Stylish with Substance

When I was 10 and I got my first sewing machine, I scrounged up some drapes. ... I think it ended up falling apart.

-Jason Wu on the first thing he sewed on his first machine; a dress for his mother.

The first thing I sewed with my first machine didn't fall apart, however it was just some ugly embroidery on a tote bag. ;-) What about you?

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Three Elle editors spoke about bloggers, again, on W.F.I.T. radio (by the Fashion Institute of Technology). Two - Both Joe Zee and Anne Slowsky*---I mean Slowey---reiterated tired and old sentiments that really make me further want to shut my glossy covers.

However style director, Kate Lanphear, spoke refreshing words with soul:

"But there's also something beautiful about these fresh voices that can say something that maybe sometimes someone who does have a lot of credibility misses, or they see it through a really fresh eye. I think that's the debate that is going on in our industry full-stop, because we don't want to discredit years and years of experience and hard work and paying your dues and learning about what we do day to day, but there is something really beautiful about all of these really fresh perspectives that come out of the Internet."

Sorry to sound text-speechy, but "duuuurrr."

Fashion is visual and art; thus one of those things up to any and every beholder.

That said I am fully for accolades following proper dues-paying, both in the professional realm and even catwalk show pure fun.

Annnnyway, read more of this mostly old news at The Cut.

*Admittedly bad joke on how Anne might not like the Internet, she's "slow" to it. Eh, maybe I just felt b*tchy.

It's not news that Christian Louboutin is the king of shoes, having dethroned the fabulous Manolo Blahnik both fashionably and in future film (Sex & the City II). Word even has it that Louboutin heels are more comfortable than Manolos. I know I find that intriguing (it's even more alluring than the siren red sole).

Christian Louboutin precociously balances his art.

The shining peep-toes from the picture with Christian

So of course it's not surprising that Christian Louboutin is at the top of the official covetable top footwear designers list 3 years running (they also beat those Jimmy Choos), so perhaps if I just posted a news clip from the 19th (I'm so behind) claiming this info alone it would be a snore, but instead of a news piece, I found an interview filled with complimentary poetry. In this case the kind words don't fall flat more than flatter. Sorry to say the journalist's descriptions are better than the Frenchman's quips, which all ring of ego (or possibly that's the French talking). Perhaps he's earned some attitude. The author's vision of Christian's own is so Vogue-and-Renta-dress---worthy "pure poetry" ... about the very designs of those red-hot-soled lust pieces.

Hadley Freeman on Louboutin heels,

Where Manolo Blahnik shoes are either plain or quirky, and Jimmy Choos have the distinct sheen of Eurotrash to them, Christian Louboutin shoes say one simple word: sex. Everything about them – from their disco styles, to the aggressive thrust of the shoe's curvature, to the almost pornographic red sole, flashing observers from behind as the lady walks away – shouts sex.

I couldn't have said it better myself, and I can't until I fully experience the pleasure. And actually this description is even more important than the occasional discovery of well-penned fashion commentary; it reminds us, and more importantly informs the nay-sayers and label-whore-name-callers, of the beautiful designing that lies behind this footwear royalty. It's not just the red sole, arguably a signature detail for wealthy-wannabes' and shoeaholics' eyes, but there is so much in actual design. Even when subtle, the curvaceousness alone is almost enough to set these shoes on the top shelf of luxury.

Today's quintissential Louboutin shoe.

But also needed are the heels with height ... check! Yet Louboutin's collections are actually versatile. We have the recognizable aspect, the genius flattery, but then we have something for every woman most women. From stilettos to chunkier heels, from platforms to flats, and everything in between. We have arrived. Louboutin is not just IT, but it. I know you want the goods! All shoes depicted here can be found either on The Outnet or on ShopStyle.

Before you read this piece of beauty-equality fabulosity, note it comes from the blogger from Already Pretty. It's not just esteem-boosting and not just pretty, but beautiful writing!

If you hate skinny jeans and prefer bootcuts because they balance you out, wear 'em and screw the trend-hounds. If you want to wear foofy vintage dresses every single day because you feel fabulously feminine in them, do it and screw the buzzwreckers. If you think your collarbone is the sexiest thing ever created, wear scoop necks and boat necks and square necks and never ever don a collarbone-masking scarf, and screw the naysayers. Whatever you dislike, avoid it. Whatever makes you feel delighted to be alive, wear it.

And here are some of the bloggers' style shots from AP's piece. Their individual links below.

Casual Converse Chic! It can be done. Yay. I was thinking so with this style of sneaker's non-bulk, so I bought a cute inexpensive version - but I'll show you those shoes later! (They're in the mail.)

Be sure to read the entire, lovely, post on Already Pretty.

Women's blogs in the photos, respectively: Yammering Muse, Jeremy & Kathleen, Eek!

The Independent (.co.uk), a UK newspaper, published an article on backlash against bloggers. The difference with this newest backlash is that it is in truth different. Bloggers in front rows at recent couture shows inspired new, yes actually new, resentment from insiders.

[caption id="attachment_2040" align="alignright" width="203" caption="13-year-old successful blogger Tavi with John Galliano"][/caption]

There are two main current points as we stand in early 2010. One might fade as a trivial beholder-view on manners - the petite Tavi; can she wear a large yet slim headpiece that would definitely obstruct views if atop a model-heighted head? I as another petite woman, and full-grown, happen to believe all un-petite-themselves head accessories should be avoided in such seating as obvious courtesy. But this does not need to be discussed now.

