Style Defined - Street Style and Nightlife NYC

This blog has moved to Styledefinednyc.com

2011-08-07T17:29:00.000-04:00

Hey there-
I'm now posting on StyleDefinedNYC.com Please visit me there as it's not a blogger site but on wordpress. It also includes more photos, interviews and more!

XOXO
Katya

Heartthrob

2011-08-04T11:01:00.001-04:00

Loose and thin cotton tanks with shorts is the uniform of waifish and willowy boys in the city this summer.

The tank top, by Pleasure Principle, features a screenprint of a heart made from razor blades...interpret this how you choose...

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when i am afraid i trust in you

2011-08-02T17:14:00.002-04:00

Tara Foxx is a modern day gypsy girl with fucking brilliant lashes.

Provocatively demure

I don't know the story behind the tattoo but it's lovely...

Niko loves Chanel

2011-08-01T12:06:00.002-04:00

This is one of my best friends, Niko. I thought I'd break down his style today. The not-so-secret secret is: it's all about the accessories.

Chanel bracelets on both wrists as well as crazy skull bracelet on top.

Chanel bag with logo made of chains. Also check out the spiked boots from Trash & Vaudeville

Because you wanted to see this detail...

Ring with a secret compartment!!!

What some people might do with this...not anything we would advocate of course! (also check out the super fly Dior shades!)

Coney Island Baby

2011-07-31T17:15:00.000-04:00

When my Fire Island plans got derailed this weekend I decided to go to Coney Island instead. I really love this place in all it's funkadelic glory.

Shorts by Diesel, the charm bracelets are my mom's from high school.

Shoes are Elsee Anita's –favored by nightlife queens everywhere. Bag is Tano

Top is Fraiche

Rainbow Bright

2011-07-28T20:43:00.000-04:00

A bit of color with mod appeal.

Seen on the street: Model from Ghana - Menaye Donkor

2011-07-27T21:49:00.000-04:00

Ghanian born model, Menaye Donkor, was in NYC last week for Africa Fashion Week NY. AFWNY gives African designers a chance to showcase their designs and inspirations to a NY audience. She stopped traffic wearing a jacket by Akuchi Designs, Met Jeans and Sergi Rossi platform sandals.

Deryck + Stephanie at the after-party for The Tents - about #NYFW

2011-07-26T20:33:00.001-04:00

Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend the premiere screening of The Tents –a documentary about New York Fashion Week and specifically how the tents came to be in Bryant Park. It was a thoroughly entertaining insider look at fashion week and it was fun to see so many familiar faces on the screen from designers and models to stylish mainstays in the audience like Patrick McDonald.

Afterwards there was a party at The Norwood where I congratulated my friend Deryck Todd (above) who was involved in the film and gave me all the dirt on the designers and fashion stars he interviewed. (Okay, he said everyone was great–I couldn't get him to spill a single scandalous story!) Here he's with Stephanie who works and models for Betsey Johnson and is wearing all Betsey with her Louboutins.

TRAILER for THE TENTS

The Tents Trailer by Marcus K Jones

Overall shorts: Yea or Nay?

2011-07-25T20:52:00.000-04:00

Overall shorts? Something I would normally say to avoid past the age of 12. So this is a lesson in style and styling –it's all about how you put it together. I think this works surprisingly well here. What do you think? Is this a look you'd rock?

Henrik Vibskov - What I'm Wearing Now

2011-07-24T20:56:00.002-04:00

I had this brilliant idea to take this photo next to plants on the roof/garden of my building. What I didn't anticipate was how much the background would compete with the pants –hence the desaturation.

The pants are by Henrik Vibskov –who I'm currently in love with–and I picked them up at Eva NYC recently. I would never think of myself as someone who'd wear a print that included green polka dots but I love how loose and drapey they are and they're a nice alternative in the super hot weather we've been having. I've paired them with borrowed-from-a-friend Tory Burch white slides (which to me are sort of an ironic juxtaposition) and a basic black tank top.

Loose and colorful in the summertime

2011-07-22T21:31:00.000-04:00

Leave it to Lester of FashionIndie.com to work a look that is both colorful and comfortable in 90 degrees+ weather! A long striped tee looks more like a tunic with the sleeves cut off –giving it a cleaner line. You could live in this all day and still be ready to party the night away...and I love the pose. Wait: was that in 10 Poses to Get You Into Vogue? ...maybe you should add an eleventh!

Kendell keeps cool in a heatwave

2011-07-22T12:02:00.000-04:00

I didn't post yesterday because I was having my own personal nightmare attending an event sans air-conditioning in the city –so by the time I got home all I could do was shower and collapse in a heap in front of the DVR. The positive of yesterday was catching a few people who managed to look impervious to the heat. I saw Kendell in TopShop and then again on the street where I asked to take her photo. I love the insouciance of her attire, and how she's not letting the heat beat her into style blah-dom. KEEP COOL EVERYONE ;)

Linda Rodin rocks denim

2011-07-20T15:58:00.001-04:00

Even though I take photos of "street style" I often take photos before, after or during parties or events I'm attending because I like to show how people look "in my world" -meaning where I actually go as opposed to hanging out in the Meat ~~Market~~ Packing District or elsewhere looking for people. So it's not often that I'll chase someone down on the street! But when I saw Linda Rodin walk by on my way to the Ace Hotel I had to stop her. She is positively chic and I might add, utterly charming. –Isn't it funny how the truly chic are also more often than not really nice and those who are merely trendy tend to be the ones with bad attitudes? But I digress!

What I love in this look is her absolute fearlessness in wearing denim. From her jeans to her dress to her oversized Prada bag. While the bag is not denim it does remind me of a pair of Diesel jeans I used to have that I labeled my Britney jeans –in reference to Ms. Spears...the print looks much better on a bag!

Linda Rodin was a model in the '70s which explains how effortlessly she popped onto the car to pose. (and please note her perfected Street Style Pose on the left that I'll put any girl in who feels awkward in front of the camera!) She's now created her own line of elixirs for the skin, lips and hair RODIN olio lusso which you can learn more about on her website –or in this month's Vogue!

Check out the Specials Page ;)

2011-07-19T17:51:00.003-04:00

Please join me at Lord & Taylor this Thursday to meet the winning designers from FIT's collaboration with Keds!

