Walk a Mile In My Shoes

Platforms courtesy of 80%20, Sumi Ink Club tee courtesy of Blood Is The New Black, Coven sweater, vintage skirt, Comme Des Garcons pouch, Slow and Steady Wins the Race sunglasses, Triskaidekaphobia buckle ring.

A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of running into my friend Ce Ce Chin, designer of one of my favorite New York-based shoe lines, 80%20, at the MoMA x Volkswagen party. The origins of the name came from the idea that women wear their favorite 20% of their wardrobe 80% of the time, and the truth is, I really do wear my 80%20 shoes 80% of the time. My bestie Brandon, who is studying shoe design, recently went through my shoes asking why I never wear any of the designer heels collecting dust in my closet. I systematically explained why each pair of designer shoes was uncomfortable or even completely unwearable, as he mentally took notes on design and fit.

If I'm going out for the night, I almost immediately grab my 80%20s, which provide height, style, and most importantly, comfort. I know I can walk a couple miles and then dance the night away in my Giraffe-print wedge creepers, and frankly that kind of behavior would normally destroy a pair of Chanel or Prada shoes (not to mention my feet). I told Ce Ce this and, she was so kind to let me pick out a couple pairs from her summer collection (I happen to be sample size, lucky me!). I immediately grabbed this pair of Ginger wedges, which are a combination of a Birkenstock cork sandal and an espadrille. I wore them out to dinner with parents at Keen's steakhouse, and walked a whole mile to get there. So comfortable, so easy to walk in, I know I'll be wearing these for 80% of the summer.

-Tiffany

Bend to Squares

Brandon's failed attempt at a turban. Silk square-print dress courtesy of Margarita Saplala, DIY Rodarte-inspired knit cardigan, turban courtesy of Mike Gonzalez, spike earrings courtesy of Joshua Hall, Gerard Yosca necklace.

Brandon, who simultaneously fulfills the roles of my son/my sister/my grandfather, turned another year older last week, and we celebrate not once, but twice. First we had an intimate dinner at TriBeCa Grand, courtesy of Brandon's former employers, who obviously love him very much. Then, we had a pot-luck dinner at his house, where we all made some of our favorite dishes to share. After the meal, half the party went to the living room to watch a documentary about prisons, and the other (all-blogger) half played dress up in the kitchen with Brandon's exploding wardrobe, which also doubles as his bedroom, and includes grocery bags stuffed with Pleats Please. Brandon has plenty of gems hidden in his hoarders-style surroundings, and was eager to show off his latest Issey Miyake finds, and try his hand at making a turban to match mine. Happy Birthday Brandon, I adore you!

Another go...

Izzy jealously examines the Issey trousers that Brandon recently picked up.

Susan was wearing the most awesome Tetris-print cardigan from Monki!

One last attempt at normalcy

-Tiffany

Riots in the Streets!

Alexander Wang dress and shoes, Kate Moss x Topshop leather jacket, Collina Strada bag courtesy of Urban Outfitters.

So, if you went out at all last night for Fashion's Night Out, you know that it was a complete mess (i.e. s**tshow). As I mentioned, I had the idea that I would stop by all of the Manhattan stores that carry Triskaidekaphobia, which turned out to be kinda a bad idea. While I'm really happy I got to Convent, Seven New York, and Screaming Mimi's with a few pitstops in between, getting from place to place was a nightmare. The streets were overflowing with crowds like it was New Year's Eve or Halloween, and taxis were impossible to come by, which meant walking and taking public transit everywhere.

On the plus side, I saw almost every single person I love and care about in one night. I hung out with my boy Travis at Convent, bought a pair rainbow colored C. Neeon leggings from our friends at Seven, and finished the night at Mimi's, where the whole gang had gathered by the end of the evening. After a long day of shows and FNO, Christina and I had to head to Webster to host. Needless to say I was so exhausted and filled with so many cheap drinks by the time I got home, I ended up feeling kinda sick, and spent about twelve hours in bed having half-waking dreams about unattainable Choco Tacos and Swedish Sitting Bull Ice Cream pops. A totally crazy and weird evening. Can't believe it's only Saturday and we have the rest of NYFW to go.

My stone encrusted acrylic nails, which I picked up at Urban Outfitters for $10! Don't ask why my hands are so busted up, I'm clumsy...

Live models in the window of Kiki de Montparnasse

Our favorite fashion editor, Paper Magazine's Mr. Mickey, showing off his Catherine Malandrino necklace at Mimi's

One of the gorgeous Mimi's girls, China!

Jacob perused the Racks of Love racks that him and The Drums had made for the night, and ended up getting yet another green grandpa sweater.

The boys! Don't they look like the weirdest boy band ever assembled? Waseem is the goth, Adam is the Acid House guy, and Jacob and Caleb are the 90's indie rockers.

Fire dancing at the Bond Street Fair

-Tiffany

All of my friends were there. Not just my friends, but their best friends too.

Winning our first Paper Magazine Nightlife Award for Best New Party with the original Six Six Sick crew: Christina, Feng Feng, Jon, me, and Mike. Jon is currently touring with his band, The Drums, and Feng Feng is designing a line called Savant.

