Purple Passion

My dearest readers....
I have been staring at this outfit from the CNC Costume National Fall 2011 collection and trying to decide what to comment.  I finally came up with a very profound..."AWESOME!" Purple skinny pants, a leather jacket with zip detail & purple lining.  A sheer plum shirt.  I'm in purple paradise.  A pair of straight leg slacks (I have a purple pair) and a less sheer top would give it a more office friendly feel.

Photo by Imaxtree

Seeing Red

First, let me apologize for not posting in a while.  I'm on my 4th day of a migraine, but I felt I had to post something.  I also wanted to put a little color into my post today.

I have a crazy obsession this season with RED pants.  I thought I would share some images I found with the rest of you.  I think the pop of color has an amazing impact.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

First we haven outfit from the Mandy Coon Fall 2011 collection.  The leather bottomed shirt could be done with the top of a t-shirt for your next DIY project.  Add the red pants for a punch of color.

Photo by Unknown

Next we have an image from the Matthew Williamson Fall 2011 collection.  I have to admit that I wouldn't normally have considered pairing grey with red, but I really like the look & may have to try it myself.  The slightly slouchy cropped pants add a sense of relaxation to the outfit. 

The Long & Short of It

Today was another one of those days where you needed to wrap up in the morning and it was warm in the afternoon.  This weather got me thinking about sharing some pics of layering.  I also have a fondness for that "world has come to an end and I have to make do with what I have" kind of look.  Designers have been inspired by tribal looks for years and I love to see how that inspiration is transformed into Ready to Wear.

The images below are from the Gareth Pugh Spring/Summer 2012 collection.  Both outfits are striped, one of my least favorite looks, so I have to concentrate on the silhouettes.  I love the neckline on the dress below.  The long jacket with the hood (imagine covering up from the heat of the sun).  Together, the flow and draping are amazing.

Photo by Unknown

The next picture is a little more "every day" in my opinion.  I love sleeveless for Texas weather.  I  also adore the hoodie detail.  I can see pairing this with leggings and boots for a "wear it now" look.  My imagination also thinks that some detachable sleeves (perhaps attached with a leather strap) would be great to carry you from early spring into summer.

Photo by Imaxtree

Punk Shorts?

Today was one of those ridiculously warm days.  We opted for opening the windows, but only because there was a strong breeze, otherwise it would have been time for the A/C.  This got me thinking about what to wear in spring and summer that wouldn't require a person to give up their punk roots.

The Theory Fall 2011 collection offered up this image for our enjoyment.  This look may be a little dark from a color standpoint for spring/summer, but I know all of you have strong imaginations.  The point here is of course the leather shorts.  Presuming you have the legs for this look, I say go for it.  Rocking these shorts on the street or in the club will surely be attention grabbing.

Photo by ImaxTree

Sheer Delight

This week has been one of those weeks when Texas is confused about the season (well it isn't summer).  We have gone from warm spring weather to fall and back to spring again.  This is why I say "Layer, Layer, Layer".  Today's outfit shows an interesting way to layer for those days where the temp gets a little warmer.  Also note, that this is probably not a work safe outfit unless you add a camisol. From the GStar Raw's Fall 2011 collection I present you with this delicious little number. 

The jacket has some interesting detailing, perfect for ladies who like to show off their "assets" (You know who you are!)  Here in Texas we like to say "if you've got it flaunt it".  The frothy little shirt wouldn't leave much to the imagination by itself.  You could pair it with a dark cami (conservative), a nude cami (a little more risque) or just rock it out with something bright underneath.  On club night for those daring enough, just a bra under would suffice.  (Guys, please wipe the drool off the keyboard.)  Please take note that this shirt is a great wear it now & later number, since sheer was a prominent factor in many spring collections & I expect to see it on the top trends of Spring 2012 lists.  Lastly those pants...do I really need to elaborate here?  You either love them or hate them, right?!

Photo by Unknown

Punk Princess

Today's look has more than a "little" punk flair, as in HUGE punk flair. Sleeveless leather vest, black lace shirt, a flowy little skirt, tights with holes, knee high lace-up boots & a model with pink hair.  Could this look get any better?  The image from the Charlotte Ronson Fall 2011 collection is the perfect casual weekend look.  The only issue that I have with this look is the sleeves of the shirt.  I've found that the puffed styling found in this shirt only works if you have stick thin arms (which most of the population does not).  

I also have to give a big round of applause to the model Charlotte Free for proving that punk looks great on the runway as she has turned into the "It Girl" of the year.  You can find her image in more than a few runway pics from 2011, including the Queen of Punk, Vivienne Westwood (I'm sure you will see some of her work here later, so stay tuned).  Over the years, there have been a few models, whose "alternative" looks have garnished them fame.  I would like to ask that the fashion community take this into consideration and add more models that represent the differing aesthetics (if not body image) of the consumers to their advertising & runways (rant over - enjoy the look).

Photo by First View

Leather Skirt

It was a bit warmer in Texas today.  It made me think about spring and skirts.  I found this picture that I wanted to share.  I'm not a fan of the color scheme, but check out the skirt.  It looks kind of like it was upcycled from a leather motorcycle jacket.  I can totally imagine this in cobalt blue or purple.  The image is from the Fall 2011 Acne collection. 

This would be a great DIY project for someone.  If you try it, please send me pics.

Photo from Unknown

These are a few of my favorite things

I LOVE jackets.  I'm one of those people that gets cold easily, but I live in a state that has no concept (except in summer) of what a season is.  It can be freezing one day and you could be wearing shorts the next.  With the constantly changing weather, I have been forced to adopt the concept of layering.  I generally prefer light layers since you never know when you may have to peel a few off.

