I'm not going to say much, because it'll ruin the story. But see this girl. She looks somewhat surprised, but not in a "I'm going to kill myself because someone shaved off all of my hair" kinda way. Well. This photo could have been me....but with a VERY different expression on ol' One of 365's face. Seriously---don't ever fuck with my hair.

Dear Ethers, 

OH MY GOD.  I have the CRAZIEST story to tell you.  Right.  So, you know how I’m always going on about my hair and its length.  I mean, by this time you know the diameter of each follicle.  But you also know how much I treasure it.  I swore the only way I would ever cut my hair is if I became destitute and it was the last thing I had to pawn to eat that night. 

So, I had straightened my hair for an event and had been wearing it down because I usually don’t take much care to make a fuss over it (you know, tying it in a messy bun etc…) and wanted to work my “do.”  I’m walking down the street and this woman comes up to me and says, “You have the most beautiful hair.”  Well, of course I was pleased and thanked her very much.  But she went on.  “Is that your natural color?”  I politely responded, “Yes, it’s my own.”  “So you don’t use any dyes at all?” Okay, now not only was I getting annoyed, but I was getting weirded out.  I said, “Look, I’m real busy…” and she cut me off and started telling me that she worked for this charity called “Locks of Love” and they were really desperate for donors because all of the salon owners were paying a fortune to girls and it was the recession. 

Now, I’m not saying I’m the most benevolent person in the world, but I do give to certain charities.  But they are ones that I choose and that I approach.  I make it a policy NEVER to give to charities on streets or on the phone.  I like to do my research on the net and donate via e-mail.  But regardless, where was this woman’s badge?  Who the hell was she?  And I’m sure “Locks of Love” didn’t have a bombard you policy that freaked young women out on the street.  

I calmly told her that I had no intention of cutting my hair and that I would appreciate her leaving me alone as I felt this was very inappropriate.  Now, a normal person would walk away.  Oh no, this lady got PISSED.  “Don’t you care about kids with cancer?  Women who’ve been burned and lost parts of their scalp?”  Did I mention I’m standing on a street where there were cafes and people were staring at us?  I just started walking away—but she followed.  I started to reach for my cell phone and my keys. 

And then I felt a tug. 

My whole body went numb and I swear to god for a second I thought she took out shears and lopped my hair off. 

I spun around and screamed at her to never fucking touch me again and that I was dialing 911.  I’ve never seen a skinny woman with a bob-cut run so fast in my whole life. 

When I got home I called “Locks of Love” and told them my story.  And Ethers, I’m not joking (and you might think I’m a pussy) I was crying.  I think they were afraid I was going to sue for assault charges.  But the truth is I didn’t have the woman’s name and they said they have so many volunteers that even with my description of her, it was hopeless. 

I think “Locks of Love” do a wonderful thing and I do not want to incriminate them for one woman’s insane breakdown.  But I have to tell you that I will never forget that moment.  I did wonder if that woman was really from “Locks of Love” because they told me that dyed hair WAS acceptable though bleached wasn’t.  And if the lady had cut my hair without it being in a braid or ponytail first she would have done it for nothing—they can’t accept it loose.  Oh and FYI, if you ever DO want to donate, your hair needs to be 10” tip-tip minimum (and they do request it to be clean, thank you very much).  

Later that night I took a shower, used my special Kerastase shampoo that I pull out for special occasions and my Redkin conditioner that is for VERY special moments, and lathered up grateful for something to still be attached to my head.  My waves re-appeared, and as my hair dried, up it went into its lazy bun happy to be protected.  I was just so happy to have given my OWN locks some love that night when it all could have been snipped away by some nutter with a bad bowl cut.  Sheesh.  Only in L.A. 

Dedicatedly yours,

—One of 365

Dear Ethers,

As you all know, I’m a lover of all things vintage.  I treasure finding a one-off piece that no one has and that was worn by someone before I was even born.  And I love the feeling when your heart starts to race when you see a designer label in a great style, in your size, that is actually affordable.  That’s the ultimate triumph in vintage shopping.  The best I’ve ever done is a YSL Rive Gauche black velvet jacket–but it looks almost like  a cape that an aunt gave me when I was only about 12. It sat rotting in my closet for about 10 years and when I was going through stuff after coming home from college, I discovered this masterpiece!  Really heart stopping.  Unfortunately, vintage shops, due to eBay and other outlets know brands—so it is rare to find a deal any more.  But when you do discover a gem……..heaven.  One lady who can appreciate this is Sharon Rose.  Check out her website and drool over her fashion designer finds! 

