1. Chloe Sevigny, 2. Sienna Miller, 3. Alexa Chung, 4. Dita Von Teese, 5. Eva Mendes, 6. Alexandra Richards, 7. Amber Rose, 8. Milla Jovovich, 9. Michelle Williams, 10. Kate Moss
PHOTOS: The Fashion Spot
July 2009
I am a Light Summer color type – meaning I look best in light grey, grey blue, cocoa, taupe, powder pink, rose pink, rose, coral pink, clear salmon, clear red, light lemon yellow, light aqua, blue green, spruce, light navy, sky blue, medium blue, lavender, violet.. Find out your own set of seasonal colors here: How To Find Your Perfect Colors.
I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness, starving hysterical naked.. – Allen Ginsberg
The full text of Allen Ginsberg’s Howl can be found here. Try reading the whole thing in one go.
Speaking of the Beats.. I just stumbled across this page that contains every cover of On The Road ever released.
Be BFFs with Chickdowntown? Okay! Chickdowntown are offering free friendship bracelets and special discounts if you fan them on Facebook.
Calling all street-style fanatics! The Sartorialist (also known as photographer Scott Schuman) has gone old-school – he’s releasing a book that features some of his best photography – and it’s hitting the shelves August 12 (in the US). Pre-order your copy of The Sartorialist at Amazon.
I always say the paddle-out’s a bitch, but the ride’s amazing. It’s a good metaphor for life. – Erin Wasson
Too exciting! I keep watching this preview of The September Issue over and over.
If you are a budding fashion designer, Fashionairy.org might be a good place to start – they are selling a “Fashion Diary” for all of you who fancy yourselves as the next Alexander Wang.
In anticipation of the new series of The Rachel Zoe Project, I signed up to The Zoe Report, so I can be the first to know about Rachel’s favourite fashion, beauty and lifestyle finds. Rachel herself promises it is going to be “bananas” – do we doubt her?
The Minkpink competition/giveaway ended yesterday. Thank you to everyone who entered – I loved reading all your entries! In the end, I couldn’t choose between them all so I went to random.org and had them generate a random winner.
So the lucky winner is Teeyah, who says:
My favorite piece is the Blue Fade Away skirt. I love how vintage-y it looks. I will pair it up with a white Billabong tee, a black blazer rolled up, black booties, put up a headband on my hair and rock it.
I hope to have another giveaway in the next few weeks so stay tuned and thank you so much for entering! Also, at the moment Chickdowntown are giving away 100 Bella Jackets from Twilight.
If you have been faithfully perusing the latest offerings from the fashion gods, like I have, you probably have noticed the sudden influx of 80s-style bodysuits. While there was always an assortment of them on the body-friendly American Apparel site, it seems that the rest of the stores are playing a stylish game of catch-up.
Now that you have such a huge selection to choose from, it’s time to have some fun. The bodysuit is a pretty versatile little thing – you can tuck one into your cut-off shorts for a summer browsing the flea markets and drinking mimosas. In winter, the bodysuit is the perfect layering piece – wear a long-sleeved bodysuit under a black wool dress for a splash of color, or pair it with skinny jeans, thigh high boots and an oversized coat.
From 70s florals to 80s acid wash, this selection has a little something for everyone. One last tip: when you’ve had a few drinks (or a few too many) and you need to “go”, the bodysuit does not a pretty sight make!
Clockwise from top left:
1. Kimchi Blue Lace Bodysuit ($38) from Urban Outfitters. If you’re looking to add a little naughty to your night, this bodysuit is your first stop. With black lace making a comeback (did it ever leave?) earlier this year, this Kimchi Blue piece is perfectly on trend. Channel your inner-Erin Wasson and pair it with a loose-fitting, white tank top and a pair of denim cut-off shorts. Make sure you always have just the right amount of lace peeking out from under your top. Some sexy, messy bed-hair doesn’t hurt, either.
2. Splodge Floral Body ($40) from Topshop. Floral prints always bring to mind bohemian chic and this bodysuit is no exception. The designers at Topshop have given us a vivid violet hue covered in a painterly floral print. For an updated take on 70s boho, pair this with a black high-waisted skirt. In winter, think Chloe Sevigny in Balmain and pair it with black tights and ankle boots. A dash of red lipstick should complete the look.
