the DOPENESS

Shouldn't've left you without a dope beat to step to...

2010-09-08T22:40:00.000-07:00

Hi.

I feel like I deserted my pregnant wife for a model and came back because the bitch took all my money. The model being my itty bitty line (see previous post) which is, in fact, taking all my money and most of my time. Having finally gotten my wares into 2 boutiques (yay) and well into the second half of finishing my second collection, I think it's time to unleash some overdue rants.

First up, Fashion's Night Out. Where do I begin? Well before I really get into it, part of the blame should be put on myself. I am a quasi-active user of Twitter which initially started because of the aforementioned line. Unfortunately, this means that people who are nosy (*waves*) can't stop reading their feed. For the past 2 weeks, I haven't been able to avoid the godforsaken FNO hashtags. I know Santa Anna only meant for the second annual event to be bigger and better than the first (which I did not partake in) for the sake of the economy and "democratizing fashion".

Let's say that last sentence was sincere. C'mon, remember PRETEND? It's fun! I also like to pretend that something other than Opening Ceremony's event inspired by Le Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen sounds REMOTELY more substantial than "Free drink with purchase and/or endurance of stankface". But that's a toughy. I recently purchased the entire Daria DVD collection. Does that show?

And then, there's NYFW. When I was younger, it was very hush-hush. Only the Gods got to go. Editors, buyers, and a handful of celebrities. My first show was Marc by Marc Jacobs FW '05 at the New York Armory during sophomore year. I had a standing room invite I snatched from the Dean's office the same day and decided to bail on the second half of construction class to go. Coincidentally, I wore a vintage stewardess-esque knit shift with bright orange detailing and red suede Marc by Marc flats (that killed my feet) to class that day. It was exhilarating... for about 25 mins.

Flash forward to 2010. It seems like EVERYONE is either showing or going to the shows. I call it the Sartorialist Syndrome. As in OMG Scott, Garance, Yvan, Tommy or Phil MIGHT see me wearing this BOMB outfit and photograph me and then I might be the next Susie/Rumi/Tavi/Bryan and get invited to the Alex Wang afterparty. *DIES*

I feel like the "spectacle" of what's going on outside the shows has almost overshadowed the spectacle that's supposed to be going on inside, on the runway. Remember the runway? Don't get me wrong, I LOVE LOVE LOVE any documentation of awesome style. I just think it's craptastic (for lack of a more fitting adjective) to lose sight of what's on the agenda. It used to be about the people running around frantically backstage and their ideas instead of the hungry (camera and otherwise) masses and their often clone-ish ensembles outside. The "democratizing of fashion" almost feels like the whole experience is getting devalued in a way. Not unlike people who are too busy snapping away at concerts instead of just watching and listening to the performer. And not unlike those who go to parties just to check for proof of their drunken antics the next day on Cobrasnake.

Maybe I'm a purist. Maybe I'm a snob. Maybe a huge snob. But the runway is the only place we get to experience a collection for the first time, unsullied, as intended by the designer. Let's not forget that it's the the designer and his/her team that are the ones sweating, scurrying, squatting and sometimes crying that make those lucky few on the other side of the curtain feel like a really really lucky sophomore.

- Jessica

P.S. If you're in New York, peep the collection! Now carried at EVA and We the People. You love shameless self-promo, no? Ouais, moi aussi.

BEDFORD STREET LAUNDRY FW10

2010-04-14T12:45:00.000-07:00

BEDFORD STREET LAUNDRY F/W10

photos by Mike Kobal

Time for a little shameless self-promotion. I've pretty much fallen off blogging for the past six months and this is why. I've decided to launch my own little collection and named it after the laundromat my parents used to own (aka how Parsons tuition got paid and why I wallow in guilt) in the West Village. The new owners were kind enough to let me shoot the lookbook there on Sunday (but not without a LOT of complaining from their crazy employee). More pictures to come as soon as the site is up and running (this weekend maybe? I'm crossing my fingers).

- Jessica

Some body rockin', knockin' the boots

2010-01-15T13:33:00.000-08:00

Proenza Schouler Pre-fall 2010

For my birthday, I just want Gisele's legs and these boots. Kthx.

