Assad Mousner’s jewelry can double as weapons of self-defense. With no dearth of spikes, sharp edges and look-at-me bright metal, her bracelets, necklaces and earrings are meant to “look like found objects belonging to a jewelry box from [the 70s] rediscovered in the present” by evoking the freedom and music of the era.

From the F/W 2010 collection, my favorites are the Cleopatra Bangles in bronze, gold and gunmetal.

Soon to be available at Assad Mousner.

I wish fall would hurry it up and get here already! I’m dying to wear slouchy cropped pants with boots, leggings with boots, pretty much anything with boots. I know there are those brave fashionista souls who soldier on during the summer in boots paired with cute skirts and dresses. However, my feet refuse to be stuck in the sweaty, closed-in jail that anything other than open-toe sandals seem.

These Amarante boots from UK based retailer  All Saints (marked down to a reasonable $125) capture the military influence perfectly–sturdy heels, lace-up detailing and a burnished, distressed leather. I can see them with a floral dress and a fleece motorcycle jacket or a high-waisted mini-skirt and over-the-knee socks.

These boots are meant to be versatile and carry you through fall and winter–fashionably–without looking like you’re trying too hard.

The Saks Fifth Avenue store in San Diego recently close down due to “underperformance” according to store reps. Sucks for them, but was great for the sales and for the looters (like me) who got fixtures, signage and all that jazz. I came away the huge 3.5 foot letters that spell out SAKS that were on the side of the building and seen by millions! Are they iconic, a collector’s item, future planters, part of an art project or simply garbage? Should I post them on the side of my house as a joke? At any rate, they’ll be part of my home decor for a long, long time as an ode to one of the world’s best department stores.

Fashion Makes Me Horny was lucky enough to interview talented photographer Amy Postle, whose work has been published in Fitness, Prevention and more–in addition to being featured in ad campaigns for Miz Mooz Shoes and Kodak. She aims to capture women as the multi-faceted creatures that they are and succeeds. This talented, young photographer grew up in Kansas and now splits her time between NYC and Miami. How does she feel about film, NYC vs. Miami and capturing women in intimate moments? Read on to find out.

FMMH: When did you know you wanted to become a photographer?

AP: I knew from an early age that I wanted to be an artist- my father is an amazing artist (design, enamel work, jewelry, drawing, you name it) and I always knew that I would follow down a similar path. I’ve always loved creating things and expressing myself in different mediums. I was given my first 35mm film camera when I was about four. I took to it immediately. I was constantly taking pictures of myself from an early age- playing dress up and using it as a means of transforming myself- I would feel beautiful when I would see the pictures and I was amazed by the process. I went back and forth between painting and photography for years- often incorporating both into my work. Although I still love to paint, I found that photography was a more literal medium for me and it finally won me over.

FMMH: What is your fantasy shoot? Any celebs or high-profile personalities?

AP: Liv Tyler has always been the #1 celeb that I’d love to photograph- she is obviously beautiful, but there is also a real quality about her that makes her relatable and fascinating.

FMMH: What’s been your favorite project or assignment so far? Why?

AP: I went through about a 7-year period in my life where I was constantly photographing my friends- almost everyone I met during that time was recruited at some point. I would choose them based on what was going on in their lives… When they were at low points, I would photograph them to cheer them up, when they were at high points, the shoot would be more of a celebration. I use to refer to it as photo therapy. Basically, I would show up at my friend’s apartment with lingerie, make-up, curlers (a bottle of wine or two) and we would play dress up in a way. Tons of fake lashes and dramatic lighting- captured on film. A handful of shots from the “women” section on my website are from these years. This work has defined me as a photographer in my eyes. This is also the work that I now have in galleries. The goal for me as a photographer is, and has always been, to empower women- that period was all about that for me.

FMMH: Digital or 35 mm and why?

AP: I shoot primarily a Hasselblad which yields a medium format, square negative. There is no replacing film for me- anyone who has ever shot a roll understands why. It has beauty, vibrancy, depth and versatility. I am emotionally attached to film and the process that goes along with using it. I believe that connection shows in my work. The lab I use scans my film immediately after it is processed, so I am still able to deliver the images to my clients digitally… That is key.

FMMH: Some of your photographs capture your subjects in private moments, as if the person viewing the photo is catching the subject unaware. Is this intentional?

AP: It is intentional and is set up to feel that way. I would never actually photograph a woman in a private moment without her consent and knowing- I think that would be violating. The way I shoot is much like a movie would be shot- I love shooting in locations with depth and textures, placing a woman inside that scene, and then capturing her own transformation and experience. It’s amazing how many personal moments happen for people when they are photographed- that’s when the real magic happens for me as a photographer- seeing that the woman I am photographing has been affected by the experience.

FMMH: Is there a pervading element or evocative feeling you want people who view your photographs to come away with?

AP: I always side with the woman, so I hope that my photographs help women to feel a sense of confidence and pride in being women themselves. I hope that my photographs encourage women to own their sensuality and wear that little black dress with confidence, no matter what the size is. My photos are for women more than men- of course I know men love the work and I am thrilled that they do, but they are not my target audience.

