awwwww yeah

White trainers are big for Spring 2010. I'm all for trends, especially when they're comfortable. Just as long as the look doesn't get too sloppy. Right now, I'm in love with the Nike Blazer Mid 09's available at need supply.

Photo credits

1) Al & Alicia - courtesy of R29.com

2) Nike - Need Supply

p.s.

...a sponsor of the CRAVE party is Lovejoy Vodka!

Get yer swerve on and shop some fine wares, too:

CRAVE party

December 9th :: 5p.m. ~ 9 p.m.

at the Bison Building in Portland, Oregon

more info at www.craveportland.com

the makings of a booth

I am working on the concept of my booth for the upcoming CRAVE party, on December 9th. I'm shooting for a rustic feel - these bundles of reclaimed wood will fit in nicely...

thanks

Please accept this virtual hug!

lovekaty

oh what a night

Like I said earlier today. last week was crazy. On Friday, I headed over to Oh Baby Lingerie in Irvington for Corsets & Cognac - an annual evening of flirtateous lingerie and flights of cognac.

A buxom party-goer, looking fab in an Isabella corset.

Though I chose to drink wine and purchased a bra instead of a corset, I had a fabulous time with Laura and her lovely, helpful staff. The night got me thinking... Oh Baby would be a great place for a gift certificate. (hint, hint) Just look at these sweet little outfits - ooooh:

all photos by me.

new shoes

I scored some cute Gee Wawa open-toe heeled oxfords from Sole in the Pearl District. Comfy, stylish, black. Ring me up.

fashion show at bubble boutique

Last week was crazy. I spent the majority of my time preparing Holiday orders and generally feeling overwhelmed.

By the time Thursday rolled around I was ready for a break. Lucky for me, my friend Jessica was having a fashion show at her boutique, Bubble.

I arrived long before the show began, which left me time to stroll around and browse. I had fun drooling over the selection of knock-out dresses and knits from Kyumi and Rodika Zanian.

I also had no problem pretending a black clutch from Moyna was mine:

A highlight of the evening was the jewelry from Luc Kieffer, of Paris, which Bubble stocks extensively. The bangles and necklaces with rhinestones set in resin were out of this world.

The models were channeling 1960's style in silky sheaths and pencil skirts. I adored one dress in particular from Susana Monaco. It's no surprise really - I'm a sucker for gray.

The best part of any fashion show, besides the fashion show itself, is always the people-watching. The crowd at Bubble was certainly fashionable, to say the least.

What fun. Thanks, Jess.

all photos by me.

inspiration: savannah

Last month, I had the pleasure of visiting Savannah, Georgia for the first time. I hope it's not the last!

I couldn't help but take literally hundreds of photographs - inspiration was in every nook and cranny. Here a few of my favorites:

Entrance to Colonial Cemetery - Savannah, Georgia.

One of many doors into the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist.

Special details abound in Savannah, even downspouts are unique.


The grave markers in the cemeteries were spellbindingly beautiful, but proved
to be difficult to photograph. I did manage a few decent shots - this one of a crest.

Decorative railing at the old police station.

The heavenly architecture of the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist.

More than forty percent of the 2500 buildings inventoried in

Savannah have some historical or architectural significance.

all photos by me.

bliss lau returns!

I'm losing my mind over the new Art Deco collection by Bliss Lau. She was already pretty much my idol, and at this rate, I will never be able to keep up.

Templar Chain Vest - Bliss Lau

You HAVE to go see the other pieces by Bliss:

CLICK HERE

what's old is new

There are times when I feel everything in fashion is a throwback. I swear my mom or one of my cousins had almost this exact purse at one point:

Cleobella Daniella Messenger Bag - $220

I'm not saying there's anything wrong with it - I'd totally throw it over my shoulder in a hearbeat (it comes with a strap). You can score one at shopbop.

cool shoot cool shoes

“IN MY ROOM” : the last shadow puppets

Paco Peregrin for Neo2 Magazine (Madrid, Spain)

demimonde jewelry

Lovely, affordable, local.

I really like Demimonde, a jewelry line designed by Portland-based Rachel Donaldson. As it turns out, she and I share a strange thing in common. We both have a family member who obsessively collected stones.

See more at her online shop. Trust me, it's worth the jump to see her work.

boutique 9

Nine West launched a new division, Boutique 9, which I'm curious about.

