bikini korea girl

The other night I stopped by Kenny Kenny's new soon-to-be-legendary party for Amanda Lepore. There was enough glitter, sequins and spandex to outfit an entire performing troupe. These 3 girls alone make me (almost) love spandex. And I lovelovelove the gold high tops on the girl in the middle! So nice to see flats on a girl out at night! And the feather earrings on the girl on the left are great as well.

Last night I went to the meatpacking district club Griffin for the first time. It was a little too full of Gossip Girl wannabes and the men who buy them drinks, (James Coppola's table being the obvious exception!)but I also met some cool people. Like Hiraku Morilla who is one half of a design duo that goes by the memorable name The Bitches with Cigarette Burns. I think his look is perfection from head to toe. And it also reminds me that I really want to get some Doc Martens for summer...

While nowadays there are many looks for men from the black skinny jean hipster to skate punk to preppy, many of them seem to be personified by a distinct desire not to grow up. Or a frightening excess of facial hair - which is perhaps overcompensation for feelings of insecurity in terms of their masculinity. The Dandy is a distinct look that is refined and is worn by those secure enough to know that elegance and masculinity are not necessarily polar opposites. Matt Fox is one such person and has a sense of style I've always admired. In addition he is one of the owners of the Fine and Dandy Shop, an online emporium which offers "accessories for dapper guys". He was also nice enough to answer  style questions for Style Defined.


How long has the Fine and Dandy Shop site been in existence?
We launched on October 31, 2008. It's been just over a year and we couldn't be more pleased with the response.

And how did it start?
For as long as I can remember I've wanted to open a shop. But the cost of real estate in NYC has made it more of a dream than a reality. It was just over two years ago that I had the idea to give it a try online. The online world is so ideal for a niche market concept. It's really incredible the number of people we've met online who identify as dandies.

What defines a Dandy?
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a dandy as "a man who gives exaggerated attention to personal appearance." In the modern world I think a dandy pays particular attention to the details of his dress and makes the extra effort to look his best each day.

If someone wanted to become a bit "dandified" how would you advise them to begin?
Is there one or two particular articles of clothing or accessories you'd recommend? I would recommend a couple of well-tailored suits and a few well-chosen accessories. A couple of great ties (or bow ties if he's adventurous enough), a tie bar, a couple of pocket squares, and some great socks. It's all about the details. The biggest thing is caring enough to take the time each day to look his best.

Are there any role models in film or literature for aspiring dandies?
Of course there are the obvious in literature like The Scarlet Pimpernel and The Great Gatsby. Recent films with dandy inspiration are Sherlock Holmes and Brideshead Revisited.

Do you think the interest in Dandies stems at all from a (negative) reaction to the modern world or technology?
I think it's more of a rejection of the trend over the last several decades of casual dress. Casual Friday has been extended to each day of the week in many workplaces. But I think the tide is turning. Even the New York Times wrote recently about younger guys increasingly dressing up. TV shows like Mad Men probably have something to do with it but I also think recession is a factor. We all have to dress to impress (and keep our jobs).

And is there anywhere in particular to go to find dandies?
Take it to the streets! The best style inspiration is seeing the guys walking the streets of New York City. From the older, blue blood of the upper east side to the hipster dandies of the lower east side, the fashion dandies of 5th Avenue to the dapper Wall Street gents. Dandies are everywhere you look!

I met Chelsea at the Maison Margiela party the other night through our mutual friend Peter Hale Cooney III. I told her I liked her dress and she said it's her own design. Maxi dresses will be big this summer but this one's different than most that look like they're straight from an LA party circa '79. This is an empire dress with a gathered bottom and a decidedly romantic feel. I especially love the pocket details!

This is one from the archive: from a party at Good Units. I love this club below the Hudson Hotel and it's supercool vibe. The best part is that there is NO Cellphone reception so people have to deal with their insecurities and just talk to strangers instead of masking it in self-important texting and chatting. I wish cells were banned from nightlife with the exception of tracking down friends. And if you had friends as fun and stylish as these two you wouldn't be looking for more elsewhere!

Pardon the interruption of our regularly scheduled program but thought you might be interested in the above.

What do I like about Frida's style? The high waisted skirt is perfectly balanced by the cropped jacket and the peekaboo bit of bra adds some some sexy playfulness. But the best part is her poise and confidence which emanates from this diva dancer.

This is from the photo shoot at Sloane last Saturday. Dress by designer Brian Stanziale.

Or maybe she's more like a kitten...but the fitted black outfit and the slightly startled expression remind me of a cat. And the pink bow is perfect for a kitty. Meow!

My dear friend Colleen Koltick was rocking this custom made Pegasus jacket at our Get Your Fame On party last Saturday night at Sloane. The image looks like it was taken off a 5th grade girl's notebook, but the sweetness is offset by the additional spikes and studs. And I love that Colleen's eyeshadow matches the jacket...a genius bit of chance.

