Erin Wasson is an inescapable force these days, everywhere I look there she is- designing collections for RVCA, opening up the doors of her Venice beach hideaway for Interview Magazine, selling half her closet at a “garage sale”- the list goes on and on. Now, I’ve stumbled across this awesome editorial in ELLE inspired by one of my favorite 90’s movies, Empire Records, and guess who styled the shoot? None other than Miss Wasson. I have to concede that I’d probably be into almost any editorial that evokes Empire Records, however, I think this spread is totally awesome. Starring up-and-coming young talent such as Freida Pinto and Krysten Ritter, the bright leggings, denim jackets, cropped tops and tie-dye manage to be at the same time totally 90’s and totally modern.

90’s movie marathon, here I come. Oh, looky here, a special fan edition DVD with both Singles and Empire Records. Practically perfect in every way.

Image Source: ELLE

I am definitely ready for the warm spring and summer months that are upon us, and all that comes with- such as BBQ’s, beach days, bikinis, sun hats, sandals and the smell of Banana Boat sunscreen. Yet, as happy as I am that sandals season has arrived, I am not quite ready to give up the skinny jeans and ankle boots look I am so fond of right now. In fact, just tonight I saw a girl at the sushi bar whose light tan leather ankle boots, faded black skinny jeans and oxford shirt outfit was perfect enough to distract me from the copius amounts of delicious yellowtail I was inhaling. Luckily, I think I have a solution for continuing this look through the summer months:

Marc Jacobs lace-up striped boots. I’m obsessed. Yes, they are a little too Victorian mixed with a little too preppy, but for some reason, it just works- at least in my humble opinion. I’m picturing them paired with faded skinnies and a lightweight oxford (still hung up on the aforementioned outfit) or an oversized, slouchy tee-shirt and ripped shorts. These shoes need to be worn with something casual and masculine, or they risk being too cutesy and preppy. I feel a splurge coming on…

Caftans and muumu’s get a bad rap, just saying either word conjures up visions of unkempt housewives puttering around the house- think Edna Turnblad before her Hefty Hideaway makeover- or Mrs. Roper from Three’s Company. Yet, I’m all for effortless, comfortable dressing, and think that the caftan may not deserve such immediate name association. There is something to be said, especially during the summer, for an outfit that is lightweight and breathes. There is nothing worse than tight, synthetic fabric on your skin when the sun is pounding down. Caftans can be thrown on at the beach, or dressed up with some costume jewelry and cute shoes. Take this chic woman, photographed in South Beach Miami by The Sartorialist:

I love this look! This woman manages to look put-together, comfortable and stylish all at the same time. The tie-dyed, ethnic vibe of the caftan is on-trend, but not overly trendy. A few simple accessories- gold sandals, a killer gold bib necklace and funky bracelet- take this from beach cover-up to a look that could be worn to a summer dinner party.

This green Kente Kaftan caftan has a great print and is a less expensive option to buying a “designer” caftan that is styled to look trendy and hip. The authentic print and shape give you a canvas to make the look your own by accessorizing.

Image Source: The Sartorialist

A clever commentary on the hype and hysteria bestowed upon luxury goods in our society, Francesco Vezzoli’s project Greed is a thought provoking and subversive dig at our world. The fake ad campaign for an imagined perfume includes a short film starring Natalie Portman and Michelle Williams and directed by Roman Polanski, posters featuring portraits and endorsements from leading ladies in history as well as a perfume bottle featuring the image of Vezzoli in drag. Vezzoli is known for creating trailers, premieres, and now advertisements for product’s that don’t actually exist: a pilot show for a reality dating show starring Catherine Deneuve and Marianne Faithful; a trailer for a remake of Caligula starring Helen Mirren and Courtney Love; and Democrazy, a campaign for two political candidates- Sharon Stone and Bernard- Henri Lev. While intrigued by Vezzoli’s fascination with media and our consumerist culture, I love this project simply because Portman and Williams- favorites of mine- are so great in it.

If you are intrigued by Vezzoli’s work you should check out The Needleworks of Francesco Vezzoli, a book featuring his obsessively embroidered portraits of celebrities that explores the construct of fame.

Source: Wallpaper.com

Spring is here and summer fast approaching. When it comes to my accessories, I have been feeling the urge to shake things up a little. Suddenly my watch feels too heavy and serious, and my brown leather gladiator sandals too boring and neutral. I need some bold, bright and playful items to throw into the mix and add a little life to my wardrobe. I’ve found myself lusting after two items that are the perfect, lighthearted accessories to add a fun twist to even the most basic tee-shirt and jeans outfit.

