sassafras

bulldogs and shields

2011-04-03T19:57:00.000-05:00

this weekend my mom came into town for some much needed lady time and retail/cocktail/foodie therapy. on saturday, we stopped into my favorite local boutique, hazel, to check out some new rings by the love of my life, jan michaels. her site doesn't do her jewelry justice, and the way it's merchandized in the catalogue is lame, because her pieces are insane and perfect and everything i ever want in jewelry.

the first ring of hers i bought had this gorgeous glad and black swirl print. i love the way the center is fixed onto the ring.

and then i found this bulldog ring and everything changed.

i mean. that's a bulldog ring.

and who doesn't love shields?

basically, anyone who makes a bulldog ring has my heart. i'm hoping she creates a whole menagerie of animal-themed rings that i can add to my collection. i don't even like animals (except for orca whales), but you can't really pass up a bulldog ring.

jessica stam: w korea

2011-01-18T14:17:00.002-06:00

jessica stam, looking gorgeous in platinum.

image via the life files

lanvin ad campaign: ss/11

2011-01-15T09:49:00.004-06:00

not only do i love seasonal ad campaigns, but a multi-shot one that reads like an editorial — like this one, courtesy of lanvin — is even better. lanvin reminds me of tilda swinton, and these belligerent, chic dames, flouncing about their home's wares, set the perfect tone for an amazing spring season. so much garment! so much feistiness.

ohmyrochas

2011-01-13T13:19:00.009-06:00

marco zanini is slaying me with this depression-era chic for rochas' pre-fall. i feel like each look is traversing through time with those slouchy socks, flat, wide-soled shoes, and hanging, shapeless silhouettes. all they need now is a battered set of vintage luggage.

images via style.com

karla spetic ss/11

2011-01-13T12:57:00.009-06:00

i am obsessed with weird, kitschy prints, and when i saw the australian-landscape inspired prints by karla spetic, i fell in love. her vivid colors and unique application of imagery make this a stand-out collection — who doesn't have a need for a windmill-emblazoned tunic? or that oversized (calfskin?) clutch?

purchase online at karla spetic. and feel free to send my way.

images via trendland

louis vuitton pre-fall 2011

2011-01-12T10:32:00.011-06:00

louis vuitton pre-fall 2011: tarty twenties temptresses.

images via style.com

elliott ward-fear

2011-01-12T10:06:00.008-06:00

behold, the ss/11 collection from 21yr old australian designer elliott ward-fear, "spirit of clothing." nothing like scalloped chaps and heart-shaped ass-less lavender skinny pants to add a bit of whimsicality to one's day.

check out this great interview with the designer on dazed digital.

images via dazed digital

alexander mcqueen 2011

2011-01-12T09:48:00.003-06:00

lindsey wixson for alexander mcqueen 2011.

62 rules for living in a forest

2011-01-11T14:01:00.004-06:00

my friend alana recently sent me a link to a page about japanese mori girls and the rules for becoming one, or: "62 rules for living in a forest." quite possibly one of the most whimsical, enchanting descriptions of livery i've ever seen. we both agreed that "#36: puff sleeves make you feel emotional" are some of the truest words ever spoken.

to be a mori girl, you must follow these 62 rules:

You like loose fitting dresses
You always wear dresses and skirts
You prefer slightly quirky clothes over simple ones
(but you don’t like loud and flashy clothes)
You look natural, but with your own style
You are particular about fabrics
You like ethnic clothes, too
You wear A-line clothes
You like wearing dresses that little girls would wear, too
You like smock-like dresses and blouses
You don’t like super sweet fashion
You like deep colors like Burgundy, Fukamidori (dark green, #00552e),Koniro (navy blue, #223a70) and Chairo (dark brown, #965042)
Warm colors look good on you
Short nails feel more comfortable
You like fluffy hats made of knitwear or fur
You like ear muffs
You like ponchos and boleros
You want to have leather bags
You use pochettes for everything
You prefer gold accessories over silver
You feel attracted to old things
You like pocket watches
You like necklaces with magnifying glasses or large designs
You like designs featuring animals
You like designs featuring sweets
You like plaid and polka dots
You like old-fashioned flower patterns
You like lace
You like tights and leggings
Your shoes are basic and flat soled
You like round toe shoes
If you wear sneakers you wear them like loosely fitting cute slip-ons
Instead of regular buttons you like hand-made buttons
You want to wrap your stole or muffler around yourself
In winter, a turtleneck design is your basis
You like layering garments
Puff sleeves make you feel emotional
You love fairy tales
Fair-skinned
Your hair is loosely permed
Bob cut x straight bangs
Straight bangs x long loose perm
Girly
You like FELISSIMO
Of FELISSIMO, you especially like the brands Syrup and &sloe
You like the feel of Q-pot “sweets”
You enjoy chilling out at cafés
You like walking with a camera in your hand
You unconsciously end up at variety stores
You can’t help starting collections of things you like, you are a collector
Finding cute books at the book store makes you happy
You get excited when you visit a furniture store
You like making things by hand
Autumn and winter are your favorite seasons
You’d like to visit Scandinavia one day
You like to have round cheeks
If you use perfume, you prefer faint flower scents best
(You long to be) a girl that exudes a soft mood
(You long to be) an uncomplicated girl
You have been told you come across as laid-back
You consider Hagumi Hanamoto of Honey and Clover to be a Mori Girl
Shizuru Satonaka from Tada, Kimi wo Aishiteru is also a Mori Girl
You have been told by a friend that it looks like you are in a forest

image/rules via japanese streets

celine pre-fall

2011-01-11T13:41:00.012-06:00

phoebe philo is a master of texture and color. mixing denim, knits, leather and satin in a surprisingly cohesive palate ranging from tweeds to double denim to a bevy of electric hues — this collection embraces a whole lifetime of chic.

images via style.com

lanvin pre-fall

2011-01-11T13:12:00.013-06:00

holy shit lanvin. i want to live and die in this pre-fall collection.

