September issue, 2010, pg 458…

            In the top, left corner of one solitary page, Hanneli Mustaparta dons a silvery-grey scarf on her dome in one beautiful shot. In a wonderfully satisfying exposé on our favorite accessory, the turban, Vogue says in a flash-fashion brief,  “The head wrap is back, in sleak solids, graphic prints and vibrant hues.” Now, we aren’t the type to question the vogueness of Vogue (we know that the folks at Conde Nast haven’t kept Anna Wintour around for so long because she is a kindly, gentle woman), but honestly, I think they may be a bit late. We started Canned Caviar back in January, during which time it was almost to cold to shower, and thus we had to devise some creative ways to cover up our greasy noggins (post #1 on ‘what we wear’ ring a bell?)  We were inspired by the little turban trend lingering somewhere on the outskirts of the fashion world.  After our teeny burst of inspiration, the trend began to grow. And now that Vogue’s caught on to the turban, it’s official.  And speaking of official…we are now the proud owners of our domain…no more .weebly, no more lack-of-tech support. Coming soon, we’ll announce how you can be a part of the Canned Caviar fam…we really do hope you’ll consider.

It takes a skilled shopper to use the internet to purchase items.... and be totally satisfied.  Indeed, it takes more than knowledge of one's own body to purchase, say, a garment on ebay or esty...Which is why, in my opinion, shopping for inexpensive clothes, shoes and accessories online is a key starting point for the novice online shopper.
And I know you may be wondering...how the hell did you find those Gaga-esque platform wedge ankle booties for 23 buckeroos? It wasn't easy, let me tell you that. But leave the searching up to me...I've compiled a list of formidable online stores, ebay sellers, etc so that you can skip the faux 'sole' searching and get down to business. Trust me, I've been doing this for many hours at my desk while simultaneously juggling my full-time office manager's job in the big city.

This list is in no particular order, but read carefully, each description will help you understand the importance and relevance of each website.

1. Gilt Group- For those who don't know about it, Gilt is the exclusive go-to site for discounted designer goods ranging from Marc Jacobs to Hermes and from American Apparel to APC. You have to sign up for an email list with sites like these, but trust me, it's worth it. I got a great Marc Jacobs one-piece for just 30 bucks, originally priced at $90. It didn't fit, but lesson learned, I am not quite big-boobied enough to fit into a size two.
2. Jack Threads- Same idea as gilt, but catered specifically for men. If I meet a guy who buys from--or at least looks at--Jack Threads, I will marry him straight away. They've got amazing stuff! I am on the Jack Threads email list just to see what's in style for the other half.
3. 15dollarstore.com- The name says it all. Everything on this site, EVERYTHING is priced at 15$. I got a super fetch (pardon the reference, I can't help it sometimes) sterling silver, faux studded watch (see post about bling in 'what we wear') and a great pair of leather (real leather!) mid-calf motorcycle inspired boots. Shipping was fast and easy, you can't go wrong here...though some of the clothing is past its trendy prime, you can always find something cool from the site's multipaged collection of clothes, shoes and everything else!
4. Ebay- Specifically, certain ebay stores based out of Japan, China and Korea are incredible for purchases that you aren't sure you can pull off, but are dying to try out any way. I purchased a coat for ten dollars simply by searching 'white coat' and clicking the buy-it-now option. My favorite foreign ebay stores include onlinegiftstore, polai2009 and several others. Give it a shot, you won't be disappointed.
5. Esty- This is more of a look book for me, because I am too broke to purchase such things online. The great thing about esty is that it has EVERYTHING from attire-making supplies, to vintage clothes, to 'used' items that are too young to be considered vintage. If I had more patience (and/or a fatter paycheck), I would certainly shop here more often.

