I don’t know if I’m really getting into the Holiday Spirit or if I’m coming down with a case of Holly Golightly’s “mean reds,” but this spread in Numero magazine’s Dec-Jan issue is quite a crimson tide of chic. It showcases the powerful color in all of its brash and bold glory. The racy ruby tights, that brazen brick-red lip and the sexy scarlet extras all make me want to pile on as much rouge as my lil body can handle! And model Ginta Lapina’s playful poses add to the appeal, saying, “Look at all the fun I have with scarlett fever. I jump, I smile, I look sexy and faux puzzled. Hel-lo, red!
If these images don’t make you want to slick on Revlon’s Cherries in the Snow until your lips are raw…well, you my friend, have no sartorial soul! How does the song go again? “I never will forget, the way you look tonight. The lady in red…”
I know it’s been a looooooong time since I’ve hit your lil RearEnds with some RecessionalChic goodness. Well, guess what? The economy still sucks and there are still deals to be had- so voila, I give you Cathy Jean, a shoe retailer that offers quality leather pieces at a price point that is sure to make you squeal- $35-$100! I discovered Cathy Jean while perusing Karla’s Closet, one of my many blog obsessions.
With the economy in the tanker, and everything from iPhones to UberTwitter buzzing in sensory overload, Mimi is ready to take a step back from it all this holiday season. See ya, Facebook! Nice knowin ya, twitterverse! Buh-bye, blackberry! Ok, so I’m not going totally Amish, but I will be taking a serious chill pill. (Haha- ‘92, much?)
What will Mimi be doing during this HoHoHoHiatus? Granted I am letting my imagination run a little wild, but in between holiday shindigs and fun family follies, I will be curling up by the fire, drinking gallons of hot chocolate and indulging in my favorite holiday movies and books. While I’m talking the classics, this is no run of the mill Frosty, Rudolph, Charlie B. list. O, HighEnders, ya know Mimi’s far more clever than that
Holidays on Ice I have been obsessed with David Sedaris since the moment I stumbled on Naked as a clueless high school freshman. His pitch-perfect wit is like the perfect dirty martini- ice-cold, dry with a “wait…what just happened?” after-effect! Well, Holidays on Ice delivers a bundle of laughs, just with a naughty mistletoe theme.
*amazon.com*
Little Women My most beloved memory from grade school was a mother-daughter field trip to see Little Women. I don’t know if I was drinking the Claire Danes koolaid that flowed freely during the ’90s, or if I truly understood how special this story of sisterhood and family was, but something about that day is still so magical to me. Gosh, and how adorable was Christian Bale as Lawry?
Home Alone Three words- Macaulay as KEVVVVIIIINNN! ♥
*movietrimmer.com*
Steel Magnolias/Imitation of LifeAlthough these two films aren’t particularly Christmas-themed, there’s something about their weepy storylines that goes right along with the hyper-emotional holidays. Imitation tells the heartbreaking mother-daughter tale of a light-skinned black woman who passes for white in the 1950s, thus rejecting her devoted mother and all ties to her black heritage. It was important in its time for tackling tough race issues, and fifty years later it is just as relevant. The funeral scene alone is a weep fest! And speaking of cinematic tears, Steel Magnolias will evoke tears even from the most Grinchly of people with its tale of steadfast friendship between women in a small Louisiana town. If the phrase “Pink is my signature color” has you coming up blank, find this film NOW!
A Christmas Memory Truman Capote’s poignant holiday tale marks another moment of childhood nostalgia. We would read the story aloud in grade school, and there was always something so stirring and haunting about this tale of precocious eleven-year-old Buddy and his young at heart cousin Sook. This is a classic that evokes simpler times of clementines, a pair of kites, and fruitcakes gifted to everyone from faraway family to Franklin Roosevelt.
*bookrags.com*
Tis the season, HighEnders, to go beyond shoppin’ and shindiggin’ to satisfy your holiday soul! What are your favorite holiday books/films?
I knew there was something special about Christian Siriano during the fourth season of Project Runway. He was so sassy, so hilarious, so confident, but most importantly so talented. And he was beyond delightful to watch on television- one second he’s gigglin’ with Chris March, the next he’s snappin’ his fingers at Tim (“Tim, this will be fierce, honey. Believe!”
