Everyday Is Halloween, Especially Today

The pumpkins are carved, TP is at hand, Saturn is in the seventh house. Nothin left to do but get skanked out and do beer funnels out of a skull.


Four contestants of the Halloween Slick Chick beauty contest in Anaheim, Calif., 1947. Photo from the UCLA Library.

See, even in the 40s girls slutted it up for Halloween. So indulge!

All I Want for Christmas

Yes, I realize that it might be a touch too early to be thinking about Christmas, but I am selfish. And there are only 56 days til so I am removing a piece of chocolate each day from my giant, invisible Advent calendar.

I'm not big on big gifts; I'm obsessed with tiny trinkets, seashells, diamonds, rhinestones, japanese candy. Anything that can be stockinged, I'm all over. Here is what I would like to find in my stocking come Christmas morn:


All I want for Christmas by Lux Interior

This Duran Duran shirt conflicts me in many ways; as I am such a purist snob, I wouldn't buy it for myself lest I give my vintage-shirt-dollars to The Man, yet it is tiny and has circa-1988 Big Thing logo, which is hard to find in small size. And given F21's notorious (see what I did there? -Ed.) taking things off their website without notice, I might just order it for myself. Hum.

These are so sweet (again with the puns!), and real gold, and only $50, so you could surprise your little sister or your girlfriend. Especially your girlfriend.

I love tiny things, and the more tiny things you can cram into one small space, the better. So the Make Up For Ever 12 Flash Color Case and Philosophy Classic Cookbook are hitting me right in that animal part of the brain. And would ensure I would never be anything less than peacocky and fragrant for at least six months of next year.

Maybe you were part of the school in, uh, school that would eat scented crayons. My petit dejeuner of choice was Lip Smackers, the most delicious being watermelon or Dr. Pepper. Let's split the difference with Fred Flare's Gourmet Scented Pencil Set.

Last, since it is a wishlist, I wish for electronics; the Leica D-Lux 4 would help me take better pictures to become the blogstar I am destined to be. And for these pictures I could pose in front of my Brionvega RR226 cd-tape-record player, teacher, mother, secret lover. Anyone want to lend me 7000 euros?

Inspiration: Twee as Fuck

Remember how I said how certain seasons lend themselves to certain eras in fashion? Twee is a (mini microscopic) music/fashion movement (mostly music, but you know how these things sometimes intersect) of the mid and late 80s. Think France Gall filtered through nerd and Byrds, 80s disaffection, Madeline, The Wall. Think black watch and Prince-of-Wales. Think camel, brown, forest, navy. Schoolgirls run amok. Think propriety and decorum. Think black coffee and white opaques.

It's easy enough to be, say, a Blondie fan and express your love through a t-shirt with Debbie Harry's face on it, but how much more difficult, and more creative, to dress as she might? Wintertime for me equals trying to look like an Orange Juice groupie. If they had been popular enough to have groupies. Am I saying that right, groupie?






Further listening:
-Orange Juice-Bridge
-Josef K-Sorry for Laughing
-Aztec Camera-Oblivious
-Talulah Gosh-Bringing Up Baby
-NME's C86 comp

This weekend I watched Les Yeux Sans Visage, which I was really only interested in watching because it's also my favorite Billy Idol song. Before the movie started, I asked my boyfriend, "So, is this going to be a scary movie or another Boring French Movie Where Nothing Happens™?"

As it turned out, it was a little of both.



Unreal, absolutely stunning cinematography by Eugen Schüfftan. But definitely a case of style over substance. I dunno why I'm talking about this weird little movie; watch it if you need a last-minute Halloween costume, or are interested in the post-New Look fashions of 1959.

Talking Points

Am sorry there haven't been many outfit posts lately; my bank account is overdrawn and bills are coming up, etc etc. We can still window shop though can't we?

