Friend Fridayz: But I look good, don't I? pt.1

This week we are discussing blogging and body image.* And in all honesty I am very excited to answer these. Also, by 5pm (Est) tomorrow I will have videos of the start of my 60 day challenge to eat better and exercise from home. I feel that they both have similar distinctions although I don't want to get "sexy" just for the sake of this blog. Each year I set physical goals for myself to achieve, this is by far the most ambitious. The goal with this project is to enlighten my readers through my You Tube the difficulties and rewards of treating your body right. And there will be a return to the video outfit post! 

An old outfit vlog post. Just a preview! 

Body image is something that the fashion industry stills struggles with. I could spend a whole week on the general opinion of fashion models as more luxury commodity than people that could receive injury from eating disorders. So how does a blogger tackle this subject of body image? I think it is much easier for fashion bloggers to say: "F this, I am doing my own thing!".  Fashion models, editors, designers, and all the other hard workers in the industry don't really have that option. So let's keep that in mind as we progress, shall we?

1. Since you started blogging has your image of yourself changed? If anything it has empowered me to be myself more so even if it isn't popular. The body shapes of the more popular bloggers echo that of a more realistic runway model. Who would not be intimidated to be a size 14 in that environment? So yes, I felt a little self conscious that people would not read what I had to say because of my size but I created the blog anyway. I also find inspiration from my bootilicous blog friends and friends I interact with on a weekly basis. 
I am glad that I have not discovered too many bloggers altering themselves physically purely for more readers or for more brands to recognize them. Although, unfortunately, I think those bloggers exist it sets an odd precedent for your readers.

2. Are you self-conscious about any aspect of yourself? If so, do you go out of your way to avoid it or do you post it/talk about it anyway? I am always self conscious about my voice both as a blogger and as a person. I can come off pretty strong willed! And it can intimidate in all the wrong ways or at least that is my perception. No one can avoid who they are without major identity changes. And the same goes for myself, I just try and stay aware of my problems. Subjects of my personal life rarely enter my blog. Maybe they should: I like reading bloggers that are willing to be vulnerable to their audience.

3. Based on how you are feeling now, what do you think the future holds in the evolution of your body image? I had an eating disorder in middle school and high school. That was a struggle I would not wish on anyone. This disorder was considered "acute" by my guidance counselor because I never lost "too much" weight. This is just an example of how complex eating disorders are. Not only stick thin women and men have them. So to deal with it with an absence of psychological help was a true struggle but I came out on the other side with a healthier view on life. That is not to say my mind slips on occasion but I just feel more comfortable with me.
The future will probably see me loosing weight and running a marathon or doing some ambitious task like that. Why? Because I admire bloggers like Leslie Bangs who not only discusses fashion but insists on pushing boundaries and getting fit for her health! If you have not checkout her blog do so here: http://bangsandabun.com/. I am looking forward to this 60 day challenge as well. I started this week with 30 minute workouts in the morning every other day and a shift in dietary habits! Next week, alternating with 45-1hr exercise days I will be doing yoga. I am very excited.

4. Do you photograph yourself for your blog? If so, how do you feel about the experience when you're having your picture taken? If you choose not to post pictures of yourself, what prompted that decision? Yes I photograph myself for my blog. And I have talked about this on my blog before. I had an insecurity as a blogger that would some how pigeon hole myself into a personal style blogger over night. That could not be further from the truth. And while I am behind on my 30x30 postings the project has helped me to look at shooting my outfits in a different way. When I am photographed by someone else I am pretty comfortable. Alternatively, when I am photographing myself it is a struggle. Being my own photographer forces me to wear multiple hats at the same time and sometimes it conflicts with the picture. I like that process and I like sharing that process with my readers.

5. What would you want every person who struggles with body image to take to heart? Size is nothing but a number, do what is healthy. What is healthy for you is the best for you! And you are beautiful person regardless of your size!

If you are a blogger, has your blog made you examine yourself more closely?
If you are not a blogger, do blogs make you reasses your body image at all?

*Thanks again to Katy Rose for maintaining the FBFF group and to all of its participating members who are a constant resource and inspiration. 

Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D.

Moodboarding: Bluez and Blax

As if! 
I can't articulate my loves and likes very well without splitting them up into sections. But to delineate from this I have made a collage of what has been on my mind lately. Black and blue is often what I dress in if I am not out on the town. It is a pretty matte way to dress during the day which is why I get colorful in clothing selection at night. For this first of many posts like this I have been terrible at crediting these pictures but I will do my best underneath. 

