BRIANWOODONLINE.COM

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SOREL BOOTS are the authority for warm footwear with style. OSCAR and I both had a pair in 2006 and it got us through some freezing weather in fashion. Special thanks to Chandni for hooking her Indian Sistren up!

*The ones I picked are called the WOMENS 1964 PREMIUM CANVAS and they retail for 130$

As you may know, I love food…in particular RAW,VEGAN GOODNESS. Since I was 12, I’ve mainly kept a VEGAN styled diet (with moments of not here and there) for ethical and health reasons. Basically, I just function more productively that way. I’ll try and do a separate post about my diet history this week, but for now…

I present to you some deliciousness courtesy of EMMY’S ORGANICS. Don’t you wish you could sample it? I hate watching cooking shows for that reason, you never know how they really taste and that frustrates me. Anyways…

*I don’t really do reviews on things since it’s not really my style, but I will for things that are natural to my life.

I first rolled up on EMMY’S ORGANICS last year when my sweet tooth had me browsing for Vegan treats at my local health food store. I bought the EMMY’S ORGANICS macaroons and was smitten. Raw, Gluten-Free and Delicious! It became my go-to. When I learned more about the company, I became more and more interested in their products and wanted to spread the good word.

EMMY’S ORGANICS was born in 2008, shortly after SAMANTHA and IAN met in Ithaca (where the company lives). Fresh out of college, Samantha was experimenting with Raw recipes and Ian had just re-located back to his hometown of Ithaca after working as an artist and a Raw Food Chef in San Francisco and New York. The two have continued to create products that are not only super delicious, they are also made from raw, gluten-free, organic, non-gmo ingredients and sold in recycled or sustainable packaging.

If none of that interests you, then on a basic level let’s just say this – you can have your sweet tooth without the guilt of excessive calories. Seriously, it’s super low in calories since the bad stuff is not an ingredient.

*SUPER GOOD INGREDIENTS & LOW IN CALORIES!!!

*I love seeing the makers of products on their products. It’s rare, but super re-assuring…

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You can find EMMY’S ORGANICS at your local WHOLE FOODS and you can also order online at their site:

EMMY’S ORGANICS . COM

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It’s a New Year!

Why not start it off with some healthier habits (that contribute to a healthier earth)!

You don’t have to stop eating sweets entirely, just eat the good ones like EMMY’S ORGANICS!

There are so many options out there – just explore (and I’ll always put you on to what I find in the meantime).

When TAI sent me the link to the site, HUETIFUL.COM, I was immediately pleased by the site’s design (I admit, I judge websites/books by their main page/cover – I’m a design snob). I checked out some of the images and videos of the their hair steamer and it appeared to be very simple to use and conducive to healthy hair. I even double checked on YOUTUBE.COM to see regular people reviews and girls with all different kinds of hair were RAVING about it.

As I read more about the HUETIFUL STEAMER, (which is a play on the word beautiful and hue – meaning its for women of all shades) I read interesting facts…

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THE HUETIFUL GUARANTEE.

We offer a 45 day, 100% Money Back Guarantee.

If you are not completely satisfied with the results, Huetiful will pay for the Return and refund you 100% of your money.

Restores moisture to your dry hair 5x better than deep conditioners or hair treatments alone

Replenishes moisture lost from chemical or heat treatments

Reduces future breakage and split ends caused by dry hair

One year replacement warranty

*VLADIMIR was skeptical.

The equation was simple. In the comfort of your own home, you sit under one of those dryer thingies (that I refuse to sit under at the salon because I’m claustrophobic and the one time I sat under it, it felt like my scalp was melting) and let the steam do the work. It opens your hair cuticle – allowing 5x more moisture to penetrate your hair than conditioner alone. Although they do not make claims of hair growth (which I think is smart), I can’t see why the equation couldn’t help in that department if you’re interested.

