Finally!

I know that most of you are bummed that rain is back in Portland. I'm sorry, but I'm not. I owe this sentiment to two things. One, this means that snow should start falling on the mountain. This means that snowboarding will actually be fun. The second reason? Those babies right up there. Bass Hespers. I should be a spokesperson.

I got them a couple weeks ago and then it dried out and got sunny and I have just been dying to wear them. You remember how it felt when you went school shopping and bought new jeans and new novelty sweatshirts and brand-new 96-crayon packs with a million colors and perfect tips? While you didn't entirely want school to start, you kind of did because it meant you would finally be able to break out your new treasures.

Well that's how I feel. I wore them today and they are glorious.

Goldrush

I attended a holiday party last Friday that was completely bedazzled by characters in gold lamé. It was wonderful. I mean, really, nothing says holiday like gold lamé. I used to have an aversion to gold and would only wear silver jewelery. Somewhere in the past year or so, I've done a 180, not unlike my sudden discovery and love for navy blue. Here are some gilded things to brighten your Monday. I'm certainly in need of some brightness.

1. Le Sportsac (zany) 2. Nixon watch  (ballin') 3. Bass Weejuns, Classic shape in limited edition Gold!

Funday Friday

Did you guys ever see this? Hermes show from the fall? I meant to share it ages ago but never did. So here you go. Magical, no?

I don't know if you ever play this game, but when I'm walking around in the woods I usually end up discussing what type of Tolkien character I would be. I grew up reading The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings books obsessively, and naturally I like to imagine that I too could be some Middle Earth character frolicking around in the woods. I like to think that I would be an elf. I would carry around a bow and arrow (see above), wear various leather things, and have a pet hawk on my shoulder. When my friends (and boyfriend) are feeling like total jerks, they tell me I would be a hobbit. Or worse, a dwarf.

New Favorite Style Blog

Remember when I discussed the merits of the Urban Weeds style blog? Well, after I did, Caitlin made a comment that the subjects were always so generic and made it look like all Portlanders wear skinny jeans, tall boots, and have children. Caitlin's assessment was true. And we don't all wear skinny jeans, tall boots, and have children. So after that, I really couldn't enjoy the blog. I would notice a new post, click to find a lovely black and white portrait and then scroll down to be completely and utterly deflated by some boring leggings/dress/boots/ peacoat combo. But I still look at it because it's fun to see people in Portland and also because I'm a little bit of an internet martyr (Seriously. There's this one blog I read only because I think the person is really annoying. Why?).

However, there is relief from the khaki-clad, squeaky clean of Urban Weeds. I have found a new go-to style blog: Portland's Pretty. Marissa is funny, doesn't take herself too seriously, and finds a wide variety of looks that she sees fit to print.

Here are some recent shots from her blog:

I KNEW it!

Remember my prediction that American Apparel would attempt to bring back the thin cotton turtleneck? I wanted it to be a joke, I truly did, but I flipped open a Mercury yesterday and found a three-part ad featuring the thin cotton turtleneck. Shocking. 

An unfortunate item that I wore for the number of years that I was not dressing myself, the thin cotton turtleneck is one of those things that adorned moms and children alike in the 90s. Sometimes it had patterns (my mom had one covered in tiny Mickey Mouses) but usually it was plain, solid, and most definitely neck warming. They are somehow unflattering, something about that tube of fabric extending up your torso right to your chin and the awkwardly tight sleeves. The only thing worse is the mock turtleneck or collarless shirts for men. And of course, you can now get them in any number of different finishes and colors from American Apparel. Jeez. They've brought us bodysuits, guacho pants, and turtlenecks, who knows what sort of horror is left. 

Predictions? I'm afraid to make anymore, because they'll probably come true.

Poor Man's Missoni

I know not everyone loves when I talk about fashion (ahem, guys). But it's an important part of my life. While it may not appear that way (Hey Rachel, you're wearing jeans again. And a t-shirt. Really breaking some ground), I occasionally like to see what's going on in the high fashion world. It's times like these that I often get really sad about my life. One, because I'm short and high fashion is made for tall, willowy people with bony knees. Two, I will never be able to afford that stuff. Three, knock-offs of the really, really good stuff never make it to you and me. It just doesn't happen. By the time it filters down through ready-to-wear to the inspired-by styles that grace local, attainable hangers, it is often a sad, misshapen version of the glory it once was. Burberry trench to Victoria's Secret trench over a push-up bra to sad-sack trench in shiny, synthetic fabric that smells vaguely of plastic.

