*fruitpunch

STYLE SNAPSHOTS

2012-03-05T13:26:00.002-05:00

I'm caving in and uploading an Instagram outfit post. I try to avoid this because I really have fun with the little photo shoots, plus they show off the details much better, but all of my photos are taken by friends and when we get together it's like, "First, we can do your hobby...then, we can take 200 pictures of me." Obviously, people love hanging out with me. So here it is, an entire outfit, Instagrammed thanks to the huge mirrors of Urban Outfitters. This was *le total sensation* (catchphrase!) on Facebook, so I figure it's worth sharing with you all. The jacket is my new Burberry cropped trench from Vintage Vixen, seen here in store and as part of a much more "street" outfit - look how well it transitions! People aren't kidding when they say a trench coat is a wardrobe essential. Worn overtop my "business look" with Rachel Comey oxfords.

And a few other beauty/style snapshots...

1 & 2: Looking "au naturel"...I picked up a new foundation that's working out a lot better than my previous one, also Rimmel. When shopping for this crap I basically look out for all of the keywords product marketers have had beauty writers hammer into my brain and get really excited by the promise of being turned into a poreless mutant. There's definitely been some "matte minimization," and a friend even asked if I was wearing anything one afternoon because my skin looked more even-toned (keyword!)

3: I am realllly tempted by fringe right now, y'all. Suede. Fringe.

4: My new green floppy fedora from OAK.

Follow me on Twitter & Instagram @xoxofruitpunch

FOTOBOMB No. 1

2012-03-01T09:32:00.000-05:00

Aren't you guys so excited? It's the first Fotobomb, as promised last week! I've picked a few selections from some newfound (to me) photographers whose work I really like. First up is Liza Wolters, whose photos (seen above) are beautifully pensive and make great use of natural light. Visit Wolter's site here.

These are some super gorgeous photo illustrations by Brazilian photographer Eduardo Sancinetti for U Mag. Also: boys in their underwear!

I sort of imagine all of photographer Grace Denis's friends live in an Urban Outfitters catalog and she just shoots them in between call times. Suffice it to say her work is pretty effortlessly cool. Stop by Denis's site and Tumblr.

These shots are of Mies Van Der Rohes' Farnsworth House in Plano, Illinois, photographed by Edoardo Bonaccorsi. I love it - what beautiful photos of a cool house, in such an unexpected location.

Photographer Kris Kang works in Asia...so he wins. Check out Kang's Tumblr here.

Ok, I'm so happy to have shared all that with you. Some cool stuff, no? Hopefully my endless hours of scouring Flickr will continue to produce such interesting content and I can help shine a (little) light on people's work! Visit my Tumblr for more photo finds and check out my own Flickr here!

HOME OFFICE UPDATE

2012-02-28T14:12:00.000-05:00

I gave my "home office" a little update this week with a new, custom-designed throw pillow for my desk chair. The fabric is Jane Churchill linen with a contrasting marine blue Ralph Lauren cording. It was made from scraps, so centering the print wasn't an option, but I love the way it looks sort of like a Rorschach test.

Check out my other custom creations here!
If you're a local, feel free to contact my friend and seamstress, Kelsey Read, about making your own pillow dreams a reality! (434) 981-5853

KHAKI IN THE AFTERNOON

2012-02-27T13:09:00.000-05:00

Oh, wow, look how much I love nature! That last picture is so compelling, right?

Save the trees! See how happy they make me? Yesterday I went for an afternoon stroll wearing my wide-wale cord jacket (not to be confused with my much-less-wide wale cord jacket from A.P.C.) that I picked up at a Goodwill in Switzerland. It's quite nice, yeah? I love the shoulder seam detail...and I paired it with my vintage khaki army shirt and cropped navy slacks from H&M. The bag is a faux-Mulberry (oops #China) and the shoes are my vintage Doc Martens, always a total sensation. The glasses make me look so smart, no? Excuse me, I have to go learn some science now.

special thank you to Darryl for helping me take fotooos!

DEAR INTERNET No. 18

2012-02-24T10:34:00.000-05:00

Feeling inspired to share...this look from The Locals. Now that winter is seemingly gone - it at least feels that way - I have to share this amazing look before it becomes totally irrelevant. Such perfection!

You may remember I blogged about designer Mark D. Sikes' incredible California home as featured in House Beautiful, and lately I've been turning to his Tumblr-esque blog for inspiration/Pinterest fodder. These dining rooms are super formal, but have an exuberant glamour that I think would translate well in any home.

I have finally really started searching for and finding a lot of great photography on Flickr. This is just a taste, a pretty/moody picture of flowers...a metaphor for my online awakening of sorts? Be on the lookout for some intense foto-bombage in the near future.

One of my favorite blog finds of late is Shiggersonstreet by Dustin Hanke. I have no idea what the name means, but I love Dustin's edgy, androgynous style (and awesome hair). Damn, those are some tight pants!

And finally, Inez and Vinoodh released a video complement to their stunning Vogue Paris editorial I blogged about here. Check it out above, or click here to view it in full quality at the Vogue website.

MIGUEL ADROVER 2012

2012-02-23T10:33:00.000-05:00

Designer Miguel Adrover presented in NewYork this season, his first show in the city in eight years. The clothes wereassembled by hand from found materials and discarded garments, as were theclothes in his debut collection back in 1999. All of the pieces are one-offs with no plans for them to go into production – but Ithink it’s wonderful to see this perspective, no? Adrover’s work artfullyaddresses the politics of consumption by offering an alternative vernacular forcontemporary dressing. As a 'mo vintage blogger I’m intrigued by his nuanced ideas,put forth in the clothes, regarding fabrication, reuse and evenpolitical-sexual identity. Plus, I’d die for those pants in picture four –there’s like, five belts on them. Damn!
View the full collection here.

BETTER THAN GOOP

2012-02-22T10:13:00.000-05:00

I’m trying my hand at a foodie post again, are you ready? I know all you want is to see me prancing around in ladypants talking about murses and vintage pinky rings, but Hey! Soupmaking is a legitimate new hobby of mine and I've got something to say about it! As a vegetarian, soup has been absolutely essential this winter since I’m using a lot of dried or canned ingredients rather than turning to a new produce haul every week to craft my menu. One of my favorite's is a chickpea lentil soup that's really delicious and wonderfully versatile. And this time around, I’ve got the ingredients listed here for you, after the jump!

2 tbsp butter

1 onion

2 ribs celery (I use carrots because you can get local, organic ones at Feast)

½ tsp ginger (fresh, grated)

¼ tsp turmeric (I use coriander)

1/8 tsp ground cinnamon

1 ¾ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

1 cup lentils (I use dePuy)

6 ½ cups water

1 ¾ cups canned crushed tomatoes

(1) 15 oz. can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)

1/3 cup chopped cilantro or parsley

And how to make it:

In a large pot melt the butter over moderately low heat. Add the onion and celery/carrots and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften (about ten minutes). Stir in the ginger, turmeric/coriander, cinnamon, salt, pepper and lentils. Stir; bask in aromas.

Add the water and tomatoes to the pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender (25-30 mins.) Add the chickpeas and simmer 5 mins. longer. Stir in the cilantro/parsley, or just delicately toss it on top as a garnish. When you get low on the stuff you can mix in noodles, as I've done there in picture two - see, versatility! (Pictures three and four are my other favorite soups: a butternut squash bisque and spicy vegetable soup.)

Follow me on Instagram @xoxofruitpunch

COLONEL MUSTARD

2012-02-20T12:50:00.000-05:00

In the street...with a camera. Blammo, Clue reference! I finally made good on my framespiration and am happy to debut here my new Warby Parker glasses - Beckett in Striped Evergreen. Aren't they so cute you could just die? But don't. The jacket is vintage French military academy garb that my aunt picked up in Paris - buttons! It's admittedly a bit hard to wear, considering the fact that it's made for marching and saber wielding, or whatever people did at military academy in France, but this is me dressing it down with cuffed Banana Republic ladyjeans, a wide-striped sweater and vintage penny loafers. The bag is my trusty Filson briefcase that I've seen all over now - I keep telling myself I will turn it into some interesting D.I.Y. project involving handwashing and dyes, but I never commit. Such is life...

P.S. If you're on Pinterest, get excited! I created a *fruitpunch style board where all of my outfits are available for your neverending stylespiration. Repin to your "Style," "Cool Looks," or "Gay Boyfriend" board today!

sweater - BDG

jeans - Banana Republic

loafers - Low

photos Celeste Wright

EVERYTHING BUT THE GIRL

2012-02-19T12:07:00.000-05:00

My friend and I were talking about SEO the other week and how much what you title your posts matters. I, personally, like my artsy-fartsy-er titles, such as this one. It makes sense because I love so many elements of these outfits...everything but the girl! Oh, vomit. That was terrible! Who let me type that? Well, hopefully you can see past that joke and enjoy this Tumblr-esque post celebrating my continuing lust for neutrals, muted jewel tones, layers, black and white and beanies, beanies, beanies. My favorite part of fashion week is quickly becoming the overwhelming swirl of behind-the-scenes and on-the-street action, though I do have a post or two about the collections coming your way...

For more street style inspiration, visit my Tomgirl board on Pinterest!
photos via: IOULEX, Kevin Tachman and Elle Muliarchyk for T Magazine (their "Photos of the Moment" series is a personal favorite), Tommy Ton for Style.com, The Sartorialist, Phil Oh for Vogue.com, The Locals, and An Unknown Quantity

P.S. Opening Ceremony featured the runway soundtracks for some of their favorite shows on their blog and I am totally in love with Calla's mix - check it out below! Its also available for download, natch.

SHOWTUNES: CALLA FW12 - "Prêtes à Tout" Compiled by Olivier Bobin & Yannick Grandjean by OpeningCeremony

VLOGLOVIN'

2012-02-16T11:51:00.002-05:00

Just a few screencaps from my webcam show last night, turned into the opening credit sequence of a 90's Nickelodeon show. I kid! I made a little video about dating, sort of...I've been feeling a bit under the weather lately, so it's pretty off the cuff. I'm not sure I have the energy to continue The Love Week tomorrow, I may need to just drink tea instead of shooting the faux lingerie campaign I envisioned, called "He Wears the Manties." Sorry about that.

LOVE IN BLACK AND WHITE

2012-02-15T13:02:00.000-05:00

Aren't these such great vintage photos? They're from my little collection, all from my grandfather's time in the army. Despite the title, not one of these men is actually in a relationship with the other, but I think it's fun to imagine maybe there's something romantic going on, especially in that last one with the cat and dog - so cute!