I decided to pay homage to the king of vintage, Maestro Halston.  I mean, could Studio 54 have BEEN without his amazing dresses and slinky fabrics hugging the girls dancing and probably snorting coke in the bathrooms?  I can just see the tall blondes sashaying into the disco’s in his designs, heavy make-up, red lips, and just looking like goddesses.  To me, Halston WAS the 70’s and if you are lucky enough to find a vintage piece, be prepared to pay an arm and a leg.  

He has a lovely collection out today but what’s great is it still pays homage to his time in his heyday.  The column dresses with the layers, the one-shoulder Roman-goddess gowns, the well-cut shirt dress.  Everything of his is a modern version of what he’s always done.  I love when fashion houses stay true to their roots.  You can still, today, see a Halston from a million miles away, even if it’s from a 201o collection.  

I went with a really classic Halston evening gown in a lovely color–a canary yellow.  I love the tiers.  I just think this is so now, but yet so 70’s.  How can it be?  But it is elegant, classic and just so fantastically retro.  It looks like it would elongate and be light as a feather.  Perfection.  To jazz things up a bit, I went with a really electric blue color to compliment the yellow.  It just felt right.  It felt punk 2009 meets LSD 1970’s.  

I hope you like this Wish List as much as I do.  I didn’t want to add a necklace for this dress.  I see this with hair slicked back in a low bun or a very high ponytail and just showing off those collarbones.  The only bit of bauble is a bad-ass rocker cuff that I thought was really rocker-chick fun.  You know those 54 girls–they liked their dancing, booze and their Jagger.

FYI: Mr. Roy “Halston” Frowisck (who sadly died in 1990) was specifically known for his dresses being worn to discotheques. Born in Iowa, he began his career as a window dresser.  He worked mainly with hats and his big break was when the Chicago Daily News ran a brief story on his fab hats.  In 1957 he opened his own shop (seems very Coco Chanel, eh?) and then moved to NYC working for famous milliner Lilly Dache.  He then was let loose to become head milliner of Bergdorf’s and his big claim to fame was designing the famous pillbox hat for Ms. Jackie Kennedy that she wore to her husband’s presidential inauguration.  He became part of a hip crowd of jet setters and  Bianca Jagger, Liza Minnelli, Anjelica Huston, Lauren Bacall, Babe Paley, and Elizabeth Taylor all wore his goodies. His perfume (bottle designed by Elsa Peretti) became the second biggest perfume of all time.  A great man with an interesting life, he died of AIDS in 1990.  But his name lives on and I am pleased to show you that his lovely clothes still, 3o years later, have remained in the limelight.

Dedicatedly yours,

—One of 365

This stunning, canary yellow, strapless silk-gown epitomizes the Halston of today and yesterday. People might ask you where you got that AMAZING vintage piece, but they also might ask where that couture dress came from. It is timeless. I love the color. I think on light skin it will look ethereal and on dark skin, it will bring out your color beautifully. The dress is simple. It is meant to act as a column--like Greek goddess gown. You are meant to make an entrance, be handed a glass of champagne, put it down and then dance. I think this is jaw-dropping and elegant. The back has a slight cut out, which is very sexy, but is layered with tiers so nothing too revealing. I think this dress would be bland and boring in black or white. Yellow is the perfect match. Strapless Silk Gown, $3,814, halston.com

I love colors and how designers are embracing pops of palettes in their designs. No more matchy-matchy anymore. I think the yellow and the blue make a stunning combination. I like the texture of the snake-skin. It modernizes the outfit and brings the whimsy from the light silk and layering to a more rock-star badass 54 girl making her entrance. With a 4.5" heel, the column dress is going to make you look sky-high which will look amazing and you'll feel like one of Warhol's muses entering The Factory! I think these are all rock n' roll and are a really fun surprise because they aren't expected with the outfit. Penn Snakeskin Sandals, $995, halston.com

