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NOUVEAU

Hey everyone!

Due to the craziness of junior year, doing involved posts is "malheureusement" going to be very difficult this year.

But of course I want to stay in touch! I'm in the process of creating a Twitter page where I can do short-form style blogging! I'll post the link as soon as it's all ready.

Au revoir!

J'adore l'art et la mode

Glamorous - Fergie

(Source: roycroftdesign)

What a lovely day it was in downtown Providence, Rhode Island. Aside from the intermittent rain showers and the sketchy people that roam the streets uttering strange comments as you pass, I really did enjoy myself today. After a morning of French, my class took a trip to the museum at the Rhode Island School of Design to check out the works of some world-renowned French artists (as well as things that do not pertain to French culture whatsoever...yes, I'm talking about you, Big Buddha). My absolute favorite painting that I saw today was definitely one of a few elegantly dressed people strolling about the gardens in Paris. The colors were stunning...pastel pinks, greens, blues; just beautiful. I think I may have been born a century or two too late; I am truly, madly, and deeply in love with vintage everything.

The gorgeous impressionist paintings I saw, while exquisite, were not even the highlight of the afternoon. It was like heaven sent directly to me. A collection of magnificent vintage cocktail attire left me drooling for more, more, and more vintage fashion. After walking into a room adorned with paintings and photographs of glamourously dressed adults, and even equipped with a rolling clip from the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's, I was greeted by a huge room filled with marvelous cocktail dresses and gorgeous jewels. Oscar, Halston, Lilly Pulitzer and more could all be accounted for. Some of my favorite dresses, however, were the knee-length fringy flapper dresses from the 20s. It was so nice to get my fill of fashion while I'm not in NYC!

(Source: Lolalina)

Il pleut BEAUCOUP maintenant, so I think tonight might be a good night to stay in and finish up a project that I have to present tomorrow. #funfunfunfun! Stay glamorous!

Je parle français!

Bonjour! Parlez vous français? Une peu?

As you may have previously gathered, I would definitely consider myself a francophile, so it only seems natural that I am currently enrolled in a French conversation class! I'm having the time of my life here at Brown University. I've met some really awesome people, and let's just say that my French has improved markedly since I first arrived here a little over two weeks ago. I guess learning it once a week on the side with your Italian teacher isn't really the kind of exposure that one needs to learn a language.

With only ten days remaining, I hope to be able to at least carry on a conversation in French, especially since there is a chance (although I am not sure how likely it is) that I will be taking a short trip to Paris next month! Ugh, J'ADORE PARIS!

Even if I don't end up going to Paris, I will still have the pleasure of traveling to London, England! Would that be "très bizarre" if I were to feign a British accent there? I guess I'll just have to be as convincing as possible (shouldn't be too hard...Harry Potter hype is inundating my brain)!

Well, I better study up if I want to be fluent! Au revoir, mon ami!

And please enjoy my new favorite French rapper, Stromae (not that I know of too many other French rappers)!

a hint of summer

Wow, what a gorgeous day it is in the Big Apple suburbs! So, I felt like being a little bit sentimental. This is the symbolic spring burial of the Rachel Zoe fur vest. See you next winter (if you're still in style).

Anyway, AP World History testing is OVER. You know what that means? The end of the year is approaching faster and faster! Unfortunately, I still have to take the Regents exam in June...I'm just praying that I don't forget all of the useless information that I crammed into my brain just days before the AP.

Enough about school, I am absolutely elated about my plans for the summer, despite how long it actually took me to make up my mind about what I wanted to do. I've gotten in touch with a bunch of people that are going to be at the Summer@Brown program with me, and I can't wait to meet all of them!

It's a little bit scary how much stuff I have to get done before then, though. Recently, I've been working on the June issue of my school newspaper. Let me tell you, it is tough! The layout program that we have to use seems so complicated, but I'm sure I'll get the hang of it eventually. But all of the blood, sweat, and tears that go into it surely is worth it! I'm having so much fun working on the newspaper and meeting new people.

