Archive for March 2007

What's in Store?

Yesterday I got an ultra-vivid memory of the smell inside Milk (one that remains on clothes when you get them home and leaves you dizzy with happiness) and suddenly felt a need to step inside retail which I haven't done for a month (astounding, I know).

Mission one: Milk
Mission two: Isabel Marant at Creatures of Comfort
Mission three: Opening Ceremony Los Angeles store (gasp) just two days young
Mission four: I've convinced myself that a boxy short-sleeved cropped jacket is essential to my survival and after an exhhhausting web search I came up with only the three pieces below.

Edit: No to sweatshirt material and a hidden yellow flower print!





Mirror Image Line red capelet, $425.




Yellow greatness from ASOS at $53, wish it had no buttons.

We Rule The School

In elementary school I got sent to the principals office for throwing wet paper towels on the ceiling in the girls bathroom. The Pea Throwing Incident makes me now really wish a note had been sent home.

peathrowingincident.blogspot.com

Read the main letter for a good laugh.
He's taking submissions that will one day become a book, so if you got one send it in.

Fear Of Corners

Jimmy Tamborello and Jenny Lewis just walked into my office to drop off a package and I fucking missed them.
I wont get into how amused I am that it made The Postal Service oh so literal.
I'm so used to weirdos randomly walking in I never turn around when I hear people talking in my room, sadness!

The upside is there is a new Dntel album coming out and word is it is very good.

Maybe because my party clothes are so binding...

How comfy do these Rachel Pally Spring and Summer 2007 dresses look?


Rachel Pally

I Need Some Fine Wine and You, You Need to Be Nicer

While the design-geek in me loves this bottle the wino in me says this wine looks like it would taste like water. I'm torn on if the ability to drink it like such without feeling like a 100% drunk is a positive or negative.


VOGA



Cork under the cap? Eerie, just plain eerie. I can only hope this cork is more cooperative than last nights bottle, a wine I never got to taste now sitting with a broken screw buried inside the its impossible cork. This of course was enough to ignite child-like tantrum stomping and pouty faces, only soothed by my boyfriend taking me to buy a fresh Pinot Noir and a new (steel) corkscrew. If that aint love I don't know what is.

Tiny Paintings

My friend Racquel makes some simply amazing pieces that become instant favorites. This clasp on my one of a kind won me over last fall and has been added to the Fall 2007 collection - now up for your viewing pleasure.
She also makes custom pieces which makes me feel just like a kid in a candy store.


ANKH

Think Long

The giraffe is one of the strangest creatures - long long neck, huge black eyes and a long black tongue - yet can I resist them? No! Giraffe bucket tote from Oak at an irresistible $38.

Crown of Love

Like a school girl waiting by the phone, Crispin & Basilio finally arrived to provide a satisfying last bit of LA Fashion Week.
I was caught off guard by the style of the off site show & rather amused watching the models get increasingly tired and eventually chatty at the end of the hour holding spots down the length of the stage. It really did however provide great opportunity to inspect and discuss each piece a la 'I fucking love those tights' and come to 45 minutes later realizations a la 'Whaa that dress has pockets?!'
I cannot get over how much this line speaks so deeply to my style and leaves us saying 'I want it ALL!'

Other then that, I think the photos speak for themselves. Here are my shots of all 12 looks from Fall 2007.


Crispin & Basilio














++ can I tell you how much I adore her?

50 ML

The best thing from LA Fashion Week?
Definitely wasn't the Samora or Anthony Franco shows, both of which were sadly disappointing yesterday (I'm of the belief they design well for Spring but a rather frumpy Fall).
Nu uh uh not even the much adored Alvin Valley collection.

The pocket sized Chambord bottles!




Total mooch count of three, one of which came in a equally 'aww'-inducing box inside the Anthony Franco gift bags that I, naturally, forgot to pick back up after resting my toots in the lounge.

Now off to dream of tipping them into champagne flutes and the lingering taste of french martinis.

Concrete Seconds

I thoroughly enjoyed the Alvin Valley show today at LA Fashion Week and was able to snap some shots of my favorites. Great jackets, professional trousers, and those red tights!


Alvin Valley



This was my favorite piece from the collection, it seems to come together so naturally classic but casual like a good jumper would.




Yes! This red is brilliantly perfect. Secured this color on my long list of shades to acquire which I will most assuredly procrastinate in actually acquiring. I still don't understand why I have to resort to online purchases for funky shades. In a perfect world every Target would be stocked with the rainbow.




I even like this bright print, the pleats make it really something.




This slouch looks great in motion.




One of several great cropped jackets.




This jacket is so me, I love it. Michelle Trachtenberg and Taryn Manning seemed giddy too.




