Gucci FW 2013 Campaign: Abbey Lee Kershaw

My favorite image from the Gucci fall 2013 campaign featuring Abbey Lee Kershaw.

Couture FW 2013: Maison Martin Margiela

If a thrift store adventure could turn into a couture worthy show, Masion Martin Margiela was spot on the concept. Silk flowers, volumes of layered, reconstructed prom gowns, embroidery, and an updated take on oxblood (we'll call it merlot) are just a few details to be found in this collection.

At first look, the show almost looks like the viewer was dropped onto the streets of Tokyo... or maybe just into a Japanese anime from the 80s. Akira anyone? The collection seems to almost literally bloom with detail and sophistication. There were a few dresses that seemed red carpet ready and of course masks that stretch the limits of function and become pieces of art. Oh, and the collection would not be complete without some kind of popular 90s inspiration. In this case, platform boots in a shocking chestnut.








Is it just me or does it almost feel like Betsy Johnson, Heatherette, and Alexander McQueen had a very mature child?
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West 14th: FW 2013 Collection

I am obviously obsessed with basics. Luxury basics are even better. Clean cut leather, black, white... it really couldn't get better. That's why I'm kind of obsessed with West 14th's Fall 2013 collection. Besides the obvious chic exterior, each piece is guaranteed to get great mileage and stretch your wardrobe. Perfection! Here's a little about the brand...

For West 14th founder Violeta Tentomas, those stories have taken her from New York’s vibrant meatpacking district to the sun-kissed glamour of Bondi Beach. And now, you can create your own stories in her ultra-luxe, super-supple leather collection, which is inspired by her globe-trotting journey and fashion pedigree.

Leather combines urban attitude with head-turning elegance to become an essential part of your life. It may be the biker jacket that takes you from the subway to the airport, the skinny pants that make a social statement in that Tokyo nightclub or Paris restaurant, or the blazer that’s your secret to career success – from boardroom meetings to red carpet events. West 14th makes soft second skin leathers with quality craftsmanship deliciously obtainable. With clean lines and high-impact details, these fashion-forward pieces add some gritty glamour to your wardrobe.









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Marks & Spencer: Fall 2013

Anyone that has crossed the pond to England (the Atlantic one, not my new pond the Pacific... actually that's probably more of a lake) has probably ventured by if not into a Marks & Spencer. Known for their clothing and luxury food products, it's hard to resist browsing if you happen upon one. Good 'ol M&S is shaking things up this fall with a whole new look thanks to freshly appointed style director Blinda Earl.

While freak-outs are definitely in my forte (usually accompanied with an unjust amount of arm flailing), I'm going to sit this one cool and finally attempt to be proper for once.





I'm loving the plaid, and moody warm colors: pink, red, almost eggplant. I think I see where my fall wardrobe will be heading. What do you guys think of this collection? Don't forget that you can SHOP QUEEN OF MAYHEM on Etsy. :)

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Gap Fall 2013

When I think of Gap I think of blue jeans, white tees, and a mob og models smiling cheerily at the camera on front of a white backdrop. I also think of brightly knit scarves and perfect pearly whites gleaming at me from some oversized winter campain plastered on a billboard.

What I don't think of is exactly what Gap's fall 2013 campaign embodies: more fashion forward styles and colorblocking. I'm really liking the understated chic of this campaign. While styles are still basic enough to say "Gap" they are way mroe on point... the perfect example being the athletic pants, tomato coloured ensemble, and sleeker coats. I can't wait to check these out in stores... lookbooks can be decieving. What's your take on Gap's updated look?











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Versace FW13 vs. the 90s

I know I already posted about the revival of the 90s but I swear to god, it's everywhere. Spice Girl platform boots, anything reminiscent to what Kurt Cobain wore, ah, and the list goes on. I mean seriously, festival wear this year might as well just be an ode to the entire decade. Anyway, remember in Clueless (yes, another girly movie reference) when Tai (Brittany Murphy) finally starting hanging out with the popular crowd? Yeah, that's right, she sported a plaid mini skirt and damn it was cool.

Let's be real, I would have rather have been Cher. Besides the fact Cher was too cool for school (literally) and had the worlds best computerized closet she pretty much beat Donatella Versace to the punch by about a decade. I'm talking: Yellow. Plaid. Mini skirt. Genius!

Moving on in time, or maybe just geographical location from Beverly Hills to the party scene of England we get to two wonderful references: Human Traffic (the movie) and of course the Spice Girls (I'm forever and always obsessed). Take the vibe from Human Traffic and force it into a demure box then take all the pleather action that the Spice Girls rocked and hello we've just arrived at part two of Donatella's Fall/Winter 2013-2014 masterpiece.

Magic. While the 90s are great, I must say that Versace does it complete justice. Updated and far more grown up, the 90s girl is now a woman. Get the close ups and details on the Versace DIY inspiration Plaid Skirt below!

What You Need

Black Yellow Plaid Fabric

Black Pleather Fabric

Silver Leather Cord [1] [2] or Silver Chain

Square Sew-on Rhinestones [1] [2]

Mini Skirt Pattern

The directions would go something like sew the skirt, cut strips of the black leather out, wave with silver leather/chain and sew on rhinestones. It's all pretty straight forward so I hope I get some space on my sewing projects list to bang this one out!


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