A MIXED NEON CLARITY

For wino evenings

2009-10-29T19:45:00.001-04:00

How cool are these kitchen lights?!

By OOOMS from Holland.

Check them out here!

Fall in Montreal

2009-10-28T23:49:00.001-04:00

C'est moi, encore

2009-10-28T07:32:00.004-04:00

Stole a friend's glasses for the night! There's a twinkle in my eye! ;)

Have a good day, everyone!
kisses,
RS

Wishlist

2009-10-27T10:05:00.003-04:00

This hot, little number from Pixie Market!

Doesn't it remind you of those Balmain minidresses they had going last year (or was it Fall 2007)?

Also this two piece-r, also from Pixie Market. LOVE the back!

I want, I want!

kisses,
RS

Bianca Balti

2009-10-27T09:17:00.009-04:00

One of my favorite faces. Did you know that this Italian girl was rejected a few times from modeling agencies initially for being too "plain looking?"

I guess she is more "pretty" than "unique looking" like Freja or Lara Stone or Bruna Tenorio... It's no wonder she's done Guess (...I know!), Revlon, Victoria's Secret, Guerlain cosmetics, etc.

Have a great day, everyone! :)

kisses,
RS

photos: fashionista.com, models.com

Hello? My super summer tan? Can you come back, please?

2009-10-26T22:17:00.007-04:00

Little pieces of the Balearic Islands in Espana (NOT Ibiza!)

ONE WORD: MAGICAL

Went to carefully handpicked (read: non-touristy) parts of Mallorca this past summer. Completely roasted myself in the sun (60SPF sunscreen...reapplied well, though).

I tan so much so fast - I LOVE IT! But it goes away just as fast.... :(

The last photo is this little cove beach that was a downhill 30-minute walk from the town we spent a few days in. Absolutely amazing walk - great view - and we'd walk through olive, orange and lemon groves. The photo before the last one is from the walk back uphill....so magical. *sigh*

Wish I was there again...

Instead I'll go back to reading about International Trade...

kisses,
RS

Lord Byron

2009-10-26T12:54:00.001-04:00

photo: childhoodflames.blogspot.com

LV campaign has a typo

2009-10-26T12:48:00.003-04:00

So I just viewed the LV campaign for their new store in Ulan Bator, Mongolia...and the English version has a typo!

It's nicely done but the typo disappointed me a little. I sent them an email via their site....but who knows if it will actually get to the right peeps.

Check it out here: http://www.louisvuitton.com/resonance/

In these "tough economic times," Ulan Bator must show promise of luxury purchase since LV is opening up a store there. Quite a contrast to the several stores that luxe brands have closed down recently in Tokyo and the rest of Japan!

kisses,
RS :)

Mediterranean beaches

2009-10-26T06:56:00.007-04:00

If you want to feel like you're on a hot vacation (particularly as the weather gets cooler in the Northern half of the world!), check out Massimo Vitali's website HERE.

Click on "CURRENT PROJECT" to see what I'm talking about.

This Italian photographer's key interest is in photographing "herds of people" - as you'll see from his themes - European vacations, discos, pools.

you definitely want to click to make it larger!

I saw his exhibit this past summer at the well-known FOAM gallery in Amsterdam, and fell in love! It's said that the PRADA S/S 2010 prints were inspired by such themes as in the current project. No surprise as the colors are so vivid and gorgeous!

FYI: I think you should make sure the sound is on when you check out his website - it's beautiful and makes me feel like I'm waking up early in the morning to the sounds of the ocean.

*SIGH*

xoxx
RS

Photo from wired.com

Fishtail braids

2009-10-22T11:24:00.004-04:00

So after all the gaga over Alexander Wang's messy sidebraid, here's something I like a little bit more: The Fish Tail braid!

Serena Van der Woodsen wore this a few episodes ago on Gossip Girl and I've been dying to try it.

Here's a video I found if you're interested:

Also HERE CosmoGirl shows you how!

Enjoy! :)

When I try it, I'll post photos!

xoxx
RS

Stoop Sesh

2009-10-22T10:04:00.004-04:00

My friend is obsessed with stoops, so walking through the West Village on a Sunday, we made my friend Josh click so many photos of the 3 of us on stoops.

