She's In Fashion - London Suede

A few months ago a friend of mine had the pleasure of sitting next to a delightful young lady on her way to a tropical destination. At first the young women seemed a bit quiet, but halfway through the flight, she opened up and they were soon chattering away like old friends. The young lady was indeed a model and the two talked happily through two flights and one stopover in Miami. Here is a paraphrased version of one of their conversations.

My friend - "You're a model?!? Cool!! Which magazines have you been in?"
Model - "Oooh, a couple. Vanity Fair, Vogue . . . "
My friend - "Those are really big magazines! That's so great".
(Model smiles sheepishly yet knowing).

It wasn't until after goodbyes were said and personal details was swapped, did my friend realize her flying buddy was indeed the very famous Gisele. True story. And yes, my friend really is that charmingly clueless when it comes to these matters . . . but you're better off that way as Gisele clearly found it to be honest and refreshing. Anyways, I think all these Vanity Fair photos are hot, hot, hot.



I'll tell you a little secret. Dad, stop reading now.

I save images (like the first one with the blindfold), specifically to recreate in later relationships in my life. My husband will be one lucky little bastard.

(Photos: Dlisted )

Cherry Blossom Girl - Air

DC is in full bloom (which means my allergies are going haywire). Fonda, who visited me last week is one of my oldest, dearest friends. We met on a beach in France. On that very same beach I first heard Air, Moon Safari , (thus changing my life) a few years earlier. Though we lived on opposite coasts, I . . . East, her . . . West, our friendship has survived nearly ten years of letter writing, bi-coastal visits, monumental life changes (she lost her beautiful mother, who was Japanese American), road trips and a couple of trips back over the ocean to where it all started. This is one of our favourite songs. When she forced me out of the house in the rain last weekend to see the cherry blossoms, I dragged my feet the entire way there. But shortly after our arrival downtown, I realized standing in the rain, watching the cherry blossoms in awe, is a part of our friendship's destiny. Not the climax, but a clear and prominent marker in the road.




Dress- Maharishi
Sweater - United Colors of Benetton
Coat - Erin Fetherston for Target
Wet Soggy Boots - Aldo
Hat - Nordstrom (Rack)
Bag - Comme Des Garcons

Cherry Blossom Girl (Radio Mix) - Air

Human Behavior - Bjork

Kells seems to be an authority on things which tickle my fancy. . . but she really nailed it this time, when she sent me an email which simply said

"Thought you would appreciate the aesthetic".

Best Behavior makes me feel like I'm fifteen and trapped in suburbia again. When I go to their site (as I have, about five times in the last five days), I suddenly feel extreme envy for those who live in Europe and have access to their clothes. After high school would let out, I would keep myself occupied on the internet by looking at Topshop.co.uk, the Esprit Europe online catalogs (the clothes were better in Europe in the 90's) and the very-basic-at-the-time Colette website. But I never felt fulfilled because the clothing simply wasn't available to me. I didn't have my first in store Topshop experience until I was sixteen and trust me when I say, it was pretty overwhelming. (If it were possible to faint and cry at the same time, I would say. . . yup, nearly happened).

Best Behavior makes me feel faint. Flowy yet structured dresses, slouchy trousers (almost every season), drapey basics. Mint green, peach, yellow. . . colours I love to wear. I would throw out 80% of my wardrobe and replace it with Best Behavior if it were financially possible. I patiently await the opening of their online store.

PS- I also listened to this song almost every day when I was at that angsty age.

Gone Are The Days - The Magic Numbers

The last few days in the DC metropolitan have been painfully dreary and drizzly. DC doesn't really have the charm of London which makes me smile when the weather is miserable. So instead, I find a movie to set the mood and get cozy. Edge of Love wasn't spectacular but it was entertaining and visually engaging. It reminds me of everything I love about the English. And while the WWII era was utterly depressing from every point of view, there is something quite remarkable about the resilience of human life.



The costuming was spectacular. It all made me want to rent a house in Wales one summer. Can you believe I only have one flowered dress in my entire wardrobe and that I don't own a single pair of practical rain boots? What a travesty!




(Photos: Topshop , Nordrom , Keep Calm, Carry On shop )

Doubtful Comforts - Blue Roses

I have spent much of this week, sketching samples of bags in my notebook (an idea I had which refuses to go away). One thing I know for sure. I can't sketch worth shit. I think I am mediocre at many things but drawing. . . I fall flat! Which is why I am so envious of people like Julia Guther , who are so skilled in so many different ways with so many different mediums.

