Nostalgia corner.

I really miss this Gaga.

In honor of 90's fashion making a comeback...

Let's go visit 1990, shall we!



What's your favorite trend you want to bring back? What do you hope stays faaaaar away in the annals of recent history?


(psst! Three more days ti' the next Fashionista Meetup Luncheon! Have you RSVP'd yet?

A feature on dolly kei and Hitomi Nomura!

They interviewed my she-ro! This video annoys me, because they keep calling Hitomi and her shop "Mori Girl" even though it's clearly Dolly Kei, a completely different style tribe altogether.

My heart still went pitter-patter when they interviewed her, though. God, I'm such a little fangirl.

Inspirational Videos: Peaceful Soul

Inara Serra of Joss Whedon's Firefly remained, for most of the short-lived show, a spirit of Zenlike calm. Her spiritual depth, fierce love for her crewmates, and ever-present decorum show her as a model for attitude.

It goes without saying to anyone who's seen even one episode of Firefly that Inara's wardrobe is impeccable. Her coordinates are luxurious, elegant, sexy, and she always looks perfectly comfortable within them -- and within her own skin. Pieces mix influences from China, Japan, and India. Silks, velvets, brocades, soft flocked materials, sheer veils, and high-quality jewels bedeck her body from head to toe. We can take inspiration both from Inara's wardrobe selections and her calm character.

More favorite NYFW shows

Angles and Asymmetry: Rag And Bone



Moon manicures, classic shapes, new twists: Phillip Lim

NYFW highlight: I love you, Betsey!

Betsey Johnson showed at New York Fashion Week this Monday, February 14, at 6:00 p.m. As always, her clothing was outrageous but still wearable, she was adorable, and her models looked like they were having a blast. If I were about 20 pounds lighter and 6 inches taller, I'd love to model for a Betsey show.

Highlights:



The whole shebang from last year's show:

Inspirational Videos: Joie de Vivre

Jared predicted not long ago that, if I watched "Harold and Maude," it would quickly become one of my favorite films. Well, when he's right, he's dead-on right. Maude is certainly an icon of style and attitude. She is fiercely, recklessly individual, jovial, looks great in a kimono, and lives totally by her convictions. Oh, and she gives a suicidal boy a reason to live and love. Her multicolor velvet dress was what I thought of when I found my fabulous Elie Tahari top that I wore for New Year's. Plus, she sports some ladylike tweeds that are appropriate for any age. If I live to grow old, I hope I do with even half so much style, grace, and irreverence.

For those of us who *sigh* can't go to New York Fashion Week...

Gabrielle at Haute in the Heartland comes to the rescue! Clicky for live-streaming goodness. It's not quite being there, but it's not too shabby.

Catch Perry Ellis Friday at 11am, Jason Wu at 1pm, Rebecca Taylor at 2pm, Rebecca Minkoff at 2:30 pm, and Nicole Miller (yay!) at 6 pm.

Hit up http://hauteintheheartland.blogspot.com for the whole shebang of livestreaming listings.

Happy Fashion Week!

Inspirational Videos: Sass 'n Brass

One of my goals in life is to be more like Debbie Novotny from Queer As Folk. Well, only better-dressed. She isn't a fabulous dresser, but she is so wonderful to behold, because she's so hilarious, sassy, and full of love and kindness. I love this character beyond all reason. And this is why I count her among my style-inspirations. It's all about the attitude, baby. Just look at that sparkle and wink.

(NSFW language warning)

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!

Inspirational Videos: Hip-hop fierce

Showing impeccable style isn't just about what you wear. Just as important is your attitude. In honor of this fact, I've decided to post videos now and then of real-life people and fictional characters who embody attitudes that convey true style.

The first one is one of my favorites. The Beat Freaks performing to Webby's "Independent," in a style paying homage to Rosie the Riveter. We CAN do it!

Inspirational Videos

Happy 2011, everyone! I'm working on a little recap photo-collage of the fun parties and sweet ensembles from bringing the new year in, but while that's in progress, I took a break to watch some videos. I just love La Roux, don't you? She's channeling Bowie so hard in "Bulletproof." And in Quicksand, she's about as femme as I've ever seen her. This may come as a shock since I tend to dress so classic and girly (albeit with a gothic twist), but I do love me some gender-bending fashion.



Tell me you don't pine for the shiny black chain-embellished jacket. I won't believe you.

Next up, Quicksand. Tell me it doesn't make you want to stock up on animal prints and flowy, silky scarves.



What videos have inspired you in the past year?

Beautiful Family

A montage of footage from my stepbrother's wedding.


Alex & Jessica Eversoll Wedding Montage (12/11/10) from Sean Gowdy on Vimeo.

Thanks, Sean, for this video. In addition to being a testament to a joyful addition to my family, it's totally fitting for a blog centered on style and beauty. A happy, thankful heart is always in fashion.

Not to mention the fact that my brother looks darn good in a tux, and his bride, Jessica, picked a gorgeous dress. Also, Jess's daughter, Emery, would fit right in on Planet Awesome Kid. This is one pretty family.

I did get some good style photos of reception guests. These are forthcoming, and they will BLOW your mind.

Check This Out: Project IMA fashion show

If you missed out on Project IMA this year, please accept my condolences, because you really missed out.

Fortunately, the museum has posted video of the whole show! Enjoy: