I post links: Harajuku Fashion Walk

TokyoFashion got some GREAT pictures of a Fashion Walk that happened on September 25.

Dolly kei! Mori! Lolita! Decora! Fairy kei! Gyaru! Is... Is that a Guro-Loli??! So! Awesome!

Does ANYONE on this side of the Pacific have this much fun with fashion? My Lord, what I'd give to have been there. Truly looks like an amazing time. And TF got some amazing individual street-style pics, too, but I don't want to steal any of their much-deserved thunder. Check it out, my loves! Observe and learn!

I post links: Yuko rocks my face again!

I totally want to go shopping with this woman:

Via Japanese Streets. Go give Kjeld some love for doing such an awesome job on this site, wouldja?

More beautiful Yuko action here (pause for squeal of glee!) and here.

I post links: Are fashion makeover shows discriminatory?

I've got to post this, before I run off to work. (Need to pick up the pace on my unpacking after Cincy Fashion Week -- still haven't found the USB cable to upload the pics I got! Grr!)

But I've sang the praises of The Fashionate Traveller before, and today I'm going to do it again.

"How do I Look" -- Is it discriminatory?

I love a good makeover show as much as anyone. Seeing girls or older women who have no clue about fashion and style and who really want to learn, and see them benefit from others’ expertise, is a lovely thing. Sometimes it results in a whole new lease of life and improved self esteem which is a great thing.

But lately something has been irking me that I’d like to get off my chest: some shows, particularly “How Do I Look” decide that alternative culture is not valid and ladies with alternative/goth/punk/rock fashion senses need a good smack upside the head. Occasionally this is true. For every well put together rock chick there may well be another girl who just looks, well, trashy. But often I see people who already have a strong sense of self, being pressured to give up their old clothes, hairstyles etc…in order to please well-meaning siblings and friends who want to ‘vanilla’ them down. Know what I mean?

I've had these exact same kind of off-put feelings while watching "What Not to Wear." I loves me some Clinton, but not everyone wants to dress like they came out of a khaki cookie-cutter, like these shows seem to do to um, everyone. Good comments abound in this post, and I encourage you to go check 'em all out.

What do *you* think?

YES! YES! YES!

I'm going totally Herbal-Essences commercial over this post by Jeremiah Williams over at the Indianapolis Fashion Collective Blog.

A Fashion Revolution for the Men of Indianapolis? Yes, Please!

My good man, I could NOT agree with you more!

Excerpty goodness:

Unlike the ladies, most men often underestimate what style can do for them. There is a clear difference from just putting on a suit, and styling the suit to you. That difference could be getting the job or promotion, over someone else. Putting together your look before you go out, to a social event, could affect your networking connections or making that romantic connection. I went to my twitter followers, to see what they thought of style over just getting dressed, for men. One response, kind of summed it up perfectly. Grey Granite (@greygranite), a local music artist said, “ In 2011 you can judge a book by its cover – we have graphic designers and stylists and TV to ensure that you customize your look so that it will only take a split second for your audience to find you – and love you”.

So men of Indianapolis, let’s give people a reason to fall in love with you. The city has too much talent and passion, to let it get underestimated; JUST BECAUSE IT IS LOCATED IN THE MIDWEST.

*pumps fist* Let the revolution begin!

Personal style: Incorporating dolly kei elements into everyday

It's well established that I'm super-enamored with the Dolly Kei style tribe that's slowly establishing itself out of Tokyo and into the world at large. But I meet the same sticking-point, over and over, as I evangelize the fun of the style. "That looks AWESOME," they say, "But I don't think I could pull off something that out-there."

I submit my Easter ensemble for your consideration, my dear skeptics:

Black embellished tunic-style dress: Candie's, on clearance at Kohls.
Curtain tassel: $9 at Jo-Ann Fabrics
Hat: Thrifted and self-decorated with silk ribbon, hydrangeas and peonies.
Green jade earrings: A handmade gift from my fiance'
Not shown: sensible nude pumps

The dress is fantastic because it is oh so versatile, just like a LBD should be, but the detailing sets it apart from the average LBD. I almost wore an oversized white butterfly pendant, but even though it was huge, it just shrank into the lacy collar.

A curtain tassel adds interest, is easy to coordinate, and takes the whole thing from 2D to 3D. With a beaded black eveningwear top or dress, a black tassel is amazingly elegant. I've noticed tassel-style beaded necklaces popping up on jewelry-shop racks here and there, too.

