We love Marc!

Anyone who knows me, knows that one of my all-time favorite designers is Marc Jacobs. I happily went shopping at the Marc by Marc Jacobs store today here in L.A. to pick up a few goodies, and since alot of the best (and best priced, at mostly under $40!) stuff they have is only available in the store, I decided to pick up a few extras to put up for sale on Ebay, for all those who don't have access in their 'hood.
Check it out by clicking below:





I picked up a few awesome accessories for myself, like the I Love You spinning gold necklace, and was thinking about posting some of those for sale. Please feel free to let me know if you're interested in those, or in the tote bags I already have listed in other colors.

Chelsea Girls

The term "Skinhead" is often associated with worldwide neo-nazi and racist groups- however, in it's purest sense, it describes a subculture movement rooted in music, fashion and rebellion that began in 1960's Britain and grew from there. Musically, tastes ranged from ska to reggae to soul to punk rock, and wardrobes drew inspiration from many Skinhead's Mod roots, adopting a more working class-friendly aesthetic. Some of the trademark looks include brogues, suspenders (or braces), loafers, steel toe boots and straight-leg jeans. These "Hard Mods" became known as skinheads because of their close-cropped or shaved hairstyles, which were quite contrary to the longer hippie and mod styles of the day.





Female skinheads were often called Chelsea Girls, in reference to their version of the boys' look. The Chelsea Girl hairstyle (also called a Feather Cut) is usually shaved or cropped everywhere, except for fringes on the front, side and back. This is one of my favorite hairstyles, and as you can see, I'm sporting a modified version in my profile picture. They had a sharp, modern fashion sense, often referenced by many designers today.


Here's a great example of the Chelsea or Feather Cut:





A few examples of style, dress and culture:

L.A. street style- accessories spotlight at Zineland

That's right kids, the street style posts are back! Here we are at the Hammer Museum for Zineland, a zine expo curated by Darin Klein.


I've been a long-time fan of the high waist, be it in denim, a skirt or dress. This pair of classic indigo blues has great detail. A gold bow cinches the back!





This girl is mixing and matching alot of classic yet current trends. The cut off jeans, with a twist, in black denim. The vest, a current obsession of mine, paired with a scoop neck (front and back) tee, ankle-laced flats and a tie-dyed slouchy back. it's hipster-ish hippie!





I looooooove this bag. A simple tote, with an eye-catching peacock print!

Iconic Inspiration- Marianne Faithfull

Clearly, I have a bit of an obsession with girls sporting 60's mod girl fringe and long hair. Marianne Faithfull is no exception. The daughter of a British military officer and a former ballerina/Baroness, she first became famous as a musician, then for her tumultuous affair with Mick Jagger and life threatening drug addiction. Since then she's rebuilt her career and gone on to be featured in some of my favorite films, Marie Antoinette and Paris Je T'aime.

She epitomized swinging sixties style with flirty babydoll dresses, knee socks and big, dark eyes. Her look can be easily replicated with a few visits to your local thrift store (or Ebay!). H&M currently has tons of adorable little frocks, including one almost exactly like the one below, in a rainbow of colors.





Add school girl knee socks and mary-janes to complete the look. Payless currently has a classic black patent leather style available in stores (I'd post a picture but their site is down for maintenance).





60's/70's "secretary" blouses like the paisley one below can usually be easily found at thrift stores. Throw it on under a jumper and you're set!

hot heat/L.A. streets

This will be the first in a regular series I'm calling "hot heat/L.A. streets" - basically mini trend reports on what's hot in my 'hood.

The cheapo Rite Aid canvas slip-on by Fun Steps has been flying sort of under the radar for the last few years, but making pretty steady appearances. This summer, they seem to have hit their peak. Similar in shape to the classic lace up Keds (which are also pretty hot here), these have no laces or zippers, and are generally white, black, navy or tan. Of course, the dirtier the better! H&M also carries a really cute version, a lace-up pointy toed canvas oxford, that I'm coveting in bright red.

They've been a long-time staple of scene kids, with an entry on Urban Dictionary no less!

I've seen them worn effectively with skinny jeans (soooo scene), vintage summer dresses and 70's or 80's high waisted shorts.

They usually run about $5.99, though I did snag a navy blue pair today on sale for $4.99! They're fun to collect and can be easily customized with a little ingenuity using markers, paint, trims, etc.

A peek at my collection (since the maker's site has no examples) including a similar style of the no name vintage variety:





Hot pink and lace, oh my!

Iconic Inspiration- Faye Dunaway

One of the most gracefully aging actresses of our time, Faye Dunaway, is my favorite inspiration when it comes to searching out muses for 1920's ladylike, streamlined style. Two of her biggest hits, 1967's Bonnie and Clyde, and 1974's Chinatown are prime examples of the late 60's/early 70's re-interpretations of 20's style.

In Bonnie and Clyde she sports a sleek blonde chin length bob, with volume at the crown, oft imitated (but never as well duplicated) in recent years by starlets trying to re-vamp their images (see Nicole Richie and Jessica Simpson). Her wardrobe is a palette of muted, dusky earth tones- mostly ochre, navy, gray and pale rose colors.








No one wears a hat like she does, with those sky-high cheekbones and gorgeous pouty lips. She dons her signature beret in Bonnie and Clyde, and in Chinatown, she wears everything from seductive veils to rakish fedoras.








A similar palette and feeling can surely be found in Marc Jacobs Fall 'o7 RTW collection.


Image courtesy Style.com


The look can also be duplicated with easily found thrift store basics like pencil or pleated skirts and 70's secretary blouses with tie necks and puff sleeves and light sweater vests.

Add a heeled oxford or specatator pump, red lips and sleek, shiny hair to complete the look!