le bon mauvais goût

Go Get It!

2010-01-05T10:03:00.002-05:00

Oak's 304050 sale has begun, at their Bond Street and N 8th Street locations.
Better not have my boots or neckwarmer on sale!

Avant Garde Crashes the White House

2009-12-06T11:21:00.008-05:00

So she was too busy schmoozing to notice that the event of the season was crashed. So she completely fell down on one of the major responsibilities of her amazing job that I personally would die for. So what?

I don't blame her, because the woman wore Comme des Garçons to the first White House state dinner, and she looked absolutely stunning. Desiree Rogers is flawless in this F/W 2009 CDG look.

From Oscar de la Renta to Comme des Garçons: this is true progress. Bring on the crashers, bring on the fashion.

It's Here!

2009-12-05T17:24:00.004-05:00

Our favorite time of the year....

Be sure to get there early to buy yourself all your own Hanukkah gifts.

Opening Ceremony Sample Sale

December 11-13th

Friday & Saturday 11a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday 12 - 7 p.m.

201 Mulberry Street(Between Spring & Kenmare)

60-90% off merchandise from:Acne, Alexander Wang, Alexandre Herchcovich, Band of Outsiders, Erin Wasson x RVCA, Final Home, Jeremy Scott, Loden Dager, Opening Ceremony, Patrik Ervell, Proenza Schouler, Rachel Comey, Sabatino, Tsumori Chisato, United Bamboo, Vena Cava, & more...

And careful - there's a $100 minimum for credit cards!

Dreaming of...A Black Velvet Christmas

2009-12-05T17:17:00.003-05:00

The Holidays are upon us, which of course means lots of holiday parties and lots of opportunities to get festive with your frocks.

My personal obsession this holiday season is the Chloe F/W 2009 one-sleeved black velvet jumper. I just can't stop thinking about what a fabulous holiday get-up it would be. And seeing Diane Kruger in the ready-to-wear version only further convinces me...

German Oak

2009-12-01T19:33:00.007-05:00

So I just got back from 10 days in Berlin where I spent the entire time living blocks away from the German Oak, Temporary Showroom. Of course it took me eight days to figure this out, but that was fine since the euro was killer.

It was everything you would want an edgy shop in east Berlin to be: white walls, two plain racks, a giant chest-height table full of fashion magazines we pay $30 apiece here in the States, a dressing room consisting of a cordoned-off corner of the room with an old mirror against the wall.

Aside from the usual faves like Henrik Vibskov and Diana Orving, they featured a Berlin-based designer (group? collective? no idea, really) called Realitystudio. I am obsessed with their stuff (check it out here) and now the proud owner of this fabulous top, the Okto pullover, despite the sad, sad state of the dollar:

I was so, so, so, so tempted to buy the Question scarf, but then I remembered that making no money in dollars equals making even less euros. It was an endless scarf and absolutely amazing: one side knit cashmere, the other the softest jersey imaginable. It already had a twist in it so that by the time you looped it around your neck it had taken on this fabulous sculptural quality. I am still trying to convince myself that 59 euros is a bargain for something handmade (even a scarf!) in a former factory in former East Berlin....

And get this, their only retail outlet in the States is in Chicago! A disgrace. I'm calling Oak tomorrow and dropping off the lookbook (of course I snatched a couple...)

more on Berlin to come...

Freja for Twin

2009-11-19T17:19:00.000-05:00

We're really excited about the next Big British mag, Twin. Because regardless of how much we love Katie Grand, the excitement of LOVE has already worn off and we're looking for our next glossy fix.

Escalating our excitement even more is this video of our big crush Freja Beha as she shoots one of the first editorials for the magazine. Even Twin admits they have "more than a little girl crush" on Freja. Big surprise.

Love Me Some Jeffrey Campbell

2009-11-19T15:04:00.004-05:00

Why's that? Because it never takes him long to rip off whatever designer shoe I had been coveting.

Remember the Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony buckle wedge? Well, Mr. Campbell has done it justice:

I can't wait for his version of the Acne Atacoma:

This Is It

2009-11-18T17:38:00.005-05:00

You may recall my somewhat lengthy post about boots a month back.

I've been on an exhaustive search for the perfect boot- something ankle-length, stacked heel, leather, preferably lace-up, and not as expensive as the Burberry Prorsums I love so dearly.

Well the search is over.

Oak has developed another line of shoes for the season, and with it they have given me the gift of the perfect boot. Rubber platform sole, dark grey leather upper and a covered black leather heel, skinny laces, and slightly rounded toe, plus a manageable price! Done.

And they're super comfortable all day long, I might add.

They have several cute options for boots right now, if you're looking for something else at a reasonably affordable price...

Currently Coveting

2009-11-18T11:55:00.004-05:00

My new obsession: Moscot's Theroux frames. They make me sad I don't wear glasses. If I did, I would have thrown down for these babies in both colors immediately. Chunky and cool, but not heavy on the face, the shape is different enough not to make me feel like another girl walking around Brooklyn in mock Way-farers. After trying them on last night at the Moscot store, the blonde sunglasses just jumped the top of my Hanukkah wish list.

