12.12.2008

I'm sorry, did you say Hobo?

10:28 AM me: ps do you know what a hobo bag is?
10:29 AM Maiah: yes ma'am, they're my favorite shape of bag
me: ok so i had never heard of them, but i'm gonna get a bag for my bday, so i been researching diff kinds
10:30 AM and i keep seeing "hobo" on all the sites - saks, etc. - and i'm like what the fuck is hobo
then i looked it up
you know WHY they're called hobo??
Maiah: why?
me: lol because the shape is reminiscent of the hankies that hobos hang from long sticks and carry their shit in
Maiah: HAHAHAHAHAHA
10:31 AM that is inappropriate!
me: i'm like, must. post.
Maiah: hahahahahahaha
omg
me: that's just too effing strange!
Maiah: so, since that's the case, why aren't hobo's more affordable?
what designer said ima capitalize on this hobo's purse?
10:32 AM me: it's such a werid mix of high and low culture
Maiah: lol
when you say it like that it makes me feel like the hobo is the signature hollywood bag
10:33 AM with thrift store dresses and $500 hobo bags
target tshirts and manolos
lol
So that's the intro. For those of you who are still confused, let me elaborate. Here are some examples of "The Hobo Bag":

LinkFendi - Gathered Hobo

Where does this term come from? Even though I already told you, the wikipedia definition of "Hobo Bag" is as follows:

The
hobo bag is a style of handbag or purse that is typically large and characterized by a crescent shape, a slouchy posture and a long strap designed to wear over the shoulder. Hobo bags are made out of soft, flexible materials and tend to slump, or slouch, when set down. There are many different sizes and shapes of this popular woman's fashion accessory.

This style of purse is called a hobo bag because it resembles the shape of the bindle on a stick that hobos are portrayed as carrying over their shoulder in drawings and cartoons.


Uhh hello?? They're talking about this:

Designer bags + Hobos = Really well accessorized women...observe:

Cindy Crawford with Christian Louboutin Metallic Hobo Bag

Sienna Miller

Rihanna

Ashley Olson with Givenchy

Kate Moss

So I mean, I guess there's not much else to say. The Hobo Bag is a strange meshing of the "go low or go high" phenomenon - because even though all of these designer hobo bags are thousands of dollars and totally unattainable to most, they're based on an "accessory" belonging to those without - money, luxury, whatever. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE them, and I WANT them. But c'mon, talk about irony!! Can't we call them "The Floppy" or "NoShapey" or "Diaper Bag" or "Boneless Bag"? No? Ok, fine.

There will probably be more to come on this Hobo-Chic/High-Low factor, it's something the SND duo is quite fond of/fascinated with. Until then, stay shabby yo.


'prece.

12.04.2008

Mommy...where does style come from?

I've been doing some thinking. It's nothing radical, actually it's just more of the usual - style...fashion...style vs. fashion...I love clothes...I want clothes...my credit card statements...the new pumps I just got for 50% off...the friend who encouraged me to buy them (oh hey girl, hey!)...my friends with style...my friends without style - you get the point, that's the Mihal train of thought.

So somehow this led to something a little bit more concrete - thinking about the people in my life and how they relate to my thoughts on style. If you do not yet understand the different between style and fashion, now would be a good time to refer to a previous Snaps and Daps post, called "Inbe-teen Fashion and Style". It essentially outlines fashion as understanding what’s vogue, what’s in, what’s current. It's a following-the-leader game that requires little skill and that anybody can partake in with the right means. Style, however, is a personal reflection; a personal rendering of fashion. It's creativity, the ability to make something your own - and even if somebody else is wearing the same coat, it looks different on you because you wear it in a way that only you can.

Now I'm about to make 2 statements that might be controversial:
#1: People are born with style. You either have it in your soul or you don't.
#2: Just because you don't have it yet, it doesn't mean you never will - because style can be in your soul but remain untapped...unexplored without the right inspiration.

I have have 3 examples to prove my point. Person number one is my sassy 13 year old cousin, person number two is my lovely boyfriend, and person number three is my unfortunately clothed friend who shall, for obvious reasons, remain nameless.

Let's begin with my little 13 year old cousin, a girl who proves my first point - she was born with style. Before I go on, allow me show you a few pictures so you can get a visual (in case you don't know me personally, little cousin's on the left, I'm on the right).

