Weekend Recap & Interview

Hope you all had an amazing weekend! Do something exciting?
It was a lazy one for us but I did manage to do something I quite enjoy...

Ela: OK hon, I'll be back in a couple of hours.
S: Where are you going?
Ela: Um, just running some errands.
*Gave a quick kiss and under my breath I muffle*
...then just going to go look at some stuff...
S: Oh, so you're off to go digging through people's trash again?

Yup, that's what he calls it. I say "thrifting" he says "digging through trash". Tomatoe, tomato...Call it what you want, either way I like to indulge every now and then. However, there are certain aspects about thrifting that I don't enjoy.

For one, I don't actually like going through all the stuff. But then again it's that thrill of the hunt...finding that needle in the used, sometimes smelly haystack.

I hope you don't take this as me being a snob - it's NOT that at all.
I'm just a bit of a germaphobe. OK fine. A BIG germaphobe. Which means, I have certain rules about thrifting where my outfit is concerned. I don't actually care about how I look or whether or not I match but the following is a requirement:

1. Long Sleeves = Minimal contact with the goods.
2. Full length pants, but ones that do not drag = Minimal contact with the goods...and the store floor.
3. Hair must be up and away from my face.
Nothing worse than having to touch your face to get the hair out of your eye or mouth after you've just riffled through the men's section and found a shirt that says: I like to fart, but only because I love you.
No. Literally. That's what it said.
4. A purse/tote without a zipper closure = Easy access...to my hand sanitizer.

Apparently I fit right in with my outfit...while shopping, someone asked me if I worked there. Seriously.

Top - Calvin Klein, Jeans - Mavi, Green Epi Noe - Vintage Louis Vuitton

Anyhow, I managed to score some great finds. I spent a total of $17.86 for 3 items *it was 50% off*. One of the items being what I believed to be a fabulous coat. The dry cleaning will cost about 4 times what I paid for it because of the fur trim, but whatever. All the way home I thought, "I can't wait till it's cold enough so I can wear it." When I got home I tried it on excitedly to show S. With a big smile staring back at me, I took courage.
Ela: So...what do you think?
S: It's nice. *smile* I like it. *pause* You look like you belong...in a play.

There you have it folks, apparently what I thought was a *fabulous coat* should only be seen on stage. Grrr....

S: So, can we go out now?
Ela: What are you crazy? I can't go anywhere. I need a shower. I just dug through trash, remember?

We had a quiet weekend, vegged on the couch and watched Seven Pounds and Passengers. Hope you all had a great one!

xx Ela

Also, if you have a moment, click to read a fun interiew
with the chic Delectable Swank

LOL, I know what you're thinking...I was surprised when she asked me, too :)
If you haven't already visited her blog, you're in for a treat! It's filled with an amazing fashionable mix and writing that makes you think, but not too hard that it gives you a headache :) Plus, she's a sweetheart!

[Photo of Thrift Store Courtesy of Google Images]

UK's One and Only DK

I stumbled across Dapper Kid after clicking on a comment he had posted that left me intrigued. Not quite sure what to expect, I was greeted by a header that was surprisingly sweet and a fresh and clean layout with photographs under "Inspired By" that capture such emotion. As I began to read his post, he clearly had a point of view and his takes on fashion, kept me reading. Though his posts differ from day to day, I find that each one shares a little bit about him. Post after post, DK is sure to elicit numerous comments...though he always seems to return the gesture, and does so in a way any mother would be proud of...

Ela: What made you decide to start a blog?
DK: I suppose the simplest answer is that it was a form of self-expression. I have always had an interest in clothing, which evolved into a love of fashion, and my blog is a format for me to indulge in and express that fascination.

It was also partly the fact that I have always had a number of female friends with whom I am able to talk about women's fashion, however for menswear I have never really had that same opportunity. I guess in that sense, it was about expressing an interest which I may not have otherwise had the full opportunity to express.

