Transparent Systems "Audrey" iconic series tank in hot pink.

As some of you may know, Audrey Magazine was named after our publisher’s daughter. James Ryu started the publication in 2002, inspired by his young American-born daughter, and wanting to provide a magazine that reflected not just faces like hers, but the unique bicultural world in which she lives and will grow up.

It doesn’t hurt that the name “Audrey” also references one of the most stylish and elegant women in American history. I first became obsessed with Audrey Hepburn in the ’90s when I discovered Roman Holiday. I devoured all her films, biographies and especially the clothes. I even dressed up as Holly Golightly one Halloween … back when I still dressed up for Halloween.

Now that strong eyebrows and winged eyeliner and pixie cuts are making a huge comeback, Audrey is more relevant than ever. And beyond her beauty and sophistication, towards the latter half of her life, Audrey Hepburn dedicated herself to the children of the world as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador. That’s something all of us, including Audrey, can aspire to.

Get Transparent System’s ode to the iconic Audrey Hepburn!

Like with a fair number of brand new trends, I cocked a wary eyebrow when I first saw the platform clogs — yes, straight out of the ’70s, bona fide clogs, with the domed nail heads and everything — at the Chanel spring 2010 show.

Chanel clogs, spring 2010.

But, I have to say, fast forward several months and now i think there’s something appealing about the clog and other “ugly” shoes. After all, after seasons and seasons of giant, chunky, sculpturally impossible to wear platform heels, we all did a double take when we saw Marc Jacobs sending his models down the runway in — gasp! — kitten heels!

Lakshmi Menon in Banana Republic spring 2010.

Tao Okamoto in Banana Republic spring 2010.

But as everything in fashion, our eyes adjusted and now not only kitten heels, but maxi skirts, slides and mules are suddenly looking mighty appealing once again.

Take the simple clog-like slide. It works as office wear quite nicely, as seen on Indian model Lakshmi Menon and Japanese model Tao Okamoto at Banana Republic‘s spring show. Zara showed a dark brown woven version and a pointed toe mule in its spring collection, which works just as well with a simple linen shirt dress as cut-off shorts.

But the beauty of the clog, the wedge and the slide is that while you still get the height when wearing a short, flirty romper or mini, the clunkiness and heft “grounds” an otherwise flitty, flowy look, preventing it from looking too done up. A look from Zara’s summer look book shows a perfect example:

A look from Zara's summer collection.

Chanel Iman in Banana Republic, spring 2010.

Zara tasseled clogs.

Indeed, spring’s clog works with so many different looks and styles, virtually anyone can pull it off. The tasseled clogs Zara included in its spring/summer collection — with the oversized pleated panel, perfectly preppy tassels, cognac leather and chunky wood  platform heel — is the perfect blend of the preppy shoe and a clog.

And I love the orthopedic-inspired clog wedge, with it’s Dr. Scholls-esque straps and chunky platform.

Zara wedge clogs.

Undoubtedly, I can go on and on about my theoretical love for the clog and its ilk, but it wasn’t until I actually tried on a pair that I discovered Karl Lagerfeld’s genius for myself.

Chanel clogs, spring 2010.

No, I wasn’t able to get my hands on the wait-listed, coveted Chanel clog. But I did get a pretty good second best.

Alice + Olivia for Payless clog.

Not only is the Alice + Olivia for Payless “Hampton” studded clog super comfortable and so wearable, but for $40, I don’t think it gets any better. This is the shoe I’m living in all summer.

That is, until fall comes rollin’ around. I’m gonna have to dig up those ’90s kitten heels …

More clogs, wedges and slides after the jump. Continue Reading »

The guys behind My Ninja!, Korean Americans Peter Rocks and Sam Hong, are all about a positive message, and that message is this: “We love. We live. We balance. We forgive. Repeat.”

Founder and creative director Rocks glommed onto the name while touring the U.S. as a musician a few years back. “As the only Asian on tour, people began to call me ‘My Ninja!’” he says, as a play on “my n****.” And it stuck. Rocks decided to take a negative stereotype and turn it into something positive.

