Blogger Queen Susie Bubble

I browse many fashion related blogs daily and happened to come upon one titled...'Style Bubble'.  The writer of the blog, Susie Lau goes by the name  Susie Bubble which was given to her by her primary school classmate because of her personality trait of seeming like she's in a world of her own most of the time. Susie is in her late twenties & a British born Chinese woman who doesn't dabble in fashion retail but is for sure a fashion consumerist.  She states no claim to being an expert on the subject of fashion, in spite of how well versed she is on the subject on pretty much every level.  Having resided in London her whole life, she is quite familiar with the fashion hot spots in her area and has links to them on her site.  Writing has always been second nature to Bubble, as she began her 'Style Bubble' fashion blog in 2006 and ended up resigning from her position in digital media with 'DAZED' in 2010' & now makes her living as a free lance writer, full time blogger. 

Since 2006, over 30,000 people have ritualistically logged on every day to see what Susie has to say...and for the past five years she has obviously been entertaining the masses with her opinions & style choices regarding fashion since she has developed quite a cult following.  She claims to be a fashion 'outsider' rather than 'insider', meaning she has no inside connections to the fashion world & just goes by instinct alone when it comes to style.  She's big on experimenting with her own idea of what's fashionable & it totally seems to be working for her!...

Regardless of the fact that she's had no formal training in fashion, design or anything relating to it, she has gained much press over the past five years having been written about or appearing in, Vogue, Elle, Nylon, Teen Vogue, etc... simply because she has a keen eye for detail.

Susie Lau, better known as Susie Bubble is one of the most recognized fashion bloggers today and has created for herself the title of 'internet style icon' by simply doing what comes natural ... writing about her passion for fashion.

: blog.360fashion.net , wikifashion.com, flickr.com

Keeping Cool & Staying Stylish

Just because were in the midst of the dog days of Summer, that doesn't mean that we have to lose our fashion sense.  Keeping cool & staying stylish at the same time is easily attainable as well as affordable.

There are a few simple 'must have' staples to include into your Summer wardrobe which should include... A sundress as well as a maxi dress, a pair of flat sandals, loose fitting Bermuda shorts (khakis are always 'in') and or a pair of jean cut offs (a timeless style), a tank top & some bold sun shades.

Warm weather is obviously all about everything 'minimal' which makes it easy to mix and match the few pieces you need to stay stylish for Summer 2011.


: fashiontrendspotting.com , stylebakery.com , eatdrinkshoplove.com 

Military Inspired Fashion

Having just celebrated Independence Day, I began to ponder on the men and women who are serving our country, which in turn gave me an idea to do a little blurb about 'military inspired fashion'.  This trend is nothing new as the 18th & 19th century's Georgian & Victorian era originally popular for functionality and utility clothing styles were the original inspiration behind the fad. 

      
Whether it's Army, Navy, Air Force or Marines, military styles have been on the front lines of fashion for centuries.  Dark blues, sage & olive greens, as well as taupe are the staple colors for these designs and you can even incorporate big chunky boots into the mix.  Big buckles & over sized buttons, pea coats, trench coats and pleated tapered slacks.  The options are endless when it comes to creating your own vibe.  Crisp military designs are on top of the game this year for Fall 2011.  From sleek cropped jackets to edgy military styled pants.  For Fall 2011, the design house of Versace is showcasing a strong and sexy military style for women with metal embellishments and, tailored coats paired with open toed boots.

For a more casual and more affordable military style you can opt for this Army inspired get up that you can easily piece together...

Random fact: The military style is one of the top 4 fashion trends for Winter 2011.






pics: morningbounce.wordpress.com, fashionfame.com, polyvore.com, fashionrogue.com

Fashion In Film Friday - "The Lost Boys"

Even before the movie 'Twilight', vampires have been romanticized in movies.  The 1987 flick Lost Boys, starring Kiefer Sutherland as the head vamp & Jason Patric as the lead role, was definitely one to remember. 

Besides having a killer soundtrack, the style of the undead was off the hook, retro bohemian gypsy.  They wore embellished military jackets, long trench coats, army boots, bangle jewelry and long flowing skirts.  And let's not forget to mention the big 80's hair!  Jamie Gertz who played Patric's love interest, was rogue'ishly feminine in her belly dancer inspired boho floor length skirt and colorful peasant inspired top.