images via style.com

marc-ing spring

2010-12-17T10:06:00.004-06:00

masha kirsanova and caroline brasch neilson for marc jacobs' ss/11 ad campaign, shot by juergen teller.

image: fashion copious

it's a roo vintage xmas

2010-12-11T00:58:00.005-06:00

so here i am, in the middle of holiday madness, stressed about how i'll ever find the right presents for everyone on my list...shopping for myself. the problem is not me, it's the fact that the dear stuchly sisters of the roo vintage have a sick sense of taste and thrift like goddesses. forcing me to buy their delightfully priced wares online, allowing me to expand my wardrobe without having to brave holiday shopping traffic (and for ridiculously affordable prices).

check out my most recent purchases:

and, this insane fur coat:

i love them both dearly, and feel like a goddess whenever i'm dressed in my gold, and long fur.

must watch

2010-12-11T00:13:00.004-06:00

actors acting. 14 clips of actors acting. it's so pretentious, it's ridiculous, but it's also amazing/features tilda swinton. and that, as we all know, is an undeniable weakness of mine. lest we forget my favorite editorial of all time: tilda goes balls out nuts in w.

sasha the artist

2010-12-09T18:34:00.006-06:00

i was so delighted by the ny time's recent feature on sasha pivovarova, and her artistic tendencies. she's an incredible model, but i had no idea that she was such a talented artist. it's always lovely to discover new talents in someone, especially when they're someone whose work you admire.

the lady is a doll maker! she made the one on the left.

she draws as well. these are her sketches in leather bound books her husband has gifted her.

images: ny times

kdunst by rodarte

2010-12-05T12:36:00.008-06:00

kirsten dunst styled by kate and laura mulleavy for the current issue of lula. liked it so much, i made an image my banner.

help prease? i'm searching for the perfect sartorial holiday image to make as my banner for the month. if you've any favorites — please send them my way.

chicago has turned into a winter wonderland...can't wait for the semester to be over so i can enjoy it! i'm thinking baileys, ice skating, holiday movies. my boyfriend is a peanuts/animation fanatic who's made me promise to watch every animated holiday movie ever made with him. in turn, i've made him promise to watch "prancer" and "the family stone." kate and i are buying each other tickets to the nutcracker for our xmas presents. jack and i have decorated our apartment to the hilt (including his james franco-adorned stocking). so, so excited for this holiday season.

snow + love + cuddling with warm drinks = best time of year, peanuts.

xox,

sassafras

images: moodboard

thanks and nail polish

2010-12-01T23:34:00.004-06:00

first of all, i just want to extend a big fucking hug to all of my friends who have been so sweet about the rebirth of this blog. as small as the whole thing is, it's been so wonderful to have people who i didn't even know read this thing say that they were excited that it was back. being surrounded by good people makes a project like this all the more worth it.

as i was getting ready for my interview with mr. mouret tomorrow, picking out an outfit and such (decided on: louis vuitton tiger print blouse, cropped black pants, sam edelman chain-link clogs) i realized that my chipped green nail polish probably wasn't going to look too hot. a quick talk with the old bff (who also moonlights as a nail polish guru) resulted in the conclusion that "sparkle-licious" from opi's "burlesque" collection was the way to go.

nail polish has become one of my favorite accessories, and a new, good color is such a treat. i would encourage you all to check out both the sparkle and solid "burlesque" collections from opi — they're perfect for winter/holiday time. with two coats, the sparkle polishes are gorgeous on their own, but as a top coat, they're also a great way to spice up your favorite shade.

ps: so excited it's december 1st! i'm a holiday nut. my roommate, jack, and i put up lights all around our apartment last night, and he bought us stockings to decorate (his is currently hosting a very large picture of james franco's face). hope you're all engaging in some fun holiday activities! xox.

roland mouret

2010-11-30T13:32:00.010-06:00

i was quite thrilled to receive a call from neiman marcus chicago's pr director, tina koegel, the other night, which ultimately resulted in the opportunity to chat and have lunch with french designer roland mouret this thursday. an incredible designer, i can't wait to talk to him about reclaiming the rights to his own name (crazy, right?) and the opening of his first ever flagship store in london next year. in honor of this exciting event, i thought i'd post some of my favorite looks from his ss/11 collection.

images from style.com

bringing back the sass

2010-11-29T14:10:00.003-06:00

after quite the hiatus, i've decided that there's a little something missing without sassafras in my life. or, as my friend alana said to me the other day, "everyday i wish you'd start that damn blog up again so i have something to look at."

this fall i've immersed myself in school, my editor position with f newsmagazine, and other incendiary life events (like turning a quarter century old...), and haven't spent enough time doing my own things with fashion. this is me reinvigorating that.

just like old times, i'm deciding to blog at the very last minute before i need to head off to a meeting, so here's an interview i did recently with visual artist and fashion professor nick cave. his soundsuits were featured in vogue's september issue, and i was lucky enough to get a chance to sit down and talk with him after the issue came out.

enjoy!

Amanda Aldinger: I want to start off with the editorial spread in the September issue of Vogue. What was the process of landing that?

Nick Cave: Vogue called my gallery in New York City, Jack Shainman Gallery, and asked if I would be interested in doing a spread … but I had just shipped out all of my work to a museum in Sweden. So I had no work. My gallery called Vogue and said, “He doesn’t have any work, maybe he can do it another time.” The magazine called back and asked if I could produce some work, and I said that in order for that to happen, I’d need at least two months. And so they basically held the spread until I produced the work.

AA: So everything in that editorial you produced specifically for Vogue?

NC: Yes, for Vogue.

AA: Can you talk about your process for creating your Soundsuits?

NC: The ideas are really generated by paying a great deal of attention as to what provokes me through material. So it’s not that I’m sketching these ideas, it’s really just sort of hanging out at flea markets around the country, around the world, and something will trigger me based on something that I see. It’s really on impulse. I’m at flea markets weekly.

AA: You studied textiles in college, you’ve studied as a dancer, and you’re obviously interested in fashion — did you ever anticipate creating work that would merge these three worlds?

