MOMOKO MASHUPS

Pretty in Pucci

I am a big fan of photographer Juergen Teller, who is most notorious for his off-kilter and over-exposed flash photographs in Marc Jacob’s campaigns. This time Mariacarla Boscono is the itgirl for Emilio Pucci’s Fall 2008 ad campaign. And she’s perfect. The Italian model, known for her mod, swanky style, was the right choice for the label’s latest campaign, replacing Malgosia Bela in S/S 08. I’m thinking Pucci’s psychedelic prints are pulled off better by Mariacarlo. Her hair is a rich, luscious chocolate, her skin is rightly porcelain. And she’s not lost in those crazy-color extravagant maxi dresses, fur, head scarves–no dread of suffocation here! Her bouncy hair adds to the sense and style. A large cobalt bag with shimmery plum python and cube gladiator heels spells fun. And the backdrop is dramatic, fittingly Pucci, the marble, the statues, the piano–did I mention Pucci is Italian?

P.S. Psss…Pucci is currently looking at their design assistants to become the new Creative Director as Matthew Williamson has resigned to focus on his namesake business. I want to design for Pucci!

Super Sample Sales in LA

Often times friends and coworkers see the clothes I strut around the office or at MOCA events. And they ask how I buy the things I wear. A Mike and Chris s/s 07 metallic nylon jacket?!  Hmm?  Everyone knows my job doesn’t nearly pay as much as I would have wished for. So how do I keep my wardrobe updated? The secret is samples sales. I love them, and one of the perks of working in Downtown is that it’s only a hop, skip, and trot away from the Cooper Design Building, where most small to mid designers host their sample sales. With only an hour for lunch, I brave the Downtown foot traffic, yes to the other side of Grand Central Market by Broadway, in my Marc Jacobs square-toe pumps. The FIDM students add to the shopping frenzy, or should I say fiestiness! Anyhoo, Daily Candy LA published this weekend’s shopping guide and I say yes! to the following:

I’m eyeing these pieces. A powder blue mesh tank to go with black lame tights. Or a polka dot woven shirt for the unexpected intelligentsia geeky chic in me.  Both found at Rodan vs. Griffith on 3rd.

Happy shopping! 

Multidesigner Sample Sale
What: Annie Costello Brown leather accessories and clothing from Wren and Magda Berliner all priced $10-$200.
Why: Saleallujah!
When: Sat., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Rodan vs. Griffith, 8207 W. Third St., b/t La Jolla & Sweetzer Aves. (323-951-9220‎).

Lauren Moffatt Sample Sale
What: Samples and overstock going for up to 80 percent off retail (which put her darling summer dresses around $80).
Why: Little Miss Moffatt.
When: Fri., 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Cooper Building, 860 S. Los Angeles St., at Ninth St., ste. 533, Downtown. Cash only.

Happy LA One-Year Anniversary Sale
What: Up to half off spring and summer clothing from Mike & Chris, Raven Tailored, Genetic Denim, and more.
Why: C’mon get happy.
When: Thurs.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m.
Where: 542½ Palisades Dr., off W. Sunset Blvd., Pacific Palisades (310-459-5511).

The Man Shorts

I’m very much admiring the man shorts. I would like to think this was shot in Socal and so the J.CREW-like locales are an easy reach for me.  Here’s a glimpse of new england/nantucket island/east coast styles of the myriad of ways a man can wear his cut-off shorts.

(Clockwise from left: Cotton stretch jeans (cut to a seven-inch inseam), $68 at American Apparel; Levi’s 527 jeans, cut to a seven-inch inseam, $68 at levis.com; Striped cotton shorts (cut to a seven-inch inseam), $49.50 at Banana Republic; Steve Vintage plaid cotton cutoffs (cut to a six-inch inseam), $62 at Item in Provincetown; Obedient Sons khaki cutoffs (cut to a six-inch inseam), $128 at Item; Weathered sweat pants (cut to a five-inch inseam), $79.50 at Polo Ralph Lauren)

Photos: Dean Isidro for The New York Times

The boyf pulls off denim cut-offs very, very well. The key is lusty calves.

American Apparel on the cheap this Sunday–LA a la mode

And I was thinking today, LA couldn’t get anymore exciting, American Apparel decides to throw the annual Factory Flea Market this Sunday, July 27.  Of course AA is headquartered in LA’s garment district, and I usually go there to get my AA shirts and skirts for mucho cheap, for only $5 a piece on Friday afternoons until 4pm.  This Sunday, they’ve added a Sebastian Tellier live and DJ THEM JEANS on the tables all day until midnight.  Pretty much doesn’t Mark the Cobra Snake come free with the sleeze? 

Moving on it doesn’t get anymore rad-der (is that a word?) for AA merchandise for as low as a $buck! Plus there’s a custom-shoe booth by Tom’s shoes–I’m very curious about this. Will there be a cut-out sandal plus sneaker sole stiletto combination? I thinking i’m whetting my panties!!! Perhaps someday MOCA artists will on the AA roster. Yay for the California Select Vintage merch and juice for kids with arts and crafts.  I also hear a bbq slip-n-slide is in supreme order.

Me thinks this will be a very special fun Sunday! Time to stock up on lame tights, body con dresses, leotards, tri-blend tees, ruffle blouses and more. I know I won’t break the piggy bank.

American Apparel Factory, 7th St. & Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA

Vintage Baubbles in the BH

Other than in San Telmo, Argentina, I’ve found the perfect place to snatch up vintage jewels. Just think Pucci bangles, YSL chandelier earrings, Nina Ricci bracelets, and Chanel necklaces.  Or maybe you’re feeling theatric, then set your sights on the glamourous, showy but budget-friendly costume jewelry, belts, and clutches from Judith Leiber and Kenneth Jay Lane or vintage Lucite, Bakelite, and sterling baubles.

After amassing a sizable collection of vintage jewelry and clutches, Jill Garland decided to open a jewel shop in BH. V Vintage is by-appointment-only and they start at a $75, a very reasonable price to look glam without breaking my vintage bag! “Everything that I have is a reflection of me and what I would wear,” says Garland. “My inventory is always changing, because with vintage everything is one of a kind.” Pretty soon you’ll be addicted as the one-of-a-kind inventory’s always changing.
Find it here: V Vintage, 427 Canon Dr., Suite 216, Beverly Hills, (310) 279-6800.