thank you.
from the bottom of my heart.
i couldn't have done any of this without all of you.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
home, sweet home
The cheerful exterior of the studio
I share with some very amazing people.
I absolutely love it.
toms are terrific
September is a great month for TOMS junkies - we finally have new options! The new "Cordones" lace-up version has landed, just in time for kicking around in the Autumn leaves.
I do have my reserves about wearing what appears to be a house slipper out-and-about, but nothing feels better on bare feet than a pair of TOMS. The lining (in this case plaid) wicks away moisture and keeps your feet dry, and you can throw 'em in the washer.
Buy a pair - maybe several. Because for every pair you buy, a pair will be donated to someone who needs them.
image from men.style.com
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
pearls of wisdom
- Be honest about your size.
- Have a good tailor.
- Confidence is the thread that holds any look together.
- Dress to impress – fashion is a direct language; what you wear is how you introduce yourself to the world.
- Restraint is fundamental to elegance – keep it simple.
- Don’t always rely on current trends. Pick and choose, try to make what’s “in style” work for you.
- Wear what you know looks good on your body type and is flattering.
- Buy what excites you.
- Know how to properly accessorize. The right accessories can update any look.
- Don’t wait for a special occasion to wear special clothing. Make every day an occasion.
Monday, September 28, 2009
if the shoe fits...
...wear it, even if it was intended for a man's foot. These styles are too perfect to pass up. And, if you're a man, all the more convenient.
John Varvatos : Suede Boots
Boss Orange : Colorblock High-Tops
Sunday, September 27, 2009
need supply
These shoes are proof - you don't need to drop a lot of dough to get a cool pair. Need Supply, based in Richmond, VA, has some nice, affordable styles for men and women. Saving money on shoes means more to blow on designer denim, right?
Jeffrey Campbell "Nation" Boot at Need Supply - $165
Men's Generic Surplus "Wingtip" at Need Supply - $72
Saturday, September 26, 2009
dolce & gabbana spring 2010
Maybe it's my Montana roots, but isn't the Spring RTW Collection from Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, well, fun? I love the accessories, especially the fringe-laden boots.
Friday, September 25, 2009
glam rock
grayling : Anthracite
grayling : Chrysalis
grayling : Caviar
The grayling GlamRock collection is available at Pin Me Apparel in Portland, Oregon [503.281.1572] and Meridian in Billings, Montana [406.245.9677]. For special orders, please contact me.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
amy carleton
With a trunk show on the horizon this week I have little time to blog. I do have time, however, to share these beautiful paintings by Amy Carleton. Thanks, Amy, you are amazing.
More on the trunk show here.
Friday, September 18, 2009
naeem khan
The Spring 2010 line from Naeem Khan couldn't be more beautiful. The intricate details, the delicate chains, the styling - it's all amazing. Here are a few of my favorite looks:
check out the bracelet - want!
earrings peeking out...
retro boudoir with a touch of the 80's
pure glam.
check out the bracelet - want!
earrings peeking out...
retro boudoir with a touch of the 80's
pure glam.Wednesday, September 16, 2009
on the job: davora of prairie underground
Davora Lindner and Camilla Eckersley are some of the smartest and most successful women I know in the industry. Success is measured in many ways, but it all adds up for the designers of Seattle-based Prairie Underground.
Read on for my interview with Davora...
Piles of cords for Prairie Underground's signature hoodies
KK: How did you and Camilla meet and why did you start a line together? Why the name "Prairie Underground"?
DL: Camilla and I met when we were kids at a park in Nebraska, but we didn't become friends until High School. We were a part of a group of like-minded teens in the mid west who were interested in independent music, art, politics and avant-garde fashion.
We started the line because Camilla was relocating from San Francisco and she needed a job! She approached me about moving to Seattle and doing a collection with her.
Naming the line was impossible - seriously we had pages of lists. I practiced writing different names with a calligraphy pen in a journal and Camilla came with piles of books that were important to her and of course every possible combination of our personal names was explored.