Sorry for the major slowdown in posts. I'm still waiting for my hand-me-down Mac to arrive, and using Jimmy's Swedish PC is not only torturous, but also sets off minor-to-major domestic disputes over computer possession. Anyway, Christina and I have been working hard on our jewelry, and throwing parties has been put on the back burner for quite a while now. We still do them, but not at the same pace as we used to (three nights a week). While we're happy to be concentrating on our day jobs now, it makes me a little sentimental to think about our namesake party, Six Six Sick, which ended about a year ago. Here are a handful of my favorite pictures from that time, filled with some of my best friends, many of whom are scattered across the globe now, and all of the outfits we made. These are only a few shots from two full years of weekly parties, but I think they capture the recklessness of it all.

Shelley, Christina, Gabi, Feng Feng and myself. We made shirts covered in googly-eyes, and even put them on our headbands and our pumps. Shelley is now doing a band called GHXST, and Gabi moved to Stockholm to be with Jimmy's best friend Tobias, and to start her own eponymous fashion label, Gabriella Loeb.

We did a sports themed night for Jon's birthday, and made gigantic prize ribbons with 6's on them since we aren't big into sports. This is our friend Jordan Bunny Kinney, who has since moved to London to live in a squat called Squally which you can read all about on the slutever blog.

Miss Six Six Sick Pageant Queen night!

Our nautical themed night with Patrick Wolf, who would stop by with Greg K. whenever he was in town.

I love you all.

-Tiffany

In Search of Halston (and Baby Benny Liu)

A shot from Ultrasuede: In Search of Halston

A few weeks ago, I was offered an opportunity to do a group phone interview with Whitney Sudler-Smith, the director of the recent Halston documentary, Ultrasuede: In Search of Halston. Disappointingly, the timing was completely off, and I missed it, as well as the screening of the film at The Tribeca Film Festival. I have to admit though, I'm more familiar with (and interested in) the legend of Halston the 70's playboy than his actually work as a fashion designer, mainly because I've been regaled with so many salacious stories courtesy of our fairy-godfather, Benjamin Liu.

Of course, it would be natural to assume that Benjamin would make an appearance in the documentary, but I didn't know until he came out to celebrate my birthday, and one of my friends asked me, mouth agape, if he had seen Benjamin in the movie. In typical fashion, Benjamin himself had missed the screening too, and joked that he was surprised that the people making it managed to get the thing together. Disappointingly, there's no indication that the film is set for a commercial release, so we have no idea when we'll have the opportunity to view it.

In the meantime though, Benjamin did reveal an ancient music video by The Cars that he appeared in for their song "Hello Again." Directed by Andy Warhol and hilariously lo-fi, a flash of Baby Benny appears halfway into the clip dancing on top of a bar in a leopard leotard complete with tail (predating Jeremy Scott x Adidas's similarly styled leopard hoody by twenty five years) and Halston heels (naturally). I think we all died a little when we saw it. Benjamin has promised to show us his old drag costumes and attire, and I definitely can't wait to see this one!

-Tiffany

Last of The Famous International Playgrounds

Hanging out in front of the store's awesome living wall of plants! Mary Katrantzou perfume bottle dress, camel coat custom made by my Mom, vintage turban, Gryson x Target bag, Triskaidekaphobia leather ruff collar, and Iosselliani ring.

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the Block Magazine party, which also celebrated the opening of one of my new favorite boutiques, International Playground. With the spate of recent new store openings, I have my fingers crossed that it's an indication that those lean recession days are behind us. International Playground is certainly a much needed treat for us fashion geeks. After last year's closure of many beloved independent boutiques (I Heart, Dernier Cri, Woodley and Bunny amongst them---I'm tearing up just thinking about it :( ), New York was left with only a small selection of stores who were willing to take risks and support young and emerging talent. The lovely owners, John and Virginia, do exactly that, focusing on new labels from Scandinavia and New York.

In fact, the selection of designers is so unique, and so special, that most of them aren't sold anywhere else in New York, or the rest of the U.S. I certainly never dreamed of seeing any of these pieces in real life, complacently believing that they were beyond my reach in the fantastical world of ethereal editorial images on the internet. Hard-to-find favorites like Daniel Palillo, Vibe Johansson and Ravishing Mad represent Scandinavia, while hometown heroes like Mary Meyer and Cut-It-Out show off what New York has to offer.

The best part of the night? Having a customized tee made by Mary Meyer, who was camped out in the backyard painting her designs on black shirts with a special kind of paint called Discharge (I know, gross sounding, but the results are cool). It was also great just hanging out with Waseem, Jimmy, Diane and Jacob, especially since the latter two are almost permanently on tour with their respective bands. I loved the store so much, I stopped by again today to do some real shopping (and to hang out with all the super-sweet store staffers)--I promise I'll show you my finds later!

