Southwest Airlines, 1970's -- but admittedly a tad sexist for a work uniform...
Tuesday, 25 September 2007
Hot Pants
When I see some list about past fashion disasters, one garment that always seems to feature is hotpants. I reckon they were given a bad press because everyone and their auntie were wearing them back in the 70's -- and they must be one of the most unforgiving garments ever to be given wardrobe space. But on the right bodies hot pants were fabulous!
Southwest Airlines, 1970's -- but admittedly a tad sexist for a work uniform...
Southwest Airlines, 1970's -- but admittedly a tad sexist for a work uniform...
Knit-head
Thanks, in part, to the Stitch n Bitch phenomenon, knitting has has an image update and knitting is no more seen as the preserve of grandmothers. Debbie Stroller's Stitch n Bitch: the handbook, sold almost 200,000 copies in the 1st six months of publication (Wikipedia) and knitting groups have now sprung-up across the world --particularly in the USA -- where young women get together to knit and socialise.
These unisex punk rock handcrafted knitwear creations from Alyce Benevides and Jaqueline Milles of Knit Head are about as far away from staid as you can get.
Red Baron hat/helmet ($105.00). I really like this one -- it's pretty much guaranteed that I couldn't wear it as successfully as the model does -- but it's definitely cute.
God Save the Queen hat/helmet ($175.00)
These unisex punk rock handcrafted knitwear creations from Alyce Benevides and Jaqueline Milles of Knit Head are about as far away from staid as you can get.
Red Baron hat/helmet ($105.00). I really like this one -- it's pretty much guaranteed that I couldn't wear it as successfully as the model does -- but it's definitely cute.
God Save the Queen hat/helmet ($175.00)
Monday, 24 September 2007
Lost mitten
Love these cute handcrafted goodies from Lauren at Lost Mitten.
Elephant Kawaii Journal -- handmade blank book journal ($12.00)
Pacman Perler Bead Business Card Holder ($10)
Nintendo Brooches ($6.50)
How sweet are all these? I'm definitely going to be doing a lot of my Christmas shopping at Esty this year -- not only because I want to support independent designers -- but because I really love a lot of what I find there.
The Slimming Camera
I've just been reading (on Kiss Me, Stace) about instantly Slimming Photos with the HP Digital Camera. Seemingly -- at the click of a button -- you can take 10lbs off your image.
Mmm, interesting -- maybe I'll get me one of those. I wonder if they can go up to 20lbs off, or they'll get around to inventing something that allows you to be more selective with regard to the areas you are trying to hone down -- say about 10lbs off the abdominal area but leaving the rest of the curves in place. You can probably already do all that already with Photoshop but my skills in that area are limited to the Automatic Enhance function.
I can see these cameras being really popular with anyone photographing 'big day' occasions, such as weddings -- and it's not really cheating, as you're only taking off the 10lbs that the camera is supposed to add anyway.
I do feel a little uneasy about all this digital enhancement business, though. It's only a matter of time (if it hasn't happened already) where someone invents a camera which gives the option of selecting from a variety of body shapes to stick your head on to -- some celebrities have been using that little trick for quite some time, I'm sure. It will get to a point where we'd hardly recognize someone from their photograph -- everyone will be fatter, older, and shorter than we were led to expect.
Mmm, interesting -- maybe I'll get me one of those. I wonder if they can go up to 20lbs off, or they'll get around to inventing something that allows you to be more selective with regard to the areas you are trying to hone down -- say about 10lbs off the abdominal area but leaving the rest of the curves in place. You can probably already do all that already with Photoshop but my skills in that area are limited to the Automatic Enhance function.
I can see these cameras being really popular with anyone photographing 'big day' occasions, such as weddings -- and it's not really cheating, as you're only taking off the 10lbs that the camera is supposed to add anyway.
I do feel a little uneasy about all this digital enhancement business, though. It's only a matter of time (if it hasn't happened already) where someone invents a camera which gives the option of selecting from a variety of body shapes to stick your head on to -- some celebrities have been using that little trick for quite some time, I'm sure. It will get to a point where we'd hardly recognize someone from their photograph -- everyone will be fatter, older, and shorter than we were led to expect.
