GIN & ROSES

FROM MY DESKTOP

2011-07-19T18:00:00.003-04:00

I am a hoarder of many things: clothes, mementos of my childhood, and images of all the beautiful things I love. Most of them, I hoard through my TUMBLR, but others I get from stalking other people's blogs or TFS. I decided to upload some of these gorgeous yet random images, because I find many of them really inspiring.

GIAMBATTISTA VALLI HAUTE COUTURE FALL 2011-2012

2011-07-16T19:39:00.002-04:00

Last week, one of my absolute favorite designers debuted at the Haute Couture shows in Paris. Giambattista Valli's work has always held a sacred place in my heart: his clothes, which drip with such beauty and perfection, are always favorites among the plethora of ensembles that walk down the runways during each season. His clothes are chic and charming, and I seem to never tire of his design aesthetic. This first collection for Haute Couture is simply amazing; I was in love by the third look. I would adore having any of these pieces hanging in my closet (alas, I wonder if any article of clothing purchased at H&M will be able to capture the same beauty as these clothes possess!). I can't wait to see how his couture shows develop from here on out!

NATALIA VODIANOVA'S WHITE FAIRY TALE LOVE BALL

2011-07-13T11:08:00.005-04:00

It comes as no surprise that, with the closing of the couture shows in Paris, that fashion's elite would elect to have some fun at opulently themed parties - and Vodianova's White Fairy Tale Ball is exactly what you would expect from fashion's in-crowd. With the likes of Roberto Tisci, Anna della Russo, Valentino, and of course Natalia herself, in attendance, the party was filled with some pretty lovely people! Guests were asked to wear white or silver (Vodianova, as the hostess, wore brilliant red Valentino). Anne Hathaway was completely stunning in her Valentino gown, and Olivia Polermo looked fantastic as well. My only question: why wasn't I invited? Maybe next year!

BLAKE LIVELY IN MARCHESSA

2011-07-12T19:12:00.003-04:00

Blake Lively looked totally gorgeous at the BAFTA dinner for Will and Kate's trip to the US a few nights ago, wearing this one-shoulder Marchesa dress - and we all know I'm a sucker for Marchesa (not to mention asymmetrical dresses, so this one is a total knockout for me!). I have only loosely followed Lively's style, but I think, in general, she's got quite a lovely look. I also heard that she doesn't use the help of a stylist, so even more props to her for doing her own thing! While she could have lightened up on the tan a bit, I do adore this ethereal dress on her. Lovely!

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN RESORT 2012

2011-07-02T18:06:00.003-04:00

I've read a lot of mixed reviews about this collection: a lot of people seem to think that when a new designer takes over as creative director of a label, the following collections are meant to mimic those of the previous designer (which is simply impossible; designers like Alexander McQueen are simply irreplaceable). However, I think Sarah Burton's work for McQueen has been quite strong so far, and while this collection may be "safer" than usual, it does speak to the label's aesthetic and is quite lovely. It certainly is very wearable, and very chic. I love it! What do you think of Burton's collections for McQueen?

THE OLSEN TWINS & THE ROW

2011-06-04T11:57:00.002-04:00

I know that I am most definitely the last person to get on the Olsen twins band wagon; it isn't that I disliked the girls, but I've always confronted celebrities-turned-designers with such skepticism (and for good reason: let's not forget Lindsey Lohan for Ungaro!). But then, one of my WWDs this week had a whole section dedicated to the the work of the Olsen twins; so I now consider myself somewhat enlightened on their work. They have been recently been nominated for the CFDA's best new designer award, and their collection for Fall 2011 was breathtaking. I would absolutely wear every piece of it! Here are the highlights of the show (all in black, except for one white ensemble!). The execution of lace, chiffon, fur, and embellishment made this collection just so beautiful to me. Consider me in love with The Row!

THE OLSEN GIRLS, LOOKING AMAZING.

KATE BOSWORTH IN ???

2011-06-03T12:39:00.004-04:00

Kate Bosworth always looks amazing, no matter what - but she looks particularly amazing in this dress! I know this red carpet is from forever ago, and I don't even remember the designer (eeeek!), but going through my stored images spurred me to post this. That dress is way too beautiful not to make it onto my blog! God, I wish they sold pieces like that at H&M...

GIVENCHY HAUTE COUTURE FALL 2010

2011-02-07T16:15:00.003-05:00

So this show is basically old news now, but god was it gorgeous. I've been completely smitten ever since I first laid eyes on it, and I see myself thinking back to this collection as a favorite for a very long time. It was just stunning, and everything a haute couture show should be!

ABSOLUTELY NEED

2011-01-13T16:36:00.008-05:00

Whew - it's been a long time since I posted, hasn't it? I've kept up decently with my tumblr, but not so much with dearest blogspot... and I just realized why: it's a bit of work putting these posts together! Last semester was an absolute schedule nightmare: I was interning at Badgley Mischka and taking a full load of classes... blah. I barely survived! After nearly a month of vacation I'm ready to post again (I'm so far behind on updating all the things I've been loving lately!). Anyway, for now, here are some wonderful things off of netaporter.com.

01. Dress by Kaufmanfranco. $1,595. Definitely worth looking at the video on this dress... it moves so wonderfully! I just bought a similar, not strapless dress. And it quite reminds me of a the Givenchy dress I'll post below.
02.Shoes by Charlotte Olympia. $895. Not sure these need explanation... who doesn't want a pair of Charlotte Olympia shoes!?
03. Earrings by Erickson Beamon. $555. These are so gorgeous. I love the size of them - so stunning, and they remind me quite a bit of some of the earrings I posted of the Chanel-Shanghai resort collection of last year. I need a pair of long chain earrings in my life, pronto. Sort me out!

And here, as promised, is the lovely Givenchy number I previously mentioned. After seeing it, I found a dress at Urban Outfitters that channeled it with the long chiffon skirt and solid body (find the dress that I bought here. I must say I'm smitten with mine, but it doesn't come close to this (maybe I need a golden spike collar to go with it...? Hah).

MIRANDA KERR

2010-08-06T13:47:00.002-04:00

Well I'm back! I feel like every post these days starts with those words... but anyway! There is some very good news: on Monday next week, I'll begin as an intern at Badgley Mischka in NYC! I'm very excited and of course, I'll be blogging about the experience as I go! Until then, I found these images of the lovely Miranda Kerr - her outfit is just perfection! The menswear inspired look never gets old and she looks so classicly beautiful in these photos - absolutely adore the heels!

I'M LEAVING, ON A JET PLANE...

2010-07-12T20:26:00.003-04:00

...but thankfully, I know when I'll be back: in one week. So once again I bid my blog farewell! I must admit though that I have been doing my homework and I have things lined up to blog about (there are ALWAYS things to blog about!). Until then, I leave you with these three beautiful editorial images of Snejana Onopka (my apologies, my memory isn't working and I can't remember my source! Eeek, I'm a terrible human being...). The colors are what really make this image so appealing to my eye I think; that and I really want flowers in my hair just like this! I remember when the editorial first came out a few years ago, in which magazine I can't remember, and I have some of these photos cut up in my inspiration book. So lovely! Have a wonderful week.

NATALIA VODIANOVA DOES VALENTINO RIGHT

2010-07-10T19:10:00.002-04:00

Natalia has such great taste in clothes, which is wonderful: it seems so sad when a gorgeous model, surrounded by all the most amazing clothes in the world, can't seem to put herself together. Natalia's style is always well groomed and beautiful, no matter what. Natalia wore the red dress to a party thrown by Valentino himself at his estate outside of Paris on Wednesday to honor his new archive and museum (the dress is Valentino Couture, of course). The lovely nude dress was worn to the Valentino HC F/W 2010 aftershow.