In all seriousness, it is incredibly important to me, as a gay person, to feel connected in some way to the past...to find comfort in history, since for us as a people there's often a bit much, erm, shunning and oppression. That's why I like finding out I have little things in common with my grandfather, be they as silly as a hat or a ring...they still draw that line between us that I think gay people don't always get to feel with their families. I'm really blessed to have such a supportive family and am trying to keep that in perspective. Happy love week!

L***RS IN PARIS

2012-02-14T10:11:00.000-05:00

So it's Valentine's Day and I don't have a date tonight, despite the fact that I'm certifiably betrothed to Joseph Altuzarra. I guess his people didn't get the memo I sent them on Twitter, so I figure there's no harm in a fantasy date with Balmain designer Olivier Rousteing since he fantasy asked me out and I'm an imaginary floozy.

The date would be an all-day affair, beginning in the morning with café au lait and conversation.

We would then wander through the city, starting up at buildings and strolling aimlessly through markets and gardens (this date is obviously taking place in the summer...)

Then we'd hit the shops for some "dress you up in my love" action, as Olivierkins would want to make sure I was snapped by his side in my favorite look from his Fall/Winter '12 collection. We'd drop by Galeries Lafayette and peruse fragranced candles and possibly he'll have a custom-scented bougie waiting for me...

And in the evening we would host a dinner party in his courtyard, with lots of cheese and bread.

Afterwards, someone would suggest dancing at Le Montana but, "non," I will say...

And instead, Olivier and I will watch French New Wave films late into the night. Happy Valentine's Day to me!

photos via (from top to bottom): Style.com, The Coveteur, Le Portillon, Amy Merrick's Flickr, Style.com, Oh Joy!, Treehugger.com, Purple, and my Pinterest account!

IN THE MOOD FOR LUV

2012-02-13T14:02:00.001-05:00

We now take a break from our regular programming to kick off The Love Week, because Valentine's Day is trite, but I'm in the mood for something themed. Our first order of business is sort of courtship, but mostly sex, really. Pretty much everything I learned about sex I learned from women who don't want to have it with you because you're a triflin' ass motherf***er.

The late nineties/early oughties were obviously the golden age of life on Earth, as evidenced by the stills and videos in this post. The music I listened to at that time has always informed the way I articulate my self-worth, i.e. lots of sass and cynicism grounded in the knowledge that I am the best thing ever and I hope you realize that before I'm gone outcha life forever. We start our adventure with TLC's Silly Ho, my favorite song off their 1999 album, Fanmail. It easily trumps No Scrubs with its indelible chant, "If you really wanna find/someone to get some behind/I ain't the one for you", although I highly encourage you to click through to that video as well for the styling and set design.

I was (and am) a huge Aaliyah fan and this plaintive single from the best years of Timbaland productions decries a skeezeball whose girl would obviously leave him if she only knew he couldn't stop trying to get fresh with the embattled songstress. The message, "it ain't easy to get with me," is sort of my defining life mantra (and also why I'm chronically single - boys r stoopid!) Also, these videos make it readily apparent that my pants are not wide enough. None of our pants are wide enough.

Unfortunately for all of us, the video for Missy Elliott's Sock it 2 Me is not available to be embedded, but you can find it here. The above screencap should be incentive enough, I'm sure, to click through to the totally batshit crazy, apparently Megaman-inspired video. The song details how ready Missy is for you to "sock it" to her because her hormones are, "jumpin' like a disco" and features an insane guest verse by Da Brat at her finest. I like that Missy's got a sex drive and she's not afraid of it, as we can tell from the enchanting line: "I'm at your house around midnight, don't fall asleep/It'll just be me on a late night creep."

Foxy Brown is one of those late-nineties female rappers whose oeuvre is packed with only a few recognizable singles, but the cover art for her album, Ill Na Na, has always stuck out in my memory for its low rent intensity. The video for Hot Spot is just about the greatest thing since sliced bread if sliced bread is code for softcore snow fetish porn. My favorite line comes quick, so listen close or you'll miss it: "MC's wanna eat me, but it's Ramadan."

Kelis is one of my favorite artists, even though her sound has changed completely from the days of this Neptunes-produced track off her second album. In it she declares, "the good stuff's right here," and proves true to her word with a dip-dyed afro and roller disco sex party. I've totally got the "good stuff," too, but I prove it by packing away my weight in butter and dancing around in my underwear, alone. Same difference.

This song is admittedly a bit more recent (2006), but it features possibly my favorite line in any song ever: "I know I'm a hot hot shawty/but you gotta slow down/you don't know me." Have truer words ever been spoken? And by someone wearing so much carefully applied purple sparkle eye shadow?

And we end our journey all the way back in the 80's, where all journeys must end, with Janet Jackson (Ms. Jackson, if you're nasty.) I grew up listening to Janet, thanks to my mother's diva fandom, and she just doesn't get better than Control and its follow-up, Rhythm Nation. And this video: The hair! The shoulder pads! Multiple male dancers in lycra crop-tops! There's just no better way to say, "I'd rather not be having sex with you, thanks."

OUR SAFETY WORD IS CACAO

2012-02-10T12:29:00.000-05:00

And a second post because I feel I was lazy this week! I’mtotally in love with these new campaign images for Marc by Marc Jacobs. They immediately brought to mind this Portlandia sketch and I swear that's my last Portlandia reference on this blog for at least half a year.

JUST A THOUGHT

2012-02-10T12:24:00.002-05:00

This month's French Vogue is the first Alt-ified issue I've purchased - isn't that crazy? I can't believe it's been a year since she took over from Carine Roitfeld, but more than that I can't believe it's taken me so long to pick up a copy. The collections look amazing on Daria, styled by Alt, Joe McKenna and Melanie Ward and shot by Inez and Vinoodh - totally exuberant and glamorous. Also, VP just relaunched their website and it's basically a super sexy blog - so shiny! so fashiony!

On another note, my flowers from last week's makeover post died, as flowers are wont to do, and I had the idea to cut the head off one of the roses and put it in water in my little ikat bowl from Anthropologie. It's quite cute, no? And a great way to recycle!

AVEC MONSIEUR DREYFUSS

2012-02-08T09:14:00.001-05:00

So, I’m thinking I may do away with the “Dear Internet” posts, yeah? I’ll just include that content here and there as it feels relevant. Or maybe they’ll be back now and then…or in other forms. Finding a posting rhythm can be difficult and more than that I’ve been struggling with the kinds of posts to include to “supplement” my original content – deciding what’s “on-brand” with *fruitpunch. Ha! Well, this is my struggle. Long story short, here’s Jerome Dreyfuss’s apartment, as featured on The Coveteur. Definitely my favorite space they’ve shown; the product focus thing they do (what’s a good way of saying that?) feels more organic and relatable here. Also: big windows! Indoor plants! Books! Hats and vintage bags! J’adore.

ANY GIVEN (SUPER BOWL) SUNDAY

2012-02-06T13:41:00.002-05:00

Oh, man, can you guys believe the Super Bowl last night? When that one guy did that thing with the stuff and then everybody was like, “Wah?” and then those unicorns came out of nowhere...ok, so I didn’t watch the big game last night, not even for Madonna since I'm pretty sure her new song was written for Selena Gomez. But hey, harken to my vintage teesh action – do you see what I see? It’s a Super Bowl t-shirt from the 80’s! Plus, I'm wearing my rosary - so Like A Prayer - so I pretty much totally embody the spirit of the event, if I do say so myself.

On top of the teesh I’ve layered some cute but not nearly warm enough flannel and on top of that is my beloved leather jacket. I have no idea why my cowboy boots look like they’re patent leather; I didn’t even do anything weird to them in Photoshop! That first picture is my attempt to pay homage to the spirit of this Herb Ritts photograph of Richard Gere, but mostly I look angry - the donut shop where we shot this was closed! Balls. Need more layering inspiration? Revisit High School Boyfriend or check out my post on Takahiro Miyashita's line The Soloist.

boots – vintage Justin's

jacket – Korea

flannel – Uniqlo

scarf – H&M

jeans – Acne

t-shirt – What Goes Around Comes Around

hat – American Apparel

photos by Celeste Wright - thanks, Celeste!

PARTING IS SUCH SWEET SORROW

2012-02-03T11:16:00.000-05:00

My dahling Chelsea is leaving town this weekend for a few months for a project and I'm rather inconsolable. To send her off we had a potluck at her place, which turned out to be not a potluck at all, but an incredible feast whipped up by the woman herself: tabouleh with a spiced apple and walnut salad and homemade French bread. There was also a chocolate cake with raspberries and then Chelsea put on a secondhand Snuggie and danced for us. You will be missed Chelsea!

Check out Chelsea's art portfolio here.

IT TAKES TANGERINE TO TANGO

2012-02-01T11:25:00.002-05:00

Time for some makeover madness! I've synergized my orangespiration with my decorating-with-candles mania with my overarching love for all things shiny to bring you this post. It all started with the sidetable, which I got on sale for $15 at Urban Outfitters. (It was originally $148!) It's color was something akin to tapioca, which is just so not hot right now - crisis. I picked up a can of spraypaint at my local hardware store and set about revamping this little number in a delicious shade of tangerine, the Pantone "Color of the Year." (View some more tangerine-spiration at Apartment Therapy.)

Considering the fact that I've not only done this before, but photodocumented the entire process, you would think I couldn't screw up...so I even sort of surprised myself when I forgot to prime the thing. It is, in the words of Cher Horowitz, a Monet now - pretty from a distance, but a bit of a mess up close.

In other life lessons: this candle. I bought it because it's just soooo cute, but then, you know what? I don't think I love the way it smells so much and sometimes I think I can't even smell it at all! Oh, well, I still like the look of it. In this post: flowers from Hedge, candle from O'Suzannah, Foo dog from the Consignment Shop on the downtown mall. Click through for the "before" shot!

Yawwwn!

THE BREAD BOX

2012-01-30T12:03:00.001-05:00

Rick Easton's artisanal supper club, Bread and Salt, held a brunch in collaboration with restaurant The Box yesterday. It was cleverly titled, "The Bread Box" - so cute! There was even a heart in my cappucino and then Chelsea and I instagrammed ourselves holding her espresso cup in a fitting tribute to this Portlandia sketch. I got the French toast and it was c'est fantastique! Yes, that's it in the lower left-hand corner - it's as giant as a steak, no? Incroyable!

