Crackhouse Blues

Okay children, this is why Stam is one of the best models working today, and why "Jennifer" will forever be known J.Lo.

Somehow You've Red-Rovered the Gestapo Circling My Heart

"Revelation," an editorial in this month's W, shot by Mario Sorrenti and styled by Alex White, hauntingly displays poppy, body-conscious, vivid clothes in a creepy, horror movie way. The combination of shiny lipstick red Lanvin pumps and electric blue Donna Karan bodysuits with shadows and cracked floors is startling. It's like The Grudge, Barney's-style.
See more at style.com.

Down for So Long

Oh man. These new advertisements featuring Natalia V for Calvin Klein underwear are smoldering. They're effortless, beautiful, and modern, and they really make me want to buy the lingerie. Natalia looks so amazing that I just couldn't help but post about these. See more at the "Natalia's Room" website.

Dismissed

Oh Kate, whatever will we do with you? When Pete Doherty is the one helping you from falling out of the window, you know it's gotten pretty bad.

Photo cred: pop sugar

Mis-shapes, Mistakes, Misfits

Whether it's the crisp lines of a Jil Sander shirt, or the conical heel of a Lanvin shoe, the essence of good design often seems to be geometry and structure. The awareness of space, lines, and shapes in a garment or accessory give it intelligence and a certain beauty. Crisp, clean, ruler-made lines are everywhere this spring. My favorite geometric pieces of the moment...
Dior's linear wedge is simultaneously graceful and strong (available at eluxury.com).

The triangular stitching of Marc Jacobs' patchwork Stam purse adds interest and a fresh tilt to a once-hackneyed bag.

Proenza Schouler's impeccable pleating and lines create a gorgeous shape that's both modern and body-conscious.

The colorblocking, concept of negative space, and clean lines of this Miu Miu outfit render it striking and clean.

The 3-D shape and sharp edges of Lena Wald's pyramid earring are unexpected and slick.

(I Believe In) Travellin' Light

I've been on holiday for the past week and a half or so, and unfortunately, my brand new, super-cool, old-school, funky-fresh Marc by Marc suitcase is stuck somewhere between Munich and Los Angeles. It should be here eventually, but really, my life is in that suitcase. It pains me to think of possibly losing my Sigerson Morrison flats, my Notify cords, my vintage cashmere sweaters, my Eberjay lingerie, my Marc by Marc loafers! I'm managing, but it's very hard. This is the cost of traveling in style. You want to look good on vacation, so you pack good clothes, but then you risk losing them in the hysteria that is baggage checking. But travel in style I must, so there's really no other option. And if you want to travel in style, you need good luggage. I simply wuv my Marc by Marc (which I will definitely take pictures of when it returns to me), but I'd go crazy over...
Something from the Vuitton Epi leather collection. It's so posh and slick, while remaining relatively understated. Quiet luxury, one might say.

Bottega Veneta's travel line is in the same vein of unassuming and subtle chic. It's even less flashy than Vuitton, and to me, has a more exclusive feeling to it.
Vuitton's Damier collection is good too, but it seems like the sort of thing I'd paint designs all over to keep it from seeming too trashy or new money. Just imagine it DIY Stephen Sprouse style, with Of Montreal lyrics and cute little bunnies painted all over it. Nice.

I'd completely avoid the Monogram Vuitton series, because, well, I sincerely don't think I'm one of those people who could use it without evoking Jessica Simpson. I think you either have to be extremely polished and European-looking or very edgy in a CDG way to work it. Maybe it'd look okay all beaten-up and weathered, but otherwise, this collection isn't for me.

Of course, we can't forget Goyard. Nothing screams "I have money and maybe some semblance of refinement!" quite like its chevron print canvas pieces.

Hermes is the ultimate in luggage, though. The quality and old money cool factor of the incredibly pricey French house is unparalleled.