At least it's Friday. Happy Friday everyone!

Army of Me - Bjork

I wish! (Ha).

JBG convinced me during a sleep deprived moment that I should pose for his photography class at the Smithsonian Institute . I'm always anxious in those situations, but it was good fun and I'll gladly do it again. When I saw all of these I chuckled a bit. I'm no Kate Moss. I'm Aja.

Empty Streets - Late Night Alumni

Despite my best efforts to fit in with the locals in Miami (that is National Geographic 101, "always blend in with the scenery"), I just didn't have enough heels to be considered authentic, whilst roaming around at night. So I hopped my butt to Payless where the selection is red hot this season. I bought both pairs of shoes below. Alice and Olivia for Payless has some cute selections and what's not to love about these ruffly mary janes? When I came home, my mother rolled her eyes and said in a monotone voice, "What a surprise. You bought shoes". Darn tootin'.




(Photos: Payless )

Roche - Sebastien Tellier

I'm headed to Miami (where the beaches are not as pretty and clean as above) until Sunday for a film festival. It should be interesting though I will not be painting myself blue for the occasion. If I had planned better, I would have bought this Topshop bikini specifically for the occasion. But . . . if I were in this Sebastien Tellier video, I might not need that swimsuit after all (watch out for the butt shot, totally not safe for work). See you in a couple days!


(Photo: Topshop )

I Need Love - Sam Phillips

This Aquascutum advertisement is so beautiful and brilliant. When you turn to it in your magazine, it practically smacks you in the face.

I need love.

The Dress - Blonde Redhead

Above, La Petite Salope A/W 2008. Below, Elizabeth and James S/S 2009. I absolutely loved this the first time around. But now you see why I don't buy anything with a celebrity's name beside it, if I can avoid it. Sure, I know everyone copies but if I were La Petite Salope, I'd be hopping mad right now. Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen are lauded as fashion icons, so why they feel the need to pull this copycat crap is beyond me. Even the diagonal strap. . .




PS- Having said that, I'd like to try and attempt to make this dress myself. But I CERTAINLY would never try and sell it. Especially not for $475!

Aren't You Glad, You're You? - Chet Baker

When I spotted these Dolce and Gabbana's in this month's Harpers Bazaar, I sighed loudly and showed my hairstylist. She nodded and said "uh-huh", as a parent would say to their two-year-old child with a speech impediment. If I were walking down the street tomorrow and I saw a lady sporting these little slices of heaven, I would contemplate pushing her into a back alley and stealing her shoes.

I can't even afford them but I'm pissed off that I can't have them (because they don't go up to a size 41). Can you imagine how awful I would be if I were some spoiled, wealthy woman? Aren't you glad I'm me? By the way, I'm back from New York, full of inspiration and feisty as ever.

(Photo: Luisa Via Roma )

Under The Skin - Broken Social Scene Presents Kevin Drew

Kells was the girl that I copied from the minute I arrived at "that place". Kells, with her long, elegant, lanky limbs looks good in just about anything. The girl can make a white American Apparel tshirt and Cheap Monday jeans look like the most divine outfit you'll ever want to own. I blame many of my favourite purchases on her influence. So naturally, when Kells says "pay attention to this", I sit up straight and listen. But $95 for tank top Kelly? I know, I know, I know Mr. Wang is great at perfect fit, key items, but $95 is a lot for jersey. Only the fit will tell, I suppose.

(Photos: La Garconne )

Blind Sided - Bon Iver

Ever since I moved home from Brooklyn. . . even short trips to NYC are met with hemming, hawing and sighing on my parts. Even when it's for work (which is the case tomorrow). One thing I do look forward to however. . . is trying on every single APC piece I covet and making decisions over what to buy. I allow myself one piece, per a visit. That's sensible, for me.

All I Do - Stevie Wonder

So, you ask where I've been, as I retreat home to you . . . tired but pleased? I've been working on something very cool (but tiring). And everyone and their mother seems to be talking about it. Which only means one thing. It was a success (or a complete failure, but in this case, I really think it's the former). One of the perks of television . . . once everything calms down and all the problems are nearly sorted. . . everyone starts to enjoy themselves. But when I have projects as large as this, it consumes my life. No ballet, no friendship chats, no sleep, no life. Working on shows at the White House is far more challenging, logistically than any other show. Anyone who comes through those gates has to be accounted for and background checked. All the vehicles have to be timed and orderly. That was my task. Easy? No. Tantrum inducing? A couple, yes. Satisfying? Deeply. But it all came together in the end. I even gave the president a big cheesy smile.