As If!

Walking past the 6th Ave. window of Nordstrom portraying the exclusive Miss Wu collection, I couldn't help thinking of the original Gossip Girl show - Clueless!  The models are dressed in classic upper-east-side fashion with matchy-matchy tweeds and prints, hats, and socks.  But not just any socks.  No, no, no, my friends.  These are knee-high socks ala 1995!!!  Which invites passer-bys to relive their favorite dream of the 90's, without the Portlandia reference. 

I conjure thoughts of sunflower print tees, furry backpack purses, ridiculous floppy hats, and wafts of teen spirit.  The stench of nostalgia is bittersweet, but the hint is so delicate it doesn't overwhelm.  My verdict?  This spring, when the temperatures are just barely 50 and you can't wait to pull out your pastels, the knee-high and thigh-high are the perfect transition for Seattle.  Bare those pasty-pasty thighs with confidence, trail-blazing, and gusto!  And don't get all defensive when I hum a Cranberrys song behind you.

Happy shopping, darlings!

Introducing Miss Wu!

Starting tomorrow one of my favorite designers, Jason Wu will have his sister line available at Nordstrom.  I am ecstatic!!!  Partially because not only does this mean Mr. Wu's genius is now available at a more accessible price point, but also because I've already seen samples.  And let me tell you - it is fabulous (fabulous, FABULOUS) product for the price point, and totally hits the mark in all categories - fabrication, construction, print, proportion, and age-appropriateness for the target demographic.  Blah, blah, blah.

The suit above is much more charismatic in person - what you can't see from the picture is that the fine tweed incorporates lime, lemon, and black to make a cutie-pie spring jacket and dress.  I can easily see the jacket alone with a black pencil skirt and mock-neck sweater - darling!  One of the other pieces I predict will sell out instantly is a silk dress with a feather print on it.  It's an A-line shape with a Christopher Kane-eque belt and a cheeky little ruffle at the bottom.

There's also this neato little preview Nordstrom did that echoes a certain Charlie's Angels dance...

Happy shopping darlings!

New Year is the New Black

Coming upon the New Year I always envision changes I want to make, often times in regard to my image and career. One year it was simply to wear red lipstick more often (hence the signature). Last year it was to get a job in the realm of fashion. This year I think it will be to elevate and simplify my wardrobe. Big task. If I made, say $10-20$k more than I currently do, this would be a matter of a giant Value Village run and charging up the credit cards. Since I don't (yet), here is my plan of attack.

1. Make any pieces I can. A 3/4 jacket in a pretty Italian crepe. A pretty v-neck silk blouse.

2. Save for the things I can't make.

3. Get rid of anything I don't wear for ANY reason (fit, color, comfort).

How about you, my pretties? Wha do you want for yourselves in 2013?
Happy shopping, darlings!

I Can't Say No

These shoes gave my foot a hug - HELP!!!  Never ever did I think I would truthfully say a 4" pointed toe heel would make my foot feel like heaven - but these do.  They are a nice little discount, and one can always use another pair of black heels.  But why, oh why did these have to fall onto my feet right before holiday and right during fall designer markdowns???  Life is so unfair, people.  What do you do when a shoe hugs you?  Surely you can't just walk away!  That luscious red leather lining, the seductive hair calf detail, the rare venetian vamp... It ain't so much a question of not knowing what to do...

Happy dressing, people.

Fa la la la la la la la Lucite

I know, I know, I know - winter has only begun!  But I am super excited about a little trend that's popping up in shoes - lucite.  Mostly because it reminds me of a certain poolside photoshoot with a certain Marilyn Monroe.  There's also this little beauty that doesn't pack the punch of the Lanvins - they are on my spring/summer wishlist.

Happy dressing, people.

Little Black Everythings

One of the first things I ask people when they propose a wardrobe overhaul is "do you have all your little black everythings?"  Okay, I don't actually ask that question because it's totally annoying.  The main idea being that you can live in your basic blacks.  Confession: I wear black head to toe ALMOST EVERY DAY.  And day in, day out it's the same boring stuff that I get compliments on.  Over.  And over.  And over again.

"Okay, Ivy.  Prioritize my little black everythings."
Note - this is for the ladies.  I'll do one for the gents someday.

1. Black pumps.  Mid-heel.  Especially in  shoes - you get what you pay for.  Consider saving $300-$500 if buying new.
2. Slim black pant.  Personally I prefer something cut right above the ankle.  Many people think this is "trendy" but if you look through fashion history, they're wrong.  For someone with a stockier build I would suggest a straight leg.  I personally avoid synthetic fabrics beyond 20%.
3.  Black cardigan.  Merino wool is invincible, if you're allergic a silk/cotton blend is a good substitute.
4. Black pencil skirt.  I've heard raves about Dolce and Gabbana's, once I live in the same house as my husband (really) this will be the thing I start saving for.
5. Black crew neck sweater.  See specs at cardigan.

