieces seem to draw inspiration from the works of Roy Lichtenstein as well as traditional comic book iconography. Lichtenstein was an American pop artist who used comic book imagery in his art, much like how Andy Warhol immortalized that can of legendary Campbell's soup. Just see the pastiche of some of his most popular works above, and compare. As Lichtenstein said, "art doesn't transform, it just plain forms." Zap! Pow! Bam!

pretty in polka dots

{polka dot dress} Zac Posen for Target {platform sandals} BCBG {model} Ten {photographed at the ACE Hotel and Swim Club Palm Springs}

Ten modeled this flirty little dress from the Zac Posen for Target collection while we were hanging out in Palm Springs at the ACE. There's something about the ribbon trim and the shape that is reminiscent of early Marc By Marc Jacobs. I love the slightly longer back hem and swingy a-line skirt.

Literary Lolita: ELKIN FW12

{images from elkincollection}

I love discovering new indie lines and local labels. Especially ones that have an altruistic mentality like Toms "one for one" program. Enter Elkin! The line is designed by two sisters who were born and raised in sunny local LA. Better yet, their designs are inspired by literature! Even better yet, they donate a children's book for each item sold to H.O.P.E which provides books and art to less fortunate kids. How awesome is that?!

I'm really loving the looks from their FW12 collection. The inspiration was sci-fi! Their website explains: "Incorporating silk fabrics, galactic brocades and velvets, their futuristic downtown girl was created." The leather biker jacket with the metallic brocade sleeves is pretty futuristic and amazing. The designers elaborated, "we read cyberpunk novels from author William Gibson and fantasy novels from Jules Verne while listening to a lot of low-fi music to help create the mood for our collection."

Come fall, I'll be moseying around in that cut-out dress and dreaming of the future. Escalator to space, please? Check out Elkin here.

Wearable Foods: The Art of Yeonju Sung Part II

{fig. 1 & 2} Earthly Paradise: Displaced Realities at Art-Merge LAB in the Pacific Design Center {fig. 4} fox print dress by Deyrolle Pour Opening Ceremony, necklace & bracelet by Elena Estaun {fig. 5} the artist herself on the left- Yeonju Sung with a gallery-goer {fig. 6} seaweed dress {fig. 7 & 8} Sarah's umbrella brooch and scarf combo, Sarah poses in a Victorian inspired ensemble

Things you hear in an art gallery? Go! "After you finished creating this did you make soup out of it?" You know it isn't a typical gallery show when the question burning on people's minds is "did you make soup?" Remember that post I made earlier raving about the art of Korean artiste extraordinaire Yeonju Sung and her decadent Wearable Foods? As luck would have it her exhibit has conveniently just opened in Los Angeles! I attended the opening reception of her newest exhibit entitled "Earthly Paradise: Displaced Realities" and met the lovely artist herself, who was in town all the way from Korea!

My sidekick for the evening was my fabulous friend Sarah, who wore an amazing Victorian-inspired ensemble. Love the scarf and umbrella brooch! Seeing the large prints of Sung's Wearable Foods in person left us both completely awe-struck. Sung has said of her work, “photography has a power to make us believe. Still, my work is an illusion.” The illusion, the draping and feminine curves she manages to create with burdock roots, seaweed, and cabbage, of all things is absolutely phenomenal and couture worthy. I left the gallery wanting a little dress made of chives, and envisioning a displaced reality of the purely organic. Just think, a world where everyone lives off the land, grows their own food, makes their own clothing from food, and at the end of the day nothing is wasted and nothing is permanent. The perfect metaphor for the Buddhist concept of the transience of life. Inner peace, Nirvana, is only achieved through acceptance of that transience and letting go of the material.

Check out Yeonju Sung's Earthly Paradise: Displaced Realities running until July 13th at Art- Merge LAB at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles. For more info, see here.

Black Milk Clothing: Star Wars Swimsuits

{images from Black Milk Clothing, C3PO and R2D2 maillots, available here} {Star Wars images via thethoughtstash}

Black Milk Clothing started in a Brisbane kitchen three years ago as a hobby fashion line. Designer James Lillis, the mastermind behind the label says, "it was all about turning geek culture sexy." Not long after, their Star Wars swimsuits gained an international cult following of epic proportions. Now with official Lucasfilm licensing the swim- suits are back in production! Dress as R2D2 or C3PO and sun in the sand on your own private Tatooine or hit the Gold Beaches of Corellia in style. Methinks the Artoo maillot would look great as a top under some high-waisted cut-off denim shorts. See more about Black Milk here.

