23
Feb 10
Yesterday I was reading one my favorite blogs, Thread Bared, and they had linked an article from another one of my favorite blogs, Jezebel, and the itch I always have to scratch reared it’s ugly head – the lack of diversity on the runways.
I thought to myself, how can I make someone understand with just an image how the fashion industry is severely lacking? I’m not even touching on body politics because that is another conversation entirely, but when you look at 40 faces and only 4 are non-white, that my friends is a problem.
I love Alexander Wang – not the collection this time around – but you must ask more from the people you admire. Wang attended Cal State Long Beach if I’m not mistaken, a very diverse university here in Southern California. Surely he can remember what it is like to be part of a multi-ethnic community. Obviously he’s not the only designer to perpetuate this runway crime, but as I mentioned, we must start expecting more from people we’ve helped catapult into fame.
LABELS: Alexander Wang, Race Matters, Thread Bared Blog
31
Dec 09
I am so sad the holidays are coming to and end. Not because I love giving and receiving gifts, but because it is the time of year where my family makes incredible amounts of candy, baked goods and of course, our traditional Mexican tamales. Though an atheist, I celebrate Christmas to its fullest extent – well, what it means to me anyways. My Dad and I always pick the tree, my sister and I always make cookies, and my mom and I always talk shit on people. I’m going to miss all the nog and pine smell products. Sigh.
Here’s a small wrap up of some of my favorite holiday gifts. I was most excited with my new Macbook and Asael surprising me with the United Bamboo cat calendar. My gift to myself? The Alexander Wang Rocco Mini-Duffel bag. True love. Seriously though, the gifts were so amazing I cannot thank my family and friends enough. I love you! Thank you notes coming your way.
xoxo Natalie
LABELS: Alexander Wang, Diptyque Candles, United Bamboo Cat Calendar
22
Oct 09
Last week I went into American Apparel to buy another leotard and to my delight all of their vintage eye wear was 50% off. Most of the shades were ironic (barf) or 80s but I came across these beauties and knew I had to have them. I have a fondness for tortoise shell and these appear to be the god-mother to the Spring ‘10 Linda Farrow for Alexander Wang sunglasses shown here. How could I resist?
I love leather gloves and plastic black kitty cats. I wonder if any one else has this much fun in CVS.
LABELS: Alexander Wang, American Apparel, Black Cats, CVS, Halloween
13
Jul 09
Smoked meats anyone?
Wearing American Apparel floppy hat, Ray Bans, vintage silk dress, Delicate Raymond necklace
Whole Foods Reno had a granola bar. JEALOUS!
Wearing AA tank, skirt, floppy hat and vintage Hermes scarf
I have almost recovered from our trip to the woods. My family, boyfriend and I ventured to the Sierras this past week and here are some snap shots from Lake Tahoe, Reno and Yosemite. We all had a blast and most importantly we had the chance to relax among some beautiful scenery. Highlight – we saw two black bears while in Lake Tahoe.
Even with my excursion into the woods, there was thought into my wardrobe. I pulled out my Stella McCartney luggage and packed my most woodsy black ensembles. I wanted to be comfortable climbing rocks, skipping, hiking and bike riding so of course I brought plenty of my American Apparel soft cottons. I wore my Jeffrey Campbell Oxford sandals most of the time and never took off my American Apparel floppy hat. I’m very cautious about sun damage! I couldn’t go without my silks, so I threw in a long vintage dress and my Barneys’ ruffled sleeve short one. And how can I forget my shorts and Alexander Wang tee? Perfect for picnicking by a lake in Yosemite.
I thrifted some amazing jewelry while I was there and a Balmain button-down. Finally I found an amazing black vintage clutch and some black wide leg trousers. Finally! Finally! AND don’t even get me started on bottled sodas and ol’timey candy. I’ve got plenty of that too. To be continued…
LABELS: Alexander Wang, American Apparel, Convict Lake, Lake Tahoe, Nature, Reno, Sierra Nevada, Vacations, Whole Foods, Woods, Yosemite
22
May 09
Mi Vida Loca finally made it to number 1 in my Netflix queue and I finally got to watch the film from start to finish – it’s only taken me 15 years! I really wanted to see it when it first came out, but seeing that I was 10 years old, my parents didn’t find it appropriate. There was something that always drew me to the film and that was the fashion. And that it was written and directed by a woman. Even as a young girl those details were important to me.
Back to the film’s fashion. Chola culture and style has always impressed me. Long before Gwen Stefani hijacked the look, there were chicanas all over Los Angeles rocking half shirts, white cotton tees, gaudy gold necklaces, and black, black and more black. Can you say Alexander Wang? Here some of the best screen caps accompanied with Alexander Wang’s Spring lookbook. The colors and the feel made me think of so much what is coming out now. Everything pictured from the film could be replicated via American Apparel [pink dress] , Erin Wasson x RVCA [tight black skirt] and Alexander Wang [stretch lace dress]. I recommend that you try and hit up your local thrift store for that 90’s fashion that has quickly squeezed itself back into our lives.
