What It Seams To Me: A Fashion Blog

Hello all. I apologize for the wide gap between this post and the last. I have been putting a lot of my time into the start of summer session classes as well as wrapping things up with the content section of Absolute Catastrophe music zine. We are anticipating the release of this issue to be sometime next week or the week after.

In other news, the fashion world has experienced a loss over the weekend with the death of Kazakhstan-born Ruslana Korshunova. Her death took place nine stories below her apartment in New York’s financial district, where she took an unfortunate dive from her balcony into the concrete pavement. According to The Guardian, she had just returned from a modeling trip to Paris. Even closer to the time of her death, her former boyfriend, Artem Perchenok, dropped Korshunova off at her apartment after watching the Demi Moore film Ghost together. Whether this incident was a suicide or not is still unknown, though suspicion over her soul-searching difficulties lies in the messages she leaves behind in social networking sites. The Telegraph reports of one message she left three months ago: “I’m so lost. Will I ever find myself?”

This event reflects a similar incident back in Feburary, when the body of Katoucha Niane was found along the Seine near Paris. This was reported to result form an apparent suicide. According to the Telegraph, she was a former supermodel muse of Yves Saint Laurent. Although the women in these two deaths hail a similar background with the prestigious fashion industry, observers caution those to not focus too much attention at the business aspect, but instead, look into the personal drive of the two deaths.

Korshunova was hosted by IMG, who also houses Kate Moss and Heidi Klum under its roof. With her earnings of $5,000 per catwalk show, Korshunova had been sending her money to her family back in Kazakhstan. She was known for her campaigns for Marc Jacobs and Christine Dior. Vogue described her as “the next big thing” back in 2005.

Source: The Guardian, The Telegraph
Image source: Supermodels.nl

*Note: Sorry for getting back on track with a dreary start. I will have another post up either later tonight or tomorrow. For those who have read my posts lately, thank you so much! It really means a lot. –Rika

My Sunday has been a disappointing one, as well as highly uneventful. I live on campus, where the lovely Ohio University resides. So on this beautiful day (a comfortable 83 degrees sans humidity), I decided to put on my best flats and tread uphill to give the jazzy, uptown area a visit. Unfortunately, the area was anything but jazzy. Unless you had an appetite to satisfy (which I didn’t), there was absolutely nothing to do, as even shops that usually open for at least a few hours decided to close their doors just for today. After scaling the streets in hopes of finding some sort of activity, I propped myself on a bench along the College Green statues to quietly read a book to myself, then I left. Boy do I hate Sundays.

At first, my disgruntled attitude blamed the University for closing itself this weekend because it made every business in town tell themselves that this is their excuse to enjoy a weekend siesta as well. However, after pacing in my room back and forth while slowly tapping my index finger to my bottom lip, I see that their excuse is plausible. I’ve sucked myself into acceptance because today has even made me not think of a great topic to blog about. Therefore, I’ve sought myself out during my passive phases of the day, and discovered this little gem.

Thanks to this Viva La Vinyl thread (a message board that I often stalk, and seldom post unless there’s a record or two I’m after), I’ve experienced both laughter and anger. There’s something about the “Scene Queen”/Hot Topic kids that makes me want to throw myself out the window while shouting, “Who are you trying to prove?!” These kids envelope their fashion sense with the idea of being a “catastrophe,” a “fashion zombie,” and a “gangsta,” while glamorizing death, narcissism, isolation, and individuality in the tackiest ways. I abhor this embarrassment in music culture, more than the culture of the juggalos. The only areas you can see this unfortunate breed shuffling through are malls, high school buildings, the Warped Tour, and local shows where they’re “scene” to be “seen.”

On that note, I’d like to bring that subject over to what I found in the Viva La Vinyl thread. A tall, thin-bodied boy who goes by the name of Scotty Vanity made a music video for one of his hit songs made popular by this ghastly crowd of kids called “Let’s Go to the Mall”. Must I also add that his myspace profile profile view’s count is over two million?! Holy smokes! This less explicit version of Jeffree Star sings over a hypnotizing techno beat, singing about going to the mall to shop until you drop as well as enjoying simple pleasures like “rocking down the escalators” and “moshing in the elevators”.

Personally I find this video rather amusing, especially the editing. Scotty Vanity’s clique and fanbase reminds me of the awkward high school crowd you’re bound to stumble upon during a trip to the mall. But hey, it brings back those high school memories, right? Unfortunately, I don’t remember the kids in my high school being this much of an embarrassment.

Oh has time changed.

To see the video, click here.

Image Source: Scotty Vanity’s myspace.

Spending an uneventful Saturday night isolating yourself in your room can unlock many wonders to “ooh” and “ahh” over, especially when you have access to cyberspace. The glorious thing about internet is that it gives you the easy, cheap, one-click-away access you cannot possibly get within your own vicinity and income.