DEAR INTERNET No. 17

2012-01-27T11:40:00.000-05:00

Sharing the love...

The menswear shows have finished up and one of my new favorite things I'm seeing is the giant necklace that's basically a talisman, as seen here at Givenchy pre-fall. Also, men in skirts!

I love love love these desk "tablescapes" by Betsy Burnham (top) and Lizzie Bailey (bottom) for Lonny. I've lately had orange, lacquer, desk chair pillows, trays and decorating with candles on my mind, and if my weekend shooting goes well you'll see the results of all that brain juggling next week!

Follow me on Pinterest for more interiors inspiration!

Oh, hey there Martin Margiela tote that is perfect. How you doin'?

Milan Vukmirovic is obviously my style soulmate - mondo chest action, check; aviators, check; a thing for pared down sophistication, check (sort of - I have a debatable track record in this department, but big dreams.) Also, I think I'm going to have to make suede happen soon, and buttoning just the top button of my coat is definitely something I did this one time that is now a "thing".

Photos via here and Tommy Ton for style.com

Lana del Rey is so hot right now, but I can't just blog about any old LDR song since that would be so two months ago. Instead, I bring you an awesome remix of her single, Blue Jeans. In my dream life where I'm a DJ/Balenciaga brand ambassador/sexy gardening activist I'm totally killing it on the dancefloor with this number.

Happy weekend!

UP AGAINST THE WALL

2012-01-26T10:44:00.000-05:00

I've started shooting street style for print again! It's been almost a year and a half since I was last combing the streets, albeit on the other side of the world (see some of my previous work here and here), and this is my very first published print work in the States. Woo!

These are some favorite snaps so far...mmm, texture and contrast. The top lady's bag is Michael Kors and the bag below is Fendi, from an outtake that didn't make it into print. And yes, of course, I now expect you to strike a pose every time you see me. Work it!

CARVEN FALL 2012

2012-01-25T13:14:00.001-05:00

This silhouette has been on my mind lately...I particularly love the way these looks play with proportion, pairing the long shirt with cropped trousers. And you know I love me some major tone-on-tone action. Plus, the model wears this so well, no? Check out my Tumblr for more inspiration!

image via style.com

JESUS PIECE

2012-01-25T09:44:00.001-05:00

My mom and I went through a bunch of her old jewelry this past weekend and I took the opportunity to stock up on relics of her Catholic upbringing, including a black-beaded rosary and a cameo of St. Christopher. Have I mentioned before that my great-uncle was a priest in Brazil? No? Well, he was! This inimitable cross was part of his vestments, or maybe he just slayed vampires with it or...IDK. Either way, I’m really excited to pair it with a plunging V-neck and lots of black.

P.S. It's HUGE. I don't know if you can tell from the picture. Think Flava Flav. (Ok, not THAT big, but still!)

P.P.S. Like this post? Be sure to follow me on Instagram @xoxofruitpunch to peep all of my favorite finds!

WINTER WANDERLAND

2012-01-23T12:20:00.000-05:00

I went out to my parent's house this weekend to sort through the remaining crap in my former bedroom closet - what can go up on eBay, what can go in the bin, which piles can be condensed into larger piles to instill a sense of accomplishment, etc. I found these A.P.C. trousers in there in my "hold onto" pile and commissioned my little brother for a post-snowfall photo shoot.

This coat always gets a ton of compliments, though it's fatally flawed - there's no lining! It's just cotton and just cotton is not warm, but I can luckily layer a good bit under there. The scarf, a cashmere delight from Florence, is another winner. The hat, on the other hand...people only seem to think of Indiana Jones when they see hats like this! It's a shame, as I think it's just wonderful. How did you celebrate the snow? What is it that people who don't take pictures of themselves when the weather's nice do? Ski-tubing? Para-sledding? Reindeer herding? Whatever it was, hope it was wonderful!

coat - Zara
pants - A.P.C.
shoes - Barneys
hat - Vintage Vixen

DEAR INTERNET No. 16

2012-01-20T09:25:00.000-05:00

What the internet hath bequeathed unto me this week...

I love this image from Balenciaga’s pre-fall lineup. It’s like Grease meets Blade Runner meets Xanadu. What could be better?

Some street style shots I love...because the couple with matching-era vintage purses is in it for the long haul (via Calivintage via Drop Tokyo); and I'm digging the pop of pink in this otherwise gorgeously tone-on-tone shot from photographer Kuba Dabrowski, once again shooting for Women's Wear Daily.

This gorgeous Mulberry bag was shot on someone's lucky shoulder this season at Pitti...

I hadn't stopped by The Selby in forever, but thorough perusing this week yielded this intriguingly rustic, spartan residence in the mountains of Kamakura, Japan.

And last, but not least, the best thing on the internet is obviously my Etsy shop. Have you virtually swung by it, yet? Please do! It's travel photography for the worldly home (like the above shot from Paris.)

P.S. A friendly reminder that another awesome thing on the internet is The Low Lookbook. Missed it? Check it out now!

PRETTY MOTHERF***ER

2012-01-19T10:25:00.002-05:00

Now, don’t get to thinking I’ve gone completely head over heels for myself – the title is a refrain from a few of rapper A$AP Rocky’s songs (as in, “I be that pretty motherf***er.”) What better way to start off my winter beauty post?

It’s been a little while since I last beauty-blogged and I’m sure you’ve all been wondering how my fight against premature aging and general ugliness has been going. Winter brings with it some specific seasonal challenges, such as a permanently running red nose and beanie hair, but don’t worry – I’m coping. My focus has been mostly on moisturizing, though I think I'm shooting myself in the foot a bit with the high acidity of a lot of the products I use. I try to keep my intensely anti-acne stuff for the evening and mix my sunscreen and foundation 75/25 to get a tinted moisturizer for the morning. I succumbed to the ravages of cost-effectiveness and bought a giant thing of St. Ives daily hydrating body lotion with vitamin E. It’s made without parabens or pthalates, which Allure once told me kill baby dolphins or something. So that’s good. Local line Cosmeos makes a multi-purpose salve that I like to think of as organic Vaseline. It comes in a light peppermint-lavender scent and I use it when my knuckles are particularly dry.

My big new new thing is goat’s milk soap. I picked some up as a gift for a friend over the holidays, but then also bought it for myself. Oasis day spa sells my favorite, a line by Sweet Magnolia Creamery that's handmade locally in Covesville, Virginia. Each bar comes individually wrapped in fancy wax paper and tied with a bow! The range of scents is also a plus – I eschewed my customary favorite, lavender, in favor of experimenting with citrus vetiver. I swear I noticed my skin feeling softer after the first use, but I could just want it to work that bad. My post-shower routine, when I’m feeling indulgent, is a heavy dose of Weleda’s sea buckthorn body oil (available at Whole Foods.) Its vaguely tropical scent is a nice winter reprieve and I think I’ve mentioned before that I prefer body oils to lotions – I don’t know, I just feel like they’re better for your skin. Don’t question me.

And I almost forgot! Mon haircut! As you can see, I did indeed get something akin to the hairspiration photos I posted last week of Philip Crangi and Nickelson Wooster – cropped close on the sides with a pompa-hawk (pompadour/faux-hawk fusion) on top. I’m still using Bb Texture to get that swooping action, though a paste would be better. What do we think? C'est bon or c'est bad? And below, some A$AP tunes for the rap aficionado...

ASAP Rocky - Peso by NUEAgency
Wassup [prod. by Clams Casino] by A$AP ROCKY
Bass [prod. by Clams Casino] by A$AP ROCKY

CROP TOP

2012-01-18T10:58:00.000-05:00

Isn't this such a cool cut? My new style is nothing at all like this, I just have hair on the brain. Plus, cropped sweaters are so hot right now - I'll have to start cutting all of mine. Anyone can flaunt a chest shag; "belly fur" is the new frontier! (Tune in tomorrow for my winter beauty post, with a focus on only the hair on my head. Unfortunately.)

By Nick Dorey for Russh Magazine

A FINE VINTAGE

2012-01-17T09:28:00.003-05:00

This weekender is a gorgeous new addition to my tiny (but growing!) collection of vintage bags. That shape! The hardware! Those wonderfully worn-in handles! Low co-owner Nora picked this up from the home of a gay couple in Waynesboro, Virginia. Apparently the two of them often indulged in matching items, but there was only one of these babies. It belonged to the half of the couple that was a flight attendant and still had its airport tags inside when I bought it. It's in remarkable condition, though a little scuffed, and is the absolute perfect size for the average man. I, on the other hand, will barely be able to fit mon toilette and a limited selection of jewelry. Such is life!

Draped with my silk Dries Van Noten scarf that I never wear because I'm too afraid I'll get it dirty.

THE ITALIAN TWIST

2012-01-16T11:50:00.001-05:00

The twist is that my shirt's halfway unbuttoned. That's an Italian thing, right?

These are my new pants from American Apparel that I picked up for half off, thanks to a Groupon tweet from my cuz. I know some bloggers openly boycott AA thanks to all the scandalous reports of company wrongdoings and general CEO skeeziness, but they're the only company I know of that makes pants in my waist size, so...oops. These pants are indeed so snugly high-waisted that I decided to forgo a belt, and I'm wearing sneakers. What derring-do! It should be noted that this was shot pre-haircut and that I'm not wearing a single item of women's clothing here, either - this look is all man, from the Gant for Jeffrey oxford (the only fancy dress shirt I own) to the layers of Acqua di Parma Colonia Assoluta and YSL L'homme gracing my wrists. Roar!

blazer - Korean
sunnies - faux Wayfarers
sneaks - Seatech

photos Celeste Wright

DEAR INTERNET No. 15

2012-01-13T10:06:00.003-05:00

Found this week...inspiration for my next haircut. (Happening today!)

I'm leaning towards something Crangi/Wooster-esque...

I started getting my subscription to House Beautiful! I managed to find a few images online from their December/January issue, which featured the gorgeous home of decorator Mark D. Sikes. The glamour of high-contrast black and white is a look I strove to achieve in my apartment by painting the French doors a glossy black, but I think the effect is more easily appreciated in Sikes' person-sized home. Want more? Check out his incredible bathroom over at The City Sage.

I bought a new hat the other day from OAK's 304050 sale. It's a green fedora. #jauntygoodness

Something I didn't pick up was this pair of Mark McNairy boots from the Très Bien sale. #dying

Assorted wintry inspirations...thinking of my post from the other week! By Nam & Tommy Ton.