I'm also finally starting to build my summer wardrobe! I'm SO not used to this after seven years at sleepaway camp when all I wore were Soffe shorts, Hanes V-necks, and Nike Dunks. I can actually dress like a normal human being this summer, instead of some sort of wannabe athletic type. Pictures to come, I haven't exactly gotten a chance to try anything on yet.

Well, back to work! Stay in vogue!

I feel like my life is going at high speed, so I thought this song seemed appropriate.

rebirth

Hello, spring! And more importantly, hello SIXTEEN. I feel like my life is moving full speed ahead with no stop signs or parking breaks. Come to think of it, it's kind of similar to the way that I actually drive. Just kidding (well, I would still advise you to stay off the roads)!

Now, where did we leave off? Scratch that, this is the New Going Vogue. I'll fill you in on all the stuff that I've been up to lately.

A couple of weeks ago, I applied for an editor position for the arts and entertainment section of my school newspaper. I just found out the results this past week, and I am proud to announce that I got the position! I am super excited to contribute to my already successful school newspaper. I also cannot wait to keep up my very own fashion column! I've been thinking about possible future careers for myself, and I was thinking how truly awesome it would be to meld fashion and journalism together. Now THAT would be ideal.

In addition to my infatuation with writing and style, surely you all are familiar with my being, well, a bit of a francophile. I recently got accepted into the Summer @ Brown program for French! I'll be spending four weeks there learning all there is to know about French language and culture, and I couldn't be more ecstatic. I bet I'll meet some really cool people up there, too.

In the midst of all this excitement, I do still have AP exams and finals to get through before summer. It's approaching faster than I think, so I should probably get on that. Stay stylish!

Sincerely,
The New Going Vogue

P.S. - Please enjoy my new musical obsession, The Album Leaf.

Under Construction

Hey everyone! So so so sorry for the lack of posts again! But this time, I actually have a reason.

My blog's one-year anniversary is coming up (April 24), and I want to make up for not posting all the time. So, I'll be re-inventing it! In what way? That's for you to find out. It should hopefully be all thought up within the next couple of weeks, so be sure to keep checking back! Love you all!

...It's looking like the posts will resume starting the weekend of April 30! I can't wait to get back in the swing of things!

2011 Academy Awards

The Oscar fashions were incredible this year to say the least. Not to mention the fact that, FINALLY, a Project Runway contestant (Christian Siriano, namely) was able to actually make an Oscar statement in the fashion industry for himself. So happy I saw one of his gowns being worn. It's unfortunate that most of those contestants have to slip under the radar after all of those agonizing weeks of laborious sewing, stitching, glueing, pinning, you know, those tedious tasks that some people, such as myself, are not meticulous enough to perform.

Okay, let's switch into Oscar mode. I really have to say, the only person that I really had a problem with was Cate Blanchett in Givenchy (I didn't even bother putting up a picture). I get it. People like it because it's "a walking piece of art" or whatever B.S. is buzzing around. I'm all for the artistic and unique look, but believe it or not, I thought her dress contradicted that whole artsy thing she was probably going for. I felt as if a portrait of some 19th century voyager had originally been there, got unbearably restless, and decided to just up and leave, abandoning Cate with an empty circle in the middle of her chest. Or, more simply, it looked like someone blew a hole through the top half of her dress. So, as you may have gathered, I would not say that I particularly enjoyed seeing her in a gown like this.

For the most part, however, the fashions were great, and I'm really digging the sheer fabrics, reds, and nudes that we were seeing so much of. Mila Kunis looked absolutely stunning in her sheer, lacy, lavander Elie Saab gown. And the hair, makeup, and jewelry only added to her gorgeous ensemble.

(Photo Courtesy CBS News)

Mandy Moore was one of my absolute favorites. Cascading sequins, sheerness, nude color...what more can you possibly ask for!?

(Photo Courtesy CBS News)

Halle Berry's gown had some pretty similar qualities to Mandy Moore's, except it was maybe a little more Disney princess-y and fairytale-like. WHIMSICAL.

