lulu and your mom

love letter

2012-01-27T23:58:00.000-08:00

I believed in the purest form of love there was. Something which only existed in movies. Others read what I wrote and felt uplifted. They called it beautiful. But it was just my life. I believed it. All of it. And it made me better. I wrote better. I worked better. I felt strong. All the things that love was supposed to do for you.

And then you told me it wasn't love…

Love is just a package to be sold and purchased. We feel things and we think it's love. But maybe it was just a good salesman.

Thank you for helping me to find my voice. For letting me create this world for us to exist. It wasn't real. But I was happy. Although I no longer believe in love, I believe in myself. And that's all I need to keep going.

going gorillas

2012-01-23T16:28:00.000-08:00

1. Céline Pre-Fall 12
2. New ASAP Rocky video for "Wassup"
3. Theyskens' Theory Pre-Fall 12

Since I last posted A$AP, I heard he signed a $3 million record deal. Kids grow up so fast these days.

And congrats to Ana for winning the Reiss clutch!! May your nights be consumed with slinky dresses and questionable decisions. I'll be sending you an email shortly. For those who didn't win -- don't worry. More giveaways are on the way!

black on black on black

2012-01-21T18:12:00.000-08:00

American Apparel raglan shirt, Etoile by Isabel Marant shirt, James Jeans Couture denim courtesy of James Jeans, Theyskens' Theory shoes, Céline Phantom bag, Ray Ban Wayfarers

Have you seen my new bag? It's got more swag than I do. Work hard and give yourself everything you ever wanted. I'm excited to show you what I've been up to. Absence is never without a reason.

high and tight

2012-01-09T11:56:00.000-08:00

Karlie Kloss by Steven Meisel

I'm sure you've all seen the cover. The video for the Vogue Italia December 2011 issue is pretty good too. I miss when it was the holidays and Youtube could let you add falling snowflakes. FYI Karlie is a babe.

long, hard, and resin

2012-01-05T09:14:00.000-08:00

Reiss Daria clutch courtesy of Reiss, Margiela bracelet, Chanel lipstick in Enthusiast

Happy New Year!!! My resolution this year is to get fancy. I'm pretty low key when it comes to clothes. A tried and true California girl. Yes, that's my carrot juice in a Coke cup from Taqueria Cancún. Remnants of Christmas in San Francisco. I want to make an effort to wear nicer things. Not tacky. Just like... a nicer, shinier version of myself.

I've partnered with Reiss to give away my version of nice and shiny. The Reiss Daria clutch (retails $245) is definitely the fanciest thing that's come into my life. That, and a certain black on black Phantom for those who've been following my Instagram.

To enter to win this beauty, simply check out the Holiday Sale and leave your name, email, and a message telling me how you will wear your fancy new clutch. No really, I need ideas.

This contest is open to those in the US & Europe. I will choose a winner on January 19. Good luck!

ask your mom

2012-01-01T13:38:00.000-08:00

Last year, I set up a Formspring so readers could ask me questions. But not about me. About you. "I hate my friends, how do I make new ones?" "Why don't my parents understand?" "Why didn't he call me back?" Questions that continue to be asked well into your ambiguous adulthood. Nearly ten thousand questions later, I decided to write this book.

Lulu Says features 150+ questions from actual readers in a pocket size companion for you. Illustrations by Carol Chu (re: The Fashion Coloring Book). But there's no need to wait til March for this one. It's available now.

what's that jacket?

2011-12-25T23:57:00.000-08:00

1. Found the MMM store in LA
2. White girl rap is real

XO

2011-12-24T15:56:00.000-08:00

Stolen Girlfriends Club sweater courtesy of Dear Fieldbinder, Zara jeans, H&M men's belt, Margiela boots, Alexander Wang bag, Ray Ban Wayfarers

Is there a way to wear a fuzzy angora sweater without looking like you have an attitude problem? All signs point to no.

prelude

2011-12-22T08:12:00.000-08:00

The Weeknd - Dirty Diana

And the story continues...

land

2011-12-18T20:54:00.000-08:00

Something you should know… you looked gorgeous on Sunday.

Thank you.

Most welcome. How are you?

I'm in LA.

It's nice. Was thinking of moving here. How are you?

I'm cold in SF. I think about moving to LA every day.

You should. You should do what makes you happy.

Happiness is all around us.

What does that mean?

I can find happiness in SF.

What else do you think about?

Sometimes you.

How was your day? Tell me.

Another one full of running around. Some was fruitful, some was futile. And yours, what of?

Flying home tomorrow.

Flying to LA tomorrow. Is this symbolic of us?

It doesn't have to be.

I really wish Sunday didn't turn sour.

Bad days happen.

Better ones await?

Is that what you want?

Always.

Tell me what you want.

To love. And be loved.

That's what I want too.

So simple.

Will you kiss me now?

I never stopped.

3.1 phillip lim

2011-12-07T22:20:00.000-08:00

3.1 Phillip Lim blazer, Friend of Mine shirt courtesy of Friend of Mine, Cheap Monday jeans, Margiela boots and bracelet, Nixon watch

The best part about this jacket is that it has straps on the inside to hold onto while you're doing that non-committal over-the-shoulder thing. I attempted to style the model-on-duty by requesting to take off her tank top, shoes, and belt. If it were up to me, she'd be barefoot and wearing a plunging lavender jumpsuit. Available in Spring.

and stretch

2011-12-06T17:33:00.000-08:00

Megan Fox by Greg Williams

Love this video of Megan Fox for Esquire. Because you can never have enough writhing girls in very little clothes. The Sade dress makes a guest appearance. Lots and lots of sexy bonus points.