And while this is definite cheesy pre-Valentine's day marketing goop, I thought this picture from Scott & Garance's new Tiffany campaign was rather endearing. I think being able to sit around reading and drinking coffee with someone is the ultimate in intimacy...who knows, these mugs could stand for Sean and Gay Boyfriend? Maybe? #never

Happy weekend!

BURBERRY CROPPED TRENCH

2012-01-12T10:50:00.002-05:00

This is a woman's cropped trench, available now at Vintage Vixen. Since it's technically for the ladies, it fits my elfin frame really well. I like that it's a twist on the traditional trench - it's more my style, no? *pine*

Follow me on Instagram @xoxofruitpunch

UNDER THE INFLUENCE

2012-01-11T13:22:00.001-05:00

Images/women I had in mind (or had at least seen before) while putting together the lookbook...

Kate Lanphear by Citizen Couture, Claire Courtin-Clarins (left) via Google Image, Marina Munoz by Tamu (I think), Moschino via Style.com, Eniko Mihalik for Vogue China, Braids by Susie Bubble, Claire Courtin-Clarins (right) via Google Image, Natalia Vodianova by Paolo Roversi, Steven Meisel for US Vogue, Marina Munoz via StyleLikeU, Caroline Trentini by Patrick Demarchelier for US Vogue, Braids via Fashionista, Steven Meisel for Vogue Italia, Christy Turlington-Burns by Patrick Demarchelier for US Vogue, Stella McCartney Resort via Style.com, Japanese street style, Givenchy Couture ('08?) via Style.com

THE LOW LOOKBOOK

2012-01-09T10:46:00.001-05:00

It's here! (here here here!) The Low Lookbook is finally live. Read it, love it, share it! And now the backstory...

Model Chan and I got together about a month ago and bonded over our twin passions for Korean men (let’s find husbands!) and fashion while discussing The Low Lookbook. The seventeen-year-old stunner is le total newcomer to modeling, but more importantly she’s my neighbor whom I babysat this one time. (Chan’s mother, Jill, was my journalism teacher in High School and I’m guessing she was desperate that evening.) I’ve seen Chan as my numba one stunna since the baby days of conceptualizing this lookbook and was so thrilled when she agreed to the project. We got together over Christmas break to shoot in her parent’s dining room, the shoes and jewelry strewn about the couch and floor of the adjacent room and our rack of clothes tucked up against a bookshelf. I’d been unsure of the perfect location for much of the planning process and was getting nervous after ruling out two or three different options according to my not-exactly-strict criteria (indoors with LOTS of natural light, white walls and hopefully a pinch of character). I realized the dining room might be perfect thanks to a couple of Instagrams that proved the light in there to be wonderfully flattering (and plenty). Here are a few outtakes from the shoot that I think attest to the fact that we made the right call…

A BIG thank you is due to the ladies of Low Vintage for supporting me in this project. They indulged my every request as I worked through the weeks to get all of my proverbial ducks in a row, from my first trip pulling options to the Saturday Chan and I took over a dressing room for three hours straight going through every outfit, pulling new pieces from the floor now and then to make sure we created as many looks as possible. Later, I pulled a bunch of jewelry and other accessories to bring “on set” so we could mix and match on the fly (and here I need to make a special shout-out to Bree, because I think it was on this trip that she directed me to the Lanvin skirt in look 9!) In between I made a few trips back in to try on new things for myself – oops! The before-and-after shots are pretty awesome…(keep in mind that if you run into Chan on the street she will be in natural light and look more like the “after” photos rather than the washed-out, fluorescent “before” photos – yeesh)

I’d been contemplating a few different styles for this project, but was really guided by Chan’s natural grace and sophistication. She’s very at ease with herself for a teenager! When it came to the photography, I found myself mentally referencing the work of Patrick Demarchelier and Steven Meisel and was particularly inspired by their work with Caroline Trentini and Natalia Vodianova for Vogue (combine Trentini and Natalia with a dash of 80’s Brooke Shields and there you have Chan). As for the styling, Low carries of a lot of pieces from the seventies, that decade in constant war with the fifties for all of my luvin’, so I rolled with it and crafted looks that reference my current passion for Marina Munoz’s style (hats!) and the easy French chic of Claire Courtin-Clarins. It was important for me to have these women in mind as individuals who are making Fashion now! and not to steep myself in a bunch of old movies or idiosyncratic photos of Kate Moss from the 90’s when looking for inspiration. It’s already old clothing, so I needed the looks to feel fresh and current! Since this post is already so long, I'll be posting a moodboard separately, later in the week!

I really feel this is the most important post on the blog yet, so please share this with everyone you know and help spread the Low love! They don’t have a website but you can find them on Facebook here, or give ‘em a call at (434) 293-9082. If you're in the mood to shop, drop in on 'em! They're off the downtown mall on 5th street, around the corner from Commonwealth Restaurant & Skybar. Like the lookbook? Lemme know! Feedback for this is much appreciated, since it's my first time doing anything of this sort. Beaucoup besos,

~Sean

DON'T CALL ME SHIRLEY

2012-01-06T12:35:00.000-05:00

A closer look at some of the jewelry I was wearing in this week's outfit post

(from left to right):

My grandfather apparently tried his hand at silversmithing when he was younger and this simple, beautiful ring is unfortunately all that remains of that hobby. I was really excited to find out we had jewelry in common, in addition to hats. My new silver "Shirley" ring is so much fun - what a great script, no? It's super small so I wear it on my pinkie. It's from Low, and so is the cameo ring to next to it (which I still love, even though the plating is literally chipping off, eek). The beads are a necklace that I wear as a bracelet, wrapped twice around my wrist (I wasn't wearing those in the post.) Seems silver is having a moment with me!

DEAR BLOGGING No. 2

2012-01-05T13:26:00.001-05:00

I managed to leave the state of Virginia only once in the entirety of 2011, compared to traveling through nine different countries in 2010. Whoa. I still got around, though, taking my camera with me to shine a new light on various places including the Crozet Mudhouse (above), Artifacts, Low Vintage, JohnSarahJohn (right before they opened), and Coogan's workspace in Random Row...

I also scoped out a few area homes including my aunt and uncle's custom abode and design-and-build firm owner's Joey Conover and Jeff Erkelens' now former residence, not to mention my friend Debbie's incredible country compound and its ducks!

The one out-of-state trip I took was to NYC, where I visited the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens and took this picture that makes it look like I maybe visited Japan:

And then I shot some "country living" scenes with my Holga, including these trees:

I think coming back to the States in a traveling mindset helped me keep my eyes open for interesting things going on around me. Hopefully I'll continue being pleasantly surprised by living local...

Speaking of the pleasant surprises of living local, next week I launch/reveal/unleash my first big project for the new year, The Low Lookbook. Styled and photographed by yours truly, the digital book highlights some of the best spring outfits for modern vintage dressing from the incredible (and local!) Low Vintage. Keep your eyes peeled and brace yourself for awesome!

DEAR BLOGGING No. 1

2012-01-04T12:35:00.000-05:00

It's like my usual love letters to the internet, but to myself...

starting with a few outtakes! (all by Fareine)

And then some spring/summer outfits that didn't get posted to this blog:

And because I'm not completely obsessed with myself, a lil' compilation of street photos I took for The Charlotte and/or just for fun:

Check back tomorrow for some of my favorites places & spaces from the last year!

MY BLUEBERRY KNIT

2012-01-03T10:19:00.000-05:00

I looove my new sweater, although this outfit makes me look a bit like the lovechild of Chloe Sevigny and Freddy Krueger. Dressed as John Lennon. Ironically. I was going more for "Erin Wasson's imaginary band groupie," but I'll roll with the punches.

The sweater is 100% wool and the tag simply says, "handmade by Linda." I couldn't resist its oversized waffle-knit spell the other weekend when I stopped by Low, where co-owner Jessica and I decided it looks just Henrik Vibskov-y enough to work. I also picked up the pendant at Low - it's an antique Ethiopian Christian symbol that looks just lovely against that dramatic swath of chest hair, no? (Details, people!)

Hat & Teesh - Urban Outfitters

Jeans - Banana Republic

Creepers - thrifted Bass

Sunnies - vintage Gianfranco Ferre

photos C.Z. Harlan

CHEERS AND THAT

2012-01-02T12:15:00.001-05:00

*le sigh du reflection* It feels like just yesterday I decided to start this blog – hard to believe it’s already been five whole months! *fruitpunch has grown much faster than anything else I’ve done before, and I’m really happy with it’s evolution thus far. Hopefully, so are you! I’m not going to publicly set goals or anything (challenges, blergh), but I will say that I'm going to make this the best blog it can be, ever, in the history of the world. Looking over what posts have "performed" well, I'm tempted to up the comedic ante (my gift guide quickly shot up the pageviews ranks) and push myself to deliver some of, if not the best, at least the craziest outfits possible. All I ask from you, dear readers and persons who drop by to look at the pictures but whose wandering eyes may have alighted on this one sentence, is that you help spread the *fruit love - through shares, comments, subscribing, etc! It makes it all worthwhile. All my best,

~Sean

TOPMAN SPRING/SUMMER '12

2011-12-31T15:24:00.002-05:00

Just something pretty to share as I've had spring on my mind this week, thanks to a side project that's been in the works for months. Hopefully I'll be able to share that soon and make up for how much my bloggage has suffered. Expect me back in the swing of things next week! Blog you in the new year~

LEAF GREENER

2011-12-27T15:34:00.000-05:00

And from "super-synthy post-gothic electro dance-rock with hints of metal," to decorating with cabbage varietals! What do you think I'm listening to while arranging my kale just so?

This is a relatively appropriate post-Christmas post, considering it involves the color green. My aunt told me kale is a great indoor plant for winter, since apparently it's in season. I still managed to kill mine in about three days. But I got this picture first! I went with one stalk since the mouth of this vase is so narrow, but I think kale looks quite nice (and quite floral, actually) when arranged in a bouquet of sorts. Still, I'm already back to my hurricane glass tableau - what's decorating your table?

THE LIGHT FANTASTIC

2011-12-23T18:50:00.003-05:00

Suuuper late Friday post, sorry! Delayed by last minute holiday shopping.

I discovered Light Asylum in an Oyster Magazine profile and I'm hooked on their sound, a super-synthy post-gothic electro dance-rock with hints of metal and the best vocals maybe ever. I picked out the least aggressive and most pop-y tracks because I'm a gay (offensive!) and present them hear for your listening pleasure. Seriously, lead singer Shannon Funchess has an incredible voice, a tour-de-force fusion of basically every male singer from the eighties I've ever loved. I know I read that they've been touring in Berlin, but I think I read that they have their first album coming out in 2012. Visit their site here for like, real information.