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Boycott @Forever21 for stealing from independent designers, Feral Childe

2011-07-19T11:57:00.001-04:00

Hi there- I know this post is a bit different but I recently received an email from Alice and Moriah, the designers of the Brooklyn label Feral Childe that they are in a lawsuit with Forever 21. Feral Childe's original artwork has been used by Forever 21 without their knowledge or consent and frankly this infuriates and sickens me. As a reader of this blog I can only assume that you value creativity in fashion and support smaller designers. I know everyone– myself included –has enjoyed the "fast fashion" trend, where less expensive stylish clothes copy the runway in minutes. But like eating fast food, fast fashion has it's own pricetag which I've discovered more and more lately. In addition to some companies with questionable labor practices and products that are of such poor quality that you'll get rid of them in a season and add them to a landfill at a faster rate than quality products, there is blatantly stealing work. I'm not talking about being inspired by or even creating a similar version but straight out theft – as is the case with Feral Childe and Forever 21.

Their letter said it better than I can so to quote from it:

Feral Childe has always strived to bring you the very best in innovative, ethically-produced clothing that is made to last. When we first started out we could only dream about the day when we'd be able to design our own fabrics. With the support of our community--friends, family, collaborators, showroom, suppliers, contractors, and our loyal customers--we have grown the business to be able to offer our very original, very personal hand-drawn textile designs to you each season.

For the past fifteen years, we have dedicated ourselves to this artistic partnership. Feral Childe's designs are the product of these years invested in our deep friendship and artistic training. We create textile designs reflecting a singular aesthetic voice. It can take months for us to develop Feral Childe's prints. The creative process begins with the two of us sitting side by side drawing and painting together and continues as we comment, critique and edit until we perfect the print design.

Forever 21 has unfairly profited from Feral Childe's years of artistic development. Without any consideration or respect for the origin of the artwork, Forever 21's mass reproduction of our textile design without our permission is extremely unethical, and in direct violation of the law. It's frustrating that this enormous company, with over a billion dollars a year in revenues, would dare to poach the artistic creations of a small company such as ours.

Our Teepees design is protected by law, registered with the US Copyright Office. When we sent Forever 21 our cease and desist letter regarding this copyright infringement, Forever 21 denied liability and even stated that perhaps Feral Childe copied the design from another source. Once we received that outrageous response, our attorneys filed a lawsuit, currently pending in Federal Court in Los Angeles.

When I first started Style Defined NYC I had just moved to Brooklyn and was interested in learning more about the local talent. Alice and Moriah were two of the first designers I met. I was utterly impressed with their talent and thought process. We made this video together which I'm posting below so you can see for yourself how they do it.

@KristinPrim live and in color!

2011-07-18T20:46:00.000-04:00

Okay, we all love our all-black ensembles but sometimes...I mean sometimes a little color is okay. Right, Kristin? Hey at least your Chanel bag is black –and yes clearly Marcus got the all black memo - but we're proud of your foray into color! Good job –and you look cute! Mighty cute!!!

J Brand highwaisted jeans & Diana Orving top - What I'm Wearing Now

2011-07-17T17:11:00.000-04:00

I have not always been a fan of high waisted jeans. In fact, I'd say I've been the exact opposite: they always made me think of the dreaded "mom jeans" and seemed terribly ass flattening. (and trust me I have a flat enough ass as it is!) But ever since Marc Jacobs showed his colorful satin high waisted pants styled a la Jodie Foster in Taxi Driver, I've been intrigued. So a few weeks ago I let me friend Beth, who owns a boutique, bring me a pair to check out: the "Bette" jean from J Brand. My first thought was that they were too much an exact replicate of something from the '70s with their patch pockets in front, than a modern reinterpretation. But I tried them on and realized they're really soft and comfortable and it was really nice to have a different silhouette –so I decided to keep them and I'm sure they're going to be a major summer into fall staple!

I paired them with a cropped top by Diana Orving that I picked up at Opening Ceremony awhile back. I love the asymmetry in the hem of the top and how it's more revealing in back then in front. And worn with the higher jean there's no fear of the dreaded muffin top! Also wearing my favorite straw summer hat to protect myself from the sun, gold earrings that I've permanently borrowed from my mom and super comfortable "Lively" shoes by Nicole –on sale now at Piperlime!

Jamie Rosenthal seen @TribecaGrandNYC

2011-07-16T18:22:00.000-04:00

I stopped by the Tribeca Grand on Thursday evening to see Camilla Staerk's new short film 'Vanitas' which gorgeously showcased the STAERK Spring/Summer 2012 colection in collaboration with avant garde filmmaker Barnaby Roper, composer Sune Rose Wagner of The Raveonettes & artists of The Royal Danish Ballet. You can check it out here.

Naturally the premiere brought out many people in the industry. Jamie Rosenthal is a brilliant stylist who does work for both print and video...so don't hold it against her that she's model gorgeous!

Alejandro Calvani & Zana Bayne at the Soho Grand

2011-07-15T17:06:00.000-04:00

Earlier this month my friend Colleen Nika along with british designer Hannah Marshall had an intimate affair in The Yard at the Soho Grand. It didn't take the velvet rope to tell you who was part of this party –all you had to do was look for the all black ensembles with a little added flair. Zana is wearing one of her own custom made harnesses –currently being seen on Lady Gaga's dancers as well– and I adore Alejandro's round rimless specs.
These two are a rather dashing duo.

Clowns About Town: Take 2

2011-07-14T15:57:00.000-04:00

Last Thursday I showed a few photos from the first part of a shoot with the Clowns About Town for Standarth, JP. Here's a few from part two. This was for a modeling shoot featuring the Trion bag. Love these girls and their styling! These clowns will give you sweet dreams instead of nightmares!

Kickin' it casual in Williamsburg

2011-07-13T18:44:00.000-04:00

I saw these two outside of Pips, a new ping-pong/bar/hangout joint that my friend Mikey co-founded. It's in Williamsburg and if you are in the 'hood definitely check it out –it's all "pay what you will". Anyways! I just thought they were kind of adorable. And I love that she's wearing vintage Girbaud shorts. Lately I've become obsessed with Girbauds from the '80s when they had their label across the zipper...don't ask me why, I have no idea!

Curls on Top

2011-07-12T21:13:00.000-04:00

I met this girl last week at the party for the new Brooklyn Magazine (brought to you by the people of the L Magazine!) I can't remember her name which is making me slightly annoyed at the moment but I think she did some styling for the magazine. Anyways, in a little contrast to yesterday's post she's wearing jeans with a decidedly looser more relaxed fit –a nice option when you're not "feeling" your skinnies! The hair is nearly shaved on the sides and she's put her natural curls in a little pony tail on top which is super cute and playful.

Cool blonde on a hot day

2011-07-11T17:57:00.000-04:00

Tres simple, tres chic!

Giambattista Valli top-as-dress: What I'm Wearing Now

2011-07-10T15:29:00.000-04:00

Technically a tunic, I wore this recently as a dress...a short one! The volume in the sleeves and belted waist create a dramatic silhouette in an otherwise fairly simple piece. I didn't want to add any necklace and kept the accessorizing minimal –the orange Kelly bag was added for a pop of color!