From top right...
1. Unknown credit: knit underwear and shorts are something I want to make and wear or purchase. But I am not sure when either event will take place. Seeing as I have been too sick to string words together to blog it will not be the former. Aren't they gorgeous? And they are perfect for winter or summer.


2. Street snap by Face Hunter (I think): A nicely dressed couple is always inspiring. I like his trench just as much as I like her school marm dress. I am still obsessed with long dresses but would prefer for the "maxi dress" trend to die. Does it have to be a maxi? Can it just be a long or flowly or lengthy gown? 


3. An editorial on The Fashionisto: The models face is comically stoic. And I think he is trying to tell me about my life since the new year started. The hat is the most inspiring but I would rather stare at it then wear it.


4. The Facehunter (in Taipei): How moody, to get the full extent of this gentleman's outfit you have to click on the photo above. He is dressed in an impressive purple trouser and carries a leather briefcase as a manpurse. 


5. Hedi Slimane: Yes Mr. Slimane did capture de Niro. Photographers everywhere are gasping in jealousy I am sure. Hmm, why is this inspiring? It is his stare, the stare of a man that knows a lot from pure experience. My grandmother gives this same smirk from time to time. It is just a landmark picture to me. Although since tumblrs and photographers are a dime a dozen this picture will not have any weight to the general public. You can find the rest of the photos on Slimane's diary blog.


6. The Fashionisto: Patrick Dine is a model I am not familiar with but is stoic model stare got me to pay attention. I think the hairstyle also encouraged me to take a closer look at this intense photo.


7. Unknown (maybe Face Hunter): Oh cloud shoes, why can't you be mine? Maybe one day I will come across some canvas oxfords that I can sponge paint on. Until then...I yearn still.


I love the well thought out comments I have been getting from you! What inspires you this week? Would it be over kill to post this once a week?

Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D.

The awesome and sassy Jai from The Fat and The Skinny on Fashion blog donned me with a lovely crown of Stylish Blogger! When you’ve been honored with this award you are supposed to share 7 things about yourself and pay it forward to 15 newly discovered bloggers. So here it goes:
1. Fresh Prince and Dj Jazzy Jeff albums are all that are playing on my speakers lately.
2. I recently made a new friend, he's a butcher.
3. I love anime. I recently started to watch Great Detectives Poirot and Marple again.
4. For a short time a year ago I was in a band called Fridge A: http://www.myspace.com/fridgeamusic
5. Last year, for 3 months I lived with 10 other people.
6. I am a good chef but terrified of baking.
7. One of my biggest guilty pleasures, because I am American, is that I am in love with Britpop bands.

So the lucky 15 are....*drumroll*

• Creative Cookie
• Eat On This
• Feigned Perfection
• Is Mental
• Some Required

Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D.

Favored Opinions: Tom Ford S/S 2011 Collection

Here is a new feature on the blog, yes another one, where I give praise to or politely disagree with the fashion business. And where else to start but the newest Tom Ford menswear lookbook for the Spring/Summer season. Where do I start with this one? I sincerely love the Palm Springs, Casablanca, Cuban pimp aesthetic but....

Let's start with my favorites. Sheer admiration goes to the days when wearing wingtips and mini polkadot ties were in style. Those guys were a dime a dozen in the 20s, 40s, and even the 50s and 60s. But what happened? Maybe we, the consumer, got a little too lazy. Maybe we ditched the idea of looking good as an idea of narcissism. That makes sense because it is a little narcissistic to worry about what plaid goes with what shoe or which suit jacket to wear with that particular tie. But I digress to say: I love that stuff! And the model gives off this air of young man in grown man clothes. I have a problem with that and will come back to that in a bit.

As I truly examined each  garment in the collection I started to notice why it was so appealing. These are feminine cuts! Tom Ford has always been heralded for getting the female shape down to a science but I am not sure where he is going with these shapes. It is also a little obvious that he loves making his own point about garments and the fashion industry from season to season. Even when he did consulting with the infamous Carine Roitfeld they liked to inject some kind of confusion in sexuality in their work. The slender form of the trousers to the right give me heart palpatations; this is a good thing!

 Ok, so the models. Do they have to have Corbin Bleu hair? This fact alone would make me want to turn the page on this collection. I did mention he is supposed to be a master mind at the editorial yet the laissez-faire poses and apathetic expressions are over used. I am not quite sure the fashion vocabulary but the pulled blazer collar has been done, Lanvin anyone? However I am a fan of the flamboyant bow tie, I would love to pick up one of those.

