I Want You.

from style.com

Dearest Dress,
I feel it's important to let you know that I am obsessed with you.
Ever since I spotted you in the Valentino Spring 2010 RTW show, I've been unable to dream without envisioning [wearing] you. You might like to know that I've thought of the many ways I could wear you. Belted; maybe a skinny belt to cinch the waist? Or, for winter, with a trench coat, tights and only shoes that might compliment your exquisite structure...

Or maybe that would be an injustice.

Because you are perfect. I also think it's fate that Frida Gustavsson, the Swedish sweetheart is a favorite model of mine, was chosen to showcase you to the world. Your nude coloring is one that can compliment any skin-tone, and I'm sure that your ruffled physique would look good on any physique (a girl with a tomboy shape would appear perfectly curvy, or a voluptuous belle could benefit from you accenting her outlines.) To the world, Dress, you are part of a legacy of beautiful robes, but to me, you are a creation unmatched by any other garment.

I hope this isn't too forward, but maybe you could mention to your owners at Valentino that you would like to come live with me forever?

Until then,
xoxo Mo

For Lack of a Better Title...

I know I have been a bad blogger, there are literally time zone gaps between my posts, but bare with me. It's junior year for this busy aspiring fashion icon...
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Enjoy my latest style article for VOX, and the hard work I put into updating the web site with our latest issue!


Spring Fashion Preview

By Modupe Alabi | VOX Staff


Art by Missa DePeaza| VOX Staff

Though the wide-spreading recession reached Fashion Week runways last February, that didn’t stop designers from sending down hundreds of models in fresh looks for the spring season. From flirty feathers to dazzling sparkles, trends from New York, London, Milan and Paris have walked straight off the runway into magazines, and onto this page of VOX. Here are a few tips to stay fashion forward while maintaining your own sense of style.

Neutrals

Following an elegant and clean aesthetic, many designers used neutral colors, like khaki and beige, in their collections as a complement to the variety of skin tones. Though the colors were simple, the cuts weren’t. Designers like Marc Jacobs had dramatically ruffled dresses, while others shaped flowing fabrics into sweet mini-dresses. Get this look by spicing up khaki pants or shorts with fun gladiator slippers and fitted plaid shirts.


Metallics

Ever the runway mainstay, dazzling metallic pieces remained a designer favorite this season. To shimmer and shine like the models at Michael Kors and Phillip Lim, wear a sequined top or skirt with a black jacket for a sparkling look without looking like aluminum foil.

Feathers

Who’s chicken when it comes to taking risks in fashion? Apparently not designers like Jason Wu and Diane Von Furstenberg. This season, the runways featured light, feathery details that bounced as the models strutted down the runway. You don’t have to wear a feathered boa to school (if you do, send us pictures!), but try a miniskirt with feather-like ruffles, like the models at ADAM.

The Boyfriend Layers

Menswear is a girl’s best friend. This season, boyfriend blazers, vests and slouchy pants took over the runways of Charlotte Ronson and Diane Von Furstenberg. This laid-back look consists of oversized blazers and vests over dresses or girly outfits. The design balances out the femininity of your style while adding a touch of tailored perfection. Plus, the added comfort of baggy jeans gives your hips breathing room and, when worn with heels, makes you look chic, a la Katie Holmes.

Little Schoolgirl Chic

The “Gossip Girl” influence was stronger than ever, as designers used back-to-school-ish themes in their collections. There were pigtails and short shorts, and everything from preppy stripes and khakis to knee socks. With these, designers like Anna Sui and Rag & Bone turned their models into stylish students. To get this look, wear a logo-ed blazer over any outfit, or try on a pair of knee-high socks the next time you wear a skirt.

Abstract Prints

Fashion Week always has its yin/yang moments. This spring, the opposite of neutrals are the wildly eclectic prints seen on dresses and tops at BCBG and DKNY. Neon pink, coral and turquoise garments flowed across runways and showcased spring florals. Get this look with flowy maxi-dresses that you can find cheap at mall chain stores.

Denim

Denim doesn’t always have to be pants! For spring, designers reworked denim into dresses and tailored suits, and even destroyed and distressed denim for the “fashion rebel” look. From Lacoste to Derek Lam, dainty denim dresses and suit jackets showed the versatility of this fabric. Show your style by wearing a denim dress with a belt and sandals, or cutting up old jeans. Use darker washes for more dressy looks, and go casual with lighter denim.

