[[ nicholas kirkwood ]]

Why are Nicholas Kirkwood shoes so amazingly gorgeous? Art in the form of a shoe I swear.  Adding to my wishlist, hopefully Santa appreciates giving the gift of designer shoes.

[[ keith haring the authorized biography ]]

I just finished reading, Keith Haring The Authorized Biography and I am insanely inspired by this man's life.  He was such a quintessential and groundbreaking artist during the 80's and similar to Warhol, he lived an exciting and diverse life submerged in everything the New York scene had to offer.

A huge reason why the lives of successful artists really captivate me is because they live for their passion, not for the money or fame but since their passion is so strong that some of those things just come along with the recognition.  I mean performing or executing their art is not a "job" to them, it is their way of self expression and a huge reason for their being.  People with those types of interests and love for their art are really lucky in the sense that there is no soul searching, it is over the top obvious what they enjoy and should pursue.

Keith as a person, the man behind the hard line images, was also an open-minded, kind, and loving guy which is so obviously apparent through his own actions and based on what his closest friends and family members had to say about him.  I really felt I had things I could relate to him on like how our parents were, our experimental drug use, living in the glorious East Village and what I couldn't relate to him on was what inspired me.

The best part about his work, was really getting that "street" element and graffiti type work to been seen as art rather than criminal acts or just stereotypically the works of minorities.  It is just ridiculous how people can't see the skill, expression, and work involved in street art.  If anything, using a spray can for example takes some crazy skills if you really think about it! 

It is unfortunate we had to lose such a great person to the huge AIDS epidemic in the late 80's. Being the person he is, he didn’t let his misfortunes bring him down but if anything helped him to appreciate his life day to day even more so then he already did.  His legend definitely still lives on and his story is well articulated in this book.  My library had it, so I'm sure yours does too. Enjoy.

[photo via amazon.com ]

[[ travel is a must ]]

TAKEN IN PARIS SEPTEMBER 2009 PHOTOS © 2007-2009 YOUNG BROKE AND FABULOUS

I think it would be pretty darn awesome if everyone on the planet was entitled to a trip around the world. I feel like the population would be more intelligent, cultured, accepting, and open-minded to everything. Can you tell I'm craving some more exploration?

[[ la roux ]]

Another great export from good old England, La Roux.

When I like one song from an artist, I tend to like the majority of their entire album and La Roux's self titled album is an example of it.  Obviously they are musically talented with songs like Bulletproof, Quicksand, and In for the Kill, but front woman Elly Jackson has a style all her own and a signature hairstyle to match.  Not only does she have her take on a very London-like style but her chose of Henry Holland's designs in her Bulletproof music video, makes her reppin' England oh so well.

[photos via 21.media.tumblr.com, jesseleeroberts.com, gourmetbeats.com, sugarscape.com ]

[[ underground western buckle boot & the carin wester klea ankle boot ]]

Crikey. The Western Buckle boot and the Klea boot is sold out on Pixie Market! Don't the styles look a tad on the familiar side?  Don't they remind you of the Alexander Wang Lara boot if mixed together? Okay fine it is a bit of a stretch, but they are quite superb.  The Klea boot is a bit pricey for shoes overall at $445, but sold out regardless. Not that I can afford them anyways, I'm broker than usual with the holidays and the move from New York City. Man can a girl get a limitless shopping spree like once in her life?

[[ self service magazine #31 juergen teller ]]

Self Service Magazine is featuring the work of photographer Juergen Teller. His name might not exactly ring a bell with you right away, but you might know him as the photographer of all of the Marc Jacobs ads that are all over every magazine you own. I've always loved his work (click here for a previous post on him) and I'm glad he's getting some recognition.

Pay $400 to Opening Ceremony and it is yours along with a signed print by the artist.

[[ v magazine- lady gaga ]]

On newsstands now.

This girl is an icon already considering a million people dressed up as her for Halloween this year. The next Madonna anyone?

For more on this issue, check out V Magazine.

[[ givenchy shoe mania ]]

My heart is fluttering as I type. Givenchy shoes can do no wrong, I mean look at them. And trust me I had many more I could feature but I could only fit so many on one post. The sad thing is I was going to buy shoe #3 or #6 at the last Barneys Warehouse Sale and of course they didn't have my size! I was troubled by that for a few days but now I'm over it, sort of. If you are down to blow your rent on these, be my guest (so jealous!).

Click here for #1.

Click here for #2.

Click here for #3.

Click here for #4.

Click here for #5.

Click here for #6.

[photos via shopbop, yoox, net-a-porter, & mytheresa]

[[ individual style- karen o ]]

Fashion and trends are great and all but my true appreciation of fashion really comes from individual style and using style as a form of expression. I mean if you're going to have to wear clothes, it might as well be a reflection of yourself. On that note, Karen O is a perfect person with a superb individual style. She's the female front woman for the band the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and a outrageously great performer. Her clothes are a huge contributor to elevating her performances and her unique style mirrors the unique and brilliant music they are known for. Kudos to her and I'd give her a standing ovation if I could.

[[ handbags- new arrivals ]]

Some people are shoe obsessed, I am bag obsessed. Well, I love shoes too but that's besides the point. I perused Saks.com to view their new arrivals for kicks and here are three lovely bags I discovered and yet sadly cannot buy. Meet the Be & D Garbo Convertible Tote, YSL Studded Satchel, and the Olivia Harris Rounded Shoulder Bag. A pleasure I'm sure.

I think if I won the $252 million dollar mega millions jackpot I would be the most ridiculous in terms of handbags. I would probably have an entire walk-in closet in my amazing newly bought loft dedicated only to bags. I know it's disgustingly materialistic, but oh so true. Please don't judge.