Yes: it is Spring/Summer. Yes: I love purple and satin pink. But no, Tom Ford and Etro, and even Lanvin: I do not want to see little pool boy Gigolos. It is not fair to want all menswear to be masculine but I am not always a fair person. Plus, the pieces individually are amazing but together they look like a thrift store compilation. There is a ray of sunshine: check out the watch-gold chain combo! This is another accessory I would love to have in my closet. So far, I am lusting after the jewelry, the bow tie, the shoes, and the high waisted brown trouser. What do you like/dislike about the collection? I always love your responses.

PS. If you got the scrilla check out where to buy: Tom Ford Store Finder

Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D.

Friend Friday: I can do anything you can do better.

Here and there I have ranted a little about fashion blogging and the general world of the blogger. But lately I have hit one of points where I wonder where blogging is going. The atmosphere seems to be more about promoting oneself to the nth degree than producing good content. And I do know several writers that are complete exceptions to this theory. What kind of world would it be if I was right all the time anyway? Katy Rose, a blogger with a lot of insight, created a great platform to suss out the open ended questions that exist in blogging. Rose is one such blogger who I admire for doing her own thing and saying her own thing. She created FBFF for bloggers who want to speak their mind. Below is this week's questions to get the juices flowing, sort of speak. I decided to move Fashion Film Friday to Monday so that you could get a weekly idea of how I feel about this wonderful world of blogging we love so much.

Me at Joe Squared in 2010. Photo by Lynley Bernstein.

1. Have you ever looked at someone's blog and thought yours will never measure up? When I started blogging I was intimidated. Even two years ago there were so many bloggers doing what I wanted to do but better, or so I thought at the time. I started slowly through trial and error and I think I am still learning how to portray my own voice in the blogging world. I am the biggest fan of Susie Bubble because she doesn't make bloggers feel intimidated but instead welcomes anyone with a healthy opinion. That is rad.

2. Do you (did you) feel pressure to meet some kind of undefined standard for fashion bloggers? Sometimes, even now, I feel pressure to have advertisers and take pictures of myself in "cool" clothes. But those feelings get squashed when I realize that all I want to do is create discussion about fashion as well as digital and print media. There were always be uncertainty about what is popular because that is often how the media works. To get your ideas heard people have to be listening. Alternatively I am happy with my intelligent readership.

3. Many established fashion bloggers are also extraordinary DIYers, bakers, and crafty people. Do you think you need to combine all of these things to be successful at blogging? I think that it is difficult to combine all your passions into one format and I respect those that do. However I don't think you have to be a Jane or Jack of all trades to be successful. The important parts of blogging are the ideas of the blogger. The talents of a blogger are amazing too and add to the value of the blog. Slowly I am working on photography, videography, and essay writing. I think blogging has helped me with these passions and given me an outlet to practice and gain feedback.

4. The most successful blogs are the ones that have their own personal voice - how are you developing your voice or how did you find yours? This is such a heavy question. I developed my voice once I noticed no one discusses fashion blogging and designers for the most part. I wanted to look critically at designers, magazines, blogs, and have fun with it. Only recently have I posted outfit posts which are fun too. I want to approach fashion critically but with a positive attitude. In the future I want to open more discussion to my readers which is why it is important to think about what I post. Since the holiday there has been a sort of slump on the blog due to the fact that I did not want to produce content that was both lacking and false to what I believed in.

Almost two years it has been since I wrote my first blog post. The process was that of elimination and trial and error. I did not want to do what others were doing nor say what everyone else was saying. I also knew that I couldn't completely re-invent the wheel. It is a little nerdy but once I started following the popularity of fashion film and started working on my media studies major at uni I discovered another way of thinking. This has been a been a difficult voice to keep up with as digital media is always changing. It could be argued that digital media changes faster than fashion, it is incredible. And this is what I want to push myself to discuss in the future.

5. Toot your own horn... what's one thing you do that is unique to you and your blog? What gives your blog an edge? Since I am totting my own horn I would say that my newness to examining fashion and blogging critically makes me unique. The edge comes in my approach. Critical thinking doesn't have to be stuffy and uncool! I am the friendly sherpa through which readers can explore the complex facets of the fashion world from different perspectives.

Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D.

Why Resort and Pre-fall Collections Count

                    < A.P.C's Resort Collection >

We see them nestled in between each season and wax poetic about these smaller collections. Collections that often offer a little more of a relationship with creativity and commodity. Why do they exist? Who the heck invented this idea of a resort collection? I am definitely going to talk a little bit about the former but will leave the latter for some necessary research paper for class. I find that both resort and pre-fall collections are relevant to the flow of the creative process of the designer. At the same time I see the collections as more marketable. 