I love this bag because it's slouchy, and suede. It looks the part of being 70's and is a total clutch with a removal strap so you can make it casual or dressy. Again, ties in with the shoes and the bright colors of the yellow and the bright blue. Totally unexpected which is what you want with a statement outfit. And hey, the 70's was all about experimenting, right? It's also roomy, so you can stash anything you need in here. Not just a lipstick and a cell phone. The strap will be useful if you start dancing. Just wrap it around your wrist and you are set to boogie! Henry Small Suede Clutch, $1,395, halston.com

All rock and roll babes have cuffs with metal right? Well, yours just happens to be a HALSTON dahhhling! I like this because it's your first introduction to the pop of color blue and it also shows those who see you that your not just some lovely yellow flower walking into the room, but a chic killer in your 70's homage to the king of disco. I think it will lengthen the arm and go nicely with the bag. And if your shoes peep out, it will all tie nicely together. Hey, and if a guy you don't like tries to hit on you, it works handily as a gauntlet!! Stud Embellished Cuff, $995, halston.com

Halston have always been famous for their fragrances. The packaging for 2009 has been revamped by the famous Elsa Peretti (known for her beautiful Tiffany's jewels). To quote the designer of the fragrance, Carlos Benaïm, he says the fragrance is a "floriental woody, and has top notes of Sicilian bergamot, marigold and black currant; a heart of precious roses, orris, jasmine petals, rose absolute and rose essence, and a drydown of patchouli, sandalwood and deep amber." So, grab yourself a bottle, even just to have sitting on your bureau. Stunning!

PS: If you dig my Wish List’s then just click over to your right and hit the side-bar under “Wish Lists.”  You’ll find everything from Net-a-Porter to Sonia Rykiel (great timing too because she just announced her collaboration with H&M).  It’s always such fun!  And if you really LOVE fashion, check out Fashion Fridays on the sidebar too.  It’s a bit bonkers, but a really fun weekly staple from my wardrobe that I make a story up about the look and show the clothes and allow you to visualize the whole sha-bang from the picture I’ve painted.  Again, lot’s of fun for you fashion lovers.

xoxoxo

Dear Ethers,

I always feel a tremendous triumph when I write this post, for yet another week (well, work-week) has past.  Though I freelance and often work weekends, I’m glad that my vacuous little post gives a little whimsy to the nice days off ahead.  If you view my blog at work, you don’t have to think too hard.  You just scroll down the page, look at some bonkers outfit out of my closet, go “meh” and then move on with your day.  I love doing it because I have this crazy wardrobe full of clothes and it’s going to be fun and look back at all of my Friday posts and see the different get-ups I got-up to throughout the year.

It has been broiling in Los Angeles.  Even in this desert climate where I’m used to it cooling down in the evenings, there is no justice at night.  My fan is my only salvation and I try and wear as light a fabric as possible to sleep in so I don’t sweat to death (I told you, I refuse to sleep in the nude because it’s earthquake territory here and that’s all I need–a 7.5 on the Richter Scale–Armageddon and me naked scurrying for my life).  I bought the dress this week for 15 smackaroos at a blowout sale.  It is made of really lightweight, stretchy fabric and sits on the body well.  It can be worn as a halter, but I like wearing it with the beads around the neck, so strapless it is!  I think the amber neckless makes it more exotic and tribal.  AND I get to wear one of my nifty strapless bras I got from the Gap that I raved about (READ: BRA STORY–it’s a hoot with a nutty picture to boot!).  I finally took a photo of the thing that holds my girls….love it!  And my loveliest citrus Ferragamo’s that I had shipped over from Italy this August.  The LAST pair in all of Europe in my size.  I had a hook up from my mag days at old Salvatore and she got me a deal on these beauties–still expensive—but I own these in black leather and they are just perfection.  They’ll never go out of style and they are so comfortable.  They discontinued the kitten heel in England and the United States—which is what I LOVED about them.  You can only buy the kitten in Italy and some parts of Europe.  I cherish them.