And... congratulations to Jill from Those Ghosts, you are the winner of the Sachin + Babi giveaway. I especially enjoy the fact that your parents have a walnut plantation. And I too, am a fan of fuzzy mohair sweaters. Email me to claim your prize.

pirelli x mario sorrenti

2011-12-06T15:48:00.000-08:00

2012 Pirelli Calendar by Mario Sorrenti

Always a fan of the Pirelli Calendar. View the rest here.

The move was a success. I'm settling into my new home in Hollywood. I passed by the Michael Jackson Auditorium the other day. Seems vaguely inappropriate.

your mom's gift guide

2011-11-28T21:56:00.000-08:00

Cartier Love bracelet, Lulu Says available in December, UNIF t-shirt, Byredo Bakers' Guild candle

A holiday gift guide featuring a 5k bracelet, my second book, and a candle that smells exactly like raisin bread. Mmm... festive.

PS: Have you seen the new Patrik Ervell online store? I'm dying for the bomber jacket and flightsuit.

take flight

2011-11-27T19:59:00.000-08:00

MA-1 bomber, Stylemint t-shirt courtesy of Stylemint, Nectar jeans courtesy of Nectar, Chanel lipstick in Enthusiast

It seems appropriate to be wearing a flight jacket on the eve of my big move to Los Angeles. My bags are packed and to be honest... I'm scared.

10 days in shanghai

2011-11-24T15:27:00.000-08:00

I hadn't seen my dad for an extended period of time in quite awhile. I never saw my dad as anything less than someone that everybody followed, without question. Between working on my project, being chauffeured by a guy who didn't speak any English, and so often, straddling the line between contentment and raging anger, I would come home and see my dad writing in his journal and forgetting things. The realization that your parents are getting old is both humbling and terrifying.

In between, I sought refuge at the Swissôtel Shanghai and discovered a store called I.T. where I got an arm cramp browsing through the massive racks of Isabel Marant.

liquid metal

2011-11-22T00:51:00.000-08:00

Haider Ackermann SS12

In my past life, I was a (sexy) machine.

baby... it's yours

2011-11-20T18:26:00.000-08:00

Sachin + Babi sweater courtesy of Sachin + Babi, Cheap Monday jeans, Céline sandals, Ray Ban Wayfarer sunglasses

I'm back from Shanghai and to say that I've learned a lot is an understatement. There's a Chinese saying that goes, "Nice shoes will take you nice places." I had this in mind when I purchased these sandals from the Céline store at IFC in Pudong. I'm normally not the type of person to spend a lot of money on expensive clothes and shoes. I mean... I have a few nice things. But this purchase was very special to me. It marks a new starting point in my life. A point which, when I look back on, I will think "Wow, remember when I thought buying those shoes was such a big deal?"

There's this joke (but it's not really a joke) about how I want to be the Asian Oprah. I have another book coming out next month. Preview here. But really, what makes Oprah great? She gives away free stuff!

So with that said, Sachin + Babi is giving away this unbelievably cozy sweater (retails $305) to one lucky reader.

"Like" Sachin + Babi on Facebook
Follow Sachin + Babi on Twitter
Leave a comment on this entry

This contest will run for 10 days. It is open to everyone in the US. I will pick a winner on November 30 and that winner will have three days to claim their luxurious new knit just in time for fall. Good luck!

swim

2011-11-05T21:58:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I'm headed to Shanghai to work on a project which will hopefully yield some good results. Susan Miller says it's going to be a fantastic month. This of course, makes it true.

crisp whites

2011-11-05T21:06:00.000-07:00

Finally got these babies shipped to me by the Theory store in San Francisco. Sort of reminds me of Céline Resort and these Calvin Klein ads with Lara Stone where she's wearing white orthopedic shoes (but they're perfect). Buying shoes is kind of a big deal for me.

On Friday, I made my friend watch the new Almodovar film with me (which is excellent). I wore my Theyskens' Theory shoes but failed to consider how precarious they really are. In actuality, I spent most of the night trotting through the theater, lifting each wobbly foot, grunting, and asking my guy friend if he thought this was sexy. He did not.

Anyways, if you're still interested (and you should because they're lovely). There's a few pairs left in the Theory warehouse per special request. Call your nearest store and they can hook you up.

jpegs and tacos

2011-10-25T17:08:00.000-07:00

My friend Tim has been shooting me for the blog for over a year now. He is truly the definition of a great friend. I tried to write this entry like five or six times because it was actually extremely hard to put into words just how much I adore this man. Although sometimes we bicker like an old married couple. Let's just say... his laissez faire sense of direction has gotten me into more than a few vehicular predicaments. He's always there to pretend to listen to you complain while watching sports. Also, to share jpegs and a couple of tacos with.

Tim is the Creative Director of SOMA Magazine. You can follow his Tumblr and Twitter.

banks violette

2011-10-25T13:13:00.000-07:00

Make as much art as you can. Do it while you still have something to say. Do it while it's all you have (but not until there's nothing left). To live your life and to give yourself a reason to live for. All we have is the work we do for ourselves, but most of all, for each other. The end.

no ordinary love

2011-10-23T15:35:00.000-07:00

Friend of Mine "Midnight Toker" dress, vintage Gap jacket, Margiela bracelet, Nixon watch, Acne "Raya" shoes

This is my Sade dress. It's very nineties with a big slit and soft to touch.

pseudo

2011-10-19T13:41:00.000-07:00

Leather wedges from Theyskens' Theory in clinical white patent. It's like those platform sneakers those girls used to wear in middle school but all grown up. Who knows if I'll ever find a pair in my size. Although they are probably the only color I will accept them in.