Pattern on Pattern & Sheer black

2011-07-08T20:54:00.000-04:00

I generally love when people dare to wear two prints that don't "go together" in traditional terms. His striped shirt is very on trend right now – the pants are something else altogether...but somehow he makes it work. Maybe because of the shoes? Or the mustache?... On her: The high collar on the sheer shirt balances the short shorts and bikini top so she looks sexy and not slutty. Also you can't see the shine on the bikini top unless there's a light on it (like the flash of the camera) which also keeps it from being too much.

Photoshoot with Clowns About Town for Think Bee! bag

2011-07-07T15:02:00.001-04:00

This post is a little different! I recently did a photoshoot for a Japanese company that sells handbags. They gave me two of their handbags and asked me to shoot them in "my style". I wanted to do something a little different and as colorful and slightly kooky as the bags themselves so I asked the Clowns About Town if they would be interested in modeling for me. Here are a few of the photos from our session with the Think Bee! Animal Heart Shoulder Bag. Next week I'll show a few from our second shoot!

The Clowns About Town are a rabble rousing troupe of professional fun havers. Known for their saucy dance moves and devil may care attitude these fun loving femme fatals are the life and soul of every party. From glamorous afternoon tea time to raucous rag time raptures Jester Funshine, Ms. Toffelees, Colonel Watlington, and Miss Sticky Bunns lead the way in Charisma, Uniqueness Nerve and Talent!
The clowns are:
Hester Sunshine: Jester Funshine
Handley Elizabeth: Miss Sticky Bunns
Lara Quijones: Colonel Watlington
Emily Lesser: Ms. Toffelees

About ThinkBee!

BRAND CONCEPT
Think Bee! produces elegant and refined bags and wallets selected from excusive materials from all over the world. Many of Think Bee!’s bags and wallets feature hand-sewn designs, beads, and motif. Think Bee!’s entire collection is painstakingly crafted with passion and sincerity; Every piece in every line is viewed as a work of art. Some of Think Bee!’s products are designed to sparkle like jewels and others to glitter and shine like a sunny day. All of pieces are carefully crafted to dreamily arouse our customers’ curiosity. Our company emblem is a bee, which comes from an early design of a traditional Japanese noren. The bee’s heart-shaped torso is a purposeful pattern designed to express the passion and spirit we have felt since our beginning. You can see the heart-shaped motif a lot in our work, especially in “Just Heart,” our newest Think Bee! line.

MATERIAL
Think Bee! products begin with high-quality fabrics and materials imported from across Europe and North America. TEXNOVA, one of our chief suppliers, is based out of Lesmo, Italy. Their gobelin fabric is particularly unique and special to us. Using over 450 threads per inch, gobelin fabric is famous for its elaborate designs and tapestry-like qualities. The many tones and colors used in gobelin fabric allow for patterns with detail as intricate and delicate as a picture. TEXNOVA also does business with important Italian fashion companies and has had the honor of making fabric for the Pope. Over 450 different designs have featured TEXNOVA original fabrics found across the globe. You can also find Think Bee! products in castles, museums and churches in all over the world. All Think Bee! products derive from our company philosophy, “Always be creative.” Our partnership with TEXNOVA has enabled us to produce fresh new designs and high-quality pieces. ※Texnova’s gobelin fabric is made by a special machine called Tapestry4.

Kiss on top with Susanne Bartsch at The Standard

2011-07-06T20:03:00.000-04:00

Last night I unexpectedly found myself at Susanne's party, On Top at Le Bain. While I didn't have my Nikon with me I did have my smaller digital camera. Kiss and Susanne look like they could be sisters here and they're definitely sisters in style! I love how they both mix the shredded nature of punk with the sparkle and (in Susanne's case) bright colors of glam rock. Two looks with alot to inspire...

Short boots & shorter shorts

2011-07-05T13:59:00.000-04:00

Ever wonder how to wear shorts in the City and not look like a tourist? Take a cue from these girls and wear with black boots, oversized shades and a little attitude.

V-V-Versace! What I'm Wearing Now...

2011-07-03T10:34:00.003-04:00

Like LA loves prescription drugs and celebutantes New Yorkers love their black. And I am guilty of this as well. But sometimes in the summer black can seem so...dark! Last week I stopped in Allan & Suzi's vintage store to add a little color in my life. Recently re-located from the UWS to 237 Centre Street near Broome, it's a mecca of great designers of the past 30+ years. When I stopped by both Allan and Suzi were in and when I explained that I was a fashion blogger Allan's eyes lit up and he started rattling off specific pieces he thought I would absolutely love. (and he was so right) I felt like I was having my own private tour of the history of fashion featuring everything from a Hermes Kelly bag to vintage Lanvin platforms to insane '80s club kid gear.

I told them I was looking to add a little color to my life –starting with my wardrobe. Suzi told me she had the perfect dress for me and with a little flourish presented me with this Versace gown. I took one look at it and thought "No WAY is that going to look good on me". As someone who is 5'3" when I stand up straight and not exactly curvaceous, the idea of wearing a full length column dress seemed insane. But not wanting to be impolite, and being a little bit curious, I tried it on. And I fell in love. I felt transformed into some sleeker more sophisticated version of myself, and the experience taught me not to jump to conclusions as to what I can and cannot wear.

I won't be doing my everyday kind of shopping here but for special one of a kind situations I'll definitely be stopping by Allan & Suzi!
Also! Allan & Suzi have a space below their store that they are willing to rent out to a young designer as a workspace with the added bonus of having your clothes sold in the store. In addition they're looking for someone to help them part time with their website and social media –this would be a few times per week in the store. So if you're interested stop by and tell them you read about it on Style Defined!

Post Apocalyptic fashion

2011-07-02T14:54:00.000-04:00

Something about this look makes me think of Blade Runner. Like she'd be stalking the deserted city of the future in her jewel toned platforms and naturally blue hair...and you'd want to go along for the ride to see the secret places she knows about...

Springtime Fresh in the Summer at #LuckySocial

2011-07-01T15:06:00.000-04:00

One more look from the other evening! Annie is wearing high-waisted pants from Zara with a black corset top by Stella McCartney for H&M. Not everyone can pull off this shade of green but I think it works well with her coloring and she has the height to carry it off. It's also nice to see style inspiration for pants in the summer! She's also wearing bracelets from The Andean Collection and heels by Prada.

