injust-spring

Rivets and the Winter Shoe

2011-12-26T09:11:00.007-06:00

I've been riveted by the rivet lately (Ugh, I know! That was bad) particularly in shoes when I discovered the site Romwe. Have you been to that site? They have a large selection of funky -- yet not ugly -- shoes, many of which have riveting.

During the winter months, especially since I live near Chicago, it's hard to keep your feet looking stylish yet warm for work. While I end up wearing my trusty Lands' End boots to and from the car I still need to slip into a nicer pair of shoes once I get into my office.

All-Over Rivets Black Ankle Boots, $99

Bowknot Riveted Black Platform Shoes, $83

Rivet Black Heeled Martin Boot, $155

Riveted Black Sole Platform Boots, $81

What I've really been hankering for is a classic pair of Dr. Marten's 1461s.

Movado Bold

2011-01-24T20:03:00.007-06:00

I have a bit of a Movado obsession. It's true. And while I usually stay with the classics like the 800 series and the Sports line, I am in love with the new Bold.

My favorites are the plain white and the white with orange. It's very 80s in a completely contemporary way.

Slouchy, Elastic Waist and Ankle Pants

2010-05-16T21:07:00.001-05:00

O.K., so the words slouchy and elastic don't exactly bring visions of chicness to mind -- more like visions of the knickerbockers I wore in the 1980s -- but these silky linen slouchy pants by J. Crew are actually quite fetching.

Casual, but with a twist. The fabric is what really makes them pretty. Seeing them on a shelf in the store, I may have walked right passed them but on an actual body I can appreciate the cute cut.

Style...by Andy Spade

2010-05-13T18:19:00.001-05:00

I'm not really of fan of Kate Spade's purses but I do enjoy reading memoir-type books about personal style and quirks. (NB - Isabella Rossellini's Some of Me is completely charming and kooky.) So when I recently found Kate Spade's Style on clearance for $4.99 at a local department store for only $4.99, I thought, "Why not?"

Style features whimsical watercolors, lists of books and movies that show great style, handy color combination suggestions and a ton of quotes.

Sadly, most of the quotes and the opinions in the book were of Kate's husband, Andy Spade, more so than of Kate herself.

There's an overload of, "Andy says..." and "Andy thinks..." and as I'm reading through the pages and flip back to the cover to make sure this was written by Kate, all I can think is, "But woman, what do you think?!"

Then again, what do I know. I'm one of the few people who positively hated Eat, Pray & Love so I'm probably the cracked one.

Five from Martin

2010-05-08T22:07:00.002-05:00

I love the simplicity of the Martin Clothes Web site. It doesn't have anything else to sell but the clothes; no gimmick, no extra craziness just pretty clothes that have an understated elegance and chicness to them.

Here are five of my current favorites from Martin Clothes...

(1) Chiffon Back Pleat Dress, $490; (2) Big Tee, $125; (3) Chiffon Ruff Top, $275; (4) Long Tank Top, $58; (5) Ruffle Dress, $95.

Let's Go Downtown!

2010-03-15T19:23:00.001-05:00

Upon first glance, it may a bit too busy. Upon second glance you realize, "Hey! That tie-dye is on suede." Third glance, you're hooked.

I'm loving Jeffrey Campbell's Downtown. Funky -- but not so much that you won't be able to wear them with anything. Also available in orange, but I'm swooning over the blue.

Marc Jacobs

2010-02-24T21:42:00.000-06:00

My heart belongs to Marc Jacobs, it's true. In an alternate universe, we're actually best friends and everything he designs is all for me: HIS MUSE! Really, could you blame me for feeling this way when you see beauties like these?

My BFF

All from his Fall 2010 Ready to Wear Collection...

Boden Basics

2010-02-10T19:38:00.000-06:00

I just received the new Boden catalog and just love how many great basic pieces they have. If you're looking for some nice staples that will stick around your wardrobe for a while, I definitely recommend Boden.