DIOR HAUTE COUTURE F/W 2010 PARIS

2010-07-08T19:28:00.003-04:00

Well, once again, it's been quite a while since I posted. What is it about summer vacation that makes people want to just sit around and do nothing? Unfortunately I've been bitten by that lazy summer bug, however I'm going to do my best to ward it off right this minute! When I received my WWD on Tuesday, the lovely dress by Galliano on the cover stole my breath away, it was so lovely! After further inspection, I've decided on a few favorites from the collection - most favorite being the beyond gorgeous black and yellow dress! So lovely to be back blogging! Oh, and while I'm typing... wish me luck at my interview at Badgley Mischka on the 21st! Hopefully I'll be their next intern!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GIN & ROSES

2010-04-21T18:44:00.003-04:00

As one may assume from the title of this post, today is Gin & Roses' one year birthday! It's hard to believe I've been on this blog for that long; time certainly does fly! To boot, here are some pictures of the gorgeous Camilla Belle at an event for Oscar week (so, I'm a little late posting this!). The dress is Marchesa, of course, and is beyond stunning. What a dream it would be to have a dress like this! Absolutely amazing. Hope all is well with the rest of you bloggers, and just a few more weeks till summer vacation (meaning I'll have time to actually blog on a regular basis!). Love!

VUELVE EL GLAM

2010-03-28T23:43:00.003-04:00

I am so in love with the lovely Vlada Roslyakova in this stunning editorial for Harper's Bazaar, Spain (April 2010). She looks absolutely amazing! And the clothes certainly aren't bad either - I'm currently swooning over all the shoes and grey swimsuit featured here - breathtaking. I think everything in this editorial speaks for itself! I found these here.

LANVIN F/W 2010

2010-03-15T12:06:00.004-04:00

I don't suppose I can ever stop singing praises for Alber Elbaz and Lanvin - this season Elbaz churned up yet another collection of lovelies for me to drool over. To be honest, this wasn't my favorite collection by the designer (not every collection can be a gift from the gods!), but there was still a lot to be excited about. The color palette was really lovely in subdued greys and dim hues. The styling for the shows is always spot on - I'm so glad my long leather gloves I was wearing all winter will come in handy again this coming fall! I'm ranking the first dress as my favorite, but it isn't an easy decision to make. Sorry for the brief post, I have to get to the library and study study STUDY!

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN F/W 2010

2010-03-09T20:35:00.004-05:00

Of course, as soon as Paris fashion week rolls around, I have a million and one things to blog about. Of course, Paris fashion week coincides with midterms... of course of course! I just happened to be stalking TFS and up comes Alexander McQueen's final collection - and how lovely it is! It's quite fair to say the man was an artistic genius, and I can only credit him as such here. The details of his clothes are nothing short of inspiring, and this last collection is absolutely gorgeous. He leaves no spot on a dress forgotten: every inch is meticulously detailed and planned. The embroidery on the first dress (and the sleeves) is absolutely amazing - I would love this as a wedding dress! I could go on and on, I'm sure, about this collection. McQueen was one of my favorite designers, and this final collection did not disappoint me (except, perhaps, in regard to size! I want more!). The fashion world's loss is truly immeasurable. RIP.

I FEEL THE LOVE

2010-02-24T23:13:00.002-05:00

Truth is, my dearest friends, that I have missed you! Thank you for all the lovely comments being left despite my lack of posts (something which you'll have to forgive!). I seem to have fallen off the face of the planet these past few weeks and there simply is NO excuse. That being said, we're already almost to Milan fashion week and I'm going to have SO much catching up to do! Now that my layout is a couple seasons behind, I'm going to be re-doing my lovely little home here. Expect changes soon! And expect posts! I am alive. You shall all see quite soon. Peace!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2010-01-03T09:38:00.003-05:00

It's already three days into the new year! Here we are in a new decade - exciting. I hope everyone finds themselves happy and healthy this year. My new year's resolutions include: (1) achieve an Abbey Lee Kershaw-like body (have you all seen her bod? Major girl crush there...), (2) try optimism out for a change, (3) work harder at achieving my long term goals. Whew, I get tired just typing those things out for you... what are everyone else's resolutions this year? I found this gorgeous editorial for Elle Turkey's January issue featuring Missy Ryder. I'm in love with the Middle-Eastern style luxurious setting; too beautiful.

I'LL ALSO MENTION THIS IS MY 100TH POST! THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING MY BLOG!

NATASHA POLY AT PRADA, SPRING 2010

2009-12-30T11:58:00.005-05:00

Prada is a very hit or miss show for me, every season, so I can't say that I absolutely loved everything in the show (some of it was just plain awkward for my eye). And I'm not even so sure I'd go so far as to say the makeup and hair was very flattering either... it wasn't. But I can say that is is very VERY hard to make Natasha look bad, and not even horribly parted messy pig tails was successful at doing so. I love the little blue outfit she's wearing too! Very dear and very cute.
I would also like to thank PIECE OF PASSION for my lovely awards! I am so incredibly flattered to have received them! It means a lot to me that you thought of me for these awards, and I'm glad that you received them because you are so deserving of them as well!

ATTACK THE PROPHETS

2009-12-26T10:18:00.005-05:00

You may (or may not) have noticed that it's been nearly a week since I showed my face on this blog; I'm hoping to get things back on track and start posting again! Inspiration comes and goes, but I'm quite excited that all the spring 2010 clothes are starting to pop up now! I found this editorial on TFS; it features Bregje Heinen and was for Vogue Nippon. I'm just so in love with the look as a whole; the colors, the jewelry - amazing! I would never have thought I'd go for a "Navajo" print, but this just works SO well. Anyway, I hope the holidays are being kind to every one's figure!

MODEL CITIZEN: LILY DONALDSON

2009-12-20T12:50:00.003-05:00

Lily is such a beautiful girl, so it's hard to imagine her ever really looking bad - and it's rare that she does! I saved these images to my computer quite some time ago, and I'm having to jog my memory to remember exactly what they're from! I suspect Lily is pictured here in Stella McCartney, at a Stella McCartney store opening... but I can't be entirely sure (I'm way too lazy to go through her TFS thread all over again looking to find out, sorry!). Anyway, the bottom line is that she looks amazing! I think it's great that she never over-accessorizes; she always keeps everything very clean and easy. I really want a dress like this!

GILES DEACON S/S 2010

2009-12-18T11:52:00.004-05:00

You can ask all my friends, I'm not ashamed: nearly everywhere I go, I'm toting along some kind of stuffed animal (and if you really must know, a purple and pink fish named Bunny Rabbit is of choice!). Perhaps a security blanket I've never quite outgrown (or perhaps I'm just quite simply insane...), these little plushies follow me on trips, to class, on errands - everywhere! So when I saw the models in the Giles show toting around little metallic dinosaurs, there was an instant connection with the collection! The little dino bags, the shiny party dresses, messy blue hair, and way cool sunglasses all added up to a fun collection that helped erode the seriousness of Paris fashion week. I even like the spider prints! By far my favorite look is on Magdalena; the sheer black dress with touches of gold is to die for. Source is coutorture.