Right, so I wore this to an event that was for a very colorful jewelery launch last night.  It was Africa hot inside and out.  I thought, hey, Africa hot, why not conjure Africa?  I thought this looked a bit African–sorta (look, go with me on this, okay?).  I wanted to be colorful and bright and lightweight.  And I wore my hair down which you just might be able to glance in the picture.  I rarely do that and I so wanted to take a clip and put it up, but the dress looked good with it down, so down it stayed.  So, no big story here.  A cheap dress, damned expensive heels, a bargain bra and a hand-me-down necklace.  Pretty simple and I think pretty chic.  Have a wonderful rest of your work-day and I’ll chat with you on Saturday.  Oh.  I’m covering an event that the devil itself created tomorrow night that might keep me up until 5-6am so I might post late.  Forgive me.  Actually, I should say, LORD forgive ME for this assignment.  Hey, at least I’m earnin’ the bucks.  I’ll try and tell you as much as I can…..Tweeting usually gives me a bit more freedom.

Dedicatedly yours,

—One of 365

I don't love how this picture looks. It doesn't really look so polished. But, this was taken at 3am by English gent who had been up 24 hours working on a report and had a wonky eye. Yes, I should have smoothed out the dress and pulled up the bust a bit, but hey, guys, sometimes, I'm exhausted, okay! Also, my arms look terrible and they aren't, so no judgement! With my excuses made (and they seem to be made a lot lately...boy, I'm going downhill) I just like the pattern, the colors, the tribal feel. I like how easy this is just to throw on. Just slip on the shoes, put the necklace over your head and fling the dress on. EASY!

C'mon, for $15 you can't really complain. It elongates and it has a built in elastic belt that makes your hips look small and allows the top of the dress to blossom. Worn either as a halter or strapless, take this on holiday as it won't wrinkle. Wear it over a bathing suit, because the material will dry ASAP. It's just a great Summer dress. Wear with hair down and a necklace or hair up with big hoop earrings. Tribal dress, $15, Veronica M, Los Angeles

If I was going halter-style maybe I could have gone bra-less. But no, strapless=bra! No sagging boobs for me thank you very much! And see it in its glory. The bra I spoke of. The Gap 32C. It's lovely lilac and lace. Comfy yet supportive. A bargain. I can't remember what I said I paid for it. Was it, like, $15? Strapless Bra, The Gap, Around $15

English gent's mom was always bringing me back lovely things from the Middle East. This was just another fab gift. Simple. A strand of luminous amber beads that sits perfectly around the neck. You know how some amber is foggy or matte. No, this is clear and speckled. It is stunning. I love that with the dress this almost replaces the look of the halter neck. I think it really makes the neckline. Amber necklace, English gents Mom, Priceless!

I could write a whole dissertation on these. The comfort. The style. The classic beauty. These are PERFECTION. I own these in a matte black leather. I wear them everywhere. Well, I was in contact with a gal PR of mine from Maestro Ferragamo and she told me when the sale was going to hit. She sent me a color book and told me to act fast. My shoe size (7 US, 5 UK) is VERY popular and on sale, these would go quick. I wanted the yellow so badly. And sitting, the very last pair in my size in Europe, in their smallest shop in Genoa, were these. And even on sale, they were a bloody fortune. I love that I might be one of the only people in the States who owns these. They were limited edition in Italy and for that season only. You'd think the color wouldn't go with anything, but it goes with EVERYTHING. And the kitten heel gives you just that extra oomph of height. I ADORE these. Karla Pumps, 330 Euros, Ferragamo, Genoa

When you look at your reflection in your business card holder, I know you want to see a "killer" but not THIS kind of killer. Not a PSYCHO. You want to see a killer of a person. An ace of a guy or gal. Not someone's pain in the ass. Disperse them carefully. Don't become that person whose card lies at the bottom of a purse where in a year's time a woman, when cleaning it out says, "Who the hell is this?" and trashes it. Watermarks, embossing--it doesn't matter--choose wisely my friends. Choose wisely.

Dear Ethers,

I’ve noticed in Los Angeles that everyone hands you a business card.  They come in all shapes, sizes, finishes.  Do you remember the scene in “American Psycho” when Patrick Bateman freaks out because one of his peers has (hark!) a watermark on HIS business card making it FAR more superior than anyone else’s in the room?  Of course this was a farce on 80’s opulence and competition, but the joke is that it still exists in 2009. 

I’m handed business cards left and right.  I could be sitting at a café and a guy could be walking by.  He and I could be having a lovely chat and then I see him making the “move.”  I know the signal.  I simply asked his name.  Instead of just answering—no—he must “show me.”  His hand glides into his back pocket tugging at his wallet and he opens his billfold carefully plucking out a lustrous card proud and grinning.  I’m usually caught off guard because his profession is nothing I’m terribly interested in, and I have to act effusive to not offend the man.  Also, I feel like our chat has been a fake PR stunt for him to try and gain business from me all so he could have the opportunity to make his “move.”  