Some of my favorites from the current catalog include the: (1) Straightleg Jeans in green; (2) Knitted Milano Jacket to go with my stripe fetish; (3) Slingback flats which go with everything from slacks to jeans; (4) Colourblock bracelet which the 80s child in me completely loves; and (5) the Statement Satchell that's available in three colors, but I'm partial to the fun pewter.

2009-09-27T08:37:00.000-05:00

I haven't been feeling the recent reinvention of the shoe. It's a shoe, not a leather bag or box on your foot. Still, the Ndakinna Bootie has me positively drooling.

The height is a good one for lots of walking, the wooden platform gives it a nice contrast to the dark leather. The detailing is lovely -- whether it be the spats-inspired overlay or the tie at the back. It's daring and cool without being circus freak show stupid.

Three at Delight

2009-09-24T19:20:00.009-05:00

Ding! Ding! Ding! The trifecta of what you want in a handbag: stylish, versatile and affordable. I found these three great bags at Delight.com:

The Sweet as Spring, $58.89, clutch is made with straw and a whole of lot personality. It's available in four colors, but we think the multi is the best one.

The Montana Bag, $65.89, has such a great shape that echoes classic design while being very modern. Available in two color schemes.

My favorite by far is the Carolina Patchwork Foldover Clutch, $69.85, which can be used as a clutch or as a fuller sized bag.

Charles & Ray Eames Office Accessories

2009-09-21T06:42:00.000-05:00

So you can't afford that set of 8 Eames DCM dining room chairs, how about a pen instead? ("I gave her my heart; she gave me a pen.")
True, you can't sit on a pen -- well, you can but what for -- but how cool is this lovely collection of Charles & Ray Eames pens?

And how smart is this business card case? I've always had an incredible soft spot for chairs, so I am loving the Eames Chair business card case.

If the chairs are a little too much for you, there's also the Collage business card case which seems to give a nod to Miro.

Bound Earth

2009-09-19T07:43:00.005-05:00

Andrea Williams' jewelry is on my current "Drool List". The gorgeous items at Bound Earth feature beach stones, quartz and magnets reincarnated as necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

Sa Necklace, $800

Kyuma Earrings, $175

Kyuma Ring, $250

Of her work, Andrea Williams states, "My jewelry is an expression of the wonder I sense in the overlooked intricacies in nature. When we see stones in infinite numbers underfoot at the beach, we cannot help but to miss the unique perfection in each."

It's Poetry

2009-09-17T21:08:00.009-05:00

I recently received a catalog from Poetry. Somehow, I've gotten on the "Billowy Romantic Clothing" mailing list. Never heard of them, but there were two shirts that were up my alley: simple yet with an interesting twist, no patterns.

Edge to Edge Ruffle Detail Shirt, $179

100% silk, this blouse features tuxedo-shirt ruffles in a relaxed, playful and non-ironic way. I love the way this sits on the body.

Gathered Neck Silk Jersey Top, $79

An easy, relaxed top made with soft silk jersey. This is an great piece to dress up or dress down.

Stripes

2009-06-06T08:44:00.009-05:00

I've always had a soft spot for stripes. While I usually shy away from patterns, my closet is filled with black and white stripes. Here are some great little striped numbers I've recently found:

Built By Wendy French Stripe Boatneck Minidress, $135.00

Gap Striped Summer T, $9.99

Corey Lynn Calter Caranday Dress, $178.00
Marc by Marc Jacobs Striped Oxford Flat, $395.00
Lark & Wolff by Steven Alan Stripe Boatneck Sweater, $68.00
BDG Boatneck Sailor Stripe Top, $28

Milk and Bread

2009-05-24T11:04:00.004-05:00

I've always found the tags that keep bread bags closed a bit cute and somewhat intriguing. Who invented those things? And do cats everywhere love them as much as my cat does?
Melanie Favreau presents us with her interpretation of the bread tag. Her sterling silver pendant, $40, can be personalized with your DOB or name.

Slingback Pumps by Seychelles Shoes

2009-05-24T08:19:00.001-05:00

I'm loving these slingback pumps by Seychelles Shoes. A stacked wooden heel adds height without making them too impractical. I love the seafoam green and the stitching details.