- Jessica

It's the next episode

2010-01-03T20:29:00.000-08:00

Yes... we have slacked off and totally disregarded our jobs as the people who say what exactly is on our minds when it comes to fashion. We've had a rough few months but we're "In this shit to win it, cause life's a wheel of fortune it's my chance to spin it ." - TuPac

For jessica YOU'R A VIRGIN WHO CAN'T DRIVE ( jessica didn't learn to drive until this year!)- RIP BRITTANY MURPHY and this nail polish goes with my most capable looking outfit!

In this hard economy nail color is always a way to stay fresh. My nail color for the winter is Orange Fizz. Even though Orange Fizz may look like your grandma's nail color, keep your nails short and your coral nail choice will steer you clear from the Golden Girls and more towards Tom Ford's vision in a Single Man.

"Can you bring a bottle of Tangueray I love the color of the bottle."

"You love what's in the bottle"

Tom Ford's movie A Single Man was beautiful ( and I caught a glimpse of Carolina Herrera leaving the Paris theater while catching the only yellow cab herself looking impeccably chic) although throughout the entire film I felt at any moment a hot shirtless actor would turn over and say "TOM by Tom Ford cologne". Tom did an excellent job in making a beautiful ( somewhat homo-erotic) film but I miss his passion in clothing. Fashion is dying and with Tom and Hedi exploring other artistic options what is left for fashion?...

-Morgan

You've been put on this earth to be all you can be, like the reserves...

2009-11-05T07:18:00.000-08:00

Dress [Zara + DIY] Halter (worn as chainmail) [Ilaria Nistri] Sleeves [Vintage Helmut Lang]

Chain Belt, Gloves, Leggings, Necklace [DIY]

Joan of Arc? Fanatic. Me? Cynic. Both completely bonkers. Though one could argue chronic unprovoked paranoia isn't quite the same as hearing voices from God telling you to dress up as a man to join the French Army. But I've seen French soldiers and I definitely can't be mad at a chick wanting to push up on one. Mmm.

Oh right, Halloween. Focus. What can I say? By the time I've finished prancing around like a biddie in my room, it's all downhill. Unless they're randomly serving pork loin and sloppy joes at the party you're at. Just because I popped my belt off a few times, doesn't mean you have the right to judge me.

- Jessica

Had to earn my stripes like I played with the Bengals...

2009-11-03T12:22:00.000-08:00

Vest [Forever 21] Dress [American Apparel]

Cage Dress [DIY] Clutch [Prada] Earrings [Forever 21]

Headpiece and Wings [Halloween Shop]

Boots [Finsk]

Excuse my less than amused expression on my face, I spent most of my halloween in the rain with no umbrella trying to get from one place to another. Despite the evening being a disappointment at least I made my bumble bee outfit in time, and managed to not look like a polyester skank like most of my fellow bumble bees in NYC.

NYC girls on Halloween

99 problems and this bitch is one...

2009-09-20T11:09:00.000-07:00

via Fashionista

Ok so there's a huge pink elephant in the room and it's shitting barrel loads yet no one wants to acknowledge it. Well, I don't particularly enjoy the stink of excrement so I'm just gonna say it:

Someone with an amazing body who looks good in anything, DOESN'T necessarily have great personal style. Nor a shred of creativity. Nor a single goddamn drop of integrity.

And obviously that doesn't just go for Erin Wasson. But for those of you who want to continue riding her, I just wanna warn you that you're probably gonna catch something she got from someone else. C'mon bitches, learn to filter. USE A CONDOM.

- Jessica

Me, I'm, super fly, super duper fly...

2009-09-19T10:28:00.000-07:00

Super F/W09

Hand. Made. In. Italy. Translation: Wipe your drool and go back for your plastic F21 sunglasses you left at the nail salon.

- Jessica

Can't sell me bullshit, I know the prices...

2009-09-16T10:39:00.000-07:00

Rodarte S/S 2010

This might come off like it's tainted with bitterness but seriously can someone please explain to me why these LA Weight Loss rejects get so much goddamn critical acclaim? Where is the so-called art that everybody fawns over? Cause where I'm from, this is called a HOT ASS MESS. Real talk.

And what's really good with these drawn on tribal tats ladies? Does someone have a closeted obsession with 98 Degrees? No judgement.

- Jessica

Who's gonna run this town tonight?