-A  

I was totally skeptical at first. Seriously...totally skeptical when I first saw what I thought was a sewing accident in the flesh walking around TriBeCa the other day...It was a dude. It was a dude wearing crazy pants...but not just any crazy pants they were denim harem pants. For a second there I was like no way this guy can walk because I remember when I used to see the homies hanging around the projects behind my high school who were getting into the tighter jean thing but couldn't handle the tightness on their you-know-what's so they had to wear the waist of their pants below their butts...
This wasn't the same. I had to do a double take and when I did LO! I saw a man wearing harem pants. And you know what, they looked effin' sweet on him. Now I see them everywhere and I am kinda turned on, you know in a you-look-fashion-savy sort of way.
Here's the deal, I am not only condoning this trend, I am endorsing it because I think its a sweet alternative to those stupid cargo shorts that every dude I know seems to think are the only things he can wear in the summer. They are not quite as hipster as the jeans-made-shorts (you know, the ones that stop just above the knee) and they aren't as WACK as those huge UFO-style pants that make me want to ralf all over my new cashmere jeans. Seriously, baggie shorts that are actually "peddle pushers" in dude form...those are hideous. If you can't handle wearing jeans that fit, try these on for size. They leave a nice breezy space for the man parts and I think they're effin sexy. 


-A

Okay, remember that one? I never actually saw that video, but I think I can take a guess and what it was about, based on the fact that I heard that "omigodshoes" quote maybe five million times my freshman year. At first I thought this was one of those video sensations that was so damn popular it was just going to be annoying but then I found these:

And suddenly I found myself thinking, "ohmigod I know!"
So now its time for a little trend analysis. I am of the opinion that the "trend" for shoes this summer and beyond is largely based in the awesomeness of the shoe's heel itself. Check this pair out. I bought them on ebay for a mere $23 bills and I am anxiously anticipating their arrival. There is something that always gets me about platforms, and I know it's not just me (come on, Lady Gaga much?). This particular find was not only a total steal, but the heel is actually solid wood, no man made materials. There is a peep toe so that I can wear them in summer but my foot won't be entirely exposed so I can totally chill in these during the winter with tights or some freshy-fresh socks...but I digress.

A wedge heel is a fine place to start, but it can get wild. These shoes by Alexander McQueen boast a lot of sparkles and jems, and may only be appropriate for the divine Lady G (who would be a Queen rather than a lady, but I think her number one fans have already filled that position oddly enough...don't pretend you don't know what I mean). BUT, there are some safer alternatives for the common folk with a knack for that delicious click-clack sound produced when your having a sole-stompin' good time. Check out these crazy finds from shopstyle.com and while your at your desk somewhere plugging away at exel files all summer dreaming of what you'll spend your food stipend on this week, have a look on google to find your own pair of Godzilla feet.
While you're clicking through these thumbnails, I am going to look out the window and wait for the postman (please, is there a letter for me?!)
-A

In 2008, Truly Indie  http://www.trulyindie.com/ti/  released the documentary Valentino: The Last Emperor.  And I just saw it.  Okay, so I'm running a little late (as usual) but this doc deserves its just deserts.  The subject of this film is, of course, Valentino Garavani, the renowned Italian couturier known by his first name alone.  He is pint-sized, over-tanned in that "I am an absurdly wealthy European and my skin is the same shade and texture as my $1,500 leather shoes" sort of way (see: Donatella Versace), and stubborn as an incredibly chic mule.  Of course, his reign in the fashion world since the 1960's has made him a legend deserving of the right to be an orangesicle-hued dictator. (Below: Valentino on the runway)

There have recently been a slew of fashion-related documentaries or biopics.  Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel got three biopics (Coco Avant Chanel,Coco Chanel and Igor Stravinsky, and Coco Chanel).  Then there was the documentary The September Issue, centering on American Vogue's Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintour.  And in the works right now is a biopic revolving around the style icon Isabella Blow, something I'm waiting VERY impatiently for. 
  
In the same way that September Issue offers a sliver of insight into Anna Wintour's daily life and sources of inspiration, we are drawn into the luxe world of Valentino as we struggle to get some glimpse into the inner workings of his mind. For instance, you might notice that there is not a single sewing machine in his workshop - he is the epitome of a perfectionist, but it is his meticulousness that makes him a visionary, fueling the genius of his work, the spectacle of his designs. (Below, a still from The Last Emperor.  Valentino poses with models wearing his signature "Valentino Red" for a photo at his 45th anniversary extravaganza, two months after which he formally retired.)

