Sister Act: To Die For vs. DIY

The Inspiration: TDF (to die for) DANNIJO statement necklaces that will have every head turning when you enter the room:



The Outcome: My own version of these beautifully juxtaposed pieces of mixed metals--oxidized silver, gold, and gunmetal--and colorful elements--dyed beads, roping, and crystals galore:


Gunmetal, silver, and rose gold chains, large crystals, coral beads, and pearls entangled to an ultimate equilibrium, and consequently, my new favorite piece.

Since the summer I cannot seem to get my mind off of DanniJo Jewelry. Originated and hand created by familial duo Danielle and Jodie Snyder, DanniJo falls amongst a wide range of design ascetic, ultimately housing the perfect mate for every girl. I have found favorites in each of their four collections--Cult, Americana, Rock, and Grace--and am nearly peeing my pants in anticipation for their fifth collection: Boho. With Gypset style always on the brain, I cannot even fathom what pieces they will dazzle us with next. Fortunately, for the holidays this year I was gifted with a gorgeous Edith Crystal Locket Necklace (as styled in my previous post), but am left wanting more (or should I say, everything). However, the price tag doesn't come cheap and I just can't seem to convince myself that $700+ is feasible to spend on a necklace right now. So I thought, what better way to get the statement piece I want at the price I want it than by making it myself? Off I went to Michael's Arts & Crafts to conjure up the perfect fraternal twin; after a few hours, blood, sweat, tears, and $100, I came out with my own twist on a DanniJo style staple. A post soon to come where I am actually wearing it so you can all see what it looks like on! But, no time for that now, as I'm leaving for school in the morning and still need to do mountains of laundry, find the mates for all of my miscellaneous shoes around the house, and pack EVERYTHING. I hope it all fits in the car. Off to D.C.!

xo,

Sarah Bee

New Year, Same Obsession: Stella McCartney Damask Curved Wedge Boots

Zara Vest, Anthropologie wool beret, DanniJo Locket, Cousin Johnny cashmere sweater, American Apparel Circle Scarf, Forever 21 shorts, black tights, Stella McCartney Damask Curved Wedge Boots, Vintage rings and bracelet, Scoop NYC watch.

Detoxing myself from last week's "bag lady chic" I decided to bring around one of my favorite (faux)fur pieces: the Zara vest. At a score for just under $100, this Zara faux fur vest has become quite the staple in my wardrobe. I've been obsessing over it since we first met in early December (yes, I'm aware I just personified a vest, but it's like my new best friend.) Pairing it with my possibly favorite purchases from '09, these Stella boots with an insane 5+inch dark wooden wedge, I'm back in my own element.

xx

Bee

Stepping out with Sarah

Some shoes that have been collecting dust in my closet and thus are in DIRE need of wear next week:


1. Elizabeth & James Faux Snake-Skin Leather Boots
2. Alexander McQueen Sculptured Wedge
3. Marni Bronze Wooden Platforms
4. Stella McCartney Damask Curved Wedge Boots
5. Givency Open Toe Buckle Suede Black Booties

Since returning from some R&R in Barbados this past week, I haven't been doing much, but lounging around and running errands. The literal poster-child for "crazy bag lady chic," copious amounts of (grocery & drugstore) shopping bags in tow, I am stuck in suburban tundra dreaming of my white silk harem pants and coral Jimmy Choo strappy heels. My wardrobe, upon return to the States, has consisted solely of black boots with high wool socks, black leggings, three scarves ringing my neck, leather gloves and my vintage lamb's wool coat. But enough with the sulking and Ugg-thumping around the house, for tomorrow is a fresh week; with most of my friends returning from their vacation spots as well, we'll definitely be out around town and in the city catching up, a myriad of prime opportunities to sport these seemingly long lost kicks. I think tonight I'll do some tights shopping; I'm on the look-out for a great pair of charcoal grey wool tights to wear with my Marni platforms and I think I'm going to bring out some patterned tights as well for those open toe Givenchy booties. Pictures of my outfits soon to come, so stay tuned!

xo,
Bee

So many, many reasons it's so MMM MMM good.

