Pour it up

Can we talk about Stella now? Boyish, gangster pinstripes, 90s chunky shoes (give. me. now.), loose (and I don't mean slutty) vibes all over. So into it. I always feel like she's on my level, no matter how left-field or expected a collection turns out. And Cara in that housedress-looking thing? WHATTTTT!

via Vogue

Stomping Ground

When this Paris street style shot popped up in my reader via The Streethearts, I felt she had that special something that warranted a bookmark. The perfect haircut and shade of red lip, a bow possibly made from sweatshirt sleeves (!!), and then the shoes. THE SHOES you guys.



If you have any clue where these came from, please let me know!! Of course it's likely they are vintage, but these platform lace-ups are like a golden hybrid of tranny, rough-around-the-edges New York, and hardware store and the green laces were all they needed to put them beyond the "I'm dying" meter.



*EDIT

Thanks to a quick reader tip, I learned the platform boots are by Charles Anastase- they are from Fall '09 so best bet is special order if any are left, but here's some spiked variations of the "dungeon" boots in action on the runway to whet your appetite.






pc: style.com + elle.com

Handle with care

Handle With Care was the name of the debut project from Uncommon Matters, a line of porcelain accessories that goes beyond traditional materials and offers a new perspective on jewelry altogether. The pieces aren't only unique in material, but the designs are a beautiful marriage of modern artistry and ancient forms that feel right at home in the pages of an editorial. Amelie was kind enough to send over images of her new collection, entitled AU [79] and immediately I was blown away by the shoulder piece and collar. Their delicate nature would prove a daunting challenge for someone like myself, but one I would be up for in an instant!

You can find Uncommon Matters in select boutiques around the world, including Maryam Nassirzadeh in New York's Lower East Side.

Bless Sample Sale

I would surely do a LOT of damage if I was in the right part of the world for the Bless sale this weekend. Score Bless creations from past seasons and one-of-a-kind "prototypes" this Friday and Saturday in both Paris and Berlin.



While I'm on the subject, here's a few looks I'm very excited about from their Nº39 SS10 range, especially ze sandals!

Phantom lady

At first glance, Hussein Chalayan's collection looked too "sophisticated" for my taste, a 180º turn from his usual sci-fi experimentalism. But upon closer look, there's actually some really interesting details. It's refreshing seeing these big angled shades after all the round sunnies from the past few season. While the collection borrowed mostly from the 50s, Chalayan couldn't resist injecting some futuristic elements like the sun hat with built-in shades- bananas, but undeniably Chalayan.



The show took a turn for the surreal in the last few looks- a beautiful white blazer and long white gowns with ghost-like hands clutching the fabric at the shoulder or at the neck. I immediately thought of Garcons Fall '07 but Rei's hands were more 3D attachments, rather than integrated into the construction. Regardless of the originality of the idea, it was beautifully executed and added an unusual note that elevated the whole collection.




pc: style.com

Reading between the Lines

Rihanna showed off a new hair color and a whole lot more at Gareth Pugh's show in Paris yesterday. Although I appreciate her amazing fashion risks(if I had her body I wouldn't be shy either), I think she could have stepped it up with the footwear choice. Those heels are a bit "pedestrian" for edgy RiRi.


photos via Bauer Griffin

Good blood

Like the "Pepsi or Coke" experiment, you might have trouble at first telling Limi Feu's designs apart from her father's, unless you indulge in Yamamoto like oxygen. Her Spring collection was just that good, and spoke volumes, quite literally, about Japanese fashion today. Limi explored androgyny as the core of her collection, further spelled out by a few male models wearing the womenswear in the show (even an older man with a dog). I found my favorite pieces to be those that really reworked the idea of menswear into loose collared vests, a kimona-like button oxford shirt, and endless varieties of black trousers. The show finished off with several voluminous dresses, including the only red piece in the show which made for the perfect exclamation point to a beautiful, wearable collection.






pc: style.com

Cherry on top

If I ever make it over to Paris, I am scared for myself to go into Colette. They carry so much cool stuff, further fueling our human desire to consume. Plus they keep the competition stiff by being the exclusive stockist for a lot of labels and collaborations. I was checking out some of their accessories, and it's brimming with radness. A few choice picks that barely hit the tip of the iceberg:


I really dig these Bless sunnies inspired by 3D glasses, yes!


I've been researching Comme des Garcons wallets for a minute now, and this is definitely a contender.


I don't think I've worn earmuffs since I was a kid, but I'd trade out my black beanie for these ones by Tom Scott.


C.R.E.A.M....you feel me? I would find a way to wear this Luella scarf unfolded (pinned to a top?) cause it's such a rad print.


When it's 12 ºF outside with a nasty windchill, I think it's appropriate to be a walking cocoon. This Junya Watanabe for Comme des Garcons nylon neck would do the trick.

Go Burfitt!

Burfitt has become one of my fave go-to brands out there for casual everyday looks since laying my eyes upon their candy-coated spring 08 lookbook (one of my fave lookbooks ever). I was stoked to score this Burfitt bag last year at the insanity that was the Opening Ceremony sample sale, and I'm eager to add more of their pieces to my wardrobe. Maybe late on this, but I just discovered that Burfitt now has their own online store with very well-styled shots and a sale section, so it's only a matter of time before I'm rocking more of their gear.

Leather and layers

With fashion weeks in Paris, Stockholm and Berlin all happening in recent days, there's been quite an overwhelming pool of stylish folks showing up on all the street snap sites. That and of course Japan which is always killing it! After seeing the fist chick below, I decided I too need a long sheer button-up asap.

















pc: fashion snap, pause.se, fashion snap, café mode, facehunter, style.dk, facehunter, london tokyo streets

Junko Shimada Fall 09

As a Japanese designer living in Paris, Junko Shimada never seems to run out of amazing ideas that translate into clothes I really want to wear. Her fall show had a 60s film noir vibe of sorts I was really into.

Nun of the future anyone?



How about an oversized purple sweater with a built-in cowl hood? Gorgeous. Man, if I had this now, I'd be wearing it everyday until summer.



Doily capes and metal-heeled snowboots, YESSSSSSS.



images via Coutorture

London/Paris on the cheap and chic

Happy New Year! It's been a while, but I am finally back from holiday and excited for 2009! I start off the year with a business trip to London next week followed by a weekend in Paris. I was hoping some of you would have suggestions for thrift stores/cheap food, and of course nightlife. You can either leave a comment here or email at ismentalcrew@gmail.com.
thanks! xoxo D

Animal Instinct

Some Paris ladies rocking it...how killer is that snakeskin jacket? 


via Street Peeper

Lie Sang Bong FW08

Korean designer Lie Sang Bong is part of the new generation of designers making big waves lately in Paris. His clothes are complex, yet poetic, drawing influences from 1930s film noir heroines to the black angles of calligraphy. His fall collection this year incorporates many dark layers of geometry and patterns seen in nature.