P.S. Plasticland is one of my newest online haunts.

Rose Thorn Earrings

2009-05-24T08:03:00.003-05:00

Lee Hale's Black Rose Thorn earrings are a lovely combination of pretty and punk. Simple, yet making a statement.

Dollybird

2009-05-24T07:59:00.002-05:00

Chicago-based Dollybird, features the gorgeous work of Katie Johannsson. Her handcrafted jewelry combines nature and modernity to create fabulous rings, earring, necklaces and more.

DVF Spring 2009 Favorites

2009-02-20T21:39:00.007-06:00

Even though I'm not much of a pattern person (I prefer my clothes in solid colors), I love Diane Von Furstenberg*. Her gorgeous patterns never seem to busy and her silhouettes are created with women in mind.

Her Spring 2009 line has such pretty and graceful items, it's hard not too fall for any of these...

El Shane Dress in Black & White, $395

Ayana Dress in Cactus Flower, $365

Aria Wrap Dress in Bloom or Olive, $365

Maretta Wrap Dress, $365

Kittine Dress in Falling Willow Black or Bloom, $445

Of the line itself, Diane Von Furstenberg says it is, "An homage to Diana Vreeland who taught us we could be goddesses and rock stars."

To see the complete 2009 spring line, visit the DVF Web site.

* When I grow up, I want to be just like her.

Complex Simplicity

2009-02-11T16:13:00.008-06:00

I'm a sucker for a simple garment that has an undertone of complexity. Whether it be a skirt cut at an unexpected angle, or a plain top with a strange neckline -- I'm completely drawn to it. It's rare for me to wear patterns, if I do it's usually a black and white striped pattern or polka dots. For my clothing, basic colors and lines with funky twists are my favorites. These two dresses are currently at the top of my Spring wardrobe wishes.

First there's the Phoenix Dress, made from 100% organic cotton, on sale for $120. The Phoenix is available in grey, tan or olive.

Next, there's the Bagera DF A/W 08, $335, which is a lovely little number with two hip pockets and a pleated neckline. Available in red, black and tan.
But...I'm not loving the prices. It may be time to finally take that dress making class!

Moms Need Pampering, Too...

2009-02-02T20:38:00.004-06:00

Even the word cashmere sounds relaxing, doesn't it? I love these new Cashmere Eye Pillows by Kistner Supply. Filled with organic flaxseed and made with recycled luxe cashmere, zap them in the micro for soothing warmth or chill them for a fresh stress releaser.

Priced at only $30 each, treat yourself, your best friend and your mom.

World Links Necklace

2009-01-28T21:21:00.002-06:00

The talented women at Design Glut have designed a necklace sure to appeal to geography buffs and jet setters alike. The quirky cool World Links necklace, $60, features laser cut acrylic on a beaded chain.

Polaroid Lives On...

2009-01-20T18:20:00.000-06:00

Even though our beloved Polaroid film has rode off into the sunset, there are still several ways to keep its memory alive. I love this adorable necklace by Sabrina's Charm I found at Shana Logic. It's sold out, but I'm hoping there will be more available soon.

You can also turn all of your favorite snapshots into "Polaroid" prints using the free shareware Poladroid program. Make sure you tip those guys when you download the program.

Corners

2007-06-26T13:31:00.000-05:00

What is it about corners that are so inviting? Corners lend themselves to being safe havens, whether being the observer at a party or cuddling up with a cup of tea or hot cocoa and reading a good book in your favorite chair. Corners are very alluring.
When designing or furnishing a room I've noticed people avoid putting anything in their corners! I like how my friend, fellow blogger, used the corner of her son's bedroom. It is both functional and eye-appealing. Doesn't it make you want to reach for a coloring book? I especially like the window treatments and the natural lighting. By the way, if you want to see some interesting corners, visit Inner Corners at Flickr.

