Filed under: fashion | Tags: Alexa Chung, celebrities, MTV, personal style
Since everyone seems to have a slight obsession with Alexa Chung these days, I thought it was about time to consider doing some research on her.
She definitely has muse-potential because she is beautiful in that unexpected way I like to relate to. There is a certain free spirit quality about her that intrigues me.
Alexa Chung is not just another beautiful face. No siree, this little lady comes equipped with brains and a sense of humour too. She’s a British TV presenter with a budding acting career and her own MTV show It’s On With Alexa Chung. Alexa has had columns in the UK magazine The Independent and was recently made a contributing editor of British Vogue. She’s also the brand ambassador for Oxfam’s ethical fashion boutiques and somehow, she still finds time to walk down the occasional catwalk.
She garnered the “It Girl” label in back in 2007, when she began frequently gracing the “Best Dressed” lists and gaining respect for her quirky yet down-to-earth sense of style. What I love about her is the girl-next-door vibe, which mixes well with her (seemingly) effortless looks. She’s charming and honest.
I feel like no matter what she puts on, the style will be copied. She’s got the simple yet adventurous thing totally figured out.
**Photos are not property of Work In Progress. They have been taken from various websites. If your photo has not been credited and you would like it to be, please e-mail me.**
Photo: Mountain Gallivanter on Flickr
For whatever reason, somewhere in the transition from summer to fall, I find myself in this place of reflection. Forgive me. This entry is full-on stream of consciousness. It probably won’t make as much sense to you as it does in my head, but it needed to come out of me.
Moments of depression and sorrows of heart; these things have formed parts of me. I carry myself by my heart. I must allow myself the right to error, and to learn from my mistakes. I can’t be too hard on myself for doing those things. I can’t be perfect all the time (no matter how much I wish I could) and nobody expects me to be. At times when my heart aches, or I’m overcome with those bad butterflies, it can be difficult to see the lesson or the reason, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t one.
I’m finally at a point where I can see how some of those bad roads and unfortunate situations have led me to the right places at the right times. It’s my nature to think too much about things, to wonder and to worry. This has caused me a significant amount of anxiety in my life. Dressing up ugly issues to try and make them prettier than they actually are doesn’t get you anywhere. I’m trying to stop fidgeting and deal.
I definitely have a better notion of wasted time and energy now than I did even a year ago. Life leaves a certain number of bruises on you. We flip back and forth between failures and successes, gaining battle scars along the way. Douglas Coupland said, “Failure is authentic, and because it’s authentic, it’s real and genuine, and because of that, it’s a pure state of being.” And success, what is it? Does it turn us into plastic dolls? Why does feeling defeated hold with it such realism, and succeeding holds with it the obsession to maintain some level of hierarchy in our lives?
I read something years ago, which I still think about, “There are people in the universe who will not get along or have their energy agree. So just walk away, respecting individuality. Kiss off, as they say, because if anything, kisses- even to the air- are beautiful.”
Sometimes we just need to take some time to relax and surround ourselves with wonderful people.
Photo: Sanna Tranlov
- The song Feel Your Pain by Langley boys, Goodbye Beatdown. Love at first listen. I can’t get this catchy tune out of my brain. I’m pretty sure it was the soundtrack to my dream last night. I saw them play at the Fox SEEDs show a few weeks ago and was totally blown away by their amazing energy and stellar stage presence. (Plus, they’re from my hometown!) Perfect gym mix tunes.
- Joe Fresh Tinted Lip Balm. I’m a sucker for new products, so obviously I had to give Joe’s line a whirl. I love this balm. It adds a hint of colour and since it’s formulated with moisturizing oils, it also keeps your lips super soft.
- OPI’s Oh… To Be 25 Again. It’s my favourite fall shade. My fingers and toes are polished to perfection thanks to Vina, my talented nail tech.
- Lysol Disinfecting Wipes. Since the double whammy strep throat escapade, I’ve become even more Howie Mandel/Howard Hughes-eque with my OCD/ germ-o-phobia. I have spent hours wiping down my entire apartment with these babies, even the floors. True story.
- The CW Network. It’s perfect timing that my new (and significantly larger) telly is arriving tomorrow morning, because it seems that there’s a lot I don’t want to miss on that network these days. Lame, but true.
