POSITIVE VIBES TO THE UNIVERSE

Look what Urban gave me! Perhaps this is the universe making the point that I've been too stressed lately. BF was with me after our class for a stop in to Urban Outfitters (who is having their $5 to $20 sale online right now, by the way) for me to do a quick look. He was approached for a hair modeling gig and I walked out with my happy new purchase. He's the one who's been telling me I need to chill... I guess he's right, look what can happen! Congrats Babe! I can't wait to attend your gig.

elephant ring: forever21

mint ankle-wrap flat sandals: urban outfitters

TREASURE TROVE//

Last night we went out to celebrate my good friend's 25th birthday! We grabbed some dinner on Santana Row and enjoyed drinks under the heat lamps out on the patio. I wore a black gathered shoulder jersey dress and layered up a couple tribal and multi-stranded coin necklaces.

I love layering necklaces. The more the better sometimes!

Large, dolman sleeved dresses and tops work best when opposed by something slim-fitting (or that shows more leg) below the waist. Strappy heels reflect detailed shoulders on the dress.

all images © Alison Messinger.

CURRENT CRAVE//

Here's a little bit of ridiculous deliciousness that my boyfriend sent to me. I love it!! So hilarious and they are crazy talented.

WHAT I WORE TODAY //

my elephant ring! I love it, it makes me think of Laurel and how much she loves elephants.

my black caviar ring and family vintage cameo ring.

striped jersey tee, tassel scarf, yellow silk pants and Dutch-toed heels.

hope you liked! more outfits to come from now on!

all images © Alison Messinger.

ShopSocial in SF!! //

So I just returned home from an awesome event tonight — the SF ShopSocial hosted by Chictopia and Polyvore. The room buzzed with a good crowd of bloggers, chictopians, and polyvore-ers, all perusing the sample wares by truly amazing designers. Upon arrival, we each were given a very cute Chictopia tote screened with visual deliciousness by Danny Roberts, a raffle ticket (which I forgot to check in) and a $10 voucher (which I, of course, also forgot I had.)

Fueled by my cab sauv and the fresh mixes spun by Reynaldo Pira, I made my way around to each table to chat up the designers and possibly do a little networking fun with fellow SF bloggers.

I was also lucky to strike up a few conversations with the Polyvore team — which of course inspired me to run home and collage up a fury of sets (viewable at KICKIN' COLLAGE DAYS! in my sidebar.)

Nadia Hussain, community manager for the 2-million-plus site, pointed out to me that not only is Polyvore fun for collaging, but the site also hosts a place for people to Q&A about fashion trends (a.k.a. "what do I wear with these boots?") — something I am definitely getting into straight away!! I love dishing fashion advice. (I'm currently a freelance stylist, if I hadn't told you yet.)

My favorite digs of the night were the glove bodycon dress and map leggings (I'm wearing them as I type) by Dimepiece, spectacularly structured fleece jackets and vests by Fleece-a-nista, architecturally-inspired green booties by Martha Davis, and those flowy screenprinted silk scarves by Serial Cultura.

Little did I know, until upon my arrival back to my bedroom to officially unpack, that our Chictopia+DannyRoberts totes were also goodie bags! Filled with goodies!!

photo of the event BEFORE guests arrived. as tweeted by Polyvore 

image source: http://twitter.com/Polyvore

I'm Pretty Certain I'm Going Bananas by stylecliquist featuring Alexander McQueen dresses

Gold Shoes In My Heart Shaped Box by stylecliquist featuring Sam Edelman shoes

goodies!

my outfit for the evening; now strewn all over my bed

leather sequins on the hem of my dress

Hands On gloved bodycon dress from Dimepiece. Buy it at NastyGal

HollyWOOD! leggings by Dimepiece

all images © Alison Messinger, unless as otherwise noted.

I WANT A TRENCH!! //

Spring has sprung and everyone should be looking to lightly layer up in the season's neutral hues. Here's a collaged lookey-loo of just a few of my favorites on the market;

Maison Martin Margiela Paper Trench, $975

Topshop Premium Bound Seam Trench, $380

Glory Charm Standing Collar Coat, at maruione.jp, $74

LK Bennett Boleyn Cuff & Neck Detail Trench, $455

Marseille Stroll Light Trench, at shopruche, $47

Emanuel Ungaro Double Breasted Satin Trench, $46

Burberry Sleeveless Trench Dress, $150

Ginger & Smart Test Pattern Trench, $790

Idun Trench Dress, $210

Burberry Prorsum Knotted Suede Trench, $3,995

Burberry Prorsum Duchess Satin Reef Knot Trench, $2,665

Opening Ceremony Cape Sleeve Trench, $470

BALENCIAGA JACKET//

image © Alison Messinger.

DEATH IS THE ROAD TO AWE//FASHION ILLUSTRATION

Here's another little doodle that came about from hours of playing on polyvore and listening to my favorite track from "The Fountain". Figures and painting collage are done by hand and edited in; necklaces by Koh Samui London, Kapow Wow, Johanne Mills, and Express.

all images © Alison Messinger.

INSPIRATION BOARD//SPRING 2010

If you're feeling a lack of inspiration in what to wear this season, I suggest you look here; my top picks of what the designers showed down the runways in September. Here is the best of Spring2010:

Trussardi

Malandrino

Giambattista Valli

Vivienne Tam

Tuleh

Meadham Kirchhoff

Karl Lagerfeld

Iceberg

Zero + Maria Cornejo

Just Cavalli

Kinder Aggugini

Francesco Scognamiglio

Monique Lhullier

Milly

Fendi

Prada

Louise Gray

Wunderkind

Louise Goldin

Jill Stuart

Jonathan Saunders

Pollini

Rick Owens

Preen

Duro Olowu

Phi

Koi Suwannagate

Pringle of Scotland

And the shoes that make my best in show;

 Jill Stuart

 Louise Gray

Pollini

Happy Outfitting!

CURRENT CRAVE//KINK À LA DANSK

Picked up the latest issue (S//S 2010) of DANSK magazine yesterday. I am now officially OBSESSED with their KINK spread.
>>strapped-in thigh highs, yes please!, any day!!

http://danskmagazine.com/magazine/kink/