So…I decided I needed one. Thanks to MYLEIK I was granted one for review and here it is children’s…but before that…here’s some…

VASHTIE HAIR-STORY

I realize I’ve been lucky when it comes to my wig. I’ve never had much of a complaint in that area (except my junior high obsession with wanting bone-straight hair). Since I’m super low maintenance and no patience – I just wash my hair and go. Especially now that I am color free (for the moment) and organic, my hair is very healthy. The few times I have colored my hair, I was always left with dryness and since I didn’t take much care with it – my hair suffered.

*AGE 14: EXPERIMENTING WITH BLUE MANIC PANIC & RED KOOL-AID.

I had an artsy musician boyfriend who had blue hair and decided to try it on me. My sister got me hip to the Kool-Aid trick.

(Me talking to my high school boyfriend CHRIS on the phone while spending the night at my friends house in the ‘burbs rocking  her soccer sweats.)

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*AGE 15: CHUNKY BLONDE STREAKS.

This was done by a crazy man who owned a fleeting salon on Lark Street in Albany.

My mom almost had a heart attack when she saw me because

I didn’t have her permission, but I didn’t ask so in my adolescent mind —

“you never said no, mom”

Some of my hair eventually fell out from breakage due to the bleach…to which my mom replied – “thats what you get”.

(ME, CHRIS, LIZ LUPO)

*Too bad “16 & Pregnant” wasn’t around when I was a teen. I so look preggo here.

(ME & SUZY)

*Eventually, I just added more streaks…

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*ART SCHOOL DAYS: EXPERIMENTING WITH AT-HOME KITS FOR RED HUES

(NO PHOTO of me, but I thought this was perfect timing to add a picture of my boo – ZOO KID aka KING KRULE)

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*2006: GOLDEN BRWN HIGHLIGHTS BY STYLIST

(AND MY BROTHERS EX) TERRY TURINO

In hindsight, it always kind of looked the same when I colored it…but Terry made is super nice.

(LOIC, ME & PHILLIP)

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THE REVIEW

Ok, so now that you’re done having a good laugh at me let’s move on to my review…eh em.

I went to RICKYS NYC (our bomb beauty supply store in NYC) and got a couple of leave-in-conditioner packets. I washed my hair and left the leave-in on and prepared for my session. I got the steamer ready to go (HUETIFUL provides a thorough “HOW TO” video on their website and YOUTUBE.COM) and it was super simple. Basically, you fill the container with water and press the two on buttons (you should definitely watch the video before hand for all the specifics).

I cued up an episode of MARTIN, sat under the hood and chilled. 20 minutes later, I rinsed my hair in cold water to seal in the moisture, then I added leave-in conditioner again and wrapped it to dry. I noticed that my hair felt the same as always, despite hearing other girls reviews where they said their hair felt softer…but I assume maybe their hair had some damage or dryness.

After my hair dried a couple hours later…I did, however, notice it had more bounce to the ounce. The curls were perkier and felt fuller. Even until a couple days after.

*Fresh out the steamer…

you probably can’t see much of a difference, but my curls felt plumper.

*BABY HAIR pumping and askew.

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*I ain’t never lied. I have a unibrow.

*VLADIMIR approves…sort of.

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I give it 2 THUMBS UP AND A SNAP! If you are interested in repairing damaged hair, adding more moisture or just general maintenance - this might be the product for you. You also have the option of a FACIAL ATTACHMENT, which acts like a facial steamer. It works just as lovely. BUT – just like anything, I highly suggest you research the product on your own and see if it’s something that works for you. I always look for all the good and bad…just so I know.

I’m not sure how often you should use it, but I use mine about once a month. I also have a phobia about my body not naturally taking care of itself because it’s used to products doing all the work – don’t ask, but I always imagine the end of the world and how I would look if I didn’t have all the things I “needed” to keep me in check so I like to live as though it’s the end of the world. Does that make any sense to anyone? I know…it’s crazy.

If you’re in the market for getting a gift for some lady or ladyboy, this would be nice and it retails for $114.95. Or – treat yourself for the holidays!

*VLAD?

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Shout out to TOBY MORSE for my shirt and bracelet!

I met dude when I was 14 and it was super nice running into him and his wife when I was last in LA.

