Light 'Em Up.

Yesterday, New York's mayor Michael Bloomberg declared it "Burberry Day".

Really?!

I love the label and its head creative Christopher Bailey, but amongst such important calendar landmarks like President's Day, Memorial Day and Martin Luther King Day, you're going to have Burberry Day??

Anyway, the brand moved its NYC headquarters into the old New York building, and the new sign -- which was lit up last night -- was made to ensure it blended nicely with the city skyline.

After all, a historic structure redone in Burberry plaid would have been just a wee much.

Happy Friday!!

xo
Haute Hippie






I'm Lovin' it: Target has a new collaboration partner in Carlos Falchi, a fact which I'm extremely excited about, given the fact that I'm a huge fan of snakeskin (faux, preferably). Look out for his handbags to hit Tar-zhay come October 11th.






I'm Over it: Nothing today. Thank you to Sara over at Karyo-Edelman for sending me a six-pack of the new Bud Lite Lime! As you can see below, it was quite enjoyable. It's a very happy Friday, indeed.






Track of the Day: I stuck an old mixed CD from 1999 into my car stereo today and out of my speakers played "Summertime in the LBC" by Doveshack. All come around...to hear the Doveshack G-funk sound...








* Photos property of nymag.com, fashionista.com, thetones360.com, Target, Haute Hippie and are used solely of commentary purposes

Back To My Roots.

Who knew Roots did such an amazing bag collection?!

This morning I went down to the Roots store downtown for their trunk show, and got the chance to view the various women's and men's collections with the brand's two very lovely handbag designers (both of whom designed the store concept, too), as well met Roots' co-founder, Michael Budman.

There were great weekenders (in pebbled leather and large plaid), mini backpacks (taking it way back to the 90s), chic slouch bags, flat bags, over-the-body sling bags and a summer-ific "Creamsicle" collection in adorable pop colors (there was even a saddlebag meant for attaching on your summer cruiser).

Thanks for the cute little purse, guys! It's in an extremely soft pebbled grey leather, and is waaaaaay tinier than the fringe bag I lug around with me 24/7.

By the way, the new ad campaign -- featuring the "Creamsicle" bags and an Electra cruiser -- looks pretty fantastic, too.

Most brands stick to their roots, but good on Roots for expanding theirs.


xo
Haute Hippie






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

All You Need Is Love.

Love is in the air. Love makes the world go 'round. All you need is love. Love is like a red, red rose. Love is a-many splendored thing.

Some people wear their hearts on their sleeves, but I'd much rather to wear it on my hand.

This Love Ring by Chutapat Wittaya of Thailand is big and bold, as all expressions from the heart should be.

Aside from its chunky size, I really dig the digital aesthetic, emulating the kind of font you'd find in some long-lost Atari game from your childhood.

Unfortunately, the gold is sold out, but the silver is still up for grabs -- and if that's not some sort of lining when it comes to amazing accessories, then I don't know what else is.








I'm Lovin' it: Stay tuned for my upcoming adventures in DJ lessons! The turntable-ing female phenom Dj Leanne is set to give me lesson or two in the next week or so.


I'm Over it: I wear a cute summer outfit this morning, and then Mr. Sun decides to pull a 180 and hide behind some clouds. Nice.


Track of the Day: I downloaded School of Seven Bells' album Alpinisms yesterday, and wow, do I love their track "Half Asleep". And wow, do I love Alejandra Deheza's hair in the video.






* Photos property of designboom.com and are used solely for commentary purposes

60 Minutes of Anna Wintour.

Morley Safer of 60 Minutes followed Vogue's Anna Wintour around Fashion Week, watching and observing the actions of and reactions to the world's Most Famous Fashion Editor.

Out of those weeks of La Wintour shadowing came this 13-minute clip that gives but just a teensy little glimpse into the life and opinions of the Bobbed One.

Enjoy.





Watch CBS Videos Online




I'm Lovin' it: These super lightweight leather wedges with buckles at Umeboshi are my dream summer shoe, but right now I just can't fathom dropping six bills on them. (Sorry for the less-than-stellar image, I had to take a quick pic before the sales girl spotted me)






I'm Over it: I wish M83 did their original version of "Graveyard Girl" last night, not the slow-building version they had going on.








Track of the Day: Takin' it way back with "Summertime" by the Fresh Prince, aka. Will Smith. Just 'cause this one day of rain is going to give way to a gorgeous rest of the week, so might as well have an old school musical segue into it.







