Fashion + Google = Greatness.

Happy Friday to my readers!

So over on Jenny's blog yesterday, I spied a post that really intrigued me: it was about a new pilot program launched by Google to improve the ties between fashion and technlogy. This seems pretty fitting, since the world of fashion blogging has really grown over time, and we fashion-bloggers know first hand about the intersection between style, fashion and tech-savvy. Many of us fashionista/os are using the internet and technlogy to not just promote style, but follow and keep up with it as well. To get this all started, Google needs our fashion-blogging help.

If you'd like to join in on the project and help out, get in touch with Tony Wang on twitter. Follow him, then send him a message and tell him you're interested. He can tell you more about how to get involved.

Pros for us bloggers? More exposure and staying linked-in to the up-and-coming world of fashion & technology. Plus, it's always nice to give back to the people that make this really happen, huh? :)

So get your fashion-bloggey butts over to Twitter and talk to Tony. Do it. Now.

(And if you need some more Friday distractions, have a looksie at his blog, too. Keep up the great work, Tony!)

New year, new lusts

I suppose this is one of those posts interesting to me and possibly not-so interesting to you, but it's such eye-candy and I wann'em so bad that I just had to share. Hey, you're the only ones that listen to me, 'cuz hubs sure ain't caring. Tear. :-P

TOP FIVE DESIGNERS I WANT IN MY CLOSET

(ok, so I've given this a lot of thought over the years. If I had all the means in the world, or if I stumbled upon a boat load of money and there was world peace and no one was dying of hunger and LoHo finally made it through rehab successfully.... wait, don't know how that last one got in there, but yeah those first two... Anyway, if I could spend money on revamping my closet, these are the designers that would fill it):

1. Mara Hoffman


I don't know what entices me so about her designs. Maybe it's the Rorschach-looking prints that have my heart a-fluttering, or maybe it's her pretty color combos, but I just love her designs. Sigh. Her pieces give a little oomph to staples and her dresses stand out in a crowd. I think if I had my pick rightnow, it'd be this romper. Oh la la, ga ga ga.

2. DVF


Almost a no-brainer, as most fashionistas will tell you her pieces are basically staple items. Not only has she mastered and made famous the wrap-dress, but she has consistently recreated her designs and pushed the fashion line. The colors in this dress are li-ter-ah-leeee to die for. Eeep!

3. Giuseppe Zanotti

Most girls long for their first pair of Jimmy Choo's or Christian Louboutin's, and while I can't say I don't, Mr. Zanotti has my heart racing every time. I don't know how it's possible, but I adore almost every single pair he's created. Trendy, structural, feminine and edgy all at once, he's mastered the art of sex-in-a-shoe. Somehow.

4. Hudson Jeans


This one isn't so far-fetched, since this denim line is generally within my budget, but I think these jeans are the perfect pair. I rarely recommend brands to girls since jeans are so unique to each person, but when I worked at local boutiques here in Dallas, I would always tell a girl to try on a pair of Hudsons. I'd say nine out of ten times, she'd walk out a happy woman. Great pockets, great amount of pizzazz, and perfect fit. Loves!

5. Rebecca Taylor


Just... beautiful. She's a master of feminine, flowy fabrics and has the power to take my breath away (cue song). Even hoodies look pulled together and girly when Ms. Taylor gets her hands on them. Her designs are a good example of what I mean when I talk about the feminine/edgy mix. Just the right balance of being light and airy while still keeping a few ounces of sex appeal. Yep, just perfect.

Oh, and just to be interesting (and possibly contentious), here is one designer you may never see in my closet.

Alexander Wang... whaaa?

Listen. I know most of the fashion community goes head over heels for AW, but I just can't seem to jump on board. Maybe I'll change my mind in the future, but for now, this is one designer I'll happily stay away from.

Who are your fave designers? Or who would you be OK with taking a hiatus to Timbucktoo?