I was also loving all the punk inspired hairstyles from Prada Fall 2011. Another picture here. There's a great article in W which talks about how subcultures are a huge influence on Phoebe Philo for Céline. I like how proud she is of where she's from. Because I feel the same. The most progressive ideas will always be rooted in the every day. The basic need to express yourself and make a little noise.

color me

2011-10-16T14:22:00.000-07:00

Inspired by one of my favorite covers of Interview Magazine

So... it's here. My first book for Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Or rather, my first gift back to the community of fashion enthusiast readers who have given me so much over the past three years. When I think of the two most important moments of my life: the first is the start of this blog, and the beautiful (but sometimes rather tough) journey it takes me on. The second is when I finally embraced myself as a writer (bad grammar and all). And I know, "it's just a coloring book!" But when I think about it... why did I turn to the internet in the first place? Because I had these interests I just had to pursue but was either too scared, too unknowledgeable, or too frustrated to share with anyone else. So this is for the 14-year-old Lulu. The girl who hung out on AOL fashion message boards and devoured "What are you wearing?" threads like it was that unfinished math homework her parents wished she cared about instead. I know there's a lot of you out there. And we hope you enjoy what we've made.

Pre-order now on Amazon. 128 pages. Available in March.

flatform

2011-10-12T18:25:00.000-07:00

Flatforms via Ebay

I'm fulfilling the 15-year-old in me and buying things that appeal to my immediate urges. A good example: Marc Jacobs backpack that looks like the sea. I like teenagers. I like how they blog. And I like what they buy. When they feel sad. You feel sad. It's blogging without the blatant advertising. And even when it's done. It's cheeky. It truly feels like blogging... from the gut.

My favorite teens here, here, and here.

peso

2011-10-10T21:46:00.000-07:00

"A lot of times, people don't know what they want
until you show it to them."
- Steve Jobs

1. New grind
2. New groove (style for dayz)

And what if you did exactly what others expected you to. And you still didn't make it?

cloud 10

2011-10-08T21:18:00.000-07:00

Shirt courtesy of Katwalk, vintage Levi's cut offs courtesy Stone Cold Vintage, Marc Jacobs backpack, Chloe boots, Helmut Lang SS04 bracelet

Washed out pink walls inspired by the Céline pop up shop in Paris.

Sometime last week I went on a date. We got Chinese food and there were big screens playing football over the tables. For two hours we watched Chinese dads huddled around a television screen eating fried rice and ignoring their wives. The highlight was probably when my date threw up his fist at the only other white guy across the room and proclaimed, "my brother!" I had sort of imagined a more romantic setting.

what is this place?

2011-10-02T05:37:00.000-07:00

You know what's funny about the Sutro Baths? It's really not as nice as you think it would be. Kind of smells like rotting sewage and the mistakes of teenagers.

nyfw

2011-09-22T14:32:00.000-07:00

via Vogue

1. Theyskens' Theory high-rise/ low-rise denim
2. Patrik Ervell custom Red Wing shoes with lucite wedge and this overall look

Just a few things that stood out to me this season. Clever + cool.

In other news, MARC JACOBS ordered my book. I will be stocked in his bookstore, Bookmarc starting in March! Exciting, yeah?

kicking dirt

2011-09-18T21:47:00.000-07:00

American Apparel crop top, thrifted skirt, H&M Conscious Collection denim jacket courtesy of H&M, Acne "Raya" shoes

We found this empty baseball field while wandering around the hills of San Francisco.

I got this jacket as part of the H&M Conscious Collection which came out in May. I've worn it so much it's still a bit dirty around the edges. They were so gracious to send me to Coachella, dress me in head-to-toe H&M, and provide me with my very own driver, Moe. I'll never forget it.

This weekend, I saw the movie Drive. Basically, I will watch anything with Ryan Gosling in it. But the soundtrack is also excellent (in case anyone was looking for something to listen to). I sort of feel like a heroine in some nineties movie about high school in these pictures. WHY DIDN'T YOU WRITE ME RYAN?

altuzarra etc

2011-09-13T09:26:00.001-07:00

Atuzarra SS12 via Interview

Maybe it's the fact that I spent my entire high school days working at a florist and greenhouse and still have fond memories of this Balenciaga 03 collection in my mind that made me love this collection so much.

To be honest, I never paid much attention to Altuzarra. Clothes catered to the young socialite set. So boring, you know? But like one review said, "... with this collection there's a depth and complexity to the clothes to match." Here here. And the turtleneck cropped tops aren't bad either.

u fit me better than my favorite sweater

2011-09-09T21:17:00.000-07:00

1. Blue sweatshirt from American Rag in LA.
2. Blue wall in SF.
3. Blue Jeans by Lana Del Rey

the kids are not alright

2011-09-06T12:25:00.000-07:00

Youth Unemployment: The Kids Are Not Alright by Business Week on Mixcloud

Time to get real.

art house

2011-08-31T15:38:00.000-07:00

TSR shirt courtesy of TSR, Levi's corduroy shorts, H&M men's belt, Acne "Raya" shoes, Nixon watch, Margiela bracelet

I'm in LA hanging out with Chris Ofili paintings and this series of portraits of Japanese girls squatting without underwear. Makes sense.

part 2

2011-08-29T22:13:00.000-07:00

The Weeknd - The Birds (Part 2)