CAMILLA BELLE IN GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE

2009-12-16T17:42:00.006-05:00

If this dress looks terribly familiar, it may be because I have actually posted about it before. The truth is, there are few dresses that really stick in my brain and generate as much love as this one does. This dress, from Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring 2007 collection was pure bliss for me. I mean, the dress is a total DREAM. It's a little girl's princess dress come true! Now then, the reason I have decided to re-post about this lovely number is because I don't feel I did it any justice in my previous post - these photos show it off so much better! Also, my mother and I have decided that when/if I ever get married, this would look spectacular in white (yes, I plan on having a JPG inspired dress made just for moi!). Anyway, enjoy this lovely dress on dear Camilla Belle. Just don't take my wedding dress idea! =)

COUTURE DREAM

2009-12-14T13:28:00.003-05:00

This editorial is so sumptuous and insanely gorgeous, there was no way I could avoid posting it. I would love every single last garment, and I'd wear them all the time! The sequins, the bows, the chiffon... it's just so spectacular. I also kinda want to be living wherever this was shot - fantastic apartment too! Styled by Thierno Sy, photographed by Sylvie Malfray, modeled by Sophie Vlaming for Haper's Bazaar Romania (December issue). I found these photos on fashiongonerogue.com.

SIRI TOLLEROD AT CHANEL S/S 2010

2009-12-13T14:45:00.002-05:00

I certainly have been going on and on about Chanel recently, but that's ok: there are a lot of beautiful things to talk about! Siri is definitely one of my favorite models, just because she is so adorable and possesses a very simple style that is so easily relateable. She looked absolutely magnificent at the Chanel show for Spring/Summer 2010 - I am so absolutely crazy in love with the head piece she wore! The feather piece is just so extraordinarily gorgeous, I'm going to have to be on the lookout for one like it soon!

MODEL CITIZENS

2009-12-12T11:34:00.003-05:00

They're tall, they're skinny, they're gorgeous, AND they make gobs of money travelling and wearing amazing clothes. So if that wasn't enough worth envying, here's another: some of them are actually all those things off the runway too! Not all models are particularly savvy when it comes to dressing themselves, but these girls certainly know a thing or two about looking lovely once they've stepped off the catwalk. Magdalena's shoes are amazing, Siri does simple chic, and Lily is classic and gorgeous. Absolute love! My sources are tfs and stockholmstreetstyle.com.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS: LANVIN SS 2010

2009-12-10T09:17:00.004-05:00

People who know my blog well enough know that Lanvin is my absolute favorite; I consider Alber Elbaz to be a saint. Lanvin was even in my first runway post for my blog (along with Balmain). So I have a lot of love for Lanvin! Did I mention I have a tumblr dedicated to Lanvin? Oh, well I do! Anyway, this past season was no different than the last ones: gorgeous. I've posted the collection before, but it's nice to look at the intricate sequins and beyond amazing accessories - so here they are!

DIANE KRUGER IN CHANEL HAUTE COUTURE

2009-12-07T13:04:00.003-05:00

I absolutely love Diane Kruger's style. I don't generally look up to celebrities as style icons, since the title of "celebrity" alone is enough quite often to repulse me. That being said, Kruger isn't a tabloid hit and has revved up enough fashion "cred" that I can put her in my blog without feeling like a complete ditz (which I am, anyway). Here she is in Chanel Haute Couture - the sequins and deep blue color are amazing. As usual with Chanel, I would have done it differently (without those sleeves!), but it still looks amazing on her.

CHANEL PRE-FALL 2010

2009-12-06T09:19:00.003-05:00

Yet another post on Chanel (and I haven't even done the one on S/S 2010 yet). Lagerfeld rolled out his latest collection Thursday night in Shanghai's Huangpu River on a 500-ton, 280 foot barge - he's certainly not one for subtlety! The Shanghai skyline made such a lovely set for the show - anyone who has ever been to Shanghai knows what an incredible city it is (and one of my overall favorite cities!). The details from the Chanel show are always what I find the most inspiring, since, as I've noted before, I don't find the silhouettes too flattering most of the time. I may have to post more if I find more images covering the rest of the show (I'm a sucker for HQs). The first dress is by far my favorite!

On a side note, it looks a bit like Lagerfeld is revisting this look, doesn't it?

BAILE COUTURE

2009-12-03T17:31:00.002-05:00

FINALLY an editorial worth posting! All these editorials seem to blurr together after a while - studs, studs, and more studs these days! This editorial with it's Venecian feel is quite lovely! I absolutely love the sets as well as styling (that black dress with the gold roses on the shoulder is beyond stunning - who makes that?). I'm so in love with every shot! Olga Maliuk is shot for the December issue of Elle Spain. You can find these at fashiongonerogue. On a side note, sorry for the inactivity; had family over for Thanksgiving and just been a bit busy! Will get back to all the comments ASAP!

CHANEL FALL 09 HAUTE COUTURE: THE DRESS I'M DYING OVER

2009-11-27T15:21:00.005-05:00

I was not a fan of this collection, nor am I a fan of many of Karl's collections for Chanel. I'm always in love the the concept behind the designs, but never fully embrace the garments themselves 100%. Karl seems to work with such unflattering forms - the girls look so still and uncomfortable in the awkward dresses. I always wish there a different sillhouette for the dress, but the details are always incredible! He certainly has a fascinating attention to detail. Anyway, perhaps a bit late, but this dress has been on my mind lately. The Greek goddess silhouette is always a favorite of mine, and this draped chiffon dress is to die for - not to mention those earrings! I die.

HOUSE OF CHANEL

2009-11-25T10:24:00.005-05:00

I'm so sorry - I was really at a loss of what to post today! I was on the verge of posting an editorial, but those get so widely published on blogs that I rarely find them of interest these days! I decided to post these small photos because they are quite lovely, and I haven't seen them plastered all over the place. I'm not sure where I found them, but they are of the House of Chanel, where they do fittings and whatnot (I don't really know, honestly!). Anyway, small post, but here it is. Also, I wanted to say thanks for all the nice comments! I absolutely love all the nice things everyone has been commenting and promise to comment back soon!

ALL IN THE DETAILS: VALENTINO S/S 2010

2009-11-22T10:22:00.006-05:00

Valentino has seen more downs than up recently - it's clear that no one can really ever imagine replacing Valentino at the reigns of the couture house, but Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli are exceptional designers with abundant talent. Though the collection doesn't truly embody the designs of Valentino himself, they definitely don't disappoint the eye! They even managed to make a jumpsuit that I would wear - now that is saying something! All the details of the clothes were soft and lovely, just like the well chosen color palette. The designs are definitely young and girly, staple characteristics for the house. The difference is that there was quite a bit less of opulent glamour and (dare I say this) a bit more of savvy modernity. I certainly approve!
PS: Sorry for any awkward cropping, I wanted to show all the lovely details of the clothes!

KATE BOSWORTH IN PROENZA SCHOULER

2009-11-19T11:43:00.004-05:00

The Museum of Contemporary Art had a party celebrating it's 30 years on Saturday (November 14th). Kate Bosworth attended in this cute shift dress from Proenza Schouler. I love the fact that this is like a warped, mettallic animal print - somehow it really works! I also love the simple makeup and accessorizing, which also works because of the print of the dress. I think you could dress her in a paper bag and she'd still manage to pull it off. Her style is so simple and cute, and she rarely takes risk; but she always looks lovely. These images are from TFS, my new best friend.

STYLISH BOYS

2009-11-17T18:02:00.004-05:00

I must admit that men's fashion is really not very thrilling to me, and I've never paid it much attention. Now that I am a regular visitor to all these street style blogs, however, occasionally there are men whom I find particularly well put together. This isn't a blog post about what I find "sexy" or what kind of guy I'd go for, but I do think the two men below just look so wonderful. Besides, with menswear pieces showing up time and time again in women's fashion, perhaps it's time I take a few cues from the other team? Those long pea coats and button down sweaters are looking pretty good right now...

