Happy Friday! Burberry Prorsum.

Burberry isn't just for grandmas and stuffy Brit folk at high tea anymore! (Okay, I shouldn't stereotype).

This ensemble, courtesy of Christopher Bailey and Burberry Prorsum, is so very sexy, with a touch of Victorian (high collar on the jacket) and a bit of vamp (thigh high croc boots, very nouveau-Pretty Woman).

Speaking of thigh high boots, I'm in the midst of trying -- the operative word is "trying" -- to pack my apartment for the big move next week (yep, a whole four blocks away), and I happened to find a dark brown suede pair that my mom passed onto me a few years ago -- my mom had mad style.

Who knew there was such a treasure trove underneath my bed. Happy Friday to me!

xo
Haute Hippie





* Photo property of style.com

Baby Boogaloo.

Hello, Miles Brown.

Kid can DANCE.

Secret Garden.

Okay, so it's not much a secret that H&M released their Garden Collection for Spring 2010.

Though I'm not that into some of the flower prints, I certainly was into the vivid, bright blue that not only peppered/anchored the collection, but is a hue that peppers/anchors my current closet.

Therefore, to keep with tradition, I got this.

It'll be making its debut on my events round tonight!





* Photo property of hm.com and is used solely for commentary purposes

Come Hither, Comey.

Yup, I tried these on the other day: Rachel Comey's Cavat peep-toe boots.

They were half off the price tag, but the boutique I spotted them at only had a size 11 and size 5 left.

Sometimes I can squeeze into a size 5 but, alas, not this time.

Back on the shelf they went.







* Photos property of Rachel Comey and are used solely for commentary purposes

RIP, Woxy.

Whoa.

So I just had a Pirate Radio moment.

I went to listen to my favorite online radio station -- Woxy -- and got this message:


"WOXY Listeners, Fans and Friends...

Due to current economic realities and the lack of ongoing funding for WOXY's operations, we've been forced to suspend our live broadcasts as of March 23rd. We're continuing to explore options to keep The Future of Rock and Roll alive. For business inquiries, please contact Bryan Jay (bryan@woxy.com) or John at Future Sounds (john@futuresounds.com).

Thanks for your years of dedicated support.

- Mike, Shiv, Joe, Paige, Brian and Bryan Jay"


Looks like March 23 is the day where indie music died a little bit.

Rest in peace for now, Woxy.

Here's hoping you'll come back to life soon. Or at least advertisers bring you back to life soon.






* Photo property of Woxy.com and is used solely for commentary purposes

Beat It.

The Last Dinosaur from the UK does a wickedly unique cover of Michael Jackson's "Beat It".

Good Night, and Good Luck, Julia Allison.

Those in the media know at least a little bit about Julia Allison.

Or a lot, given that she spent most of her twenties "life-casting", meaning chronicling every personal and professional detail of her life via her blog and a site she started with her besties called Non-Society.

Through those years, Allison gained a lot of notoriety (most of it negative, especially from sites like Gawker and other ones that parodied Non-Society), finally managing to land the July '08 cover of -- and a story in-- one of my favorite magazines, Wired.

I admit, even I was hooked on JA for awhile, constantly checking up on her because the girl's bravado was almost too hard to ignore. But I like living my life as it happens, so I stopped clicking in on hers.

After a good few years of forgetting about Julia Allison, this morning I came across a tidbit announcing that she has decided to take a leave from the internet and blogging about her life for all the world to read, see and -- inevitably -- judge.

Apparently, what she thought she wanted in her early twenties might not be what her 29-year-old self wants.

Thus, it seems Julia Allison has finally come to a crossroads -- or at least a late-twenties life crisis.

While Gawker and other such sites are reveling in her apparent failure, I can only feel sad for the gal, someone who wanted so much and, perhaps, ended getting too much of it.

This brings up the interesting topic of how much of yourself one should expose to the public and where one needs to draw personal boundaries in order to keep sane and -- most of all -- normal. Not a caricature of yourself that requires constant effort to maintain, but the actual person you are. Being a caricature of yourself all the time can lead you to a lonely place.

Even I have written more personal, serious things for this blog that I thought through twice and decided not to post because it was too close for comfort. And anything of that sort that has made it on here was posted because, at the time, I truly felt my experience could help other people.

So, in closing, I wish nothing but the best for Julia Allison -- after all, everyone deserves to be happy.

And, just like I believe when it comes to personal style, less really is more.





* Photo property of Julia Allison and is used solely for commentary purposes

A Model Medusa.

