The Last Post

Hi friends,

I'm not sure if anyone still looks at this blog - it's been almost two years since I last updated, and the spam comments are out-of-control! (But seriously spammers, please stop! You are marring a blog that got me through high school!) I always meant to write some heartfelt, meaningful goodbye post about how much this blog and my readers meant to me, but it felt so permanent that I couldn't bring myself to do it. So this blog has been hanging here, open-ended and never updated. My apologies.

Here's the bad news, although I doubt it's a surprise to anyone: This blog has indeed run its course. No more updates. I've moved on to a new stage of my life (I'm a college graduate now, y'all!) and while I still want to be/am a writer, I want to write elsewhere. I'm still interested in fashion, but I also want to write about other things. I love self-publishing, but I want to be published by others, too. So on that note, I just wanted to let you know where on the web you can find me these days.

My main site right now is koriperten.wordpress.com. It has up-to-date contact info in case you want to get in touch (the email attached to the Fashion-y Blog is no longer in use), but more importantly it has links to articles and other things I have written (including my first book of poetry, which I recently completed!), old interviews about me from my fashion blogging days, and the new blog I just started, which covers any topics that interest me. The first post is up, and there are more to come. The website also hosts things like my resume, because - GET THE WORD OUT! - I'm looking for work. Writing/journalism/communications/social media. If you have any projects you want to collaborate on, please feel free to shoot me an email. I promise to be both professional and lots of fun!

Additionally, I'm still tumblr-ing at fashionyblog.tumblr.com. I post everything from fashion photography to poetry to recipes I'm experimenting with. I'd love to be your tumblr friend!

I'm sending all the kisses, hugs, and ice cream in the land to anyone who still keeps an eye on this space. That's unexpected dedication. I miss you guys! Please come say hi on my new internet haunts! I'd love to hear from you.

Love,
Kori

Another Year, Another Purchase

Hey y'all!

I'm 22 today, which feels startlingly old to me! 21 felt like a natural progression of age, but 22 feels like a huge jump! I'm really in my 20s now. And not long from now I'll be done with college and start working in the Real World, and then I'll maybe meet someone and maybe get married and maybe have kids and then never retire because I'll have wasted all my money sending the maybe kids to college, and then I'll grow older and DIE. 22, guys. It all starts now.

Aaaanyway, I ordered myself a gift last week while in a finals-induced haze, but it arrived just in time for my birthday! Which means I get to include it in my annual birthday post. Exciting!

I got the spike necklace and these earrings from the Alex & Chloe for Forever 21 collection. Here are some awkward photo booth pictures of them!

These are the earrings. They are absurdly heavy and I'm not sure I'll ever wear them, but I'm pretty happy with them in terms of appearance and quality.

I'm not sure why the rhinestones in the necklace were picking up pink light here. They are not pink.

You're never too old to take pictures where you look about 5 years old. NEVER.

The verdict: Having birthdays comes highly recommended. So does Alex & Chloe for Forever 21.

Holiday Gift Guide: Luxe Pseudo-Goth

Hello, hello.

The title of this post is a bit misleading, in that I'm not sure this is the type of gift guide one normally considers a gift guide. You see, this isn't a guide to shopping for your mother or your English teacher or even your best friend. It is, however, a guide to shopping for me. (And, you know, yourself.) As far as I can tell, we all deserve to buy ourselves presents! It's been a difficult fall for everyone I know, and as winter approaches, we should reward ourselves for being awesome and hardworking all season long. Plus, it's really hard to buy holiday gifts for other people without buying something for yourself as well. It's a scientific fact.

But this gift guide isn't just special in its selfishness; it's special because it has a theme. Are you impressed yet? I keep finding myself drawn to accessories I have graaandly dubbed "luxe pseudo-goth." These are items that are dark and rich, meant to be worn with messy hair and some serious attitude. They are a play between soft and hard, opulent and minimalist. I like them - you should too!

1. Alex & Chloe for Forever 21 Spiked Pendant Necklace: The hardness of the black spike and chain are offset by sparkling rhinestones! I ordered this for myself last night when I was trying to shop for my sister, shh!

2. Alex & Chloe for Forever 21 Pearlescent Chandeliers: Pearls and spikes - what could be better? I may have ordered this for myself too, double-shh!

3. OPI Nail Polish in Lucerne-tainly Look Marvelous: On its own, this nail polish is far from Gothic, but ages ago I saw an editorial pairing dark silver nails with black, ripped-up clothing and I haven't been able to forget about it!

4. Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey: I've been wanting to try this cult favorite for a long time. Sleek and dark in the tube, light and universally flattering on the lips. Or so I've been told.

5. Vans Authentic Lo Pro Sneaker in Astral Aura: It's been a month or two since I started obsessing over these. I imagine them worn with black - black party dress, black skinny jeans...

6. ASOS Chain Detail Lace Cuff: The lace makes them feminine, the chains give them a slight edge, and the lack of finger or thumb holes keep them out of Madonna territory.

7. Coilhouse Magazine: Alt culture inspiration is a must for the pseudo-goth, and I can't think of anywhere better to find it than a self-described "love letter to alternative culture." Plus, it doesn't hurt that I've pictured every item on this gift/wish-list being worn by co-founding editor Zoetica Ebb at least once. (I mean, c'mon - those shoes are the exact same color as her trademark hair!) At the very least, tuck it under your arm for added street cred.

...And there you have it! Seven good reasons why there is no longer any good excuse for buying me presents I don't like. Mwahahaha. (I jest, but only a little.)

Harajuku Mini

YOU GUYS, since when has Gwen Stefani been designing children's clothing for Target? And why didn't I know about this? Isn't it basically the cutest thing in the world?!!!

I spent some time tonight thinking about trying to squeeze myself into that little fuzzy hoodie (it looks really cozy, okay?) and finally realized that I need to let this one go. I spent some time sobbing in bed, but I decided to pour my feelings into writing a poem about this terrible night:

O grim-look'd night! O night with hue so black!

O night, which ever art when day is not!

O night, O night! alack, alack, alack!

Okay, fine. That's by Shakespeare. But I feel like he really gets me, you know?

What I'd really like is a piece from Gwen's L.A.M.B. line, but that's about as likely as fitting into the Harajuku Mini fuzzy hoodie. Sigh.

Boston Fashion Week 2011

And finally, here it is...the Boston Fashion Week 2011 post!

Sadly, my homework interfered a lot with my ability to attend shows and events. I had to decline several invitations in favor of Chaucer and astronomy, so I ultimately only made it to a single show, Daniel Faucher Couture. But what a show it was! Boston Fashion Week was quite a scene this year.

But first thing's first: What did I wear?



A Bebop dress (you can't see here, but the back has a funky exposed zipper), H&M faux leather jacket (which I mostly carried around because it was a warmer night than I had anticipated), The Sak bag, and THE Rockport boots.

Let's take a closer look at those, shall we?


Yum, right?! This was my first time wearing them for a significant period of time, and while they looked beautiful, I have to be honest with you: they hurt. Not at first. Many Rockport shoes, including these ones, use Adidas technology to make their shoes more comfortable. And man, do you notice the difference. I can hardly walk in anything higher than two inches, so the fact that I don't feel wobbly in these tall platform boots is a damn miracle. I was fine on the way to the show, fine during the show, and fine after, but when I decided to take a 10-minute walk down Boylston Street, my toes began to feel like they were permanently damaged from supporting all my weight. I have a feeling this is normal for high heels (I wouldn't know!) but I had hoped the Adidas technology would help avoid this. I ended up swapping them for a pair of beat-up black flats so as to avoid the possibility of gangrene on the way home. (I am NOT being melodramatic! Okay, so maybe I am.)

The bottom line on the boots is this, though: They are gorgeous enough that when I caught a lot of people staring at me on the street I knew it was due to the boots, they are easier to walk in than any other shoes of that height I have ever tried on, and I really love them. Thank you, Rockport.

My friend Rebecca accompanied me to the show, and she seemed to have no such problems with her (really cute) shoes. But then, she's an expert in the field of heel-wearing. She looked utterly stylish in jeans, strappy sandals, beautiful heavy earrings (they pulled her earlobes but she informed me one must suffer for fashion!), a lace shirt, and a tank top she cleverly wore backwards over it.


We arrived at the Mandarin Oriental a half hour early and made our way through the lobby, up the stairs, and (after signing in), into the pre-show lounge. Now that was something: pretty little accessory displays, mixed drinks, tuxedo-clad waiters passing cupcakes on silver trays, and a crowd full of Bostonians dressed to the nines. We got on line to enter the fashion week tent located in the nearby courtyard, snapping photos like crazy people.