This one turned out to be a gem! Click for a larger version.

kisses,
RS

C'est moi!

2009-10-21T14:23:00.006-04:00

good times in the lovely Fall weather!

PS: In photo #2, there's a tree in the background...my hair ain't THAT frizzy! :)

xoxx
RS :)

Just ONE of many amazements at McQueen S/S 2010

2009-10-08T14:27:00.001-04:00

photo from: fashionologie.com

Back to the Apple

2009-10-08T07:19:00.005-04:00

Does anyone know why the call New York the big apple?

I'm headed there with my best Montreal girlfriends this weekend.

We're actually staying in my old neighborhood - Murray Hill!

My favorite part about this 'hood was that, on nice days, accompanied by your iPod, you could walk anywhere..........even to the UWS in about 45/50 minutes. And walking through each different neighborhood on the way was like trekking through a few different cities.

CAN'T WAIT TO SEE ALL MY FRIENDS!!

Photos to come later. See you again on Tuesday!

xoxx
RS

photo from The Sartorialist.

Hold the braces

2009-10-05T11:10:00.008-04:00

The hottest faces right now have a little gap between the teeth.

Check out: Lara Stone, Georgia May Jagger and Jessica Hart.

photos: zimbio.com, insider.com

xoxx
RS ;)

Jeffrey Campbell - we salute you

2009-10-05T10:21:00.004-04:00

Remember seeing the hot, hot metal wedges from ACNE everywhere this summer?

Here's Alexa Chung sporting them. (I love her, by the way!)

They're normally retail for $500-ish (USD), but my darling Jeffrey Campbell has a very similar pair for.......$98 (USD). Get them HERE.

Obviously, they are on major, MAJOR back order. But, ladies, if you're a student like me....chop, chop, get to it! :)

xoxx
RS

The lips

2009-10-02T10:03:00.007-04:00

I've been so obsessed with the Prada S/S 2010 lips that I finally ran out to Holt Renfrew and threw down $35 (student cash, FYI ;) on the lipstick - NARS Heat Wave.

LOVING IT! Can't stop wearing it.

It's a semi-matte - but it's freaking dry. I recommend a coat of chapstick (nothing too greasy though) before you swipe this hot shade across your lips.

xoxx
RS

photo: fashionising.com

Balenciagagagagaga

2009-10-02T09:22:00.004-04:00

Oh my - just saw these on style.com.

Holy shit - i like. I'm loving the color usage - Bravo, Mr. Ghesquière!

What's truly sexy (TO ME) is combining masculine and feminine elements in an amazing way...because, come on - anyone can look sexy in a cocktail dress or any old LBD. That dress (photo #2) is begging for a DIY!

xoxx
RS

balmain

2009-10-01T16:34:00.002-04:00

knightcat just put up photos of the Balmain s/s 2010.

Very medieval, warrior-princess inspired if you ask me. Loving the subtle richness of the bronzey/gold color.

This outfit is totally me! Except that I'd wear a bra and probably a mesh tank to remain public-appropriate. So glad grunge will be here a bit longer.

xoxx
RS

peacock

2009-10-01T14:55:00.002-04:00

I've been wearing these earrings everyday for the past week.

F21: $9

Looks good with my dark hair. It would stand out more if you're blonde, and would look just amazing if you're a redhead.

xoxx
RS

blonde ambition avant-garde

2009-10-01T09:49:00.004-04:00

My post below re: Madonna and her Blonde Ambition stage - red lips, platinum hair and dark, contrasting eyebrows reminded me of one of my favorite U.S. Vogue covers.

2007 Sienna Miller....featuring those very same Blonde Ambition featurettes.

Don't you think?

xoxx
RS

Madonna

2009-10-01T09:31:00.006-04:00

Madonna is definitely a lasting style icon. I can't think of anyone else who has lasted nearly 3 decades, reinventing themselves each time....successfully (you gotta admit, even if you didn't actually like a certain look, she did manage to pull it off!).

Above is Madonna in some Balmain. Below is also a clip to her latest video featuring that Balmain dress.

Refinery29 has thrown together a Madonna-by-the-decade style reinvention cheat sheet. Check it out here.

