sparkle + shines

CAMILLA AND MARC: GRAND PRINCE TEE.

2010-02-06T14:52:00.001-05:00

I've been fascinated by the fashion world's obsession with shoulders. As an avid 80s enthusiast, I see how its retro, cool, and creates a distinct body shape. So are broad, shoulder pads really back in style? According to Rihanna, Beyonce, & GaGa.. yes they are. More affordable shoulder looks have been popping up at H&M and Forever 21 and this is one of my favs. The Grand Prince Tee by Camilla and Marc is priced at a cool $153. Recession much? Anyway.. It features studded, almost detachable shoulder pads in both white & black. I like this look but is it really worth it to buy a tee shirt with shoulder pads attached? I say BEDAZZLE.
SHOP IT OUT HERE.

THE MOST MISUNDERSTOOD MAN IN MUSIC.

2010-02-04T13:56:00.001-05:00

This is the blog that Kanye has since taken down. Clearly he was venting BUT isn't he allowed that? Some people think he's crazy, he's outlandish, that Amber dresses weird... BUT the problem is that no one realizes that these are the icons of our generation. Thats my opinion but for me & people who love Kanye and his pop-art/hip-hop movement, we're moved by his music, his style, his outspokenness. Before the Graduation & 808s album do you really think Lady GaGa would exist as a "pop-art" singer? Do you think Rihanna would be thought of as a fashion icon? Yes and no. Kanye sort of opened the doors for these artists to push the envelope, and break out of the box. That's just my opinion. Listen to "I Wonder" and get back to me.

REMEMBER THE FEARLESS.. REMEMBER THE DREAMERS.

IMAGINE THE PRESSURE OF BEING A TRUE ICON.

EXPRESSION IS MY FAVORITE ELECTIVE.

CE WEEKEND.

2010-01-31T06:35:00.000-05:00

BONSOIR!

Vacation is over, and its back to college life for me. I'm happy because reality tv was making me dumber by the minute plus I won't be so bored anymore. Over the vacay, I've been just going out and wandering around the city, taking pictures of whatever I find, or whatever I think is interesting. Its been like Alaska in NYC lately so there hasn't been a whole lot to see, or things to do.. But here's some photos from some of my outings: around Bryant Park and in my neighborhood in Brooklyn. MORE after the jump!

survival of the fittest.

CHANEL IMAN.

2010-01-22T17:00:00.000-05:00

"If I'm wearing Versace, then my man gotta be wearing Versace!"

I found this video from last years fashion week, when Chanel Iman did this video for Marc Jacobs. I love her personality. I feel like I've rediscovered her.

HUMDRUM TOWN.

2010-01-17T16:59:00.000-05:00

NYLON.

2010-01-15T02:44:00.005-05:00

I just renewed my subscription to NYLON mag. Words cannot even express how much I love this magazine. Its like taking everything in my brain, or anything I would like and putting it in print. My second favorite mag was MISSBEHAVE, but you all know what happened to that :( . I wanted to work in print for a while, and decided that I was only going to apply to something I was absolutely passionate about. So, I applied at NYLON.. got the interview.. things went well but in the end it wasn't the right fit for this particular time.. But I WILL apply again and really think about what I want to do..

On another note, here are my favorite parts of this month's issue of NYLON with Hilary Duff on the cover!
FAUX FUR VEST:
Juicy Couture.

William Rast.

BIG BOW:

Marc Jacobs.

HILARY DUFF:

Jacket + Skirt - Femme for DKNY jeans

JUMPSUIT:

Marc Jacobs.

PLAYLIST II.

2010-01-08T16:00:00.003-05:00

ELECTRIC FEEL - MGMT. LISTEN
LITTLE BIT - LYKKE LI. LISTEN
SO HAPPY I COULD DIE - LADY GAGA. LISTEN
CRAWL ALL OVER - J*DAVEY LISTEN
HEART OF A LION - KID CUDI LISTEN
CASHMERE THOUGHTS - JAY-Z LISTEN
ADDICTION - KANYE LISTEN
DOES SHE KNOW - TREY SONGZ LISTEN
I've been in a mellow, mushy mood lately and these are some of my FAVORITE songs.

