One Final Blonds Post!

I'M.DEAD.

After much anticipation, The Blonds S/S 2012!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Its finally here! The Blonds S/S 2012 collection, and it was just as brilliant as I knew it would be! I felt myself getting a little more sick each time I saw a new piece.All the rhinestones, furs and feathers were almost to much for my heart to handle, not to mention the flawless Louboutin's, each pair better then the next! These two men really deserve some sort of "Best Designers of the Century" award. In the past two years this designer duo has shot straight to the top of my list as my favorite designers of all time and I do not see them going anywhere, anytime soon. It is astounding to me the way they somehow find a way to out do themselves every single season. Truly, these men can do no wrong!

Playboy Bunnies have invaded Fashion Week!

 

I am starting to see photos from behind the scenes at The Blonds S/S 2012 fashion show, which took place just a few hours ago. The Blonds always have a very obvious,  fun,  and upbeat theme to all their collections and this time around it was Playboy. I've mentioned before that this show was the only thing I was looking forward to seeing this Fashion Week and for good reason! Just seeing pictures of Phillipe Blond's jewel encrusted bunny costume and bunny tail Louboutins is almost to much to handle. I can only imagine my reaction when I finally see the whole collection! Knowing that when I wake up tomorrow I will be able to find pictures of my most anticipated show somewhere online makes it almost impossible to sleep. It's like I'm a little kid, the night before Christmas morning. 

Fashion Week BFF's ?

  

I must admit, earlier in the week, when seated next to Nicki Minaj at the Carolina Herrera show, the queen herself, Anna Wintour, did not seem very excited to be in the presence of such a loudly dressed young woman. Obviously, she was forced to hide any hard feelings when seated next to 

Nicki a second time at the Oscar De La Renta show. Only Anna knows if her friendly demeanor was genuine but if its all an act, she could have fooled me. 

Jeremy Scott S/S 2012

The Jeremy Scott S/S 2012 show was to die for! I am gagging over the Postcard mini dress. I think I could cut off the sleeves and around the neck to turn it into a dope tank for next summer. On another note, I'm going to have to do some research into the identity of this male model in order to Google image search-stalk him later tonight. 

So long, Fashion Writing Class...

Tomorrow is my final day in my Fashion writing class, and this post will be the final post to this blog as an assignment. I have enjoyed this class and creating this blog more then any other class or assignment thus far in my VMCAD career. This class has helped me to realize how much I truly enjoy writing and researching into topics in which I have interest. I loved seeing all the people, from all the different countries around the world who have visited my True life: I'm a fashion student blog. I want to say thank you to every single person that has followed, read, or even just looked at my blog. This thank you is not a good bye however. I have loved this assignment and plan to keep on updating this blog just as regularly as I have the past few weeks. I now find myself blogging as a hobby versus an chore and I have Mindy Drcar to thank for that. Thank you so much!

Nicki Minaj is a breath of fresh air to the Fashion Week tents

 

Nicki Minja at the Prabal Gurung Show proving to us why we call her the Harajuku Barbie. In a sea of black Nicki brought it in a color blocked bra top, silver tutu, printed tights, blue suede Natacha Marro, platform heels, an extremely over sized hair bow, and a pink pretzel necklace by Onch Movement. Although I, personally would rather have the black, button up, lace number hanging in my closet this outfit is a perfect example of why I and the rest of the world has fallen in love with her. Also I commend her for wearing such a statement piece necklace by such a small designer like Onch. The press she has giving him in the past few weeks, first with the ice cream necklace at the VMA's and now this, really is priceless. Such huge, entertainment, heavy hitters wearing such small brands and lines is what really gives young, creative people like myself hope. Thank you Nicki!

My name is Branden and I am additced to Metallic Shoes...

