Back to Black : The Fall of Amy Winehouse

1983 - 2011

 It was as if she stepped out of a 1950's B- film, tattooed her past on her arms and started hanging out with punk rockers.  Her low syrupy Motown voice can be compared to legendary names like Franklin and Fitzgerald, her attitude is pure street.  Who would have guessed that this soulful powerhouse with a knack for  turning any situation into a party was this tiny Jewish girl from London, Amy Winehouse.  With her huge beehive, Cleopatra eyes, and retro styled clothing, she took everyone back to a different time, a time when music was more than a synthesizer and where a voice could hold its own.  Her spitfire lyrics were tough and somehow thoughtful, as she wailed them in polka dot bustiers and huge earrings.  Her style was unique - Retro Trash -  her album Back to Black  is heartbreaking as she sings about reverting back to wearing black to mourn her lost love.  There's something so vintage and legendary about her; the retro style with her soul voice is thick and comfortable and gets you moving, but as she sways her hips and lets out those wonderful notes, you can almost see the pain, the ruin behind it all.  She lived a fast free lifestyle like the many that have so famously died at this age.  Her legend will on and we shall never forget the girl who brought back black.

                                                  My favorite Amy Winehouse song "Valerie"

Seattletimes.com

Blog.VH1.com

Clashmusic.com

sugarslam.com

Amy with her good friend Kelly Osbourne (dailymail.com.uk)

Fall Ahead

I apologize for not posting anything lately, I've had a busy two weeks!  An interview with the marketing department of the museum, birthdays galore, a spur-of the-moment household get-together, corporate finance MBA 572, and 35 hours devoted to the museum each week- not to mention the summer heat wave that's been radiating throughout the entire east coast making everyone sticky and miserable...sigh! Though Summer is still my favorite season of the year, I love being able to get away with light floaty dresses, strappy shoes, and minimal makeup, I must admit something I have never admitted before....I am looking forward to Fall.  As I read the thin Summer fashion issues, with countless articles on UVA protection and vacation getaways I would never be able to afford, I noticed that most of the fashion editorials were all Fall forward with wonderful spreads of floral frocks, colors (the trend continues), furs and hats.  I must say this Fall is full of surprises and I am very excited to make/see those come to life.  Here's are things that I'm interested in this fall...
                                 POLKA DOTS

Polka Dots have been 'spotted' all over the runways for fall 2011 (Emma Stone - Elle July 2011 Photoshoot)

Stella McCartney/Lanvin/Marc Jacobs - (Stylefiles -Azfoothills.com)

                          RED

Lipstick red is the new black for Fall 2011 in the most ladylike way -  Michael Kors Fall 2011 (demeterclark)

 

 

 

How to wear red this Fall as shown on Salt & Prep - sophisticated yet modern and edgy. 

 

Derek Lam Fall RTW 2011 (Vogue.com)

              

FUR COATS

Alexander Wang Fall RTW 2011 (Vogue.com)

Burberry Prorsum Pre Fall 2011(Vogue.com)

The Row Fall RTW 2011 (Vogue.com)

 

Christian Dior Fall RTW 2011 (Vogue.com)

            
MAXI SKIRTS

A tough leather jacket makes a maxi seem less "gown-y" (natsnice)

Some of my favorite ones are sheer - (rockinnfashion.blogspot.com)

I love how versatile maxis are - I'm going to wear mine with motorcycle boots or tall ass heels, both with a leather jakcet! - Shine Yahoo

American Beauty

It finally feels like Summer.  I am no longer bombarded with homework (last class was Thursday), and my favorite holiday- next to Halloween- is tomorrow!  The 4th of July is always so exciting; the thundering fireworks, the get-togethers, the food!  Every year as I watch the fireworks, I can't help but get that proud feeling, the feeling of tradition being held - as corny as it sounds!  This year will be very special because at this time last year, my mom was just about to start her chemo treatments and I remember feeling incredibly worried and scared.  But she's here to celebrate July 4th 2011!!!!! What better way to celebrate such a holiday - a holiday that rings out the American spirit - than to be at a baseball game? I haven't been to a baseball game in a really long time, but I'm excited for it!  There's something so classic about it, so this year on 4th of July, I'm thinking Classic American Beauty - that simple, natural, carefree look that is identified with American culture; Blue jeans, sunglasses, cowboy boots.

The Pin Up Look

Cowgirl Boots - Elle.com

Thank you Raver Ria

Fedora hat and Tassel fringe- Thank you Raver Ria

Tommy Hilfiger

Guess

Daisy Duke

Marilyn Monroe

The Western Look at D&G

Native American Influence - (thanks Embelle)