Say It Ain't So

Chanel Iman by Mark Selinger for Vogue Germany

I regret to inform you that something terrible has happened.  Upon landing in my native (notice how I refuse to say "home", as I prefer to refer only to NYC in that way, even though I have never lived there.) state, I realized that something unheard of has happened to me over the last few years.  I have become...a Californian.  The first step is admitting you have a problem, right? 

No longer do I consider Ranch a main food group.  I recoil at the sight of meat, and actually crave foods like spinach.  The idea of smoking inside seems is incomprehensible to me.  I forced my entire family to watch Fellini's "8 1/2" with me, so they'd have some idea of what was going on when I later force them all to go see "Nine".  And when my father innocently suggested that I swing by "Meijers" for some "raviolis", you would've thought he murdered a human being in front of me, not just the English language.

Later on, as I looked through my inadequetly packed bags, I learned that while I may dress for the "cold" on a regular basis in L.A., I was little more than a card-carrying granola popsicle here in Michigan.  My thin cardigans and skinny jeans were no match for the blistering winds.  While I was assessing that my face had frostbite, and my toes still have no feeling left in them from a visit earlier today to Greenfield Village, I found myself dreaming of the items I wished I had brought along on this trip, to make venturing outside a less painful experience.

Baggy sweaters.  This eskander sweater from Neiman Marcus is perfect because the oversized fit allows for maximum layering, and the neutral color with a hint of texture makes it okay to wear multiple times over without becoming too basic.

Flannel shirts.  I have always stuck my nose in the air and sniffed about "Nirvannabes" when it comes to flannels recent popularity.  However, I have now come to appreciate their practical purpose, as well as their ironic nod to my roots.  A couple long flannel shirts in red and gray would get me through the week. 

Cobweb snoods from TopShop.  Oh, how I wish I had a snood.  It's even cold most of the time inside public places.  Example: while eating in a restaurant for dinner, I had to keep my jacket on the entire meal to keep from violently shaking due to the cold.  A snood could have helped me look like less of a freak, as well as kept my wool jacket from getting alfredo sauce all over it.  Topshop has these adorable ones, although I'm also thinking seriously about making my own.

Angora over-the-knee-socks.  Do I need to say anything else?  Oh yeah, they're purple.

Thermal pajamas AKA "Longjohns".  Everyone here wears "longjohns" under their clothes.  I used to laugh until I walked outside and felt the cold through my jeans.  They may be onto something.  These are a pretty cute pair, and could double as pajamas.

Tomorrow I'm venturing to the thrift store in search of some baggy sweaters like the eskander one above, and flannel shirts.  The great thing about thrift stores here is that a lot of really amazing things slip by unappreciated.  A lady once looked at me like I had two heads for ripping a faux leopard peacoat off the hanger and carrying it under my arm to check-out like I had just discovered a million dollars.  I am crossing my fingers to find vintage Gucci loafers (dream!), a quilted Chanel purse (actually happened once!), and enough baggy sweaters for the next 9 days (probably!). 

Your Golden Girl,

Olive

Images courtesy of zimbio.com, Vogue via Fashion Gone Rogue

Tzarinas, Musicals, Sprinkles, and a Big Bird Coat

I'm trying to do my part and spread a little holiday cheer this season.  So, while gift-selection may give me anxiety, there are actually quite a few others aspects to the holidays that I can get behind.  Mostly fashion.  Also, cookies.  And winter.  Or, as I like to call it, the one week excuse I have to pretend I'm a Russian princess, watch movies all day, and throw snowballs at people.

From View on Fashion, by photographers Hunter & Gatti. Shelby Keaton styled by Christopher Campbell. 

Cookies.

   

Hana Soukupova, shot by James Macari .  Love the dress.  Perfect for California holiday parties. 

Aforementioned movies. 

Aforementioned Russian Princess style.  Daisy Lowe for Anna Sui. 

Your Golden Girl,

Olive

Images appear courtesy of Fashion Gone Rogue, LizinWanderland via Flickr, The Weinstein Company, and Models.com

Gaga in the Room

Finally, she gets the cover of a major fashion magazine!  Lady Gaga, as seen in this month's Elle (US)...I somehow love her even more after reading this interview (note to self for a New Year's Resolution: make real friends). Photos by Tom Munro, styled by Joe Zee.

WORK!  The rest of the images are stunning, but I'm not posting them because I want you all to go out and BUY THIS ISSUE!  The only thing I don't like is that Elle made her share the cover with Britney Spears and her children.  It's like some sort of old bubblegum vs. new arteest magazine cover battle.  This compounds my love/hate relationship with Elle.  Some of their content is so amazing, and then they go and do something like put Miley Cyrus on the cover.  Je n'ai compris pas. 

In other News Via Elle Magazine That I Don't Understand, editor in chief Anne Slowey has accused the adorable Tavi Gevinson of not producing her own content, both on her blog, Style Rookie, and in her published pieces, like this fashion review for Harper's Bazaar.  I find this ridiculous.  Tavi is obviously a fashionista with a style all her own, which because she is so young, is odd, and people have taken notice of it.  I sincerely doubt that her blog entries are written by her mother, as some have suggested.  They do have a voice a bit more mature than your average tween, but since when was being smart and a little left of center a crime?  I want to tell Tavi that the weirdest kids grow up to be the coolest adults, but since she hangs out with the Rodarte sisters, I'm pretty certain she'd have to be rock solid stupid to have not figured that one out on her own.  Fashion has long celebrated those passed over by the mainstream, it's part of what makes haute couture and the design process so fascinating. 

I identify strongly with Tavi because when I was in high school, a teacher accused me of plagarizing a short story I wrote and submitted for the school literary magazine.  When she was proven wrong, I got published.  That has nothing to do with this rant, but I feel it was an important bit of backdoor bragging.  Perhaps the anger of Anne Slowey and others is attributed to the fact that Tavi is, literally, an overnight sensation courtesy of the blogging world (still shunned by many in high fashion), with no formal training.  While they were slaving away for years like assistants in The Devil Wears Prada, Tavi hadn't even discovered her hands yet.  The ladies over at Jezebel seem to agree with me.  They wrote this great article on the controversy. 

The industry snobbery towards bloggers is getting worse.  Yes, there were a few of us at NYFW, but I'm sick of reading in every fashion magazine about how bloggers "don't know this" or "didn't study textiles" blah blah blah.  Most of us don't claim to be fashion designers, we simply claim a love of fashion, the industry, the images, the artistry.  Where's the crime in sharing something you love with others?

Your Golden Girl,

Olive 

Images courtesy of Elle.com, Style Rookie

Roasting on an Open Fire

As bizarre as it may sound coming from a clotheshorse as myself, I dread Christmas shopping. 

Each year, I fret over what to get my loved ones.  Is it thoughtful enough?  Is it something they're actually going to use?  I want nothing more than to give everyone the most perfect present.  You know, the one that they open and say:  "Wow!  Now I know it's really Christmas!"  And my obsession with this ends up hampering me immensly.  One of my biggest fears is being that person that gives presents that are secretly despised or even re-gifted.  As a result, I do what I do in most stressful situations...ignore the problem until it manifests into something I can no longer avoid.  During the Christmas season, this leads to last minute shopping and a probable panic attack as I hand over my gifts, and attempt to divert the attention to my cat.  Yes, I know how sad it is.

 
This year is no different.  The other day I ventured to the mall with a friend, and returned with nothing but a J.Crew catalog and a deeper hate of strollers.

In light of the economy, I think I'll be going more budget-friendly this year.  Handmade presents are the name of the game for Christmas 2009.  Not handmade by me, of course.  That would be a disaster.  But by the talented denziens of Etsy.  Such as...

I-Phone/I-Pod Docking Station.  By Woodtec.  This handmade cedar mini log charger is so cute!  It's much better than the bulky plastic docks that pretty much everyone has, and would fit right in at any guys' home.  For just $68, you'll save a bundle compared to the same item currently at Anthropologie.  Just 3 left. 

Bird Jewelry.  By MDSparks.  Jewelry is always very tricky to buy for other people.  And women are always very tricky to buy for, period.  But the bird is a wonderful symbol, and can span across many different types of tastes.  I'm not just talking about the ever-trendy owl pendant, either (although I'm sure some would appreciate that as well).  Think: nests with eggs for your mommy/expecting friends, a bird on a branch for your younger sister, two doves kissing for the romantic...

Warm Scarves.  By Lucky Moth Knits.  Even here in Southern California, it gets pretty chilly in the winter.  A scarf is a great present for an office buddy, neighbor, or girlfriend with frequently-changing style.  I like the scarves by Lucky Moth Knits because they're inexpensive, cute, look hand-knitted, and come in a variety of colors.  A nice touch would be to throw in some mittens and a cute hat.

Laptop Cases.  By Sew Trendy.  It's 2009, and what does everyone lug around with them?  Their laptop.  Unfortunately, most laptop bags are ugly and bulky.  Sew Trendy has great laptop cases.  They're even lined with fleece to keep the laptop safe and snug inside.  Everytime I give one of these, people go crazy for them!  So, she sells out fast.  But don't be afraid to e-mail her shop, she can custom make the case for you in a variety of colors and fabrics. 

There you have it, a short collection of handmade items suitable for Christmas gift giving.  Hopefully I helped ease your pre-Christmas shopping jitters.  And a note to anyone planning on giving me a gift this year:  Please contact me directly for my Personal Wishlist. 

Your Golden Girl,

Olive

Style Icon: Candy Darling

Andy Warhol Superstar, Transgendered Legend, Velvet Underground Muse and Inspiration to Lou Reed and Morissey, Candy Darling lived a fabulous life right up until she died from leukemia in 1974, at just 29 years old. 

While "everyone in Jersey was dressed like Edie", Candy preferred the shiny gowns and bright headscarves of the 1970's.  Like all great style icons, Candy had a look that was completely unique to her, with the confidence to pull it off.  She often spoke of learning how to walk and talk like a woman while she was still a boy growing up in the suburbs, by watching classic Hollywood films.  The influence of old Hollywood glamour stayed with Candy for the rest of her life, as she was never without a face full of flawless make-up. 

Candy went on to star in several films, and was openly transgendered, providing a voice for the LGBT community.  At that time, LGBT was only just starting be known by the mainstream and had quite a long way to go before gaining even the limited rights that they have today.  Candy spoke up, and looked fabulous doing so.  She has been quoted as saying: "...You must always be yourself, no matter what the price."  And for that, she is a Style Icon. 

Your Golden Girl,

Olive

Images appear courtesy of artnet.com via Cecil Barton, ElaineArmen.blogspot.com, SeanDavid.tripod.com/candy-tribute