The image below, from the Fall 2011 collection of Catherine Malandrino, displays an amazing jacket.  I love the color red & cowl type neck & the leather detailing simply make this jacket pop.

Photo by Unknown

Split Personality?

Does your closet have a split personality?  One side of your closet is leather, studs, jeans, boots, etc. and the other is filled with cute girly dresses and skirts (obviously not my closet LOL!).  The next outfit might be exactly the kind of inspiration you need.

From the Lowe Fall 2011 collection, a conservative cut shirt in LEATHER (Awesome!) paired with a skirt in a pattern that reminds me of sundials.  The skirt has a slight flair to it giving an almost girly feel without being overwhelming.  The model staging for this picture if phenomenal in my opinion, the hair is sever & the makeup minimal but dark.  I'm also a fan of large bracelets and booties, so this is a "Win! Win!" in my opinion.

Let this picture serve as inspiration that leather does not have to be saved for weekends or outerwear.  Use that imagination, your work dress code may say no leather pants or skirts, but does it mention shirts?  Give it a try, it just might be possible to meet your career obligations without giving up your own personal aesthetic.

Photo by Unknown

Lovely Leather

Apologies for not posting the last couple of days.  I haven't been feeling well & just couldn't bring myself to look at the computer when I got home.  I intend to make up for it by giving you a couple of pictures today.

So the first picture is from the  Barbara Bui Fall 2011 collection.  It has a very DYI feel that I find appealing but in a grown up sort of way.

Photo by Unknown

The second look, from the Fall 2011 Haider Ackermann collection, has hint of those old punk roots (the hair, leather jacket, layers), but the velvet pants give it a luxurious feel. I would love to find a way to mimic this look for a more affordable price

Photo by Unknown

Rainy Day

It was a cool rainy Monday in Texas.  This weather shift got me thinking about ways to change up the look of rain gear.  I found some interesting rain boots to share with you, as well as a rain coat with an innovative detail.

 First up are a pair of purple wedge rain boots from Hunter.  These are a great way to add some color to your rainy day.

 Here are a pair of wedge rain boots by Dav.  These boots have a great studded ankle strap.

 Here is another pair of rain boots from Hunter, love the combat feel of the laces.

 Lastly I have a coat from the Celine 2012 Resort collection.  Check out the transparent ombre detail on a trench.

Photo courtesy of Celine

Saturday Night Fun

My post tonight is inspired by Saturday Nights.  As a mother, it is difficult to get out on Saturday nights like I used to do, watching the kids play Just Dance could be considered the current equivalent to a concert.  None of this stops me from perusing the net in search of something I would love to wear if I had the opportunity.

Below is an example of something that I would have loved to have been spotted wearing at a club pre-kids.  This image is from the threeASFOUR Fall 2011 collection.  The amazing detail at the neckline, the design on the front (a very homespun feel) and the small amounts of leather all make for an amazing silhouette.

Photo by Imaxtree

Casual Friday?

My inspiration today comes from "Casual Friday".  Of course, I couldn't just show you just any picture of jeans, I had to give it that punk flair.

The image below is from the Balmain Spring 2011 collection.  The leather jacket is covered with studs and safety pins.  The t-shirt is strategically torn with safety pins holding the tears together in a very DIY way.  The jeans are cropped and fitted in a very sophisticated way often left for those infamous cigarette pants worn by "Old Hollywood" starlets.  Lastly a pair of stiletto heals generally seen on those uptown high dollar female lawyers.  The look says Rock-N-Roll or Punk but in a very put together way that makes me think of that "Rock Chick" sitting in the box seats instead of standing in general admission.

Photo by FirstView

A Passion for Plaid

Plaid is one of those patterns that I think is totally underutilized.  I'm not sure if it is because people are scared, thinking it's too busy a pattern, or perhaps they feel it is too old fashioned.  I wanted to show a way to wear plaid that shows the playful side.

One of my favorite punk looks utilizes the "school girl" skirt.  The picture below takes that feel & rocks it up a notch.  I wouldn't necessarily recommend the tiny tie unless you want to rock the "Dandy" look. I think it is important to note that this tiny tie style would be better suited to someone who is slight of frame.  I might consider the pants with a skinny red or navy tie and the jacket unbuttoned.  I would also consider a white t-shirt or tank for a more casual look.

The image is from the L.A.M.B. Fall 2011 fashion show.  I would like to thank Gwen Stefani for sharing her style with the rest of the world by creating a fashion line and hope that we will see a more economically friendly line available in stores (similar to the Harajuku Mini line created for Target).

Photo source unknown

1st post & Blogger Background

Ok, so this is my first post, please be patient while I figure all this out.  One of my resolutions to myself is to express myself more creatively, so I am hoping this blog will be an artistic outlet of sorts.

Background:
I have a love of fashion and my own unique style sense.  I create jewelry and refashion clothes all the time.  My dear sweet friends are constantly asking me where I get things or how to mimic something that I have done, so I thought I would share some of my inspirations with you.  I love the dark side of things and have found inspiration in 78s/80s punk as well as post apocalyptic stories/movies.  I find the creativity of making fashion out of what you have around you fascinating. 

I would like to start off with a look that I think is a perfect DIY inspiration.  It has a sort of punk vibe that is executed in a very sophisticated manner.  The picture below is is from the Todd Lynn Spring 2012 collection.  I'm completely in love with that jacket & will have to see if I can somehow manage my own version.

Photo by Imaxtree