f/w 2012

I know everyone is getting in the mood for spring.  But the fall/winter 2012 collections have just been shown, and I just always love the palette and clothing of the cooler seasons.  Here are some of the looks that caught my eye.  All the photos are from Vogue.

Rodarte / via Vogue

Loved the retro looks and collars on the deep plum and mustard dresses (these were also shown in a deep red and cream).  The skirt on the last dress--gah!

Michael Kors / via

I don't really see myself as a Kors type (he makes me think of fake tans and furry boots), but if you're going to show plaid, lace, and fur collared coats, sir, I'm all over it!

Marc by Marc Jacobs / via

Unsurprisingly, this collection reminded me (in avery good way) of how I dressed (or aspired to dress) in the 1990s.  Great prints, love the boxy jacket, copper polka dots, boots with everything.  But the thing I love most, I think, is the plaid skirt, plain top, dark frames.

Ralph Lauren / via

Pant and fair isle sweater vests paired for the "at my country house" look.  The knickers are so cute.  I'd never wear them again (yes, I did, once...), but they look great on the model. 

Burberry Prorsum / via

Love the print on that first dress, the striped skirts, and the bow belts.  Lovely coats, too.

xo

K

post Oscar shop preview

I watched the Oscars last night (which you'll know if you follow my Twitter feed).  I love movies, but as years pass, I seem to get less enjoyment out of watching these award shows.  I do not think--based on the nominations and often, the winners--that they mean anything much at all. 

I also can't say I was super inspired by any of the fashions I saw this year.  I can't recall being excited by any Oscar fashion since Michelle Williams wore that great saffron yellow gown, but I'm not really all that much into Oscar style glam anyway.  Still, it was cool to see the wins for Hugo and The Artist, two of the better films I saw this year (both of which have great period settings and costumes, as well).  I was also happy that The Shore won for best live action short film.  Andy and I saw all the live action shorts on Saturday; if you get a chance to see them, you should check them out.  (Tuba Atlantic was particularly good, also.)

Alright, enough about the silly awards ceremony.  Here's an epic preview of what's coming to the shop this week!

1960's L'Aiglon candy stripe dress.

1960s tapestry print cropped blouse, by Jo Matthews.

1940s gray chevron stripe suit by Lilli Ann.

1950s black silk blouse by Le Charme.

1960s tropical flower print shift with bow neck.

1950s red plaid skirt with belt, by Petti-gree.

1950s dot print cotton dress with Peter Pan collar.

1960s red floral print blouse, by The Villager.

Bohemian black floral print dress with woven bodice and bell sleeves.

1970s Levi's denim blazer.

1950s brick red shantung dress by Herman Marcus.

1950s yellow rose print blouse by Macshore Classics.

1960s robin's egg blue piqué dress with roll collar and bow.

1940s black sequin jacket.

1950s spring flowers dress, by Shelton Stroller.

Space dyed sweater vest.

1960s blue abstract print dress, by Pennypacker.

1960s mid century barkcloth print cotton blouse.

1950s gray tufted thread dress with scattered rhinestones and piqué trim.

xo

K

the cloche

As a Richard Armitage superfan (or soldier in the Armitage Army, if you prefer), I have made it my business to fully explore the man's ouevre.  Which means watching every available production he's been in, no matter how minor the part.  Even if he sports a cheesy little mustache and plays a smarmy bastard.  Malice Aforethought (a 2006 Mystery! production based on the 1931 novel by Frances Iles) wasn't a terrible strain, however.  I never mind getting to watch and hear Richard Armitage.  And I'm not sure there's much I love more than a cozy murder mystery set in 1920s-1930s England. 

I expected to see some lovely fashions in this production, but what really stood out was the variety of cloche hats.  For someone like me who rarely wears a hat (though I do try), it's hard to imagine a time when hats were not just something to keep your head warm on a freezing day, but an integral part of your ensemble, one that wasn't removed when you were indoors.  (Also, you can see how this gal has moved up in the world since marrying Armitage's character, who apparently has a lot of money.  Here she wears furs and a velvet cloche, whereas previous to the marriage she wears a simpler felt cloche or a beret.)

Love both the hat and the printed velvet coat here.

Trial scenes: great for viewing large groups of ladies and their headgear.

I loved the variety of cloches on display throughout this production, some simple, others decorated with fanciful folds or trim.

Not a cloche, but a really cute beret and coat.

xo

K

boots, bags, and a hat for the Snow Queen

Some accessories and home decor items coming to the shop (a few are already there, and are linked, below the photo).

1970s whiskey leather high heel boots, made in Spain.

1980s brogue oxfords, by Kenneth Cole.

1970s suede striped oxfords.

1980s Capezio flower print satchel.

1980s Ikat and leather braid purse.

1960s red raffia handbag, by Garay.

1960s tapestry Morris Moskowitz purse.

Leather and straw box purse.

1950s winter queen fur-trimmed cocktail hat.

1976 Jungle Safari lion plate, by Saltera.

Bird of paradise planter or vase.

4 deadstock silver and white rose aluminum mini Social Supper trays.

xo

K

focused

Andy and I spent a couple days up north last weekend.  It was partially a shopping trip (as all our trips are), and partially an excuse to eat at a couple of our favorite places.  (I am still crazed about the lentil crêpe at Patisserie Amie, and have a newfound burrata obsession, thanks to Trattoria Stella.)  I am mainly shopping for the shop during these trips, but sometimes I find treasures of my own.

In three different locations I found these antelope bookends, and old editions of Jude the Obscure and Robert Burns' Poems and Letters.

An illustration from the Burns book.

I also found this crocheted collar.  It doesn't fit the bookish theme--but it sure looks pretty there!

xo

K