I'll give you a star, so you know just where you are

I found Queen Michelle's post quite interesting today, as she tried to prove with pictures of her floor-picked outfit that fashion bloggers are not "the most conscientious, deliberate dressers there are, ever." Of course I don't always dress my best, and somedays I don't even get out of my pj's. But in general, in terms of the days that I get out of the house for something other than work, I think I have definitely dressed more 'deliberately' in the last year (oh yes, I've been blabbing on the internets for a year now). However, I think it's more to do with the fact that I've felt more comfortable in my own skin in the last year, and I've amassed more clothing in the last year. I've also had more stress in the last year, and deliberately dressing is such good therapy, that it's something open-minded doctors should be prescribing to some of their patients. Sure, it's not a cure all, as putting on my mono jodhpurs (or, as my man calls them, my 'fancy pants') for dinner and a movie only momentarily distracted me from my worries, but it's those little moments that make horrible days a little more tolerable, right? So, conscientious or not, I think fashion bloggers and those who read fashion blogs are equipped with one extra weapon for dealing with life. And this dress by George Bezhanishvili and Franziska Fürpass (found via ASOVF) is a definite must for a complete arsenal.

Gladiator jersey

Now this is my idea of a sexy dress. Something that is entirely wearable by us common folk, and yet entirely red-carpet ready. You should know by now that I'm not really into bodycon anything, but these new gladiator-inspired (jersey!) pieces by Attila Design could convince me to shimmy myself into some Spanx in no time. No doubt about it, Tiina is a genius.

ARSENICUM

If you read GQ, you might have heard of Russian designer Dmitry Loginov's label, ARSENICUM. I, however, do not, so I was only just clued in by a quick peek at the F/W 10/11 collection on ASOVF. These looks here are from the S/S 10 collection, which seems to be inspired by military looks and figures from various eras, from Augustus to Napoleon to WWII. I find it slightly ironic, at least in the Alanis Morissette sense, that I abhor all forms of war (and violence in general), and yet I'm predictably drawn to styles associated with such things. Hmm... If only the 'on-line store' link worked. Anyway, a little leg, anyone?

If you want to destroy my sweater

I know June is just around the corner, but my city has chosen to ignore that fact and let it snow instead. Hence these Turkish Designs by Nihan sweaters. It's not so bad though since they are utterly gorgeous sweaters, with names like 'Accordiona', 'Cocoon', 'Dumadumadum', and 'Elizabeth' (if you wear the hood down, it looks like an Elizabethan collar - genius). Though I do wish I had another 3 1/2 hour movie to watch today. Reading fest it is...

The Unbearable Lightness of Underthings

Well, as a result of this week's events, I have yet to go on my much needed underthings shopping excursion. Last night, however, I saw the most perfect bra in the world. I was lent The Unbearable Lightness of Being by my most cultured friend (and great fan of Daniel Day-Lewis), and finally watched it while nursing away the rest of my woes. If you've seen it, you should already know what bra I'm talking about. The one that Lena Olin wears in a few scenes. I never realized how gorgeous she is, probably because she never wore an outfit like that in Chocolat. So, any ideas on where to find such a bra, twenty-two years after the movie was made? I'd also be interested in the bowler hat...

On a completely unrelated note, I'm quite excited to be sitting on an interview with a musician friend of mine. I'm not sure when I'll be posting it (especially as I'm too comfy to get up just now...yes, go ahead and groan), but be prepared for something completely different...

Ivana Pilja

I love these designs by Bosnian designer Ivana Pilja, found via NOTCOUTURE and MUST. Very Gaga-ish. They'll be shown at FASHIONCLASH Maastricht 2010, which is happening next week in...Maastricht. Von Bardonitz is showing there as well, so it sounds like the place to be!

Does anyone else think all of Ivana's looks look like giant ankhs? Which reminds me, as soon as I've read all I can about Lisbeth Salander, I need to finish Absolute Death. Also, I think people need to stop naming stuff in all uppercase letters...

por favor

Would somebody please buy the following so that I'm not tempted to do so myself? Thank you in advance.

Collar/capelet by Raw Hemline

Evil Eye pendant by Twisted Sister Arts

The Hanging Garden

I keep learning that I am indeed my father's daughter, as I do not deal with stress very well, and manifest very physical symptoms when subjected to heightened amounts of stress. So today is the perfect day to post these images that I've been sitting on for a while from Austrian-born Antwerp-based designer Carolin Lerch's label, Pelican Avenue. This is a collection called 'The Hanging Garden', which was presented as a group show that took place in various locations in the fall of 2009. I can't imagine more soothing colours and drapery. Just don't watch the videos of the installation/performances if you want to retain that feeling of relaxation. Also, I highly suggest dreaming about being pals with Eddie Izzard. Especially when kettle corn and clay pigeons are involved, it's a very relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Here's some more incredible looks from Pelican Avenue's 2008 Barcelona 080 festival show.

And, just because, here's The Cure's version of a hanging garden.

I heart Norwegian fringes

First off, I must say I have never been a fan of fringes, except on the amazing green velvet curtain dress in Gone With the Wind. But I almost squealed when I saw this new Norwegian Wood piece. Isn't she purdy? A lovely belt and peplum all in one! I can't help but think of my lovely ArtLab Bustle of Lysistrata when I look at it. Hmm...I think I must order it...It will also be available soon in black and red, as seen in this photo that Queen Michelle posted this morning.

I'm also loving the new colour combos/versions of the Scuba Dress. Sexy librarian, anyone?

Shwetha Mendon

I'm the first to admit that I don't know the proper lingo that should be used whilst 'critiquing' fashion or describing the various 'genres' of style. So, help me out - is this streetwear? It's photographed on a street...with some graffiti...and it looks wonderfully comfortable... Whatever it is, I like it. I can't find much info on the designer, Shwetha Mendon, but I believe she is studying for or has completed her MA at Domus Academy in Italy. At any rate, I'd like all these lovely pieces for my lazy lounging around days, like today. Especially those pants.

(And yes, yes, I know. Sex and the City 2 opens today. But I work tonight until 2am. So today remains a lazy lounging around day.)

I'm lost

This is an older collection (2006) from Austrian designer Angela Wiedermann's 'Modern Martyr' label. But the title so succinctly fits the finale of one of my favorite TV shows ever: "Press 1 for purgatory, press 2 for reincarnation." At least I think it does. What am I going to do without Charlie, Sayid, and Sawyer? Sigh. Oh I know, I'll watch some James Franco...playing James Franco.

And no, I don't really know what's going on here. All I know is that James Franco is re-enacting scenes from all of the roles he'd done until this point. This is just a couple of clips from the 64-minute film, entitled Erased James Franco. I don't know about you, but I'm fine just watching it without the sound on.

Natalie B Coleman

I'm not sure exactly what it is about the 'Damaged Goods' collection by Irish designer Natalie B Coleman that delights me so much. No draping, no copious amounts of black, no jersey, and no architectural detailing. Nonetheless, these pieces are so light and whimsical, and just a wee bit quirky. Hmm...I think I've decided what I'll be looking for on a much needed underthings shopping trip this week...

Unnamed Bunny, R.I.P.

Patricia sure knows how to make the simplest items just perfect (and very wearable with other ArtLab pieces). I absolutely adore my ArtLab Star Trek Princess dress' shoulder detailing, so these new ArtLab tanks are a good alternative when the dress is in the wash. The black one would look so perfect with my number one dream item, of course being the ArtLab Athena's Head Covering. And I think the grey one would look brilliant under the ArtLab Charlie Chaplin Couture Bib, which unfortunately I couldn't wear to Beauty and the Beast as a result of the shoulder getting crushed during storage. Next time I have it in mind to wear, I'll have to take it out of its box more than 10 minutes before departure time...

And Patricia's circle scarves! I only own one circle scarf (from the lovely Jaana), and I think they're a sorely neglected category in my scarf collection. Not that traditional scarves are that difficult to wear, but circle scarves make for effortless accessorizing. Though I don't really consider scarves accessories. I'm rambling. I'm a tad (i.e. very) distraught over seeing a dying (not dead) animal on my way home. Sigh. I'm going to be a wreck when I finally get my own pet.

...Speaking of Charlie Chaplin, here's hoping Eddie Izzard in The Cat's Meow takes my mind off of death for a couple of hours.

Frequent Flyer

Tonight brings our week of fantastic events (complete with hefty ticket prices) to an end, quite nicely concluded with the pretty much annual stop from the utterly intense Henry Rollins. I think this will be the 3rd or 4th time I've seen him, whilst my man has seen him a couple more times than that. As our local newspaper SEE said, getting to regularly see 'Hank' on his neverending spoken word tour is like seeing that 'angry, cool uncle you can't wait to visit.' I always leave the 'show' with my head full of funny, heartbreaking, and inspiring stories. And the urgent need to travel.

Anywho, on a non-related and very non-punk rock note, the trio of fabulous outings has made me realize that I don't have a good outing bag ('good' of course meaning I can fit my wallet, a bottle of water, and a book in). Which of these hier apparel clutches shall I pick to remedy this? Yes, both of these contain leather in their original design, but the lovely Laura has offered to make a vegan option if I/you so desire. The one on the right looks plenty big for a small tome, but I do love the strap and elastic closure on the left one...Any thoughts?