Moving On

So it's been quite sometime since I posted anything to this blog. Rest assured I did not drop off the face of the Earth. No, I simply moved on. I still love fashion, and enjoy writing about it, but I realized perhaps that I wasn't doing anything extraordinary with this fashion blog, and there are far too many out there as it is anyway.

But fear not! For those few out there who may have actually been reading this, I'm currently blogging here: Brandie Raasch Photography. I decided to dive right into a new venture, fashion photography. So you see, it's not too far off. I've always loved photography and this definitely feels right for me.

So, I hope you'll continue to read and watch my progress as I continue on this journey.

xoxo,
B

Leader of the Pack...

I suppose it should come as no surprise that with this year's presidential race reaching a fever pitch, everything has come into focus. Including, of course, the wardrobe of the candidates and their significant others. But, I have to admit, sometimes it does seem as if they're being viewed more like celebrities than politicians.

I'm sure everyone remembers how well that White House Black Market dress started selling after Michelle Obama wore it on The View. There's also been much controversy as of late about the $150K spent on outfitting Sarah Palin, which, by the way, didn't make her look any better and IS ridiculous. Yes, yes, I know...we should be focusing on the issues!

Anyway, in another Mrs. Obama all-American fashion moment, being the regular gal that she is, Michelle showed for her Jay Leno appearance wearing a lovely J. Crew ensemble:

Photos [Google & J.Crew]

I only bring this up because I read the following info via The Cut:

"That item skyrocketed to the most-viewed item on the site yesterday, receiving 464 percent more hits than the day before. Traffic on J.Crew's site as a whole increased 64 percent."

"By yesterday afternoon, the J.Crew in Rockefeller Center pulled all the cardigans off the racks to reserve for customers who called that morning and put them on hold."

Now, I don't know why found this so incredible. Indeed, if you search for "Michelle Obama" on J.Crew's site as The Cut mentions, it does bring up the Pembridge Dot skirt she wore. Perhaps it's just that I, personally, would like to think I don't let famous people dictate what I wear. I mean, it doesn't really seem to have anything to do with the fact that people actually like these particular pieces from J.Crew (of course some may), but more that they like that she wore them. I suppose it's not everyday that most people get to dress like a celeb, because a lot of the time what they're seen wearing costs hundreds or thousands of dollars.

So, I think it's interesting that she chooses...or perhaps it's just genius PR...to wear clothes that are actually within reach of American women. Although I do still think it's crazy how nuts people go over this stuff. Let's try to remember, it's great to be inspired by the way others dress, but fashion should be about individuality.

-B

Fashion Inspiration: Clueless

Like me, I'm sure many other girls were absolutely giddy when Clueless came out back in the day and revealed a whole world of fashion. Cher and Dionne were the epitome of cool and trendy and definitely knew their designer labels and all the best stores for shopping. Perhaps the exaggerated stylings of the Clueless crew were back then what the exaggerated stylings of films such as The Devil Wears Prada and the upcoming Confessions of a Shopaholic are for today's teen girls (and, yes, still me even though I'm past my teen years).

I digress...my point is that films like these are great influencers on fashion and what becomes "stylish" and "trendy." Case in point:

Photos: Beckerman Jacket [Shopbop], Cher [Google]

This morning after reading that with the checkout code SHOPBOPSECRET you can get 20% off regular priced jackets and sweaters, I decided to browse a bit to see what I could see. What I discovered was the above Charlotte Plaid Tux Jacket by Beckerman. It bears a striking resemblance to the yellow plaid jacket and skirt ensemble that Cher wore early on in Clueless, no? Yes, the cut is obviously different and the plaid stripes are more defined, but I think it's pretty clear that the influence of these fashiony films remains quite strong.

What do you think? Into the yellow plaid look à la Cher? Hmm, I wonder if there's a matching skirt for that? Hahaha....

-B

The Three R's

That's right. We all know them. Reduce, reuse, recycle. No, I've not suddenly taken off on a "green" frenzy, not that that would be a bad thing (no worries, I do recycle).

However, I now refer to the magazine industry. As I said in my previous post, I did stop into B&N to pick up some mags to play some catch up. What did I see? A very familiar In Style cover. I noticed it right away because In Style is one of my frequent magazine buys, not to mention I thought it seemed a bit too "springy" for an October issue.