Spotted: A Fashion Addict at #LuckySocial @ElsaNYC

2011-06-30T12:23:00.000-04:00

Yesterday evening I stopped by the Summer Jam hosted by Lucky Magazine at Elsa's in the East Village. While it was full of stylish blogger chicas (and 2 boys!) I was struck by the casual Cali style of Lauren Steinger who blogs at DiaryofaFashionAddict.com. While she is not from California she admits that she vibes the West Coast style. Here she's wearing a Helmut Lang knit, bag from Chloe and Auden Necklace –a label I'm not that familiar with but she loves so I'm checking out asap!

Fingers and toes! And there's the rings: chunky, bold, vintage. LOVE THEM! I also love the nail polish which is a new one from Essie but damn if I can remember the name!!!

And lastly a detail shot of the shoes which were the hotly anticipated Julian Louie for ALDO.

Blonde in black

2011-06-28T20:29:00.001-04:00

Her whole look is clean and simple –without any jewelry and a simple clutch bag. I think she has an interesting look but I'm not entirely convinced by the hat...or maybe it's a trend I've seen too much lately. What do you think of the hat? The look altogether?

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Colleen Nika stops traffic in Frank Tell frock

2011-06-27T17:16:00.000-04:00

I've "known" Colleen via FB and Twitter for a little while but I actually met her in the real world last week at the Norwood. She is a super cool girl with (obviously) great style who is equally into music and fashion. Here she's wearing a dress by Frank Tell, Raphael Young boots and a Staerk clutch. They are all brilliantbrilliantbrilliant in my estimation.

Adam, me & Colleen at the Beady Eye after party. photo Jen Maler

What I'm Wearing Now...DVF silk flower jacket & Brahmin bag

2011-06-26T17:43:00.003-04:00

I am not overly fond of the little dress –black or otherwise. So in the summer I'm always trying to figure out appropriate yet fun yet still a little glam outfits for going out at night. My favorite this summer is my Diane von Furstenberg cropped jacket paired with denim shorts! Together they seem to solve the whole casual/dressy conundrum. This jacket has handsewn silk and vinyl "roses" on it so I'm loathe to throw a bag over my shoulder and crush them. My Brahmin Anytime Mini Bag which I got at a recent Vogue Influencer network event works perfectly because I can carry it by the strap or like a wristlet.

I just pair with Paige Denim shorts (formerly jeans I cut myself) and a black three dots tee and Steve Madden heels and I'm out the door!

3 styling guys

2011-06-24T18:52:00.000-04:00

A few posts back I had a 'back and forth' with a reader about men's fashion being driven by gay boys. I don't know if these guys are gay or straight but I do like their style –both collectively and individually. I ran into them at The Norwood last night at the after party for Beady Eye – which was easily the best event of my week...more on that soon! And happy Friday everyone ;)

Congrats to Monroe Steele

2011-06-24T18:43:00.001-04:00

You are the winner of the Deux Lux Gypsy Satchel!

Raquel Reed with friends at Le Bain

2011-06-23T20:37:00.000-04:00

I almost never post photos that aren't full length – but there is always an exception to the rule and when I had an opportunity to photograph the lovely Raquel Reed at Le Bain I took it. This girl has the most luminous skin I've ever seen and I love the supersaturated and simple color palette she's working –especially the yellow eyeshadow. Fantastic!

On Top at Le Bain

2011-06-22T17:21:00.000-04:00

This girl looks like a courtesan from another era - or a mash up of eras. The sexiness of the high skirt in front is balanced by the length of it in back and I find the handbag with the long tassel an interesting touch. I saw her last night at Susanne Bartsch and Kayvon Zand's new Tuesday night party at Le Bain at The Standard Hotel. This is quickly becoming my favorite late night weekly party. I can only hope it continues with the mix of people it attracts at least through summer –while we can enjoy the roof!

Vintage Glam

2011-06-21T21:11:00.000-04:00

There's wearing retro and then there's embodying an earlier period...I don't know if these girls dress like this 24/7 but I'm always impressed by those who do...regardless I think they're looking good!

Scott Edward Stevenson wears fur in June

2011-06-20T20:53:00.001-04:00

My friend Scott is a recent fashion grad from RISD so the fact that he has great style is kind of a "no duh" situation. I made him stop for a photo the other day because I am in LOVE with his Ohne Titel pants! The top is from a thrift store and the oxfords are decorated with a playful little DIY yellow fur accent. The best thing about having a fashion designer for a friend? He's taking a dress of mine from Top Shop that I kind of like but am kind of sick of and re-making it. Look for a photo of that coming soon!

What I'm Wearing Now...Peter Pilotto blouse & Deux Lux Bag (Giveaway Alert!)

2011-06-19T18:20:00.003-04:00

So I'm reviving something I started a little while back – which is sharing what I'm wearing once a week! Here I have on the amazing Peter Pilotto blouse I picked up last week at Opening Ceremony. The construction of this top to make the draping is insane! I almost put up a photo of it inside out to show–but thought that might be a bit obsessive! I paired it with Blue Cult wide leg jeans, and I'm also wearing L.A.M.B. Nomad Platform Pumps and Coach Sunglasses.

I'm carrying the Gypsy Satchel by Deux Lux. If you aren't familiar with the label it's unique in that it's super stylish and uses faux leather. We all know Stella McCartney is firmly anti-leather but it's great to find another label that cares equally about fashion and being animal friendly –and a bit better price point in my opinion too! The Gypsy Satchel is a great everyday bag:big enough to throw in everything you need and a great gold metal tassel that adds a big of glam!

I will be giving a Gypsy Satchel bag away at the end of this week! For your chance to win just comment below, on the Style Defined Facebook page or send a tweet to both @katya_nyc and @DeuxLuxBags. Do all 3 for three chances!

The devil with the blue dress on

2011-06-18T18:14:00.000-04:00

Oh kids these days! So I skipped the Mermaid Parade today but who needs mermaids when you have blue devils? Although it's the hairstyle of the girl on the left that I'm vibing most at the moment. Equally cute and edgy...as are the three en toto.

Becka Diamond & Chelsea Leyland at the Ash Store Opening

2011-06-16T23:44:00.000-04:00

I love that Becka has the super white blonde hair again. It's a great contrast to her all black wardrobe. I just met Chelsea the other night and she's super sweet. Her style is a bit more girly than Becka's but still intriguing.

I also had a chance to meet Solange Knowles who could not be a nicer person. She was rocking a Diane Von Furstenberg dress in this photo. And my friend and emerging fashion designer Scott Stevenson is the cute boy on the left!

Chic Sisters at the Ash Store opening

2011-06-15T21:20:00.001-04:00

On the left is The Glamourai.com's, Kelly Framel who attended the event with her sister. These two are utterly adorable in full minis that are nipped at the waist. I love how Kelly paired with a blazer which gives it a slightly formal look and the black and white clutch is great!