Okay, so I know that the metallic movement is nothing new to the fashion community. Also, I am sure by some standards it is a trend that has come and gone but for me it will always be in style. There is just something I love about the shine it give off and the way it catches passers by's eye's. With that being said, there is nothing like a pair of shiny shoes to send my endorphin levels threw the roof! I dont even have to like a pair of shoes to buy them, as long as they are made of some sort of shinny leather or canvas. For example, I recently bought a pair of gold Keds and a few days after buying them and wearing them around I decided I hate them. Not only because they give me brutal blisters on the backs of my heels but because they make my feet look like the flippers of some sort of aquatic animal. Now that I am thinking about it they have a look, very similar to gold water shoes. Although I only see myself wearing these shoes outside to get the mail or now, perhaps to the pool come next summer I do not plan of returning them. Had they have been classic, tan, Keds, however they would have been back on the Next boutique shelves next-day. Another example of this metallic favoritism are the sequins Ugg Boots.  I dont want anyone reading this to think that I am a fan of the Ugg Boot, or that I think they are social acceptably to be worn anywhere other then to shovel snow from your driveway but when I saw these boots I literally felt my temperature rise. You know that feeling when you see someone for the first time and you some how know that this is the person you are going to marry, but once you get to know them you can not stand to be around them? That is how I feel about these boots. I can see myself, sometime in the near furniture battling a case of insomnia. When all of a sudden, thoughts of these boots will flood my mind. I will forget all about my upcoming phone bill that needs to be paid and vigorously type in "Uggs Australia" into my Google search bar.
  Before I know it $170.00 will be missing from my checking account and in 5 to 7 business days I will have a pair of shiny, imported boots on my door step that I will never wear. One last obsession that I am struggling with at the moment are the Metallic combat boots shown above. I dont see anything wrong with the combat boot, and after all it is one of the biggest trends of the moment but really, why do I need a pair of gold boots? I know I will wear them but my mind always goes back the question "Do you really need them?" After writing that last sentence I have decided the answer is yes and I will be ordering them after I revise this post. I have been told over and over by friends, co workers, and class mates that my love for metallic shoe is "To much" and "Extra" but for me every outfit looks better with a little shine south of your ankles.

Andy-ism: Drags queens are the new It Girls!

"Drag queens are living testimony to the way women used to want to be. Drags are ambulatory archives of ideal movie star woman hood. "

Auslander 2012 S/S campagin: Andrej Pejic & Rick Genest

These photos are beyond dope. I feel like Auslander shot this campaign not to show off their S/S 2012 line but rather, with the objective to make me happy. What are the chances of 2 of my absolute favorite men in fashion being paired up together in one campaign? I am living for these photos! I want them hanging on every wall in my house!Specifically the 3rd photo from the top hanging above my bed. I think the black bottoms and muted white walls would be a great contrast against the bright white walls and painted white, brick floor of my bedroom.

Falls hottest trend: The Starbucks cup

We are now two days into full on Autumn weather and everyone I know is already busting out their fall favorites; Leather jackets, scarfs, fur vest, hoodies, hats, and boots. These are all beyond obvious fall trends that show up year after year, and will continue to pop up in early September until the end of time. The one fall accessories I did not mention above is the Starbucks cup. I have seen more Starbucks cup in the last 2 days then I did in all of the summer months combined , and to be honest I really think it adds a little something to any outfit. Obviously, Starbucks saw an opportunity to venture into the accessories world and jumped at it. The white and green Starbucks cup looks great when paired with almost any other fall apparel. For example, you will look to-die-for if you just throw on some wide legged trousers, your highest, high heels, over sized sunnies, a fitted jacket, and your cup! Another way to shut it down with the Starbucks cup is to pair it with a super chic, cropped leather jacket, again, your highest, high, drag queen, platform, heels, and a pair of jeans that are obviously 2 sizes too big. You dont have to worry about going out and buying new jeans, however.With all the Starbucks you will be drinking there isn't going to be any time for real food, in turn making all your clothes just fall off of you. There is only one woman to blame for this trend and her name it Rachel Zoe. Ever since she first appeared on our TV screens, Starbucks in hand, a few years ago with her show The Rachel Zoe Project this trend has been gaining constant momentum each fall and winter season. Reaching all time highs this past week. Ironically, the same week as the 5th season of the RZP aired. coincidence? I think not. Rachel really should look into partnering up with Starbucks and designing a line of cups with her RZ logo on it. Maybe even concocting some sort of limited time only, low calorie, non-fat, soy milk, dry, Americana, mocha, vanilla, Caramel, pumpkin spice, peppermint, double shot latte.

Andy-ism: NYC Andy Warhol diet!

"If you do watch your weight try the Andy Warhol New York City Diet! When I order in a restaurant I order everything that I dont want, so I have a lot to play around with while everyone else eats."

Fall is back!

Fall is back, and I could not be more excited! My iphone is telling me, at this very moment that it is 67 degrees outside, but there is no way. I tried to leave the house this morning in only a tee shirt and jeans and was elated when I felt the first chill of fall and a slight breeze blowing up my short sleeves and down threw the bottom of my shirt. I ran back into my house for a quick wardrobe change; I looked at my ranks of clothes and knew exactly what I wanted to wear to class! I threw on a black, girls, basic, long sleeve tee from American apparel, my tightest, dark blue jeans, my signature, silver glitter TOMS, and a silver, fox fur boa from Sabau furs in Lakewood, Ohio and was out the door! I'm not sure how many of you wanted to know how my morning went or what I am wearing today but I am so excited about today's weather that I felt I needed to tell everyone! Now that I have shared all the details of my morning with you I have to end this love letter to Fall and outfit of the day overview and get back to my Pumpkin Spice Latte and try to make a dent in my more exhausting homework assignments.

Andy-ism: Sexy like a super model!

"When you're interested in somebody, and you think they might be interested in you, you should point out all your beauty problems and defects right away, rather than take a chance they won't notice them..."

Andy-ism: Get perfect skin!

"When I did my self portrait, I left all the pimples out because you always should. Pimples are a temporary condition... and they dont have anything to do with what you really look like."

ITS HERE!; Lagerfeld for Macy's

Lagerfeld for Macy's is final here! This is more exciting to me then Christmas morning! The line was released yesterday at midnight on Macys.com and later that day at select Macy's stores. I literally counted down the hours until it was released, and for good reason! The line is just as brilliant as I expected it would be with a few welcomed surprises. The line is extremely reflective of Lagerfeld's signature look consisting of blacks, whites, and grays, laces and leathers, and a consistent rocknroll edge. Being sold at Macy's, the line is obviously not as expensive as his own line or his lines for other luxury brands like Chanel, Fendi, and Chloe but he has done an excellent job of hiding the low price points with very convincing fabrics and attention to detail. Most of the garments are  made of a cotton/polyester blend instead of the silks and cashmere's he is accustomed to working. Non the less he has pulled it off. Proving that he really is a Renaissance Man when it comes to the fashion industry. He can do it all, and do it all well! The only issue I have with the line are the photos. The promo photos that showed up in the September issue of Vogue show models being photographed by Lagerfeld but when shopping the line at Macys.com the photos you are shown look as if they were shot in the Sears photo studio by someone who has never been educated on photography a day in their life. Like the photographer just set the camera on a tripod, told the model to stand on a dot, and pressed the shutter button. A minor detail like this is really nothing to harp on, especially when it come to Karl so I am going to over look this one and leave with this; I LOVE LAGERFELD FOR MACY'S! 

AlphaKitty!

Ex-Editor and chief of Seventeen magazine and founder of CosmoGIRL! magazine, Atoosa Rubenstein has also jumped on the blogger bandwagon. She has started a video blog, hosted by Youtube called AlphaKitty. Alphakitty is a lifestyle blog focusing on empowering young woman to live up to their fullest potentional and releasing their inner AlphaKitty! There is a segment of the AlphaKitty vlog preaching the written word of the inspiring Andy Warhol. In each Andy video she shares a new "Andy-ism" and talks about her feelings on it. Although the AlphaKitty blog has not been regularly updated, the vlogs that have been posted are brilliant. Atossa is relatable, comical, and inspiring. She leaves you wanting more and understands the impact a well spoken piece can have. I will be posting some of my favorite Andy vlogs as this assignment progresses, just because I am so in love with these posts. I hope you enjoy!