NOTE: I do not endorse silly mustaches, on anyone. Let that be known!

AT THE CIRCUS

2009-11-14T15:14:00.005-05:00

Today is one of those days: it's raining outside and I had much difficulty pulling myself out of bed at 1:30 PM (after my lovely parents had brought me coffee in bed) - even now as I sit here typing this on my laptop, I feel the urge to crawl under my sheets and pass out once more till tomorrow. However, I do not feel I can delay posting this editorial further; all the glitzy clothes and beautiful yet austere sets are right up my alley! This is for Harper's Bazaar US, December 2009, and the model is Mariacarla Boscono. Source is here.

RUFFLES: STELLA VS LANVIN

2009-11-11T08:18:00.003-05:00

Generally speaking, ruffles are really not "my thing." I find them somewhat unflattering when it comes to exaggerating the figure and all too often childish. Spring 2010, however, produced two shows in which I was head-over-heels with ruffles for the first time in my life: Stella McCartney and Lanvin. McCartney and Elbaz had completely different takes on the look - while McCartney's looks were young and flirty, Elbaz designed something far more sleek and mature. To open my closet and see any of these looks would be unworldly - last night I dreamed of wearing the first look by Stella with a loose black cropped trouser and louboutins: perfection! The only thing that could have made it any better is if I had the white Lanvin dress on Magdalena to change into afterwards! Anyway, who do you think does it better? All runway images from coutorture.

ISABELI FONTANA BACKSTAGE, DOLCE & GABANNA

2009-11-08T13:45:00.004-05:00

She is so lovely! I love her strong and distinct face; sometimes all the models start to blend together when they all look like Eastern European clones of one another. Here she is, backstage at Dolce & Gabanna, looking pretty damn amazing if you ask me. I love the makeup and, of course, that dress! I've seen it around in a few editorials so far, but Isabeli was made to wear it. I didn't always like Dolce & Gabanna, but they've really been hitting the spot for me these past few seasons.

LEIGH IN BLUE CHANEL

2009-11-06T14:04:00.004-05:00

I'm not really familiar with Leigh Lezark (someone please fill me in on who she is!), but I recently found a post on another blog, the topic being Leigh's style. Chanel Fine Jewelry hosted a "Fête d'Hiver" benefit in New York on November 4, and Leigh wore this lovely little number out. I'm in love with the color, the material, and the roses on this dress - so incredibly wonderful! I'm going to have to look up more images of her style I think... Also, I promise to start replying to all of your lovely and much appreciated comments tonight! I'm so behind on everything... I found these images here.

PARIS...

2009-11-05T17:17:00.005-05:00

I've been in a bit of a funk lately when it comes to maintaining my blog, and I have been meaning to post more often for quite some time now (I am, alas, a bit of a procrastinator). I have so many editorials and images saved up on my computer, waiting to be posted, and rarely do they make it on here. Oh well, I suppose that it saves me from posting what might be overly dispersed rubbish and allows me to share what I truly find lovely. This is one such editorial; I haven't seen it around on the other blogs and the clothes are amazing. It is nice to see an editorial that isn't focused on sequins and leather jackets (which I do still love!): that seems to make up the majority of shoots right now! I found these on this blog!

RANTING AWAY

2009-11-01T14:08:00.005-05:00

Well, Halloween is over and done with, quite sadly. It is my favorite holiday and although I didn't dress up or make the rounds to any parties, I did somehow manage to eat a magnificent amount of M&Ms... so I suppose not all was lost! Now that it is November, perhaps I will be able to begin wearing my new winter coat soon... exciting to say the least (what has my life come to that I look forward to wearing new clothes over everything else?!). Hopefully the coat can hide my new M&M belly! The image is from Jean Paul Gaultier haute couture.

A PRIVATE WORLD

2009-10-31T14:48:00.005-04:00

I absolutely love the whimsical style of Tim Walker's photographs, as well as that lovely morbid quality within them. I found these images quite a while ago but have been saving them for today! The dresses are absolutely amazing, and I kind of want a giant cobweb in my room now... anyway, Happy Halloween. These images are for Vogue Italia and can be found here.

CHANEL FALL 09 RUNWAY MAKEUP

2009-10-25T12:10:00.004-04:00

Perhaps since Halloween is just around the corner, I've been swooning over the not-so-very-wearable makeup from Chanel's fall 09 collection. On Halloween anyone can pull off just about anything (well... I take that back), and that leaves an excuse for the average gal such as moi to do a little something wild makeup-wise. The sparkly lower lashes are amazing! Here they are on Natasha Poly (it's hard to make her look ugly, I realize, but still - great look!).

STATE OF GRACE

2009-10-24T15:26:00.005-04:00

Natalia is one of my favorite models, and this is certainly one of my favorite editorials with her. She looks absolutely amazing, and the haute couture dresses are incredible. I had found one of the images of this editorial a few months ago but only managed to accidentally stumble upon the rest a few days ago - they're all as lovely as the first one I'd found! I particularly love the undressed look in these photos, however I am way too sleepy to comment further in a coherent manner. These images are from British Vogue May 2009, and can be found here.

ANNA DELLO RUSSO AT THE RITZ

2009-10-20T14:27:00.002-04:00

Anna Dello Russo is the fashion director of Vogue Nippon, and she has some lovelyyy things (as one may expect!). I've mentioned countless times that I'm a sucker for anything that sparkles, and looking through these images hints that Anna and I have that in common. I love her Dolce & Gabbana clothes, all those diamond pins, and sparkly shoes! Raiding her closet would be a dream come true. I found these images here, at Garance Dore's amazing blog.

NEW LAYOUT

2009-10-18T16:05:00.003-04:00

After hours of tedious javascript hunting and testing as well as photoshopping, I have finally posted the newest Gin & Roses layout. Although I can't seem to create a layout that is as perfect as I'd like, this one shall have to do for now. A lot of javascript seems to be impossible to code on blogger, but I FINALLY found one that worked to the effect that I wanted: some of the images within the layout change from black and white to color when you hover over them. A simple detail, but one that I will be working much more with in the future (I already know what my second layout will be!). I can't tell if I like the three column layout or if it crowds the page, nor do I like having so much ugly stuff in the side columns. What does everyone else think?

PARIS WHEN IT SIZZLES

2009-10-17T12:13:00.003-04:00

Paris is such a beautiful city, and that beauty only seems to magnify itself at night! Anyone who has ever climbed the Eiffel Tower after dark surely knows this, but these images provide a brief telling of that certain "je ne sais quoi" that Paris possesses. Model Liu Wen is shot for Vogue China, found these images here.

PSYCHE

2009-10-13T13:15:00.002-04:00

Another amazing dress. I'm a big fan of things where the detailing and interest is all in the back as opposed to the front, so naturally this dress has heavy appeal. Not sure who does it, unfortunately. Also wish I had a better image of the dress! Grr.

BLUE SEQUINS

2009-10-10T14:51:00.003-04:00

This is pretty much the ultimate as far as sequined mini dresses go - who could say no to a blinged out ruffle frock? Not I. Someone buy this for me, please? Found this image here.
PS I'm almost to 100 followers - crazy! Thank you!

STREET STYLE: NATASHA POLY

2009-10-07T18:55:00.003-04:00

Natasha has to be my favorite model at the moment, for reasons I should say are obvious. She has the most amazing face, and she seems like such a nice girl on camera. On top of a lovely looks and a great personality, she has great taste in simple black clothes - right up my alley! Here are some images of Ms. Poly looking perfect off the runway! PS: I have forgotten where I got these images - if I'm using one of your images let me know and I'll be sure to credit you!