Even though, to my horror, this girl doesn't know who or what TLC is, if it were super important to me I could break out Crazy. Sexy. Cool. or YouTube the videos and sit her down and make her learn. This cannot be said of style, and lucky for her, she don't need no lessons (that's supposed to be said with the nuance of "I don't want no scrubs", but I don't think it translates in writing, womp). I visited with the family over Thanksgiving and over those few days I witnessed some great moments in style from this little chick. Turquoise jeans, cute little earflap hats, printed tops, and layers and layers and layers. We even flipped through my Vogue together, oogling some things and trash talking others while discussing the difference between fashion and style. The moment I knew this girl was on the right path was when her mom brought her a peacoat home from Old Navy. Black, waist length, cute enough but normal.

She eyed it up and down, tried it on, said "it's a little boxy but I guess it's ok"...then said, "but it's black, everybody has a black peacoat, don't they have it in like red?" Let me remind you that this girl is in middle school - a time when fitting in is crucial - and she's relishing in the unique. I'm very pleased with this comment...especially at the ripe age of 13, the perfect time to experiment with clothes and try new things. The style is in her and it has already started to take form. It is an innate force that will continue to grow and will continue to be inspired - you can't instill that in somebody and you can't take it a way. And she'll grow out of her Jonas Brothers obsession soon enough.

The second person I'd like to mention is my boyfriend, we'll call him J. He epitomizes the second point that I made previously, being that just because you don't have style now, doesn't mean you'll never have it. If it's hidden inside you, it will come out with the right inspiration and guidance. (Disclaimer: I'm not a total bitch, I got his permission to be one of my examples). Let me start this tale by stating that my boyfriend is really attractive - so attractive in fact that he could really wear anything and people probs wouldn't notice because they'd be captivated by his face. However, soon into the relationship I decided that just because he could wear anything doesn't mean he should wear just anything. I tried to Google pics resembling his mid-90's Ecko sweaters and oversized button up t-shirts with crazy prints, but since I couldn't find any I'll move on. The outfits were just...the way boys dress when they don't know there's more out there. Here are some examples (I don't know any of these people, I literally just Googled "guys" and these are the images that popped up):

You know what I mean?? The transition began about a year ago when J bought his first couple pairs of kicks:


I was quite pleased because not only did I now have something nice to look at on his feet, but I was finally able to suggeeeest that when you wear kicks like that, you should prooooobably have skinny jeans to complete the look. He agreed and promptly bought some for himself at H&M. Hmmmm, not skinny enough, boo...so Dushane and I escorted him to Uniqlo for some super skinny show-them-legs off jeans. This was the beginning of the emergence of his style. It didn't happen quickly and he didn't do it alone, but after several group shopping trips and many clothing-oriented conversations, dear J was learning to shop and put outfits together. He came into his look and into his style that for so long had been hidden and underutilized. Skinny ties, cardigans, sweaters, layers...it's a beautiful thing. Yes, let me acknowledge here that it could have gone the other way...he could have just not gotten it. He could have bought what he was told and worn it all, but that wouldn't have made him the stylish, clothing-consuming thing he is today. Luckily for all of us, this boy dug deep and found the inner funk, the freshness and the flare to work his style - and to do it up himself. And it's only gonna get better, because all any of us can do is grow.

Well, all any of us with style can do is grow. Because for my friend, let's call her...Taquisha? Tammy? ...yeah let's do Tammy, no matter how much guidance she gets, her outifts will be forever wrong-looking. As an example, I'm going to use Britney Spears, because no matter how many designer duds this lady has, she can't seem to put a cohesive outfit together to save her life:

See, Tammy has a problem that most fashion-minded people have, which is that she can look at women on the street or mannequins, or she can flip through magazines to find out what's "in". But if one doesn't have the style filter in which she can process the "fashion", she will simply be left with garments. And when a style-less person is left with garments, she is left to put together outfits at her own discretion. Even though Tammy sometimes gets one or two of the outfit elements right, there is always something about it that is, well...off. The earrings, the pants being bootcut when they should be skinny, the shoes being flats when they should be stiletto - these are fashion calls that people with style can make on their own, it's called putting together a fly outfit. And sorry, you can have all the fashionable garments in the world, but if you don't know how to work them and make them all they can be, you might as well not spend your money on them in the first place.