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Thanks to my boo ANGELO BAQUE at SUPREME.

This is the exact vintage “stanky chambray” that I wore for 5 years straight…

Special thanks to Brandis and the JORDAN family!

I’m eagerly awaiting the orange ones…

Created by TARA MCPHERSON for KID ROBOT BLACK, LILITU is described as:

“There is no hiding. A succubus walks. Lilitu. Sexually charged, violently destructive, A Sumerian myth, a demon to be feared. To love and to kill without remorse, one man at a time.

The unsuspecting only see the near-perfect human likeness – enticing eyes, supple mouth, lithe body – little noticed are the breasts of dripping poison and malicious intent.

Emerging from the cool, smoky depths, fresh from one kill, looking for the next, Lilitu is poised to allure. Calculated stance, intimately glossy, designed for desire – come nefarious courtesan.

Who can resist?”

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*booty…

*taking this shot made me giggle…

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THIS GORGEOUS DOLL GOES ON SALE SOON AT KIDROBOT

I first learned about WARBY PARKER a couple months ago when I complimented my dear friend ERIK’S chic eyewear, which happened to be WARBY PARKER frames.

He briefly explained the company to me. Affordable and stylish eyewear, filled with your prescription, for only 95$.

95?!

Yes.

Anyone who has imperfect vision like myself (I blame cheating on a vision test because I wanted specs so bad in 5th grade as the culprit) you can appreciate this. All of you folks who think it’s cute to wear clear framed glasses (imitating a near-sided person like myself) will never know the difficulties involved or the costs that set you back. Shopping for eye wear is the pits. Even if you have insurance – which would seem awesome, but isn’t when you realize your insurance won’t cover those NAUTICA frames you’ve been fiending for. Okay, so maybe it isn’t NAUTICA and it’s not 1995 – but, prescription glasses are pricey…300$ and upwards.

The most important and interesting fact about WARBY PARKER is their mission statement…

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Eyewear with a Purpose.

We believe that everyone has the right to see.

Unfortunately, millions of people around the world today don’t have access to proper vision care.

To help address this problem, Warby Parker partners with renowned non-profits, such as RestoringVision.org, to deliver one pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair that we sell.

In doing so, we enable you to share the gift of vision with someone who can’t see today and give them the opportunity to read, to work and to live a fuller life.

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You read that right! It’s like TOM’S SHOES, but for eyewear. How neat is that?! It’s such a revolutionary idea that is VERY NEEDED!!! They were just featured in GQ, THE NEW YORK TIMES and VOGUE.

After recently kicking it with KARL and our lovely friend LAUREN, she noticed I was resting my eyes behind my RAY BAN WAYFARERS. I explained that I wear contacts more, but I’d wear my glasses just as much if they weren’t beat to shreds. I mentioned that after getting them in 2006, I put off the expensive and painful process of getting a new pair. She then reminded me about WARBY PARKER and personally introduced us via email that week.

BRIAN MAGIDA invited me in for a tour of their new NEW YORK showroom. Shortly after, the office all bent down on one knee and asked me to be an ambassador in unison. Hahaha, no – not really. They did mention that it would be cool if I was open to the idea and I was more than stoked about it. So here I am, Ambassador to Warby Parker.

*Choosing frames was SUPER hard. I naturally can’t make a decision to save my life, but luckily I had help from BRIAN!

*BRIAN let me know my eyes were symmetrical. No wonder I’m such a handsome man!

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Check out my frames…

*nice fancy box.

*JASPER in MARINE SLATE (after seeing these on the male model I was sold!)