(And happy Christmas!)

End of Days by LIGHT ASYLUM
"A Certain Person" by LIGHT ASYLUM
Dark Allies by LIGHT ASYLUM

CHOCOLATE POTS

2011-12-22T14:28:00.000-05:00

As we wind down this last week before Christmas I've been tempted into writing up my first real foodie post. Of a sort. You see, I had a dinner party last week and while the main course was a tad, erm, not cooked...the dessert was a huge success!

These little chocolate pots from Nigella Lawson are a particular favorite because half the fun is in the presentation. I suppose a ramekin might do these babies justice, but I serve mine in Fiestware teacups handed down from my parents. Jamie Oliver also has a chocolate pots recipe in his book, The Naked Chef Takes Off, but his calls for brandy and baby boy just ain't that flossy. I was going to type up Nigella's recipe and present it to you here, but that was too hard so I thought maybe I'd just write up the ingredients list. That also proved challenging. Instead, I found the recipe online! Click here to check that out.

I will say that I used Green & Black's organic dark chocolate and it was absolutely decadent. Although, that may have been due to the fact that I doubled the suggested serving sizes. Who can say? I also need to note that I hand whipped that whipped cream with a fork. (If you want pillowy whipped cream, you wash my whisk! That isht is complicated!)

STUNTIN' LIKE MY DADDY

2011-12-21T12:35:00.001-05:00

This post is all about the glam/luxe combo of a touch of fur and a big pair of sunglasses, aka "sunnies". You'll be so fancy people will mistake you for that backup dancer JLo married for a month back in 2002. The look is a wonderful quick fix any day you're feeling a bit under the weather and you'd like to make a statement without trying. For instance, I wore this to the farmer's market and even though I could barely speak for lack of coffee/food/sleep, I felt so put together compared to all those people in running pants. The irony being that those people are actually so together that they woke up three hours before me and went for a jog before going shopping. Maybe they even ate before they got there. But hey, do you think you recognize me from the Love Don't Cost A Thing video? I get that a lot...

Sunglasses - AJ Morgan

Coat - Vintage

STYLE SNAPSHOTS

2011-12-20T11:00:00.000-05:00

1) New scarf from Anthropologie. The unique, inky print reminds me of one of designer Barbara Barry's Indochine collection fabrics for Kravet. w00t textile nerds!

2) Beads are my new thing. Or am I just having a bead moment right now? They go with everything and nothing, especially crafty colored ones as seen here on this vintage handmade bracelet I picked up at Low, so I'm embracing them.

3) I love this book. It's gorgeous. That is all.

4) My new ring from Bygones vintage in Richmond. I've been wanting something snaky for awhile now and at $24 with an adjustable band, this baby was almost too good to be true.

5) I bought an ivy plant for my mini planter. It's so cute! The perfect way to bring green indoors during winter.

6) Also picked up this plaster bust/mask thing while thrifting in Richmond. Rearranged my bathroom for it. Love it! Show me a man who doesn't want the facsimile of an older, bearded gentleman watching him pee and I'll show you a man who doesn't get HBO.

THIS IS CHAN

2011-12-19T12:23:00.000-05:00

Without makeup, her hair air-dried after a shower. She's doing some modeling for me; I'm excited. Hiiiii Chan!

SUNDAY MORNING

2011-12-18T16:35:00.000-05:00

Sunday mornings are my favorite time to catch up on all the reading I never get to during the week. An indulgently large chunk of my Christmas bonus went to a smattering of my favorite magazines this year - the local Barnes & Noble is now carrying titles as varied as Rankin's Hunger, Russh and even Ponystep - quelle surprise! I settled in with Arena Homme +, Meryl's Vogue (with one of the most candid profiles on Marc Jacobs I've ever read) and Monocle.

London-based Monocle provides beaucoup inspiration beyond the mood board variety with reportage on basically the coolest things happening everywhere in the world. Honestly, it used to depress me because my life seemed trés underwhelming by comparison, but now I find it a bit galvanizing to read up on innovative designs and the entrepreneurial spirit the world over. What are your favorite magazines?

DEAR INTERNET No. 14

2011-12-16T10:15:00.003-05:00

Recently found favorites...

This seventies-inflected editorial is just, like, the ultimate. In everything. Ever. By Christophe Kutner.

A selection of art from my Tumblr...Rothko, Sorolla and the entire blog from which I pulled that last one is now deleted, so...idk.

I know I said that editorial was the ultimate in everything, ever, but actually this is. From the Chanel Paris-Bombay collection. He's wearing a bejeweled sash and twin diamond bracelets. Enough. Said.

Garance Doré shared the Paris jewelry studio of Lara Melchior, c'est bon!

And this is one of those videos that isn't a video, sorry, but I feel the need to follow up my previous post's Jamie-xx-remix-via-Florence-Welch with this track. The vocals aren't my favorite, but the steel drums...it's love! Consider it the musical equivalent of whatever the reverse of Christmas in July would be. July...in...Christmas? The best part starts at 2:12 or so.

Happy weekend!

NOT TOO SHABBY

2011-12-14T10:15:00.000-05:00

I really wanted to title this post something to do with ShamWow...but I'm afeared of copyright issues. C'est la vie. The other week I shared with y'all a glimpse of my new shams (wow!) - now here they are in all their glory. Also, my heretofore unseen "bedroom." As I mentioned, the fabric is a silk I picked up on sale at JohnSarahJohn, corded with dark chocolate velvet and backed with milk chocolate velvet. (Better than "dark brown and light brown," no?) You can see I love mixing patterns in the home as much as in an outfit!

Contrary to what my gift guide asserted, books are very much one of my favorite things. I just finished up local author Chad Harbach's The Art of Fielding, one I definitely recommend. What are you reading?

The Art of Fielding available at New Dominion
(434) 295-2552

THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE TIMES INFINITY

2011-12-12T13:03:00.001-05:00

Idea 1: Christmas sweaters are a seasonal essential;people without them are routinely cast out by their families this timeof year. My sweater is red, one of the two Christ-approved birthdaycelebration colors as noted in the book of Ezekiel, chapter 11, “Are you thereGod? It’s me, your Son, and I’m trying to coordinate for the surprise party.”My sweater also has a dancing naked baby wearing a fedora on it, so I put it onto celebrate Ally McBeal reruns and Michael Jackson court date anniversaries.

Idea 2: Books are a great gift for anyone you don’t like, since no one reads anymore. Give one to someone you particularly hate and tell them if they want to read it on their iPad they can scan it in themselves.

Idea 3: Everyone knows that women love jewelry and shoes, and spend their time collecting these things in between pregnancies. If your woman rejects the jewelry you buy her because she realizes it’s fake (I knew it!), call it bling and give it to your son along with a Kanye West album.

Idea 4: Fancy candles are the perfect gift for people whose homes smell bad, especially if you lack the social graces to explain this to them face-to-face.

Idea 5: An empty box. Kids are overstimulated nowadays, anyway. (What, did you think I was going to suggest you gift Hermès? What are you, high?)

In all seriousness, there are seriously too many gift guides out there at this time of year, so I figured no one needed another one. My only honest advice can be summed up in two words: shop local! If you need some ideas, click here and here. If you need more ideas, get at me in the comments!

THE SOCIAL ANIMAL

2011-12-08T11:04:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I get out and about in the world. Occasionally. When I can carpool...

I picked up some disposable cameras for a dollar each a few months ago and took one with me on trips to NOVA and RVA back in October. (Getting these processed cost me $11, just FYI.) I like that these are the images I got and that's all there is. They might be a bit crap, but they're a special kind of crap. They're my crap, *tear*.

THE TENNANTS NEXT DOOR

2011-12-07T12:58:00.000-05:00

Stella Tennant and David Lasnet's Scotland home by Alexis Armanet for T Magazine ('11), Mark Borthwick for AnOther Magazine ('09) and one from Mario Testino for Vogue ('05).

I've been meaning to put together this post for awhile now, since the most recent feature on Stella Tennant's idyllic homelife was published this past summer by T Magazine. That article paints a particularly enchanting, if almost fantastical portrait of the family's life in the Scottish countryside. And I love the different photographer's approaches to all that domestic bliss, although I could barely find any scans online from Vogue, unfortunately. If you happen to know where the rest of the images from that article reside on the interwebs, holler at me!

PAPER GANGSTER

2011-12-06T10:39:00.000-05:00

When I was in middle school I assembled myown “magazine” out of various clippings and a few misguided illustrations. Icalled it Details and remember the disappointment I felt when my mother informed me that thistitle already existed, but there was still some fleeting joy to be had from myhandicraft (although it's long lost.) I suppose that early foray into the format might have been an indication of the obsession to come, and dealing with the sizable collection of magazines it's given rise to over the years was the impetus for this little "project".

To weed out some of the underperformers frommy ‘zine stacks (ones I flip through and wonder what on Earthcompelled me to keep a special on how to test yourself for breast cancer and aportfolio of Blake Lively modeling swimwear in the first place) I decided tofinally invest in a nice binder for my tear sheets and put my Martha Stewart Crafts cutting mat to good use.

After much deliberation, some Twitter guidance and brief browsage through the Muji e-store, I decided my best binder bet was from Russell + Hazel. I went with the gray linen-bound spine and cut off the oversized rubber band that's supposed to keep everything neat, but read just a bit too utilitarian for my tastes. I used a hobby knife and regular ol' plastic sleeves to keep things neat and still glossy/shiny. The binder is now a safe haven for a wide range of myfavorite interiors (and one or two bohemian-chic weddings.) In the age of Pinterest and Tumblr it's still nice to have an attractive physical object to piece through for inspiration, don't you think?

Russell + Hazel available at RPS

DEAR INTERNET No. 13

2011-12-02T13:43:00.000-05:00

Links, links, links!

I looove this lookbook for Mjölk SS12...the clothes are chic & simple and draw their oomph from shape and cut. It also makes me happy that this guy sort of looks like the lost sixth sister from The Virgin Suicides (the one that got away?)

Then I stumbled on South African designer David West's lookbook at Bits Bobs & Beats. It's very pretty, I love the color...so maybe this is lookbook appreciation week? Sounds good to me...

