The Holden Archive

Looks This Week [On Me]

lasted week was a total rollercoaster. Started fantastic, ended like shit. Thankfully, this one has started steadily better and I’m hoping it won’t turn to ick as well. Note that. There’s determination here.

WEDNESDAY

Going: to play air hockey at the Riptide Arcade at Fisherman’s Wharf with my dear friend Daniel Clark and Ryan Joseph

Scarf: my mother’s; Leather jacket: Bagatelle; Pleated skirt: Elie Tahari; Tights: Target; Shoes: Proenza Schouler

THURSDAY

Going: The Big 4 restaurant at the Huntington Hotel (where the photo was taken). The chicken pot pie there is ah-may-zing.

Scarf: Oscar de la Renta; Leather jacket: Bagatelle; Dress: H&M; Tights: Target; Shoes: Delman

SATURDAY

Going: Actually, coming home from the Huntington Hotel.

Scarf: ?; Sunglasses: Gucci; Leather jacket: Bagatelle (guess it’s my warmest, or I’m just feeling extra rock’n’roll these days); Bag: Olivia Harris; Button-down: thrift; Jeans: Hudson; Shoes: Delman

SUNDAY

Going: to catch up with San Francisco musician Brigid Huntoon at Vesuvio Cafe and then run with her all the way across the street to Spec’s Twelve Adler Museum Cafe where we not only engaged in a lovely heart-to-heart but also learned about one of the ghosts who lives there. I also found a connection to get the Beach Boys’ original bootleg “Smile” and I’m positively thrilled.

Scarf: ? but I have a strong feeling it’s from the Gap when grunge was in the first time; Leather jacket: Bagatelle; Gloves: Walgreen’s; Button-down: thrift — you may have noticed I have not done laundry in a while; Jeans: !iT and I found sixteen dollars in the pocket! Boots: Stuart Weitzman

Looks This Week [On Me]

hristmas this year was unlike any before. I was unable to go visit my mum and sisters in Nantucket, but found my own little family right here in San Francisco. Last year I was all alone (poor me) and it was slightly depressing, but this year was full of treats. Here’s what I wore, where I went and who I saw:

MONDAY

Going: Vesuvio Cafe for chess and coffee; Scarf: Hand-knit by my Ukrainian grandmother (it even has sparkles!); Cashmere cape: vintage; Gloves: Target (sigh, they’re already dying); Tights: Target; Boots: Stuart Weitzman

TUESDAY

Going: Beauty Bar I was feeling very nostalgic for my ballet days; Fascinator: handmade and found at an Indie Mart event this past summer. Unfortunately, the designer did not sew in her tag so now I’ve forgotten who made this little beauty (note to designers: DO THIS); Dress: H&M; Sweater: H&M; Scarf: my mother’s; Dance skirt: Capezio; Tights: Target; Shoes: Fahrenheit. Because the shoes are a little too big, I tied two plum-colored satin sashes around the arc of my foot the same way one ties pointe shoes. Here is a little YouTube video on how to do this. It’s a great way to keep your shoes from slipping, especially if you plan to dance in your heels, or run from Johnny Law, either way.

WEDNESDAY

Going: The Elbo Room; Scarf: Kenneth Cole; Sweater: Esprit! Remember them? I’ve had this forever; Belt: H&M; Skirt: French Connection UK; Legwarmers: Ricky’s; Shoes: Scorah Pattullo

THURSDAY

Going: to photographer Julie Schuchard’s Christmas Eve Party; Dress: Benetton; Tights: Target; Shoes: Kate Spade

FRIDAY

Going: to visit Brigid Huntoon at Vesuvio Cafe and then to the Elbo Room for their Anti-Christmas Christmas Party; Fur: Heirloom, vintage Stanley Korshak Chicago. The Chicago boutique closed in 1990, after 80 years of business in designer apparel for women. The coat is absolutely treasured; Gloves: a gift from my mum; Jeans: Hudson; Shoes: Scorah Pattullo; Bag: Celine; Arm-candy: Ryan Joseph

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Oh! Here are some photos from that evening, courtesy of dear friend Domini Dragoone:

We like this last one. Kinda spooky, no?

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SATURDAY

Going: Absolutely nowhere. I stayed in jams all day. Cashmere sweater: Badgley Mischka; Knickers: Ralph Lauren; Socks: the super comfy slipper-socks with treads (!) that you can buy from Hotel Triton when you stay there, which I highly recommend when visiting SF. It is a lovely boutique hotel.

SUNDAY

Going: to Murder of Lilies’ studio to play music spectacularly loud with Daniel Murder and Ryan Joseph and the lovely Layne Cross and dance dance dance; Sweater: H&M; Knit Dress: This is actually a skirt from Arden B. I bought forever ago and pulled up and belted to make a little 60s shift; Belt: H&M, it kind-of sucks and unclicks sometimes. This might be a case for some serious glue; Tights: American Apparel; Socks: Target; Red suede ankle boots: Donald J. Pliner

Happy New Year everyone!