Desire without consolation.

never more beautiful

2011-08-22T18:00:00.000-07:00

Lana Del Rey by Johnny Blueeyes

The best part about a picture of a beautiful girl is that she will stay a beautiful girl forever. She can be lovely. She can be cool. She can be anything you want her to be. You will never see her cry, laugh, wrinkle, or age. You will never see her fall in love, give birth, fail or succeed. And maybe you might want to. But you will say, she was never more beautiful.

instagram me

2011-08-22T12:34:00.000-07:00

1. The best blog-tographer
2. Remnants of the great night of sobriety
3. Emma's vinyard in Sonoma
4. On a dock in Lake Tahoe

The end of summer is fast approaching. Truly, it's been the most inspiring time of my life. Northern California is like nowhere else I've ever lived. The perfect cure for a restless soul. It's sort of grungy. It's sort of nature-y. But it's all sort of... beautiful.

SO since this blog is all about what inspires me, why not do a giveaway of what inspires YOU? As I hinted to you last week, I've teamed up with Blurb to create an Instagram photobook made up of our most inspiring photos. And one lucky reader will win this photobook for free!

Here are the rules:

-Follow me on Instagram or Twitter
-Post a photo using Instagram
-CAPTION your photo (don't forget to TWEET it!) and complete this sentence:
“This summer, my most #blurb inspired moment was... "

Your caption and tweet counts as your permission for me to use your photos in the photobook. I will choose a winner on August 29. This contest is open to everyone. GOOD LUCK!

all american

2011-08-10T00:54:00.000-07:00

Photography by Robert Mapplethorpe

I took this photo from my first Giants baseball game tonight. It was so much fun! Why don't more people invite me? In my next life, I'd like to be a cute girl with big tits who wears a super tight baseball shirt and jumps around a lot.

OH are we all on Instagram yet?

I've partnered with Blurb (who I consult for sometimes) and Instagram to bring you something very special. Stay tuned for details in the next week or so. In the meantime, you can follow me @luluandyourmom.

vibe

2011-08-08T15:48:00.000-07:00

1. Céline Resort 12
2. Friend of Mine 'Midnight Toker' dress

I'm currently diggin' a certain kind of vibe. I can't describe - but I guess it has to do with hosiery, something graphic, and something bold.

BTW jackets as capes. Get on it.

first date

2011-08-07T22:17:00.000-07:00

We sat on his couch. It was dark except for the moonlight. I straddled his lap as I ran my hand across my thigh to show him the rip in my stocking.

"See?"

He smiled.

"What brought you here?" I asked.

"A blonde girl from New Jersey."

He told me he was married.

"What happened?"

"We grew apart."

"Still… it must have been nice to be so in love," I said.

"Yeah… " he replied. "Have you ever been in love?"

"I don't think so."

Then he told me, "You have to want it."

That night, I fell asleep in his arms. I wish I knew then that he didn't want it. But when I close my eyes, everything is still perfect.

the birds

2011-08-04T17:35:00.000-07:00

via ornithes

The Weeknd - The Birds (Part 1)

c'était un rendezvous

2011-08-02T14:50:00.000-07:00

1. Maciek Kobielski for Rock & Republic SS09
2. A short film made in 1976 by Claude Lelouch

I've been on a caffeine high. Adrenaline is pumping. It goes: work, sleep, cry, work, work, work. Juggling a few tremendous publishing projects at the moment. Feels good. But I can feel my body breaking down.

missed connections

2011-07-30T21:28:00.000-07:00

Acne sweater and shorts, Gap jacket, Alex & Ani bangles courtesy of Alex & Ani, Topshop boots

you know that story?
how someone was flying over the ocean
and looked down
and saw people
and he said to someone "look! they're waving at us"
and he was told "no, they're drowning"

only the dead stay seventeen forever

2011-07-28T11:04:00.000-07:00

Photography by Nobuyoshi Araki

Flowers as memento mori.

cinematic

2011-07-28T09:28:00.000-07:00

via tsf

Photography by Inez & Vinoodh

Great cover.

cool off

2011-07-27T20:59:00.000-07:00

via tp

Photography by Peter Lindbergh

the collector

2011-07-25T14:28:00.000-07:00

His place was like a museum. There was so much art everywhere. I went upstairs to use the bathroom. More art wrapped up in paper. "Careful not to touch anything," I told myself. Then I tripped on a vacuum cleaner... damn.

I was his object.

In the morning, I woke up next to him; it felt nice to be close. I noticed he put up a new painting. Pretty. I watched him get ready to take a shower; a cue for me to get dressed.

On my way out, he asked me, "How's your life?" to which I responded by looking away. He asked me again, "How's your life?"

"It's fine," I said.

Except it wasn't fine.

"I read your Facebook. The one about the girl in the New York Times. It was funny."

I couldn't remember what he was talking about. He was reading up on me. But I was right here.

"Are those shoes new?"

I wore them on our first date.

"Did you cut your hair?"

Like a month ago.

Collectors are like that. They don't have to interact with their beloved objects all the time. It's just... there. And every now and then they take an interest, but otherwise, there's no upkeep. His life was like a museum. Well curated. But poorly kept.

how's your life?

2011-07-21T12:59:00.000-07:00

I sat on a friend's patio in Lake Tahoe exchanging love letters with someone who was very far away.

Don't fade away from me, okay? I wrote. Except it wasn't really a question. It felt more like I was talking to myself.

I get so anxious these days. My back hurts. And every morning I have to crack my right elbow just to feel some kind of relief.

