Like I said yesterday, great clothes that are good for the conscience…

In the spirit of always running late, I’ll keep this short. Really, fashion designer Ula Zukowska’s dynamic fashions speak for themselves.

Fashion designer Ula Zukowska has been known to the fashion-conscious Torontonians since 1994, when the unforgettable red-burlap pieces of her very first fall/winter collection made a big splash on the runways of the city’s Fashion Week. A video of her show, shot by a local cable TV crew, was aired nation wide and clients started to flock into her three-hundred square-foot boutique, located on the Toronto’s harbor front.

Now, six years later Ula Zukowska designs for her very own, Toronto based ULA2 Inc., a company with sales rapidly approaching cool one million dollars a year. Still, and this may be her ultimate success, Ula Zukowska’s fashions appear to be as fresh and innovative as they were in 1994. From swimsuits to winter coats and jackets, her garments are designed with a true zest for bold cuts and unique fabric combinations. Recently, Ula has been recognized by the world’s third largest apparel manufacturer, Klaus Steilmann G.M.B.H. as one of the most promising Canadian fashion designers. Her other awards of merit include being a finalist for the Eveleen Dollery Award.

Check out a sneak peek of Ula’s Spring 2008 line.

My dad recently got back from a business trip to China. Among his many adventures, he told me about these huge open air markets full of counterfeit goods. From “Rolax’s” to fake LV’s (seriously people, anyone who knows anything can spot a fake from miles a way… you look ridiculous) its not hard to find a knockoff. Chinatown used to have this one place that had really good Birkin knockoffs, but I think it got shutdown when they raided the area…

Anyway, the bottom line is knockoffs are bad. One, they look bad. Two, they’re usually badly made. Three, they’re bad for the industry. Harper’s Bazaar (who knew that magazine still existed?) is taking a stand in this matter with their, “Anticounterfeiting Alliance.” They actually have some cool things going on. For all of you designers out there, they have a t-shirt design contest– the winners will get their t’s printed and a spot in the magazine. For all you unfortunate counterfeit owners, they have another contest in which you can trade in your fakes for a chance at $1000. They also have some pretty informative guides on how to spot a fake, as well as the latest legal developments in this area.

If you’re interested in this topic, you should also check out Susan Scafidi’s blog, Couterfeit Chic.
Feeling guilty yet? Check back tomorrow for some great clothes that look great and are good for the conscience.

You are what you wear… or at the very least, you covey who you are by what you wear. From over-played Coach bags to over priced Birkin’s, you are being judged. This is part of the reason why I love independent fashion so much. An Evil Kitty T-Shirt, a dress from Elroy or a ring from Carolyn Koslen will keep you looking fabulous while setting you apart from the masses. Speaking of the masses… The World Wildlife Fund has released a must have for anyone who wears, loves or creates fashion. Deeper Luxury is “A fascinating, ground breaking, must read wake-up call for all professionals of luxury goods industries, the consumers of their products and the celebrities that endorse them.*” The report analyzes, dissects and offers solutions for the ever growing luxury industry.

For instance, the study analyzed and ranked the 10 largest publicly-traded luxury brand-owners on their environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. “The ranking is derived from a combination of two types of information: what the companies themselves report to the ethical investment community; and what media and non-governmental organisations have been saying about them. This information was scored, weighted and combined to create a score out of 100, expressed as a grade from A (best) to F (worst).” Both Tods and Bulgari received F’s. Richemont (Mont Blanc, Cartier), PPR (Gucci, YSL, Puma), Swatch and Tiffany all received D’s (Tiffany actually got a D+). L’Oreal was the top performer with a C+.

The best part about the free, 50-page download, is that it not only highlights problems, but also offers meaningful solutions. It highlights designers like Linda Loudermilk (above left) who are creating gorgeous fashion while remaining socially conscious. Whether you’re out shopping for yourself or looking for ways to expand your design company, I really encourage you to give Deeper Luxury a read. You’re sure to gain a deeper understanding of the collateral effects of this ever growing industry.

*Katharine Hamnett, Ethical Fashion Designer.

Ugh! Running late again! Plus, my cell phone battery is almost dead… and I know I’m going to need my iPod at work today! Good thing Noon Solar had me in mind when they designed their cool Cortland purse. 

All of Noon’s collections continue to be inspired by the need to reduce our culture’s use of non-renewable resources, such as oil and coal. By integrating solar power into a bag — something you already carry — Noon Solar offers a transformative way to introduce renewable energy into your daily life. The more we can integrate solar power into our daily lives, the faster we can move away from our dependence on non-renewable sources. Noon Solar helps you take the first step. [Their fall] line is also an expression of the simplicity and elegance of classic forms. Each bag is designed to allow you to place the solar panel facing the sun, or facing your body. The natural colors, textures, and feel embody sophistication –with an edge.    

Ok I’m really late. More later!

I was all set to write a clever post about this cool new design site– then I looked out my window. There’s literally a foot of snow out there.* I should have been clued in when I woke to the sound of my crazy neighbors shoveling (hey, they’re crazy… just because they’re shoveling, doesn’t necessarily mean there’s snow out there, if you catch my drift). Anyway, I know some people looooove this time of year. You, know, the first snow fall and everything. Personally I spend this time wondering why I took the MA bar instead of Florida’s.

On days like this there’s nothing I want to do more than cozy up in a warm sweater, drink coffee and watch the snow fall from the comfort of my warm house. Looking for that perfect sweater? Try Ohio Knitting Mills.

Founded by Harry Stone in 1928, the Ohio Knitting Mills grew to become one of the country’s largest knitwear producers, and was at the center of Cleveland, Ohio’s thriving garment industry. Three generations of the Stone-Rand family ran the Mill for 76 years, producing knitwear for iconic department stores from Sears to Saks, and revered labels like Pendleton, Van Heusen, and Jack Winter. The Ohio Knitting Mills took up an entire city block, and employed up to 700 workers. Their products ranged from the sublime to the everyday, and from 1947 -1974 the mill’s production and creativity were at a peak- knitting up caps, capes, sweaters, shirts, vests, dresses, and pants with bold colors, inventive patterns, quality materials, innovative techniques and a good dose of a strong Midwestern work ethic. After World War II, the Mill plucked samples of each style they produced and put them into storage. Five decades later, this archive had grown into a vast collection of remarkable design artifacts, representing mainstream fashion from the classic 40’s, fab 50’s, swinging 60’s, and funky 70’s. We’ve opened this time capsule, and offer to you our collection of perfectly preserved American fashion and industrial craftsmanship.

With crazy patterns, solid craftsmanship and a wee bit of nostalgia, Ohio Knitting Mills will have you bundling up in style… who knows, you may even be inspired to build a snowman and drink hot chocolate afterwards!

* My boyfriend informs me that its more like an inch of snow… but it looks and feels like a foot to me so I’m gonna go with that.

Every once and a while I come across a designer who is both super creative and socially aware. Such is the case with Somy Ali and her line So-Me Designs. I love her t-shirts, especially the “be different” and “check other” designs. In addition to making thought provoking shirts, Somy takes her activism to the next level, donating 10% of the profits from her company to the non-profit “No More Tears.” No more tears was founded by the designer to help build schools, clinics and women’s shelters nationally and internationally. From her site:

It’s true – “Fashion doesn’t have to be stupid” – and a new line of clothing created by former Bollywood star and activist-journalist Somy Ali proves that it also can bring to light, and help ease, the problems of domestic abuse, rape and women’s rights in the Third World.

The clothing attempts to connect all people and religions to one source: their common humanity…. Both the clothing and No More Tears are products of Ms. Ali’s career and diverse background. Born and raised in the largely Muslim population of Karachi, Pakistan, she later moved to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, with her family before embarking on a modeling and acting career in India.She successfully transformed her Bollywood film industry success into a college career in the United States, and a growing love of journalism through social and political activism.

[youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=0HPdJbY3E9I]

Be sure to check out her great t-shirts and the worthy causes they support!

There’s nothing like a crisp fall morning… I don’t know about you, but I plan on making the most out these bright sunny days. Soon enough I’ll be digging myself out of 3 feet of snow! Before I relax into my weekend I thought I would tell you about the great Canadian designer Elroy.

Elroy Apparel is the brainchild of designer Leanne McElroy who noticed a trend in people’s awareness in health and wellness. As the word organic began spreading into apparel, the organic apparel market seemed to be missing something. Yoga and loungewear basics are widely available, fashion forward, style driven designs in organic fabrics however, are almost non existent. Consumers want to be able to support their health and wellness by wearing organic fibers throughout the day – at work, play, night and day. This is where Elroy steps in by designing sophisticated streetwear for a contemporary heath conscious woman, who cares not only what she looks like, but what story her clothing carries.

I love her fall collection and the way she combines modern shapes with an emphasis on organic fabrics!

Have a nice weekend!

Looking for a fabulous new dress? How about a gorgeous print to spice up your apartment (especially if family is visiting for the holidays)? Look no further than the Shiny Squirrel. This artistically oriented online destination is the perfect place to find a something for yourself, or something for that person who has everything.

The Shiny Squirrel is a platform for emerging artists and designers that features exclusive limited edition and/ or one a kind pieces. It seeks to showcase the growing market of young talent that need a voice and forum to display and sell their work.The Shiny Squirrel merges a diverse field of fine and applied artists through its Online Gallery and Designer showcase. The website’s monthly shows will allow individual artists and designers the opportunity to create a cohesive statement about their work and their place in the art or fashion communities.

Be sure to check out their latest featured artists. Also, be sure to stop by on the 15th when they change things up with works by Katie Parker, Nicole Poko, Caroline Hwang, Gemma Redux, Mirka Hokkanen, SugarLoop, The Brit Boutique, ChicadeCanela, Species by the Thousands, and Katrine Kalleklev.Have fun!

Just back from the Cape and all is well in Boston. I was confronted with a bit of nostalgia yesterday, reconnecting with friends from D.C. and Cali… I guess you could say I’m a little away-sick (like the opposite of home sick). As much as I love Boston, I do miss the uninterrupted shorelines of Cali and the colorful rolling hills of Georgetown. I’m beginning to think its time for a road trip…

Plus, I saw Gone Baby Gone the other day which certainly paints a… special picture of Boston. Don’t get me wrong, the street shots are great, but the movie does kind of give the impression that everyone here looks like a heroin addict. (I know B, just one more reason you will never come to Boston).

Despite that though, its a great movie though, I highly recommend it!

Keeping with my goal of keeping you in the know, I wanted to give you the head-up on Portland designer Kate Towers. Her fluid designs and unique construction definitely set her apart as a designer to watch. I’m mildly obsessed with her white racing stripe dress (above left) as it evokes feelings of both wistful romance and competative track (circa 1999), all at the same time. That’s not an easy thing to do. Check out her site for a sneak peak of her latest creations.

Just recently (as in a little over a week ago), I realized I had the “comments” section of this site turned off… Lucky for me I turned it on just in time. You can thank “flastylist” for today’s great fashion site. Artful Wears is kind of like the reincarnation of girlshop (which has sadly merged into Net-a-Porter) with a little added spunk (I haven’t used that word in a long time!)…From the site:

Artfulwears is the online boutique for women who have their own artsy style and are looking for something unique. Amy Gordon, the creator of Artfulwears.com, has always had a passion for hip apparel and just couldn’t find it online, so she decided to create the ultimate online boutique. This is the place where comfort meets style. Artfulwears is the boutique to find the complete outfit that will have people telling you how fabulous you look every time you leave the house!

I love just about everything on this site, but I’m really feeling their skirt selection… There’s nothing like a long, comfy cargo skirt on a cold winters day. Amy also has great accessories and a suitcase I’m eying for my yearly winter vacation! Happy shopping!

I know its only Tuesday… but I’m super excited about the long weekend coming up. With all the great events planned, I’m thrilled at the thought of shedding the boring suit for an adorable dress… Like my new favorite, the Asymmetrical Hero (above left), by Kelly Lane. With a unique mix of texture and design, this dress is perfect for… well… just about anything!One click through Kelly’s website and you’ll be hooked. She artfully blends woven and jersey fabrics to create colorful clothing with clean lines. From flirty to sophisticated, each piece can be worn in multiple ways. The result? Versatile, wearable garments, perfect for people like me who want to look great without all the fuss. Designer Kelly delights in the details, particularly in the use of upholstery fabrics and notions for that little touch that makes each piece unique.Kelly’s Philly operation is a one-woman show. She works with local, independent seamstresses to create beautiful quality clothing that you’ll absolutely adore!

In order to write… and I mean truly write, I need a muse. You know, that person who inspires just by being. Its a funny thing– the way people can affect you. Those with ability to inspire often come in the most unexpected forms, in the most unexpected places, at the most unexpected times. Regardless, I’m grateful for those who have continuously inspired me throughout my life.

Speaking of muses… Samata’s Muse… or muses as it were, are certainly doing their part to inspire this creative designer. “Samata’s Angel is inspired by women from all walks of life, fashion and beauty – these inspirations culminate in stunning pieces of clothing” This line grew out of the designers deep-seated desire to make original and unique clothing… Clothing that both attracts and inspires the modern creative women.I really love the way each piece has its own unique sense of movement… This achieved by the use light, airy fabrics, gorgeous colors and intricate attention to detail. Check out the website and myspace page for more information.Check back this weekend and early next week for a scent-sational new fragrance and a review of MAC’s holiday collection… complete with a fabulous giveaway!!

I am by no means a Southern Belle. In fact, over the years I think I have mastered the cold, east coast girl demeanor that out-of-towners so readily complain about. However I do have my moments. For instance: despite the impending winter chill and my often chilly disposition, I have recently been charmed by a little Magnolia love… that’s right, the gorgeous bag made in celebration of the Magnolia State (Mississippi) was so gorgeous I just had to have it!The Star 50 handbag collection is a limited line of handbag designs, one for each state in the Union. The designers at Star 50 derive inspiration from each states’ geographic, historical, and “personality” characteristics. A little bit of state-love goes into every bag. The result? A truly unique, traffic stopping bag that will certainly make you the envy of those cookie-cutter-Coach gals we have all become so familiar with.Aside from the unique appearance of each bag, I remain truly impressed by the craftsmanship that went into my Mississippi Brunch Bag. The stitching is intricate, the patent leather magnolia is breathtaking, and the dainty exterior gives way to a surprisingly spacious (and gorgeously lined) interior.All of my recommendations come from either word of mouth or personal experience. I must say in my years of recommending great handbag designers, Star 50 is a brand that truly separates itself as a star in this field! Plus, I now have a new excuse to schedule those delectable Sunday morning brunches I love so much…

I very rarely repeat designer posts. I have to say though, in the clutches of this cold winter, my second Neketano acquisition, their Lari Grey Multi Dress (similar Kurt Grey Melange dress pictured above) has made me happy in a way no article of clothing has in a long time. Why? First, consider the fact that Naketano achieves the rare feat of combining an over-sized comfy sweatshirt with a form flattering, sexy cut. Second, the versatility of this piece: its a sweat-shit, its a dress, its a “jacket”… in other words, I wear it all the time. Third, its unique. Search high and low: from cut to form to overall styling, I dare you to find a better sweatshirt. Fourth, its always fun adding international items to my already eclectic wardrobe. And finally, the people at Naketano (specifically Jozo, but really everyone there) are wonderful. They love what they’re doing and have a great commitment to customer service.

Why am I signing the praises of this brand? Do I have some sort of stake in their company? Do I get some kind of commission? The answer to all of those questions is no. The truth is, I’m sitting here typing in my Lari Grey and thinking about how much I don’t want to take it off and head to work. I was just feeling inspired by design. They’re truly one of my all-time top designer picks.