While bopping around NOWNESS last week after falling for model Anouck Lepère's Antwerp apartment, I discovered Alvar Aalto's home...and fell even harder for it! I promise to broaden my digs-hunting horizons next time around, though...

I became familiar with photographer Jody Rogac's work thanks to the current issue of The Lab Magazine, and I love it...visit her site for more...

And I cannot get this song out of my head. Florence and the Machine covered Drake's Take Care, produced by Jamie xx of The xx, sampling his own remix of the Gil Scott Heron song I'll Take Care of You. Got it? No? Well take a listen - the vocals are bewitching. The audio is a bit low so don't be afraid of cranking it up.

Happy weekend!

STYLE SNAPSHOTS

2011-12-01T10:18:00.000-05:00

A bit design-centric this time around...

1) My new pillows! I had the silk I picked up at JohnSarahJohn’s closing sale used for the face of some new bed pillows, corded and backed with brown velvet. Dying. This is just a taste - the full glory of these babies will be unleashed at a later date. Te promiso.

2) Adorable votive candleholders I picked up at O’Suzannah’s 2-for-1 sale (only a dollar each!)

3) A brief update about the vegetarianism: it’s still happening! And look at how delicious these veggies were before I put them into a stir-fry (they tasted great afterwards, but didn't photograph so well.) Unfortunately, my reading list has once again called my food choices into question. During the summer when I decided to give up meat entirely I was deeply entrenched in Jonathan Safran Foer’s Eating Animals, which one can’t come away from without some sense that giving up meat is the right thing to do. Now I’ve taken up Barbara Kingsolver’s Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, a book by a locavore meat-eater whose dedication to sustainable eating makes my attempts at dietary environmentalism seem naïve at best. Not to mention I might not be getting enough iron or Vitamin B12. Sacre bleu…a problem I’ll solve with more reading...and lots of broccoli.

4) I spent some quality time organizing fabric samples last week and this Nina Campbell print became a new favorite.

5) There’s been such a renaissance in the worlds of soap and letterpress these past few years that sorting through the seemingly endless options has become an incidental hobby of mine. Brooklyn-based Saipua’s saltwater soap with rosemary and patchouli is already top of the pops and I just got it last week!

6) An early Christmas gift to myself…Kelly Wearstler’s tome, Hue. Soooo inspirational I had to put four “o’s” in “so.” There've been some great Wearstler-related posts as of late in the blogosphere; check out the Beckerman sister's and The Glamourai's Malibu fun time with the designer here and here.

Intrigued by this brazen display of instagrammage? Follow me @xoxofruitpunch!

COP THAT SWAGGER

2011-11-30T12:25:00.000-05:00

Maximum-ly minimal Hanne Gaby Odiele, by Craig McDean.

Track pants? Luggage tags? Neo-jelly jelly shoes? Yes, please.

SILHOUETTED

2011-11-29T13:25:00.000-05:00

Recently picked up these vintage Ferragamo cap-toe oxfords from Vintage Vixen. *Swoon*

HIGH SCHOOL BOYFRIEND

2011-11-28T10:20:00.000-05:00

You would never believe it, but I'm wearing ladypants today, not to mention a lady teesh! I've simply outdone myself. On top of that I've actually synergized my layering inspiration with my letterman's jacket inspiration! Slowly but surely I'm connecting the dots, see? It's all good.

This is my vintage letterman's jacket I bought at Ike's. It's a little Louis Vuitton SS12, no? I wore it over the thrifted vest-thing I bought that I really think is just an old gas-station attendant's shirt with the sleeves cut off (seen here and here). It's so sexy. But I do love it layered! The pants, from Banana Republic, are my slim-cut cargos. Apparently the style was seen recently on one famous street style blog or another? It's a great look, but I probably couldn't afford the ones made for menfolk and so I keep wearing these. And my shoes, oh my shoes! I love these babies. They're made by Goodyear, which I thought was just a tire company, but the more you know...I've been wearing them cuffed down like this since summer and now I think it's so great I can't stop. Instead of just uncuffing them for winter, I wear them with chunky socks, most often chunky tube socks. Mm, chunky tube, say it again. You can see the back of the letterman's jacket below; apparently Jericho is on Long Island, according to a total stranger that asked me if I went there. No, I did not, I just love that it's also Biblical. The Bible is so hot right now, you know?

And I almost forgot about my mini backpack! Yes, I have a mini backpack. Obviously my stern expression in these photos is thanks to it's insufficient capacity to hold my angst and/or spite for The Man.

Hat - H&M

Vest - Ike's

Teesh - Urban Outfitters

Jacket - Ike's

Cargo Pants - Banana Republic

Shoes - Low Vintage

photos by the lovely Chelsea

SAYING GRACE

2011-11-27T12:22:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend. I spent a few days with extended family in Pennsylvania, eating, cooking and eating. We also looked over a few old family photos, of course, and decided that I look a lot like my paternal grandfather.

The above photo was included in a batch given to me by one of my aunts. It's she and my grandfather; I'm not sure of the date. It's one of my favorite vintage photos I've received over the last year, which, as some of you may know, is saying a lot. Finding captured moments like this and being able, at this point in my life, to appreciate the depth that they add to my relationships with those in my family is something I am truly grateful for...all the best, Sean.

DEAR INTERNET No. 12

2011-11-25T11:10:00.000-05:00

Doing this a little differently, but more on that in a tick...this week I loved model Anouck Lepère's home on NOWNESS...

...and David Mallett's Paris salon on Into The Gloss...

...and I'm officially into Byredo Parfums candles, the Peyote Poem in particular (how great are these names? Wasn't Candy Darling a character in that Robert Rodriguez zombie movie? Righteous.)

...also, Solange Knowles is just the bee's knees. Her hair! She told Lucky Magazine it's inspired by Janet Jackson circa Poetic Justice, aka Janet Jackson circa AWESOME.

And I haven't really listened to Beyoncé in years (she lost me after radio overload of that "to the left" song), but my Solange craze led me to take a look at all of B's recent videos, leading to my current ObSessIOn with this song:

The video is a bit OOC, but I have to say she's kind of totally charming, and I love the Maybelline outfit and now want to be a ballet dancer in Queens.

So, my new goal is to condense a lot of the blog's "outside content" into these Dear Internet posts (really my original intent), since people seem to respond most to my stuff (understandable). I'll still upload the occasional editorial, as long as it meets my Standards Of Cool, and bits and bobs here and there as I see fit. Sound good? Ok, endless bisous. Bon weekend!

GIRL OF MY DREAMS

2011-11-23T10:24:00.000-05:00

From a brief portrait session with Chelsea.

COSMEOS HERBAL BEAUTY

2011-11-22T10:26:00.000-05:00

My friend Audrey recently launched her own cosmetics line and asked me if I might have any interest in trying it out. I don’t know about y'all, but a friend of mine launching a beauty line they want me to test is an ultimate fantasy, right up there with guest designing a shoe for Opening Ceremony and Hugh Jackman.

The line, Cosmeos Herbal, is entirely handmade by Audrey here in Charlottesville. Born of Audrey’s studies of herbology and traditional medicines, the product range currently includes herbal facial grains, an organic herbal pillow and lip balm. I’ve been looking for a no-frills facial mask and the herbal facial grains, which can be used as a spot treatment, wash, or mask proved just the ticket. The grains come in two variations, stored in cute little apothecary jars – I got the green clay-based version for normal to oily skin, considering my pores are currently under congressional review as America’s next best oil reserve.

I applied the mask the other night, something that I'm sure will get easier with time as this was my first attempt at using a mask of any sort. I went to mix a teaspoon of the grains with water, per the label’s instructions, but did so in the palm of my hand. Rookie mistake – grains poofed everywhere before I could get them to form anything resembling a paste. I tried again, this time mixing them with water in a little bowl – evolution! The clay and oats formed a satisfyingly green mask that diminished redness – we’ll see after a few uses how effective it is against my T-zone troubles, but I’m guessing the mix of organic calendula, raw almonds and peppermint essential oil will be a welcome ally in the fight against unnecessary shine.

In addition to the grains I’ve been wearing the peppermint lip balm (luscious) and trying to find sweet dreams with the organic herbal pillow, which I pop in the freezer before use - it's wonderful!

Interested? Visit Cosmeos Herbal’s Etsy shop

or stop by Boutique Boutique on the downtown mall to see the products in person!

Herbal Facial Grains $8

Organic Herbal Pillow $12

Lip Balm $3

DRESS ME UP, DRESSING GOWN

2011-11-21T10:30:00.000-05:00

Remember a few months ago when I found that vintage dressing gown at Low and blogged all about how I’d be wearing it at my bookparty? And then didn’t because I thought I looked like Count Chocula? Well, Ifinally found a way to incorporate it into an ensemble without bringing to mindvampires that sell cereal! Layered underneath my tweedy sportcoat it looks likejust a scarf, no? Which I suppose detracts a bit from the unbridled Hefner-esqueawesomeness that is a vintage dressing gown you’ve had cut into a lightweightbelted sweater-jacket, but such is life. It still adds enough drama (look atthat collar!) to sustain the additional intensity of my jangly jungle-piratenecklace.

Then, of course, we have some feisty below thewrist action going on. Not only am I wearing my new House of Harlow art-decotire print knuckle-duster AND my butter London blagger nail polish, I’ve bedecked my thumbnail with an iPod bling cross.Which is sort of gross, considering I put that bling on my iPod over a yearago, but each bead had just enough sticky residue left over that I couldstabilize it on my nail and lay some topcoat down for the win. It wasn’t theworld’s most artful process, nor its prettiest, but it worked! And the effectis just so budget Lacroix it works.

My beloved photographer Fareine is unable to contribute to *fruitpunch for the next couple of weeks thanks to school, of all things, so let's send her endless kisses and hope she does exceedingly well so she can get back to the things in life that really matter.

Sportcoat – from China (just says, “St. Lauren”)

Dressing Gown – Garfinckle’s from Low Vintage

Necklace – Beijing 3.1 Shopping Mall

Shirt – American Apparel

Bag – Croquis

DEAR INTERNET No. 11

2011-11-18T10:19:00.000-05:00

Feelin' kinda blue (in a good way) with my link loves this week...

1) I recently picked up a letterman's jacket that's a bit oversized and much sportier than anything else I own. I'm working on ways to incorporate it into my day-to-day...we all have our struggles. Dude on bike in Paris, by Maya.