Who knows how the resort collection was originally conceived. But the idea was to present a special selection of high fashion that was for that wonderful holiday. Chanel Resort was my favorite last season. That would definitely lend itself to the idea that resort is for playing around on the beaches of St. Tropez. Karl Lagerfeld is especially famous for evoking this "airy" and "light" feeling during his resort collections. For me it is easier to see and observe where a designer is coming from during Resort because they are working with this weird constricting concept of traveling in warm weather. So how does pre-fall fit in? 

Pre-fall collections are my favorite! They always define classic. I use A.P.C as an example because it is a good model for how most pre-fall collections want to appeal to a broader consumer. Ports 1961 is another example of clean cuts, rich colors, and creativity in the presentation. There seems to be less pressure for designers to present a def-defying cut or concept during the pre-fall and so the word casual is used quite often. Casual seems too bland. However I, as a consumer, would love to own more from pre-fall collections because they seem less fussy. This is the point! We are in time when designers not only feel pressure to create but also to create a brand in order to make money. There is nothing wrong with it but it produces interesting collections.

Before posting this mini essay I talked with two friends, Amanda and Jp, and they were quite helpful. I asked a few other friends off handedly and the general public consensus is that while these collections are vague in meaning they serve a relevant purpose to both the designer and the consumer.

Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D.

Baltimore Favorites: Cult Baltimore

As I reflect on where my life is going at the moment I realize there is a constant urge to do more. That is because I am constantly pushed by the creatives in my town. Along with my friends this town manages to ground me somehow so why not show off the town that has birthed Billie Holiday, Beach House, and Frank Zappa. This is a spotlight on some of the fun things about Baltimore ,a place I have grown to love. A little while ago I interviewed JP, the owner of Cult: a store with an amazing selection of garments.

Why did you open Cult?I like denim, vintage sneakers and leather jacket. There is no real place to really buy them. I thought if we [Baltimore] had a shop that we curated ourselves, with no flares or butterfly collars, that focused on sharp and angular vintage it would be a fun place to go.

Did you have any inspiration for opening the shop? No people really, more so music. Around the late 70s early 80s. There was a strong aesthetic and DIY scene going on. And I have always been drawn to it.

What are some of your favorite pieces in the shop? There is a Helmut Lang dress from the runway. It is quintessential Helmut Lang from around 1998/1999. When we first opened we had a lot of Ksubi, my favorite was the best dressed vest. Also there was a Ralph Lauren sweater called a “Picture's knit”. It had a lot of Ralph Lauren iconography pieced together, highly collectable. And those are just the ones that pop through my head immediately.

How did you decide the location for Cult?Well when we first got the building it was kind of shabby but we lucked out. I live in Mt. Vernon and it is a part of Baltimore that I most appreciate.

 Who designs for Cult? Myself, Arthur, Eliot, and a bunch of others that form a design collective. Eliot has a line called Gan Banthat has a similar aesthetic. Holden takes very good pictures and has a good eye. He is able to work with me sporadically and organically.

Where do you like to shop? I don't know where my clothes come from. Because I sell so much high quality items that I usually fall by the waist side. I just throw on whatever and go to work. I don't really shop much but I collect sneakers. A lot of things I stumble upon. Maybe not good denim, because they are so hard to find. Mostly, I find old things and chop it up to fit.

How much of you is in the shop? Well, you get inspired by different things at all times of the day. Even when I am sleeping I think about the shop.

To purchase or inquire about anything CULT....
salutcult.bigcartel.com
http://deathcultbaltimore.wordpress.com/

Life is beautiful, let's share a little. 

Joy D

Blogger Alert!: Divinitus

If you haven't heard of the Divinitus you better ask somebody! She is beyond the typical blogger and usually dresses in black. This is where the genius comes in: her use of draping and proportion is amazing. I say this as a fan of her blog but it was very evident when I interviewed her.

1. What is your name? 

Dorota.

2. Where are you from? 

East Coast.

3. When did you decide to start blogging?

Almost 3 yrs ago during the Sundance Film Festival. It was very sporadic and not really fashion focused at first.

4. What inspires you to dress?

The search for interesting form and structure. I believe it comes from my strong background in the visual arts.

5. Do you have any strategies on the way you dress?

De-clutter. Healthy-looking hair and skin is the winning accessory.

6. Who are your favorite designers?

At the moment Rick Owens, Clayton Evans of Complexgeometries, Nicole and Michael Colovos of Helmut Lang. 

I'm curiously peeking at Gareth Pugh, and really liking dark, organic characteristics of men's collections from Obscur, Julius, and Chronicles of Never. I recently inventoried my closet and the majority is still Marni.

 7. If you could collaborate with any designer who would it be?

Rick Owens. He seems to comprehend leather's natural beauty.

8. What do you think of fashion blogging as a whole?

Shy exhibitionism. Cheap marketing tool. A fashion editor’s annoyance.