01. Helmut Lang jacket, $635
02. T by Alexander Wang Jersey T-Shirt, $76
03. Chloe boots, $895
04. Lanvin clutch, £1,375
05. Alexander Wang leggings, $425
06. Oliver Peoples sunglasses, $350
07. Stella McCartney long gloves, $375

LANVIN S/S 2010 XOX

2009-10-05T21:35:00.002-04:00

If you've been reading my blog for some time now, you likely have picked up on my not-so-subtle hints over my adoration for Alber Elbaz and his creations; and now it is time to swoon over his latest collection for Lanvin. The critics all seem to be loving Elbaz right now and there is no question as to why - he, quite simply, makes beautiful clothes. Each season I expect some sort of slip up, some kind of dissapointment - and I'm still waiting! Here are my favorites from the collection, all of which are from style.com and The Moment blog.

GETTING IT OUT OF MY SYSTEM

2009-10-05T12:09:00.003-04:00

OK, so I really didn't see the point in blogging about things I don't like... until now. When I saw that Lindsay Lohan had been assigned "adviser" to Estrella Archs at Emanuel Ungaro, I could see horrible things taking place in the company's future (and boy, was I right!). Models wore sparkly heart pasties down the runway, a few even had them smacked to their foreheads - as if to shout to the world "I'm an adult but haven't gotten through kindergarten quite yet." It makes me sick to see this luxury brand fall so far off the deep end... Grotesque. You can see the runway images for yourself here, as well as an article from the New York Times here.

STATUESQUE

2009-10-04T15:47:00.004-04:00

So lately I've had difficulty finding editorials that really inspire me and aren't posted absolutely everywhere (it's no fun when everyone blogs about the same old stuff!), but this editorial caught my eye. I love that the model is posing with all these statues, and I love a lot of the clothes! Sweatpants tucked into boots - a do or a don't? I don't even own a pair of sweatpants so I suppose it doesn't even matter. I found these images here.

EPIPHANY

2009-10-03T11:33:00.003-04:00

Women like this make me reevaluate my whole life, my whole closet. As I sit here typing this, I'm wearing my "Running Out the Door to Go to Work Uniform" - black skinny jeans, a grey beaded blouse, and a Zara blazer. Nothing exciting, but nothing completely drab either (I only wear clothes I like, after all!). But what if my everyday clothes looked like this? I don't think I'd ever feel plain again! Of course, she has good genetics in her favor, but I feel jealous that she's having fun with her clothes, and I'm uncomfortably comfortable... Found this image here.

MORE TO ENVY

2009-10-02T15:18:00.003-04:00

I can't help but post things I really, really, really want - in fact, I pretty much only post things I'd want hanging in my closet. This Topshop boutique dress is of no exception. I'm a bit of a sucker for embellishment, and this dress serves up quite a nice portion of that! Yay for all things quite, quite lovely. You make my day.

HOW EVER SO BADASS

2009-09-30T15:25:00.004-04:00

Everyone knows quite well by now that this fall, one must shed all of summer's cool, effortlessly breezy looks for something much, much harder. Sweet sun dresses have given way to leather and studs galore - no nice girls allowed! I have fallen quite head over spiked heels in love with this look (whether or not I can pull it off is undecided at this point!), and of course there is a plethora of accessories out there to facilitate my adoration. The embellished leggings are from Sass & Bide's Spring 2010 collection, and no tangible explanation is worthy of their praise; the necklaces' are by Iosselliani for Barney's New York; the brass knuckles are by Alexander McQueen, and the skeleton hand is by _____ (I have no idea).

HOW LOVELY IS THIS?

2009-09-29T12:24:00.006-04:00

This dress is just amazing. Wish I knew who made it! I thought at first it was from Versace Spring 09, but it isn't exactly the same. I'm not big into heavy studs and looking too loaded down with metal spikes, but this is just beautifully done! I'd love this dress, any day. With the gloves and hair on the model, it reminds me of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's: this is the semi-punky version of her Givenchy dress! Absolutely love it, to pieces. I found this image here. I feel like I could make this pretty easily... hmmm...

LOUIS VUITTON F/W 09 BACKSTAGE

2009-09-27T16:47:00.003-04:00

I know, I know, I KNOW: how irrelevant and pointless does it seem to post about fall 09, when there is just a little bit more time before all of spring's runways have been presented? The thing is, I can't stop loving the fall runways, espeacially since the spring ones thus far have been wildly dissapointing. The Louis Vuitton's fall collection was one of my favorite LV collections ever, and I've had these images on my computer for some time now. The colors are so happy for fall, the shapes so lovely! Not to mention the fact that the models themselves are so bubbly and ecstatic - certainly enjoying being paid to walk down a runway in gorgeous clothes while hanging out with their friends, I should assume (do I sound jealous?).

HEROINE

2009-09-26T13:09:00.003-04:00

I haven't been posting lately at all, nor replying to comments: I've been such a bad bad blogger, haven't I? I must admit that although I play no role in fashion week other than spectator, it is truly draining me of any energy to post! I'm a bit meticulous when it comes to viewing the shows, and after it all I don't really feel like photoshopping and uploading my finds - what a pain it all really is! Espeacially when the runways for spring are so DULL to say the least. My god, everyone wants to be the next Rodarte, the next Balmain, or the next Rick Owens. I guess that works (since I love all three!), but after a while it can be tedious to pick over. I debate whether or not I'll even post about London fashion week, it was just that terrible to go through. There was nothing eye catching, and if there was a collection that struck a chord with me, it perhaps consisted of just a few (one or two) looks that I found blog-worthy. I am SO looking forward to Paris fashion week to bring me out of this gutter - Lanvin, McQueen, Dior, and Chanel all await!
I did, however, find this editorial quite wonderful. I never really liked Jessica Stam - somewhat indifferent over her looks (she always has the same face!). I randomly searched her on youtube one night and saw an interview with her - she just seemed so... nice and intelligent. I really loved her! The opposite can be said of the gorgeous Chanel Iman - I thought her wonderful until I read an interview with her where she came off as a vain, arrogant, ill-spoken model (wish I could find that interview again...). This editorial is for Numero Korea October 2009, and can be found here.

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK: MUCH LOVE

2009-09-22T12:20:00.019-04:00

Now then, I know everyone has been posting about fashion week all... well, week I guess - but I'm slow and getting to it now. After spending HOURS and hours looking through all the runways, deliberating, photoshopping, and finally uploading my picks, here they are. Unfortunately, to inclue everything I loved would have taken too much time as well as made this post into a novel. But alas, as promised: my New York Fashion Week favorites! Sources are here. HINT: Clicking the images provides a larger edition.

THE QUEEN

2009-09-16T15:26:00.004-04:00

This editorial really wouldn't have caught my eye if not for one, small detail: that bunny! He really steals the show here; in fact I kinda want one right now, much more than the clothing! I'm sure they didn't expect sales of bunnies to do better than the clothes after this editorial printed! I suppose the other images are kinda OK, just not really in my taste. I've been somewhat uninspired lately, it gets harder and harder to find material worth blogging about! The rest of these images can be found here. This was for Marie Claire Italia, October 2008. The model is Leah de Wavrin.
As for my plans to blog about fashion week: I don't really enjoy blogging about the things that absolutely everyone else is blogging about, it just kind of makes it feel redundant - and do people really want to read a million people rave over Alexander Wang's show? I don't. That being said, I feel like a hypocrite saying that I blog for myself and not for the people reading my blog, so I WILL do a few fashion week posts, but as a cumulative look at New York, Paris, Milan, and London fashion weeks, broken down by country. So that's the plan...

PARSONS FINAL PRESENTATION

2009-09-14T16:05:00.003-04:00

I am finally, after nearly two months, getting around to putting up just a taste of the work I did over the summer at Parsons. This is partly because I am so lazy, and partly because I'm not good at drawing! To sum up, the Parsons summer program is focused on beginners who have little or no experience whatsoever in the design process. I was tempted to add my drawings from the first day of class, when we were displayed a live model and told to simply draw what we saw (I can tell you now that the drawing I produced looked nothing like the lovely girl I saw!). I still have a long way to go in terms of developing a personal style as well as mastering technique, but I acknowledge that I came a longgg way. The designs are inspired by the German silent film actress Marlene Dietrich and were for my final presentation on the last day of class.

On our final presentation day, we were required to have made a garment using XXL t-shirts and whatever other fabric, trim, or embellishment (not to mention cutting/sewing) we wanted. Some people produced some pretty cool things - I recall a girl going out and buying gobs of flower pins and absolutely covering her "dress" in them. I used a black t-shirt, cut a deep V in the back, and fastened a gold/silver embellished ribbon as well as some mediocre draping on the hips. Gold and silver embroidery finishes the dress. I absolutely loved making this dress, and while the XXL shirt makes it a bit big, with some "fashion tape" it is quite wearable! Perhaps someday in the future I shall have a photoshoot of myself in it. And, if you're wondering why I look oh-so-very-grumpy in this image, I'll let you know that I had spent the last month working day to night; by the last day I was ready to get it all over with!

Das Fräulein Claudia

2009-09-13T15:18:00.003-04:00

I'm not a fan of Lagerfeld, and I'm somewhat indifferent over Schiffer, but a few of these photos really stood out to me. Lagerfeld shot Schiffer in Dior, which looks absolutely wonderful in black and white (come to think of it, everything looks better in black and white!). Although not all of the images were inspiring for me, I love the clothes and mysterious mood in these ones for some reason. You can find these as well as the others here.
PS: An update on my fur shopping - I bought a faux fur collar from H&M (I was so surprised at how many people commented against getting any real fur!), but I think it looks cheap - like I'm wrapping roadkill around my neck... this is going to be a frustrating ordeal!

A VEGETARIAN GOES FUR SHOPPING

2009-09-09T16:07:00.004-04:00

Yes, I am vegetarian. Yes, I feel bad for promoting the killing of animals. Yes, I looked a faux fur scarves. But no, they were not as nice as the real thing. Anyway, I have not bought any fur items yet, so I have not sinned! So long as I don't have to eat the carcas they carve the skin off of, I think I'll be ok. I'll treat the fur I end up getting VERY nicely, I promise... does that make it better?
I stumbled across these images, I believe somewhere on this site, but I'm not sure where she found them. I don't recognize the models, besides Chanel Iman of course on the far right (NOT her biggest fan!). The look is so completely gorgeous, I can't believe I hadn't bought a fur scarf ages ago. Finding one as lovely as these is difficult and costly, so I'm trying to go vintage. Surprisingly, I've found some decent ones for around the $50.00 range; and for something I'd be wearing forever I don't think it's a bad investment! I've decided to "style" another look inspired by these models - perhaps not exactly as they've done but certainly influenced by what they're wearing. If only I could afford these...

01. Rick Owens blister leather biker jacket, $2,695
02. Helmut Lang leather in-set leggings, $460
03. Christian Louboutin small leather bag, $1,495
04. Jil Sander Narrow Fur Scarf, $695
05. Alexander McQueen riding boots, $1,295

Lanvin Fall 2009 Interview by Alber Elbaz

2009-09-06T21:46:00.003-04:00

He is pure amazing, in human form. There is no other way to describe Mr. Elbaz. I could seriously devote a whole blog to my love for this man and Lanvin...

Les Ailes Du Dési & NEW LAYOUT

2009-09-06T03:53:00.004-04:00

I'll start off with the obvious: I made a new layout. Obviously, it is a quite different from my previous one, far more... rather, fall less subtle; a bit more grandeur. I still don't know if I like it or not - a whole lot of white space that is perhaps too awkward and barren. While it shall take some getting used to, I will give it a fair chance to see if it truly bothers me. I liked it a lot as I was testing it, but with all my applications perhaps it gets a little tiring. I may make some slight adjustments here and there over the next few days - don't be alarmed if things are suddenly jostled about as I manipulate things a bit. I tend to be a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to these sorts of things (not so much in other areas of my life that perhaps could need this eye for detail a bit more!), so any slightly annoying thing should be ironed out fairly quickly, so long as it doesn't end up frustrating me. Hopefully, no one else is bothered by the layout (perhaps, even, you like it? It's clear I'm desperate for some reassurance here!).
But besides all that "technical" stuff, are these images of Catherine McNeil in Numero's September 2009 issue not incredibly stunning? The lighting, the black and white, the chiffon - I'm smitten by every image. I love it all, every single aspect of them. You can find these here.

Natasha Obsessed

2009-09-05T00:35:00.002-04:00

Well it seems that the world is just as in love with Natasha as I am: she is in Prada's new muse campaign as well as working with Riccardo Tisci from Givenchy. Here she is in an upcoming issue of Muse, and the rest of the images can be found here. I really want her genetics... ANYWAY, I'm already kinda really uninspired & bored by Gin & Roses' layout, so I shall have to craft another! Waiting for something amazing to come along for me to photoshop into something lovely. Any ideas?

Paris Mockba

2009-09-03T16:55:00.002-04:00

I was a big fan of the Chanel Moscow Resort show, so naturally I would love Sasha in these. I don't speak Portuguese, but just scanning the tid-bit on the bottom of the first image tells us that the images are telling the story of Russian opulence, a fascination of Coco Chanel (not word for word; I inject my own of course!), and are photographed by Lagerfeld himself - so of course these images are a descendant of the Chanel show. I do so love the headpieces! These images are of Elle Portugal, September 2009, and can be found here.
PS: This is my 50th post! I can hardly believe it.

In Maglia è Meglio

2009-09-02T12:50:00.004-04:00

I woke up this morning to find my house to be absolutely freezing - I was shivering as I drank my morning cup tea! I suppose it is fair to say that autumn is fast approaching: goodbye summer and unflattering bright colors/short shorts & hello chic long leather gloves and black! Alas, I don't much enjoy the cold weather itself but I bought a long, gorgeous sweater-jacket from Zara a few weeks ago that I am just dying to get my money's worth out of!
These photos from September 2008 (Velvet magazine, Italy) are definitely making me wish fall would get here faster; they styling is really quite interesting: the individual pieces aren't things I would normally go for, but I really like how they all came together! Find these here.
Now, I'm going to go through my closet and pick out something wonderfully summery before it gets packed away for another months of brutal cold!

Gothic Inspiration

2009-08-30T14:52:00.002-04:00

I'm completely in love with this photo collection by Irina Ionesco, I think they're genius! All the details of the images are so stunning. I don't have any information about these photos, I wish I did. They have a very strong vintage feel to them but it's so hard to tell if they were just made to look that way or if they're really just old! I don't think my eyes will ever tire of seeing these. They remind me so much of Dutch Vanetas paintings with their dark, morbid qualities. Find these and the rest here.

Random Compilation II

2009-08-28T14:22:00.002-04:00

Here are even more random images without sources, simply pulled from my files. There really isn't much to say about them, simply that I like them and I find them interesting for some reason or another. Lately I've been finding myself unable to keep focused on fashion; I find it so depressing looking at all the fall things coming out in stores now when I have but a matter of pennies in the bank at the moment (I'm actually blogging today from work so hopefully I'll be getting a paycheck soon!).

