District L

I woke up on Saturday morning with a surprising amount of energy and a [relatively] noble craving to partake in an artsy, wine-infused afternoon. What had intended to be a few hours of the Artlog Lower East Side Crawl, ended up being a short stint of narcissism on the New Museum rooftop followed by coloring and cocktails at The Bowery Diner.

Simultaneously sipping a Bloody Maria while melting her fourth and final crayon over a candle, Madisen confirmed our success, “Well, at least we’re doing art…”

Post Amanda LaMela

It turns out that the groundhogs were, once again, unsuccessful in determining the arrival of spring this year. Punxsutawney Phil was busy taking down his Christmas decorations and Staten Island Chuck didn’t show up because he partied too hard at Pacha last night and couldn’t find his “boys.”

So I spent this ambiguous Groundhog Day at the FFANY Shoe Show, resolving to assume the responsibility of shadow-casting. With a desire to slip my feet into a pair of unconventional solar-eclipsing wedges, I was relieved that such transitional footwear would stand to be more resilient – even during an indecisive spring.

Giuseppe Zanotti

Alejandro Ingelmo

Diego Dolcini

Emporio Armani

Post by Amanda LaMela

Curiously conquering the aftermaths of our eventful Saturday evenings, DL-and-friends met for Sunday brunch at Caliu.

“Perfect. Just small enough for us to get kicked out,” we mused aloud, as we descended upon the cozy West Village establishment in leather, fur, and last-night’s hair. We quickly began our bottomless mimosa session, sunglasses barely concealing our caustic glances at neighboring tables, and ordered enough Papas Bravas to soak up the afternoon.

Jenni Kayne

Rachel Zoe

Our second stop was the Tribeca Grand Hotel for serious coffee consumption, gold-flecked chocolate tarts, and… an afternoon nap. Yup, it’s all fun and games until someone passes out in The Lounge.

Thankfully, this Pre-Fall season was all about uncomplicated brunch-dressing – easy layering, oversized fur, and playfully grown-up accessories. And it’s okayyy… we’re not real adults yet.

No. 21

Post by Amanda LaMela

'Boho-techno,' a phrase one would probably use to describe Lemonade or Tanlines, has now become an emerging concept on Paris runways.

Damir Doma’s newest collection of wooden necklaces and chunky fur vests, titled "Bohemian Techno," still manages to reveal his futuristic leanings with some serious asymmetry. Like a cyborg with a fine arts degree and an affinity for unconventional travel, Doma’s Pre-Fall 2012 collection advances the trend of polished maverick.

Post by Amanda LaMela

There are few people in this world that you can depend on for style suggestions – everyone seems to have an opinion, a licensed clothing line, two t-shirt companies, and a personal style Tumblr. So when you find reliable friends that double as unfailing fashion informants, you pay close attention.

This week, I was introduced to MEI New York, an evocative new brand with a penchant for the past. Inspired by 19^th Century menswear and Christopher Payne’s redolent aesthetic, the design duo shares a similar philosophy with the aforementioned photographer – to preserve the vanishing quality and design of yesteryear.

With close attention to detail, the MEI New York F12 collection combines utilitarian with poise for a rich, enduring debut.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Purposefully shaking off this evening’s post-work fatigue, I found myself ascending to the top of The Standard Hotel for the latest INC Editor-at-Large launch.  New York stylist and Voguette veteran, Kate Young, celebrated her newest collaboration at Le Bain. On a stage constructed over the infamous whirlpool, models posed in sequin separates, polka dots, and tribal prints.

DJ Hannah Bronfman spun for an energetic crowd, a further reflection of Young’s devoted following. Guests socialized over champagne, 18 floors above cobblestone, while stealing an exclusive first glance at the INC Editor-at-Large S12 collection.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Reminiscent of Talitha Getty in the early years of her marriage to John Paul Getty Jr., Bouchra Jarra revealed a couture collection that was part-bohemian muse, part-heiress bride. Expertly tailored separates, brass military buttons, and rich fur trim indicated a privileged start, while faded prints in delirious fabrics hinted the escapist’s demise.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Images: The Blonds Runway A/W 2011

“Tulga is going to be the guy doing the door and it’s going to be more…poets. I want poets to come. If you are a poet, you can come,” Andre Saraiva, owner of Le Baron, declared almost a year ago. And after twelve months, a liquor license contretemps, and a stream of unrelenting downtown rumors, the famed magnate of international nightlife is set to open his doors… soon?

So that gives me a bit more time to figure out how to feign “poet” status – which, to me, means attaining the proper balance of insanity and eloquence. The intention seems pulled together, with a fragility that toes the edge, much like Lord Byron and the pet bear he kept at Cambridge or the charmingly bipolar Dylan Thomas.

Simultaneously transparent and obscure, it’s concluded that “Much Madness is Divinest Sense” – she who was the most elegant ticking time-bomb.

No. 21

The Row

Post by Amanda LaMela