I was sitting with English gent getting coffee and this regular oldish man stopped to say his hello’s because we admired his dog.  He then went on to talk about his age (74—and he DID look good) and how he kept fit and active by walking.  We were about to say our good-byes, when I noticed “the move.”  OH NO!  Not from a 74 year old man!!!!  Yep, this guy was a portrait painter and had a card with one of his paintings he was quite proud of in full color on the front with his details on the back.  “Call me if you ever want your portraits done.”  I told English gent I feared he might be dead by the time we ever picked up the receiver.

I go to press events, and this is a fair place to exchange business cards.  I don’t have one, which is actually unfortunate because it would be rather useful to give someone my details to try and get more freelance work.  But, people tend to give me theirs and that’s a great and normal opportunity to do so.  But then I get the whackos at these parties who have zero reason to give me their card.  The paparazzi guy (when the hell am I going to need his services?)  The security guard at an event (ummm……if I ever become famous, maybe?)  The girl working the toilets at an event gave me her card, her long acrylic nails with a hoop through her pointer finger showing me her exact e-mail address where she could be reached if I ever wanted hair extensions (my hair was down and hangs mid-way down my back).  I mean EVERYONE has a business card.  In Los Angeles this must be the most lucrative business in town.

I had business cards when I worked in London and RARELY did I give them out.  Even if I had them on me and knew someone wanted one, I would pretend I didn’t and would just say call the main switchboard.  First of all, it had my mobile on it and I didn’t want PR’s calling me after hours.  Secondly, I don’t want to be that accessible.  Maybe if I was in sales, but truthfully, just ask for my information.  I know a business card is easier.  People don’t have pens yadda, yadda….but in the days of the Blackberry and iPhone’s it’s easy to punch in some numbers.

I think to some people a business card means you ARE somebody.  But to me, if you’ve got to show who you are, then you’re really are a nobody.  If you’re just handing them out to be cool, it’s stupid.  If you really are handing a card out after talking to someone for networking purposes, okay, well, that’s what they’re there for.  But please, if you are a personal trainer and start talking to me and we  are having a decent chat and then you just hand me your card out of the blue—I am gonna put it in the bin.  If you are a psychic and I am walking down the street and you walk up to me and tell me “I’m an old soul,” yeah, it’s going in the trash. 

Just remember, you don’t want to be the Christian Bale from “American Psycho.”  So whenever you are making that move to your pocket or wallet, think of this conversation…

 “[Looking at Paul Allen's business card]

Patrick Bateman: Look at that subtle off-white coloring. The tasteful thickness of it. Oh my God, it even has a watermark!

David Van Patten: [re: business card] Good coloring.

Patrick Bateman: That’s ‘Bone’

Dedicatedly yours,

—One of 365

Dear Ethers,

I’ve been looking at my past “Wish Lists” and they have seemed very “adult.” Very “grown-up.”  Now, I have nothing against this—in fact, I think there is nothing classier than a woman who is wearing something understated, well-cut, elegant with just a slight tweak of trend to her outfit.  But, being on the cusp of (cough, cough) 30, I want to embrace the joy of reckless youth and funky dressing.  And I DO indeed mix it up.  I don’t have a particular style that you could connect me to.  I could buy a smart pair of clean, black trousers from Joseph and then order something from Net-a-Porter and buy something outlandishly fabulous.  I think life would be boring if you didn’t put your clothes in a funky blender.  

Now, many of you will think this Monday’s choice is a little bonkers.  But, I figured if I am going to go for it, MAN am I going to go for it!  I chose Sonia Rykiel because she is so French and so fun.   English Gent’s mother bought me a sweater from Madame Rykiel that is so beautiful.  It’s taupe with multi-colored cherries all over it.  I get compliments every single time I wear it.  What’s ideal about her collection is she has a diffusion line for the younger crowd and a higher-end line for the more sophisticated bunch.  But what’s great is that both collections mix and match beautifully, and I’ve done that with my “Wish List.”  Just keep in mind, Rykiel is MEANT to be a bit off the beaten path.  I’m not crazy here—she is known for her abstract colors and wild ways.  But that is what makes her so unique! Now remember, a “Wish List” has to be all from one designer top-to-toe, so you are getting 100% Sonia!