*OWEN in REVOLVER BLACK MATTE

WARBYPARKER.COM

\

PHOTOS BY JEN PHAN

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Headphones by AERIAL 7 & HEINEKEN

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SUN CHLORELLA

“Chlorella is a strain of green algae that grows in fresh water. This Superfood emerged over 540 million years ago, and was the first form of plant life with a well-defined nucleus…”

I don’t think Vlad wants to try it…

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“COLORING BOOK” CD from my friends GLASSJAW

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Brooches by NAKED HEARTS

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Earrings by VOTAN TOKYO

for sale at KARMALOOP.COM

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AFRICAN TRINKETS from RICARDO at SOSITYLIFE

Kristin Kunkel, Joncarlo Domingo, Jasmine Kim and crew wooed me with an unbelievable selection of eyewear. At the end of my preview they offered me a couple pairs and it was SUPER difficult to choose. I did, however, learn through the Mosely Tribes/Oliver Peoples Fam that I was a PLASTICS girl and not a METALS (based on my eyewear frame selection).

I settled on the Mosley Tribes “BURKE” and “HENLEY”…and the soon to be delivered “BERNARDOS”, which I know had to be named after my favorite director BERNARDO BERTOLUCCI!

Let me know what you think of them & Check below for direct links in case you were “thanking” about getting yourself a pair…

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*BURKE by Mosley Tribes which retail for $180.00

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*HENSLEY by Mosley Tribes retail for $165.00

*SIDE NOTE: The sunglass case has doubled as a carrying pouch/clutch for running errands and what not. I love it when packaging has more than one function! (photo via INDIVIDUALSOLE.COM)

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I can’t wait to get my BERNARDO’S so I can look just like an Italian Silver Screen Hearthrob…Oh Marcello!!!

Special thanks again to Patrick Wright for hooking me up with the Mosley Tribes and Oliver Peoples Family!!!

Shout out to the homie NATALIE from GREY ANT who stays hooking a sister up! Some of you remember the GREY ANT “KENNEDY’S” or the GREY ANT “STATUS” shades she also sent me in the past. Their sunnies are always perfect for any occasion and always come perfectly packaged in a sturdy case and re-usable box.

I recently wore the NEW FOUNDRY’S and WAX 4′s for my REFINERY29.COM interview…

“NEW FOUNDRY” – $259.90

“WAX 4″ – $249.90

(Photos taken by iPhone 4)

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FIND THEM ONLINE - HERE!

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Photo by ELTON ANDERSON (more to come soon!)

As an island babe, I love all things “island”, although I wasn’t always a fan of this newly packaged coconut water obsession.

Coconut water is one of those things that hits close to home. In the summertime – I would watch my father, shirtless with a “cut lass” (machete) in hand, hold a green coconut in his hand and slowly chop away at it as he shifted it’s position with every cut. He’d finish with one last chop off the top, leaving an opening where I could sip from. Both hands clutched around this coconut, I’d sip from the top as shreds of shell and debris found its way in the beginning gulps. Later, he would split the coconut in half and hand me a shard of the shell to scoop out the jelly.

Having that experience in my memory made it hard for me to accept the readiness of coconut water. I guess it’s just these strange days of instant gratification and no experience.

Long story short, VITA COCO sent me 3 glorious boxes of coconut water and I fell in love. I also realized that another reason for why I had a hard time getting into coconut water was because you usually have to buy it cold and whenever I drank coconut water as a kid it wasn’t very cold. When the boxes were delivered to me, I immediately opened and sipped the unrefrigerated container and it was delicious…exactly how I remembered!

Thanks to VITA COCO for now enabling my new addiction.

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CUSTOM/CRYLIC CUFFS

Lightweight acrylic cuff name bracelets are hand-made to custom order!

Materials: made from 100% Acrylic/Plexiglass.

Cuffs can be created with ANY name and colour combination! (limited to 10 characters).

Sizes available:

small – opening (2cm)/width (5.5cm)
medium -opening (2.5cm)/width (5.8cm)
large – opening (3cm)/width (6.0cm)
extra large – opening (3.5cm)/width (6.3cm)

Please include your preferences for the following upon completing order:

1)size
2)colour choices: top and bottom

questions or requests: customcryliccuffs@gmail.com

For more information on NIGEL you can find him on TWITTER @NIGELYSYLVESTER

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*A half size too big, but “ME NUH CYARE”!

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I could be real hood and wear a full matching kit…like wearing these shorts with them! Ha

For anyone interested in purchasing the items I have, I’ve included direct links and prices for your shopping ease!