1. These jeans are on sale at Urban Outfitters; they come in four colors and would make me feel like Audrey Hep. Though I usually try to go for the Katherine Hep myself. Blank HiRise Ankle Skinny Jean, $39.99

2. I have a book called Little Black Dress which I regard not as much as a fashion retrospective but rather a shopping list for when I am a wealthy contessa. If they made a 2nd edition, I have no doubt that this dress would have a two-page spread. Lanvin dress, $2418 (!!!!)

3. As you have no doubt figured out by now, I am a ruthless and indiscriminate consumer; no good is safe from my insatiable, Pac Man like shopping hunger. I NEED this hair stuff, because it says it will turn me from Rumplestiltskin to Rapunzel over night. And if it doesn't, they should hire me to write copy for them. Philip B Katira Hair Masque, $40

4. I need a new bag; luckily the Herman is sold out. And $1488. This Lucien Pellat-Finet tote is $200-some-odd dollars, and clearly its saucy pot-leaf motif will contribute to my professional development.

5. Spats! No more need be said. Posso the Spat "The Subject", $253

6 and 7. Saving the best for last, Martin Margiela boots, whether you prefer cone heel or snake print. I will take both, please. $1245 and $975.




No, wait, this is the real final item. They have a knuckle duster in this month's Vogue, but I will settle for one of these. Dior Fine Jewelry "Diorette" rings, $5000 or so. UGH

have you ever seen so perfect an outfit? i was wondering what to wear out tonight and now i know:

black jacket: YES, a 40s one with a peplum that i have never worn. tonight's the night
tie: NO, still too Avril for these parts
gray sweatshirt: YES from Zara, a million years ago
wife beater: of course
belt: NO I'm not really what you would call a belt person and indeed, my plumber's butt is well documented amongst friends, family and coworkers
jeans: YES, j brand 910s
snake shoes: YES, ancient Prada slingbacks from A/W 2000
tote: NO because I get my boyfriend to hold my money and things when we go out
glasses: NO because you shouldn't wear glasses in the night-time, although it is the easiest way to determine who is a douchebag and who isn't. Also my head is too wide for Wayfarers.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: Lean Cuisine 'Tortilla Crusted Fish' has that certain je ne sais quoi that really defines a designer lunch. Really though it's delicious.

I Like My Money Where I Can See It...Hanging in My Closet

I will assume a mass spontaneous keyboard failure, and that's why no one commented on my last post. Your loss, I suppose.

Maybe I'm weird (well I know I'm weird, but maybe this is a symptom), but I think certain eras lend themselves better to certain seasons. Now that fall approaches, I can dress like a Hitchcock antiheroine, all back-seamed stockings and the following dresses:



It's nice to get the entirety of your fall wardrobe in one fell swoop I have to say. Later to the J. Crew outlet, I am looking for the most elusive of all beasts, a 3/4 sleeved mini coat.

And if my feet were petite I would have bought these without even thinking about it:


Maybe you wear a size 6; if you do, please buy so I can live vicariously through you.

Boots

We all have our fashion holy grail; that one item that's going to bring our look totally together. mine are, and were, The Sam Edelman Balenciaga Knockoffs (that I haven't actually worn out of the house since I walk a couple blocks downtown and my ankles twist off-and that's in flats), a snake-embossed leather jacket, holey vintage concert shirts, Prada socks. But none would tie the look (The Nancy Sinatra/Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!/Let It Rock/Carine Roitfeld of course look) all together like a pair of thigh high boots.



These are from Steve Madden, $200 with discount. 22" tall, so on my 29" legs will probably be crotch-high.

Pros:

*cheapest pair of pointy flat soled LEATHER thigh high boots I've ever seen
*on slutty scale, rate a 6 of 10 (could wear to dinner with Grandma, but not Grandpa)
*flat soles ensure wearability (see: Sam Edelman clodhoppers) and thus return on investment
*keep legs warm in winter vis-a-vis not having to shave as often
*this outfit

(ugh with this World Wide Love! skirt...I would sell my kidney for that skirt! Both! Then I'd have something to wear to dialysis)

*this outfit


Cons:

If I lose my job, I will not be able to live in a boot.