However, it is good to dream. And Missoni's Fall 2011 ready-to-wear is pretty dreamy. It's like Lisa Franke in water color. Cotton candy pastels, grunge cuts sweetened by embroidery, snakeskin bombers, sunset sweaters, flowing skirts, and those boots. The snakeskin galoshes are my favorite part.

I don't know if anything like those boots will ever end up in stores where I can afford to shop. But these Jeffrey Campbell Litas are probably your best bet for a general approximation of color and texture, though the silhouette is obviously a completely different ballgame. The only advantage is that these would get me a few inches closer to tall, though alas, without the willowy.

*photos from style.com

How an empire is built

I think you know how much I love Jeffrey Campbell shoes. They're crazy and wonderful and well-built. The creative finishes, huge platforms, and the sometimes strong resemblance to other, much more expensive designer shoes* (I would never say knock-off) means that I am constantly admiring and oftentimes purchasing yet another pair. At times my devotion to a particular pair of shoes has a resembled an odd religious fervor, even obsession. The term cult-status is not far off the mark: the popular models sell out in days and people start distributing them on Ebay at substantially raised prices; I'm not the only person who loves this brand. But like any empire, they couldn't just leave it at shoes, they had to keep building. Jeffrey Campbell is making bags now. Why not?

Of course this bag has color and fringe, the two things I like most in a bag. I'm doomed.

Anticipation

Sasquatch is upon us. It always comes so soon, and I never quite feel prepared for the onslaught of music, laughter, dancing, late nights, early mornings, and hilarity that comes with it. This year, however, is different. I packed last night. Days ahead!

Obviously this was only Tier 3 Packing. Tier 2 Packing will occur the morning of and will result in at least five more random items shoved into my bag. Tier 3 Packing will occur five minutes before we leave and this will involve sheer panic and will result in inexplicable and useless items, as well as the last-minute stowing of things that I would not be able to live without (tickets, camera, chapstick, etc.).

So last night I put on LCD Soundsystem, went through my clothes, modeled my outfits, and danced. It's tricky. Danceablity, comfort, style, climate control: all these factors must be considered when selecting clothing for Sasquatch. I always want it to be nice and hot, but the weather forecast is not looking good, and even when it is, you can't avoid variability up there in the Gorge. So, I think I've packed the correct amount of things that I will wear because I want it to be warm, and things I need to wear because it won't be warm (see the abbreviated visual catalog above). My only goal is to not end up looking like a bag lady.

Summer Thighs

Okay. So I totally hate shorts. I think they're unflattering. I have been on a crusade against shorts for years. This is mostly because they look horrible on me. I have the torso of a tall person and the legs of a short person, weird scars on my knees, and shaving intensely irritates my legs. None of these qualities are conducive to shorts-wearing. So I have to admit there is some jealousy mixed into my hatred of shorts.

And now that we are getting some sunshine in Portland, people have started dusting off their shorts, their rompers, and their spandex. I can't say that I'm celebrating. But as I biked home yesterday I mused on the future barrage of shorts and I thought, I need to accept shorts. They're not so bad. Maybe I should start wearing shorts this year, as an affirmation of life. I should stop hating.

And then I stopped at the light at 28th and Glisan. A server came out of the Lucky Inn with drinks for some of the derelicts sitting at the picnic tables. And she was wearing this.

Shorts that were basically underwear with suspenders attached + patterned maroon control-top pantyhose + ironic old lady orthopedic nurse shoes. The support portion of the hose (the opaque part) extended a good six inches past where the shorts ended. To which I say, SICK.

I took back my vow to accept shorts then and there.

What do you think about shorts? What do you think about control-top pantyhose as outerwear? Has a new movement begun?

Two Things

One:
How great are these tassel garlands from Confetti System? I like the idea of making something like this for the new place. Maybe out of cloth. I haven't talked to Sam about glitter yet, but we have discussed our taste in decor and the fact that I want to banish his Wrigley Field poster. However, I am capable of compromise. We will be looking for an old map of Chicago or a cool black and white photo when I'm there next week.

I can't wait to start decorating. The new 12th and Tillamook me is going to be all about making random tinsel garlands, refinishing furniture, and painting and drawing weird things. Get ready.
 

Two:
Dark Dark Dark is playing at Mississippi Studios tonight with Y La Bamba. Accordion and plaintive vocals, bass and banjo, waltzy dream music. I'm going. You should too.

Mighty Market Delights

You see these awesome dresses? This is my Star Wars dress, handmade by Caitlin (at left in that gorgeous artfully altered puffed sleeve  concoction). You are probably thinking, "I wish I had my own Star Wars dress." The thing is, you can't. It is a one and only. But don't be sad.  What you can have is your own dress handmade by Caitlin. She is all about recycling old clothing, using vintage fabrics, and creating garments that are unique as she is/you are. Etsy shop here. She and other talented friends are peddling their wares at Mighty Market #4 on Saturday night. Handmade clothing, vintage finds, Missoni-knit scarves, snacks, wine, photography, and all the finer things in life.

This is going down from 6 to 9 pm at 4047 N Michigan Avenue. See you there!

Fringe Element

I used to be a serious equestrian. I started showing horses competitively in fourth grade and kept it up all the way through high school. I was still the same person you know now, so don't get any ideas. I was not one of those horse girls who wore Wranglers in high school and dated the kid with the faded circle on his back pocket from his chew can. I wore normal clothing like any other kid. However, at horse shows I wore what every one else wore. Fringed chaps, crystal covered bodysuits, plaid button downs, denim vests bedazzled with rhinestones, felt cowboy hats, Wranglers, crepe-soled boots. I miss it. Is it surprising that I love these Cut N Paste bags? Not at all. I need more fringe in my life.

Urban Something

I love fashion. You might not be able to tell sometimes because I wear the same five things over and over again, but it's true. Urban Weeds is this Portland street style blog that I really enjoy because it's real people in Portland and not a bunch of rich people wearing very expensive designer things that they will throw away next season. It's a bit more true to life.

While I appreciate this guy's sentiments (I would wear crazy heels every day but they aren't that comfortable and my bike pedals ruin them and it's actually a little dangerous because sometimes they slip off the pedals when you're trying to get out of the way of an oncoming car on Sandy Blvd), I also feel like his outfit doesn't exemplify what he's saying. Maybe it was an unfortunate day for him. I mean, I guess if it's raining leather isn't that functional, but in general I'm not blown away by his look. There are a lot of dirtbags in Portland running around with leather jackets and hoodies. Maybe less with faux-hawks. But anywaaaaay.

Look at his belt! I just got all nostalgic. I don't know if you experienced this growing up, but all the Latino kids at my middle school did this. They wore khaki Dickies and a white tanktop and then either a navy blue Dickies shirts (probably somewhat gang-inspired but it was totally innocent), or a flannel shirt and then they only buttoned the top button. The girls did a similar thing but they also rocked the super-dark lipliner with nude lipstick and barrel-rolled bangs. They all had the same Nike vintage-look running shoes (black with white laces) and the icing on the cake was the belt. The belt was one of those nylon web types but it was always super long and they would let the end just hang down. It was kind of a badge of honor, you know, how long the belt was.  Super cool. The guys also greased their hair. The result was pretty great and when I think about it, they put a lot of effort into that look. Probably more than I did with my bushy hair, baby tees, and bellbottoms.

Totally Awesome and Not Inexpensive

Look at these! As I've said before, Etsy is a perilous place. You start out looking at hand-knitted socks for your loved ones and suddenly find yourself in a dark forest filled with dangerous rough-cut gems and silver rings of power. And guess where they're from? The Midwest. Who knew it could be such a magical place?

Midwest Alchemy

Guest Fashion Advice: On the Subject of Sweaterdresses

You know, sometimes a sweaterdress can be a little unflattering. They're a little bulky, and can hit at an awkward length or create the illusion of barrel-torso/pin-legs if the cut's not quite right. The solution?

Belt it and go.

Rhinostones

In high school I had this huge rhinestone phase. It was after my hippie phase and after my mildly gothic phase (not really gothic, but there were steel-toed boots and lots of black and lace and smudgy eyeliner). I was dressing up a lot and gluing sequins on all my stuff. I'm still a sucker for costume jewelry and cocktail rings. What I am getting at is that I have always loved gaudy things. I love rhinestones, I love glitter sweaters, I love kitschy items that would scream "costume" to anyone but me.

By the way, the other day I wore my glitter cheetah print sweater to accordion class. My instructor was SO impressed. She has never commented on anything I have ever worn and she actually stopped in the middle of the lesson and was like, "That is such a lovely sweater. Where did you get that? You could wear that anywhere, you could wear that to the opera." She did. She said I could wear it to the opera. I love her.

Anyway, I recently made the mistake of going on Modcloth and I saw this:

It's so wonderful. It's exactly what it looks like. A sweaterdress with a rhinoceros on it. I've suddenly realized that I would like to own some sweaterdresses. They are warmer than normal dresses. You can just throw them on over leggings and you are basically wearing bedazzled pajamas. Also, I missed out on this:

 Already sold out, what a tragedy.

