Archive for February, 2013

Say it loud

I like a nice, sophisticated floral: not anything that shows too much restraint,  mind you, but one with a clean color palette and not all that much going on in the way of trickery. And I’ve never gone for anything too bright, or pink, or rosy, because that can skew so mumsy, or Lily Pulitzer, or upholstery-ish, or—not infrequently—all three.  And yet! I have not been able to get this Tsumori Chisato top off my mind since I saw it at at Otte earlier this week: yes, it totally looks like there was an explosion at the flower shop, and yes, every shade is just a touch more lurid than one sees in nature. But possibly that’s not such a bad thing: maybe we all need room in our closets for at least one print that says f*** you to careful good taste (while still managing not to be in actual bad taste) and that makes you happy the minute you put it on.

This tank almost gets away with being quite straightforwardly pretty—but then those big wild yellow bursts come along and save it from such a pedestrian fate.

I know, a knife pleat seems awfully lady. But I’m convinced this would be the kind of easy, comfortable top a person might reach for all season long.

Hats off to J. Crew for bringing us the most Go Big or Go Home Liberty print maybe ever.

 

 

 

Thursday links

• This Louis Vuitton mini-collection of scarves—created in collaboration with three emerging street artists—has me wanting one of each. (Refinery 29)
• Yes, please to Maya Rudolph getting her own TV show.
• Houses people built to piss other people off. (Mental Floss)
• Talk about dead-on: This woman pretending to be Lena Dunham auditioning for Zero Dark Thirty is priceless. (Atlantic Wire)
• This woman is a genius. (The Frisky)
• Rest in peace, Fashion’s Night Out. (Racked)

 

Would you?

Because even though I’m not so big on flats,  and even though they’d be a royal pain at airport security, I totally might.

Stud details can be fun on occasion, although at this point I prefer them in less punky or  tough girl iterations, like this cardigan.

What a wee little sprinkling of chic this bit of ornamentation is on what would otherwise be kind of a standard-issue weekender.

 

Tuesday links

• You might not want to miss this extended music video/short film starring David Bowie and Tilda Swinton (Gothamist)
• And as long as we’re on the topic of pop stars of a certain generation, anybody who thinks that we all lighten up with age has clearly not followed the life and times of Morrissey.  (EW)
• As long as we’re on a roll here—but reaching back a little further generationally—this guy collects nothing but The Beatles’ White Album. (Kottke)
• Just in case you were wondering: Fashion People dress equally silly for the cameras in Europe too. (Telegraph)
• Amazing. (The Frisky)

Ten Thousand Things: an homage and a very exciting giveaway

Before Ten Thousand Things became part of my life, I never quite related to the peculiar kind of spell that comes over a women when she encounters a ring, or a bangle, or a pendant she needs suddenly and desperately to own. But  that’s because previous to Ten Thousand Things, I never quite understood jewelry’s power to transform. No other adornment is nearly so personal, or has the capacity to make us feel not just prettier or more stylish, but actually more self-assured and stronger, too. David Rees and Ron Anderson, the designers behind Ten Thousand Things, have gotten this from the start. Their shapes are very feminine and organic, and elegant as the day is long. You feel more like a woman the moment you put them on.

Which is probably why they’ve managed to amass one very fabulous following—several members of which agreed to be shot by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin for a special 20th Anniversary portfolio featuring special one-of-a-kind pieces—which are all being auctioned to the charity of the wearer’s choice.

How fantastic does dancer/writer/all around legend Heather Watts look here? There are some hot young cookies in this portfolio (Kristen Stewart, a couple of super-big models), but to me, the most compelling shots are all of ladies who’ve been kicking around the block a for a bit. You look in their eyes, and you just know there’s something interesting going on behind them.

And now we get to celebrate too! In honor of their big birthday, Ron and David (who, full disclosure, are my pals, and two of the loveliest and deathly funny guys  this town has ever seen) have given me this gorgeous keshi pearl necklace to give away to one very lucky reader. All you need to do is describe in the comments below the most meaningful piece of jewelry you own. Those of you who don’t wear jewelry can get creative and describe anything in your life that has tailsman-like powers. Deadline is noon Thursday.

Saturday links

• I am deeply fascinated by this state-by-state guide to where you are most likely to have a Craigslist “Missed Connection.” Forget about getting yourself out to parties and wine tastings, ladies: it’s all happening down at the Wal-Mart.  (Psychology Today via the Daily What)
• Similarly fascinating,  but on a far bleaker note: descriptions and illustrations from an 1883 guide to recognizing insane people. (Flavorwire)
• Gun owners love Starbucks. (Time)
•  Now that’s a love letter. (Letters of Note)
• Please don’t ever change, Jennifer Lawrence. (Vulture)