Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Bazaaro

I stay on the cutting edge of fashion as much as humanly possible. I read I-D, Hint, Dazed & Confused, Purple, Love and a ton of other avant-garde publications. I stay away from Vogue and Elle mostly because of something Vivienne Westwood once said that strikes me as incredibly true - something along the lines of, "I don't read Vogue or any magazine that talks to their readers like they're idiots." But, I really, and I mean really love Bazaar. It seems like an odd choice given the types of outer-limits fashion rags that I typically read, but Bazaar is my favorite. I can't explain why. I love their fashion spreads. I love how it's ALL FASHION and ONLY FASHION and anything that HAS TO DO WITH FASHION. I love how it's not remotely hipstery.

Par example, the Tim Burton spread in October's Bazaar is one of the most amazing fashion spreads ever ever ever. I took the magazine to a party and showed it to everyone who was curious. The dudes and the ladies alike were all, "Whoa. Seriously. Cool. Stuff." I couldn't agree more.

Check out this stunning photo spread.
























Bazaaro

I stay on the cutting edge of fashion as much as humanly possible. I read I-D, Hint, Dazed & Confused, Purple, Love and a ton of other avant-garde publications. I stay away from Vogue and Elle mostly because of something Vivienne Westwood once said that strikes me as incredibly true - something along the lines of, "I don't read Vogue or any magazine that talks to their readers like they're idiots." But, I really, and I mean really love Bazaar. It seems like an odd choice given the types of outer-limits fashion rags that I typically read, but Bazaar is my favorite. I can't explain why. I love their fashion spreads. I love how it's ALL FASHION and ONLY FASHION and anything that HAS TO DO WITH FASHION. I love how it's not remotely hipstery.

Par example, the Tim Burton spread in October's Bazaar is one of the most amazing fashion spreads ever ever ever. I took the magazine to a party and showed it to everyone who was curious. The dudes and the ladies alike were all, "Whoa. Seriously. Cool. Stuff." I couldn't agree more.

Check out this stunning photo spread.
























Thursday, September 24, 2009

Let's Hope My Writing Has Evolved

My google analytics told me some terrible news today. They said, "Grace, your average reader only spends less than 3 minutes on your blog." I was all, "Srsly? They must be super fast readers." :)

Like any writer and/or creative type, I have an ego. I think I am pretty great. So, Reader, I want you to stick around today and read some of my archives. I mean, I know our mutated ADD brains demand that we click through to reddit and twitter and metafilter and textsfromlastnight and jezebel, and reading archives is quite possibly impossible. And I know that after almost four years of High Fashion Girl and over 400 posts (though I'm nowhere near as prolific as some fashion bloggers), there's a lot to pick through, so I'm throwing some archived awesomez your way.


The Other September Issue
Penance for Paris
The Recessionista's Ultimate Guide to Finance
Recessionistas Unite!
Have Free GC, Will Shop
Burn After Reading
Dear Alexander McQueen
Use of Color
Hello Dolly
Hold Your Horses
In Celebration of Unique Ladies Everywhere
Judgin' Jezebel
Welcome to the Jungle
Steampunk Willy
Music + Fashion
Wardrobe Basics
Hope in a Jar
The Mind of a Genius
Fashion is Art
Conspiracy Theory
Paradigm Shift
Altruistic Fashion

Let's Hope My Writing Has Evolved

My google analytics told me some terrible news today. They said, "Grace, your average reader only spends less than 3 minutes on your blog." I was all, "Srsly? They must be super fast readers." :)

Like any writer and/or creative type, I have an ego. I think I am pretty great. So, Reader, I want you to stick around today and read some of my archives. I mean, I know our mutated ADD brains demand that we click through to reddit and twitter and metafilter and textsfromlastnight and jezebel, and reading archives is quite possibly impossible. And I know that after almost four years of High Fashion Girl and over 400 posts (though I'm nowhere near as prolific as some fashion bloggers), there's a lot to pick through, so I'm throwing some archived awesomez your way.