I love the aptly named line TOYWATCH, and their Crystal style, shown here, is one of their best-selling styles. The watch has a nautical feel to it, perfect for summer, with it’s clear acrylic band and navy face. The plastic band makes this watch less serious than it’s heavy metal cousins and just begs to be worn to summer BBQ’s and beach bonfires. Even if you are checking it to see how late you are running to work, it’s still fun to look at.

Jelly shoes are making a comeback, and while I am not quite ready to break out the wedge heel style that I rocked in Jr. High, there is something about this See by Chloe pair that I’m totally into. Maybe it’s the awesome bright yellow hue or the cute tied ankle strap, regardless, I can picture wearing them all summer long. With dresses, shorts, bathing suits… the list goes on and on. So yes, I guess I am ready for this jelly.

Hedi Slimane is known and adored for being the musically influenced former designer of Dior Homme who created the collection’s infamous androgynous, slim-fitting menswear silhouette. Perhaps he is less well known for his photography, but it is definitely worth checking out. Slimane’s photography first came to my attention when he shot Prada’s spring campaign- black and white shots of non-models Louis and Claude Simonon, the sons of Paul and Tricia Simonon, the bass player and manager of Punk band The Clash. It was after seeing this campaign that I learned that he has published several photography books, among them Stage, which is a collection of his rock concert photography. As I have a ravenous appetite for all things music, fashion and photography, this was great news. Even greater was when I discovered his online photo diary which- while it doesn’t quite satisfy my need for one of his books to be part of my coffee table book collection- is free to peruse at your leisure all day, everyday. And updated regularly. Just a few of the awesome shots:

Image Source: Hedi Slimane Diary

Mary-Kate Olsen has been wearing a peachy take on the smoky eye and I am totally into it. The color is a springtime twist on the perennial favorite, which is normally seen in shades of black, grey, brown and sometimes plum. The peach provides a nice twist, and is surprisingly versatile. In the below photos, the smokey peach eye works equally well with a pale face and red lips or a bronze face and pale lip. Not one to pile on the makeup, I like how this look is striking yet subtle. I always feel like a bit of a raccoon when I attempt a smoky eye in black tones.

This palette from Estee Lauder not only has a great peach color but also some pretty shimmery browns for contouring and using as a liner.

Image Source: Olsen-Files

I was, and still am, completely obsessed with Vena Cava’s resort 09 collection. One of my favorite pieces was the easy, breezy, and beautiful ethnic-print romper that Blake Lively wore, as an accessory to her awesome legs, last August at TRL.

Last August?! Can it possibly have been that long ago? Regardless of the time that has passed, this look has remained fresh in my mind. Even more so now that the weather is turning resort-wear appropriate. I was browsing online, looking for inexpensive floral dresses to update my spring wardrobe, when I came across this jumper from Charlotte Russe.

The color and cut are different, but the similar ethnic print, bohemian vibe, and effortless jumper style instantly made me think of the Vena Cava romper. It would look equally great dressed up with chunky wedges and an statement belt or thrown on with a pair of flip-flops. And let’s face it, priced at under $15, you almost can’t afford NOT to own this piece.

I regularly quote, find fashion inspiration in, and immediately feel a kindred spirit towards anyone who shares my love of, the documentary Grey Gardens. I discovered this gem last year, and immediately blogged about it here. At the time, I had heard about an upcoming HBO film based upon the Beale’s lives, including the filming and aftermath of the documentary, which was to star Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore. I’m ecstatic to have finally seen a promo for the movie (after having to miss a screening I was invited to late last year, darn it all), and it looks like it is going to be amazing! For your viewing pleasure:

Much like reading a book before seeing the movie, if you haven’t yet had the Beale experience, I highly suggest you check out the documentary before watching the HBO movie. It’s premiering next month, so hurry!!

I am obsessed with this shot from Jak & Jil street style photographer Tommy Ton’s campaign for Lane Crawford. Both women are stunning and wearing very chic outfits, but what caught my eye about this photo is that it is striking how different these women’s styles are from the each other and yet how well they work together. The slacks and tank outfit is dressed up enough with the ankle strap heels and the colorful dress on the other woman is toned down enough with her minimal hair and makeup, that there is no question to whether they are actually heading to the same event or not. While I love both outfits, the separates are just amazing effortless cool and totally the look I will be going for this spring and summer. Here is how I’d create this outfit:

I covet this Orange Popsicle colored silk tank from Alexander Wang.

Not as slouchy as the above slacks, I still love these High Waist Crop Pants from 3.1 Phillip Lim.

Love the sawtooth detailing on these L.A.M.B. heels.

Image Source: Lane Crawford