Crack In A Pack

Yesterday I had a very civil, lady-like lunch at the downtown art gallery cafe with my absolutely hilarious girlfriend, Seems.

Along a big barrel of laughs and outrageous stories -- always the case when hanging out with this girl -- she also brought along a packet box and pill cannister of a natural energy booster she reps called EBOOST.

This stuff is apparently also known as "crack in a pack" by the Vogue office, according to a Voguette who commented on the EBOOST post I wrote for my Makeup.com blog -- and let me tell you, EBOOST is highly, highly addictive.

I haven't stopped going since starting this morning -- and I've gotten a lot done. A lot. Including getting my tires replace, buying new bedding and washing said new bedding, among my regular work schedule.

The fantastic thing about EBOOST is that it's all natural, full of healthy things like green tea, vitamins (B and C!), minerals and grape seed extract. You just pop a tablet or pour a packet into an 8 oz. glass of water and chug back the goodness. No need to purchase yourself an Americano in the morning.

Yes, oh yes, very addictive.

Heroin chic, EBOOST chic.

You say to-may-to, I say to-mah-to.

Or you say Manolo, I say Choo.







I'm Lovin' it: My girl Aggs, who now resides in the fabulous city of Berlin (and whom I hope gets that assistant position with Mario Testino's protege, Alexi Lubomirski!) raked me over the coals for my less-than-stellar iPhone products photos I take in my kitchen for posting. So I've gone back shooting in my light-filled office den. Annie Leibovitz would have a hernia otherwise.


I'm Over it: The guy working next to me at the coffee shop right now is the most aggro person I've seen and heard in awhile. I feel terrible for the individual he's yelling at into his phone. Whoa. A chill pill should be the next course of action, buddy.


Track of the Day: DB was playing some serious Gangstarr in his car on Saturday, which made me realize how long it had been since I'd heard "Mass Appeal". So here you go, hip hop-heads.







* Photo property of Haute Hippie and is used solely for commentary purposes

Happy Friday?

So I was none too pleased to have to do this to my car today. Nice doughnut, huh? Not too bright and ugly at all.







Then I saw the fine fellas at Kal Tire left me a little present on the dashboard of my car when I got in. What girl doesn't like getting flowers?! Even if they're carnations.







Happy, happy Friday, y'all. I'm off to dins and drinks with my girl Steph A. to celebrate TGIF!!

xo
Haute Hippie

Big Ups To The Folks At Converse...

...for hooking Haute Hippie up with this sick pair of Converse AS Light Acoustic Hi's in black leather!

The skinnier silhouette is unbelievable -- and very girl-friendly.

Muchas, muchas gracias to the very nice, Vancouver-based artist and graphic designer Jeff Hamada for Q&A-ing with me on his recent Converse 1Hund(red) collaboration (which raises money toward fighting AIDS in Africa) and chatting about his projects in general.

And another muchas, muchas, muchas gracias to Mickey and to Patrick K. of Converse for the new sneaks and the accompanying, color-coordinated houndstooth duffel.

All you guys made my rainy day.









* Photos property of Haute Hippie and are used solely for commentary purposes

Lombard Me With More Shoes!

Hunting and gathering is so neanderthal.

Unless it has to do with fashion, because I'm currently hunting to gather these Sam Edelman Lombard Booties that I spotted last weekend at Urban Outfitters. They did have a size 6, but it just happened to be way too big for me. I mean, why have a peep-toe if the shoes are too big to see your toe, anyway?

Hello, midget feet. Looks like I need a size cinco (that's size 5, yo).

Hunt, gather, wear.








I'm Lovin' it: Oh boy. Not another pair of shoes to love. Hello, Colonial Madness Cutout Boot. Also from Urban Outfitters. It was a UO kind of weekend, apparently.







I'm Over it: The wind literally bent my umbrella out of shape while I walked back to my apartment from the Spring '09 Converse preview. I had to bend metal back so that the damn thing would close. Uh, Rosie the Riveter I am not.