9. Do you believe fashion magazines still have relevance? (Do you have any favorites?)

Depends which one and for whom. I believe there are still some good ones. The indie, cult-oriented for a narrow audience. Not filled with false advertising, shallow content addressed to everyone and no one. Personally I don't really read about fashion so much, I prefer design or architecture. The closest thing to fashion I subscribe to is The Gentlewoman.

10. How do you feel/what do you think about having a dialogue with your readers?

I have the best readers.

If you want to see more of Dorota please check out The Divinitus. Her most recent post features, quite shockingly , color! And hopefully she will bring more great dialogue.

Life is beautiful, let's share a little.

Joy D.

Trends I wouldn't try unless you paid me and other musings.

And we are talking the kind of dough Jay-Z gets paid.

photo collage created by Refinery29

I love reading trend reports. Style.com usually reigns supreme but there are other sites like Refinery29, Shopbop, Urban Outfitters, and Opening Ceremony that do a good job of searching trends so the consumer, you and me, don't have to. Contrary to my previous post slightly bashing Shopbop's marketing technique. The aforementioned sites provide a free service that used to cost oodles of money and only available to starlets, it-girls, and socialites. Isn't the internet great? Pros and cons friends.

Piera Geraldi, creative director of Refinery29

REFINERY 29 recently went under scrutiny for their post about five fashion bloggers coming to the forefront. Yes, they all looked like clones of one another. And they all happened to work in the fashion industry in some regard but I did not understand where the hostility of the commenters was coming from. I rarely do. The comments are an interesting read. The conversation manifest into a conversation about age and weight. REFINERY 29 also posted a report on the Fashion trends you shouldn't follow. I did a double take! Refinery29 is never on the same page as the rest and I really like that. So what if I disagree with them sometimes. It is my right to disagree and their right to produce the content for their site. When people critique a blog is it jealousy or spite or acceptance? I remember when saying something negative and spiteful about a blogger was a rare occurrence. 

parody in the highest regard from DI$COUNT blog.

I believe in an open conversation between blogger and reader. It is one of my priorities that I am always trying to create an open conversation with those that read my blog. Now more than ever I see more blogs wanting to have a conversation with their readers rather than looking pretty or sharing their newest "find". Cami and Nadia of Di$count blog have always maintained that idea as both bloggers and blog followers. When blocked from a certain high profile blogger's blog they opened the discussion of hypocrisy in fashion and blogging. The results were staggering. So many of their readers talked about how it was important that a blogger isn't just a pretty face but has something interesting to say. What a relief! I was beginning to doubt the validity in having an opinion.

Life is beautiful, let's share a little.

Joy D.

Q.What the F&@K is I play faves? A.I don't know.

I recently got fired. And then talked to a few friends after the silly event and found out about that a friend had been fired just hours before she was leaving. "WTF", I though to myself. Why are people so cruel? Why do people make it hard on people?
Answer: Privilege somehow translates to power.
This happens in fashion just like everywhere else. I am kind of over it. I am over the dramaz, sort of speak. But why Joy? Aren't you overacting just a little? Fashion is fickle right?


Answer: Right! I would be one naive blogger if I didn't know that fashion is about the moment. I am just sick of living in it. I am exhausted. It started a couple of months ago when I was in a rut about what to post about. If you are reading this and not familiar with my blog: I basically post pictures from other sources and comment on them. (It is a typical low rate blog, I get that.) But I was finding it hard to find inspiring things. Regardless of how long my posts are I write and share only what I really like. I am finding it hard to find things I really like. Is it because I am getting older? Or perhaps I am just over it?

Answer: That couldn't be more wrong. I love fashion but I think my brain confuses it with style, regularly. This confusion has landed me in a creative pickle. I don't want to splatter my face and body on my blog with a "cute look" because I don't think that is all that blogging is. I was recently inspired by both Steve from Style Savage and Susie Bubble's postings about Pitti Uomo. Never before had I been interested in Pitti. Then I had a realization. It wasn't about Pitti, it was about the writers. They truly enjoy what they post about. I was engaged in every report about ceramic lapels and reinvented casual. I became inspired by what I read.

Since then I have been looking for new employment and also looking for a new home for myself. It has been loaded with stress and I haven't thought about fashion or style or this blog for a few days. Real life has taken precedent over e-life and I don't care about that. I am most concerned about the blogging climate these days....

I love my blog friends who seem more realistic than high profile bloggers and have much better things to say. They are a great reference for friendship just as my friends in real life. I have taken caution in not bashing a blogger or a certain group of bloggers because that is not why I write this. I write this to say I am sorry for posting subpar musings. I am sorry for making promises that haven't been kept. I would rather go a week without posting than subject any reader of this blog to fluff. I call it fluff, you call it what you will.