Sock it To Me

2009-11-18T11:41:00.007-05:00

Guest Blog via ChanelGraig

It has always been a given that socks with sandals is a extreme fashion no no, but isn’t it just like fashion to turn around and make an exception to the rule?

Men’s 2010 has been exposed as an offender of the trend from Ysl to Prada to Givenchy. The look really seems to work best with the whole chunky layered movement that is upon us in men’s fashion, and this could be here to stay. I mean if Muccia is on board...?

I think to make the look work, it is best to stay tonal (which means no white socks boys!) The sandal needs to be substantial in strap and stature and the chunkier the sock the better. I prefer the look with a chunky marled sock or stay tried and true with black on black.

I will definitely be rocking this trend with my Phillip Lim 3.1 for tatami Birkenstocks.

Race you to the sock hop!

Prada, Givenchy Spring 2010 courtesy of jakandjill.com

Birkenstocks start at $80

Boyfriends

2009-11-18T11:25:00.000-05:00

Speaking of boys...

Here is a great new blog I came across the other day thanks to a particularly sartorial fellow.

The site is called Nerd Boyfriend and it's a fantastic site for inspiration, featuring photos of famous men throughout history and current interpretations of their looks.

You've got Paul McCartney circa 1976, Warner Herzog in a polo shirt, and a particularly compelling shot of John Ford in an ensemble that could inspire an entire collection.

What a delight! Check it out here at nerdboyfriend.com

What Is It?

2009-11-17T21:56:00.005-05:00

I like SJP. I like her style, her hair, even her horse face. I like just about everything she wears, unless it happens to be Bitten. (Thank god for the death of Steve & Barry.) This is a woman who hasn't made a bad fashion choice on the red carpet since 2002 (and no one is responsible for anything they wore before then).

What I don't like is whatever she is wearing on the cover of December's Elle magazine.

I was standing in line at Whole Foods while buying my organic, overpriced, pre-made brown rice sushi and I swear I almost lost my appetite. Why would they put such a gorgeous woman who is so renowned for her unique yet flawless sense of style in this? What is this? Is it a jumpsuit? Is it a tank-top? Is that belt? Is that a buckle, or a button?

WHY IS IT NUDE AND BLUSH?

And why would you use that when you have this in the can (or the memory card)??

Apologies...

2009-11-14T16:54:00.004-05:00

We know the posts have been somewhat scarce these last few months, and we apologize for any inconvenience in your sartorial regimen, the last thing we here at BMG would want is to contribute to a fashion deficit in your life.

However, good things are on the way! We have been busy pursuing actual careers, and both of us here at BMG come to you in the next few months newly employed at various stylish posts around the city!

To help us get through the transition we are very excited to announce a new guest blogger to the site! For all the men who read, or boyfriends/lovers of our readers, please welcome ChanelGraig, who will guide you through the many highs and lows of life as the other sex in the fashion industry. There is no one better fit for the job (or Givenchy woven long johns).

So stay tuned for more from all of us, we promise we're back in action!

Gros Bisous,

BMG

Take a Breather

2009-11-12T23:00:00.003-05:00

One of our favorites, Surface to Air, is having a sample sale this weekend.

Luckily for you it's also around the corner from Inven.tory, where this season's Save Fashion sale is being held.

What: Surface to Air throws their annual sample sale this weekend. Score men's and women's clothing, jewelry, and accessories at up to 75% off, as well as select limited edition items. When: Friday, November 13, through Sunday, November 15, from noon to 7 p.m.

Where: Surface to Air Sample Sale, 5 Crosby Street, #6D, (between Howard and Grand streets); no phone.

Seeing Double

2009-11-12T21:28:00.000-05:00

Twin Magazine is the latest British glossy out of the gates.

With the previous creative director of Lula at the helm and contributions from Mirandy July, Boo George, and Garance Dore for its first issue, not to mention editorials of Freja Beha and Kim Noorda, it seems pretty promising.

Granted there's a bit of saturation in the market right now, and no one is saying that being in the magazine business is a profitable venture right now, but I never regret an opportunity to check out free editorials online or standing in my favorite magazine store...

If you're curious about the publication, the site has the following to say...

" TWIN is closer to a book than a magazine

TWIN is strong, sensual and independent—like its readers

TWIN offers considered and uncomplicated art and fashion

TWIN loves creative women but does not worship empty celebrity

TWIN peels back the gloss and gets back to the basics of magazine-making

Substance over surface is our motto "

Billy the Kid

2009-10-13T22:12:00.006-04:00

I love Freja doing her best Billy Idol in this month's Numéro.

I must admit I'm way past my saturation point when it comes to 80s influence in fashion lately, but she looks fantastic in this editorial and I'm really loving wool blazers right now, which are featured in almost every frame.

Step Into Fall

2009-10-13T21:38:00.007-04:00

As fall ascends on us it is harder and harder for me to escape the need to shop.

For blazers, for pants, but most importantly for boots.

Unfortunately my favorite pair of suede lace-up ankle

boots have seen better days, and while I will never replicate the perfect balance of platform and heel that allows me to wear these boots for hours on end without even minor discomfort, it is time to change things up.

