I should be packing/doing last minute homework assignments, but instead I find myself oggling cute, vaguely nautical shorts.
I completely adore the Soundgirl denim shorts from Fred Flare. To be honest, if a little man showed up and offered them to me in exchange for my first born, I might take him up on his offer.
Little man, come out, come out, wherever you are!
I got such a positive response on my Wizard of Oz photoshoot posts that I decided to do one on Alice in Wonderland, as requested by a few readers. Here you go!
Sources: picture 1, picture 2, picture 3, picture 4, picture 5
Click on the sources for bigger pictures, lovelies!
Well, I'm off to prepare for my afternoon classes and pack for NYC!
Some Wizard of Oz-inspired photoshoots to get you over the hump of the week:
Sources: foto decadent, pink emmie bat, fesign, Brettastic, foto decadent
The pictures are pretty small, so click on the sources for bigger versions.
The Wizard of Oz has long been one of my favorite books/plays/movies, and I adore the fact that there are so many lovely Dorothy photoshoots out there. This one with Keira Knightley is one of my favorites.
Thanks to Alice Pleasance for making my day by giving me this blog award!
The rules:
"Give the award to 10 people whose blogs bring you happiness and inspiration and make you feel happy about blogland. Let them know by posting a comment on their blog so they can pass it on. Beware you may get the award several times."
Okay, then. How about I give this award to 5 people, not 10. I'm feeling a bit lazy.
You make my day:
♥ Style Bubble - This was probably the first fashion blog I ever read, and I still love it. Susie, I'm so excited to meet you on Friday!
♥ Daddy Likey - Always hilarious, constantly stylish (except when wearing an Ugg and legging combo...kidding, Winona), Daddy Likey is one of my absolute favorites!
♥ Kingdom of Style - Queens Marie and Michelle are the most creative, stylish queens in the kingdom. I bow to them.
♥ Strawberry Milkshakes - This blog is a bit of a newer find, but I always enjoy it. Stephanie has a great fearless sense of style.
♥ iCiNG never fails to make my day. Gala is my hero. End of story.
Pass it on, people. Make someone's day.
I've been working on what to wear to the fashion show on Friday. Despite what you may think, I don't have much in the way of clothes. And I don't have much time to shop. And I have decided my feet must be comfortable. So here's what I pulled together with what I had at hand:
Look 1:
I played with volumes in this outfit. I wanted to go for classic with an edge, adding a bit of a romantic twist. I quite like what I came up with, but my family's not so sure about it.
Look 2:
Again, I was going for classic with an edge. This outfit is a lot easier to wear than the first one, and I do like the volume of the sleeves with the slim skirt.
I don't know what I'll end up wearing, but I'm planning on painting my lips a bright red.
Which outfit did you like better? Do you think I should wear something else? I'd love to hear your opinions!
If you're wondering why I haven't been doing much in the way of "how to" posts lately, you should know that I've been writing in the fashion section for gotacrush.com. Check it out if you get a chance! (The articles written by me are the ones that say "by Kori Perten" next to the title...the rest are written by other people.)
Vicky, the lovely lady who gave me that writing opportunity, has written a guest post for my blog on the topic of dressing for a first date. Here it is:
Dressing for a date can one of the most stressful scenarios facing girls. There are so many questions to answer, such as should I bring a designer handbag? Should I wear conservative or revealing clothes? Skirt or pants?
How you dress is going to be critically important for making sure you give off the right impression. You don't want to send him the wrong signals about you by how you dress, or he may just think you are looking for something else other than boyfriend/girlfriend status. Here is what you need to know.
How Much To Reveal: This is often a question asked by many women because they know men like to see a little skin, but how much is too much? The answer is that you want to show enough to get his mind thinking about what is underneath. Getting him thinking and showing are two very different things, however, and something that many women seem to mix up. A great choice is to get a really white button-up shirt by Ralph Lauren and do it up only so much that it hints at some cleavage. That, paired together with the white material, will have him dying to catch a glimpse at what you're hiding underneath.
Next comes footwear. While you may not feel all that comfortable in high heels, if the occasion calls for it, definitely wear them. Men love high heels on a woman, plus it adds extra shape to your legs. You do have to watch of course that it would be applicable with the event because otherwise, it will come of as out of place. Check out some Steve Madden heels because often these can be either dressed up or dressed down so you will really get the best of both worlds.
What About Pants - Or Is a Skirt Better? When in doubt, go with a skirt. Again, it's all about the imagination and men, first, love seeing your legs, and second, know that it's easier to get under that skirt (not that you'd let him if you didn't want to!). It's still the fascination you are going for to create that interest, and a skirt will definitely do it. If you're feeling brave, go with the 'Follow Me Skirt' by Guess. It's a great length with pleats down the front and would look ultra-sexy with your white shirt. If you'd rather stay more conservative, don't feel bad sticking with a longer skirt because that, when dressed up with sexy heels can definitely be just as appealing.