In turn, things might be a little bit different around these parts as I have plenty more time on my hands to create. Once I get moved into a new place I will start posting, on occassion, vlogs but that is further down the road. At first I was going to shut down this here blog of mine but I thought it would be a shame to let go of one of the only outlets I have to express myself. Sorry for the wordy post, if you read it, I thank you.

SEE YOU SOON READERS! And Remember....

Life is beautiful, let's share a little.

Joy D.

xoxo

I buy into plagiarism!

I want ot make this clear so that  I will not be harangued by a Erin Wasson wannabe. I, Joy D., buy into plagiarism.

Haven't bought a pair of Jeffrey Campbell's shoes but I have promoted them a lot on my blog. I like his shoes! It is, however becoming more obvious which shoe he is copying. In a sense he isn't trying hard to put any spin on the original. Yes, I know that this is how "he"/the company make money but if you read one of the headlines of the week, IT's LEGAL. And the designers know this as well as Jeffrey Campbell. It does not excuse it but it is legal. I still feel a little dirty now, being a little more educated, about picking up what seems to be a knockoff at the store.

I have bought items of clothing from a store knowing it was a copy. Since this time I have tried to curb my knockoff purchases and wait patiently for a designer piece I can afford. I waited for one particular Alexander Wang onepiece for a month. I do not buy as much clothing as I used to because I have resources in which to recycle my wardrobe. For example, my building has a clothing swap twice a year. I'm not a fashionista who can afford every piece in the Proenza Schouler collection however gorgeous. The love is in the hunt for pieces I would cherish in my closet.

It is sad to see the blogging community become what it is. I am sad that friends of mine are getting shunned because they believe in a less saturated and disseminated culture. Where is the community we have all been talking about? Jennine of IFB must be shaking her head somewhere. I am.

There are no solutions I can offer. Those people know who they are who are ruining it for the rest of us. Especially one blogger that wants to create a union for bloggers. This will be a bumpy 2010 for bloggers there is no way around it.

Life is beautiful, let's share a little.

Joy D.

"Globalization is a myth"

-Yvan Rodic aka the Face Hunter

(Disclaimer: If you don't know I am going to blow your mind about a great guy in the streetstyle world.)

Many of my readers are bloggers themselves and know the name Face Hunter. I received an email from Thames and Hudson and they sent me a copy to review. Wow! Little ole me? I was flattered. Yvan's work has inspired me since day one and I literally fawn over his work. Rodic manages to convey happiness and gangsta in one photo and ultra feminine isolation in another (Like the photo above). The best part about Rodic the man is that he doesn't over think his work and has no formal training.

Oh, Miss Julia Frakes. She is a heavy weight contributor of Paper Magazine and has the best closet (just about ever, lol).  She looks completely confident. Rodic chose the street with dense traffic in the background and I like how calm she is. Rodic has traveled all over the world, hitting five continents, and has managed to create his own philosophies of his work. And although Rodic is not a philosopher he offers a new word for what is taking place: creolization. And while this sort of verbage seems arcane I think it is a good word to describe how easy someone from one country can communicate and share ideas with another person in a place thousands of miles away. Favorite things: Shoes and bag.

In another post I explain just how detail oriented Rodic's photos are. He does not compensate the clothing's shape in a shot. I think the jacket is Terence Koh, any help with identifying the jacket would be great. His portraits are so carefree....

Floral gloves and a killer hat are what make this outfit. There are little charms in every photo. I could look at this with my friend Jenny and we could pick out various details we like about one photo. In societies around the world media is becoming a bigger and better format for communication and absorbing information. Rodic believes, and I agree, that globalization is a myth. In his book he states “The belief that international brands and pop culture are making the world a standardized society populated by clones is an old-skool science fiction vision of the future, not the reality of the 21st century.” 

The coolest mom around! Again, another example of how Rodic shots carefree images. His subjects aren't trying too hard and are a great document of emotion and everyday life. Favorite thing: leggings and skateboard.

To get you in the spring/summer spirit I chose this photo. The subject of the photo is so sunshiny and happy. She is wearing an ingenious jumper, too! My favorite thing: Tote and layering bangles and watches.

In all, I am truly inspired with the subjects of Yvan Rodic's work. Included in the book are photos of London club kids, Susie Bubble, and that geometric dress worn by a certain German editor. 

You can purchase Yvan's book at Thames and Hudson's website (HERE).

Life is beautiful,let's share a little.

Joy D.

