HIDDEN GEM IN THE L.E.S.

I've recently started a new series on my blog featuring a few different contributors to the industry.. (fashionable lives of riot girls, it boys, and up and coming designer talent/boutiques)

Here's a tip you should definitely take note of!

CONVENT SHOP

It's nestled in a chic neighborhood full of boutiques, restaurants, and many other notable stores. But owner Travis Wayne is taking the area by storm with his tiny niche in the city. From high end labels, to very small, innovative designers for both womens & menswear...his store offers it all!

I had a chance to do an interview with him about his little slice of heaven and take a few pictures of the merchandise. I have to take a look at everything because it ranges from simple basics to one of a kind pieces that really make a statement!

Q1: When did you start Convent Shop? Did it start out as an online store? 

 We opened Convent in April of the year.  The LES store and www.conventnyc.com opened the exact same hour.

Q2: What is your direction and future plans for the boutique in terms of fashion/presentation?  

I aim to keep the shop progressive and innovative while sticking to a very music-centered aesthetic and style.  The color palette and style may change, but Convent will always have a dark, downtown vibe.

Q3: Does your selection of brands reflect your personal style? 

Definitely. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Q4: What are you currently wearing?  

My style changes daily, but I am currently wearing a lot of Nakkna, the twentyten, God's Prey and some vintage accessories.

Q5: What is your favorite brand at the moment?  

Don't Shoot The Messengers, from Berlin. Jen Gilpin and Kyle Callanan are an amazing design duo that makes high quality, structural innovative and affordable pieces.

Q6: Do you see yourself staying local or possibly opening up another Convent in upcoming months/years? 

I hope to! We are getting ready to do another pop-up store in Stockholm for FW11 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week by Berns. Other pop-ups are certainly on the horizon!

While I was in the store, I also had a chance to put together a few looks with Travis to give you an idea of the kind of pieces you can find in the shop..

This was hands down my favorite single piece in the store. The texture of the panels on the trench are amazing! You could easily transform this from a day to night look. So wearable. So timeless. So AMAZING.

With more projects and upcoming underground designers in the works for this boutique, I can only expect to see great things from Trav in the future! If you're ever in NYC. Definitely drop by, you wont be disappointed! :)

179 Stanton St

New York, NY 10002

(212) 673-0233

www.twitter.com/conventnyc

www.conventnyc.com

Ciao! xx

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM BERGDORF'S

One of my most highly anticipated moments of moving to NY was waiting for the visual window displays from all the major department stores for the upcoming holiday season on 5th Avenue! :)

Bergdorf Goodman is known for their amazing set up's and they really outdid themselves this year. I'm seriously in awe. I hope to be a part of the making in upcoming years since this is what I previously attended school for! SO AMAZING.

Enjoy! ;)

Ciao! xx

ALL HYPED UP ABOUT HOPE S/S 11

Location: Stockholm, Sweden (Aug 2010)

This is probably one of my favorite items I saw all season from the worldwide fashion weeks. These leather gaiter-reminiscent wedges are a MUST HAVE.

via Google

When art meets fashion..

Last night I attended the opening of the Obsession by Cary Kwok Exhibition at a charming gallery in the Chelsea Arts District. It was curated by one of my favorite designers, Prabal Gurung. I'm happy to report that I have almost immediately been submerged into the art/fashion scene here in New York since i've arrived! 

I was really drawn to this canvas. It really got the creative juices flowing through my brain, and left me pretty inspired through out the night! I really want to start getting back into oil paints and crafts in general. 

These were some of my favorite pieces within the showroom! If you're in NYC sometime between now and January 19, 2011, you should really go check it out! You won't be disappointed!

Chelsea Arts Tower

545 W. 25th St

New York, New York 10001

Going to the Style Caster x Qwiki party tonight in the LES. I better see some fabulous people out!

Ciao! xx

CONTINENTAL TAKEOVER

I thought it would be funny to record John & I as we trek across the country to NYC. We left horribly early in the morning to catch our flight, and I was feeling gross from the inside out, but I didn't seem to look THAT bad.

Giving ourselves one last goodbye to Dallas/Fort Worth on our little adventure east, and off we go!

We had a tiny pitstop in Charlotte, North Carolina. It was quite a culture shock to me being as that I was apparently the most interesting person to look at in the entire airport, and I was having a fashion OFF day. :) I would love to see the look on their faces if I was fiercing it up like my usual self! They wouldn't know what to do!

I must say..The north east part of the country is so charming during this time of year. The leaves are changing colors and the foliage is amazing! I want some of these shades for my wardrobe!

(BCBG Max Azria leggings, American Apparel black t-shirt, Vintage plaid button up, W leather jacket, Peter Grimm fedora, Barney's Co-Op scarf, Ray Ban sunglasses, Vintage jewelry, Zara boots)

I was intrigued by this statue and had to take a photo of it. She reminds me of a modern day Athena from Greek mythology..

Greetings from NYC from John & I! <3

Ciao! xx

CRIMES OF FASHION IS MOVING CROSS COUNTRY.

It's finally here..I've been waiting for this day for months now..

I'm officially moving to New York City in the morning! My flight leaves at 8:30am. Packing is such a miserable thing. Between the stress of making sure you have everything you're going to need, making sure everything is in order for when you arrive, and just getting emotional while going through all of your life packed in 10 boxes, i'm pooped...