This actually sums up my work wardrobe.  I'm confident anyone can revamp their entire look, closet, LIFE by having well-fitted (like by a tailor) high quality (like save your money) pieces.

RANT - I know that everyone has a budget they want to stick to when shopping.  In my opinion the basics are the thing you should splurge on - and that includes TAILORING - because you'll wear that black _____ a million times.  It's worth the dough.  You can thank me in 10 years when you've finally blown the back seam in your Dolce skirt.

Happy dressing, people.

How the Hell do You Wear Camo?!

I just wanted to take a moment this morning to delve into a trend I've been skeptical about all fall (note how it's almost winter).  Finally, I've decided I'm in.  In part because of the adorable picture above (courtesy of Scott Schuman), and also credited to a gentleman at work who cheekily mixes a slim camo pant in with his work wardrobe - topped with a v-neck sweater and tie, finished with suede oxfords.

Okay but, "how the hell do I wear camo?!"  With big prints, crazy proportions, and generally any new uncharted territory in fashion I play it safe.  We take our trends in baby steps.  First - try it back to the classic black pieces you have in your wardrobe - black t, black cardigan, black pump, black bag... Yeah, yeah it sounds completely boring.  But you simply can't fuck it up starting this way.  Then slip in a pop of color.  Once you' re feeling confident you've mastered civilian camo, I endorse you to mix in ANOTHER PRINT.  I particularly like the idea of a tiny pink floral, red plaid, or a pretty white windowpane.  The trick is - don't look like this guy.

Happy dressing, people.

Blorg.

After lots of contemplation, dragging my feet, and downright dread, I've decided to blog again.  There are a few reasons.  I have (in my humble opinion) great taste.  I  also find writing my thoughts wildly satisfying.  Additionally I have heard many times in my life, "Ivy.  I wish you could just come dress me every morning."

So.  Revisiting an old blog with a new mission - I plan to utilize this outlet as a way to analyze dressing proportionally, tricky new trends, and the constant flux of fashion news.  Additionally I will interject things I love and things I hate.

Happy dressing, people.

Country Gals

We just got a record player this weekend, and I've been in the mood for stuff from the '60's. Looking forward to a collection full of Etta James, Motown, Connie Francis, Beach Boys, Hank Williams... In the spirit of our new old technology I hunted down some fashionable cowgirls from the 1960's country and rock and roll scene.

Georgetown or Bust

Let me start with a little background - Georgetown is where John and I had our first date - if making out on a couch at 9lb Hammer isn't love, I am very very lost. And hell, if it isn't I got a 9lb Porter out of the deal. Georgetown used to be creeper-ville when I was a kid - industrial, ugly, and kinda ghetto. Now, thanks to Seattle's affinity for transitioning broke down neighborhoods into art-havens, Georgetown is freaking rad. Hosting a herd of neato restaurants, bars, and shops you could happily live and die here. Add to that a hint of old punks and rockabilly kids and I'm sold. As close to a 5 year plan as I'll ever be - we hope to move down here in the next couple years, rent a house, get some chickens, be those rad people.

Here's my run-down of cool stuff to find:

• Georgetown Liquor Co. - vegan heaven, with a nommy menu including the "Darth Rueben". Also awesome - free old-school video games, play Super Mario Bro's til your fingers go numb
• Slim's Last Chance - little rockabilly vibe, a slew of different chilis and great local beers
  
• Smarty Pants - possibly the best bbq sammich in town, SOMEHOW I have yet to go here
  
• All City Coffee - rad little art-house joint
  
• Fantagraphics - comic AND record store meet to create geek heaven
  
• Via Tribunale - damn damn good pizza
  
• The Corson Building - fine dining NW sustainable style - bend John's ear to take me here

These are just the things that immediately come to mind, I'll elaborate and include more later. Gotta go fry a computer.

Chrome Meets Suit

A cyclist myself, I really dig cyclist gear in unexpected places - like this guy. Thanks for stopping, good luck in the rain!

At the Sock Hop

I have a long-running obsession with the 1950's - it all started with my mom throwing a sock hop with the PTA when I was in elementary school. What began as a poodle skirt and Peter Pan collar (when I find the evidence I will post it) evolved into knit wiggle skirts with angora sweaters and rhinestoned stilettos in high school. More recently I've been listening to lots of Connie Francis and saving pennies for a record player.

I found the above adorably innocent yet slutty dress by Bernie Dexter and thought I'd try to make something like it. So far I have this Vintage Vogue pattern, and I'm thinking I'll ditch the front placket altogether and slip a zipper in the side seam and somehow conjure a sweetheart neckline. Even better, if I can complete this by May for the Wanda Jackson concert.

Also in the works - a playsuit for my friend Courtney to wear at car shows this summer.