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*The Victoria Flower 1460 Boot Women’s Shoes By Dr. Martens ($94.00)

*The Tight Jean in Very Stretch One Wash (32″) Women’s Denim By Cheap Monday ($55.00)

*The 1B60 20-Eye Boot in Black Patent Women’s Shoes By Dr. Martens ($86.95)

*The Lita Shoe in Black Women’s Shoes By Jeffrey Campbell Shoes ($165.00)

*The Coraline Shoe in Sand Women’s Shoes By Messeca ($132.00)

*The Lola Padded Bandeau Top Women’s Swimwear By L Space ($75.00)

*The Torn Bandeau in Jet Black Women’s Tops (Sleeveless) By Obey ($22.00) & The Lace Short Women’s Shorts By *NYC Boutique ($50.00)

*The Vintage Ethnic Print Short in Orange Women’s Shorts By Your Eyes Lie ($42.00)

*The Belladonna One Piece Women’s Swimwear By Tavik Swimwear ($135.00)

*The Lola Swimsuit Women’s Swimwear By Tavik Swimwear ($128.00)

*The Jolene Dress in Cosmic Boogie Women’s Dresses By Motel ($32.00)

*The Buffalo Soldier Dress Women’s Dresses By Insight ($46.00)

*The Dolly Bandeau Bikini Top Women’s Swimwear By L Space ($73.00)

*The Diva Boot in Leopard Calf Hair Women’s Shoes By Dr. Martens ($156.95)

*JASON DILL modeling for SUPREME.

I wore my SUPREME JAMAICA TANK TOP in TRINIDAD. It seemed a little blasphemous, but I was all about island love.

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#STATANDMELO

#STATANDMELO

#STATANDMELO

#STATANDMELO

#STATANDMELO

#STATANDMELO

#STATANDMELO

#STATANDMELO

#STATANDMELO

*OFFICIAL LIKE A REFEREE WHISTLE!

#STATANDMELO

#STATANDMELO

*I may wear these shorts JUST like this come summertime!!!

Whenever the homie JOSH MADDEN speaks, everyone should listen. I know I do, because he just knows “whats up” before the masses do.

A couple weeks ago he put me on to NOUS SOMMES a duo of two cute frenchies who make jewelry, specifically chains with iconic busts of pop culture influences.

Upon a trip to France, Josh was able to meet the duo. Apparently they were very sweet and gave him many chains to take home with him and in pure Josh fashion he shared the wealth. I was given a gorgeous GRACE JONES piece that seems just to remarkable to wear…but, I will!!!

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Nous sommes … from thefrenchdream on Vimeo.

*directed by THE FRENCH DREAM.

I first stumbled upon LIZ LOVELY cookies a few months back while shopping at my local health food store. When I couldn’t find my favorite raw macaroons, I asked the cute and slightly hood Dominican girl cashier about Liz Lovely and she gasped for air…”What? Liz Lovely cookies are the bomb”. I was sold and quickly stocked up on “Snicker Dudes”, their clever name for their Snickerdoodle Cookie.

I came home and took my time analyzing the package. It was so adorable. There was information on LIZ and how the company started and a little bit about how the cookie was named. Inside each package there are 2 cookies, which is explained on the package – “We put 2 big cookies in every pack. Liz likes to call this ‘Soulmating’. So share the love and make a friend.”

This cookie was as described by that cashier…THE BOMB! Now every time I go back and try and re-up they’re always sold out. They’re so good I totally understand!

I checked the website and they also have GLUTEN-FREE COOKIES!!!

LIZ LOVELY

LIZ LOVELY

LIZ LOVELY

To say it is a ‘great vegan cookie’ would undersell it. It’s just an amazing and delicious cookie that HAPPENS to be vegan. So, all you non-vegan eaters — do not be afraid. It DELICIOUS, free of naughty ingredients, completely organic and with no gmo.

