Only Valentino

Doesn't this exquisitely simple white Valentino gown (Couture Spring 2011) remind you of the dress Marisa Tomei (I wasn't named after her, although this fact has been questioned) wore in the 90's rom-com classic Only You? If you haven't seen it already, it's a chick flick must-see. . .not necessarily avant-garde or critically-acclaimed by any means, but definitely charming and unapologetically romantic.


Enamored  with the althletic neckline & impeccable cut



of course, the slits at the waist are a tad more scandalous

I think provided with the right opportunity (Prom perhaps? yes, I'm already thinking of it 2 days after Winter Formal; yes that is an indication of my somehwhat pitiful existence) and the right accesories, one could feasibly wear this without risking the accidental-wedding-gown look. Although the train (and price tag) of the Valentino might be a little problematic.
                                                 
                                                                          -Marisa

Blessed Like Ah-Choo

As previously mentioned by both Marisa and I, we went to "Night Under the Lights" last night (apparently the title is a play on the northern lights, who would have known). Everyone looked gorgeous and I was thus distracted from the lameness that was the actual dance. 

 The always stunning Theresa during our pre formal party (she loves candy if you couldn't tell by the huge smile). I had some of that peach tart in the back, homemade and to die for. 

 I opted for a vintage inspired teased chignon with my high necked fuchsia chiffon dress paired with neutral heels, a geometric gold bracelet, and oversized amber ring. Meanwhile my friend Sara (always gorgeous, seen here) went for a 70's disco feel with her rhinestoned black dress from Express and feathered-esque curled hair

Obsessed with the sequined design on the top of Theresa's dress. It looks simple from afar, but up close it's a unique combination of gold, copper, purple, and black beads.

Kristin looked adorable in this fitted longer sleeved black lace dress. Timeless and chic, I absolutely loved it, especially on such a stunning natural blonde.  

The title of this Hoodie Allen song "Joy and Misery" perfectly depicts my senior year/my high school experience in general (I also felt it relevant to the before mentioned cliche dance). There is obvious miseries in my last year of high school and its day-to-day drudgeries/nuisances/petty annoying people, yet nonetheless it is still a joy being with my best friends in the world and not caring about anything whatsoever. It's a combination of the two. It's pure bittersweetness. Oh and the lyrics are such brilliance, I swear Hoodie is the next big thing. 

Regards,

Gabriella

Cut + Paste

Found these jems while ogling all the gorgeousness at Fashion Gone Rogue. I was so inspired by the "cut and paste" motif for this shoot because I feel that everyone copies and pastes images,sayings,feelings,colors,sounds and tastes everyday, and all of these bits of information that we identify with eventually comprise who we are, or who we wish to become. I love the literal translation of the concept in these pictures, and the effect it produces in each of them. (Didn't mean to get so philosophical today, but alas)

                                        all images via http://fashiongonerogue.com/

And apologies for the lateness of this post. . .as aforementioned, our Winter Formal was last night, so as you can imagine I was less than sprightly today.

                                                                 

                            Arrows by Vampire Weekend is currently on repeat on my iPod . . . listen to it here

          

                                                                     -Marisa

Friday Blondes

Love every aspect of this look. Such a beautiful tailored jacket and the skirt is to die for with its perfect length and pale softness. The hat and shoes add the perfect amount of femininity and casualness. I wish I saw more girls walking around like this on a daily basis.

Stole this from Olsens Anonymous. One of my inspirations, I simply adore Ashley's style, she has truly mastered that coveted quirky simplicity and refined beauty that I long for. Such a classy lady.

Tonight is the Winter Formal. Photos to be posted later of the highlights from the evening.
Au Revoir,
G

Totally Brill

I am having an attack of adoration for Jen Brill right now. She is my official Girl Crush of the moment. First off, she's a Chanel Ambassador. . .casually, as well as a photographer's agent. She pretty much epitomizes who I want to become while I live the life in NYC. If I could be a cross between her,Alexa Chung,Iris Apfel, Emma Watson or Leandra Medine (the Man Repeller. . .in case you are currently existing under a boulder, she has arguably the most hilarious blog ever, by the name of http://www.manrepeller.com/ ) I gladly would. Read about Jen Brill in this article from last year in Bazaar here.

Via style.com

Via Harper's Bazaar website

Via style.com

Perhaps it's Brill for Brilliant.

-Marisa

Boyz

I have a problem. I am way too obsessed with Justin Wu model videos. I am so guilty of watching them not only because they are exceptionally inspiring fashion wise, but also because I know they are a guaranteed 4 minutes of beautiful happy bliss. Wu collaborates with none other than the best street style blog Jak & Jil and thus makes the best lip syncing/joyous model dancing videos you will ever see. I just saw this one on Jak & Jil and knew it had to be posted, featuring the many charismatic male models of Paris and Milan Fashion Week. I know I use this phrase a lot, but you seriously cannot get much better than this.



Boys of Milan & Paris FW2011 from Justin Wu on Vimeo.