In the running for THE small fall leather jacket.


++ these and these high-waisted trousers.


Hmm...does it scream Angelina Jolie to you?


The changes in operations on site def lived up to what I had been hearing - a much more exclusive and organized event overall. Cheers to no crowds at the bar, although I do think those that wandered in to score free drinks and jam in past years should be rewarded for such broke-drunk brilliance!

Lonesome Crowded West

First bits of LA Fashion Week. My favorites being the cropped dark jackets from both, a piece at the top of my wish list.


Juan Carlos Obando







Dress is glorious.


Voom by Joy Han

Is it wrong to want to live on your own?

Johnston Marklee's Hill House owned by Chan Luu is breathtaking. There are residences which impress me but this really hits a note like nothing has for me before.



The outside is what gets me but the interior is equally as brilliant.
Packs a spacious 3,600 sq.ft.

The Big Fight

I <3 Huckabees is one of my all time favorite movies.
This video of the drama on set is totally fucking with my perception!

Give Me Good News

Goldenbleu makes good:


Hi Kara,

I'm sorry, but I never got another email from you. Please understand I didn't mean to not respond to you. Do you have a direct line I can contact you at?

In regards to your request, I would love to talk to you in person to apologize for you not getting the answers you requested.

That style you are interested in is called the "JAMIE" sandal, and unfortunately no stores have been shipped that style as of yet. The stores that should have it in stock by the end of the month are:

Purple Skirt (Pheonix, AZ) - 480.785.1811
Rue De Shoe (Ketchum, ID) - I don't have their number unfortunately
Que Bella (Richmond, VA) - 804.249.6110
Trinity (Thousand Oaks, CA) - I don't have their number either

This should give you a good start, and hopefully help.

Please don't hesitate to call me directly with any future needs. I apologize for not getting in touch sooner. I typically handle PR and events, and not customer service, so sometimes things get looked over. However, my intentions were not to disregard your request.

All the best,
Risa


(Re: this post)
Jamie, you are so mine! Uhh...anyone want to go with me to the T.O.?! Um. Hm.

Still

I capture a quiet moment in a bright spring day.




I capture a quiet moment in a dark spring night.

Why You'd Want to Live here

Yes. LA Fashion Week is rather weak sauce in comparison but it is ours and there are some jewels to be found among the terrible printed Hollywood-sported tees. I'm most looking forward to Samora, which I'll hopefully be invading and seeing up close. Spring 07 favorites are below...I especially like her bottoms. Bonus points for being a USC grad, we are a fine fine bunch!


Samora







++ how beautiful is this execution of the frightening item?


I'd also like to drunken woggle my way into Alvin Valley, Juan Carlos Obando and Imitation of Christ. Regardless, I'm getting an early start at the Kristen Coates Collective tomorrow night where I'm hoping to wander aimlessly around the Los Angeles Theatre.

Rooftops

Two tops that make me want tops.
I've been 'over' the idea of purchasing tops (minus vintage steals) in preference of dresses and bottoms but alas, these two are greatness!


Dace



The sleeves and contrasting piped panel are executed perfectly.


Lux / Urban Outfitters



The designs at Urban Outfitters rarely stand out, but is it just me or is this top sweet and unique? I could see this design being much more than the very reasonable $38 it is.

Pinker Tones

Homer car - 1 & 2
Walking around Hollywood never ceases to amaze.

Arrangements Of Shapes And Space

A modern take on flip-flops - Hex Sandal in red. Love the slight wooden wedge heel and back hexagon design.


Ted Baker

Clouds Like These

The hottest day on record and I finally find a printed hoodie I really want.
It rains during Spring, right?!


Loyal Army



$36 at Fred Flare

++ I'll also take their Hungry For Love tee.

Corrected Eyesight: 0.6

Apparently the Paul Frank company is into referencing our favorite bands.
I'm a big fan of their frames and have owned two pairs of their sunglasses, but is it trying to hard or is it yayness?


Paul Frank



O lordy, of course a Weezer reference, but I'm not one to deny Pinkerton love.





Possibly the best Death Cab for Cutie song to date.





The Stone Roses? Unexpected. This song earns them big points.


The complete rx collection:

Fly Around My Pretty Little Miss

There is too much cuteness in this Miss Van work. I cannot point enough fingers. I'll start with awws, where can I get myself a birdie to restfully keep my head warm?
I go see the Heart Throb exhibit in person soon, soon.

PS - I'll take this time to express my love for notcot's recent use of the line "oh so design geeky" - I think it is perfect for describing most things I see myself obsessing over due to my graphic design background...pantone colors, etc. I'm stealing it!

