kick up your kicks

Glam up your everyday looks with these designer embellished kicks. Plain old converse just don't cut it anymore - gimme studs, stripes, and straps!

Christian Louboutin Louis Studs Sneakers, $835
Converse Sneakers Studs, $1,065
Bess Studded Sneakers, $265
Dolce & Gabbana  Leopard Canvas Sneakers, $300
Diesel Strappy W Sneakers, $125
Lanvin Printed Striped Sneaker, $830
Lacoste x Married To The Mob Hiromo Sneakers, $150

white tie affair

Even though the weather in Boston right now would like to disagree, it's spring time! Get out of that winter rut and transform your wardrobe with this spring's must have color. Like all of us, i'm guilty of the all-black uniform from time to time. These pieces are sure to add that necessary burst of brightness to any outfit.

Preen White Dress WHITE, $585

Hussein Chalayan COTTON/SILK ASYMMETRIC DRAPED SHIRT, $420

Kurt Geiger Galaxy Platforms,$385

VIRTUE Jewel Ballet Pumps, $40

Stella McCartney bags WHITE, $985

Anna Lou Crystal Rose Brooch, $42

18k White gold lavender agate & diamond pendant with black rhodium, $7,220 

style spotlight: erin wasson

Low Luv Snake Hinged Cuff, $245

Erin Wasson x RVCA Chain Gang Shorts, $300

Low Luv Gold Armour Knucke Ring, $114

Erin Wasson x RVCA Enchanted 2 Tank, $64

LowLuv Metal Bracelet, $74

Erin Wasson...where to begin? She stepped onto the scene in 2000 walking the runways of Givenchy, Costume National, and Balenciaga, and today has become a staple in the fashion world: model, designer, actress, muse, and the face of numerous fashion and beauty campaigns around the world. Boho-chic mogul much? Wasson's fierce on the runway, but her off-duty style is what's grabbing our attention. I love her unique style, it's effortless, fearless, and glamorous...she's one of those women who can just roll out of bed while the rest spend 9 hours in hair and makeup. She's designed for Alexander Wang and RVCA, and now even has her own jewelry line LowLuv. Wasson's signature low-key style, cut-off denim shorts, loose fitting tanks,and leopard-print oxfords has won her a place in our hearts and closets. Look out for her!

i'm not your toy

watch this: La Roux.




Though most of us know La Roux's Elly Jackson from her explosion onto the scene with songs like "Bulletproof" and "In for the Kill", the singer's gaining clout far beyond her music in the fashion world. Her style and gravity-defying ginger quiff show she's like a ridiculously amazing mixture of Tilda Swinton, David Bowie, and a pair of studded leather boots. Jackson's the type of person we all admire - the one who can wear no makeup, dress and act exactly the way they want and people everywhere will want to know who they are. Her style is unique, confident, androgynous...I see a designer collaboration or a (cross your fingers) Lindsay Lohan love scandal in the future...


Video from Style.com

don't hog my clogs

There is something going on that's been bothering me for some time. Actually, I'm more confused than anything else. I'm sorry, but someone needs to just come out and say it...CLOGS?!? Clogs are everywhere, and I just don't get it. Alexa Chung, the Olsens, and Kiera Knightley have all jumped on the clog bandwagon. No offense ladies, but clogs are literally the least sexy thing you could possibly wear. Even the name clog sounds gross. I know I'm not alone when I say that I literally go crazy for Chanel, but c'mon Karl, clogs on the runway..in the summer?! The year is not 1895, I don't live in Amsterdam, I think I'll leave clogs alone for now.

If you realllyyyy need to satisfy your clog cravings, but don't want to look like Heidi (not Klum, Shirley Temple version), I did find two cute clog-esque heels that aren't bad at all:

Miu Miu Leather and Satin Halter Clog, $495

Hadassah by Kurt Geiger, $245

glamour factory

Viktor & Rolf's 2010 'Glamour Factory' show in Paris was an impressively excessive performance. The lights flashed on to reveal nineties model Kristen McMenamy dressed in a mound of 23 black and gray layers, most of the entire fall collection, that looked like it weighed 4x her body weight. As she walked to take her place in the center of the revolving circular runway, the designers emerged from backstage to join her. As a new model walked towards the trio, the designers dressed her in a layer that they had removed from McMenamy to create their finished looks - a live fashion factory.

What I loved most about this show was how each layer worn by McMenamy was an individual piece that was transformed into a new chic outfit. The top layer, a gorgeous fur and tweed cape became a side-zippered coat, a large metallic-shouldered sweater became a bow-belted tunic. Love the studded leggings and zipper details throughout.

As the models made their second rounds past the designers, their layers were removed and piled back on top of McMenamy until it seemed like she was about to fall over. All in all - I loved the fact that we were watching the designers at work, transforming their looks right there on the runway. Couldn't believe all of those coats were under there...watch this video!!!

Video from Wallpaper Magazine
Pictures from Style.com

and it begins...

Let's start with an introduction:
- Cristina Marie
- 21 years young
- Senior PR major at Boston University
- New York grown
- New York bound
- Oldest of 5
- love, fashion, PR, runway, event planning, interior design

So how did I choose 'Excess'?

For me, excess and fashion go hand-in-hand. By definition it's anything that goes above and beyond what is necessary, usual or specified. Excess in fashion is what we most crave in our fashion mags and on the runway because it expresses unique style and creativity - it's eccentric, innovative, luxurious and unconventional.  I devour excess in fashion because I appreciate finding a designer that has found a way to be original in a world full of unoriginality. Haters might call it superfluous, but I call it style. Sometimes something excessive is more important to me than something strictly useful on a practical level - think along the lines of mink eyelash extensions or a Lady Gaga-inspired chair made out of hair. Of course I don't these things to live, but, then again, maybe I do.

Here on Excess I'll share my findings of excess in fashion: designers news, celebrity style, runway, the good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly etc. If it's excessive, please comment, share, discuss :-)

xx cristina marie