D.I.Y. Style: The New Denim

Denim Flare 

Flare If You Dare
Flare If You Dare

Denim has been a part of our closet since the 1800s. In that time denim has gone from working class basic, to high-end staple. Fashion, film, and iconic symbols have kept denim at the forefront of all trends.

Amanda Bynes
Amanda Bynes
Rihanna
Rihanna

Today, denim influences can be seen on every level. The biggest recent change-up has been the look. For almost fifteen years denim has been ruled by low-rise waist lines. The pendulum has swung in our cultural landscape, as Manhattan has moved to other conquest, and Brooklyn has taken back the street symbol. No other venue has taken back denim more than television.

Skinny Chic
Skinny Chic

 

The Folded Jean
The Folded Jean
80' Hair Band
80′ Hair Band

In the early part of the 21st century Sex And The City created fashion rules. Now, Girls! The influence of this new show, now in its third season, can be seen on its lead character Hannah, played by show creator Lena Dunham. She is in charge, and with that, demanding her own style. The low-rise pant hits you in the widest part of your body, so staying slim means a lot. In the high waist, the eye is drawn to the smallest part of your body, while accentuating your curves. Therefore the high waist line has become a hit!

Brooklyn Girl
Brooklyn Girl

Now  the flare. Skinny vs. Flare has been the debate for a few seasons now. It has not caught on the way fashion would like to, as street style seems to still be holding onto the skinny leg. That may change seasons forward, but for now I would say play with the trend. The flare is always a flattering shape for any size. Here are a few suggestions to make the flare your own. Not brave enough. Keep the skinny and pull up your pants. It maybe the first time you get a compliment from your mom!

Fashion Girl
Fashion Girl
Street Flare
Street Flare

Closet Confessions: Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2012

Crisis Averted

I can’t say Spring/Summer is one of my favourite fashion seasons. I envy all those light airy people cycling the seawall, playing volleyball at the beach, and sauntering down sideways in light tee’s and cut off shorts–WTF. I am hot, I hate everything in my closet, and I can’t wear layers, I am in consent denial.

Rick Owens: Spring/Summer 2012
Rick Owens: Spring/Summer 2012

In my Givenchy post, last week, I hinted that sometimes I feel lost in my clothing decisions. I felt in a bit of a crisis, as I am watching all these great colourful clothes for Spring. What the hell I am going to wear. Givenchy had some nice ideas, and I have become a great fan. However in my denial of Spring, and of course always shopping a season ahead, boots for Fall entered my mind all weekend.

Rick Owens: Spring/Summer 2012
Rick Owens: Spring/Summer 2012
Rick Owens: Spring/Summer 2012
Rick Owens: Spring/Summer 2012

Therefore, like any fashionista, I was up till 5am scouting every website to find a good pre-season deal. I didn’t find any boots, but what I did run across was some amazing stuff from Rick Owens Spring/Summer 2012. My friend in NY is always wearing his clothes, but I never felt compelled to wear Rick Owens myself. My friend is super creative and works magic with a make-up brush, so I leave creative identity to him. However, Rick has won me over.

Rick Owens: Spring/Summer 2012
Rick Owens: Spring/Summer 2012
Rick Owens: Spring/Summer 2012
Rick Owens: Spring/Summer 2012

These gender bending creations summed a time of breakout expression. Leading my critical thought, Madonna “What it feels like for a Girl.” The concept of men in female garments, has been done to death in the nineties, but Owens has made if feel masculine and contemporary. The looks are strong and confident with no apology–I like that.

Rick Owens: Spring/Summer 2012
Rick Owens: Spring/Summer 2012
lenny-kravitz-rick-owens-high-heels-boots-dress
lenny-kravitz-rick-owens-high-heels-boots-dress

Fashion’s new direction of deconstructing rules, has built a new construction of male identity. As to not make my post so designer driven, I am posting some street style photos to bridge fashion creativity and street reality, based on Rick Owens Spring/Summer 2012 collection.

rick-owens-by-hanneli-mustaparta2
rick-owens-by-hanneli-mustaparta2
Street Style: Rick Owens
Street Style: Rick Owens
Street Style: Rick Owens
Street Style: Rick Owens
Daine-Walker-Wooster-St-An-Unknown-Quantity-Street-Style-Blog2: Interview with this blogger to come...
Daine-Walker-Wooster-St-An-Unknown-Quantity-Street-Style-Blog2: Interview with this blogger to come...
Wong Faye: Rick Owens Shoes
Wong Faye: Rick Owens Shoes

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Muse Closet.

Raw Edges: Baiyu

BAIYU @ VDS

=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6_uDsUPyLQ

When you get to an after party, you only have one thing on your mind. Whose wearing what! Well, maybe only me. Victor dE Souza (VDS) had a wonderful after party during NYFW Fall 2012, and he is the man who dresses major singing sensations like Rihanna, Gaga, and Cyndi Lauper, so when I spotted Baiyu, I shouldn’t have been shocked.

Baiyu: Official Website (Source) http://www.baiyuonline.com/site/
Baiyu: Official Website (Source) http://www.baiyuonline.com/site/
Baiyu: Official Website (Source) http://www.baiyuonline.com/site/
Baiyu: Official Website (Source) http://www.baiyuonline.com/site/

I noticed this fashion savvy singer front row during the VDS show. Her style was eclectic and luxurious, “girl, I see your Chanel bag.” Her fur hat was fitting for the cold NY air, but her personality was all sunshine. Check out our Muse Closet interview with Baiyu, to hear how this lovely song bird describes her style.

Baiyu: Backstage @ VDS
Baiyu: Backstage @ VDS
Baiyu: Backstage @ VDS
Baiyu: Backstage @ VDS
Baiyu: Backstage @ VDS
Baiyu: Backstage @ VDS

When Baiyu told me she was a singer, I was curious to know her musical style. I admit, l’ve grown up listening to Asian pop music, so my mind was racing to see if this girl was on my iTunes playlist–I was wrong. This American Asian signer sent me her track, and I almost fainted–girl has soul.

Baiyu: Official Website (Source) http://www.baiyuonline.com/site/
Baiyu: Official Website (Source) http://www.baiyuonline.com/site/
Baiyu: Official Website (Source) http://www.baiyuonline.com/site/
Baiyu: Official Website (Source) http://www.baiyuonline.com/site/

Her music, like her personality, is electric. Her smooth alluring voice reminds me of great R&B divas. Her singing chops are authentic and original, like her style. I am now obsessed with her, and her music is on my iTunes in full rotation. Check out her videos and music for yourself. (Baiyu: YouTube Channel)

VDS SHOW

=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClBz9YTCrgM