My favorite was her conical-bra-blonde-ambition phase where she exclusively wore MAC'S Russian Red lipstick, had dark, dark eyebrows and platinum hair.

Above is Madonna in some Balmain. Below is also a clip to her last video featuring that Balmain dress.

Gimme some bold shoulders!
xoxx
RS

photos: telegraph.co.uk and refinery39

soundtrack+redlips

2009-09-30T13:59:00.003-04:00

by 10magazine.

they tout Prada's s/s 2010 show as having the catchiest soundtrack.

Check it out HERE.

photo: fashionisingpictures.net

xoxx
RS

COLORS!

2009-09-30T13:21:00.002-04:00

This photo by Garance is making me want to (desperately and quickly) bring back volumes of color into my wardrobe.

For nearly a year now (and especially since I began school again in January), I've been dressing in blacks, whites, grays, midnight blues.....and only punctuating with color - bold red lips, fuchsia lips, a hot pink scarf, a red scarf or the insanely colorful Hermes my boyfriend got me for Xmas a couple of years ago.

The above plan has been doing well for my student budget too - I just accessorize to make it look newish for the everyday.

BUT NOW.......Garance, you're going to make me pull out my credit cards to bring back colors!

Oops. :)

xoxx
RS

GUINNESS

2009-09-30T12:52:00.003-04:00

Not the beer (which is also good on occasion but heavy enough to qualify as a liquid meal).....

BUT I'm talking about Daphne Guinness. Here's a photo of here from Purple Diary at Cafe de Flore in Paris.

And...here's a another photo of her with her signature super-blonde hair with black highlights.

She recently collaborated with David LaChappelle. Read all about it here. Here's an excerpt - sounds amazing!:
"Sometimes twenty hour shoots in a day, from the deepest jungle to the volcanic cliffs, moving sets and equipment constantly. Working directly with the elements, the downpours, changing height and distances and moving the equipment has all been a challenge. The results are completely remarkable."

....If you don't know who she is...well, she's been around in the fashion scene for a while. She's a former model who married Mr. Shipping Heir, Niarchos back in the day and has two handsome Niarchos boys now (you know who I mean). She also blogs for Starworksny.

Love a woman with interesting style....who keeps it interesting through the years! Can't teach these things.

xoxx
RS :)

Metal + Black

2009-08-20T13:45:00.014-04:00

Finally had time to devour the August2009 British Vogue and absolutely LOVED the Patrick Demarchelier feature on New York/London/Milan/Paris where the spotlight was shone on the classic labels associated with each city.

For example:
Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors - NYC
Stella McCartney, Giles, Nicole Farhi - London
Prada, Moschino, Gucci, Versace - Milan
Chloe, YSL, LV - Paris

This Moschino FW 2009 photo:
Reminded me of a crazy amalgamation of the following:

Burberry Prorsum spikes and studs
Ungaro's chained hoodie from FW 2009 (as worn by Rumi of FashionToast)
Ricardo Tisci's goth-inspired, eversogorgeous Givenchy FW 2008

Thoughts?

(photos: models.com; fashiontoast.com; blendnewyork)

Minor Characters

2009-08-20T13:00:00.004-04:00

One of my favorite books, hands down:

Minor Characters, by JOYCE JOHNSON.

One of the reviews of the book says:

The best memoirs make you feel that you have been hanging around the same apartments, sharing subway benches, drinking bottomless cups of coffee at the same diner with someone.

I concur 100%. I originally read to read about Kerouac, but ended up falling in love with Ms. Johnson instead.

"I loved the slums, my slums, the sweet slums of Bohemia and beatnikdom, where sunflowers and morning glories would bloom on fire escapes in the summer."
"I bought seven-cent bagels and ten-cent half-sour pickles and sat up till dawn in Rappaport's, where they gave you a whole basket of rolls free, drinking coffee with a jazz trombonist from St. Louis and a poet just arrived from Chicago."

I have longed to find a place like that my whole, whole life. I found it in this book.

Enjoy if you read it!

Rain fresh!

2009-08-20T12:12:00.008-04:00

My neighborhood in Montreal during a rainshower.

Amsterdam neighborhood after the rain.

So fresh!

A Mixed Neon Clarity is coming back so fresh and so clean.

