Street Zero: Santogold

Edited by Princess Glover

This rainbow-colored, fishscale onesie should have never seen the light of day let alone an audience. I know she’s trying to be “different”, but Santogold’s attempt at originality makes me question her soundness of mind, if not whether or not she’s just trying to look ugly. After all, it’s always the one’s who end up on the worst dressed list that look the most interesting, right? I’m all for stepping outside the box, but I’m also an advocate for clothes that actually flatter and compliment, not distract and repel. As hideous as it is, this could have worked had it not been for that awful cowl turtleneck and lemon cake batter flats.

I’m Over It (Kinda): Geek Specs

Edited by Princess Glover

As someone who actually wears glasses I was excited to see those thick, black oversized bookworm frames become a hipster staple/smart, cute girl accessory. And those bitches who called me four-eyes in the third grade would finally get their comeuppance. But as with all trends, there comes a point where it becomes so commonplace that its appeal begins to dissolve, therefore increasing the chances of looking like a fashion victim. I mean, seeing the likes of Scarlett Johansen and Ali Hilfiger wear them makes me want to gag, if not feel grave disdain for purporting intellect as fashionable. I’m beginning to see these glasses float into Ugg boots oblivion, and since I have yet to own a pair, I’m a bit apprehensive to join the masses.

Luckily, not everyone shares the sentiment that geek equals chic. There are still some who think taking fashion cues from Steve Urkel does not a fashionista make. A more accurate assessment would be that the specs are largely popular amongst the indie-minded, underground label wearing, Miranda July reading, Brooklyn-dwelling sort, which is actually not that terrible. The fact that they’re not entirely mainstream is reason enough to possibly invest in a pair, and not just spend 10 bucks to wear them over my contacts. I just wouldn’t feel right.

FASHION PORN: Omahyra Mota

Edited by Princess Glover

If you’re a true fashion savant, then you’ll probably remember her from the infamously salacious Ellen Von Unwerth spread with former boy toy Boyd Holbrook. As for me, Omahyra Mota’s presence has haunted me since watching her crash a posh runway show in Jay-Z’s “Change Clothes” video. The Dominican Republic-born model possesses a striking combination of androgyny and femininity as well as a bad-ass devil may care attitude that sets her miles apart from the wannabe hipster models of today. Please God, no more naked pictures of Agyness Deyn. Ugghhh.

I am so captivated by Omahrya’s brash, around the way demeanor, killer bod, and unconventional sharp beauty, which isn’t the least bit tarnished by a collection of audacious tats and piercings. She’s modeled for both men and women’s clothing, which I find terribly admirable, she has also graced the covers of numerous rags, been featured in many a print ads including Rocawear, has walked for Bill Blass, Alexander McQueen, Heatherette, Fendi, and Jean Paul Gaultier, and made the list of People magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful in 2001. I haven’t been this in love with a model since Helena Christensen. I can only hope that people would stop salivating over vacuous, airbrushed celebs and get back to appreciating the ones who make looking insanely gorgeous an art.

Designer: Death by Drone

Edited by Princess Glover

A surreal juxtaposition of the fanciful and the macabre, the delicate and the dark, best describes the aesthetic behind Death by Drone. To put it more simply, its Emily the Strange for the 18 and over set. Weird and maniacal artistic interpretations are ingeniously dappled onto interestingly shaped dresses, tees, skirts, and totes. As far as the shirts and bags are concerned, the look is very streetwear contemporary. However, the use of retro trademarks also becomes prevalent, which is evidenced by full a-line skirts, shift dresses and babydoll collars. If allusions to anatomy, machinery and the dark side of nature pique your interest, check out the label’s collection of bizarre and whimsical art, which includes crudely drawn illustrations, prints, and other things to contemplate while stoned.

TrendSpark: Open Toe Booties

Edited by Princess Glover

It seems to me that, judging from the perplexed reception, the open-toe booties is kinda like sushi—it’s an acquired taste. I happen to like sushi, and I also happen to love these boots mostly because of its blatant contradictories and fat middle finger to convention. They’re what you would wear when you want to make a bold statement, or really want to show off that pedicure in the middle of October.

Most recently, the shoes have been making appearances on the feet of risk-taking celebs including the poor man’s Mary-Kate, Rachel Bilson. For the upcoming fall season ditch the played bootie and go calf-length like my girl Kelis, who undoubtedly rocks it best, looking ever so cool and distinct as usual. My current obsession are the Chloe Strap Wrap Open Toe Boots (as seen on Mrs. Jones above).