NUMERO 109 EDITORIAL.

2010-01-08T16:00:00.002-05:00

The latest editorial featuring model Myf Shepherd. I love it. More after the jump.

BLESSED MEMORY.

2010-01-08T05:44:00.001-05:00

You know I'm OBSESSED with Jade. This is the trailer for the It's My Heart, Cookie Remix. Cute.

I <3 ZOE KRAVITZ.

2010-01-07T04:59:00.000-05:00

THESE BOOTS ARE SICK.

2010-01-07T04:54:00.002-05:00

CONTRIBUTOR MAG.

HER AND HER NAILS.

2010-01-05T23:45:00.002-05:00

This girl has major nail talent. You've seen her work in some of your favorite lookbooks of the season, like Cassie x DIMEPIECE. Check out her blog/portfolio here.

TOPSHOP 2010 PREVIEW.

2010-01-05T23:38:00.002-05:00

This is about to be my new favorite store. Although it's a bit pricey, some pieces are worth the extra $$.

PLAYLIST I.

2009-12-30T03:24:00.001-05:00

I LOVE music so much that what I listen to reflects the mood I'm in. Here's my playlist for the week.

Be Next To Ya - Krys Ivory listen
I Wished You Loved Me - Tynisha Keli listen
Outta The Window - J*Davey listen
Step To Me - Nola Darling listen
More Than Love - Amerie listen
Enter Galactic - KiD CuDi listen
Everything Is Broken - Mr. Hudson listen
Touch - Omarion listen
Right Hand Hi - Kid Sister listen
Downtown In My Mind - Outasight listen

SHINE ON : CRYSTAL RENN.

2009-12-27T22:16:00.000-05:00

RIHANNA - SO HARD.

2009-12-27T21:45:00.000-05:00

I'm sure EVERYONE has seen this already, but its worth reposting. Love, Love, Love the lipstick shades and the pink army tank.

THAT RIHANNA REIGN JUST WON'T LET UP.

SHINE ON: V MAGAZINE - ONE SIZE FITS ALL.

2009-12-27T21:37:00.000-05:00

WOW. This is major. V Magazine teamed up with amazing photog Terry Richardson and models: Crystal Renn and Jacquelyn Jablonski to take a giant leap in the realm of plus size + fashion. This spread proves that you can go from size 0 to 12 without loosing fashion's "edge". FYI: Most plus size models are between sizes 10 and 12, the average size of a woman. I love this so much. CURVY ALWAYS WINS.

AMBER ROSE X VIBE MAGAZINE.

2009-12-27T21:08:00.000-05:00

It looks like Amber is back doing some modeling. More pics after the jump.

See the rest of the spread here.

VAL'S MIND : STUDS + THEOPHILUS LONDON.

2009-12-04T03:27:00.000-05:00

Two things that have nothing to do with each other, but I like the mixture.

NAIL EXPO 2009.

2009-12-04T00:12:00.000-05:00

A couple more flicks after the jump.

MALUCA MALA - TIGERASO.

2009-12-03T23:38:00.000-05:00

I LOVE THIS... Uptown steez, MadeMe Jacket & cool song. ♥

IMAGINE.

2009-12-01T01:52:00.000-05:00

I-D MAGAZINE, WINTER 2009.

SHINE ON : PAVON NYC.

2009-12-01T01:34:00.003-05:00

I'm expecting New Year's Eve to be CRAZY this year, so while I was browsing around for possible outfits I came across PAVON NYC. This local brand is booming with features in NYLON, Glamour, Style.com and i-D (to name a few). The new S/S 2010 lookbook titled "ODYSSEY" has the perfect pieces to bring in the new year with shimmer & edge. Check out more looks after the jump.

