Fashion WTF: The Mouche

Edited by Princess Glover

What happened to just using your liquid eyeliner and trying your hardest to make the most symmetrical black dot on your cheek so that you may channel your inner Dita Von Teese? Apparently, jewelry designer Sabrina Dehoff likes to kick it old school with her reincarnation of the mouche, which loosely translated means “beauty spot”. Literally translated, it means “fly”. Okay. The mouche goes all the way back to the 17^th century when both men and women adorned their faces with small pieces of cloth that were made out of velvet or silk and cut into fanciful shapes. They were meant to enhance facial features, conceal disfigurement from smallpox (gross) and improve a poor complexion. The placement of the mouche was indicative of a woman’s marital status or sexual mood. ‘Man, I knew Sally was a hoe…peep that mouche on the left side of her forehead.

Dehoff’s version is somewhat updated with a gold plated collection that includes, hearts, bows and guns. A gun above your upper lip? As au courant as that sounds, I’m on the fence with this one. I’ve always had love for the fake beauty mark and the way it manages to project glamour and allure at any given moment, but these kinda remind me of those jewel-like face stickers we used to wear back in middle school. Would ya wear these?

Miley Cyrus’s Brother Hates Trannies

Edited by Princess Glover

Well, really only just one. It seems that Miley’s brother Trace, who looks like an odd, emo-punk version of Marilyn Manson, has made some recent text-message threats to my second favorite he/she, Jeffree Star. First of all, I didn’t even know there was a black sheep of the Cyrus clan, which he has been so kindly dubbed (at his request, I’m sure), or why anyone would have ill will towards one of the fiercest men in makeup. Apparently, Trace dated a girl named Hanna Beth who was close friends with Star, who subsequently aired a web rant on how he/she had to constantly support Hanna Beth through hard times when boyfriend Trace was on drugs. Offended by this blasphemous slander, Trace retaliated with a series of angry, profane text-messages to Star letting him know that wearing a skirt would not protect him from a serious beat-down. Scandalous! First Miley and her suggestive photos, and now this? Tsk, tsk, Cyrus kids.

Source: thinkfashion.com

Designer: Asli Filinta

Edited by Princess Glover

Although the crappy emo music playing in the website’s background gave me a headache, Asli Filinta’s collection of hats, scarves and tees are refreshingly innovative. Her pieces are designed for fashion zealots with an appreciation for interesting details. The 1920’s-inspired pill hats and fedoras, which are by far my favorite, are updated with bejeweled broaches, peacock feathers, sequined flowers and zebra graphics. The use of eye-catching applique is passed on to Filinta’s convertible scarves. Tacked on each piece of cloth is a shimmery random object, not excluding strawberries, tigers and bows, which add an individualistic quality to an otherwise trendy accessory. The tees, which feature fringe and peculiar decoration, look really dope if worn correctly, i.e. paired with simple items.

How To Look Hipster: Wear Tees From CTRL

Edited by Princess Glover

Noisy patterns, check. Eighties thematics, check. Tees emblazoned with ironic, nonsensical phrases, check. Usually I’m impressed with the way European labels somehow manage to exude an air of distinctiveness, but this one strikes me as contrived. Along with your fundamental hoodies, tees, tights, and tanks, they also design skateboards so that one can thoroughly complete the poseur ensemble. The “exotic, awesome, dark” lookbook is basically a manual on how to look tragically hipster and unabashedly trendy without really knowing it. Everything intentionally clashes with everything, compulsive layering is widespread, and the pieces themselves are as just about as original as a forearm tattoo.

Bring Back Suede

Edited by Princess Glover

For a mag hag such as myself, I’ve often yearned for a magazine that was just for me and others like me—brown twenty-something young women with an affinity for innovative, high fashion and an unconventional disposition toward style. Then one day back in 2004, in the magazine aisle of my former campus bookstore I found Suede, and it was bliss. The edgy and creative fashion and beauty spreads, the overwhelming presence of multicultural (not just eastern European) models, and the pithy, refreshing articles were enough to make me fidget with anticipation for next month’s installment. And then, just like that, it was gone. After four measly issues, my number one was no more, at least for the time being.

Recently, while reminiscing and wondering when this supposed hiatus (said Essence) would come to an end, a doubtful Google search turned up a petition to bring back my beloved publication. As I eagerly signed and added my impassioned two cents, I became hopeful that maybe, for once, bigwig heads would pay more attention to public demand instead of the needs of advertisers. First Suede, now Jane…it just sucks to see the good ones go. Here’s to hoping they’re listening. And pour a little liquor for Jane too.

Designer: Me Me Me

Edited by Princess Glover

Me Me Me is quirky, playful multicolored necklaces, bracelets and brooches. Upon first glance, this collection of glazed porcelain jewelry reminded me of hard candy. Maybe I’m just greedy but the shiny, stained veneer looks sticky and sweet, akin to a crème saver. While it looks good enough to eat, what you’ll find is a recurring theme of skulls, bunnies, lightning bolts and other objects of whimsy. Collectively, the pieces possess a cartoonish, yet grown-up quality so you can easily wear them without looking like a wayward 16-year old.

Hipster’s Wet Dream

Edited by Princess Glover

If you’re looking for a way to soup up your abode, these adorably kitschy rugs by John Pour can turn an otherwise mundane hardwood into an artsy delight. The unconventional rugs, which are made from felt, are cut from hand and come in over ten colors and designs. You can choose from clever phrases, standard greetings, or offbeat graphics like a skull or a fleur de lis. Even better, they offer custom rugs at your request–a name, word, phrase or picture designed to your liking. I can only imagine the lewd and obscene ideas that come peoples minds with this one.

I Heart Devotte

Edited by Princess Glover

‘Tis the season to step your pedicure game up, for cute, open-toe shoes by Devotte are ripe for the picking. I am so in love with these adorable flat and low wedge sandals that are sure to garner attention from inquiring minds. Styles range from girly, to tough, to retro and feature an assortment of notable embellishments and details including ruffles, studs and grommets. They also come in some really rich jewel tones and shimmery metallics making them an ideal accouterment to any outfit. Just make sure those dogs are prime for public consumption because as we all know ugly feet and gorgeous shoes don’t mix.

Stylish and Sexy From Selita Ebanks

Edited by Princess Glover

Street Zero: T-Painful

Edited by Princess Glover

Now this has got to be the WORST outfit of the night…T-Pain and his performance in this painfully ugly paisley nightmare at the BET awards. While I do love my people for their massive creativity, it’s moments like this (and ghetto prom 08…y’all know what I’m talking about) that makes me want to scream “stop the madness!” And while Mr. Pain is the last person to receive accolades for his fashion sense, he should have had enough common sense to just say NO to this abominable ensemble. Let’s not give white people another reason to cock their heads to the side in overt curiosity.