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inspiration: a few words to live by...

last year, i wrote something that has recently gained a new level of relevance in my life, so i thought it only fitting to share it with all of you in hopes that it would somehow give you some insight as well. the 'inspiration' portion of this whole project really is all about the soul. i'll be the first to say it-- i can be pretty damn vain, but just to get it straight: no pair of shoes is going to make you feel better internally when things are kind of off. there is no escaping yourself. anyway, here are some words to live by:

1. i will not allow delusions or negativity to keep me from experiencing, recognizing, or embracing the good in my life. i will recognize these tendencies when they appear and i will aim to make decisions to overcome them. 

2. i will not doubt myself or my abilities.

3. i will try hard. if i 'fail,' i will try harder. it is a fool who does not recognize that even so called failure breeds confidence because it results in experience and thicker skin.

4. one word: persistence.

5. i believe that if i want to be perceived a certain way that i must perceive myself in that way first. all things start from within. 

6. i know that the worst that can happen is not that bad.

7. i know that there is not a single person who will be able to disregard sincerity.

8. i know that the hardest relationship i will ever have is with myself.  this teaches me to treat myself with attentiveness and kindness.

9. i know the formula for creating a personal prison:

a. doubt

b. guilt

c. regret

d. fear

- fall victim to these and i am basically living in chains.

xx

[runwaytherealway-blog]

beauty: the perfect faux glow. xx

[runwaytherealway-blog]

*the video above is lady gaga's acceptance speech for her cfda award for style icon 2011*

its funny.. for the last year or so i’ve tried (very hard, i should add) to not like lady gaga; “i don’t get it. she tries way too hard. etc, etc.” my list of nonsensical reasons for why she sucks went on and on. but about a month back, lady gaga took center stage to accept her cfda award (for those who don’t know, you can think of the cfda awards as sort of the academy awards for fashion) for “style icon,” and gave a speech that made me fall hopelessly in love with a person i once upon a time could not stand. “fashion is fantasy,”she said, and i thought to myself “she gets it!”

when i was about 15 years old, i had a conversation with my best friend at the time that i remember vividly. she was devastated over something that when i look back at now (and i am sure she would have to agree) was so delectably a high school problem that it makes me smile; but, of course, at the time it seemed absolutely tragic; so in an effort to advise her in the best way i could about the many aspects of her wonderful personality i said: “think about it, bringing out different parts of your character is just like changing your outfit. with each change you evoke something different.” it’s been nearly ten years and i still cannot think of a better way than that to explain exactly what fashion is.

before i go any further, i’d like to add that i believe strongly in the value of developing yourself internally. there is nothing more powerful than possessing a strong aura of self confidence and really understanding your self worth. this resonates and people can feel it whether they want to or not. however, there is a certain power that clothing holds that can really bring out the part of you that you want apparent. it’s almost like being an actor; you put on a certain outfit and all of a sudden you are in character.

you see.. fashion is about creation.. who do i want to be today? what aspect of who i am do i want to make so apparent to the world at first glance before i even say a word? fashion gives you the opportunity to do that. here are a few very general examples— a pair of black thigh high boots will make you feel a little bit naughty; just like a tailored blazer can make you feel powerful and assertive; diamonds won’t fail to make you feel glamorous; and leather somehow always makes you feel a little badass. its the understanding that it has nothing to do with money (you do not have to spend a fortune for fashion, unless you chose to) and everything to do with creativity. its a deep knowledge of the different elements in who you are and who you want to be and what to highlight to make them shine. it’s an opportunity not to take yourself too seriously and embrace a fantasy world that you create for yourself where rules do not exist!

anna wintour once said, “there is something about fashion that makes people feel very nervous.” while i know that what she is saying holds a lot of truth, i honestly don’t understand why people chose to take something that could be used to unite people through creativity, self expression, and celebration of self and use it as a vehicle to create boundaries. i think its really important to get beyond your experiences and let yourself explore. fashion is up for interpretation- it can be what you want it to be.. if you let yourself go there and allow yourself to get lost in the different elements of your character and your desire to decorate yourself externally to fit that. it is discovery and play, and we should all be allowed to embrace that. 

xx dm

[runwaytherealway-blog]

my interview with my new favorite accessories designer, nicolina royale. for more on nicolina go to www.nicolinaroyale.com.

xx

[runwaytherealway-blog]

fashion: wasting time at wasteland.

i hate rush shopping. i'd honestly rather not shop at all. so when it came to my birthday dress, i made a rule: i go to one store, if i don't find what i am looking for then i give up. i guess the stars were aligned properly that day because i ended up finding some incredible pieces:

