Category: Fashion
Style Steal: Lana Del Rey
“Likes to watch me in the glass room bathroom, Chateau Marmont
Slippin’ on my red dress, puttin’ on my makeup
Glass film, perfume, cognac, lilac
Fumes, says it feels like heaven to him.”
–“Off To The Races” by Lana Del Rey, Born To Die
Lana Del Rey’s lyrics ooze with old Hollywood glamour, overt sexuality, and a taste for all things that sparkle and shimmer. This week for Style Steal, we channeled our inner goddess and emulated the fashion icon that is Lana Del Rey.
Born Elizabeth Woodridge Grant, Lana Del Rey broke into the world spotlight with her album Born to Die in 2012. With it, she brought a sense of fashion that was both reminiscent and risk-taking. From classic red-carpet-ready gowns to daring statements, Del Rey is a self-described “gangster Nancy Sinatra” and in an interview with Vogue remarked, “Fashion is inspired by youth and nostalgia and draws inspiration from the best of the past.”
This first outfit was inspired by the music video for “Born to Die.” The long white dress we used was a slip that belonged to my grandmother, but one just like it can be found at any lingerie store. The flower crown here was made by Danielle, the model, but instructions for a DIY flower crown can be found at blog.birchbox.com.
In honor of summer being just around the next corner, we used this gorgeous one-piece leopard bathing suit from Victoria’s Secret for our next look. Paired with a black floppy hat and retro shades, both from American Threads, this look channels the fearless fashion of our lady Lana.
This outfit was inspired by the music video for “Ride.” We loved the way Lana canoodled with bikers and rocked the converse/white tee look. We paired an old cut-up Bruce Springsteen tee from Goodwill with high waisted jean shorts from NastyGal.com. The black converse and RayBan Clubmasters polished off the look. But our favorite part of this outfit was definitely the faux leather red fringe jacket I found at a vintage store in Baker City, Oregon. While you probably won’t be able to find this exact one, we found a bunch of awesome ones on eBay and Polyvore.com.
For this last look, Kate Welsh perfected the old Hollywood glamour look with dark eye makeup , but a messy middle part to keep it modern. The shirt is a classic Lana look—a Peter Pan collar button up shirt from a local Athens, Ga., clothing store, Fabrik. Against an American flag backdrop she looks, well, in the words of Lana herself, “never was there ever a girl so pretty.”
Literary Style Icons
I’m sick of drawing fashion inspiration from movies and TV. It’s just too easy! Watch your favorite show, choose a clothing item you like, look it up, and BAM! It’s in your closet in a few days, and suddenly you’re Hannah Horvath. As is probably obvious, I’m more into the written word and the imagination that accompanies it. So when I’m envisioning the style of some of my favorite characters from novels, I know their sense of fashion has a touch of mine in it as well. Be inspired by my three favorite fictional fashionistas below – trust me, their style definitely thickens the plot.
Lady Brett Ashley, The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
“Brett was damned good-looking. She wore a slipover jersey sweater and a tweed skirt, and her hair was brushed back like a boy’s. She started all that. She was built with curves like the hull of a roaring yacht, and you missed none of it with that wool jersey.”
(Missoni skirt, Chanel jacket, Brooks Brothers hat, Accessorize Necklace, and Iro Staccia boots)
Daisy Buchanan, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
“For a moment the last sunshine fell with romantic affection upon her glowing face… then the glow faded, each light deserting her with lingering regret, like children leaving a pleasant street at dusk.”
(Proenza Schouler skirt, Tibi top, Cocktails in Celebration headband, Paul Andrew shoes)
Sybill Trelawney, Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
“…the doors of the Great Hall opened again. It was Professor Trelawney, gliding towards them as though on wheels. She had put on a green sequined dress in honor of the occasion, making her look more than ever like a glittering, oversize dragonfly.”