Dear Sam, by LOVER

The Harvest. Film trailer. from LOVER®

I wish to write a book on the innovation of fashion videos but someone more prominent will beat me to it. They have such an impact on how people buy that I think most of the consuming public don't understand yet. I know it is more personal when a designer decides to take a big leap into another form in which they can display their clothes. Phenomenal to say the least.

Life is beautiful, let's share a little.

Joy D.

More "serious" posts coming soon.

IFave_Daniel Pallilo

IFave Daniel Pallilo because....

photos: The Fashionisto

My introduction to Daniel Pallilo was through HelLooks way back in 2005 or so. His name would pop up often when people would discuss what they were wearing. I decided to do some research on the brand and where it came from. Since then I have been in love with his bulky shapes ever since. Pictured above is his newest men's collection. You can revel over the rest of the collection here. In the present I am happy that he has more notoriety and many stores such as Jargol and Welcome to Hunters La.

Presentation:









His collections over the seasons inspire me to do big things. 

Shape:I read an interview on him two years back. He was asked to describe his collection and his response? Big and Black. This is part of his swagger but an even bigger part of why I love his clothes. The shapes are always huge and comfy. I wish I could get my hands on the striped sweatshirt in from his Spring 2009 collection.

photo: jargol.com

"Swagger": Palillo is very good at producing a great product but not really boasting about it. That is because he makes the clothes for himself. He has remained underground for many years. The public, especially those looking for some "outrageous" street wear, know exactly who he is. Most of the stores that carry his collections often sell out. His message is tied into his clothing. Often he is compared to Bernhard Willhelm and I think it is a somewhat fair comparison. However, Palillo stays away from color for the most part and conveys a message using, typically, black and white. 

Life is beautiful, let's share a little.

Joy D.

IFB recap pt.3: the panels

 from Bobbin Talk on Vimeo

Panel 1: I didn't get to see this panel first hand but did see the videos that Bobbin Talk posted on YouTube. They discussed marketing plans of action and possibly how they can be applied to bloggers. This was a great panel that I wish I was present for because it was one of the most cut and dry panels of the whole conference that shed light on the "business" side of blogging. Will I partake in this whirlwind of fame? Probably not but I do love learning about business strategies and marketing tools so it was all quite informative.

 Photos by Dustin Fenstermacher

Panel 2:To light a bigger entreprenuerial fire the second panel: The Business of Blogging was a little less productive in some areas. I would have liked for them to talk more about their strategies than themselves and their blogs. I know that sounds a little catty but the point of the panel was to discuss way in which to make money by being a blogger. I wrote down a list from the discussion and it is as follows: Blog Ads, sponsors, receive free merch,  and produce profitable premium content. All of these options are fantastic but as a starting blogger it would be hard to manage even half of this list. They did drive home the importance of creating a relationship with everyone you deal with which includes publishers, designers, and PR persons. Overall the panel was helpful especially when they discussed getting taken advantage of and how to avoid such measures.

Photos by Dustin Fenstermacher

Panel 3: Oh, the infamous Blog Ethics Panel. I wanted to gush about this panel because of what was discussed and a slightly out of line blogger who asked a question. But I will hold off and let you watch the footage for yourself to see the latter. I was most excited to see Diane Pernet and Imram Ahmed speak. It was well worth it to hear Ahmed because he has had a blog for a while and tracks the goings on in the fashion industry like a hawk. I, as a history student, admire his veracity and he made very good points. This was the big questions: 1)Is it ethical for a blogger to accept free items from a company? 2)Does that hinder how your voice is heard? 3) How does this discussion differ from fashion editors and magazine staffers?

Firstly I think it does hinder the voice of the blogger if he or she is only posting what was given to him or her. I have dropped bloggers from my reader for that reason alone. It cheapens their writing and it becomes difficult to trust their opinion. The third question ties in, most people read blogs because they do not trust the concrete opinion of fashion editors. I believe you can receive a product and not be swayed by "free stuff". Hell, since starting this blog, I have received little free items and that is okay. I love blogging about the things that I love and I will not budge from my beliefs. Wendy Brandes, a blogger and the moderator, made a good point by later lamenting that there wasn't a fashion editor on the panel to defend fashion magazines. The fashion magazines did get bashed a bit on the panel but I think it was a type of conversation that never happened and everyone was getting their opinions on the floor. Overall I this was my favorite panel in the conference because there was a constructive conversation that involved the majority of the panelists.

EDIT: Jessica from What I Wore, a panelist at the conference, recently posted a conversation she had with the FTC. Read it here.

