Posted by Jane Flanagan | March 18, 2010, 9:15 am | Permalink
Reinvention of labels is nothing new in the fashion world. Fashion houses come and go and high street stores can be on top one moment but suddenly fade. J.Crew’s reinvention has been much commented on. So, it’s perhaps no surprise that Land’s End and L.L.Bean are suddenly on everybody’s radar again; Land’s End with their Canvas collection and L.L.Bean with L.L.Bean Signature.
Of the two brands, L.L.Bean has a bigger claim on my heart. Even when their catalogue mostly featured Mom jeans, I loved my Bean Boots and everybody’s favourite monogrammed canvas totes. But both reinvented collections impress on paper at least. We’re not talking cutting edge here. Think madras, khaki and cotton. Your Mom will still like it. But, this time, you might too.
My top picks from Land’s End include the Fit and Flare Dress in navy, the 3/4-sleeve Sailor Tee and the Mac Pea Coat. From L.L.Bean I like the Chambray Shirt Dress, Chambray Shirt and this Vintage Field Watch.
Posted by Jane Flanagan | March 17, 2010, 9:17 am | Permalink
Last week, I began thinking Liberty-fatigue had descended upon my soul. Between the Target collaboration, the MAC collaboration and Liberty-like tiny florals blooming all over the high street, I was feeling super-Liberty-saturated. But, then I came across this Ra-Ra Skirt over on Brora and I got silly giddy just saying “Ra Ra Skirt”. I could do nothing else until I put a look together around it.
One of the reasons I got so giddy is because this is exactly the kind of thing I would have killed to wear in the late 80’s / early 90’s. In fact, I couldn’t resist waxing nostalgic and including some paraphernalia from that time. I can nearly smell the Body Shop Kiwi Lipgloss. That’s not to say I think the look belongs in the past. On the contrary, who wouldn’t want to wear this now!?
Product information: Remember Me Now, Forget Me Knot Necklace from WhiteFly / Draped Tee from James Perse / The Snap denim jacket by Current / Elliott from Net-a-Porter / Loulou perfume by Cacharel / Liberty print Ra Ra Skirt from Brora / Duluth Pack (via Even Cleveland) / Tennis Elastique shoes by Bensimon / Sony Discman
Posted by Jane Flanagan | March 16, 2010, 9:06 am | Permalink
Regular readers of my blog will know that I’m an Irish girl. Born and raised in Dublin, I emigrated to Canada just 6 years ago. All of my family is still at home and while I don’t get to go back as often as I would like, I always make a point of taking St Patrick’s Day off work.
Now, I’m not one for the usual paddywhackery. The green beer and leprechaun hats aren’t part of my March 17th. But, I do always don a bit of green on the day. So, in celebration of my lush, beautiful home, here’s a round-up of some favourite green picks.
Product information: Frye Emma Flats with Honeycomb Studs from Shopbop / Blooming Lattice Cardigan from Anthropologie / Cotton cady Erica dress from J.Crew / Whispy Flower Aqua Chalcedony Necklace from Friedasophie
Product information: Riviera Jersey Jacket from Boden / Rosebud pin corsage, in sage green from Heart of Light / The Tulip in Forest Green from Morelle / Cockadoodle Dress from Anthropologie
Product information: Anemone Cluster Necklace – Amazonite from Abigail Percy / Loeffler Randall Spaghetti Shoulder Blouse in Emerald from Revolve / Pringle 1815 Sleeveless jersey dress from Net-a-Porter / Johanna, soft olive green leather purse from Bagonia
Posted by Jane Flanagan | March 15, 2010, 5:11 pm | Permalink
I’ve worn my trademark pixie cut for years and have struggled to grow my hair a little in the last year. It’s barely past my ears right now. So, this post is entirely vicarious. If I were blessed with the luscious locks of Erica and Anabela, I would be too busy braiding my hair to write any more blog posts.
If you’re lucky enough to have hair to play with, Anabela recommends the instructional videos of Loepsie and Strawberry Koi. More evidence and inspiration from the blog world can be found on Cup of Jo (side braids), Refinery29 (Francesca DiMattio), Moodboard (Alexa Chung’s braids), Coco + Kelley (Oscar de la Renta braids).
And there are fantastic round-ups of the looks on Loveology and Design is Mine. And, just in case you needed further evidence or enticement, check out the Braid Wednesday Group on Flickr!
Images credits: 1. Model Mayhem / 2. Carlie by Lisa Warninger for Urban Weeds
Posted by Tricia Royal | March 12, 2010, 10:34 am | Permalink
Continuing on with the street style/New York fashion talk from my last post about NYT’s Bill Cunningham, another head’s up:
The Shopping section of Time Out New York recently posted an inspiring meaty feature article showcasing 60 “Most Stylish New Yorkers,” replete with multiple photographs of each person in a variety of their outfits, mini-interviews that delve into their likes, dislikes and fave shopping spots, plus shopping suggestions for you, should you see said stylish folks and their stuff and feel moved to replicate some and/or all of their look(s).