Rocks started My Ninja! clothing in 2008, not as a shirt, design or a concept, he says, but a statement on how people can relate to each other in the constant cultural blend that is our generation. With bold, minimal graphics like “My Ninja!” and “Ninjette” splashed across cut-off tees, My Ninja! clothing is reminiscent of the ’80s Frankie Goes to Hollywood “Relax” tees, with a hearty dose of what Rocks calls ’80s Benetton-meets-streetwear.

So join the conversation with My Ninja!’s Crazy.Sexy.Cool tee. Like their message, it’s simple and to the point. Just don’t forget to repeat.

My Ninja! "Crazy.Sexy.Cool" tee.

Happy Friday! And this particular Friday is a triple treat — not only is it Friday (a gift in and of itself), but it’s Audrey‘s weekly TGIFree Friday, and it’s the start of a long Memorial Day weekend! Ahhhh, it doesn’t get any better than this.

So to kick off the official start to summer, as well as the premiere of our Summer 2010 Issue (it’s out now!!), I’ve got something that will so get you in the mood.

Laksmi Bali "Belinda" dress in blue.

In our Summer issue, we highlight Laksmi Bali, a line of resort wear created by New York-based designer Indah Handoko. The designer hails from Indonesia, so she knows all about easy, tropical style.

And now we’re offering Laksmi Bali’s “Belinda” dress in black for this week’s Thank Goodness It’s Free Friday giveaway! With pretty, handcrafted crochet, an elastic waistband for serious comfort, and breathable, luxe fabrication — this dress will get you in the summer vacation mood, no matter where you are.

We’ve got four Laksmi Bali “Belinda” dresses for our readers — two in small, one medium, one large. So start commenting below! Tell us your size and what your summer plans are!

You have until June 2, 11:59 p.m. to comment, and remember, you must have a U.S. mailing address to win.

Good luck!

Think about your go-to absolute favorite, instantly hot-tifying piece in your wardrobe. Picturing it?

Perhaps it’s that LBD. Maybe it’s that statement shoe you’ve been saving up for. Or the always-make-me-look-skinny jeans that go with everything.

Now, think about the one or two pieces you actually wear, like, all the time.

If you’re anything like me, they’re two totally different things. Yes, I love my jacket with the super structured shoulder, my floral mini with the angular pockets, my skinny-fying jodhpur cargos.

But I live in these cheap men’s tank tops my mom brings by the dozen from Asia every year. They’re a wardrobe essential.

This Transparent Systems tee is destined to become a wardrobe essential. The perfect length for leggings, an easy slouch, and a just-interesting-enough graphic to be a little rock n’ roll, a little retro. Throw on a jacket and you’re ready for dinner. Pair it cut-offs and flat boots for an I’m-with-the-band vibe. At this price, you might as well get two … or three.

Transparent Systems "Marilyn Monroe" v-neck tee.

A little black dress. Check.

A little white dress. Double check.

A look-at-me-make-a-statement-knock-them-off-their-ottomans dress? Double take!

We all know by now that every woman has to have her go-to LBD and LWD in her closet. Sigh — so ho hum.

But what those times when a basic just won’t do? When you have to look your best, when you have to wow everyone in the room? What about the L-WOW-D?

Shorty’s got you covered. The three Asian American women behind the line know what it’s like to need a L-WOW-D. Just check out their “The Mademoiselle” dress.

Shorty "The Mademoiselle" dress.

No accessories required. Except maybe some serious attitude.

Shorty "The Mademoiselle" dress.

I never thought I’d see the day. But prep is back. And big.

Chinese British model-turned-TV host-turned-designer Alexa Chung showcased her fall 2010 line for Madewell last month, and it was prepster-mania.

Alexa Chung, in white, with looks from her fall collection for Madewell. Photo courtesy of Style.com.

Marc Jacobs Spring 2010.

Now, that doesn’t mean you should run out and buy The Preppy Handbook. This is a modified prep. It’s prep with a twist. Or, more accurately, it’s you with a twist of prep.

Whatever your style — classic, rocker, sophisticate, geek chic, trendy party girl — you can incorporate prep as easily as you incorporated punk stud details last season. All it takes is a few well-placed accessories.