*my mini photo shoot in the restroom of the sunset marquis after my champagne kicked in ;)

i decided that my one stop would be wasteland (not the obvious choice for something quick, but i was in the mood to dig). the dress is a ralph lauren (30$ at wasteland) in a pale pink that i like to refer to as "dior pink." it was actually knee length, so i lifted the hem to and sewed on both sides to make it short. angora is a tricky fabric to work with especially for someone like me who is a little scissor happy. 

i'm a huge fan of a clean cuts and not too much fuss because its way easier to accessorize and use your creativity to take the dress in one direction or another. the plunging cut in front and the fact that its backless make it all the better.

xx

[runwaytherealway-blog]

fashion: they are REALLY not sacrificing comfort these days.

at a party over the weekend, i spotted a few boys wearing what i like to refer to as a "grown persons baby suit." i had to get a photo:

these are the creations of a Norwegian company appropriately named, OnePiece. they recently opened a storefront on Robertson Blvd in LA. 

the next morning, i was describing my "discovery" to a friend whose style i actually love; he stopped me mid-sentence with this: "oh yeah!!! the OnePiece, i have one. they are great. they actually look really cool with boots. and are great for pajama parties." lol.

i don't know what to say.. they look comfortable.. i still wouldn't be caught dead in one, not even at a pajama party ;) 

if you do feel like purchasing this designer "baby suit" you can go to: http://www.onepiece.co.uk/ ;)

xx

[runwaytherealway-blog]

fashion: the five shoes that every woman should have in her closet.

there is a saying, ‘you can never be too rich or too thin..’ i’d like to add this to it: you can also never have too many shoes! but before you start decorating, make sure you have everything that you actually need in your shoe closet. here are the five types of shoes that have you covered no matter what you wear:

1. the black pump.

why? it goes with absolutely everything from business, to casual, to cocktail. 

(black pumps by Christian Louboutin)

2. the ballet flat

why? aside from being completely comfortable, they are also completely chic (think audrey hepburn in ‘breakfast at tiffany’s’). i love the kind that bend because i just throw them in my bag and go about my day. you never know when you will need a flat. perfect while traveling as well.

(ballet flats by Lanvin)

3. the metallic strappy heel.

why? essential for the evening because it gives your outfit that extra touch of ‘fancy.’ i’d opt for a metallic heel for the night probably with 95% of my clothes. i am especially into pairing them with colorful dresses for example a yellow dress and a metallic gold heel.

(heels by Jimmy Choo)

4. the sandal.

why? perfect for the beach.. or basically anywhere where there is some body of water or a lot of greenery. there is nothing more stupid looking then heels digging into grass. its like the ballet flat for the really hot day.

(sandals by Alaia)

5. the tall boot.

why? i live in la, so its more of a winter staple; but, especially when traveling the weather can get unpredictable. they are comfortable, chic, and perfect when you need keep warm and do a lot of walking.

(boots by Chloe)

xx

[runwaytherealway-blog]

fashion: fabulous finds.

one of the many treasures i found at wasteland. it is missing the tag, but this dress serves me almost too well. 

dress found at wasteland santa monica, 25$

bracelet by linea pelle, 10$

another great place for fabulous finds: sample sales! i got this at the linea pelle sample sale downtown.

love when things can be multi-purpose (you would be surprised how many things can!) this is actually a necklace that i found in my jewelry box and i used it as a belt. 

xx

[runwaytherealway-blog]

fashion: everything i learned in life, i learned from kate moss.

in february 2008, kate moss' vintage floor length dior was ripped to pieces. well.. no use crying over ripped silk... within minutes, she turned it into a sexy cocktail dress and simultaneously changed my relationship with my clothes forever.... 

i've since mastered the art beyond imaginable lengths....

this is possibly one of the most useful fashion tricks i can ever impart: how to take one dress and turn it into several different dresses....

meet one of my favorite dresses of all time.