Shortly after this film was released, the grunge movement in regards to fashions came about which leaves us to believe that the inspiration behind it may have very well have come from this.  Grunge by definition is based on the Seattle sound that emerged during the late 80's and trailed on well into the first half of the 90's and the fashion style changes that came along with it.  

There hasn't been much of an evolution in comparison to grunge circa 1987 til' now as we've seen a stand still in the design, however there's been a bit of a goth influence to the grunge status quo as vampire movies have evoked a cosplay feel to the fashion statement, by incorporating a lot of 'black & metal' into their daily wear.

I am personally a big fan of vampire movies, so I have one question for you...


Are you TEAM EDWARD or.....TEAM JACOB? 




impawards.com  bloogygoodhorror.com , shopstyle.com

Goldie Hawn - MOD Monday

Not too many of our generation knows that actress Goldie Hawn was the MOD 'it girl' back in her heyday, or that she got her big break on the now vintage, no longer in syndication Rowan & Martin's sketch comedy show 'Laugh In'.

Her painted bikini clad body made her a popular staple on the show every week and was considered too much for t.v. back in the late 60's, early 70's.  She went on to often portray a bimbo'ish character in her films but that persona is what brought her to star status.  

   
Goldie re-popularized the baby doll mini dress and had a way of making the most simple frock into something fresh and exciting!

Goldie Hawn's daughter, Kate Hudson has definitely followed in her mother's foot steps with her fashion forward persona as well as a vintage vibe that's all her own.

: santinomusic.com , tumblr.com , orthocuban.com , heres-looking-like-you-kid.com , labeledujour.com

Fashion In Film Friday

The 1985 film 'Desperately Seeking Susan', starring then newbie super star Madonna centered around an unfulfilled housewife who meets free spirited Susan (Madonna) by accident when she began answering her personal ads in a New York tabloid.  She then becomes fascinated with her, gets amnesia & begins thinking that she actually is her.  Weak story line & weird, I know!  Although the plot left much to be desired, the soundtrack featuring Madonna's hits like 'Get Into The Groove' & 'Like A Virgin' as well as the fashions in this film that inspired a generation!

This movie is all about the popular clothing styles that surfaced in the 80's and Madonna was the first pop icon to make under wear as outer wear in public acceptable with the rise of the boustierre as well as bras paired with see through mesh tops as a bold fashion forward statement!

     

Hard to believe that was twenty six years ago and that to this day, this style is still in circulation, perhaps in a more modestly muted way, but still out there nonetheless!

Pop Icon Lady Gaga's style has definitely been instrumental in reinspiring this vintage style, but on a whole other level, as her no holds barred over the top fashion taste, or lack there of rather, has one upped Madonna in regards to shock value!

I personally prefer the less brash 80's version (i.e. Madonna's style) of under wear as outer wear because even she attempted to leave a bit to the imagination!  Truth is, everyone has the right to 'bare arms' so to speak but the question remains...is less always best?  


slsvggashion.blogspot.com , dvdreleasedates.com , dollydust.blogspot.com , urbanglossy.com, refinery29.com, fashionforlunch.com , usahangout.com

Stevie Nicks...Renaissance Gypsy

Who doesn't absolutely adore Stevie Nicks and her free spirited persona that makes you wish you could muster up the moxie to pull off this style?  But of course, the question would arise.."Where in the heck would you wear something like this?"  Regardless, she makes us fantasize about being a rock star!...

Everyone knows her, originally as the front woman for the popular 70's band Fleetwood Mac, who then went on to entertain a successful solo career & everyone knows her for her signature style that usually consists of...'flowing dresses with long diaphanous sleeves, Victorian lace up boots and an accentuating shawl or cape, usually floor length. When you really think about it, she was Goth, before Goth was ever heard of!

She was subtly sexy and when asked about her fashion choices, was quoted in an interview as saying..."I have always looked at it like, people are always wondering what was under all of that in regards to my clothes, I think it's much more sexier than putting it all out there for everyone to see".  She was and still remains, modestly beautiful in her own way...

