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Archive for January, 2009


Wardrobery: 01/28/09

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January 30, 2009


Shirt: Joyce Leslie, Tunic: e.a.p. (Japan), Harem Pants: Thrifted Doll’s House, Socks: Target, Shoes: Vintage Nine West, Watch: Bulova

Bit of a wonky week – both my parents were near comatose with the flu last weekend – it seems like everyone in South Jersey is being hit with a whammy of a stomach flu. I hunkered down and hoped for the best – I was a little off Monday, but so far, so good.

My eBay items have arrived! Displayed in these pics are those harem pants I featured in my previous post. I was rather worried about these – the listing had them in a size 12 (about twice my size), and the photo made me worry they were made of some creepy shiny fabric. In fact, after purchasing I began to wonder what exactly I was thinking when I weighed all these possible issues together. But upon arrival I was utterly stoked – they fit perfectly, and the fabric is a lightweight cotton that is not shiny at all. They also have these excellent velcro tabs at the ankle, so the width of the leg opening is adjustable – which opens all sorts of doors as to the kind of footwear I can wear with these. I think I just found myself a spring staple, folks. Just wave my crotch goodbye, and be done with it (bet you weren’t expecting to read THAT today).


Shirt: Joyce Leslie, Tunic: e.a.p. (Japan), Harem Pants: Thrifted Doll’s House, Socks: Target, Shoes: Vintage Nine West, Watch: Bulova

I have all sorts of incredibly naughty, wonderful things that have also come in, that I am eager to wear once this hideous ice melts. So next week should be interesting.

Yesterday was Fiance Kaboom’s birthday! He is 30! Ach! We had a quiet dinner eating obscenely good soul gourmet on Grove St., and then went to a vintage store where I bought him (us) a Rush vinyl. Because if there is one thing we love, it’s rock that is nerdy.

Happy Birthday sweetheart. You make every day a birthday.

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Inspiration Machine 27

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January 29, 2009


Clockwise from left: supernab, Dona.Elga, Kate Doodles, floridapfe

1. Read a book about how to manage your personal finances. I am currently reading Suze Orman’s “Women & Money” – I am only on the third chapter, and am already inspired to make the most of my finances!

2. Get to Zero. We are literally INUNDATED with information on a daily basis. By taking control of your inbox, you take control of what takes up your attention, ultimately earning back precious time to create awesome stuff.

3. Write a list of 10 people you care about greatly. Ask yourself when the last time was you told them how much they meant to you? If it’s been a while, reach out and let them know. And no, it can’t wait until tomorrow.

4. If you could name your own species of butterfly, what would you call it? What would it look like?

5. Make and share friendship bread.

6. Display your shoes like pieces of art around your home.

7. Wear a racer-backed tank backwards over a regular tank, a la Battlestar Galactica.

8. Get in the habit of sporting a toothpick.

9. Make “Dress Up Mix-tapes”: compilations of songs that evoke different moods, and will consequently change the way you dress up when you listen to them.

10. Decorate blank books with collages of their favorite things, and present them to your friends to write their memoirs in. Write “So-and-So’s Memoir” on them in shiny gold ink.

What is inspiring you today?

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Django Fandango

Filed Under: Fash-Luv, Runway by Cyn Passanante — Leave a comment
January 28, 2009

Have any of you heard of Project Catwalk? Apparently it’s the Dutch solution to Project Runway. And Django Steenbakker is apparently their Leanimal, or at least that’s the comparison I am drawing as I want to lick both of their clothes.

Unfortunately, I can find surprisingly little about this guy, but o, do I like looking at his recent collection. They are these loose silhouettes packed with little surprises, and remind me of uncovering presents under sheets or something exquisite like that.

For instance, I love how he can take something as cozy as a pair of sweatpants, and just by adding some tiny adjustments (a drawstring, a raised waist) create this wonderful new animal, that is so posh and swank but not trying terribly hard. Also, note that jacket: yes, it uses cut-outs, feathers (chiffon?) AND plexi, and somehow instead of the obvious hot mess I would assume would be the result of all those things used together, they become this wonderful piece that just seems to jump through different time periods. O hells yes.

There is so much fun and excitement in these pieces, tempered with taste and a concern for the casual that keeps them from becoming too bonkers.