2009-09-12T17:19:00.000-07:00

Ohne Titel S/S10

Forgive me for not getting close-up shots of some of the intense knit details. Too busy zipping skinny minnies into their lace-up leather thigh highs. Alexa and Flora really turned it up this season. They're CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalists and needless to say, we're rooting for them.

Notable occurrences: Spotting Susie Bubble outside, post-defilé in her Luxirare jacket and Tavi of Style Rookie in the front row ( ...really guys? Isn't she just an awkward-cute 12 year old with internet and indulgent parents or am I missing something?). Oh yea, and Morgan eye-raping/dressing Abbey Lee.

- Jessica

Just because you got good head, I'ma break bread

2009-07-26T15:09:00.000-07:00

New header! Sticker graffiti on Morgan's staircase. A sign from the Lawd or coincidental hoodrat behavior? My money's on the latter.

- Jessica

P.S. I'm slacking on the posts because I'm actually working. *Gasp*

Now that's what the f--- I call a chain reaction...

2009-07-13T11:45:00.000-07:00

Vest and tights [DIY] Dress [Topshop]

Sandals [Steve Madden] Bag [Ecuadorian]

I think obsession with body wrapping chains might have my neighbors questioning what my actual job is. But then again this is Manhattan which means they wouldnt care if it was illicit anyway.

I took this oversized suede jacket I aquired years ago but never altered to my size. I removed the knit panels on the bottom as well as the sleeves to create a cropped suede vest.

I purchased the rose gold chains randomnly at a bead store in Ecuador and have never been able to find anything similar in NYC. The chains add an edge to the suede and might be exactly what I need to keep the cholas on my block from messing with me. Don't they know I'm part Latina?! No me jodas.

- Morgan

Cause you pseudo, trying to compete with reality like xerox...

2009-07-08T14:06:00.000-07:00

St. Marks Hobo Marc Jacobs

In the past few years, Marc Jacobs has failed to impress me with his handbags, they seem to be getting more repetitive and less about new silhouettes. Enter his latest disaster: the St. Marks Hobo. It actually made me gag. It looks like it came fresh of the streets of Chinatown and not in that ironic Louis Vuitton immigrant bag way. The only people who should be wearing bags this ugly are those who frequent the stoop of the St. Marks Hotel at 3 AM. However, with a pricetag of $1850 you know some labelwhore from Long Island is drooling.

-Morgan

I'm pourin' beer out for my shorty who ain't here...

2009-07-03T21:26:00.000-07:00

Vest, tank, shorts, wristband [DIY] Sneakers [Urban Outfitters]

Bag [handmade in Ecuador] Brass cuff [vintage]

This vest was originally some fug-tastic dress with gaudy gold buttons that I found at the Odds Costume Rental Closing Sale. I'm thinking of adding a 4" zipper to the inner fold to increase the drama of the newly added drape. The sneakers are my new defaults. I usually hate floral but these make me sublimely happy and they go with everything/nothing.

Anyway, I got caught in a rip tide off Fire Island today. After 2 friends almost drowned trying unsuccessfully to pull me out, there was a good 30 second span when I gave up trying to swim back to shore and accepted my doom. My life didn't flash before my eyes however, so the consensus remains that Tai Fraiser is a clueless drama queen. And then an old leather-daddy type totally scooped me out a la David Hasselhoff.

So I got to thinking, if I did die, I hope someone would have tipped off the boo piece to opt out of giving a eulogy and play an endless loop of Reneé by Lost Boyz instead. And then proceed to pour out beer for his shorty that ain't here, natch. Clearly, a classy affair for a classy broad.

- Jessica

Stuck with a rep, torn to shreds...

2009-06-29T18:31:00.000-07:00

Top [Ilaria Nistri] Skirt [H&M] Tights [DIY]

Sandals [Luichiny]

I know I said I was long over my short-lived affair with shredded shirts but shredded front tights... kinda hot. Plus I'm down with anything that makes my stumpy legs look leaner (damn you, rice-paddy calves). After tearing up the ankles of my crappy quality - did I mention WAY overpriced? Wait no, that would be redundant - American Apparel back seam tights by wearing them under beaten up Docs, I decided to chop them off at the site of damage and proceeded to shred the fronts into runny goodness. One leg ended up way cooler than the other but I'm digging the asymmetry.