(Jean Paul Gaultier skirt, Oscar de la Renta top, Chesca shawl, Betsey Johnson boots, Dolce & Gabbana clutch)
All collages made through Polyvore.
Street Style Profile: Tucker Alford
This weeks Street Style Profile features UGA art student and musician Tucker Alford. Were always impressed by his unique ability to blend patterns and his interest in supporting sustainable clothing companies- like his shoes- made by Nisolo- a micro enterprise that provides consistent livelihood for workers in developing countries. Tucker is an-all around good soul with an interesting personality- so we were thrilled to hear about some of his inspirations and his favorite music. Don’t forget to scroll down for Tucker’s specially curated playlist.
Who or what inspires your personal style?
I don’t know if a certain person really influences my style, but I do like a lot of what I’ve seen musicians wear, and characters in Wes Anderson films. I always just try to wear what makes me happy. I really like hats, so I guess I have Beck Hansen to thank for that.
What are you currently listening to?
I’ve been listening to a lot of things lately, but the things that I’ve been listening to most are Beck’s new album Morning Phase, Atlas Sound, Neutral Milk Hotel (always), Mac Demarco, Gauntlet Hair and Vampire Weekend to name a few. I’m also listening to a lot of Paul Simon’s stuff from the 80’s.
Are there any upcoming shows your looking forward to?
I’m really looking forward to seeing Mac Demarco in Atlanta in a few weeks as well as Vampire Weekend in May. It’ll be my third time seeing Vampy Weeks, and I’m real jazzed about it, seeing as they are my favorite band. I’m also looking forward to Lollapalooza in early August in Chicago.
You are an art student- can you tell us a bit about your art work or what interests you within your discipline- what you aspire to do in the future?
I’d really consider myself a musician. I play my own stuff, and I play at churches and such, but as far as art comes, I’m pretty new to it. I really enjoy sculpting things and stuff like that, but I don’t have a certain plan for where art will take me in the future. I see myself playing music though.
Most importantly-boxers or briefs?
Ok, just kidding…
Any words of wisdom/favorite advice/quotes you want to end with?
Words of wisdom. I don’t do this often, but here it goes. Don’t take yourself too seriously (it’s fun to not care), but treat the life you’ve been given and the people in it very seriously.
Music Festival Fashion Guide
Turns out music festivals aren’t just for those searching out great tunes and maybe a little acid trip here and there – they’re also made for the world’s chicest fashion set. Models, actresses and musicians alike line up in front of the stage each year to catch their favorite bands and flaunt their best style. And why wouldn’t they? Festivals are the perfect excuse to test out that “I tried really hard to look like I didn’t try” look. Slip on a few of my favorite pieces below – but only if you’ll let me live vicariously through you while you’re listening to my favorite bands. Pinky promise?
Cutoff Shorts
I know what you’re thinking: “Seen those a million times. Boring!” But here’s the trick: they don’t have to be. I love searching Etsy high and low for some super cool, cheap, handmade options. Some of my favorite shops: DesignedByTwo, DIRTYEGO, and Moon Shine Apparel. If you consider yourself a craft master, try your hand at making some of your own with studs and fabric paint. There. I dare you to find a single other person wearing the same shorts as you.
Crop Tops
This one can really go two ways, depending on your personality. Are you more into pretty frills? Try a shop like Necessary Clothing, which has tops with fringe, florals, and lace. If you’re more in the mood to sass festival-goers around you, check out Gypsy Warrior, your one stop shop for crop tops featuring cheeky band slogans and cats. Yes, cats.
Comfy Sandals
My best friend once made the ill mistake of wearing leather gladiator sandals to Bonnaroo, and lets just say her blisters were out of this world. Never again. Go for Chacos instead; I swear they’re not just for granola girls anymore. They’ve got some with ultra-thin straps so you can have the comfort of sneakers with the style of a gladiator.