My Sartorial Week [On Me]

ltimately, the week was something of a roller-coaster. The ups were very up and I happen to have fallen in love, which makes dressing even more fun, especially when one’s gentleman friend is something of a sartorial genius himself.

Vesuvio Cafe in North Beach is my new late-night spot. It’s so cozy and the music is often sunshine and baroque pop, which is my favorite.

The Dish on Fashion at the W Hotel (put on by an alma mater of mine, fashion collective Missing Piece Productions) was stunning, the best for last, I suppose. Designers Chrystie Cappelli and Steam Trunk showed a small but gorgeously tailored collection of Victorian and almost Wild West inspired garments. Corsets and bustles! Millinery!

And I went to see local band Lilofee headline an excellent rock show at the Red Devil Lounge. Lead vocalist Kimi Recor is off to her new home in LA, but we expect her to remember us in SF and come visit often.

How I dressed for these occasions:

Going: downtown for an interview; Turtleneck: Banana Republic, have had this for I can’t even remember how long…and it’s starting to die; Poncho: BCBG; Belt: H&M; Black jeans: Hudson; Shoes: 3.1 phillip lim; Cocktail ring: My first real jewelry purchase for myself, it’s a smoky quartz stone set in champagne diamonds and I bought it to remember Marshall Field’s. Chicagoans will get that.

Going: To my dear friend Miguel’s and then to Vesuvio’s; Top: Anzevino and Florence; Necklace: The chain is a family heirloom and the attached brooch is vintage from one of my favorite SF boutiques, Molte Cose; Belt: H&M; Skirt: Elie Tahari; Tights: Target; Legwarmers: Walgreens; Shoes: 3.1 phillip lim

Going: to Murder of Lilies music studio and then to a party at Harlot; Scarf: American Apparel; T-shirt: same; Shift: (You’ll love this) the GAP, circa 1995; Tights: H&M; Shoes: Betsey Johnson; Bracelet: vintage costume, unfortunately, I forgot where I found these (fake) sparkly gems.

Going: XYZ Restaurant at the W Hotel for Missing Piece’s The Dish on Fashion party. Top: frenchi; Sequined scarf: glam souls; LBD: Nicole Miller; Tights: H&M; Shoes: Marc Jacobs; Bag: Elena Girardi

Going: to the Grubsteak Diner and then to the Red Devil Lounge to see Lilofee; Jacket: European Culture; Gunmetal sequined mini skirt: MINKPINK; Tights: H&M; Socks: Marc by Marc Jacobs; Shoes: Marc Jacobs; Bag: Celine

My Week In Outfits

o one really says “outfits” anymore. I’m trying to decide if this is a shame. Anyway, I think most of these worked well. The European Culture jacket is still my best purchase of the year. The Walter coat I’m still figuring out.

Going: [swinging music warning] Beauty Bar, Popscene then the Hotel Triton. Hat: O’Lover Hats; Leather jacket: Bagatelle; Skirt: The Limited, and I’ve had it since high school. No joke. Boots: Stuart Weitzman; Bag: Olivia Harris; Gloves: Target

Going: 330 Ritch and I know at one point I was at the Rickshaw Stop. Leggings: Champion; Leg warmers: Ricky’s Shoes: Fahrenheit from Shotwell.

Going: Nowhere! Stay-at-home goodliness. Kimono-esque robe: gift from friend from Japan; Nightie: Target; Tights: Target; Legwarmers: Have had these since my ballerina days; Ballet slippers: Bloch (same)

Going: to an interview (think I did pretty well); Jacket: Snorestud; T-shirt: American Apparel; Slacks: Banana Republic; Pink argyle socks: Target; Shoes: Fahrenheit from Shotwell

Going: luncheon; Sweater: H&M; Belt: American Apparel; Skirt: Arden B.; Tights: drugstore; Shoes: Scorah Pattullo

Going: Out. Cashmere cape: vintage; Sequined skirt: from Shotwell; Shoes: Betsey Johnson

Going: to run errands. Sweater: Target; Jacket (with attached capelet!): European Culture; Jeans: Joe’s

Going: to see The Donnas! Jacket: Walter; Belt: Via Spiga; Bag: Redwall; Legwarmers: Walgreen’s

Going: somewhere; Boots: Pompili

Going: Well I was dressed for the Annual Freedom Ball, but a dear friend was in need that evening, so there was no ball for me that night. Party dress: Iisli; Slip: from my childhood dress-up closet; Tights: Target; Shoes: Stuart Weitzman

My Fashion Life, Adventuring Week-in-Review

I’m publishing this from sweet home Chicago and though I’ve only been away from Fog City a few days, I miss it already. Though getting to see my sisters and step-sister and dad and step-mom has been very centering. 