The Other September Issue
Penance for Paris
The Recessionista's Ultimate Guide to Finance
Recessionistas Unite!
Have Free GC, Will Shop
Burn After Reading
Dear Alexander McQueen
Use of Color
Hello Dolly
Hold Your Horses
In Celebration of Unique Ladies Everywhere
Judgin' Jezebel
Welcome to the Jungle
Steampunk Willy
Music + Fashion
Wardrobe Basics
Hope in a Jar
The Mind of a Genius
Fashion is Art
Conspiracy Theory
Paradigm Shift
Altruistic Fashion

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

FW Excitement

The Fashion Week buzz is all about:


Charlie le Mindu's crazy sculptured hair at London FW:








Jeremy Scott's bizarre Flinstone-inspired collection:





The precocious 13-year old fashion goddess, Tavi Gevinson:





The news about the staff person and the stylist that got fired at Mark Fast's runway show over Mark's inclusion of plus-size models in the show:





House of Holland's eye-popping neon collection:




And most importantly, the spring collection of SNUGGIES:

FW Excitement

The Fashion Week buzz is all about:


Charlie le Mindu's crazy sculptured hair at London FW:








Jeremy Scott's bizarre Flinstone-inspired collection:





The precocious 13-year old fashion goddess, Tavi Gevinson:





The news about the staff person and the stylist that got fired at Mark Fast's runway show over Mark's inclusion of plus-size models in the show:





House of Holland's eye-popping neon collection:




And most importantly, the spring collection of SNUGGIES:

Thursday, September 17, 2009

A perfect day off

Well, I have some big news but it's not officially official yet, so I'll contain myself for now (no, I am not pregnant). Suffice it to say, it's the greatest thing that's ever happened to me, and it may be a pretty great thing for you too, in the near future.

I am taking a departure from blogging about fashion to bring you a different kind of blog post. I recently had a day off from work (a legit one, no calling in sick with a fake cough or anything) on Labor Day and I realized that I may have found the secret formula for enjoying a perfect day off.

1) Wake up no later than 2 hours after your normal wake up time. If you normally wake up at 8am, then set your alarm for 9:00. Believe me, the temptation to sleep in is as powerful as any opiate, but you'll be really happy you followed my advice on this one. Why? Because you still got an extra hour of sleep (yay!) but you also still have your entire day ahead of you (also, yay!).

2) Do something that you've realllllly needed to do. For example, if your car tags are expired, get them updated. Return your library books. Call your mom. File all of your fashion magazines in alphabetical order and chronological order (or don't, because if you're like me, this could take up several days off). Just do one really important thing, though and do it early. That way, you've accomplished something on your day off and you can spend the rest of your day having fun!

3) Treat yourself. After you have crossed that Really Important Item off of your To-Do list, you should treat yourself! Buy some new shoes, get a pedicure, spend a few delicious hours lost in a wonderful book. Whatever your preference, indulge yourself. Don't think about work or relationships or adult obligations. Just pamper yourself.

4) Plan your evening meal. Whether you recreate a gourmet meal that you heard about on Splendid Table or you go out to dinner at your favorite local bistro, enjoying dinner should be part of your day off. Take it slow. Eat a three course meal that takes 2.5 hours from start to finish. Enjoy your food. Savor it. Don't calorie count or worry about carbs. Reconnect with how good it feels to nourish your body in a stress-free environment.

5) Have some social fun. See your friends. A cold beer with a couple of good friends is a great way to spend a day off. You can catch up, go shopping or see a movie or hit up a local art gallery.


6) Do something special for someone you love. It can be a tiny little token of affection, like doing the dishes or watching him play video games and cheering him on. It's rewarding to do something for someone you love.

To recap: Wake up early, get something done, indulge yourself, enjoy a fine dining experience, see your friends, do something for someone else. Does all of this equal a perfect day (that ends with you falling peacefully asleep with a giant grin on your face)? It absolutely does.

A perfect day off

Well, I have some big news but it's not officially official yet, so I'll contain myself for now (no, I am not pregnant). Suffice it to say, it's the greatest thing that's ever happened to me, and it may be a pretty great thing for you too, in the near future.

I am taking a departure from blogging about fashion to bring you a different kind of blog post. I recently had a day off from work (a legit one, no calling in sick with a fake cough or anything) on Labor Day and I realized that I may have found the secret formula for enjoying a perfect day off.

1) Wake up no later than 2 hours after your normal wake up time. If you normally wake up at 8am, then set your alarm for 9:00. Believe me, the temptation to sleep in is as powerful as any opiate, but you'll be really happy you followed my advice on this one. Why? Because you still got an extra hour of sleep (yay!) but you also still have your entire day ahead of you (also, yay!).

2) Do something that you've realllllly needed to do. For example, if your car tags are expired, get them updated. Return your library books. Call your mom. File all of your fashion magazines in alphabetical order and chronological order (or don't, because if you're like me, this could take up several days off). Just do one really important thing, though and do it early. That way, you've accomplished something on your day off and you can spend the rest of your day having fun!

