If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it

Recently, photos have emerged on the internet of Cameron Diaz performing the role of Ms. Hannigan in the remake of Annie.  Aside from the fact that this film is completely perfect as is and does not require a remake, the thing I have the biggest problem with is the wardrobe they put Ms. Diaz in:

Don’t those boots look a tad like Isabel Marant for H&M?

Now, overall, I’ve always have had a soft spot for Ms. Hannigan. As a villain, she is completely misunderstood. Yes, she treats those orphans horribly, but, she is giving them a place to live. It’s rather admirable this single woman is self-employed during the great Depression, bathing in gin, having her fun with Mr. Bundles. Is that not the equivalent to the 20th Century power women we all struggle to be?

I always give a cheer when she rides in on an elephant to Daddy Warbuck’s party at the end.

My favorite part of Ms. Hannigan, obviously, is her wardrobe. She’s known for her slinky dresses and piled on jewelry, her boas and kimonos. I think it would be a rather nice homage to Carol Burnett’s original character if we dressed Cammy in a modern day slip dress and kimono. She’s still au corant, and at the same time, avoids a painful jorts/black tights situation. Let’s be honest, if you were Mr. Bundles, who would you go for? Exactly.

 

Ann Demeulemeester pink slip / Miss Selfridge clothing / ABS by Allen Schwartz gold jewelry / Bangle bracelet / Wet Seal bangle bracelet / Forever 21 bead necklace

Photo credits: Dailymail.uk, http://www.cinemaemcena.com.br

All the better to hear you with!

Lately I’ve been noticing there has been a lot of buzz around multiple ear piercings. Bloggers are showing off their second hole (don’t be gross) all over Instagram, and just last week Jennifer Aniston, the woman that launched a thousand shag haircuts, got her cartilage pierced with Gucci Westman, makeup artist to the stars. I myself succumbed to the double pierce on a service trip in high school, my friend Kelly did it. I also had my cartilage, and for a brief time, my nose, which I got done in Portugal for 4 Euro. I’ve since taken out all of my piercings except my standard lobes, the OG, done at Piercing Pagoda for my tenth birthday. My facial features are somewhat dainty, particularly my ears, so I rarely wear earrings at all, but I’m not opposed to something small and tasteful (a Z perhaps?) in my still remaining second hole. However, if this is in fact the next iteration of the 90’s/early 2000’s resurgence I’m wary. Because you know what comes next: belly buttons. And that is one thing that this cruel cruel world doesn’t need to see again.

My cartilage also had a diamond in it. I got it done on the boardwalk with a Fake ID. 

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Looks like JAlba is on board too!

I also enjoy the bar in the second hole. Like these from Chicago-based designer Dana Rebecca!

Photos courtesy of: Instagram, Instagram, Dana Rebecca Designs

Simon Says: Checking myself into The Asylum

I recently finished Simon Doonan’s latest tome, The Asylum, Simon’s homage to the insane people that dictate what we wear. The Asylum manages to poke fun at the fashion industry through Simon’s behind-the-scenes stories and name dropping left and right while at the same time being poignant, as he reflects on fashion critics of yore, the effect of the AIDS epidemic on fashion, and how much the industry has changed. While the book does contain a lot of fashion references, Simon’s smart, David Sedaris-esque writing will capture a wide audience of reader. That, and he drops more than one Valley of the Dolls reference. #youhadmeathello

Click here to buy

Fortunately I was able to actually say hello to Mr. Doonan himself, as he was having a book signing at Barney’s right here in Chicago.

I headed there after work, rushing to get there on time as I anticipated a line out the door. Much to my surprise, I waltzed right in, took a glass of champagne off of the silver tray, and waited in line behind three people to get my book signed. As I waited, I looked around the store, everyone was dressed in black, and I stood out like a sore thumb in my Pucci knockoff dress from Filene’s (RIP) I had specifically worn because I knew Simon’s fondness for florals and the 70’s. I guzzled the champagne that no one else was drinking and felt horribly out of place. As I contemplated sidling out the back door, it was my turn, and Simon was sitting at the table, smiling at me.

I introduced myself timidly and handed Simon my book. He looked up at me, smiled and said “that’s a groovy dress you’ve got on, Betsy”. I thanked him and took the book he signed, telling him how much I enjoyed his Slate column that day. His face lit up and he thanked me profusely, telling me how much that means to him. As I started walking away, he asked me what I did, continuing the conversation, and we chatted for a few minutes about this and that. Our conversation wasn’t particularly deep or memorable, but I will always remember the nice connection I felt with Simon, who is not only unapologetically true to himself, but is constantly imploring others to be the same.  As I left Barney’s with my signed copy of the book and my head held high, I felt a little bad for Simon, the lone flower in the sea of all black.