Starry Night: Shadowplay NYC

{images from Shadowplay NYC}

I'm in lust with the galaxy, or galaxy prints rather. Call it being "cosmically-inclined" or "space-smitten" but ever since Christopher Kane released that collection of sublime prints from the Hubble telescope I've been obsessed. My search continues, not for extraterrestrial life in the universe, but for space prints! Luckily I stumbled upon Shadowplay NYC, an indie line produced locally in New York City. I love the unique silhouettes of their dresses, and their swingy a-line skirts. I've been leaning towards the Trifid Nebula Spandex dress because it can be draped in numerous ways, but those skirts are also very tempting.

I remember being a kid and getting a telescope for my birthday. Every night I would rush outside when the sky began to darken and focus my eyes upwards to the stars. Granted I couldn't see far with that little Sears telescope but it was enough to capture my imagination. I'd dream of space ships and little green men and someday walking on the surface of Mars. I may never fulfill my childhood dream of being an astronaut, but at least with the help of these cosmic prints a girl can dream.

Check out the Shadowplay NYC etsy shop here.

break plate for clarity

{fig. 1} Rodarte via Bergdorf Goodman {fig. 1} Dress made from broken plates via rightmind

Remember that Rodarte line with the china print? It was like wearing broken plates with striking blue patterns. Have you ever had the urge to just chuck a plate? Now you can in the name of art! My friend the brilliantly talented artist Zoma is working on a fantastic project. Get in on the action by viewing the details below and sending an email to breakplateforclarity@gmail(dot)com Los Angelinos can break plates in person, anyone anywhere can break plates via internet or phone! Work out that inner rage, get vengeance against a plate you hate, express your anger for missing out on that Rodarte china print dress!

The deets:

Break Plates While Supplies Last

Opportunity to break a pre-owned plate in person, on the phone, or by email! In exchange for service WILL TAKE personal stories, mementos, admissions, secrets or ideas. All identities will be kept confidential. You may bring a plate of your own. May request, particular plates, designs, colors, or manufacturers, may be accommodated.

Other services available:

- Video and/or audio recordings your plate breaking

- Break an indestructible plate or bowl

- Package and delivery of the remains of the plate you broke (additional fee)

- Opportunity to watch (in person or via video chat) someone else clean up the plate you broke for you

- DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND Plate Breaking parties of up to 12 may be accommodated.

All appointments for in person breaking must be made in advance. Services only offered between the hours of 9am – 9pm. Online breaking will come as a first come first serve opportunity.

For photos of available inventory or to schedule an appointment, please email

STUDIO KOYA: NUUE Wrapped Garment Project

{all images from Studio Koya}

Looking at these amazing images from Studio Koya's Nuue, also known as the Wrapped Garment Project, it's almost hard to believe that the intricate knit textures are man-made. I'm thinking magical spiders, from the fashion realm. Yup, magical spiders that spin perfect web-like textures into masterfully shaped garments. Okay, maybe there aren't any magical spiders involved, or for that matter, in existence.

Fittingly, the project was titled "Nuue" after the Korean word for "cocoon" and each of these fabulous frocks resemble an avant garde knit human cocoon. Artist Jungeun Lee wrapped fibers around forms and mannequins and then heated the threads with a special process to create 3D sculptural silhouettes.

Studio Koya elaborates, "Jungeun has been experimenting and researching unconventional methods of creating garments. Rethinking about the fundamental process of producing a garment has led her to the Nuue project."

See more about Nuue here.

SOLARIS

{fig. 1 & 2} images from SSENSE Solaris editorial, see here {fig. 3} an image from the 1972 Tarkovsky film "Solaris", via TNB

Here are some slightly sci-fi images from an editorial called SOLARIS done by SSENSE, one of my fave online boutiques. The editorial is described as "a futuristic aesthetic that takes influence from the kinetic energy of the sun." I absolutely love it! Check out the rest of this awesome editorial here.

The title "Solaris" brings to mind the 1972 Russian film of the same-name directed by Andrei Tarkovsky. The story is an intense psychological drama set aboard a space station. There are some beautifully framed scenes in the film assisted by the minimalist retro-future set design. I can see the little threads of inspiration. This film is the perfect muse for a fashion editorial showcasing designers like Mugler, Maison Martin Margiela, and Comme des Garçons.