How strange, I thought, that they would be using that again! Of course upon closer inspection I realized that this was the October issue for the UK. I did a little checking (and will confirm when I get home, since I'm certain I still have the US issue) and I believe this was the May cover for the US.

Hmm...so this got me thinking, about how often do magazines recycle their cover images? Is this common practice? We all know they love to Photoshop, and I've certainly read about images being Photoshopped to look like they're in a certain location or wearing something that they never wore, even on covers.

For some reason I'm inclined to believe that this is more commonly done on covers for their off-shoots such as the UK, Paris, Australia, etc. and not as much on US covers. Then again, they could probably just as easily shoot a cover for a UK edition and then later recycle it for the US a few months later, and would I really know? Most likely I only noticed this because I bought my mags from B&N this time, which usually carries the European issues as well as the US. It just seems a bit unfortunate, because if European issues can be purchased here, then US issues (and I know because I bought them in Paris) can be purchased over there. And really, if you're going to recycle a past cover image, at least make it appropriate to that month...

-B

Style Icon: Jean Seberg

Since we're coming upon the weekend I thought I'd leave everyone with a little "fashion inspiration." I love the Godard film, À Bout de Souffle (Breathless). If you haven't seen it then I highly recommending you check it out, particularly if you're interested in French New Wave. I was thinking about style earlier today and for whatever reason Jean Seberg, one of the film's stars, flashed across my mind. She had a great tomboy-ish and yet feminine look. Simple, clean lines but not harsh and never looked like she tried to overthink her style.

"Si tu n'aimes pas la mer...si tu n'aimes pas les montaignes...si tu n'aimes pas la ville...vas-tu faire foutre!"

Ahhh...pardon my French si tu comprends...

Happy Friday mes amis!

-B

Faux...Pas?

So I hate to get trend happy, but lately I've become obsessed with finding a pair of faux leather leggings. I know, I know...at first I didn't think I even liked them but my fashion sense seems to have done a complete 180 on me and now I'm loving this look.

Which one of these is not like the other?

Now I find them cool, sleek and just a bit edgy AND I have about a million ideas in my head as to what I could be wearing with them! Ahhhh, hotness. Perfect to wear out and about to partayyy! Hahaha. The pair on the left are the "Motorcycle Pants" by The Row at Barneys, the pair on the right are by Alice + Olivia at Shopbop. Unfortunately my budget doesn't allow for splurging on $1,700 leather pants, so I'll most likely be going for super cheap versions from Macy's and Forever 21. Besides, who knows how long these will be considered "in style" so why waste more money than is necessary in these times of economic hardship, right?

Thoughts?

-B

Fashion Photography: Mikael Jansson

Soooo sorry I've been behind on posting my fashion photography finds but things have been a little hectic around here. Anywho, while searching for some fashion inspiration and cool photography I came across Mikael Jansson's work. You'd probably recognize a lot of it actually because he's done the photography for some big name designer ad campaigns.

He was born in Sweden and I believe currently resides there.






I love the layers and textures in his photographs. He's able to create depth and interest through his unique style. For more info and to see more of his work visit: http://mikael.carbonmade.com/about/.

-B

Shopaholic? Me? Nooo...

Well, maybe...but I'm really referring to CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC!!!! Yes! Seriously can't wait for this movie, plus, how adorable is Isla Fisher? So fabulous!

Check out the trailer via Cinematical.

Photo [Crazy Little Thing Called Love]

And yes, I know I've been terrible still with posting. But feel bad for me won't you? Just a little? I have no internet AND no TV, so I've now missed 90210, the premier of The Rachel Zoe Project and most importantly, The Best Show EVER, Gossip Girl! This is killing me...

-B

It's Official...

FASHION WEEK IS FINALLY HERE!!!

