the GREAT GATSBY

i'm typically not one to participate in costume parties, but in this case i am all in. this is some inspiration costume options for my company's holiday party at the new REVOLVE/FORWARD office this Saturday. the theme is 1920's dapper flapper jazz age speakeasy, which is a highly appropriate choice as far as "trends" go and the coming of The Great Gatsby (absolutely can not wait for that to come out by the way). i can either go the obvious, decadent glamourous, sparkly, fringy flapper Daisy Buchanan route, or the Marlene Dietrich route with her fabulous androgynous suit-and-fur ensembles, and then infuse YSL's famous Le Smoking image. I threw in Bianca Jagger, although this was decades before her time, but she embodies that handsome woman look i'm into too. Decisions!

stay tuned for images (and what i decided to wear!) from tomorrow night's speakeasy.

PEPLUM APLOMB

peplum, a design detail described as a ruffle or skirt attached to the waist of a top, dress, skirt (or even a coat as seen at Givenchy) - was flaring at the biggest shows during Paris Fashion Week spring 2012. the flattering, sexy, yet demure shape of peplum marks the return to dressing like a lady...but not an uptight one.
an illusion of an hourglass figure, a tight cinch at the waist and a forgiving ruffle along a seemingly area of the body most women want disclosed, makes for the perfect silhouette any frill-seeker would be excited to wear this season, and the next.

givenchy

louis vuitton

alexander mcqueen

céline

chanel

valentino

yves saint laurant

 via style.com

L'AMOUR FOU: THE STORY OF YVES AND PIERRE

on a drizzly sunday evening, i decided to take myself out on a date to see the film, L'amour Fou (2010), at the Paris Theatre on 58th and 5th Avenue. without seeing the trailer to this documentary, i expected it to be a chronicle of the late Yves Sant Laurent's career, but as the film began, i quickly realized it was so much more. narrated by Yves' lover/YSL co-founder/business partner of 50 years, Pierre Bergé, L'amour Fou (translation: Crazy Love), takes us behind-the-black-rim-glasses of the greatest couturier of our time, with an intimate tour of their many homes, including their chateau in Norway and Marrakech. Bergé talks about Yves' success, his stints of depression, and with clips from interviews past, we really get to see how close their relationship was.

in one interview in particular, Yves was asked: your favorite poet? He smiles and says: Pierre Bergé.

weaving through the film are clips of Yves and Pierre's art collection being boxed up and collected by Christie's – a decision that Pierre easily made to auction off their museum-worthy collection of art. the film ends with the grand auction at the Grand Palais in Paris, where Pierre sits and claps after each piece he and Yves hand-selected themselves gets sold (for upwards of  millions of Euros). it was bittersweet and heart wrenching.

i laughed and teared up a bit and in the end was greatly inspired. if it wasn't for the love and support of Pierre, would Saint Laurent have ever been the YSL we know him as today? not so sure. that's why i am counting my lucky stars for being where i am today, with the love and support from my family and friends.

the trailer for L'AMOUR FOU:

re F R E S H E D

a beautiful engagement celebration, scorching hot weather, gluttonous feasting, a small shopping indulgence, and much needed quality time with family & friends. best six days ever!
now back to work!

JFK --> LAX

first meal: pork belly & mango appetizer @ marche moderne, south coast plaza - costa mesa

my welcome back gift -- YSL arty ovale ring in coral <3

fresh crawfish @ the kickin' crab, costa mesa

our mom, arranging her flowers for the party

the backyard

meet Boyd, our 16 year old grandpa-dog

me with the bride-to-be in her custom-made Vietnamese ao dai

his LVs, her CLs

3.1 phillip lim resort '11 dress, h&m maxi chiffon dress

with our dear friend Linh

the calmest bridezilla ever known!

a visit to the LAB, costa mesa

on me: 3.1 phillip lim knit top, f21 isabal marant-inspired pink shorts, my little brother's flannel, dolce vita boots, chanel bag, ysl, cartier & noir rings, 80spurple sunnies

brunch @ break of dawn, laguna hills (HIGHLY RECOMMEND!)

mochi ice cream balls @ mochilatto, irvine

the sparkling driveway into SOUTH COAST PLAZA, costa mesa

ramen & stuff @ kohryu, costa mesa

can't have a complete trip without my macaron fix! one dozen delivered to my door from my special someone <3

courtesy of layer cake bakery, irvine (the best macarons in orange county in my opinion)

a large box of goodies from 85degrees, irvine to bring back to NYC

LONG BEACH -- > JFK

i wish i took more pictures, but i think i was too busy catching up and eating with everyone that i simply forgot to snap some photos. i also wish i had more time to see more of my friends that i didn't get to meet up with...i'll see you in a couple months!

til next time...

xoxo,

a.