An homage to Versace

2011-06-14T19:31:00.000-04:00

In the '90s, if you were a gay boy, you needed two things: abs, and a silk print Versace shirt. Well, the abs stuck around, but silk prints died off. This ambiguously gay youth is paying homage to the great, but in his own way. The sleeveless version modernizes the look, but keeps it relevant by adding punk vibe.

Disco Pants and Rainbow Shoes!

2011-06-13T21:32:00.000-04:00

These are the pants my Barbie had when I was little and wore with rollerskates and wanted soooo bad when I was about five years old. I imagined then that when I was 13 years old (a TEENAGER) I would have a pair and wear them with rainbow suspenders and hot pink rollerskates. Alas, by the time I was 13 I was completely over this conceptually. But when I saw her I was in utter awe...oh to have disco pants...

What I'm Wearing Now...TOGA from Opening Ceremony

2011-06-12T16:44:00.002-04:00

I literally just came back from Opening Ceremony's sample sale where I bought this Toga Archives dress. Toga is a Japanese line and I don't know where else to find it in NYC. I fell in love with this dress because I loved the mix of fabrics -silk, wool, velvet and metal and the layering of textures. It's really unique and fun. I also picked up an amazing Peter Pilotto blouse (coming soon to this blog) Opening Ceremony is one of my favorite stores because they carry really unique designers that even in NYC it's hard to find anywhere else. Since today was the last day of the sale everything was an additional 50% off–this almost convinced me to buy a mustard colored fur coat that looked made for a pimp...I resisted, but maybe next time!

ps I made the photo black and white because I felt like you can actually see the dress better this way!

2 x SuperCute!

2011-06-11T20:09:00.001-04:00

If you were a harajuku girl that fell asleep one night in your cozy flat (injapanese city) and woke up in 1985 on the bowery, you might be scared. But how would you cope? by dressing the part of course!?

Friends With You at The Hole Gallery

2011-06-10T18:13:00.000-04:00

Last night the Hole Gallery had an opening for Friends With You gallery show. I guess your Friends are everywhere lately in the city! I personally love the massive installation by the Highline, but during rain (like last night) you can always dip into The Hole to see their work inside –like these 2 did.

Seen at Deryck Todd fashion launch event

2011-06-09T22:17:00.001-04:00

Deryck Todd has worn many hats in the NYC nightlife scene: from promoter to photoshoot director to the organizer of the infamous annual Bowie ball. Now he has gone literal with the hat motif designing customized one-of-a-kind trucker hats built with club kids in mind. Translation: lots of rhinestones and heavy metal. Tonight he had a party for the launch of his 2011 Spring/Summer collection called "Diamond Distict". Above is Omar wearing one of Todd's creations.

Me and Deryck Todd (taken with an iphone!)

At the opening of the Highline pt 2 with AOL & Friends With You

2011-06-08T18:39:00.001-04:00

Last night I went to the opening celebration of the next part of the Highline – Downtown's fabulous park and as much nature as I need in the city. (Although dogs should be allowed –not just tourists!) I love the print on this girl's skirt and that she wore it with oxfords!

But what I really loved were the insane balloons created by the genius designers of Friends With You whom I've loved since forever. Or since they were around...

And if you weren't at the opening celebration last night no worries! They'll be up for a little while longer so check it out! 30th street and 10th Ave.

Oh final note: Hey Highline and AOL! Get with Twitter already. There was no hashtag for the event and no one I spoke to related to the event even knew what a hashtag was...are you listening AOL???!?

Where are we going again?

2011-06-07T23:26:00.002-04:00

I literally met Ashley Tschudin on a street corner tonight. We were both looking for the address to the same event. When I saw her hot pink bra peeking out from under a Chanel logo'ed tee and sky high heels I knew we must be going to the same place - the Mintbox event. We then met up with Matthew Anderson (on the left) who led us in the right direction! I love Matthew's rings that he picked up on St. Mark's Place and Ashley's whimsical style is very LA (which is where she's from - and if her style didn't give her away her use of the word "gnarly" would have ) –but we loved her nonetheless

Q&A on Boots4You

2011-06-07T12:35:00.000-04:00

Boots4You asked me a little Q&A including my favorite shoes. Here are my ancient but highly loved Via Spiga's. Check out Boots4You to see what else I like!

Summertime on Lafayette Street

2011-06-06T22:05:00.000-04:00

I stopped these girls while I was on my way to an art opening the other night. They just seemed to say "summer in the city" to me. You can't really tell in this photo but the girl on the left has knotted her skirt. Is this a trend? I saw one styled like that in a store recently and I'm not really sure what I think. I do love the retro appeal of the Nike's and knee highs on the right though!

Kiss and Make Up

2011-06-05T21:46:00.000-04:00

Kiss, the punk nouveau girl on the left, has been on Style Defined before but I loved her eye makeup the other night so had to share...

Into the woods or on top of The Standard

2011-06-04T20:52:00.000-04:00

He looks like he should be a woodsman and she looks like she's wearing a ballerina dress (but I LOVE it) but I still like them. Or maybe I like them because of that...or because of the boots? And I have a question: Is the facial hair on men the new version of the metrosexual?

You are your own superhero at the NYPL's Anti-Prom

2011-06-03T22:02:00.007-04:00

If, like me, you didn't attend prom because you were considered too "out there" to fit in, than the New York Public Library's Anti-Prom would have been the place for you. Anti-Prom is an event that provides an alternative, safe space for all teens who may not feel welcome at official school proms or dances because of their sexual orientation, the way they dress, or for any other reason.
CLICK BELOW TO SEE MORE

With ChiChi Valenti/The Jackie Factory providing entertainment, Johnny Dynell - the official DJ of Vandam working the music, Barneys New York providing gift bags and Bill Cunningham on the scene photographing the event for the NY Times this is not only the "anti-prom" but the prom that nurtures the next generation of designers, djs, and nightlife creatives of New York.

Group shot of fashion show participants and instructors

This year there was also a fashion show featuring looks by ten students from the High School of Fashion Industries inspired by the Anti-Prom's "super (hero)" theme as well as by visits to NYPL’s Library for the Performing Arts, the Art and Architecture Collection, and the Mid-Manhattan Picture Collection. The end result were outfits that I could imagine on the likes of Katy Perry or Lady Gaga...or one of the not-yet-discovered superstars dancing the night away at the ultimate Anti-Prom.

Models looking down on the crowd before the show.

2 for 1 Platinum Blondes

2011-06-02T22:07:00.000-04:00

I don't know who these girls are, but I'm guessing they're part of the burlesque scene from how they're dressed. I love their matching outfits and their retro handbags.

