the LA bunch

>> I was reading my online newspaper and sipping my orange juice this morning, when I came across a couple of snippets I just had to share --  they made me laugh and shake my head in absolute disbelief:

The Sun reports today that Kate Moss has rekindled her relationship with Pete Doherty after he set fire to his bed last weekend in a bid to show her how much he loves her. "It's been a tough few weeks for Pete," said a friend. "He split with Kate, sacked his manager and got arrested for fighting a reporter. Things came to a head at the weekend. He was so frustrated he smashed up a guitar and set fire to his bed. Kate got to hear about it and let him come and stay. She still thinks she can sort out Pete and all his problems."

Really, Kate.  I love you -- you're beautiful and a superhuman dresser, but do you have to be swayed by a man who proclaims his love by...setting his bed on fire?  I know it's romantic, but ya gotta try and resist these things every once and a while.  I have to say, I'm a little disappointed in your judgement right now. 

In other news:

Jessica Simpson, who wears only the skimpiest of denim garments in The Dukes of Hazzard, has rolled out a retail line of jeans for plus-size women.
The $59 slacks, available at Avenue stores, fit sizes 12-24, reports USA Today.
"We have people 300 lbs. or 90 lbs. come up to Jessica and say, 'I'm just like you,'" Jessica's father and manager, Joe Simpson, tells the paper, adding: "It's not about the outside. It's what's inside."

Now this concerns me for a couple of reasons.  First, why do we keep allowing a girl who coordinates hoodies, baggy cutoff shorts and platform heels to roll out the clothing lines?  Second, why is it that people want to be "just like" her?  I for one have enough time coping with one of them, but now there's clones?  Jesus.  And finally, who knew Joe Simpson could whip out such profound wisdom?  I've never heard anything like it before.

**sources: vogue dailies, people

>> Trendy LA boutique Kitson has always been a tacky monster in my books.  But this time, it has really outdone itself.  Kitson's latest addition to its wares is a pair of baseball-style t-shirts blazoning "Team Aniston" or "Team Jolie" across the fronts. Appropriately from a brand dubbed "White Trash," the shirts look like just that to me -- trash.  I mean, really, anyone with a computer could print a similar text block out and take it to the nearest t-shirt printing store.  The worst part yet: the shirts, priced at a ludicrous $30 (you really get your money's worth), are currently on backorder.  AKA people are snapping them up.  Jesus Christ, can't people see that they're just buying into a big scam?  Kitson is just riding on the coattails of the big bad PR dragon that has been spurting out flames of Pitt/Jolie conspiracy theories a mile a minute.  And besides, I was under the impression that no one likes picking teams.  At least that's what they told me in elementary school whenever I got picked last.

**sources: vogue daily news

>> I know some of you (as well as I) have become Nicole Richie fans ever since she stepped up her style.  So I have a point of interest for you -- there's a Jill Stuart top on ebay exactly like the one Nicole wore about a week ago.  And it's only at $49.90 right now.  And it's ending June 16 (tomorrow) at 19:37 PDT.  Hope you're a size medium, because whatta deal.  Too bad I think that shirt looks like a pajama top.  Aye, me, what can I say. 

>> Socks haven't been fashionable since the 80's, when they were layered neon horrors with cuffs at the top.  But then we were also sporting hairties on our t-shirts and half a can of hairspray in our hair at the time, so you could argue that things were all around slightly nutty. 

In any case, I think it's about time socks had another chance to shine -- it has been a good 20 years, after all.  French designer Delphine Murat must agree, because she has recreated socks in a way that actually makes them quite appealing.  Her line of minisocks, come in five different styles (including my favorite, the basix, left), and a million bajillion different colors and textures to accomodate your taste.  And they won't be really dorky looking (like most socks would be) if you wore them with ballet flats -- in fact, they would be quite cute.  Not only that, but they add that little touch that sets you apart from everyone and their mom who is wearing ballet flats right now.  Here's the only problem -- while they are available in Europe, Japan, and the UAE, they aren't sold anywhere here in the States.  They are selling a few styles online, but for the life of me, I have not been able to figure out how to work the online shop.  Embarrassing, I know.

So I've come up with an equally-as-cute alternative -- wearing ankle socks with your heels (or flats, for that matter).  I've been noticing this style for a while now in the Anthropologie catalogue and have been wanting to try it out.  It adds a great feminine touch, and it's not like you see people doing this style every day.  So I say, why do socks have to be sucky looking, when they can be "socksy," instead?  There's just no excuse.      

