Mr. Cunningham's Eye on...

Bill Cunningham, the original street style photographer who has worked for the New York Times for as long as anyone can remember, now does very irreverent and pitch-perfect video montages of his photos of stylish citizens of New York for the publication, and are one of my favorite things to watch one the Times website. I came across two great videos which seem to have captured my visual sense of style today in two very distinct ways for me: the ultra-feminine and perhaps the last bastion of gender-specific clothing, the Dress, makes its big appearance (again) at NY Fashion Week, AND, the direct influence of menswear/womenswear towards androgynous dressing, or, in my opinion, "dressing for You".

Enjoy these great video montages and the wonderful commentary of Mr. Cunningham:
"Fashion Week: Fantasy or Reality?"
The influence of menswear on womenswear, or is it the other way around? I think we have really reached the apex of "dressing for You". Look at how interchangeable it really truly is nowadays: men carry handbags/purses and wear color, and women are re-drawn to tailoring and wearing brogues better than ever.

"Zip It"
The return of the dress, in a big way, has not only transcended the runways but the closets of women everywhere. The "one-piece" does what it does without any other aplomb. It is stylishly simple and complete and the smartest move to make now.

-fggofstyle

Video: 100 Years of Style in 100 Seconds

Check out this great video from the UK to promote the opening of Westfield's new shopping center coming to East London on September 13, which takes us through 100 Years of style in fashion, music, and dance in about 100 seconds. This just puts a smile on my face as its a combination of a few of my favorite things: fashion and dance!
Enjoy!
-fggofstyle
(video via youtube.com/westfield stratford)

Coachella--Fashion's Spring Carnival

Kirsten Dunst and Alexander Skaarsgard at Coachella
(photo via fashionindie.com)

Has the annual Spring music festival become a carnival of sorts for Spring fashion? It's been a few years now that the fun music event held annually in Palm Springs has garnered a look here and there from the fashion eyes but I truly believe this year it has come to a culmination. Perhaps because more celebs and more musical artists are participating and/or attending Coachella, the style barometer has risen on what and who is wearing (or barely wearing) to the event. Take a look at two of my favorite slideshows of the sartorial selections from this year's Coachella and see if you can see the trends and what we will all most likely be wearing this summer. As the fashion radar focuses in more and more on Coachella, the event may just be the trend forecasting of our collective summer wardrobes, pasties and all...

Slideshow: See What Kanye West, Dita Von Teese, Kate Bosworth, and Other Famous People Sweated In at Coachella This Weekend -- The Cut

Coachella 2011 Street Style -- FashionIndie

Enjoy!
-fggofstyle

Print-tastic

It takes a lot of bravery and gusto to wear a mash up of prints all at once. This is a bravery that I do not have in my personal style but one I can totally appreciate for its value and gosh darn it fashion gusto. I love the result of mixing prints and doing it full stop. Why I have not been able to pull it off my self is a tiny mystery but one that I'm sure boils down to my organized and meticulous desire for perfection (an obscured feat in reality). Yet here I am wishing I can mix prints with abandon. Ah!! There's the rub; do it with abandon! Or, just adhere to guidelines and learn how to make it look like it is done with abandon. I came across this extraordinary article in the New York Times and it has given me hope. Now, let's hope when I attempt to wear a print-tastic mash up, it comes out with full abandon...

-feelgoodguru

(photo credit: David Roemer/New York Times)

Loving Friends: Commuter Guy

I spotted these two guys recently in the Sunset Strip area. They caught my attention because: the guy on the left was wearing the coolest vintage moccasin boots (I've always wanted a pair of these but wasn't sure how I'd pull them off) with his decidedly "LA Rocker look", the guy on the right's very 90's colored denim (and in my accent color of late, red), and most importantly, because they were so attentive and involved in their conversation and (under the blue denim jacket in their lap) they were holding hands. It struck me to be sweet and private, yet bold and public. It was definitely heartwarming and it put a smile on my face...
-fgg

Commuter Chic: Red Riding Hood

Little lovely red riding hoodie! This hip indie chick was spotted in Silverlake, and she caught my fashion eye because of 1) the fingerless gloves which I just love for the "edge" it gives (and you have to have the edge in the first place to rock 'em), 2) her red hoodie sweater which is simple and casual but she gives it an edge, and 3) she is meditating: edgy and grounded! Totes tickled by it!

-fgg

Commuter Guy (3) Young Prof: West Hollywood

I snapped this young professional guy in West Hollywood. I love his jacket, and his longer lengthed hair. He definitely works in entertainment or film, but this is LA, so he could be your financial advisor...
-fgg

Paint Strokes: Los Feliz

I just love her belted top, with all of the various colors. Her look is definitely indie-chic, very much Los Feliz.

