Work-a-work

So after a couple of posts showing off Lar's never ending creativity, I thought I'd tone things down a bit and show you one of my everyday work outfits. Obviously nothing groundbreaking (and nothing as amazing as studded Toms - woot!), but I'm constantly racking my brain trying to figure out work appropriate wear for the warmer months that won't leave me sweating buckets at the office.


Cassius sunglasses from Moxsie.com, secondhand vest, H&M tank, Asos.com pencil skirt, heels from BR outlet.

I'm trying to figure out how to break out of the vest-and-tank-with-skirt uniform, but it just works so well for the summer months. Any suggestions, dear reader?

Tom the Stud

Everyone loves the idea of Toms (buy a pair and a pair goes to a child in need), but fashionistas deride their appearance almost as much as a pair of Crocs.

I bought my first pair of Toms a few years ago and wore them all summer (evidence here). I know they are a little casual looking and there's nothing particularly gasp-worthy about them, but their mission is pretty damn convincing.

I think once and a while, anyone with an interest in fashion ends up feeling a little frivolous- especially when you are eying that seventh pair of unnecessary studded platform while a little kid running around Ethiopia bare-foot can contract a disfiguring disease through her/his feet.

So, I bought another pair. And this time I studded the crap out of them. I don't know if they really are the level of these, but would it convince you to at least look twice at a pair of Toms?

I plan to wear these all summer with the ubiquitous cut-offs (and yes, those cycle shorts) and an oversized tee. And yeah, I'll feel a little bit better than if I had given in to those $200 wedges that don't give a damn thing to anyone else but moi and Sam Edelman.

LL

Chain Gang

D.I.Y.-ish. I took some chain and safety-pinned it to the sides of an 2-year old AA dress. I got the safety-pin chain idea from an editorial in a magazine I'm blanking on. The stylist stuck chains all over Alexander Wang tees and Balmain shoulder pads. I figured American Apparel could use the same treatment.
I topped it all off with a men's chambray shirt and thrifted white booties. Rather fulfilling fashion-wise and most importantly cheap, cheap, cheap!

Challenge to readers: how else to use safety pins on clothes you already have in your closet. Discuss.

LL

You Faker Part II

So Lauren got her Elizabeth and James-inspired ring at a local arts festival. I just bought one at Scott's Antiques this past weekend. The jeweler who made it said she was inspired by vintage cigar wrappers. My favorite bit is the lattice pattern she stamped on the metal. It makes it less like the Olsen twins' version, but I like it more because of it. 

Hurrah for unintentional, indie jeweler knock offs!

Cycle Shorts: The Summer Legging?

Some of you might have never been a fan of the legging in the winter, but they are like sweat pants to me. Sweat pants that you can wear out in public and still look decent. In fact, I don't own a pair of sweats because I can just as easily wear leggings out of the house and pretend I didn't just nap in them for 3 hours. A chilly day ensemble: leggings, oversized sweater, boots, a scarf- so comfortable, so easy, so chic (well, at least better than those sweats).

So come summer I'm usually stumped for comfortable leg wear. Shorts are fine, but they are a little constricting (especially when they chop you off right at the meatiest part of your thigh). Skirts are good, but sitting cross-legged at a picnic isn't an option. I propose the bicycle short.

Circa 1992, Cath and I would run around in magenta cycle shorts and over-sized tees tied in a side knot. I've eschewed the scrunchie and reebok hightops this go 'round, but it's essentially the same outfit and as comfortable as I remember it from nearly two decades ago.

I favor a huge platform shoe, long tee or tank with the short. For the more fearless, a cropped top could work (I personally like a little more coverage especially if your shoes are hooker-esque), and I think a sleek looking sandal sans heel would be chic for those of you in less need of a 5 inch boost.

What do you guys think? "Summer leggings" a go? Even if you are a little skeptical, you should try it. It's so gosh darned comfortable I think you'll be a convert. Also it's a little reprieve from this year's ubiquitous cut-offs trend.

Oh, and I'm not stopping at black. I just bought these understated summer leggings at AA this past weekend. Outfit post forthcoming.

LL

shirt from Urban, shorts from AA, shoes are Target (soon to be studded), jacket is H&M

Monday Night Inspiration

I think this man just stepped out of an E. M. Forster novel.
See the rest of Cecile Bartoletti's inspiring photographs here.

You Faker

The Elizabeth and James Knuckle ring is a bit ubiquitous now, I know. I thought I was over it until I saw this inexpensive version at the Inman Park Festival. It's by Karis Jewelry. No Olsen twin/Erin/Rumi endorsement, but it cost me $24. The AsianCajuns/Lee Twins/Lauren can totally endorse that! Yeehaw.

At the W

I spent last night at the W Hotel with my friend Gavin. You probably know him as Gavin DeGraw. When I say "spent last night", I mean 8-12pm, and we had a few other friends along (you know, say, an audience of people). We were celebrating the release of his CD Free with a concert, open bar, and goodie bags with his new album. You know Gav, he's pretty chill.