(Photo Courtesy VOGUE)

What is it with those famous pregnant women who always manage to look awesome!? I'm not even a huge Natalie Portman fan, but this color is seriously amazing on her.

(Photo Courtesy VOGUE)

There is no way in hell that I could ever hate anything that Anne Hathaway wears, so this dress represents all of the gowns she wore last night. That woman is always fabulous (thanks Rachel Zoe!).

PRABAL GURUNG FALL '11

(Photo Courtesy VOGUE)

Let me just say that fall is never an excuse for drab colors when it comes to Prabal. Lots of bright reds and pinks, and I absolutely fell in love with these cut out black tights that he had, OMG. Must find a knockoff pair for myself, this is urgent. He really is the master of color. I also loved his sequin work; it was all very innovative and, well, just super pretty. So yeah, congratulations Prabal Gurung! Stay glamorous (not that anyone is worried about that)!

Wayne Fall '11

Hardcore Grecian edginess. Yes, I know. It sounds confusing. Let me explain.

Wayne's Fall '11 collection was a mixture of leather and drapery; an interesting, and very severe, juxtaposition if you ask me. But while just hearing those two words put together in a sentence sounds, well, unusual, it was actually very cool the way some of the outfits were executed. Overall, however, I prefered the leather looks over the drapery. The leather looked chic, edgy, and put together, while the drapery sometimes looked haphazard and shapeless.

Wayne also had these ankle-length red silk skirts that I did not care for at all. Honestly, it just looked like a piece of fabric was pinned around the models' waist. The one thing I will say is that the color was bold, which I did really like. There was a pair of pants that seemed to be done in that fabric with that same color, maybe in an attempt to make them look like a different spin on a red leather pant. THAT was really awesome, and I loved the graphic tee and the cardigan that went with it.

Not only that, but there were a lot of unique silhouettes that I haven't seen before on the runway. That's partially why I enjoyed the collection so much; it was different. And I love when designers experiment, even if the outcome isn't always the greatest.

fashion week is...TOMORROW!?

I am in complete and utter astonishment...was it not just NYFW like, last week? Nonetheless, that time of year has rolled around again! I'm already booked up with shows I'm attending...well, attending at the comfort of my own home...I guess there's no way to make that seem better than actually being there. Unfortunately, school is in session at pretty inconvenient hours, so that makes seeing all of the shows live pretty difficult (especially OSCAR!). Can't wait to see what the designers have in store for next fall (not that I'm rushing fall or anything, I'm still waiting for this spring to finally start after this terrible winter)!

never too early

Aspiring magazine editor. I know it seems ridiculously early to start thinking about spring, but what the hey! I wrote this article for my school newspaper which finally came out yesterday!

That January chill has settled it, and the chunky knits and legwarmers show no sign of receding to the back of the closet. Nevertheless, those winter layers will eventually be shed. Retailers and trendsetters have not even begun to say goodbye to plaids and hello to vivid colors, but designers have already created new and unique styles. They have even found ways to reinterpret looks that have long been out of fashion. On the runway this season, it was no secret that the trends of spring 2011 would be anything but boring. From wild animal prints to subdued minimalist silhouettes, there are enough trends this season to whet the appetite of even the pickiest of fashionistas.

With ‘70s flair back and better than ever before, long, flouncy skirts, bell-bottomed pants, and funky sunglasses are proving to be a huge hit among the bohemian chic crowd. Always the risk taker, Marc Jacobs experimented with floppy, brimmed hats and wide-leg trousers in vibrant and unconventional colors. Fendi also showed some fantastic and fun pieces, featuring a bright purple jumpsuit with bold red heels and ultra-hip sunglasses. To translate these crazy ensembles into more everyday ready-to-wear outfits, try using unexpected color combinations. With her views on this particular trend, sophomore Sydney Sullivan says, “I love a bold look because it’s really fun to play around with loud colors and interesting prints.” Beware though, as there is a fine line between chic and just plain insane. Keep a color combination more subtle and less crazy by mixing and matching different colored accessories.