Sock-it-to-me

I credit Anjali at www.goldenmeans.wordpress.com for this find... or maybe I'm mad at her because husband will be mad at me. Well, whichever.... :)

Last year, I went sock-crazy. This was before people were sporting them in my area, and I recall the looks I got walking the streets of Dallas. Some were appalled, some were enticed, and some knew exactly where I got the idea (Shopbop's Fall lookbook 08). This year, socks are more in style, and my drawer full of them is looking a little smaller than I thought... hmmm...

Solution?

Sock Dreams!!

Socks+ruffles=dreamy. I love this look, and I would wear them with a fun pump like the one shown and a cute sweater dress with a scarf. These are mine. MINE.

I would wear these just they way they are pictures. Adorable! layered over black tights/leggings, some boots, and an oversized sweater.

These might be ridiculous. Or super cute with a simple high-necked dress (and, by necessity of the design, so short that I should be going to a costume party. sowhatwhocares.)

These will not be purchased. Because they are sold out. And I'm crying. Tears... How fun would these be with a patterned dress to catch the eye even more?!

I'm Baaaacckkk!

Lemme tell ya: Texas BBQ + Justine = sick-to-your-stomach gooooood. But back to regular business.

I've been so bad about posting my outfits (OOTDs), mostly because I usually don't wear super-cute stuff to the office(s). I think I've said this before, but with a huge lack of trying in my office, there isn't much reason to go all out and wear a dress, perfectly accessorized everyday. But I'm trying, lovies, because I know my blog is my motivation!! Here are a few I liked when I put them on and I decided to share with you... some fave pieces that I try to style as many ways as I can.

I love this skirt! It's by a brand that I can never remember the name of... the tag says "P." I got it on super-sale at a boutique in Dallas called L.Bartlett (you should check it out if you find yourself in Dallas!). It is a wrap skirt that ties on the side and it is black and white striped, which the poor quality of the pic doesn't show. And those shoes are a fave of mine-- Chinese Laundry from ages ago-- tan colored zebra stripe. So cute.

I think this outfit says something about my style. Leggings, sweater-dress, sparkle-bling and flowy sweater. I jonesed for this dress forever last Fall; it's by Free People and it has the cutest plaid straps you can't see here. Ugh. I think I need a better way of taking pictures... anyway. I wonder about cropped leggings like these. I read Rachel Bilson advise not to do the cropped ones... but, well, I think I like them! What do you think-- long or cropped??

This dress was a birthday present to myself (ha) two years ago. It's back when the TBD in Nordstrom still carried Halogen (any other retro-Nordstromers out there?!). This dress was a little early for its time (since plaid is back in right now), but I still loved it and I can't wait to rock it again this Fall. It looks best with knee high socks and pumps or boots. Do you notice the bows at the sleeves? Love.

This was (one of) my recent F21 purchases-- the cute peplum jacket. I love it and it's already proven useful. You can see the details a little better here. And get a load of my skirt... ohhhh leopard print, you bugger. I love you.

So there you have it-- some of my closet-besties. I think I'm going to try and wear the new Anna Sui dress sometime this week, so stay tuned for my take on that dress. Oh, because it's definitely still 80-someodd-degrees here. I'm thinking cool thoughts.

Fashion week Smashion week

I have a dirty, dirty secret, lovies.

I don't get runway fashion.

I know, I know!!! I'm a disgrace to all fashion-lovers out there! But I can't be alone. I mean, much of the new fashion is hardly translatable to "I live in the normal world" fashion. Asymmetry here, slashing there, bulges everywhere... what?!?! What do you suggest I do with this, Cushnie et Ochs???

Britney slip up, anyone??

OK. But disasters aside, there are many shows that are down to earth for people like me who can't prance around town with a veritable paparazzi-worthy photo-op (i.e. RTW collections). Here is what I love about Spring '10 fashion:

1. CHARTREUSE (and all big, bold colors). Gaahhhh, beautiful. The colors this coming season are magnificent and bright. Especially this yellow green that I noticed in many of the shows.