Everyone filtered into the tent, the photographers set up in the press pit, and the fashion elite made their way to the front row. Rebecca and I contentedly found a pair of seats at the back and waited for the show to start. The murmur of excited whispers continued even as the models pranced down the runway, and the audience audibly gasped over some of the more dramatic looks.


My verdict? Daniel Faucher makes beautiful dresses. Not all of them were my taste, but all had elegant silhouettes and really lovely movement. I favored some of the more unique pieces over the sparkles, poofy lace, and wedding dresses, but I could appreciate all.

Here are some of my favorites:



By the end of the show, the models were twirling about the runway in head-to-toe white...


...and I was ready to get to bed. After, of course, settling down with a cup of tea and a pile of homework. Ah, the life of a student is glamorous!

Did you make it to any Boston Fashion Week events?

MY Dress

This McQueen dress has been part of my header for so long (years!) that whenever I spy it in a photograph, I immediately think, "Oh, that's MY dress!" It really does feel like mine, at this point. I actually have the photo in my header torn out from Vogue and hanging over my bed at home. It's just so pretty. I think it would be so special to own.

And honestly, I can't think of a better way to rock the dress than with spiky purple hair and a dog I initially mistook for a pig. You go grrl!

Boston Fashion Week update soon.

Boston Fashion Week!

Hello, hello!

Here's a quick reminder to any Boston-area fashion enthusiasts: get thee to Boston Fashion Week! The event gets better and better every year, which is something I know even though I haven't attended as many events as I'd like.

Last year I attended the Sip 'n Swap, and it comes highly recommended. Fellow Jews may be saddened by the fact that it occurs during Rosh Hashona (SO sorrowful!), specifically during the period of time we will be stuffing our faces with swirled raisin challah, kugel, and if we're lucky, brisket. But non-Jews or non-observant Jews, go forth to yon great event and rejoice! Here's a reminder of last year's spoils:

Mm mm mm! That skirt, no? I can't get past it. If you make it out there, tell Amy I say hi. She is fab. (P.S. I might skip Rosh Hashona dinner and go. It is that good.)

Other events that you'll attend if you know what's good for you:

• As many runway shows as you can weasel your way into (DUDES, New York isn't the only fashion week with tents!), especially The Launch because it looks rad and you should always support emerging designers
• Emerging Trends. Pricier than I can afford on a college student's budget, but if you're willing to shell out $50+ I hear it is the event to be at. We're talking international, emerging designers in New England's biggest fashion show. You sold yet? (If not, just check out the pretty website)
• Look at You Boston (starting today), which is an exhibit of street style images by Martini Severin of Beyond Boston Chic. I met her once at an event hosted by Rockport Shoes, and she was super nice, to the point of yanking a particularly stubborn boot off my foot when I was in a pickle and too shy to ask for help. Also, she takes amazing photographs and has quite the eye for style. (Also, Rockport gifted me the most beautiful pair of boots approximately one year ago, and I have yet to share them with you! For shame, Kori! I promise to wear them during fashion week and give you a peek - they are glorious!)
• Surrur, which is a DIY workshop hosted by Marimekko! I love Marimekko, and I love DIY. I am so down. I couldn't find a specific link for you guys, but you can locate the workshop on the BFW schedule for 9/23

Oh forget it. You should just attend everything. And say hi if you see me! (I'll be wearing beautiful boots!)

TBFE

You guys. You GUYS! So here's the deal: I know I barely ever write here anymore. And I'm sorry; that's kind of crappy of me. But I'm about to make it up to you by sharing what may henceforth be known as The Best Find Ever. Laugh all you want, but it will change your life.

(Yes, I am still as melodramatic as ever. Learn to love it!)

Anyway, if you've been following me over on Tumblr, you may have noticed that I have consistently been posting ethnic-inspired accessories. Specifically, ethnic-inspired bags. Here are a few examples:

Well, I kind of thought it was impossible to find bags like these without a) traveling to a foreign country, b) spending a lot of money, or c) buying something from Forever 21 that's vaguely sequin-y and pom-pom-y and looks like it's glue-gunned together. However, my assumptions were shaken to their very cores when I stumbled upon a new (to me) online store called Asian iCandy. I've seen a lot of sites that remind me of Asian iCandy, so I wasn't immediately excited. But then...then I browsed their accessories section, and I hit a jackpot. The site carries a line called Miya, which is exactly what I've been looking for. Reasonably priced, unique, and gorgeous, the line includes bags like the ones below:

Pretty, right?! The last two are my favorites.

