LOOKBOOK: MARC by MARC JACOBS

i can't help but adore the current Marc by Marc Jacobs lookbook on shopbop this month. it's completely classic yet modern with a little bit of a retro feel to it at the same time. i've always had a weak-spot for marc by marc jacobs handbags, but now, i think the spot might have grown into more of a large, gaping, hole for all of its pieces... and i can't get over those ankle tie wedge sandals in the second picture...

TEA TIME

right before i left my college town, my boyfriend and i went to a local tea house, rightfully named TeaHaus, with the help of a coupon from livingsocial. the place was very cute and had the decor of a place i'd like to own someday. the food was also very good, so if you're ever in ann arbor, MI, make sure to stop by. we ordered an "English Sampler" that came with a few different english inspired sandwiches and Chinese "Dragon Well" green tea, which was good but wasn't brewed as strongly as i'm used to. still, it was a really great experience. a nice little gem that also had really friendly owners who know what they're doing - an extra plus. 

i love the teapot napkin and place holder (below). lovely little details.

english sampler - the sandwich on the left was my favorite. i think it's called the "coronation sandwich" or something like that...

dessert - swedish pancake (on left, which is very much like a crepe) with a scone and various spreads

ALL TOSSED TOGETHER

spaghetti, broccoli, tomatoes, and onions <3

baked onion rings!

how to? after the jump!

THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY

this month's Paris Haute Couture autumn/winter 2011 collections have a lot to show for themselves, which, i suppose is expected from something that is haute couture. but, just as the resort 2012 collections both soared and failed, haute couture isn't much different. take a look below: 

the good

Elie Saab

this dress, and the ones behind it, are absolutely stunning. i would wear them in a heartbeat. Elie Saab makes no mistakes when it comes to haute couture. my heart nearly yearns for these gowns!

the bad

Christian Dior

even the model doesn't look very happy. with haute couture, i think art, sophistication, and luxury - this dress however, makes me think of a 5-year old's costume gone wrong. the gown is completely unflattering to her body and she has what looks like fans growing out of the skirt. and that... hat? hairpiece? don't even get me started...

the ugly

Christian Dior

this is what i don't understand about fashion. the model looks like a train wreck with that hair and make-up. there is absolutely nothing attractive, to me, about this look. not only that, but i thought that a collection is supposed to be cohesive, telling one story... but Dior's collection is all over the place with random shapes, sizes, and colors. their pieces seem to come from completely different time periods. see for yourself here!

AFFORDABLE ALTERNATIVES

my last post really got me wanting a new bag, but as i'm a struggling, no-income student, i started looking for some cute alternatives to the cross body Coach and Marc Jacobs purses. albeit, the quality of these purses will never be that of a true designer handbag, it's not like people will be  running up to you and touching the material of your bag... and therefore, they will never ever know! :) how do you think i get by with my faux-LV's and Marc Jacobs... ahem... i mean, my faux-leather purses! anywho... luckily, i came across a few affordable choices at Forever 21, asos.com, and Nordstrom! {see below} i really love the chained purses, which give them an extra little kick aesthetically. 

RIGHT NOW

i'm always drawn to cross-body bags. i have tried to stay away from them, but for some reason, i just can't. the majority of my purses are cross-body, and i think it's just due to their extreme conveniency {and no, that's not a word}. they're almost never too bulky, i rarely get tired of carrying one, and you always have two free hands. the following are a few that i'm obsessing over right now... i just wish i could afford one :(

Coach chelsea leather flap - $298

Coach kristin leather crossbody - $158

Marc Jacobs classic Q percy bag - $198

FASHION AS ART?

yesterday, a New York Times article asked this very question. it discussed the recent exhibitions of renowned designers such as Alexander McQueen and Chanel at art museums around the world, questioning the value of their work. are their designs really worthy of such exhibitions? and to be placed next to centuries-old artifacts and pieces? 

perhaps the value of these designs may not match up to works such as the Mona Lisa, but they are still to be admired and carefully looked upon from afar. for me, fashion is just another form of art. some artists sculpt, others paint, some write; fashion designers make beautiful pieces of clothing. furthermore, fashion is not just an art, but a significant portion of our own economy. i say, why not combine art and functionality, and make a profit out of it too? 

Madame Grès exhibition at the Musée Bourdelle in Paris