Fall Fashion

Oh do I love Fall. Biking across town this morning treated me to the leaves glowing in manner of a Turner painting, some guy having a dancehall freakout on the bridge, and that special autumnal air with all its brisk and snap. Which leads me to the wardrobe change that has been occurring over the past few weeks. You know when you leave the house wearing what you usually wear in August and realize that you are freezing and that you don't have a coat or gloves and you are cursing your hubris? I'm there. And I'm making changes.

I've been catching up on my fall reading and would you believe it? Sweaters are back. So are extremely wide-legged pants. We won't see that in Portland for another year or two due to skinny jean love, but it will happen eventually. Long skirts and Helmut Lang pants are back too (cropped, slightly flared). Camel and oxblood. Capes. All good things. But sweaters? Really? Aren't sweaters back every fall because it's cold? That has to be the most irritating thing about fashion. Yes it's cyclical. But it seems that the cycles are getting tighter and tighter (90s are already being referenced hard), and yet, you can't just recycle because everything is being tweaked and the original version looks dated.* It's not like you can just pull out your pilled-up sweater trench with the knitted belt from 2003 and look fresh.

Here's what I want to see more of when it comes to sweaters:

Novelty sweaters: Yes. I can't help it. I love these. I have three in my closet right now. I'm also a sucker for novelty prints. That's why I own a polyester shirt printed with trains. Polyester is gross and it makes you sweat, but there were trains on it. I couldn't say no. Airblaster has a yeti sweater and H&M is pushing that squirrel sweater with a furry tail.


Sweaters with elbow patches: Right? Durable. And they remind me of serious professor types. I don't have any, but I've always been into the idea. I saw some guy wandering around on the Burnside Bridge with one of these sweaters on. He didn't look like a professor but he did look awesome. Come to think of it, I also saw a woman hanging out on the bridge with Fair Isle leg warmers (another trend for Fall 2010). Fashion visionaries out there.

Giant, all encompassing, cape sweater things: I like the idea of wearing an enormous blanket around like it's an outfit. Like this look from Wunderkind. Why wouldn't you want to look like a Scottish/viking wizard warrior woman?




* Kyle Arthur. Cargo pants are already back. But they are cut skinny now. I can't imagine anything more horrid.

Fawning all over you

I try to avoid looking at things on Etsy because whenever I do, I find something that is so awesome that I get all weird and twitchy and filled with longing. Like when I am crazy and old and have eight cats in my apartment hovering and waiting for me to die, I will look back on this pendant and think about how much better life would have been with it. I will imagine our afternoons spent in cafes on the Champs-Elysees, our picnics in the park, our quiet mornings with coffee and crosswords. And if I ever develop a drug habit, I would have a convenient place to store it.

Last Day of Summer

Well, it's time. Time for scarves, gloves, rain paints, rain jackets, a waterproof shoulder bag in which to carry my lunch, wallet, and other necessities for the day. I am going to have to start looking sporty and distinctly Northwest in some sort of Gortex disaster. I'm also going to have to start stocking up. I go through about five sets of gloves each winter. I prefer leather ones, especially those that have a vague resemblance to Isotoners, due to the hilarity of O.J. Simpson jokes and references to "my strangler gloves".

Back to School Shopping

I'm not going back to school. But isn't there something about fall air? That unique sunny clear feel to the air in the morning, smell of old leaves, anticipation of new friends, new classes, new clothes. This means I will need to put away my shorts (that I never wear because shorts are unflattering), my sandals, my light-as-air cardigans. I have this mental list of things that I want for fall (skinny black pants, high-waisted skirts, yet another cardigan, boots!) but I am also conflicted.

I have a feeling that this feeling, this special fall feeling and the need to buy things is directly related to my old back-to-school habits which is not actually applicable in my life anymore. Do I need to buy new clothing? Not really. If you could see my closet and my shelving system and my storage boxes and my clothing rack you would tell me that I don't actually need any new clothing. Ever again. I feel like I have fallen into a marketing ploy, like my desires have been hi-jacked by consumerism. It's similar to my feeling of desolate loneliness on Valentines' Day, my desire to live on cookies for the month of December, my desire to be thinner and tanner than ever as directed by June issues of certain lady-directed magazines. There is a reason that the September issue of Vogue is the largest of all the issues.

This year I will fight. I will not go to the mall. I will not start buying sweaters and boots with abandon. I did buy the pair you see above*, but they are it. I'm giving up on shopping.

* They're Bass. They are my third pair of Bass shoes. I don't know when I turned into an old lady, but there it is. Three pairs. To justify, I do feel like they're rebranding a bit and are slightly less stodgy than they used to be.