I can't wait for Clash of the Titans.

It might be a cheesy, popcorn version of epic Grecian tales, but I'm still excited.

Then I found out a model supe had been cast as the snake-haired monster Medusa, so now I really can't wait.

Natalia Vodianova is pretty much beyond recognition here, but in real life, I bet she turns mere male mortals to jelly with her stunning baby blues and doll-face.





I'm Lovin' it: Derek Blasberg's picture of Kate Bosworth getting sandwiched by Alexander Wang and Joseph Altuzurra on a dance floor, somewhere undoubtedly super happening. Bosworth is always so pretty and demure in photographs, it's great to see her cut a rug. Girl's got a TINY waist.




I'm Over it: A 3:30am wake-up by some noisy party people singing songs outside my apartment. Then I realized I forgot to finish up some work that was due today, thus I spent 3:30am to 6am doing that. Needless to say, I'm wiped.


Track of the Day: "For The Night" by Musiq Soulchild. Melikes a little romantic R&B and soul sometimes. Just groovin' to the beat.





* Photos property of Derek Blasberg, style.com and are used solely for commentary purposes

Destino.

Dali (as in Salvador) and Disney (as in Walt).

The two began this animated collaboration back in the 1940s, but the project was put on the backburner due to lack of finances.

Walt's nephew, Roy E. Disney, who found it gathering cinematic dust in 1999, resurrected the project and finally gave it life, releasing the animated short in 2003.

This Disney-backed representation of Dali and surrealism is breathtaking.

I've already watched this over and over and over.

Happy Friday! Shoes.

What an epic looking Friday out there. Sunshine galore!

Had a phone conference with my colleagues on the east coast, and apparently they're enjoying some major sun, too. Glad to hear the whole country is partaking in the glorious rays of vitamin D.

Before I venture outside, I'd like to wish you all the Happiest of Fridays by gifting you images of two pairs of shoes worth mentioning: these Isabel Marant boots and some Fendi wedges, shot by TT.

And now I'll totter into the sun with my vintage red boots on, which are now back in my possession after a stint at the shoe doctor's getting fixed.

Happy happy Friday!

xo
Haute Hippie






I'm Lovin' it: Local restaurant proprietor Sean Heather and his new venture, Judas Goat Taberna. Love the bright yellow metal stools and the black and white painted wall mural by Robert Chaplin.


I'm Over it: My bangs grow like weeds.


Track of the Day: "Dance A Little Bit Closer" by Charo and the Salsoul Orchestra. Happy happy, joy joy, disco disco.





* Photos property of net-a-porter.com, Tommy Ton and are used solely for commentary purposes

Moss, McQueen and Williams.

My buddy Denno and I were talking about film scores the other day, and I brought up the subject of John Williams, the ultimate master of movie scores.

He composed the music for Jaws, Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Schindler's List, E.T., Superman, Home Alone, Harry Potter, Seven Years in Tibet, Memoirs of a Geisha, Munich and about every epic (or Spielberg) film out there.

Speaking of Schindler's List, the score was used in that Alexander McQueen show where Kate Moss appears as a beautiful, ghostly hologram twirling ethereally in a McQueen gown, morphing into a fading spot of light until she disappears.

Watch and weep at how haunting and stunning it is.

Americana.

Chambray is everywhere right now.

There's head-to-toe chambray, which actually looks great, but my preference leans to chambray either as an accent or as a piece that breaks up monochromatic colors.

Like this khaki and camel-colored number below, broken up with a chambray shirt.

Very classy and very American.





I'm Lovin' it: Who knew leather from top to bottom would be a covetable look?! This below is like a leather jogging suit. But one I'd actually wear.




I'm Over it: Getting a massage only makes you want to get another almost immediately. This is going to be a very expensive habit.


Track of the Day: "Evil Woman" by Electric Light Orchestra. This best-selling group from the late '70s into the '80s sound like the second coming of the Bee Gees in this track, only they're from the UK, not from Down Under.





* Photos property of style.com, nymag.com and are used solely for commentary purposes

Mixed Up.

I like mixing trends. And wearing certain looks and ensembles at times surprising times of the day. I wore my light brown faux fur bolero with jeans and a leather jacket the other week and got a major ribbing from a buddy of mine, who didn't understand my outfit one bit.

This proves that for some people, it might be sight overload -- or a sign of a visual schizophrenic -- but if done right, mixing trends or eschewing the regular is just downright chic.