-fgg

Legz: Urth Caffe

Welcome 2 LA, where its always sunny, always 72 degrees!
-fgg

Commuter Chic (4)

I spotted this lovely denim clad woman in Pasadena wearing the cutest outfit. She had on all denim, which normally, is a NO. Worn in matching hues (dark indigo) and as a cohesive look (jacket/pants) it totally works here. It is also full of whimsy: a retro-vintage outfit of cropped straight leg jeans and a mid length trench style jacket, it speaks 60's flair. It also has individual denim flowers sewn all over both pant and jacket. So cute!
-fgg

Wholy Holy

Spotted this young girl in Walgreens and was a tiny bit charmed by how she ingeniously crafter her "dot" look: polka/cheetah dot top paired with shredded "dot" leggings. Cute, 'cause she's 14. Not cute 'cause she's 14. U can't stop style at any rate or any age.

-fgg

Motorcycle Diary: Commuter Guy (2)

Hot bike. Hot guy. Hot way 2 commute! He's got the whole look down.
-fgg

Commuter Chic (3)

This young stylish girl in Beverly Hills caught my fashion eye because I love her fitted plaid blazer ( a new item obsession of mine as of late) and her retro clear tote bag. I also just adore her cropped black pants paired with simple ballet flats.

-fgg

Mall Rats

These three girls stopped and posed for my picture taker while cruising around Glendale Galleria on assignment. Love the Burberry cape on the left, and the vintage gold button jacket on the right (her Mom's no doubt). And yes, the chain straps on the purses are from Chanel bags (again, Mom's no doubt). Only in Glendale! Thanks ladies-stay the fierce youthquake fashionistas that you are!!
-fgg

Glendale GaGa in a Lush Life

It is always a real treat to go into one of my favorite beauty brand stores and check out the latest goodies to be had. It is even better when you get to have a real laugh while you are getting your "shop" on.
This afternoon I stopped in to Lush ( http://www.lushusa.com ) to pick up a few holiday bath bombs for myself. I didn't expect to get the laugh of the week as well. Check it:
Salesperson: O-M-G! You're in a very Gaga outfit! She'd wear something like it!"
Me: "oh, um, thanks. I had to leave my poker face at home"
Salesperson : "you have to sometimes.."
Me: (smile)
I wasn't wearing anything I'd remotely describe as "Lady Gaga".
I was in black denim Current Elliot leggings, red Theory long sleeve tee shirt worn under a TwentyTwelve Sienna Miller Union Jack print tunic, a camel J Crew cashmere shrunken blazer, and black leather Prada boots (see pic).
Everything was simple and fun. Nothing theatrical, high drama, presentational. I was wearing pants (ok leggings). I had on no headgear. There was no burning piano anywhere in sight (see other pic by Mario Sorrenti from the book "Another Fashion Book", which is decidedly "Gaga" and something she would definitely wear).
The only thing Gaga about it was my bold style, exuberance, and undeniable fey-ness. I was in fact in LA urban suburbia better known as Glendale. At the "normal" mall, The Galleria. Buying bath products from an equally fey urban compatriot. It was an acknowledgement of our fierce individuality and stance against non-conformity.
It is the laugh of the week.

Its nice to know that no matter where you go, as long as you be yourself, and feel good and look good in style, you spread laughter and joy.
Now THAT'S good!

-feelgoodguru

Commuter Chic (2)

Another stylish young woman, this time spotted in my neighborhood commuting to Silverlake. I adore the entire look: fitted black leather jacket, full short ivory skirt, black tights, and vintage strappy wedge sandals. Her small handbag (not shown) complimented the color of her shoes but was just as unique and vintage inspired. She also worn vintage style eyeglasses that complimented her great hairstyle. Totes loves that her jacket collar is popped as well!

-fgg

Commuter Guy

UPDATE: 12/23/2009

I had a nice meet and greet and a pleasant chat with my second entry and first guy in the "Commuter" series on a recent trip into Beverly Hills. I had the pleasure to meet Jeremy and snap this new pic. He is wearing a more business/professional look. I like how he is in dark charcoal but opted to inject color by choosing a burgundy shirt and topping it off with a great neutral ivory coat. Again, proving his keen style and sense and personality. Take a peek.
It was my pleasure to meet you, and here is to seeing you again very soon!
-fgg

The second entry in my "Commuter" series is this very stylish guy I have seen a few times. He is always in something distinctly his own but is always classic. He tends to favor more "prep" looks but I have seen him don a full suit as well. Today he is definitely more casually dressed. I love his sneakers today: vintage Adidas! He is very smartly appointed as well, donning some of the best sunglasses I have seen around! He always catches my fashion eye beause he is keen on dressing in a way that expresses who he is, adds just a enough of a whim of trendiness and hipster cred, and always wears clothing that fits his frame and build and that is comfortable. He wears it well! I will try and snap another pic of him in another look very soon, so keep your eye out for it. Enjoy!
-fgg

Commuter Chic

Only in an urban city can you spot real, living fashion in movement.
I spotted this very chic young woman today on the Rapid bus in Los Angeles. I absolutely love the pop color (and collar) of her leather jacket, her accessories (bangles galore), shredded denim, and her high ponytail.
Check her chic out and enjoy!!
-feelgoodguru