2) I'm dreaming of a sun-drenched Christmas. Now that, as of last night, temperatures have officially dropped (it's like puberty for the weather!){think about it} I'm feeling a deep (and rather immediate, huh?) yearning to be wherever this is. Photo by Monica Sanchez, found by Miss Moss - who, for the record, is just about the best Flickr user maybe ever. I have no idea how she searches around that site so productively, but I can't - so here's a link to some of her other awesome finds.

3) I've honestly no idea where I found this, but not only is the bag cute, the typeface is super-cute, too!

4) This house has been spread around the web like a bad case of the sniffles at your local Montessori school (what did you think I was going to say?) However, I think it's awesome, so I'm including just a taste of it here. The artwork is great and I love that chair.

5) This song is pretty.
Happy weekend!

DAPPER'S IN THE DETAILS

2011-11-16T13:49:00.000-05:00

For menswear traditionalists pursuing the moderndandy vibe, these are the details that really cinch it – the tartan tie contrastingthe mini-check shirt against the neutral sweater under the cord blazer with,bon appétit, a paisley pocket square for the K.O.

Another great detail I just thought of that you could try? Line your jacket with a crazy/fancy fabric. Idid this with just the sleeves of a Zara blazer last year; here are the steps:find a fabric you like (I used a ladies’ American Indian-esque print teesh,also from Zara), then take it to your tailor and say, “Please do this for me,thank you.” Voila! Or if you're feeling non-traditional and you want a special hidden detail all to yourself, you could...paint your toenails! (Make little faces on thebig toes; really indulge, like you’ve taken yourself to a spa for fifthgraders) (Oh man, that could be a weird thing, no? Don’t take yourself to spasfor fifth graders, what are you doing there!? Get out!)
We'll stick to the traditional details for now.

Shirt – American Apparel

Tie – Uniqlo

Sweater – Ralph Lauren

Sportcoat – A.P.C.

Pocket Square – Vintage

THE SOLOIST

2011-11-16T10:05:00.000-05:00

Former Number (N)ine designer Takahiro Miyashita's new collection for his line, The Soloist.

I have to admit, part of what I like about thestyling here (and I’m sure the designer and all the cool boys would kill me forsaying this), but it reminds me a little bit of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen at the peak oftheir boho/grunge phase. There’s an artful piecey-ness to the looks here, right? It's a master-class in layering! Well, I've done it, I've said my crazy bit so throw me to the ultra-hip Japanese menswear wolves. They have wolves, right? I bet they do.

You can see more of the lookbook here.

A FRIEND IN WEAVE IS A FRIEND INDEED

2011-11-15T13:20:00.000-05:00

What's funny is that when I met Claibourne she really did have in weave! And I had on my blonde wig - it was Halloween. There's nothing more rewarding than a relationship founded on fake hair, so of course I have quite the post to bring you from my visit to Claibourne's apartment. Located in an old factory building, the space has high ceilings, a Jetsons-esque kitchen and a skylight over the shower. I stopped by to have my real hair did and to take some pictures. I was going to try to make this more about my hairstyling session, but the best pics are of the apartment so I'll let that be the focus (probably for the better considering the narrative potential of a men's haircut: it was short! and now it's shorter!)

This is Clovis the cat, right before he bites me. Joke! Clovis didn't bite me, although he was a bit ornery (if you couldn't tell).

The place had a very retro-bunker vibe that I just loved, not to mention how much I relished the lack of standard salonage - peeping through back issues of People Style Watch next to someone's 11-year-old and making small talk about shampoo. Stay tuned to the blog this week to check out the cut in action and I'll be sure to let you in on any particularly intriguing future hairvelopments - there was talk of dramatic color! (Speaking of which, no, I have not tried the dip-dye color I blogged about last month, je suis too poulet.)

Besitos~

BIJOUX BOX

2011-11-14T12:00:00.000-05:00

Artifacts is carrying the most amazing jewel-tonedglass boxes right now. Handcrafted in France, they’re absolutely perfect forstoring jewelry, as I’ve done here, or anything you own that’s pretty anddeserves to be looked at through a box. And they’re not just for the ladies! (And me.) Your manfriends can enjoy these too – suggest them for:

1) Storing baseball cards

2) Saving prize badges from hotdog eating contests

3) Collecting nickels every time he farts and callsit a “joke”

See! Dudes can totally use pretty glass boxes, too.

Decorative glass box at Artifacts

$40, in turquoise and violet

Phone orders welcome!

434-295-9500

IN LIVING COLOR

2011-11-12T01:02:00.001-05:00

Some lazy Sunday inspo...

Photographer Kevin Tachman just relaunched his website, Backstage At, chronicling the behind-the-scenes world of fashion shows. I eagerly clicked through all of the slideshows and pulled a few favored scenes. Personally, backstage photos are often some of my favorite fashion photos. I love seeing firsthand the art and artifice behind it all. The photos also shed a light on what most fascinates me about fashion, the transformation...often from lanky Russian skateboarder into one of an airbrushed dandy army. The backstage magic lends a little romance to what might otherwise seem a loss, as each model becomes the proverbial blank canvas. But it gives the rest of us a little inspiration too, no?

all photos Kevin Tachman

BOYS DON'T MAKE PASSES AT GIRLS

2011-11-10T13:03:00.004-05:00

What’s that you say - they do? Oh, right. The more you know…

I'm thinking about getting some new glasses and Alexa Chung is my framespiration. I want them to be a bit boxier and I'm loving the idea of a two-toned pair à la Lucy Chadwick. My goal is to appear fashion-forward, but cerebral. (I'm a scientist!)

EASY DOES IT

2011-11-09T13:09:00.000-05:00

Oo la, here I am with my bag in a parking lot, but all of the cars have gone so it seems a bit like I've wondered onto the set of a zombie movie. Sexy!

Hasn't the weather been wonderful this week? I'm relishing light layers while it lasts. This sweater is a Fall staple - J.Crew cashmere cardigan in heather gray - an absolute must. Wait for them to go on sale and then pounce. The cords are my True Religions, eek, I know, so five years ago! It's like a time portal post, but what can I say, I love them, regardless of the fact that Fergie rapped about them in 'My Humps'. It's ok. Plus, they're some of the widest-leg pants I have and we know how I'm feeling about wide-leg pants right now. The bag I picked up in Florence. I don't use it as much as I should because it doesn't fit my laptop, but I do love it tucked under my arm.

My new Low Luv by Erin Wasson ring (the super chunky one) is phenomenal, but I got it stuck on my finger for three days and have a blister from taking it off. Lesson learned; knuckle-shaving appointment scheduled. (Joke!) Next to that I've got my Cheap Monday Hawk ring worn upside-down on my...what is that, my "top knuckle"? Well, there it is, that's all I know. Hope you're enjoying this warm weather spell~

pictures by le phenomenal Fareine Benz of Fahrenheit Photography.

FALL WINTER FEELING

2011-11-07T10:36:00.000-05:00

There are only a few more weekends of the farmer's market left, I can't leave my house without a jacket and I've taken my moth-eaten sweaters to the tailor to be darned so that I can effectively layer - we're headed into winter, people! As such, I have accordingly eschewed flowers in favor ofexotic grasses and am trying to make some of my more recent interior inspirations a reality.

Taking a cue from the And George photo Iposted a few weeks back, I picked up some hurricane glass and a pillar candle toredo my “living room” tablescape. In the awkward corner right behind my door I tied some gifted reeds together with twine and placed them in a discarded planter I found in my yard. (This is the third object I've found out there, dusted off, and brought inside - the unexpected perks of renting.) I love the earthiness of the red clay and the fact that it sort of looks like a little tree, but it won't die when I forget about it! To echo the shape and aesthetic vibe of the reeds, I put flax leaves in my "dining room" table vase - their height is intriguing, but I have to admit I'd stil prefer a bouquet...*tristesse*. Also of note: my new tablecloth, hand block-printed in India. So gorgeous! I thought I needed a 60" round, but this is a 55" square and the way the corners drape off the ends of the table is pretty elegant, if I do say so myself.

Still on my to-do list: seasonally appropriatepillows and a throw. I hoped to switch out my bright Tree of Life curtains with something heavier in velvet, but everything velvet in my price range is oogly. How are you transitioning your space this season?

In this post, all from Artifacts

295-9500

DEAR INTERNET No. 10

2011-11-07T10:25:00.002-05:00

Things I found and loved on the internet last week, but was too lazy to post about until now...

1) Street Style from Buenos Aires by On The Corner. I'm totally obsessed - the city couldn't seem cooler!

2) Photography by Cass Bird. Bird is a lady gay whose work has a nonchalant strength and often an undercurrent of sexy aggression. Check out her site here and her Tumblr here.

3) An awesome ring selection from my new favorite e-window shopping site, Culture Label. I swear the ring obsession is almost out of my system. Almost. I'll post other things that exist in the world sometime soon.

4) Zen interior from Handcrafted Modern.

5) Pitchfork had an article on K-Pop that was a bit fascinating, and this song has been stuck in my head on repeat for a week now. And the video - so much weave! The weave!

FINGER LICKIN' GOOD

2011-11-03T11:58:00.003-04:00

Loving right now...two new additions and two oldies but goodies. These are literally from the opposite ends of the world, but they work so wonderfully together. Can I get a kumbaya?

from left to right: House of Harlow 1960, Cheap Monday, stacked rings stylist's own, triangle ring I love so much that I recently re-found in my dirty laundry bin.

STYLE SNAPSHOTS

2011-11-03T11:31:00.000-04:00

1) My Halloween nail art! It’s still onthere now, because I’m too lazy to remove it. My “Nightmare Before Christmas”nail art!

2) Seeing as it’s officially layering seasononce again, all of my blazers are back in full rotation. I like to jazz ‘em upwith pins, like this floral number, or pocket squares. Once I pair an accentpiece with a certain jacket it becomes a permanent fixture, because I’m toolazy to switch this kind of stuff out and how many decorative lapel pins doesa man encounter on the average shopping trip, anyway?

3) Reading party! Barnes & Noble had thelatest issue of Vogue Hommes International in stock, natch, and Vogue’sinterview with David Fincher and Rooney Mara couldn’t have been boring afterseeing the trailer for The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo – I haven’t beenintrigued by an action movie since I was seventeen, but this one’s got mefeeling like a boy at a skateboard party, or whatever it is they’re into.

4) It’s Lacroix, darling! No, literally.Vintage Christian Lacroix cuff from Vintage Vixen.

5) I had to get a picture of this up justbecause I wear it so infrequently despite my burning love for it. Silk scarf byMeilleur Ami.