As I clicked link upon link and even more links, I stumbled upon a site called greeceisforlovers.com. This website showcases the works of a few Greek designers, which are inspired by the ancient history, culture, and fashion of their region. And what great timing for these designers to beam in the light of fashion! The boom of gladiator-inspired sandals have made wave into the fashion world, especially after their knee-high infamous, public appearance on the legs of Mary-Kate Olsen back in 2007.

As some brands like Balenciaga adopted and interpreted this ghastly knee-high look with a little bit of floral and flair (see spring 2008 Balenciaga ad with Jennifer Connelly here), most designers – thankfully – realized that this length would result in terrible tan lines. The look itself resembles a binding cage; it’s complexity reserved only for those that are patient, and the average citizen would find it annoying to shell out five minute (or just an awfully long time) to strap these babies on and unstrap them off. Thus, this experiment of a fashion trend has been torn apart and reassembled to a healthy length of ankle high.

So designers and fashionistas announces, “Ankle high it is!” Designers are going strap-crazy with ribbons and belts this season, wrapping feet up like special, million dollar gifts. Though the designers at greekisforlovers.com have taken this wrap-and-bind obsession to another route. Buried in the many items like Athens Sucks Mugs and Build Your Myth Dumbbells lies a particular skateboard in all its peculiarity, that will raise questions… even fear.

Those with a lick of skateboarding history would agree that skateboarding branched off of longboarding, which originated in California (or Hawaii as some argue). Contrary to popular beliefs and according to this site, skateboarding originated in ancient Athens, where as the website states, “Socrates himself used to ride a longboard down the Agora.” With this in mind, greekisforlovers.com designed a leather, archaically structured skateboard with… yes, the gladiator straps.

Would this give you the ride of your life or would it lead to an absolute fiasco, sending you to a nearby hospital? Judging from how the skateboard is constructed in the first place, the designers seem to imply that no tricks should be attempted on this – with an exception to an ollie (if you can master one). I’m sure one could attract mad attention with this leather skateboard, since the shoes appear to be mysteriously sinking in some quicksand that is this board.

In conclusion, this board is well-equipped to be showcased in a skateboard or Greece-themed collection. I wouldn’t advise one to blaze down a hill on this, as the possibility of jumping out of a wipe-out seems little to none with these adhesives. Thus, purchasing this serves no practicality. However, I find myself intrigued at their ceramic tableware, designed and inspired by, as they explain, the aftermath of a wild Bouzouki party.

Images: style.com and greekisforlovers.com

Greek is for Lovers has a store/studio, located in Athens, Greece. Interestingly enough, the Parthenon lies a few blocks down.

A few weeks ago, I had to restock my medicine cabinet with Clinique’s Acne Solution Foaming Cleanser (which is amazing, by the way). So while I stayed in Vienna, WV to be with my boyfriend, I made a visit to the Clinique counter at Belk’s with his mother and sister.

Little did I know, my trip not only consist of just buying a single product, but a make-up profile. Clinique had a promotion take place where you can request one of their employees to give you a makeover and, as stated in their promotional brochure, “capture a new look. Now.”

Okay, so I’m highly vulnerable to promotions like this; I do like makeovers, and I do like free treats! (They give you a sample size – which can last for two months, mind you – of both the Allover Colour in whatever shade they used on you and the Take the Day Off Make-Up Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips.) So after I hastily ordered a bottle of foaming cleanser, I asked for someone to help me “rediscover myself.”

One woman at the counter assigned herself to me, asking whether I want to be “Pretty In Pinks,” “Naturally Nude,” or “Violet Drama.” One attributed that motivated me to even give this a try in the first place was the fact that I wanted to look more natural, and have someone tug me away from pencil and liquid eyeliners in Onyx Black. (Trust me, I’ve tried.) I was afraid “Pretty In Pink” would have my whole face blushing and make me look like a pixie (not ideal for that everyday look). “Violet Drama” sounds like a disaster to my skin tone, so – because it stated what I desired in its title – I chose “Naturally Nude”.

The make-up artist elegantly worked her magic on me; it wasn’t rushed. She started off with a nice eyelid primer and some light foundation with medium coverage to wash out my flaws and turn my face into a blank canvas. (I always develop this self-guilt whenever make-up artists do this, for some reason.) She asked me to specify exactly what look I was going for and I stated, “I want the most natural, flawless look possible. I want a new look that would be perfect to wear during the day…and I want my eyes to pop.” That last word triggered her light bulb to flash faster than my reaction towards the sheer bubble dresses (a staple in “college fashion”), and every step she took from here on was greatly praised by the head honcho of the Clinique counter…who, in reality, was a sweet old lady.

Her hand unveiled upon me this eyeshadow palette, containing a shocking contrast between one shade from the other. For a few seconds I underestimated the amount of pigment this eyeshadow contains, and how primer makes a huge difference in make-up application. Basically to sum things up, she drove herself to REALLY make my eyes pop! The Daybreak (which resembled a concoction of white talc and a light dash of cinnamon) heavily contrasted the Rum Spice shade (color is self-explanatory), and the Cream Shaper eye pencil in Chocolate Lustre REALLY brought my eyes out. Fortunately, my look was toned down with the Allover Colour in Almond Blossom on my cheeks and some Full Potential Lips Plump and Shine in Knock Out Nude, gingerly applied to my lips .

