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How I absolutely swoon for the Lyell Spring collection. A concise collection of simple and sweet pieces, all of which are calling my name…

My ordinarily short attention span was captivated by Julian Red’s beautiful and sexy site -it really lent a feeling. I’m also quite taken with the Hoboken jean.

…in purple, of logarithms, and holidays.

Even with Xmas gifts secured for the friends and family, ’tis the season of giving to others and not oneself. And yet, the F-Troupe A/W shoe, boot, and sneaker sale is on now! Maybe it’s not too late to add these and these to my wishlist for Santa.

(Photo from Sunshine & Shadow)

The ensemble on the right is the most splendid fall outfit. I’ve been looking foward to seeing the Sunshine & Shadow collection since the beginning of the summer, and it does not disappoint. The dress is simply adorable.

Every fall season, I succumb to Cydwoq at least once, twice, (or thrice) -and this season looks as though it will be no different. I feel grateful to have met with Cydwoq shoes as they are the most comfortable I’ve worn. They have a high, supportive arch, and even once when suffering from multiple blisters, my soles found great relief in a pair of Cydwoqs -and a pump heel, no less. I tried everything from walking around the house barefoot to wearing flip flops, birkenstocks, whatever. The only shoes that comforted my battered feet were these shoes. Cydwoq soles feel like orthopedics.

I always appreciate and love it when the core styles of a brand/line are continually available, no matter how many years pass; Cydwoq always brings back the tried and true and adds in a couple more to their repertoire every season and is constantly experimenting with new leathers. Just when I think I’m covered and that I have all the Cydwoq one could ever want need, I’m hit with some magnificent new styles or a beautifully textured leather, and the will to abstain thus weakens. Case in point, the Saddle boot:  tall, beautiful crocodile embossed, eggplant leather.

NB: Cydwoq uses vegetable dyes for their leather, recycled product packaging and water-based adhesives for their shoes, and are made in Burbank, CA. I would gladly be an apprentice.

(A.P.C. f/w 2007 collection)

The full A.P.C. fall collection has dropped online today. Peppered with a couple sweet prints, it’s a bit more austere than usual, but that’s alright with me. It’s little shirtdresses like these and the ubiquitous coquettish basics that make me go crazy.

Herbert on tour.

“The technology of making cloth from bamboo is surprisingly recent. Developed by Beijing University in 2002 companies are starting to make clothing using this wonder material. In addition to its organic and sustainable benefits, bamboo fabric feels incredibly soft. It is antibacterial, antifungal and antistatic, properties which are retained even after repeated washings. The weave is exceptionally good at wicking moisture away from the body, and the fabric will keep you a few degrees warmer in winter and cooler in summer. And it’s biodegradable. Got your attention?” (via Coolhunting)

Bamboo in textile form got my attention last summer, when I bought a drapey faux wrap top from APC. The knit had an unusual texture and was slightly stiff, and was surprised to find it was composed of “100% Bambou.” Though Bam Clothing makes basic tees and the like, it is great to know that this textile can be used in many different functions and kinds of clothing. Though worn often, the shirt has hardly aged a day since I bought it. Handwashed, it retains its shape and consistency, and definitely passes muster. (Read more here to be convinced).

Bamboo has really gotten ahead in the past couple years first as an alternative building material in flooring, furniture design (etc.) for its rapid regrowth and green factor, and slowly is permeating the fashion industry. I hope to be wearing more of it soon.

(Les Prairies de Paris boots from Satine)

A love of blue-green leather, laser cutting, and a fetish for boots converge in this boot from Les Prairies de Paris - I love when things just come together so perfectly. Details like inlays and laser cutting are something I find infinitely interesting and utterly exquisite on a pair of shoes. It is the intricate and subtle details and labour of a skilled craftsperson that make me love and appreciate footwear.

My first big ticket shoe purchase was a pair of Gianna Meliani black low cone-heeled pumps with a laser cut abstract floral pattern and accompanying etched lines that revealed black suede lining underneath. This became the standard for my shoes henceforth and marked the beginning of a great relationship.

In other news, two people/things of interest have also come together in a most harmonious fashion: the talent of Sophia Kokosalaki and French mail order catalogue La Redoute have announced a collaboration for f/w 2006. I’ve sung both their praises before, but am delighted they’ve paired up and that Kokosalaki’s great work will be available to a broader demographic. Now if only a slightly more affordable version of her gorgeous cream leather jacket were produced, I’d be over the moon.