Tommy Ton of Jak & Jil took a shot of this gal in Paris, a gal who took the liberty of mixing uptown fur with downtown plaid in matching colors. Her plaid button up shirt echoed her crap-kicking bondage Christian Louboutin heels, vintage quilted bag and sunnies, while the silver-grey fur mimicked her grey skinny jeans. And I love how the scarf dangling from her bag seems to act like an insouciant accessory and not a necessity from the elements.

Even the rolled up magazine matches her outfit.

This is the ultimate example of a girl who looked she woke up late from a night out at Le Baron (hence the sunglasses on a cloudy day), realized she was running behind for a fashion show and threw on whatever was in her line of sight.

And it all happened to match.

Oh, to have that skill.





I'm Lovin' it: My girl Cancansoo is the queen of wearing socks with most of her outfits and doing it well, very well. While she usually wears hers with flats and looks great every time, my shorter stature -- she's 5'8 -- tends to make me prefer the look with heels. This faceless (and body-less, for that matter) lady pairs luxe-looking grey socks slouched down with open-toed heels, all under rolled up khakis. It's so quirky, like Annie Hall goes sexy. Loves!




I'm Over it: I'm falling ashamedly behind on my New Year's resolution to read one book per month. New Year's resolution list: one. Haute Hippie: zero.


Track of the Day: If I tell you what song I've been listening to on YouTube recently, you'll definitely laugh. It's an homage to back in the day, when I was all about girl power and one-hit wonder girl groups with a penchant for singing ballads. Remember Sugar Jones? Yeah, didn't think so. Enjoy.






* Photos property of Tommy Ton and are used solely for commentary purposes

Je M'Excuse.

So sorry for my absence from posting (and from returning phone calls or emails of late). Working on getting back to everyone later on today.

It's been a crazy, stressful time.

I'm back, though.

Studio Space.

Exciting news: I've locked down a super cute studio apartment in my neighbourhood for April 1st!

I can't wait to finally be sans a roommate, though the roomie situation is something I've been blessed with until the beginning of this year, when my totally awesome roomie bought a place and had to move out (insert sad face).

Anyway, I've been spending a lot of time looking online on sites like Design*Sponge and Apartment Therapy to see how others have maximized and decorated their studio apartments -- there are a lot of great decor ideas out there.

Out on my own. Guess I'm a big girl now.






I'm Lovin' it: Check out these shades on model Abbey Lee. Melikes the lighter, see-through lenses!





I'm Over it: Baby bladders.


Track of the Day: "Pa Pa Power" by Dead Man's Bones. In fact, the whole album from this group -- which includes actor Ryan Gosling, his pal Zach Shields and the Silverlake Conservatory Children's Choir -- is pretty phenomenal. In fact, I'm quite obsessed with this song today.





* Photos property of Apartment Therapy, style.com and are used solely for commentary purposes

Inez and Vinoodh.

Fashion photogs Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin are some of the best in the industry.

The husband-wife team, who never do a shoot without the other, snapped a few stars -- like Zoe Saldana, Sam Worthington, Penelope Cruz, Julianne Moore, Colin Firth and Daniel Day Lewis -- from this year's best films for the New York Times' T Magazine.

Wow.







* Photos property of Inez van Lamsweerde, Vinoodh Matadin, T Magazine and are used solely for commentary purposes

Oscars 2010.

I figured nothing could be better -- or funnier -- than Alec Baldin being one half of this year's Oscar hosting team.

And with Steve Martin on the other end, it was the comedic cherry on the cake.

Rewind to a 5:30pm yesterday, after Neil Patrick Harris did his opening Broadway-esque sequence, when a platform on which Martin and Baldwin stood lowered from the ceiling and the two actor-comedians unstrapped themselves from the device and stepped onto the stage.

What followed after were sporadic and rather un-hilarious exchanges between the funnymen, injected with some awkward clips and spoofs and video montages (what was with the horror movie sequence?).

This was all, unfortunately, proceeded with a ho-hum parade of dresses on the red carpet and one very creepy Kathy Ireland, who interviewed stars like a stiff Barbie doll.

I apologize for this hate on the Oscars, it's just I was disappointed that Baldwin wasn't given free reign to make all sorts of un-PC jokes and that the dresses were in either two categories: hideous or boring.

To make up for being a Debbie Downer, however, here are some of the sharper ensembles of yesterday's red carpet.