NC: No. I made my first Soundsuit in response to the Rodney King incident [Rodney King’s beating in 1991], but I looked at it as a sculptural object. Once I put it on I realized I could wear it, and that through my movement it could make sound. So it was one sort of revelation after another, all with this one concept.

AA: Does fashion influence your work other than the basic aspect that a Soundsuit is also a garment?

NC: I think aspects of it do. More on a couture level — the theatrical aspects of the design, and creating this huge extraordinary world in which the concept comes from. It’s fashion, but then you also have installation. And then all of that ties together and it becomes a performance of sorts —i t all becomes very organic. If someone did a sculptural piece, and you were to bring a dance company to intersect with that — what is it then? Does it then remain a sculpture, or does it become an object that is integrated with this performance base?

AA: What about your new pop-up shop and drive-by series? Are these your conception?

NC: Yes, the pop-up shop is something that will be in support of this drive-by video series. So I’m looking at that as a whole other genre of work that’s an extension of the sculptures.

AA: Can you explain the concept behind the drive-by?

NC: The concept behind it is creating these alternative art venues that rest within communities and off-beat paths. I’m interested in doing drive-bys that aren’t necessarily connected to an institution with particular boundaries, like a museum. This comes as outreach — you can refresh a neighborhood by bringing additional commerce there, but yet it also moves us around the city. I would love to do this in three or four different locations.

AA: In an interview with Christelle de Castro for Opening Ceremony you mentioned that you consider yourself “a humanitarian before an artist.” How do your Soundsuits reflect that concept?

NC: A Soundsuit dismisses identity, race, gender, and it forces you to reckon with something that’s unfamiliar without judgment. That’s really the impetus that’s behind the work. You can’t categorize them — they’re something that is unknown, unfamiliar, and not necessarily connected to any particular origin. That’s very important — that everyone can bring their own references to the work. It’s a moment where we intersect and the lines blur. The main humanitarian part of it is me taking this and wanting to be an artist with a conscience.

AA: Is this a theme that resonated in work that you did prior to the Soundsuits?

NC: No. Prior to that I was being an artist and working and doing more large-scale painting and installation work. But once I was affected by the Rodney King incident, I realized that I want work that matters.

AA: And that changed your direction a bit?

NC: Yes. I became concerned with how my work would perform out there in the world.

AA: I read in the New York Times that you want to stage a choreographed extravaganza in Millennium Park. Is that something that’s still in the works?
NC: Yes, that’s still in the works.

AA: Will it still be in 2012?

NC: It will be probably be a little bit later now.

AA: Do you have any ideas as to what that’s going to be like?

NC: It’s going to be a 90-Soundsuit performance. I don’t know any more than that. But it’s going to bridge community together, because that’s the sort of interface that we’re working with: dance companies in the city, outreach in the public schools. It’s also going to work with individual performers that are street performers. I’m interested in intersecting and using the community to build the performance.

AA: It’s often said that of the major cultural hubs in the United States — New York, LA and Chicago
— Chicago is kind of the “third city.” Do you see yourself staying here in Chicago and working?

NC: Personally, I don’t think you have to jump ship, period — you have to be smart and realize that. Chicago’s my hub, it allows me to produce my work in an environment that is extremely convenient. I look at Chicago as an open canvas. We’re in a different kind of world today — we’re global. So I can be in Iowa, have an amazing gallery in New York, and still be international. Artists today are multi-tasking. We’re building and designing our own pathways, and making our own decisions about how we’re going to interface with the world at large. It’s up to you how you strategically design that.

AA: Do you have a favorite Soundsuit?

NC: No. I’m not really that connected to my work, on that level.

AA: On what level are you connected?

NC: I think I’m just the messenger here to deliver these deeds.

AA: So once you send them off, you’re okay with that, and you don’t ever need to interact with them again.

NC: Exactly. Done.

*featured in f newsmagazine's october 2010 issue, and on their website.

military fashion in paris

2010-07-12T11:20:00.013-05:00

although fashion was the thrust of my studies in europe, any well-positioned fashion connoisseur knows that fashion takes it inspiration from every facet of culture, and that in any and every event, the more you experience and engage, the more you references you have to draw from.

so, you can imagine my delight in finding these incredible, balmain-esque military uniforms at the musee de l'armee in les invalides, which is an army museum that was originally built as a hospital for wounded soliders. i remember that that day i was having a blah morning, had gotten lost at one point, and then couldn't find a place to get a cappuccino for the life of me. i had no idea i'd be finding inspiration at such an unexpected locale.

meadowlark

2010-07-12T10:51:00.005-05:00

right now i'm on the hung for uniquely constructed rings that are large, and not super feminine. and then i found this gem from meadowlark on garbage dress:

a blogger collaboration between garbage dress, kingdom of style, DI$COUNT, and gnarlitude, this is their design for meadowlark jewelry. although i prefer gold to silver, i love the idea of a protruding claw ring - there's certainly no question of it being a statement piece.

there's only 50 available, so you have to move quickly!

Masters of black

2010-07-10T10:10:00.021-05:00

another incredible exhibit i experienced in antwerp was the "black, masters of black in fashion and costume" exhibit at the mode musuem.

its concept was to illustrate different historical phases of the color black, combining historical clothing, fashion and paintings - all of which were included in the curation of the exhibit. featuring garments by: givenchy, adriaen hannerman, viktor and rolf, bernhard willhelm, anthony can dyck, gareth pugh, olivier theyskens, alexander mcqueen, ann demeulemeester, yves saint laurent, raf simons, yohji yamamoto, and chanel, it was an incredible collection of some of the most masterfully created and displayed garments i've ever seen.

these pictures don't even kind of do the exhibit justice. it was enormous, and broken down into 22 different categories: black, a colour?, black dye, noble black, black and white, fashionable black, men in black, black in the children's wardrobe, comme des garcons, junya watanabe, mourning or fashion (pt. 1), gareth pugh, film noir, raf simons, mourning or fashion (pt. 2), christophe coppens, romance & rebellion, ann demeulemeester, modernity: the little black dress, masters of light, masters of light: embroidery, masters of light: feathers & plumes, masters of light: texture, masters of light: lace, and masters of light: 3-d.

