INSPIRATION!!!

Here ye, here ye! I have created a color story and mood board off of the previous Coury Combs picture that I love and adore. Enjoy :)

I would like to think a collection stemming from this would be highly whimsical and something I would LOVE to wear. Not to mention, it makes me want to go blonde. Must...resist...

Donna Karan, knitwear designer #2

"For me, designing is an expression of who I am as a woman, with all the
complications, feelings and emotions." – Donna Karan

Donna Karan started her namesake label in 1984, centered around the idea of a seven piece wardrobe; seven interchangeable, easy pieces that transition from morning to night, work day to weekend, and from Spring to Fall. Not much has changed…except for the 100-plus stores and oodles of looks walking down the runway twice a year and the goal of world domination becoming more attainable. Scratch that last part.

Karan doesn’t design just dresses, or just evening wear; when designing, Karan thinks about the entire look, from head to toe. Because of this entire goal aesthetic,the Donna Karan empire has grown to include hosiery, intimates, eyewear, fragrance,and accessories. However, Karan is quick to point out that her look is not a look; it is a lifestyle. "That’s why New York is on the label. It sets the pace.” This New York kind of life is available at both price points [designer (Donna Karan) and mass market (DKNY,created in 1989)], and for men, juniors, and kids (DKNY Men, DKNY Juniors, DKNYKids, respectably). And, if that wasn’t enough, Karan introduced Donna KaranHome in 2001. You can practically BE Donna Karan if you want to.

Here are some vintage lovelies I found from the Anne Klein days:

{1982} {1984}

This is when Donna Karan was not designing for her own aesthetic but rather for the AK customer, which happened to be a much more... mature look. These clothes don't exactly scream the NY lifestyle, no? The designs were very much for the mass market, being inside the fashion box of what every woman would wear in the 80s: silky neck-tie blouses and polyester pleated pants. Add Dynasty hair and makeup and voila! On the right, the 80s are definitely coming into their own, with asexual Annie Hall vibes going on. Probably still staying with the cottons and polys, but throwing on a wool coat for the colder months. As far as I can tell, not a jersey in sight. Thank God this era is dead.

These are from the late 80s, when Donna Karan was out of the AK umbrella an in her own jersey heaven. These silhouettes are classic DK: draped jersey, low necklines, body-con. The DK woman likes showing off her curves, plain and simple. That is evident here, and still is today.

Fast forward to September 12, 2011 at New York Fashion Week: still slinky, still drapey, and still VERY Donna Karan.

My opinion of Ms. Karan is that she designs for the woman’s body, hands down, no
arguing. She found her niche and sticks to it. Unfortunately, I don't find myself in that niche most days. Some of her designs are far more sensual in a seductress sort of way,
yet are grounded in the use of jersey knits to facilitate ease of movement
(running around in NYC is probably the reasoning behind EVERYTHING). While her
pieces may seem like they require much effort – who wears Grecian draping on a
daily basis?? – they are about as easy to wear as a pair of sweats, and a
million times more chic. Now, if I can only get her to use some neon, we might
be in business. Oh, and lower the hemlines a tad. And, loosen the fits so as to make a general bag-like contraption. THEN we’d be golden.

Color Inspiration, a la Coury Combs [fancytreehouse]

One of the few people I follow on lookbook.nu is Coury Combs. I found her store on eBay and followed her to lookbook. She epitomizes grace and quirk wrapped in a platinum package. This outfit in particular showcases her love for fun colors and shapes. This outfit is FAB-U-LOUS! Seriously, I think I am going to try to steal it from her. Let the stalking begin…

Here are the fabrics I have chosen that relate (even if only slightly) to the outfit color story or the overall feel of the outfit. All 100% knits!