The descriptions on their website are enticing - leather soles and leather uppers - and I love the styling. I'm a tough sell, so I decided to pre-order a few pair for inspection.

I'll report back with my findings when they arrive in January.

Boutique 9 by Nine West: Ronnie - $130


Boutique 9 by Nine West - Elation - $198

inspired by: madeleine vionnet

The work of Madeleine Vionnet is a huge inspiration for me at the present moment. I am transported to another time when I view these photographs, which date between 1914 and 1931:

Styles included a myriad of intricate details, such as these thumbprint tags.

Ms. Vionnet's avant-garde design aesthetic remains a huge influence for couturiers such as John Galliano and Issey Miyake. And a huge influence for me, as well, as I begin work on a Spring 2010 bridal jewelry line.

If you happen to be in Paris, you can view a major exhibition of her work through January 31, 2010 at Les Arts Decoratifs. For a glimpse, watch this short video:

All photos, courtesy, Madeleine Vionnet collection.

my g.i.g.

my g.i.g.

[otherwise known as my girls in grayling]

Mai wears: Web necklace and earrings by grayling.

Cecilia wears: Shield body chain by grayling.

[and rad boots from Halo Shoes]

The Web and the Shield necklaces are currently available by special order through my website.

Special thanks to Mai and Cecilia for the photos - you look amazing. Well, then again, you both are amazing...

dopeness

Rick Owens hi top trainers

Is it some kind of cruel rule of fashion that the best kicks are the hardest ones to find?

true story

Gunnysack by Alexander Wang - $620

Once, while I was at working at a boutique, an drunk, old, leathery man came into the shop. He looked like he was right out of the woods. I'd liken his appearance to that of an ancient coon skin hunter.

He began to mumble a few indiscernible words to me. I struggled to make sense of the gibberish. Then quite clearly, he said "he wanted to stuff me into a gunny sack".

A gunny sack probably not as nice as the one pictured here, but it's the thought that counts.

mercy me

Mercy: Experiment Number One, will be a feast-your-eyes-on-awesomeness kind of thing. The evening will feature artwork by Nialls Fallon, rough and rustic jewelry from Andy Lifschutz (I adore!), and clothing designs from my pal, Janeane Marie.

Be there this Friday (if you live in Portland, that is) to support our local talent. It all goes down November 20th, 2009 at 537 SE Ash St from 6 p.m. to whenever.

DRKSHDW by Eastpak

rick owens hippifies eastpak : http://www.eastpak.com/

your attention please

Currently, I'm loving a hilarious image from the Paul and Joe lookbook for Fall/Winter. It's pure comedy:

www.paulandjoe.com

don't stop the train

Le Train Bleu, is, in my opinion, a Portland institution.

Over the years, I've witnessed Bria's concept evolve via her website, blog, and (now-closed) storefront. Yet, Le Train Bleu remains the place for of-the-moment designers in all the fashion mags - and I can still shop online.

Her small, but well-edited offerings in the realm of shoes and accessories are not to be missed. Le Train Bleu is one of the few Portland-based places carrying Rachel Comey. And, I love just about anything by Rachel Comey - especially these booties:

Rachel Comey - Smuggler Booties - at Le Train Bleu

I am also smitten by these gorgeous, embroidered gloves by Rebetiko. I feel that gloves, by nature, tend to be quite the homely accessory. But these manage to be functional and stylish:

Rebetiko - Embroidered Gloves - at Le Train Bleu

Le Train Bleu may not have a storefront, but I can still find everything I could ever want on their website.

just (don't) do it

Dear Manufacturers,

Please, please, please quit making these shoes. They are terribly unstylish. Sure, you tout their "comfort" and "style"... but really, who are you kidding!? These shoes are practically made of 2x4's hidden under a fabric overlay!

You bully department and mom-and-pop stores into placing big orders by giving bulk discounts. You tempt the consumer with bargain prices, just to pad your pocketbooks. But at what cost?

Can't you see you're weakening the actual fabric of our fashion community? We teach our fellow citizens what is cool, what is worth wearing, even what is affordable in magazines, on t.v., and on the internet. They know better. Yet, somehow every season I see poor, helpless women wearing these shoes.

The fashion police can only help so many victims...we need you to cease production on the following styles before it is too late.

Yours in fashion,

Katy Kippen