Military

With structured jackets and camouflage color palettes, designers like Rag & Bone and Marc Jacobs showed their army stripes. Style this look by wearing combat boots; I like them with rock band tees, shorts and even stockings.

Getting Physical - ’80s Style!

Looks like the ’80s fashion revival is here to stay. Designers like Alexander Wang went sporty with headbands and golf apparel, in perfect accordance with the ’80s fitness craze. Work it out by wearing sport sweaters and khaki shorts and even taking a walk and hitting the gym. Good health is always in style!

Orange

Orange you happy we have something for the guys, too? Though guys might think this bright color threatens their masculinity, designers like Louis Vuitton and Salvatore Ferragamo sent male models down the runway and proved that real men can wear neon. If you’re not up for a head-to-toe suit, try an orange tie or sports jacket.
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Additionally, I've been tagged by Taj, from HoundDog Man, also a new couture comrade at VOX.

1. Choose runway pictures from ANY season you like and choose 3 outfits for Day, Evening & Party.
2. Briefly explain why and state the name of the designer & which season the outfit is from.
3. Tag 4 other bloggers once you are done and let them know by posting a comment on their blog

Day

This look from ADAM is a favorite because I love the feathery detail on the skirt. I don't know if this is a day outfit, or a party outfit, but I'd probably wear this somewhere I could walk around a lot in. I want people to see the feathers flutter.


Evening

This is from Chanel Haute Couture 2009. I picked it because I've been dreaming about it the moment I saw it strut out of a colossal bottle of Chanel No. 5.

Party

This is from Chanel's Resort 2010 collection. Maybe, okay, definitely I'd decrease the sheer-ness of the top, for modesty's sake. But I do love this look, I guess this is more of a high-society style beach party look,


Of course these outfits are subject to change, because I will inevitably come across a look that I'd previously fallen for but have forgotten at the moment. So I'll update this list in a future post. But, anyway, I'm tagging...
Hmm, I guess you will find out as I tag you!


xoxo Mo

*All images belong to their respectful owners

Inspiration...

It's raining,
It's pouring
School is pretty boring
I go to bed
and in my head
are fantasies worth adoring...

It's storming pretty hard in my town, so hard there's much flooding, and people are dead/dying, luckily no one I know is hurt. Earlier today, as I watched twigs drift down the lane from my driveway my mind drifted to fashion week. If I could be THE editor, getting to sit front row at each exclusive presentation of collections, what would I wear? Who would I sit next to? How would I live? So in this dull state that only comes at this time of the school year, I needed something to remind me of what I'm working hard for...

Miroslava Duma (Ryder, this is for you :)

My favorite thing about this Russian fashion editor is her stylish mix of downtown hipster and uptown high fashion-ista, and she's not afraid to take risks and play with proportions. She also seems pretty sweet in this blog from Altamira. I've noticed she wears the latest trends without looking like an obsessed style slave, and she wears them really well for her petite frame. I wouldn't mind sitting next to her at a YSL show.










For more of her style, check out dresslikemira.blogspot.com

Olivia Palermo
I know, so typical, but you gotta admit, this girl knows how to put a look together. I've heard her character was seriously misrepresented on "The City", but I don't doubt she might be a bit catty, but I guess I'll discern that if/when I meet her.
Also, look at her apartment in New York's Gramercy neighborhood, pretty aspirational. La Couturier, still up for raiding her closet? ;)








Randomness (via The Sartorialist)

I have no idea who this young man is, but he looks like he'd make a good partner in couture-crime.

A real glamorous eccentric, Hamish Bowles, may be my future colleague when I one day work for Conde Nast. Don't you just love the "Hehehe, these are dad jeans" expression on his face? Go Hamish go!

Lauren Santo Domingo, another future co-Voguette

My other two partners-in-crime, who would just've come for having Starbucks/ Caribou Coffee (yum!) with me over what shows we've loved so far.
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A caramel Macchiato from Starbucks, which always smells like happiness

A white chocolate mocha from Caribou Coffee, my favorite!