Fresh Accessories
Even though the sweltering weather forces you into a shorts-crop top-sandals uniform, there’s no reason your look has to be blah. Urban Outfitters has some insanely glamorous, floppy straw hats to keep your face shaded, and H&M is my favorite for enormous sunglasses. And, not to sound like your mom, but don’t forget the sunscreen, okay?
Style Steal: David Bowie
Years ago, in 1969, David Bowie’s single “Space Oddity” landed on earth. With it, Bowie brought a sense of style the world had never seen. From androgynous space suits and fascinating prints to sparkles and fur, Bowie never failed to completely blow away the rules of fashion as he did the same to the rules of music. We brought a few of his signature styles down to earth this week, while still reaching for the stars.
This first outfit is inspired by Bowie’s love for black and white stripes. We paired a basic black peplum top from an Athens, Georgia store, Pitaya, with some chevron parachute pants from American Threads and some far out jewelry. Shapes are very important, and lines and peplum make this outfit stand out.
This next outfit is straight from space. We built this outfit around the shoes, which I got off NastyGal.com as a part of their Shoe Cult collection. We paired them with wild space leggings and a faux fur coat, both from local Athens vintage stores Dynamite and Agora. The necklace is a Goodwill find, where unique jewelry is always abounding. David Bowie had a knack for weird leggings and fur, and we thought this outfit did his style justice without being as out-there as Major Tom himself. This outfit is perfect for a concert or a night out. Or the moon. Your call.
The leggings in this next outfit were also from Dynamite and were impossible to pass up in an article about David Bowie’s style. Not only are they tight, but they are incredibly bright with an exotic print. We added a faux leather top from American Threads to complement the leggings without taking too much away from them. We used Bowie’s love of blazers to finish off the outfit.
The last outfit is a one shoulder sparkly dress from Macy’s. We absolutely love the radiant vitality of the dress and the triangle shape pattern. It reminds us of the leotards that Bowie loved to wear on stage. But a little bit more suitable for those of us who aren’t from Mars.
David Bowie’s music set him apart from all the other pop musicians of his time. But he took it a step further with his style. Before there was Madonna or Lady Gaga or even Miley Cyrus with their shocking fashion statements, Bowie was breaking down the walls of the fashion world and blasting off into space. Now, especially coinciding with the rise of electronic music, that futuristic space style has become a modern trend. By updating and adapting David Bowie’s unique fashion sense, you can make a statement that will attract satellites and suitors alike.
The Best Accessories for Spring
It may not seem like the best idea to wear coins around your waist and evil eyes around your neck – gypsy much? – but I beg to differ. Problem is, some of these spring runway trends can be oh-so-pricey. Welcome to Vinyl’s fashion-forward, fun, and best of all, affordable take on spring’s accessories trends. I’ve got a low cost handbag for all you hippie chicks and a wallet-friendly belt for every glamazon, and everything in between.
Let’s move from head to toe: first you’ll need a pair of sexy, face-flattering shades. Let 70s screen stars like Diane Keaton and Lauren Hutton inspire you as you choose large-and-in-charge aviators with lenses that’ll turn the world around you a shade of sepia. You could go the pricey 3.1 Philip Lim route…
or you could snag this $56 pair from Fab.com. I’m all for the latter.
Now that you’ve saved a little cash, it’s time to give the neck some attention. If you’re a bit of a girly girl, slip on a floral scarf, ascot style. Forever 21 has dozens of flirty styles that I adore, and that are much more affordable at under $10 than scarves by Marc Jacobs and other big name designers.
Not about to don some prissy flowers? Opt for my personal favorite jewelry trend of the moment, the evil eye. The symbol’s said to ward off evil spirits – maybe that’s why Kenzo’s evil eye collection got so much praise. For a cheaper, subtler alternative, hit up this Urban Outfitters string necklace. It’ll only cost you $16.