3) Treat yourself. After you have crossed that Really Important Item off of your To-Do list, you should treat yourself! Buy some new shoes, get a pedicure, spend a few delicious hours lost in a wonderful book. Whatever your preference, indulge yourself. Don't think about work or relationships or adult obligations. Just pamper yourself.

4) Plan your evening meal. Whether you recreate a gourmet meal that you heard about on Splendid Table or you go out to dinner at your favorite local bistro, enjoying dinner should be part of your day off. Take it slow. Eat a three course meal that takes 2.5 hours from start to finish. Enjoy your food. Savor it. Don't calorie count or worry about carbs. Reconnect with how good it feels to nourish your body in a stress-free environment.

5) Have some social fun. See your friends. A cold beer with a couple of good friends is a great way to spend a day off. You can catch up, go shopping or see a movie or hit up a local art gallery.


6) Do something special for someone you love. It can be a tiny little token of affection, like doing the dishes or watching him play video games and cheering him on. It's rewarding to do something for someone you love.

To recap: Wake up early, get something done, indulge yourself, enjoy a fine dining experience, see your friends, do something for someone else. Does all of this equal a perfect day (that ends with you falling peacefully asleep with a giant grin on your face)? It absolutely does.

Monday, September 14, 2009

A few helpful hints

I am in the middle of a closet purge. Actually, I am at my laptop taking a momentary break from a closet purge. I have been reading a book about the history of modern fashion designers and I found myself thinking about my wardrobe and realizing it needs a massive overhaul. I have been discarding things that I have clung to for years - things that have survived many previous closet purges - deeming them "hideous" (with a silent "h") as I'm sure Karl Lagerfeld would also do had he been standing by my side. So, fellow fashion lovers I am here to give you five pieces of advice:

1) Purge ruthlessly. I mean, ruthlessly. I always thought that I saw my wardrobe through the eagle of eyes of an experienced professional stylist, but my god, I have some atrocious items. Well, I should say, I had some atrocious items.

2) Get rid of multiple basics that you keep around because they're basic and keep the quality stuff. Par example, I tossed all my ratty old Target tanks and kept my nice Alternative Apparel tanks in the same colors.

3) Iron your clothes! I found six awesome tops that I haven't worn in ages because they were wrinkly and I am lazy. I am ironing them. Tonight.

4) Take stuff to the tailor! I have black trousers that I got at Ann Taylor. The hem fell out and I stopped wearing them even though I paid about $100 for them (this was pre-recession, natch). Those are going to the tailor along with an Armani jacket I got at the thrift store with sleeves that were too long.

5) Take stuff to the dry cleaner. Same basic story here. I typically don't purchase "dry clean only" clothes because they are a hassle to deal with. I have a nice little pile of jacket and pants that have been neglected for, oh, years, because I haven't taken them to the dry cleaner.

Holey swiss on rye! I've got a whole new pile of wearable clothes now. It's kind of amazing.

Also, my other tip to you is, plan outfits in advance. I never do it, and I pay the price in the morning when I am bleary-eyed and resentful of the evil capitalist system that demands that I work for a living (Quelle horreur!). I found that planning everything down to my underwear and accessories has shaved an easy 15 minutes off of my morning routine. Added bonus: planning outfits ahead of time means you won't make any irrational choices that one is apt to stumble into in the early am's.

I'm a list person, so I think everyone should be a list person because lists are so much fun. So, before I depart, I urge you to make a list as you conduct your ruthless closet purge. Keep track of the things you need. My list is going a little something like this right now: black leggings, fur vest, ankle boots, trim little black skirt, and new LBD(wore my favorite one to the point of utter destruction). During previous wardrobe organization whirlwinds, I failed to make a list and I went around and around in my head for weeks after trying to figure out what items I needed to buy that had seemed seemed so vital at the time. Really, nothing is so vital that I have to have it RIGHT THIS VERY SECOND (even though my fevered brain is telling me other wise), but my list basically consists right now of things I have to replace because I have worn holes into my other stuff. I kind of like clothes with holes naturally worn into them, but not when they are strategically positioned on my bum.

Happy cleaning!