So here’s the back story on our girl.  She’s a trendy-chick who is studying in France for the year and really wants to embrace everything she can about the country. She’s REALLY into fashion and she knows that she looks totally tongue and cheek in this get-up but loves the attention.  It’s a bit of old world Paris style that’s been given some LSD and brought to 2009.  She’s got a great figure so even though this might look a little out there, it’s “catwalk crazy” to the folks who notice her and they might applaud the endeavour.  She’s keeping slightly toasty because the season is changing, but no need for a heavy coat or stockings yet.  She loves art, Karl Lagerfeld (but of course, he’s a “LEGEND DARLING”), crepes, black coffee and men with nicotine stained fingers and wing-tipped shoes.  She’s bloody wealthy, but shhhhhh, you mustn’t tell anyone, for she must be part of the starving artists to get in with the salon sitting groups and must secretly sneak into Colette to get her fashions.  She’s always got a camera with her snapping away the sites and a great group of friends whom she rides the Metro with and speaks scatty French to.  She loves to have a smoke on the top of the Musee de Orsay and her dream  is to fall in love with a man who looks like Cary Grant, but can dance like Justin Timberlake.  Shall we meet our belle femme?

PS: This is dedicated to a follower of mine named Julie who is French Canadian and who I thought of right away when I began to think of this post. To you Julie, une source d’inspiration!  xoxoxoxox

Dedicatedly yours,

—One of 365

This cheeky and fun sweater is fab because of the French word play (come here darling, pull over)--but it is also describing what the actually piece is--a pull-over! I think it would fit our girl snugly, be very cool and she would make a lot of her French citizens laugh. I also think it looks kinda retro with the lettering--almost as if her granny sewed the words on for her! Wool Intarsia Sweater, 550 pounds, soniarykiel.com

I love that this has an artists look to it. There is an illusion of a belt there, but it is merely just part of the fabric. Slung low on the hips with the sweater, I think it is all Tres Artistic! And again, playing with different mediums in cloth is really fun. You'll see how the pink will be key with the other elements of the outfit in the next few choices. Trompe L'Oeil Belt Skirt, 198 pounds, soniarykiel.com

How fun are these! They are the perfect pop of color, they match the top and the pink in the skirt perfectly and they show off the legs beautifully in a wild and funky way. I think this is such a great alternative to tights because you are not corseted around the waist and they are not as heavy and stuffy. If you think these are bonkers, wait till you see what's coming up! Isn't our belle incroyable? Multi Striped Socks, 25 pounds, soniarykiel.com

Aren't these so old world French? They are the perfect shoe to wear with the socks and the skirt. This is a girl who is running about town. She is in no mood to be dealing with heels and besides, these are very "I'm an artist!" The vintage feel goes with the sweater and the whole idea of French culture. This style shoe is globally very hip right now so this can be worn with shorts, linen trousers, a skirt. They are just a good, comfy purchase. Derby Moccasin Flat, Originally 207 pounds Now 100 pounds, soniarykiel.com

Oh yes! You knew it was coming! A beret of course! But in hot pink--never! And now you know why the belt on the skirt and the stripes in the socks make sense! This is such a cute play on the classic and she can wear it with her tresses long and flowing or in a side bun with a dollop of gloss and some cat eyes and mascara and she'll look gorgeous. LOVE IT! Beret, 35 pounds, soniarykiel.com

And as a final little accessory, this is a lovely little ribbon pin that she can put in her beret....but I was thinking what would be cooler is if she held her bun up with bobby pins and then attached the ribbon to it using the bobby pins to keep it in place. Look, it may be too much, but ribbons are SO on trend right now and this girl is going for it, so I say tack it on! Little Ribbon Pin, 80 pounds, soniarykiel.com

PS: If you enjoyed this “Wish List” please visit my sidebar under Wish List for other brands and see the fab stories and colorful creations I’ve come up with. I’m a magazine writer so the posts are like fun editorial pages. Also check out “Fashion Fridays” on the side bar if the Wish List still hasn’t fed your fashionista fancy. It’s a lot of fun too. Happy Monday