Images via Amazon, Pinterest. 

Oops..I did it again.

I “kept” some of the highlights from the Nordstrom Half-Yearly sale. Shop a bit for yourself before you go into a panic holiday shopping. In the words of J.Crew: “Your closet thanks you too” Check out my finds on Keep.com.

 

Ultra-Suede and Studio 54: Halston

A few weeks ago, I watched the documentary Ultrasuede: In Search of Halston  on Netflix. While the film itself is OK–the director is  just awful, I could not help but get swept up in the total glamour of Halston, as well as New York in the 70’s.

Halston was one of the first American designers that Europe began to take seriously.  He invented the shirtwaist dress, eschewing the more structured, stuffy outfits women were wearing (think of the suits women in the 60’s used to wear), eventually leading the way for DVF to debut her iconic wrap dress that still remains her signature today.

An Ultrasuede Halston shirtwaist dress.

Image courtesy of metmuseum.org

Halston grew up in Iowa, heading to IU for college then studying at the Art Institute right here in Chi-town. He began his fashion career as a milliner, creating Jackie O’s infamous pillbox hat. Soon, he moved on to clothes.

Jackie in Halston                                                                                                                          Image courtesy of http://peggyoberlininteriors.com/blog

Already having created a name for himself among the social set, Halston quickly became the go-to for dressing celebs and the upper crust of New York. He soon became the toast of the town, known for his entourage of beautiful women (Halstonettes) that included Angelica Huston and Pat Cleveland, hanging out at Studio 54 with Liza Minelli, Andy Warhol, Elizabeth Taylor, the Jaggers, the list goes on.

NYE 1978 at Studio 54. Halston (second on left) with Biana Jagger, Liza, Andy         Photo c/o: http://www.lilyandlamb.com

Halston expanded his empire into fragrances (complete with Elsa Peretti designed bottles), accessories, and even carpeting. Eventually he even did a collection for JC Penney, making him the first designer to partner with a store to create an affordable line for the masses.

Sadly, Halston got caught up in the party lifestyle, which eventually led to his demise, a common aftermath of the NYC party scene in the late 70’s. While I believe the mega-glamour of this time is unfortunately a thing of the past, you can still channel the effortlessly chic Halston look today. An homage to one of the greatest American fashion designers, and a cheers to an era of excess.

Halston Heritage classic black dress / Michael Antonio ankle strap high heel sandals / Kate Spade purse / Elsa Peretti jewelry

Don’t be surprised if you see me making an entrance at someone’s wedding in this getup. 

The Return of Zang

I’m baaaaack! To my dear family and friends, thanks for noting my blogging absence. It means so much to me that you even take the time to read this in the first place. You all continue to bowl me over with your support. With that said, I’m giving it another go.

I’ve thought a lot over the past month about what it is I want to come out of all this. The reason I started this blog is because I like to write, I like fashion, and if thousands of other people can do it, well heck, so can I. I soon became caught up in the marketing aspect of blogging, social media strategies, marketing, gaining followers, etc. It became a chore, I wasn’t posting based on inspiration, I was posting because my editorial calendar was telling me to. It isn’t fair to me, who is doing this as a creative outlet, and it isn’t fair to you, the reader, to spend your time reading half assed posts.

So I’m throwing all that out the window. Cheers to the new and improved, Zang Blogs.

No one likes posts without photos, so here is one of me at an art show in the Loop back in September. Happy?

Tiki Time: Three Dots and a Dash

Last week I finally went and checked out Three Dots and a Dash, the new tiki bar from Paul McGee and the Lettuce Entertain You fellas. It had a great atmosphere, the drinks were delicious, and at the moment there is nothing else like it in Chicago. McGee and co are harkening back to the time when tiki bars were uber popular, and they are definitely successful in bringing back the trend.

Piquing my interest in popular things of yore, I researched a little bit about the origin of tiki bars. Don the Beachcomber was the first to set up shop in LA in 1934, Trader Vic’s followed after (RIP Trader Vic’s in the Palmer House). At the time, air and boat travel had become more affordable, and interest in exotic cultures became widespread. Hence, tiki bars became a big hit. But, more importantly, what were people wearing?