Marc Jacobs SS '11 (source: Getty Images)

For the girly, feminine crowd, the use of lace has been revamped and rejuvenated. New styles are both flirty and fun, and avoiding the matronly look has never been simpler. Fitted silhouettes have been designed to flatter body types of all sizes. Dolce and Gabbana has completely redone the lace look with the use of very tailored and modern shapes. While the modern look is fabulous, Karl Lagerfeld, creative director of Chanel, has kept lace classic, using a combination of both black and white fabrics to keep the look more traditional. A loose fitting lace dress or top with a long, sparkly necklace is an easy way to look young and flirty without the hassle. “Lace is definitely my favorite trend of the upcoming season,” says sophomore Chelsea Campanile. “It’s a beautiful, simple, and chic way to get a cute, girly look.”

Chanel SS '11 (source: NY Mag)

Not really all that girly? Designers have taken a whole other spin on edgy, adding hardcore, punk rock vibes to their collections. Leather, studs, and frayed edges are just a few of the ways designers creatively and effectively executed their punk styles. Balenciaga leaned towards a more androgynous look, using men’s silhouettes and shapes, and Balmain remained hardcore punk with shredded tank tops and heavily studded leather jackets. These particular styles come off a bit severe, especially as featured on the runways. By incorporating minimal amounts of these punk elements into an outfit, such as a pair of boots embellished with a few studs or a plain black leather jacket, it is simple to look edgy and cool without looking scary and goth.

While these styles may appeal to various tastes, one of the best ways for everyone to get into the groove of spring is to start throwing on those bright colors. But, of course, with the new season, there must be a new and innovative way to change the way colors are used. A style that is becoming increasingly prominent in the fashion world is called color blocking, which incorporates vivid colors into modern, geometric shapes that allow for a clean, minimalistic silhouette. Crazy silhouettes are rendered useless here, as the colors and patterns are bold enough to stand on their own. Color blocking was executed to perfection in Prabal Gurung’s spring collection. The colors that were used were refreshing, classy, and interesting, and jewelry was not at all necessary for the completion of any of the garments. A styling tip: be sure to not to go overboard with accessories when dealing with brightly colored outfits.

Prabal Gurung SS '11 (source: Style.com)

With all of these new trends circulating the fashion industry, there exists a style for every person. No need for pretending to be something that someone is not. Even though it might seem far off, spring shopping sprees are just around the corner. Remember to keep an eye out for all of the latest spring styles, and more importantly, don’t be afraid to have fun with fashion!

winter wonderland

I cannot believe all the snow that we've been getting lately. Can't complain though, it's a snow day! Anyone else in the same situation!? With any luck, I'll probably end up sitting in front of the fireplace with a nice, hot cup of tea and homework *sigh* (that sentence sort of contradicts itself). It's gotta get done sometime I guess. Well, if you do plan on venturing out into the frigid cold, here's a little winter inspiration! I took these three photos this past weekend while I was in the city, and I made the inspiration board on Polyvore. Stay warm!

pops of color on a dreary day

Life in Technicolor ii - Coldplay

For those who received some snow over the weekend...this'll satisfy your craving for color! Couldn't help but pull my camera out for this picture...I hope she can see where she's going.

happy new year to all!

Glass of Water - Coldplay

More like EIGHT glasses of water. Let's see how long this New Year's resolution keeps up for.

Ralph Lauren scarf, pale pink...incredibly warm and cozy. Thank you Grandma.

Happy New Year everyone! Anyone have any inspiring resolutions that I could potentially add onto my already lengthy (and I mean very lengthy) list of them? I actually don't really have a list...I sort of just think of them as each day moves forward.

Me (in the morning): Ooh! Let's try going to the gym every day!

Me (on the elliptical): Let's burn at least X amount of calories every day!

Me (post-elliptical, whilst hyperventilating): Let's drink not one, not two, not three, but EIGHT glasses of water a day! Despite the fact that it isn't always convenient to be rushing to the bathroom once every fifteen minutes...but WHO CARES!? It's 2011!

Can't wait to see how many more resolutions that I can come up with...and if I can manage to keep all of them.

AGAIN, HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!