Queen of Mayhem

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Fausto Puglisi: SS 2013 Collection

While I of course remember somewhat painfully watching Madonna's 2012 super bowl halftime performance, I really remember her amazing gladiator-esque outfit and headdress. I never really thought of who designed the outfit and passed it off as the work of a costume designer. I recently stumbled across the work of Fausto Puglisi and was shocked to find that he was not only the designer behind Madonna's memorable getup, but has also dressed the likes of Nicki Minaj, Coco Rocha, Miley Cyrus, Fergie... oh the list goes on. Shame on me!! Anyway, here is a little bit more about the designer...

Fausto Puglisi loves visual culture. He is inspired by the mix between the high culture and popular elements and the result is a really complex brand identity: heroic Sicily, Italian neo-realism movies, American star system, Roman gladiators, modern architecture and the richness of the Mediterranean Baroque. His geometric creations express a rich and defined style, focusing on color contrasts and embroideries research. His clothes embody an ideal of beauty based on strength, to design a contemporary glamour.

Very seductive inspiration.

Like me on Facebook!

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Roped In

Somehow, no matter how hard I try, I always seem to default to a basic tee and jeans. Last Friday I really tried... I got all dressed, stepped outside to 50 degree weather and ran back inside to swap out my dress for my go to tee. Seriously, ever since I swapped my pantsuit required job for my current one, I've totally swung in the opposite direction when it comes to dressing.

Long story short, I've been bad. My one saving grace are these super versatile statement necklaces. The idea was born out of the want for a piece that would go with a basic tee or black maxi and really just work with about anything. After that came my favorite theme: juxtaposition. In this case it was the hard nature of army rope in contrast to feminine rhinestones. The whole look is somewhat tribal with a modern flair.

I'm personally in love with these pieces and get major use out of the solitaire design which I recently wore to a party and could not stop getting compliments on!

Get these goodies here or in my shop in the top banner!

Shop the Look (1) Solitaire Rhinestone Statement Necklace (2) Rhinestone Rope Tribal Necklace (3) Copper Banded Rope Necklace
Like me on Facebook!

Friday, May 17, 2013

Marks & Spencer: Fall 2013

Anyone that has crossed the pond to England (the Atlantic one, not my new pond the Pacific... actually that's probably more of a lake) has probably ventured by if not into a Marks & Spencer. Known for their clothing and luxury food products, it's hard to resist browsing if you happen upon one. Good 'ol M&S is shaking things up this fall with a whole new look thanks to freshly appointed style director Blinda Earl.

While freak-outs are definitely in my forte (usually accompanied with an unjust amount of arm flailing), I'm going to sit this one cool and finally attempt to be proper for once.

I'm loving the plaid, and moody warm colors: pink, red, almost eggplant. I think I see where my fall wardrobe will be heading. What do you guys think of this collection? Don't forget that you can SHOP QUEEN OF MAYHEM on Etsy. :)

Like me on Facebook!

Monday, May 6, 2013

DNA Bling

Beading is just one of those fun things for me. It goes into the same category as sewing: super rewarding, fun, and occasionally extremely frustrating but always worth it. I completely and totally understand that when I say beading the image of some crazy old lady with a beaded glasses neck strap, seven cats, and a plethora of horribly tacky 'beaded creations' come to mind. Let's get this straight:

I'm not a crazy cat lady... not that there's anything wrong with that, but hey, I'm on the deathly side of allergic to cats and should not be charged with taking care of anything living/breathing.
I wear glasses no neck strap involved... but let's be real, I totally wish I had one some times
Beading is a horrible term. I hate it because of the silly stigmas attached to it!

Phew, thank god that's out of the way!!

The inspiration behind my designs comes from wanting to create a juxtaposition between what we think of as natural and futuristic worlds. My DNA Necklaces are inspired just by that: DNA helixes. I love the earthy tones, the light catching glass beads, and of course the subtle but high-shine quality of gunmetal rollo chain, my favorite chain to work with! Each pin is handcrafted from wire so that a single glass seed bead sits in the eye loop. The pins are then added to the chin cyclically so they spiral around. It's horribly tedious but as I mentioned, totally worth it.

I typically pair these pieces with a basic tee to dress it up or in the evening with a little black dress. They're perfect for that day to night transition. Check out more at my Etsy shop!

Get the goodies:

Purple & Brass DNA Chain Necklace

Green & Brass DNA Chain Necklace

Like me on Facebook!

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Gap Fall 2013

When I think of Gap I think of blue jeans, white tees, and a mob og models smiling cheerily at the camera on front of a white backdrop. I also think of brightly knit scarves and perfect pearly whites gleaming at me from some oversized winter campain plastered on a billboard.

What I don't think of is exactly what Gap's fall 2013 campaign embodies: more fashion forward styles and colorblocking. I'm really liking the understated chic of this campaign. While styles are still basic enough to say "Gap" they are way mroe on point... the perfect example being the athletic pants, tomato coloured ensemble, and sleeker coats. I can't wait to check these out in stores... lookbooks can be decieving. What's your take on Gap's updated look?

Like me on Facebook!

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Trend: Printed Athletic Inspired Pants

So you want a pair of printed athletic pants... here are a few to whet your palette. I'm in love with the first and second to last pair. Of course if you want to go a little more traditional, there are tons of solid colored pairs to be found out there. I personally have my eye on a black pair with a white stripe down the side. I think it's the Sporty Spice in me calling to my 90s roots.