LABELS: 90s Fashion, Alexander Wang, Chicanas, Chola Fashion, Echo Park, Mi Vida Loca
12
May 09
This weekend Phuong and I made our way over to Barneys under the impression that there was a huge sale. I provided this false information as I did not read the flyer clearly reading that it was the Barneys Outlet having a 30%-70% sale. Whoopsie! It was worth it just to be smacked by Jennifer Lopez while looking at Stella McCartney dresses. That’s right, J.Lo was in the house. I’d like to add that she not only had awful taste in clothes but one of the worst attitudes I’ve seen in awhile. On the upside, her children looked mighty precious and extremely happy. Though I didn’t expect her to be the most warm individual, I was nonetheless disappointed in how she carried herself. Much taller than I expected too.
Ah yes, the decisions. I’ve been looking for a dress to wear to my sister’s wedding, which is in 2 weeks! Yikes. I tried on a Lanvin (out of my price range), a Dries Van Noten (not the right look) and a lovely black Stella McCartney. I’m still debating whether I am going back for it. I had fun trying on some jumpsuits as you can also see. Helmut Lang had a great black silk one on sale and Alexander Wangs reminded me of being on the school yard.
Aussenhaut also faced a tough decision – which dress to buy? The knotty blue dress vs the cage dress. A deciding factor? The $300 difference. She walked home with the blue, which I absolutely love but now she’s found the cage dress on sale! Any advice for my dear friend?
LABELS: Alexander Wang, Aussenhaut, Barneys, Dries Van Noten, Jennifer Lopez, Lanvin, Stella McCartney
28
Apr 09
Wearing my new American Apparel Tie Dye Interlock Pencil Skirt
Dressing room at Barneys – I bought the black Alexander Wang tee
I die for DRIES!
The best necklace in Las Vegas. Topshop.com here I come!
Best dressed girls in Las Vegas – L: Two Brits, R: L.A. Girls
Best dressed men in Las Vegas. Love them!
This past weekend I hosted my sister’s bachelorette party in Las Vegas. We arrived Thursday night and the fun did not stop until we left on Sunday afternoon. We stayed at the Venetian and I recommend it to those looking to visit Las Vegas as the hotel was simply perfect. The hotel’s spa was absolutely amazing, so if you’re looking for a good massage and pure bliss, that is your place.
Las Vegas is not a city I visit often, but I am so glad I threw the party there as it makes getting wild quite easy. There was plenty of XXX fun, but I still managed to visit the new Barneys, hit the best boutiques and indulge in the most delicious food. Buchon anyone?
LABELS: Alexander Wang, American Apparel, Bachelorette Party, Barneys New York, Las Vegas, Phillip Lim, The Venetian, Travel
18
Nov 08
Last night marked the fifth annual CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund dinner in which Alexander Wang was chosen the worthy recipient. He’ll take home not only top honors, but pocket change worth $200,000 and a year’s worth of mentoring.
Coming in runner up were Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai of Vena Cava, who the Fashion Intel has exclaimed their undying love to. Plus, they’re from my ‘hood in the SGV. They’ll take home $50,000.
It seems like us Californians have the perfect touch! From San Francisco to South Pasadena, this year our designers have ruled fashion. [Read more on designers who are California Natives here, & more on CFDA at WWD]
All Wang garments pictured can be found over at La Garçonne [a favorite of mine!]
LABELS: Alexander Wang, California Love, California Natives, CFDA Winner, Vena Cava
03
Oct 08
What do all my favorite designers have in common? THEY ARE ALL FROM CALIFORNIA! I have anticipated this entry because I feel like this fact too often goes under the radar. What we do hear is that L.A. Fashion Week is a joke [mostly true] and that NYC is the fashion capital of the world. Well, where would that city be without all of our California natives?
California, particularly L.A., has received a bad wrap in regards to its fashion choices, but there is no denying that these talents have made the Fashion Intel proud. In addition, I would like to point out that some of the best fashion bloggers, Because I’m Addicted, Chictopia, Diabolina, Fashion Toast, Karla’s Closet, Taghrid and That’s Chic are ALL California girls.
Now that fashion month is winding down, I wanted to share which looks inspired me during New York Fashion Week from my favorite [Californian] designers. You can count that this Spring [I know Winter hasn't even started!!!!] I will be wearing my hair in a bun and touting ruffles, black, gray and bondage heels.
Here is a breakdown, if you were wondering more specifically where these designers came from: Vena Cava [South Pasadena], Erin Fetherston [Piedmont, UC Berkeley grad], Jenni Kayne [Los Angeles], Phillip Lim [Westminster, Long Beach State Grad], Rodarte [Nor Cal, Pasadena, UC Berkeley grads], Alexander Wang [San Francisco]
LABELS: Alexander Wang, California, California Love, Erin Fetherston, Jenni Kayne, Phillip Lim, Rodarte, Vena Cava
06
Sep 08
The Fashion Intel will always have a soft spot for Foxy Brown, the rap spitting gem who brought us the greatness of Ill Na Na. I’ve loved her through her toughest times, wished her well when she went deaf, and it makes me happy to read that one of my favorite designers, Alexander Wang, loves her too.
In fact, he adores her so much, she’ll be sitting front row at this show [fashion week] and performing at his after-party. Style.com is reporting that Foxy Brown will be “performing a couple classic tracks circa 10:30 p.m., and given that word comes from Mr. Wang himself, it stands to be good.”
LABELS: Alexander Wang, Erin Wasson, Fashion Week, Foxy Brown, Hip Hop