Silk maxi dress by Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent, 235$. 

look number one: wrap dress. 

the front.

look number two: flowy.

gold braid belt by J. Crew, 40$.

look number three: cocktail (my favorite).

i can't remember where i got the earrings, but i have them in coral as well.

you can leave the "tie" at the shoulder be... or you can add something a brooch to give it a little something extra..

xx

[runwaytherealway-blog]

fashion: fabulous finds.

cheap and chic.

vintage tee shirt, 14.00$ at Wasteland.

shoes by F Troupe, 26.00$ at Atmosphere in Los Feliz. 

i am seriously walking on air when I wear these shoes. amazing.

ps: atmosphere is closing so a lot of the items are 50% off. happy hunting!

xx

[runwaytherealway-blog]

inspiration: .. a little something i wrote.

come from wisdom. act with courage. be dynamic. don't be afraid to shock. see with kindness. live with compassion. aim to understand. dismiss judgements. let go of grudges. be sincere. don't let your past define your present. exist in the moment. risk. welcome obstacles with open arms. use this attitude to shape the future.

xx

[runwaytherealway-blog]

fashion: "dressing up. people just don't do it anymore. we have to change that," (j.galliano)

i've been in a glamourous mood lately; and my style is really starting to reflect that. i've been opting out of sporting my studs, leather, and collection of vintage t-shirts in favor of pieces that have a bit more of an elegant touch. 

here are some photos of my look last night for the T-Mobile/Sidekick 4G Launch Party in Beverly Hills.

dress by Ema Savahl.

earring design by Casey Durkin.

i've developed a rapidly growing obsession for big, huge earrings. i wear them with EVERYTHING on a daily basis. this particular pair got so many compliments that i feel like i spent the good majority of the night thanking people. ;)

all the little details.

...and while i will never swear off my shredded, torn and rocked out clothes it doesn't look like my glamour phase is ending anytime soon. cheers to that! 

xx

[runwaytherealway-blog]

fashion: how i rocked coachella.

the style at coachella is nearly as important as the music. in a 100 + degree heat the only real necessity is a tan. 

  Tunic dress compliments of my co-host, Casey. You can't tell in the picture, but its actually very see-through (huge trend on the spring runways and at Coachella) and the beading on it is gorgeous. 

Sandals by Michael Kors. Many girls were rocking heels; not so hot when it's digging into the sand and grass. A cute pair of sandals goes a long way.

I love layering tons of bracelets. These are just random ones that I grabbed from Carlina's and mine communal jewelry shelf. The tie around one was given to me as a present by my friend Courtney K (it has inspirational sayings and peace signs all around it- very Coachella-ish).

Funky nail polish colors and designs were everywhere. Mint green is one of my absolute favorites. I got so many ideas for funky things to do with my nails from all the girls who had some super cool designs.

Handbag by Carlos Falchi (most amazing leather ever. i am having it dyed orange). This bag saved Casey and I. Carried all of our essentials and is a very understated and chic way to do fringe (another huge Coachella trend) which can easily look tasteless.

my everyday necklace by Crislu. it rarely ever comes off, and gives every outfit for any occasion just the right amount of sparkle.

xx

[runwaytherealway-blog]

fashion: this used to be a romper (diy).

ever buy a piece of clothing only to take it home and ask yourself: why exactly did i do that? i find myself asking myself this question every single time i buy a romper. good in theory, but… really? a romper? this cute oversize blouse used to be part of a one piece. here is what i did in steps:

1. i separated the romper so that i had (a) a blouse and (b) a pair of shorts.

2. i split the back open in the middle a bit below the collar.

3. i created a bow out of a black satin ribbon and sewed it under the collar in the back just to give it something a bit extra. 

the front:

the back:

xx

ps. i promise i will actually take pictures of the original piece next time before i start chopping away with my scissors. ;)

[runwaytherealway-blog]

inspiration: my guideline for life.

be real with yourself:

to quote madonna:

 "most people don't get what they want.. thats because they don't say what they want." 

 the more you lie to yourself about what you want and what you expect, the more you will find yourself continuously disappointed due to no ones fault but yours. most people spend more trying to convince themselves that they are happy rather than admitting that life is falling short of what they desire and doing something about it. the amount of work put in is essentially the same, but the result... fundamentally different. 

its your body, its your choice:

some less than stellar advice from a blog that shall remain nameless:

"its okay to eat that bowl of french fries and then not go to the gym after."

why is it that people are always looking for a way to validate not getting off their butts and working out as if it's some superficial activity reserved for the obsessive, dumb, anorexic, or celebrities? i don't get it. at the end of the day, its your body and (no pun intended) its your weight to carry with you wether you like it or not. i am sure you've heard many times before, but working out is not a luxury, it a necessity. its not just good for your ass, its good for your health, too. more energy is exerted by looking in the mirror wishing you could change this or that rather than actually getting up and doing it. besides the obvious, there is one more reason why working out is amazing: it is one of the most concrete methods of setting a goal and actually seeing the physical result of achieving it. 