Ela: Most fashion bloggers center their post on their daily outfit, what influences what you post on any given day?
DK: My blog is somewhere for me to share my thoughts with regards to fashion, and also often the reasoning and ideas behind my own outfits. I tend to consider blogs as being thought diaries, in that the writer posts what is on their mind, or what interests them on any given day - it is an immediate and reactionary format.

My influence for posting, is what my influences in fashion happen to be that day. It is anything from a collection which I may have been thinking about, or a concept about which I have been fascinated by. I post about that which excites and interests me.

Ela: On average, how long does it take to put together a post?
DK: I am not sure whether I have an average time for writing posts, for sometimes I may simply post an editorial with a few words of what I find exciting, yet at other times I may write a short essay to go with it! That being said however, I think that it probably hovers around the half hour mark. Photographing outfits and general photographs are a constant for me, as I am interested in documentation anyhow.

I think that the drafting system is quite invaluable, I usually have one or two posts saved away - ones that I am still working on, or formulating my mind over. I think the most time consuming part of blogging however, is definitely the social aspect. It takes rather a large amount of time to visit other blogs and comment back, however that happens to be an experience I enjoy.

Ela: Do your family and friends (outside of the ones you’ve made through the blogosphere) know about your blog? How do they feel about it?
DK: Well my family actually does not know about my blog, although if they did, I am not sure they would take that much interest in it anyhow. As for friends, I believe a few friends at University know of the blog, although they for the most parts seem pretty indifferent. I guess that those who choose to read the blog, are those with an interest in the topics I cover. It may not be for everyone, but hopefully it is interesting enough.

Ela: You recently said, “The sunshine may be blazing outside, but my thoughts keep coming back to dressing for the in between seasons”. If you could choose just one season in a year, what would it be and how would you dress for it?
DK: I think my favourite seasons fashion-wise shall always be Autumn and Spring. The creativity required for both of seasons is far greater due to the inherent unpredictability of each. Whereas in Winter, a thick coat may cover up your entire outfit, or in Summer one is usually striped down, the 'tween season outfit has to be ready for both possibilities. The layering of clothing required allows an infinite choice of colour, texture and depth plays, all of which are things that I happen to love.

As for how I would dress for the 'tween seasons, I am usually drawn in two completely different directions. On the one side I would like to say I would opt for traditional attire - something such as a tweed blazer with red paisley silk pocket square, crisp white shirt with an open collar, inky green cashmere v-neck sweater, a woolen tartan scarf, grey woolen trousers, red socks and some brown leather brogue boots.

Yet I would also be drawn to the possibilities of something such as a long sleeve white jersey top, with a bright red, open fronted, draped and unfinished hem jersey cardigan, pale grey skinny jeans, an electric blue wax-coated cotton trench coat, a yellow plastic watch, red socks and electric blue canvas plimsolls.

Variety truly is the spice of life.

Ela: The 5 essential pieces that everyone (male & female) should have in their wardrobe.
DK:1. A pair of slim, dark blue jeans. 2. A fitted crisp white shirt. 3. A good pair of functional leather ankle boots for winter. 4. A scarf that reflects your personality. 5. A piece that makes you feel happy.

Ela: I’m guessing most of your readers are female, what pieces would you love for them to purchase for their significant other so they could be just as dapper?
DK: I would love for them to buy clothing that their significant others would love. Fashion and style is about the individual, it is about how a garment makes me feel. What works for another, may not work for me, as fashion is not simply about look, but about personal feelings and confidence. That being said however, I would love for more men to wear properly fitted suits. A feeling a man gets when wearing a well cut suit is akin to the feeling a lady gets when putting on that perfect little black dress. It is about feeling sexy, not for others, but for yourself, and that is after all the magic of fashion.

