Borty's World

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Bachelor Pad February 8, 2010

Filed under: Motley Fashions — Courtney Michelle @ 10:29 PM
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As the men of today become metro, uber, and any kind of trendy-word-sexual; they are becoming more fashionable and…well… clean.  Let’s face it; women (and in other cases men) are easily offended if they visit a potential suitor’s house and it is foul in every sense of the word.  Today, designers turn to house-wear (and fragrance) to gain revenue they may loose in clothing sales.  Department stores offer home-goods, and with modern places like CB2, one can’t help but take pride in decorating a stylish home.  While I was in the Bloomingdale’s Home Store in Chicago, I thought I had died and gone to heaven-  I didn’t want to leave!

I found a few items I wouldn’t mind seeing in my beaux’s abode:

Alessi stainless steel Ba-Rock basket- don’t you love the name?

Alessi condiment set

Christofle martini glasses

Sur Evolution leaf trays. These are my favorite- hand cut & molded from leather, made in Colombia.

 

Maison Martin Margiela February 8, 2010

Filed under: Men's Fall 2010 — Courtney Michelle @ 8:59 PM
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Martin Margiela is one of the fashion industry’s best kept secrets and slowly becoming one of my faves. Not only because we share the same birthday, but the fact that he’s so discrete; he’s never taken a photograph and stays behind the scenes at his fashion shows. Models float down the runway masked for his collection in 2009 and he’s created shades that look like they’ll censor out your entire face. Similar to those old ladies where in Florida when there’s too much sun.

The Belgian fashion designer worked under the wing of Jean Paul Gaultier; later becoming creative director for Hermes women’s wear. (Excuse my PC, it doesn’t add accent marks) With that being said; Prada, Gucci, LV, and Ferragamo are not the only expensive footwear on the market fellas. Check out these Maison Martin Margiela Line 22 high-top sneaker and loafer.

 

Betsy Johnson February 5, 2010

Filed under: Women's Spring 2010 — Courtney Michelle @ 6:38 PM
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I don’t know what it is about Betsy Johnson.  Maybe it’s that crazy look in her eye, or the fact that everything she does just seems so over-the-top for me; but anyone who knows me, knows I don’t care too much for her clothes.  However, I did come across a few pieces as of late that were pretty decent.  Don’t get me wrong, Johnson has done some things I like, but it’s either too juvenile or stripper-friendly.

Johnson’s been in the fashion industry for years, but it seems she made a huge BOOM, coming out of no where in the early 2000’s.  Her designs are recognizable because of the hot-pink and leopard signatures that appear in garments; either small or large, from garment tags to shoe bottoms.  Ms. Johnson also contributed to writer Carrie Borzillo’s “Cherry Bomb”- an essential guide to basically being an awesome chick.   Could this Cherry Intarsia dress to the left have be an inspiration to Betsy?

Here are a few more that caught my eye.  Seems a little prom/homecoming-ey, but you gotta love a strapless with a full skirt. ~C.M.


This is one of my faves.  Simple, but screams “fun night at a party”


 

Nike Foamposite February 4, 2010

Filed under: Motley Fashions — Courtney Michelle @ 12:28 AM
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In 1999, Nike released the infamous Foamposite basketball sneaker to mixed reviews. Some hate it, while others love it. So now to come in 2010; the Copper editions. Wale has been spotted rockin’ them far in advance. Sneaker-heads are oogling on the internet for them; tweeting and blogging almost everyday until their release on February 13th. (Welp! As of February 4th, the latest news- there is no longer a release date for the highly anticipated sneaker.  NikeTown in Chicago says theirs will be released when they receive their full shipment. ~ edited Feb.4, 2010)

But of course there’s always a con (can’t always be bias) – there are men, actual basketball players who hate the shoe. I’ve had one of my friends who coaches ask me NOT to make this post, followed by an impromptu “yuck” when the shoe was mentioned. The new design does seem a bit more bulky than its predecessor; but the technology should still be as lightweight. (Personally I wouldn’t know, I’m a woman and have not owned a pair.)

Foamposite technology’s main ingredient: polyurethane. The poly helps to form and fit the grain of the foot, offering complete comfort and support. Original model came equip with a zipper front for stability- something like a glove. Similar to one of the original color-ways, the beginning of 2009 offered the Eggplant Foamposites.

While I was at Nike Town in Chicago, I paired these babies with a pair of sweats, a vest, and a hoodie- real casual. Post-ballin. Plus it’s cold in the Chi. I digress. The point I’m trying to make is; the Eggplants were suppose to be one of a kind and come forth in a time when classic b-ball shoes were missing; in an era of fakes and knock-offs. Now they are to be re-released in March, depleting the idea of exclusivity. Not to mention that gel bottom, I’ve owned many a Nike with a clear bottom and they always end up yellow. Personally, I think the shoe will still sell and you can guarantee the Coppers will be sold out. But I prefer the originals.  ~C.M.

 

Prints for Chicks January 31, 2010

Filed under: Motley Fashions, Trend Watch — Courtney Michelle @ 10:52 PM
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Okay, okay- the trend this year is prints, WE GET IT.  The only catch is that not every woman is meant to wear them and although designers are making beautiful garments that look perfect on the hanger, once it reaches the body….not so much.

Take this Just Cavalli, leopard print pencil skirt for example. Gorgeous. However, take a closer look at the stomach area:


To me, it is not flattering; imagine if you weren’t a size 2! The eye is drawn to her stomach.  And look from the back:

The seams are at a curve to go along with the frame of the body, however her bum looks like a square.  Now I’m not sure if that’s a personal problem, or if the skirt itself is just not flattering.  I’ll go with the latter.  The ruching and gathering in the front is distracting.  Pencil skirts are already shaky, but if you go with a printed number; make sure you choose wisely on the prints, where the pattern falls on the body, and the fit is right for your body type.

Another example of a printed beauty not meant for everyone: the Alexander McQueen silk chiffon dress below.  Paisley print strapless, pleated bodice, with an empire waist, interior hardware, padding, and boning for support in the bust. I love this dress; can see it flowing with the wind while walking.  But the model has a 24in waist and she looks slightly pregnant; that’s the problem with empire waists as well. Unless you’re as thin as a twig, I wouldn’t recommend this particular dress.

“S”-shaped silhouette dresses are (typically) ideal for all body types.  Beneath the A. McQueen is a floral Diane Von Furstenberg, strapless piece; and a striped, slightly pleated, high-waist Marc Jacobs skirt.  In my opinion, both can be worn to disguise those unwanted layers and create a silhouette.  Careful not to wear flats with these looks though; that could make some legs appear stubby.  ~C.M.

 

Smooth Co. January 21, 2010

Everyone loves an effortless button-up in their wardrobe and The Smooth Company has produced some of my favorites.  Clean, relaxed looks walked the runways for Spring and Fall 2010; it’s only right to have something timeless in your closet, while adding a twist to shake things up.  That doesn’t mean pair a button-up with jeans, a fadora, and camel-pointed toed shoes (I’ve seen that way too many times)- how about a nice leather?  A hint of color? Skulls and bones need-not apply.  This Southern Cali based brand knows how to take it from the beach to the city without doing the most at a very affordble price. ~C.M.


 

Missoni January 19, 2010

Filed under: Women's Pre-Fall 2010 — Courtney Michelle @ 12:21 AM

Designer and knitwear connoisseur Missoni created something…special (again) for Pre-Fall 2010. There’s an alluring look that draws me to Missoni - the femininity, corkiness, and layering are just a few adjectives to describe my feelings.

The designer House based in Milan, Italy began as a manufacturer of textiles and knits, but has expanded into a complete conglomerate over the years- including a soon-to-open hotel chain: Hotel Missoni in 2012. In 1998 the brand launched M. Missoni, a less expensive line, which could not have come at a better time during this economic crisis. For Pre-Fall, Anglea Missoni stuck to the roots of the label, playing with geometric shapes and never shying away from color usage. Let’s face it, she’s the layering queen; something like Hobo-Chic. Raw material usage including wool, cotton, silk, and linen; Missoni will never change. On the contrary, they can only be more innovative and evolve. Just check out those leggings and shoulder-length gloves! ~C.M.

Photos via Style.com

 

Taste the Rainbow January 17, 2010

Filed under: Courtney's Closet, Women's Spring 2010 — Courtney Michelle @ 12:32 AM

Christian Louboutin has given us some beauties and a few wild ones, but this spring, he’s managed to mix both into two I’ve had my eye on.  The catch?  Can’t find the names or locations of them- found both when doing a little research.  Think you can help me out? Take a look…


 

Burberry Prorsum January 16, 2010

Filed under: Men's Spring 2010, Trend Watch — Courtney Michelle @ 12:22 AM
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Burberry Prorsum produced a delightful collection for Spring 2010; demure pastels, a trench for every look, and tops that resembled fashionable straitjackets.

The models creeped me out a bit (lol) but the garments made for a great distraction.  One of the trends spotted on the runway?  Prints.  Designers are going in on the print trend for men, the question is: will it be accepted?  Not by all, but those with confidence and are secure in their man-hood may just give it a try.

Matthew Willamson, who normally sticks to women’s wear; recently launched his new men’s wear collection, that was chuck-full of bright hues and printed scarves.  Alexander McQueen snuck a few into his spring collection as well- they’re everywhere.

Leopard print though? For da guys??  Hmmmm…. Hey, Burberry knows best. ~C.M.

Photos via Style.com

 

Shop For A Cause January 13, 2010

Filed under: Motley Fashions — Courtney Michelle @ 3:58 PM

In November 2009, Jimmy Choo teamed up with the Elton John AIDS Foundation for Project PEP- a line focused on fighting for a cure and looking fabulous.

It seems the project was fitting for Jimmy Choo, a label that has always been for the empowerment of women and women’s rights.  With a rock star-themed motif, 25% of sells will support and fund the Simelela Rape Center in South Africa.

The mission was established in 2008 for victims of abuse; to administer patients with HIV, PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis) medication and to provide medical, counseling, and legal support. ~C.M.

Here’s a few of the pieces.  Product is now available at Jimmy Choo boutiques and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Cuff Bracelet

This wallet is my favorite piece. Like, I believe I want it.