I recently got in touch with the amazing folks at LIZ LOVELY and raved about their product. They ended up sending me a wonderful care package of all their products. They were such super cool peeps, that I’d be so down to go to VERMONT and do a “vashtieTV” episode on them — if the let me

I’m currently conducting a serious taste test of every product and thus far have found all products to be flawless and amazing. I highly advise you order online or go to your local health food store or WHOLE FOODS and “do what it do”.

*VLAD the kitty not only approves, he also tries and steals bites.

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*first of all, the package was sent in a bed of “ECO FRIENDLY PEANUTS”. I read the note about how they dissolve in water and quickly took to my sink!

*Amazing!!!

***SPECIAL THANKS to LIZ LOVELY and COWBOY DAN. I live by their product and highly suggest you try some right away!!!

*The Alomar in Wool…

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I swear, SANTIGOLD can do no wrong – but, she can make more music (like, NOW!). I’m not much of an embellishment/accessorized kind of girl, but because I love her and this collaboration – I might just try it. GO GIRL!

*THE SETTLEMENT BACKPACK
Keeping it simple with this nice solid backpack design. It has durable 8pt Brass zippers combining function and durability with nice style.

Size: 17” x 13” x5.5 (20L)

Details: Fully Lined with a Cotton/Poly Blend Fabric with our Classic red stripe. Single front pocket with Key Clip, Internal Media Pocket, Durable, Functional Airmesh back straps.

*THE NOVEL DUFFLE

The Novel Duffel includes a shoe compartment to keep your kicks away from your kits. With a padded shoulder strap it makes for the perfect carry on.

Size: 11″x23″x10.5″

Details: Fully Lined with Herschel’s Custom Fabric, removableshoulder strap. Forty five liter capacity. Waterproof Zipper Detail. Separate Shoe Compartment.

Shoutout to the folks at HENNESSY for a very sweet gift!

*ELLE read this and said “Awww, this means ‘CONGRATS you ain’t do some hoe ish. You did it different’.”

*built in match striker. bong…

*he likes cigars, but not cigarettes.

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check the master-mind STEVE STOUTE chatting on THE INFLUENCERS SERIES:

*loved the note, JANE!

As a fan of both ZACK MORRIS & MORRISSEY, this was like a hug for my teeny bopper past life that was lined with bouts of depression.

Thanks to JOSH MADDEN, who drew this amazing piece of artwork…and to DANA who collaborated with him.

only 90$ and available HERE!!!

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RING BY GERARD TULLY

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KLEENEX from my sister SAVIE – thanks sissy!!!

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Anyways, KARL JUSTIN styled me (of course) and he was able to pull from RACHEL ROY and I got to keep everything and even more not pictured below. Very special thanks to the amazing RACHEL and JEANETTE!!! I’ve added links to the affordable pieces in case you lovelies wanted to purchase anything!

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THE ISABELLA BLAZER ($149)

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FITTED STRIPED SKIRT ($41.40)

*cat scratched and ashy legs need not apply.

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ENKALA BOOTS ($225.00)

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RUFFLED MARCHING BAND JACKET ($74.50)

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CHIFFON BLAZER ($99.00)

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PANTHER RING ($48.00) — and it’s one size fits all and looks like VLADIMIR!!!

*a little stretch ain’t never hurt nobody.

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MAKE A WISH LOCKET ($55.00)

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MINI ZEBRA HOOP EARRINGS ($24.00)

yesterday he gave me this fantastic MORRISSEY shirt and I damn near cried as if he was proposing to me…which might be how it would happen, over a great vintage tee and not a gaudy ring. thank you a million times over JOSH! my seasonal depression is now complete with a rare copy of “HATFUL OF HOLLOW” and this tee!

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ELLE also had the good fortune of finding this amazing TRINIDAD button up in her vintage escapades. I believe she had to fight off another woman for it. sounds like the spirit of my knife-wielding grandmother was in her…last time I went to Trinidad I was informed my ole’ grandma that I never met went to jail in her younger days for stabbing a bird. GANGSTER!!!

NATALIE sent me a pair of the black and boy are they handsome…just like a KENNEDY! thanks girl!!!