**Watch this space**

(click on images for larger size to check out details such as color of the concrete, color of the shirt of the bikers. PS: I am not a photographer)

Pause...and play!

2009-05-18T19:56:00.006-04:00

I'm back, and never leaving again.

I hope you missed me.

Found these on Inside-Out and really love them! Here is the artist's blog.

A.F. Vandevorst

2009-03-16T13:46:00.003-04:00

Browsing the A.F. Vandevorst SS09 collection was one of the highlights of my obnoxiously busy week.

Love the red lips and lingerie-ish-kind-of-inspired outfits. I want, I want.

The FW09 collection they (a hubby-wifey couple) just showed at Paris is so-so...not quite my thing.

Here are some faves from the gorgeous SS09 collection, though!

PS: Anyone know who the white eye-hole leggings are by in this last photo?
(all photos: style.com)

JUMP(suit)ING into spring

2009-03-09T20:19:00.008-04:00

I don't know where to start!

I get absolutely delirious looking at all these hot silk and satiny jumpsuits!

I'd say I'd wear about 80% of these babies from the SS09 collections.

I was inspired by the Martin Grant beauty below this past weekend. So I did the middle part, put on the Zara halter jumpsuit I bought a few months ago, and took it out on the town.

I look nervous...but I think it was just an awkward moment of trying to show the outfit while explaining my camera's workings to my drunk friend. Ah well. :)

I also want to point out my lovely friend's acquisition of the weekend - those blue gladiator heels that go so well with the satin number she's wearing.

She also got them in grey from Winners (ladies, that's TJ Maxx for you in the U.S.). She paid a nice $30 for each....while I bought the black patent leather Dolce Vita version of those for $120 (they were 50% off at U&I).

I might go grab the cheapy grey version!

Before I run off, I want to let the world know what's on my birthday wishlist! This Ferragamo baby (or a replica that's almost as pretty)!

Ah, I would just explode with joy!

Adios for now!
xoxx
r

In order: Ungaro, Akris, Jasmine de Milo, Collette Dinnigan, DKNY, Marchesa - all SS09, except DKNY and Marchesa - FW09
all photos: style.com.

A new form of style creativity

2009-03-06T10:05:00.004-05:00

are you sure ? - by popbarb on Polyvore.com

Just read about Polyvore.com on Refinery 29. Very interesting concept - basically a place to share all of your inspiration-ish boards online. Throw in some creativity like backgrounds, writing, etc. and voila - another online community!

AMAZING!

Now if only my world was surrounded by all you style fanatics OFFLINE as much as it is online. :)

PS: Thanks for the recent comments and messages! :)

More to come...

Galliano & Dior / old romantics - by popbarb on Polyvore.com

It is not down in any map

2009-03-02T10:04:00.002-05:00

...true places never are.
-herman melville

traveling on a jet plane all day today, but wanted to leave you guys with this.

have a lovely monday!
xoxx
r

Crumply, Creasy, Slouchy Chic

2009-03-01T10:12:00.017-05:00

I LOVE slouchy tees, oversized tees (boyfriend better watch out!), cardigans, etc., and pairing them with really feminine pieces like pencil skirts, mini skirts and the like.

On a kind of similar note, creasy/crumply leggings from Missoni's FW2009 collection! Looks amazing with the well-fitted, and well-knit top halves of the outfits....how delicious is that oversized cowl neck - oh la la!

Plus, anyone who knows me knows how much I love shorts - any time of year! So when I saw photo #2 below, I had to give them an automatic thumbs up.

In other news, I am currently reworking two pieces of clothing that I had mentioned earlier. Soon to come: the BEFORE and AFTER versions of these.

Also, how many of you are on Twitter? Send me a quick email or comment if you are on it. Would love to know what you think of it. I'm trying to stay away from it....but keep getting tempted to join.

UPDATE:
Also found the silk version of the above from the Lakme Mumbai Fashion Week - Fall 2008 coverage by Style.com. I LIKE!

click for larger version

Bye lovelies!
xoxx
r

photos: style.com

I'm not over you...

2009-02-27T16:28:00.006-05:00

I still find myself thinking of this FW2008 Balenciaga number!