6) I love finding cute places and despitethe fifteen minute wait for my Gyoza dumplings and Lemongrass ginger soup, Irecommend Now & Zen for a laidback lunch stop – Fornasetti-inlaid tablesand artfully distressed interior? Yes, please!

MILES AWAY

2011-11-02T13:04:00.000-04:00

As in, that’s how far away you can see me in these pants (even without Photoshop!) I know the trend right now is to colorblock in neon, but I just don’t have the wardrobe for it. I’m lucky to even have these red jeans, otherwise I’d be total fashion roadkill and have to take the Gaultier veil and live in a shunnery. Today's look mixes the red jeans with the navy coat with the teal in the socks – that’s important, wearing loafers instead of oxfords so you get that extra little unexpected pop of color at your ankles – and the checks of the shirt picked up in the checks in the sunglasses contrasting with the monogrammed scarf…it’s not too much, no? I tried to accessorize “delicately” with my new Malababa ring and, well, a giant lion head pendant, but I didn’t get a great picture of them. You’ll have to take my word for it!

Isn’t the coat so classic? I got it back from the tailor just days ago and this is it’s first season out – oh my gosh, my coat’s a debutante! You may now request it at society functions and call on it, if so inclined.

Coat – Banana Republic

Shirt – American Apparel

Jeans – H&M

Socks – Happy Socks

Loafers – Low Vintage

Muffler – Vintage Fendi

Ring – Malababa

ACCENTED MINIMALISM

2011-11-01T09:49:00.001-04:00

Styled by Kate Lanphear, of course. I love the kinda funky hair and the almost athletic simplicity of the clothes accented by some more delicate jewelry than I feel like we've seen in awhile. It's an especially potent combination in that first picture with the Adidas - a bit neo-Sporty Spice, no? I'm shooting an outfit this week that will hopefully speak to the restrained elegance of this shoot as well as the exuberance of the Vogue editorial I posted the other week. Find out what happens when these two worlds collide...only on *fruitpunch!

photos by Daniel King for Elle November 2011.

GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES

2011-10-31T11:05:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween!

This could be an easy way to try thebleached-blonde thing without the follicle damage, no? (You’d be shocked by thenumber of people who thought this was my real hair. [Three.])

MY FAVORITE PART OF HALLOWEEN...

2011-10-31T09:24:00.000-04:00

…was finally putting this dish fromAnthropologie to good use! (I lost my “gay card” over the weekend when I failed to recognize a friendwas dressed up as Lady Gaga, so I had to do this post about decorative ceramicsto get it back...)

Sorry there hasn’t been so much love forinteriors on le blog lately - I feel like nothing particularly interesting isgoing on with my apartment. Plus, all of the corners that get enough light to bephotographed well have been photographed! I’ll try to be more cognizant of thelittle things that might be interesting and worth sharing...

HALLOWEENSPIRATION

2011-10-28T17:54:00.004-04:00

Halloween is not my holiday, regardless of what you may have learned about the gays and Halloween from various TV shows ("It's like gay Christmas!" >_< Parks & Recreation). Picking out a costume is way too trying on my patience, period. All I know for sure right now is that a blonde wig is in my possession and I am not going as Marilyn Monroe. Enter some inspiration-board-age - I'm thinking either Kurt Cobain if Kurt Cobain had been the type to date Winona Ryder in 1990 or Aughties Ashley Olsen. Grungy, punky, a little bit confused. It'll be all right.

THE ARTIST'S STUDIO

2011-10-27T11:10:00.001-04:00

A few months ago I shot my friend Beate's home just for fun. I had a new photography project in mind, but as it turns out, balancing a 9-5 and too much ambition = overload. These photos of her studio have been languishing on my laptop since then, waiting for their moment in the sun. Wonderful, no? If I could change anything about living in a studio, I would add on another studio where I could create. What a dream!

Artist's studios are particularly compelling spaces because of the contrast they present to the average viewer, since most of us work in offices. It's like, "Why do I sit in a cubicle? Why don't I use my hands? Why can't my space look like this?" I immediately think of Google's offices, because their employees must spend umpteen hours a day staring at a screen, yet they've tapped into a creative energy that keeps the work from stagnating. Don't you think any office could do well to foster that kind of creative freedom? I love finding the ones that do since they're usually putting out the most interesting products.

Speaking of artist's studios, I stumbled across designer Lotta Jansdotter's new book the other week and was thrilled to see something comparable to my beloved Editions de Paris. Published earlier this year, Open Studios with Lotta Jansdotter profiles different artist's spaces in an unassuming manner that makes you feel like finding the creative meaning behind your own jumbled living space. Fore more photos you can visit Anne Sage's post about the book here, and Lotta Jansdotter's professional website here. If your interest is piqued, be sure to pick up your copy locally at O'Suzannah!

YOU CAN FIND ME OUT THERE

2011-10-25T11:14:00.002-04:00

My friend Chelsea is a poet, apparently as much behind the camera as when she's holding a pen. By day a projectionist at Vinegar Hill, Chelsea shot most/all of these with a disposable camera, but sometimes uses a Holga. Many thanks to her for letting me pull these from her Facebook albums!

all photos C.C. Harlan (Oo, new nom de plume, Chels?)

FANTASTIC SEÑOR FOX

2011-10-24T11:43:00.002-04:00

Suit - A.P.C.

Shirt - Banana Republic via Ike's

Shoes - Lotusse

Belt - Vintage Vixen

Ring - Ten Thousand Villages

And here it is, the last in my "brown & black" series (of sorts). I've had this A.P.C. corduroy suit for about three years, but what you are witnessing with these pictures is my first time wearing it as a whole! I mean, brown corduroy suit? The first thing that comes to mind is that episode of SATC where Miranda finds a brown corduroy suit in Steve's closet and barfs and then her heads starts spinning and then the priest...oh, wait. So maybe that's The Exorcist-ish. Either way, the brown cord suit was a no go in my book until I saw Fantastic Mr. Fox, Wes Anderson's stop-motion feature starring woodland creatures with a better sense of style than moi. But if you click through the link you'll see that Mr. Fox's suit is double breasted - so fancy! I had to put my boho (read: lazy) spin on it. Enter my oversized Banana Republic black linen shirt, thrifted from Ike's Underground. I feel like a high school art teacher when wearing it - in a good way! The accessories enliven the mix and the overall effect, I hope, isn't, "Oh God, this guy owns a brown corduroy suit?"

photos by the fantastic Fareine Benz (available for weddings, bat mitzvahs and everything in between!)

PATTERN + COLOR + TEXTURE

2011-10-23T15:02:00.000-04:00

I am flipping my scheiße for the styling here, not to mention color, color, color! Apparently Vogue is doing online-only editorials now? And I love the idea - this is a promising beginning. If you know of any menswear edits styled this with this much wham and whimsy, please link to them in the comments. I'd looove to see them...

photos by Justin Hollar via Vogue.com

FRESHLY SQUEEZED

2011-10-23T14:46:00.000-04:00

Bonjooour! Fruitpunch had a little freshening-up this weekend, so be sure you're viewing it outside a reader for the full effect. I had a much more elaborate look in mind, but I'm designing all the different jpegs in Powerpoint because my copy of Illustrator deleted itself. So...the other idea didn't come to fruition so much. I'm still happy with this rather on-the-fly revision and hope you like it too! It's maybe, how do you say...un poco more masculine and a tad more retro with a touch more in-your-face-ness. Tweaks may be happening here and there, so please to forgive any weird/random misplaced buttons/text.

vintage advert via Flickr.

DEAR INTERNET No. 9

2011-10-21T09:54:00.000-04:00

Finds from around the interweb...

1) A wonderful fall wardrobe concoction from Landon Ford of Paper Magazine. C'est parfait, no? The proportions are just SO RIGHT. And those shoes! And those bracelets! Oh and yeah, that deep-scooping teesh. He doesn't have my chest beard to really make it pop, but he's keeping the dream alive. Kudos to you, good sir.

2) Topshop Unique nails as seen on 5 inch and up. Dalmation print? Stop it. Dying.

3) Piombo scarves from Barneys. The whole line is pretty fantastic, and I also fell hard for some of their belts, but these beauties are number one in my book. Some details about the line can be found at downeast and out.

4) I've been worrying, as we head into winter, what could add pizzazz to my flowerless coffee table. The solution? Gorgeous hurricane glass and a giant candle; an inspiring tableau via And George.
5) St. Vincent is playing in Charlottesville next weekend! I honestly don't think I like the album enough to see her in concert (I know I'm so unhip), but this song and Cruel have been stuck in my head all week.

STYLE SNAPSHOTS

2011-10-19T14:52:00.000-04:00

from left to right, top to bottom…

1) I finally succumbed to the temptation of the“arm party.” I rooted through my jewelry box and found an assortment ofbracelets that I think work well together, including my jangly pirate coinbracelet of which a friend once said, “that’ll be nice for your girlfriend.”

2) I went to Richmond for the first time this pastweekend – apparently it’s more than just where the big mall is! We went out forbrunch on Sunday morning to Kuba Kuba where I enjoyed café con leche and eggsand toast and avocado. C’est bon.

3) This…is a flower. Maybe there being only one isa metaphor for winter coming on? Or...pretty!

4) A most wonderful bike in a most wonderful color.

5) Busted out my Hermès pocket square the otherday…but then it turned out to be too hot for a jacket. What is this weather, October?

6) My new ring! Malababa from Need Supply Co. I amcompletely obsessed with it and was getting a bit out of control on theirjewelry display. I might have been straddling it at one point, but it’s ok!Because this baby has reignited my passion for jewelry, which had been lyingdormant seeing as piling it on isn’t practical for work. Well, slap my ass andshower me with diamonds, because I fU*KiNg LoVe JeWelRY – practicality bedamned!

NIKES X DENIM

2011-10-19T10:50:00.000-04:00

Mi amigo Coogan started his own denim line, Handsome Man Jeans, and I've been shooting them for his Official Brand promotion(z). He makes every pair by hand from locally-sourced selvage denim and can even customize the back-pocket designs for ya. (Maybe I can finally get a pair of pants that has "Ass Butt" scrawled across the back!)

The model this time around was customer Sebastian, whose Nikes I quite liked and so I took half the pictures of them. They just looked so awesome with the jeans! I'm still kind of in awe that Coogan actually handmade these suckers - this pair may look a little weird in the pics because the denim is inside out, whoa. For more information, check out the link to his blog above, or email him at coogan[dot]brennan[at]gmail[dot]com!