Everytime I do it, I do it for the hood

Vest [Lauren Felton] Tank [Me] Tee [DKNY Pure] Skirt [Burfitt] Leggings [Ter et Bantine]

Belt [Zara] Boots[Minnetonka]

Lauren Felton. Never heard of her before? Me neither, until I found myself ogling her rack (teehee) at a routine Century 21 run. She's one of those rare designers that can create clothes that are intellectual AND sexy. I can't speak for anyone else but I always find myself struggling to find things that satisfy my inner design snob as well as the skank - don't even hate because if you don't have one, you are one. Trust. Anyway, how sick is the hood on this vest? 

Sifting through my clothes a couple weeks back, I came across a bunch of too-small Fruit of the Loom wifebeaters. I could've chucked them but that pesky recession alarm went off (consciousness sucks). I sacrificed one to another of my nerdy experiments. I ended up snipping the straps on the shoulder seam and adding a few inches of black elastic (my, like, fave) along with rounded trapezoidal panels of grey fleece-backed jersey (my, like, other fave) on the sides. It still ended up being too tight to wear by itself but I have 3 other ones with which to work the issues out.

Many, many projects in the mental works. I'm totally kvelling.

- Jessica

Been gone for a minute, now I'm back with the jump off

I have been neglecting our blog this past week, since I am currently computer deprived (for some slightly unfair reason involving an already injured Macbook, an open beverage and my sleep deprivation. Luckily, my roommate is very generous with her Macbook (under high security supervision). Although I have been in somewhat of a posting slump, creative stimulation never takes a break.

Inspiration:

Alexander Wang S/S 09

It's comical how looking homeless in ripped and shredded clothing is the new ideal of off-duty-model-chic. Erin Wasson, seemingly fashion's current "It girl" has been quoted saying she is most inspired by homeless people. Dumpster chic is incredibly enticing to me at the moment (mostly because I am a trend whore). Even so, spending $595 is not remotely possible due to my current financial status - especially considering my investing in a new computer soon.

DIY:

 

I bought this distressed sweatshirt at Forever 21 and then headed off to Mood for an airy knit. Browsing through the fabrics, I was ecstatic to find this mesh - I have a somewhat questionable infatuation with sporty fabrics even though I have never played a team sport. (Not entirely by choice - I was overlooked at every field hockey and soccer try out.) I went home and cut out holes to then sew the mesh behind. There is no doubt this will be a staple in my daily wardrobe for months to come. 

To make one more similar to Alexander Wang's salt-and-pepper version try American Apparel's Nantucket Hoodie:

-Morgan

And now you see, the rude boy meet the OG

(Does Lol [2nd from left] make anyone else want to rock a Chelsea or is it just me?)

(Smell's cougar-ass creeping behind her man)

You caught me. I've been MIA for a wild minute. I could blame my absence on the weekend spent in the Dominican Republic, or a ridiculous notion that I could work a job in faux-retail (which ended after half a day of work), or a freelance Craigslist gig that involved a questionable middle aged man suffering from an all too complex strain of the ever ubiquitous yellow fever. Or I could just skip all that bullshit and put you on to This is England. As if the plot that follows an angry English boy's coming of age - from his trying to fit in (read: engage in hoodrat activities) with a friendly (yes, there are non-racist ones) posse of skinheads to his first snog-fest with a chick named Smell - wasn't entertaining enough, it also chronicles his transformation from a doofy, flared-trousered dweeb to a suspendered, Doc-rocking bad-ass.

 

I was intrigued of course by the entire skinhead look. After some light Wiki-ing, to my surprise, I discovered the skinhead movement was largely influenced by Jamaican rude boys in addition to British Mods. It's kind of amazing/disgusting how much of the trends they followed have been uber-scene lately: Docs, visible socks, rolled jeans, and porkpies to name a few. Which leads to my debacle of the moment/past month: 

Fluorescent green patent Docs, to buy or not to buy?

