reinventing my wheel.

I'm thinking minimalism is the goal, style wise, for 2011.
Classic lines.
Flattering silhouettes.
Perfect tailoring.

No more hoarding things because they're on sale.
No more luxury brand bullshit.

Less is more.
[via] & [via]

my new years resolution in a nutshell.

I thought about creating this long ass list of "things I should change/do in the new year".

But then I read this, and it summed up everything I wanted to say/do in 2011.

When I am an old woman I shall wear purple

With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.

And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves

And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.

I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired

And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells

And run my stick along the public railings

And make up for the sobriety of my youth.

I shall go out in slippers in the rain

And pick flowers in other people's gardens

And learn to spit.

You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat

And eat three pounds of sausages at a go

Or only bread and pickle for a week

And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.

But now we must have clothes that keep us dry

And pay our rent and not swear in the street

And set a good example for the children.

We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.

But maybe I ought to practice a little now?

So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised

When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.

Jenny Joseph [via]

helmut lang| pre-fall 2011

LIKE WHOA! [via]

yiddish| # 10

I just re-read For Colored Girls.

And then I re-read it again.

[begin powerful poetic reference]

& now she stood a

reglar colored girl

fulla the same malice

livid indifference as a sistah

worn from supportin a wd be hornplayer

or waitin by the window

& they knew
& left in a hury

she wd gather her tinsel &

jewels from the tub

& laugh gayly or vengeful

she stored her silk roses by her bed

& when she finished writin

the account of her exploit in a diary

embroidered with lilies & moonstones

she placed the rose behind her ear

& cried herself to sleep. - Lady in Red

[end powerful poetic reference]

Haven't been able to bring myself to see the film yet, because I think it'll kill the magic of this body of work for me.

The play is just too amazing.

Maybe one day...

have i ever told you about my tumblr?

I have a Tumblr.

It is awesome.

I'm completely obsessed with it even though, just like Crackbook, it consumes way too much of my personal time. But I've pawned it off in my mind as 'blogging' therefore it has become my excuse when I don't want to do real people activities like interact with humans. Because, seriously, who wants to do those things anyway? As of right now, I sure as shit don't.

Anyway.

My tumblr is just another extension of who I am, but more on the visual side. It's got words too, so don't worry, for all those who actually READ this blog, and don't just come here for "pretty pictures of pretty things we all can't afford anyway".

Read.

Weep.

Or follow.

"You gotta stop using your wishbone where your backbone oughta be"

so you think you're a fashion blogger eh?

I have always hated being called a 'fashion blogger'.

I have nothing against 'fashion bloggers', but I'd like to believe I blog about more than what shows up on Hypebeast or Sea of Shoes. I don't have a million dollars from my parents to spend on ridiculous items I'll only wear for 'ironic' photoshoots, fluttering about in vintage around very 'urban' scenery. I don't care about being in Vogue, or being bothered to be 'seen' at New York fashion week. I don't want to be a model. Or use my 'fashion blog' to get a job with a major magazine.

I'm probably being rude.

I learned a long time ago that somewhere along the line people will always try to put you in a box. Oh, you like posting interesting 'clothes/shoe/accessories' found around the internet and in your home town? FASHION BLOGGER. Is that all I have to be for one simple title? Kill me.

Whatever happened to just enjoying fashion because of design. Or loving art. Or typography. Or photography. Or color theory. Or thinkers, movers, shakers, and the like?

Totally getting this shirt.

[via. buy @ IHMDJ]

put up. or shut the fuck up.

My friend said this to me today:

"Why can't we be the one they wanna change the game for? Not make them change; force it one them, just be ourselves and that fact alone is inspiring."

And I immediately thought of this:

"When the pawn hits the conflicts he thinks like a king

What he knows throws the blows when he goes to the fight

And he'll win the whole thing 'fore he enters the ring

There's no body to batter when your mind is your might

So when you go solo, you hold your own hand

And remember that depth is the greatest of heights

And if you know where you stand, then you know where to land

And if you fall it won't matter, cuz you'll know that you're right."

(the title of Fiona Apple's second album, also know as 'When the Pawn')

"I hardly know you, I think I can tell. These are the reasons I think that I'm ill..."