I LOVE IT!

I LEFT MY HEAD & MY HEART ON THE DANCEFLOOR.

2009-11-27T01:25:00.003-05:00

I'm already obsessed with GaGa but this song BANGS! If you like dance music, of course... BY THE WAY: I just got the FAME MONSTER DELUXE EDITION and it has all the tracks from THE FAME plus about 10 new songs! Heavy Rotation.

PLAYFUL.

2009-11-27T00:59:00.001-05:00

I just thought this was cute. After seeing her interviews this week, and internet vids, Rihanna's changing, opening up and being more playful. Its nice to see her smile now.

GRUNDGE CHIC.

2009-11-25T13:00:00.000-05:00

VIA ELLE.COM

BIG BRAID.

2009-11-25T12:22:00.000-05:00

MIU MIU.

NOLA DARLING - STEP TO ME.

2009-11-24T21:45:00.002-05:00

CUTE VIDEO! DID YOU PEEP THE MADEME JACKETS?

CRTL S/S 2010 LOOKBOOK.

2009-11-23T12:15:00.000-05:00

CTRL is a UK based streetwear clothing line that I've just fallen in love with. It's wearable, cool, comfy & stylish. The "Missing U" tee above, is one of my favs, along with the denim jumper, pink jacket and blue cardigan. SHOP KARMALOOP for their Fall 09 Collection. More of the Lookbook below.

Via Highsnobette.

FREAKY BUT COOL.

2009-11-23T01:55:00.002-05:00

DANIEL PALILLO S/S 2010.
VIA ENVY.

FUR IN A FIELD.

2009-11-23T00:17:00.001-05:00

Because it reminds me of Rachel Zoe.

SHINE ON : YEAH YEAH YEAHS.

2009-11-18T13:11:00.000-05:00

Meet the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. This band is one of my FAVORITE indie groups. The beats are infectious and lead singer, Karen O's style is so intriguing and unique. You can't deny the energy when they perform. Check out the videos:

REPLAY : NIRVANA - SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT.

2009-11-18T11:15:00.000-05:00

Awesome song + 90s Grunge.

LADY GAGA AMERICAN VOGUE SHOOT.

2009-11-14T14:38:00.000-05:00

Lady Gaga is going to appear in Vogue's December Arts issue (I live for artsy things so I'm definitely going to get this issue)! The storyline of her shoot is sort of a dark, whimsical, fantasy Hansel & Gretel scene where Gaga will play the evil witch. I can't wait to see it!

REPLAY : PRINCE - WHEN DOVES CRY.

2009-11-14T09:12:00.001-05:00

The essence of 80s glam.

CHANEL IMAN x DEUTSCH MAGAZINE.

2009-11-13T13:00:00.002-05:00

^This one is my favorite because she looks like a human Chanel bag.^

To see the rest of the AMAZING spread.. go here.

KID SISTER - RIGHT HAND HI.

2009-11-13T13:00:00.001-05:00

LOVE IT.

SoHo LADY.

2009-11-13T12:17:00.000-05:00

+Simple color scheme.
+Detailing on her jacket.
+Dark sunglasses.
+Layers done right.

Via Stylesightings

TAKING A BREAK.

2009-11-13T11:21:00.000-05:00

I've decided to put off my internship search for about a month. The amount of time it takes to find an internship I'm interested in and then to go on the interviews, has become a bit draining. I also felt slightly discouraged because I'm not able to do what I love doing, which sucks. But ,I only have a few weeks left in this semester and that's whats taking priority in my life.

I guess I'll resume my search after this semester.

WISH ME LUCK! :)

COOL COUPLE DEUX.

2009-11-12T17:13:00.003-05:00

+Her bag.
+Her dress.
+His sunglasses.
+Simple colors, simple style, cool statements.

Via Stylesightings

LADY GAGA - BAD ROMANCE.

2009-11-11T13:00:00.000-05:00

WOW.

CURTIS SANTIAGO - T.K.O.