Terrence Francois keeps cool in neutrals

2011-06-01T23:11:00.000-04:00

It's the little things that make things work. In this case it's details like a feather earring, safety pins on the jacket and a necklace made from zippers. The necklace is by Marc Jacobs and is worn with a burnout tee and pants by Topman, a vintage vest and Gatsby boots by Steve Madden.

Va-va-va voom. Pin-up style alive and well in NYC

2011-05-31T20:43:00.000-04:00

Katy O'Neil is a dear friend of mine and also dresses like a pin-up girl 24/7. I love the commitment to an aesthetic and I think it really suits her. I also love how there's the sign that says 'fire extinguisher' on the wall next to her!

The nylons are sick. It honestly looks like she's not wearing anything on her legs from the front -they are that sheer- but have this great detailing on the back!

Oh! You Pretty Things: The New Romantics

2011-05-30T18:55:00.000-04:00

I photographed Anna & Kayvon Zand outside Le Poisson Rouge last night at Oh! You Pretty Things, the GLAMorous shenanigans produced by Michael T., Benjamin Ickies, Shien Lee & Twig the Wonderkid. A fashion show by Wren Britton, tons of live performances accompanied by an orchestra and a dance performance were all part of the mix. I don't know if it was a throwback to earlier club days or really the beginning of something new but whatever it was it was divine. And before you ask: I did not photoshop the photo above. Anna really has a wasp waist in this corset!

Kayvon onstage

The symphonic rock band, This Ambitious Orchestra provided the music for the performances by Kayvon, Twig the Wonderkid & Benjamin Ickies & Shien Lee among others.

Little White Dress - perfect for summer nights

2011-05-28T20:29:00.000-04:00

I don't post many photos of girls in short dresses. The reason is that while mostly they look cute they don't seem to do more than that. And I'm not sure that this one is much more than just 'cute' either to be honest. But I thought it was a good alternative to black and it felt summery and appropriate for Memorial Day Weekend. Let me know if you think this look is indeed blogworthy. (Assuming the commenting function is working again! :) )

Super pale, Super chic - Sophie

2011-05-27T21:30:00.000-04:00

There is something about Sophie that I find utterly captivating. She has a great mix of old fashioned elegance and modern edge. And her pale skin on a hot summer day somehow looks so much better than those that over-compensate with bronzer in an attempt to be tan when it doesn't come naturally. It's all about working with what you have and making it work for you!

3 Seen at EVA NYC

2011-05-26T19:14:00.001-04:00

Fresh, Kandi and Terrence Francois stopped by our soiree yesterday at Eva. They're recent transplants from Miami to Brooklyn and I, for one, could not be happier to welcome new creative energy to town. (they've started an artist's collective in the Clinton Hill area of Brooklyn)

And Kandi's look full length. (the boys coming soon) She's wearing a vintage jumpsuit paired with a jacket from Bebe and some crazy leopard print platform shoes. I personally love the white blonde hair...but then we know blondes have more fun!
ps shoes are "Wicked" by STEVEN - by Steve Madden

A beau with a bow - file under new york club kids

2011-05-24T21:39:00.000-04:00

What can I tell you? These two leave me speechless. Happy, but speechless.

We interrupt this program for a little shopping

2011-05-23T20:44:00.002-04:00

Yeah, it says it on the right banner, I know. But I wanted to post this on the blog because some people just read it via email or a feed. So, if you're in NYC this Wednesday stop by EVA NYC! If you read this you know I'm a huge fan of Stephanie Pappas's boutique and that it carries great indie designers that I've also featured like Katie Gallagher, Mandy Coon and Logan Neitzel! All are welcome but please rsvp to Julia@styledefinednyc.com.
ALSO: I've been alerted that there are 2 blogger blogs stealing my content and putting up as their own. (I won't mention them and give them additional link press) I'm trying to figure out if they're actually coming and copying or if it's programmed. I figure if THIS goes up it's programmed. And if you're reading this anywhere other than on StyleDefined NYC please know it's the site of a rather dodgy thief!

A twist on the trenchcoat

2011-05-22T17:33:00.000-04:00

Take a cue from Dapper Lou on how to look sharp in unpredictable springtime weather. Everyone knows that a trenchcoat is a staple in spring but the bright blue is a brilliant departure from the ordinary beige.

All in black, long in black & looking good

2011-05-20T17:16:00.000-04:00

All black is boring? Safe? Predictable? Possibly. But it also can be utterly stylish when there's a nice balance to lengths and textures as shown here. I also love the white beads that reference proper pearls but without the perfect roundness.

A boy in neutrals is not neutral

2011-05-19T22:17:00.000-04:00

Adorable...I'm a bit jetlagged tonight so that's all I have to say.

Last night outside Le Bain

2011-05-18T19:59:00.001-04:00

Despite the non-stop rain last night, club kids came out for Susanne Bartsch and Kayvon Zand's new party at Le Bain. Honestly, I don't love this club: it's too narrow and the whirlpool kinda freaks me out. To be fair, it's great when you can lounge outdoors on the astro-turf. But last night with everyone packing inside I felt utterly claustrophobic. On my way to a cab I met these two...an event that made the entire night worthwhile.

Chic Mama

2011-05-17T18:54:00.000-04:00

Admittedly, I'm not overly fond of the under 18 set. And mostly they tend to wreak havoc on a woman's style - and if you don't believe that you've never watched one of the many makeover shows starring bedraggled mothers. So it's great to see someone who defies the stereotype. And the little girl looks like a definite future fashionista as well.

Malik is looking oh so chic

2011-05-15T19:20:00.000-04:00

It's been ages since I last saw Malik So Chic...in fact I had begun to believe the rumors that he left for the West Coast and Lala-land. But perhaps I just didn't recognize him since he's ditched the over-sized frames and added a mustache. I, for one, believe he is advancing his own sartorial style with these changes. And love the hat.

A Super Colorful Pair

2011-05-14T21:32:00.000-04:00

...you would think that I only photograph people in pairs if you look at the blog lately...note to self: be aware of this! But seriously, at parties etc it's more natural. Anyways it was the colors these two are wearing that caught my attention - and the slightly odd cut of the dress on the right. What do you think of it?

James & Sergio seen in Soho

2011-05-13T22:06:00.000-04:00

I can't quite classify their looks: neither full on preppy nor as stylized as dandies...casual elegance, perhaps? Love the red pants on the left and the shoes sans socks on both. But my favorite part of this photo is how they've both tilted their heads slightly as if by plan. (which I can assure you was merely coincidental!)