The difficulty, of course, is that money is scarce these days, making my top picks all but impossible. If I had my way I would buy these...

But unfortunately these beautiful Burberry Prorsums that I've been coveting since they pranced

down the runway with white silk and opaque black tights are $895. And completely sold out on

net-a-porter.

I am equally in love with these...

clockwise from top rightLD Tuttle, Proenza Schouler, VPL, Dusica Dusica

But I fear they all fall in the $600-$700 range.

I've found these options around town, and I think they offer a nice price-point while avoiding the ubiquitous territory of Jeffrey Campbell knock-offs or Pour la Victoire quality.

clockwise from top left, Madewell $198, Heartwood $412, Zamagni $338, LD Tuttle $124

I especially love how similar the Zamagni Italian eather boots are to LD Tuttle's the Pop boot, one of my favorites for the season.

Enceinte

2009-10-13T21:00:00.002-04:00

When I am pregnant I better look as fantastic as Geraldine Saglio....only those French Vogue women can maintain such an effortless cool during their third trimester.

Photo courtesy ofr jakandjil.com

A Look Back at New York...

2009-09-30T23:20:00.000-04:00

I know I'm going out of order, but until the Paris shows start posting I think it's a good time to look back at New York. While most of the collections were completely underwhelming (hence the lack of effusive posts) I did enjoy a few here and there.

Preen had some great pieces, everything was draped just so, but still managed to look simple and clean. And while Scott Schuman found the thickly tufted skirts offensive to the female form, I thought they looked fantastic. Sure, they may not be the most flattering shape for the hips, but that's why we have 15 year-olds wearing them down the runways.

Yigal Azrouel also played to his strengths again, working in the same palette from fall of black and

neutrals. He had a little of everything- the tight skirts, cutouts, layered tanks, long dresses- and everything looked perfectly wearable.

Yigal is not inventing the wheel here, and he definitely borrows from designers like ThreeAsFour and Demeulemeester, but he still really delivers when it comes to great pieces and well styled shows. There isn't much in this collection I wouldn't wear.

Just Saying...

2009-09-30T23:00:00.000-04:00

Did anyone else notice the major Rodarte dresses in the 3.1 Philip Lim show??

Fa Fa Fendi

2009-09-28T14:51:00.004-04:00

You've got to love Fendi. Karl always knows the right hand to play and this season was no different. While the lingerie references were a little heavy (or rather frilly) for my taste, the palette was exquisite and there were some really fantastic separates on display.

The way Lagerfeld worked the neutrals was perfect, pale blue with chartreuse and rust with buttery yellows. Christopher Bailey should be taking notes on how to work with pastels, keeping things subtle and soft while still offering a strong range of color.

Plus you can always count on Fendi for some killer shoes. Yikes.

Piece of Phi

2009-09-28T14:40:00.000-04:00

Phi is pretty hot right now, with the Trainas, Santo Domingo and Wasson crew showing up all over town in their body conscious dresses and jackets. And this latest collection for Spring is no less smoking.

Keeping his usual palette of Black, White, and Nude, Andreas Melbostad conjured up yet another collection of perfect layers. Roughed up ensembles with wool blazers and below-the-knee skirts strutted atop thick lace-up heels while zippers, bondage accents, and blonde bedhead kept things safely within the zone of the hip.

I especially love the proportions of a heavily draped top with a long loose skirt and heels, eschewing the more common look of heavy on top with skinny pants or short skirts.

The shoes were also spot on, with their thick heel and appropriately urban leather and laces, they could be one of the best pairs of boots for fall/winter in the city (not necessarily spring/summer fare). There is a heavy Demeulemeester influence there, but that's hardly a bad thing.

Erin Wasson x RVCA

2009-09-28T14:34:00.003-04:00

I was walking through Barneys the other day on Madison when my friend and I approached the Erin Wasson x RVCA rack, at which point my friend (who knows every designer) begged the question "What is RVCA anyway?"

This is how I feel about the partnership of ex-model Erin Wasson and picked out of obscurity skater-friendly sportswear label RVCA. What is it anyway??

This season's collection included a show in the tents at Bryant Park complete with a full band and Freja Beha, and I'm really confused as to what we're supposed to take away besides the fact that Wasson really likes a good tan and long vests.

Fashion's Night Out

2009-09-09T15:45:00.003-04:00

Where will you be? At Vena Cava? At the Gap? Hanging with an Olsen? Everywhere at once?
At home, because coercing people to shop with a few cocktails and deejay is ridiculous and condescending?

Either way is fine. The kids over at Rogan made a map of what's going on in their hood:

Coffeetable Coveting

2009-09-02T17:22:00.004-04:00

Olivier Theyskens' gorgeous new book. Sure to be a work of art, like everything he does. WWD reports:

OLIVIER TWIST: Olivier Theyskens, who recently exited Nina Ricci, has a book in the works. In January, Assouline will publish “Olivier Theyskens: The Other Side of the Picture,” a 186-page tome based on a collaboration between the Belgian designer and photographer Julien Claessens, who documented the backstage scene for over a decade.