A quick Google search uncovered the Miya website, where many more styles are available. The bags, claims Miya, feature design inspiration "from the traditional Miao culture, which is one of the minority nationalities in China." Well, that's pretty cool - I'm sold!

I truly share these handbags with you out of the kindness of my heart, since I can't really let myself indulge in them. A thorough cleaning of my room has revealed that I have way too many bags. Seriously, I just had to give away a bunch of bags that I love solely because I have nowhere to put them. It's a sickness, and thus I have created a new rule for myself: I can't buy a new handbag unless I give one of my collection away. Perhaps the next time I get rid of a handbag it will be gifted to one of my readers. I've never done a giveaway before, and anyone who still reads this blog deserves a freaking medal for sticking with my worse-than-sporadic posting. I promise every bag in my collection is in good condition and totally worthy of someone who can show it some love! Any interest?

And speaking of love, I love you. Stay fly, grasshoppers.

The handbags pictured are available at Miyafeelings.com or Asianicandystore.com, except for the top three bags, which I have no idea how to purchase. However, the images are from here, here, and here, respectively.

Seeing Spots

Leopard print is a funny thing. It can look quirky and cute, but more often than not it comes off incredibly tacky. For this reason, I consider it one of the most difficult prints to wear. However, I also think it can be the most rewarding. Leopard print is pleasing in its tackiness. Go overboard, and you look like a hooker. Wear it well and you look like someone who knows how to have a good time - and I do not mean in the hooker way. The key, I think, is to keep it quirky. The easiest way to wear leopard print is in small doses. A leopard print collar poking out from under a modest top (upper left). A leopard print scarf or belt (lower right.) A spotted hat atop loose locks. Wear leopard print subtly or loudly, but wear it alone. Or wear a bigger piece, like a jacket, only with modest dark clothing. A black dress and tights with a leopard print coat. A printed skirt, black tights, and a black top. Or even a loose leopard print dress and dark hat (upper right.)These seem to be the easiest way to get away with it.

Then again, these are just musings. If you want to look "tacky," then by all means go ahead. Ain't nothing wrong with that. Leopard print, as I said, is tacky by nature, and I wouldn't want it any other way.

Gosh, I'm tired. Did this article even make sense?

Photo credit here.

UPDATE: Looking back on this entry and cringing. I was half awake when I wrote it, and it is below my usual standards, especially since I try to avoid writing anything negative here or giving specific instructions as to how to wear something. Ouch. Bad Kori. I considered deleting it, but instead I think I will leave you with a blast from the past: me in 2007 wearing leopard print, turquoise zebra print, pink suede, and a quilted '80s bag. Proof that tacky is fun, and that I'm in no way condoning the wearing of leopard print. Still own that skirt, still love it.

(Skirt from Wardrobe Swap Shop on Flickr, UO top, old scarf from my mom, Luella for Target jacket)

The Solar System in a Shirt

Hi, Grasshoppers - Long time no see!

Since we last spoke, I turned 21 (a few weeks ago), bought a really cute pair of ankle boots (my old ones tragically started disintegrating on the inside - yuck!), had a horrible case of the stomach flu, and finished up a semester of school. I hope you've all been well!

I've been super busy, but I thought I'd pop by and say hello. I also thought I'd show you the shirt I just ordered on Amazon. $13.65 (youth XL = cheaper than adult small any day) and positively galactic! Rawr! It's also by the company who does the three wolf shirts, which I find amusing.

I'm on winter break right now, and I'm hoping to get in a real post (read: one that takes a bit more effort than this one) before I get back to school. I know I've been neglecting this blog, but rest assured it's only because I am hard at work on other things and very, very happy.

Again, as usual, I am much more active on tumblr. Come say hi!

Exclusively In

Sites like Exclusively.In are the ones that make me want to marry rich. It may be an members-only deals site with what seems to be the exactly design of Gilt Group, but it's definitely on the pricey side. Not that I resent this at all; the intricate imported clothing, jewelry, and accessories look like they should be expensive. How else could this kind of workmanship exist? I say this having no idea what the workmanship actually is, given that I cannot afford to check this out for you, but it seems like it would be excellent, doesn't it? Everything's so gorgeous!

No, I don't resent the prices of Exclusively.In at all. Not when a scroll through the site makes me coo over everything, sit back happily, and consider an excursion to New Delhi or the textiles section at the MFA. I'm guessing a trip to the MFA is more likely in my immediate future, but you never know. A girl can dream...