Upon further analysis, this outfit either screams "Morgan's dog thought I was hiding bacon in my goodies" or "I got sexually assaulted by a Crusty* and liked it".

*Crusty - a resident of Tomkins Square Park, often identifiable by their cardboard signs, grungy attire, dreaded hair and pungent smell

- Jessica

P.S. Apologies in advance to all who are offended by my monkey toes.

Many chicks wanna put Jigga fist in cuffs...

2009-06-24T17:28:00.000-07:00

Boys, in case you haven't gotten the memo, your sleeves should always be rolled and your ties always skinny. Why? Well I HATE dropping names but Hedi Slimane and I totally had a discussion about it and came to a mutual decision. Real talk.

- Jessica

Who's to blame for tootin' 'caine into your own vein?

2009-06-22T18:29:00.001-07:00

Pulp Fiction was the gateway drug to my white shirt obsession. My parents had objected to me seeing the movie but being a young G, that made it all the more enticing. Uma's iconic character oozed a crazy, sexy, cool mystique... even when she OD'd. But we've all thought it - fiends are hot sometimes (we see you, Mary Kate).

Growing up in the preppy capital of the world has made me regard certain garments (polo shirts, embroidered belts, sweater vests, anything Carlton Banks -esque) with some disdain. These stereotypes drove me to transform a classic mens shirt into something a little more my style.

Vest [Alexander Wang] Shirt Dress [DIY x Nicholas K] Skirt [Forever 21] Bra [H&M] Leggings [American Apparel]

Belt [Zara] Boots [Marc by Marc Jacobs]

After I traded in some goods at Buffalo Exchange, I left with some new-ish goodies including this Nicolas K mens shirt. I was totally drawn to the zipper closure (I wish I'd thought of it first) and the moiré weave. I ripped off the sleeeves, took in the side seams and added darts. After a phone consultation with Jessica, I added the black panels to the shoulders for that Quentin Tarantino Reservoir Dog feeling. It's now my go-to when I crave the strung out Mia Wallace look without risking the need for an adrenaline shot.

- Morgan

Oh Mickey, you're so fine...

2009-06-18T15:11:00.000-07:00

Ring Miss BiBi

I am on a constant search for the perfect ring and this Mickey Mouse ring entices me on many levels. I'm loving the playful simplicity and for $121 at Pixie Market it is a definite addition to my jewelry collection. Not to mention it reminds me of the Lady Gaga Paparazzi video.

- Morgan

You see me... Hi, hater!

2009-06-18T06:34:00.000-07:00

Shoes Alexander Wang

Shirt and Skirt [Topshop]

My friend was recently out at a NYC hotspot kickin' it in her new drool-worthy Alexander Wangs. How she managed to score these bad boys is beyond unfair. But that's besides the point. Anyway, she was enjoying an evening out with her friends when she over heard some envious c*nts conversating about her alleged Alexander Wang knockoffs that are currently on the shelves at Forever 21. Being the polite person she is, she ignored the conversation though it was clearly loud enough for her to hear. To her astonishment, she was then approached by one of the obnoxious girls complimenting, "I love your shoes. They're from Forever 21 right?" She corrected them in the most civil of manners (while I'm sure Jessica would have came out of her face with a "A-Ha. Bitch, get the f*ck outta my face.") And of course, since rude bitches can't process truth,they proceeded to insist that she remove her shoe to show them the inside label.

Moral of the story: Wearing knockoffs isn't a sin but being a label whore is!

- Morgan

EDIT: Or is the real problem, the prevalence of knockoffs? Or is it the idea that it's OK for us to embrace bootleg versions of designer goods - at least in the style blog/style-blog-following world? It always comes back to the idea of good design rarely being within reasonable reach, no?

- Jessica

Been hit with a few shells but I don't walk with a limp...

2009-06-09T06:39:00.000-07:00

Sweatshirt [DIY x American Apparel] Skirt [Forever 21]

Sunglasses [H&M] Necklace [vintage] Sandals [Sam Edelman] Bag [Alexander Wang]

DIY Alexander Wang-esque Fringe Sweatshirt

Jessica and I took a trip to visit our favorite Russian shoe guy, Boris, to customize my crutches the exact same color as her boots. The only issue with spray-painting crutches is what to do when you are waiting for them to dry with nowhere to sit. Jessica was my temporary crutch for a few hours while we tried on ugly sunglasses in the nearby tramp stamp tattoo parlors. In the end, they came out kind of amazing. Boris' explanation for them (in his trademark thick Russian accent): "Crazy b*tches. Just f*cking around."