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

White Out.

The best thing about having a girlfriend that goes to Paris often is that she can bring back fabulous, Parisian shoes.

For this round, I requested white men's-inspired shoes, preferably with perforations.

And this is what is coming home to me!

Bonjour, les chaussures blanches.







* Photo property of Steph A. and is used solely for commentary purposes

Buckle Up.

Yes, Chloe Sevigny is first and foremost a thespian (remember her in Kids?), but over her lifespan has become something of a major fashion icon with her quirky, downtown style.

Fashion had become so enamored of her clothing aesthetic, it wasn't long before she was joining rank with her designer admirers as a guest designer for industry favorite boutique, Opening Ceremony.

I've dutifully perused the collections she's concocted for the brand over the past few seasons, though found myself not really interested in much of it.

Until today.

Say a breathy hello to Sevigny's buckle boots, which come from her Fall '09 collection (of which also happens to be her first stab at unisex, though I'm pretty sure these are made for girls only).

Unfortunately, the presale for these $625 babies is over, so you may want to set up camp at the Opening Ceremony nearest you for when it hits OC store shelves.







I'm Lovin' it: When Juicy tracksuits became de rigueur in the early 2000s, a weird, ill feeling hit my stomach. At that point, the extreme love for Juicy Couture was something I didn't quite understand, but I did admire founders Pamela Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor for doing whatever they wanted to do in terms of design, because it was so successful with the masses. Well, I have reason to admire them again for eschewing whatever else is going on because instead of doing a cheaper, diffusion line like every designer and their dog, the Juicy girls are rolling out a higher-end line called Bird this coming August at Bergdorf Goodman -- think denim, military jackets, knits and cardigans on the collection roster.

Never thought I'd say this, but viva la Juicy!






I'm Over it: There was a huge Crocs store near my hotel in Hawaii. And too many people on the street wearing them. Sigh. I just need to get over it.


Track of the Day: This will forever be the song that reminds me of Hawaii '09. Mahalo to Bob Marley and the Wailers for making my beach time tanning awesome.






Track of the Day, Part Deux: Heck yeah. Sneaky Sound System is coming to town on June 19!! All the way from Oz to here, finally. And I finally get to hear "Pictures" live and in person.







* Photos property of openingceremony.us, fabsugar.com and are used solely for commentary purposes

Alooooo-ha!

My posts have been few and far between over the past couple of days because I've been browning myself silly in the Honolulu sun.

However, this morning found me doing some work before hitting the beach again, so here's a quick update post in point form:


1. Island time is AWESOME. People walk slower, drive slower, stop to smell the roses (or hibiscus) and generally seem to enjoy life every hour they're not in bed sleeping (and you best believe they're enjoying the heck out of that, too).

2. Leis smell so pretty, I want to eat them.

3. Any regular song set to an island beat sounds that much better. Plus playing Bob Marley while lying on the beach is like nothing else.

4. Ukeleles are too cool for school, and I'm thisclose to owning one.

5. I could live in a bikini all day.

6. Frolicking on the beach in a tropical downpour is actually a heck of a lot of fun -- the beach at Waimea Bay is the best place to be caught in the rain.

7. Dehydration is best kept at bay with a fridge full of Vitamin Water (very cheap stateside!).

8. Buying neon floaties and tubes makes you look like a tourist, but who cares?!

9. Boogie boarding is super fun, but watch out for jellyfish.

10. Hawaii brown is different than Mexico brown. The former is much more golden -- think J-Lo glow.

11. Dolly Parton's former house in Hawaii has a boob-shaped jacuzzi. The reason I know this is because my girlfriend Sushi -- who's getting married at Turtle Bay tomorrow! -- is staying there with her family while out here. And the rehab house that celebrities rent to, well, rehabilitate is right next door.

11. I love Hawaii. Mahalo!!!!!


xo
Haute Hippie








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

Sitting, Wishing, Waiting...

...at the airport.

Just ate a mediocre sandwich, but if I had enough patience and kept walking, I could've had a really really delicious sandwich, coffee and doughnut combo from one of my favorite quick-stop eateries, which I forgot was in International Departures.

Instead, here's my "Skyclub" from some no-name kiosk.

Hawaii, here I come!!!!







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

Face To The Name.

It's no secret about the big love I have for my friends (and my family, of course).