There was a picture on Jak and Jil of Vogue Nippon's Anna Dello Russo wearing it, but I can't seem to find it right now...

Once I'm no longer a student, if I'm still not over it (likely), I will try to hunt this one down.

See what your genius does to me, Mr. Ghesquiere?!

photo: style.com

Recession, Luxury and Fashion

2009-02-26T14:13:00.004-05:00

This TIMESONLINE.CO.UK article says that the global recession is actually a way to weed out the weak, i.e. only the best will survive, i.e. you better design something really amazing if you want it to be bought in these tough times.

Check it out!: Terence Conrad Says Recession Boosts Design

Also, the recession is apparently making luxe brand salespeople suck up a little to the mere mortals who walk into their stores...perhaps hoping that extra smile will get you to buy the YSL pumps you're kinda sure/kinda unsure about?

Read here: Snooty Service Falls Out of Style

Thoughts, readers?

photo: simplifying.com

Told You Sew

2009-01-31T08:26:00.005-05:00

Here is a photo of a self-made top: grey silk and exposed zipper. It was made around November 2008 - my return to sewing after about 6 or 7 years!

The skirt is pulling the top so it makes the center seem well, off-center. Also, the photo wasn't taken for the blog but at a party instead, hence the beverage.

Going forward, you will see more blog-dedicated photos.

Balmain = pure, unadulterated eye candy

2009-01-30T11:36:00.015-05:00

...these are beautiful, with and without the rip in the knee:

Obviously, on my current student budget, I can't afford Balmain but I found a cousin that could (read: COULD but not really) substitute. See below from Pixie Market.

To continue speaking of the magic that is currently Christophe Decarnin (I thought Fall 2008 would be hard to beat, but Spring 2009 is just as hot), I'm also liking these studded pencil skirts of different lengths.

I think I may revamp a purple mini-skirt with some studs and zippers inspired by these babies. The skirt was bought faded so perhaps the studs and zippers will be of the extra shiny variety to really show an old/new contrast.

Pictures to come tonight as I have finally gotten my hands on a workable camera (quality not that great, but will do!).

WISHLIST addition: The black and white bleach jeans a la the Balmain photo above. (Photos: http://blueflamingo-anee.blogspot.com)

Your Wish is my Command

2009-01-26T22:24:00.008-05:00

That's what Madonna said to Marc Jacobs as they collaborated on the styling for the Louis Vuitton SS09 print ads.

To be honest, when I first saw the ads, I was kind of unsure about Madonna's makeup, and was not a huge fan of the feathery green dress.

But somehow, after viewing this video and hearing her and him speak and just...work it, I'm ALL over her look! (Still not the feathery dress, though!)

The venue for the shoot looks so Parisian, but it's apparently Cafe Figaro in L.A.

(click for a larger version)

I'm kinda loving blazers and suit jacket-esque looks at the moment, particularly mixing one of these with a tshirt, shiny leggings and my patent booties. The jacket she wears in the above photo with the black piping and exposed zipper has my name all over it. The price tag, however, does not. ;)

Here's the video! ENJOY!

PS: I agree with Madonna, Marc is just delicious. His ego...mmmmaybe not. But he certainly is!

Silk and Spice, and Everything Nice

2009-01-23T14:51:00.012-05:00

(Balenciaga RST09, Alexander Wang RST09, Lanvin SS09; photos from Style.com)

Comeback in January!

2008-12-04T11:47:00.007-05:00

I apologize to the blog for the neglect since its creation in mid-2006. Oops.

Now, that I've quit my full-time job to become a student again beginning January 2009, I will have more time, and will be making my comeback to the blogosphere.

During December, I will be traveling through France and Morocco and elsewhere in EUR. Can't wait to disconnect and unwind.

Will get back to blogging when back!

Happy holidays everyone!

Why I love Kerouac...

2006-05-09T04:35:00.004-04:00

Mornings like today when I wake up too early and begin my day by reading good stuff.

Believe in the holy contour of life

No fear or shame in the dignity of yr experience, language and knowledge

Youre a genius all the time

Starting...

2006-04-07T14:46:00.000-04:00

to store all my peppermint-flavored thoughts....the caramel ones, too.

more to come later in the day.