In Tahoe, I would wake up before everyone else, drink a glass of water, read every article about Rupert Murdoch, and stare at the lake.

I like having you around... it's nice to have someone to share my thoughts with. Talking to myself again.

It's kind of funny how close you feel to someone who's so far away. I wasn't sure what he was doing in Europe. To be honest, I didn't ask.

That night, I got a text back.

I am in Spain where English news abounds. The downfall of Murdoch has been wonderful to watch as he has been the proverbial boogeyman who has haunted since my childhood.

As for the rest, we are both restless. There is a language we share that few others recognize. I would be lying if I said I didn't think of you fondly, and often. The like functionality of being around is a door that swings both ways.

Your thoughts are embraced wherever I exist.

The air was nice; I slept outside. The lake is beautiful at night. They say thinking about the future can be so pleasurable that sometimes we'd rather think about it than get there. I was afraid. I was afraid that next time would not be as perfect as this.

I knew when I'd see him, he'd ask me, "How's your life?" This time I wouldn't have an answer. What happens when "How's your life?" no longer becomes relevant.

vacation

2011-07-21T11:55:00.000-07:00

Quite possibly the most relaxing long weekend of my life. Let's just say, when your biggest decision of the day consists of, "hot dog or hamburger?", "pool or beach?," you know you have it made.

The most amazing and terrifying experience was jumping off a fifty foot cliff into a river at Emerald Pools in Lake Tahoe. It's so out of character for me. But that's exactly why I did it. And with all your friends jumping and telling you that it's safe (it's really really not), I knew I would never be able to have this moment again.

a few staples:

2011-07-21T11:24:00.000-07:00

T by Alexander Wang sweater, UNIF t-shirt

A few staples: I like clean clothes that look good dirty. Slightly subversive, but not obnoxiously so.

chipped paint

2011-07-13T19:04:00.000-07:00

1. Margiela SS11 bracelet via Selectism
2. Hedi Slimane
3. Lana Del Rey

Chipped paint, sweet rides, and the most beautiful song in the world.

denim x 2

2011-07-13T18:09:00.000-07:00

Top: Ellison shirt courtesy of Shock Boutique, Seven "A" pocket flares, H&M men's belt
Bottom: Jcrew shirt, Levi's diy shorts, drugstore sheer tights

What I've been wearing lately. Mostly worn with a pair of Margiela sandals and my first ever pedicure (it's the truth). I retired my plaid shirt in favor of this blue gingham. But now I think I should retire these denim shorts as well. I ordered a pair of Acne faded black chinos which fit absolutely perfect. Always a fan of low rise. Is it sad I don't own more clothes? I just want everything to look like I've owned it for years.

jpegz

2011-07-06T20:02:00.000-07:00

1. Megan Fox porn
2. Margiela sandals and Essie "Funky Limelight"

city of 7's

2011-07-02T17:50:00.000-07:00

"If San Francisco is a city of 7's. Portland is like a city of 3's."

"Well… what am I?"

"You're kind of in your own world. You've got kind of a fucked up aesthetic. And you've got kind of a fucked up way of talking."

That was the first time I'd ever heard myself described so succinctly. For the rest of the night I kept thinking, I just want him to show me things. I just want him to show me everything...

But the timing was off.

For weeks and months we would try to get together. I think about all the questions I wanted to ask him. The advice I wanted him to give me. But when the time came it was either too late, or not appropriate, or the movie was starting, or I'd honestly just forgotten.

I wanted to look nice for him. Something would always go wrong there too. I remember putting on my favorite dress. It was cold so I decided to grab stockings. These look nice, I thought. When I put them on they were ripped. Totally ripped.

He started to fade away. I could feel it. They say it's better to burn out than to fade away. I wanted reassurance. I wanted him to say, "Baby, I'll be gone for awhile. Don't worry. I'm still here. Wait for me."

I guess... just because you "get" someone. Doesn't mean you know what to do with them.

transitioning

2011-06-30T21:36:00.000-07:00

TSR shirt courtesy of TSR, Levi's diy denim shorts, Topshop boots

I really want to go platinum blonde. I'm just not ready... yet.

oxenrose

2011-06-30T21:16:00.000-07:00

The ladies at Oxenrose in Hayes Valley are always so amazing. I wouldn't go anywhere else for my color...

the small things

2011-06-24T17:05:00.000-07:00

I'm headed to New York July 4-9. I'll be shooting the lookbook for Triskaidekaphobia jewelry and going to an important meeting. Manicured fingers crossed.

stacked gold links

2011-06-20T19:07:00.000-07:00

Ring from Modern Appealing Clothing (M A C), Nixon watch, Margiela bracelet

Stacked gold links are my new favorite thing to put on. And I love the way this bronze ring looks with a little bit of wear and tear...

céline resort

2011-06-15T10:34:00.000-07:00

Céline Resort 2012

Flower porn and fishnets. Two ideas I've been obsessed with for quite some time. Oh Phoebe, I love you. For as much as I can feel such emotion.

In other news, I bought a new camera, an Olympus PL2, so I'll try and be better about updating with personal pictures. In case you're wondering, most outfit shots like this one are taken with a Panasonic Lumix. I've also been playing around with my new Flip Ultra HD video camera courtesy of Stylelist. And I can't wait to show you what I've been filming. :)

tiger

2011-06-13T13:55:00.000-07:00

Daisy Lowe for British Esquire. Shot by Greg Williams.

shadow rider

2011-06-08T01:33:00.000-07:00

Interview October 2010
"Shadow Rider"
Model: Xander
Photographer: Craig McDean
Fashion Editor: Karl Templar

Finally found the entire spread. It's glorious.