When I took a final look at the hand held mirror, I realized that I ended up looking too awake, and if anyone were to glance at me, they’d probably be hypnotized by my unintentional white glare. I didn’t want to say whatever negative thoughts I had in mind because, really, the only part I disliked about my makeover was my eyes. I regretted not specifying how much “pop!” I wanted on my eyes, but it would’ve probably psychologically made things better for both the Clinique employee and myself. (I sensed that she got the idea that I wasn’t really digging the eye job.)

She handed me my treats in this awfully cute butterfly bag. I waved and said my thank-yous, slowly – and awkwardly – walked out of the store, then quickly dashed to the bathroom once I was out of sight. I had a Colour Surge Eye Trio in Limited Black Truffle stashed in my make-up bag and used it to try and buffer the incandescent horror from my eyes. The end result showed little change, so I sucked it up and walked out of the mall’s bathroom. I guess the positive side to this was that it did provide some entertainment by allowing me to see some classic reactions when I stared down at random shopper’s faces.

Image source: clinique.com and beautifulmakeupsearch.com

Note: This promotion is currently unavailable. However, the lovely ladies did inform me that their next Bonus promotion is going to happen sometime in August, which is something I am more than excited for! For more information on events and bonuses, click here.

If you click on style.com within the next few weeks, you would see an eclectic array of upcoming styles for the 2009 Resort season. Immediately, one would probably assume that this upcoming year is going to be an interesting one, especially with the sudden shift from vagina-suffocating pants to a crotch drop down to mid-thighs for a good breather (an echo of the mid-80s craze, debuted last summer); and that’s not the only area that will be breathing easily during this season.

Brands like Burberry, Phi, and Charles Nolan have taken this approach to allow the clothing to sit and rest on the supporting curves of the body, rather than bind and cinch. In his recent resort line for 2009, Nolan has exaggeratedly widen a variety of articles of clothing–something in which he seems to take pride in–and balance them out with a slightly form fitting separate, like a classic fluffy white top with a pair of wide-legged pants. It is obvious that this recently launched series had to have some inspiration from the early 20th century style of conservative sophistication, patriotic colors, all interpreted with a modern perspective. But perhaps the colors and sense behind this theme of “Americana”, as Laird Borrelli-Persson dubbed this, is not the right cup of tea for the mass majority.

Both Phi and Burberry were hit with the inspiration to seek darker tones, but reserved to work with the flow of a woman’s body without adding new shape to their silhouettes–which was the case for Charles Nolan. Burberry’s collection, designed by Christopher Bailey, is the result of a closet raid through your mother or grandmother’s closet, seeking for vintage gems which has been altered, well accessorized, and worn to shine in the modern light. The inconsistency in texture is what he has succeed in experimenting with; mixing granny cardigans, shiny satin-like material with what looks like mosaic inspired prints, and mesh dresses with microscopic prints. All this is tied with the signature final touch of a thumb-wide belt, overlapping the center of the curve between your chest and hips.

What I love about this collection in particular is its allowance for a lovely lady to navigate with ease and comfort, and that it’s an inspiration for young girls with tight wallets to take on the alternative to rummage through their mother’s closet to find the right pieces to assemble a fabulous outfit resembling Burberry’s look.

It’s the variety in preferences which drives the fashion industry to be as diverse and welcoming as possible. If it’s black and white that you want to impress others with, Phi has released a beautiful collection strictly using the tones of these two colors to take on any style and interpret it in the most feminine way possible–faintly toned with neon separates, but used sparingly. Indeed you’d feel as light as a feather in his collection, where he stresses on usage of sheer fabrics and lace, and uniquely tailored for that style you cannot find elsewhere. I am a fan of his “peek-a-boo” dress, which outer layer’s made out of lace towered against each other. A light gray sheer mini-dress lines the inside of it with simplicity, allowing the geometric complexity of the lace stitchings to add some lustful charm, making this dress a must-have in many women’s eyes. Phi’s take on the crotch-drop look is not too radical, and the material of these pants won’t make it seem like it’s restricting your walking pace.

So are we ready for this shift in fashion? Phi and Burberry has supplied the clothes for those that want to take a detour around the crotch-drop, but companies like Philip Lim and Yves-Saint Laurent (rest in peace) have tailored these pants in an intimidating, boxy fashion. The first few to pick this up will be diving head first into unknown depths. I’m still going to hold my pencil jeans near and dear to my heart, and my small figure might be a challenge with the crotch drop pants (I might stick to the shorts). Though I am the one to experiment the waters; perhaps I’ll invest in a pair of these and see for myself. Sally Mower’s take on this intimidating trend sounds like a great approach for any shy beginner, as she mentions in her coverage for Vogue June 2008 issue, “You definitely have to know how to wear them (always a sharp, high heel, I think, except on the beach), and they go well with the new jackets, potentially making a new alternative to a suit.”

Images from: style.com