Photos by Dustin Fenstermacher

Panel 4: Was what I like to call "the fun panel". Some of the most respected bloggers on the internet were on stage in front of me and all I could do was smile. I smiled through the whole panel because usually these people don't get out. Tavi lives in the suburbs and has a regular life outside of blogging. I have been reading Susie Bubble Since her second month of posting. Bryan Boy I have been reading for even longer. The girls from Fashionista fit in there somewhere but I am not sure how. They are good at what they do but there are several other blogs that do the same thing so I thought that their presence on the panel was ill fitted. Not to say they are "bad" bloggers but perhaps they could run a panel about fashion blogging as journalism. Now for the basics. Tavi and Susie discussed the media's love of drama and that there really isn't this overarching tension between fashion bloggers and fashion editors. While Bryan Boy talked about how being a blogger is literally sitting on the computer all day. And lest we not forget Phil Oh, who represented the street-style bloggers who talked about the very different dynamic that is present between a street-style photographer/blogger and a fashion blogger. All in all it was a fun panel with a star studded audience that left some sitting in the aisles.

IN CONCLUSION, I was proud of Jennine and the staff for putting it all together and allowing everyone to be together in a nurturing environment. I think most thanks needs to go to Jenine who managed to make the conference donation only. I was very privileged to see and hear some of my inspirations speak. I was equally privileged to talk to many established bloggers and those that were making the fashion blogging world tick. It was a wonderful experience and with word it might happen in New York next season I am stoked! (to say the least)

Previously....

Pt. 1: nerves video

Pt. 2: the round-up

Coming next...the last recap post featuring the videos from the conference.

Life is beautiful, let's share a little.

Joy D.

MKA in Love Magazine/ Joy's Big Day

MKA smokin and styling in Love Magazine.

I hope you have been checking twitter because I have been tweeting up a storm! I purchased quite a bit and I cannot wait until I get home to show you. I still have a few shopping places on my list, some will have to wait for next time like the Tim Burton exhibit at MOMA. [insert sad face] Maybe I will go visit a friend at APC because I was sidetracked by lingerie and didn't get there on time. Damn you bloomers!

I needed this trip, it was nice to be selfish and roam around the city with no time limit and no expressed goals. I ended the days with an enriching bath.

Today's docket will be exciting! I sound like a little school girl but I have reason. Fashion blogging, and blogging itself, has become such an entity of its own on the internet. It is also growing faster than traditional journalists can handle. Why am I excited about the IFB conference? Because for the second time ever the best of the best will be discussing the ins and outs. And not only is that an important but it is special. A lot of these men and women I admire and welcome their opinions and ideas. Without most of them my blog, Iplayfaves, wouldn't exist in its truest form for you to read.

Life is beautiful, let's share a little.

Joy D.

Laziness

“There are different species of laziness: Eastern and Western. The Eastern style is like the one practiced in India. It consists of hanging out all day in the sun, doing nothing, avoiding any kind of work or useful activity, drinking cups of tea, listening to Hindi film music blaring on the radio, and gossiping with friends. Western laziness is quite different. It consists of cramming our lives with compulsive activity, so there is no time at all to confront the real issues. This form of laziness lies in our failure to choose worthwhile applications for our energy.”
– Sogyal Rinpiche

The Essential man always finds the best quotes.

Point taken.
Joy d.

Immediate update

Is this what bloggers are gonna rave about next? Doilies linked on dresses. No,no, no. I just saw this on Susie Bubble's blog who is no question fantastic. I can't get down with this. Or the recent spring of the return of the 50s prep that is slowly creeping in. I am crossing my fingers that none of this will get too crazy or too popular.



ONE MORE RANT

BMD= BIG MODEL DEAL
There is truly something happening in the world of fashion that I do not like. I definitely don't consider myself a member of the fashion community except for the fact I literally buy into it. So my point, or rather my question is: What becomes of the fashion community when they start transforming into the rest of lemmings that truncate vernacular and terminology as well as dumb down their audience? I am a firm believer in not taking fashion seriously but I don't know if this is missing the point. This truncation isn't the first and it is the only recent example that happened to inspire this whole post. So forgive me if this is long winded.

Every once and awhile a cub has to roar.
Joy D.

I'm tired...

Ph: style.com, refinery29, Anywho (blog)

I repeat: I am tired of structured shoulders already. I ain't elitist, just exhausted from the overkill. I have a few shirts in pink that have padded/structured uppers but now...I just don't know. And Please please PLEASE stop talking about Balmain in anathema.
My head hurts,
Joy D.

Phoney Baloney

Balmain anyone? I am choosing not to show the designer. I mean, this happens a lot but this was also done in anathema a couple of seasons ago. I will say the dresses took me to another tome though.

Keep it real.
JOY D.