Gaudi

2007-05-30T21:58:00.000-05:00

Being in the middle of Spring and nearing Summer the color white comes to mind, for me anyway! Antonio Gaudi, the famous Spanish architect brought a good example of that white color into his creations. His designs are organic, fluid, seamless, simple, pure, and genious. Here are a few samples from Casa Batllo in Barcelona.

Cool Business Cards

2007-05-13T08:50:00.000-05:00

Creative Bits has a great collection of cool business cards.

House across from the mills

2007-04-26T08:47:00.001-05:00

House across from the mills
Originally uploaded by NortonChris.

Photo by Christopher Barrett. My official critique: me likey!

Yves Saint Laurent

2007-04-12T15:22:00.000-05:00

There are only a few iconic fashion designers and Monsieur Saint Laurent is one of them. Born in 1936, in Algeria, he had a wonderful childhood and at 3 years of age was already deciding whether his aunt was dressed well enough for certain occassions! He was a young man when he went to work as Christian Dior's assistant. Dior left his couture design house to Laurent. Yves Saint Laurent quickly knew he had to leave his imprint of style as Chanel and Balenciaga did. He most certainly did accomplish that and so much more for the fashion world. In his past interviews, his answers are so eloquent and thought-out. The young Yves Saint Laurent reminded me (now don't laugh!) of the actor Crispin Glover! They have that shyness about them, but are thinkers and their creative minds are out of this world. My comparison ends there!
Saint Laurent was known for his love of the androgynous look. He noted the confidence men had in their clothes and wanted to give women that chance in his designs. His trouser and suit designs for women were shockingly feminine and were quickly a success. His love of colors came when he visited Morocco, where he now resides. He never had anything plannned out for a design. He thought of a woman's face, and from there his drawings flowed. Most of the time he could complete a season collection in only 2 weeks. Here are a few outfits from his Fall 2007 collection. Note the classic little black dress and the feminity of the women's suits. I am a big fan of this living legend and have such an appreciation for everything he has brought to the design world.

Mark Ryden Show Review...

2007-03-23T19:03:00.000-05:00

L.A. Weekly has a review of Mark Ryden's new show “The Tree Show” at the Michael Kohn Gallery in Los Angeles.

Door to Door Madam

2007-03-09T18:08:00.001-06:00

Lisa is too modest to admit it, but she has a very cool collection of photographs taken of doors around the world.

Doors to Balcony by Girl Least Likely To.

Included are doors from homes, prisons, stores, museums, and from places like Barcelona, Manchester, Chicago and even her own home.

Tiffany Blue Doors by Girl Least Likely To.

Sunday Reads...

2007-03-04T07:32:00.000-06:00

A few things to read over coffee and breakfast -- or wine and dinner:

The power of art - THE ORIGAMI LAB, Why a physicist dropped everything for paper folding.
Runway v. reality - Who Wears This?
My Super Ex- Boyfriend - Wright on the Web: A Virtual History of Frank Lloyd Wright

Remind me to tell you about Mamah -- not right now, but later.

Kerf Design...

2007-02-27T19:53:00.000-06:00

Seattle-based Kerf is whipping out some pretty nifty cabinets, dressers and consoles. With a nod to the Eames storage units, Kerfs adds beautiful pastels and their own touches to create some kick-ass stuff. Behold!

LC Console, 20" x 60" x 36" high; $1,800.

Interested in how they make their product? Kerf takes you through the step-by-step process of their work.

Oscars...

2007-02-26T07:06:00.000-06:00

You can imagine poor Naomi Watts' surprise when she realized that she and Charles showed up to the Oscars with the same outfit.

Palenville Cottage

2007-02-25T11:27:00.001-06:00

Our Palenville Cottage as of February 2005
Originally uploaded by Catskills Grrl.

Flickr user, Catskills Grrl, has a beautiful and fascinating set of before and after shots of her great cottage in the Catskill Moutains.

With much patience, hard work and love she has made the cottage into a delightful place all her own.

Yet another reason nothing is scarier than a clown....