But i'm ready for a new everything. I'll be 21 in the next few weeks. I'll be in a new city. A new year is just around the corner with new beginnings, new adventures, and new memories to be made. I'm ready to have a fresh start. And i'll be the first to say, I'm feeling every emotion in the world right now.

I'll be documenting the entire trip across the US for my blog. Cant wait to update when I get settled in my new apt with my roommate John! Big things are going to happen! :)

Cant wait to call this my home!

Wish me luck! xx

I'll be there in a New York Minute! ;)

Taking a look inside L'Une with Anh Volcek

I recently had the opportunity to meet the designer of the brand L'Une. We got to talking at her presentation during the BC911 bloggers event hosted in downtown LA, and really seemed to have a connection! So I asked her if I could possibly take a behind the scenes look into her pieces and get her personal inside take on the elements that created her collection. So take a seat, watch, and enjoy! :)

Anh with one of her dresses from the S/S 11' presentation..

It was so refreshing to hear that her collection is inspired by family and friends that are very close to her. For someone who has got to do so much in her short life, she's a very grounded and ambitious woman! I admire her for that reason.

This was my favorite piece from her collection. I love the mix of textures and the overall appearance of the garment. The hand dyed feathers really added a VOOM to it. It really separated it from the rest of the looks.

For more information about L'Une, check out her website at:

www.lunecollection.com

Ciao! xx

IRONY OF LIVING IN LOS ANGELES..

The truth splattered on every corner.

(Taken in Downtown LA, Main & 6th St)

Ciao xx

WINTER BAG WISHLIST

I've been looking for a great signature bag to buy for this upcoming winter season. Granted I wont be purchasing it till around Christmas, it'll be a week late belated 21st birthday present to myself. :) I'm usually all about vintage and antique bags...so if I buy one brand new, it has to look like it was made for me!

I've narrowed it down to these two pieces. They are very different from each other, but each exudes their own unique character. It's just time to decide which one is a better fit for me. If it's a draw, then one will come before the other, and i'll eventually get both! I've seen them both on the Barney's New York main floor and they're even more unimaginable in person. I had what I call a "fashiongasm" while I was in store. 

Lets break it down... 

"fash-ion-gasm"[fash-uhn-gaz-uhm] noun:

1. the physical and emotional sensation experienced at the peak of sexual excitation, usually resulting from stimulation of out of this world, luxurious, and fabulous fashions including bags, shoes, clothing, accessories, etc. (keyword: BARNEYS)

2. intense or unrestrained excitement due to shopping.

GENERAL WARNING: Don't worry if you are experiencing these issues, for it is completely normal and natural event for a visual artist or a shopaholic to witness first hand. It's best to let it happen, and cease the excitement to the cash register! ;)

Enough with couture definitions, on to the prize...

Designer: Proenza Schouler 

Bag: Limited Edition Medium Colombian Mochilla PS1 Shoulder Bag

Bag Type: Messenger

Color: Turquoise/Black in print

Price: $1,825.00

or

Designer: Givenchy

Bag: Large Leather Antigona Duffle 

Bag Type: Tote/Duffle

Color: Red

Price: $2,330.00

As much as I appreciate the new collections every season, my personal style reflects mostly restored antique clothing or recycled designer vintage..this allows me to be draped in YSL at a budget I can manage. But one item I will always consider splurging on is a new bag. It's a key essential to your daily wardrobe and a must have everywhere you go. So it might as well look fabulous!

Compare/Contrast:

PS1 Bag- I absolutely love the print and the color. It was the first idea that popped into my head when I saw it up close. The hue is so vibrant and looks very sharp with the leather outlining. It's got plenty of specialized pockets and places to cram daily belongings. The only con to this bag is they don't make it in the large PS1 version, so i'm questioning the size. Everyone who knows me will vouch when saying I'd stand up Mary Poppins when it comes to pulling magic and randomness out of my bag on an everyday basis. So I might possibly need more space.

Givenchy Bag- The shape of the bag is my favorite part. It's a subtle and soft silhouette with an edgy appeal that Givenchy brings into every bag. The color screams my name. Especially since RED is my color palette for F/W 2010, and i'm digging the matching trend, though i've been doing it for quite a while. The pro's above the PS1 are it's larger in size (which is necessary for myself) and also made of leather which would be easier to take care of..The only con I can think of is that it's such a recognizable and unique colored bag, I'm afraid I could wear it out a little too quickly vs the mismatching of prints with the PS1 bag which could go with an endless amount of hautefits and look daringly chic every time.

What do you think? 

Ciao xx

STYLE + STREETZ

(Vintage tunic, Topshop leggings, thrifted wedges) for Weltenbuerger)

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF...

01. (Silence + Noise faux leather vest, Helmut Lang top, Topshop leggings, Posso turquoise spats, Jeffrey Campbell rocker wedges, Ray Ban sunglasses, vintage jewelry).

02. View from SB Tower Lofts, Downtown LA, California.

03. Models step & repeat at Two Point Oh LA bloggers presentation.

04. Thrifted thunderbolt ring & great grandmothers gold ring at Neihule Salon.

05. Up close of my spats on wedges.

06. Yummy Vietnamese food at Blossom in DTLA. :)

Ciao! xx

#BC911 Bloggers Event!! :)

Location: Spring Art Tower, DOWNTOWN LA

Event: BC911 Bloggers Event

Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2010

3 Designers, 1 day..

Daisy Gonzales

Paulina Lopez

L'Une

Ciao xx