Music of the Day: I love electronica. I love hip hop. That's why I love Keys N Krates, a two-man group (comprising of DJ Jr. Flo and Matisse) that mix the two. Check out their live remix of Daft Punk below.








* Photo property of Haute Hippie, rise-worldwide.com and are used solely for commentary purposes

A Token Of Bond's Affection

Of all cult perfume brands, Bond No. 9 sits at the top of my olfactory list.

My bottle of Scent of Peace is still encased safely in the beautiful light purple it came in -- after every spritz, I lovingly (and very carefully) put it back into its uber-chic resting place.

The only complaint I have is not being able to carry Scent of Peace everywhere with me (despite my rather enormous black fringe bag that spends its life as my daytime accomplice in work and play).

Then Bond No. 9 came and saved the day.

For Holiday '08, Bond No. 9 is releasing the circular, gold "Perfume Token" in six signature fragrances: Scent of Peace, Wall Street, Nuits de Noho, Chelsea Flowers and Andy Warhol Union Square for Holiday '08 ($85). Not only does the token come snugly in a white leather zipper case, it is also refillable.

Chic -- and reusable, too! Perfect for the recessionista out there.

Which would be definitely be me.







I'm Lovin' it: I think these kind of pictorial equations are the best way to explain the M.O. and sound of a band or music artist, no? People are visual creatures, after all.







I'm Over it: Plans to Roma to meet Big Brother K, Nate, Nades and TC are not working out. As of yet. Sigh. Don't think they're going to pan out anyway.


Music of the Day: The M83 concert is coming up, which means I had to take a listen to the opening band on MySpace Music to see if going earlier to the show is worth it or not. Turns out it is. Love the psychedelic-ness of School of Seven Bells. Oh, they're from Brooklyn. And of course they are, anyway. Aren't all the good bands these days?? Check out "Half Asleep" below.












* Photo provided by Sophia Panych of Bond No.9, der-schwarze-salon.blogspot.com and are used solely for commentary purposes

Happy Friday!!

I'm keeping it short and sweet today -- got me a very busy TGIF.

Here's a picture of Karl Lagerfeld as a little boy, courtesy of New York Times fashion critic Cathy Horyn.

Aw, so adorable!

xo
Haute Hippie







* Photo property of Cathy Horyn, nytimes.com and is used solely for commentary purposes

Cape Fear

The McQ by Alexander McQueen Cape I bought last Christmas is still sitting in the back of my closet, the victim of my own fear of getting its creamy color dirty by taking it outside.

A silly fear, yes. Which is why I'm seriously considering bringing it out tomorrow.

I'm enamored with cape jackets -- I think they're quite classy and chic when worn right.

Not that I need another one to coddle and protect, but this Loeffler Randall Boyfriend Cape -- which you can get from Otte in New York -- is a lot more wearable day to day than my McQ.

It probably won't keep anyone warm during the winter, since its function is more like a blazer than a peacoat, but who really needs two completely practical cape coats anyway?







I'm Lovin' it: This bag is heaven. Just look at the beautiful rope straps. Spotted it today. Stella McCartney, I believe.







I'm Over it: The hockey game yesterday turned into quite the night. My body hurts. That big, um, beverage spill below in the front row of the box last night? Hmmmm. That just may have been me.







Art of the Day: I discovered the wickedest art gallery in my city with friends the other night. Everyone, meet the Ayden Art Gallery and its many rad pieces of work.












* Photos property of Otte, Haute Hippie and are used solely for commentary purposes

Ankle Cuffs Or Die

A couple of months ago, I asked my good friend Reebs at FASHION whether she knew where to get big ankle cuffs because I'd been inspired by a fairly recent, Indian-themed got2b hair care ad.

Alas, Reebs hadn't really seen them around much and neither had I, so my accessory hunt went on the back burner.