No fashion fronting over here in the Midwest. Lounging around in yoga pants and no makeup, watching cable television and laughing like a lunatic with my sisters is the best way to spend a holiday. 

Last week, however, was full of San Francisco style goodness…

Dear friend, photographer Lisa Wiseman, sent me a few of the shots from our photo-shoot earlier in the month.

This is the lobby of my building. I’m wearing a dress by Ivana Ristic of Missing Piece, thanks to dear friend Danielle Cohen who styled the shoot.

I love the softness of Lisa’s work. Chelsea Millunchick was the shoot’s makeup artist. Yes, it takes around two hours to look this natural! Chelsea is a star, go see her portfolio.

“I shoot details,” Lisa says. A couple of shots from inside my apartment.

The best part of this shoot was that it was an all-female team. As you know, I don’t model often anymore at all, but to get creative with girls, and in my own home, was refreshing. Lisa isn’t a “fashion photographer” in the strict sense, but you can see how her work transcends genre. She’s one talented woman, that’s for sure, and was recently recognized by Photo District News as one of the top 30 photographers to watch this year, a coveted accolade. Well deserved, Lisa!

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I had coffee and tarts at Cafe de la Presse with the stunning Catie of Cuffington. She wore a vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche jacket that was to die.

I stole this self-portrait from her blog.

If there was ever a woman who’s closet I’d like to raid, it’d be Catie’s. I got to learn more about her project Style Cinema, an ongoing party where she and Annie of Poetic & Chic host a screening of a film of fashion influence, along with drinks and noms and thorough fashion discussion. I missed the first one, but Catie assures me there will be another Style Cinema this coming January. Let’s all go.

I’ve been rather nutty about what are now my official Disco Shoes, these sparkly numbers from Scorah Pattullo.

Love them.

I couldn’t resist heading down to Union Square to watch the ice skaters.

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The DiSH on FASHION at the W Hotel was, again, lovely fun.

The featured Missing Piece designer was KITTINHAWK, a real up-and-comer in the San Francisco style world. 

What I wore…the shift over the LBD was a gift from San Francisco designer Hellyn Mercereau, who’s lookbook I modeled for last year.

I threw my favorite vintage fur over the top. Superluxe.

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Saturday night was all about STYLE WARS. But first, Miguel and I made a stop at this cute little art lounge north of the Panhandle, Madrone.

They do a weekly Prince vs. Michael dance party.

What I wore.

Over at Mezzanine, we met up with Danielle. See her Ploom? The smokeless flavored tobacco device isn’t out for the public yet, but you’ll be seeing them around soon. Delicious.

Onto the show!

Glitters!

Paper!

The waist!

Spectacle!

Purse head!

Trash bags!

Kayo gets the KAY-O!

As a Missing Piece alum, I was thrilled designer and dear friend Kayo Mitsuyama won the Style Wars crown. 

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A fantastic week. Looking forward to Chillin’ at Mezzanine, a fashion party at 440 Brannan and a few other treats coming up when I get back to my other sweet home, where I left my heart, SF.

But all this yummy foodstuff…I might have gained a dress size or two by the time I get back!

x

Adventuring! (My Week In Photos By Me)

ou will kindly understand that due to a bit of laziness, this week’s update is really two weeks in one. I mean, I get out and about, but this is a bit more than usual. Adventuring!

This is the Shotgun Wedding Hip-Hop Symphony. Miguel and a bunch of friends and I went to see them at Yoshi’s jazz club in the City. All that brass! And a stand-up bass. I make no secret of my love for both. This 12+ piece band from right here in SF is a fantastic mix of…well, jazz and hip-hop and the antecedents of both. If we’d wondered about the chops of the lead vocals we shouldn’t have worried. His total freestyle riff on audience suggested topics (Dick Cheney, building a boat and sex) pretty much knocked my socks off. Though they’re all Serious Musicians, no one seems to be taking themselves too seriously, and the show was surprisingly funny as well as rich in dynamic arrangement.

I gave up on my 365 Days series, but I’m still taking self-portraits. Guess I’m not quite narcissistic enough to do it everyday.

I did a quick-and-dirty series of three diptychs from a night at the Rickshaw Stop. I forgot the name of the gentleman on the left it’s Dev. He had quite a look, complete with barbie-pink lipstick, which is my second favorite lipstick color.

Our dear friend Terrence. No lipstick.

I’m in love with this photograph. I also have to smile a bit. These hipsters’ looks will most likely be hilarious to them when they’re ten or twenty years older. Such is fashion.

Morning at Miguel’s. I love to photograph the row houses through the sheer window treatments. Dreamy, no?

