blumarine: is all publicity good publicity?

I'm no advertising creative. I have no experience and know of no research to back up what I'm about to say. But I am a consumer. And I am a Harper's Bazaar reader who actually looks at the hundreds of advertisements dwelling within its September issue. So what I have to say should, theoretically, be valid. BEHOLD: ads that stopped my ready-to-flip-thumb dead in its tracks.

Blumarine.

What. Are. You. Doing.

When (faux?)fur and leather started its comeback, I was hesitant because of this very reason.... Memories of tacky, fringed garments, over-the-top mixing, and snake prints (the worst!). These Blumarine ads are, actually, my worst fashion animal nightmare.

I guess there is something to be said about the fact that I looked at it for a long time and am now blogging about it. But done out of disgust... is that really what they were going for?

What do you think? Am I being too hard on Blumarine?

*Blumarine campaign photos via lifestyle-vogue

workwear wednesday: the leather short remedy

Like my romper love, my obsession with leather shorts is troublesome because... I CAN'T WEAR THEM TO WORK! If something doesn't have work-non-work balance, I rarely buy it. That's why I'm pretty excited to see the leather skirt happening.

Is it just me, or does this look incredibly cool and modern with the perfect wispy top?

And somehow, it's so very summery, but clearly transitional through the seasons. What a major plus.

Now where can I get my hands on one?

1. vanessa jackman

2. face hunter