Most concerts I go to in Atlanta are at pretty low-key, indie, small-ish venues (The Earl, Variety Playhouse, Decatur CD, Criminal Records). Most concert-goers I see wear long bangs, skinny jeans, pleather jackets, shrunken cardigans etc. The W in Midtown is more boob-age (cleavage would be a euphemism), bleach-blondes, manis and pedis. Either way, I wouldn't be comfortable at a concert where I couldn't move for fear of boob slipage or undoing my side-swept bangs.

This AA dress with a convertible F21 vest is the most comfortable going-out outfit I've yet to invent. I can wear the vest loose or knotted and it makes the tightness of the dress less hoochie. And I know most of you are way over the fringe trend, but I can't let it go. I actually would advocate for fringe at concerts of any kind (see Zara booties). Attach it to your pleather jacket or wear it on your mini-halter dress, and the movement is awesome when you rock out to whomever. I bet Gavin and Arcade Fire would both appreciate the exuberance of your attire.

Gav, I know you're reading this, we should do it again sometime.

Thanks to my (non-imaginary) friends, Ali, Kelly and Mark! I had an incredible time!




LL

Jingle, Jingle

Cath got me this necklace at Mingei, one of our favorite local shops. I think it's from India and it has that awesome soft jingly sound. You can't do any sneaky sleuthing with it on, but it magically goes with almost everything in my closet. Add a breezy tunic, shorts and a margarita (on the rocks) in my hand, and I'm ready for my summer afternoon, post-work activities (these are basically nonexistent).



LL

Moxsie Discount for AsianCajun Readers! Hey, that's you!

So the folks at Moxsie are seriously now some of our favorite people. Not only did they send us some wonderful things (helloooo bubble clutch), but now you guys can get a 20% off their awesome loot. If you liked the clutch, take a look at these other drool-worthy finds.

To get your 20% discount* just enter this code at checkout:

ASIANCAJUNS20






And again, the best part is not just getting well-designed and unique pieces, part of the proceeds go to the charity of your choosing. Tell us that's not the most incredible thing ever!

Let us know which Moxsie goodies you get- and show us how you wear them!

LL

*offer ends May 15th.

All About Comfort

It's pretty rare for me not to wear heels, but I knew I would be traipsing around town last Friday so I went with my tried and trusty Newport-News flat suede boots.


Gap dress, H&M woven patent black belt, Newport-News boots and U.O. sunnies.

Of course I made my rational shoe decision before I realized I'd be spending the better part of my day with a glamazon, a.k.a. Corinna Allen. Without a doubt I was very comfortable in my flat boots and jersey dress, but I felt like a hobbit next to Corinna - curse my 5'2" height!

I now realize that I've officially become a high-heel (3-inches or more) addict. I find it very difficult to leave the house without heels. So to my future knees and feet, I apologize!

C.L.

Moxsie Goodies

Early this week Cath and I received some lovely goodies from Moxsie. It was like Christmas in July (or April)! Each little package contained something delectable: sleek sunnies, gorgeous feathered necklace, and a clutch covered with huge silver bubbles. I went a little crazy with the photo-taking, but I wanted you guys to see the details of each piece- that's what made us drool.

Now I know the prices of these pieces are a little in the spendy range, but what I really like about Moxsie's selection is that it's all independent labels (no big corporations or companies) AND part of the proceeds go to a charity of the designer's choice. Shop and Do Good. You know we like that. Uh huh.


Cassius Gehry sunglasses.




Miss KK triple peacock necklace.





Laugoa bubble clutch.


LL

Bus Tomato Lobster

I'm still addicted to all things Pantone. You would think spending 8 hours a day clicking on Pantone boxes in Illustrator would make me sick of the Pantone Universe- not a chance! We already have the mugs* and the other day, this wallet just leaped into my purse. I love the red, red, red of it. The Pantone tag that comes with it says "Bus, Tomato, Lobster" which translates into my head as "London, Ketchup, delicious-foodie-things-you-eat-by-the-sea." It's also vegan friendly and very roomy (just like my purses, I like my wallets XL). Next up, Pantone luggage tags!

* Get your AsianCajun Discount at Heliotrope! You'll save $2 on each of your Pantone mugs.

LL

"I Like to Keep My Hand In"

I found this zebra mask at Richards Variety Store (right by the Midtown Trader Joe's). Cheapie animal masks always remind me of that scene in Breakfast at Tiffany's where Holly and Paul/Fred steal masks from the Five and Dime. Mine cost me $1.25, but it is totally worth the inflation price. Also, these masks work well if your make-up has slid off your face by the end of day and you are sporting a glistening sheen. Holly never seemed to have that problem.

Jacket, shirt and shorts are H&M, shoes are Nine West

LL

Mail Order Studs

DIY on it's way- woohoo!

If you guys are sourcing studs online, I strongly recommend CrustPunks. They are inexpensive and arrived from California in a matter of days. Once my white Toms come in, I'll be ready to go to town. Stay tuned...

LL