Ah, the thrill of it all. Perhaps I shall see if I can get into some parties...OR get into the tents! Ha! Well anyhow, let's start off with my favorite looks from the Trovata show:

Photos [Style.com]

The Spring '09 collection consisted of muted tones of mainly white, blue, gray and black. I love the lightness of the first look with a cool woven rope-like belt. Apparently I have a thing for jackets since my next four favorites ALL have one. But I do love blazers and jackety type pieces. So versatile! The second look is fun because it's very tuxedo-like, although it reminds me a bit of SJP's "real people" runway look on SATC with her jeweled panties. Also, skinny belts are so in right now. While I love over-sized blazers right now, I also really love the more cropped version in the third outfit. So great with the dress. The black and white checkered patten is awesome. The little white jacket is fabulous, I love the cut, how it folds in the front and the double-breasted buttons. Finally, the dress is just fun and light and I like it because I'm really into mini dresses too.

Although these are some of my favorites, I had a hard time choosing because I really loved them all. Very wearable, I could actually see myself in all of them! Ughh, I want too many things...

Can't wait for more!

-B

Gotta Love It...

Well, since everything seems to be branded with a designer label, it should come as no surprise that us girls finally have fashionable condoms.

That's right ladies. Via The Cut, designer Yigal Azrouël has teamed up with Proper Attire condoms. You can stock up starting this Friday at Azrouël stores.

It's always great to see designers being proactive about causes and issues that they care about.

Get 'em while they're hot!

-B

Style In Focus: Natalie Portman

I really just have to disagree with those who have expressed distaste of Natalie Portman's latest red carpet attire from Rodarte:


I happen to think she looks great and this look is very in keeping with many of Fall '08's trends, namely lace and layering. The dress is interesting and she looks gorgeous in it. Personally, I love Natalie Portman's style. She's been especially well-dressed these last several months on the red carpet and I've seen her on the streets of NY and in other locations in paparazzo photos, and when not on the red carpet, I love that she just seems so normal. I mean, come on, the girl is adorable! No, I don't think she's ready to be a fashion critic anytime soon (her judgment on Project Runway anyone?) but I don't think she's trying to be either.

P.S. I hope you all watched Gossip Girl last night!

-B

I Am Nobody's Little Weasel...

It has to be said, I absolutely adore Audrey Tautou. This should come as no great surprise since I am drawn to all things French, including film, and who could forget the adorable Amélie?

In my opinion, Ms. Tautou has great personal style. Pixie-ish as she is, she is very classy, simple but beautiful and she always has that chic French quality about her. The lucky girl will soon get to play dress up as Coco Chanel when filming begins on Coco Avant Chanel. I am très jalouse. I expect this biopic to be quite good, or at least the fashion will be since Karl will be overseeing the costumes. Can't wait!

-B

Fall Fashion In Focus: Lace

With just about a week away from Fashion Week and September's fall madness, my wish list for the season continues to grow. Currently I'm lusting after lace.

The intricate details that lace creates are absolutely beautiful. I can't say I've ever worn too much lace before, but I'm eager to try out some looks for fall. Unfortunately, I can't afford the lovely lacy Prada numbers that were so prominent on the Fall '08 RTW runways. Hmm, must figure that out. The orange-lace dress shown above on the runway and worn by Miss Maggie G. at one of The Dark Knight premieres looks very much like the Prada designs, but in fact is from Jean Paul Gaultier's '08 Couture collection.

Lace was also a prominent design feature in Philosophy's Fall '08 runway show. Although still utilizing the lace here, a very different look was achieved. The vibe I got from this show was romantic, yes, but it's more of a gothic, romantic feel. The lace combined with the other pieces really creates that style.

I love the romantic yet sort of sexy quality it can add to an outfit. In the Prada and Gaultier shows, you have the prettiness of the lace, but the way they used it as a see-through layer over other pieces, such as the way Maggie wore an orange bra under the Gaultier dress, which adds a more daring sexiness to the look. After looking through various designs, I also think that lace is much more versatility than one would imagine. It's a great trend that can take you from day to night. For example, the Prada look above (far left) could be for day, perhaps even with a blazer or long cardigan instead and then simply peel the layers off going into evening.

Full collections via Style.com:
Prada
Jean Paul Gautier
Philosphy

And for other lace looks featured on the runways:
Style.com

Later!

-B

I Heart Colette

When I was studying in Paris I used to love browsing Colette. The boutique is a fantastic mix of creative randomness and quirkiness. Filled with products ranging from beauty to design to fashion and a whole lot in between.