Here are some reasons both parties are particularly awesome:


1. They are extremely smart and sharp.

2. They've got wit and jokes in spades, 'cause laughter is one of the best things ever invented (besides the eyelash curler).

3. They're loyal as heck (as far as I know!)

4. They're good, solid people.

5. They're super duper talented in some way, shape or form.


Yesterday, Steph A. and I went on the hunt for an outfit for an upcoming wedding she's attending in Paris, so we stopped at the usual tried, tested and true haunts, all while dodging torrential rain between store awnings.

It was at one such store that SA spotted a tank emblazoned with a triple image of our friend Elise, an uber-talented graphic designer at a fairly big fashion brand.

Isn't she adorable?!

So now if you see this tank on someone, at least you can put a name to the face.








I'm Lovin' it: Hawaii Five-ho tomorrow!


I'm Over it: Deciding what and what not to take with me. Packing is the worst.


Track of the Day: "Easy Street" by Sean Bones. It's kinda reggae. And it's all summer.






* Photos property of Haute Hippie, brooklynvegan.com and are used solely for commentary purposes

Affordable Oxfords.

On Saturday, my girl Aims tried on a pair of very, very chic two-toned Oxfords, but not in the typical black and white shades you used to see on gramps.

These ones were grey and black, plus they came to rather sexy, nearly ankle-length.

I wasn't so sure about men's-inspired shoes on ladies when the trend first came out, but now I'm a big believer.

In fact, I've been extremely close to buying a white pair twice already (one was perforated, the other was a Repetto).

With Steph A. heading over to Paris in two weeks, I'll wait to see what Repetto prices are over there in comparison to North America -- maybe the Parisian stores will make it worth my while to have them shoes brought back here.







I'm Lovin' it: Hawaii in two sleeps. Pina coladas, mai tais and Coronas, here I come. Hope I get lei'd. No, not that kind, you dirty birds.


I'm Over it: All those times I kept on working out with a wonky knee is catching up to me. Now I can barely run ten minutes before my left one starts acting up. Not good. Must fix. Also, I'm not that cool with this weird bout of insomnia that has plagued my shut-eye for the past two and a half weeks.


Photo(s) of the Day: Last Saturday, we had a celebrity spotting at a shoe store in the form of actress Ginnifer Goodwin, who is adorable and teeny-teeny-tiny in person. She also was making out hardcore with an actor type with horribly dyed blonde hair while shoe shopping. Anyway, Steven Klein recently photographed her for W magazine, and the results are not that innocent. So here's Goodwin gone bad.







* Photos property of Haute Hippie, W magazine, Steven Klein and are used solely for commentary purposes

Just Another Manic Monday. Er, Tuesday.

Oy, birthdays.

I think the consequences of last Saturday night's major birthday festivities are still lingering -- thought two days would be ample to to get over them, but alas, it's Tuesday, and I'm feeling a bit under the weather.

Woke up with a slight sore throat. Noooooo! Not before Hawaii for Sushi's wedding, anyway.

So my party dress on birthday night was an Urban Outfitters special from Silence & Noise. Very body-con, too, which is rare for a Haute Hippie like myself. Loose and fluid is usually the name of my game. Paired it with opaque tights, patent blue clutch, ghetto gold chain bracelet and my suede grey Zara cut-out heels.







On yesterday's agenda: a restaurant opening and a Bombay Sapphire event at a suite on the 58th floor of the tallest building in the city with their global brand ambassador, Merlin Griffiths from the UK, showing us how to mix a proper Tom Collins, and Murray Bancroft showing us how to make delicious complimentary nibbles. Thanks to Bombay for the Sapphire Collins set!








On today's agenda: lunch with Trini at a fantastic Lebanese place, work work work, then the Brooks Brothers opening downtown.

Pictures from Brooks Brothers tomorrow!

xo
Haute Hippie



I'm Lovin' it: My friends. They're just awesome.


I'm Over it: Shadiness. And a cavity I feel coming on.


Track of the Day: "Genghis On" by New Villager. I posted their live set of the track, but their MySpace has the clearer version.








* Photos property of Haute Hippie, shakeytimes.wordpress.com and are used solely for commentary purposes

Happy Friday!

Not much to report today, except the fact that I'm extremely, extremely excited that Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen have teamed up with shoe master Steve Madden to design shoes for their "lower-end" clothing label, Elizabeth & James.

I will say it does seem like an odd pairing, given that MK + A are actually quite the fashion influencers, and Steve Madden is quite the knock-off king when it comes to footwear.