You probably wouldn't wear *this* hat everyday, but a nice big straw hat is a breezy, fun option for spring and summer. I consider at least one sun hat a must-have. Go with a plain one, or a more modestly-sized cloche or fedora if the big brim seems too flamboyant for your taste. Hats are so versatile! You can accessorize with a ribbon, scarf, a nice brooch -- I have a leftover groom's lily boutonniere that I stick to my straw hats with some corsage pins.

Oh, and if you *do* want this hat, it will be coming up for sale online in a matter of weeks!

The Fab Fashion Meetup 2.0! Get ready! (plus pics from the last one)

Family portrait, by David Van Deman

Well, I was still in the midst of some moving madness when the first Indiana Fashionista Meetup Luncheon went down. Now that it's sorted, it's already high time to be planning the next one!

Given that the costume-construction major at VU is a very time-intensive one, plus the fact I have TWO jobs right now, I'm gonna need help pulling off the next one. It's no sweat -- I will put together the brochure/flyer/promotional reading material decided upon, just like I did for the January 10 meetup. I will call for the reservation, unless things get RIDICULOUS. Basically, I'm still doing all the heavy lifting. I just need a pinch-hitter. And you'll get free publicity out of it, if you help out!

I just need basic help, like the MOST IMPORTANT question getting answered: Where should we all meet up? Indianapolis is a bit of a sizable place. I'd like to have a place with better parking than the cafe' in Bloomington, as I got a few complaints on parking. Taking this into consideration, what sounds good? Tentative ideas include Scotty's Brewhouse, Bella Vita, PF Changs (downtown or northside location), or a sushi/hibachi place. It's VERY important that I get your feedback early on, Indiana fashion-freaks!

Now for tentative date. A February meetup is nearly impossible given how busy-as-heck I'm going to be. The last weekend in February may work; I also have spring break starting March 5 and going through that week. I assume a Saturday meetup is preferable. So. February 26, March 5, and March 12 are the dates presently on the table. Please give me feedback here in a comment, on the Circle City Style Facebook page, or via Twitter. I will be putting up an EventBrite page as soon as I have an idea of which of these 3 dates is best.

As a digression, The play I'm doing costumes for, "Days Without End," opens at the Red Skelton Center at VU on February 17, and my attendance is mandatory. SO, if you'd like to see me on that weekend, you know where I'll be. It's a good play, albeit depressing, and we're working some FANTASTIC 1930's period costuming, so you may deem it worth the trip to come see.

I will also need someone to act as co-host/hostess, which basically just means you help by acting as greeter if I end up running late on the drive to Indy. And, your site's address (and logo, if applicable) gets featured on the front of this event's brochure. Not too shabby!

The first Meetup went off better than I could have ever imagined, and I'm way thankful for everyone who made that possible. Hope you can come out to this next one. The best chance for that is to have advance notice and a hand in the final date chosen.

At this time, I'd like to thank all the attendees at the January 10 meeting:

• Julia Rutland, Aesthetic Design Style
• Janelle Cissel, Ruby Leonne
• Jessica Quirk, What I Wore
• Michael Trace, Michael Trace Photography
• Kaitlin Elyse, T. Party Clothing and Fashion Wrap Up
• Crystal Hammond, Dressed Her Days Vintage
• Emily Lytle-Painter, Dressed Her Days Vintage and Indianapolis Museum of Art
• Freelance fashion writer Erica Sagon
• Christy Pastore, Fashion Wrap Up
• Truen James, House of Fifth and Indianapolis Fashion Collective
• Chelsea Kouns, model for Fashion Wrap Up
• Photographer David Van Deman

Christy, Kaitlin, Jessica

Me with Jessica

Julia, Jessica, Erica

Kaitlin and Christy

An artsy shot of Truen

Janelle

Emily and David. Um, Emily, you're posing the wrong way :p

Table-shot by the very talented David Van Deman

Further writeups at: Ruby Leonne, The IMA official blog, DHD Vintage, and Aesthetic Design Style.

You are all so beautiful! Here's hoping for a bigger, better next Meetup!

Scarf-tacular!

I recently learned a new way to tie a scarf, courtesy of Jessica at What I Wore. Her handy video has FOUR ways to tie a scarf, it's perfectly adorable just like her, and you can find it here.

My old standbys are option # 1 in Jessica's video, just wrapping the scarf a time or two and letting it hang, or tying the scarf ascot-style. I was intrigued, though, by the way I'd seen Jessica tie her scarves in a few photos. I may or may *not* have inspired her instructional video with a recent blog comment. We may never know. But trying new things is always a fantastic prospect, and her European-chic scarf tie (option 4!) just might be my new fave.