I'm getting quite excited for the Colette pop-up store that will be featured in NYC's flagship Gap location (54th St. @ 5th Ave.) starting September 6th! It will be there for about a month, ending on October 5th.

You can check out some of the designs that will be featured in the pop-up (such as the t-shirt to the left) via High Snobiety. I think this is one of my favs, but all are fun and unique collaborations between Parisian and NYC artists.

Ahh, so thrilled it's Wednesday! Project Runway tonight perhaps? If I remember AND if there are no apts to see.

-B

M.I.A.

That would be me, not the singer, to which my title refers. I know I've been preoccupied with all that is my mad, mad world at the moment BUT I do finally have some of my own pics to share.

I bought the skinny belt on the left from H&M, but I think I need to invest in a belt that doesn't actually look sooo cheap. On the right I'm wearing my favorite "uniform" as of late, the vest. I love mens-inspired styles and vests are a great way to pull a look together. Oh, and yes, the Balenciaga.

Ughh, collage from my little trip to the BK. Apartment hunting. Disaster. Hmm, at least this wasn't the day I got caught under a karaoke bar awning there waiting for a sudden downpour to let up, because as usual I didn't bring an umbrella ella ella. (Yeah, I did.) Btw, I've been wearing my Dolce Vita sandals practically non-stop since they arrived and I LOVE them.

On the left, as I've mentioned before, one of my other fav styles right now, ruffles. They're just fun. Top on the right is Staerk by Camilla Staerk, love the color and the pattern. I shot the background in lower East Harlem, the side of a building.


I just had to stop and snap a photo of this "house" because I was so struck by how truly normal and house-like it looked as opposed to your usual brownstones and apartment buildings in the city. I think I saw it somewhere on the UES. Me, trying out some white framed Ray Bans. Before, I wasn't really sure I could pull of white frames, but I kind of like them. I'm also really like some clear frames that I've tried on from some different designers. Top is actually a dress by Sally Tseng. I'm very into items that can double as other wardrobe pieces such as a dress as a top, etc. Haha, and check it out:

Heidi Klum's Stardoll dresses like me! You can't really see my entire outfit in the above photo, but I assure you I have on skinny jeans and my DV sandals. What can I say? Great fashionista minds think alike.

La la, ok I do have some other random photos to post but will wait for another day. Premier of Greek was tonight! Yay! Finally new seasons have begun and I have something to watch. But, now it's over and it's getting late, haha. Hey, I DO have work, you know. Plus, possibly seeing MORE apartments tomorrow. OMFG why is this not over yet!?

'Night,

-B

Welcome to the Dollhouse

I did a post earlier on Viktor & Rolf's dollhouse exhibition at the Barbican. If, like me, you're unable to check out such a fantastic display of fashion, head on over to If It's Hip, It's Here to see photos. You'll be able to see some great comparison pics featuring both the doll designs and the original styles. Their doll works are really amazingly detailed especially considering the difference in size they were working with. Very cool.

Later!

-B

What Would You Wear?

Oh my, crazy stressful super busy weekend = not enough time in the day to sit and write a post all weekend. I went out in the East Village to participate in the obligatory birthday revelry for two friends. Then I got up the next two mornings to go apartment hunting ALL DAY LONG. Searching for an apartment in the city is the least fun thing I can think of right now. A broker we were looking with reminded us of something Carrie said about how searching for an apartment (especially in NY) is like trying to find the perfect man. Basically, no man is perfect and no apartment is really perfect, it's just a matter of what flaws you can live with in both.

Anyway, I have a new dilemma, although more time to deal with this than my apartment search (Sept. 1st!). A friend from college is getting married mid-October. I wasn't actually sure I was going to go because it's on a Friday and I have to work. Boo. However, some of my friends who are going are rather insistent that I should be there. This means shopping for not only a gift but also a dress to wear. What exactly does one wear to a wedding? I've been a bridesmaid, so that's fairly easy, but I've not been just a guest. How dressed up should I be? Color? Style? So many questions...

