Love Report: Rashaad Newsome + Some Jewelry

Are you guys familiar with Rashaad Newsome?  He's an NYC-based artist, 31, just had his first solo show at Marlborough Gallery.  Newsome's assisted a fashion designer, made underground hip-hop videos - and his Whitney Biennial piece was a reinterpretation of vogueing.  His Herald show, a collection of hyper-detailed collages, was an amalgam of hip-hop trappings and traditional heraldry that, to me, also referenced a lot of what's going on in fashion - especially jewelry. 

It has been noted that by combining traditional and cliched/pop elements of "luxury," Newsome's created an ultra-desirable luxury of his own.  Apparently, half the show sold out before it even opened. 

Maybe this is oversimplifying it, but fashion seems to be in love with the same type of reappropriation and layering that's the basis of Newsome's collages.  I see it everywhere, from arm parties to "new luxury" jewlery - much of which is a pastiche of traditional fine jewelry (set gemstones) and pop references (neon, friendship bracelets, et al).

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Technically Speaking

After a couple years of messing around, trial and error, and running out of power in the middle of a trip, I've finally got my tech set up down pat.  Bonus - it's also not an eyesore.

Details after the jump ->

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Wear It Now: Pre Fall 2012 (5 under $200)

Click the items in the image to shop

Having perused (in the true sense of the word) the Pre-Fall collections, two things I'm loving: skant suits and wearable peplums.

The skirt + pants combo seems like a derivation of two ideas: Eastern tradition (i.e. tunics) and American turn-of-the-21st century tradition (i.e. pajamas in public). I've always loved the ease of a dress over pants, so I'm 100% going there.  Thank you Fashion.

Peplums we've already discussed.  Here they are for the wearing.  For a girl with no waist, these are like plastic surgery on a hanger ... More thanks + applause.

Above are some buyable ideas I had today:

1. Topshop Drape Wing Tunic Dress $92  2. Clemens en August Metallic Coated Pants $207.50 (75% off - was $835) 3. Free People New Romantics Gold Embroidered Tunic $128 4. Alice + Olivia Ella Peplum Tee $176 5. Restricted Tan Suede Platform Booties $99.99 6. Marni Chain + Leather Belt $166 (60% off - was $415)

What was your favorite Pre-Fall collection?  You can browse them all here.

Images (left to right from top): Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Alexander Wang, Matthew Williamson, Rebecca Minkoff, Burberry Prorsum Pre-Fall 2012, all via Style.com

Shoe Candy

During my recent earring spree, I bought a couple of vintage clip-on pairs online, and low and behold ... they were not earrings.  I mean there was no way they would actually hang on my ears - the orientation of the clips was wrong etc. 

After a few moments of total annoyance and frustration, I realized they were obviously shoe clips.  And I have so many more shoes than I have ears. So, let's look on the bright side!

There are really endless ways to apply these guys to your footwear - I'm personally really liking the side hook.

You can see more pics after the jump and a link to some of my vintage faves.

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Tricks of the Trend: On the Spot

Click the items to shop

One trick trend forecasters have in their toolbox is the global art calendar. Major institutions plan their scheduling years in advance, so you can take a look at what's coming a few years out and make a guess regarding its influence on fashion. 

Here's a fine example of this in action.  Gagosian is showing "The Complete Spot Paintings" of Damien Hirst this winter (it's at Gagosian NY galleries 1/12-2/18), so is it any surprise we're seeing polkadots galore for Spring?  I prefer the multicolored personally.

One of Hirst's spot paintings landed on Mars ... Hirst on Martians: "If they've got eyes, they'll love it." 

I'd say the same about these shoes, yeah?

1. Kate Spade Gemma Polkadot Heels $325 | 2. Verty Takes the Birthday Cake Sweater $44.99 | 3. Topshop 50's Full Spot Skirt $66.00

Image credit: Damien Hirst via Ravenel Art Group

Can You Ear Me Now: 12 Under $58

{Click the items in the pic to shop, or see the list below}

Every season before fashion week, I become obsessed with one accessory type.  Last season it was hats.  This time around, for whatever reason, I just want to bedeck myself with earrings.  I've been doing this for a while - I have maybe 5 holes in one ear from back in the day - but I'm going all out for February.  Full house.  Leaning my head to one side due to the weight. 

Don't ask me why! It's just a feeling I have.

Here's the shopping, mix of new and vintage finds:

1. Rachel Roy Rhinestone Studs $24 | 2. 3CW Asscher Cut CZ Studs $49 | 3. Druzy Raw Red Ruby Studs $24 | 4. Fossil Rare Bird Earrings $26 | 5. Marc Jacobs Zipper Earrings $58 | 6. Metallic Gold Druzy Stud Earrings $32 | 7. Betsey Johnson Crystal Flowers $55 | 8. By Boe Open Studs $51 | 9. Rachel Roy Safety Pin Earrings $26 | 10. Joolwe 18K Gold and Blue Sky Topaz Flowers $58.99 | 11. House of Harlow Evil Eye Studs $56.36 | 12. Vintage Signed Octagon Studs $22

Are you a multiple piercings type of girl?  Or no piercings?

Actually this is almost easier to do with clip ons ... and there are so many great vintage ones.

Image credits: Lula, Richard Nicoll, via Coisas do Caracao, Hedi Slimane

Down Town: 5 Under $200 Low(er) Black Pumps

^^ YOU CAN NOW JUST CLICK THE SHOES IN THE IMAGE TO SHOP THEM! ^^

First of all, can we hold hands and pray that 2012 is the year of anything-but-Litas?  Secondly, I've being having this issue of late where I order a pair of "classic" black pumps and they're like a 7" unwalkable heel.  It's really my bad for not carefully looking at the heel height before checkout, but I also feel like stylish shoes have just become unreasonable.

I love a platform as much as the next gal, but in NYC we do A LOT of walking and I vow to not be crying across the cobblestones of Bond St. in the coming year. 

To this end, I'm going down ... in heel height. Not to a kitten heel (not so flattering on me), but just to what I consider a wearable height. Here are the fruits of my searching labors (tons on sale):

1. Kat Maconie Jennifer Suede & Leather Pumps $180 | 2. DKNY Nadine Leather-Trimmed Suede Pumps $141 | 3. Calvin Klein Neila Black Pony $95.99 | 4. Pour La Victoire Loelle Patent Leather Pumps $125 | 5. TopShop Gilmore Contrast Toe Points $120

Are you with me on this lower heel thing? 

Also ... if you know the shoes in the Stockholm Street Style pic, please let me know!  Love them.