Window-watching: upclose and personal.

Normally, I look at runway shows just from afar (on my computer or a magazine, of course) but I've changed my ways lately. About 2 months ago, I was hanging out with my brother (an architect) in downtown SF doing some family bonding. We had to do a little shopping for him, which is the hardest thing to do sometimes... he is a size that is nearly impossible to find. So, I start to get frustrated after going to 6 more stores than I would like. I like to go into places where I know I'm going to find exactly what I want... but with him, it's hit and miss. Shopping for him becomes a little bit of a task because of the restrictions I'm given. So, he starts to feel bad and asks me, "Where do you want to go?"

Today, we strolled over to Barney's New York. I like to look around to see the collections up close and personal. A block away is the Louis Vuitton store. He started to talk about how he hated all of the LV bags running all over the place (about 98% of them are actually fake). I mentioned that they actually had very well-made bags that did have the logo but it wasn't as obvious. Of course, those bags cost 3 to 4 times more. So, we go ahead and check it out. He then started to ask me about the clothing line that bears the name. I really ever see people actually wearing any of the pieces and I don't know why. Maybe sometimes I don't notice it. They are so well tailored and designed. One of the pieces that really stood out for me for fall was this one:



These shoes were also to die for. The stiletto heel is completely disconnected from the wedge heel. I love the idea of it! Take notice that when the model steps down, the stiletto heel becomes connected as one with the wedge.

I wish I had brought a camera with me so I could really show you the details of the dress. Sometimes I look at items like this that are simple, but when you are close, so detailed. I'm always blown away. No wonder why this particular piece has a $3000 price tag. Marc Jacobs design ascetic is there; you can tell that it's his work, but it's still separate from his namesake line.

Sometimes when I come into stores like this, I get kind of nervous... only because I'm not going to buy anything. Sometimes I feel awkward just looking around knowing. I'm getting over it because I'm able to know so much more about fashion by looking at each of the pieces that I see on the runway.

P.S.
I also went by Neiman Marcus and found out that Proenza Schouler (designers Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough) were there doing an in-store appearance. Ugh... I was 2 hours too late. The fashion gods really don't love me too much here. ):

connections. (and must-haves)

I have a strong emotional connection with fashion. When I was younger, my sense of style showed what my interests were at the time. I grew up in high school as a punk kid, but a punk kid in DKNY and Ralph Lauren. If you're thinking to yourself, that couldn't be possible, it actually was... I'm sure I have photos laying around to prove it.

I was extremely insecure as a kid... probably just recently in the past 5 years I've felt secure about the way I looked. I grew up being made fun of constantly about having a round face or being short, you name it; it's been said. It wasn't until I found an outlet with clothes, where my insecurities went away. Also, I like the fact that my flaws made me unique. I would never want to change anything about my body, because then it's not actually me. I always thought when I was younger, if I dressed well, then the ugliness went away. I know... you must be thinking that it didn't make sense, but it did to me and that thought process still follows me.

When a woman walks down the street in a pair of sweats and tennis shoes, you're probably not going to look at them twice (unless your thinking that she shouldn't be wearing that in public). Now if you saw the same girl in a Diane Von Furstenberg black wrap dress, she'll turn more heads. (Like this one below from www.netaporter.com which is actually one sale by the way.)

Now, I understand, not everyone has $300 for a dress like this, So there's always Target's Merona wrap dress that can look just as good for $24.99.

Also, there is this confidence that a women shows when she wears a dress. You just feel beautiful and feminine. Also, wrap dresses are really easy to dress up and down. Throw on a jean jacket and flats to dress it down or throw on a pair of colorful high heels and a clutch to dress it up. It's a must have in any ones wardrobe, because technically since it wraps around your body, it will always fit you because you can adjust it.