Light Blue, Blue, Yellow & Red Skull & Cross Bone Print on White Jersey Knit Fabric
Suitable for Blouses
100% Cotton
59" Wide
Fashion Fabrics

Solid Fuchsia Jersey Knit T-Shirt Weight Fabric
Suitable for Blouses
80% Cotton
20% Polyester
61" Wide
Machine Washable
Fashion Fabrics

Dark Olive Green, Olive Green, Tan & Black Animal Print "ITY" Stretch Jersey Knit Fabric
Suitable for
Blouses & Dresses
97% Polyester
3% Lycra
58" Wide
Machine Washable
Fashion Fabrics

Solid Aqua Crochet Knit Fabric
Suitable for Blouses, Dresses & Overlays
100% Polyester
54" wide
Machine Washable
Fashion Fabrics

Solid Light Mint Green Gauze Knit Fabric
4 Way Stretch
Suitable for Blouses and Dresses
93% Polyester
7% Lycra
54" Wide
Machine Washable
Fashion Fabrics

Red, Dark Purple, Bright Pink & Aqua Hearts & Polka Dot Print on Purple Jersey Knit Fabric
Suitable for Blouses
100% Cotton
58" Wide
Fashion Fabrics

This is a silk charmeuse with a slight horizontal stretch. Very fine quality, medium weight.
Lycra 5%/Silk 95%
45" Wide
Mood Fabrics

Knitwear designer: Stella McCartney, Resort '12

For class, I am supposed to pick a designer known for knitwear and write a little ditty about them. My fail safe is always dear ol' Betsey, but I thought I would switch it up. After reading an article about her family in April's issue of Harper's (old, I know), I thought I would delve into the queen of chic athletic wear. Here is a biography I pulled from her page, http://www.stellamccartney.com/:

"Born and raised in London and the English countryside, Stella McCartney graduated from Central St Martins in 1995. A signature style of sharp tailoring, natural confidence and sexy femininity was immediately apparent in her first collection and after only two collections, in 1997, she was appointed the Creative Director of Chloe in Paris and enjoyed great success during her tenure.
In 2001, Stella McCartney launched her own fashion house under her name in a joint venture with Gucci Group (now the PPR Luxury Group) and showed her first collection in Paris in October 2001. A lifelong vegetarian, Stella McCartney does not use any leather or fur in her designs. Her collections include women’s ready-to-wear, accessories, lingerie, eyewear, fragrance and organic skincare. Her first perfume, “Stella”, launched successfully in September 2003.
Stella McCartney now operates 15 freestanding stores in locations including Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, London’s Mayfair, LA’s West Hollywood, Paris’ Palais Royal and Milan, and recently opened doors in Beirut, Las Vegas and Rome. Her collections are now distributed in over 50 countries through 600 wholesale accounts including specialty shops and department stores.
In addition to the main line collection, a long-term partnership with adidas was introduced in September 2004. The critically acclaimed sports performance collection “adidas by Stella McCartney,” has since successfully grown to include several athletic disciplines including running, gym, yoga, tennis, swimming, golf, winter sports and triathlon. In September 2010, Stella McCartney was appointed Team GB’s Creative Director for the 2012 Olympics by adidas – the first time in the history of the games that a leading fashion designer has designed the apparel for a country’s team across all competitions for both the Olympic and the Paralympic Games.
In 2003, Stella McCartney launched her first perfume “Stella.” In November 2005, the hugely successful one-off collection “Stella McCartney for H&M” sold out worldwide in record time. In 2008, a new lingerie line was launched. In November 2010 Stella McCartney Kids was launched, a collection catering for newborns and children up to the age of 12. In September 2011 Stella McCartney’s costume designs for the New York City Ballet’s Ocean’s Kingdom will premier in New York.
The following awards have recognized Stella McCartney’s achievement in fashion and social awareness: VH1/Vogue Fashion and Music 2000 Designer of the Year Award (2000, NY), the Woman of Courage Award for work against cancer at the prestigious Unforgettable Evening event (2003, LA), the Glamour Award for Best Designer of the Year (2004, London), the Star Honoree at the Fashion Group International Night of the Stars (2004, NY), the Organic Style Woman of the Year Award (2005, NY), the Elle Style Award for Best Designer of the Year Award (2007, London), Best Designer of The Year at the British Style Awards (2007, London), Best Designer of The Year at the Spanish Elle Awards (2008, Barcelona), the Green Designer of the Year at the ACE Awards (2008, NY) and in 2009 she was honoured by the NRDC, featured in the Time 100 and recognized as a Glamour magazine Woman of the Year."