What Goes Around Comes Around NYC

2011-05-11T21:57:00.000-04:00

These two work at one of my favorite vintage stores in NYC, What Goes Around Comes Around. They were kind enough to step outside so I could take their photo. I love how they both have a retro vibe while still feeling utterly contemporary. AND they recently featured me on their blog so I loved the opportunity to return the compliment. ;)

Parsons BFA #2

2011-05-10T22:58:00.000-04:00

I really should just make a little photo gallery but since I haven't had time I thought I'd put up another individual picture. It's clear I'm responding to bright, bold colors even though I don't often wear them myself. This print and the color combination makes me think of Palm Beach Florida ladies. This design by Snehal Bathwal is what their hip daughters might wear instead.

Seen at Parsons BFA fashion show

2011-05-09T22:23:00.001-04:00

Talent runs deep at Parsons, and that's clear at the BFA Fashion Show. This year it was held at Chelsea Piers with 34 students showing their work on the runway and several more displaying work in the reception area. I decided to post this dress by Lizette Avineri tonight because I was drawn to the energy and color in the design. And I realized it reminded me of graffiti I photographed on my way to the show as well so I'm putting that below! Let me know if you want to see more pix from the Parsons Runway here - or else look for them on my twitter account soon! @katya_nyc

Thigh high boots in the spring?

2011-05-08T19:48:00.000-04:00

I'm not always a fan of thigh high boots, but I think she pulls them off well. I also love the watercolor print of the coat. The only wrong note to me is the little white beaded purse - I'd love something a bit bolder/less delicate with this outfit.

Mixing long and short at a Vogue Influencer event

2011-05-07T17:55:00.000-04:00

Last week there was an event for Brahmin bags for members of the Vogue Influencer Network. (more on that soon) I thought it was interesting how these two mixed long and short. One, with the cropped top and the other with a short skirt under a longer sheer layer. Also the girl on the left reminds me of Lisa Bonet circa the end of The Cosby Show where she played the fashion forward Denise Huxtable...

Looking like Rockstars

2011-05-06T17:42:00.000-04:00

Malcolm Harris is one of my favorite people to photograph out and about and last night was no exception. He and his friend had a kind of rocker vibe in their dress last night...very fashionable rockers, of course!

Andrej Pejic + friends at the Nicolas Pol exhibit

2011-05-05T21:22:00.001-04:00

Fashion lovers filled 560 Washington for Nicolas Pol's new show of paintings. And no wonder considering that the curator is Vladimir Restoin Roitfeld. I'm intrigued by the beige number on famously androgynous (and utterly breathtaking) male model Andrej Pejic* on the left and am amused by the license plated Adidas logo on the kicks center.

*thank you to the reader who wrote in and identified him.

New York Nightlife Style - Crazy Colorful

2011-05-04T16:41:00.000-04:00

Anyone who thinks that style = expensive hasn't been out in the city. You may hate his style (which I happen to love) but have to give him props for creativity and fearless use of color.

And a little closer detail of makeup - shown with friends.

You tell me: do they match on purpose or not?

2011-05-03T16:27:00.000-04:00

These two personify casual chic and I love how they're color coordinated...on purpose or mere coincidence?

And the shoes by Dior? To Die For!

Shades of grey looking great

2011-05-02T23:56:00.000-04:00

Grey is one of my favorite wardrobe colors so naturally I am drawn to her outfit. The sparkly platform heels and Chanel bag are downright covetable.

Turban Girl - a modern take on this vintage style

2011-05-01T20:35:00.000-04:00

In the movies from the '30s the women in turbans always looked so glamorous. It's hard to pull this off in 2011. But she accomplishes this by adding a few key accessories: the sunglasses and dramatic gold earrings while keeping everything else simple. So chic!

A little white dress...cute or on thin ice?

2011-04-30T19:52:00.001-04:00

I took this photo because her all white ensemble in the dark room caught my eye. It's certainly refreshing to see white at night somewhere other than below the nose, but the length and fullness of the skirt makes me think of a skating costume...or maybe it's the opaque tights she's wearing. The detailing on top though is really nice. And him? He's cute.

Bklyn Couple with Great Hair + Cat Eyes

2011-04-29T18:26:00.000-04:00

Spotted these two while walking home from the subway. Since I don't reside in that self-consciously fashionable neighborhood that shall not be named (but you know where I mean!) I loved coming across two such fabulous looking people mere blocks from my abode!

I'm especially loving the cat eyes makeup and the snake earrings- which remind me of the door knocker earrings popularized by hip-hop culture in the '80s but on a more sophisticated level.

The always luscious Ladyfag

2011-04-28T12:47:00.000-04:00

Okay, I normally have a rule about posting photos where someone is cut off: that I just don't do it because it's a tragedy to not see the shoes! But I thought Ladyfag looked so good here how could I not share it with you?!? Also I've recently posted some lovely but a little conservative fashion and want to get back to sharing a bit more nightlife style with you. So enjoy!

Two Cute

2011-04-27T20:03:00.000-04:00

Sometimes couples seem to "match" and it feels too thought out and saccharine. And sometimes it just seems like they have similar tastes...these two seem to fall into the latter category. And I love that she's wearing oxford shoes at night!

Lacoste + Catherine Malandrino

2011-04-26T21:12:00.000-04:00

When I think of Lacoste I am back to my childhood and the little alligator polo shirts the popular kids wore. Alas, they were out of our budget and my ever practical mother figured why pay the extra money when you could get the same thing sans the 'gator at JC Penney's? Then, thankfully, the preppie trend went away and I was no longer tormented by the alligator. But now it's back. And thanks to the collaboration with designer Catherine Malandrino it's better than ever. You can't see in this photo but this dolman sleeved top has not one but TWO alligators facing each other (or "kissing" as my friend Sean noted). And I am loving how it's paired with these casual yet chic white harem pants. So there just might be an alligator in my closet in the very near future!

Springtime Fresh

2011-04-25T16:52:00.000-04:00

Kim Julien was also part of the organizing force for The Urban Catwalk Symposium. Love the cut-out lace effect on the skirt and how she mixes it with a gingham checked button up and denim jacket. A perfect cute/casual affair.

From the Urban Catwalk

2011-04-24T19:05:00.000-04:00

This weekend I attended the Urban Catwalk - a Fashion + Street Culture Symposium held at Yale. Madison Moore and Alex Tudela (shown here) are two of the geniuses behind the symposium that featured a range of speakers from Michaela Angela Davis to Guy Trebay of the NY Times and Chiomi Nnadi formerly of Fader and now Vogue - as well as several Doctoral students giving papers around the subject. Anyways, Madison and Alex get mad props for putting this together - is it any wonder they are Brooklyn boys?

street style with the new longer skirt length - but not Maxi

2011-04-23T20:41:00.000-04:00

Another photo from the Magnum Ice Cream / Karl Lagerfeld party. I took this photo because she is wearing the newer calf length skirt, that seems to be just now making appearances in the evening. Love how she paired it with a leopard cami and more structured jacket on top. The key to successfully wearing a long skirt is keeping the jacket short. And she tops it all off with a velvet brimmed hat.
Oh, I've left out the boy! I don't have much to say about him: attractive, tasteful...maybe not brown shoes?