Random Compilation

2009-08-27T15:36:00.003-04:00

I've been so bad at posting lately; I feel so uninspired! I was looking through the hundreds of images saved to my computer and pulled out a few that seem to go together well. The first image is by far a favorite, wish I knew where it was from! Anyway, I have no sources since they were random saves over time - sorry about that.

A Fleur De Peau

2009-08-22T15:56:00.012-04:00

Here is Magdalena in Numero 103, May 2009. I think the subtle colors are beautiful; really do like the nude colors with the soft pinks. Magdalena really works well as a blond I think; she has grown on me quite a bit. I used to think her boxy face was somewhat awkward and strange, now I really love her looks! Anyway, she looks wonderful here, but could do without some of the nudity as it seems rather pointless in these shots. Find these here.
As a side note, I'm finding it difficult to find places that will allow me to upload some of the editorials I'd like to put up due to the occasional risque shot; how does everyone else get around this? My photos keep getting deleted which makes my blog look so ugly! I uploaded these straight to blogspot, but that seems like more of a pain surprisingly! How annoying.

Kill Me Now

2009-08-16T00:44:00.005-04:00

This picture is gorgeous enough to stand on it's own in a post (I think). I do so need this... And I was right; photobucket deleted most of the images from my last post - hah. I have no idea where this image is from, sadly.

Body Envy

2009-08-15T01:29:00.005-04:00

I know this is a fashion blog, and so I realize posting images of a stark naked girl might seem a bit arbitrary, but so be it. I have a bit of "body envy," if you will, over Bianca Balti at the moment: I'm a size 0/2 and I certainly don't look like that. The beach is not so bad either. Anyway, for Playboy (not that I'm in the habit of reading playboy), these images seem a lot more sophisticated than I expected - Bianca is not the tacky, blonde, big-breasted creature I imagine gracing the pages of Playboy. You can find the rest of these images from Playboy France, August 2009 here - I have a feeling photobucket may delete these from my account.. hah.

Seven Things I Can't Live Without.. But Will Have To

2009-08-07T23:00:00.006-04:00

I've been known to be a bit of a compulsive shopper (a habit which I am trying to kick in a major way at the moment - eep!), but those little out-of-the-blue shopping sprees usually take place at Forever21 as opposed to, say, Barney's. So when I casually surfed net-a-porter.com this afternoon, I was hardly expecting to find myself regretting it later on - until, of course, I realized I was looking at godly clothing that made my heart swell. If I was a few thousand dollars richer I'm sure I'd be able to somehow legitimize these gorgeous, gorgeous finds... but I'm not so I guess I'll just have to suffer. I pass these looks (conveniently styled ahead of time by moi) unto you, so that you may have your heart broken over their hefty price tags as well. In another life...

NOTE: Get a pair of long elbow-length, black leather gloves!

01. Necklace by Lanvin; £365
02. Necklace by Lanvin; £1,405
03. Dress by Alexander McQueen; £695
04. Dress by Marc Jacobs; £1,850
06. Clutch by Alexander McQueen; £795
07. Pumps by Christian Louboutin; £375

Agua Caliente

2009-08-02T20:55:00.003-04:00

As far as fashion editorials go, I find these images to be incredibly lush and beautiful; they certainly make me want to go soak in a pool of roses! Although the water distorts the clothes somewhat (I'm not sure I'd be wanting to sit in a bath if I'd spent thousands of dollars on that Chloe dress she's wearing...), the colors and aesthetic are very pleasing. These are from Numero June/July 2008, and the model is the lovely Coco Rocha. Find these images here. I apologize for the line running through the middle of each pic, but these were the best scans I could find! Still beautiful...

Shannan Click for Numero France

2009-08-01T11:42:00.003-04:00

Sequined blazers? Blinged out gowns? Opulent embellishment? Well sign me up! I really haven't been able to satiate a craving for everything overly glitzed out these days, and these images serve a heaping portion of sparkly little lovelies. The model is Shannan Click for Numero France, October 2008. FInd these here.

State of Emergency

2009-07-31T10:32:00.003-04:00

Perhaps this isn't "politically correct" but man, these models look damn good when paired with a machine gun. Besides finding the editorial interesting (certainly isn't a concept I've run across before!), I also happen to be a big fan of the lovely clothes on the models - very chic, simple items that would fit oh-so-nicely in my closet. The first image is definitely a favorite. The models are Hilary Rhoda and Iselin Steiro, the photographer is Steven Meisel, and these were in Vogue Italia September 2006. Find these here.

Sucker For Girly Vintage

2009-07-30T14:53:00.003-04:00

I am truy a sucker for anything heinously girly and vintage - and so, it should only seem natural for me to be posting these images (hey, I haven't posted anything vintage in quite some time now; this post is far over-due!). The lighting, the colors (or lack of), and clothes... everything is just filled with such nostalgia, no? Completely gorgeous... love the embroidery on the girl in the second image's dress.

This Is Bothering Me...

2009-07-29T15:34:00.005-04:00

I have these images saved to my computer and yet somehow, I just can't seem to find the source for them! I'm so dissapointed; I really do love these - the clothes in them are wonderful. If anyone knows where they are from, please let me know!

Just Married

2009-07-28T14:36:00.003-04:00

I can never get enough of the lovely Ms. Poly, and although comical in concept, these photos are too stunning for me. The whole look in every image is beautifully executed, I simply can't chose a favorite! The photographer is Terry Richardson for Vogue Paris, February 2008. Who is the stylist? This looks strikingly like a group of photos featuring Magdalena I posted from Vogue Paris earlier... hmmm... I shall have to investigate! Find these here.

The Wild Orchid

2009-07-26T19:36:00.006-04:00

My month of heavenly bliss is over; I am back home from my very brief studies at Parsons. No matter how corny I sound saying this, it really is my dream to study fashion design in NYC, and to see it end so soon is so incredibly saddening! But now that I've had a taste, I think this experience has only whetted my appetite for more. And thus, begins my journey to move back to NYC and continue my endeavours, somehow. All of your words of encouragement have been incredibly lovely to hear - thank you all so much for pushing me through!
Now that I am back home and have absolutely nothing to do, I can finally update my beloved blog; as you are now reading! It should be mentioned that the wonderful Mademoiselle Frou Frou of the gorgeous Frou Frou Fashionista blog has awarded Gin & Roses the Sexy Blog Award - wow! Thanks so very much! My very first award!
I shall end my current rants by saying that I will, indeed, eventually post up some of my work from Parsons. It is just so strange to see the drawings I did on the first day of class and then look at my final project - what a complete 180 I pulled! But alas, that shall wait until I can figure out my father's scanner. Until then, I'll leave you with these simply amazing photos from Vogue Nippon's March 2009 issue, featuring Maria Carla Boscono and photographed by Camilla Akrans. I wish I knew the stylist - this is just so up my alley! What incredibly colors and clothes... I wish my entire life was played out in images like these. It is certainly worth looking at the full-sized images here as I had to shrink them down to fit my inconveniently small layout.
Good to be back.

The Bride Wore Black

2009-07-14T19:32:00.002-04:00

Parsons is quite the strain on me; I'm being worked like a mule! After spending hours upon hours working on croquis last night, my teacher neglected to even check them. SO, perhaps in honor of my bad mood, I'm posting these rather dark (yet ever-so-lovely) images from Vogue Nippon, August 2008. Amazing; they have that dark, austere, yet mind-blowing beauty that you just can't put your finger on - and they remind me of Halloween which is perhaps my favorite "holiday." You can find these here.