2007-02-24T17:11:00.000-06:00

If you know me, it is no big secret that I despise clowns. To me, they are not vessels of merriment and delight. Hell no. They are grotesque creatures that are constantly in disguise to hide the fact that at any possible moment BAM! They can snap, go wiggy and kill us all.

So you can imagine my chagrin when I get an email announcing "Spring's Newest Looks by Alexander McQueen" and it takes me to a picture of this:
Now I ask you, dear reader, does this guy look like someone who is chock full o' mirth and gonna lead you on an express train to Happy Freakin' Town?!

The Busy Life

2007-02-21T21:47:00.000-06:00

My friend and all-around Renaissance Man, Naz Hamid, and the lovely and incredibly talented Jen Schuetz have created a new collaborative photo site called The Busy Life.

Filled with beautiful, intimate portraits this narrative photographic site is a must add to your bookmark page.

Todd Oldham on Ray and Charles Eames

2007-02-19T18:38:00.000-06:00

A nice little video essay by Todd Oldham on Ray and Charles Eames.

Proenza Schouler at Target = Woh! Woh! Woh!*

2007-02-18T16:09:00.000-06:00

In the tradition of Isaac Mizrahi, Luella Bartley and Paul & Joe, Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough, the talented hotties of Proenza Schouler are the next major designers to team up with Target for their GO International line.Being an admirer of Proenza Schouler, I couldn't wait to see what they would bring to Target. Finally, some PS everyone could afford.

Well, I went to my local Target yesterday (the kid was out of Pull-Ups and is being really stubborn about using the toilet! Yes, I am looking at you, Vincent) and noticed that the Proenza Schouler racks were set and resplendent with clothes ready for my grabby little hands to take. Imagine my dissapointment when I rummaged through them and was met with a total feeling of underwhelment.

I don't understand how two fellas who are responsible for this gorgeousity, can in turn crank out something -- which is accessible to the masses -- which looks like this:
Oy! The silhouette of these shirts is quite bland and that isn't even touching on the black that outlines the entire thing. They look dated and heavy, unflattering...and kinda cheap.

Speaking of unflattering...
Now don't get me wrong, I am not a clothes snob. I have many Target items in my closet, these just don't look well-made.

Members Only called...they want their jacket back

Many people have said that the collection, which is being labeled as resort wear, is geared towards mainstream consumers. Really? Which mainstream consumer that you know would go out in this?

Stand up straight honey, slouching is bad for you...

I should point out there were two items which I found to be absolutely delightful. There are these seersuckerish trousers that are cut in a really figure-friendly way. I will definitely be getting a pair of these:
And this trapeze coat is very soft, feminine and lovely. Perfect for spring!
As for the rest of the stuff, I have to wonder if Target and we get PS collection rejects? Did the Lazaro and Jack just figure it was only Target folks, so why bother? ¿Que pasa? Thanks, but not thanks.

In the meantime, I'll just drool over these...

From the Spring 2007 Collection

From the Spring 2007 Collection

From the Spring 2007 Collection

From the Fall 2006 Collection

From the Fall 2006 Collection

* Lisa succinctly described this as the acme of disappointment, "You know that music they play in cartoons? Woh, woh, woh!"

New Colors For Fall '07

2007-02-17T15:28:00.000-06:00

The PANTONE fashion color report for Fall 2007 is out and I am very excited to share the colors that are faved:

Carafe- a gorgeous dark chocolate, Burnt Ochre- a soft melon, Chili Pepper-a shade of red that is one of my personal favorites, Stargazer-an ocean blue turquoise, Shale Green- a darker shade of a minty green, Dusk- a greyish periwinkle, Green Moss-an army green, Lemon Curry- a mustardy yellow, Cashmere Rose- a lavendar color, and Purple Wine-grape. Who comes up with these names?

Some designers featured were Zac Posen. His design was inspired by irises and went with the Purple Wine as his signature color which is in the deep plum tones. Another favorite came from Cynthia Rowley. Her inspiration was also a flower, the aurora borealis. She used the Shale Green in her Twiggy-like dress design. I can see Sienna Miller wearing this frock. Enjoy and start preparing your wardrobe with this fabulous palette for Fall of 2007!