6.7.11

2011-06-07T20:54:00.000-07:00

At the same time, it looks like fashion is becoming less and less creative. That’s kind of the contradiction: as fashion becomes more and more popular, it’s less creative because there is really less space for strange or original ideas in such a large system. I think it’s probably a growing crisis. It’s not just that designers today are less creative than they used to be — the environment is less creative.

Stefano Tonchi, Industrie

you have to want it

2011-06-07T16:59:00.000-07:00

Nothing says summer quite like summer love on the SF Muni. In matching red hoodies.

Love is a concept I've struggled with for quite some time. I believe I've been in love once in my life. When I was 17-years-old, I fell in love with a Japanese punk with blue hair. He played in this horrible hardcore band called Pac Man Softy (abbreviated P.M.S. of course). God. They were awful.

the look of it all

2011-06-07T15:53:00.000-07:00

I ordered this Maison Martin Margiela 11 bracelet a few days ago from Yoox. I'm slowly transitioning back to gold jewelry. And I think would look really nice layered with my Nixon gold watch that I always wear.

Alexander Wang x Terence Koh Mask Collaboration

Have you been to the new Alexander Wang online store? Of course you have. I'm particularly impressed by the design of it. In general, shopping has become almost painful for me. There's very little that I want. But I'm contemplating this linen romper...

via Nasty Gal

Loving the styling in the latest Nasty Gal shoot. Chillin.

Self Service Issue °34 iPad edition 
Malgosia Bela photographed by Ezra Petronio. Styling by Sabrina Marshall.

Because I've always been a supporter of evolving online content. These iPad apps just keep getting better and better. It's like story telling for a new generation. And I just love the way she moves. Download the app.

and the winner is...

2011-06-06T23:22:00.000-07:00

Thanks again for the great tweets guys. It was such a pleasure reading all of your responses, truly. And I think Ronja's entry captures what I envision the perfect summer to be. Congrats to Ronja from Norway! Please email me to claim your prize.

In the meantime, it's finally beautiful outside, so please enjoy some music from one of my favorite bands of all time ... And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead. Soooo many good memories attached to this.

when you wake up

2011-06-06T14:41:00.000-07:00

I feel a lot of pressure and obligation to maintain this blog, finish my books, go back to school or find a second career, in the meantime, having to deal with disappointments, unreliable work partners, cruel spectators, my parents, and the fact that everyone around me is either getting married or breaking up.

For a while it was pretty easy for me to shut down. They say true equanimity is about balance and acceptance in any situation. If you go too far, like I did, you start to feel indifferent. So I withdrew, I didn't care, and I numbed myself to the need to act and do something about my life.

This blog is an extension of the type of person I am, who I want to be, and what I want other people to see. And for the last six months, I admit, I wasn't so sure about a lot of those things.

But I feel much better now.

get ready

2011-05-30T17:51:00.000-07:00

Summer is here or so I've been told. In San Francisco, I've been battling this thing called wind. And so far... it's been winning. Since I'm all about the classics these days (denim everything, a pair of Ray Bans, and a gold watch), why not do another giveaway of some classic summer essentials?

I've teamed with the fabulous girls of Dietch PR to gift one lucky reader a Leyendecker "Cloud" crochet top and a pair of SOLD Design Lab "Spring St. Skinnys." I'm actually wearing my SOLD Design Lab jeans right now. And I can honestly say, I've never experienced a more perfect fit.

Here are the rules:

"LIKE" on Facebook
Leyendecker Los Angeles
SOLD Design Lab

Tweet me and complete this sentence:
"This summer I'm going to _______."

I will choose a winner on June 6. This contest is open to everyone. GOOD LUCK!

nonsuperfluous

2011-05-17T11:41:00.001-07:00

Daisy Lowe for Velvet Magazine via tfs

I think there is something so incredibly sexy about a woman dressed in the very basics. But obviously, she is more than basic.

Everyone wants to know what I'm into these days. And to be honest, I really enjoy looking totally normal...

I say, when you're young, wear as little clothes as possible. You have the rest of your life to be tacky and overdecorated. Grandma won't be wearing cut-offs.

what's for dinner?

2011-05-14T19:55:00.000-07:00

Lonely Hearts bra courtesy of La Dama

My favorite bra from one of my favorite stores.

proust me: melanie crete

2011-04-30T14:32:00.000-07:00

I asked Melanie Crete from Dazed & AnOther a selection of Proustian questions. Follow her on Twitter, Tumblr, and AnOther.

1. What is your most marked characteristic?

I speak English with a very strong French accent.

2. What is the quality you most like in a man?

A sense of humour.

3. What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Idem.

4. What do you most value in your friends?

Loyalty

5. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

A certain lake of confidence

6. What is your favorite occupation?

Thinking that I should not be thinking so much

7. What is your idea of perfect happiness?

To Love and be loved.

8. What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Loneliness and bitterness.

9. In which country would you like to live?

LA, but it's not a country is it? Anywhere sunny, with the sea nearby.

10. What are your favorite names?

With no particular order: Lou, Jeanne, Marine, Camille, Louis, Jade, Victor

11. What is it that you most dislike?

Fried food and any song by R. Kelly.

12. Which talent would you most like to have?

Be able to dance like Beyonce.

13. How would you like to die?

Peacefully

14. What is your current state of mind?

If we took a holiday, took some time to celebrate...