Cute Magazine Alert!

I'm always keeping an eye out for new online magazines. Dujour isn't strictly an online magazine (it's available in print too, which is great because you know how I feel about print!), and it isn't new, but it does look adorable. Read the latest issue online, subscribe to the print edition here, or read the incredibly cute blog here.

Young Love

I decided long ago that when I grew up and made my millions (as an English/Creative Writing major, laugh all you want), I would buy a single expensive handbag. I would use that handbag forever, thus justifying it's ludicrous price tag. In a previous life, this handbag would be a Balenciaga City motorcycle bag, which I fell in love with after realizing that the cheap bag I carried til it fell apart was a knockoff of the $1,445 original. (On a side note, will you look at what I'm wearing in the post I linked to from "cheap bag"? Things have changed so much - including my style - and yet I'm still wearing those same over-the-knee socks.) Anyway, the realization that my beloved, yet sadly shredded/disintegrated bag, was available in long-lasting buttery leather was enough for me. My desire for the Balenciaga bag was born.

This love, as I mentioned was in a previous life. I have transferred my affections to something a little more special, something not cradled on the arms of countless Hollywood celebrities.

My new dream bag is $567 - still something to buy after I make my fortune - and made of supple (I imagine) black leather. The hardware is gold. There are buckles, zippers, and several pockets. There is an option to wear it over the shoulder or across the body. My new dream bag is...

....drumroll....

The Eva/Harris bag by CC Skye. And it is glorious.

Ain't she jes' a bewt?

Ah, to be young and in love!

Swapping It Up

The clothing swap/Boston blogger mixer on Thursday was positively epic. I started the night a bit bedraggled due to the intense wind that determinedly buffeted my hair around and blew up my dress as I trudged around Porter Square.



I wore a dress from Nordstrom, my trusty Steve Madden combat boots, and Target socks. My studded bag is Nine West.

My friend Elizabeth braved the wind with me as well, but somehow she managed to look fresh and neat by the time we got to the swap location. Unfair!



The blogger mixer was fun, but the real excitement was the swap! We spent a few hours gazing over the balcony at the calm before the storm.



...and then the swap started. It was an absolute madhouse. The rows and rows of racks were devoid of clothes within minutes. Every time I blinked, I swear some item I was eying disappeared. It was all gone so fast!

So what did I score? Here are the highlights:


A long gray loosely woven sweater, layered lace top, and printed tunic.


Pink skirt by 120% Lino, Elie Tahari printed top, and H&M tunic.

My favorite item was the skirt. Just look at the gorgeous detailing!



In addition to swapping, there were a few vendors in attendance. I was gifted the raddest belt by Proxy Apparel. It's made of soda can tabs and is both 100% recycled and 100% fair trade. I was a huge fan of all the things Proxy had to sell, especially when I found out their mission is "to empower and employ women in a sweatshop-free sustainable world." So cool.



As the evening wound down, the bloggers gathered in a makeshift dressing area to put together outfits made of swap items. It was not easy! We then walked the runway to the cheers of watching swappers. It was an experience, to say the least. Lots of smiles.

Elizabeth's outfit consisted solely of swap items. It was very '70s.



My outfit was entirely swapped too. And yes, that is a jacketless hood on my head. No big.



Phew, what a night! We left tired but happy. Check out The Swapaholics on flickr to see more snaps from the night, including the chaos of the swap itself, the amazing looks put together by other bloggers, and a photo of me on the runway in which my face looks like a grandmother's.

Excitement

Hello, my darling grasshoppers.

Let's talk about what I'm excited about:

♥ Nicole Lee bags at Target. I know nothing about these, except for the fact that they are way more detailed than you'd ever expect at a store like Target.

♥ Boston Fashion Week. With my busy class schedule, I don't have time for many events, but I am hitting a clothing swap and blogger mixer Thursday evening. Cannot wait. I will, of course, bring my camera and share the madness with you! (unless it interferes too much with grabbing the best swap goodies, that is.) If any Bostonians are reading this blog and end up attending the swap, please come find me and say hi! I'll be the one with messy hair and scuffed combat boots.

♥ Finally hearing what some of my favorite bloggers actually sound like. I've always known that Susie Bubble would have a great British accent, but after watching this video I want to be her best friend. She seems like such a doll, no?! And Jane Aldridge seems so young and bubbly in her Style Like U video. Plus, look at her closet, will you not? Good lord.