Ela: From what I’ve seen, you are super sweet whenever you comment on other’s blogs, do we have your mom to thank for that?
DK: Well firstly, thank you kindly for the compliment! My mother always taught me to be kind to everyone, even those who I may not believe deserve that kindness. People are only mean and rude because they have suffered in their lives in some way, and that sadness is not something that should be met back in anger. I believe that kindness is the reflection of the soul of a person, so I try to be as nice as I can.

Ela: Best thing your mom ever taught you?
DK: "If you think you are humble, you are not humble".

Ela: Favourite accessory, other than a scarf?
DK: Socks! A pair of colourful socks are always the best way to finish an outfit. Whether they be a compliment to the colours you are wearing, or a contrast, they really do show that little bit of extra thought. It is the unexpected visual joy that matters most.

Ela: Any current trends you wouldn’t want to see your female readers follow?
DK: Crrr...Crrrrrr...*ahem*. Let me try that again...Crrrr...well you know - those pieces of so-called footwear that make you wish mind bleach had been invented. Although-I-have-to-admit-they-can-look-rather-cute-on-children - there I said it!
Ela: Oh I concur...and am so relieved you're not choking!!!

Ela: All time favourite designer?
DK: This is actually rather a hard one for me to answer. I am not sure that I have a singular favourite, however in terms of the designer whose creative mind I most admire, it would have to be Yohji Yamamoto. He is one of the most intellectual designers of our age, and his philosophy on fashion and life is one that I love.

Ela: Who do you consider to be the most influential style icon of the moment?
DK: The most influential style icon to us all is the person/s we most love. They are the ones who inspire our lives, not simply just our style.

Ela: Most men shy away from pink, I notice your profile photo has you dressed in a pink sweater. Have you always been so bold?
DK: To be honest, I have never understood why men would shy away from pink as they do. I have never been afraid, so to speak, of wearing colour. Indeed, I am still discovering which colours work best on me, I try to wear those colours which suit me best. Colour has always had an emotive link for me, so it is about expressing my emotions and myself on any given day.

Ela: In your profile you list your occupation as a Student & a Ninja...can we look forward to a Ninja outfit post?
DK: Well, I made a promise to my master never to practice my ninja arts ever again, as he lay dying in arms, having been double crossed and murdered by a pirate. Why are pirates double crossers? I really do not know, they just Arrrrr.
Ela: It's a real shame my blog doesn't host audio...

Ela: Are there any questions you’ve always wanted to answer or think your readers wonder but perhaps never ask?
DK: Do I feel self-conscious when doing outfit posts? Always. I actually dislike having my photograph taken as I am invariably shot in the middle of sneezing/coughing or making a goofy face that would frighten even the bravest of children.

Thanks again for the opportunity.

Lots of love,

dk

xxxx

DK, it was lovely to have you do this interview, and though you may never admit it, I’m sure all would agree that you are indeed humble.Thank you, DK! And thank you, for infusing a wonderful touch of dapper!

~Ela

[All photos obtained from dapperkid.blogspot.com]

Fashion's Other Influential Carrie

SJP's Carrie had Patricia Field, but Carrie of Couture Carrie does it all on her own. Couture Carrie is infused with inspiring looks and photos. Day after day it gives its readers a daily dose of inspiration, just the right amount to pull together an outfit for the day, plan your shopping list, add to your wish list or give you something to daydream about to get you through an otherwise monotonuos day.

CC is beautiful, warm, kind and despite her large following, always makes time to leave lovely comments on her readers' blogs, makes herself available via email, and is truly delightful. Addressing her readers in nothing but sweetness, CC is a true "darling" and didn't hesitate to set aside some time to do this interview with me, one of her 521(and counting) followers.

Ela: Under your profile you begin by saying “Fashion is my sustenance!” How did this love for fashion come about?
CC: According to my parents [CC's mom, pictured right, in Vietnam], I began selecting my own outfits and delighting in clothes at the ripe old age of 2, so if it's possible, I feel that my love for fashion is innate!

