Hello all. Bare with me; as I am not as internet-savvy as it seems. I actually have some friends who helped me build my site, help me in everyday computer questions. In short- I had no idea this page still existed! It looks like I haven’t blogged in months, but on the contrary, I do. Until I get this “Mapping” situation under control; please visit www.bortysworld.com.
Arg! Can’t believe I’ve been so out of the loop! Thank you for your visits and support.
~ Courtney
There’s been a lot of talk over the years from African American’s who refuse to wear Tommy Hilfiger clothing; “it’s lame” “I only wear Polo”, blah blah blah. These thoughts began in 1996; when outrage insued amoung the community because of comments Hilfiger made, surrounding the fact that the hip-hop community were draped in his garments. Supposedly Hilfiger made the following comments on The Oprah show: “If I had known that African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians would buy my clothes, I would not have made them so nice….I wish those people would not buy my clothes; they were made for upper-class whites.” Oprah then allegedly asked Hilfiger to leave her show. Right. And that has been spinning on the rumor-mill and forwarded chain-letter emails for over a decade.
Oprah addressed the allegations on a show and her website in 1999; stating Hilfiger never even appeared on her show and that she had never met him. Hilfiger also stated on his site that he was “deeply upset that a malicious and completely false rumor continues to circulate” and he creates clothing ”for all different types of people regardless if their race, religious or cultural background”. The Anti-Defamation League, who focuses on anti-Semitism and civil rights for all, got involved and conducted an investigation- finding that the alligations of Hilfiger making racial slurs were false.
The fact is; Tommy still knows how to dress a man (and a woman for that matter), and apparently is still a hot commodity. The PVH (Phillips-Van Heusan) Corp recently purchased the Hilfiger company from Apax Partners L.P. for 2.2 billion Euros, or $3 billion- with $137 million in liabilities. Well dayam!
Peep these looks from Spring 2010- taking classic looks and adding a modern twist. If you can’t appreciate, you should re-evaluate your style. ~ C.M.
You may have seen Tokidoki and it’s cute character’s around on LeSportsac bags over the past few years, but now the brand has broken away and is releasing things on it’s own.
Tokidoki, meaning sometimes in Japanese, was created by Simone Legno in 2005- consisting of garments, vinyl toys, as well as collaborations with Hello Kitty and Marvel (comics) most recently. The characters are a nod to the Legno’s love for the Japanese; one that I can say that I share.
I own a few Tokidoki pieces and these rain boots would be an adorable addition. Retailing (depending where you look) at about $60, they won’t break the bank either. ~C.M.
One of the trends for Spring 2010: lucid wear. Designers are feeling transparent for Spring 2010; from head to toe literally. Accessories from Patricia Von Musulin, Zac Posen and Sonia Rykiel trench coats, Fendi clutches, and Michael Kors pretty much dedicated his collection to the trend. Kors has a pair of brogues I would kill for.
Fendi Spring 2010
Fendi Spring 2010
Does anyone else remember when this, then considered a “fad”, was in a few years ago? Plastic-like shoes were everywhere; when one would sweat they would stick to your feet and they often would turn yellow. Louis Vuitton even had those transparent hologram bags. This time around, it seems designers have invested more time; we’ve come to the point where the contemporary and bridge lines are adapting ideas from better brands and making them… well, better. (no pun intended) Lucid-wear can be tricky and sometimes tacky, but these garments are far from a disaster. We all know designers grab inspiration from what’s going on the world- could this “plastic” surge come from everyone clamoring to “Go Green”? Who knows. But I do know I’m not the only one asking how long this trend will last.
Check out these other looks.
Patricia Von Musulin Spring 2010 ring
Patricia Von Musulin 2010 bangles
Zac Posen Spring 2010
Sonia Rykiel Spring 2010
Versace Spring 2010
Versace Spring 2010
Michael Kors Spring
Michael Kors Spring
Michael Kors Spring
Los Angeles based, fashion accessories designer Steven Shein has become the new man I love in my life. I just copped this bitten apple necklace in Chicago a little over a week ago and I can already picture what it will look like this summer.
There are so many pieces in his new collection that I want, I don’t even know which one to buy first! I’m hoping they’ll say, “You know what, this chick’s buying maaad items, let’s cut her a deal.” But I know that’d be wishful thinking *sigh*.
I digress. Steven Shein has been hunted down by the Hollywood glitterati; seen on everyone from Avril Lavigne to Mischa Barton and anyone in-between. His line is considered “urban” (whatever that means), but Shein just calls it “fresh”. That it is- my apple necklace is sure to be ripe on these up-and-coming warm days. ~C.M.