Lastly, you come to the coat. If it's cooler outside, then a tightly fitting pea coat would be a great way to finish off this outfit. If it's warmer weather, then a simple shall or even button up sweater would do the trick nicely. A great place to look for coats is Victoria's Secret, as they carry many varieties. The Double-breasted Pea coat in solid colour is particularly nice and will definitely give you a classy feel. While you're at Victoria's Secret, check out their lingerie section as well because it's a standard rule that even if he isn't going to see what you're wearing underneath your clothes on that particular date, simply by knowing yourself what you've got under there will make you feel more confident, and that is what will really attract him in the first place.
So, next time you're getting ready for a date, be sure you keep all of these factors in mind so you can give off a great impression that will get him asking for that next date.
About Guest Blogger: Vicky is a fashion, beauty, dating, and women lifestyle expert. She currently spends her time writing, blogging, and pondering
Well, it's settled. The parental devices have spoken, and I'm going to Victorya Hong's fashion show in NYC on Friday!
I'm SO excited. You have no idea.
Sudden panic, though. What does one wear to a fashion show?
Also, any tips would be much appreciated. I know I'm over-thinking this, but I have no idea what the etiquette is at these things. Like, where do I sit? Am I allowed to take pictures? Is it a bad idea to pass out my business cards?
Oh dear. I'm suddenly quite nervous. I wonder if I'll be the youngest person at this thing.
Is there really a better way to relax at the end of a long week than to experiment with clothing? I think not. That's why I took out my chic-yet-not-all-that-special blue dress and played with the styling this afternoon. At first I paired it with little jackets, colored tights, and that kind of thing, but I was unsatisfied. I wanted to give it the "oomph" it was clearly lacking. So I knotted the two sides of the skirt in front, tied the sleeves with ribbons, and ended up with a dress style I'd like to dub "Grecian sexy." I'm not so sure I'd feel comfortable wearing it out like this, but I see a lot of potential with layering tights or leggings underneath. I'd also like to try pairing it with a blazer and top to get something similar to this Chanel couture look:
Although I'd probably pair the look with my beat-up motorcycle boots. Something about the Chanel flats seems awkward, don't you agree?
Then again, who am I to question Mr. Lagerfeld?
I know a lot of bloggers act all cool and coy about special invitations. And honestly, I was going to try not to mention this for a while, but let's face it, I can't keep a secret.
Sooo, the news is: I've been invited to attend a fashion show by some mystery Project Runway designer in NYC next weekend! Eee! I know it may not sound like such a big deal for all you seasoned fashion veterans, but I'm an 18-year-old high school senior who never expected to be invited to a runway show ever, so I'm pretty excited. Plus, I love Project Runway.
Can I go? It's unlikely, but not impossible. I'm in begging mode.
And if you know me, you know I already have my outfit picked out. It's never too soon.
Maybe I'll see some of you there?
Thanks to those of you who asked how my midterm went! It was a hard test, but I think I did okay. And now that it's over with, I get to spend my time doing more interesting things, like poring over old pictures from Vogue!
The paintings and drawings that filled the past issues have always amazed me with their stunning beauty, but today I'm drawn to vintage Vogue photographs. Check it out:
Gossip Girl, eat your heart out! 1950s fashionistas pulled off the schoolgirl look in a classy, sassy way.
Coco Chanel makes that tangle of gold medallions look so elegant.
I love Goldie Hawn's dress almost as much as I love her pose.
Oooh, Sophia Loren! Smoking kills, children...
I adore this picture of Penelope Tree. I just do. I would wear her outfit out, no questions asked.
If you want to ogle some more vintage photographs, or perhaps feast your eyes on beautiful fashion artwork, head to the Conde Nast store. Also available are pictures and covers from magazines like Vanity Fair, Mademoiselle, House and Garden, and GQ. Enjoy!
As pictures from the couture shows pour in, I've been happily spending my free time oohing and aahing over all the glorious details. I liked Chanel, with its flirty skirts, and Dior, with its rich fabrics and bright colors. However, Christian Lacroix's couture collection just blew me away.
The common thread between the pieces? They are all gorgeous, the stuff of dreams. I would want them, except that they seem to belong in a museum or treasure chest more than in real life.
Find more pictures (and my source) here.
I'm sitting here, attempting to study for the Medieval Literature midterm that I'm woefully unprepared for, but my brain would much rather talk about fashion.
Sometimes this obsession is a wee bit inconvenient.
If I massacre Dante, Milton, and Boccaccio on Tuesday, I blame Vogue.
Anyway, I thought I'd update you on what I noticed on a Target trip yesterday:
♥ Loeffler Randall for Target = not so great. The bags are super-shiny in a cheap way; the rosette flats (the only L.R. shoes I saw in the store) are in bright, tacky-looking metallics.
