Dope Ambition

Dree Hemingway is shot in an editorial entitled “Sang D’encre,” which translates (from French to English) literally as “Blood Ink.” It is quite refreshing to see a different kind of ink make its way into the mags; the trend of temporary tats from the likes of Chanel and Rodarte made their splash, but now Dree makes a splash in an inky atmosphere, and the outcome is pigmented brilliance.

images via fashionography

This image, found in GQ Japan’s Spring/Summer “Brits Spotting” editorial, is one of those borderline-ridiculous images that takes itself too seriously yet still captures some amazing pieces by designers such as Paul Smith and labels such as Visvim. Plaid, to me, is perfect in doses and especially on a burley man whose closet is stuffed with the checkered thermals and vests. However, a frail Brit with full lips in head-to-toe tartan is laughable.

This is a ton of tartan for one editorial (you should check it out in its entirety). I laughed out loud.

These. Are. Dope.

Simple, basic and fresh…everything a sneaker should be. And the premium suede + leather detailing really can’t be beat. A classic pair of sneaks under Vans for the gentles or the ladies willing to rock these bad boys.

Available right now over at Bows and Arrows.

images via hypebeast

Sometimes I think that the whole “lingerie-as-outerwear” trend can be taken too far, but with a comeback of the “silk pajama” pant, I actually appreciate the way they accentuate the leg: they are not as obvious as a skinny pant, but not as dramatic as a drop-crotch pant. They seem to be the perfect medium for someone in search of a chic, but more laid-back vibe. However, if you opt for the PJ-inspired pant, make sure the rest of your ensemble doesn’t scream “I just rolled out of bed!” Keep it classy and chic, like this doll does with a belted sheer shirt and a maroon overcoat.

And since I am on a socks-with-heels craze, of course I appreciate the burnt orange sock; the more obnoxious the color, the better.

My obsession with long hair grows with this black-and-white editorial shot by famed photog Patrick Demarchelier.

Messy braids and long, bohemian hair was ever-popular on the runways. I really do miss having long locks to curl and toss around, although they (my dead hair follicles) are getting almost-there. Meanwhile, I let Irina Kulikova, Joan Smalls, Elsa Sylvan, Cato Van Ee and Aline Weber’s hair do the tossing.

images via fashionography

Debuting a very Alice in Wonderland feel, my favorite shoe line launches its Winter 2010-11 collection, showcasing each shoe in a themed still life that borderlines magical and could almost appear in a children’s fairytale book, that is, if these children are like me and fell in love with shoes at an inappropriately young age.

The presentation of each shoe is a carefully thought-out scene, and the detail is impeccable, thanks to photographer Khuong Nguyen.

Bravo.

images via viewonfashion

Aside from a cute, cheap pair of pumps I purchased from Zara in L.A. awhile ago, I haven’t purchased a pair of shoes, sneaks or heels alike, in quite awhile. My lack of funds has caused me to cut back (le sigh)… which is why I drooled a little when I stumbled upon Surface2Air’s newest addition in foot candy on their site.

Their mokkasins, loafers, sandals and heels are all labeled a temptation in my book, so after I publish this post, I am banning myself from their site in fear of moment-of-weakness-purchasing.

With an overload of lookbooks making their way onto the nets, I liked the simplicity of Zara’s Summer 2010 lookbook, featuring laid-back basics with a playful, boho-chic feeling. Some have commented that this collection is “dull,” but in this case, that adjective can be translated to “simple,” and sometimes, a dose of simplicity is just what I want from a store like Zara; it is not too trendy or now.

Favorite pieces? Notice the Miu Miu-lookalike? Sidenote: I swear…Miu Miu is making BIG BUCKS off of their S/S10 collection; it has been featured in every editorial, everywhere.

images via knightcat

The great Alexander McQueen (R.I.P.) still had tricks up his sleeves, and this fall collection,  inspired by the androgynous grunge of the 90′s, when Curt Kobain and Courtney love were considered the golden couple and everyone walked around smelling like teen spirit.

A posthumous collection is always a bittersweet debut; on the one hand, it allows people to remember McQueen in all of his ingenious glory, however, it also reminds us that we lost a huge talent too early. This dark collection is filled with the necessary nineties plaids as well as bulky layers and deconstructed denim; it is a definite ode to the nineties during a time when everyone else is content to remain (or shall I say Balmain?) obsessed with the 80′s.

How do we feel about this collection?

images via fashiongonerogue

Smoking is bad, mmmkay? And I actually do NOT partake in the consumption of such icky lung-pollution, but some days make you feel like you need a ciggie, no?

Today is one of those days. Crack a window and join me.

images originally via vogue paris, february 2005