Soooo there you have it. The cousin who was born with style, the boyfriend who found his inner style, and the friend who doesn't have it and never will. Harsh? Maybe. True? Yup. If you think you might be one of these people sans style and wanna know if it's there deep down or not, I say move away from the magazines and stick with the buddy system - ask your friends with style for help...because believe me, there's nothing more gratifying than bringing somebody's inner style to the surface (yes I'm implying that I have it, sue me). If you don't have friends with style, you're probably screwed...so gohead with those boot cut jeans, asymmetrical shirt and glittery shoes, and good luck to you and yours.


'prece.

11.19.2008

Calling All Headsets!!

The following post is based on no facts whatsoever and some of the terms are made up, but since our insight is generally the correct insight, you might want to use it as a guide to your cellphone ear gear. Presenting: What your cellphone headset says about you...

1) The Bluetooth



You are a Douchebag. Yeah, it's ok if you use a Bluetooth for all your hands-free activities: driving, mountain climbing, carpentry? It's mostly when the activity is over and your Bluetooth is still on that puts you in this category. If you are wearing it as an accessory, like an earring, it's not cute. And if you're wearing it while having non-phone conversations with people standing right in front of you, it's confusing. So please, take it off when you're not using it. Oh, and if you're only using it while talking but you're wearing a muscle t or wife beater, or you have some kind of spikey gelled hair, that makes you a douchebag too, sorry.



2. The Cheek Mic



You are lame. I think this picture sums it up. With the Cheek Mic, you look like a secretary stuck in the...50's? 80's? You're prim and proper, you try to look like you're doing business, but you're probably on the phone with your mom comparing recipes. You might as well put on some bifocals and sit in front of a typewriter. Tap tap tap, ping! Tap tap tap tap, ping!



3. The Hangy Wire Mic
You're big time. Like this photo suggests, you have so many things to do, you can't let one hand go unused. You're a multi-tasker. You're walking home from the gym while returning emails on your blackberry and arguing on a conference call...you're driving to work listening to Fiona Apple with coffee in one hand, coke on the dashboard and the wheel in between your knees...whatever the multi-tasking involves, you're efficient, you're angsty, you're really important.

If you're a straight up phone to ear user, you're probably going to get brain cancer, my dad sends me cautionary emails every 6 months or so. So you should probably get a headset. Take your pick!!


'prece

11.15.2008

Daps List: Clothing Edition

Listen up. We made a list. A simple list, although the description may sound complicated. This is the list of basics for those who are actually style-forward. These basics are different than you're usual basics, those we know already (if you don't, hit up Google), these items are the palette that you brave adventurers can use to make that outfit an OUTFIT! All caps intended. We proudly bring you, the first ever, the SND "Daps List: Clothing Edition".

Part 1 of 2 is the list for the ladies:
(In no particular order):
1. Dark Skinny Jeans: Not boot cut, skinny. Not stone wash or any other kind of wash...dark. Make sure they hug that booty - if it's a teeny one pick a style that gives it some volume, if it's big, find a pair that lifts and avoid anything that flattens.
2. White V-Necks: Cotton, simple. Traditionally worn as a man's undershirt, but we are in a new era and now they are ours too. Can be layered or worn layered or alone. Classic, sexy.
3. Waist Coat: We suggest keeping it casual with the waist coats, but can be dressed up too. The perfect second layer to funkify your getup.
4. Cardigan: Proper layering must involve one of these. Fitted, loose, all patterns, all colors (within fashionable reason)...go nuts.
5. Solid Neutral Colored Pumps: Black, white, grey, brown, navy...6 inch or 3 inch...stiletto or chunky heel...all of those details really come down to preference. Pumps make your legs look great, they make your booty look great...they give you swagger, and let's face it, they make you feel fierce.
6. Fashion Scarf: Not talking big winter scarves. Must be light weight, must have some kind of detailing (print, fringe, texture, etc.). Can be wrapped around lots of times or can be tied in a knot in the middle of the ribcage. It's a great accessory that adds flare to everything.
7. Boots: Ankle boots, calf-length boots, knee boots, over-the-knee boots...go crazy, go conservative, just make sure you're headed there in some boots. (Note: you must be able to tuck your skinny jeans into them).
8. Coat: Listen carefully to this one because the details are crucial. This coat must a) fall mid-booty or right below and b) must either cinch at the waist, be tailored in at the waist or have some sort of belt or tie at the waist. A woman's waist is sensual, make sure you show it off even in the dead of winter.
9. Low Top Chuck Taylors (Converse, duh): Must be a solid color, we prefer beige. They're preppy but kind of punky too. They're casual and cool...and we give you permission to let these ones get a little dirty for the coveted "worn-in" look.
10. A Versatile Blouse: Think of it like this...should be sassy enough to pair with your dark skinnies and pumps for a cocktail event, and should be funky enough to wear with your waist coat, skinnies, and boots. That's the only way I can describe it. Moving on...
11. Tights: Crucial for fall and winter. Wear them under dresses, skirts, we even love them under tattered denim short shorts (see below). Can be substituted for leggings, although we'd like to officially state, that we do not support the leggings-as-pants look. Leggings are not pants.
12. Mini Dress: Some kind of short, season-to-season frock. In the summer, let your Beyonce out with this leg-bearing freakum dress, and in the fall and winter pair it with some tights (and boots? Converse?) and lots of layers to complete the boho/hobo look.
13. Oversized Button Up Shirt: Make it look like you got this one from your man's closet. Loose top (with tight jeans and Chucks) is disheveled and sexy. Pinstriped, flannel, gingham...the choice is yours.
14. Denim Shorts: Short. Worn-in. Holes, stains, pockets hanging out the bottom. (Note: NOT so short the booty hangs out the back).
15. Leather Jacket: Should be hip-length or 1-2 inches shorter. Black or brown only. It turns any outfit into an outfit and gives it edge and funk. No need to spend hundreds, go to a second hand store - Goodwill, Beacon's Closet, Buffalo Exchange - all great options.

***And now the verdict for the other sex, here goes:***

1. Dark Skinny Jeans: Yep, skinny jeans for guys too. They're the essential denim that will bring any look your heart desires to life.
2. White V-Neck: Yes, they're basic, yes they're perfect for layering, but don't forget...they're MANLY. Remember those Calvin Klein ads from back in the day (if not, we got you, here). That could be you!
3. Waist Coat: They're not just for the Great Gatsby and Justin Timberlake. This what you need with summer outfits that need a little umph or the icing on your layering cake.
4. Cardigan: Good for the office with a pair of black slacks and shoes? Yup! What about dinners in The Village with a V-Neck, skinny jeans and dope boots? Yessir! Can a cardigan save the world? YES....and they have!
5. Dunks: Oof...this was a tough one! In the end, Dunks win- they funktify the male sihouette more than the classic pair of Chucks.
6. Shoes: Whatever you choose, remember the following: black is better than whatever other color you might be thinking and leather will last longer (and look better) than any other material.
7. Black Blazer: Even though this entry seems like "duh", it can't specified enough. If you don't have this basic, you won't be able to take the basic to the next level. It just works every time.
8. Leather Jacket: Let's not go Matrix, that look only works on movie characters and superheroes. Your REAL leather should meet you at your hips, and if you're looking for longevity, make it black or brown.
9. Trench Coat: Mess with some funky knits, tweeds, houndstooth, cashmere lining, gold detailing, the sky is the limit. So is the mid thigh region-no lower!
10. Skinny Tie: It's the most post-modern item you can have in your closet (or drawer). It's retrofitted method of modernizing any classic outfit...or retrofying any futuristic outfit..oorrrr...
11. Black T-Shirt: This might seem unnecessary since we've already mandated a white v-neck. The plain black T is "the uber". It'll make you look buffer than you might be, layer well and accomplish a dark and mysterious version outfits the white v-neck completes. You want to be dark and mysterious, it's sexy!
12. Fashion Scarf: If your grandmother gave it to you, it doesn't count (unless she's read this post). Something with color and interesting detail in the print will spice up your vintage leather coat, skinnies and dunks.
13. Versatile Button Down Shirt #1: We'll trust you to pick the right print/pattern, but need not stress that the size needs to be fitted enough to be worn with a waist coat and blazer, but should be large enough and long enough to rock with some cut-off shorts, waist coat and Chucks. It's a fine line, good luck.
14. Versatile Button Down Shirt #2: The most important detail for VBDS #2 is that it needs to have a print. Take your pick: plaid, gingham, rugby stripes, killer bunnies, whatevs.
15. Boots: Go out and find them if you're looking to rock out something militaristic, rock and roll, hobo-boho-ghettobo (just made that up, talk later). 6.5 to 12 inches up the leg is good. Anything taller might make you a superhero (just add a super long leather jacket).

There you have it dudettes and dudes, 15 little tidbits to start your fantastic voyage. Remember though y'all, this is a list of basics that will help take you forward, if you try to sub this as forwardness, it'll unfortunately be read as "fauxward". Take these thangs and add your personal touches, philosophies and stylistic believes to the palette. We're looking forward to your works of art.

'prece.

11.06.2008

Can't Touch This...Or Caaan You?

Some call them Harem Pants, some call them tapered balloon pants, among us 90's kids the most logical name for them can only be...MC Hammer pants. You remember the Hammer!!


And, of course, you remember his PANTS!!

Orrrrr....

Ok we know it's not old news that these are popular again. They've been making a comeback for a while now - in fact, I'm pretty sure Dushane and I saw one brave soul sporting them on the train last winter. But this combination of skinny pants, wide leg pants and sweat pants (?!) were aaaall over the Spring 2009 Collection runway shows. Take a look below:

Alexander Wang

Ralph Lauren

Tibi

Naomi Campbell even worked them out for a fierce YSL Fall/Winter 2008-2009 campaign.

I feel really mixed about these pants. On the one hand, I think they're oddly flattering. They create a small waist, they're casual yet dressy at the same time and just when we thought skinny jeans were the be-all end-all of pants, Hammers are definitely something new. On the other hand, once I shake off my fascination with fashion and models and glitter, I realize that the small percentage of women that can actually wear these pants is disturbingly small...and I'm even more disturbed with the image of the much larger percentage of women who will try to pull them off and fail miserably. With that said, I have always been an advocate for fashion experiementation. What might the Forever 21/H&M version look like on normal people? Well I don't know, if you have photoshop be my guest and do a little cut and paste with this:

Sigh...the prospects aren't looking good, but I haven't totally lost hope. My mind is open, and if you can show me how to pull it off without being 5'10" and 120 lbs, my wallet will be open too. Hell, send your "pulling-it-off" pics to snapsanddaps@gmail.com and we'll put them on the blog!! Happy shopping and godspeed.


'prece.

11.05.2008

Fashion Meets Politics...Part 2

Nothing like your design being worn on a fashion savvy First Lady Elect...on the night that her man is elected El Presidente...to boost your ego.

The always fashionable Michelle Obama sported this little Narciso Rodriguez number from his Spring 2009 RTW Collection...seen below on on the runway:

LinkThe blogs are going crazy for this one y'all! Verena von Pfetten defends the dress adamantly on Huffington Post, calling it "utterly flattering" and "abso-effing-lutely stunning". The Style.com blog calls Michelle's sense of style "progressive"...while comments AAAALL across the blogs called the outfit "distracting", "distasteful", and one even said "Mrs. Obama is going to need a stylist when she gets to the Whitehouse!" Lame. The point is, whether you think it's hot or not (I, personally think she did a darned good job, not to mention the whole family's matching outfits), we once again - fiiiinally - have a first lady with a sense of style. Since nobody in our generation (X? Y?) was alive to see Jackie Kennedy in all her glory, I'm excited for what's to come.

And while I'm glad the world wide web is so opinionated on the topic of the dress, the most relevant question on my mind is, does this meeting of worlds (fashion and politics) speak to what is happening in fashion, or the hopeful new happenings surrounding politics? The last time Snaps and Daps came at you with the harmony of fashion and politics was several posts ago when political messages and images were actually being worn on clothing. Now the two worlds are colliding in a way that, in it's most fruitful way, creates accessibility and approachability to both.

On the political side we already see that Barack Obama represents change - and eeeeverybody's talking about it...men, women, all races, ages, sexual orientations, and people in countries all over the world! So is it not totally fitting that his wife cross boundaries as well? And though it's not as recognized or praised, the merging of politics and fashion, as I see it, represents a great change as well. People are paying attention to Michelle Obama - the trend setters, the youth, the fashion elite - and she's paying attention to them! As if Barack isn't uniting the country enough on his own, Michelle has a keen interest in a very specific niche of American society and continues to speak directly to it. And you best believe this conversation is going to keep on growing!! This very public appearance probably gave a huge boost to Rodriguez's sales...how soon until Michelle becomes a spokesmodel for Yves Saint Laurent? Can't you see it?!

She's a wife, she's a mom, and she's the First Lady Elect...SND would like to officially give our stamp of approval to yet another title for Mrs. Obama - Fashionista. Wear it with pride, girl.


'prece.

Barackin' the Nation!!

HE WON!!!


We're delighted.

'PRECE 'PRECE 'PRECE 'PRECE!!!!!