TGIF

2009-07-10T17:07:00.004-04:00

Thank god its Friday - getting up at 7 every morning is killing me! The work load here is incredible to me... anyway, a short post, but aren't these images lovely? I miss Gemma Ward!

Geisha Girl

2009-07-07T23:00:00.005-04:00

After class today, I was at a magazine shop getting magazines for inspiration. Standing in line to buy the mags, the man behind me asks if I was in publications (random!), and I explained that I was studying fashion in the city. He then asked if I was interested in styling, as he was looking for a stylist (he is a photographer). Very cool but legit? Who knows.
ANYWAY, one of the magazines I got was Numero because flipping through it, I fell in love with these images of Myf Shepherd as a Geisha girl - the hair ornaments are way too gorgeous. 日本へ行ったことに、京都で芸者を見て、とてもすごくだた！I saw Geisha in Kyoto and they were dressed so lovely - these images really make me miss Japan so much!　日本へ行きたいです！

Christian Dior Haute Couture Fall 09

2009-07-06T21:57:00.004-04:00

I'm sure this is exactly what everyone else will be blogging about but hey, I'm under time-constraints here at Parsons and the photos are lovely and adequately sized - so here goes. The colors and floral background was amazing; I love the idea of wearing underwear in public (ok... just pictured that and maybe not so much). The bags and long leather gloves are simply amazing: I WANT long leather gloves so badly! Much love!

Whoah

2009-07-01T19:07:00.002-04:00

SO today was my third day at Parsons, and MY GOD they assign so much work! Last night I spent about 5 hours doing work and tonight I have even more work to do: 30-40 sketches minimum due tomorrow! Its definitely fun work, but quite time consuming. My croquies resemble people, thank god, but I'm certainly not off to an amazing start. Once I get back home I may scan some of my drawings that are presentable. The professors are amazing; I love both of them. On the first day of class, I had such a "You know you go to Parsons when..." moment: standing in front of class was OF COURSE Heidi Klum, taking pictures for [I assume] Project Runway. I wish I had my camera on me!
Anyway, Flickr is still not uploading my pictures. Does anyone know of any good image hosting sites that will let me direct link and whatnot?
By the way, thanks so much to all my followers and everyone leaving such amazing comments! I'm off to do homework - wish me luck.

Living the Life

2009-06-29T21:07:00.003-04:00

Well, as some may know by now, I just moved into the NYU dorms yesterday and began my fashion design classes at Parsons today - loved it! The girls were so nice in class and I actually drew something that resembled a human being (success!). Even though it is pretty early, I am completely exhausted, and flickr is being weird and not uploading anything for me so I'm posting a picture I have had uploaded for a while but never used. If memory serves me correctly, this is an image of Alexa Chung for [Paris] Vogue, perhaps the May issue? The dress is gorgeous. Anyway, I'll post a more substantial post when flickr decides to work!

Chocolate & Lingerie

2009-06-27T10:32:00.001-04:00

These are part of the Jain Pain Lingerie campaign with Cintia Garrido. I really like the images for some reason (not necessarily the lingerie itself though!). I definitely have body envy of Cintia, though I'm not so sure she makes a good lingerie model simply because she is so thin. The image of her with the heart box of chocolates makes me happy, as well as the bows on her stockings! Pasties, however...

Eugenio Recuenco

2009-06-26T10:27:00.002-04:00

I absolutely love the colors in these images; and the simplicity of the sets is really beautiful. I'm guessing these images are from the 2006/2007 runways because I recognize the incredibly lovely Dior dress in the first image from a few years back. All I know about these images is that the photographer is Eugenio Recuenco Photography - I don't know what magazine or who the model is. This editorial has certainly convinced me I need to buy a glittery body suit...

Seeing Red

2009-06-25T15:30:00.007-04:00

I start classes at Parsons on Monday - that is in 4 days! I am too excited for words; moving into the NYU dorms (they were cheaper than the Parsons ones if you can believe that) on Sunday, which will also be amazing. I'm going to have one month of nirvana-like bliss while studying fashion design in the city. They will never be able to get me to leave!
But anyway, I think these following images are absolutely gorgeous (I say that about all my posts, don't I?). The red dresses against the green carpet, and the obscurity in these images just works so well. They are from Marie Claire Italia, October 2006. The model is Heidi Mount and the photographer is David Bellemere. You can find the rest here.

30 Avenue Montaigne

2009-06-24T11:08:00.002-04:00

So, having found this editorial, I'm nearly convinced there is a god (ok not really, but you see where I'm going here...). This editorial is simply blissful; I've managed to fall in love with it. Magdalena is just so lovely, the dogs so cute, and the clothes AMAZING. I would love any single one of these outfits; I love the details of red - convinced me I need a pair of red pumps and a bright red scarf. Gah, I could go on about the clothes in these pictures, but they speak for themselves in their uncomplicated loveliness. So Christian Dior. Anyway, you can pick up the rest of these from Paris Vogue June 2009 here.
Did I mention I love this editorial?

Iekeliene

2009-06-23T01:05:00.005-04:00

I'm sorry to say it, but I think Iekeliene Stange is just so unattractive; and I didn't recognize her in these photos right off the bat! She looks really wonderful here - hair and makeup is so pretty (not to mention the styling - I want a pair of leather black gloves like those sooo badly). Anyway, you can find the rest of these photos from Vogue Italia (April 2008) here. The photographer is Michelangelo di Battista.

Vintage Doll

2009-06-20T14:27:00.003-04:00

I love the 1950's/doll-like vibe I get from these photos! The colors are beautiful (as well as the clothes). The cherry blossoms in the first image make me miss Japan so much... The shoot is old, from January 2008, Italian Vogue, and the model is Guinevere Van Seenus. The rest of the images can be found here. I wish I knew who the photographer was!

The Fashion and the Fantasy

2009-06-18T16:16:00.002-04:00

So, maybe I'm channeling my inner Brit because a) I need to get my English passport renewed or b)it has been raining here in CT for a solid month now, but I really thought this was a cool editorial. The clothes were lovely and the photos were original and "quirky." I love the Rodarte leggings the girl sometimes wears. This editorial is from the June 2009 Italian Vogue, the model is Malgosia Bela, and the photographer is Tim Walker. You can find the rest of these images here.

Everybody's Doing It

2009-06-17T22:50:00.002-04:00

...So I suppose I will too [that is, blog about the CFDA awards]. Although I can't say I was completely blown away by every one's gorgeous attire (so many people playing it safe for a fashion awards ceremony!), I can say that there were a few looks that struck me as quite wonderful. Diane Kruger in Jason Wu is probably tied with Kirsten Dunst in Rodarte as my personal favorites. Much love.

Diane Kruger in Jason Wu

Kirsten Dunst in Rodarte

Lake Bell in Louis Vuitton

Lydia Hearst, in Marc Bouwer

Vintage Ballgowns

2009-06-16T15:15:00.002-04:00

If you're someone who has popped by my blog once or twice before, its quite possible you noticed gaggles of vintage clothing: I do have a certain affinity for the lovely, timeless looks of past decades. Everything was so much more... chic way back when! I wish today posessed more occasion to dress so wonderfully but alas, the last formal event I attended was my senior prom! Below are some beautiful vintage ballgowns, the first being Balmain (that I know for certain!).

Where is Summer?!

2009-06-16T10:38:00.003-04:00

When is it going to be summer already?! I am so sick and tired of it being cold and rainy here in Connecticut. Its cold enough here the rest of the year...