Sunday, 23 September 2007
Well, it's a look...
This is a scan of an old postcard I bought in a flea market in Paris. Everyone here says she gives them the heebee jeebees, but I think she's got a bit of a fashion look going on -- I'm not saying it's a good one -- but I kind of like her necklace (that's some chin she's got there -- wonder if she's an ancestor of Catherine Zeta Jones old man).I bought a couple of dozen vintage postcards that day -- in addition to half-a-dozen really old copies of Le Petite Echo de la Mode. Then I left the bag containing most of my haul on the metro, never to be seen again. I've got a habit of doing stuff like that. I'm breaking my heart about those papers -- the illustrations were beautiful.
I think I'm going to get the collecting bug when it comes to vintage magazines -- I bought a 1949 copy of Homes and Gardens the other day -- not exactly high-fashion but interesting all the same. I'll put some images on when I get the chance.
Treasure from the Attic
We've just discovered this old typewriter in our attic. It's an Imperial Good Companion model T and in a bit of a state -- but we've got the idea of restoring it. It must have been up there for a couple of decades, at least, but it still works.
I just love the look of it and how it feels to use: the satisfying clicks and the little bell that rings to let you know you've got to return the carriage. I'd hate to have to use a manual typewriter but it's going to be nice to have around.
And we've just found instructions on the Secrets of restoring typewriters on the Portable Typewriters site.
I just love the look of it and how it feels to use: the satisfying clicks and the little bell that rings to let you know you've got to return the carriage. I'd hate to have to use a manual typewriter but it's going to be nice to have around.
And we've just found instructions on the Secrets of restoring typewriters on the Portable Typewriters site.
Buying History
If I were anywhere near London on 26th of this month -- and up for a bit of a spending spree -- I'd head over to the Fortnum & Mason sale at Bonhams in New Bond Street and buy myself a part of retail history.
Via:The Economist
Saturday, 22 September 2007
Bosom Buttons
So -- you're all dolled up in your smartest attire, about to make your way to some swank 'do' -- when you catch sight of a little something in the mirror (or possibly even two little somethings). More than likely 'they' are not so little, either. I'm talking about unintentional cleavage exposure here, ladies.
Don't get me wrong -- I'm all for a bit of cleavage display, myself. But it's got to be under circumstances of my own choosing and tumbling out of a crossover dress (at someone else's graduation) is not a happy experience.
I'm not even adverse to a slight gaping of a blouse -- giving a tantalising hint of what lies beneath -- and there is something to be said for a suggestion of a strain on the buttons when wearing a fitted top. But it's all down to the time and place and the look you're trying to achieve. One thing is for sure -- if you're aiming for a look which is anywhere in the same universe as elegant or sophisticated -- unintentional flashing of your assets will cheapen the whole ensemble. And no man (even the gay ones) will look you in the eye for the entire evening, as their gaze will be transfixed on your exposed flesh.
Enter the Bosom Buttons -- an example of a simple but effective solution to a pesky little problem. These tiny beauties pierce through material and clasp the offending gap shut. And they're pretty to look at -- so you're got an added bit of decoration going on there too. The buttons are handmade and available in a choice of designs and materials, including swarovski crystal, pearl or gems.
Bosom Buttons ($12)
Don't get me wrong -- I'm all for a bit of cleavage display, myself. But it's got to be under circumstances of my own choosing and tumbling out of a crossover dress (at someone else's graduation) is not a happy experience.
I'm not even adverse to a slight gaping of a blouse -- giving a tantalising hint of what lies beneath -- and there is something to be said for a suggestion of a strain on the buttons when wearing a fitted top. But it's all down to the time and place and the look you're trying to achieve. One thing is for sure -- if you're aiming for a look which is anywhere in the same universe as elegant or sophisticated -- unintentional flashing of your assets will cheapen the whole ensemble. And no man (even the gay ones) will look you in the eye for the entire evening, as their gaze will be transfixed on your exposed flesh.
Enter the Bosom Buttons -- an example of a simple but effective solution to a pesky little problem. These tiny beauties pierce through material and clasp the offending gap shut. And they're pretty to look at -- so you're got an added bit of decoration going on there too. The buttons are handmade and available in a choice of designs and materials, including swarovski crystal, pearl or gems.
Bosom Buttons ($12)
Cram Cream
Reprodepot -- that excellent source of retro and vintage reproduction fabric and notions -- is now selling some Cram Cream products, including coin purses, tape and homewares.
We've also introduced a small selection of Cram Cream products over at the Larkin & Catcher store.
Cram Cream Bath Clock (£7.00) at the Larkin & Catcher Store.
Friday, 21 September 2007
Saturday Evening Post Covers
Thanks to the splendid Bibi's Box (another one of my favourite blogs)I've now found the collection of truly lovely vintage images from the covers of The Saturday Evening Post.
Wednesday, 19 September 2007
Indie Clothing Company: Mignonette
Check-out these lovely handmade dresses from the Brooklyn-based indie clothing company Mignonette ('cute girl' in French). A portion of the profits from all Mignonette sales go to designated non-partisan charities.
LBD dress ($150) Sizes XS to XL
Therese dress ($210) sizes XS to XL
Yasamen dress ($210) sizes XS to XL
Tuesday, 18 September 2007
Louise Cunningham: illustrator
The artwork of the talented young Scottish illustrator Louise Cunningham has been described as 'bright, bold and quirky' -- I'd agree with that description, but what struck me about Louise's work was the all-round feel-good factor of her images.
Once you get to know me -- and my strange little ways -- you'll know that I can be inclined towards the melancholy and the macabre. But I've always enjoyed artwork which is enchanting and whimsical and which exudes happiness and a joy for life. I think Louise's work has that -- a sunny, glad-to-be-alive feeling.
Once you get to know me -- and my strange little ways -- you'll know that I can be inclined towards the melancholy and the macabre. But I've always enjoyed artwork which is enchanting and whimsical and which exudes happiness and a joy for life. I think Louise's work has that -- a sunny, glad-to-be-alive feeling.
Monday, 17 September 2007
In the Beginning...
Dobizo -- good resource for anyone thinking about starting their own clothing line.
You Beautiful Doll
Personally speaking, dolls spook me out more than a little, but I still have a bit of a fascination for them and can see why people would want to collect them. Some of them are like small works of art and the history behind antique dolls is a large part of their appeal.
There's a wide selection of rare antique dolls on Nora's Antique Dolls & Collectibles, in addition to dolls clothing, furniture and doll-related books. This looks to be a site for the serious collector.
8" Lenci-type Italian Doll ($96) This is the kind of doll I was referring to when I wrote about being creeped-out. Not the first-choice plaything for your little darling's nursery -- not unless you're prepared to fork-out the eventual therapy bills by the time they hit their teens. But I can see the appeal to an adult collector or to someone who's looking for something rare and beyond the norm.
BOOK: Bleuelle -- the Doll and Her Wardrobe ($36) I just love the look of the book's cover and it would clearly be a welcome gift to any collector of these particular dolls.
'Hannah' by artists Lynne and Michael Roche. This one is sold but I just had to show it here because it's just so beautiful. I do find dolls which look really lifelike a little unsettling -- especially when they look like children -- but I have to admire the undeniable skill and artistry that must go into these creations.
In fact, I so admired the Roche's work that I checked out the Roche Dolls website, just to have a look at their other dolls. All the dolls on the site are handmade and exquisitely lovely -- you can see why they are considered 'future antiques'.
Roche Bella Winter Doll, with bear ($1515) -- clearly not an impulse-buy but it looks to be really special and a potential family heirloom.
There's a wide selection of rare antique dolls on Nora's Antique Dolls & Collectibles, in addition to dolls clothing, furniture and doll-related books. This looks to be a site for the serious collector.
8" Lenci-type Italian Doll ($96) This is the kind of doll I was referring to when I wrote about being creeped-out. Not the first-choice plaything for your little darling's nursery -- not unless you're prepared to fork-out the eventual therapy bills by the time they hit their teens. But I can see the appeal to an adult collector or to someone who's looking for something rare and beyond the norm.
BOOK: Bleuelle -- the Doll and Her Wardrobe ($36) I just love the look of the book's cover and it would clearly be a welcome gift to any collector of these particular dolls.
'Hannah' by artists Lynne and Michael Roche. This one is sold but I just had to show it here because it's just so beautiful. I do find dolls which look really lifelike a little unsettling -- especially when they look like children -- but I have to admire the undeniable skill and artistry that must go into these creations.
In fact, I so admired the Roche's work that I checked out the Roche Dolls website, just to have a look at their other dolls. All the dolls on the site are handmade and exquisitely lovely -- you can see why they are considered 'future antiques'.
Roche Bella Winter Doll, with bear ($1515) -- clearly not an impulse-buy but it looks to be really special and a potential family heirloom.
RetroActif Bags
Eco-friendly, limited edition bags made from PVC art banners. From Monica and Ziad Shuman at RetroActif.
Sunday, 16 September 2007
Saturday, 15 September 2007
Storm in a Blogspot?
Looks like the blogger at La Primavera stirred-up a bit of a controversy when she gave her backing to a newspaper article which criticised Finnish teenage 'spendoholic' fashion bloggers.
It’s an interesting debate but I think this blogger may have underestimated the intelligence of her fellow fashion bloggers (and their readers). I doubt that all these girls are totally unaware of the issues surrounding our ‘dying planet’ and the part that the fashion industry plays in encouraging rampant consumerism.
But even if some of these bloggers are living in a joyful bubble of ignorance (whilst ‘spending their parent's money’) I really do not think it will do any great overall harm or that they will remain evermore in a mindset which is dominated by their next fashion fix. No other generation has been so bombarded by information on the environment and the questionable motives of big business.
Most of us come to a point where we feel uneasy about the whole born-to-shop phenomenon that seems to have been adopted (or foisted on?) women -- and young girls in particular – but I’d suggest that most these girls are far from ‘brain-dead’ when it comes to understanding the wider issues. Even those who are, for the moment, oblivious to environmental/social concerns, will – in time – come to question whether we are but cogs in the fashion/big business machine.
Look at the burgeoning indie craft movement – a worldwide shift towards handcrafted goods and an appreciation of ‘planet-friendly’ materials. Most of those who now champion handmade products are in the younger age group and I would suggest that the majority are fully clued-up on the fact that women should not be defined by what they wear or how they look.
I think we would always be aware of any social implications related to our seeming obsession with fashion but I really don’t want to fun to be squeezed-out of the subject – life is tough enough and fashion is one area where -- within reason -- we can (and should) afford to be a little more than frivolous and enjoy the moment.
It’s an interesting debate but I think this blogger may have underestimated the intelligence of her fellow fashion bloggers (and their readers). I doubt that all these girls are totally unaware of the issues surrounding our ‘dying planet’ and the part that the fashion industry plays in encouraging rampant consumerism.
But even if some of these bloggers are living in a joyful bubble of ignorance (whilst ‘spending their parent's money’) I really do not think it will do any great overall harm or that they will remain evermore in a mindset which is dominated by their next fashion fix. No other generation has been so bombarded by information on the environment and the questionable motives of big business.
Most of us come to a point where we feel uneasy about the whole born-to-shop phenomenon that seems to have been adopted (or foisted on?) women -- and young girls in particular – but I’d suggest that most these girls are far from ‘brain-dead’ when it comes to understanding the wider issues. Even those who are, for the moment, oblivious to environmental/social concerns, will – in time – come to question whether we are but cogs in the fashion/big business machine.
Look at the burgeoning indie craft movement – a worldwide shift towards handcrafted goods and an appreciation of ‘planet-friendly’ materials. Most of those who now champion handmade products are in the younger age group and I would suggest that the majority are fully clued-up on the fact that women should not be defined by what they wear or how they look.
I think we would always be aware of any social implications related to our seeming obsession with fashion but I really don’t want to fun to be squeezed-out of the subject – life is tough enough and fashion is one area where -- within reason -- we can (and should) afford to be a little more than frivolous and enjoy the moment.
Friday, 14 September 2007
Super Sweet Socks
Have a look at these little beauties if you're looking for something a lot more exciting than boring old everyday legwear.
Long Stripe socks with knee pads from Hannah Byum's Hansel from Basel sock line. Available from Creatures of Comfort (now $18 from $28)
Tuxedo Sock's ($28.00). Available from Creatures of Comfort. These are my favourites from the Hansel from Basel line -- definitely on the quirky side but easier to wear than the knee pad socks, I think.
And if you are more inclined towards the dark side (in a Gothic Lolita kind of way) have a look at the legwear at our very own Larkin & Catcher store. We've only a few styles available just now, but they're kind of cute, don't you think?
Gothic Lolita Black Socks from Larkin & Catcher (we're selling these for £4 a pair -- I think we need our heads examined -- get over there before we change our minds...).
Tuesday, 11 September 2007
Thimble Scratch
I'm becoming increasingly impressed by the level of design talent on Etsy. Today I discovered Thimble Scratch -- which sells unique creations 'made from scratch' from industrial remnants, 'rescued' and vintage fabrics.
Kanga Pocket Tapestry Skirt ($35) The one shown is XS, but supply your measurements and have one made for you in your size.
Custom Thumbhole Top (£35)
Pretty 'Pantaloons' -- low-rise boyshorts -- ($9)
Sunday, 9 September 2007
Crazy Money
I've just been over at Style Dash , reading about the money big designers pay celebrities to sit in the front row at their shows during Fashion Week. Seemingly, Katie Holmes is worth $50.000, just to make an appearance at a show.
Crazy money, for doing nothing but turn up and add some kudos to the show. But not that crazy in terms of achieving the designer's objectives of drawing-in publicity and adding glamour-by-association. Still doesn't seem quite right, though, does it?
Katie Holmes -- $50.000 for sitting on her little bot for a couple of hours.
Crazy money, for doing nothing but turn up and add some kudos to the show. But not that crazy in terms of achieving the designer's objectives of drawing-in publicity and adding glamour-by-association. Still doesn't seem quite right, though, does it?
Katie Holmes -- $50.000 for sitting on her little bot for a couple of hours.
Gothic Lolita & Sweet Lolita
For all fans of Gothic Lolita and Sweet Lolita fashion -- have a look at the designs Rakuen Fashion has to offer. In addition to a wonderful array of dresses, you'll also find a range of accessories -- such as bags, parasols and hats. There's also a small selection of footwear.
Gothic Lolita Dress (now $134.00). Comes with a free headdress and petticoat
Sweet Lolita Dress (now $123.00) Comes with free headdress and petticoat
Check Lolita Dress (now $136) Comes with free headdress and petticoat
These Mary-Janes ($98) are currently sold out but will be restocked soon.
Gothic Lolita Dress (now $134.00). Comes with a free headdress and petticoat
Sweet Lolita Dress (now $123.00) Comes with free headdress and petticoat
Check Lolita Dress (now $136) Comes with free headdress and petticoat
These Mary-Janes ($98) are currently sold out but will be restocked soon.
Saturday, 8 September 2007
Good One
Good One is a London-based clothing design company, with a philosophy and policies which are at odds with the big guns in the mainstream clothing industry. Their designs are constructed from a combination of selected recycled clothing (mainly sweatshirt and t-shirts) and fairtrade cotton.
Bodice Dress (£55)
Dress (£60)
Bodice Dress (£55)
Dress (£60)
Friday, 7 September 2007
Dainty & Dirty
I just love this tunic smock dress from Tamera Ferro at Dainty & Dirty. The dress is handmade, limited edition, and features handmade wooden buttons and vintage 1970's owl fabric on the bodice and pocket.
Tunic Smock Dress ($135)
Tunic Smock Dress ($135)
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