2009-11-06T13:00:00.002-05:00

+Awesome song
+Curtis' Purple & Red specs
+Crazy, unique style

LEVIS x OBEY.

2009-11-05T13:00:00.005-05:00

On my very first day at Levis, I had to learn all about this guy: Shepard Fairey. Most people don't know who he is, but I'm sure you've seen his work. Fairey is most known for his Obama HOPE poster/painting that was made during the president's historic campaign. Renowned art company, OBEY, teamed up with Levis to produce an exclusive collection of menswear featuring artwork by Shepard Fairey. Prices range from $27 for the t-shirts to $150 for the denim jacket. Here's some of my favorite pieces:

VIA HIGHSNOBETTE.

COOL COUPLE.

2009-11-05T13:00:00.004-05:00

Can this pair look any cooler?
+Rose tented sunglasses
+Cool trench coat
+Oversized gray cloak
+Simple & Sleek outfits

STYLESIGHTINGS

PASSION PIT - THE REELING.

2009-11-05T13:00:00.000-05:00

+sparkle pants
+reminds me of crazy NYC nights
+awakens my love of making collages out of fashion magazine photos

REPLAY: BEYONCE - DEJA VU.

2009-11-05T06:12:00.003-05:00

Imagine: playing dress up like this in grandma's house in Savannah, Georgia.

FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA x GLAMOUR MAGAZINE.

2009-10-31T04:39:00.005-04:00

Our First Lady is absolutely inspirational. In the December edition of Glamour Magazine, Mrs. Obama shares some very good advice and talks about her work mentoring young women. This stuck out to me in particular:

Don’t wait to be “discovered” by a mentor:
“I was blessed throughout my entire career. I had people rooting for me. It started with my parents, but it extended to almost every teacher that I had. When I was a young lawyer, there were other women and men in the firm who took me under their wing. Look for those mentors, because sometimes mentors don’t find you--sometimes you seek them out. Oftentimes, they’re flattered and glad to lend a hand.”

My parents are my biggest fans. And I also have people who have helped me along the way. Seeing that Michelle Obama had a similar foundation and growth that led her to be a successful woman, makes me feel like I'm on the right path.

VOGUE PARIS x KAWS x RAQUEL ZIMMERMAN.

2009-10-29T13:00:00.000-04:00

Raquel Zimmerman is one of the most sought after models in the world. And you can see why from this amazing spread in Vogue Paris' November edition. I love it because it has a bit of extra flare with a graffiti clad background with a hint of Kaws magic. Here's some more of the spread:

SIDENOTE: If/When I get married, this is what I want my dress to look like.. Isn't it dreamy?

To see the rest of the photo spread click here.

IS IT WORTH IT?

2009-10-28T13:00:00.005-04:00

I told someone that I "like to intern" and their response was: "why would you want to work for free?"

On one hand they're right. In this economy, you really shouldn't be wasting valuable working hours on something that isn't going to give you a paycheck at the end of the week. BUT on the other hand, how else will I get my foot in the door?

Interning at Yours Truly Brand for almost a year was one of the best experiences of my life. I met so many people and learned so much all with little or no pay. I feel like you cant really put a monetary value on experiences like that.

I just want to learn. And soak up as much knowledge as I can before I graduate and have to go be an adult.

KiD CuDi x NylonTV.

2009-10-28T13:00:00.001-04:00

+ I love his style.
+ Aimlessly walking around SoHo.
+ Makes me miss the summer.

SNEAKER LOVE : NEW NIKE BLAZERS.

2009-10-27T23:18:00.001-04:00

I used to be a sneaker girl. Lowkey, I still am. Anyway.. Here are some new Nike Blazers! Simple colorways with a perforated Nike sign. Only $88! I love both! Click here to buy.

KARMALOOP AUTUMN/WINTER '09 LOOKBOOK.

