Stylish with Substance

By the way, I knew when I started this up again (posting these, I get so busy I feel I don't blog enough to clog up the timeline) that I'd forget to submit my link. No really, I did. :-) (And I had a lot to choose from.)

Well, on to the goodness.

When Fashion Gets Ethical

Edited by Retrochick

The ethics of Fashion can be a blurry area. With so much to think about when we buy, from construction to provenance, how can we pick our way through such a minefield of issues and emerge with our ethics intact?

We all have a duty as consumers to be as informed as possible about the purchases we make, and this weeks Links à la Mode can help. Amongst this weeks picks Fashion in My Eyes talks about locally made fashion, Style Eyes discusses Organic Cotton, Hello Beauty buys some recycled sneakers, Oranges and Apples sorts the wheat from the chaff in second hand clothing and Shrimp Salad Circus brings you natural make up.

Once your done being educated we also have a good smattering of fashion frivolity to be getting on with too, and there’s even more on the original forum thread!

Links à la Mode : April 29

• Avant Garb – Dedicated Follower Fashion grills Sandra Mendoza-Daly of Debutante Clothing
• Betsey J – Why do we feel it’s necessary to financially compete with our fellow bloggers? Is it really worth it?
• Dramatis Personae – Interview with Indie Designer Ureshii– fabulous made-to-fit clothes for the modern gal!
• fashion in my eyes – Made in… Buying for the label
• Glossary – Fashion 101: Back to Basics
• hello beauty! – my new eco-sneakers, which are basically a jumble of hemp, recycled plastic bottles and car tires…
• House in Tillford – Fur isn’t fashion! My rantings about fur
• Idiosyncratic Style – Swoon-worthy Spring runway trends
• Independent Fashion Bloggers – How to Contribute Articles to a Blog or Magazine
• La Moda Dubai – Photoshop isn’t the only to manipulate a photo
• Le Quaintrelle – Outfits inspired by Michael Kors Resort 2010 collection with pieces out of my own closet.
• Mystery Creature – Look great for a sleek and sophisticated summer wedding with these 1930’s inspired wedding dresses
• Oranges and Apples – Taste and secondhand clothing: sorting the wheat from the chaff
• Out Of Order – Interview with Marisa of New Dress a Day
• Retro Chick – The Lost Art of Dressing Up
• Return to Sender – Little black dresses for the FATshionista.
• Ship-shape and Bristol Fashion – These days knock-off trends are common place but is cheap fashion still a taboo?
• Shoe A Day – How does fashion fit into Earth Day?
• Shrimp Salad Circus – Get high-fashion makeup looks for less with all-natural, afforadable handmade mineral versions!
• Style Eyes Fashion Blog – Organic clothing – should I bother?
• Style Symmetry – 5 Days of Symmetry Challenge ~ Wear a 100% Vintage Outfit
• The Coveted – Why Say Never? Chambray Jumpsuit & Clogs

A 10-year-old aspiring fashion designer is already well on his way!

[caption id="attachment_3200" align="alignnone" width="330" caption="10-year-old Christopher Abella shows his fashion sketches"][/caption]

Although I wish I had the same sorts of opportunities, I must admit the pictured 10-year-old aspiring fashion designer, Christopher Abella, appears to be more talented than I was at his age. I was still thinking Juniors/t-shirts/prints/swim and he's on to sophisticated women's clothing, even as a young boy.

His sketches were discovered to hold talent by a teacher (presumably* grade school at that point) who passed along word to designer, Tracy Ellyn.

Then he apparently* started design school in Miami and is being mentored by Ellyn, who sees great potential in the young man.

*I apologize for this story's fuzzy facts as there's only one poorly written article on this phenom, and unfortunately I even find it homophobic (although possibly due to an unlucky non sequitur). So I won't support the writer, but the source is flashnews.com.

[caption id="attachment_3178" align="alignnone" width="449" caption="Crafting a Louis Vuitton handle"][/caption]

Louis Vuitton is letting you take some big peaks into their daily working lives. From construction to runway. Some of us are more interested in the craftsmanship (and we can get little tips) and many of us are definitely interested in the perhaps more glamorous behind-the-scenes of Fashion Week Paris.

Visit the site here: Louis Vuitton - The Journey of a Wardrobe. But I'm also going to take you on a smaller journey through my favorite photos. I couldn't not collect them! This is like the holy grail of a blog topic pour moi!!!

(Their website is in flash, so you may be grateful for the pictures. Apologies for including some of my Purpley Windows theme on my PC, haha.)

[caption id="attachment_3180" align="alignnone" width="449" caption="Woot! This is "Edge kote" or their comparison. Know it & love it well. Looks similar to my process - I use a q-tip, and this really compares. Go me. (Yes, I'm still practicing on my leather sewing/crafting. Patience.)"][/caption]

Bonus: in this rare case, the soundtracks are enjoyable and thrillingly realistic. I like to listen to the sounds of the workshop in Paris and feel a little less alone either in my 1-person office or 1-person studio. Ha ha!