SUCH a wonderful treat. i purchased the exhibition book and will treasure it forever and ever.

enjoy the photos!

black exhibit:

tell what/where it was, and the way they broke down the categories into the different historical phases of the color black.

whew!

2010-07-09T11:22:00.026-05:00

it's been quite a long while since i've been on here! while i was in europe i had all these plans of blogging every wonderful adventure, but once i was immersed in what i was doing, it really just felt more appropriate to be experiencing it for myself. coming home was an overwhelming experience of trying to jump back into work right away, and getting together with all of my wonderful friends, and it left me little time to go through all of the incredible books and magazines i picked up along my travels, or to even be able to reflect on all that i saw.

in my two weeks of being back, i've kind of stayed away from my usual social media haunts. no twitter, no blogging, etc. i felt like i needed to cleanse myself and how i experience things, and it taught me a lot about what i value and how much i want work to be a part of my life.

but...i also remembered why i started this blog in the first place. not to be the next big fashion blogger, but to force myself to discover and reflect on something everyday that inspires me. and while i've felt cleansed, in some regards, i've also felt completely uninspired, in others.

i got an artkrush email yesterday that linked to an article about viktor and rolf's miniature exhibit at studio job gallery in antwerp which i was incredibly fortunate to have seen. it made me think about all the pictures i have and what a great outlet sassafras has been for me, creatively.

i'll stop waxing poetic about everything and post the damn pictures - except a blogging resurgence and a some retrospective blogging about europe.

hi europe, you'll meet me tomorrow

2010-05-30T17:29:00.002-05:00

this pretty much sums up my feelings about going to paris. all-encompassing, well-styled ecstasy.

although i do have plans of blogging while away, i have promised myself that technology will not a primary focus while on this trip, as i don't really know when/how often i'll have internet access. plus, the joy of a trip is experiencing it. not sitting in front of a computer typing about it. there will be plenty of time for that when i'm home!

au revoir, mon cheres!

pour homme, pour moi?

2010-05-26T07:59:00.004-05:00

this iconic image of ysl, used for the original campaign for his pour homme fragrance was taken by jeanloup sieff, and will soon be auctioned off at christie's in paris. read more about that here.

dibs on being my best friend for life to whoever procures this for me.

paris prep

2010-05-26T07:44:00.009-05:00

i love books. ever since i was little they've been one of my very favorite things to spend money on, so it makes sense that as i get ready to spend 3 weeks in paris, i would go on a book-buying spree.* in my head, i've these romantic notions of journaling in cafes, and experiencing the culture and history of fashion and art in paris that i've been reading about in my prized tomes. how this cerebrally-motivated romanticism plays out remains to be seen. in the meantime, i sure love looking through them.

*special thanks to my friend doug, for loaning me his bleach-kissed guide to europe.

images: amazon.com

mcqueen via proenza

2010-05-26T07:36:00.002-05:00

i stumbled upon these gorgeous kicks on jak and jil, and was instantly stuck by how much their silhouette resembles mcqueen's reptile booties. although a much more wearable version, i'm attracted to the curviness of the shoe and its powerful structure, and i appreciate the tastefulness of the animal skin, as well. i find that many of my animal print heels have created dusty homes in the back of my closet, but i really like how proenza schouler embraced the look here.

stylish dna

2010-05-23T01:55:00.009-05:00

i wish i had gotten my hands on this 64-page spread in vogue paris "ADN de mode" (DNA of fashion) featuring a glorious bevy of models posing as the designers they're wearing.

love the title, the styling, the photography, the ysl smoking, karl, the whole bit.

images: refinery29

!!!

2010-05-23T01:24:00.009-05:00

storefront windows of chanel in paris. less than two weeks and i'll be meeting these hay-stacked designs in person. true romance.

images: maison chaplin

2010-05-23T00:59:00.010-05:00

london designer simon ekrulius's fall collection is entitled "stardust," evoking notes of another world that resonate clearly within the ethereal, multi-dimensional images comprising his fall look book. a stunning mixture of gleaming textiles and militant structures, ekrulius's distinct point-of-view editorializes given shapes and textures, bringing them to life in new and unique ways.

a welcome spread of eye candy, indeed.

images: refinery29

bang

2010-05-22T09:46:00.003-05:00

magnificent. i'll take a naked marc jacobs straddling an outrageously large golden bauble while writhing in mylar any day.

image: the cut

philip treacy

2010-05-21T14:28:00.012-05:00

this is certainly a brief survey of the vast array of hats that comprise philip treacy's unbelievable oeuvre. head milliner for chanel, alexander mcqueen, and now valentino, treacy's fantastical, avant-garde creations have produced some of fashion's most provocative and controversial looks.

i had the distinct pleasure of interviewing mr. treacy at an avent held at neimans yesterday, and was thrilled with the opportunity to pick the brain of one of the most innovative designers of our time. the interview will be posted on secondcitystyle.com next week, and i'll be sure to let you all know when it's posted.

until then, enjoy some hats!

images: beautifuldecay.com

shopper love

2010-05-18T12:41:00.004-05:00

recently i've not really been in the mood to shop (i know), but there are certain sartorial necessities that have been on my "acquire before paris" list, including some new flats. and then i saw these, with which i fell instantly in love:

but then i saw these, and it was kind of hard to choose which one:

so, i just got them both. merci, paris!