But O-O-O That Mod Livin'...

2007-02-17T09:06:00.000-06:00

I've just spent the last half-hour browser window shopping at Mod Livin' making a list of stuff I would like to get for our home. Gah, if ever there was a place to shop, this, along with DWR, is it.

So far, I am totally digging:
- this owl mobile for the kid's room
- La Chaise is always a classic I'll drool over
- the Eiffel base dining room chairs by Eames -- very cool

With so much mass-produced, unoriginal furniture, seeing a great classic of design is always so refreshing.

Vogue Vintage Patterns

2007-02-16T11:20:00.000-06:00

Nowadays, the vintage dress can be hard to find. To this end, an easy solution to finding a vintage dress that actually fits you is to make one.

I'm a fan of Vogue pattern's vintage line. What is offered online is just a sampling of what is available at any fabric shop. These, in particular, caught my eye:

Now all you need is to hook yourself up with some fabric from Repro Depo and you're in business.

My friend, Cinnamon, has a nice collection of vintage patterns on display you should check out.

If you have any vintage pattern dresses you made, send us a photo and we'll post it here. I love seeing people's handmade clothes!

Pillow Talk

2007-02-15T11:53:00.000-06:00

While this idea is hardy Ikea Hack-worthy (I love that site, by the way) a nice way to dress up the 99 cent Irma pillow is by cutting out felt shapes and either sewing or hot-glueing them onto the pillow.

Before:

After - Here is one of my favorites:

Now that does not look like a 99 cent pillow, does it?

NB - If you opt for the hot glue gun method, the shapes will eventually fall off unless you are gingerly with the pillow --- but it's a pillow so how careful can you really be?

Design Calculator

2007-02-15T11:42:00.000-06:00

Are you redecorating? Not sure how much paint or fabric you need for your project? The folks over at Domino have set up a nifty design calculator that gives you a rough estimate of how much supply you need for your job.

Now if only it came with some free helpers...

Salome at the Chicago Lyric Opera House

2006-11-15T14:55:00.000-06:00

Last night, quite unexpectedly and last minute, I was given two tickets for the Lyric Opera House's production of Richard Strauss' Salome. The set was absolutely beautiful, my best friend and I had some kick ass seats (aisle 2, main section, row U) and while I am not a great fan of German opera, this one was pretty damn good. Although I must admit, by the time Salome was rolling around on the floor and making out with the head of John the Baptist, I really wanted to laugh. Here is a good article about the production.

If opera sounds intriguing and you're interested in becoming an opera geek, I suggest you begin your journey by reading a book of operatic summaries. The stories are usually super crazy. Then, you might want to get an CD sampler just to whet your whistle. I'm partial to A Night at the Opera: An Irreverent Guide to The Plots, The Singers, The Composers, The Recordings by Denis Forman.

Of course, you can always just jump right in and go see one, but whatever you do, don't start out with Parsifal -- that freakin' thing is five hours long and just too damn esoteric.

I've enjoyed Othello (I saw the Chicago Lyric Opera's production in 2001) and La Traviata (which is pure cheese, complete with a TB death and everything!)

Just go for it with an open mind and a sense of humor.

P.S. And just for yucks, here is Michelle Kwan during her Salome long program performance at the 1996 Worlds. See, I'm a double geek because I posted that, too!

Thoughts on Project Runway's Finale...

2006-10-21T08:19:00.000-05:00

The Project Runway finales in the past have usually been predictable (you know who is going to suck and who isn't) or even touching. (Seriously, who knew Santino had that in him?) After watching the last season finale, I have to say that this group had the most boring collection of collections (ha!) ever. Even though I had previously viewed photos of everyone's work, watching it go down the runway, it was painfully obvious just how uninspired and blah it was.

The biggest disappointment was in Michael's collection -- so cheesy and sooooo amateur. I don't understand how his work was consistently wonderful throughout the show and his collection was just bad.

At least Michael acknowledged he was still "finding" himself as a designer. He is very young and it's all a learning process. Rock on, my brother, we'll be seeing more of you soon.