♥ N.Y.C. nail polish in tight blue denim is mighty similar to that dark blue Chanel polish that's been big lately. Only it's less than $2.00.
♥ Other people seem to like Boots moisturizer as much as I do; it was clean sold out.
♥ Ditto the Erin Fetherston clearance.
That's pretty much it. Not so exciting, but at least my nails are a deep, glossy blue. If I fail my midterm, I can take comfort in that.
Dear pretty poncho,
Will you be my valentine? Your metallic purple color and fun scrunchy shape make you so much cooler than my plain black peacoat.
I know your price tag of $60 is actually quite reasonable, but I can't really justify buying you right now. Please apparate into my closet ASAP!
Love,
Kori
When I recently read that chokers were coming back in, I was kind of upset. There are lots of beautiful chokers, and I used to love them as a kid, but I can't help but feel like they sort of chop up your neck and make it look shorter, you know? Also, they are a bit too tight for comfort.
I really don't like chokers.
However, this picture from the most recent Free People catalogue has almost changed my mind:
The shirt feels a little too hippie, but the combination of the choker and longer necklace is quite beautiful.
Okay, so I'm still not the hugest fan of chokers. But if someone gave me both these necklaces (hint, hint), I would wear them. There's no doubt about that.
(Now that I think of it, is this necklace too long to be considered a choker? I'm not sure. I hope not, because that would ruin the whole point of this post.)
Jelly Pong Pong has been on my radar for a long time. As beauty lines go, it has such a great whimsical quality. I'm not very into beauty products, so unless I'm buying something boring yet necessary (like concealer), a product has to be really special for me to bother springing for it.
Enter Jelly Pong Pong.
With products ranging from popsicle-shaped soaps to shoe-printed lip and eye kits to eyeshadow in the form of pearls, this is no ordinary beauty line.
A while ago, I bought Venus Magical Pearls from the Fabled Dreams and Beautiful Things collection. To get one color of eye shadow, you sweep your finger accross the surface of a pearl. To get another color, you crush the pearl and use the powder inside. It's an innovative, fantastical (is that a word?) makeup, and I feel special every time I use it. The box it comes in is beautiful too, and it's enscribed with a poem:
She rises from the sea, foams of bubbles at her feet
And floats towards the sands ; And breathes a breath so sweet,
Her dress of pure incandescence, glows of blue and pearl
She lays siege to my heart, here this woman-girl
She is radiant, fearless, luminous
I am silent with awe, I am breathless
For she is Venus in all her glory
A beautiful goddess, a goddess immortal
My magnificent deity
Pretty, huh? After my experience with the pearls, I've been dying to try some more Jelly Pong Pong products!
By the way, if you plan to purchase some for yourself, don't order them through the Jelly Pong Pong website unless you live in Asia. I accidentally ordered from them once, only to recieve an email from one of their employees warning me of the astronomical shipping costs from Malaysia. Try ASOS instead.
The 15 Dollar Store seemed like a good find at first. I was ecstatic, naturally, at the concept of a store selling clothing and accessories marked down to $15 a pop. However, when I took a close look at all the stock, I was disappointed. Nothing was very stylish. I didn't want any of it.
However, I was bored today and decided to give the store a second chance. I scrolled through the new additions, and happily found some nice stuff! Yes, I might be making some $15-dollar additions to my wardrobe in the near future! Check out what I found:
The cardigan, black tunic-y thing, and belt are especially calling to me. They stare at me with the big round eyes of a lost puppy, saying, "take me home with you!"
Or something like that. You know.
Aren't these Jessica Kagan Cushman bangles great? They come in ivory, black, clear, and colored, and they're covered with quirky phrases. My favorite says, "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn." Let's just face it - literary quotes are the coolest.
Unfortunately, the bracelets are a bit out of my price range.
These, however, are not:
I miss the really fun aspect of the Jessica Cushman bangles, but these are quite nice and - dare I say - elegant.
Is it just me, or does reading seem to be "in" these days? I keep seeing photo shoot after photo shoot featuring whimsically-dressed girls and their well-loved books.
I don't know if this qualifies as a trend, but I'm loving it. I wish the fashion mags could have seen me yesterday as I lugged ten books to the check-out counter at the library. I was whimsically dressed, and apparently in vogue.
I've already read three of those books. I am so stylish. (wink, wink)
Do you read me?, found via Photo Decadent
Kate Spade ad
Anthropologie catalogue 
A Lovely Bookworm, Vogue Girl
Nitrolicious just posted this scan of the first peek at the Jovovich-Hawk line for Target! Aren't those shorts the cutest?! Excitement!