Shit is so weird.

and now a word from our sponsors| kelly chase on 'hipsters'

My friend Kelly Chase (aka Cashmere Vagina) is the best.

She's as funny as I wish I could be, even on my best day.

A constant provider of quality one liners that will withstand the test of time, such as:

"My vagina is Cashmere coated, and grants fucking wishes"
See, I told you she was awesome.

Here is her recent musings on the hipster epidemic running rampant through our society. Listen, and learn children.

Hip to Be a Square

By Kelly Chase

"Listen, all you little hipster d-bags: it isn't that I hate you. I'm just not impressed. See, I was uncool before uncool was cool. If being smugly awkward and dressing like an overly ironic, self-referential encyclopedia of pop culture past is what is hot right now, I have some year book photos I think you might be interested in. I was an effing trailblazer.

Now, I get that you're 18 and maybe you've started smoking pot and maybe someone gave you a copy of Kerouac or maybe Burroughs, or Thompson or Pynchon, or Ginsberg. Maybe you found an old camera in your mom's basement or maybe someone gave you one of those leather-bound blank journals from Borders. Maybe you just heard Abbey Road on vinyl for the first time. Being that you are 18 and your dreams have not yet been dashed upon the relentless shores of actual adulthood, these things might compel you sit around outside coffee shops smoking clove cigarettes talking about which kind of paper or film or beer or music is the most 'authentic' while wearing glasses with no lenses. And that's OK. I'm not mad at you.

But this is just a phase, right?"

Since this is Christmas/Hanukah/Kwanza/Festivus, make it a point to check out Strike Envy, Kelly's jewelery company, and the only reason she can buy me drinks at bars.

We likes drinks.

[via]

taking a mental dump| priorities vs options.

"Don't make someone a priority, when you're only an option"

I use to think the above quote was beyond cheesy.

And now I don't.

Maybe it's because during the last couple of months I've been including people into my life who have made me feel like I'm just an option. I've set seen them as a priority; something not to be taken lightly, and have acted accordingly. But I'm still the option.

One of many.

Typical.

If there are two things I hate feeling it's stupid and that I'm typical or average.

Because I know like hell I'm not.

But what happens when all you want to do is bust heads against hard surfaces so these 'people' take you seriously. You want to shake the shit out of everyone who doesn't get it, but you can't because you're too proud to admit: "Hey asshole, we GOTS a problem". What happens when you want to reinvent yourself and switch roles; from an option into a priority.

I'm still trying to figure out if that shit is even possible...let alone, worth it.

helm handmade| "you ain't gotta be a dude..."

I've always been the first to admit that I'm more attracted and inspired by menswear than women's. I find that dressing myself in a nice pair of jeans, a blazer, and comfy tee, and killer shoes (brogues are my fave!) is a lot easier and more comforting than wearing a dress. Not that I don't ever look like a straight up fembot at times, because I do girl it up; I just get so many more ideas on how to clothe myself from my father and brother than my mother and sister.

I spotted this pair of Helm Handmade boots earlier and now they're all I can think about. Designed in Texas, crafted in Istanbul, with materials that come from Australia and Holland, these shoes are amazing!

After Jennifer Farris reminded me today that I don't need an extension cord between my legs to take full advantage of the magic of this brand, I think I'm ready to make a serious commitment to 'add to bag'. Feel me?

jason wu| pre-fall 2011.

Pre-Fall already?

I can't.

But Jason Wu certainly can. In fact this "Pre" collection is everything I want fall to be for myself aesthetically. Feminine yet masculine, full of subtle hues, and perfect tailoring. I just need winter to go be gone in a flash.

[via]

carga bags| gimme. gimme. gimme. gimme.

The construction of these bags are perfect.

But that doesn't come as a surprise seeing as the designer, Mauro Bianucci, is an Architectural designer from Argentina where leather is king. And, perhaps, the most surprising part of this equation is that they aren't terribly expensive. I guess that depends on what one would spend on a bag they'd more than likely be holding on to for more than a year. Especially if you're someone who cares about quality and the life span of the purchases you make. I'm one of those people, and I certainly do care.

Carga, I'm obsessed.