We ended up with Prairie Underground because the line was an extension of a friendship and community in the midwest. there are so many memories that we share and our cultural references intersect in really easy ways, there is a very healthy dose of our past in everything we do that is filtered through the present.
DL: Camilla and I met when we were kids at a park in Nebraska, but we didn't become friends until High School. We were a part of a group of like-minded teens in the mid west who were interested in independent music, art, politics and avant-garde fashion.
We started the line because Camilla was relocating from San Francisco and she needed a job! She approached me about moving to Seattle and doing a collection with her.
Naming the line was impossible - seriously we had pages of lists. I practiced writing different names with a calligraphy pen in a journal and Camilla came with piles of books that were important to her and of course every possible combination of our personal names was explored.
We ended up with Prairie Underground because the line was an extension of a friendship and community in the midwest. there are so many memories that we share and our cultural references intersect in really easy ways, there is a very healthy dose of our past in everything we do that is filtered through the present.
Your Orbit shown with Tuxedo Legging - Prairie Underground
KK: You are the designers of the somewhat iconic Prairie Hoodie and the Cloak Hoodie. I know women who own four or five! What was the original concept?
DL: The Prairie Hoodie was always a sort of robe or duster jacket. It was a garment that Camilla wanted personally, and it was our response to all of the hoodies we saw on a trip to LA. The first production ended up fitting rather small, so stores perceived them as dresses. It was designed to fit the body whereas traditional hoodies have a boxy volume.
The Cloak Hoodie evolved out of hood Camilla was working on for a vest. The vest was never finished but the hood inspired a series of drawings that looked like Angel caricatures and with this hyper feminine triangular skirt and puffed shoulders. It's a Victorian silhouette that both Camilla and I are drawn to that also shows up in the forties and the eighties and continues to inspire us.
DL: The Prairie Hoodie was always a sort of robe or duster jacket. It was a garment that Camilla wanted personally, and it was our response to all of the hoodies we saw on a trip to LA. The first production ended up fitting rather small, so stores perceived them as dresses. It was designed to fit the body whereas traditional hoodies have a boxy volume.
The Cloak Hoodie evolved out of hood Camilla was working on for a vest. The vest was never finished but the hood inspired a series of drawings that looked like Angel caricatures and with this hyper feminine triangular skirt and puffed shoulders. It's a Victorian silhouette that both Camilla and I are drawn to that also shows up in the forties and the eighties and continues to inspire us.
Triple Layer Hoodie - Prairie Underground
KK: Can you describe your design process? What pieces are you excited about?
DL: We aren't thematic designers and we don't work from mood boards. We like them, it just isn't our method. Our design process is more of a dialogue. Sometimes themes emerge but this is always after the fact. We're more inspired by previous collections and we build on styles we have offered previously. We haven't ever consciously reinvented the collection for a new season though it has appeared that way at times. Some of our favorite styles from upcoming collections are the Kite Top, Triple Layer Hoodie and Your Orbit.
DL: We aren't thematic designers and we don't work from mood boards. We like them, it just isn't our method. Our design process is more of a dialogue. Sometimes themes emerge but this is always after the fact. We're more inspired by previous collections and we build on styles we have offered previously. We haven't ever consciously reinvented the collection for a new season though it has appeared that way at times. Some of our favorite styles from upcoming collections are the Kite Top, Triple Layer Hoodie and Your Orbit.
Phillip GustonKK: As the line has grown, I've noticed an emphasis on organic and natural fabrics in the line. Can you tell me about that?
DL: We have always worked with sustainable textiles or textiles that are produced in a way that does less harm to the environment. When we first started selling the line no one cared about organic or sustainable fabrications, but they responded to our collection. At the beginning we made the decision to establish a business that was in sync with our personal beliefs.
In the last couple of years clothing made in this way has become more mainstream and as a result we are able to offer more styles in sustainable fabrications. The majority of line is organic cotton. We continue to work with a variety of hemp blends as well as recycled poly, but we also produce a few styles made with conventional cotton lycra. We have always wanted the line to be financially accessible for a contemporary collection, and this has meant offering some conventional styles.