-G

Stella and the Cold War Kids

Here's another little collage of inspiration I made at Polyvore. It features one of my favorite looks from Stella McCartney's Resort 2011 collection (although I'm kind of traveling back in time, whoever actually buys off the runway is supposed to wear the pieces now because its almost early spring) I think this dress might as well be framed and placed in a museum, but then no one could walk around in it, and then the purpose would be totally defeated. I like to daydream about one day actually having place to wear such a dress/having the fortune to buy such a dress.

Also, the new Cold War Kids deluxe album was released today and I wanted to share one of my favorite songs from it. I originally wanted to post a bonus track from the album called "Fashionable" that's super good but I experienced some techincal difficulties. . .it's definitley worth checking out on iTunes.

                                                                        -Marisa

I See That Look In Her Face, She's Got That Look In Her Eye

So the other day I was watching my favorite music channel Palladia and the London Live special with Lily Allen came on. I've been a fan of her since back in the days of '07 when her first hit Smile came out and of course bought her album The Fear in '09, yet after watching the show live and seeing the interview I fell completely in love all over again. First of all, the girl is a lyrical genius. She's witty, clever, and precise in all of her songs,  yet does it in the most nonchalant badass way that leaves nothing to be desired and makes her poppy music have that much needed edge. Oh and she was also Karl Lagerfeld's muse for a while modeling for Chanel (click here if you were living under a rock and don't remember), then dramatically quit the music biz because of her hatred for the fame, money, and the Paris Hilton types that rule the business, et cetera, et cetera. The good news however is that she recently came back from "retirement" as was expected, and has started her own label titled "In the Name Of",  working with up and comers such as The Cults. 
This song "22" is one of my favorites and she performed it with such charisma I knew immediately that it had to be posted. The video is gorgeous, note the perfect bob and pewter dress with the low back that is just to die for, and I hope you enjoy it (and her) as much as I do. 



-G
For other enjoyable songs make sure to get F*** You, The Fear, Oh My God, and Who'd Have Known

"What about Them? I'm All About Them"

Sorry for the lull in posts first of all, my weekend has been pretty filled. . . but instead of hearing about my riveting (sarcasm) life let's talk about some things that I am currently coveting/inspire me/give me reason to live.

                                                                                1.

this stripe cotton Ottoman Rib Drop-Shoulder sweater (it's a mouthful I know) from American Apparel

                                                   image from American Apparel website
                                                                         find it  here 

                                                                               2.

these incredible Oxford Slingbacks from Madewell. . .sigh

Image from Madewell website
find it here

3.



this versatile,punchy and frolic-worthy look from Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring RTW

Image from style.com



                                                                           

                                                                              4.

Angelic/fierce inspiration in the form of Givenchy Haute Couture

image from Fashion Gone Rogue from Elle Russia


5.

Rill Rill by Sleigh Bells. . .quirky lyrics and a super catchy rythm

-Marisa

                                     

Tourist History

Fortunately, school was optional this friday. To mix things up we decided to change our plans and be tourists for the day by hitting up Old Town Camarillo and all the random shops it has to offer. Not only did we discover an excellent new thrift store  (Marisa scored a christmas sweater to be worn for future holidays and I a denim vest), but we also spent the afternoon drinking soda by the bottle at Rocket Fizz candy store. Normally we claim our small town is completely void of anything even somewhat exciting, yet today we managed to prove that theory wrong. Sometimes the most enjoyable places are hidden where you would least expect them to be.

This dog was quietly sleeping on the counter while I was paying yet managed to wake up as I snapped her photo. 

The barren side of this brown building on a sleepy friday early afternoon seemed so rustic and somewhat out of place.

Pretending we are from Europe and don't see these signs every day. 

We spent a good twenty minutes trying to decide which soda to buy. One of my favorites was a certain bottle labeled "So, Duh!" with a blonde girls face on it. Such wit.

Marisa opted for a lemon/lime beverage, Hannah for the orange, and I for the black cherry. 

I'm not big on taffy, but according to Hannah the raspberry lemonade is the best.

  -Gabriella

Moments This Week

Hiking in January is a must, especially when the temperatures reach the mid 80's.

8 miler to the beach with Ali, Kristin, and Sara is such a good way to avoid school/studying etc.

Got these boots for a measly $25 for my friend for her birthday (5 days before mine) and she returned the favor by getting them for me. I love the cowboy feel thats very relaxed at the same time.

 This butterfly cuff bracelet was my 94 year old grandmother's that she passed down to me (along with her entire jewelry collection). It's perfectly symmetrical and such a statement piece I absolutely adore.

Reppin' the turband, red lips, shoulder padded metallic blazer, and pursed lip expression. Need I say more?

Happy Thursday my loves!
-G

Weekday Happiness

On this lovely Wednesday I would like to share some semi-new news. . .so you know those J. Crew Lindy platform peep toes I put in a post a month ago which I have been pining for? Ladies and gents, they have been found by me. Not really, but I absconded from Aldo (I payed for them, don't worry your little socks) with these which are similar and I'm a bit enamored. A grey/beige platform in patent leather they are surprisingly easy to walk around in, even for a clumsy child like myself.