[caption id="attachment_3182" align="alignnone" width="449" caption="Schmancy!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3184" align="alignnone" width="449" caption=""Emporte pièces" Hehe."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3185" align="alignnone" width="450" caption="Man! Inspiration! How would you like such a clean studio? Clean, Ella, clean!"][/caption]

Here are some more photos - click on the thumbnails for full.

Big thanks to Nookie for the head's up!

Fin.

Good news for budgetistas, this $75 Zac Posen for Target dress seems to be worth the price. The fabric is thick brocade, and it shimmers. Reviewers tell us the zippers are of poorer quality however.

Beyond that, I think the visuals of this design speak for themselves: figure-enhancing tie detail, oh so feminine, and so on and so forth. Add the florals and the frock is not only trendy, but with the dressiness of the fabric, perfect for any of your upcoming Summer weddings.

You need to budget this one in fast. Target.com is sold out and I'm sure all the chicest cities have sold their stock as well. Get on this!

I have so much to catch up on with it like posting pictures of shoes, but because I need to SOON post my Louboutins is why this is debuting!

[caption id="attachment_3164" align="alignnone" width="450" caption="Click to visit the site"][/caption]

'Tis a new holiday, but it roots from ancient beliefs ... in a way. The story starts with religion, actually, but this is more of an atheistic holiday, while still remaining inviting to more open-minded religious persons as well. The tale opens with an Iranian cleric promoting the idea that not only does God/a god punishes humans for evil, but our promiscous modern times have resulted in earth quakes*.

All those bouncing boobs, apparently, have got a whole lotta other shakin' goin' on.

Not to make light of earthquakes, no, just this archaic school of thought. Sadly, though, Kazem Sedighi doesn't just blame people today, he blames women,

"Many women ... do not dress modestly ... lead young men astray, corrupt their chastity and spread adultery in society, which (consequently) increases earthquakes"

He advises all to follow Islam to stop the havoc wreaked on the Earth by, what we know to be, natural disasters. However any normal person realizes that the earthquakes are likely caused by climate change and, as they say, women's hemlines go up when the economy goes down - so yes these things are happening more currently. It's a sort of correlation, but of course exclusive of each other, as there is no related causation to be found in rational thinking.So part two of the story of Boobquake begins when people react to this publication, or rather, one feminist blogger. She had a "modest proposal":

Sedighi claims that not dressing modestly causes earthquakes. If so, we should be able to test this claim scientifically. You all remember the homeopathy overdose? Time for a Boobquake. On Monday, April 26th, I will wear the most cleavage-showing shirt I own. Yes, the one usually reserved for a night on the town. I encourage other female skeptics to join me and embrace the supposed supernatural power of their breasts. Or short shorts, if that's your preferred form of immodesty. With the power of our scandalous bodies combined, we should surely produce an earthquake. If not, I'm sure Sedighi can come up with a rational explanation for why the ground didn't rumble. ... So, who's with me? I may be a D cup, but that will probably only produce a slight tremor on its own. If you'll be joining me on twitter, use the tag #boobquake! Or join the facebook event! (Confused? Angry? Think my science is [carp]? Read a serious explanation of boobquake here)

Worried about participating? Don't be unless you belief in that sort of fundamentalist or die-hard religious thinking. Perhaps angry about women putting their bodies on display for objectification? I say for a special occasion, we can do what we want with our bodies. At least we're not actually being promiscuous today - it's about just the sex appeal and mere fun.

And it's in the name of scientific experimentation!

As put by Bitch Buzz's Cate Sevilla,

If you want to get your feminist panties in a twist because of all the cleavage and, erm, objectification involved in Boobquake, you can. But personally I think you should just laugh and take this as over 41,000 people (give or take a few due to the perverts) agreeing that women being blamed for earthquakes and adultery because of our immodest dress is ... ridiculous.  (Also, the word BOOBQUAKE is just fun.) Plus, McCreight also encourages people to “help out the victims of inevitable natural disasters” noting that “[dressing] modestly won’t end earthquakes”. So, if you’re not down with cleavage but still agree that Sedighi’s comments are ridiculous, why not give to the Red Cross or the Ayaan Hirsi Ali Foundation?

In case you were wondering whether I'm participating - oh yes!

I plan to celebrate with not only my breasts, but legs and these Louboutins:

(or perhaps these ones, because they're easier to wear:)

*It must be noted that the disaster of earth quakes was probably chosen because Iran suffers a lot of them. How clever of the man, eh?

You take a girl's credit card, threaten her with having to move back in with the parents. And maybe actually give her the hope of happiness in love - but just be good, girl! Also needed are good teachers and lessons. And then well, she can grow. But you give that girl a new stable home, the hope of more credit and wahoo, slowly-increasing 0s on her paychecks ... and well.

Hey, I'm Ella. And I have a problem.

But that's OK! I have it mostly under control. I know I can't stop any time, and I can admit I have this problem. And that means I can shop ... Yes, I wrote "can't stop". No, I didn't say "I can stop", that's "shop". Gosh I could almost fill a blog with gushy stories of how I just wantwantwant COACH, Miu Mius, Louboutins, Calvin Kleins, Badgely Mischkas, Manolos ... as if those were to truly save my life and not just make my day. But just like how it's not just "stuff" - don't say that! It's, well, not just *about* the stuff.

