I’ve never really liked the word ‘staycation’; it sounds so cheesy, and why would anyone ever want to stay anywhere? Either way, sometimes I forget to make use of my time off and, as my friend Frank says, chill hard. So I’m experimenting a bit with not going into the office today. Because in the end, I’m pretty sure the official rules say it’s all good if your day really does end up being sick.
Did you know that the epigraph in The Great Gatsby is entirely made up? With the prolific recently-released trailer and the opulence for which Luhrmann is known, I’ve decided to re-read the Classic just in time for the release of the film (or, 5 months prior, whatever). I figured if I can capture a better sense of the lavishness exuded in Fitzgerald’s work, I can better understand the film as a work of brilliant re-interpretation or merely an upscale Entourage outtake. So in theme, I’ll be heading to check out the opulent ROM party in Toronto tonight (DJs, drinks and dinasours surrounded by marble columns and pristine display cases), and spend tomorrow getting into the Gatsby. Here’s a visual journal of what my weekend will look like–save for the occasional tight ‘n bright party that’s neither here nor there…unless Gatsby threw those, too.
It seems like with the summer weather coming up, every magazine is stepping up and coming out with some dope covers that seriously rival the pristine art direction of their earlier years. It’s back to models gracing the covers of style publications, incredibly artistic editorials that usher the age of meta-fashion and some unreal portraiture. I think that sometimes, with the high fashion and the celebrity and the endorsements, a lot of things essential to editorial integrity get lost in the shuffle. But other times you get something undeniably authentic, something that’s more than just a bind of ads with articles and pictures in between. So here are a few sick shots that I think are worthy of mention.
Kate Moss rocking the Pomp cover
Natalia Vodianova for Vogue Russia
Not so new, but still. ‘Neo Chic’ Katie Fogarty by Nicolas Moore for Flair Italy June 2011
Just for good measure, these can’t all be fashion, can they? T Magazine x Edible Selby
I’ve missed my perfectly beaten up Converse ever since I left them at that fated hostel incident in Rome, and haven’t quite been able to replace them. So I’ve been looking for the perfect pair of Purcells for a while–it’s always been a debate between the laid back lighter colours and the darker leather make. Then there’s the navy, or the super sweet shade of green that only Jack Purcell has. I have about seven pairs in my basket but still can’t make a decision; pretty typical.
images via Sincerely, Jules
Whatever Mickey Drexler is doing, he’s doing it well. J. Crew’s latest campaign takes place in the exotic terrains of Indonesia, saturated with bright-hued threads, perfectly-tailored pants and accessories that put your regular exotic trinkets to shame. Mandatory note on cultural appropriation, Orientalism, imperialist framework etc. (thanks, four long years of Development Studies!) aside, I think you just can’t help but appreciate the amazing artistic nature of these shots. So, academic pretension aside, J. Crew did pretty good.
via J. Crew
via J. Crew
via J. Crew
via J. Crew
A little while ago I posted some of my most anticipated soon-to-be-released Rizzoli books (here). I posted about a book called Tomboy Style, though I’ve never been one to rock the preppy boycut look myself. What I found interesting was the research and objective of this project, which spans decades and continents and fuses a global style understanding that’s rooted in a few loosely cut basics. Weaving together a historical narrative, a timeless trend and a stylistic understanding of women’s fashion, Lizzie Garret Mettler provides a comprehensive understanding of why you should care about boyfriend jeans and loafers. Here’s a vid of her talking a little bit about the book–and though some parts are a little less relevant, as a whole it’s a pretty nicely wrapped up project. (Look out for another post on this when I actually, you know, read it)
While everyone else is scrambling to buy Coachella tickets for next year’s ridiculously preemptively slotted dates, I’m going to blog about skulls. I’ve been resisting this for quite a while, but the whole skull thing has grown on me. It began subconsciously, I suppose, with all the McQueen paraphernalia, though I was still trying to suppress it at that point. Then came those clear vodka bottles, the Urban Outfitters desk-toppers, and the rest of it. But the thing that really got me was a recent post by miss Doré, that juxtaposes subtle feminine chic with a tasteful rock ‘n’ roll edginess. So fine, I listen to A$AP Rocky, and now I am crossing over into Kurt Cobain territory. Identity crisis noted; but the heart wants what it wants. (It should be noted that I’ve been heavily resisting any explicit marketing techniques and magazine features that aim to convince me of my life’s inherit emptiness without the season’s five hottest skulled items. But here you go, it somehow happened anyways.)
It’s the long weekend in two days and despite the fact that I completely forgot/had no idea to begin with, I’m furiously trying to get away in any possible form. Although I haven’t booked anything yet (there’s time, right?), I thought I’d spend some more time not figuring out what to do this weekend and figuring out what to bring; I’m optimistic, still. I always find that packing posts glorify what we tend to bring on vacations. What is it about artisan backpacks and trendy products that seems to make getaways a fashionable endeavor rather than an escape from civilization (where you can sport your cut-offs with a horribly run-down men’s sweatshirt)? I haven’t figured it out, but until I do, I’m going to go ahead and perpetuate this.
not quite a bindle, but great and compact for impromptu (is there any other kind?) getaways
PTR moisturizer and SPF combo that’s light and fresh-smelling
Bumble and bumble is a travelling staple
cozy sweater since warm things are always mysteriously left out of my packing list
fun and easy to follow recipes for rustic cottage staples
easy breezy beer-’n-sun playlist
I never ever do posts about kids–mainly since I never really understand what all the hype is about (except Kids with Swag–I get that). But this is a special case, because this is just brilliant marketing and a whole lot of French swag: it’s a company called Very French Gangsters, and their demographic is sadly young for my purposes. With some unreal shots of their products on some very swanky kids (think the J. Crew tots starring in a mugshot), they remind me of Warby Parker in their witty approach to specs. Check ‘em out–you know they’re not bribing me because I couldn’t fit into a pair if I wanted to (I kind of do).
It’s summer–or so the forecast insists. Lots of sun means the cardinal rules that I without fail never follow: water (Coronoa), SPF (pffft) and headgear (never works). However, inspired by the chic selection of headgear on some sartorial blogs, I am making an attempt to adhere to Granace’s constantly repeated (and repeated, and repeated) rules of sun time. Because she’s French, and therefore an expert. So here are a few chic and not so geeky attempts at headgear I will be rocking this sunny season.
This look is pristine and keeps the sun out of your biz (and curls–a serious plus). via Honestly WTF
Okay, so I won’t be trying this one out anytime soon, but I think it’s a cool one to try if you think you can rock the full out turban without looking like a fortune teller (this girl’s got it down pat) via Sartorialist
This looks like Suzie Bubble, but I’m not so sure. Either way, gotta respect a girl who rocks a printed, bright coloured cap. Serious swag via Honestly WTF
Great for summer, fall, or just about any season–and works even better when sprinting in windy locales. via Sartorialist