Peep these other pieces I’ve got my eye on. There are a few more, but I can’t have you guys knowing all my moves.
Mini-phrase necklaces $39
“Money Over Bitches” ring $19
Peace on Earth ring $19
Mark Deco Bangle $45
After debuting in 1998, Isreal born-New York based designer Yigal Azrouël started showing at Fashion Week the following year. As he should; his designs are beautiful- classic, yet modern and innovative. His men’s Spring 2010 collection features loose threads, leather vests, and extraordinary jackets. Gray colours and stripe-schemes hit the runway; making it easy to go from beach to street.
For Women’s Spring 2010, the garments were similar to that of the men’s in terms of design shapes and hue, but more feminine. Where a jacket is considered baggy on a man, it drapes on a woman; trousers look like his and her’s, and some garments proved that less is more. Swimwear were cohesive with the entire collection and perhaps the influence for some of the tops (see below). The architectural structure of his boutique in the Meatpacking district is as intriguing as the garments. See the entire collection at Yigal Azrouël.com
I wanted to wait until the hoopla surrounding his death had simmered down a bit before making a post. Alexander (Lee) McQueen was and still is one of my favorite designers. I literally cried when I heard the news on February 11, 2009; ironically the first day of Fashion Week. I didn’t cry because I knew him personally, but because he was inspiring. An inspiration to all us weird, quirky kids who weren’t exactly the coolest growing up because of our oddness; however we had an obessession with being creative.
His garments were like no-other; always twenty steps ahead of everyone else and completely outside the box. You know that trendy motorcycle jacket everyone’s been wearing lately? Yeah, McQueen had one ripping the runway back in Fall 2008.
Bloggers and publications have stated that McQueen may have committed suicide due to the loss of his close friend and mother. Renowned fashion editor Isebella Blow was not only a friend, but his mentor. When she committed suicide in 2007, McQueen was crushed; devoting an entirely separate collection and show to her. In 2008, it seemed he had begun to move on; moving into a new home, ending a long-term relationship, and telling Vogue he had “never been happier”. Until the death of his mother at the beginning of last month; just days before he took his own life. Those in the industry close to him have said they did not see anything signaling any suicidal thoughts. I have stated to friends that we should have known something was wrong when there wasn’t a Pre-Fall collection.
McQueen was so innovative and “experimental”, his next move was to try to create holograms that would allow anyone anywhere to view his collections in three dimensions. Beginning his career as a young apprentice in London, McQueen applied to become a cutting tutor at Central Saint Martins. Recognizing his talent, the administrators suggested he enroll as a student- Isabella Blow bought his thesis collection two years later. At age 27, McQueen became head designer at Givenchy, but left for the Gucci group after stating LVMH constricted his creativity.
And we all know how wide his ideas can stretch. Runways covered in water, snow, robots, and any other unbelievable concoction one can think of. The following images are from my favorite collection of McQueen’s, RTW Fall 2009; the runway is made of broken mirrors, equip with barbwire. Critiques and those at the show were appalled by the images of the models and their faces, but the clothes are amazing and honestly the odd make-up compels me to look.
Always the one to set trends and not follow them, McQueen was my fave because of that fact. Not caring what anyone thought and still added passion to every garment he created. Researching his inspiration for collections was also apparent; one could see when he completely engulfed himself in his creations. We will never know the exact reason as to why or what triggered Alexander McQueen to take his own life, but the fashion industry will continue to celebrate the life of the most forward-thinking designer and he will truly be missed. ~C.M.
Check out McQueen’s final collection: Spring 2010. I’ve literally watched this show over 26 times.
On March 9, 2009, WWD reported and showcased McQueen’s last pieces created for Fall 2009. See the article and looks here: WWD McQueen Fall 2009
While I’m out and about, I like to take pics of things I find; the main reason why I created a blog. I collect all these images, yet I never have anything to do with them.
Any who; was walking in the mall passing Bakers and something caught my eye. In the past my knowledge of Bakers has been vague, but I noticed they now carry more brands that one would find at say, a Macy’s. The little lovely to the left; gray suede upper, cream leather- cross straps and flower applique, peep toe, with a zip closure in back was what made me actually walk into the store. Guess what brand they were…. *drum roll*… Dereon.