The Polo

Oh, the polo. I have such memories of the polo. The inability to afford the coveted polo player and horse, or even the alligator. Nay, I had to walk into my junior high — shame-faced — with a unicorn or some other random logo on my pastel pink polo. Oh, the shame of it.

Lakshmi Menon in Lacoste.

Of course, such shallow tendencies and earnest desire to “fit in” are no longer with me, thank goodness. Indeed, if I wear a polo today, I’ll make sure it’s buttoned to the top, nerd-style, in a bright key lime pie hue, and with a crab emblazoned proudly thereon. I’ll just make sure to wear it with cut-off men’s denim, a Burberry utility belt, and six-inch platform Louboutins. (Hey, it’s all in the balance.)

Coast Winyah polo.

Coast Winyah polo, $72.50.

The Shoe

Perhaps the easiest way to do it is with the shoes. I mean, who can’t pull off a good shoe?

To add the prep touch to your ensemble, try a brown loafer, a boat shoe from the 30-year-old brand famous for their “Docksiders,” Sebago, or some wingtip oxfords.

Sebago "Bala" boat shoe.

Sebago “Bala” shoe, $70.

Miz Mooz "Histeric" shoe.

I like the two-toned oxfords from Miz Mooz. Chunky enough to mimic a man’s shoe, but with pretty details to dress up any flirty dress, skin tight mini or slouchy shorts. Add a jaunty fedora from Eugenia Kim for Target and you’ve got a look that’ll take you to fall.

Miz Mooz “Histeric” shoe, $89.99.

The Glasses

Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a glasses addict. And yes, while my eyes do require some form of contacts or bottle-thick lenses in order to see my hand in front of my face, these days I’m donning my eyewear for more aesthetic purposes than anything.

Whatever you’re wearing, be it jeggings, a minidress, slouchy track pants, or your everyday denim, tortoiseshell framed glasses gives you just enough oomph to warrant a double take. (Not to mention, it hides wrinkles and dark undereye circles really well.)

Eyebobs "Do the Limbo" glasses.

Eyebobs “Do the Limbo” glasses, $75.

The Bag

Parazul scarf bag.

Ultimately, nothing says prep more than that iconic pink-kelly green combo. Parazul makes a great classic tote in pink with a touch of kelly green in the silk printed scarf. Don one and you’ve automatically entered into prepster-dom.

What do you think? Think you can handle prep?

Can’t wait!!! Hope to see you all there!

You know how much I love designer collaborations. Designer inspiration at fast fashion prices — it doesn’t get better for me. Now Banana Republic is finally getting in on the game. The retail giant has teamed up with jewelry designer Chan Luu to create a 17-piece collection of limited-edition bracelets. The collection showcases Luu’s signature wrap style, incorporating custom-dyed thread or leather with unique semi-precious stones, gold or sterling silver.

We’ve featured Vietnamese American designer Chan Luu  many times in Audrey Magazine and have always loved her organic, global-luxe aesthetic. After graduating from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, she opened her own boutique in 1982 and began designing accessories in 1996. She more recently expanded her line to include women’s ready-to-wear, available on her online boutique.

Chan Luu for Banana Republic limited edition bracelets.

In a press release, Luu stated: “It is such a pleasure for me to collaborate with Banana Republic, a classic brand whose timeless collections provide the perfect canvas for my own. What makes our partnership even more extraordinary is our shared belief in celebrating the power of personal expression.”

The 17-piece collection consists of four different styles in a range of colors, and will sell for $95 to $225. Luu’s collection will launch exclusively tomorrow, May 20, at Banana Republic’s San Francisco accessories-only test concept store, Edition by Banana Republic. A wider roll out will begin August 10 to other select Banana Republic stores in the U.S., Canada and Japan, and online.

Summer is the one time when it gets really difficult to think about dressing up.

The sun is beaming, the air is seductive … you just wanna sit and soak and melt away.

That’s when a romper like this one by Ishii New York comes in handy. With its silk lamé trim, it’s dressy enough under a boyfriend jacket and open toe wedge booties. It’s also easy enough on its own — a summer barbecue, a weekend escape, or just running errands. (Granted, you’ll be the chicest shopper at Target.)

Ishii New York rayon jersey romper.