Style Profile #10: Ms Meka Nism

Name: Ms. Meka Nism

Profession: Musician, performer & artist (www.msmekanism.com)

Locale: Kyoto, Japan

Favorite shops/labels: Hanijiro, Inperial, We go, Chicago, Spins (ALL Used & Vintage) Also, Asian shops always catch my eye. ^*^*^

Fashion Influences: Gypsy Rock!!! My influences come mostly from music. If I feel the rhythm in the clothing, then I can dance to the beat. The colors in flowing material make the energy in the environment come alive. If you walk down the street wearing an artistic explosion, other people's eyes open to the possibility of art in daily life.

Local Fashion Scene: Kyoto Kimonos have a special power, such extreme controlled beauty. The discipline and budget it takes to wear one properly confounds me. Though, I have worn a yukata (light summer kimono) for a rock show or a summer party, just with a different take on obi sash arrangement.
The color scheme of Kyoto fashion is based on nature, which can be muted and basic. A a cool breeze in the land of violent uber pop culture that thrives are clashing patterns and burning fluorescents.
Kyoto lines are clean and orderly, but often slanted or asymmetrical. It's like walking sideways in the temple garden; a subtle but enchanting rebellion.



*Interested in being a Peach?*
Send 1) one full-length pic, 2) 2 to 4 other snapshots that capture your style, 3) your name, locale, fav shops, influences, the scene in your city, or any other pertinent info to pickypeaches@gmail.com

Revenge of the UGGs

Not long after I posted my UGG-ly rant, I was perusing the clearance rank at REI and spied a pair of extremely comfy, warm-looking slippers. They were so plush inside I could only fit in a size one larger than normal. They weren't the cutest things ever, but after days on end of nothing but thin socks between my feet and the surprisingly cold wood floor of my new apartment, I was all about warm, fuzzy, and practical.

Then I spied the label... UGG. Ah, yes, life does have a sense of irony. At least I can stand firmly behind my opinion on UGG boots, but I have to admit the slippers are damn comfortable and much more plush than anything else I've seen. However, at $70 on clearance I'm still unlikely to break down and buy them. I've ordered a much more sensibly priced pair of loafer slippers from amazon.com... though they are probably not quite as plush inside, damn it.

I shake my fist at you UGGs.

Style Profile #9: Shannon Hargraves

Name: Shannon Hargraves

Locale: Chicago, IL

Favorite Shops/Labels: Una Mae's freak boutique; anything worth the sale at Target.

Fashion Influences: European styles and the colors of my cat inspire me.

Local Fashion Scene: Diverse and rough, matches the culture; but students rule the economy now.



*Interested in being a Peach?*
Send 1) one full-length pic, 2) 2 to 4 other snapshots that capture your style, 3) your name, locale, fav shops, influences, the scene in your city, or any other pertinent info to pickypeaches@gmail.com

Fashion's Guilty Pleasures

After being overseas - and US tv free - for three years, I promised myself I wouldn't get caught up in any of my old, poor tv habits. Ok, so maybe the hubby and I watched a couple reality shows online while in Japan (Top Chef, Shear Genius - although the later doesn't really count since we only watched it because we knew a contestant!), but overall I wanted nothing to do with the overly dramatic, absurdly over-the-top shows that are prevalent over the US airwaves.

But damn it if Project Runway hasn't sucked me in! Don't get me wrong, I still kind of hate the 'contest show' format. Especially when the contestants take it all too seriously and act as if the judges are some sort of demi-gods. I recognize that the judges are respected people in the industry and their opinion can make a career, so it's understandable - to a point. (When contestants start acting like winning the contest will validate their entire existence, that's when the eye rolls begin.) I also hate the hyped-up editing when it makes the show way more intense than it needs to be.

So how is it that Runway has captured me? Well, partly because it is a bit silly and sometimes you need a little junk food for the brain. But mostly I think it's the fact that the contestants actually seem to have some serious skills going on, and I am almost always impressed that in the short time given they can actually create something. I can sometimes watch cooking reality shows for this same reason. As long as the contestants' skills are showcased more than their inter-personal dramas (and the judges' arrogance stays at a minimum), it holds my attention and interest.

So damn you Project Runway! You're one guilty pleasure I relish.

Style Profile #8: Gregory Wazowicz

Name: Gregory Jude Wazowicz

Profession: Writer/Book publicist

Locale: New York City

Favorite shops/labels: Topshop/Topman, Uniqlo, H&M, Salvation Army and thrift stores.

Fashion influences: Old wartime photographs, Jacques Cousteau, English teachers, Vladimir Mayakovsky, animal prints

Local Fashion Scene: Young people in Brooklyn can sometimes look like they're in costume. I walk past the most ridiculous-looking people every day. You just have to know where the line is.




*Interested in being a Peach?*
Send 1) one full-length pic, 2) 2 to 4 other snapshots that capture your style, 3) you name, locale, fav shops, influences, the scene in your city, or any other pertinent info to pickypeaches@gmail.com

Trendspotting: The Good the Bad and the UGG-ly

While spending last month in San Francisco, I realized that the Uggs trend is alive and well - despite my praying for it to end about a decade ago. Though I admit that some people do manage to pull of the look - usually when it involves one of the darker colored Uggs or the new knitted series, which seems to have a bit more shape to the toe than the standard Ugg. But I stand firmly behind the opinion that lighter colors - particularly the pale pink - are atrocious.(If you need an example, I've provided one on the right... yikes.)
The sad sight of those dirtied, pale, floppy boots sagging around the ankles with sweats or jeans stuffed into the top just kills me, mostly because it looks flattering on no one and makes everyone's feet look larger. Although the newest variation seems to be too tight, too short shorts paired with the boots so that not only your feet, but your thighs look unflattering as well. I have seen this look on one too many sorority gals running about campus in shapeless Uggs. So much so, in fact, that I feel like they might as well hand out the lifeless boots to all freshmen girls upon admission.



I go for comfort as much as the next girl, and I adore warm, fuzzy boots. What I don't understand is how such a shapeless boot has become so popular. Like I said, sometimes the look can be pulled off - not often.

Style Profile #7: Frida

Name: Frida

Profession: 3d-graphic student
http://www.Furipon.deviantart.com

Locale: Sweden

Favorite Shops/ Labels: Yesstyle.com: B-bonJ, Sechuna, Beccgirl. Localshops: BikBok, Monki, H&M

Fashion Influences: My Friend Maggie, an anime voice actress called Neeko :D Pink and leopard, Kera magazines.

Local Fashion Scene: I guess Swedish fashion is known for being rather minimalistic and sparse and young people today tend to pick up the latest trends very quickly. Like boyfriend jackets, ankle boots, nerd glasses and eternity scarves. Because of the very short summers and the fact that our country is mostly covered in darkness half a year, there is rather hard for me to find colorful and playful clothing! :3


*Interested in being a Peach?*
Send 1) one full-length pic, 2) 2 to 4 other snapshots that capture your style, 3) you name, locale, fav shops, influences, the scene in your city, or any other pertinent info to pickypeaches@gmail.com