- Jessica

Number 1 Stunna

Inspiration:

Jessica and I were at Lit Lounge recently when I noticed a girl dancing in front of us wearing black Cheap Monday with silver studs on the front. I liked the idea of studding pants somewhere other than along the pockets. I then convinced Jessica to be creepy and ask to take her picture.

Jeans [Tripp] Shirt [American Apparel]

I liked the silver studded pants until... I saw them at Urban Outfitters (meaning every NYU brat will soon be wearing them) which is the challenge I needed to put my DIY mind-frame to the test. To one up Urban Outfitters I purchased large matte black pyramid studs (clearly any matte black metal is better) on studsandspikes.com and used pliers to attach the studs more easily. I also put two rows of studs on the back of my right calf. [below] At the end of my DIY project I think I came out a winner in my sub-conscience battle with Urban Outfitters.

Sneakers [Ash]

-Morgan

Bleached like Michael Jackson

Inspiration:

Narciso Rodriguez S/S09

Painting with bleach

[drying stage]

Painting bleach on black fabric can look amazing and is easy to do yourself. It helps to have a well ventilated room for this if you value your brain cells. I managed to save a few of mine in my small East Village apartment by keeping all the windows open and my winter coat on.

Supplies: 

Clorox bleach, a cup, newspaper, paint brush, black fabric (silk and cotton are best, I used cotton jersey)

Step 1:

Lay fabric out flat on newspaper

Step 2: 

Pour bleach in cup and start painting (embrace that it's not going to look perfect)

Step 3: 

The longer the bleach dries the lighter it will get so when you have reached your desired shade rinse out the bleach entirely and hang to dry

I then sewed the tank top up with a basic pattern and elastic straps. If you are not a sewer, you can use any black top to paint. Just remember to put newspaper between the front and back. I am really happy with the results of this one so there's more bleaching to come. Thinking leggings?

-Morgan

Chase paper, empty clips...part ii

Acne Eileen bracelet: $269 

DIY necklace: $8

Being a cheap Chinese girl: Priceless

- Jessica

Every time I come around yo city BLING BLING

Foiling is one of those embellishments that can be applied to fabric and look good when done tastefully. Otherwise, it can look like a tacky mess - like the first time I got a bedazzler in middle school and went gem happy on half my wardrobe. Embarrassing, yet true.

Supplies:

Foiling kit (includes foil and adhesive [bellanonnaquilt.com]), paint brush, newspaper, and iron

Step 1:

Put newspaper under fabric.

Step 2:

Paint adhesive on fabric and wait to dry 

*Clean brush immediately after

Step 3:

Iron on foil with shiny side facing up.

Step 4:

Wait to cool and then peel off.

Shredded DIY shirt [Hanes] Bra [American Apparel] Necklace [vintage]

I am particularly drawn to neon bras under sheer shirts. There is definitely more foiling to come. I am currently on the hunt for black foil.

-Morgan

Chase paper, empty clips

Acne S/S09 Eileen Bracelet

Suffice to say that I'm in LOVE. Paper clips, metal cord locks and a ball chain. Yesterday, I assisted on a shoot with Yi Guo, an independent stylist (Alastair McKimm's former assistant), on a shoot for I.T Post. I quietly obsessed over the bracelet for at least 6 hours. Things like this make me kick myself for not thinking of it first. Anyway, I'm officially cursing the miles I'd have to travel to convince someone at Acne to let me work for them (they're based in Sweden). In other news of official capacity, I'm now a certified (<- lie) Siri Tollerod fan. Way too cute. 

- Jessica

Who's that peepin' in my window...