Now if this won't get you to comment, I will just close up shop altogether:

I have invites to Shop It To Me, a cool website where you put in your sizes and fave brands, and they show you all the things in your size, on sale! I have already started coveting a pair of Marc Jacobs mouse flats for super cheap. If you want an invite, tell me: What is your fashion holy grail?

BE STILL MY HEART!

ARE YOU SERIOUS??



IS THAT FAKE-SNAKE ON THE TOE CAPS?? YES, YES IT IS

From Jeremy Scott for adidas, per Nitrolicious:
Footwear in the collection ranges from about $120 to $250 which is quite reasonable, look at the designs! The collection is scheduled to release on February 1, 2009 and will be first launched in select boutiques and fashion doors and a month later in adidas Originals stores.

There is a certain set of girls who strut confidently through life with gelled-down curls, tight, tiny t-shirts, doorknocker earrings, an ipod attached to the hip, skintight jeans from Sirens held up with a spike belt, and the hottest new high tops. If I had the winged shoes, maybe I could join their distinguished ranks.

Two Shoes

Untitled by Lux Interior

(did you know Polyvore won't let you make a set with only one item in it??? Weaksauce!)

So I bought those bobo Urban Outfitters keds the other day, and of course they are too big and shapeless and smell like tires (but I like that smell). I was thinking about how to salvage them when inspiration struck, as it always does, in the form of someone else's blog. Rumi's studded Zara boots gave me fresh hope for the future, and after a quick order from Angry Young and Poor for some pyramid studs, I am ready. You will see them soon.

And the other shoes in that pic are delectable exposed-zip knee high boots of softest calf, yadda yadda yadda, $600 or more. I am always being tempted.

NB: Am I the only one who, on sites like Liebe Marlene, can't see half of the pictures? Like they're cut off by the Blogger format? And I've tried it in all the major browsers (including Chrome). Does no one else notice? If not, all the comments are in Emperor's New Clothes style.

NBB: This is the funniest thing I've seen in a long time.

The Lucky List

I am jumping on the Lucky List bandwagon spearheaded by Sara Millionaire, since I love Lucky despite its sometimes, uh, flowery prose, and because of those little sticky tabs, which are God's gift to man and which I use for everything from noting stuff in other books and magazines, to reminding myself which parts of my dog have yet to be petted. On with the list!


Lucky List by Lux Interior

Shu Uemura shampoo (Sham-Shu?), $40. Because I'm WORTH IT! The accompanying conditioner is $50. For that kind of money it had better be made of Nancy Sinatra piss and human tears.

Pssst Volume and Color Dry Shampoo. This is more my speed, since the Bumble and bumble colored dry shampoo is woefully expensive, and because any other dry shampoo looks like a baking accident in my inky inky hair. Except Ojon. But their nozzle clogs.

Mara Hoffmann blanket cape; this is the sort of thing I would put on and never take off. Picture this with those jeans and some fresh white leather ankle boots!

Alexander Wang full-zip jeans. The naughty nadir of the exposed zipper trend. I would wear these except I would be afraid of drunken frat guys unzipping me from behind.

Lorick dress. I don't know Gossip Girl from Adam, but if it encourages a trend toward skinny silhouettes for the mass market, I'M FOR IT.

Swatch "Splendious" watch. I don't wear watches. I would wear this watch.

Savon de Marseille soap; I have such an affection for hand-washing things, I guess because I only hand-wash my delicates and don't have to do it for everything every day. With this soap I could tie a bandanna around my hair and sing "Frere Jacques" while I wash my undies.