Photos [BCBG]

Normally one of my go-to dress sources would be BCBG. I think they usually have a great selection of styles and colors, look classy but still young. Although I'd rather not spend a ton of money right now, at least it isn't a bridesmaid dress I'll never wear again. I like these three options I found online, but I'm not exactly sure what is appropriate. The one in the middle is simple and clean but very pretty I think, the problem is the color. Is it too close to what the bride might be wearing?

Photos [Bloomindales]

Above are options from Bloomingdales. The first dress is pretty but again, I'm unsure of the color. Is it too bright? The other two are nice colors for fall since this will be in October. The third dress is Diane Von Furstenberg, which always look nice, but is a print/pattern good for a wedding or should I keep it simple with a solid?

Photos [Macys, Nicole Miller]

The first two from Macys are slightly cheaper options. The one-shoulder style is by Maggy London and since I'm quite fond of the one-shoulder trend right now, could be nice. The middle is from Lauren by Ralph Lauren, very simple but nice. The third is a bit different, cute strapless option from Nicole Miller. I like the color and you probably can't tell but it's actually pinstriped.

What do you think about these? Any other ideas? Send them my way, I need help!

P.S. Seeing another apt after work. Wish me luck!

-B

Zag Bags: Poisonous, Or Just Enhanced?

By now the use of Botox for cosmetic enhancement is so prevalent, I'm not really sure why I was terribly surprised to learn that Zagliani has the same idea of "enhancement" for its snakeskin bags.

I've read sources such as Jezebel (via Perez Hilton) that Botox, which is of course a toxin, is used on the bags to give the snakeskin, "a luxuriously soft finish."

However, I've come across other sources that claim the soft texture of the bag is due to injections of a, "complex mix of silicon and resin." Apparently the Zagliani creator, Mauro Orietti-Carella, is trained in dermatology so both of these could be true.

Either way, I kind of find it horrifying that a bag needs to be injected with either a poison or the same substance used for women who want to look like The Girls Next Door. A little excessive, no?

Then again, being beautiful isn't easy...even for a little piece of luxury.

What do you think? Crazy? Scary? You'd buy it anyway?

-B

Frenchie, Gossipy, Fabulous

First up in news that I am super excited about: The first EVER stateside Comptoir des Cotonniers will be opening up down in SoHo in the next day or so. Just in time for me to indulge in a little weekend shopping, no? Haha, we'll see...More info via Racked.

Onto more exciting info: Passing Henri Bendel's on my way to work today, I noticed they have their new Gossip Girl window display up! Since I was on the bus at the time I was unable to get pics, but I will be sure to put some up ASAP. Ahhhh, I cannot wait for the Season 2 premier of the BEST.SHOW.EVER! How could anyone not love a show with so much fashion inspiration AND drama packed into it? Don't forget to watch September 1st!

Lastly for my updates, I submitted a few photos for the chance to model during Fashion Indie Week Brooklyn. The one to the left seemed like a decent "head shot" at the time, haha. Oh well, I also submitted two of the self-portraits that I've put up here so I won't bore you with repeating them again. Anyhow, I'll let you know how that turns out if I actually hear back.

I'll try to be better about updating this weekend, but hopefully I'll be out finding myself a new home (wish me luck!) so forgive me if I slack off a bit. Once I'm settled I'll be able to get myself more organized.

Happy Friday!

-B

Fashion Photography: Solve Sundsbo

I love photography. I love the creativity, the expressiveness and all that it allows one to capture. It's something that I've been meaning to get back into lately, but have neglected, mainly due to work and other busyness.

Anyhow, fitting it is since I also love fashion, that I should love fashion photography. I quite admire the images that these photographers create, and hope to take inspiration from them and their work. With that in mind, I've decided to try to do regular posts highlighting various fashion photogs that I find unique, intriguing, inspiring...

First up is Norwegian fashion photographer Solve Sundsbo. I love the way he uses light to create contrast, patterns and mood in his photographs. So beautiful and mysterious. He also has a unique and subtle use of color to make certain aspects stand out or to make an image softer or more vibrant. His use of repetition is also interesting to me, particularly the repeating images of his subjects in motion which creates movement in his images and leads the eye across a page or photograph.

Photos [Google Images]

Love it! Have a great day!

-B