I think I made it clear in my last post that I am usually not impressed with Michael Kors and his less is more attitude to everything he does. Dont get me wrong, I love a nice, simple, elegant outfit but once in a while you need a little sparkle! Something that he does not do very well. With that said, he really impressed me today! After completely shattering my iphone screen I thought it best to find a case to protect it from any further damage. My first stop in my search for a new case was Apple.com. That is where I first saw it! The cutest, chicest, most convenient phone case I had ever seen. This tiny work of well thought out art can be described as a high-breed between a faux snake skin, gold, Nappa leather, Michael Kors clutch, folding wallet, and phone protector. It folds open and closed in the style of a diary with a padlocked front,  leaving one side holding all your money and cards and the other holding the rest of your entire life; Phone numbers, directions, internet connection, email, date book, clock, photo album, library, ipod and any other of the millions of apps you can download. All of this folds up into one tiny clutch bag, and for that, I thank you Michael Kors. The Clutch can be bought at Apple.com or in Apple stores for $79.99. Lastly, for the woman.... and I guess some men who like every aspect of their lives to coordinate, Kors has also come out with matching ipad cases. These cases are just as protective as the phone case and are available in the same materials. The only difference being the ipad case does not have any wallet-like features, but then again why would it? Most people dont want to carry around a debit card in something the size of a notebook.
Order yours here!

The Highlight of NYC Fashion Week: The Blonds

Truly, The Blonds are the only thing I am looking forward to this Fashion Week. I am so stoked to see what tricks they have up their sleeves this time around. Unlike the Michael Kors and Burberry's of the world, you will not be seeing any Khaki pants and earth toned turtle necks walking down the runway trying to pass as fierce and new. Every time they throw a show, that is exactly what it is... A SHOW! No dull moments, no front row spectators checking their twitters, no time to even blink. From the second the first flawlessly styled model steps out onto the narrow strip of ground your eyes are glued to the theatrics moving down the runway. You may not have ever heard of The Blond's, but I am willing to bet my life that you have seen their works of art being worn by today's most recognized celebrities. Heavy hitters like Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Kylie Minogue, Katy Perry, Rhianna, Kim Cattrall and SJP in the Sex and The City 2 movie, Lil' Kim, Amber Rose, Dita Von Teese, Paris Hilton, Fergie, Britney Spears, Miss Piggy and so many more, but I have to stop because my  ring finger is starting to cramp from all the Shift capitalization of typing all these famous names. They have won over the fashion world with their highly decorated, signature corsets covered in spikes, metals, rhinestones, over sized glass diamonds, Hello Kitty stuffed animal, pearls, chains, chain maille, mirrored  glass, and of course my favorite, furs. Words can not describe the respect I feel for these men and their works. In my mind, they truly surpass any other designer or fashion house showing any collections, in any Fashion Week around the world. The Blond's are the greatest thing to happen to the fashion industry since the invention of the corset or the heel.

TOMS stepping up their qualitiy game.

I have been saying for years that the shoe brand TOMS needs to construct their shoes with a little higher quality. If after only a few months of wearing a pair of shoes while sitting in class, walking to my car, and sitting threw dinners my shoes have multiple holes how are the same shoes going to hold up for children in underdeveloped country?! Who, I am sure do much more walking then I do!
TOMS have released a limited edition line called "The Row" made from cashmere and Italian wools. These high end fiber shoes do cost more then the originals (around $150.00) but I guess that would be expected from cashmere. My only problem with this collection is how is wrapping our feet in cashmere helping these children? I guess I shouldn't complain to much, at least it is a step in the right direction. What I would love to see next are leather TOMS! Those would be sure to hold up longer then 2 months. I think I need to email this blog to Blake Mycoskie, creator of TOMS himself so that he can offer me a job in his product development team.

A new breed of super model: Andrej Pejic

At the risk of sounding boastful, I consider myself quite the model-ista. I have a way of flipping threw a magazine and picking out who you are going to be seeing a lot more of and whose time is up; and I have never seen someone blowup in the modeling world as fast as Andrej Pejic.