You know you're different from the other kids when you spend a whole class beaming excitedly over a photograph of Charles Lindbergh's outfit as the rest of the class snores through the '30s.
Enter a new obsession - the clothing of '30s airplane pilots.
Amelia Earhart- I'm liking the fur collar
Oh, how gloriously chic!
Badge (Click to join!) --> 
I'm really digging these flats, soon to be available from Ugg Australia. I am not an Ugg fan at all, but these are really sweet. A little bit girly, a little bit nerdy, and lined with cozy shearling - how could I not like them? I hope they're not too expensive; I want a pair!
What do you think? Would you wear them?
I like Forever 21, I really do. I have ordered from the store multiple times, and when I recently found out there was a store nearby, I was thrilled. But having said that, the new "Find My Look" section on the Forever 21 website is truly heinous. It features one Godawful outfit after the next, until my eyes can't take it anymore. A lot of the pieces would be nice if styled differently, but together, they are just plain ick. See for yourself:
See? It burns!
I try to avoid negative posts, but I'm kind of hoping the Forever 21 team will read this and hire a new stylist. Trust me, I do this for all of our sakes.
Here are some more pictures from The Cashmere Mafia. I am crazily coveting the clothes. Yum.
Aaah, shoes. I will be forever obsessed with you.
These shoes make me think of Marie Antoinette:
Aren't they glorious? But even on sale, they are still $511, so they will have to remain a distant dream.
And now- to buy, or not to buy, that is the question:
On sale for $19.99, these babies are a deal. Real leather, and very lovely. The only issue is the heel - 3.5" and wooden. I am terrible at walking (or shall we say tottering) on heels. I've been meaning to practice my heel-walking skills, but are 3.5" heels really the best choice? And aren't wooden heels even harder to walk on then non-wooden heels? Help me out here, lovelies.
I have decided to give you all the links at the end, so here they are, from top to bottom:
♥ Marie Anoinette Shoes: Forever 21 glitter pumps, Sugar pointed toe flat, BKE Sole Napoleon shoe
♥ Dries van Noten platform wedge (These are from Gimme Shoes, which makes me want to sing "Gimme, gimme shoes" to the tune of Britney Spears' "Gimme more.")
I managed to catch a preview of the first episode of Cashmere Mafia tonight and while it will never replace Sex and the City in my heart, well, let's just say it won't be difficult for me to become addicted. Not only is the plot quite enticing, but Patricia Field is still dead on and playfully daring with the styling. All of the women - Lucy Liu in particular - sported amazing clothes paired in interesting ways. Even if the plot was boring, which it isn't, I would be hooked by the styling. It's amazing what fashion can do for a show, no?
If you don't believe me, I beg you to check out the looks below, which were featured in tonight's show:
Lucy Liu wore the first one to the office, and I think she looked fantastic. Who but Patricia Field would think of pairing a beach-style wrap skirt with a crisp white shirt for a proffesional-yet-fun look? Genius! And the dress Lucy wears in the second picture - well, it's to die for. Seriously. Gorgeous.
Scene: It's a lazy Sunday morning, and my sister Melanie has carefully lined her eyes in black.
"Eyeliner?" I say, and because my family doesn't wear a lot of makeup, I add, "Are you going somewhere?"
She shrugs. "Maybe. Maybe not."
"Then why the eyeliner?" I prod.
She shrugs again. "Why not?" Then she grins, and says, "Because I can."
I smile back at her. "Good reason."
It's true - I really do think that is a good reason. In fact, I think I'll be so bold as to make another New Year's resolution. This year, I will doll myself up because I can. It doesn't matter if I have anywhere special to go, or anyone special to see. There doesn't need to be an occasion to look good. So thanks for the lesson, Mel.
Military-inspired fashion has been around for a while. I think just about everyone, whether a Quaker or a soldier, owns at least one military-inspired piece. I know I do. I was spending some time experimenting with outfits yesterday, as I'm apt to do when I have some free time, when I remembered an old Teen Vogue photoshoot (Sorry if I've been a bit heavy on Teen Vogue lately) featuring khaki mixed with ethnic prints. It suddenly occurred to me that ethnic prints might have a neutralizing effect on military-inspired pieces. You see, it can be hard to wear more than one military-inspired piece without looking like a) an explorer or b) a soldier. Would an ethnic print keep the outfit from transporting me into the midst of jungle warfare?
The answer, my dears, is yes. Or at least I think so. The soft, pretty weaving makes for a nice contrast with the hard army gear, don't you think? I might add tights and wear this out!
The My Funny Valentine editorial from the most recent Teen Vogue has got to be the cutest Valentine's Day editorial ever.
If I ever went to Wonderland, I'd wear this to the Mad Hatter's tea party.
Aren't these photos from Gibbous Fashions so gorgeous and inspirational? They make me want to pull on tattered lace and lug around a vintage suitcase.