Also, tell me this isn’t just the cutest baby-faced designer you have ever seen. I want to pinch his cheeks…

See Django’s full collection here.

And a great review of his first show by Madame Mode here.

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Alexander McQueen for Target

Filed Under: Fash-Luv by Cyn Passanante — Leave a comment
January 27, 2009


Courtesy of Nylonmag.com

I am sure many of you have heard the news that Alexander McQueen has joined the ranks of Comme des Garcons, Stella McCartney, and Karl Lagerfeld, and is officially designing a line for Target. Upon hearing this, I promptly swooned in anticipation, and began planning my strategy of circumnavigating every shop carrying the collection in a 50 mile radius of Jersey City. I began fantasizing of a summer wearing gold embroidered peacocks, military coats, and Napoleonic-themed sun dresses.

Then I saw the preview. And then I frowned.


Courtesy of Nylonmag.com

Ok, don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of really great basics in this collection. There are some extremely nice jackets and cardigans, whose pieces have a very intelligent, angular and minimal cuts. There are a few pieces I definitely want in my wardrobe: specifically, the one-armed tank, the grey geometric dress. I will beat someone over the head for the grey motorcycle jacket. The grey platforms are the nicest shoes I have ever seen come out of Target. (Yes, I have a thing for grey).

BUT. But. This is ALEXANDER MCQUEEN. you know…


Courtesy of Style.com

And yes, I know it would be impossible for them to provide the level of embellishment and perfection as the runway piece, but I expected it to at least have some CUES from his standard fare. Even Comme des Garcons pieces for H&M had that quirky flair that made them feel like they were Kawakubo. There are certain cues I feel are undeniabley McQueen, them being:

- unique, multifaceted fabric patterns
- eccentric embellishment
- a sense of drama

All three of these are severely lacking in the Target pieces. And not one pair of interesting pants?


Courtesy of Nylonmag.com

I am disappointed. I think that even for a more conservative retail market, McQueen could have pushed the boundaries further in this collection. Instead, it feels like he almost forcibly contracted to become more desirable to a larger market, rather than simply being limited due to material and economic constraints. I would have liked to see at least one beautiful fabric pattern (I find the monochrome neon pink tribal and grey face-screens rather generic and dull), and a couple of pieces that held on to the eccentric sense of imagination that makes McQueen’s work so unique.

However, I feel that whenever a high-end designer embraces the retail end, it is a step in the right direction. Make sure you cue up early friends – this is sure to sell out quickly.

To see the whole preview, click here.

What do you think of the collection? Am I alone in this?

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Link Kaboom 9

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January 26, 2009


Shannon Taggert

White House Website: Before & After: There’s a new sheriff in town, and a website to go with him.

Michelle Obama’s Inaugurations Outfits: See the array of costumes worn by our new First Lady.

Louis CK: Everything’s Easy, Nobody is Happy: This synopsis of our present day state of mind had me rolling on the floor.

The 40 Best Albums of 2008: The year is gone, but we can still revel in some of the great music that it provided us.

45 Kick-Ass Creative Logos: Nothing makes me happier than a perty logo.

Stenographer’s Copy: Admit it: You’ve always wondered what the heck they were writing. Well, now you KNOW.

Bacon Explosion: HOLY MEAT. I am 300% sure you simply explode from a heart attack after eating this…thing.

Hallucinations: A profound little comic on dreaming.

And finally, if you love a simple, easy makeup routine, Mariena’s tutorials are easy to understand and follow. The fact that she is cute as a button helps too ;) This smoky eye tutorial is easy-peasy with great results…

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Wardrobery: 01/23/09

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January 23, 2009


cashmere sweater: Boltons, NY, lion belt: thrifted, pants: eBay, boots: Bamboo, watch: Bulova, bracelet: Nepalese hand-carved skulls

I have a new boyfriend. It is these pants. Ours is a awkward love affair, I whisper them sweet nothings, they pleat. These are one of the pairs that I snatched up on eBay recently – I was worried they would border on ridiculous, but instead they are positively perfect, though a little thin for these chilly climes. I paired them with my no fail wool leggings, and I was good to go – December be damned!