And what’s more important to your overall look than your handbag? It seems the seventies struck again at the likes of Dries Van Noten and Celine, where dramatic fringe draped nearly to the floor. I prefer this $99 H&M clutch. Because the fringe is already so dramatic, the cream color of the bag is ideal. Stash your lipstick and keys, and prepare to step out in style.
From the waist down, it’s all about figure flattery.
Find inspiration in Dolce & Gabbana’s thick gold belts to dramatically whittle your waist. I found a $48 option at Anthropologie that still maintains the theatrics.
And undoubtedly you’re looking for mile-long legs – who isn’t? Enter the mule, spring’s favorite shoe; they’ll make your gams go on for days! Alexander Wang has some sexy scaled ones, but similar Jeffrey Campbell mules exist for hundreds of dollars less – $90, to be exact.
Whether you wear the above all at once or one at a time is up to you. Onward, trendy lady!
Street Style Profile: Lawson Chambers
Lawson Chambers is a stylish Athenian who thinks of himself in general terms as “a story-teller.” Whether he’s performing stand up comedy, hosting his local radio show or working hard to earn his animation degree at UGA, he’s keep himself busy, and he looks sharp doing it. We sat down to find out more about Lawson and – most importantly – what his super power of choice would be!
VM: When it comes to your personal style, where do you get your inspiration?
Lawson Chambers: Well, I like to think that what you wear is reflexive of your personality, as if you were a cartoon character, so I try to wear things that represent a facet of my life. I may wear a Neutral Milk Hotel shirt with a leather jacket, so people can correctly assume I work at a radio station. Or I might wear a Homestar Runner shirt to make friends with other nerds. Usually though, I try to wear nicer clothes with bold colors to show that I care about how I look, but don’t take myself too seriously. I also like doing this, because whenever I perform stand-up, it helps me get across the kind of person I am. This practice is also an admittedly blatant rip-off of my favorite comedian, Paul F. Tompkins. To answer more succinctly why I like to wear nice clothes, I’ll quote Paul: “I dunno, I just like dressin’ up… (smiles) It’s fun.”
VM: You’re currently pursuing a fine arts degree, correct? What are you studying, and what is it that speaks to you within the realm of art?
LC: Not exactly; I’m actually pursuing an Independent Studies degree in Animation. I don’t know if I actually want a career in animation, but since I take both theater and visual art classes, I get to nurture two skill-sets that are important to me. I do like animation though, as all of my interest in art comes from the want to entertain, make people laugh, and to tell a story. Ideally I’ll end up working a lot of different, smaller jobs where I’ll get to do a variety of things; performing stand-up, writing for a TV show, cartooning, or going back in time to tour with a vaudeville troupe.
VM: As for stand up comedy, has this long been an interest of yours or it it a new hobby? And how nervous were you your first time on stage?
LC: I’ve always been a huge comedy nerd, but for a long time my only experience in doing it myself was creating silly comics about secret agent monkeys or singer-songwriter Morrissey. I didn’t think about doing it myself until a couple of years ago when I started listening to podcasts like The Nerdist where I would hear comedians talk about themselves, and I realized I was a lot like them. I shared both their love of comedy and a system of neuroses and anxieties that propels one to seek attention from strangers. So I first went on stage about two years ago, and it was horrible. I was extremely nervous, and I visibly shook. I think I may have gotten one laugh. But if you do anything long enough, and you care about it, you get better at it. So I’m still performing every week and getting slightly less horrible with each time I go up.
VM: Do you have any upcoming projects or shows you’re looking forward to?
LC: I have an ongoing radio show and podcast called Comedic Conversation with Colorful Characters that I greatly love doing. It airs on WUOG 90.5 FM on Tuesdays at 7 PM, and is available for download on iTunes or comedicconversations.tumblr.com. Basically, we invite on different comedians from around Athens and Atlanta to talk, play games, and just act silly. Other than that, I’m starting to get more into sketch and improv comedy, and hope to get some comedy friends of mine together soon to put on a variety show. Also, I want to make a web-comic series about a dad just being a dad and doing dad things.