Then again, I remember where the twins really started growing their Dualstar empire, and it pretty much began at Wal-Mart.

Odd pairing or not, I'm game to strap on a pair of MK + A's for SM.

Look out for these babies to roll out in a few months at places like Bergdorfs, Neiman Marcus and Intermix.







I'm Lovin' it: How cute is this dress?! All hail spaghetti-thin suspenders.






I'm Over it: Eating. Seriously, the carb and sugar madness that has come with my birthday week needs to stop, especially if I want to fit into my pretty new dress tomorrow night. A salad for dinner it is. And maybe a soup.


Track of the Day: "Between The Moon and The Ocean" by the Bon Savants from Boston, MA. They formed upon their return back stateside after meeting and living in Frankfurt, Germany. If shoegaze and the like is your thing, this is a track (and band) for you.







* Photos property of fabsugar.com, bostonmagazine.com and are use solely for commentary purposes

Things I'm Lovin' Today.

Oh, Thursdays.

Such a good day to list things that have made me grin today!


OMIGOD. Gimme, gimme, gimme these Givenchy heels I spotted today.




My buddy Russe, who brought me a ginarmous birthday cupcake when we met for lunch at our favorite Thai place today. Thanks, buds! I swear, you eat so much during your birthday week. Certainly I have, anyway.




Aims bought two House of Harlow 1960 pieces at the luxe department store downtown yesterday night. Holy smokes. I want to wear this HoH Gold Seven Strand Headband for my birthday festivities this weekend. Badly.




These works spotted on Wooster Collective by Leon "Tes One" Bedore, who has done work for the likes of MTV, Red Bull, Absolut Vodka, Nokia, Scion and Barack Obama.





Genius on iTunes. Don't know how I lived without it before. The playlists it makes me from my music library helps me discover songs I forgot I had. To see what musical roster Genius put together from me choosing "Planet Health" by Chairlift, click the image below to enlarge!




This guy, who clearly had his fill of studying at the library today.




* Photos property of Haute Hippie, woostercollective.com, shopkitson.com and are used solely for commentary purposes

Influence Me.

How excited was I to get this as a gift from Aims!

Yes, it's the Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen tome, Influence.

I'm going to devour it from page to page.

Thank you thank you, AC!!







On another note, we went to Lolita's for a little din-din last night. Who knew mango lemonade was so delicious?! Well, apparently the folks at Lolita's did.

Anyway, it's going to be my drink of Summer '09, avec Grey Goose or Stoli, naturally.

But only on weekends.








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

Also Not Cool.

So Fischerspooner drops their new, third album "Entertainment" earlier this week, then announces a 20-date "Between Worlds" tour that had me all excited.

Then they leave my town off the list.

Noooooooooo!

Shame on you, Casey and Warren.






* Photo property of bpmmagazine.net and is used solely for commentary purposes

Not Cool.

So Oak has re-stocked my favorite tee -- Complex Geometries' Black Square Hooded Tee -- and it's $20 more than I remember.

Yeah, yeah.

I know a twenty-spot isn't that much, but a price increase is never welcomed by those who are purchasing, nonetheless.








* Photos property of oaknyc.com and are used solely for commentary purposes

So Cool.

Sarah Watson, an art student at the University of Central Lancashire, pulled a David Copperfield and made an old school Czech Skoda Fabia car disappear.

She did it with creativity and a little bit of paint, though, not some bogus hocus-pocus.

The artistic process took about three weeks, and is really one of the coolest arty creations I've seen thus far this year.

If only dear Watson could make my parking tickets vamoose, too.








I'm Lovin' it: There were a lot of short hemlines at the Costume Institute gala at the Met in New York last night. Apparently it was a request from co-chair Marc Jacobs to trade long gowns for short club dresses -- and the throngs complied, naturally! How adorable was Leighton Meester in runway Louis Vuitton?!





I'm Over it: I keep on eating Steph A.'s lemon birthday cake! Knew I shouldn't have taken the leftovers home.


Track of the Day: A back-and-forth email exchange with Trini making fun of late 80s/early 90s hip hop duo Kid 'n' Play led me to think of what old school music I kinda missed. Then I thought of "Freak Like Me" by Adina Howard. Classic 90s R&B jam. Fo' sho.








* Photos proper of inhabitat.com, starplus.com, justjared.com and are used solely for commentary purposes