Influence

A few Christmases ago, I received a gift from my dad that would be, and still remains to be, one of the best gifts I have ever gotten in my life, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen's book Influence. Being a kid born in the early 90's and raised through the 2000's, I had grown up with the Olsen twins (from the days of Full House, to Passport to Paris, to New York Minute, I was a loyal fan) and had always had a place in my heart for the twin blonde girls with the mega mogul empire. However, by age 15 I had begun to lose track of their recent endeavors as they moved out of the fame spotlight and towards fashion, starting ultra chic lines of their own such as Elizabeth and James and The Row. I saw the book in an Anthropologie store and quickly looked through it, finding the photos interesting, and then later unwrapped it under the Christmas tree as a gift. This book was literally my light in the darkness.
I had always loved fashion since childhood, there's no denying that fact, but the knowledge that Influence gave me surpassed all of that. Essentially, it's a collection of photos and interviews that MK and Ash have published spotlighting all of the people who have influenced them creatively throughout their lives. The book contained detailed interviews and autobiographies of some of the greatest legends of our time, Von Furstenberg, Galliano, Lagerfeld, Louboutin, Valli, Colacello, and more in every field of art, fashion, and design. For the first time in my life, I truly understood the fashion industry and the hard working and truly inspirational people that make it what it is. I began to find my own influence. 
- G (I swore I'd never do posts this lengthy, but it's that worth it)

 The front and back covers

Left: Though the cover is worn, I keep the book front and center on my book shelf.

Right: The polaroids (pre-banishment from the world)  of all those featured in the book.

 

Two of my favorite photos taken by one influence, Terry Richardson

 MK's glasses collection, I adore the Chanel ones

I collage spread of Ashley's favorite things

 Mary Kate's version of the above

Halo is that you? Yellooooow, yes it is I

Definitley an entertaining Christmas with my relatives. . .one of whom is Cuban (My grandpa).Which means that he has the best accent/expressions ever. Let me elaborate:
1. "Halo" : translates to Hello
2. "I don't want any pancakes!" : roughly translates to I don't want any funny business/controversial topics
3. "They are living in Disneyland." : roughly translates to Those people are crazy/living in a crazy house
4. "What is this Mickey Mouse?" : What is this craziness?

So by now you are probably asking yourself what this nonsense has to do with fashion/style/clothes. Ladies and gentlefolk, I'm here to tell you that it kind of does, kind of not really.

The day before last on our (Gabriella and I) shopping endeavor in Santa Barbara I scored these unreal yellow wedges. . . for $20 from Urban Outfitters. I know right? They are not only an unexpectedly yellow (yes I know you have eyes but I like to reiterate) but also super stable and easy to walk in. Do I have the slightest bit of yellow in my closet? Nope. But they are so versatile and are surprisingly wearable with a variety of colors/patterns.





Sorry for the scratches on the right front due to my ungraceful walking/kneeling in church

So you are probably still asking yourself the question mentioned earlier. Well folks, yellow kind of ryhmes with halo. There you have it.
Hope I haven't bored you to tears with my familial antecdote.
-M

It's Snowing in Santa Barbara!

Hahaha... Gotcha with that title didn't I? If you have any knowledge of the world you know that sadly, the beautiful city of Santa Barbara has not and will not ever receive the beauties of a fresh winter snow or the excitement and joys that a brisk winter entails. However, despite it's lack of a classic "winter wonderland" feel that the rest of America has at this time, SB does make a wonderful day trip of shopping outdoors in the middle of December. Not only did we score some major steals on State Street as usual (especially during the holidays... so many sales I couldn't resist), but we also discovered a new favorite lunch spot, The Live Culture Lounge. Marisa and I had passed by it before, remembering how quaint it was, and decided it was a must for lunch today. Not only did it reach all of our expectations, but it went above and beyond. The restaurant was cozy and comfortable inside, with high top tables beside large leather seats with dangling lights and a gorgeous bar area, the service was exceptional, and the food was beyond. It was so much better than the CPK across the way that we chose instead last time around, and with live music on weekends, I've already decided that it's one of my favorite places.

 Marisa's chai tea latte made to perfection

the gourmet grilled cheese and greens we both ordered and loved

Turband clad Marisa

The apple brie panini our friend Ally ordered, looked amazing

Gilded Style christmas card?

-G

Firey Crackliness (I seem to coin new words everyday)

While perusing Anthropologie's website I came across these really great "crackled" metallic heels. They are totally suitable for a New Year's Eve party (I wish I was cool enough to be able to actually attend a legitimate New Year's Eve bash instead of the apple cider/Dick Clark's Rockin New Year's Eve/hors d'oeuvres family gathering which always ensues on December 31st) and on into the spring. I love the imperfection of the "crackled" surface and the cut-out aspect.

click here for the link
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/category.jsp?popId=SHOESBAGS&navAction=top&navCount=15&isSortBy=true&pushId=SHOES-HEELS&id=SHOES-HEELS

-M

Inspiration Board

Below are just some of the things, people, and places that I adore. I'm kind of all over the place, but I like it that way.

captions...

Sassy in silver, prada ballerina, my illusions/obsessions with the french, aqua suede Loubs. to. die. for, the sex appeal in that stare,  there is nothing like suspended glitter,  perfection of the strong brow and red lip, modern Mary Poppins,  soft brushed curls. 

- Gabriella la la la

Bow Down, Bow Down to the Greatness that is Alexa

A little video I found on  http://www.style.com/ with the beyond cool/charismatic It Girl Alexa Chung. What I love most about her is the fact that she never takes herself seriously. . .besides her insane ability to wear the most tomboy-ish tuxedo getup and still look super gorgeous/cute/cool.
here is the link to watch the video:
http://www.style.com/video/fashion-moments/fashion-moments/1896809784/alexa-chung/692722559001

Going along with the tomboy thread. . .I am enthralled with this Madewell jumpsuit. Its made of silk crepe which makes it dressy enough for any lingering holiday get-togethers but breezy enough to pull off in the spring/summer.

Definitley not the eptitome of that attention-grabbing "attractive" stereotype but that makes it all the more desirable and different. Why would anyone want to represent themselves in a way that's at all separate from who they are simply to attract a member of the opposite sex? Boys are so behind girls anyways.

P.S. Apologies for the slightly feminist rampage. I can get a tad carried away!
-M

Ballet Beauty

     I saw the acclaimed Black Swan yesterday and can't even sufficiently express my reaction to the film. Cinematography wise, it was one of the most beautiful movies I have ever seen, wether she was drugged in a club or on stage as the white swan it was very well done (on top of that the score was beyond phenomenal, I'm considering buying it for myself for christmas...). Despite these good aspects however, some of the gruesome, violent, and sexual parts could have been toned down a bit and I definitely had to close my eyes and cower in my seat with Theresa during a lot of the movie. Natalie Portman shined as usual and was just as brilliant as ever, so deserving of that Oscar nom, and I could not have been more inspired by her wardrobe. Her looks all consisted of loose, lightweight,  and neutral dance pieces, yet they all looked impeccably chic and effortless on her. All I want to wear now are jersey skirts and little slippers, and below are some of my favorite renditions of the outfits worn in the film.

-G

Pucci ballet flats, $156

Calvin Klein flats, $149

Bassike skirt, $42

CLU dress, $53

Forever21 skirt, $17

Alice + Olivia cropped shirt, $38

Unisa Blondie flats, $30

Jack BB Dakota skirt, $38

A photo of Natalie Portman from the film (IMDB)