15. What is your motto?

We can't all do everything.

it's good to feel things

2011-04-28T00:14:00.000-07:00

via selfservicemagazine, melaniecrete, maciekkobielski, and tim's iphone

I really want a sheepskin rug. Like in porn.

this cup is empty

2011-04-23T15:26:00.000-07:00

t h i s

o r

t h a t

Hi, I got a new haircut. Feels good.

One of my favorite tumblrs is run by Melanie Crete from DAZED and Another Magazine. It's called t h i s / o r / t h a t / ? /

... check it out.

every morning in palm springs

2011-04-18T19:07:00.000-07:00

Every morning in Palm Springs, I would get up before everybody else and sit outside on the warm cement driveway. I would put on sunscreen and watch the neighbor's house across the street. The neighbor had young hair and an old face. He wore silver basketball shorts. The first day, I saw him transport a painting. He asked me, "are you going to the festival today?" I nodded. He said, "The Black Keys are playing. They're great. I watch them on the internet."

The second day, I saw him escort a young girl to her car. He waved to me. I waved back. He asked me, "are you going to the festival today?" I nodded. He said, "The Strokes are playing. They're great. I watch them on the internet." Afterwards, I laid on the cement and watched the trees move back and forth in the wind. I fell asleep for a little bit. When I woke up, the car with the young girl had returned. He walked across the street and handed me a bottle of water. "Here, it's going to be hot today."

Palm Springs is a weird place. Nice but weird. I didn't stay for a third day.

the blues

2011-04-07T15:15:00.000-07:00

Chiaki Kuriyama in a blue jean jacket.

summer wishlist

2011-04-07T10:59:00.000-07:00

1. Haider Ackermann dress
2. Nixon rose gold watch
3. Margiela bracelet
4. Acne bomber jacket
5. Ray Ban Clubmaster sunglasses
6. M/Mink perfume
7. Diptyque Tubereuse candle
8. Theyskens' Theory shoes

This season I'm inspired by sex and the color blue. Slip dresses and MA-1 style bomber jackets just make sense. Last weekend, I kept confusing Tecate cans with red lit candles. So that's been on my mind too.

still life

2011-04-07T10:37:00.000-07:00

Wolgang Tillmans

Summer still life.

it wasn't really a beach

2011-04-01T04:28:00.000-07:00

via Hedi Slimane Diary

A really nice set by Hedi Slimane.

Yesterday, the sun was out for the first time in weeks (maybe months). I must have text my friend Tim like 20 times to see when he would get off work. I was so excited. We drove to this kind of super touristy beach spot. It wasn't really a beach. More like, a corner with water and sand. But it worked. We ate burgers and looked at the ocean. It was the happiest I had felt in a long time.

beach

2011-03-31T20:52:00.000-07:00

American Apparel jacket, Stylestalker skirt courtesy of Stylestalker, Topshop pumps, Ray Ban Wayfarer sunglasses

So Haider told me to wear satin, Isabel told me to wear pumps, and Ricardo told me to wear this jacket. And there's already a lot of color blocking going on so I decided to wear black. That's basically why I wore this outfit. Genius.

*Check out my suggestions on the H&M at Coachella Survival Tips and Blog.

destroy everything you touch

2011-03-26T14:26:00.000-07:00

1. Halter tops
2. Angela Lindvall by David Sims for Jil Sander Spring 1998
3. Karl Templer styling, skateboards
4. Fei Fei Sun for ck one
5. Kate Moss
6. Asian girls

backyard bbq

2011-03-26T12:31:00.000-07:00

via Pixie Market

The backyard bbq dress is something I've been obsessed with for quite a while. This 6 Shore Road dress caught my eye. I'm diggin' the Lover esque vibe. And of course, the spaghetti straps.

eau de rose

2011-03-26T11:55:00.000-07:00

Eau de Rose
Vogue Paris March 2008
Model: Sasha Pivovarova
Photographers: Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin
Stylist: Emmanuelle Alt

Since the weather has been absolutely miserable. I thought I'd post one of my favorite editorials by Inez & Vinoodh. I'm all about simple styling. A hot girl, a beautiful location, almost no accessories, and lots of bare skin sounds perfect to me.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

H&M is sending me to Coachella!!
Cannot wait to wear absolutely nothing in the desert. Although sweating is sort of sexier in concept.

chapped lips

2011-03-22T22:59:00.000-07:00

T by Alexander Wang sweatshirt, Kain tank top, Cheap Monday jeans, Maison Martin Margiela boots, Dorothy Cheng ring courtesy of Dorothy Cheng

This weather is shit. I'm not trying to be edgy.

Recommended app: Self Service

the track, the train, the traveler

2011-03-20T17:15:00.000-07:00

Isaac Rentz's art installation for Native Son as part of their presentation at NYC Fashion Week 2011.

The Track. The Train. The Traveler. Equal parts documentary and social experiment, the 15-minute piece focuses on three subjects (a carpenter, an artist, and a filmmaker) confined to a sealed 10-by-16-foot room for a total of 36 hours as a commentary on the social and creative process of creating an idea or environment that others have to inhabit.

Great stuff. So glad I got to see this in person. I'm really into the creative process right now. Experimenting with the different ways content can be published and still look... cool.

yours to keep

2011-03-15T20:35:00.000-07:00

Check out Vogue Girl Japan this month for a story on the World's Most Influential Asian Bloggers. And if you're from the Bay, check out San Francisco Magazine for my so-awesome-it's-so-long feature. No complaints here.