SAIC fashion 2010

2010-05-08T13:38:00.028-05:00

yesterday i spent the entire day at the modern wing for SAIC's FASHION 2010 event. a complete runway spectacular, there was a special show/event with fashion designer gary graham (featuring 10 pieces from his fall collection) as well as the showing of couture gowns from the ebony fashion fair collection, featuring designers like nina ricci, pierre cardin, valentino, dior, bob mackie, paco rabanne, and a cache of amazing fashion from the saic students.

i took over 200 photos, so please forgive the outpouring of photography. i was just so impressed! the whole day was wonderful, and the night walk party that i went to with brandon and arlene from twentythirtyforty.net was faaaaaaaaaaaaaabulous. endless cocktails and food, some ysl swag, and the best personal style i've ever seen in chicago in my life. why these people don't dress like that ALL the time is beyond me. it was a visual orgy of amazing fashion and i had a blast.

both times i saw the show, when this look walked down runway the women next to me leaned over and said, "that looks like it's made for a muslim country." true story.

i loved that this collection was inspired by "malignant neoplasm, a disease in which cells uncontrollably grow, divide, and invade the human body."

a pierre cardin gown from the ebony fashion collection.

love this! it's nice to see a playfulness in menswear.

this is my favorite photo that i took. the model's expression is so wonderful, and i can't get over the texture in this knitwear. nor the "tampon detailing" (designers words - not mine).

mushroom leggings! yes, please!

another of my faves. this collection was inspired by the idea of a woman fantasizing about the gowns her daughters would wear on their wedding days. this girl is a junior in college designing three wedding gowns for her final collection. amazing.

yes. that is a tuxedo jumpsuit.

brandon, arlene and i at cafe 28 before the show. that hunka hunka burnin' love in the background is artie. he may or may not be one of the main reasons we frequent cafe 28.

arlene, gary graham (designer, finalist for the 2009 cfda/vogue fashion fund award) boutique owner robin richman, brandon, moi.

green green dress

2010-05-06T11:31:00.003-05:00

i need/want/love/am obsessed with the manuela crepi dress by les prairies de paris at twentythirtyforty.net. you must see it in their newest editorial here.

brandon made me try it on last time i was in the studio and it was the rudest, most cruel thing she's ever done. it's basically the most perfect thing ever created.

man hair

2010-05-06T11:17:00.003-05:00

i love this image of these male models on break. but mostly, i love their hair. super clean-shaven at the nape of their neck, and then slicked back with a gorgeous sense of weight and volume. it's fabulous both textured and sleek, though i'm most struck by the gentlemen on the far right. such structure! i love it.

image: jak and jil

dark eyebrows

2010-05-06T09:32:00.004-05:00

i really love the darkening of the eyebrows. whitney was doing it in a mad way on the city on monday, and i see it from a few bold individuals every so often. unfortunately, my already-super-dark eyebrows and thick, black bangs don't exactly make me a candidate for this trend, but i'm enjoying it nonetheless.

image: le fashion

Yves Saint Laurent au Petit Palais

2010-05-01T15:43:00.001-05:00

i. cannot. wait.

call it love

2010-04-29T09:12:00.013-05:00

i'm not particularly moved by the story of this editorial (vogue nippon, may 2010, "call it love") - the bff/life of the fabulous theme will always be a mainstay for fashion - but the shoes alone make it worth every while. those lace-up wedges? they're perfect.

although i will say - the addition of nicholas hoult + his styling makes for a glorious little something. i don't think i could ever get enough of skinny ties and slim tailored suits on men.

photographed by: ellen von urwerth

fashion editor: grace coddington

images: fashion gone rogue

flares

2010-04-28T15:48:00.002-05:00

i love flares so much. and i love these flares so much. they're 7 for all mankind's "rachel" bellbottom, popularized by the lovely ms. zoe.

now if only my legs were that tall and thin - then we'd be in business.

image: piperlime

photo of the day

2010-04-28T07:48:00.004-05:00

image: le fashion

30 days of brandon

2010-04-27T17:26:00.012-05:00

i need to give a huge, spectacular shout out to my dear friend brandon, of twentythirtyforty.net, who has been in the midst of a 30 day style challenge for the past month, in which she has challenged herself to wear something completely new every single day without repeating an outfit. i went over to the studio one day to take her daily picture and we were discussing how difficult it is to create a completely new outfit everyday, with just your closet as a resource. she has done beyond fabulously, and i'm so proud of her. these are just a few of my favorites, but you should really check out styled in chicago - the chicago now blog on which she's been chronicling this journey - to see her entire 30 days (look 30 premieres today!).

she is a beautiful, wonderful, creative, fabulously dressed women, and i have inserted each of the photos from her challenge directly into the "style inspiration" folder on my desktop for when i've nothing to wear. xoxo.

images: styled in chicago

surreal

2010-04-27T17:13:00.006-05:00

what do you think about this surrealism-inspired editorial from t magazine? the kitschy painted-on eyes and pops of bright color are very karl lagerfeld - i feel as if he'd be pleased with these types of adornments to his classic chanel bags.

model: sara blomqvuist

photographer: richard burbridge

images: fashion copious

glitter bombs

2010-04-27T17:02:00.005-05:00

i love the use of glitter and the bold pops of color in this editorial in vogue paris, may 2010 with daria werbowy by ben hassett.

makes me want to live like a chic drag queen.

images: fashion gone rogue

gap is back

2010-04-26T08:21:00.003-05:00

i have a gap card. it's from high school, and it generates little to no usage thanks to gap's inability to get itself together and get me some basics i need and love. until now. where it might just get maxed out x4.

i am in love with ALL of these shoes, part of pierre hardy's fall 2010 collection for gap. they are amazing and wedge-y and platform-y and made just for me. thaaaaaank you, gap, for finally putting out something i can love. i promise to reward you with my consumerism.

image: refinery29

spent

2010-04-22T10:52:00.016-05:00

i want to live like an old bag lady with beautiful 20 year old skin and cat eye glasses and salmon lipstick.

images: fashion gone rogue/pop magazine, august 2009

vogue. in vogue.