Comics Translated Into Fashion

The boyfriend and I went to the Emerald City Comicon this weekend, wheee! I was in a corset and hope to go all three days next year so that I can do more enjoyment, less shmoozing. I also effectively made myself out to be a complete psychotic idiot in front of Ben Templesmith - I think I may have told him I'm going to follow him home. Ben, if you're reading this, wherever in Seattle you are, I am so so very sorry. Anyway, I thought I'd try and make comics more approachable for my lady friends (and not-so-lady-friends). Links all attached, haven't figured how to make it open in a new tab, you'll have to right click that shit.

Crafts Shmafts

So I've been haphazardly immersed in embroidery. I say haphazardly because I always get the impression that I'm doing it wrong. OR atleast not as awesomely as I might (we're talking about the girl that will unravel an entire scarf over one crochet). So in lieu of New Year's resolutions I'm going to make belated 2011 craft resolutions.

1. Finish current embroidery projects and do lots of research to eventually do stuff like this

or this in embroidery form to blow away next year's Emerald City Comic-con

2. Teach myself to knit - surprisingly easy with youtube tutorials, etc. cuz I wanna do this

3. Make a couple vintage replica sundresses for the summer. This may or may not include reviving Grace or Penny. Especially: something madmen 1960's ala my girlfriend Joan Harris and something 1930's ala... the great depression.

except I'm of course more likely to do the Betty-style full skirt.

Thoughts, links, and fabric finds welcome!

Closet Visit

I must share my new favorite fashion blog - Closet Visit. LA resident, artist, blogger, and wonder-woman Jeana Sohn visits the closets of friends, friends of friends, and rumored stylish ladies about town to style, photograph, and interview them in their homes. The result is an intimate, vibrant, inspiring blog and I find myself reading... each post multiple times. She has managed to capture an LA aura I had chocked up to faux-Hollywood existence - chic, bohemian, quirky, and brilliant artistic women in little white houses.

My first girl-crush was Beatrice Valenzuela, a hand-crafted shoe designer, mother, and glowing beautiful being. Then Joanna Williams with her spectacular collection of delicate white vintage dresses - the spider-web beaded piece is spectacular. And so the obsession begins...

Consistent through the blog is soft pretty LA light filtering through the shots - something to be desired in Seattle this time of year. Also - Jeana's ability to invite seductive bursts of color that leave you begging for large turquoise rings, vintage silk scarves, strappy red heels, and orange anything.

Off daydream about moving to a 1940's house in the suburbs LA.
- IA

All images courtesy of Closet Visit - go give her some love.

okay, okay, okay

i haven't posted in ages - so sorry! currently my delightful boyfriend is moving in, so everything is topsy-turvy! look forward to pics of the re-arrange: all my rooms are moving. what used to be the living room will now be the dining room, my bedroom will become the lounge (aka: game room), and john and i are moving into my late roommate's bedroom.

let me leave you with these parting pictures for you absolute pleasure. courtesy of dior and jean paul gaultier.

homemade mayonaise

tell me i'm hardcore

hipster for the holidays

compelling hipster fashion? THANKS modcloth! admittedly, i'm bored of the trend, BUT if you must do it atleast insert some thought and humor. that said - please everyone join me in recognizing that putting on a pair of opaque black tights does not make you automatically fashionable. even less so when they are snag and hole spattered. i will ring in 2011 praying for a less sloppy fad. rant end.
happy holidays - seattle style.

men's fashion blogs

courtesy of backyard bill

today i hunted down a handful of men's fashion blogs. to be honest, i've always loved men's fashion more than women's. or rather it's a different love, i suppose. no matter, here the handful i found today.

fine and dandy shop
slew of men's street style that always back to it's vintage roots. dig it.

backyard bill
my boyfriend's category of style is sporty/outdoorsman so i'm always looking for ways to get him out of a fleece and jeans and into a couple more layers... here is my new device. i also like the mini-interviews.

what i saw today
street style but illustrated instead of photographed. beautiful. also bits of NY art scene peppered in.

mister mort
based in SF, hipster perspective that DOESN'T make me want to vomit. i particularly like the older gentlemen he captures and how blatantly opinionated his posts are. nicely done, sir.

street etiquette
my favorite find. two easy on the eyes gents in the bronx lay out your basics, your trends, and more in great images and videos. my particular favorite part - their mix of color and jewelry. GET THIS - the dudes are only 20.

and i leave you with this fun ad for the blind barber in NY.
happy thursday y'all.

THE BLIND BARBER from The Blind Barber on Vimeo.

roar some more

online 1920's menswear research wasn't as helpful as i hoped, but following the party did find this video courtesty of fine and dandy shop's blog



john went with the sportsman look as follows - complete with self-tie bow tie! i'll soon include shots of the mink-trimmed cashmere sweater i donned.