DL: We have always worked with sustainable textiles or textiles that are produced in a way that does less harm to the environment. When we first started selling the line no one cared about organic or sustainable fabrications, but they responded to our collection. At the beginning we made the decision to establish a business that was in sync with our personal beliefs.
In the last couple of years clothing made in this way has become more mainstream and as a result we are able to offer more styles in sustainable fabrications. The majority of line is organic cotton. We continue to work with a variety of hemp blends as well as recycled poly, but we also produce a few styles made with conventional cotton lycra. We have always wanted the line to be financially accessible for a contemporary collection, and this has meant offering some conventional styles.
Laura Ingalls WilderKK: Prairie Underground appeals to a wide range of sizes and ages. Is this intentional?
DL: We've never intentionally limited our customer to a particular age or size, it always been more about a shared lifestyle or point of view. Beginning with Spring 2010 the entire collection will be available in XL which is something we're excited about.
KK: What kind of music do you listen to? Who are your favorite artists?
DL: Recently we have been listening to Jesse Sykes and the Sweet Hereafter, Bill Callahan, Devendra Banhart, The XX, Jack Penate... We're big 90.3 KEXP fans. Our favorite artists include Phillip Guston, Alice Neel and Samuel Delaney.
DL: We've never intentionally limited our customer to a particular age or size, it always been more about a shared lifestyle or point of view. Beginning with Spring 2010 the entire collection will be available in XL which is something we're excited about.
KK: What kind of music do you listen to? Who are your favorite artists?
DL: Recently we have been listening to Jesse Sykes and the Sweet Hereafter, Bill Callahan, Devendra Banhart, The XX, Jack Penate... We're big 90.3 KEXP fans. Our favorite artists include Phillip Guston, Alice Neel and Samuel Delaney.
- - - - - - - - -
P R A I R I E U N D E R G R O U N D
is available at these and other fine boutiques:
Pin Me Apparel Portland, Oregon - 503.281.1572
Have something to say? Please comment.
i love me some DL1961
No wardrobe is complete without a great pair (or two) of jeans.
The quest to find the perfect pair often leaves you feeling depressed and in need of a stiff drink. You know what I'm talking about. If you don't - go away - you make me sick.
I was the denim buyer for a boutique for years - we helped people find their dream jeans. And in all the piles of denim we sold, only a few brands won my heart. My very favorite jeans are from a small denim company - DL1961.
I adore DL1961 for four reasons:
- First, and most important, my fat ass looks like a million bucks in them! I mean perfect. Perky, round, tight...the exact opposite of what my bunnies look like without the jeans.
- Second, they do not stretch out! And, they are super comfortable. When I asked Lucia Albero, Showroom Manager at DL1961 about the special fit, she said, "The 4-way XFIT stretch sucks you in like no tomorrow!" Perfect.
- Third, they are not over-the-top expensive. I will pay $158 for a great pair of jeans I can wear day and night.
- Fourth, they offer several rises (high to low) and leg openings (bootcut, skinny, straight) which means big ass or small - everyone can rock them.
If you need more reasons, email me and I'll run over and slap you with a stick. They are perfect! Plus they look good with Yves Saint Laurent heels (hey, if you're saving money on jeans all the more to spend on shoes, right?)!!
1224 Tory Jeans in Brook Wash - $158.00 Click here for more info
YSL Imperiale Pump $795 at Saks
YSL Easy Open Pumps $895 at Saks
What are your favorite jeans, and why?
I really love Monday, September 14, 2009
more to come
This week, I'll be interviewing Davora Lindner, co-designer and marketing head of Prairie Underground about Spring 2010. The line has evolved over the years, and I can't wait to discuss everything with her!
And, I'll be speaking with the design team behind Iosseliani, an incredible line of jewelry out of Rome, Italy. Their jewelry is highly detailed and intricate - I hope they'll send me lots of photos!
