Me MIA?

Yeah that happens a lot doesn't it. Whatever, I'm here now. By the way, so is fall. It was like the weather decided it wasn't going to gradually change with the seasons, but instead did a strange cartoon bit of going straight from one to the next. Next thing you know all the changing leaves will just drop off in a heap. Just like that. Oh well. I'm excited for the cooler weather, lord only knows my wardrobe tends to be more tailored to it.

But enough about the amazingness that is fall, you all want pictures and inspiration boards. So today I give you STEAMPUNK:

I don't know what it is that makes it so right for fall, but it might have something to do with the rustic nostalgia that is attached to it.

Have a good week everyone!

What do you do...

When you crave brownies, but are missing ingredients? This was my dilemma on Sunday night. I had the mix, the eggs and the water, but no veggie oil. I had olive oil (EVOO if you watch Rachel Ray), but I wasn't sure that it would be a good substitute. To the internet! Upon doing some quick research I found that the best substitute was apple sauce (healthier too), and it's equal conversion - 1/2 cup oil equals 1/2 cup apple sauce. Excellent! Great success! I have no apple sauce. I have apples though...

5 minutes later I've sliced two apples, put them in a food processor (mine holds about two cups - it's so cute!), hit the button, and once I got the apples finely "processed" I added half a cup or so of hot water (microwaved for a minute), and hit the button again for about 30 seconds top a minute. Eh voila! Quick, home made apple sauce for baking brownies! I felt like Martha Stewart. Look at me and my bad self, going all improve in the kitchen. After that it was a simple follow the directions deal. Only downside is that it takes a bit longer to bake since there's water in the apple sauce that needs to be baked out - is that even a term? - as well.

End Result?:
A much fluffier - cake like even - and moister brownies than I have ever baked. And yes, the picture is one I took of the final results.

As for all of you people that actually look at my blog for some kind of inspiration or fashion info (probably not many but whatev's), I have one name for you: John Galliano. My God, he's got the fashion world in a tizzy! Remember kids anti-semitic comments will get you fired from both Dior - one of the biggest names in fashion since forever - and your own label (sucks to be owned by share holders). It's sad really. His designs were so beautiful. Ah well, time for a new name in fashion to take the world by storm!! Who's it gunna be?




Speaking of fashion, it's time to start looking at what the worlds best are showing for this fall (that's right, we might not have had day light savings yet, but we are already designing for fall). It seems the trends are looking to underground influences this season, what with McQueen's bondage like leather and lace meets Elizabethan renaissance, Betsey Johnson's rocker girl and John Galliano's speak-easy club numbers, it would seem that next fall is going to be a bit darker and grungier in the most glamorous ways.
Dior
Chanel
Betsey Johnson
Alexander McQueen
John Galliano

P.S. it was high heeled rain boots, peter pan collars and traditional looking monogram bags at Louis Vitton; peacock-like, Georgian elegance at Emillio Pucci; and a good dose of secretary meets uptown boy dapper-ness over at Jason Wu.

P.P.S. Issac Mizrahi had poodles!

Fall Collection

So, thanks to being a student in the fashion department at school, I am surrounded by FASHION. Whether it's learning how a trend cycle (for any product, not just fashion) works, how to set up a visual for a big name department store, or just discussing a favorite designer with the people around me. Because of this, and because I finally cleaned my room the other night, I came to realize that I need to come up with a focus for my fall/winter wardrobe. Will I be buying a ton of new clothes? Absolutely not! I have no room! But I do need to find something worth channeling.
Thanks to it being fall/winter, I'm wondering if I should go the androgynous/ gamin route. You know the Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face type of look , allowing me to wear my skinny jeans and structured tops with big sweatshirts without looking to mommy-ish.

Or, Should I go the route of "Dolly-Kei" as it's called, and do the more feminine, girly, layered look. I just can't make up my mind.

Then it got me thinking, why not mix it together and do the ballet routine? Could be fun... I just don't know.

Because of my indecision I decided to do something smart for once and did research. Say WHAT!?!?
As always, Ralph Lauren delivered with this awesome gypsy look that brought the two aforementioned looks together with brilliant ease.

D&G usually makes me smile, but sadly left me hanging this time around. At least the "Scandinavian ski lodge" with belted sweater dresses was delightful.




Marc Jacobs did not impress, Chanel reminded me of Yetis, Betsy Johnson, while fun, was not entirely wearable...
I'm rather depressed by the line up. The designers I look at have a certain piece-y, classic, romantic feel to them. I just wasn't feeling the romance this season. Heck, I'm ready to call it quits and ask for a miracle sex change so I can just wear men's suits. No really. No matter what, a good suit always looks AMAZING. I love the suits we sell over at Express, they have a rogue-ish sophistication about them.

But before I can wish on a shooting star Christian Dior reminds me why I enjoy being a girl: