I am a horrible traveler. In fact, two hours before my plane was supposed to leave for South Carolina I was standing in my apartment, sure I was going to miss it. For someone who loves fashion so much, I’m a horrible packer!
Anyway, I’m down here now, loving the warm air and southern hospitality. The food is amazing too… in fact if there wasn’t a gym at my hotel I’m afraid I’d be coming home unrecognizably-plump (have you ever heard of shrimp and grits?)!
I wanted to write about a great SC or NC fashion designer, but I’m embarrassed to say I’m somewhat ignorant to this part of the country. If you know if any, please e-mail me! I resorted to going way south for today’s post… all the way to Brazil.
Rödel Latin America was founded by Helen Rödel and Guilherme Thofehrn both from Rio Grande do Sul. The line consists of fun, vivacious pieces that playfully implement color, shape and texture into the designs. Be sure to check out their past season too!
I know, I know women are objectified in this video, like they are in many (most) rap videos. I love the song though… and the title is certainly appropriate!
What a morning! Still catching my breath….
Anyway, before I get entrenched in a packing frenzy for this SC trip, I thought I’d leave you with some fashion. I’m going to bring my lap top, so hopefully I can write on the road. In case not, I’ll do my best to load you up now!
My designer du jour is Bahar Shahpar from NY. Not only is does this self-taught designer have an impressive collection, she also has great ethics… from the site:
Sustainability is the cornerstone of our manufacturing philosophy. It has become increasingly clear that we can no longer ignore the impact of industry on our health, habitats, and resources, both present and future — it seems only logical to adopt more sustainable practices.
Producing locally here in New York, Bahar Shahpar designs using only ecologically sound materials, minimizing waste and overall energy consumption in every instance possible. Fibers are evaluated according to the methods used for their cultivation, processing, and finishing, and vintage trims, natural buttons, and unbleached organic cotton linings are incorporated into most pieces.
Combining turn-of-the-century femininity with a sharp playful edge, Bahar Shahpar balances style with substance, honoring artisanship while maintaining a commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Most definitely clothing for a cultivated consumer… like you! Enjoy!
After engaging in some much needed retail therapy, I’m back. I’m fighting this “it’s fall thing” tooth and nail… however I have to admit, for the first time in months, my legs were a bit chilly as walked through downtown Boston yesterday. I don’t have that much planned for this weekend, but I’ll be in South Cakalak for a few days next week, so let me know what’s good if you’re out there.
Turning to fashion:
I love today’s designer, Bob Johnson… and not just because he has the same name as my beloved college track coach. Bob’s story goes like this: He worked for 39 years (wow, right?) in the insurance industry. After retiring all he wanted to do was leave behind his ties and spend his time wearing his favorite, most comfortable t-shirts. He thinks you should too and thus created the Bob Johnson Project. These 100% organic shirts each come with a beautiful design and their own “policy number” to remind you of the important things in life. What a great idea!
I should be posting this weekend… and of course I know you’re keeping up with fashion week (loving Calvin and Michael!)
Ok that title has absolutely no relevance to my life right now… but I thought it worked because the brand of the day is eventide. It was either that, or a play on Pearl Jam’s Evenflow… and I figured I’ve already given you enough crazy music for one day.
Designers Sarah Spratt and Christian Stroble were influenced by their “stark and industrial hometowns” (Detroit and NY) and an appreciation for classic modern style. My favorite designers are those who take classic shapes and give them a modern twist. Never a slave to the trends, eventide is just that, a consistently even-keeled design house offering super-wearable pieces. Be sure to check them out!
Ok… about fashion week. As you know I don’t usually write about fashion week. I figure everyone else is and I’ve never been one to do what everyone else is doing. Coutorture, of which I’m a member has some great coverage. My favorite site for Fashion Week is NY Magazine. I could spend hours clicking through their catalog of runway photos. So far I’m liking what I see from Rock & Republic, Catherine Malandrino and Monique Lhuillier.
Also of note, Top Shop opened their US store yesterday… as you know, KM has her collection there. It’s definitely worth checking out (and exciting we can shop there now!)
Lastly, Kardinall Offishall has finally released a new album. It’s a bit more commercial than Firestarter and his mixtapes, but there are some really great songs!
I’ve had this song stuck in my head for the past couple days… this and Swing by Savage and Soulja Boy (I know, but you have to admit it’s a great gym song). I decided to check out this video… and all I can say is WOW. Was everyone on acid in the 80s? This is quite literally the second scariest video ever… (only to be trumped by Genesis’ Land of Confusion- TERRIFYING!!!! )… I mean seriously what’s going on here. Ninjas? People with glowing eyes? Football players? We shold all be lucky we escaped the 80s unscathed… although judging by this year’s fashion week, I’m starting to think the 80s are rearing their ugly head yet again. Let’s hope it doesn’t spill over into music video production… Geez!!
On a more positive note… cheesy as it is, you have to admit this is a cool song.
A torn ACL?! Say it ain’t so Tom!! Just when I was getting all excited for the football season…I’m wondering if Giselle is to blame in all this…
Anyway it’s Monday. Manic Monday (song of the day).
I’m debating whether or not it’s ok not to bring a suit jacket to work. I think that’d be pushing the envelope just a bit… it’s days like this I scorn the person who invented the suit. Anyway, since the song of the day is from way back in 86, I thought this awesome necklace from Complete Technique would compliment the post well. Complete technique has tons of fun, creative pieces that pay homage to the MCs in your life. Based in NYC, you can also check out Complete Technique on MySpace.
Yup… my crazy subway ride yesterday confirms it… the kiddies are back in school.
Oh the drama! The clothes! The boys! Honestly? The more I think about it, not much has changed.
While we’re on the subject of school, I might as well share with you a line I’m sure you’re going to love, L’Ecole Des Femmes*. This brand, based out of L.A. was, “originally conceived in the back seat of a black convertible spider in 1962 by Georgette Malbesee and Jean Pierre Lachemescouilles, through the cold smoke of a pair of unfiltered cigarettes.” Right. Anyway, their collection features adorable dresses, amazing suits (how much do I want the suit in this picture!!??), and a clean, tailored style. That, combined with a unique perspective on classic silhouettes makes L’Ecole Des Femmes one to watch!
Have a good weekend if I get lazy and don’t write.
When I first heard this song my jaw literally dropped… they were SO AHEAD OF THEIR TIME!!!
Sorry to overload you with the Outkast stuff… but it is my site after all. They should have the song-of-the-day at least once a week :-).
I can’t BELIEVE it’s fall already. It’s blowing my mind. I guess time flies when you’re having fun…. If you’re looking for some fun, playful fashion check out the great designs from Saja’s Yoo Lee. How amazing is this dress?
Speaking of amazing… I know I have gone on and on about how obsessed I am Zion I on several posts. But seriously, how adorable are these guys? I love this song. So relevant… definitely my favorite group out right now. (This is an older song of theirs, by the way).
You know how much I love shoes… right? Or maybe you don’t. It was a long process for me. At first I just didn’t get it.
Then I had to wear a suit every day and it was like, Eureka! … Sometimes a nice pair of Marc Jacobs is the only way to distinguish yourself from the grey-suit-wearing masses… you know?
For some really unique shoes, be sure to check out Jeffrey Campbell…
Based in LA, the line is created by Jeffrey himself with the help of his wife, Christine, and his small, but hard working staff. With strong ties to street culture, music and vintage inspirations, his collections have something to offer everyone. Each season the collection grows–offering Jeffrey’s spin on the hottest trends, and his updates to vintage classics of yesteryear. As seasons progress and fashion continues to change, the Jeffrey Campbell design team attempts to create shoes and looks which are innovative, fun and forward.
You can find his stuff online in various boutiques… check him out on KarmaLoop!
A simple conversation led to a certain feeling, that feeling created the need for a five mile run, that run prompted the runner to ask for a sign and 45 minutes later the runner literally ran into it… pretty cool huh? Anyway that’s my continuing explanation for the song of the day (below). The 90s was such a special time.
Today’s designer is BB Dakota… you’ll notice when you click on her website there’s music playing. Generally I DESPISE when fashion designers play music on their sites… to the point where I’ve actually questioned my judgment in their ability after listening to their taste in music. No joke. Anyway, I have to hand it to Gloria Brandes, she has excellent taste in music and an even greater talent when it comes to her designs.
BB Dakota catapulted onto the fashion scene in 2005 and continues to evolve its unique and fashion forward line of clothes each season. Gloria brings her unique French sensibility to the clothes that she creates. The look is not overtly sexy but it is devastatingly hot just the same. It holds back and is elegant. The BB Dakota girl has attitude and confidence. Offering its customers “big fashion at small prices,” it is Gloria’s mission “… to make great fashion more accessible.”
Seriously, what were we thinking in the 90s? I chose this song because I was out for a run yesterday and got a “sign” so-to-speak. As I was running I was like, “wow, that’s a sign if I ever say one…” then, you guessed it, I had this stupid song stuck in my head all day!