2010-04-21T02:02:00.013-05:00

i really thought vogue did a good job with this editorial. although i think it could be more encompassing (it's a little sparse, period-wise, no?) the styling was nice, and the variance of the images was effective. still very us vogue, but nice to see a chronology of different imagery.

what did you all think?

images: fashion gone rogue

parisian sass

2010-04-21T01:53:00.002-05:00

in paris, i'll be sitting by fountains all day in fabulous clothes enjoying visual splendor and cigarettes, right?

right.

image: fashion gone rogue

change

2010-04-21T01:41:00.011-05:00

is it time for change, or what? i feel like my life consists of schoolwork, the gym, and red wine (the latter two keep me feeling like an actual person when facing the prospect of not leaving my computer for days on end). i am cognizant of the fact that i'll be in paris for three weeks in just over a month, but it's the light at the end of such a long, ruthlessly obstructed tunnel that it barely even functions as a reprieve.

so - vogue australia! featuring meghan collison by benny horne. love the colors, patterns, attention to styling. very much into mixing it up and infiltrating a world with colorful inconsistencies. i love.

*the new header pic is one i've featured before, and is an homage to my desire to leave the interwebs and explore/exist in the world. worry not, though. i plan to voraciously blog from paris, and to post pictures constantly (if i can find my camera charger - eek!).

images: fashion gone rogue

my silhouette

2010-04-20T01:35:00.004-05:00

i want to live in this silhouette.

can you tell i've spent a lot of time looking at blogs today? i have been so overwhelmingly busy with school work and work-work and saving-for-paris work that i've not perused blogs, for sheer enjoyment, in what seems like months. i also got a new computer last wednesday (fiiiiinaaaaaalllllllly!) so in setting up all of my preferences, and re-establishing myself on this glorious new macbook, i've rediscovered some old favorites and have been delightfully inspired. add to that a desire to fantasize about the day in which i'll finally be released as a shut-in (may 13!) and a slight level of insomnia, and you've got yourself some blogger madness.

all that's neither here nor there. i still want to live in this silhouette.

image: miss at la playa

givenme

2010-04-20T01:01:00.004-05:00

i heart these givenchy studded heels. and their open-toedness, animal skin, big thick heel, and star embellishments.

image: jak and jil

krysten ritter

2010-04-19T21:05:00.004-05:00

i was just perusing the cut while chatting with my mom on the phone and this freaking GORGEOUS picture popped up and i had to explore its origins. it's krysten ritter of "breaking bad" and various romantic comedy fame, talking to the ny magazine online about her upcoming tv series "gravity," which is apparently about a group of suicide survivors. if surviving suicide makes you look like that, then sign me up. this is one of the most gorgeous pictures i've ever seen in my life, and certainly puts my black hair, bangs and pale skin to shame. love love love it.

image: ny magazine

flarin' up

2010-04-19T09:32:00.012-05:00

although my style has developed notably within the past few years, there's no doubt that my first, most outward exhibition of personal style was my obsession with the '70s from ages 12-16. i loved disco music, lava lamps, lime green, all things bizarrely shiny, white lipstick, that same white lipstick as white eyeliner, and flares. oh dear god did i love flares. although i love myself a good skinny jean, there is little that rivals the glorious indulgence of uber-flares with super-high platforms. as the flare begins to reposition itself amongst the skinnies and cuffed boyfriends of the world, i'm sure you can imagine my delight.

images: style.com, refinery29

perfectly cuffed

2010-04-19T08:47:00.003-05:00

image: olsens anonymous

pretty wall things

2010-04-17T13:58:00.005-05:00

i would love all of these pretty, happy, sunshine-y things for my bedroom walls.

images: a cup of jo

outfit inspiration

2010-04-17T12:59:00.002-05:00

i love the easy chicness of this outfit. i just bought a pair of pants like this from h&m yesterday - although they're more of a khaki and they zipper up the ankles. i paired it with a gorgeous oversized studded tunic, and black studded kitten heel sandals. at night, when it was colder, i paired the pants with a plain black jersey long-sleeve tee and black flats. tres easy!

i love a look that makes a trend seem classic and chic. a perfect outfit for paris (1 month, 15 days!).

image: le blog de betty

sretsis

2010-04-17T12:50:00.006-05:00

i found this images on the enchanting blog, liebmarlene vintage, which is a visual dream. her outfit posts are gorgeous, and channel the quaint classicism of zooey deschanel, with her gorgeous porcelain skin and wavy dark brown hair. while so many personal style bloggers to try showcase new trends and edgy poses, liebmarlene features classic, timeless beauty - it's so refreshing to look at. these images are from a lookbook she posted - sretsis. i love the extreme perfectionism of each look, the beautiful pastels and the doll-like quality of the models.

whimsical and enchanting. perfect for a gorgeous spring day.

kata szegedi ss/2010

2010-04-16T12:56:00.016-05:00

i love the fluidity and movement of these images - they have so much energy, yet they possess such liquidity. these are from kata szegedi's ss/10 lookbook, for her entitled "daniel's road." inspired by her best friend, she said "it's all about connections, like roads on a body." you can see that in the progression of her images - like the model never stopped moving and her different outfits were changed without interruption. the colors, shoes, texture, photographic perspective - i'm loving it all.

images: fashion copious

ysl tuesday

2010-04-13T00:53:00.003-05:00

i just thought i'd post this in homage to my cheeky declaration of "ysl tuesdays" a couple weeks ago.

warhol and yves - oh, to have run with yves' crowd in the 1970s.

Suzy Menkes and Pierre Berge

2010-04-13T00:46:00.002-05:00

suzy menkes talks to pierre berge, ysl's former lover/business partner, about ysl's first-ever retrospective at le petit palais. perhaps it was just sheer exhaustion (writing a paper about ysl's pop art sensibilities, no less!), but the images of ysl's iconic designs + pierre's perfectly smooth french accent brought tears to my eyes.

there is a gorgeous parisian light at the end of my academia-haunted tunnel. i. cannot. wait.

lynn yaeger

2010-04-12T00:10:00.006-05:00

i am infinitely intrigued by lynn yaeger and her painted-on lips, penchant for oddities, and natural proclivity for the bizarre. this article with the inside source is great - it features amazing photos and lots of images of all the creepy dolls, et al, she collects.

in fifty years, i totally want to be her.

