looking hot in Chanel

I don't know this Japanese artist, Nao Matsushita, at all, but I came across these photos of her in Chanel, and just loved how she was able to carry all the different styles of the label so well. I esp. loved the outfit up top; so clean, modern, edgy, and feminine all at the same time.

I def. wouldn't mind owning a wardrobe like this!


Source

painterly

Had I known about this contest I might have ventured into participating, but seeing the winning entry, I'm not sure that that's something I might have designed at all.

Elle had a t-shirt designing contest, where the winning design would adorn a Thakoon-designed t-shirt, to be sold in NYC's Kirna Zabete store. Obviously, a very fun contest for anyone looking for a creative outlet.

What do you think of the winning entry? I think it's in line w/ the current trend of paint-splattered fabric. However, it doesn't draw me in as much, as I think the winning design could have had more of a perspective, more of a direction, rather than such an abstract flow.


I wish I could see what the other entries looked like!

Gucci disappoints me...

I'm somewhat miffed at Gucci right now, because of their lack of customer service response! Last week, I inquired about this rose shantung top that was on sale on their website. Granted, it was actually too large for me (only size L remained), so I filled out their customer contact form to ask about alterations for the top if I did indeed purchased it, or if it was outright ill-fitting, if it could be returned. Now, it all doesn't matter, since the top is now sold-out, and I have to go look for a knock-off top or something.

When I purchased my Bottega Veneta bag last year via their website, I received stellar responses from their customer service, and that was just one woman who was operating from the NY store. So of course, I expected the same level of courtesy from Gucci (since they claim they will get back to you within 24 hours), and even if the top is sold out, maybe there are other things I am eyeing, so shouldn't they at least TRY to respond?

I suppose I could've called instead of the passive-aggressive approach of using the Internet, but I see these two channels of communication as equals, so why wouldn't I expect the same levels of service?

Anyhow, I suppose I can buy something else w/ my hard-earned money, even though I thought this top would be lovely to wear on my 30th birthday (in just a lil' over a month!), but yes, I mourn the loss of this top, even if it's the color of Pepto Bismol.

I was a fool to fall for you!

Battle of the Price Tags #3

Gucci Black/White/Yellow Printed Cashmere Sweater $499 (originally $1,240)
vs.
Forever21 Daisy Sundress $22.80
Savings of $476.20

Hermès Extra Wide Enamel Bracelet in Silver and Palladium plated $630
vs.
Lee Angel Thick Stretch Cuff, Black $165 (originally $235)

Savings of $465

yes, I'm jealous of a cartoon

While visions of Paris dance in my head (the bf and I have very tentative plans for going in September, although, with the decline of the dollar, we still haven't booked anything yet), I saw this t-shirt and almost let out a childish gasp.

So kawaii! Hello Kitty and her entire entourage are in the City of Lights, and how I wish I could join them!


Hello Kitty Eiffel Tower Tee - $24 at FredFlare.com

La la lacey

I just purchased these two gorgeous embroidered tulle pieces from La Redoute. I'd come upon this site quite by accident, looking up Christian Lacroix dresses (who happened to have designed several pieces for this web store), when I was smitten by this lace bolero and tulle dress by UNITÉ La Redoute.


While at first glance they look a little old-fashioned, I really love the feel of these pieces, mainly because they have a vintage feel while retaining very modern lines.

I was curious about who designed them, when I found out that this line was created by Michèle and Olivier Chatenet, a husband-and-wife team who head up E2, a French "company." I put "company" in quotes because they make one-off pieces, salvaging vintage designer pieces and re-creating them into contemporary pieces. You can see some of their more extravagantly priced designs here. They obviously have a real appreciation of the old, but with a contemporary sensibility that breathes new life into the clothing.

I definitely got a bargain here, because several of the UNITÉ La Redoute pieces are currently on sale. I can't wait to receive them in the mail and start dressing up! I imagine that the bolero would be very cute worn over a simple tank top, long skinny jeans, and heels. The dress is a wonderful piece to be able to wear out to dinner or the theatre. Definitely check out this site for more French-inspired designs!

UNITÉ La Redoute Embroidered Tulle Bolero - $29.99 (formerly $89.99)

UNITÉ La Redoute Embroidered Tulle Dress - $24.99 (formerly $159.99)

white shirts that aren't quite right

I have not set foot in a Gap in years, at least, not since Sarah Jessica Parker appeared in one of their campaigns, so that makes it, oh, about 4 years. Suffice it to say, I don't know if their new Design Editions collection will make me run in with arms wide open now, but I'm sure many fashion mavens will be clamoring for this new line.


Gap did a similar line last year with up-and-coming designers, and this year's collection includes designs by Phillip Lim, Michael Bastion, ThreeASFOUR, Band of Outsiders, and Philip Crangi (for the jewelry line), all finalists of the 2007 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. I don't know about you, but wouldn't I want to buy fashions from the winners of the Fund, rather than the finalists?

That being said, none of these classic white shirts say wow to me. I mean, a white shirt is a white shirt is a white shirt, but if you're going to charge $78 a shirt, and from the Gap no less, shouldn't it be more exciting, more stylish, more "I was designed by a designer ?"

This shirt by Phillip Lim is by far the most unusual of the bunch. With graduated layers across the top and a bow at the neck, it's different but still lacking something somehow.


The cut-out dress by ThreeASFOUR is cute, and I like that the back is not what you'd expect from looking at the front, but I don't know how rigid cotton would be more flattering than if a more fluid fabric was used.


I'm all about unique designs, and I normally get very excited about designers who make their pieces affordable, but this line is just too bland. It might be another year before I make my way into Gap again. :P

See more blah designs here.