The second issue lies with what, to some, used to make blogging great---fashion topics included. Honesty. Critiques. What small bloggers may not realize we enjoy is this blessing - we are either allowed it or left to bare it, for not enough notice to or who would inspire us to self-censor.

But first comes freebies and press releases, which might challenge honesty or publishing unique and interesting content. Then more recently for some has come truer privilege; not only attending fashion week but the front row. Indeed a privilege no fashion fan would dare let easily be stripped away - like Cinderella after the ball if her stepmother would simply give a marital blessing if the maid-and-princess-to-be would only be ... kind to that wench. This is a world where that scenario could be true except all of these Cinderellas had loved the step-parent until she wore a hideous frock she herself designed, yet appeared ominous holding a lock to the attic door.

What's a moral, opinionated yet wide-eyed dreaming young maiden to do? I would be intimidated for sure. Do you think you could look at that gift stallion through your monitor and set aside your own benefits to just pen the truth? Now would an undiscovered blogger still so covet that hard position?

Perhaps fault may just happen to lie with designers, actually? Is such intimidation an unethical business practice? (Or is this fear merely fear itself? Or worse; fabricated by professional editors?) In any walk or aspect of life, one must be able to take criticism, but if and only if designers are truthfully unable to take the heat dished out from the little guys' offices ... well sorry to sound so "normal girl", but -- how lame!

Bonus but ultra-important rant:

"Miss" J. Alexander was interviewed by Grazia Daily and said this of male models' catwalks,

I believe they still think it's a business for women and gay men, so they are walking somewhere [they don't want to go], I think, between the bank and the gym.

Of course "Miss J.", the queen of cat walking, can critique anyone's runway grace - he's girlier than Barbie herself!

However she can't walk well either, and any girl or woman can attest; she's just all *hop hop hop*! ;-)

Tom Ford was interviewed by Charlie Rose mostly about his new film (now playing), A Single Man.

He was lovely and has given us beautiful quotes to think about still in our "day and age". My first favorite,

"Yeah. So, you know, people occasionally will say to me, even good friends, 'your lifestyle', I’m, 'what is that, my lifestyle?' You know, I live with someone I love. You know, we read books, we cook dinner together, we occasionally argue. We go on vacation together. We have been together for 23 years. That is my lifestyle."

My second favorite quote speaks to me and many others, although intended as discussion about homosexual unfairness, it's equally for any woman waiting for her boyfriend to propose or "feel ready" - as we age and live in our serious relationships.

"... Longtime partner, a boyfriend, lover, there is not a good word for that, we need to figure that out in our culture. Lover makes it sound like all you do is have sex."

Charlie Rose pointed out,

"Boyfriend, girlfriend, we have to figure out boyfriend, girlfriend, when the girl is 40 years old."

All I know is I will not be a girlfriend when I'm 40. The boy knows that too. Oh but can't I still call him boy? ;-)

You can only get the video from Charlie Rose .com. Watch or buy a DVD.

Designers of possibly any level and fashion entrepreneurs alike, you might want to pay attention to Lady Gaga ... and what she may like. Because, well, the world is goo-goo-eyed for the Gaga.

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First, Forbes magazine recognizes,

"Lady Gaga isn't the music industry's new Madonna. She's its new business model."

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While you or I may

We just posted that Karl Lagerfeld is nutty with a serious case of verbal diarreah. But Lagerfeld is so off his rocker-bound-butt that he leaves behind his roots.

His own heavy roots;

"No one wants to see curvy women. You've got fat mothers with their bags of chips sitting in front of the television and saying that thin models are ugly."

To that fab bloggers from Refinery 29 retorted,

We're just going to chalk that up to boob envy and move on.

We (the royal moi) roll our eyes at him. Karl, stuff it with a can of Pringles, you miserable old koot!

Ladies, don't listen to that oddball. And ask any straight man how much he loves curves.

Issue = fin.

(Also Refinery29 and FatStylist.com = FAB.)

Not the newest, from an interview that came out November 11th from Times Online, but quite the goodie quote from Marc Jacobs regarding Victoria Beckham (as a designer);

[caption id="attachment_1613" align="alignright" width="219" caption="Victoria Beckham in own design"][/caption]

"I’ll reserve judgment on celebrity lines in general, but I think Victoria’s in a different category. She’s really working her ass off. She knows her body very well and she’s making something that really appeals to women who want beautifully made, figure-conscious clothes that aren’t vulgar. I wouldn’t say she asks my advice, but she’s always keen to learn. She’s lovely."

What I myself must stress about Beckham/Maiden name Adams/Posh Spice is that it's fairly obvious she always wanted to design most out of everything. She was. Posh. Spice.After she debuted her dresses, she spoke this true;

“I have spent a lifetime wanting to do this. It’s what I always dreamed of since I customized my school uniform when I was 7 years old.”

I've been like that in my life, in my teens I even wanted to sing. What teenage girl who burns her sorrows into song doesn't?

Anyway, Victoria is. quite. in another league from most celebrity "designers" - and she is working hard at this, I think it's literally her main career now - and she's viewing it that way. Perhaps always has.

Anyway, the proof is in the pudding frocks.

*Via* Fashion Copius