Speaking of dreamy, I have a thing for blur. Perhaps it’s that I’ve come to gradually accept my hand tremors as a well-that’s-life kind-of thing. This was taken on the corner of Columbus and Broadway. There is a public art installation here of flying books that look like birds. They light up at night. It’s beautiful. In my photograph, there are simply more birds. Just you see me turn a disability into art, just you see me do it.

This is a shot from a little live fashion installation at the Survival of Winter opening at Project One. Our dear friend Ryan Joseph’s girlfriend is on the right. The garments were what one could call high-concept, which is a nice way of me saying I wouldn’t wear anything from the show. Still, I could see some of it working for a “proper” party girl.

I did very much like Domonique Echeverria’s non-live fashion installation. Especially one very carefully pleated lavender-grey dress with giant puff sleeves, structured all the way to the ends of the wrists and bottom of the floor. A little Westwood-eque, the garment struck me as what a prairie girl might wear if she was traveling via spaceship instead of covered-wagon. It was, again, unwearable, but showcased Echeverria’s skill quite beautifully. I’m looking forward to seeing what she’ll do now that she’s gotten her first group show under her belt.

That night wrapped up with Lorrie’s diner, which is admittedly a tourist trap, so one might as well go the whole way and eat at the one on Sutter with the glossy, turquoise fin-tipped boat inside. Red lipstick, clearly, is the best costume for the occasion.

A rare smile from Mr. Mister of [MySpace warning] Shark Naomi, who the dungaree dolls just goo over.

Voila Le French Toast. Told you it ain’t just any old cockroach joint.

That evening’s attire, courtesy added luz! in my foyer. I did go for the nude fishnets after all, but the gloves, a gift from Mum, make it for me here. Added bonus: it’s fun to hold a pair of gloves in your hand. Makes the boys nervous.

The rest of the weekend was spent with our dear friend visiting from the Big D, staying at the lovely Mandarin Oriental. A nice “corner job” with a view, as her gentleman friend might say.

Did you know the Marc by Marc Jacobs striped socks’ stripes match up perfectly to the strap of my Marc Jacobs canvas mary janes? Canyoubelieve. Whataguy.

We weren’t sure of this one. But we weren’t unsure of it. Miguel felt the material of the vintage Prada skirt and said, “What’s this made of?” (Some poly-blend.) “That was made back when synthetics, were like the thing.” Those red tights are really that red. Hot Red. Not as good as Hot Pink, but close.

Miguel and I tried to up the evening spectacular skyline ante, with cocktails and a quick dance at Top of the Mark. Later ditching them to slum it in other Nob Hill haunts.

Adventuring!

This week I’m looking forward to seeing Penny Arcade at City Lights, a little party thrown by the rather brilliantly designed online magazine The Bold Italic (with fine writing to boot, go see for yourself), and Missing Piece’s The Dish on Fashion at the W Hotel’s XYZ.

x

A Suit And A Hipster

or Halloween this year, I decided against going as a generic slut and took the high road with a costume-as-tribute to Yves Saint Laurent’s Le Smoking.

The suit is most famed in these photographs by Helmut Newton, taken in 1975:

Unfortunately, I was missing a nude girl as an accessory, but I’d imagine she’d have been quite chilly.

Here is my interpretation, done with an Elie Tahari suit:

The shirt is Geoffrey Beene with an old sash of mine. The cuff links are Thomas Pink, borrowed from Miguel. The belt is Gucci and the handbag Tracy Reese.

My best friend Miguel dressed up as a hipster.

The PYT button is mine!

Our first stop was 330 Ritch for their 7th annual “Spirits and Boos” party.

I believe the girls on the right are Ninja Turtles. The dancing was excellent.

After tiring-out the venue, we accepted Danielle’s invitation to a Super Secret Underground Party Where You Weren’t Even Allowed To Say The Exact Location To Your Taxi Driver.

Very serious.

We met a mushroom and a mushroom picker from Sweden. They were delightful.

I think Miguel was in love with the mushroom. He has a thing for the Swedes.

Our next stop was Mel’s Diner for french toast. Almost all the patrons were in costume. We sat next to a Sexy Cop.

And drank some Sexy Orange Juice.

After that, we wandered a bit around the streets of the City, downtown. I love it when people are out and about after 2 a.m. Everything seems safer and more festive. One of the very few gripes I have about our fair city is that everything closes far too early and everyone goes to bed. Spaniards cannot even handle it. Their grandmothers are out and about at that hour.

But the night was lovely and everyone had a good time. I am moving my “costume” into rotation as regular eveningwear. Maybe one day I’ll get my hands on an original Le Smoking.

A girl can dream.

Shoe Porn: Jo No Fui

am a solid 6’2” in these suede slouchers by Jo No Fui. Booyah.