Still not enough scarfy action for ya? Here's 37 more ways to tie the things.

Enjoy!

What a NICE writeup on the IMA blog!

Emily from the Indianapolis Museum of Art  has done a nice little writeup on the growing Indiana fashion scene, and its respective stylists, bloggers, and such. She made it out to the first Indiana Fashionista Meetup, and Circle City Style TOTALLY gets a mention in this story. Check it out for nearby fashion resources and community members you might not have known before!

Viva Indianapolis Fashion!

Quickie: A little link-love

It seems that Already Pretty and I are on the same page. You remember my post from December on fashionable, functional winter boots?

If you want more options, she's got more here.

Enjoy, my little snow-women! And do tread carefully. The snow's purty, but it can really be a pain in the tush if you fall over.

IFB Links A La Mode

The results are in! Here are this week's top 20 blog posts, as voted by Independent Fashion Bloggers:

Antares: Alfa Scorpii: Mori girls style is an amazing street style trend, the mixture of ethnic, folk, lolita-style and others.

Awakened Aesthetic: Araks Yeramyan’s lingerie is both ethical and effortless.

Beyond Fabric: On Family History – Vintage Family Pics

Big Girl. Small Budget. Tiny Town.: Using the 12 Days of Christmas as style inspiration. A 12-verse song translated into 12 winter looks

Boheme Noir: 10 Ways to Wear Tartan & Plaid

Circle City Style: High Fashion in the Style of Gemma Teller

Dramatis Personae: If I were Another Girl… Inspired by Eastern European Boho Style

Fasshonaburu: Why is that most “Flatter Your Shape” articles will feature petite and curvy, yet rarely both in one person?

Fuyume: Is the rise of Asian models a fad?

The House in the Clouds: Shine your light on me: A reminder to all women that we are more beautiful and interesting collectively.

I’m the It Girl: Colour Trends S/S 2011: From Runway to H&M

Independent Fashion Bloggers: Setting Blogging Resolutions for the New Year

Liv Lux Magazine: How to Ease High Heel Foot Pain [Video]

Lust, Love, Lose: Lust- Maggie Matich’s Lavender Hair

Just B Blog: B Festive: Hair Tinsel the perfect holiday hair accessory!

Miss Vicki: Crossing the line between fetish and fashion

Modly Chic: Typical New Year’s Resolutions– Blogified.

MoMoMod: I’m bound to believe that Catherine’s definitive, effortless, and lady like style is perfect in its own right.

My Fashion Lust List: Fashion Related Health Problems

The Coveted: Snow boots for urban sludge

The Red Dot: Fashion Illustration therapy: review of three of the best fashion illustration blogs of the moment – Do they have influence on our style and looks?

Watch This Place: In a world where ‘shocking’ is no longer shocking, I consider whether the ‘rock-’n'-roll-bad-girl’ has lost her edge.

Links To Love

Oops, I've been scooped! It's bound to happen from time to time. Here's what nearby style-mavens are going on about. I love it; I must share it!

Via Haute in the Heartland: Be the first Dressed Her Days Vintage Diva! (read: Model their AWESOME clothes as the official "face" of DHD Vintage for 2011!)

How do I become this diva?
Simply "like" the Dressed her Days Facebook page by Dec. 23 and tell them in 50 words or less why you'd make the ideal vintage diva. If you're uncomfortable using Facebook as your method of correspondance (i.e. if you only communicate in pink comic sans, which is not available on Facebook) then email your submission to crystal@dressedherdaysvintage.com.

Judges (I don't know who they are) will select 5 finalists and publish them on the DHD Facebook page on Jan. 3, whereupon all Facebook and Twitter followers of DHD will vote for the diva. The leading lady will be announced Jan. 15.

Indianapolis Fashion Collective

There aren't words. It's just AWESOME. Via the site, here is their mission:

Indianapolis Fashion Collective came into existence to Unite, Empower, Showcase, and Grow the Indianapolis area fashion industry through collaboration, education, and awareness.

IFC will do this through a combination of:
a web presence; exploring Indy as a fashion destination; marketing and events; mentoring and funding new talent; procuring manufacturing and sourcing for our members and Indianapolis as a whole; and partnerships with the community and other fashion-related businesses.

Via Planet Awesome Kid: Total Eclipse of the Heart.

Look at this sweet, beautiful kid. If he doesn't melt your heart, it's because you don't have one.