Then Rumi from Fashion Toast was just photographed for her site wearing a very badass etched silver one with ankle-high booties, reigniting my own search.

My thought is to get a hinged, vintage gold one to make the putting on-taking off process a lot simpler.

And I'm off to Tru Value Vintage...I shall not give up on my quest this time...








I'm Lovin' it: Hockey game tonight! Woot! A mega thanks to MB, who is completely spoiling Ovitch and I by bringing us along with him to his company's corporate box.


I'm Over it: Despite my new Industry boots getting a major spray in protectant, my right boot tip already has the most hideous double watermark. I held back tears showing DB the ugly stain the other day. Any ideas how to fix it? Anyone??


Music of the Day: The Lucksmiths from Melbourne, Australia. These dudes been around since 1993, giving the music world a little shot of indie, retro-pop goodness. It's all very happy stuff, good for the summertime and the beach, but perfect for injecting some auditory sunshine during the winter.









* Photo property of fashiontoast.com, independent.com and are used solely for commentary purposes

I'm Not A Klepto By Any Means...

...but I AM going to steal this outfit idea from the gal from My Daily Style, who is not only so stylish it's almost sickening, but is also about the most chic pregnant woman I've ever seen.

I so wish I was Parisian.








* Photos property of My Daily Style and are used solely for commentary purposes

Happy Friday!!

Just as much as I love discovering a good clothing label, I love discovering new music.

Or at least having someone introduce it to me.

On Wednesday night, DB introduced me to this awesome three-piece, live instrumental house/breakbeat/electro/other stuff band from Toronto called the New Deal. Having hailed from Toronto originally, DB has seen a bunch of their shows and says they're phenomenal live.

Check out their music here or here. Click "play all tracks" if you click on the first link, and it'll run through them all without stoppage.

Guaranteed it'll make you want to go dancing tonight. Or see a good live show.

Either or.

Happy, happy Friday!







* Photo property of Baltimore Sun and is used solely for commentary purposes

Ro-Ro-Ro Your Boat

Discovering a label I haven't heard of before makes me as happy as a clam.

Or Carrie Bradshaw in a shoe store.

Today I came across Ali Ro, a hip, downtown-ish line that's been getting major props among those in Hollywoodland. But don't think aesthetics like Yana K. or feeble design attempts by starlet designers, think upwards of Jenni Kayne or Juan Carlos Obando (whose last collection was interestingly called "Liz Goldwyn vs. Frank Miller").

Ali Ro's silhouettes are flattering and easy to wear, which -- really -- is what any girl looks for in clothing. I'm very partial to the blouson plaid dress, because it would go so very well with my collection of boots, but what's new??

Ro rocks my boat.













I'm Lovin' it: OMG. Paul Smith did a limited-edition fisheye camera with Lomography Cameras. And it's only $150. And it has those candy-colored stripes I love so much. Digital cameras, pshaw.









I'm Over it: Blenz. It's all about working the the public library downtown now. Wow, I'm a nerd.


Photo of the Day: Girl in hat taken by Facehunter! I don't know why, but it reminds me of Guy Bourdin's photography. Maybe it's because all I can see are legs and no head. Yup, that's exactly why. So Guy Bourdin.









* Photos property of gilt.com, Paul Smith, Facehunter, Guy Bourdin and are used solely for commentary purposes

Di-Digable Planets!

Butterfly, Ladybug and Doodlebug are back together and coming into town! Woot woot!!

Here's to one of the best hip hop groups of the 90s and my personal favorite Digable track "Where I'm From".

Do It With Flare

Last Sunday, our clocks fell back an hour.

Skies are darkening sooner (everyone just loves when it's pitch black out at 4 pm) and temperatures continue to drop, meaning my beloved grey coat with three-quarter bell sleeves just isn't cutting it anymore.

