The "I can See Your Underwear" Movement

Remember Dolce & Gabanna's panty parade? It's catching on.

Would you go sheer down there?

(Credited to Fashionising & Stockholm Streetstyle)

Beauty or Fashion In the Eye of the Beholder?

American Model/Actress Megan Fox

The below article was written specifically for Breakfast at Dior by my friend and psychology student Amanda Gibby. In return I am writing her Myers Briggs Typology fashion profiles, which I will be linking to on here. If you're into personality tests or psychology you'll want to check out Amanda's blog.

Written by Blogger Amanda of Psychology Fitness

Fashion is the true “in the eye of the beholder” classifier. At least, fashion is more so than beauty. Think about it. What you consider fashionable may be wretched, poor taste, or just plain boring to whomever happens to be sitting next to you in the break room. Fashion is able self-expression, and adopting designer trends you can fully identify with.

On the other hand beauty, despite many misconceptions and urban folklore, is much less subjective than we like to preach. Many a Reassurer has been heard spouting the phrase: “Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder.” In many classes I have sat through, I’ve heard professors speaking of beauty being perceived differently across cultures. Yet when it comes down to actual research studies based on empirical data, beauty is standardizable cross culturally. In said studies, beauty is measurable and quantifiable by criteria such as spatial averages, bilateral symmetry, and large differences between a female look and a male look. And results were produced time and time again, pointing to what most mothers want to protect their children from hearing: beauty is objectifiably measurable, across cultures; people across the world tend to agree on what is considered beautiful.

Indian Model/Actress Aishwarya Rai

At the same time, these studies involved two dimensional pictures of faces- not face-to-face with live subjects. Therefore, these studies do not account for such factors as intrinsic beauty. Still, the phrase “Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder” indicates that from one person to the next, views of what is beautiful cannot be agreed upon and that is simply not the case. Beauty, even intrinsic beauty, is easily agreed upon, even amongst members of different cultures. Traits like a pleasant demeanor, altruism, and …all make a person more attractive, so to speak.

Take the “Halo Effect” for example. This phenomenon is not only used to describe behavior in the classroom, nor making a good impression when meeting someone for the first time. Unfortunately we as the human race tend to assign a “halo” to those who are more attractive, reportedly. Is this to that individuals’ advantage or disadvantage? Surely higher expectations could have many disadvantages.

Chinese Model/Actress Zhang Ziyi

Fashion, on the other hand, may indeed be better judged in the eye of the beholder. Not all fashions are flattering, yet many fashions are adopted and loved because they are “hot” …Is fashionable the same thing as Beautiful? I say neigh. Does fashion have the potential to create some version of the Halo Effect aforementioned? I say yes, but it is a much more specific phenomenons. Fashionable trend perceptions will depend on the crowd, the surrounding culture, environment, and even outdoor weather for the day.

Mary-kate Olsen: Fashion Leader or Fashion Victim? You decide.


(photos credited to TFS)

'Tale of the Unexpected' Benjamin Kanarek for Harpers BAZAAR Hong Kong

Harper's BAZAAR Hong Kong, October 2010

Tale of the Unexpected

Phtography: Benjamin Kanarek

Model: Katie Fogarty

Styling: Laurent Dombrowicz

Apparently Vogue isn't the only magazine that can pull off a whimsical fairy-tale shoot. All of these characters look vaguely familiar, but are said to be created for this shoot specifically. I am reminded of Emma Watson's Harry Potter character above and the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz. If he only had a heart...er...mouse trap.

This is one crazy creative shoot. If you ever wondered what happened to haute couture after it walked down a runway for 50 seconds, this is your answer. It gets used for wacky editorials and then retires in some rich lady's collection of never-to-be-worn priceless frocks. On occasion children wear them too. And now for a few words from the photographer himself:  

"Katie Fogarty stars in the fabulous, ferociously funny, freaky film “The 7 Tales of Katie in Kinderland” as the wonderfully witty “Wizard of Westergarten” in the County of Cormilligan (Try saying that after a few drinks)."

Watch a behind the scenes video of the shoot here.

Update: Also, I have been honored with Benjamin Kanarek's presence on my blog. Another tale of unexpectedness. Thank-you for stopping by Ben. 

(Credit to Benjamin Kanarek Blog)

In Transition: Blogger Streetstyle

      
If you happen to live in a city where weather transitions are a smooth and enjoyable affair, you have the luxury of extending the life of summer pieces in your wardrobe. The shortest of shorts and sheerest of blouses may even be spared. It's all due to one simple styling tactic: layering.

Socks, leggings, nylons, scarves, cardigans, jackets, hats etc...simply pick a few additional items from your wardrobe and throw them over top (or underneath) your summeresque look and voilà you are saved from autumn breezes and declining temperatures! No need to mourn the loss of your favorite summer frock.

If, however, you are gungho about jumping into fall attire, but find it too warm to commit to head-to-toe coverage, pick lighter fabrics and roll away your shirt/pants when temperatures peaks. Perhaps try cuffing your sleeves in an inverted fashion the way Karla has with her yellow blouse to keep things interesting.

(credited to Fashion is a Playground, Annabu, Pandora's Box, Leproust, Karla's Closet, Another Day to Dress Up, Natalie Off Duty, Hanneli, Refinery29, Faboo)

Dressing for Early Fall

Knit Sweater: Kensie

Dress: Anthropologie

Leggings: Jacob

Boots: Aldo



Lately I've developed this really dark and shameful habit. I'm not sure if you've heard of it, but people refer to it as "shopping online". These boots are the 5th pair of shoes I have purchased online in the past 2 months. My name is Tracey, and I'm an Aldoholic. As of today I am officially imposing a self ban from all online shopping. However, there is one exception to my rule: I really, really, really want a pimp satin or velvet turban. If I find one online that is pretty and not too expensive so help me god it's mine. And in three colors.

Also, I have been feeling guilty about neglecting this blog lately. I'd like to blame it on significant life events, but really I'm just being fickle and lazy. I have always suffered from being carried away by capricious, spur-of-the-moment, inspiration-motivated frenzies combined with periodic bouts of indolence and lethargy. There is no moderation. There is no middle ground. I am productively schizophrenic. Oh well. Makes for interesting Tuesday nights.

Vancouver Fashion Ezine Launch Party

 

Thank you Jackie and Emily my wicked supportive friends!

 This past Monday night I attended the Vancouver Fashion Ezine Launch Party and had the pleasure of meeting many talented photographers, stylists, models, and dreamers alike in celebration of a new up and coming local magazine. As I took hardly any photographs of the evening myself I have posted some of Clints from Shutter Dreams Photography.

I am very excited at the possibility of working with those I met! I appear to have found a place for November and will be coordinating a move shortly. I can't wait to finally be settled in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Congratulations to Editor Marilyn Wilson and all the contributors of the fall issue. It's a good one!

(credited to Shutter Dreams)