And, I'll be speaking with the design team behind Iosseliani, an incredible line of jewelry out of Rome, Italy. Their jewelry is highly detailed and intricate - I hope they'll send me lots of photos!
I'll also be sharing my top denim picks from DL1961 jeans. DL1961 is known for a few things but the 4-way stretch and perfect fit is why I love them! And, I like to stay "on topic", so I'll be showing you shoes that look great paired with denim.
Thanks for reading...
Thanks for reading...
wish i were there...
Last month I featured the work of Arielle de Pinto. Arielle is having a launch party for her Spring 2010 collection this weekend and it sounds F. U. N. - yes, all caps. Click the pic for all the info.
If you're in N. Y. be sure to R. S. V. P. Regretfully, I cannot be two places at once...
Friday, September 11, 2009
on the job: sally schwartz
Sometimes you meet someone and you hit it off instantly. That's how it was when I met Sally.
The incredibly witty Sally Schwartz
About four years back I was on a plane headed to a trade show. I took an aisle seat next to a guy and a girl who were sharing a good joke. These two, I was to find out, were the owners of a newly opened store in Portland by the name of Pin Me Apparel. We introduced ourselves and started talking. We laughed the entire way to the landing strip. I waved goodbye to Sally and Kiki that evening with a skip in my step.
We've become good friends over the years, and when I made the leap from retail buyer to jewelry designer, I knew my relationship with Sally and Kiki (and his wife, Liz) was the perfect kind to draw upon.
Read on for my interview with Sally Schwartz, partner and buyer at Pin Me Apparel:
KK: How did Pin Me Apparel get its start?
SS: When my business partner Liz and I decided to open a shop I had just finished traveling after college. I wasn’t interested in designing for a sportswear company so we decided to open Pin Me. It took about a year of planning but everything fell right into place with the space on Mississippi coming available and then Kiki joining in on the partnership. It has been challenging for us in the last 8 months but things feel stronger than ever, even after baring the recession. Pin Me is still in business and we’re growing.
denim leggings and cloak hoodie by prairie underground
KK: What looks are your customers embracing for fall?
SS: I think comfort is really popular right now. My customers are wearing leggings and tunics regardless of age and personal style - Prairie Underground's denim leggings keep selling out. Also, people are finally digging the color purple after three seasons of trying it. Watch out yellow …you’re next!
SS: I think comfort is really popular right now. My customers are wearing leggings and tunics regardless of age and personal style - Prairie Underground's denim leggings keep selling out. Also, people are finally digging the color purple after three seasons of trying it. Watch out yellow …you’re next!
KK: Who are your favorite clothing designers? And, if you could have any piece of jewelry, what would it be?
SS: Prairie Underground is my favorite line that we carry at Pin Me. My personal favorite line to wear is anything at IDOM by Modi. And, I'm lusting for a ring by Seattle designer Jamie Joseph. I also really like Hazel Cox's design aesthetic.
SS: Prairie Underground is my favorite line that we carry at Pin Me. My personal favorite line to wear is anything at IDOM by Modi. And, I'm lusting for a ring by Seattle designer Jamie Joseph. I also really like Hazel Cox's design aesthetic.
KK: What are some fashion “don’ts” in Sally's world?
SS: I don't love one sleeve garments. Unfortunately, most of our lines had lots of one-shoulder styles for spring. I'm not into embellishment either especially when its screen printed lace or something like that.
SS: I don't love one sleeve garments. Unfortunately, most of our lines had lots of one-shoulder styles for spring. I'm not into embellishment either especially when its screen printed lace or something like that.
g r a y l i n g is available at
PIN ME APPAREL
3705 N. Mississippi Ave
Portland, Oregon 97227
(503)-281-1572
Thursday, September 10, 2009
waterfall necklace
The waterfall necklace is from my Metallust Collection - every piece is hand cut, hammered, textured and assembled by yours truly.
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