Let me tell you, seeing Mr. Siriano in the flesh (and his skinnies) took the “ferosh” experience to a whole other level. Nearly 200 chicsters — ages 8-48— packed into DC’s Corcoran Art Gallery to hear Christian’s style insight and learn about the inspiration for his first book, Fierce Style: How to Be Your Most Fabulous Self. He talked briefly about growing up as a spontaneous, yet fashionably focused Annapolis teen. (Yep, tartelettes, our favorite fierce fellow harks from Maryland’s preppiest seaside town!) He sweetly credited his mom for always supporting him, no matter how crazy the dream, like heading to London for fashion school as a tender teen. For Christian, Project Runway was just another chance to pursue his love for fashion and design. And as he has become the pint-sized darling of the fashion world, it seems like PR really paid off. “Five minutes ago, I was living in a shoebox. And now I’m hangin’ at Posh’s house!” he joked.
But it wasn’t his bio that had the crowd laughing, cheering and wanting more more more Siriano- it was his wonderfully witty Q&A session. When questioned about the Lady Gaga craze, he replied with just an ounce of cattiness, “I dressed her for her first performance…and yea, I haven’t heard from her since.” What does he think about Rachel Zoe, America’s most BANANAS stylist? “Rachel is wonderful, super talented…Love her, girl is crazy though!” And when asked by my cousin, fellow blogger DWJ, about the current season of Project Runway, he let out a long “Ummmmm…” that was answer enough.
Christian is one of the most fab designers that I’ve met thus far. (And I’m not just saying that because he complimented me on my outfit in front of everyone) He’s honest and hilarious, sweet and sassy, but most importantly his infatuation with all things fashion and design is undeniable. You, Mr. Siriano, are the “feroshest!”
The first Monday’s Muse of December is quite epic- our first magnificently dressed man! From Kate to Thandie, Leigh to Kerry, we’ve had a HighEnd hoard of lovely ladies. Well, why not share that sartorial joy with the boys?
It takes just a few clicks on style.com to see that there is more to Zac Posen than a few fab frocks and a gorgeous gown or two. He is not only devastatingly dashing, but also one of the snazziest dressers in the industry. Like a true best dressed, Zac relies on a strict uniform to create his signature aesthetic. I dub his combination of tailored blazers, glam accessories and a tablespoon of kitsch, “glitzy prep dandy.” Like the love child of Rufus Wainwright and Chuck Bass. I mean, the man knows how to work a bowtie/ascot with just as much panache as he does a needle. Can’t you just imagine Rufus’ operatic interpretation of “I’m. Chuck. Bass?”
All right, so enough with that fab fella fantasy, onto the fashion!
Ooo…don’t you just want to kiss each of his chiseled cheeks and borrow that fab cobalt blue blazer? Love ya, Zac-y
Ya know when people say, “Wow! You/he/she/it/whatever gets me! Like, really gets me!” Well, I’m convinced that saying came about when some stylish woman witnessed her first Casadei shoe. There is something about the sexy silhouette, impossibly high heel and ultra-lux materials of each shoe that screams- “Modern fashionista, we have cracked your complex code.” Ok, so maybe I’m being a little dramatic, but holy bananas, these Italian cobblers sure know how to make a shoe.
The company was founded by Quinto and Flora Casadei in 1958, and has become a fashion fave of celebs like Mrs. Becks, Drew Barrymore and Beyonce. Watch your scarlet soles, Mr. Louboutin, Casadei’s Double Platform Pump is moving in as the red carpet signature shoe!
What makes the brand TDF-worthy is its ability to be sultry and classic all at once. A racy five inch heel is tempered by a (somewhat) proper rounded toe. Posh maryjanes find some sass with a sequined sole. A classic suede pump gets its groove back via a sexy architectural wedge heel. I guess opposites do attract…and quite stylishly
There’s something about in-mag questionnaires that satisfies my inner Narcissus…I just can’t get enough. Well, I was flippin’ back through the September InStyle when I found this survey entitled “Welcome to My Life.” I knew this survey was blog-worthy because its detailed questions really get to the heart of what encompasses personal style. There’s no favorite color, first pair of shoes, go-to stores on this list. No, we’re wayyyy deeper than that H.E.R.E.
1st thing of value you ever bought that you still have… I. Lose. Everything. I’m working to cure myself.
What will you never wear? I never say never- I’ve worn and loved plenty of things I had previously scoffed at. Remember, an open fashion ♥ is a growing fashion ♥. That was Voltaire, right?
Anything you once thought you’d never wear and now do? Gold jewelry. I was a tween during the minimalist silver era. My golden gaudiness would literally disgust my 90’s/early 2000’s self!