>> Watch out, Mr. Potato Head, there's some new kids in town.  And they think they're haute stuff.  Visionaire, a fashion and arts publication, has released a new collaboration with urban toy creator Kidrobot: MORE TOYS.  These soft vinyl toys are released in two sets of five toys, the Blue Set, customised by the likes of Jean Galliano, Helmut Lang, Jean Paul Gaultier, YSL, and Giorgio Armani, and the Yellow Set, customised by Pucci, Comme des Garcons, Gucci, Maison Martin Margiela, and Vivienne Westwood. Each set also contains accessories these toy fashionistas wouldn't want to be caught dead without -- a cell phone, a martini glass, a camera, and a flower.  And they can even hold hands -- isn't that just so cute (and non-fashion-industry-like)? 

Maybe you think so, but I personally am not impressed.  I think they're really dumb, actually.  I mean really, who wants to pay $175 and burn some plastic (your credit card) in exchange for some more plastic (dolls)?  Not me -- my money is better spent elsewhere.  But here's my favorite part: this edition got released because the last issue, TOYS (a collaboration with designers like Karl Lagerfeld and Alexander McQueen), did so well.  I'm just wondering about two things: 1)  Who buys these things? and 2)  How did they get people like too-good-for-you Karl Lagerfeld to design a toy?  Me, I'm stumped.  You got any clue?

Note:  The limited edition sets are to be shipped late June.

>>  Bad news for the fashion world... I mean really, what is the world coming to when the likes of Jessica Simpson (patooey...I speet at zat name) are allowed to have clothing lines?  According to the Wall Street Journal, just that is about to happen.  But Jessica is not out to do any of the dirty work, no, someone else is doing the design -- she just gets to give the stamp of approval.  There will not only be one, but two lines -- JS by Jessica Simpson, exclusive to the Fashion Bug chain, and Princy, a somewhat pricier line for department and specialty stores.  Simpson told the Journal that she "grew up loving clothes."  Well clearly, Jess, that qualifies you for a fashion design job (along with half of the rest of the world).  The line is to launch in August, coinciding with the release of "The Dukes of Hazzard" -- how convenient.  Don't worry Jess, I'll be waiting in line at the nearest Fashion Bug come August.

PS.  Jess, your new music video makes me ashamed to say that I have cowboy boots.  And another thing -- did you have to butcher one of my favorite oldies while at the same time looking so uncannily porn-star-ish?

**sources: washington times, yeeeah.com

>> Today is one of those weird days where everything normal turns upside down.  Like, normally, I can just push Lindsay Lohan's style aside as hogwash.  But I saw some of her shoot for the July 2005 Elle, and I was stunned.  I actually (God help me)...liked some of it...quite a bit, in fact.  Yeah, I've always been partial to this style of graphic t-shirt, so I was at a disadvantage, but oh man.  Me fashionologie, you lindsay's t-shirt.  fashionologie love lindsay's buddhist punk rolling stone t-shirt (which they have in very limited quantities for $128 at adasa.com).  And yes, the love is that primal - crazy Tarzan primal. 

And since I'm spilling the beans, I might as well tell you the whole truth.  I love this outfit, as well.  Not only because of the stark contrast between the cream dress and the dark tights, but because of the juxtaposition of the Victorian-inspired styling of the dress and the mod-inspired tights.  Rock on, Lindsay, like a Rolling Stone.  Now if you would only dye your hair back to that ravishing red.

**sources: superiorpics.com

>> Don't you just love when you find a good pair of shoes on sale?  Or maybe that's just the Imelda Marcos in me, because there's no question that shoes are my favorite article of clothing, by far.  Don't worry, though, I don't get orgasmic when I buy a pair of shoes like I'm sure Ms. Marcos did (Why else would the woman have 3,000 pairs of shoes, some of which she'd never even worn? Now that's a true shoe "fetishist."  I mean the woman had a bulletproof bra, for crying out loud.  She musta been a tiny bit loco en la cabeza).  What I'm saying here is that I found these great little patent leather Italian-style flats for $20 yesterday.  And they're Tinky-Winky purple (What, man, I felt like having some fun.).  And yes, so you don't have to ask, they are my pride and joy.   

>> ...One of these things just doesn't belong.  Oh hi, Elmo's so happy to see you!  (Sorry guys, just couldn't avoid the reference -- I was a hardcore Sesame Street fan as a kid.)  Before we get too far into Elmo's World, let's pull back out so you can finally understand where all of this is going. 

Shaun Leane is a London-based jewellery designer who has had a strong partnership with Alexander McQueen since the early '90s, when he produced a number of pieces for McQueen's second catwalk show.  Since then, he has won the title of UK jewelry designer of the year in 2004, as well as (I'm sure you'll be interested to hear) a client in Kate Moss.  I know you're not here to read this guy's resume, but don't worry, now we're down to the really really important part. 