"There are no beautiful surfaces without terrible depths." (Friedrich Nietsche)

No surface is beautiful without some sort of a struggle.

Or so I've heard.

fitter. happier. radiohead. & me.

I'm beginning to make a list of my New Year's resolutions.

Awhile ago I promised myself I wouldn't create the same list of bullshit resolutions I'd never be able to achieve. You know the ones: "This year I'll exercise everyday and get down to a size 2!". I haven't been a size two since my freshman year of high school, and if I'm perfectly honest with myself I don't want to be crackhead thin ever again.

Because that certainly won't make me happy.

Just a couple of days ago I was talking to a friend about my ability to create happiness for myself, and how necessary it was for me to stop relying on others to create that happiness for me. So this year my goal is to take all 365 days of 2011 to just be happy.

Stupidly happy.

Blindly happy.

Doing whatever the hell I want to do.

My future roommate sent this to me today and it fits perfectly.

Hello Happy, nice to finally meet you!

here's to growing up| save no prayer - dimepiece spring 2011.

Once upon a time I was a street wear enthusiast.

Like a crazed out Hellz Bellz wearing, Married to the Mob toting, Stussy repping FOOL.

I mean because who doesn't want to wear a in yo grill graphic tee between the ages of 17 and 21?

Somewhere along the line I grew up and realized that my style, just like my life, was changing, and my wardrobe was making a change with it.

That's when I started investing in staple pieces that would last me for years.

I started refining my ability to spot unique items I could hold onto instead of discard after one season.

And in a sense I feel out of love with a lot of street wear brands.

It's like they stopped growing...

Stagnant.

Lame.

Through all the breaking up with brands I've done over the last couple of years, I never fell out of love with Dimepiece because they've never stopped growing up. It's almost like they've grown and evolved at the same speed as my tastes and style (if that makes any sense at all).

Spring 2011 will be epic, just because of this collection.

Thanks for evolving Dimepiece.

Don't ever stop.

[more @ the avantguardian]

say what the fuck you want.

"If you're a real artist, have no fear. Say what the fuck you want. Do what you want. Make what you want. And if it's meant to be, the people will stand up..."

- Kanye West (this is all I got from that ten minute rant during a recent concert at Bowery Ballroom in New York)

Yeezy sometimes you get it so right...

perfect is boring.

Perfection is boring.
Appropriate is boring.
Flawless is boring.

And often such obvious beauty (in men or women) gets old very quickly.
I'm over hearing about everyone's desire for perfection.

The perfect shoes.
The perfect home.
The perfect job.
The perfect mate.
Kill me already...

I personally need something with flaws, a hidden imperfection, something that doesn't always shine.

Where can one find this?

[via: youmehimandher]

olympia le-tan| my inner nerd is satisfied!

About a year ago I started purchasing journals made from antique book covers created by ShePinTea of Etsy, and all the while I was wondering what else one could do with classic book covers. Then about a week ago while surfing Crackbook, I came across a picture of Natalie Portman (girl crush!) sporting an original Lolita clutch by French designer Olympia Le-Tan expertly created and inspired by the cover of Nabokov's classic novel and one of my favorite books. Since then I've become a bit obsessed with finding a way for me to create my own treasure from the books crowding the walls of my bedroom.

Christmas is near.
I want.

mr. hare spring 2011| "shoes you can attach some romance to..."

I have never been, nor do I think I ever will be opposed to wearing menswear. Especially footwear designed by Mr. Hare. Now only if they sold these in the US.

yiddish| #9

"Everything in your life completely parallels who you are as a character and where you are in your life. From the person that you are with to the way you dress, to your religion, to the music you create if you are a creator, to the art you make if you are an artist. It just reflects everything from your childhood and your take on the world, and your basic aesthetics. The greatest thing an artist can have is people's attention and for people to believe what they are painting."

- Kanye West [XXL October 2010]

teach me how to dougie?| girl talk - all day.

'Feed the Animals' is still my favorite Girl Talk album, but I can definitely vibe to this...
[illegalart]

the bitch is back. or something like that.

Ok guys. I'm gonna stop being a loser now.

You can all breathe that sigh of relief...