              

                

                                                               

                                                               Hope your wednesday went whimsically.

                                                                               -Marisa

Uniform

These past few weeks I have gotten into what some may call a "fashion habit" aka I have worn similar combinations of clothes all the time whether it is to run errands, go to dinner with the girls, or even just boring school, this has been my go to style. First of all, there's the harem pants. I am so done with tight fitting, hip hugging, suffocating skinny pants that have been "in style" for the past 10 years. They suck. Harem pants  give you that needed comfort and fit while still looking super chic and put together (my advice however is do not go too baggy and thus look like you just rolled out of bed...). Second, this is kind of boring, but I usually just throw on a simple t shirt or blouse to balance out the pants and pull it all together in a casual yet classy way. Lastly, you have the wedges. Though in all actuality I  have mainly been wearing wedge booties or just plain simple canvas wedges, I thought these sandalesque more summery ones were beautiful/you get the point. Throw on a fitted black or navy blazer, some kind of scarf ,and a statement piece of jewelry and you've got me in a nutshell.
I'm avoiding studying for finals in case you didn't already know I have "senioritis",
Gabriella

Are You Not the Same As You Used to Be?

I created this set a while ago on http://www.polyvore.com/ which, if you haven't already been on, is insanely addictive. I think of it as a virtual collage-maker. You can create collages of art,fashion,words etc. and each category is updated frequently. There's a community aspect too because you can comment or "like" a set, compete in contests and be part of "groups". I'm not a huge participant but I love to go on ever so often to browse or make some inspiration for myself.

I fully intend on buying the pink/champagne gold lame blazer in a thrift shop  because it is tragically out of stock at the moment.

I named this set after on of my favorite Beach House songs which is Used to Be. I was first introduced to them when they opened for Vampire Weekend, and in my ignorance/impatience did not really pay attention because I was too excited to see Ezra in all of his greatness. After listening to the songs on iTunes I pretty much fell in love.

here is the song. . .
                                       
                                   

-Marisa

Bonnie and Clyde

The Bonnie and Clyde story has always been one of my favorites; the beautiful and notorious outlaw couple robbing banks, smoking cigars, driving an old Ford, and meeting an untimely end after being shot and killed together by the police has always seemed so captivating to me for some reason. This editorial brings the classic story to a whole new level and makes me want to live the dangerous outlaw life, especially with such a romantic twist. The "Bonnie" character, portrayed by model Elise Didby, is so incredibly chic with her fitted white sweaters, hermes scarves, and vintage hats that are to die for. Clyde, none other than the ever gorgeous Ollie Edwards (Yes, I'm growing ever more obsessed with him each day. I mean look at this scar), is the picture of perfection in classic menswear. They really had it figured out - excitement, romance,  riches, and in this case, impeccable dress.

-g

And this, ladies and gents, is the couple themselves circa 1933! 

Impressive similarities right?

"Games, Jake. Silly torturous games"

While I am pushing studying for midterms out of my mind and procrastinating until I get a rude awakening about how much I actually need to re-learn, I want to share my thoughts on a classic all you kids have hopefully seen. . .Sixteen Candles. While I was watching it this afternoon, I became extremely jealous of Randy's (Samantha's best friend) earrings and matching red ensemble. Because I didn't have the distinct privilege of living in the 80's I fantasize about and glorify the era despite my mother's cautionary tales about permed hair, shoulder pads and neon spandex.

Enamored with the red vest and matching shoulder bag. . .although its hard to see them here I also love Samantha's chunky bracelets

Going bananas over her hat. . and how the"Geek" wears pastel colored button downs the entire movie

no real sartorial value here. . purely sentimental/why-can't-I-be-her. but you know, a floral wreath on your head is always cool. . .P.S. how adorable is he?! adorable enough that he can pull off a green vest.

This movie is simply to good and too full of bizarre characters/social commentary to pass up.

Going along with the 80's motif-here is one of my favorite Smiths songs (remixed) that I am currently obsessing over

-Marisa

More Men...

So going off of M's post from yesterday, this guy was posted on The Sartorialist today and the photo is pretty breathtaking. Figures, it was taken in Florence. He has that "genuine nice guy" look but with some kind of refined twist that is just plain handsome in its purest form. Scott Schuman knows what he's doing, no surprise there.

La La Land

As I am writing this, I am expertly avoiding reality (in the form of homework) and speaking to you folks about Rodarte's Spring 2011 ready-to-wear fabulousness. As if I didn't love the label enough, the recent creations are super majestic,use excellent color and posses a that je ne sais quoi so prevalent in Rodarte's unique conceptions. Perfect for effectively evading the mundane and escaping into a chic dreamland. Here are just a few of the looks I'm going bananas over.

How insane is that silhouette? The print is almost reminiscent of a piece of old pottery.



In love with the print on those gloriously high-waisted pants and the perfect silky top



The dramatic empire waistline is so powerful in gold. . .and I have actually tried to get my hair to do the comb-over swoop in all seriousness but it never ever looks that cool.

all pictures from http://www.style.com/

-Marisa