Fur vest [Ohne Titel] Dress [Helmut Lang] Jeans [Tripp]

Shoes [Marni] Belt [vintage] Ring [Marc by Marc Jacobs]

I just love quoting Remy Ma (any chick who can shoot her friend in front of Pop Burger in the afternoon and tries to drive away deserves to be quoted). I believe the shooting was over some cash but I might pull a Remy Ma on Jessica for the studded belt she never lets me borrow. I got this vest at the Ohne Titel sample sale. For me, it's more nostalgic since I was involved in getting it made for the fashion show. I particularly love how the flash really shows the purple lining peepin' through. I have been determined to make this vest work in my everyday wardrobe.

Shirt [American Apparel] Jeans [Cheap Monday] Tights [Urban Outfitters]

Boots [Minnetonka] bracelet [Club Monaco]

Blue and black together is one of my favorite combinations. Why I never thought of putting blue tights under ripped black jeans is crazy.

*There's a lot going on in this photo, my dog Juno was determined to be a part of this photo shoot and since she is an original dopefeen, I caved in.

-Morgan

Your daughter's tied up in a brooklyn basement...

     

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Vena Cava for Oak

What's with the bondage everywhere? I know it's BEEN around but its omnipresence only struck me today after seeing the feature in T Magazine about Mr. Nobuyoshi Araki, a prolific Japanese photographer known for taking edgy B&W shots of women submitted to kinbaku (Japanese style of sexual bondage). I mean, I'm down... for that Vena Cava dress/shirt. Shouts to the late great Ms. Bettie Page.

 

(Props to anyone who gets the double dose of notoriety in this post)

- Jessica

I'm just good with my shiny suit

Balenciaga F/W06 & S/S08

Vest [Unknown] Shredded tee [me] Jeans and kicks [H&M]

Belt [vintage]

Couldn't find a decent photo of Puffy and Mase back in the days of Feel So Good and the silver suits. This silver, faux-shearling vest magically appeared in my closet two days ago. Apparently my mom got it at Calypso about a year ago and totally held out on me. I know you guys might be getting sick of this vest business and it probably won't end anytime soon. Neither will my wearing that god-forsaken studded belt. It's so pointy and bad-ass and makes other studded belts feel so inadequate. And is it me or it there something very unsettling about having my picture in such close proximity to a picture of Natasha Poly (in BALENCIAGA)? Call me Wayne Campbell cause I'm totally not worthy. I mean peep the bone structure. Her jaw line is ridiculous.

- Jessica

Edit: BTW, in case anyone from MTV ever reads this, The City is the biggest crock of shit ever. Nothing has ever made me want to completely move out of this city and not look back before  (not even being shown wonky genitalia by pervy mcpervs on the R train). You're not even real, so stay on your side of the country. 

It's about time

Congratulations!!!

to Ohne Titel for winning the Ecco Domani Fashion Award

-Morgan

Ice Drillz

Dress [Me] Belt [Jessica] Shirt [Old Navy]

Tights [H&M] Boots [Marc by Marc Jacobs] Ring [Bijules]

I discovered this strange fabric rummaging around my neighborhood smelly fabric store. The black and white oil drilling print was oddly intriguing. After discussing with Jessica it was decided that the fabric would look better dyed grey (we tend to like everything better in grey). I decided to do a tye dye effect only to discover that the oil drills reprinted on the fabric... amazing. In a mad I have nothing to wear panic I made the yellow straps and draped the single panel around my body.

-Morgan

Stop sweating the next man...

Vest and rubber wristband [Me] Wifebeater [Helmut Lang] Skirt [H&M]

Belt [Vintage] Shoes [Prada]

Made this jersey vest a while back, early last summer. I don't wear it often because the elastic likes to curl in at the front and I've been too lazy to fix it. Anyway, I was having a bit of a debate last night with a friend about whether or not style is validated by how much you paid for an outfit or how many people you showed up on a certain night. I'm a dress-to-impress-myself girl at the end of the day. And while it feels awesome to look way better than the spoiled brat who perspires Chanel, it wouldn't be my primary goal while getting dressed in the morning. I suppose in this case, narcissism trumps my competitive side.

- Jessica