Also like September Issue, we remain at a distance from our figure of focus- we cannot quite reach him, we are kept at an impersonal angle.
However, perhaps aided by the tiny window into Valentino's relationship with Giancarlo Giammetti, and the sweet, brief moment in which Valentino strolls around with Karl Lagerfeld and Lagerfeld stumbles over a step (gods can stumble?), there is something personal left in the film's wake.  It seems to me to be the mood of a passing golden age, nostalgia in its richest and most dynamic form, and the tragic succession of big business over artistry.  And Valentino personifies all those things.  I'm not ashamed to admit that I actually teared up at the end.  I imagine it's hard to make an emperor into a truly moving subject...hard, but apparently not impossible. 

-K

I used to think that the color beige was to be avoided when it comes to shoes. After all, how many times have you visited grandma or grandpa and listened to them go on and on about their stylish and wonderfully comfortable velcro sneaks? 

Well, I was wrong! It appears that beige and nude are the new...well, just the new thang, especially in patent leather. In my wanderings around the city this summer I have come across a lot of lovely shoes in the nude family. I especially love these Jimmy Choo patent leather wedges which I saw on a woman waiting in line at Blue Ribbon sushi. 

And if Jimmy Choo is a little bit out of the budget question, there are, of course, inexpensive substitutes such as the pair features below from forever 21. I can see the nude trend taking over the pedi scene from now until next winter, as nude is more than just your average multi-season neutral -- it alludes to skin (and thus sex) without being risque, it warms up without washing out, and it's fresh fresh fresh as clean flesh. For summer, I'll expose bare legs and newly painted toe nails. In the fall, I'll pair nude shoes with dark colored tights to keep the little leggies warm! I know I'll be ordering the ones from forever 21 as soon as I get my next paycheck. I just can't live without them!
-A

Dear Patrons,
We know you've all been wondering about our summer plans, just as we have been wondering about yours...that is, we're wondering about your summer shopping plans...Any-who, this is just a quick reminder that just because it's summer doesn't mean cannedcaviar will be off the wire or anything. 
We will continue to post our summer garb as both of us go professional. I (Ani) will be spending the summer in The Big Apple, NYC, while Keely will be on the other coast, repping her hometown of San Fran and The Bay Area. Please do us a favor, send us pictures of your travels (or lack thereof), dressed as your usual chic selves or just shoot us a quick hello: cannedcaviar@gmail.com
And remember, we'll be posting all summer because we miss you so damn much. Graduates, that goes for you too. Hit us up and have a listen to a promising summer jam while you're at it. 
See Yall in Zee Fall!
<3
A&K

So I'm taking a break from my Chaucer paper to eat some shitty sushi from Burgess and give the ol' brain a rest (if only for a second) so I can tell you all about GQ's Top 50 list of the most fashionable men in history. Trust me, I like nothing more than a guy who can rock a slick pair of slacks and a nice, well-fitted shirt. The list, which includes some of my favorite male fashion icons, is truly inspiring. Behold, Michael Caine rocking those square-framed glasses that I'm now seeing on every boy on campus who considers himself fashionable; and a young John Travolta whose nest of chest hair and dimpled chin used to make me go crazy when I watched Grease ; and Jean-Paul Belmondo, whose casual smile and sweet, high waist slacks "[embody] the iconoclastic French New Wave spirit" according to GQ. Even Robert Pattinson made the list, though I'm not sure a beard and a brutish sneer should be considered iconic as far as fashion is concerned (I mean it's been done before!) My personal fav (betchya never knew this about me) has got to be Elvis Presely, whose juicy kissers are a fashion statement in-and-of themselves. Trust me, if I were ever to meet his ghost (of course, it'd be in the form of his youthful, thinner self) I'd make sure to kiss his blue-suede shoes before I fainted.
-A