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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I met honey at the show last year and now I'm actin brand new like a world premiere...

Dress [DIY] Bra [H&M] Leggings [American Apparel] Legwarmers [Maison Martin Margiela]

Shoes [Prada] Earrings [Ohne Titel] Cuff [Vintage] 

You know those purchases you make because whatever you bought is just so fucking awesome that you couldn't even bear the thought of someone else having it even though you MIGHT never wear it? Yea? Well, I make a hobby of making those purchases. Cases in point: Ohne Titel Swarovski/raffia clip-ons and zip-up Margiela legwarmers. But I decided that Austin's opening at Satsko's was reason enough to briefly put the institutionalizing of the crazy accessories on pause. But I probably shouldn't pair crazy accessories with off-color anecdotes. 

Morgan (to innocent bystander): She pulled a girl's hair at the Lady Gaga concert.

Me: Ugh, shut up. You spit in some chick's hair.

Innocent bystander from Idaho: Er... you guys seem to get into a lot of violent situations.

Me: Oh, I'm from Queens.

We're miscreants... and we like to play dress up. 

- Jessica

I'm laid back in the cut...

Vest [L'autre Mode/Vintage] Top [Ilaria Nistri] Shorts [DIY x H&M]

Sneakers [H&M] Bag [Ecuador] Sunglasses [Forever21]

What's a girl supposed to do when summer hits her in the middle of April? Grab something sharp and cut the bitch. I mean, you gotta keep it gully. Summer's not all that got cut though. On a recent trip to H&M, I exchanged a mint green men's sweatshirt (that I decided against giving the fringe treatment a la A. Wang) for a pair of mint green men's jeans. Since the smallest size I could find was a 28 and I couldn't bear the thought of not flashing the sick window pane pocket lining, I decided they would be the ultimate summer cutoffs. I loosely followed Kristin's "Sydney" shorts style but they have yet to be washed and subsequently frayed. I couldn't wait. My Ilaria Nistri knit suede top needed a ride or die chick ASAP. Apparently, mint green cut off shorts be's that.

- Jessica

Fadin' mother****ers like bleach...

Vest [DIY] Dress [Zara] Boots [Opening Ceremony]

Bracelet [Topshop] Sunglasses [H&M]

I dabbled in bleaching a while back and now my bathtub has become my laboratory (not in a creepy meth lab way although equally as toxic). After a trip to Buffalo Exchange to trade in some neglected clothes, I came across a plain denim jacket from Theory. I stripped off the sleeves and began some reckless bleach application for it's 90210 makeover. Being hard to please, I still wasn't satisfied with result. I decided that it needed studding but not in the generic Bess way. 

I painted my leftover black studs with white nail polish. As of now, they're shiny and lacquered but I figure they'll only improve with the inevitable wear and tear.

Budget Rundown:

Jacket: $0

Studs (pack of 100): $10

White nail polish: $1

Bleach: $2.50

- Morgan

Turn me on with your electric feel...

Barbara Bui x Boris (aka The Shoe Dude on St. Marks Place)

Photo courtesy of Danae

You know you're busy when someone else beats you to the punch by posting about your own shoes. I was scurrying down Broadway to an impromptu appointment yesterday (to pull crazy corsets from The Blonds for a V Magazine x Supreme lingerie shoot) when I felt a tap on the shoulder. Danae, from Is Mental, (wearing a black and electric blue combo herself) stopped me to ask about my "new" boots. "New" because I got these Barbara Bui's off the sidewalk in Nolita from cash-strapped hippie musician chicks on a random Sunday afternoon. "New" because it was my first time wearing them after I had Boris custom paint the wedges electric blue for me. "New" because they make me feel like I'm right back in the 9th grade... as in, "Yo, peep my Uptowns in the new denim colorway". Oh, high school. Come to think of it, those Uptowns got donated to Boris. Damn, my shoe-game has come full circle. Anyway, in case anyone was wondering, here's how they looked previous to their tranny makeover. 

- Jessica

Grab your old girl with her new tricks...

Top [Me] Bra [H&M] Skirt & Sunglasses[Forever21] Ring [Bijules]

What do you when your friend's birthday approaches and you're strapped for dough? Make her a (tastefully) skanky top! If she, like Morgan, is only interested in hot boys and hotter clothes, then her love won't cost a thing. Ok, maybe $15 on fabric and trims and yes, that was an intentional J.Lo quote. It's Monday. Leave me alone.

- Jessica

Rub your titties itty-bitties if you love hip-hop...

Bra top [Me] Wifebeater [Hanes] Skirt [H&M] 

Necklace [Pippin Vintage] Sunglasses [Vintage] Shoes [YSL]

You'd think that a weirdo with an overly-sensitive sense of touch and an obsession with fabric would know better than to make a bra top out of perforated PVC. Well, I (and all you prudes that use subways and buses in New York) will just have to deal with my constant urge to molest myself while wearing this top. It's a good thing I let Morgan rock it for this post. But honestly, what happened to the inappropriate appreciation for random public grope-age?

- Jessica

And this the premiere of that NEW NEW here...

Reversible Bra Top [Me] Wifebeater [GAP] Gloves [MANGO]

Hangover posting is no bueno. Accidentally deleted the only clear full length photo from not only the camera but iPhoto as well. FAIL. My apologies. At least I finally learned how to upload from ImageShack. Yes I'm wack at basic web stuff. "It's like the Special Olympics or something". I feel you Mr. President. Morgan and I spent yesterday afternoon bingeing on GaGa and photographing tops I've finally finished making. What I learned: Lady GaGa + Bra tops + 2 silly bitches = absolute fuckery. Come May 5th, we're planning to bring the mess to Terminal 5 and 'bow-throw our way to the front to see the GaGa up-close in live tranny color (rocking some absurd mix of PVC, shoulder pad and synthetic hair, natch).

Jeans [Tripp] Boots [Barbara Bui]

For the bra top, I used black vinyl (leftover from making the ears for my vintage Minnie Mouse costume from last Halloween) as well as a sick black silk lamé. Then I went elastic-happy (per usual) and lined it in an electric blue jersey (who doesn't love reversible shit?). I'm so down with the patent black/electric blue combo I might have to paint the wedges of these boots blue.

- Jessica

P.S. I made a strapless perforated, navy PVC/grey jersey version of the bra top. Go ahead and subtly wipe your seat off. I won't look. Photos of Morgan rocking it coming in a day or 2 so stay tuned kids.

Friends with (FRINGE) benefits... pause, NH

Morgan (left): Tee [American Apparel] Bra [Unknown from Buffalo Exchange]

Me: Tee [James Perse] Bra and Necklace [DIY] 3 stone Ring [from Jaalber Jewelry]

I convinced Morgan to try on this hideously trashy studded fringe bra (bka Jump-Jump because, like Kriss Kross, it makes you wanna jump jump) at Buffalo Exchange and our inner trannies decided it had to be purchased. I ended up making myself a black version sans studs. For our pre-birthdya celebration, we decided to be tack-tastic and wore our hot coordinating messes to Happy Ending. The result? A mix of raves (the gays), confusion (straight boys that didn't go to "clothing college"), eye-rolling (love hating in foreign languages) and silliness all around.

- Jessica

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

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