Those featured? Some of New York’s finest and fairest denizens, primarily cultural creatives like local musicians, artists, designers, stylists, and the like. Why’s it particularly cool? The people featured are fun, real, and daring; collectively, they give a fine picture of the current zeitgeist in Big Apple, that appears to currently be, at once, leaning toward both the classic and the irreverent/ironic (see the woman in the trench, and all the 80s and 90s pieces, both seen above).
Want to see the other 56 well-dressed guys and gals? Go here!
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images via Time Out New York
Posted by Jane Flanagan | March 11, 2010, 11:08 am | Permalink
I’m always on the search for stylish eco clothing and get really excited when I’m introduced to a new range. Ailin is a company that makes eco sportswear that also happens to be extremely stylish. Their approach includes the integration of eco-friendly fabrics, manufacturing, packaging, distribution and consumer end-use.
This time of year, I’m always motivated to get out and move around more and Ailin’s clothes might be just the added incentive I need. Founder Erin Bell also writes a blog showcasing her adventures and favourite product finds.
Posted by Jane Flanagan | March 10, 2010, 1:02 pm | Permalink
I wear tees all year around, layering them up through winter with sweaters and cardis. Nevertheless, buying new tees is a rite of passage in Spring. I usually find ones I like and buy them in grey, white and black. I tend to like the looser fit tee with a slightly scoop neck. And, of course, softness is the name of the game here. Finding the perfect tee might strike you as an easy outing, but perfect basics often become the most elusive things to hunt down. Here are some of my favourites:
Top row: Joie Soft Rowena Top from Shopbop / Tissue mini-pocket tee from J. Crew / American Vintage Thin Jersey Short Sleeve Tee from Revolve / S/S crew neck tee from LnA
Bottom row: Organic V-Neck from Alternative Apparel / Kain Pocket Tee from Revolve / James Perse Short Sleeve Relaxed Casual V Neck Tee from Shopbop / The Echo Park Heather Burnout Deep V-Neck from Alternative Apparel
Posted by Jane Flanagan | March 9, 2010, 8:00 am | Permalink
Once in a rare blue moon, I feel guilty for neglecting the boys. So, this is a little kiss-and-make-up post. I came across Hunter Gatherer (great name!) on Mustard & Sage last week and thought I might do a round-up of some of my favourite neckties and bowties.
Product information: Alexander Olch the mori tie from Lark / Alexander Olch narrow seersucker gingham bow tie from Lark / I am wildflowers in the summer from Hunter Gatherer / Bon Appétit distowel tie from Atypyk / Black gingham tie from Fieldguided
Posted by Jane Flanagan | March 8, 2010, 10:25 am | Permalink
Last week, Erica of the gorgeous blog Erica Knits left a comment on my blog asking if she can continue to wear her brown lace-up boots in Spring and, if yes, how should she wear them. She shared this picture as an idea of what her boots look like. My answer is a heartfelt yes, at least for Toronto where both Erica and I live. It might be sunny, but it’s still chilly and there will be plenty of showery Spring days. Plus, I love boots so much, I’ll stretch to accommodate wearing them in nearly any clime.
I found these boots on Etsy, hopefully they’re a close enough approximation of Erica’s for the purpose of outfit-assembling.
And here’s the full look. I have to give a nod to this look that Jennifer of A Merry Mishap posted last week because it really was my jumping off point, but I changed the look in a few different ways, making room to include my most favourite Mulberry purse. The ring is one I know Erica already has something similar to and a new white tee is always a good purchase this time of year. I think most of us have substitutable pieces for this look in our closet and it’s a perfect “basic, but with an edge” look.
Product information: Inspiration look from Refinery29, via A Merry Mishap / kai-aakmann oversized blazer from Oak / Kain tee from Revolve / Fox Head Ring by Pyrrha / Rolex 1940’s watch from 1stDibs / Vintage Brown Lace Boots from Skin and Wood / J Brand jeans from Revolve / Ink Print Bayswater from Mulberry
Posted by Jane Flanagan | March 5, 2010, 10:36 am | Permalink
I was instantly struck by the designs of Etsy seller Isabel Amyo. She takes familiar shapes and adds an original spin to them. These nearly-neutral pieces are charged with charm and femininity, exactly what you’d expect from a delightful French designer.
Posted by Jane Flanagan | March 4, 2010, 10:47 am | Permalink
It’s always difficult to get excited about shopping for swimsuits. But it’s even more difficult to find one under pressure on the eve of a vacation. So, I’m hitting the swimsuit season running with these retro beauties. I’m pretty sure you won’t be seeing me in a high-waisted bikini, though if you’ve got the figure I say go for it!