That’s right. I honestly couldn’t believe it myself. The ready-to-wear line created by Beyonce and her mother in 2006 has left me disappointed. However after seeing this shoe I got to thinking; could they have gotten the hint? Did someone whisper something in their ears? If that person was me I’d say: “Hey B, maybe instead of going the Baby Phat route, perhaps you should think Jessica Simpson-esque.” This shoe seems to follow that path (only in this color-way unfortunately). For about $80, you can have the look for less. Let’s make a whole fit of it:
Pair with this sweater dress from Forever 21 for $20 and a sweet little cardigan- and you’ve got yourself a lovely, fresh spring look. ~C.M.
Please forgive me for the lack of posting, the month of February has been crazy; Fashion Week, Creative Lounge Chicago- a fashion showroom opening for local designers, and other events that have posts to follow.
But to more pressing matters: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York.
Trust me, I did not have invitations to attend the shows- and to sneak in? Forget about it. Security was so tight and the embarrassment of them asking “who are you” would dare not loom over my self-proclaimed-fame ego. The buzz of people being pissed that one of the Jersey Shore girls crashed the Michael Kors show made it to The New York Times and was enough to let me know I’ll play the role as a spectator.
However, this was the last year Fashion Week would be held at Bryant Park and I’d be a fool not to be there. The atmosphere was intense: Chloe booties in sight, mink coats and shawls, attitudes exhumed from unapproachable journalists, top editors, and stylists. Just being in the park or on 42nd-5th ave was enough to make you want to sell your soul for an invitation.
Thanks to Style.com we’ve had the opportunity to get runway access the past few months; however critics aren’t being so welcoming to designer’s Fall 2010 fashions. Cathy Horne of The New York Times Fashion & Style section wrote that some of the designs arrived with low expectations. Stating editors saw “a lack of fun” and a blogger received a FREE Dolce & Gabbana fur jacket.
Not sure if I embrace the fact that celebrity status is beginning to dwindle, or if I’m worried that there won’t be a dividend between whats real and what’s “reality”. Marc Jacobs has even refused to invite celebs to his shows. Uncouth women who have deemed themselves “Bad Girls” are considered something now, bloggers who have never sat through a journalism course are all of the sudden “writers”, and those who have never had a creative idea are stylists and fashion designers. If you ask me: blame reality television. Everyone has a chance to shine and make it. And that brings me to my point; people who did not have invites were walking the park like they were indeed “somebody’s”- faux paparazzi were running each other over trying to get a pic of this ridiculous woman with a hot pink (appropriately) faux fur, tight liquid leggings, and a bleach blond wig. All the while on the arm of a European-looking man who was dressed like a cowboy. I literally seen them lurking the park to attract the on-looking cameras.
If there is one thing that could be done during the week, it was the site seeing. Trying to catch a glimpse of celebrities (who were going in and out of the door around back, where no one but my friend Michelle and I thought to look for a while) and what they chose to put on to brave the snow. THE most stylish people were waiting out front as well as tourists walking by asking, “what’s going on?” It’s crazy, there were more men hanging around the park than I expected. Very stylish men. And many photographers. I figured people would be there with photographers and they would be there to capture the moment, but I’m wondering if there were so many because of the blog and website boom. Don’t fret- my week was still amazing; everyone from everywhere comes to the city, mingling was a no brainer. Met some interesting people, including a photographer from London; Daniel Muhindi. Check his site at www.danielmuhindi.com. Getting into the shows may not have been a success this year, but trust- the goal is to have my little notepad, jotting down clever notes for an editorial for a publication next time around. ~C.M.
Check out these views from the street
As the men of today become metro, uber, and any kind of trendy-word-sexual; they are becoming more fashionable and…well… clean. Let’s face it; women (and in other cases men) are easily offended if they visit a potential suitor’s house and it is foul in every sense of the word. Today, designers turn to house-wear (and fragrance) to gain revenue they may loose in clothing sales. Department stores offer home-goods, and with modern places like CB2, one can’t help but take pride in decorating a stylish home. While I was in the Bloomingdale’s Home Store in Chicago, I thought I had died and gone to heaven- I didn’t want to leave!
I found a few items I wouldn’t mind seeing in my beaux’s abode:
Alessi stainless steel Ba-Rock basket- don’t you love the name?
Alessi condiment set
Lunt Silversmiths bamoo & leaf engraved aluminum coasters, Royal Palm collection
Christofle martini glasses
Sur Evolution leaf trays. These are my favorite- hand cut & molded from leather, made in Colombia.
Borty's World 
