Back to Black {and White}

J Crew Coat, vegan Stella McCartney boots, clutch, and enamel bangle are second-hand from Secondi; nude-colored cotton shirt is from Alternative Apparel. Photography is by Victoria Corkhill.


There was a lot of black, white and nude coming down the Spring 2013 runways from Jason Wu, Stella McCartney and The Row, and it inspired me to get back to the basics.

Black and white is so easy, and my spring resolution is to stock up on crisp white shirts and warm camel or nude pullovers. These are staples that will never go out of style and can adapt easily to the seasons as they change, while also creating a neutral palette for the bright lips and neon accessories that seems to be holding strong as trends.

I am more than ready for spring, so I had bust out the white jeans. What do you think about white jeans for winter?





Spring 2013 RTW from The Row, Jason Wu, and Stella McCartney, all via Style.com. 
*Jason Wu and The Row manufacture in the U.S., and Stella McCartney is vegan and eco-conscious in her sourcing.

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Update: I've submitted this post to IFB's Project #109 on Black and White :)

Meet My New Friends, Stella and Dior

I'm pleased to introduce you to my two new friends, Stella and Dior.

The lovely ankle boots pictured above are vegan by Stella McCartney (similar-ish HERE), and they were given to me as the most awesomest third anniversary present ever. I love the brass tortoise shell detailing on the heels.

The pencil skirt is vintage Christian Dior and I found it for under $40 at Secondi! It's wool, in mint condition, and fits like a glove. Here is one on Etsy. The two gold necklaces are both little gifts from my parents from when I was a little girl, and now I love layering them. Considering how old I was when they were given to me, I believe they could be considered vintage. The jacket and black bangle are also consigned, so once again, I'm head to toe Secondi.

The green and yellow bangles, however, are made from sustainable mango tree wood by Mango Tree-- check 'em out, they come in three sizes and fits.

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Instalife

A little glimpse into the last 30 days of my life, insta-style.

1.  My new vegan Stella McCartney ankle boots, which were an AWESOME third anniversary present!
2. More anniversary :)
3. Best Madmen party ever.
4. Madmen, cont'd
5. Official Inauguration 2013 Ball w/ classy pretzels and t-shirt stand. 
6. Inaug2013 blue section
7. Admiring the inauguration style of the lovely lady in front of me
8.  Outtake from my Radiant Cosmetics lipstick post

Get the Look {fairly}: Capitol Movement Freedom Tour

One more of those stylin' Capitol Movement boys (this one is from Munich)

It's been really neat to see how everyone has interpreted our "all black all the time" uniform for travel during #freedomtour. Everyone has their own style, but the one consistent feature is a great leather jacket, which works for several climates and always looks pulled together, whether dressed up or down.

I love this vintage one from Etsy so much that I am hesitant to share, but I love you more, dear readers, and it is my gift to you.

Clockwise from right to left:

• Leggings are made in the USA from American Apparel.
• Earrings are handcrafted from locally sourced leather by marginalized women in Northern India. Proceeds from this collection go to fund literacy programs for the women artisans and their children in the community.
• T-shirt dress is made from modal, a sustainable fibre. The materials are biodegradable, free from chemicals, and on sale now!
• Jacket is vintage 70s era black leather, available on Etsy
• Three-quarters sleeve shirt is made of 100% recycled materials by Alternative Apparel
• Black and white patterned bag is made and dyed by community groups in Nepal, giving them a fair trade income
• Zipper bracelet made in Los Angeles from Reclaimed Brass & Fabric Cord
• Backpack is 100% recycled nylon, 100% vegan. I wish I bought this one for tour. It has a laptop pocket and everything.
• Vegan boots are and made in a factory which complies to eco standards in recycling and non-use of toxic chemicals, by Neuaura

Photography of Rachel is by Crishon Landers

A note on Capitol Movement: we are a non-profit dance company with a focus on making dance affordable and accessible to low-income youth in the DC area. Capitol Movement provides scholarship and outreach programming in partnership with DC Public Schools, while also maintaining both a pre-professional youth company and an adult company (some, like moi, are touring internationally right now!).  Though you can't see us on tour, you CAN support our youth programming by coming to see Movement of the People, an AMAZING show put on by our under-18 company. There will be hip-hop, contemporary, jazz, tap...something for everyone, and extremely talented dancers.

Lastly, to everyone on the East Coast at home-- our thoughts are with you and your loved ones. I hope you have found high ground, power, and water. Here is one resource for emergency information that can still be used even if you have no power: http://blog.twitter.com/2012/10/hurricane-sandy-resources-on-twitter.html

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Black Leather Motorcycle Club {Tuesday Trend}

Yesterday I wore a used leather jacket and heels purchased from Secondi with coated black jeans of unknown origin. It was perfect for a chilly evening of dinner and Downton catch-up with my friend and photographer, Victoria. Below, I've put together some of my favorite leather items, dividing them into vegan and real leather options. Happy Shopping!

I'm loving the leather looks that are popping up everywhere, but my fair heart is, of course, torn. The problem I've encountered when it comes to leather is that you usually have to trade domestic production and fair labor standards when you choose to go faux. Canadian company Matt and Nat are a notable exception to that rule, as are American jeans companies making coated styles like the J Brand ones I've featured today, but I haven't found many other solid options.

So don't be surprised if, in this post and many others, you see a faux leather (vegan) item, but it's imported. While faux leather is often used because it's cheaper, not necessarily because it's kinder, I don't think that's a reason not to use it as a substitute if you've got to have the latest leather trend.  Alternatively, I may feature an item that is real leather or incorporates leather, but that item will always be made in the USA or vintage/used. Whatever you choose for yourself, feel good knowing you've made your choice with thoughtful intention.

Clockwise from top left:
Shorts; Pleated Skirt; Dress; Peplum Top; Bag; Jeans (made in USA); Pencil Skirt; Shirt (vintage)

L to R:

Dress (white and black) made in USA; Shorts, vintage; Bag, vintage; Pencil Skirt, vintage

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