Image from www.what-i-found.blogspot.com

I spy a peplum! I normally have mixed feelings about peplums, but I think the McQueen below executes them well. The dress also features an empire waist and billowy sleeves, another big trend in 1934.

Alexander McQueen Peplum Detail Dress

The dress above is currently sold out (and if you are even reading my blog chances are you aren’t the type who has $1,200 for a dress). Ones also featuring 1934 trends here and here.

Fashionista Friday: Helena Bordon

In this new weekly feature, I’ll showcase my favorite look of the week. Think of it as “Zang’s Best Dressed” but with alliteration. Everything is better with alliteration!

This week I’m featuring Helena Bordon who I spotted on the NYTimes Instagram account photographed outside of Milan Fashion Week. Based on my Portuguese, she’s wearing DSquared, Camila Klein, and Miu Miu. I love how Helena is still hanging on to summer with these bright colors and classic stripes, and the crop top is flouncy and retro enough to have the perfect amount of irreverence. Also, I know they are everywhere, but I still have a lot of love for a lucite clutch. It’s ladies like Helena who make me want to be blonde again. #staystrong Beijos! xx

Photo courtesy: http://www.helenabordon.com/tag/mfw/

Fall Wardrobe Update

This past weekend was extremely transitional in Chi-town. Saturday was gorgeous, it was sunny and the perfect temperature. I was sitting outside most of the day in a tee and sandals–heaven. Sunday brought rain and cold, and today was perfect sweater weather. Why I still haven’t broken out my boots, I’ve been phasing out my sundresses and tank tops for sweaters and jeans, and jazzing up my current wardrobe with some new additions. Lots of leather, a touch of plaid, and a staple pair of black booties. Like it or not, fall is upon us.

Sabine leather dress (maxi version similar), J.Crew Factory shirt and vest (similar), Tinley Road faux leather tee 

Forever21 booties (similar), Lily White leopard pants (I actually got these at Nordstrom Rack), J.Crew Factory pant (similar), J.Crew Factory sweatshirt (similar)

What are some of your favorite fall purchases?

Inspiration Station

One of the things I miss about not being in school is getting that fresh start that students get when starting a new school year. New supplies, new books, new teachers, new challenges, I always enjoyed having that moment where you feel you can do anything you set your mind to (personally, that feeling would last until maybe the first quiz–studious I am not). This fall I’ve decided that I don’t need to be in school to get my fresh start. I’ve got new clothes (I’ll share soon), a new apartment, a new haircut (well, 3 inches shorter), and a new fitness regime (I’ve gone on TWO runs in the past week–upping my total number of runs in 2013 to 3). I’ve also started to give more love and attention to my baby, this blog, who is finally sleeping through the night. Along with all of that, I’ve found some inspiring women who’ve influenced me lately.

This week I started reading Mindy Kaling’s book Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns). I’ve been hesitant to start it because I didn’t care much for Tiny Fey’s memoir and I was worried it would change my love of Mindy, but I’ve found it hilariously inspiring. She’s self deprecating in a lighthearted, not pathetic, way and I love reading about her rise to fame.

And she’s a friend/fan of Tory B.

Image from: http://blogs.wsj.com/runway/2011/11/02/mindy-kaling-on-style-the-office-and-meeting-tory-burch/

Tonight I was also inspired at an event held at the Apple store hosted by the Co-Founders of TheEveryGirl.com, Danielle Moss and Alaina Kaczmarski, about starting your blog and building your brand. I’ve been reading The Everygirl for awhile now, the site is approachable and friendly, and I find their interviews very uplifting. The Everygirl also seems to end up in my mailbox whenever I’m feeling frustrated at work and need a break, like those little sacks in The Hunger Games that deliver soup. Danielle and Alaina both described the feeling of cluelessness about their future and how their individual blogs led them to where they are today. One of the first things Alaina said was, “Just because you don’t know something yet doesn’t mean you can’t figure it out”. Having this blog has been a learning process, definitely, and their is so, so, so, so, much more to learn. 

I took some photos of the event but my cracked iPhone didn’t do these ladies justice, so I found this on Alaina’s personal blog

Photo courtesy of Alaina’s blog, Live Creating Yourself http://www.livecreatingyourself.com/2013/02/our-career-feature-and-my-new-office.html\

Reading about Mindy and hearing from The Everygirls has made me realize that great things can happen if you work hard and focus on your goals. I can’t help but find their great energy and enthusiasm contagious. So remember, just because we’ve upgraded from lockers and LLBean backpacks doesn’t mean that we can’t get a fresh fall start!