*_____________________***________________________*

The latest collection from the daughter of the Beatles frontman is Resort 2012. This is a collection of smart separates, a laundry list of what fashionable women need in their closet: cuffed cigarette pants, tailored menswear suit jackets, and suiting blouses, mixed with tuxedo shift dresses and spots of bright cobalt, keeping the feeling light and youthful, yet pulled together with nonchalance. This is how one transitions from teens to adulthood: keep pops of blue and cheery yellow, but mix in smart contrasting black, white, and camel in adult shapes. For me, this is the perfect collection to pull from as I attempt to "grow-up" my look. I will trade in my band tees for blazers and cut-offs for trousers. There isn't a need to worry about forsaking my love of color in my journey into adulthood: keeping the shapes simple allows the color to read as mature, even when adorned with bows from head to toe.

Stella McCartney definitely designs for the young woman, yet her separates can be worn by women of all ages. Her houndstooth pencil skirts can be dressed up or down, worn with a sophisticated black button-up, or punked up with a drapey tank and ankle booties. Even the color shy can utilize pieces in this collection, from the camel cigarette pants to the black and white sleeveless tops. For someone like me, I would take the sheer blue bow top and wear it with a lime green tank underneath (after all, real world eyes shouldn't be privy to nipplage), trouser shorts and tights. In fact, I can see myself wearing most of this collection... that is, if I won the lottery. Oh how I wish that would happen tomorrow.

Color story: Black, white, cobalt, orange, camel, navy, yellow
Repetitions: stark contrasts of black and white, houndstooth, menswear-inspired, smart separates, clean lines
Trims: satin lapels, silk flower pins.

Give me houndstooth, or give me death.

latest ebay steal

Yes, this is my shotty photoshop skills (I attribute it to my lack of patience to do such a trivial thing as use the history brush when I SHOULD be researching Joan of Arc...), but AREN'T THESE SHOES FABULOUS?!
Thanks to seller wednsday13 (I am assuming the misspelling was on purpose...but he/she did call them Reeboks instead of Adidas, so who knows) for these wonderful shoes at a killer price...$12.99 plus a $10 shipping charge. A STEAL, if you ask me. Since I'm writing this, I am telling you to nod your little head and agree. If I remember correctly from all of the years of circling these in my Journey's catalogues, they were somewhere around eighty plus. Again, a steal.

Here is my little soap-box rant:
You are not too good for used clothing/shoes. Buying used clothing/shoes does not make you poor, nor does it give anyone the right to look down on you. I buy vintage (call it that. it makes it seem so much more sophisticated) by choice, but it is much easier on my pocketbook than a trip to Dillards or the local boutique. I will still go to wonderful places like those, but Goodwill is my friend. Ebay is my future husband. Most of the clothes/shoes in my closet are thrift purchases, and I'm not ashamed of it. I get one-of-a-kind pieces with the character built in! If you ask me, not having to go through the blisters of new shoes is worth it right there.
Sometimes items at thrift stores aren't in wonderful condition. This is where you either get creative or pass altogether. After all, if you buy a shirt just because it is four dollars, and you never wear it because of the fit or length or WHATEVER, that's four dollars you could have spent at Sonic on a few Diet Cokes. Come on. Think about it.

Anyway, I wore these shoes the first day I got them, and received complements from my classmates. Score! I love it when other people love what I love <3

I am now awaiting my seven dollar Betsey Johnson slingbacks to come in the mail. I am a happy camper indeed!

Weekly Habits

I have been desperately trying to start up good habits and break old nasty habits.

Example of a GOOD habit:
take a multivitamin daily
floss on a regular basis, i.e. daily

Example of a BAD habit:
my indellible love of Diet Coke and crack-addict affinity for it
an insatiable sweet tooth

The key to fixing the nasty bits and reinforcing the good ones is to do it one at a time, one week at a time. This is my plan: every week, I endeavor to create a good habit while slowly hacking away at the old ones. This week, I am using my old lady pill organizer (you know, one of those weekly plastic things) to take all of my medication (acne be damned!) and vitamins. I am a day into it, and I am three pills out of four down. Dang off-brand has me taking two rather than one. However, the multitude of pills will be no match for me! bwahahahaha

As a side note, minocycline will cause dizzyness when consumed without food. The label lies when it says "take with or without food". So, pop in a Eggo waffle and kiss your acne goodbye...at least, that's what I'm hoping.