Collection Archive: Maison Martin Margiela

1. A/W '05 Jacket made from wigs, 2. A/W '08 "Compressed Paper Jacket" 3. S/S '06 multi-textile skirt 4. S/S '06 deep V floor dress 5. A/W '07 vintage lace cocktail dress draped blazer 6. F/W '07 pieces of fur handmade pullover 7. S/S '08 "Elastic Jacket" 8. A/W '07 thigh high leather boots made of various high heels and sandals 9. A/W '06 bow-tie dress 10. A/W '06 coat made of fur collars of other coats 11. S/S '07 hand painted silk scarves dress 12. S/S '09 "Hair-Comb Short Dress" 13. S/S '09 "Plastic Fur Jacket" 14. S/S '08 "Fox Stole in Party Paper Balls"

Mesmerizing us for over 20 years, more than 40 shows, and (thankfully) introducing hundreds of garments, Maison Martin Margiela continues to serve as an inspiration in art, fashion, and culture. One of my favorite designers, his constant reinterpretations and reincarnations of everyday textiles and pieces always leave me wanting more. Although he boasts many collections including his namesake, but also MMM 0, 1, 10, 11, 22, and 4, I am completely smitten with his Maison Martin Margiela 0 collection, which features "garments remodeled by hand for women." From an A/W '06 dress composed entirely of bow-ties to "Fox Stole Composed of Party Paper Balls" from his S/S '08 collection, each piece is entirely handmade. The tedious craftsmanship takes anywhere from 10 to 60+ hours, but they seem to be well worth the time; I've literally been conjuring the perfect outfits for these babies in my mind all day. Oh the things I would do for that fur pullover, I'd be my second skin, my right hand man or the hand painted vintage silk scarves gown, it looks like it's dripping off her figure. I've found some of these killer arcHIVE pieces from MMM0 on www.yoox.com, but they're frankly out of my price range, le sigh; DIYing my own plastic bag couture gown seems to have an ABC (anything but clothes) party undertone, sigh, again. On search for the perfect MMM booties, I'm thinking something yellow?! Will let you know of my progress.

xo,

Bee

The Bee All, End All.

Just a few of my every-day go-to inspirations. Being back home on break has turned my bedroom into a very large closet: a reincarnation of late 60's & early 70's vintage haute couture, countless wool, silk, cashmere, and knit scarves protruding from miscellaneous crevices, accessories overflowing from awkward shelving space, a mountain of sweaters enveloping the love-seat, and shoes camping out under the depths of my bed. SOS: In dire need of organization/or a retreat back to school where I can return everything to order, whichever comes first. For now, clippings reminiscent my so-called life.

1. Vintage Vogue Cover ft. Bianca Jagger. I love her BEEcause: her marriage to Mick Jagger (le sigh), Jetsetting in the late 70's and early 80's, Studio 54, Human Rights Advocate

2. Always envious of Margot Tenenbaum's TDF Birken, short white satin gloves, and lux fur coat.

3. I'm head over heels for Yves Saint Laurent's timeless pieces: black turban, lace-back sweater, and marigold balloon sleeved taffeta gown to name a few

4. Rachel Zoe, my role model. (Plus have you seen her tactless style warehouse/mecca/showroom, my ideal haute spot)We're connected through more than just our undying love of fashion (and everything glamor). Fact: We grew up in the same town, attended the same high school, and I now attend her alumni. Following footsteps, I can dream right?

5. Always hung up on Stefano Pilati, "La robe tablier, c'est le pic erotique de mon defile."

6. Intricate lace detailed heels, so delicate, beeyond gorgeous. I would wear these in my sleep.

7. Happiness on every page: The World of Coco Chanel: Friends, Fashion, Fame.

8. Ahh oui, Chanel #5, my aura, poison of choice.

9. Margherita Missoni, heir to Missoni royalty, glamor, fashion, beauty oh my. It oozes from her pores.

10. A lot a Prada. A girl can never have too much. I'm always obsessing over chunky wooden bangles, gem-tones, and headpieces. Bringing statement pieces to a whole new level.

11. MK & A. Their ever evolving style from Bohemian Rhapsody to Biker Chic, to a back track somewhere in between, more refined. Those sunglasses are calling my name. JBKO gone 70's chic with 80's grunge hair: perfection.

Waiting and counting down the hours til NYE preparations begin. This could mean vintage sequins. Watch out.

xo,

Sarah Bee.

Bee Glamorous, Bee Stylish

I took to the blogging world over the summer to chronicle my daily stylings, perspectives, and passions. After halting my short-lived blogging career/procrastination tool/filtration device upon my return to school in the fall, I have since had second thoughts and consequently have been fighting a daily battle to start up again. Thus, my New Year's Resolution: to share my perspective with the world be it day to day style staples, unique finds, fresh faces, or new experiences. I wanted/needed/aspired to invoke a new place to share with those who crave the fast-paced world of wearable art, like me. Love it or hate it, so Bee it.

Bee Glamorous, Bee Stylish.

xo, SB