VM: If you had one superpower what would it be?
LC: The only acceptable answer to this question is flying, or telekinesis – which would also give you the ability to fly. Popular opinion is that most people will say flying, but if they were being honest with themselves they would choose to read minds or turn invisible. I say that’s bull-honkey. It would be amazing to fly: at any speed and at any height. What kind of whimsy-less monster would rather hear gossip about themselves than soar through the air like a majestic bird of prey? Flying.
Check out Lawson’s playlist below!
Awards Season 2014: Top 10 Best-Dressed
What’s awards season without some of the world’s most gorgeous designer gowns? This year, from Lupita to Lady Gaga, celebrities were seriously on their A-game. In a flurry of gorgeous brights and shimmering metallics, I bring you this year’s top 10 of the Grammys and Oscars. The Tony and Emmy Awards have some SERIOUS catching up to do later this year, no?
10. Ariana Grande in Dolce & Gabbana at the Grammys
D&G florals are eternal classics, and I love the retro look of this one in particular. Tea length? Check. Sweetheart neckline? Check. Old school satin? Check. In this gown, Grande emulates a 50s bombshell beautifully.
9. Katy Perry in Valentino at the Grammys
Vinyl featured this gown in our couture show coverage, and I’m just as in love with it as ever. It has a wonderful whimsy to it but also a pop of personality with the musical notes. So Katy Perry, am I right? And what better place to wear it to than the Grammys?
8. Julie Delpy in Jenny Packham at the Oscars
I’m convinced that this is what Janis Joplin would wear to the awards if she were alive today. Love love LOVE the batwing sleeves – they make the deep cleavage totally sophisticated, not trashy. Plus, it incorporates just the right amount of sparkle. Only a frenchie could rock this dress so flawlessly.
7. Lady Gaga in Versace at the Oscars
Alright, I’ve got to admit it: this gown was featured on dozens of worst-dressed lists. But I’m totally lost as to why. Donatella’s favorite pop star looks absolutely stunning in this textural, lilac dress, and honestly, it’s so much tamer than, say, a meat dress. Do what you please, Gaga. Apparently they’re going to judge you either way.
Beyoncé in Michael Costello at the Grammys
Can Beyoncé do anything wrong? No? Okay, glad we’re all agreed. She absolutely shines in this sheer number and somehow manages to make it look totally classy. And, best of all, it hugs her curves in all the right places before ending in a mermaid-y train at the floor. Jay-Z is a lucky man.
5. Cate Blanchett in Giorgio Armani at the Oscars
I’m in disbelief that this woman is 44. I mean, this looks like something T-Swift would wear – but we’ll get to her later. It seems like we’ve seen a million sheer gowns, but this one is different somehow. Maybe it’s the way the flowers pop off of the dress so perfectly, or the bedazzled details. Either way, I’m sold.
4. Kristin Chenoweth in Cavalli at the Oscars
I’ll spare you the joke about Chenoweth looking like the Oscars trophy in this gown, and instead opt to gush about the fact that she looks like a work of art. That texture! That glitter! I also love that the gown almost has a punk flair with the subtle plaid below the hips. This dress is everything I’ve dreamed of and more.
3. Angelina Jolie in Elie Saab at the Oscars
I’m definitely an Angelina fan, but here I’ve got to give most of the credit to Elie Saab. The sparkle at the bust looks almost like a cityscape, reflecting flawlessly at the collarbone. It’s sexy and flattering with a nipped-in waist. If I keep typing about how perfect this gown is, maybe Saab will send me one? A girl can dream.
2. Taylor Swift in Gucci at the Grammys
Just as everyone was getting a little sick of Swift’s good girl display, she whipped out this chainmail-esque stunner. The mixed metals are so now, especially with the silver detailing just her neck and waist. No wonder T-Swift topped a dozen other best-dressed lists.
