obsession

I have an obsession.

The last one was Elvis. It resulted in me buying up every Elvis cd available in the BMG music catalog. And in a pilgrimage to Graceland.

And one to Graceland Too.

I still like The King. I still think the '68 Comeback Special is awesome. But...I've moved on. I'm no longer obsessed.

I've had a nice, normal decade of liking, really liking, and even loving, lots of things. Andy, vintage clothing, Lucy, road trips, perfume, cocktails, food, Howard Dean... Everything was going nice and smoothly.

And then Scotland hit me.

I realize now it was meant to be. For example, some of my favorite bands from my formative years--Aztec Camera, The Waterboys, Jesus and Mary Chain--hail from Scotland. (Just FYI, TJ&MC and Pastels photos below link to cool videos by them, so you may want to turn down your volume if you're at work.)

And I know I'm really late to the party, but I've discovered these guys, and can't stop listening to them.

And of course, there was this. I don't think Trainspotting made me want to go to Scotland at the time. Junkies, filthy toilets--already had that in NYC. But the accents! Great movie, great soundtrack.

So anyway, I've become convinced Scotland and me are meant to be. I'm starting to develop a taste for this stuff.

And I have always loved tartan. This photo is from a gorgeous 2008 British Vogue story called Take the High Road. You can see more of the photos here. In my p-rock days I wore plaid tights just like the models in the shoot have on, and I would love another pair.

Probably the most famous Scottish fashion export next to tartan is Pringle knitwear. Here's Pringle back in the day, a twinset on the cover of Vogue.

And Pringle now, as worn by Tilda Swinton.

I love these looks from Pringle A/W 2010, updates to the traditional fisherman's sweater and Scotsman's kilt, for women.

And of course, there's this man, the lovely Mr. Alan Cumming. All men should dress like this. And he makes the only celeb perfume I would wear. Which is, naturally, called Cumming, and which has notes of leather, peat fire, highland mud, burned rubber and white truffle. You can see his cute ad for it here. (Coincidentally, I would also wear Tilda Swinton's perfume, which is called Like This.)

Seriously. You're just not going to get an anti-kilt argument out of me. Nope.

Maybe this obsession will become suddenly displaced by something else. Like the midterm elections? Um, probably not.

I think this one is going to be a bit more expensive than a trip to Graceland. I'd better start saving.

You can be sure you'll be hearing more from me on this.

xo

K

plaids and sweaters and wool, oh my!

Here is the clothing portion of this week's shop preview, which features all of the above plus three Vera blouses, a L'Aiglon dress, and much more. Tomorrow, time and weather permitting, I'll be photographing some great new shoes, boots (deadstock!), and suitcases.

Without further ado...

I call this the Rosemary's Baby Bridal Gown, which is kind of creepy if you've seen the movie, but can't you just picture Mia Farrow in it?

Hand screenprinted floral angora and wool cardigan.

Red wool plaid pleated skirt jumper.

Autumn stone fruits dress.

Red plaid tie-waist blouse by Bill Atkinson Glen of Michigan.

Teal and olive wool boucle jumper.

L'Aiglon nylon dress.

Paisley wool crepe pencil skirt by Bill Atkinson Glen of Michigan.

Cherry red wide wale corduroy jumper.

Gray plaid 1950s career girl dress and jacket.

1960s yellow and gray Vera Neumann cotton blouse.

Navy polka-dot shawl collar dress.

Drum print blouse.

Chocolate brown semi-sheer dress with mother-of-pearl buttons.

1960s olive, chartreuse and red Vera Neumann cotton tunic.

My new favorite dress! By GiGi Young New York.

Ivory satin and sequin embossed rosebud cardigan.

1950s olive and plaid dress by Nelly Don.

Wool plaid pleated skirt by Koret of California.

Wool plaid wiggle dress by Sue Brett.

Charcoal gray rose print cardigan.

Vera Neumann blue and tan swirl print cotton tunic.

And last, but by no means least, THE BEST cardigan! Mid-century modern leaf print by James Kenrob by Dalton.

Some good stuff here, no? Fall is definitely in the air around here--we had mac and cheese for dinner, which is a definite sign.

Have a great week and stay tuned for a shoes and accessories preview soon!

xo
k