I'm not sure when I said, "sometimes the things I think are funny, aren't actually that funny." But it sounds like something I would say. We wanted to use the pink milk flavor, but decided that, even though it looked better, it tasted gross. I follow way too many 15-year-old girls on Tumblr. Specifically, the ones who make gifs of themselves drinking pink milk on their web cam.

one man two women

2011-03-14T16:22:00.000-07:00

1. Johnny and Kate
2. Johnny and Winona

I wonder if he runs into these girls at parties. I wonder if he runs into one of these girls at a party at a loft at 550 Sutter at 2AM on a Friday night with a bottle of Grey Goose and stands awkwardly next to her the entire time even though the last thing she texted him was something like, "I wish I had never met you." And she meant it.

Oh sorry, I started talking about myself again.

japan

2011-03-14T15:37:00.000-07:00

via The Atlantic

Looking through images from this past weekend made me cry. Japan is very generous to other countries around the world (especially the US) in times of tragedy. So please help by donating to Red Cross.

**A scary thought, the same thing is predicted to happen in San Francisco.

the last magazine

2011-03-03T13:57:00.000-08:00

Lily Donaldson by Maciek Kobielski Studio

One of my favorite shots.

haider ackermann revisited

2011-03-03T12:49:00.000-08:00

Haider Ackermann SS11

Full dress here.

This is the second dress I've posted from this collection. I feel instinctually drawn to stringy black dresses in super slinky fabric. Perhaps because... NO ONE SEEMS TO MAKE THIS. Which is frustrating, to say the least. I'm trying to go in a slightly different direction. And when I say different, I mean slutty.

san francisco magazine

2011-03-01T22:41:00.000-08:00

San Francisco Magazine March 2011
Photographer: Tim Petersen
Photo Assistant: Philip Nguyen
Makeup: Tamara Brown
Clothes: Urban 1972 shirt, American Apparel skirt, Nixon watch, Chloe boots

These are the outtakes from my shoot for San Francisco Magazine. The issue is out now.

It was an amazing experience collaborating with friends. Really, they're so so so talented. We shot this in my bedroom, in case you're wondering, last month. The article is written by Franklin Melendez, he also profiled Terence Koh, one of my favorite artists. I haven't seen the spread in person. But I've been told it's pretty good. ;)

two things

2011-03-01T12:35:00.000-08:00

1. Charlotte Free by Craig McDean, Interview March 2011
2. Tangerines, red wax, and whiskey

Just another Sunday... browsing the internet and wondering what happened ~~the night before~~ to my life.

the remaking of w

2011-02-27T22:24:00.000-08:00

I'm a big fan of Stefano Tonchi and the new W Magazine. The logo is beautiful.

damaged goods

2011-02-26T23:23:00.000-08:00

La Moxie jacket courtesy of La Moxie, T by Alexander Wang sweatshirt, vintage Helmut Lang bracelets, We Are Rubbish clutch courtesy of We Are Rubbish

I got a haircut. Actually, it looks exactly the same as the haircut I had before I grew my hair out. But it feels fresh. I'm wearing my new Acne shorts and tights.

gpoy

2011-02-23T16:05:00.000-08:00

H&M t-shirt

I only get sick once a year. But it sucks when I do. Things like... breathing... chewing... become such an ordeal. I feel like I need to take a nap. Last night, I mixed Sudafed with Tecate and I thought I was going crazy.

ck one

2011-02-23T15:46:00.000-08:00

ck one Spring 2011 by Steven Meisel

Remember this post I did back in September? And this one?

ck one is back.

indigo hot pants

2011-02-20T17:06:00.000-08:00

Acne denim shorts via Acne

My friend Janis gave me this talk while I was in New York. She said, "Lulu, I think you need to be more refined." As Susie would say, "smartening up." When you reach your mid twenties, everything becomes confusing. I mean... you're young... but you're not. You're a grown up... but you're really REALLY not.

Relationships can be just as confusing. One night, he could be telling you, "I want to see you, only you." And the next night, he could be running off to Orange County with a 19-year-old Russian chick who's also banging his cousin and his best friend. It's the truth.

What are the expectations of a mid twenty something anyway? How do you dress? How do you act? Do you really know everything? Or are you just pretending?

I'm sure my latest purchase, a pair of indigo hot pants from Acne, kind of say everything for me. Sorry, Janis. I'll try harder next time.

20 degrees

2011-02-16T00:40:00.000-08:00

Rodebjer AW11 boots, Native Son AW11 presentation

Went to four menswear shows, sat behind Anna Wintour, watched Chuck Bass introduce himself to Anna, went to the Jane Hotel way too much, drank WAY TOO MUCH, went to the Purple Magazine party, took pictures in the bathroom of Boom Boom Room, made out with a boy in the back of a taxi, went to a meeting, went to a showroom appointment, received a Rodebjer dress as a gift, and ended up at a rave.

nyfw

2011-02-08T19:46:00.000-08:00

new york feb 10-15
follow me on twitter
and updates on tumblr
... see you there!

isabel marant ss11

2011-02-08T00:51:00.000-08:00

Isabel Marant by Inez & Vinoodh

Favorite campaigns this season: Isabel Marant by Inez & Vinoodh, Proenza Schouler by Willy Vanderperre, and Céline by Juergen Teller. I always list the photographers because I don't think enough credit is given to them. Sometimes, when you stare at so much amateur photography on the net (no more fence pictures please). You forget what really good fashion photography can look like - concept, mood, styling, and lighting.

Let's never forget.

inez & vinoodh

2011-02-07T23:41:00.000-08:00

Chloé 2007 by Inez & Vinoodh

Some great photography there.