Also, have I told you about my new grey cashmere sweater? I cannot stop wearing it. It is light as a feather, and warm as a parka. Cashmere, I get it now. I forgive you for being annoying to wash.


cashmere sweater: Boltons, NY, lion belt: thrifted, pants: eBay, boots: Bamboo, watch: Bulova, bracelet: Nepalese hand-carved skulls

My sweet sugar-muffin Gala linked to me again – if you are from her site, hello! Pull up a chair! Care for a scone? Here are a few articles you may find enjoyable:

A Little Music, Maestro… : My quasi-monthy mixtape

Throw it on, Take it for a Spin… : My experimentation in wardrobification, for better ot worse…

I Desire to Inspire… : with my weekly Inspiration Machine. Sure fire ideas to get you off your butt, and those creative juices flowing (just not on the carpet).

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Inspiration Machine 26

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January 22, 2009


Clockwise from left: Big Fat Rat, Ryan Brenizer, fofurasfelinas, AehoHikaruki

1. Dip-dye/Bleach a pair of cloth covered shoes.

2. Try to draw a sketch entirely with your less dominant hand.

3. Try dressing in black and white.

4. Next time you are out with friends, bring a camera. Look through it constantly. Eventually, your friends will stop noticing or reacting to the camera, and you will be able to take some of the best, most personal pictures of them you ever have before.

4. Refine your Daily Routine.

5. Try to wear a completely different hair style every day for one week.

6. Decide to break a bad habit. Get a small notebook, and record your progress breaking this habit for one year. At the end of the year, assess your success, and read back through the book to discover how far you have come.

7. Commit to yourself and your community to do one charitable act each month.

8. Purchase additional copies of your 5 favorite books, and give them as gifts to friends.

9. Keep a journal of small miracles.

10. Remind yourself that each day is a new opportunity to wow them all.

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Wardrobery: 01/21/09

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January 21, 2009


Shirt: H&M, Tunic: Thrifted Necessary Objects, Cardigan: Audrey&Grace, Jeans: Express, Boots: Thrifted, Stone Necklace: eBay, Watch: Bulova

I can’t even TELL you how cold it is today in New York. FRIGID. I swear to god, if I had not scored my sweet down-filled coat at a sample sale, this year would have been the year I turned into a Cyn-cicle. I am trying to optimize the freezing temps by layering as much as I can.

Have some fun stuff planned for this evening: dinner at Red Bamboo, followed by catching Mike Bibiglia’s new comedy show. O, the laughing will be copious and grand.


Shirt: H&M, Tunic: Thrifted Necessary Objects, Cardigan: Audrey&Grace, Jeans: Express, Boots: Thrifted, Stone Necklace: eBay, Watch: Bulova

Let’s hear it for our new President!!
What are you up to?

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In Memoriam: Rich Mansfield

Filed Under: Me-ness by Cyn Passanante — Leave a comment
January 20, 2009


The Muttscomics.com Team, Left to Right: Elena Nazarro, Allyson Murphy, Richard Mansfield, Karen O’Connell, Me

I received news today that my former boss and friend, Richard Mansfield, passed away this weekend. Rich was just an amazing guy – the kind of person who you could just tell really tried to live each day to the fullest. I first met Rich over five years ago: I was a kid fresh out of design school, and he decided to take a chance on me and hired me as a designer. My time working with Rich and everyone at PRI/Muttscomics.com was by far the greatest experience someone starting in the field could hope for: an exciting, fun environment to work in, full of amazing people; and Rich the hub of that wheel. He was an honest, funny, kind man, who would go out of his way for others, who had enormous love for his family, friends and peers. I feel honored to have been able to know him.

You can read Rich’s articles here.

So long, Rich. I hope you are hanging out somewhere listening to Bob Dylan, with Jerry Garcia and Babe Ruth, watching a gorgeous sunrise.

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Wardrobery: 01/14/09

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January 20, 2009


sweatshirt: altered thrift, undershirt: joyce leslie, jeans: express, socks: joyce leslie, kitten heels: some bargain discount shop, can’t remember…


sweatshirt: altered thrift, undershirt: joyce leslie, jeans: express, socks: joyce leslie, kitten heels: some bargain discount shop, can’t remember…

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