Ela: Speaking of sustenance, what else sustains you, what are your favourite things to eat?
CC: Avocados and bacon are at the top of the list. And of course there's robust red wine and dark chocolate, preferably together!

Ela: Every post is so cohesive, what inspires you? Do the photos you come across lead to the inspiration or does the search for relevant photos come after you’ve established the title?
CC: When I view the collections, I see common threads among Designers, and these commonalities inspire posts. I then add my own research of past and present looks to round out the theme. I also draw inspiration for editorials and off on-the-runway model photos on nymag.com/fashion. Of course, I also rely on my Fellow Fashionistas for inspiration!

Ela: Your readers only get to see the fabulous result, on average, how long does it take to put together at post?
CC: I would say that each post "percolates" in my subconscious and has a corresponding folder on my computer for several weeks before it matures. Then, when I sit down to write it and caption the images, each CC post takes about an hour to publish.

Ela: How would you say your blog has evolved since you first started in February 2008?
CC: My blog began as a very personal endeavor...a journal of sorts that I began while at a crossroads in my career and life. I don't think I had any readers at all for the first few months, and I didn't mind. As I became more emotionally invested in Couture Carrie, I devoted more time and energy to the cause and was rewarded with feedback and followers.

Ela: Do you have a post you favour most?
CC: My two favorite items of clothing are bustiers and legwear, so my corsetry and tights posts are imbued with true CC passion! They are definitely my favorite types of posts to research and compose.

Ela: Looking through your favourite movies, you’ve listed quite a few. What are your top 3, or have you listed them in order?
CC: My favourite movies are the Princess Bride, Anchorman and Legally Blonde.

Ela: What’s the one piece of advise you think every blogger (newbie or seasoned) ought to know?
CC: If you give love, you get love. Be a frequent commenter, be sincere, and value the kinship among your Fellow Fashionistas.

Ela: Is there a current trend fashionistas have hopped on that you wish they hadn’t?
CC: CC is not a huge fan of the jean cut-offs and tights phenomenon...I also deplore terry clothing in all forms (except perhaps robes!)
[Ela: Note to self, do not post Juicy Couture gym outfits]

Ela: Single most influential style icon?
CC: My mother. She was quite the fashionista in the 60s and 70s, and I now have all her vintage garments to play with and from which to draw inspiration.

Ela: Style icon whose style you most emulate?
CC: Sienna Miller. She always looks polished, whether she’s going to the market or to a film premiere at Cannes.

Ela: If we spotted you on the street on a Sunday afternoon, what would you be wearing?
CC: J Brand skinnies, boots of some type – Loeffler Randall is a fave, a white Old Navy tank, and a Tolani or American Apparel scarf.

Ela: Can your readers look forward to an outfit post?
CC: Hmmm... CC occasionally throws in some personal pics, but they are few and far between. Here’s one!
Ela: Beautiful photo CC, but we want one where we can see you :)

Ela: If only one item of clothing had to stand out while the rest remained insignificant, what would it be?
CC: A patterned tunic or minidress ~ so versatile, seasonally malleable and striking.

Ela: Are there any questions you’ve always wanted to answer or think your readers wonder but perhaps never ask?
CC: Curiously, no one really ever inquires as to what I do for a living. I have had several careers thus far. I was a commercial real estate attorney for a large Connecticut firm for two years, then I taught high school Spanish for four years in New York City. Now I am a part-time Pilates Instructor and fulltime Blogger/Editor. This is, by far, my best job yet!

Thank you so much for this opportunity, Ela ~
I really enjoyed the interview!
xoxox,
CC

Thank you CC, you are an absolute delight!
And thank you for the lovely advice, which you so lovingly exemplify,
you are a true darling!
If you haven't already, get clicking to Couture Carrie.
Be prepared to be inspired!