- J Brand Low Rise Pencil Leg jeans. They’re my new number ones. I own more jeans than I will admit, but these have become my go-to pair. Hot with heels, cute with flats, and they tuck perfectly into boots.
- Roxy Athletix gear. I’ve mentioned this line before, and I will mention it again. Having a few hot outfits to wear at the gym is probably one of the best motivators a girl can have to actually get there. Roxy’s new collection of vibrant fitness basics—available in juicy shades and great cuts—is a welcome change to boring black. (Bonus: It’s also easy on your wallet.)
- Braids à la Alexander Wang. A little messy, a little wild, just the way I like it. My mane is getting long and this look is easy. Apparently the side braid is my new thing.
Filed under: fashion | Tags: Erin Wasson, ny, ny fashion week, NYFW, RVCA, sp10
Photo: Chapter5Section2
Erin Wasson is a supermodel and a skater (with a half pipe in her backyard), she serves as muse and stylist to Alexander Wang. She showed off her own latest collection for RVCA this week in New York. For the Spring 2010 line, Erin stayed true to her own style and the boho-SoCal, Venice Beach feel that the skate and surf inspired RVCA has become known for.
Many of the looks that made their way down the runway sported slouchy, oversized tops. Bare midriffs, tie-dye and of the moment rompers also made appearances (including a cutout denim version). I fell in love with outfits like the nautical-striped top and denim cutoff shorts, and the traditional bell-bottomed jeans paired with a baggy tank. Alexander Wang inspired looks like trousers with low-slung belts and cut off acid wash tees also hit the mark . So simple, so chic.
Many of the outfits were accessorized with low-hanging, silverware-sized crosses (from Wasson’s jewelry collaboration with the LowLuv).
Jackets stole the show and those were flowing, paneled, floor length and cape-like in effect, giving the line a dose of editorial appeal, but all the while remaining grounded in exactly what sells: easy separates that require very little thought. Loving this collection’s laid back feel.
Photos: Getty Images (via Coutorture)
Filed under: fashion | Tags: Alexander Wang, fashion, ny fashion week, NYFW, sp10
Alexander Wang’s Spring 2010 collection is a departure from his signature grunge esthetic. Gone are the shredded sweaters and all black basics. He did, however, manage to keep his laissez-faire feel intact, drawing inspiration from the rugged athleticism of American football and making references to rugby, soccer, and baseball.
When asked before the show, Wang told an interviewer that he was inspired by “the deviant side of American teen culture.” The overall vibe is highschool sports with a sexy twist – soccer-style knee high socks are cut out in the back for a hint of skin, while a classic varsity jacket is taken up a notch, paired with sheer black pants and fierce ankle boots. There are also some fun, costumey pieces (like a heavily shoulder-padded sweatshirt meant to resemble a football jersey and white leotard with sheer panels on the sides) mixed in with the more practical stuff. I’m definitely coveting Wang’s new line of sunglasses, and I’m quite certain that sweatshirt-material basics and pretty striped knits will be on every girl’s wish list come spring 2010.
Alexander Wang’s Spring 2010 show displays his versatility, as well as his fun side and his sense of humour, while still conveying his unique point of view. While devoted fans of his very wearable grunge looks may not like the new direction he went in this season, it’s hard to deny that Alexander Wang is a true talent in American fashion, sure to remain an industry favourite for years to come.
To view the entire collection, please visit Style.com here.
Filed under: fashion | Tags: ny fashion week, sp10, the city, Whitney Eve, whitney port
My girl Whitney Port showed her Whitney Eve line’s Spring 2010 collection for the first time at New York’s Mercedez Benz Fashion Week yesterday in the tents at a group show, along with People’s Revolution clients Nicholas K and Mara Hoffman.
The show — which started a fashionably 40 minutes late — featured lots of lace, playful strapless dresses with tulle and frilly blouses, satin body suits, neon and lot of micro mini dresses. The line mixes silver and gold metallics, airy fabrics and draping and details like slits, ruffles and cutouts for a girly, put-together look. Several modern takes on the business suit were shown, pairing slim pants and feminine boyfriend-style blazers, plus some edgy exposed zippered party dresses.
The line’s vibe is very reflective of Whitney’s own personal style. In my opinion, many of the dresses are just begging to be taken dancing. Her inspiration, Whitney says, is a word she made up: “funderland.”
“We’re doing kind of like Alice in Wonderland goes to a really chic cocktail party,” she explains. “It’s really fun and playful and feminine and flirty.”
