Trend de la Crème Weekend Reads

Mr. Imelda (looking so dapper with your rimmed glasses and tennies) -- how do you do it? (Photo: ifbu)

WTF Friday: Fashionable Face Canopy?

Can somebody puleeeeze tell me what the inspiration for this hat/shirt was?

A model takes to the catwalk during a show entitled 'Fashion Fiesta 2008 by Hong Kong Apparel Society' on the second day of the Hong Kong Fashion Week for Spring/Summer 2009.





Currently Obsessed With: Origami Pleats

Over-the-top origami-inspired looks have been showing their teeth since Spring '07 (and will continue well into 2009). But I've developed more of a taste for origami pleats, a subtler approach to these fashionable folds. (Don't get me wrong, I love origami. I just don't want to look like origami.)







Origami Top at topshop.com

Eyeful of Eiffel

Eiffel Tower Heel by Patrick Cox

Kiki de Montparnasse Eiffel Tower Panty at kikidemontparnasse.com

Rachel Leigh Eiffel Necklace at couturecandy.com

Eiffel Tower Cowl Neck Top and Dress by Pretty Raccoon @ etsy


Dreaming of Paris Pillowcase Set at urbanoutfitters.com


Champ-de-Mars Skirt at anthropologie.com

Paris Wings Necklace at givesimple.com


Is The Apron Bringing Sexy Back?

I have often wondered what it is about a woman in an apron that turns a man on. Perhaps it's the fact that we appear to be domestic goddesses ready to cater to their every need? [Insert 'Oedipus complex' here] Or perhaps it's that we're seconds away from working up a sweat, hell bent on stinking up the place. Ladies, believe it or not, it is probably none of the above.

The "French Maid" style of servant’s dress evolved from typical maids’ black and white afternoon uniforms of the nineteenth century. Because these maids were typically young, subservient, and off limits, a longing for them by the men of the house quickly ensued. Eventually, men began asking their significant others to play dress up, the aprons got shorter and frillier, and apron cosplay took on a life of it's own.

Another more recent apron fetish, "Hadaka apron," refers to an individual, typically a woman, wearing an apron over their otherwise nude or minimally clothed body. The popularity of this fetish originated from a segment of the late night Japanese television show Gilgamesh Night, in which actress Yuki Hitomi would cook while wearing only an apron. (Of course, there is also the PVC apron fetish which requires little explanation. See through plastic, easy to clean -- use your imagination.)

Interestingly, a myriad of subtle "apron inspired" lingerie pieces have been popping up outside of the fetish circles. Not exactly "playing dress up," but definitely intended to push a few naughty buttons with the apron as the focal point of each piece. (Ah, what the heck. I'll wear one if it gets me OUT of cleaning the house!)




Apron Babydoll Set at doxylingerie.com







For those of you who can't seem to get enough of aprons, be sure to check out The Apronista. (Sorry, no panties. Just lots and lots of really interesting aprons!)

Necessary Accessories: Fringe Benefits




Morningstar Fringe Necklace at urbanoutfitters.com


Currently Obsessed With: Storm Troopers

Apparently, the once unlovable stormtrooper is coming into favor. (For those of you who don't follow the white helmet wearing duo Red and Johnny, I suggest you do so.) And you thought Darth Vader was the only sexy one in the bunch. Ha!


Shoe by Liam Fahy, winner of the first Fashion Fringe Shoe initiative

Mudflap Storm Trooper by Darth Nugget

Storm Trooper Skirt by Siobhan Clothing @ etsy

Designer Nicolas Ghesquiere for Balenciaga

Reppo II Boombox Backpack by Joonas Saaranen

Pink Team Storm Trooper by Toby Stanger