First Day Back

Open backs are one of the best things about warm days. Ziji has some great pieces with lots of unique backs.


Ziji

Mary, I'm Ready

If only all Mary Janes were this cute and cheap. $2.50 can't even buy me a beer on a Friday night! Think the red insides do it for me here. Sold at Pearl River.

Swe-et

This one is long overdue: I love the photography on Moderniteter.




In a sea of sub par blogs all following the tired model of posting snapshots of style on the streets and personal outfits, Moderniteter is such a breath of fresh air. Sweden based Amanda & Olivia display such honest photos showcasing their great style that I can appreciate even with a shotty translation engine.

The Coming Of Spring

Lots of pretty light things for spring from Lauren Moffatt.


Lauren Moffatt

Robbers & Cowards

I got an email from 'Larry Smith' this morning subject "JOB OFFER............!!!" and while I have had my fair share of scam emails this one was extra pleasant.


Here are some con tips for Larry:

1. "And this is a very limited offer in which I will require your immediate response"
> Limited offers are for department stores and infomercials, not jobs.

2. "The firm which was founded in 2002 and has a very good reputation and stand which we have maintained true the yrs very well cos its all we have a good name."
> Not that this sentence was smart to begin with but did he just abbreviate 'because,' 'cos'?

3. "Moreover the company at the end of the yr will give out bonuses and some other gift items like umbrellas, clothes, home appliances e. t. c to show our appreciation."
> Umbrellas?! where do I sign up?!

The Rest Will Follow

Patrick Robinson is next for GO at Target.
Def a few cute cheap basics in the mix but the v-neck empire waist shirts/dresses and prints seem way off target (hah, no pun intended) for the season. Swim was nice but I'm always a fan of Target swim and it didn't stray from their usual offerings.
I'll be searching down these see them up close:




These Shorts with Tie in Mint are my favorite from the collection, color is great and price is right, $19.99.




Agh, I wish they would have made this in white. Possibly for summer nights? Also comes in Raspberry, $24.99




I like the look of this Crochet Tunic Tank in White, but unless it is extra nice in person and long I can't see myself spending $29.99 on a Target tank.


PS - Patrick Robinson went to high school in Fullerton and worked at Nordstroms in Cerritos. Fullerton coming up this year! Cold War Kids, Patrick Robinson, look at the OC getting their fame on!

Silent Shout

I let out a shriek of joy this morning to the headline on WWD:
Loeffler Randall Steps Into Apparel

Can the husband and wife duo be as on point with clothing as their utterly perfect footwear? Can't wait to find out.

And I Was A Boy From School

I have skinny legs that I blame on being half black. And while I'm not complaining, a lot of shorts and jeans with extra give look really awkward on me. I get extra excited when I find slim shorts that save them from looking chicken-ish.


American Apparel



When I walk up to an item I totally fall for at American Apparel it's always mixed feelings. It happens about once a year and is always a very versatile not-too-hipster-overworn-or-boring basic. Last year, a creme Baby Rib Mini Shift Dress and a heather grey Tri-Blend Tank that I want to wear everyday. This year it's these Thick-Knit Page Boy Shorts in Royal Blue which are so cutesy with pockets and a cuff that would be perfect for Coachella-ness.


Deener



In denim, how sweet is the elastic bottom on these?

The Evergreen

I've been obsessed with the idea of bright green flats after seeing them shine in numerous looks while browsing earlier this year. Can I find them again? Of course not. Am I still lusting after the images of white dresses paired with the stand-out shoes? Indeed.

Jinny Kim makes the perfect pair in satin, priced at a very reasonable $160 for easy pick up at my neighborhood Milk.



Other options: Sam Edelman, J.Crew


These are at the top of my shoe-list, right behind the Goldenbleu chunky heels. Jinny Kim was immediately very nice and helpful.

Check out the responses:
Jinny Kim - "hi kara! Thank you for taking interest in my shoes!:) pls check attatched photo. also we have a website->www.jinnykimshoes.com warm regards, Jinny Kim"
Goldenbleu - "Hi! You can find a lot of our shoes at shopbop.com as well as various boutiques all over the country. Shopbop is the best place to find the ones you're looking for! Thanks and hope that helps. risa kostis"

What?? Was that automated? No, shopbop doesn't carry them, I checked. I mean obviously I did my savvy web-stalking, obviously. & What?? I can't bank on coming up on them randomly at a boutique somewhere in the country! I need instant direction and access to consumeconsumeconsume!!
Sighsigh, maybe I shall be stay short this spring.

Immaculate Heart

Aww x infinity! I want this rug, I can picture it now against my next wooden or cement floored apartment.