being in love, like, whatever.. you know what i mean:

the person/people in your life should elevate you. period. it's hard to be objective when you are the one IN the situation, but ask yourself the following: in what ways has this person contributed value to my life? (value is up interpretation).. how many times have i genuinely smiled because of this person in the past month? week? day? if you find that the answer to this question is less than satisfactory (or worse, if you can't remember) then i'd say that there is no reason for said individual to be in your life... and please, don't make the excuse that the person is going through a hard time in their life... if because of their personal problems they are an asshole to those around them than that is nothing more than a lack of character on their part. 

career goals:

some more less than stellar advice from that blog which shall still remain nameless:

"it doesn't matter if you are 22, 32 or even 42 and still don't know what you want to be when you grow up."

thats nice. but i don't buy it. especially at 42, you are a little bit more than grown up. . i think we are fundamentally spoiled by choice, however, there is no urgent obligation set forth for any of us to actually have to chose. i don't yet know the exact formula for success, but i am positive that it includes enthusiasm in a large dosage. therefore i think no matter what one does, they should wholeheartedly want to be doing it. this way, they better serve themselves and also society. if one is truly confused about what to do in their careers i recommend the following: think back to your childhood; most of us had some sort of dream of what we wanted to be when we grew up. ask yourself why it is that you never did it. there is no obligation to be locked in one career for the rest of your life, but you have to start from somewhere. opportunities multiply when seized.

amazing advice:

 do something every day to feed your soul, and do everything else better as a result.

xx

[runwaytherealway-blog]

fashion: spring 2011 runway roundup.

every season, i review the runway collections to find my favorite elements set to trend throughout the upcoming months. these elements are my foundation pieces which i build on as the season prevails. here are a few of my favorite pieces for spring 2011. keep an eye out for the 'real way' options of these trends that i will be posting as i find them. hope this helps.

# 1. the color palette : for once, spring is not synonymous with brights. while i am a huge of fan of a lot of color gleaming beautifully against a tan, i am in love with the new array (and lets face it.. everything! looks good with a tan).

(a) the base: white, white and more white and some black (i.e Dolce and Gabanna's entire collection). (b) the accent: metallic silver (c) the pop: peach orange --> coral ; baby blue --> indigo blue. there is something incredibly oceanic and beautiful about these colors both separately and together.

Alexander Wang

Dolce&Gabbana

Blumarine

Badgley Mischka

Burberry

# 2. the platform : need i say more? platform booties. sandals. pumps... and the greatest thing is that platforms are more comfortable than some slippers. heaven.

# 3. the maxi skirt/dress: in the spirit of boho chic and flowy, the most popular hemline is definitely longer. i love long and here is why:

(a) it can transition from casual to fancy more seamlessly than any other piece of clothing based on accessories (and give or take fabric). (b) its 2 in 1. i can transform any longer piece into a shorter one in minutes.

Blumarine

Badgley Mischka

# 4. the new one shoulder : <3

3.1 Phillip Lim

# 5. sheer : i strongly suggest investing in some pretty bras and panties because from the look of it, they will probably be the most substantial part of your outfit. there is not one collection that didn't do sheer in some way. tops, bottoms, even gowns.. it's a tricky trend, but so damn sexy and i love its versatility. there is a fine line between tame, trashy, and hot as hell. practice with care. ;)

Zac Posen

Lanvin

# 6. the 70's : there are enough 70's inspired pieces at Pucci and Ana Sui (just to name a few) to outfit Penny Lane and the rest of the Band Aids for a decade. However, unlike, seasons of the recent past the vintage influence is not contrived. Lately, vintage has been way too.... vintage. we were bombarded with so many different decades one would think that a time machine malfunctioned. Not so for spring... it's refreshing and not all over the place. (realway: Wasteland-Santa Monica had a lot of amazing 70's inspired stuff the last time I was there (yesterday). go quickly because it won't last).

Emilio Pucci

  Best collection overall: Burberry

http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2011RTW-BURBERRY/

    Best runway prop: Chanel's "hat umbrella"

I think umbrella's are sexy and incredibly poetic. Blame it on the fact that I grew up in LA and lived in London for a bit, but I find them fantastic.

xx

[runwaytherealway-blog]

beauty: i'd go blonde for this...

remember "hollywood hair barbie?" the one with the really long hair on whom we could stencil pink hearts? i loved her; so much so that i'd do a stint as a blonde (...again) just so i could rock this runway trend on occasion.... i'd do it with a beautiful evening gown (black or another solid color) a black smoky eye (otherwise minimal makeup) and stick straight platinum blonde hair. it gives a bit of edge to elegance. xx

Betsy Johnson Fall 2011

a big thanks to beautylish for posting this originally (www.beautylish.com)