The smart part of my brain should tell me to invest in a practical (but utterly stylish) wool funnel coat -- from Loeffler Randall preferably -- but instead the sartorially-obsessed part of my brain just made me fall in love with Opening Ceremony's Classic Flare Coat, buffalo plaid pattern, short-sleeves and all.

Good thing layering is a chic way to make it through the day, because with my arsenal of long-sleeve deficient coats, it's the only way I'm going to make it through a chilly Holiday '08.







I'm Lovin' it: These Calvin Klein flats in navy are too sweet for words. They remind me of my obsession with Irish highland dancing when I was nine, which in turn reminds me of Coco Rocha highland dancing down Jean Paul Gaultier's Fall/Winter 2007-2008 runway and right into the hearts of the fashion set.









I'm Over it: Not too sure if it's the weather, but my hair just won't hold curls right now. This is a major mane catastrophe because barrel curls are kind of my signature hair steez, done each a.m. with an inch-and- a-half round curling iron. Me: Not a happy camper.


Music of the Day: Anything from The Week That Was, hailing from the UK. I'm particularly partial to "Scratch The Surface". There's something distinctly Brit-rock about this band -- their sound reminds me of Hard-Fi a lot, who are also from across the pond.







* Photos property of twentythirtyforty.net, Who What Wear Daily, memphis-industries.com, vogue.co.uk and are used solely for commentary purposes

Rock The Vote!

I'm really hoping, praying and wishing that today's election ends with Barack Obama as president of the United States and without a First Dude.

If you're an American, get out and vote, y'all!

I probably don't need to tell you who's my pick for the presidential ticket...







I'm Lovin' it: Well, I must say I'm pretty impressed with Nicole Richie's jewelry line House of Harlow, named after her very cute baby daughter. In true Richie style, the collection has a distinct 60s and 70s vibe, as do the ads. And that Sundial ring with leather is a serious must-have, plus the baubles are surprisingly affordable. Oh, and Richie looks absolutely stunning in the campaign. Motherhood has gone done her good.







I'm Over it: My iPhone refuses to ring when it should. Damn you, Mac!


Photo of the Day: The sticker on this DJ's laptop says it all.






* Photos property of House of Harlow, Hipster Runoff and are used solely for commentary purposes

Beaute Is In The Eye of the Beholder

My girl Shannon Heth of Heth PR generously gave me a sample of Beaute's Liqui-Gel Stain for Cheeks and Lips this Saturday at a girls' night out dinner I arranged for my fab friends.

Developed by her close pal and celebrity makeup artist Beau Nelson (think makeup for Lindsay Lohan, Iman, Blake Lively, Mary J. Blige), this product is the perfect fusion between liquid and gel. You get to control the amount and intensity of color, meaning you can go either sheer or bold.

Packed with Orchid Extract OS and Essential Rose Extract, Beaute's liqui-gel contains is long-lasting, moisturizing, anti-viral, pleasant-smelling and comes in four colors: Neon (orange), Flouron (pink), Harlot (sheer berry) and Fever (red).

Shan gave me a tube of Neon, along with instruction not to be afraid of the bright color because it can go on as sheer as I want. Naturally, I gave Neon a whirl as soon as I got home and then promptly decided it gives NARS and M.A.C. blush a run for its money.

What a beaute.







I'm Lovin' it: Our "Deal or No Deal" costumes for Halloween were a total hit. And best of all, it was cheap and chic. Though not Moschino.







I'm Over it: Yours truly is getting way too addicted to way too many TV shows. My newest obsession is Fringe, a new J.J. Abrams sci-fi type series. It's like the X-Files 2.0, basically. And Joshua Jackson is in it. Yeah, Diane Kruger's Joshua Jackson. And yeah, Diane Kruger whose wardrobe I unabashedly envy.


Track of the Day: "Dream Job" by The Dears from Montreal. Slow, chill indie stuff.







* Photo property of Haute Hippie, minnesota.pulicradio.org and is used solely for commentary purposes