A few helpful hints

I am in the middle of a closet purge. Actually, I am at my laptop taking a momentary break from a closet purge. I have been reading a book about the history of modern fashion designers and I found myself thinking about my wardrobe and realizing it needs a massive overhaul. I have been discarding things that I have clung to for years - things that have survived many previous closet purges - deeming them "hideous" (with a silent "h") as I'm sure Karl Lagerfeld would also do had he been standing by my side. So, fellow fashion lovers I am here to give you five pieces of advice:

1) Purge ruthlessly. I mean, ruthlessly. I always thought that I saw my wardrobe through the eagle of eyes of an experienced professional stylist, but my god, I have some atrocious items. Well, I should say, I had some atrocious items.

2) Get rid of multiple basics that you keep around because they're basic and keep the quality stuff. Par example, I tossed all my ratty old Target tanks and kept my nice Alternative Apparel tanks in the same colors.

3) Iron your clothes! I found six awesome tops that I haven't worn in ages because they were wrinkly and I am lazy. I am ironing them. Tonight.

4) Take stuff to the tailor! I have black trousers that I got at Ann Taylor. The hem fell out and I stopped wearing them even though I paid about $100 for them (this was pre-recession, natch). Those are going to the tailor along with an Armani jacket I got at the thrift store with sleeves that were too long.

5) Take stuff to the dry cleaner. Same basic story here. I typically don't purchase "dry clean only" clothes because they are a hassle to deal with. I have a nice little pile of jacket and pants that have been neglected for, oh, years, because I haven't taken them to the dry cleaner.

Holey swiss on rye! I've got a whole new pile of wearable clothes now. It's kind of amazing.

Also, my other tip to you is, plan outfits in advance. I never do it, and I pay the price in the morning when I am bleary-eyed and resentful of the evil capitalist system that demands that I work for a living (Quelle horreur!). I found that planning everything down to my underwear and accessories has shaved an easy 15 minutes off of my morning routine. Added bonus: planning outfits ahead of time means you won't make any irrational choices that one is apt to stumble into in the early am's.

I'm a list person, so I think everyone should be a list person because lists are so much fun. So, before I depart, I urge you to make a list as you conduct your ruthless closet purge. Keep track of the things you need. My list is going a little something like this right now: black leggings, fur vest, ankle boots, trim little black skirt, and new LBD(wore my favorite one to the point of utter destruction). During previous wardrobe organization whirlwinds, I failed to make a list and I went around and around in my head for weeks after trying to figure out what items I needed to buy that had seemed seemed so vital at the time. Really, nothing is so vital that I have to have it RIGHT THIS VERY SECOND (even though my fevered brain is telling me other wise), but my list basically consists right now of things I have to replace because I have worn holes into my other stuff. I kind of like clothes with holes naturally worn into them, but not when they are strategically positioned on my bum.

Happy cleaning!

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Fall Fashion Faves




Alexander McQueen Knitted Houndstooth Leggings



Chinese Laundry Wiz boots



Anthropologie Seasonless Skirt



Tweed Leggings at Urban Outfitters





Silence and Noise Rollcuf Sleeve Jacket





Made Her Think Pendulum Ring



Leopard Print Opaque Tights




Mike & Chris Drake Pullover



O'Sullivan Blazer



Max Fringe Necklace




Manu by Laura Manoogian Hex Necklace




The Mara Headband





Urban Forest Rings





Digby and Iona Black Spot Pistol Ring





Delia's Saddle Shoes


Maximum Fringe Necklace




Fringe Earrings




Fringe Skirt




Elastic Harness



Love/Hate Spike Ring




Hayden Harnett Clara Flap Bag


Birds of North America Bushtit Skirt



Free People Spike Ankle Bracelet




Caroline Geys Organic Custom Tights



Free People Convertible Over the Knee Boots




BCBG Ruched Shiny Leggings





FCUK Jelma Heel




FCUK Vladimir Coat



Etsy Brown Victorian Leather Ankle Boots



Flipside Tights in Opposites



Digital Clutch



See Ya Later Boots



Rosegold Cutout Maryjane Heel


Deena & Ozzy Leather Stud Glove



Alexis Bittar Pyramid Clip Earrings



Forever 21 Short Sleeve Cardiganhttp://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=24226856



Forever 21 Heavenly Couture Skirt



Topshop Silk Dress by Unique



Topshop Jersey Scarf by Unique




Leather Panel Skirt by Unique



Stripe and Velvet Bandeau Dress



Kate Moss for Topshop Leather Dress



Topshop Chain Swing Tank



Military Style Cardigan



AESA Holy Sounds Necklace




Burberry Barbed Wire Ring



Burberry Barbed Wire Bracelet



Flutter by Jill Golden St Germain Earrings