Laura's work was very beautiful and cohesive, but it wasn't more -- and she really needed to show the judges more. It was pure dramatic "Laura", but not exciting or surprising.

I thought Uli's was nice, but everything was too similar. Those silver pieces that were shown right after each other looked almost identical.

(This woman has the most perfect breasteseses I've ever seen:
)

I have never been much of a Jeffrey fan, but I did think his work was the most original. Was it the best? I guess, but not by much. It's originality was what it had going for it Did he deserve to win? Meh. I have a problem with his winning and already having a working business and line. He's always talking about Cosa Nostra and how successful it is. Well then, why the hell did he enter the PR competition for? It seems unfair when Michael and Uli truly have nothing.

Total aside but, not being much of a Jeffrey follower, you can imagine my horror and surprise to have had not one or two but THREE sexy dreams in a row about him. I am quite puzzled…

He does nothing for me, but there I am in my subconscious,
all over him like a cheap suit.

Damn it all to hell, now I am starting to have a crush on him. Noooo!

Dear Jeffrey,

Please explain the following top.

Oh, and stay out of my head!

~~xoxo~~

Alex

And was it just me or were all of those models HORRIBLE walkers? They all looked quite slouchy and wobbly -- just awful, awful, awful.

All in all, I think last year's final three were more creative and inspired.

j'taime....j'taime

2006-07-13T20:22:00.000-05:00

A score by Miles Davis, direction by Malle, the exquisite Jeanne Moreau (whom I adore) and the trailer -- Good God the trailer! -- is amazing.

Daley wants to make Chicago fashionable

2006-06-11T12:53:00.000-05:00

Bless Mayor Daley. He wants to make Chicago a more fashionable place in the hopes of attracting designers and having recent fashion school grads stay here in the city. I wish!

Daley, whose father was on national best-dressed lists during his mayoral tenure, announced Wednesday the creation of a Fashion Advisory Council to unite local designers and fashion leaders in what has been a fragmented industry. The council wants to persuade local designers to stay here rather than move to New York City or Los Angeles.

That would be wonderful, but Chicago still has quite a ways to go to attract designers and make this place appealing to the up and coming ones.

To wit, this is how fashion saavy many Chicagoans are (or rather aren't), Ofelia Casillas and Jodi S. Cohen "reporters" for the Chicago Tribune write in their article:

To retain talented young designers, Chicago should attract established designers and manufacturers, and hurry up, some students said, so they can start to enjoy the new fashion landscape upon graduation.

"We have great boutiques, great designers, but if we could get some of the bigger names to come out here, it would be awesome," Miller said. "If Mark Jacobs or someone of that caliber started something here in Chicago, we would have a great name for ourselves."

Doesn't the Tribune have a fact-checker or something? Even if you do a search on Mark Jacobs, Marc Jacobs is all that appears in the results. Honestly...

*Sigh* I guess most Chicagoans do need more fashion exposure.

password and log-in: injustspring

Simple and well designed...

2006-05-31T19:05:00.000-05:00

My favorite things are those that are simple and well designed/thought out. A plain, nicely cut t-shirt will always win me over before an elaborate, frilly blouse does; give me WCW over hoity-toity rhyming poets any day; vanilla will continue to trump peanut-speckled raspberry marshmallow whatever ice cream.

I stumbled across this site today and it has all the things I admire: minimal color, a great serif type, it has to do with literature (Truman, in particular!) and it is beautifully and thoughtfully laid out.

In short, me likey!

Random Photo...

2006-05-25T19:21:00.000-05:00

Diane von Furstenberg...

2006-05-25T10:34:00.000-05:00

I love Diane von Furstenberg. I love how she designs for a woman's body (and by woman, I mean not a stick with legs), I love how she doesn't take Hollywood seriously, and how she is choosing to age gracefully. She's a polyglot, into yoga, a grandmother. She's fabulous!