The further I get from the age of 24 (the age it seems so many designers are designing for) the harder it is for me to find fashions that resonate with me. Because I'm relatively small I deplore wearing ruffles or florals or anything too sweet. On the other hand I get bored with black and all the shredded and deconstructed stuff going on. (although that I do own) So if you're somewhere in the middle what is there to wear? H Fredriksson is one answer. Designer Helena Fredriksson's clothes are a brilliant combination of sophistication and sex appeal. Born in Sweden and now living in Brooklyn, her beautiful hand batiked silk dresses and other clothing made with materials such as bamboo and hemp are currently part of the Ecolux Pop-Up Shop at Grand Central. She'll also be having a trunk show this Thursday at Trunk in Dumbo. So I encourage you to check out her work at either venue. And learn more about her below!

What is your background? How did you become a designer?
I started making clothing as a young teenager, it was something that made sense and happened very naturally, I went to art school where I painted and did a lot of photography, and designing was more of a fun side project… that I did at home. I moved to New York in 97 and continued working on and studying art but with the fashion design as a constant sideproject. A few years later I got invited to do a collaborative runway show, and that’s when my first collection and H Fredriksson was born.


What do you see as the intersection of fashion and fine art?
My process when working is the same as during my years in making art, adapting thoose ideas to a fine art context is very possible and something I would love to explore more. The prints I make are made from photography and drawings that I manipulate. I sometimes make screened and painted canvases with the prints as a work on its own.

I read that you have designed for dance. How did you get involved with that? What did you like about doing this? Are you still doing this?
I love collaborating, and dance is a great way to work together to realize a vision. To design for movement and performance where a different intimate experience is possible, is something I really thrive on.

What’s the inspiration for your most recent collection?
Thie S/S 2010 collection is inspired by the history of film. I draw from the lightness and sensitivity of imagery, the movement and subtleness of the camera and imagery within the framing. The garments have a strong presence while still feeling light and understated. The movement and draping in the shapes creates a subtle drama that draws the eye without being loud. I believe the pieces to be timeless enough to be relevant for a long time, just like the old great films.


What do you love most about what you do?
Making the fabric prints, draping the shapes, and creating the evolving identity for the brand is what I love the most with my job. And of course to get to work on different Costume and Art collaborations is always super fun.

What do you find to be the most challenging aspect?
The hardest part is to be the designer, the business manager, the strategist, the creative director, the owner and founder of the business all at once. The necessity to keep creative focus while dealing with day to day business is a hard balance to sustain. This is why I would love to find a partner in crime at times.


What inspires you about NYC?
I love New York because it is filled with people and culture from all over the world. It gives the city a very open minded energy that is hard to find anywhere else. And that is very creatively inspiring.


What’s the best advice you’ve ever given or received?
To learn from everything we experience and realize that the hardest things we go through are the ones that make us grow and understand the most. And that keeping an open mind at all times is how the wonders of life appears.

The woman on the right is Lindsay Jones, a designer of the uber-cool line Outlaws of the Border. I don't know if either of these women are wearing that label but I think they both look brilliant. Lindsay looks charmingly waifish like Pippi Longstocking grown up and her friend is rocking the black and red in a way that's simultaneously retro and current -and smoking hot. Kudos to both.

Last night we had the photoshoot/party at Sloane which was filmed for Taff!. I was thrilled with the people who turned out to be part of what ended up as an extremely special collaboration. This boy is wearing his own creation but I'll post a link to the lookbook when it's done.

This girl on the left is Sabrina Bacon and quite honestly, I don't really know her. But I liked her vibe and so invited her to my event tonight. Whether or not she shows I have to give props to her style. I spent this afternoon researching the dominant trends of spring. (not because I'm a blogger but for a different freelance job -although it's not bad for the blog either!) Anyways according to my research Sabrina is rocking 3 of the top trends in this one outfit: over the knee socks, florals, and pleated skirts. And she does this all without looking like a try-too-hard girl. And her friend is sporting an early Hanson 'do (no offense!)and skinny jeans. Cute, very cute.

As promised, a few people from the party. I love the straw fedora. They're everywhere right now.  I'll be picking up a $10 version on Canal Street because I'm not sure this trend will last more than a summer but it will be a fun way addition to an outfit in the meantime...

Two of the girls from THE LIKE wearing Zac Posen for Target

I'll be honest: I get alot of invitations for various store launches etc and most of them I don't go to and even when I end up attending I frequently don't write anything up. Because...the people are boring and everyone seems stiff and though they're trying to force festivity onto commerce. As anyone who loves a good party will tell you, you can't make a successful party so much as it just "happens". This is especially true when it's a promotional event. So I was pleasantly surprised that not only was the Zac Posen for Target Party tolerable it was (gasp!) fun. (click the read more below to continue)

The champagne and sushi (my hands down favorite meal) was a good start, and having the adorable girl band, The Like, added to the atmosphere. Zac Posen's clothes were lined along the walls and in a separate back room and I have to say that, unlike some other secondary (or tertiary?) clothing lines I've seen, they don't seem cheap or made only for teenagers. There was a great red suede biker jacket and several variations on the little black dress that would work well in any New Yorkers wardrobe. Clearly I wasn't the only one who thought so as there were more people waiting online to get into the dressing room than to get a cocktail -and I've never seen that before!