Books 1-4

In my endeavor to become less of an unlearned slug, I have begun to read more than just magazines. I subscribe to twelve (yes, my coffee table is loaded), so it's hard to find time to read all of those much less books. I sanction magazines for workout time (the best being People Style Watch, because the type is large enough to read while bouncing on the elliptical, the worst being Elle because the type is microscopic) and read books mostly in bed. Sometimes I'll read out on my balcony in my new World Market beach chair. However, the 105 degree weather keeps me indoors most days. Anyway, my goal is at least 12 books per year. Sounds like a small amount, but I don't think I've completed a non-school book since high school. So, set your sights low so you always make your goal. Ye-yah.
First notch in my reading belt was Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo. I DEVOURED this book. Literally, it took me two hours. It was marvelous. Not a hard read in the least, it was more of a shock and awe kind of thing. The non-fiction work is the telling of how one little boy went to heaven, talked to Jesus, and came back with all of these revelations that seemed common to him. Like the fact that there were animals in heaven (hello kitties!), and how everyone had sashes and wings. Every little revelation was as simple as you asking me what I would prefer to drink, and I, without hesitation, say Diet Coke. The fact that Gabriel is at the left hand of God is no biggie. This book held so many matter-of-fact tellings of Scripture from a four-year-old boy who could not have possibly read Revelations, because, in all honesty, who would tell their children about the battle between Heaven and satan? I wouldn't want to scare my preschooler into a month of nightmares. That's for an older audience. Yet, you have this little boy saying that there are swords in Heaven because "satan isn't in hell yet, dad". Wowza.
In short, go devour this book. Read it twice, or even three times. It'll blow your mind every time. BTW, this kid knows what Jesus looks like. For real. They play this game where the parents show the boy pictures of Jesus they find, all with him saying "it's just not right". In the middle of the book, there is a picture that looks just like Jesus, or so the boy says. How awesome. Jesus has a hairy chest. I can get over that. "His eyes are sooooooooooo pretty". I agree with him.

Book #2:
Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs by Chuck Klosterman

Given the title, I was equally repulsed and intrigued. Given
the cover in conjunction with the title, it was a must-read. Matters where only
made easier by the fact that my friend Amanda had it left out on the break room
table at work one day. If she was the library, my late fees would behorrendous.
My first encounter with this title was at Thanksgiving one
year with the Rowleys (my mother’s side of the family), which is usually the
time in which each family member makes a wishlist for the
cousins/aunts/grandmother can swoop down and buy from. My cousin Michael was
transitioning fully into an alternative (by conservative standards) college kid,
complete with long, unwashed hair, and was into this phase where material
things were unnecessary. Props to the kid for not asking for a flamethrower.
After much pestering on the part of the women of the family who insisted on
buying him some material possession, he replied with “Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs”. Mind you, we are a family from the Bible Belt. This caught everyone off guard. I’m sure he sensed this offset, so
he went into a brief explanation of this brilliant writer who studied MTV for
weeks on end and wrote the book. Sounded good to me. The title made more sense.
And, since I have always wanted to be just like Mike, I wanted to read thistoo. It took me about a year to get around to it, but that’s a minor detail.
This book is about nothing. My cousin Theresa said it was
much like a blog, which I fully agree with. Chuck likes to ramble on and on
about the most random assortment of topics I could never think to throw
together. He likens the Celtics/Lakers rivalry to an unconscious racial battle.
The last chapter is about how he thinks Born-Again Christians are “cool”, but
crazy. He emphasizes the cool part in multiple lines, so I forgive the crazy
part. But, my favourite part of the entire book is the first chapter, titled John Cusack. I never knew anyone harboured such distain for poor old John, but
I guess I was wrong. This wonderful rant goes on for two and a half pages, and segues
into my second favourite part of the book: Chuck’s hatred for Coldplay. I
myself enjoy the Brit crooners from time to time, but could not help at laugh
at the extreme hatred outlined here. A few pages in, and I’m already hooked. I
attribute this to the fact that Chuck is an angry person, but is angry in a way
that seems educated. He has LOTS of information to back up his tirades, so it
isn’t just an “I hate everyone because I can” sort of issue. He hates JohnCusack for a reason.
Don’t read this book looking for a plot. Don’t try to
understand why he decides to write about the cultural significance of The Real World, each and every season. Just
don’t. Just like I don’t ask why I love Diet Coke: I just do. I enjoy the
bubbly wonderfulness and continue buying more. Read about hating John Cusack and just go with it.