Seen: Tyler Glenn lead singer of @neontrees at Karl Lagerfeld Tribeca Film Fest Debut

2011-04-21T23:35:00.000-04:00

Magnum Ice Cream got Karl Lagerfeld to direct 3 "films" aka commercials for them featuring Rachel Bilson. Naturally, they had a premiere party during the Tribeca Film Festival. The champagne was flowing and the event was filled with fabulous people. Including the super friendly and approachable band, Neon Trees. This is the lead singer Tyler Glenn looking lovely in navy with red and white accents. Check them out. I'm listening to their music right now and it's pretty damn good!

and check out @katya_nyc on twitter to see my pix of karl and anna - not great so I'm not posting them here - you can only see them if you really really want to! xo k

My Proust Questionaire for Die Zeit

2011-04-21T15:38:00.001-04:00

The Berlin based newspaper, Die Zeit, recently invited me to answer their Proust Questionaire for bloggers. I was a bit tongue-in-cheek in my responses and so I'm not sure how it translated! So I thought I'd put it here in English. You can read it below if you like.

What in the 19th Century salons are now blogs. In this sense, we have the tradition of the legendary Marcel Proust questionnaire for our favorite bloggers back to life. The choice-New Yorker, blogger and photographer Katya Moorman, shows in her blog Styledefined a mix of street style, nightlife, and of trends from the streets of New York. Meanwhile, both the blogger and her blog has almost cult status there, which was named even by French Vogue as one of the best style blogs.
What is a perfect blog for you?
One that isn't boring! Just because you CAN have a blog doesn't mean you should!
If you’re going to assault the world with your opinions/musings/"art", please make it
worth our while! Show me something new and with an original point of view and never
post fashion campaigns with your obsequious comments…then you’re just “working for
the man” for free.

Which blogger do you most identify with? Myself

What is your favourite occupation online?
Answering questions for foreign publications. And reading other people’s diaries while drinking gin & tonics.

What is your favourite occupation offline?
Answering questions for foreign publications. And reading other people’s diaries while
drinking gin & tonics.

On what occasion do you write lies? See above

Who is your favourite hero in the web? I can’t say on the web per se so I will change the
question to who is my favourite hero that I don’t personally know. And my answer is:
currently it’s Tom Ford. I thought he was a great designer and then his film, A Single
Man, blew me away. It’s the most gorgeous film I’ve ever seen. I admire his work ethic,
creativity, fearlessness and pr/marketing savvy.

Who is your favourite hero in real life? My heros in real life are the old school drag queens
that I party with at Vandam on Sunday nights. They went out on an edge to express
themselves when it was still risky to do so and continue to be themselves when some
consider it cartoonish or passé. I have great respect for those who go against the cultural
grain –with wit, a sense of humor and mad style!

Which characteristics do you like about the people you meet in the web? What I like is
the opportunity to meet them. Twitter is amazing in that way….but ultimately my
relationships are in real life or in the nightclubs…which aren’t exactly “real life”
either…

Which characteristics do you like about people you meet in real life?
I like interacting with people in real life much more because it's much easier to spot a
lie once someone has had a few cocktails. There isn't much transparency in the world of
online alter egos.

What do you like least in the web? The time suck. I could waste the day away between
Twitter, Facebook, online shopping, email and checking the current prices of AAPL and
BIDU

What annoys you most about bloggers?
Many fashion bloggers are boring and narcissistic in person. But what really annoys me is when they don’t bother with proper spelling and grammar.

What annoys you most about yourself?
That I live in a hell of my own making. The industry moves so fast that sometimes if you take a second to blink, you miss out on an opportunity, or if you don't go to a party you could miss that great picture, etc.

Your happiest moment as a blogger? I don’t know if was my happiest moment but my blog
was chosen for French Vogue’s round up of the best fashion blogs in the world. And
mine was the only one featured from New York. That made me pretty happy.

Which was your greatest achievement as a blogger?
Hmmm... last summer J&B Whisky was doing a special promotion for the Manhattan Cocktail in Madrid. They selected me as one of 4 people considered to be “iconic New Yorkers”. So they sent me to a party in Madrid and it was first class all the way: hotel, airplane etc and my photos were blown up the size of the walls. It was amazing!

Which skill you would like to have?
To be invisible. And to be able to be “beamed up” as a mode of transportation a la Star
Trek.

Which blogger would you like to be when you could be reborn?
The highest paid.

Your greatest extravagance?
Quitting a secure job I hated, selling my house, and moving back to NYC, the most expensive city in the US, just as the economy collapsed – and deciding to continue to work freelance and develop my photography and blog instead of look for a new job.

Your present state of mind?
Cautiously optimistic and slightly acerbic.

What is your motto?
There is no “try”, either you do or you don’t.

Susanne Bartsch

2011-04-20T21:24:00.000-04:00

The lovely and legendary Susanne Bartsch wearing an amazing dress by The Blonds...is there anything else to say?

A skirt suit for men (?)

2011-04-19T21:26:00.000-04:00

I have to say that I find the graphic nature of the skirt and jacket aesthetically pleasing. And I don't object to men bending gender expectations...but I'm less convinced by the pants underneath that look like they're cuffed out of necessity (as in too long) than as a sartorial decision, and I think for anyone to wear both the skirt and the jacket might be a bit of an overkill. But what do you think?

Real Life Cartoon/Anime/LA Girl

2011-04-18T22:34:00.000-04:00

We know from time to time I am prone to bust on LA as the hot pink plastic capital of the universe. But once in awhile it surprises me. This girl is from LA. (well actually she has an accent that would seem she's from somewhere even more foreign than California - if that's possible) But she now lives in LA and I still found her quirky and charming. I think she's a budding pop star of sorts so if you recognize her as someone you know, drop me a line!

I really loved this gutted bear bag. It's sick in all senses of the word.

Goth Nouveaux aka the Anti-Dandies

2011-04-17T19:45:00.000-04:00

Since attending the Fine & Dandy Shop event the other night I left with the impression that bow ties were de rigeur for young manhattan men. But of course skinny & shredded is the other side of the sartorial coin and everything else seems to live somewhere between these two extremes...