Shoe Gazing

Vintage Versace Earrings

Lauren — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:28:48 +0000

How great are these big vintage Versace earrings? I got them at Yukiko (more on Yukiko soon), they were the only Versace piece in the whole store, and, while I’m not specifically a fan of Versace, they were just too special to let get away.

They’re really something special.

Vintage Fur Coat

Lauren — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:02:17 +0000

Now you know what I primed you for: I picked up this big fur coat for the fast-approaching fall, although this week’s weather has been as cold as any autumn in California. and yes, the priming thing was a little psychology joke on my part, that kind of stuff makes me laugh to myself.

When I saw this coat, I immediately thought of Chanel’s fall 2010 collection, which was amazing, as per usual. I love its shaggy texture, and it’s got this great mottled coloring. My favorite detail, though, is these really interesting metal closures, they actually have hinges that allow them to clip open and shut. So fun to play with. This coat will definitely keep me warm in the dead of winter. Now if only I had some crazy fur-legged boots…

Wearing vintage fur coat, Stella McCartney wooden wedges

Bisous,
Lauren

Yohji Yamamoto Shirtdress

Lauren — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:26:41 +0000

I always have a hard time settling for anything truly basic, so this Yohji Yamamoto shirtdress is perfect for me, it’s minimal and classic Yohji, but is definitely not just a plain old white shirt. The gently curving collar, the beautiful seams, the slightly puffed shoulders, the big cuffs; it’s chock-full of amazing little details, and it’s the kind of thing that you just throw on, it’s actually pretty difficult to style very crazily. When I put it on this morning, I kind of hoped I could find some strange way to wear it, but as soon as I buttoned it up, its pure, simplistic beauty just spoke for itself, and it actually felt kind of wrong to add to much to it.

Wearing Yohji Yamamoto shirtdress, American Apparel skirt, Givenchy sandals, my favorite mohawk earrings, I forget the designer

Bisous,
Lauren

Satoshi Kon

Lauren — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:17:06 +0000

I’ve been rewatching all of incredible Japanese director Satoshi Kon’s movies this week after hearing the awful news that he passed away last week. He was an amazing filmmaker, one who really pushed the boundaries of animation. His films are really a treat to look at, but what I love most about them they often explore psychological questions, and they do a spectacular job of blending reality and fantasy. One of my favorites is Millenium Actress, a movie that chronicles the life of a famous actress. It weaves the story of the actress’ life into her movies, so that you barely know where real life ends and her movies begin, and it’s really impeccably done.

My favorite, though, is probably Paprika, his last movie. It explores the significance and manipulation of dreams, and it really tickles my psychology student side. And the way the characters hop through different dream world and real life is breathtaking.

I love seeing the influence of the most legendary Japanese director, and my favorite, Akira Kurosawa, in his films, it’s definitely there, if you’ve seen Kurosawa’s films you’ll know what I’m talking about when you watch Satoshi Kon’s movies. If you haven’t seen his movies, I definitely recommend them, they’re definitely works of art. He will be missed.

Backpack

Lauren — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 23:16:09 +0000

I stopped wearing backpacks entirely when I was 14. One day, I dumped out my nasty old black backpack, grabbed the biggest tote-like purse I could find, filled it with my books and things, and never looked back (this was about a year before every girl at my school decided to start using a Longchamps tote as a school bag). I can’t say it’s been good for my back, but now I can try to make up for it with this cute vintage backpack I got the other day! I’m in love with all things embroidered right now, not sure why…

And yes, this outfit (including bag) probably has more color in it than all Parisians’ outfits today, combined.

Wearing Acne denim dress, Rodarte for Target cardigan, vintage bag, headband from Guatemala, Ash sandals.

Bisous,
Lauren

Chanel Priming

Lauren — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:44:08 +0000

And…you have been primed. Just as I was primed when I first watched Chanel’s Fall 2010 show. Heheh.

La Plume

Lauren — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 20:18:30 +0000

The feathers I stuck into my ponytail are the only ones I could scrounge up – I left all the rest at home accidentally. Needless to say, I’ve been freaking out a bit, missing my trusty feathers, so today when I set out for an afternoon of shopping, I was feeling quite pleased with myself. It seems that the Parisians are not really fans of feathers, though, as I got a lot of stares, points, and comments (even a comment about how I looked like a chicken.). Which can teach us several things: 1) I am clearly not Parisian, 2) there are clearly a whole lot of sartorial rules here that no one’s debriefed me on, and 3) it doesn’t matter what other people think about your clothes, as long as you’re happy with them. Fashion gets a lot of criticism for being shallow, but, in the end, it really should just be about making you happy, and I feel pretty confident saying that considering I still feel very satisfied about finally wearing feathers again, despite the comments.

Wearing vintage top, Sara Lanzi skirt, handmade necklace, Dries Van Noten shoes, ma feathers.

Bisous,
Lauren

A Pastry a Day, Pt. VI

Lauren — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:20:36 +0000

At my parents’ request (they doubt the awesomeness of Ladurée. pff. crazies.), I tried out the maccarons at Paul, which were ok, though Ladurée still takes the cake (or…maccaron, as the case may be).

Slow Down

Lauren — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 20:10:41 +0000

My panicked American self generally urges me to do As Much As Humanly Possible here in Paris at all times. There are museums to see, streets to roam, markets to explore, shops to dig through, things to eat, treasures to unearth, go, go, go, go, go, go there’s no time to breathe!!!! But, one thing about living in Paris is that, compared to the sort of crazy, frenzied rush I’d constantly be in if I were a tourist, living here means I can slow down a tad. I feel entitled to a little break from checking things off my “to do” list every once in a while. Usually, my normal, do-everything brain yells at me to get it together, you’ve got a million things to do and see, but I hushed it and decided that, today, I could be lazy. Instead of going to a museum today or shopping, I pulled on my favorite slouchy sweater, took a leisurely walk through the Jardin de Luxembourg, people watched, and generally spent my sweet time doing everything. Hey, I’m no tourist! I Live in Paris! I walk everywhere! I sit in cafés! I can pair my lazy sweaters with Chanel! Of course, tomorrow I’ll probably feel like I should do twice as much, but I guess that’s why I’m not really French…

Oh, and I have no clue why I haven’t taken pictures of these Chanel wedges I got a while back, but they are very dear to me.

Love my giant snake earrings, too.

Wearing Urban Outfitters sweater, vintage skirt, Chanel wedges

Bisous,
Lauren

A Pastry A Day, Pt. V

Lauren — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 17:39:30 +0000

Foret Noir, a delicious, chocolate-y creation strewn with cherries.