3. Light Acid Denim Bodysuit (£30) from Miss Selfridge. Somewhere out there is a clever designer who managed to combine two huge trends into one with this offering – an acid wash, denim bodysuit from Miss Selfridge. If you prefer your style to have a little grunge, pair this bodysuit with a brightly-colored mini skirt – think neon prints and patterns. For a “less is more” look, add a slinky white tank top underneath the denim.
4. Panel One Shoulder Body ($44) from Topshop. Maybe it’s because it’s raining out, but this bodysuit instantly caught my eye with its bold colorblock print. Another bodysuit wonder from Topshop, this piece is great for the confident girl about town. Paired with a black mini skirt this might, from a distance, resemble a Hervé Léger-inspired bodycon dress. Personally, I’d wear this with a pair of black, wide-leg pants and a killer set of heels.
5. Metallic Leotard ($26.50) from Wet Seal. It’s too bad the 80s are over! The designers behind this metallic bodysuit from Wet Seal were clearly channeling Flashdance when they made this. What? You don’t want to pair this with leggings, ankle warmers and ballet flats? For a toned-down daytime look, this little piece looks great with a pair of black, cuffed shorts. Toughen it up with chunky black lace-up boots for some 80s edge.
Geronimo
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In my wildest dreams, I am a rock star with an incredible touring wardrobe. So when I read about Jenny Reyes, the designer behind Geronimo, who spent three years touring with Rilo Kiley, I was immediately intrigued. Apart from being the “seamstress for the band” (Tiny Dancer, anyone), it turns out Jenny also interned for the Anna Wintour-approved Rodarte. I decided it was time to ask Jenny a few questions and thankfully, she agreed.
1. Introduce yourself to Mama Was A Rolling Stone readers and tell us something “different”.
Well my name is Jenny Reyes and I have a clothing line name Geronimo. I grew up in sunny Los Angeles, California and have always had a love for both music and fashion. So far in my career I’ve managed to blend the two in one way or another. I have always had a love for both music and fashion, I’m neither musically inclined and I never went to fashion school but I’ve managed to blend both into my line and my career. My lines name stems from my middle name, it was also my mother maiden name, and my sisters, cousins and I all share it. It was a way the females in my family decided to keep the family name alive and I’m carrying out the tradition with my line.
2. You once interned for Rodarte – what was that like? Is there a particular experience from this time that stands out?
Interning for Rodarte was one of the best experiences I’ve been fortunate to have had. The amount I was able to learn from Kate and Laure who I look at as geniuses in every sense of the word was awe inspiring. There are so many experiences that stand out its kinda hard to pick just one but I would have to say it would be seeing the line from its forming stages and then being invited to fashion week to see the finished product. I got to see all the inner workings of what it takes to actually put on an amazing show. It’s definitely something I will never forget!
3. You also toured with bands such as Rilo Kiley – what was your “job” while on tour? What is fashion like “on the road”?
Touring is so much fun! I had 2 jobs on tour. I was the merch girl and the seamstress for the band! I brought 2 sewing machines and would go thrift store shopping across America and sell merch at night. It was an amazing experience because I got to hang out with my friends and travel and see the landscape of America. I always packed light because I knew that I would be doing lots of shopping. I packed the basic wardrobe like t-shirts, dresses, tights, shoes, and a blazer and found accessories to add to it.
4. You’ve also done some work as a stylist. Is this something you enjoy and continue to do?
I love styling! I mostly stick to people I know because luckily for me I’ve been fortunate enough to work with my friends so the process has been pretty seamless since I already know their personal style. Styling is definitely something I love to do and will continue to do as long as I am able to. I just styled Jenny Lewis’s video for See Fernando and Jenny wore a Geronimo bathing suit so that was very cool of her to represent my line.
5. What is the aesthetic behind your collections? In particular, your current collection?
My inspiration mostly comes from vintage pieces from old magazines, music, paintings and old movies. I like to make clothing that mixes classic tailored quality with current fashion sensibility that in turn creates something youthful and playful. I like to play with duality in my line, the masculine and the feminine. That was a big influence in my current collection; blurring lines between women’s wear and menswear but still making it sexy.
6. When did you decide to start Geronimo and what has been the biggest learning curve for you?
The idea of starting my own line has always been kicking around in my head for some time. But it wasn’t until I toured with Jenny and all the other great musicians that I really grasped the idea of actually being able to pull it off. Being around all the positive energy that the whole crew brought, with the barrage of constant encouragement and just the general creative vibe that I was finally able to say “hey maybe I can actually pull this off”.
