she's like a rainbow

the other day, a friend and i got into a discussion about the lack of variety in our wardrobes. she claims that all of her clothing follows strict guidelines of being very masculine, and all earth tones. i showed her a random photograph of my closet from when i was still living in the NYU dorms (i always do this when i have one shot left on a disposable camera) and held it up next to my actual, february 2010 closet for her to judge.

"all of the color's been sucked out!"

you see, i used to dress like a crayon. not even just a crayon--the whole box in one go:

look at that. even in a head shot, i've managed to get in about ten different colors. i still have a crush on this "Fifth Element" haircut but those legwarmers are bringing down my self-esteem so let's keep it moving, please...

 

i like to think of my new A Détacher cardigan as being a kind of kaleidoscopic telescope receiving signals from my old, risk-taking rainbow self. since getting it a few days ago (thanks boss!), i can't stop thinking about hot pink and cherry red and regal purple and day-glo green. sorry black, i'm officially kicking you out of bed.

shield me from winter sun

Much like the way you know you can always find a Barenaked Ladies album in any music store's used section ("chickety china the chinese chicken"? what were we thinking?!), digging one of Missoni's signature "zig zag" sweaters out of any fancy New York secondhand shop (of which there are many) is a sure bet. I always get a twinge of excitement when I come across one, but that's just the label doing its thing. The truth is...I don't like Missoni at all. Their color combinations just aren't flattering or even interesting. So color me totally shocked when I saw this utterly perfect coat! The pattern may be classic, but its cocoon shape and elephantine weight keep it from reminding me of Midwestern winters. This is not a coat for the lady who shovels snow, after all...

A Détacher's lady rednecks

I've been working at the A Détacher store in NoLita since last summer, all thanks to my very stylish friend and co-worker Caitlin (a clapping ritual).

 

Admittedly, my job is somewhat related to my opinion that this F/W 2010 collection was one of the highlights of Fashion Week, but it really has more to do with that green silk number. And that almost-trashy bubblegum pink dress (perfect for leaning in the door of a trailer home designed by Philip Staerk or something). And the fact that those over-the-knee socks have been the highlight of my winter wardrobe--without which, I might never wear anything but jeans in this wet New York weather, and that simply wouldn't, couldn't, shouldn't happen.

Here's a little insider knowledge of the show: it was very, in the words of designer (and my lovely boss) Mona Kowalska, "very Mom and Pop" as far as expenses and staff were concerned. And yet...everything went smoothly. The models really appreciated the calm atmosphere--no yelling, no demands, and a chance to snack. Though I'm not one to get intimidated by tall, willowy teenage girls, chatting with them while I painted their nails sidewalk/trashcan gray was grounding; the experience left me with a definite "we're all in this together" feeling, later echoed by one Ali Michael (she stops by the store pretty often), who told me that the real problem with the fashion industry is a lack of respect between agencies, designers, models and press. Agreed!

At the end of the day, it's the final product that really counts. The beautiful, beautiful clothing. And if those involved with those products could try to be a little kinder, a little more organized, a little more true to their word, the fashion industry itself may get a little more respect.

i want you.

I want you so ba-a-a-a-ad.

 (Acne)

I want yoo-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh.

(from The Sartorialist)

I want you so ba-a-a-a-ad it's driving me mad, it's driving me....

(furry stole from A Detacher F/W 2010)

Wouldn't these three things look perfect together? ignore the cigarette in his hand, his potentially dubious level of self-obsession, and the fact that denim purses remind me of my mini backpack from sixth grade (purchased with my Sanrio points card!) and this fantasy threesome is looking pretty fine.

be mine

i've always said i dress to please myself, not men.

case in point:

 

watermelon sneakers and a tendency to munch on rooftop bricks aside...if you're like me, you turned down a date for valentine's day. reward your independence (yep, independence, that's my story and i'm sticking to it) by baking a loaf of something sweet. this recipe is pretty amazing--a great way to get rid of the mushy bruised bananas killing time on your kitchen counter, and if you don't think you can finish the whole thing within a few days, it freezes really well!

Banana Bread with Chocolate and Cinnamon Sugar (adapted from Orangette)

3 very ripe medium-to-large bananas
2 large eggs
1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (preferably Guittard)

For topping:
2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter or spray an 8-inch square pan.

In a medium mixing bowl, mash the bananas well with a fork or a potato masher. Add the eggs, and stir well to combine. Add the two kinds of flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and vanilla, and stir to mix. Add ¾ cup of the chocolate chips, and stir briefly. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, and set aside.

In a small bowl, stir together the topping ingredients (it'll seem like a ton of sugar, but use it all! the crunchy topping is key). Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the batter in the pan, and top with the remaining ¼ cup chocolate chips.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving.