The Jean No. 1

Marching band-esque, Thriller-era Michael Jackson jackets with a pair of stonewashed, impeccably constructed jeans: Every after-party dilemma is answered here by the one and only Christophe Decarnin from Balmain. Combining the shameless pop-bedazzled energy that won Gianni Versace a reputation for tackiness, Decarnin has ushered in a new wave of gaudiness for a generation waiting and wanting to be mystified. Despite this ostentatiousness, it's so well done only a true killjoy could fail to smile. 

The thing that separates Decarnin's Balmain from rehashed rubbish is the execution and styling, as evident in the beautifully distressed jeans and well-crafted, sculptural jackets. The guy has skills—a super-skinny sleeve (sorry, Michelle Obama, this isn't for you), intricately placed from a brilliant new shoulder with a set of wings to add a dash of swagger to this outerwear. The eighties never looked this good.

Now, onto the jeans, which are as skinny as ever. Decarnin can make a pair of jeans that would bring Levi Strauss to tears and a little resentment for not realizing the true potential of denim. The labyrinthine combination of jean materials with a biker vibe can be, at times, convoluted, but also wildly brilliant. However, despite all these accolades, I must admit that Decarnin, after two seasons of repeating the jean/jacket combo, needs to switch it up and bring some change, Obama style; in the end, I'm sure he will not bore us.

The Tattoo

Do friendships manifest from a late-night rendezvous, set in a shady tattoo parlor on Sunset? With a goal in mind and a bond to be formed, Lilo and LiAl got the IT tattoo of the moment, the Shhh... tattoo placed on the inside of the index finger on the right hand. No, this isn't the initiation for all librarians (they much prefer the Shhh's to be heard, not read); however, according to Lohan herself, it's a "sign of female empowerment." 

The question is: who are the Shhh...'s directed to? Sam? Dina? Perez? Besides the point, the tattoo brought together two of the most outspoken and prolific personalities in our snark-filled generation. Now, I cannot wait to hear their rumored duet album. Hopefully, it will be called Tats and Scats. 

The Ageless No. 2

Carine Roitfeld is not just any editor. As Editor-in-Chief of French Vogue, Carine Roitfeld celebrates the wickedly coquettish gamut of style and fashion, as evident in her passion for esoteric black ensembles with the occasional dash of color to bewilder her colleagues and followers. Using The Breakfast Club as the foundation for a metaphor, imagine if American Vogue is Molly Ringwald with the perfectly coiffed 'do, French Vogue is, of course, the rebel Ally Sheedy with the untamed hair (and eyebrows), in addition to the blacked-out eyes. The same could be said for her personal style; after all, she looks and moves like the alluring thoroughbred, Black Beauty. 

Inspiration No. 1

Justin Bobby (circa 2008)

Lily Donaldson (circa 2009, Alexander Wang)

Until the past season of The Hills, the audience knew Justin Bobby as the dirty rocker and love interest to Chiclet-toothed Audrina. In one scene, everything changed: Justin Bobby, with his patchy facial hair, chapped lips, black hoodie, black felt wide-brimmed hat, black distressed leather jacket. It must be noted: the JB is wearing the hat and hood together at once — indoors! In this one moment, he gave a nod to the fictional vigilante V, a wink to Rick Owens’s and Ann Demeulemeester's gothic style, and a high five to the masked Zorro. Given the expanse of bad taste that is “The Hills,” hats off to Justin Bobby’s layered head wear look. One question. Why cannot Jay from The City be more Justin Bobby? 

Now, based on this one scene between Audrina and Justin Bobby, I deem Justin Bobby style icon of our generation and muse to the designer, Alexander Wang. So move aside Erin Wasson (with your raggedy-old fur coat that PETA would die to pore red paint on), Mr. Justin Bobby has arrived. 

The Briefcase

Finally, what I've always been looking for (yet never knew could exist): the perfect leather briefcase with a soft and slouchy leather exterior adorned with two metal buckles. After seeing endless party photos of Brit It Girls (Alexa Chung, my new favorite; sorry, Pixie Geldof, your time is up) and fashion editors carrying their notes and mags in their trusty book bag, I had to own it.

Next year, besides receiving the customary present for every college student, the laptop, I needed to come to grips with leaving high school behind and starting anew; this is what this briefcase represents. But I can't have any old ratty briefcase? I have to step it up and why not get the best. That's why the Mulberry Elkington tan leather briefcase will be my hopeful embellishment for my soon-to-be disheveled, Mary-Kate circa 2004 NYU years look. I can already see myself bundled up in endless layering of jackets and blankets. Not to get off topic, but I know that this briefcase will polish this new look I will soon adopt. 

The Ageless No. 1

Sartorial Movies No. 1

Two for the Road (1966)

Watching Two for the Road transports you on a journey, flashbacks and flash-forwards included, with the first effervescent then deliciously campy Audrey Hepburn (filmed in her older years) and her lover, Albert Finney (pre one hundred weight gain) as they navigate their way through Europe on numerous vacations. Through the countryside of France and the Italian Rivera, we become enamored by their youthful, c'est la vie mores on their first trip to Europe, but detest them as they become arch-rivals in their later trips to Italy. However, despite their growing hatred for one another at the movie's end, in the beginning, they start to love each other for their quirks and I just melt away by their enduring romance, courtship and bickering and all. Besides falling in love with the characters, I occasionally re-watch this movie for their sartorial getups.

With Audrey Hepburn (and her svelte physique), she can do no wrong in my eyes no matter what she puts on. During the period in the movie where she travels across Europe with her all-girl singing group, her combination of mom-esque jeans and red, narrow turtleneck sweater cannot be beaten. As the movie progresses, Audrey gets in touch with her inner shrew and throws away her farm girl look and inhabits a new, Euro trash exterior. Yet, beneath this facade, there still exists her edifying (included with a few snarky asides) disposition.

Now, onto the sportswear icon better known as Albert Finney. Without the slightest bit of care, Albert has constructed the perfect look by combining the blithe with the perfectly tailored. In a simple beige jacket and a crinkly collared shirt paired with beautifully tailored white pants, Albert can be seen as an inspiration to the collections of Band of Outsiders and Tim Hamilton, which continually accomplish the preppy, leisurely effect. 

To conclude, watch Two for the Road and be mesmerized.