Book #3:
Bossypants by Tina Fey

I was just looking for some laughs, to be honest. I knew very little about Mrs. Fey, but I did know I loved Date Night and her impression of Sarah Palin. I saw her interview on Chelsea Handler (or Conan, not sure which one...) and my desire to read it was solidified. After a trip to the Roswell Public Library (the best library ever, btdub), I left with books number 3 and 4 (more on that later). It took me more than the two week checkout limit, but I blame that on being in Lubbock. 40 cents later, I turned it in, or rather gave it to my parents, and now I think my dad has it hostage. I had better not get any more fines, Scott the Pott....

I laughed out loud more than once. The first of which was in the RPL, and I'm sure it sounded like a wounded elephant because I was holding it in. Read the bit about her eyebrow. Priceless.

The second instance that keeps me laughing involves her "mother's prayer" to God. Never has speaking like a King James Bible made me laugh so. I will forever think of her saying "youdammit". Quick wit, I tell you.

Basically, I knew nothing about Tina Fey. I didn't know she was only a writer on SNL, not a main castmember. I didn't know she started out doing improv in the trenches. I also didn't know how down to earth she seems. Let's just say if we went out to coffee, it would inevitably end up coming out my nose at some point during the conversation. If you need a good escape, I would say this little book is full of chuckles.

And the most recent, Book #4: True Whit, by Whitney Port.

I would like to point out it was suggested by my mother. I would also like to point out the fact that I have never watched The Hills or The City, so I asssumed it was going to be like an expensive magazine. I wasn't necessarily proven wrong, but I didn't hate it.

Whitney Port is gorgeous. She is naturally tall, blonde, skinny, and with flawless skin. Can you say i-hate-you-much? She is the reason I want to grow out my hair so I can wear a topknot on top of my head every single day. Sadly, it will take me years to get my hair to be her length. With my history of compulsive hair chopping, I don't see this hair matching anytime soon.

= not so much.

This book is pretty much every sort of advice one can give, from fitness to interior decorating to beauty to fashion (of course!). It has lots of candid photos of her and her family (love the little kid pictures), which aids in keeping this a girlfriend to girlfriend kinda book/conversation. While I don't know exactly how truthful (or how much she uses it) her advice on living thriftly was, I liked thinking she was this girl next door instead of someone who has lived the past umteen years on television. She mentions William Rast and J Brand while also toting Target as one of her go-to destinations for good basics (tanks, tees). While I can't even think of even touching J Brand skinnies for fear of sticker shock, I liked her friend appeal, like someone who has found the miracle cure for wrinkles and wants to tell the world.
While this wasn't the book to end all books, I liked the insider info of girl-gone-fashion designer. She is doing what I want to do. So, regardless of how easy her life is (despite what she may say), I enjoyed it rather than hating the mindless fluff. Yes, some of it was pointless (I am not going to take her advice on diet because she is most certainly not certified to do so), but the pictures of her fabulous fashion finds was lovely. On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the best, I would give it a 6.5.

What to read next? Suggestions?

Inaugural Post

Taylor.
21, almost 22.
Loves Diet Coke a bit too much.
Loves Jesus not enough.
Fashionable.
Bright colors.
Perpetually optimistic.
BEST HUGGER EVER.
Daughter, sister.
Texas Tech student.
Redhead, albeit unnaturally.
5'1.
Larger girth than necessary.
Hates tomato, olive, and black licorice.
Pale.
Talkative.
Individual.
Me.

Expect randomness.