~Ela

[All photos provided by CC]

The Fabulous Woman Behind Three Faces

If you've stumbled across Fashion Moment, you probably felt the same delight I did upon discovering this blog and perhaps were as equally astonished to learn Fashion Moment has two sister blogs; Fashion Pulse & Absolutely Fabulous. Knowing this, I had to learn more about the woman behind these three fabulous blogs.

Imagine how thrilled I was to find that this beautiful woman, is sweet, humble and kind. So much so, that she so willingly set aside some time to do this interview.

Ela: The first time I posted I thought, “this is much harder than it looks!” I have trouble posting each day and yet you manage 3 fabulous blogs! How long does it take for you to put it all together?
FM: Since posts are usually prepared on weekends, over the week it just gets published. Sometimes posts are susceptible to finishing [touches], or rearrangement, but in any case I need about an hour and a half to two for all three of my blogs.

Ela: Do you foresee that one day you’ll combine the content of all three blogs and manage just one? If so, which name would you keep?
FM: I think of creating a much more serious project, the site - blog, that unites all of my interests (fashion, style, photos, editorials, illustrations, biographies, interiors, etc.). But I think I'm not completely ready for it. In fact, the idea is in its infancy, and I'm open to new ideas ... I think that it would be difficult to "melt" from any of my blogs, I guess that if I was to choose only one name, it would probably sound like this " Absolutely Fabulous Fashion Pulse of the Moment ", hahaha ... Fashion Moment is my passion from the first moment, but if/when I have to choose, I would probably choose "Absolutely Fabulous".

Ela: All time favourite designer?
FM: Christian Lacroix (except Giambattista Valli & Zac Posen). There are a few designers whose work I adore, (Francesco Scognamiglio, YSL, Galliano, Ralph Lauren, Alaia…), but it's more of the top 3.

Ela: Favourite piece from his Spring/Summer ‘09 Collection?
FM: The majority of pieces from the collection are fantastic. However, I think that the corset is what fascinated me the most! About accessories - it’s sandals! And, as I have mentioned, the shoes are an absolute hit in Valli's collection and the complete collection of Zac Posen!

Ela: Favourite model of all time?
FM: There are actually a few models that I respect and that fascinate me. I think my final choice is - Daria Werbowy. Great look, wonderful and very serious as a person and professional as a model.

Ela: You recently did a post, on FM, “The Unofficial Wedding Dress”,what did (or will) your wedding dress look like?
FM: I already have the wedding dress of my dreams, in my closet. But, as I get older, I'm sure I’ll marry in some simple silk maxi dress with some gorgeous hat, or some mini dress, like this one by Jenny Pachkam.

Ela: Who do you consider to be the most influential style icon of the moment?
FM: I do not know if I can focus on only one style. Ideal combination would be the style of Kate Moss, Joy Bryant, Giovanna Battaglia, and SJP.

Ela: Must have accessory?
FM: Somehow, it’s always hats (except the shoes!).

Ela: 5 Pieces of clothing every woman should have in their closet?
FM: This post I've done! I think that every woman above all should have unique handbag, a fur coat, a black lacy dress, some gorgeous colorful high heels, and high - quality jeans!

Ela: Best investment piece your readers should save up for?
FM: If they are able - gold watches! However, there is always the LV or Hermes handbag.

Ela:Which public persona most embodies your style?
FM: My style is in fact very susceptible to extremes. I am feeling perfect in good jeans, short leather jackets, white T-shirt and sandals, and I feel fantastic in a very sophisticated dress. Perhaps it's Kate Moss, from "Rock Star" to the sometimes daily extravagant combinations, to the "Red Carpet.

Ela: Can your readers look forward to an outfit post in the near future?
FM: It would be my pleasure, the moment when I’m sure that my fellow fashionistas want it.

I think I can speak for us all when I say,
"Oh, we want it!!!"
Thank you, FM. You are Absolutely Fabulous indeed.

~ Ela

[All photos provided by Ana, of FM~FP~AF]