Lela Rose

2. Futurism (if that's a word). Pencey did it last year, and it seems like Leifsdottir may have thrown a little in, too. But this season's "futurism" is taking it to another level. Layers of material and space-like prints are beautiful and pull-off-able. Right?

Christian Siriano

3. Bandage. We all know this story, lovies. But it's continuing, and I'm happy. Though this may not be something new and unique, or even a token Spring '10 style, I'm loving the lines and wrapped material.

Band of Outsiders

4. Big bold florals (to pair with the big bold colors). Again, here is a way to take your current waredrobe into the Spring... with flowers! Nothing says Spring like fresh blooms, and almost everyone got the message. Gorge.

(p.s.: Get a load of Vivienne Tam's insane butterfly prints... Yes. I will def. be copying that one, so pretty!!!)

Vivienne Tam, DVF & DKNY

5. Messenger bags. OK. I don't know if this will really be a trend perse, but I noticed a lot on Vivienne Tam's runway (can you tell I'm in love with her?!)... so surely, it must be the new statement bag! Well... for me, at least.

Vivienne Tam

Of course there are about 1,000,000 other new and old statements that pranced onto Spring's runway, but I don't have the time (or energy) to find them all. I drooled over Vena Cava

Monique Lhuillier, Cynthia Steffe, Jason Wu, Costello Tagliapietra, Tuleh and so many others. Go check em out, lovies!

Saturday night OOTD

I actually would like to change that to OOTN, outfit of the night. I did wear something different this afternoon, but now I'm wishing I hadn't-- I totally love this look! What do you think?

Blazer: purple velvet by Symmetry
Top: F21 floral teal top
Jeans: Hudsons (the one and only jean brand for me!)
Necklace: Francesca's boutique
Shoes: Nine west dual metallic shoe (see below)

The heel is silver! I love mixing metallics.

You can see the top better here....


...and the blazer/necklace here.

I love this blazer because it is very rare that I can wear it. The weather has to be just right--fall, given the material; cool, given the heaviness of it; and still warm-ish, since it's short sleeved. Ooouufff. But tonight is the night, lovies! :) And I looooove the mix of light pink, teal, and this deep burgandy/purple. My favorite thing is playing with color and texture in an outfit. I've learned that neutrals go beyond black, brown and white. And deep jewel tones can be mixed with a myriad of other colors! I mean, within reason, obiv. Hope you are all having a fabulous weekend full of wonderousness and love and joy. Awwwww. Heh.

Eye Candy

Current love/lust list, all courtesy the one and only store for me (aka Etsy.com).....

Lirola; so dainty and pretty....

Zelaya; here is my winter-white-wear! :)

raquelcastillo; a perfect way to draw summer into Fall

Esoneofone; definitely save this baby for the spring, but how darling!

bejewelledbespoke; j'adore chunky bracelets as much as chunky necklaces!

Ohhh damnit, Gruche... I missed out last season and damned if I do this season!

Both ovejanegra; chunky knits work, too. hehe.

....aaaaand a vintage piece by persephonevintage; love it.

Style of the Day: Brocade Brigade

I love brocade. I've struggled with this for some time. Because it seems to me that one has to be careful with such a heavy, weighed-down material. It can also appear mature; a 20-some-odd should be careful, my instincts say.

But, I've learned over the years that fashion is NOT about rules. It's about getting around the rules.

Here's an example: my mom always taught me never to wear black growing up. "It conceals," she said. I didn't have anything to conceal. NOTHING. Catching my drift? Anyway.