Designer Ralph Lauren's Fall 2010 show last year had Stevie wannabe's walking the runway as it was all about Gothic prairie dresses, fur tails and luxe gypsy accessories. His Stevie inspired collection was on the mark and rang true to the quote.."Imitation is the highest form of flattery" as Lauren definitely did the songstress proud in replicating her style.

Her style has become vintage timeless and is easy to incorporate into your own wardrobe.  Think anything loose, billowy, chiffon, platform, layers, feathers, hats & you will find your own renaissance gypsy style!

  

      
pics: lavintage.com, elle.com, planetrockstar.co.uk, nickslive.blogspotcom, eyeball.fm, entertainmentwallpaper.com, musicstack.com, allstarpicsnet, workingclassmag.com

Jazzin It Up!

In the 1920's there was a liberation movement of sorts as women became more free spirited.  They smoked, danced, cut their hair short, wore make up and dared to take risks.  These women were called 'flappers'...

Flapper, by definition:

flap·per/ˈflapər/Noun

1. (in the 1920s) A fashionable young woman intent on enjoying herself and flouting conventional standards of behavior.

Flappers were generally urban, single, young middle-class women who usually held steady jobs by day and frequented jazz clubs by night.  These women sought to break down the barriers of the double standards that were the norm between men and women back in that era.  They were smoking, drinking & exploring their sexuality without reservation, at a time when it was unheard of for women.

This was definitely the time of the birth of 'female independence', as these reckless femmes were all about 'jazzin' it up' in every aspect of their lives!

The spirit of vintage speakeasy fashion is still alive and well circa 2011 as designers such as Rodarte, Reyes, Christian Dior and Reem Acra have designed flapper inspired frocks for the 21st century...

The HBO hit series Empire Boardwalk, set in the time of the prohibition has definitely had a huge influence on conjuring back up the style of the roaring 20's...

Thanks to these vintage rebels of days gone by, women have since been doin' it for themselves!!!  


 zoomaa.files.wordpress.com , fidamo.com , beautifullittlefools2.blogspot.com , pinterest.com , watch-boardwalkempire-online.com

Showin' A Little Leg!...

Shorts suits have been trending once again as we are seeing more and more women revamping their office style workday staple with blazer accompanied shorts suits.  This offers a fresh and cool alternative to slacks in the Summer giving a feminine touch to an otherwise masculine power duo.

Of course the definition of work attire varies given the nature of your profession which in turn gives rise to the question..."Is there really a dress code anymore?"   I would think as long as micro miniskirts and baring cleavage are a 'NO', you're all good to go!  Keep in mind, that keeping it professional should be at the forefront of your clothing choices as a must.


When done tastefully, shorts in the workplace can be appropriate for a day at the office.  Just make sure that you are cautious of the length because you want to maintain a modest appeal to your career fashion choices.  Shorts as work attire is a fairly new concept because even up to around fifteen years ago, it was unheard of and considered unprofessional.  I particularly love the Bermuda shorts suit...

Designers such as Doo Ri, Erin Fetherston & Jason Wu, have put together some amazing shorts suits which are becoming an instant classic!

There is also a more party'ish style short suit that can be worn as dressy attire...

On an end note...I'm not sure that this style works for dudes!  What do you think?...

pis: refinery29com, runwaydaily.com, la-casa-couture.com, elle.com, fashionistagirl.blogspot.com, vstyleblog.com, denimology.com

Spotlight Saturday

Just got wind that soulful singer Amy Winehouse is back in rehab at the advice of her doctor, but the news said she was caught stopping off at a party store prior to re-admittance, to get herself a small bottle of Smirnoff!  Her last run at rehab was in 2008 which makes me think of that old joke about how...'rehab is for quitters'! ah ha!


The English born songwriter, who's voice does not match her petite frame has been popular since we first heard her hit song ironically titled 'Rehab', back in 2006.  This beehive toting mama was the first in a very long time to bring back the soulful sound of the old days.  

Last year, she tried her hand at fashion designing, but I never heard of anything coming into fruition.   There could have been many reasons, one being that the collection was designed after her own clothing style which isn't considered by many to be fashionable...or it could have been simply because people had fallen out of love with her because of the fact she's wasted pretty much all of her talents on her addiction that she so freely puts out there without regard for how her audience perceives her?  

It's kind of like...she doesn't care, so why should we?

pics: img.listal.com
modamob.com