I've missed you internet!

for colored girls who watched this trailer and cried.

I've commented on this impending film plenty of times.
I'm waiting for it's November release date for it Tyler Perry to put up or infinitely shut me up.

The trailer looks great, if it means anything to anyone.

yiddish #8| dear life.

Dear Life,

I love you. Although there are times I really cannot comprehend you, I still love you. You make every bullshit person, place, and object worth getting up for in the morning, and the path you've laid out for me is beginning to paint the picture I've been dreaming of. Keep up whatever it is you're doing. The people, the plan, the work, and the success is all worth it.

I wouldn't have it or you any other way.

Love always,
Dee

yiddish| #7

[begin thoughtful rant]

All anyone wants is to find someone that is willing to fight for them.
Somewhere during that longing you have to find the ability to fight for yourself.
Because you are all you have.

Does that make sense?

[end thoughtful rant]

the arcade fire tour posters.

Designed by Ben LaFond of Burlesque Design in collaboration with Dan Black of Landland.
Anyone know where I can purchase these?
[via]

oxxford clothes.

Unique craftsmanship since 1916.
All done by hand.
This is beyond perfect.
[via]

lanvin x h&m.

HOLY FUCK!
November 23rd.
November 23rd.
November 23rd!!!

Alber Elbaz I could kiss you right now!

"You must write every single day of your life. You must lurk in libraries to sniff books like perfumes and wear books like hats upon your crazy head. May you be in love everyday for the next 20,000 days. And out of that love, remake a world." -Ray Bradbury

yiddish| #6

[begin thoughtful poetic rant]

From ancient worlds I come
to see what man has done
what's fact and what is fiction
to judge to contradiction.

The future has begun
much work is to be done
you're running out of time
beware the silent sign.

Exploring new dimension
new lifestyle my intention
do not ignore advice;
You hold the key to life. - Klaus Nomi

[end thoughtful poetic rant]

supermarket sarah.

It's hard to shop vintage via the internet.
It's a lot harder than I thought.

There are very few sites solely dedicated to vintage merchandise; or at least vintage merchandise that I actually want to buy. Supermarket Sarah is the online shop of a former corporate slave who decided to ditch 'the man' and work for herself finding and reselling vintage clothing and accessories along with art and home furnishings from the small time designers she fancies.

I love everything.
Poverty here I come.

gimme.| proenza schouler paper effect leather bag.

Dear You.
Have I told you lately how much I love you?
Because I do.
Come live in my closet amongst my favorite things.
It'll be fun, you can converse with my Benetton, my Chloe,
and even have small chat with the Balenciaga I never wear.
Please?
Pretty Please?

Love,
Dee

monki.

It's moment's like these when I wish I lived in Sweden.
Seriously.

Monki is amazing. They're style guide basically teaches you how to wear their clothing, a feature that I believe other online retailers should adopt. Monki not only shows you how to put together their clothing, the also allow you to download images for reference, and share your inspiration through Crackbook and Twitter. Net-a-Porter does something similar, but the difference between that brand and Monki is that my pocket book can actually do more than browse; I can buy too.

Do they ship to the US?
That would be grand!
[via]

jamie borchert by hedi slimane.

Jamie Borchert for Vogue UK's September issue.
Hedi is the best.
[via]

taking a mental dump| dear ke$ha.

Yesterday I downloaded KeSha.

I am ashamed of myself. I don't know what's wrong with me. I mean it's against my religion to listen to people that have dollar signs in their stage names. After one too many drunken sing-a-longs to her annoyingly catchy tune "Your Love Is My Drug" (barf), I stupidly decided to give this self proclaimed garbage chic 'artist' a chance. I mean, there couldn't be any harm in at least giving the girl five minutes of my time and a little space on my hard drive. It's not like she's Satan. Or Hitler. Or George W. Bush. She's just a really bad singer with pop songs that have the power to make me dance like I don't have a brain cell to depend on. I thought I needed to be open minded. I thought I needed to give her a chance.

I was dead ass wrong.

Listening to Ke$ha in my bedroom after an evening of intense alcohol consumption, I felt instantly dumber. It was like my brain was on FIRE. I couldn't understand how listening the same song at a bar could sound so different in the confines of my home. Where did the magic go? What happened?! It was at that moment I learned a valuable lesson; one not only pertaining to Ke$ha, but also to the laundry list of artists I don't listen to or even like unless there is an alcoholic beverage involved. I realized that I only enjoy this music when I'm in the right atmosphere. And by atmosphere I mean bars, bars, bars, and more bars. No wonder Ke$ha made me want to drop down and twirk something. No wonder I can recite practically every single syllable Gucci Mane has ever uttered after a shot of tequila. NO WONDER I KNOW HOW TO SHAKE IT LIKE A SALT SHAKER.

From now until the end of time I need to stay the hell away from cocktails.
It's causing me to make questionable musical choices.
And I can't have that.

for colored girls who have considered suicide when finding out tyler perry was directing this film| numero dos.

For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide when the Rainbow isn't Enuf, the choreopoem by Ntozake Shange is a brilliant piece of work. So brilliant in fact, that when I find myself reading it once a year, I'm inspired in the same manner as when I first read it back when I was only sixteen years young. When someone mentioned to me a year ago that they were turning one of my favorite pieces of literature into a major motion picture I squealed. Literally. Then, when that same someone mentioned Tyler Perry would be directing I groaned. Literally.

I know he's the token right now among Hollyhood's brightest and biggest directors, but as I've said before he's garbage. I mean, ok, so he can touch a black woman's heart like no one's been able to in recent years, but seriously, what black woman are we talking about? He's not touching my heart. He's giving me a headache. In my mind he creates movies based off stereotypes, most of which I've spent a large portion of my life dispelling. Not every black woman is angry. We all aren't baby mamas or depend on a bullshit men. We all aren't crazy. We all don't have the "Big Mama" mentality, nor do the whole lot of us enjoy being displayed as such beings.

Although Tyler Perry makes me want to stick a couple of fingers down my throat, the cast selection for this film is outstanding. Loretta Devine? Yes. Phylicia Rashad? YES. Kerry Washington, Thandi Newton, Janet Jackson, and Kimberly Elise? ABSOLUTELY.

Maybe I'm being too harsh. Or too cynical. Or maybe even too judgmental. But then again, what the hell do I know? No one seems to portray the plight of the black woman like TP. Ugh.

[via]

why search anymore.

"You are what you want to become. Why search anymore? You are a wonderful manifestation. The whole universe has come together to make your existence possible. There is nothing that is not you. The kingdom of God, the Pure Land, nirvana, happiness, and liberation are all you."

- Thich Nhat Hanh

yiddish| #5

[begin thoughtful quote]

"So I'm going out there.

And I'm going to do the best I can.

People are going to get in my way.

Things are going to bring me down.

But I'm going to keep going.

I'm going to reach as far as I can, for everything I've ever wanted.

And I'm not going to give up.

Because that's what you do when your dreams are more important than your fears.

You go out there and ignore the odds.

You focus on one thing -

That your dreams come true."

- K. Boulden

[end thoughtful quote]

Like my man Buzz Lightyear once said:

To infinity and beyond.

simon spurr fall 2010.

I love everything.
Thanks Chas!
[simonspurr]

my friends are both talented and extremely attractive.

I have some amazingly talented amigos.

How the hell did I get so lucky?

My former coworker and good friend Charles needed some pictures taken of him for reasons I'm not entirely sure of, so I decided to hook him up with my current coworker and good friend Marcus who happens to be a great photographer. The result of the shoot are so extraordinary I had to post them. I love having amazing buds.

Speaking of fantastic friendships, I'm counting down the days until I journey to the big city (New York!) for a couple days of fuckery with my favorite girls. The world shall implode when Kayta, Rio, Gilah, Randi, Jennifer Farris, Katya, and myself meet to drink, break things, and have tattoo play dates.

November, please get here soon!

proenza schouler's got a new ad campaign.

Yay for this!
I love Proenza Schouler with a capital WHOA.
But I'm not sure about this campaign.
Where's the color?
The vibrancy?

Their collection for Fall/Winter 2010 was the uniform for a school girl gone downtown, and although I think the campaign represents that, it would've been so nice to see some color.

Is that too much to ask for?
Oh well, I still love it!
[via]

maybe i'll actually take the time to read W.

W magazine got a make over.
I like it a lot!
Maybe I'll actually read the articles instead of just scanning the editorials.

Maybe.

Kudos to Stefano Tonchi for diversifying his "Hollywood" cover.
Especially considering Vanity Fair doesn't seem to understand what diversity means, let alone what the hell it looks like.

Yea, I think I'll be picking this up.
[via]

the definition of tragedy turned triumph.

Put it on repeat.
Soak this shit up.

Winning even when it looks like I'm not.

horses. bacon. people's cartel, oh my!

[I would have written a longer post, but my lack of sleep is catching up to me. This was just too good NOT to write about.]

I thought this weekend was going to be so boring.
Boy, was I ever wrong.

Here's what went down:
My pal Derrick and I decided to explored the South Side in pursuit of hidden treasures that didn't involve alcohol.
We went into Decade, a boutique that has made me go broke plenty of times.
We found out that Roman the brain behind People's Cartel (favorite!) was screen printing custom shirts for $10.
We left, went to the Gap, and bought some tshirts.
I also found a pair of khaki's for $2.97 (total WIN.)
Went back to Decade.
Got a custom v-neck "I 'Steel' Pittsburgh" tee.

Then things got fun.

Derrick decided to ask Roman of PC if he'd make him two shirts.
One with a horse (no joke), because he happens to like horse shirts a lot.
And the other with the word 'Bacon' on it in honor of Pittsburgh's upcoming Bacon Bash.
After a little coaxing, and even more compliments Roman decided to do it.

Here are the results.
My weekend was awesome.

all that is gold does not glitter| j.r.r. tolkien.

"All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.
From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless shall be king."

[via]

g.o.o.d.

All will shine in due time.
[via]

the xx + sleigh bells + nina sky = winning.

Today was super rough on me.
But this made me feel a bit better.

The XX + Notorious BIG Mashup: The Notorious XX
Sleigh Bells: Primavera Sound Set
Nina Sky: The Other Side EP

My head may be hurting, my eyes may be low, but this is making my heart so happy.

yiddish| #4

[begin thoughtful quote]

"Perhaps, after all, romance did not come into one's life with pomp and glare,
like a gay knight riding down;
perhaps it crept to one's side like an old friend through quiet ways;
perhaps it revealed itself in seeming prose,
until some sudden shaft of illumination flung athwart its pages betrayed by the rhythm and the music,
perhaps...perhaps love unfolded naturally out of a beautiful friendship,
as a golden hearted rose slipping from it's green sheath."

L.M. Montgomery (Anne of Avonlea)

[end thoughtful quote]

Perhaps we all just never see it coming.

why are twilight soundtracks better than the films?

Beck & Bat For Lashes from Brian Carpenter on Vimeo.

I have nothing against Twilight.
Seriously I don't.

I just wanted to put that out there before throngs of women (because what man actually watches Twilight) come busting into my little home on the internet and rip me to shreds. I have a 14 year old sister that has a heart attack every time a new Twilight movie opens, and has tried very hard to explain to me why Team Edward is for losers and Team Jacob is where it's at. So don't worry, I know all about the hysteria. I'm just not apart of it.

Moving forward.

The only part of Twilight mania that I actually get down with is the soundtracks for the movies. They get better and more amazing as the saga continues. The above song by Beck and Bat for Lashes off the Eclipse soundtrack is perfect. I've been listening to it for months now and can't stop.

Join the hysteria.

this is the couch that crack built.

These couches.
These damn couches.
These ignorant couches.

Currently dying a slow pleasant visual death right now.
Gahhhhhhhhhh!

Tumblr is the greatest for this.
The greatest!

a arm. a leg. a left tit.| louboutin studded oxfords.

I'd give up just about anything for a chance to look at, let alone touch or buy these shoes.
No joke.

I'm not even a big fan of Christian Louboutin, simply because I think there are far more footwear designers that aren't (cough) overly hyped up. Seems like everyone has a pair (or at least a pair of knock offs) to call they're own. I may not be a complete believer in the CL dynasty, but these are heavenly.