FMMH: How do you think it’s different photographing women as a female photographer as opposed to a male photographer photographing women?

AP: I can certainly only speak from my perspective on this one, but I think there is a certain comfort level that I achieve much easier, being a woman myself. I am not perfect, I am often insecure, I wish I wore a smaller jean size, I get it. I am a very easy woman for other women to relate to, there is a serious comfort in that for the people I photograph. Men by genetic default aren’t going to ever be able to duplicate that so I guess I’m lucky.

Fitness Magazine July/August 2010

FMMH: We already know the answer to this, but does photography make you horny?

AP: Oh… I don’t think I can answer this one! EEK! I suppose I feel excited when I know I’ve created something that is really moving and I sense a pivotal moment in my career.

FMMH: What else makes you horny?

AP: My beautiful husband Brian who knows, understands and loves me unconditionally. Also, knowing that I am exactly where I want to be in life. That does it for me.

FMMH: How does living in NYC compare to other cities you’ve lived in (as a working photographer)?

AP: Right now I am going back and forth between NY and Miami, but I lived in the East Village for eight years. There is nothing like it. The excitement you feel walking out your front door- like you’re a part of something bigger and more important than you’ll ever really know. There is a camaraderie with the people next to you on the subway, on the streets, everywhere. That energy is invigorating and drives me to do more, to be better, and create. Every city offers something different- my apartment in Miami is 3x the size and half the cost of my NY apartment, but nothing compares to the energy of the Big Apple.

FMMH: What current or upcoming projects are you working on (and with what magazines) are most exciting about? Why?

AP: I’ve been shooting a series of advertisements for Kodak’s Motion Picture Film Division- they are portraits of Directors of Photography in testimonial ads for the motion picture films. I have met some of the coolest people and created work that I am so proud of. The project is challenging for me since it has been only of men so far- I’ve had to dig deep and get creative. I am so use to shooting women that, if I’m having a really rough day, I can almost be on auto pilot- I know what to do, what to say, how to be, and still have it work. With men, it’s new territory, and here I am shooting very high-profile men, who are award winning cinematographers- that alone can be intimidating! It has forced me to think outside my own box and really go for it. I feel challenged and like I’m learning something new. That to me is super exciting.

I don’t know what’s cooler–the name of this tee or the tee itself.  Even though it’s full of holes, there’s something so not slutty about this top. Maybe it’s because it’s oversized, or maybe because of the perfectly aligned laser-cut holes. At any rate, it’s eye-catching and can be worn with almost infinite variations, including layering a cami or tank under and a blazer or a grandfather cardigan over.

Available for $84 at I Don’t Like Mondays.

Ingenious design hails from Patrick Quinn, blacksmith and sculptor (a real live blacksmith, how awesome! How many people are blacksmiths anymore? Oops, I digress) in the form of the Metrocard Belt Buckle.

This cool belt buckle readily snaps onto any button snap belt and even though it was designed for NYC’s MetroCard, it can be used for any credit card or ID to which you need easy access.

Unisex and handmade in Brooklyn of hot rolled steel that looks better and better with wear.

Check out Dior’s collection of nine short films  of approximately 30 seconds each celebrating the New Lock Bag, directed by Peter Lindhberg and Darius Kodji, and starring actress Nora Arnezeder.

Rodebjer, the eponymous line by Swedish designer Carin Rodebjer, has made the jump from boutique and Gen Art darling to mass market with her fall line being sold at Urban Outfitters, Revolve Clothing and Pixie Market. Sleek, strong and contemporary, yet with a timeless feel, items from Rodebjer are modern tinged with classic styling.  All I have to say is I LIKEY!

Check out some of my favorite looks from the A/W 2010 Collection:

Check out this awesome Um Tote Bag designed by Josh Jakus and curated by the eco-heros at Holstee. Made from grey wool felt (factory dead-stock, so stays true to conscience design) and transformed from a flat surface.

And if responsible design doesn’t warm your heart, then check out the Holstee Manifesto below, which warmed mine:

Sometimes your shoulders sag along with the girls. In such cases, ShapeFX, the wizards of all things shapewear, have introduced the ingenious shoulder pad bra. This bra adds shape to jackets and blouses and evens out pear shapes in a Cris Angel-type optical illusion. Because if the shoulders are bigger, the ass looks smaller. Viola! All kidding aside, I actually really like this bra and can see it adding shape to certain garments. Good job, ShapeFX!

Kensie Elbow-Sleeved Utility Dress

This adorable dress from Kensie, featuring the oh-so-current-for-fall neutral tone and utility details like an asymmetrical snap placket, vertical exposed zippers, and drawstring ties is on sale for only $32.99 at Lord & Taylor, with an additional 20% off!

Wear it bare-legged through the end of summer, then wear with tights, boots and a cardi for fall. Tres cheap, yet tres chic!