With Diane von Furstenberg's newish line, DVF, I find myself constantly drooling. Just about every piece is right up my alley. The cuts are simple, but still make a statement. The shapes are minimal, but not boring. There's a beautiful fluidity in everything she makes.

My only gripe is that she can get a little too pattern CRAZY (like mixing plaids and houndstooth), but even then, somehow she still makes it work.

And this coat is so divine, it makes me want to cry.

Easily, one of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe is my jersey wrap dress. I can dress it up or down and even if I feel all dumpy and bloated, as soon as I put that dress on, I feel curvaceous and glamourous.

Designed in 1972, her jersey wrap dress was a huge success and still to this day (reintroduced in 1997) is a staple in any fashion-forward wardrobe.

Grown Up Clothing...

2006-05-18T15:19:00.000-05:00

My husband and I have gotten to the point where we know it is no longer acceptable to shop from stores where people who were born when we were in high school also shop.

This is year is our "Grown Up Clothes" year. For a woman, the transformation from young girl to sophisticated woman can be much easier* -- toss on some dangly earrings, throw on heels with everything and you're all set. For a man, however, not only can it be more difficult, but it can also be hella expensive. A woman can get away with a cute suit from say Club Monaco, or even H & M, but if a man wears a suit or jacket from a cheap brand he'll look...well, cheap.

So for starters, for his grown up transformation my husband is cutting down on the times he wears jeans. Dockers or Khakis are not an option, nor should they ever be for anyone unless you work at Blockbuster or Best Buy.

Next, he is trying to incorporate more jackets into his spring and summer wardrobe. While looking online, I found this fresh jackets that I like because it has a more traditional fabric (seersucker) in unexpected color. Funky, yet stylish:

This 7 for All Mankind white jacket looks crisp and clean, although that description makes it sound like a cucumber:

What I really noticed was the lack of choices that are out there for men. You can either look like everyone else, or like a romance novel cover dude all clad in International Male (Caftan, anyone?), or you can get lucky and find the occasional treasure.

I would like to take this moment to apologize to the male gender and say I am sorry you got shafted with shitty and limited clothing choices. I mean, really! Even the Neiman Marcus Web site clumps men's and electronics together. Sorry.

If you are a male who knows where to go for some nice threads, please let me know.

As you were...

*Truth be told, with the return of leggings, it is SUPER tempting for me wait until summer is over for my "growth spurt" to be fully realised, but come on! No one should wear leggings after the age of 30 25, and the ladies would definitely agree with me on this one!

Random Chicago Photo...

2006-05-18T15:11:00.000-05:00

The Scottsdale Museum of Modern Art

2006-05-08T13:40:00.000-05:00

While the SMoCA might need some snazzier exhibits and/or new curators, the minimalist building itself is quite beautiful.

Built in what used to be an old movie theater, the museum has some gorgeous lines and beautiful open space (Can space be beautiful?)

Designed by the firm of William P. Bruder-Architect, Ltd. the museum has a strong industrial feel to it with low, flat lines akin to much of the Arizona landscape. The transluscent glass panels by James Carpenter Design Associates gives the interiors an almost menacing hazy glow.

The museum also houses James Turrell's "Knight Rise":

In short: Me likey!

Can't. Stop. Grinning.

2006-05-08T13:21:00.000-05:00

Re-Mix Vintage Shoes

RE-MIX VINTAGE SHOES are authentically styled reproductions of popular vintage shoes from the 1940's to the 60's: Vintage, Swing dance and Rock-a-billy favorites such as 40's wedgies, sexy 40's "Pin-up girl" high heel platforms and "babydoll" round toe pumps, saddle shoes, wood platform stilettos and more...

Oh Sweet Baby Jesus, where do I even begin to look?

Random Chicago Photo...

2006-05-08T13:16:00.000-05:00

Welcome

2006-05-04T09:47:00.000-05:00

In the tradition of the original injust-spring, I've decided to make this site a place where I can examine, admire and talk smack about modern design, architecture and fashion. Why? Because I need some pretty things and nice frivolity to add a pleasant break in my day.

"Who ever said that pleasure wasn't functional?" -- Charles Eames