Whitney was also in charge of selecting the music for her portion of the show. Some cuts played included Rolling Stones, Goldfrapp, The Waitresses, Leo Sayer and the Ohio Players.
The City’s camera crew was there filming the fashion show, as well as a ton of footage back stage. We’re sure to get an inside look at the whole production in the coming season.
Photos: Getty Images (via Coutorture)
I am constantly looking for inspiration to refresh my spirit. I love to find images and put them all together. Somehow these images become what is inside of me.
I know that it’s not actually fall yet, but it’s definitely starting to feel a little less like summer. Autumn eventually comes to town and drives the stifling hot and humid temperatures away, allowing us to breathe cool, fresh and comfortable air again. I enjoy this transition when it’s gradual. Yesterday was perfect. I could wear my new, cozy sweater but it was also still warm enough to let my pedicured toes peek out of my gladiator sandals while they still had the chance. I know those days are numbered, so I will cherish them until they’re gone. Today was another story- trying to get my tired ass out of bed on such a dreary morning was no easy task; never mind trying to find appropriate footwear for the torrential downpour. I quickly remembered that October will be full of mornings like that…well, except that my boots won’t all be buried under piles of sundresses and bikinis at that point.
All of that said, I just love this time of year. There is so much to look forward to…
- Bright colours, falling leaves
- Seawall walks in the rain
- Copious amounts of tea, plus the occasional Lavender Mocha from Medina
- Thanksgiving (aka lots of pumpkin pie!)
- Getting to see Steve Nash play some live NBA pre-season action with my dad
- Cozy nights in with nothing to do but read and watch DVDs
- Television season premieres
- Ripe autumn apples
- Halloween (I love dressing up!)
- Fashion: layering, pulling out the scarves, hats, boots and sweaters
What are your favourite things about fall? What are you looking forward to?
Filed under: pop culture | Tags: guilty pleasures, Melrose Place, television
I suppose it’s very possible that I’m attracted to this “new” show out of pure nostalgia. I mean, as a teen I did find myself rather sucked in by the seductive, scandalous storylines of the original Melrose Place. Murder, suicide, insanity, prostitution, revenge, mayhem, an explosion or two…what wasn’t to love?
Tonight’s show intrigued me. I like the cast. There were things that happened in the last five minutes that I’m definitely interested in finding out more about. A little trash never hurts, right? Did anybody else tune in for the premiere? Thoughts?
I often feel like if I stop for one minute, I’ll shut down and I won’t be able to start back up again. Then like a house of cards, everything will come tumbling down. I’m a control freak and I’m attracted to extremes, so sometimes I don’t even realize how hard I’m pushing myself.
In the last few weeks, I have been sicker than I can ever remember being. It has made me realize that I’m not invincible; that if I don’t take care of myself, I won’t be capable of doing what I need to do. Caught up with “being in the zone, ” and so busy congratulating myself for how much weight I’d lost, I didn’t even realize how little I was eating, the limited hours of sleep that I was getting, or how hard I was pushing my body with intense workout sessions. Commitments on top of commitments, and I couldn’t ever bring myself to just say no. I kept motoring through. I hate letting people down, so will go to just about any length to avoid it. Go, go, go is what I did, until I finally hit my breaking point, and ended up being forced to do nothing but rest for almost two whole weeks. I started to genuinely worry that I was never going to get better. I guess this was my body’s way of pulling on the reigns. Without balance, bodies, minds, and even machines break down. How easily I seem to forget that.
Finally starting to feel better, I have spent this weekend allowing myself to unravel, digging deep underneath all those layers of muck to see what was going on in the cluttered up parts of my mind and the empty spaces of my heart.
Life involves constantly readjusting priorities and trying find balance. I recognize now that I need to start making my health and well being a priority. I need to listen to my body and learn how to relax. Oh, how I’ve fought it. As it turns out, I’m actually not the energizer bunny.
I will rest tonight,
to the tips of my toes.
Filed under: movies
I saw Julie and Julia, and loved it! It really made me want to think about some sort of short-term goal that I can set for myself, that makes every day a little more fun and challenging. Hmmm…
And if Sophie Dahl’s book wasn’t enough inspiration to get me to put on an apron and spend some time in the kitchen, this film certainly gave me an extra push in that direction.
Photos: Sony Pictures