As I was looking through Mr. Leane's site, something struck me: a lot of his earrings are sold as singles (aka you can buy only one, you're not obligated to buy a pair).  I've come across this phenomenon at a couple of other places lately, and I think it's a really novel idea.  I mean, I've always just assumed that earrings should come as a pair, and look exactly identical.  But who ever said fraternal twins couldn't be fashionable, right MKA?  So I have a proposition for you -- why don't you follow suit and mix it up a little bit?  Try the two-different-earrings thing -- it's a subtle bit of subterfuge, and it's a great way to personalize your accessories.  If all that hasn't convinced you, how about this one: it's a good conversation starter for the guy across the room who's been eyeing you.  Look at me, I've become a real modern Emma -- I've done my part, now you do yours.  Initiate, woman. 

Note:  unless you're planning on seriously shelling out for one earring, because let's face it, while Mr. Leane's designs are divine, they are also divinely expensive at around ₤250-300 for one earring.  So, you have a few other options --

1)  Mix up pairs of earrings that you already own

2)  jewel-thief.com has a pair of mismatched earrings and a couple of singles for sale in the $24-55 range; and online boutique There's No Place Like Home has a pair of mismatched earrings available for $26AUD

3)  You could try your luck at ebay -- you know people are always trying to get rid of an earring that they lost the mate to.

>>  So I put my mad Sherlock Holmes skills to work again last night, and was able to deduce that you guys are super interested in three people -- Kate Moss, Mary Kate Olsen, and Ashley Olsen (since I did get two separate emails about the same three people like ten minutes apart).  So here's a little some'n some'n to whet your tastes:

Question Numero Uno:

"Hi!  Thanks for finding the brand of MK's boots last time!!  Since you're so good at it... I thought I'd give you another try... I was wondering if you happened to know who made these sandals that everyone (Ashley Olsen, Kate Moss, Nicole Kidman) seems to be wearing." - Chi

Hello my friend, we meet again.  I know you want to get down to business, so let's do it.  I looked at the  pictures you provided me with, and looks to me like Miss Ashley Olsen has been trekking around town in a pair of black Bernardo Mistrals, which retail for $89.

Coincidentally, the pair of shoes Kate Moss is wearing in the picture you sent me are also Bernardos.  Hers are the black Millys, also available for $89.

And now on to Query #2:

"Hi, I am particularly interested in the styles of Kate Moss, and Mary-Kate and Ashley. I was wondering if you had further insight into where they get their clothing or what brands they wear."
- Ananda

Absolutely -- since you didn't have any specific questions, I'm just gonna pick an outfit or two from each person you mentioned.  Really though, the whole deal with these girls is that they mix and match high street stuff, vintage stuff, and runway stuff.  That's why their outfits are so interesting in the first place -- all of them are very eclectic.

So obviously you have the two pairs of shoes above to start you off, and Mary Kate's boots, red Dita sunglasses, tank, scarf, and pants that I've all found before. 

For a few more Mary Kate finds: on the left there, she's wearing her Dita shades, a vintage Chanel bag, and the Alexander McQueen pirate scarf from his Spring/Summer 2003 collection.  On the right, she's wearing a linen blazer by Marni that is available at bluefly.com for $549.  Mary Kate is just all about the layers, the non-matching, the grunge... dumpster chic, as I'm sure you've heard before.

As far as Ashley's style, in the recent picture on the left, she's carrying a Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Leather Bag with Grommets, available at net-a-porter.com for $2180.  Her shoes are the Mukluks that were so popular this past winter, retailing for $395.  On the right is Ash in the cover pic of the July 2005 Harper's Bazaar, wearing a gorgeous dress from Zac Posen's Fall/Winter 2005 line.  Generally speaking, Ash just has much more of a penchant for put-together, feminine looks than MK does, and you can see that come through in the second picture. As far as more information on both of their styles, I would suggest taking a look (when you have a good chunk of free time) at this thread on MKA -- the people keep up with candids really well, and they know their clothing.  

While MKA tend to shop the whole realm of fashiondom, I would venture to say   that Kate Moss sticks more to the high-end stuff (with exceptions, of course).  Style.com recently did an editorial called "Kate's Picks," in which she went through the new fall lines and chose her favorites.  Also, this thread has an extensive gallery of Kate photos.  Really, there's no set designer that she prefers.  She just likes what she likes, which is how we should all operate.  Of course, if I had to pick one staple item for Kate, it would be her Hermes Birkins.  (And her opaque black tights, her fur coats, grungy 90's skinny jeans, leggings, pirate boots, white blazer... basically a lot of black and white with a little red thrown in there for color.)

Hope all that helped you two!

**sources: angelaolsenfanz, bergdorf_tales