7. When did you realize you were a success? When did you give up the day job?
Well I’m not quite sure I am a success just yet I come from humble beginnings and I feel very fortunate to have gotten as far as I have but I have to say one of the best feelings so far was picking up nylon magazine and seeing my line in there! I grew up reading nylon religiously.
8. What are your plans for the future/where is Geronimo going?
I’m working on getting Geronimo into stores worldwide and working on my next collection. I’m also starting a men’s line with a really good friend Nick White of Tilly and the Wall. So I’m pretty excited about getting that off the ground.
GO TO: Geronimo | Shop Geronimo
Ever since I moved to America, my jewelry has been stowed away in DIY craft boxes. You know the plastic boxes with hundreds of little compartments that DIY-ers use for organizing everything? They resemble fishing tackle boxes? After tripping on one of these boxes last week, I decided that it was time to come up with some more creative and aesthetic storage.
FIRST STOP: The Selby.
Always the best place to hunt down innovative and original ideas when it comes to home decorating, organizing, etc. A few hours later, I had picked some of my favorites from The Selby archives – the above beauties coming from the homes of Meryl Smith, Erin Wasson, Paola Kudacki & James Penfold, Julia Restoin Roitfeld, Natalie Wood, Vanessa Giovacchini & Marylouise Pels and Aimee Bayliss, Nathan Smith & Anne Ryan
- Hammer a smattering of nails over an area of your wall. Hang everything from the nails: piles of necklaces, thin bracelets, pairs of earrings.
- Buy a dress form as Erin Wasson has done and drape a chunky necklace or some chained body armor around the neck. Chained body armor jewelry is this year’s big jewelry trend. Everyone is doing it!
- Get a piece of bright fabric and pin your brooches to it. Alternatively, spread them out on a pair of folded jeans, as Paola Kudacki did, or a folded scarf.
- Follow Julia Restoin Roitfeld’s lead and just leave them strewn around your home, on countertops, bookshelves, your dresser, your nightstand, in the bathroom. I oppose this idea, personally, because I know that I’ll knock one onto the floor and then stand on it.
- Again, nails in the wall, necklaces draped haphazardly from it. The difference here? It seems they have placed buttons or pins to the tops of the nails to give them a little more life – smiley faces, bluebirds, a cat.
- Piles and piles of jewelry in a jumbled, chaotic and, most likely, tangled mess, with a few of your favorite pieces hung for good measure.
- An organized jewelry tree. Pick a new branch of your tree each day.
SECOND STOP: Brainstorming.
- Hang your earrings around the edge of a vase, cup or bowl. Try a wine glass in a ruby red or emerald green or a brightly colored espresso cup.
- Get some chicken wire (used on cages) on a frame and paint or decorate the frame. You can hang earrings from the wire, pin brooches to it or even clasp a necklace around it.
- String a colorful ribbon between two nails on your wall and hang necklaces and earrings from the ribbon.
- Collect an assortment of antique dishes and teacups. Fill them with smaller pieces of jewelry such as your rings, pins and delicate necklaces and keep them laid out in a drawer, or on your dresser.
- Collect some small tree branches and paint them bright colors with wall paint. Place them in a vase and hang your jewelry from the smaller branches.
- Buy a shell dish, such as mother of pearl, and keep your rings and trinkets in the dish.
- Large coat hooks can be attached to the wall to hang your chunky necklaces.
THIRD STOP: Online Shopping.
- Try a good, old-fashion jewelry box like this Lips Jewelry Box ($49.99) from Target.
- Hunt on Ebay or in antique stores for an old-fashioned ring tray, like this Henri Delcourt ring tray ($750) from Ruby Lane.
- A beautiful little box can be used for small rings and trinkets, like this Koi Fish Ceramic Box ($18) from Urban Outfitters.
- Places like Morocco, India and Thailand are veritable treasure troves for ethnic boxes and tins, like this Suzani Box ($135) from Jayson Home & Garden.
- A jewelry stand makes a great centerpiece on your dresser, like this Lace Pedestal Jewelry Stand ($18) from Urban Outfitters.
Most mornings, for me, start with a cup of extra bold coffee and a bleary-eyed flick through some of my favorite websites. This morning, I woke with the intense need to shop and, coffee in hand, quickly jumped online to satiate the urge.