Sticks, But A Broken Drum

I was taking pictures of myself in yesterday's outfit, when I realized my shirt was completely see through, and being a tramp as I am, I wore a black bra with it. Besides, my eyes were all puffy from crying for a funny reason; my boss was saying ignorant, hurtful things about Obama today at work, and when I was relaying the story to my boyfriend later, I started crying. I guess I really am a liberal, haha. I won't leave you hanging though, here are some little gems for your perusal.


dresses by Lux Interior
1. Buckles from Burberry, a trench dress for the Mata Hari within.
2. This Phillip Lim shift is rendered in "viscose wool", doesn't that sound like something Lenina would wear to a hot date at the feelies?
3. Another gem from Phillip Lim, layered loveliness. Must stop browsing net-a-porter
4. F21, more in our price range. When they do a pencil dress in knit, it is a must-buy; I have one that's probably 4 years old and gets me through any "must look nice in a hurry" situation.
5. From F21, high-waisted shiny leggings. But their high waistedness would imply that a shirt is not to be worn over them, which we all know is anathema right? Strange feelings brewing in Duff Man!
6. These I actually bought; $10 on Urban Outfitters. I am going to wear them with all the frothy floral minidresses I don't own.

Just a quick one...

I am on/using (not sure of the right terminology here) Blog Lovin, so everyone should add me, and we'll add each other, and we'll all be at the top of the listings. Savvy?

Yesterday's outfit later; am I the only one who will put my outfit back on for the picture instead of just taking it when I'm dressed and ready?

T-shirt, ebay; leggings, AA; boots, thrifted
Last night's outfit. I lightened it a bit so you could see the vinyl leggings, which I intend to wear more often before their inevitable dry rot. Of course that might just hasten their demise. In case you are interested, what appears to be lens flare in the Duran Duran logo is actually my skin, because the shirt is tattered to shreds. An old(er) lady last night told me she liked it, though.



Remember how I was talking about Keds? Of course you do. Well, these little gems aren't Keds, but close; deadstock, pointy floral plimsolls for a dollar at the thriftstore! Deadstock is always a dicey proposition; when you buy something worn, you can be pretty sure that the person had it in their closet, away from heat and light. Deadstock things are subject to so much variation in temperature and location that I will not be surprised if these crumble right off my feet, as happened with a pair of sandals once. Buyer beware!

dress, vintage Katharine Hamnett
Now I see why people buy designer clothes. Yowza! This dress is wool and so skinny that I will be able to layer long sleeved tops and coats over it in the colder months. I need to steal buy photoshop so I can properly edit my photos!


boots, thrifted
These are the boots I mentioned in my other post that you couldn't see. You can see them now. I usually don't like square toes but these have a go-go cowgirl vibe I dig. And they have a wooden heel which is kind of hard to find on a pair of black boots.



Finally, why not go for the exposed zipper trend with a necklace which is only that. This I found on ebay for a dollar. A DOLLAR! Y'all aren't trying hard enough!

NB: still lifes seem to be my forte huh

Weekend in Review

I bought this top this weekend and got to wear it downtown for all of an hour when my stomach hurt too much and cut into my funtime plans. My boyfriend said it looks like it belongs to Dave Coulier but what does he know? My camera cut out before I could take a detail pic of my Nancy Sinatra shit kickers. Next time.

shirt: thrifted, leggings: AA, boots: thrifted, $5





I also found this amazing dress while thrifting: parachute, and half gothic and half preppy, with the prim shoulders and button back, and sweeping skirt. Ignore my little noodle of hair that got in the way, such is my luck!
dress, thrifted, $3.95

Is it wrong that I am dying to go to the hockey game my bf is taking me to in December, so I can try out my own version of this:



Ugh I am literally drooling. Her tiny little feet in those perfect little shoes. I sound like a foot fetishist over here. Do you suppose that coat is Montana?

And since it wouldn't be a Gothic Preppy post without ebay buys, this weekend's purchase:


Flapper wedding dress, I am obsessed. Look at the puffy hips! I hope it fits

Gone Shoppin'

I was at Target this weekend when I saw this dress:

Wooly-ish polyester, exposed back zip. $32.99 for a Target dress. I knew I could do better.

Enter this little gem:

Katharine Hamnett, 80s, wool (I have such a love for natural fibers, maybe cos they breathe), funny sleeves. $32.

You can do better.