♥ Spring 2011 Pucci and Cavalli. Both are absolutely glamorous and gorgeous and unique and iuhniugfoijfnew. Plus, there is a particular pair of lace-up over-the-knee boots from Pucci that I want to lick. Or wear. One or the other.

♥ The absurdity of The Pyramid Collection. I unexpectedly received their catalogue in the mail and opened it to find a collection of clothing, jewelry, Halloween costumes, and ... sex toys? Yeah. I'm super amused. Even though there are quite a few things from the shop I'd be happy to own. Like this ring, for example. Or this pretty little number. Or my future wedding dress. Not to get carried away or anything.

♥ Nullnetwork's cheap, unique jewelry. I saw their stuff, expected a hefty price tag, and gasped with joy when I realized they were more than reasonable. Score! I am eyeing the octopus ring.

Alright, time to read some Freud. Or go to bed. I need my beauty sleep for swap success tomorrow! Wish me luck!

In Which It is Too Early to Write Coherently

Dear Readers,

I am writing to you bright and early this morning because I was woken by a startling realization: my fashion sense is going down a scary route called Country Farmer. Okay, yes, the heat in my dorm coming on at 6:45 am with a horrendously loud clanking has something to do with my early wake-up. And okay, yes, my burnt fingers are throbbing a bit as I type this (Why must I always investigate possible heat through touch?), but the literal wake up call that my styling sensibilities lean toward the Old MacDonald end of things makes for a much more dramatic story. So let's go with that.

Anyway, if you're a longtime reader, you know me to a certain extent. I was already halfway there. I live in plaid flannel and jeans. My hair is perpetually messy. I have a soft spot for motorcycle and/or combat boots. But oh, it gets worse.

Those shoes I was lusting after the other day? It didn't take long to realize that I didn't really want winter wedges. Inconvenient for walking across campus, and - let's face it - I tend to wobble a bit on anything taller than about an inch. What I really wanted was another pair of lace-up boots. Brown ones. Ones that didn't come up as high as my combat boots. Ones that were a bit more rugged. Ones like these:

I ordered them last night. And I'm excited about them. Real live work boots made by a company best known for selling "hand-crafted, authentic cowboy boots since 1879." Oh, the shame! But you have to admit, the details on the front are pretty damn cute. Can't you just imagine them with black tights, thick socks, and plaid flannel?

See? Farmer, farmer, farmer!

Please don't shun me.

And It Happens Again

These shoes have caught my eye in a major way.

Aesthetically pleasing, comfortable-looking, versatile, and on sale for $44.99. At Kohl's, of all places. Am seriously contemplating adding them to my winter shoe collection (let's face it - boots are the best kind of shoe), but...

Can a poor college student (me) with three pairs of boots that merit regular rotation on her feet actually drop $50 from her dwindling bank account? Not until I get a job, I think. Which I am working on.

This is part of the reason my blogging isn't as regular as it used to be. I need the funds!

Also, let it be known that I lust over shoes on a regular basis. Only, these ones have me extra excited. Is it just me, or are they kind of perfect to pair with flannel on chilly days?

Backpack Love

Hi, lovelies!

(photo via)

Last weekend I'm pretty sure I found Fashion Heaven. Not High Fashion Heaven, mind you. Nothing neat or tidy. I'm talking gritty, fun, exotic fashion. Messy and bursting with color. Bohemian. Overflowing from little shops out onto the street. Kensington Market in Toronto, folks, is Fashion Heaven indeed. The feel of the neighborhood alone had me hooked, but the jumble of vintage and Indian pieces for sale had me salivating with greed. Attractive, no?

I could've spent hours and hours there, but sadly I had to make it to the airport. I did, however, score a fantastic (Guatemalan?) woven backpack from a little army surplus store. Today I managed to snap some photos for you. Look how pretty it is! Loooove!

Wearing: Love on a Hanger tank via Nordstrom Rack (best cut tank ever!). Gap chambray skirt. Steve Madden combat boots. Urban Outfitters print belt. Forever 21 chandelier earrings. Army surplus backpack.

Off to school in four days! Summer's finally coming to a close. I'm simultaneously packing, savoring my final days at home, and excitedly anticipating the new school year. It's seriously busy around here! The only reason I had time for this post is because I am an expert procrastinator. Truth.