1. Lupita Nyong’o in Prada
Guys, I am actually gasping for air right now. Nyong’o couldn’t have looked more gorgeous for her win – the pale blue shines against her dark skin, making her look like a goddess when paired with the cleavage and drapery of the gown. And now I’ve realized the bottom is shimmery, too. Someone call me an ambulance, please?
A Style Monarch: Why London Ruled Fall Fashion Week
My typical favorite Fashion Week cities are as follows: Milan, New York and Paris tied for second, and finally, London. But this season, British designers from Tom Ford to Christopher Kane brought some serious sequins, lace and a dash of quintessential Brit humor. So, even with Paris Fashion Week before us, I’m declaring London this season’s best. Here’s why it simply can’t get any better than the city of tea, grunge, and Big Ben for Fall 2014.
It’s undeniable: London’s designers did everything those in New York and Milan did, but better. Love Marchesa’s sheer, lacy looks? Upgrade to Temperley London, where you’ll find the same delicate florals, but with a gilded baroque flair. Or if you’re more magnetized by bold sheer designs, House of Holland is your go-to. Its show featured rainbow tops and skirts with sexy chiffon cutouts – not for the faint of heart, but certainly for the attention-seeker.
One of New York Fashion Week’s highlights was Rodarte’s gowns printed with Star Wars characters and scenes. Besides making us pray for celebrities to walk the red carpet donning images of C-3PO or the Death Star, we love the nerd-chic humor of it all. But might we argue that Tom Ford did wit just a little better in London? Taking a cue from Jay-Z’s song “Tom Ford” – “I don’t pop molly, I rock Tom Ford” – Ford sent models down the runway in glittery, numbered dresses with the word “molly” crossed out near the waist. No doubt Hova was in the audience having a good hearty laugh.
Finally, there’s the battle of the art punks: New York’s Jeremy Scott versus London’s Christopher Kane. While Scott is usually one of my all-time favorites, this year he went a tad too far for me. Call me a girly girl, but I’m not one in favor of seeing kneepads on high fashion runways. But while Scott was sporting it up, Kane went in a more sophisticated direction, albeit still totally artsy. Continuing his love of graphic flowers, he placed blown-up images of them behind boxy panels on an otherwise basic skirt suit, and then proceeded to create chiffon dresses with dozens of book-like pages. The piece’s movement was, in a word, unreal.
We salute you, London, and Paris? Good luck.
Target x Peter Pilotto Collaboration
Target is a company full of geniuses. Right in time for Fashion Week, when we’re all coveting the world’s most expensive clothing, the mass retailer dropped its collaboration with designer duo Peter Pilotto – a range of clothing items priced from $14.99-$79.99. From sexy skirts and jackets to quirky sunglasses and bathing suits, the collaboration makes it easy to look like a million bucks without maxing out your credit card.
Peter Pilotto – the brain child of designers Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos – is a brand known for its eye-catching prints and joyful colors; thankfully, they didn’t let their creativity slip when they began work on the Target line. In a collection eerily – and excitingly – similar to that of their Spring 2014 Ready-to-Wear show, neon-bright yellows, blues, reds and oranges pop out of graphic patterns like a call for summer from all us fashionistas.
My favorite piece in the collection is a sunny yellow bikini top structured like a bustier, with a blue and black floral print creeping up to the bust. It’s playful and attention grabbing, but still sophisticated enough to be flattering. And who could resist all those fitted printed dresses? They could take you from work to cocktails in a pinch. Finally, for all those shy gals out there, you can get your pattern fix with fun accessories like rounded sunglasses, slip-on sneakers and beach totes and towels.
The collaboration was released February 9 and is still surging strong through London Fashion Week. I suggest ordering your favorites online – stores are emptying out like it’s the Apocalypse! But, hey, who could blame shoppers for picking up thousand dollar designs for less than $80? I say join ‘em.