SPJ in Chanel


Diane Kruger in Chanel


Maggie Gyllenhaal in Dries Van Noten


Demi Moore in Atelier Versace


Elizabeth Banks in Versace


Rachel McAdams in Elie Saab Haute Couture


Sandra Bullock in Marchesa


Carey Mulligan in Prada


Meryl Streep in Chris March



I'm Lovin' it: The Valentino on Amanda Seyfried and the Victoria Beckham on Cameron Diaz at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party. Both changed from their gowns into cocktail lengths later, which were considerable improvements over the first outfits.





I'm Over it: Please bring back Hugh Jackman or put in Neil Patrick Harris for next year's hosting duties.


Track of the Day: "Azzurra (It's Not The Same Version)" by Gui Buratto, off his newest album -- though from 2009 -- called Take My Breath Away. It's all very Gui, and we're very glad he's continuing to pour out these understated dance tracks.





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

Happy Friday! Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 2010.

There's nothing I can say to make any of these Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 2010 ensembles more beautiful -- or express my utter adulation for McQueen -- so I'll let these images speak for themselves.

Happy Friday.

xo
Haute Hippie












I'm Lovin' it: These Rick Owens Fall 2010 tights. Yowza. They're kind of like those cut-out tights rampant these days, except not cut out at all. And not black.





I'm Over it: My apartment drama, which is thankfully almost over.


Track of the Day: "93 To Infinity" by Souls Of Mischief. I went to The Clipse and Crystal Method show last night, where a buddy and I got into a discussion about the state of hip hop. In my opinion, this kind of hip hop -- the kind from groups like Souls of Mischief -- is dead, and that's a damn shame.





* Photos property of nymag.com, style.com and are used solely for commentary purposes

Yay or Neigh.

Julien Macdonald is doing accessories now, and I'm surprisingly ecstatic.

Why?

Because of these cream bondage strap shoes with horse leg-shaped heels.

I'm actually quite afraid of horses -- my fear dates back to a family friend getting kicked by her horse, rendering her a paraplegic -- but these heels are obviously harmless.

Put these foot bridles on me, and I'll say neigh for you.





I'm Lovin' it: Yours truly is a sucker for coffee table books, sexy boutique hotels and breathtaking views, and Assouline has answered my love for all three with its new Conde Nast Traveler Room With A View table tome. Andre Aciman and Klara Glowczewska take you around to the world's most stunning hotels and resorts, cataloging their views. It's a way to get away without leaving home.






I'm Over it: Apartment hunting suuuuuuucks.


Track of the Day: "Fall Hard (Passion Pit Summertime Radio Remix" by the Shout Out Louds. The track has this interesting '80s ballad way about it, only with electro-synth elements.






* Photos property of style.com, Julien Macdonald and are used solely for commentary purposes

Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2010 RTW.

Just this weekend, I had a conversation with the wife of a friend, who works in the finance department of Burberry in Dubai.

We were discussing which labels we loved most and which fashion cities most resonated with us. For me, I boldly declared that I would choose American and Parisian brands over Italians ones any day, citing Yigal Azrouel, Alexander Wang, Balenciaga and Isabel Marant among my top ten.

The Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana had to go and show the Fall 2010 RTW today and make me eat my once-so-sure words.

Their newest collection is one I'll long admire for its expertly tailored jackets -- often paired with high-cut bodysuits or slight hints of a lace skip -- and for its knit dresses. I enjoyed seeing the occasional leopard print (a Dolce & Gabbana signature), and I admired the contrast between the thick fall blazers and wispy, sheer polka dot shirts and dresses. The yellow satin and black lace frock was particularly eye-catching, something I can see a either a Chloe Sevigny or Scarlett Johansson-type wear with great ease.

It's been awhile since I've sat up at attention with a Dolce & Gabbana collection.

I salute you, Domenico and Steffano.















I'm Lovin' it: Takashi Murakami and McG directing Kirsten Dunst (in a Cosplay outfit and blue wig!), lipsynching The Vapors' "Turning Japanese" while trotting all over Tokyo. Fantastic.






I'm Over it: The eery quiet that's descended upon the city. Yup, the Olympics is over and so is all the fun. It's bittersweet feeling.

Album of the Day: Love Is Not Pop, the third album from El Perro del Mar. This is an album triggered by a devastating breakup, as many albums often are, but this one from Swedish songstress Sarah Assbring is equal parts heartbreaking and beautiful -- and produced by Rasmus Hagg of Studio. The soothing synth sounds almost mask the pain, until you really listen to the lyrics. By far one of the best albums I've listened to going well into 2010.








* Photos property of style.com, El Perro del Mar, and are used solely for commentary purposes