What’s in your handbag? Blackberry (DUH), pen for blog notes, Rosebud Salve- addiction…o & lots of CRAP.
What is your no time to think outfit? Super-fem dress, fab boots and mondo jewelry…I’m jinglin’ baby
What’s your most surefire fashion advice to women? My signature phrase in college was “I don’t f’in care…” and I completely apply that to style. Rock every outfit like its next season’s couture and people will respect your style. They may hate you, but hey- occupational hazard.
I would never leave the house without… Make-up- my SouthernGirl roots run deep.
Favorite piece of jewelry…My Notre Dame gold men’s watch. Love thee ND.
Best gift you ever received… My best friends from ND.
What always goes in your suitcase when you travel…Way too many outfits- like 3-4/day. I need Overpackers Anon.
If you could blink and be anywhere… ND game day- tailgating with friends and fam on a gorgeous day; or Bryant Park on the second day of September Fashion Week; or Memphis laughing with my parents and grandparents on a slow summer evening.
The DVD you curl up in the den with… Always Steel Magnolias- I annoyingly know (& recite) every line.
When you go to dinner at a friend’s house, what do you bring? Wine and a healthy appetite
Favorite season… ForeverFall- there is nothing prettier than a new year offset by falling leaves.
iPod tunes when you excercise… Memphis rap- 3 6 Mafia 4eva- heehee.
What do you crave? laughter, travel, love, NYC, my friends/fam.
All right, HighEnders, I hope you enjoyed that peek inside Mimi’s Moda Mind. Now, it’s your turn. Take one question or all, but let me hear your responses!
As has been declared before, I looooove Kate Hudson. So when I spotted these pics of miss lady covering the January issue of Harper’s Bazaar, I just knew I had to give her the HighEnd treatment…once more I absolutely adore the styling- Hello??? TDF Marchesa gown!!! She looks gorgeous and fresh, just like a 20-something should. (Sippin’ the KateKoolaid much, Mimi?) The crisp white and shimmery sequins make Kate’s signature smile shine even brighter!
Well, anyways, love love love K.Hud, so here are a few major moda moments from her Bazaar shoot.
And I’ve included Bazaar’s video interview with Kate. Be prepared to giggle in delight when she talks about pre-Oscar 7/11 runs for tampons and Goldfish!
On another Kate note, my sis and I are going to a screening of Nine tomorrow night. So look out for some sneak peek tweets from @mimi_style! Who else is excited for this holiday film bonanza?
Dearest HighEnders, I have found my latest online obsession. And yes, she’s just as naughty as her name implies. Nasty Gal is a three-year-old web boutique that boasts some of the most on-trend new and vintage apparel. Body-con, strong-shouldered mini-frocks; studded extras out the wazoo; and sequins and shine for days! But shake off those Forever21 feelings, chicsters, Nasty Gal tackles the trends with a hipness that is all her own, not nothing but knock-offs! Their website describes owner Sophia Amoruso as a gal who’s been “combing the racks, pressing the pleats, and snapping the shutter for NASTY GAL since its inception, [who] enjoys a good Salade Nicoise, a sturdy pair of platforms, and twirling around the studio every so often while blasting disco.”
Oooo, sounds like Sophia&Mimi should become shoppin’ sistas
And did I mention Nasty Gal’s price point rarely reaches $200- for vint or new? Now, for the nasty stuff!
Silver Stud Stilettos $38 These crazy affordable pumps and their crazy adorable studding are well…crazy!
Alexa Beaded Shoulder Dress $228 I adore this fun frock because it’s totally a piece you’ve passed over in Mom’s closet and now wish you hadn”t. That beaded lace is just begging for a holiday party.
Erica Anenberg Two Finger Bow Ring $64 This lil beauty would allow me to express my formerly super girly self, while the two-finger style in tough/tumble silver adds some major edge!
RT @Coutortured: Um... @perezhilton is JUST NOW reporting on SJP removing mole like it's news? less gaga ass sucking, more reporting *lmao* 53 minutes ago
Has decided ABC News over TMZ. My NO celeb news in '10 #newyrsres is getting SERIOUS! Shhh! Obama's talking! 1 hour ago
RT @moxsie: Hey if I put up a twitter flash coupon code- only valid for like a day, would you guys use it? *well DUH! not to be tot 90s :)* 5 hours ago
[all images via fashiongonerogue]
