minirobot

I love Leesa Leva’s incredible illustrations.

APC’s 2008 winter collection has as always some stellar plain jane pieces. Boring in the most awesome way.

These pieces in particular I adore and will be mine:

I love the breezy windbreaker. Though disguised as a practical garment for outdoorsy types, the new anorak is gloriously so much more. I had not been able to find the perfect noncommital cut in the perfect fabric until now, and lucky me two options have presented themselves:

Maria Bonita Extra’s fall line has an anorak that captures billowyness at its best.

And glory of glories, msg.’s version in a textured black floral twill can contort itself into different shapes.

Psst: A brand spanking boutique called msg just opened up on Kenmare, between Mott and Mulberry. Though it pains me that I won’t be able to hit NYC for a little while to check it out myself, I have no doubt that this spot will house a bevy of gems as it is owned by someone who has been one of my style icons since I was…hmm, about seven years old (when we first met). She has always dressed with astoundingly distinct personal style, and I have the utmost respect and admiration for her taste and talent. Secretly rifling through her personal closet thrills me to this day -it’s a treasure trove of beautiful things- and I’m sure it will extend to her brand new boutique with the exclusive house label and special pieces by designer friends (local and from Japan).

If you’re in the neighborhood, you must stop in for a visit. Congratulations msg!

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

Impulse in Seattle carries such beautiful stuff -and has an amazing lineup of designers, well beyond the usual suspects- I’m keeping an eye out for the opening of their online shop.

(Photos courtesy Arielle de Pinto)

At last fall’s Puces Pop, aside from the fur hood that has been my saving grace this winter, there was a standout jewellry designer who had some immensely stunning necklaces that were made of hand-knitted fine chain. The designer, Arielle de Pinto, sent me a lookbook shortly afterwards, but pictures aren’t even close to doing her pieces justice. At the time, they were available at The Good the Bad and the Ugly, Luxe de Ville and through the designer herself. Her stuff was featured today on Refinery29’s women’s spotlight, and it looks like people are paying attention. Very unique, beautiful and substantial pieces that just have to be seen (and bought) to be believed. I certainly regret being broke the weekend of Puces.

(All photos courtesy of Coutorture and Shopstyle)

I’ve had several conversations recently about the idea of a woman vs the idea of a girl and what differentiates girl from woman. In my eyes, most females are girls unless they possess a certain mystique which makes them at once aloof and very unknowable. Age doesn’t factor into the equation as one can be fifty-something and a girl, while there might exist a twenty-something who is all woman. Chalk it up to mystery, intrigue, and an intimidating self-assuredness -they would never stand pigeon-toed and most likely have impeccable posture.

I was browsing Coutorture’s New York f/w 2007-2008 collections, and went straight for Rachel Roy’s show. The collection is all woman. The designer herself exudes a girlishness, but I would imagine these clothes could make all us girls feel like ladies.

Australian label Rittenhouse has created its own niche. Not quite streetwear, not quite girly, not quite preppy, it really has a distinct, can’t-put-your-finger-on-it look. The colour palettes are muted often with a couple pops of print and brights, what takes the cake is how well it is made and the sweet details. I have their black quilted collarless jacket which I recently acquired at One of a Few in Vancouver that is sturdy as hell, has a great tailored fit and surprise! features a lovely red and white printed lining. The the fabric feels like a Japanese cotton in its weight and the rich black amazing. It actually comes from the s/s 2006 collection, but it seems like all of their clothing is functionally seasonless - I guess that’s what happens when designing collections in the Southern Hemisphere. Think of it as a more playful, less austere A.P.C.

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.