Game of Thrones Style: Helmut Lang FW12

{Game of Thrones photos} via Game of Thrones Wiki, the wow report, HBO {house sigils by} Futurehaus {runway photos} from Style.com

For these are the nights of spring, and winter is coming! Fear not, winter is still far off, but if you're a fan of HBO's Game of Thrones, as I am, Helmut Lang's FW12 collection based on the series will have you wishing for winter. The show is the perfect muse for rich cold weather looks, as it features incredibly inventive fur and velvet costuming. The Seven Kingdoms are host to a bevy of fantastical fashions, from sweeping gowns to ornate fabrics, and lots of that leather and fur armor that the collection drew from heavily.

Kudos to Helmut Lang for creating a collection that is derivative of its muse but still very true to the line's aesthetic- modern and wearable. After all, traipsing about in a full-length velvet and brocade get-up might have them thinking you just returned from the Ren Faire. Where as that red leather shell top and front slit skirt combo shown on the runway will suggest that only your ancestors were Stormborn.

Wisely the collection is not an overly literal translation. Many of the pieces only have hints of their medieval fantasy origins, while others are thoroughly modern in their interpretation. For example, an asymmetrical open-knit sweater with contrasting sleeves hints at chain mail. A pairing of tailored slim pants and a structured vest borrow a subtle sampling of a tie-dye print found in the the gray denim naval uniforms worn by Greyjoy sailors. Black fur and leather pieces pay homage to the Night's Watch and the amazing black fur capes worn by Jon Snow and Samwell Tarly. While stitched geometric patterns on a leather jacket and trimming a black jersey dress resemble the stitching in Theon Greyjoy's armor.

On the far less literal end, a massively collared cloak is a modern look that both Cersei Lannister and Brienne of Tarth would find hard to resist. The long black gown with leather and stud detail is perfect for dragon lady Daenerys Targaryen. While the deep red and black prints easily belong in the closet of Melisandre the Red Priestess. There's nothing medieval about the draping and slim lines, but the print is evocative of her long flowing red cloak combined with the grotesque imagery of the black smoke "shadow baby" she created.

So this winter when the chill sets in, clad yourself in a style worthy of the Iron Throne and dream of Westeros. Luckily these looks won't cost you the iron price. Winter is coming!

Wearable Foods: The Art of Yeonju Sung

{fig. 1 & 2} tomato dress, and mushroom {fig. 3 & 4} white radish dress, and chives {fig. 5 & 6} lotus dress, and banana {fig. 6 & 7} pumpkin dress, and spring onion {all photos from Yeonju Sung}

Yes, that saucy little red strapless number IS made out of tomatoes. And yes, it's literally saucy. These fanciful and well, delicious frocks are part of an art exhibit by young Korean artist Yeonju Sung that explores the contrast between reality and a made-up alternate reality. The project focuses on reinterpreting the roles of clothing and food by creating couture out of degradable and edible materials.

Her website explains: "This series of her work forces viewers to defy the actual meaning, the functionalities, and the aspects of what clothing signifies in our lives. These images trigger some of our fundamental senses: Desire to wear clothes; desire to eat."

Being an obsessive foodie these dresses make me believe in Sung's alternate reality. Just think about it, instead of subsisting on ramen for weeks to buy that insanely amazing dress you've been pining over, the dress is made out of food and you eat it after you wear it. Kill two birds with one stone. Okay, maybe that wasn't exactly what she was going for, and maybe I'm alone in my desire to eat my clothing. I'm reminded of my starving college student years when I would save up many a paycheck (earned ironically as a mystery shopper for McDonalds) to get my hands on a dream article of clothing. I would enthusiastically tell my father about my exciting new acquisition (he is one of my bffs after all) and in his stern trying-to-impart-wisdom voice he would lecture me about needs vs wants. He would always say, "well, I hope that dress tastes good with ketchup because you're going to be eating it one of these days." Okay, I get that this exhibit isn't about literally eating your clothes and I admit that could be kind of gross, but there's something wonderful in the juxtaposition of those needs and wants, right there in Sung's art.

Aside from satisfying two primal needs, Sung's creations showcase the beauty of nature. Who knew that fruits and vegetables could be so gorgeous? The delicate lace-like pattern in the lotus roots, the striped textures in the banana peels, the transparency and ombre of the white radish, these are all nature's designs and they're more fantastic than anything the mind can create. So forget about that duct tape dress, or cardboard frock, and look towards the garden. If you need me I'll be in the made-up reality, happily prancing around in a dress made of chives.

More about Yeonju Sung and her wearable foods here.