Rachel Zoe, the fairy godmother. Her style and personality, plus expertise, are pretty admirable.

But, take a look in the mirror, my fellow fabulous bloggers, because I'm pretty sure I'll see you at the tents, also.

The park (Madison Square, which looks quite circular to me-oh wait, now I see it) I'll strut through on my way home from a busy, beautiful day. A lot of fantasizing, but I think one needs a little whimsy while working as a nice escape, no? It's all aspirational...
-xoxo Mo

Look of The Day: A Little Blair Waldorf Goes A Long Way

As seen here on Lookbook

I can't think of what I don't like about this outfit, I saw it on a post on Lookbook a while ago and I haven't been able to get over it!
The Marc Jacobs shoes are lovely,the over-the-knee stockings are wonderful, the coat and the gloves are just wonderful and the bow on the headband? Adorable. Love it!

(Edit: this isn't me I just love the look)

Reflections of a Wonderul Night

Lovefool - Cardigans Lovefool at school



In VOX's latest issue, I wrote 3 articles. One is like me trying to be the Sartorialist found here
The second was an artist spotlight of Tokio Hotel found here
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And the third was about my first photo shoot in November. It's my favorite. Found here excerpts...

"I have always dreamed of being on a professional photo shoot because of my love for magazine editorials and curiosity to see how they’re put together. So, when Atlanta Magazine partnered with VOX for a high school-themed spread in its current issue, I took advantage of the opportunity. It was a dream come true. Along with me, 26 other VOX writers gave the magazine an insider’s look at what it’s like to be in high school today. In addition to writing, we also got a little taste of the model’s life. We got our makeup professionally done, hair styled and wardrobe readied for the glossy pages."
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A little tap of foundation, a brush of blush and a smooth dab of lipstick later, I was ready for my shoot.

"You know, Alex, she's a fashion girl," one of the assistants told the photographer. He looked at me with an Oh really? expression.
"Who's your favorite designer?" he asked, snapping a test shot of me.
"John Galliano!" I replied, hoping the picture would come out nice. I loved the small talk because it showed me the crew wanted to have fun like I did.
"I realized that everything was near perfect for me when “Lovefool” by The Cardigans came on. It was the song I always pictured playing at my first photo shoot. It was all too surreal. Nervous excitement sent chills down my spine when it hit me that this shoot was indeed real.
Before I knew it, the photographer was clicking away. Tyra always says smile with your eyes. Chanel Iman says turn this way to catch the light. Coco Rocha says to make sure your eyes don’t have shadows. I thought of some of my favorite models’ advice. I combined their words with the photographer’s directions, tried my CoverGirl smile and used my best angles to strike perfect poses.
“Yes, right there, hold it,” Alex said.

At first, I was nervous as he moved closer with the camera, but soon it was as easy as strolling through a park. More and more, I held gaze with the lens and pretended it was my best friend. Closer and closer the camera came, the lights flashed, and I twisted, turned, smiled and did what I’d watched great models like Jessica Stam and Sasha Pivovarova do.

I observed that the photographer was nothing like photographers are portrayed in the movies (like I hoped). There was none of that, "Yes, yes, you're fierce! You're a tiger! You're a lion — roar, darling, roar!" like we see in "America's Next Top Model," which paints a limited picture of the modeling world. Alex was straightforward but fun. Though I could see his serious passion for photography when I noticed his focus with the camera, I also walked away feeling like he wanted us to enjoy the shoot. Every couple of seconds on the set, we'd all burst out into laughter because the photographer made a joke or did a funny movement to make us VOXers feel comfortable. He wanted the perfect shot, and hopefully, we gave it to him.

Taking part in this photo shoot gave me a peek into modeling and the fast-paced fashion editorial world. The wonderful thrill I felt from the crew’s vibrant energy and flashing lights and from being in front of the lens made the experience an unforgettable one that I’d happily go through again."
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I can't even find the final photo online, lol
The actual article I wrote for Atlanta Magazine is here

This was my outfit, from my closet

A black suit blazer, a blue ruffled blouse with sliver stripes, a silver belt and a pair of black boots

Some random behind the scenes pics...



the empty set


Doing that shoot was probably one of the best moments of my life...
A very satisfied girl...