It's the rush. And it's how shopping is a powerfully-healing drug. Addiction.

I don't want to stop, just slow down. Care to take a ride with me?

The Feel: Christian Louboutin's knotted Gres

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The originals are by the designer we all know and love, of course Msr. Christian Louboutin. They're also covetable, fabulous, detailed, quality and very 3-dimentional. Oh and they're $795, in case you didn't know. You may not be able to afford them or be willing to stash $20s in your Loub fund weekly and hopefully still wear them this Summer (oh that's what I'm doing for this very pair!) ... so perhaps you want to try this other pair on for looks...

The Steal: Aldo's Orpins

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They're from the popular, cute, affordable Aldo. And at $90, they cost $700 less than the designer splurge. Sure, they don't have that extra knot on top of the vamp, but they do share a similar look and feel. If you don't find those classic Loubies must-haves, but you're diggin' the general vibe, why not give Aldo's Orpin's a spin?

Fashion has Brains

Edited by Ashe

Every week I am always surprised by the selection of posts we receive here at IFB.  I think back to before I started my blog, the discrimination I felt working in retail and adoring fashion, because it was shallow and it wasn’t academic.  Now I look at the community I am a part of and think– how could anyone accuse fashion enthusiasts of being shallow? Or fashion designers, lovers of style?  Indeed, like any frowned upon medium or niche, fashion has brains; it has ingenuity, it has controversy, it has creativity, and it has depth.

This week I want to celebrate those putting fashion and intellect together, to show that there’s more than meets that glittering eye…

Oh, and if you’re looking for something to do this summer… IFB is looking for interns!

Links à la Mode : April 22

• Agent Lover: – On The Search For The Perfect Retro Bathing Suit!
• Alice in Stilettos: – Interview with Edgy, Up-and-Coming Designer Chelsea Sutrisno
• Bay Area Style File: – Interview with Model turned Eco Friendly Beauty Brand owner Josie Maran.
• Bobbins and Bombshells: – Fashionable History: Lilly Dache – A True Fashion Success Story.
• Denim Debutante: – Meet US-Made NAEM Denim and Win Your Own Pair
• dramatis personae: – Back to the Future
• Fashion Pulse Daily: – Cynthia Rowley for Roxy Spring 2010
• For Those About to Shop: – Crystal Renn’s inspiring story of transformation may make you think twice about modelling industry:
• krameymartin: – Being pregnant doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your fashion sense. Check out this post to learn how to jazz up simple maternity pieces.
• La Chanelphile: – “The Allure of Chanel” by Paul Morand with Illustrations by Karl Lagerfeld
• M.I.S.S.: – The Rag Trade: The Sale Mentality. This week’s article looks at how we will get consumers to break the sale mentality and pay full price again.
• Night Watch: – DIY Tutorial: Burberry Prorsum F/W 2010-11 Inspired Blazer
• Oh, the Places You'll Go!: – ASOS Curve Models – Plus, or not plus enough?
• Oranges and Apples: – Some thoughts on weight, fat activism and health
• Poetic & Chic: – Hamish Bowles, European Editor at Large for Vogue, visits the de Young in San Francisco to announce a new Balenciaga retrospective slated for spring 2011.
• Retro Chick: – Made To Measure – Dresses for those who aren’t a standard size
• shrimp salad circus: – DIY Spring Flowers Headband/Belt for Under
• The Coveted – Craving Miu Miu Clogs?
• the fashionate traveller: – Discovers the emerging Japanese fashion trend Dolly Kei, as seen through a visit to Grimoire, Shibuya’s premier vintage store.
• The Fashionista Lab: – I gave up shopping and gained a new perspective on using and building my wardrobe (hint: shoes are important)
• True Queen: – Warning: Men In Skirts – Examining a taboo trend that attempts to go mainstream

Plaid Doctrine is the love child (more literal in the love, less in the child, perhaps) of a former Microsoft employee, Susanne Park.

She decided she'd rather fill a void in the work bag / laptop case / travel bag industry than, well, we guess be another drone in an office? As for that void-filling, she wanted style, green (eco) and ... plaid.

A long-butt time of hard work after this new journey began, and Plaid Doctrine has its soft launch ... today! I suspect no one is having a better Earth Day than Ms. Park, except for perhaps the trees if we're doing our job well!

How do these bags help save the Earth? Well don't go thinking these fabulous totes (and note the iPad case) are made of PU/pleather! Oh no, instead Susanne wanted vegetable-tanned leather, which is absolutely kinder to our Earth's skies than manufactured plastic. The fabrics (mostly plaids) are constructed from recycled bottles. Great news for all you soda and purified water fans.

The opening collection is a small preview of 4 pieces, and prices currently range from $79 to $479. Yes, we'll count spending your money on these as helping the environment, but don't forget to replenish the fabric supply and recycle!

*Update: 4/26/10* The first day their payment system was not working, but now you can finally place your orders! ;-)