Also via Haute in the Heartland: Trashion Refashion Bloomington still looking for entries!

Creative types have til Feb. 1 to submit entries for this juried show. Proceeds from admission will benefit the benefit the Center for Sustainable Living in Bloomington. I REALLY wanted to make an entry into this one, but with the move and starting school and all, I just do not have the time to commit to creating an item up to my standards for myself. Please do go. I'll do my best to be there, and I'm sure it will be a blast.

The show, which starts at 7pm, will cost $15 in advance, $20 at the door and $10 under 18. There will be two runway shows, a silent auction, community art project, live music, cash bar and information about the Center for Sustainable Living. It is free to submit a design.

Via Aesthetic Design Style: Indianapolis named # 5 Top Shopping City!

That's right, according to Forbes Magazine, we're # 5! Top 5 out of 25 selected top-shopping cities. I'll take it. Shop local, y'all. If you don't know where to start, go with the sampling of local boutiques featured in the Aesthetic Design blog.

Via Chicago Streetstyle Scene: fun pics from Midwest Holiday Fashion Blogger Brunch

Stay tuned, Hoosier fashionistas -- I'm planning a similar gathering for us, for January. More detail forthcoming VERY SOON!

Via Glamour: Topless sunbathers in France demand equality. Male supporters don "man-kini" tops in a solidarity protest.

...police say that exposing one's breasts is sexual exhibition, and it's punishable by up to a year in prison or a fine of 15,000 euros. One feminist group in France called Les Tumultueuses is so put off by this notion that they've been staging protests at local pools, showing up with bikini tops and asking the male swimmers to wear them to create a deeper feeling of equality. Their point? "If women have to cover their breasts in a pool, then so too should guys."

Inspiration International 1.1: Male edition

In direct spite of what passes for menswear in most parts of the United States, I LOVE men's fashion. You men are beautiful, unique creatures with so many options and creative ways to dress up, even to just update a standard combo of jeans and T-shirts.

You'll notice most of this post's sources are from Japanese or Chinese blogs. Those Asian dudes just really know how to do it up right. I hope these inspire creativity. Or, at the very least, I hope they make you think.

Don't forget to visit the source-blogs and thank their photographers, if you like what you see! They work hard to convey the art of personal style.

Mint Fashion Snap: Ghostbusters!

The Sartorialist: Small accessory, big impact

Mint Fashion Snap: Awesome self-made jacket

Stylites Beijing: All Layered Up

Tokyo Fashion: Trench

Rid Fashion Street Snap: Tweed Ruffle

Inspiration International 1.0

It's common knowledge that I love Indianapolis, and while we aren't exactly the first place you'd point to on the map as a fashion Mecca, I believe in our little big city. I also believe in the glimmers of hope I keep seeing in the creative, arts, and fashion community.

Just the same, nobody's ever benefited from being too insular. With that in mind, I'm picking a few of my very favorite pictures from street-style blogs around the world. I went back several weeks to locate a selection that spoke to me. It was VERY difficult to narrow down only six! I hope you agree that these snaps inspire the onlooker to think about shape, color, pattern, texture, and attitude from a new angle.


Fall sunshine at Copenhagen StreetStyle





Volume FASHION STREET SNAP captures flair in a maxi skirt




The Sartorialist: On the Street....Viv, Milano

Stil in Berlin: Stil in New York: Alison

RID STREET SNAP - layered sweaters

THE STYLE SCOUT - London: Great Queen Street











































If you enjoy and/or find inspiration in what you see, please take the time to visit these hardworking fashion bloggers from all over the world. Go join me in thanking them for their good work.

Love and beauty always,

Leah

DIY necklace project via The Fashionate Traveler

I love this woman. I've lurked on her blog for a lil' while. (*lurk lurk stalk stalk* Dun dun DUUUUN!)

This stylish Aussie trots all over the globe, so squares like you and I don't have to. She's always dressed to kill, and quick to share her secrets of fabulosity. And, it would appear that the necklace that intrigues her also intrigues me:

This is a Tom Binn exclusive that retails for over 600 pounds. Needless to say, the way our dollar has been dropping of late, this would be a HEFTY chunk of change for those of us stateside. But it's sooo dreamy. What's a gal to do?

Follow the FT's tutorial, of course! I'm not going to spill the beans here b/c I'm not a content-scraper like that, yo! You'll have to go to her own site for the goods. Her version starts out with more necklace-strands, fewer gemstones, and a lot more blinged-out skull charms. Enjoy, and I hope it inspires.