Andrej Pejic: Gaultier haute couture 2011

19 year old, Andrej has made a name for himself in the world of high fashion modeling as "The Femme-man" or "The boy who looks like a girl." After only one years of modeling, legendary French designer, John Paul Gaultier booked him for both his male, and female catwalks and designed his entire male collection around the boy from Broadmeadows, Australia. That is not to say John Paul Gaultier gave him his big break but when such powerful forces like Gaultier and Marc Jacobs love you people really start to pay attention. He was voted the 11 most in demand model of 2010 and just one year later shot straight to the top of that list. His relatability as a pop culture celebrity paired with his undeniable, androgynic beauty is what makes him catch the eye of anyone looking at him. He has been quoted more then once on the fact that he sees what he is doing as a job, a more enjoyable job then KFC, he admits but if he had to give KFC a try he said there would be no problem. His highly publicized androgyny is by far, the freshest look the fashion world has seen in a very long time and it is sure to become hotter and more widely accepted as time goes on. In my highly accurate, model-ista opinion I have a feeling Andrej is going to be around a long time, possibly joining the ranks of the great super models before him.

It was fun while it lasted...

Dear Marble Manicure,

It was fun while it lasted but I think its best if we go our separate ways. I usually go for a more traditional manicure, something like a french tip or a light pink; And sure, you'll find me with the occasional glitter nail but flashy nails are really not my thing. When I saw you I knew I had to try you out and after a few messy attempts I got it down. Now that I have perfected my water marbling technique however, it is time for me to give you up. Thats not to say I wont come back some day.... but for now I've had enough.
                Love, Branden

How to:
1.Gather materials- Nail polish(at least 2 colors), a bottle of room temperature water, 1 small cup, 1 sewing needle, and tape.
2.Fill your cup with the bottled water
3.Tape around your nail; All four sides as if you are taping off a wall before painting. This will stop the polish from getting on your skin and save you a huge mess.
4. Drip your nail polishes into the water one color after the other making at least 3 rings of color. (blue polish, pink polish, blue polish.)
5.Take your needle and slowly and gently mix the colors into a design that you like.
6.Find your favrotie design, aim for it, and dunk! Press the top of your nail to the polish design and submerge your nail under the water.
7. Clean the polish film off the top of the water with your needle. (while still holding your finger in the polish. Do not rub your nail on the bottom of the cup.)
8.Pull your finger out of the water and remove the tape(careful not to let the tape rub up against the wet polish.)
9. Wait for the polish to dry.
10. APPLY TOP COAT! (The most important part to any manicure!)

For a more detailed "how to" watch this video... Please excuse the dull, monotone vlogger.

A J A Y J O S E P H: Styling and H I G H profiling

A J A Y J O S E P H: Styling and H I G H profiling: "Say hello to the ever fabulous Ohio native Branden! Keeping it simple, but trendy. Which can be a hard thing to do when it's hot and humid ..."

Trend Alert !

Lady Gaga. 2010. Mtv music awards.

Lately every blog I read or magazine I flip threw I see these very pointy, claw like nails. Of course me being the weirdo that I am I LOVED them from the start, but no one else seems to feel the same way. The look was first started by girls who are part of the Kawaii street style of japan. It then started popping up in European couture fashion shows a few fall seasons ago in a very toned down, chicer style and is now being worn by American celebrities like Gaga, Rihanna and Fergie. This rising nail trend has adopted the name of "Stiletto manicures" and can be done with any acrylic nail. That is, if your manicurist knows how to shape the nail into the pointed shape.

Aldo Accessories ad. 2010

 Weather you love it or not I have a feeling it is going to be a  trend that we see a lot more of. Even if the average girl doesn't have the courage to rock these feline like nails we can all still live vicariously threw the more courageous, like       Rihanna and Gaga.

Lagerfeld for Macys!

Its been announced by Macy's that my personal style god, Karl Lagerfeld has collaborated with the brand Impulse for their next limited edition collection. This limited edition collection will have pieces with the same signature look as the legendary designers other collections for other big name luxury brands at a radically lower price ($50.00 - $170.00). The collection will be sold excursively at 230 Macy's stores and online at macys.com starting August 31st.
When asked why he agreed to work with Macy's he said "To me Macy's is the perfect department store in the United States where everybody can find what they're looking for without ruining their budget." and even though I do agree with this, in my merchandising mind I feel he is cheapening his brand as a luxury apparel designer and will definitely be pissing off his target market with this low priced line. As far as my normal, college student mind in concerned however, I could not be more stoked for this line! As a guy who wears almost exclusively woman's clothing I am sure I will be buying as many pieces from this collection as I can pull off and I can not wait until August 31st !