Basic black suits: Jantzen one-piece from Everything but Water / Hi-Waisted Bandeau Bikini from Free People
Sweet and flirty suits: Rose vines romper from J. Crew / En Pointe Bikini from Anthropologie
Polka dots suits: Polka dot bather from Toast / Beach Blanket Bingo Retro Two Piece from ModCloth
Posted by Jane Flanagan | March 3, 2010, 9:44 am | Permalink
Some of you may have read the Style Inspiration post I wrote inspired by Fieldguided’s Anabela. Truth is, I find the real people in my life far more inspirational than models or celebrities. And, in particular, my blog world friends are a huge source of style inspiration; they each have a distinct style that is authentic to them. They also occasionally make me stretch and try styles I wouldn’t normally gravitate towards.
If you don’t know Chelsea from the acclaimed blog {frolic!} you’ve likely been living under a rock. I consider her one of the true tastemakers of the blogosphere and a lovely person to boot. Whether she’s styling a fashion shoot or arranging flowers for a wedding, Chelsea has a very distinct, unfussy-yet-endearing style. When I saw this tunic by Malene Birger I instantly thought of her.
And this is how I thought Chelsea might put it all together. She’s not a huge fan of jewelry, so I kept the accessories pretty straightforward. But she has a trusty Polaroid camera and some Liberty print accessories to keep her going! For some reason, I always imagine Chelsea carrying flowers, on her way to or from a shoot, so I included some of her happy daffs.
Product information: Bob canvas bag by Mimi Berry / Radier tunic by Malene Birger from Lark/ Polaroid One600 Classic Instant Camera / Wallet from Liberty at Target / Phoebe Liberty Print Umbrella from Liberty / Polas by Chelsea / Daffodils arranged by Chelsea / Ankle stretch toothpick jean from J.Crew / Barkmaster boots by Belstaff from Net-a-Porter
Posted by Jane Flanagan | March 2, 2010, 11:46 am | Permalink
Lovely Sarai of Sweet Sassafrass is currently offering a free pattern of her Madeleine Mini Bloomers. I think they are absolutely adorable. And just check out some of the fantastic renditions that have been made already. If these don’t inspire you, I don’t know what will!
But, if you’re more the sit back and swipe kind, here are some retail options:
Product information: Ruffle Panty from Steven Alan / Sleep set from Modaspia / String Bean Grassland Bloomettes from Under the Root / Wisp-Of-Silk Bloomers from Anthropologie
Posted by Tricia Royal | March 1, 2010, 11:41 am | Permalink
For many New Yorkers, peeping what the people are wearing on the streets of the Big Apple is a favorite pastime. Maybe even a semi-official sport?
Arguably, the top peeper in New York City just may be the venerable Bill Cunningham of the New York Times. His democratic street fashion photos, collectively running as a series in the Times Style section on Sundays called (natch?) Sunday Styles, show what’s really happening, style-wise, on the streets of Gotham. It’s hands-down a favorite column for many a fashion lover/reader of the NYT.
You a fan, too?
I just learned this week or so that:
a.) Bill Cunningham’s On the Street series has its very own channel on You Tube! Lots of videos with collected stills and commentary on trends seen, narrated by Bill himself. I’d embed one of the videos here, but alas, NYT doesn’t allow embedding (poo!). Intrigued? Visit the On the Street channel and watch ‘em all…
b.) There’s a documentary about Bill Cunningham coming out next month (that would be March!), called Bill Cunningham New York. Seems there’ll be a showing of the doc at the MOMA, on Wednesday, March 24, at 7:00 p.m. Sounds amazing…makes me wonder if it will subsequently be shown anywhere else or eventually available for viewing elsewhere (i.e., via the internet?). I am going to keep my eyes and ears peeled!
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(via farpitz, refinery29 and kottke.org)
(images via Bill Cunningham/NYT)
Posted by Tricia Royal | February 26, 2010, 10:32 am | Permalink
What’s above? A sneak peak at the stunning, well-traveled looks from the Fall/Winter 2010/2011 collection of Suno New York, the brainchild of designer and world textile collector Max Osterweis.
This collection, in line with previous offerings from Suno, is an inspired, heady mash-up of bold African and ethnic-influenced prints with a plethora of girlish, of-the-moment shapes (fun, swingy jackets and blazers, patterned leggings and harem-style pants, flirty short skirts).
Cold-weather looks these may be, but they are arguably anything but drab. These are happy-making clothes, for sure…I mean, hello, check out those smiles on the models! I am willing to go through another cold, dark winter season if it means I get to wear bright, fun togs such as these…
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(Images via Suno New York)
