JustASnapAwayFromAnotherBeginning

source: Elizabeth & James

En route to San Francisco til the 1st. Ever since I caught the contagious travel bug two summers ago in Europe, I haven't felt quite settled ever since. It's like this constant longing to get away and to live by whim. But regardless of where you'll be when midnight strikes, have a fabulous New Year. Ciao bellas.

InterferenceComingThrough

magazine: Numero, Issue #97, October 2008
source: Design Scene

AnEmptyCageIsAllIveGot

photographer: Bruno Sabastia
source: Foto_Decadent

ToKnowHerIsToLoveHer

magazine: Marie Claire Espana, November 2007
source: TheFashionSpot

source: ElPais

source: TheFashionSpot

Back in April 2008, Eugenia Silva attended the Somaly Mam Foundation Benefit, which raises awareness of the sex trade slave.

This Spanish beauty is easily my latest obsession.

OutOfTimeOutOfLuck

source: LifeLounge

SuperheroesWearPradaToo

source: FFFFOUND

MarcYouShouldBeFlatteredAndSusanYouShouldHaveKnown

source: Marc Jacobs ad, March 2008

magazine: National Geographic

InTransition

source: FFFFOUND

source: KnightCat

The contrast of these two photos is strikingly beautiful, and more importantly, they rouse the urge in me to retreat into the same fetal position.

The frightfully cold weather these past few weeks has made my bed my ultimate haven. So that is where you'll find me til, say, February.

IdRatherTakeTheLongWayHome

source: deviantART

It's time to leave LA for a couple of days. The citylife is sometimes overwhelmingly enveloping. Ciao bellas.

IFeelAsSlumpedAsThisRussianDollLooks

publication: Vogue Italia, March 2007
source: TheFashionSpot

source: NYTimes.com

source: TheFashionSpot

Creative industries are rightly named so when mainly constituted of experimentation, innovation, and the unconventional. Aside from conforming to consumer needs, these industries must constantly adopt a new-aged way of thinking, seeing, and creating. But what happens when that creativity becomes stale? I often feel this is the case, especially in fashion. Editorial spreads, collections, brand visions all have yielded to pressures of retail and ad sales, therefore generating the same glossy looks that no longer produce the fervor and sentiment that once filled an eager enthusiast of this particular art form. And yes, I get that the fashion industry has been undergoing drastic economic woes (just look at Conde Nast's recent history), because who can afford to spend--or is even willing to admit to spending--their hard-pressed money on luxury goods as fleeting as fashion? The same applies to designers, as evidenced by Doo.Ri's and Zac Posen's recent ventures into lower-priced lines for the safe "recessionista" (which needs to be banished into a book of never-to-be-used-again words, just saying). But that should not call for a complete and utter disregard of what's inventive and cutting-edge, as seen by the multitude of spreads above--all styled in the same lackluster Prada ensemble.

So if there is a scarcity of updates here, you'll know exactly why.

IShouldHaveStoppedAtThree

publication: Numero, Issue #95
source: Foto_Decadent

AlexDontYouKnowThatYouShouldntHaveToShare

publication: W Magazine, July 2008
source: TheFashionSpot

In an honest attempt to find gifts for others, I must say that I absolutely failed in that aspect. But fortunately for me, I don't have to second guess what's on my own wish list. So when I found this Alexander-esque zipper dress (sans vest) hanging in the back corner of the store, I simply could not pass it up--and I'm sure Erin would agree.

source: Style.com

HowVeryPostModernOfYou

publication: Vogue US, September 2008
source: Foto Decadent

Jeff Koons' works extensively exploit mass culture iconography, and I can't help but think that his steel sculptures of inflatable animals would have been better suited for this shoot.

On second thought, that wouldn't be so great for Stam, would it?

SidewalkFlight

publication: Vogue Italia, September 2008
source: Styliste

ICantContainMyThoughts

publication: Soon Magazine (French), Summer 2007

IrinaIsThatYou?

AllThatGlittersIsNotGold

publication: Vogue UK, January 2009
source: Styliste

must find a pair of lace gloves!

SnapAway

publication: Vogue Italia, October 1998
model: Audrey Marnay
source: Foto Decadent

CoatsParade-VogueChina

publication: Vogue China, December 2008

source: theFashionSpot

Look at that Burberry Prorsum spread (third photo)! Loved the Fall '08 collection last year when it showed and I still love it now.

Fleeting Fascination

inspired by Damien Hirst's "Butterfly Paintings"

The Husk Philosophy

Situated in the Parisian-inspired locale of Melbourne’s Collins Street, Husk is virtually veiled behind the profusion of designer boutiques that line this end of the street. But far from being at a loss for attention, Husk offers a special sanctuary by creating the perfect haven for those who wish to retreat from the whirlwind of an enchantingly active street.

With its philosophy of celebrating one’s inner strength and wellbeing, Husk fuses fashion with spirituality into its stores and embodies the utmost entrancing sensory experience. Once inside, the revelation of high arches and subtle lighting tell the story of Persian influenced architecture, designed by Cassandra Fahey. The natural style of the store crafts an atmosphere that suitably carries bohemian tops, modest frocks, and soft feminine knits. Beyond clothing, Husk offers ethnically embellished vases, jewelry, and trinkets, among other treasures to adorn the humble abode.

To complete the perfect balance of harmony and subtle indulgence, wandering around the lush courtyards while sipping Husk’s signature teas will naturally set a shopper's mind at ease. The aromatic experience enhances and brings new light to the concept of retail. Thus when breathing space is very much needed from the outer world, find refuge in this serene and absolutely divine boutique.

Yearning for Yellow

As the demure neutrals and crisp whites trailed off with the rest of the winter wardrobe, Spring ’08 runways were in full bloom with pieces radiating the anything-but-mellow yellow that set the tone for this season. A color that tucks itself away for most of the year, yellow has emerged in good spirits. Include dashes of black and white, and we have ourselves a combination fit for a fashionista.

There is no denying that major fashion houses flirted with this vibrant color, whether modestly as Gucci did in kaleidoscopic cocktail dresses or unreservedly like Versace in a feminine and form-friendly yellow gown. Naturally, this has sparked blossoming socialites to dawn this palatable trend at relaxing retreats to a café and even at the latest spring gala in New York City.

But regardless of the destination, a spring ensemble is not absolutely befitting without a little yellow to freshen it up. A touch of this bright hue can take a drab, monochromatic outfit to one of liveliness with a sense of joie de vivre. If feeling quite daring, pair a high-waisted, pleated skirt in a buttercup tone with the ever-lingering gladiator sandals or slip into a canary yellow trapeze dress for an evening ride around the city. Whatever the approach, this trend is not to be pushed aside so embrace it while it’s still dwelling in the fields of fashion.