I saw some friends as well, which is always nice and got some great shots which I'll post over the next few days, and when I left by 10 pm there was a line around the corner of girls waiting for the store event that would begin at 11 pm. I'm guessing the Zac Posen line will be a massive hit for Target. (pronounced Tarzhay, baby!)

Danielle Ezzo and Samantha Levin of Art Anagnorisis (left + right) with their friend Jeff (front and center) looking glam at the wonderful and wildly successful Distorted Beauty Show in Tribeca.

For the most part I try to avoid putting flyers on the site but if you're in NYC please stop by! A party/photoshoot for Sloane brought to you by Aaron Genuth, Niko Liakaris, Katya Moorman and Brian Stanziale

Oh how I love color! Bold, unapologetic, in your face color! Something we do not see nearly enough of in this city. Yes, I know it's not SOBE, but must city style always mean black? Thankfully, this woman didn't think so - she is full of color - particularly a juicy lemon yellow. And lilac accents on her blouse, lips and cheeks. And the best part? Her gold gun belt buckle. Clearly she has a sense of humor as well as a great sense of style.

Honestly there is nothing particular that stands out as an item of clothing in this photo. Rather it's the way they seem to be wearing "just any old thing" without looking boring that makes them all good...and together even better!

Pardon the interruption of our regularly scheduled program, but I am really so excited that I wanted to share the news: Style Defined was listed today on French Vogue's website as one of four style blogs from the USA to make their international round up. So I'd also like to say thank you to all of my amazing friends (and equally amazing strangers) who have graciously allowed me to take their photo, and are in fact what makes this site so special.

I saw the fierce and fabulous Ladyfag at the fragrance launch party at Maison Martin Margiela. I love this woman. She has amazing energy and always surprising style. Here she's a study of beige and black...now all she needs are some MMM shades to truly complete the look. Anyone want to give her a discount?

Forget Chelsea. The BEST art event tonight was in Tribeca - the Distorted Beauty show at Station Digital which literally spilled over into the street. Yes there were gorgeous photos everywhere and naturally equally gorgeous people. This girl was rocking it out with her blue hair, nail polish and music player. So adorable. Super kawaii.

I've started avoiding photographing people in black because it's sooo ubiquitous. But because it's unavoidable I try to at least find looks that capture my interest. Looking closely these two have looks that have more in common than merely the color: from the jackets to the black nail polish to the serenely cool expressions...so is there a cliff notes version to all this?

These two from Sloane NYC are too adorable. But what I really love is Shay's rainbow colored hair. I'm intrigued and inspired.

I posted a photo about a week ago with a girl wearing a latex dress which happened to be designed by none other than Jacqueline Marie (shown here). I love that her clothes work for both petite and curvy girls...I am really beginning to consider the possibilities of latex.

About a month ago I posted a photo of the elegant Houman Farahmand wearing rather high waisted pants - which I believe were leather but had a cut closer to leggings than trousers. At the time I thought they were a bit odd but Houman made them chic. Now I am seeing these pants on the left and am wondering if it's a trend that I've only just noticed. Whether it catches on or not it's nice to see risks taken. I also love the pale fedora worn with black...something else unexpected but successful.

Sunglasses, sideburns, brush cut and a 3 piece suit under a trench seems straight from a '60s movie. A very cool/mod '60s movie. Just trade the drink in the glass for a martini and we're good to go...

On Tuesday night I stopped by "Bruised but not Broken: A declaration of independence" which was a benefit fashion show. The guests dressed as well as the clothes on the runway. I thought this girl was particularly adorable and she was sporting a hairbow: something that Lady Gaga has perhaps brought back...or someone has since I haven't seen so many around since the early Madonna days.

I didn't meet anyone at the after party that was actually at the debate (myself included) but many people were wearing what could be considered recycled clothing. Like this boy's shredded tights over tights. And his tie-dyed frock with the fringe looks decidedly homespun...although the dying is too perfect so I suspect it is something more upscale. Either way, these two have fun and funky looks that work for them.

Unele s-ar multumi si cu o singura pereche de pantofi creati de Christian Louboutin, in timp ce altele cumpara cate 80 pe zi.
Danielle Steel, celebra scriitoare de romane de dragoste, este dependenta de pantofii cu talpa rosie si, de-a lungul timpului, a ajuns la o colectie de 6000 de exemplare.
Christian Louboutin declara pentru numarul de mai al revistei Vanity Fair:
"Vine la Paris si, pur si simplu, cumpara tot. Apoi zboara inapoi la New York. Sunt putin dezamagit ca nu mai ramane nimic in magazin si pleaca cu 80 de perechi. E super."
Fetisul/pasiunea/obsesia pentru Louboutins au costat-o pe Danielle mai bine de 2 milioane de dolari.

O alta diva fana Louboutin este Jennifer Lopez, care si-a numit cel mai recent single "Louboutins"