Two hours later, I had a handful of things picked out. After making a mental list of the reasons why I shouldn’t be shopping, I realized there was a common theme in my picks. Most likely brought on by the summer heat (finally) I was going for ethnic style, with a dash of African safari. It started with the virtual hunt for a new nail color. I’ve been trying to find the perfect shade of hot pink for a while and stumble across Sephora by OPI’s new Digital Diva collection. From there, I headed over to Southwestern Jewelry to check out their vintage ring collection when I came upon this incredible oversized coral ring. Somewhere between finding the red feather headband by Laura Kranitz and unearthing the leopard print monokini at Wet Seal, I realized I was on a virtual shopping safari of my own.
1. Digital Diva Collection from Sephora by OPI, $9 a bottle.
2. Minkpink Platoon Anorak from Urban Outfitters, $128
3. Leopard Monokini from Wet Seal, $14.90
4. Cut Out Zebra Dress by Obesity & Speed from Pixie Market, $115
5. Capri Expandable Wire Bangles from Alex & Ani, 348
6. Ava Short Headband by Laura Kranitz from 80s Purple, $42
7. Linen Ikat Contrast Skirt from Forever21, 14.80
8. Scribble Print Short from Topshop, $20
9. Large Coral Stone Ring from Southwestern Jewelry, $375
10. Landucci Sandals from Aldo, $19.98
Word on the street is that red lipstick is staging a comeback. I had my first encounter with red lipstick when I bought a 1997 issue of Spin magazine and it fell open to a picture of Gwen Stefani, bindi on her forehead, all platinum blonde hair and red lipstick.
Gwen is a red lipstick crackerjack. It just suits her. Unfair but true. The trick is to find the right shade. If you’re blonde, go for a blue-ish red. If you’re a brunette, you want to think along more orange/coral lines.
There’s no doubt that red lipstick will give you confidence.. the first time I wore it, at the tender age of nineteen, I was getting all sorts of comments and looks. I’ve long since thrown out that tube of lipstick and I never replaced it, but I think I’ll start looking again. The MAC website has shades such as Lady Bug – a yellow tomato. It kinda makes me hungry. For lipstick.
Girls! If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you’ll know that I am an Australian gal living in America. Minkpink have always been one of my favorite Aussie brands, so when Chickdowntown offered me the chance to hold another giveaway, with Minkpink clothing as the prize, I jumped at the chance.
Before we get into the details, I thought I’d choose a few of my favorite pieces, since I cannot enter the competition myself. I’ve got my eye on the Love Ranger skirt – I’ve literally been looking for a fringe skirt for over a year now. I’m also pretty disappointed that I wasn’t able to get my hands on the Seeing Red dress in time for July 4th – paired with some Mystique sandals and a cute straw bag, this would have been the perfect summer dress for the beach party I went to.
1. Black Magic Dress, 2. Living Hard Tee, 3. Seeing Red Dress, 4. Love Ranger Skirt, 5. Fringe Benefits Vest
So here’s the deal. All those pieces above, you can win! In fact, if you win, you can choose one item from any of the Minkpink clothing that Chickdowntown offers!
To enter the competition, I want you to head over to Chickdowntown and check out the Minkpink clothing that they have on offer. Then, leave a comment below letting me know your favorite piece and what you would pair it with – give me the complete outfit, from shoes to accessories.
The nitty gritty:
Do I need to be in the USA to enter? No, this time around, everyone can enter! Yay!
Do I need to do anything besides leave a comment? Yes, to be eligible to win you must either become a fan of Amy (the Chickdowntown founder) on Facebook or you must follow Chickdowntown.com on Twitter.
Anything else? Yes, make sure you leave your email address when you comment, so I can find you!
Competition ends? In 14 days. To be precise, the winner will be announced on July 23rd.
Wayfaring
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way?far?ing [wey-fair-ing]
-adjective, noun
Traveling; passing; being on a journey.
RILEE & LO: Rilee & Lo, an online jewelry boutique, are currently offering a special discount. All Elizabeth & James and Robert Lee Morris jewelry (Robert Lee Morris is actually the designer behind Elizabeth & James) is currently 25% off. The code you need is “25EJRLM” and this discount is only available until 10 July 2009, so get moving! While you are there, you can also look through the CC Skye products – Nicole Richie is a fan of CC Skye’s Leather Woven Chain Bracelet.
25 PARK: I was recently introduced to 25Park, a luxury online shopping boutique. 25Park is a website that offers many brands of clothing under the one “roof”. What sets them apart is their “quick guides” – entire categories devoted to certain styles of dressing – everything from boho chic to ski bunny, the pregnant girl (which I assume/hope is maternity wear) to “bang for buck”.