Gone Cloggin': The Affordable Edition

Photo source

Thanks to Chanel and Miu Miu, the fashion crowd has been embracing the new clog trend whole-heartedly. Well, not entirely whole-heartedly. There are definitely those who can't seem to look past the hated clogs of yesteryear. I understand, but my main hesitation when it comes to putting those backless babies on my feet has been entirely different. Sure, clogs are clogs, but I like 'em. Have you seen Alexa Chung in them? Super cute! My problem is that they're always so darn expensive. And yes, in my opinion, $100 Jeffery Campbell shoes are expensive. So what to do? As an obsessive online fashion geek, it was a simple matter to troll the web for some cheaper options. And since I made the effort, now you don't have to! You're welcome. Check it out:

1. Payless, $24.99. I'm rather partial to this pair, actually, although I couldn't tell you if they look really cheap in person. I do like that they're a reasonable height, though, and you know I'm always down for anything with studs.

2. Target, $24.99. Studs again! And they're from Target, aka my faaaavorite store! Clogs, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways...

3. Baker's Shoes, $69.99. These ones look a lot more like the Chanel ones people have been raving about. Only they're about a million times cheaper. Go get 'em, Tiger.

Reasons Why Print Will/Should Not Go Away

I love magazines, and I love books. That's pretty much a given if you so much as glance at this blog. And while I find the online ones fun and different, and while I find readers like the Kindle to be a convenient idea, the concept of print being replaced is enough to bring me to tears. Take one look around my room, and print is the overwhelming theme. The walls are completely lined with photographs torn out from the likes of Nylon, Elle, and Vogue. I have shelves and shelves of books, with magazines and stray novels scattered across the floor. Lula has its own cherished little section in my closet where the thick, glossy pages are safe from the possibility of spilled food or accidental crumpling. In short, I am obsessed with print.

I know there are plenty of people like me out there, but will we be enough to save print? In my opinion, that's really not the issue. Print-obsessed or no, I am increasingly convinced that the existence of print actually has a lot of things going for it. So let's talk about a few of them.

1. To me, this is the most important point. There's just something nice about being able to hold a publication in my hands. I like flipping the pages, being able to scribble hasty notes in the margins, or even clipping things out. I like the feel of smooth magazine paper and the different - but equally intoxicating - smells of books both old and new. I even like that the best-loved books are always the most worn out. There's something just so comforting and tangible about print. Also, as one of the editors at Boston Magazine pointed out the other day, what happens to bedtime stories if print goes away? It's not like the parent can say, "Okay, honey, go ahead and turn the page." There are no pages. Maybe the kid can click or scroll, but does that really have the same effect? A lot of parents don't like their children to touch expensive electronics, so there goes the idea of the child getting to hold the book too. And it will be a sad day when my future son or daughter can't run to the bookshelf and grab their favorite book for me to read. No, I don't think print could possibly decline to that extent. At least in the near future.

2. Print lends itself to being read on the toilet. It's just a fact. I'm not gonna bring my expensive Kindle into the bathroom, but a $6 paperback? Why not! Is that too much information to put out on the internet? Do I even care?

3. Sharing works better with print. You can't really lend your friend the magazine on your iPad or let them borrow that new book on your Kindle. They can buy it, but they can't really borrow it. I love sharing. It's easy on the pocket and definitely a bonding experience. Are we really willing to give that up?

4. Print has variety. I don't want to read from the same device every time. And I suspect others feel the same way. We're a world of short attention spans these days, what with the internet stimulating our brains every second. The last thing we need is a little tedium.

5. Experience shows that print isn't going away any time soon. We all have mp3 players now, but CDs are still around. Less popular, yes. Pushed to the background, yes. But they are very much present. If you're feeling iffy about this, take a look at your car. Does it have a CD player? I thought so.

Of course, there are a lot of pros to the end of print as well. The fact that we wouldn't have to make paper aka kill the environment, for example. Only - and I don't pretend to have done any research into this kind of thing - check out this quote from entrepreneur Jay Walker's TED talk:

"And what does a lump of coal have to do with the Internet? You see, it takes the energy in one lump of coal to move one megabyte of information across the net. So every time you download a file, each megabyte is a lump of coal."

Did you ever think about that?

Just saying there are multiple sides to every argument. And that print is here to stay.

What do you think about the end of print? Coming quickly, coming slowly, or not coming at all? How do you feel about it? Can you think of any more reasons why print is or isn't becoming obsolete?