law and order: steven meisel

2010-04-11T22:21:00.018-05:00

although i don't often delve into the personal - i've got to come clean. thanks to my friend kate, and a small business enterprise called netflix, i have developed an unsightly addiction to law and order: svu. at first i scoffed at kate's addiction, but then i discovered that EVERY season is an instant play on netflix and everything just sort of spiraled out of control. it's not even a guilty pleasure anymore. it's a disease.

so, because we should all come clean about what ails us, i'd like to thank steven meisel for "state of emergency" a sept. 2006 editorial from vogue italia that made me instantly think of svu when i saw fashion gone rogue's picture of the day today. as you all probably won't be putting yourself to sleep watching mariska hargitay, as detective olivia benson, fight new york city's most heinous sexual predators...consider this a guilty pleasure.

images: cyanatrendland

lara miller

2010-04-10T10:07:00.003-05:00

last night brandon of twentythirtyforty.net and i went to the lara miller fashion show, and it was amazing. she presented a beautifully done knitwear collection (styled like a dream with super-high round-heeled clogs and socks, and gigantic, teased, sonia rykiel-esque hair) that was very transitional. at the end of their walk, most of the looks were reconfigured by the model - transforming dresses into shrugs, short dresses into long - into entirely new looks. all in all, we both loved the collection - i can't wait to see more of her stuff! here's a few pics snapped with the trusty berry (fiiiiiiie on you camera battery). enjoy!

sorry for the bad image quality. that's lara miller after the show - so fab!

coca-hell yeah

2010-04-06T12:20:00.003-05:00

get ouuuuuut. coco rocha and baptiste giabiconi are adorable, but let's talk about the real issue here: which is karl lagerfeld branding coca-cola light with his silhouette. you best be believing that i'm going to come home from paris with a collection of these gems, because - aside from the omission of ysl - that little bottle encompasses the entirety of my livelihood.

coca-cola light, by karl lagerfeld. done and done.

images: design scene

tilda swinton: i am love

2010-04-05T15:39:00.003-05:00

the release of tilda swinton's new italian film, "i am love" is releasing soon, and dazed digital is featuring her on their may cover (two may covers!). i can't wait to snatch up every different cover...you all know my tilda fever. the film sounds quite wonderful, as well.

yoox recently did an interview with swinton about the film:

Exclusive interview with Tilda Swinton and Luca Guadagnino

L: Luca Guadagnino
T: Tilda Swinton

What is the movie about?
L: I Am Love is about the endurable force of love. It is about how a family can change forever through the power of personal revolutionary choices.
T: It’s about family and inheritance. About the revolution of love. And about the inevitable triumph of nature - both human and otherwise.

Why choosing Tilda Swinton to represent the main character, Emma Recchi?
L: I did not choose her. We made the movie together.

What does fashion mean in this movie?
L: Fashion is a great inspiration and a fertile collaboration to me. To be able to make ideas spring out of this encounter between fashion and cinema is a total absolute privilege.
T: Substantially less than style does.

And how does fashion/wardrobe underline the character?
L: Fashion as pure creativity enables the character to be more unconventional and real.
T: Everything in a truly cinematic film underlines character. The frame, the art direction within it, the colors, the movement of the camera. Character is only a construct of all these elements brought together – one hopes, in harmony.

Why choosing Jil Sander designed by Raf Simons for Emma’s wardrobe?
L: I always loved Raf Simons’ work. I am in love with his artistry. That’s why.
T: Because the team at Jil Sander understood perfectly from the very outset that what we were looking for was an extremely subtle dialogue within the film with Emma’s wardrobe.

What does fashion mean to your professional and private life?
T : It means company, in a very practical way. I have the great blessing to have as my friends a number of inspired people, many of them artists, working in fashion. My collaborations with them is a very particular and joyful part of my work as a whole. I find, in their company, an energy and a kind of precision that is unique: something to do with the supremely personal aspect of fashion – how it calls up the spirit in all of us and dares us to be authentic.

The Recchi family lives according to the strict rules of the Milanese haute-bourgeoisie, until Emma-Tilda Swinton rebels against them by falling for another man, who is well outside the aristocratic conventions. The director and Oscar-winning actress have created a film in which style choices emphasize personal transformations. The wardrobe of Emma Recchi indicates a precise historical and social context, while the colors develop the plot giving way to passion.

images: style frizz

happy easter!

2010-04-04T07:55:00.003-05:00

haaaappy easter! although not the religious sort, myself, i love an excuse to celebrate just about anything.

i hope you all have some fun plans with people you love. i'll be celebrating easter with a spanish brunch with a couple of girlfriends on this beautiful day. enjoy some seasonal candy and revel in the gorgeousness of springtime!

white dreams

2010-04-03T10:54:00.004-05:00

i cannot get over this amazing editorial. for the second time today, i brought this issue of harper's bazaar (april 2010) to the gym precisely so that i could look at this photos. aside from jessica stam and heidi mount looking absolutely gorgeous alongside one another, the styling is amazing and i love the narrative. so good that it almost redeems their unsightly decision to put demi moore on the cover wearing alexander mcqueen. aren't there like, 123,432,450,984,349,345 billion people more deserving and more relevant to honor mcqueen's death?

this editorial though, check it out. makes me want to frolic with my girlfriends through chic-ly constructed, delightfully cool, summer days.

images: fashionalising.com

happy birthday, barbsy!!!