2009-10-25T15:00:00.000-04:00

I LOVE karmaloop. It encompasses everything that is street wear, cool and new. It features tons of brands; some you've heard of and even some local ones. I had no idea that they also put together a lookbook for this season! Check out Chester French in some of the photos here.

P.S. I want a faux fur vest SO BAD.

FALL Boots.

2009-10-24T21:29:00.005-04:00

I came across these awesome boots randomly online this week and I'm in love. MaraisUSA is a small brand but has that old school, Oxford style of footwear that's making a huge comeback. My favorite is the tall Tuxedo boot.

FACT: the designers are Parsons students who started their company in 2007! Just 3 years after they moved to NYC to design. Amazing.

I GOT A JOB !

2009-10-24T21:02:00.006-04:00

I'm excited... but I'm still on the hunt for an internship! I just got a reply to my inquiry for one of my FAVORITE designers. I'm trying to set up an interview this week and see what happens..

"Without goals, and plans to reach them, you are like a ship that has set sail with no destination."

--Fitzhugh Dodson

SHINE ON : Kanye's Photo Book

2009-10-24T00:04:00.004-04:00

Kanye West is an icon. Love him or hate him, I feel that he is an inspiration to a lot of my peers, not only from a fashion point of view. He is Pop Art. Very much in the same way that Andy Warhol and his factory people were icons of the 60s era of change. They were underground and didn't care what anyone thought of them because they were being themselves and making art.

He is inspiring because you can feel his passion in whatever he does.

Kanye is putting out a book of photos from his groundbreaking Glow In The Dark tour. Although I didn't get the chance to go, I can see from the photos that it was amazing. Some of my favorites:

HECUBA - THE MAGIC .

2009-10-22T16:19:00.001-04:00

I'm obsessed with this song and video. Its both artistic, different and full of stuff straight of the runway.

I wanna watch cartoons with you...

HIRE ME! PLEASE.

2009-10-22T15:54:00.004-04:00

Interviews suck. Its such a long drawn out process of awkward questions and you trying to figure out how to say the "right" answer. What makes it worse is that most interviews now, (at least for retail jobs) are GROUP interviews. So then you're forced to sit and listen to other people say the "wrong" things and tell their long stories...

I was asked to do a group interview yesterday for a sales position at a store in SoHo. It was a pretty good interview session although it lasted for an hour and a half. But people say the darnedest things when they're put on the spot:

Interviewer: Tell me about your worst boss...
Dude: Oh my god.. this manager I used to work with was the WORST. He was, excuse my language, AN ASSHOLE. Theres no other way for me to describe him but that he was AN ASSHOLE....

We were all looking at each other like did he just say that?
It was SO FUNNY. Situations like that make me feel like why do I want to settle a job when I may be more qualified for a better position somewhere else? But thats really just MY opinion of myself.. I don't have the experience to do what I REALLY want to do yet, so retail it is.. for now.

So now begins the process of waiting for the call back.. Nerve-racking..

WELCOME .

2009-10-20T12:45:00.004-04:00

Have you ever had a dream that you want to pursue? Have you ever had an inexplicable passion for something that you cannot seem to contain? Have you ever had so many ideas floating around in your head, just screaming to get out? Have you ever felt like you've found your path or niche in life? Well, I have.

HI EVERYONE! I'm Valerie (if you don't already know me) and I'm on a journey to find my place in the world of fashion. Yes, I know. EVERYONE is "doing fashion" or "has a clothing line" or "has a fashion blog". But I'm not like any of them. I don't want to be in the limelight or design clothes or be a pseudo fashionista. I have no interest in that. My passion is deeper than that. When I look through magazines or see a cool photoshoot, I don't just look at the clothes. I want to know who styled it, what's the story behind it, and what are the trends.

I still haven't figured out exactly what my path will be in this industry and my struggle to find the perfect starting point in an internship is making it harder. I started this blog to post my own ideas and thoughts (along with some other cool things) while trying to build a career.

THANK YOU & COME AGAIN. LOL.
-VALZ.