Isabel Marant Spring 2012

My favorite Isabel Marant pieces at Totokaelo.

Many variations of the same piece in different colors.

So in love with bright hues and bold prints lately (or always).

Margarita Saplala

Brooklyn-based Margarita Saplala designs a contemporary, playful feminine collection with original artwork and prints.  In New York City, the collection is available at Sucre, Otto and A. Cheng, Margarita Saplala was born in Manila, Philippines, before moving to Chicago with her family at the age of 2, where she ultimately studied fashion design at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago.  It took 17 years before Margarita returned to Manila, and ever since makes regular trips to visit family and learn about the culture.  

The uniqueness of Margarita Saplala’s prints reflects her fondness for the colorful memories from her many trips to the Philippines. She loves playing with colors and she gets a creative feed from the environment during her visits to the Philippines, “ you see a lot of beautiful embroidery, colorful tribal costumes and Manila is just bustling with color” Margarita explains. “I always loved color and I mix my memories with new topics that interests me”.

Spring Summer 2012 Inspiration:

This collection is inspired by the magic hour. The of the day when the sun is set, but there is still light in the sky. The yellow fades and hues of pinks, oranges and blues are on the horizon. Abstract elements of the magic hour mied with island kitsch clothing result in a modern interpretation of tiki dresses and Hawaiian blouses. Blown up pineapple prints acquire a reptile texture, banana shapes create floral patterns, as repeated images of the horizon during the magic hour become hazy free flowing stripes. The silhouettes of the collection reflect the same kind of airiness captured by the prints.

Images and content courtesy of Rachel at w29 showroom and Margarita Sapala.com

Paloma Beauty + Kick Pleat + Nicole Mlakar

 

Look at that amazing braid!

I live above the most amazing beauty salon. Levi, one of the owners of Paloma Beauty Parlor, recently showed me a series of photographs that is the product of the collaboration between so many creative and talented folks here in Austin.  It showcases the work of  hair stylist Amber Hodgson (who does AMAZING color), Evette Richards (co-owner, esthetician, and make-up artist extraordinaire), the lovely ladies over at Kick Pleat (one of my favorite boutiques here), and incredible photographer ©Nicole Mlakar (pet and lifestyle photographer to the stars).   Each look features so many different and beautiful elements that I often take for granted in most fashion photos -- in this case, the contouring of the cheek, the texture of the braid, framing Kaylan's arm perfectly to showcase the bracelets on her arm,  and the list goes on...  These photographs are also wonderful because they take place across the street from our building before major construction goes on soon so it's a nice record of where the wild and beautiful things are.

Photographs:  ©Nicole Mlakar http://nicolemlakar.com/blog 

Hair by Amber Hodgson + Make-Up by Evette Richards, www.palomabeauty.com

Styled by Kick Pleat, www.kickpleat.com

Models: Kaylan Burnette, Jessica Olsen

All images copyright, all rights reserved of ©Nicole Mlakar

Urban Decay Naked 2

                                       

I'm so excited that the highly anticipated Urban Decay Naked 2 palette is available online today through Sephora.  As everyone knows, it sold out in 2 hours the day it was released on Urban Decay's website so I just received an email about their availability.  I am just posting this to share the good news because I know I'm ordering mine today -- it has to be the only other eye shadow palette set I own other than the original Naked.  The colors literally go with everything and you can do so many looks.  I hear the palette is better and the packaging on this one is slightly cooler than the older velvet one.  Check out the Naked and Naked 2 palettes - they are must haves if you wear eye makeup!  Urban Decay has always been, since I started wearing makeup, my go-to for eyeshadows.  So I'm getting Naked too.

P.S. I've only seen Naked - the original - in Sephora stores, twice, ever.  I'm serious. It's the iPhone of makeup.

Images via temptalia.

Kiki Smith Inspiration

I've been thinking about Kiki Smith's prints lately; they pose several questions concerning nature, female form, and the composition of beauty. I decided to make a set based on Kiki Smith's print below, keeping in mind the juxtaposition of traditional feminine colors and masculine shapes.

1. Marni Long Sleeve Cardigan Sweater
2. Toast Linen Shirt
3. Rag and Bone Striped Pant
4. A.P.C. Striped Scarf
5. Opening Ceremony Grey Oxfords

Kiki Smith image courtesy of Paceprints.com.

Originally posted in 2008.

Rodarte at Pitti Collection

These gowns are mesmerizing works of couture art.  I am in awe of their collection when I look at each individual dress and then see the up close detailing on different sections of the dresses.  Click on the images for larger more vivid details.  As for the vision behind the collection, fashionologie explains that:

"Kate and Laura Mulleavy are huge fans of Florence. “We have spent countless hours dreaming of the poetic city, every detail magnified by our own curiosity and imagination,” explains Laura. Fitting then, that they are guest designers at Pitt W in Florence this year. Today, their much anticipated Pre-Spring 2012 presentation of 10 elaborate gowns — detailed with Swarovski crystals, tulle, and feathers —  was unveiled in a disused building in central Florence amongst neon light constructions.Inspired by Fra Angelico’s frescoes, the monks’ cells at the convent of San Marco, and Bernini’s The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa, the 10 dresses are also accessorized with a hand-forged gold head-piece, belts and breastplates.  But what will happen to the collection after this stint in Italy? Elle confirms that following Pitti, the dresses will be on permanent display at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. 

Find more information about the Palazzo Pitti, once owned by the Medici family, here.

Photos by Autumn de Wilde on Rodarte.net

Hearts and Leopard Outfit #4

 

I found this YSL Silk Heart Printed Blouse in the East Village for $3 in a defected items bin.  One of the best finds, ever.

Blouse: Vintage YSL; Blazer: H&M; Sunglasses: Versace; Pants: J. Brand; Shoes: Forever 21; Bag: PS1; Rings: jewelMint, Elizabeth&James; Earrings: jewelMint; Bracelets: Forever 21, Vintage; Watch: Studded Burberry