2010-04-01T07:46:00.002-05:00

haaaaaappppy birthday to my little barbsy - one of my very very best friends, and the light and love of my life. so looking forward to an evening of shopping and drinks. mmmmmwah!! love love love you.

and as a birthday tribute, two of her very favorite things:

essie nailpolish

and -

jenna lyons

love you to pieces, you big old cormface.
xoxo,
barb

photo of the day

2010-03-31T09:35:00.001-05:00

image: dazed digital via lurve magazine

new look of the day

2010-03-31T09:21:00.002-05:00

what do you guys think of the sunnie's reincarnation of the cat-eye? i kind of love it. as long as i can find a pair big enough - large hair and a wide face are not the best canvas for smaller sunglasses - then i'm all in. these ralph vaessen ones are to die for.

interview with vaessen/more photos here: dazed digital

twiggy doppelganger

2010-03-31T08:49:00.004-05:00

i sure as hell hope that all of you saw "an education," because it was beyond one of the best films of the year, and one of the greatest films to be made in a while. even if you've not seen the film, i'm sure you've not missed out on all of the carey mulligan buzz - aside from being insanely gorgeous, she's incredibly talented, completely unassuming, and hypnotically alluring.

these photos are from a shoot she did with wonderland magazine, in which they've styled her to channel twiggy.

her transformation is gorgeous, and spot-on. go see "an education!" and then see "wall street 2" when it comes out, in which she's also starring. a quick imdb check also shows her in pre-production for "my fair lady" as eliza doolittle. i think that story's been retold to death, but with her in the lead, i don't see how i could possibly pass it up.

happy wednesday - i hope it's as gorgeous where you are as it is in chicago!

images: stylelist u k, catwalk queen

ysl retrospective at le petit palais

2010-03-31T00:23:00.005-05:00

this exhibition will be at le petit palais while i'm in paris! could the fates have possibly been more aligned? i'm almost more elated about this than the entirety of my trip to paris (i mean, not really, but let's be honest - kind of)! the website in and of itself is a visual spectacular. seriously. a 55-page slideshow filled with amazing images, as well as a vast array of information on the exhibition and ysl's career. check it, lovies. i'll send you photos on the flipside.

images: yslretrospective.com

also, check out this tres fabuloso times online article all about yves and the advent of his new biography.

queen tilda

2010-03-30T22:17:00.004-05:00

how did i miss this?! tilda swinton plays the part of a gorgeous, crazed victorian queen in this editorial for acne paper - winter 09/10. her eyes in the second and final shots completely epitomize my obsession with this woman. i'm confident i need not continue dramatizing my feelings for tilda. you all understand.

images: fashionising.com

ysl tuesday part deux

2010-03-30T12:36:00.002-05:00

ahh! a young ysl on "what's my line!" completely priceless. perhaps "ysl tuesday" should become a regular installment...

ysl tuesday

2010-03-30T08:12:00.002-05:00

i found this interview from 1959 with ysl this morning. a beautiful man, with such a light, innocent, unassuming vocal quality.

happy tuesday :).

comme des garçons: the museum

2010-03-20T21:27:00.003-05:00

rei kawakubo just opened up a comme des garçons trade museum, where people are allowed to only look - not shop - at its dover street market location. featuring the typically creepy/avant-garde comme des garçons aesthetic, the museum is a glorious mecca of fashion and kawakubo's curatorial insight.

images: trendland

happy birthday, sassafras!

2010-03-20T10:52:00.004-05:00

today is sassafras's 1st birthday! it's lovely to think of all things that have been chronicled here, and the satisfaction of pushing my creativity and seeking things that inspire me everyday. not to mention the wonderful people i've met in the blogging world.

i'm home visiting my family for "spring break" this weekend (is 1 day off really a spring break? especially when it erupts into a wintry blizzard while you're home) and my mom wants to make no-bake cookies for sassafras (i don't like cake), and to have a little birthday party. does that mean that i get presents?

thank you to all of you who read sassafras - i'm looking forward to many more years of blogging!

xoxo,
amanda

crazy coco

2010-03-20T10:36:00.005-05:00

i love this kooky, witty editorial shot by tim walker for vogue uk/nov 2006. the experimentation with the proportion of accessories is so creative, and i love the overall visuals created by each photo. coco's a perfect model for this kind of concept because she has such a tangible personality. she really balances having a life/self within the "models should be seen & not heard" world.

images: trendland

j'adore paris

2010-03-18T00:31:00.002-05:00

i'm in such a street style mode right now. with all of the images revolving from fashion week street style, i had to jump on the bandwagon with some of my faves. these lovely women were all rocking their fierce personal style in paris - tres fab, tres chic. their ingenuity is inspiring me to NOT wear the same thing every damn day of my life.

images: refinery29

tilda for pomellato

2010-03-16T08:13:00.004-05:00

TILDA. how are you so wondrously, gloriously perfect? how can you make a jewelry campaign - usually characterized by gross, uninspiring beauty shots - look like avant-garde highfashion? how can i get your cheekbones? and your hair? which allows you to sport 1/5 of a cockatiel spike while still looking fabulous - nay, sensational?

i'd like to thank photographer pablo roversi for providing me with yet another crop of tilda swinton photos with which to fuel my obsession. "tilda's magic is her ability to express herself in a hundred different ways," he says.

and that is the damn truth. i mean, how many different tildas do we see in this?

images: vogue.com

don't mind me, here's some good street style

2010-03-16T00:57:00.008-05:00

sometimes when you're exhausted, burnt out on school and freelancing, and feel like you haven't been to the gym in years, you just need to look at some good street style. cheers for this beautiful eye candy as i lay in my too-hot bedroom in pj pants stolen from my sister and a big zit on my face.

images: refinery29

mohawk

2010-03-15T09:50:00.002-05:00

ysl shoes, fw2010.

image: style.com

devon aoki for vogue nippon

2010-03-10T09:45:00.011-06:00

editorial with devon aoki shot by david mushegain for vogue nippon feb 2008. i love the tranquility of the setting juxtaposed against some unbelievable styling. i would love to have those ysl heels with the logo woven into the front - tres kitschy, but quite wonderful.

images: fashion gone rogue

forest land

2010-03-10T09:36:00.007-06:00

this ethereal editorial, featuring a nymph-like sasha pivarovova, is brought to you by another magazine via fashion gone rogue. sasha looks like a spritely forest faerie, and i love it.

mcqueen's final collection

2010-03-10T09:20:00.008-06:00

a mystifying, gorgeous, expertly detailed and crafted final collection from alexander mcqueen. an even greater testament to the artist we've lost. his couture embellishments are exquisite, and i adore his continuation of the other worldly/reptilian inspiration.

rip alexander mcqueen.

images: style.com