Design by HZL.
100% handtufted New Zealand wool. New Zealand wool is the best available due to its high lanolin content...Beautifully textured contemporary patterns accomplished by unique weave. Special hand carving and combination cut and loop pile is very unusual craftmanship. The surfaces are soft and thick, making these rugs indulgently luxurious and sophisticated. They're constructed with care by hand, meeting the highest standards for construction and quality.
(I really cannot hear the word lanolin without giggling about Anchorman)

Price tag is $1,238 which would semi-leave me praying for an Ikea or Urban Outfitters knock-off if the above didn't sound so amazing. Upside? It's black so wine-drunk spills wont cause a semi-heart attack.

Footloose and Fancy Free

Recent shots. The upside of working in the heart of Hollywood.

Sky Corvair

What a proper end to Paris. Miu Miu made me feel all delicate while still maintaining some necessary structure. The nude sheer fabrics and light quilts had such an amazing vintage photograph feel. Marc Jacobs designing for Louis Vuitton = double the magic. It's really one supergroups you make up in your head but never actually expect to band.


Miu Miu














Louis Vuitton

QOTD

"I can't tell you about it, but it's basically genius"

- to CNN about the "one song that [they] feel like everybody has to hear" to be included on the next Coldplay album, uttered by the same man who proclaimed Gwyneth the most beautiful woman in the world. Sorry Chris Martin, last night while watching The Royal Tenenbaums we came to the proclamation it's simply a false statement. Not even Top 5, so excuse us if we take your life-changing song with a grain of salt.

Nevertheless, I do love those who use the word genius and point to themselves.
Ooops Naitze got grouped with Coldplay on this one.

Death Or Life We Want You

Spring and Summer 2007 orange, or Fall 2007 orange?
Sorry Paolo Melim but I choose the former color of death.
I've been obsessing over the Chloe current collections, favorites of which are at the bottom, but was semi let down by the looks shown in Paris yesterday. Just a few things I'd rock (I mean I GUESS, If I HAD to. hah.)


Chloe
Fall 2007










Spring and Summer 2007












Hopes that future seasons will bring good things maintaining and strengthening the oh so lustable brand.

Slender Wrist

Currently lusting for: Blue and black Chanel bracelet from their Fall 2007 show. So simple but so classic that I'd wear with anything sporting a huge goofy grin on my face.

Some Things Never Fall

Black balloons = smiles.
I fell in love with this photo from Portugal Fashion week.



Or maybe she's smiling at the Cristina Miguel Fall 2007 shoes below?




++ I hate to generalize and say those Portuguese are hotter than us, but
(in Rita Bonaparte)

Don't Smile, Its Post-Modern

As if Friday's aren't yay-worthy enough, it turned the past couple days in Paris around for me and brought out some amazing design and giggles.


Sonia Rykiel









I like this just because how happy Stam looks (and that orange glove that perfects the look), in a natural non-goofy way unlike some of the other catwalk smiles going on that are simply creeepy. & No matter how many girls turned grins there's simply no changing Lara Stone. In-tense. This is only made more humorous by her bunny ears.
Still, nothing compares to those Tokyo girls at Maison Gilfy.


Giambattista Valli



This looks dope.




I also like this dress but can only imagine how many un-savvys would pull 'uhhm umm, excuse me I think your strap broke'...Wait, did her strap break??


Rue Du Mail











I thoroughly enjoyed the collection. The yellow shoes are perfect here and that high contrast dress is truly a work of art. Lara Stone is still pissed.


++ Jean-Charles De Castelbajac is soo too Fairfax hipster for words although this bag is ideal for travels and this is so funny. The kids items made me throw up in my mouth a little.
Don't get me wrong, I do skateboard around town in a skirt. Why not send that shit out on the runway?

As a final note paying tribute to my subject, may I recommend a listen to the mixings of Ghislain Poirier?

Working To Work

This from Celine is my ideal interview outfit. All black, sleek, professional with a young, flirty edge. The shirt is perfect, I must search for one and the jacket seems very lightweight to pull it all together without looking too stiff.



Neither Zucca nor Stella's Fall 2007 blew my mind, both of which I was looking forward to today so I post nothing else, nothing else! Emanuel Ungaro did however make this vegan like a piece of fur, and Leonard, flowers.

Two Octobers

These two dresses really stood out from the Christian Lacroix and Hussein Chalayan collections, adding unique materials and color while still remaining classic, feminine and very wearable for almost any occasion.

Paisley Underground

Dries Van Noten incorporates paisley and I say yay. As tacky as over the top as the stuff can get there's no denying its beautiful form. On a more solid note, Givenchy's pants are objects of extreme lust in both black and white.


Dries Van Noten










Givenchy