Designer: AM Eyewear

Edited by Princess Glover

The fact that a few celebrities and some people who think they’re celebrities think it necessary to wear shades indoors, and at night always strikes me as completely and utterly asinine. But with these sunglasses from AM Eyewear, I may have to make an exception and join the club, for they have transcended the role of functional UV-ray blocker to hella dope fashion accessory. Yes, I said hella. The underground Aussie label produces some of the most innovative and personality-infused frames I’ve seen since the Chloe asymmetrical jump-offs.

Not to be confused with your novelty wayfarer, these sunglasses are made of high quality materials such as Italian acetate (whatever that is, but it sounds expensive) and Japanese stainless steel. Each style also comes in a selection of vibrant colors. Last year, the label became the first ever sunglasses brand to merit their own show during Australian fashion week. Respect. And now for the celebrity endorsement: devotees include Sienna Miller, Ashley Olsen, and Kelly Osbourne, just to name a few.

What Every Fashion Student Will Have on Their Coffee Table

Edited by Princess Glover

I am, and always have been thoroughly convinced that the Japanese have us beat when it comes to unabashed expressions of pure, individualistic style. And anyone who’s ever looked through an issue of ViVi would know that. The fashion scene in the Harajuku district of Tokyo is widely known as the burgeoning epicenter of the eccentric, the bizarre and the bold, and in the process has become somewhat of a fashion icon.

In Tiffany Godoy’s new book Style Deficit Disorder-Harajuku Street Fashion, the author relates the atmosphere surrounding the scene to ADD, which is frankly quite accurate. “In the scene’s frenetic jump from style to style there is a consistent lack of complacence-a style deficit disorder.” The book is also a history lesson on the history and evolution of Harajuku, profiling its most daring and influential designers, labels, stylists, and shops including Comme des Garcons, Hysteric Glamour, Super Lovers, A Bathing Ape, and Laforet, and explodes with a bevy of colorful and inspiring images.

Style Icons: Ashley Olsen

Edited by Princess Glover

While recently flipping through a current issue of Star magazine, (which I only look at for the pictures, honestly) I came across this photo of the elusive Ashley Olsen looking sickeningly stylish, further proving my point that she is indeed the better dressed of the fashionable twosome.

Although I can sometimes appreciate Mary-Kate’s avante choices in wardrobe, Ashley always carried an air of quiet cool in the way she effortlessly manages to look polished and comfortable at the same time. Her grounded sense of style is definitely inspiring mainly because she always stands out without trying so hard, unlike her young Hollywood ilk, who despite their best efforts generally look like fashion victims silently begging for praise and approval.

Designer: Little Doe

Edited by Princess Glover

These headpieces by Little Doe are both excessively ornate and unapologetically ethereal. Leave it to fashion to turn a Native American trademark and hippie motifs into an overpriced accessory. Nevertheless, one can’t deny the appeal of one-of-a-kind, handmade quality and an excuse to waft around barefoot in your peace beads and gauze peasant blouse. Each piece is custom made out of antique materials and things found in nature; think flowers, feathers and peacock tails. This is one of those things you’d want to be careful to wear on the right occasion to avoid looking costumed…but I doubt that’s possible, or if someone bold enough to sport one at any given moment would even care. I know I wouldn’t.

Street Zero: Solange

Edited by Princess Glover

Somebody please give this girl a clue. I’ve got nothing against Bey’s little sis; I’m even feeling her new retro-inspired video for “I Decided”. But it seems everywhere I turn, Solange Knowles is committing some serious crimes of fashion. Her wardrobe choices of late lack a natural, spontaneous quality and generally don’t do her much justice. Something is always off kilter, whether it’s disproportionate, ill fitting, overwhelming or just doesn’t make sense. Either she’s trying too hard or not hard enough, and the poor thing just can’t seem to get it right. Here are some words of wisdom I think will ensure that her attempts at looking stylish/edgy/like you give a damn garners cheers, not jeers:

1. Check your stylist’s credentials before you pay her to send you down the red carpet in some repugnant, inexplicable getup.

2. Don’t take fashion advice from big sis. House of Dereon, anyone?

3. Get a 360-degree mirror a la What Not To Wear; you can’t go wrong.

4. Give the curly weaves a rest. It looks as feigned as your sense of style.

5. Understand that just because something doesn’t match it doesn’t mean it goes. And just because something matches doesn’t mean it goes.