A canary yellow jacket from Finnish designer Sulkawa

One of several super-sick elastic cage corsets by Chromat

A lovely selection of Vibe Johansson goodies

It was awesome seeing Jacob and Diane, while they both happened to be home from touring

A whole rack of Daniel Palillo and Mary Meyer!

Mary Meyer customizing a tee for me in the backyard! I asked for geometric shapes--a signature MM design.

I wore my custom-made Mary Meyers tee today with my Ostwald Helgason x ASOS leggings, VPL bra, Slow and Steady Wins the Race sunglasses, and a necklace my friend Joseph Altuzarra gave to me

I think this sign says it all...

-Tiffany

To Infinity and Beyond

My BGF (Best Gay Forever), Brandon, is currently interning at Alejandro Ingelmo, so I stopped by last Friday to take a peek at the new collection, while gossiping and snarfing down Baked by Melissa cupcakes (none of the other food-phobic fashion-folk wanted anything to do with them). The collection was filled with sky-high booties with built-in platforms that will literally put your head in the clouds. In spite of the vertiginous heights, Brandon & Co. claim that the shoes are actually quite comfortable---some styles even have built in shock-absorbers etc. I'll have to try them to believe it. Maybe they will lend me a pair so I can give them a test-run myself? I'm personally dying to get my hands on the faux-pony fur booties that are partially covered in a waxy treatment, which gives them an oddly appealing smooth/furry texture. And who could resist the winterized version of Ingelmo's signature strappy-sandal, with all the straps in the same place, but encasing a suede round-toe boot? They look like they belong on the feet of Judy Jetson. Anyway, here is some good old fashioned shoe porn, enjoy!

-Tiffany

Living Dolls

Hanging out with Andrew and the Lanvin bombshell doll, who's looking very much like Brigitte Bardot in Le Mepris

Yesterday evening, Jimmy and I stopped by Envoy Enterprises to celebrate the latest issue of Block Magazine, featuring our friend Andrew Yang's couture-clad Kouklitas. Only a year ago, we were celebrating the launch of Andrew's doll line with an intimate gathering of friends at a tiny Soho boutique, so it was a pleasant surprise to arrive to a completely packed gallery filled with strangers. I'm so happy for Andrew, who is now able to support himself off the dolls, and even has an extremely exciting upcoming project for next fashion week (I won't disclose it here, but it the biggest names in the industry are behind it). He'll be working nonstop for the next few months, and I've already promised to help out with doll jewelry and knits, in exchange for a doll of course.

My dear friend Gabriella Loeb was also in attendance after flying in from Sweden, where she's starting her clothing line, and was modeling one of her stunning new dresses. I've already written about her incredibly meticulous craftsmanship, and Andrew's favorite doll, Snejana (the original Kouklita prototype), was even wearing one of her dresses. It's so inspiring to be surrounded by such creative, talented friends, and whenever I have the inevitable case of shoe/bag/dress envy, which is particularly heightened by fashion week, I'm always reminded by those around me that the most special and unique things are the ones you make yourself.

Gabbi wearing a dress of her own design, made out of vintage fabric she found in Sweden, with a necklace and shoes from Chanel

My personal favorite, the Proenza Schouler doll. Andrew colored her Mongolian lambswool hair with magic marker to create that dip-dyed effect!

The pouty Rick Owens doll reminds us of Angelina Jolie

Andrew's personal favorite, the Ann Demeulemeester doll

Hanging out with Andrew's first doll, Snejana, who just had a facelift (she's had one too many kisses) and was wearing one of Gabbi's designs

Six Six Sick dress, H&M skirt, Lanvin boots, Coven belt, Urban Outfitters tights, tiara of my own design, Miu Miu bracelet, Iosselliani ring

-Tiffany

Champagne Supernova

We went with an all-gold theme for the night, wearing dresses we found on the special New Year's rack at the store. I wore a gold floor length Victor Costa dress with a Triskaidekaphobia necklace and Christina wore a vintage Oscar de la Renta gold lace dress.

I'm still full from eating over a dozen mini-cupcakes at our Holiday Party at The Sweet Ones yesterday night. I had to try every single color/flavor available (bacon with maple syrup frosting is still my favorite, try before you judge!). Here are some of my favorite moments from the evening, which included the shoddy construction of a mini-champagne fountain, a tussle over red velvet cupcakes, and many many men in women's clothing.

Cupcakes + Chanel

Christina, Lauren and Waseem made a mini-Champagne fountain

Those assholes, The Drums. Jon broke his rib at dinner at our place the night before. Just kidding, we don't know how Jon broke his rib.

Tranny hot mess! L-R: Hiraku wears a vintage silk Chloe cape, Adam wears a Claude Montana neon green suit, and Jason wears his favorite church lady outfit, all from the store.

Jonathan, Kenzo and Illi

Josh and Waseem having an all-black moment

My favorite teddy bear, Jermaine, wearing an Emma Cook for Topshop sweater.

Justin wearing a Tim Hamilton sweater, H&M blazer, Miu Miu goat fur collar, and Y-3 pants

Christina, Lauren and Justin

Anton and Maddy wearing his and hers North Face

Hiraku shows off his latest ring finds

-Tiffany