I grew up afraid of the color black. Which is why I believe I always took a chance with colors-- with no go-to black in my closet (the ever-amazing LBD ne'er by my side), I had to rely on the other neutrals and pops of color to get me through. (I know, I know, *waaahhh*. But it's proving a point, so just listen, gahh...) In the process, I learned that sometimes, mom/"the rules" aren't always right. (Sorry, momma! You give good advice otherwise! heh)

So, here we are, Justine in her mid-20s, and trying to defy the rules that "people" assume have to be there (no white after Labor Day? Watch me! Black and brown don't mix? Yeah right). Why can't I wear brocade? Here is my take, lovies, on a rich, elegant fabric.

I love pairing the unexpected. Even when that means taking a risk like wearing skulls, brocade, and caged shoes all at the same time. I can picture a tall, mysterious woman, walking the streets of NYC on a cool, drizzly night, the streets shining with rain... And this outfit.

Yes. Breaking the rules is fun. :)

Couldn't hold out any longer....

Sorry, fiancee of mine. But you can't hold me back. I'm like a crack addict that never recovers. Shopping is a part of me. Just learn to accept it, K? tee-hee. O:-)

Loooook how preeeeety! Courtesy the beautiful Yoon of Thejewelrybar on Etsy:

I need some nice, not-costume jewelry, and at a price of $38 for gold and real gems? Sold! Done! Sign me up! Fini.

Check out her stuff; you won't be sorry. I promise.

In addition, I've decided to do the very bad thing of buying at least $75 worth of F21 clothing to get free shipping with the intention of returning most of it.

Read: intention.

So once that arrives, I'll do a little review of some pieces I'm afraid to let pass me by. So much lately has sold from right under my feet... err, cart. Gotta stop letting that happen. Honestly, I've seen people asking how to shop at F21, given their overwhelming selection and sometimes messily-kept shop. Here's my tip (if anyone wants it... Tim Gunn?? HA.)-- BUY ONLINE. Free shipping over $75, and you can get refunds! The way to go.

F21.... Always good for some fun cheapies. I know, I know... I totally just posted about how I have to stop buying crap. But, on a very tight budget (I'm getting paid NADA right now...), a love for passing trends, and a seemingly stepped-up quality (is that just me? have you noticed that, too??), it's ok. Right? Yes. I'll just buy my jeans, shoes, purses and coats at Nordstrom. OK. Good.

And for some brain mush that I could NOT stop staring at last night, courtesy Conan O'Brien: PUPPIES DRESSED AS CATS. Omigod. Love.

I need these, yep, thanks.

All from shopruche.com ...

Sigh.

Busy Friday

Sorry I was MIA for a day... yesterday was BRIDAL PORTRAITS DAY! Ugh, I was a frenzied mess, like, all day. But I think the pictures will turn out great-- super glossy, very fashionista-appropriate. I love my photographers for the wedding (thanks Amber and Jeremy!!) I'll be sure to post those when I can (aka, when future hubby decides to stop looking at my blog since he can't see me in my dress!).

Since it's been a while since I've posted some Justine-outfits, I'll post a few from the past couple of days:

Neutral Hues...

LINE cotton cardi that I wear all the freekin time
F21 beaded top
Hudson bootcut jeans
My watch!

Hawaii inspiration!

T-Bags LA top I plan to sport on my honeymoon
Nordstrom leggings
Nine west gold flats
Again, my watch... love.

My new sweater love

Anthropologie Sparrow sweater
F21 floral top (dude I wear a lot of F21)
J Brand jeans

Just a fave...

Ohh lovies, I lovie my burnout tee and Charlotte Russe embellished-bib find!

And a few shoes, to throw them in here :)

A small sample of my shoe rack...


the ones I wore with the F21 floral top, jeans, and Antho sweater... (MICHAEL Michael Kors)


... and just a fave pair of mine (Charles by Charles David)!

I'm still on the fence about my Hawaiian inspired T-Bags top. Too kitschy? Not sure. But I am sure that it will be good for my Hawaiian honeymoon! These pictures make me realize I am everywhere on the scale of fashion... I really don't think I can characterize my style. Rocker? Boho? Romantic? Comfy? All of the above?! What about you? What is your personal style, and can you even call it anything?