I made this DIY sweatshirt a while ago. Spent my life-savings on suede fringe but the shirt itself is light weight jersey, making it perfect for summer nights and the fringe sways nicely while handicapped on crutches.

-Morgan

Roc boys in the building tonight...

2009-06-03T22:03:00.000-07:00

Rings by Imogen Belfield

available at Not Just a Label

Definitely adding "affording nice jew'ry" to the "Pro" column of my imaginary "Getting a Real Job" debate. In other news, we know we've been slacking. To my defense, I've just had my first real days off in a month and a half and of course Morgan is now Crutches McGee. But we had Boris pimp out her crutches today. Pictures to follow.

- Jessica

Poppin it proper

2009-06-02T09:37:00.000-07:00

Jacket [Helmut Lang] Shirt [RL Polo] Lace Cami & Bra [Forever 21] Skirt [H&M]

Necklace [Vintage] Bag [Alexander Wang]

I have been laid up in bed for the past few days since I managed to dislocate my hip. I have yet to come up with a bad ass story of how this exactly happened since I have been on happy pills that make me all cloudy. The actual truth is highly uneventful. Jessica has yet to visit me in my handicap state but I have big plans for pimpin' out my crutches and I think fringe might have to be involved.

The picture above is one of the last pictures taken of me pre-gimpy. Just because I'm currently disabled doesn't mean style has to be sacrificed.

-Morgan

Forty four caliber, bustin' mad holes in my challenger...

2009-05-14T20:29:00.000-07:00

Acne @ OAK

I need you in my life - let me be clear ladies and gentlemen: you = the shirt (not the brooding model... not that I would outright object to that). You put shredded shirts to shame. I mean, even more so than their current state. Am I the only one whose eyeballs hurt from the shredded shirt craze? And I don't even wanna go into the generic studding thing. But sorry, despite the rumors, if you stud an ugly plaid shirt it's like putting prescribed bifocals on an ugly hipster. Yea, it's ironic... but it's still ugly.

- Jessica

"I keep it fresher than the next bitch...

2009-05-13T20:09:00.000-07:00

No need, for you to ever sweat the next bitch. With speed, I make the best bitch see the exit..."

Jigga. And Foxy. Together. Too good for words. Way better than H&M teaming up with Teen Vogue. But I digress. I decided to enter the H&M Fresh Eye on Design contest which offers the grand prize winner (and a guest) a week-long trip to Stockholm. Now obviously, anyone who knows me knows that I'm always too lazy to enter contests but they only wanted a sketch and the only qualification was being 14 years of age or over. Seeing as how I'm almost a decade past that age and have multiple sketchbooks full of unused ideas, I figured a trip to Sweden was worth scanning a sketch. And yes, some minor Photoshopping. Why? Because it's magical and the 14 year olds that are entering won't stand a damn chance. Enjoy your summer at the mall, you brats. Sweden is for grownups.

After a day of polling some friends who never attended clothing college, I went with the above. Now I'm sure this won't matter in judging but that skirt is supposed to be a million layers of clear PVC. A rain slicker skirt. Of raindrop-shaped PVC pieces. Awful and amazing. I don't even know if I care as much about winning as I do about making that skirt real. No, I lie. I definitely wanna wear that skirt. In Stockholm. In the rain. Pause, no emo.

- Jessica

I ain't playful, I'm jus' a non-sinner

2009-05-13T12:13:00.000-07:00

Jack Rings [The Docent]

Now I realize I have a slight obsession with all jewelry that looks like it could cut a b*itch. Recently I have been caught off guard with a new child-like bauble obsession, maybe it's the spring weather or that I spotted a little girl in my neighborhood playing with a Skip-It. But I feel like I can't live another day without this jack ring from jewelry designer Cora Thomas of The Docent. Cora's new jewelry line is inspired by playful humorous objects with a slight dark undertone. I am in love with several of her pieces and with the jack ring starting out at $90 I'm sure it would be long until I give in to my new bauble craving.

-Morgan