the ebay

>> 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

>> Dearest Jessica Simpson,

I just want to compliment you on the look you sported at the 2005 MTV Movie Awards.  You've really got that "Hey, I'm another hottie blonde starlet who married the lead singer of a super prestigious boy band and then made a bitchin' TV show about it, who are you" pose down pat. And the "I just stuffed too much chicken (of the sea, of course) down my throat and now I'm choking" look just makes you so loveable -- in fact, I just want to hug you (or do the Heimlich on you, one of the two).  You can give your dad my regards -- he groomed you well for celebrity.  A real classic-beauty-in-training we've got in you -- soon you'll be right up there with Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn, no sweat.  Gosh, and the whole pencil of black eyeliner you used just compliments the color of your eyes so well -- I wish I could pull off the sunken-eyed zombie look as well as you can.  Not to mention to mention that nice healthy orange tint you have to your skin -- how did you ever spend so much time in the tanning beds without getting a goggles tan?  Or is that what you were trying to cover up with all the eyeliner?  One more thing -- it was so charitable of you to adopt that abandoned poodle from the SPCA, I fully support that.  And I know that she only cries and whimpers when you leave her at home alone.  But really, did you have to pin her to the back of your head to bring her along?  The look is ghastly. 

Oh my gaa I can't believe you walked out of the house like that,

fashionologie    

>> I spoke a bit too soon.  Marc Jacobs' guardian angel must have seen what I wrote a few days back and felt like making me eat my words.  I say this because very soon after I vowed to eternally spurn Mr. Jacobs' work, I found something I actually liked in his most recent collection.  Yes that's right, the one that managed to make Gemma Ward (left) look intensely voluptuous. Which is a real "accomplishment" in itself, one that makes me very skeptical as to how flattering it all would look on the non-model consumer population (read: you and me).   

In any case, I...can't believe I'm saying this... absolutely love the dress on the right.  I think it's partially because it looks very baroque, with the rich berry-colored velvet, the low square neckline, and the empire-waisted bodice.  I always was a sucker for baroque art.  The rose belt and gorgeous tulle sleeves just complete this dress.  Now if I could just get my hands on one (I wish) and live in a castle, my childhood fantasy of being a modern-day Renaissance maiden would be complete. 

While I'm praising MJ, I might as well out myself a little more.  I recently came across limited edition of his classic accessory, the mouse shoe, that I have fallen for hard -- it's Swarovski crystal-studded silver satin perfection (now just for fun: say that last phrase five times fast).  Too bad that it's signed by MJ and numbered, making it worth $1477.78, an amount of money I just don't have to throw around. 

Damn you, Marc Jacobs.  I was just starting to like you.  But you had to do it, didn't you?  You had to go and get all ego-y again, signing your shoes and raising your prices.  I knew I was right about you.  I just knew it.

>> Growing up, I had many a friend who thought they were fashion divas because they swore by one simple fashion rule: brown and black can absolutely positively not go together. EVER.  The frog over there against the wall in the brown belt and black shoes?  Gag me with a spoon!  Don't even think about looking at him, much less talking to him! 

I always questioned this monomanic fashion philosophy, but at the time I was a pubescent preteen who just wanted to fit in.  Thank God I've grown up since then and can finally see the light.  I'm here this evening to convince you that brown and black can go together, very well in fact, if done correctly.

Case Study #1:  Carrie Bradshaw

Yes, I know Carrie Bradshaw is a fictional character, but no one (no, not even you) can deny the fashion icon-ness of Ms. Bradshaw.  So let's take a looksie at that picture over there on the left.  We have the white pumps, the black pinstriped suit, and oh! what's this? a brown beret.  Pshah, you say, Carrie has eclectic style.  It's sheer coincidence.  Well, I say, let's move on.

Case Study #2: Kate Moss

This goes without saying, but say it I will.  Kate Moss is the undisputed fashion icon our times.  If you were unaware, I'm really not sure what you're doing here.  (Actually, please read on.  A little education would do you a bit of good.) 

Exhibit A:  As you can see on the right, Ms. Moss is wearing a brown belt and black shoes.  Remember the frog from my junior high years?  Seems she was just channeling a little bit of Kate Moss.  There's nothing wrong with that, now is there, Sienna? 

Exhibit B:  On the left, Ms. Moss is wearing a gorgeous brown and black (shocking!) Dior Couture dress and Cartier jewelry, in which she accepted her Award for Fashion Influence at the 2005 CFDA Fashion Awards.  Imagine that.  Someone who wears so much brown and black together getting an  award like that.  Kate Moss, I love you and your I-just-had-sex hair.       

I end with a shout out to you so-called fashion divas I knew in my middle school years: Your little philosophy is flawed.  Eat that.   

Other winners at the 2005 CFDA Fashion Awards (06.06.05)

Pictures of other 2005 CFDA Fashion Awards Attendees

>> Dear Paris (I wish you were burning) Hilton,

You know the first thing came to mind when I saw you like this?  Surpisingly enough, it wasn't "That's hot."  It was more like, "Wow, somebody went a little overboard with the big sunglasses."  Now we all know that I'm a proponent of the big sunglasses look, but Jesus, woman, those just make you look  like a fly.  In fact, the resemblance is so uncanny, I'm lead to believe that it might be a manifestation of your inner being.  You know that book by Kafka, The Metamorphosis?  Oh wait, I forget... "novels" just don't quite make the socialite's summer reading list.  Let me break it down for you: I wouldn't be surprised if sometime soon you woke up and weren't so Barbie-like.  Instead you were more... how do I say... fly-like (Ew!).  I mean, you already have the big bug-eyed thing going on.  You know, once the transformation is complete, I bet Paris Latsis won't be so keen on sharing his bajillions with his giant, hairy, bug-eyed fiancee (not that he was to begin with).  But I'll give you one thing -- it would be one hell of a publicity stunt, since that does seem like what you're after these days.  It's really too bad you won't be able to talk about it to the press with all those feelers in the way.  And trust me, the pity is sincere.  But if anyone could pull off the girl-gone-buggy with class, it would be you.  You could even make another one of those B-rated movies you're so good at -- a flygirl superhero is perfect fodder.  And better yet, Rick Salomon might even be up for "Another Night in Paris" when he sees the new improvements.

Now that's hot,

fashionologie   

**sources: BM Galleries, Dailyceleb.com