feeding the soul

White Hearts on a String by Gary Isaac

My soul is extremely hungry and I'm searching for food to satisfy my appetite. Poetry, literature, music, art....I'm eating up everything I can get my hands on and wanting more.

In my search, I found Gary Isaac's photographs (above) and fell in love. Not only are the photographs mesmerizing, but he has these amazing write-ups for all of his photos. Two birds with one stone (I really hate that saying).

What I am craving most is poetry. Lots and lots of poetry. I read everything on my bookshelves, but it wasn't enough. I need your help, my dear readers. Who are your favorite poets and poems? Any recommendations? My poetry knowledge is far from vast, so anything you suggest will be very much appreciated.
Please, help satiate my soul.

xo.

60's inspiration

My closet and I are in need of some serious inspiration. For far too many mornings in a row I have stared into that black hole and come to the conclusion that I have a closet full of clothes, but nothing at all to wear. I am uninspired and have yet to find my #1 obsession for Fall. Sigh.

But, these lovely vintage photos from the 60's have helped to lift my spirits. Found while browsing flickr, from Lee Sutton's collection.

Colorful Maxi Skirts, 1968

Maxis, plaid, clogs, cinched waists and silk scarves....what more do you need? I would seriously give my left arm for one of these fantastically fantastic maxi skirts.

Winter Wear, 1969
Shifts, leggings, knee-high boots, and black & white = winter essentials.

high praise from alt

Marc Jacobs, Spring 2009

"In my life in the fashion trenches, there have been only two collections that were seismic moments destined to become part of the legacy of modern fashion history. The first was YSL's Broadway Suit collection of January 1978, my first-ever Paris YSL couture collection. The second belongs to Marc Jacobs, who took the biannual toxic blight out of New York Fashion Week with one of the most defining collections of his career.

With his 53 looks on parade to Gershwin's classic "Rhapsody in Blue", Jacobs became the new Yves Saint Laurent. Forceful, witty, pragmatic sportswear was luxed up in linens, cottons, and lames specially created for his show from archived prints. While other design houses wrestle with the YSL legacy, Jacobs's work is original and based on his own idea of what is or isn't elegance...

His is a destiny borne from both failure (fired at Perry Ellis for his infamous grunge collection) and success (turning around the fortunes of Louis Vuitton), one that weighs him down with fear, self-doubt, and sleepless nights. In his new world of two-hour gym treks and therapy daily, Jacobs feels he's approaching perfection. 'I worked so hard on the bags and accessories,' he told me. 'This collection made me happy because it was all the things I love.' It was also perfection and, as an American collection, one of the most significant and powerful statements in New York fashion in two decades..."

- Andre Leon Talley, Vogue, November 2008

it's all in the details & the price

It's the details and craftsmanship that makes my heart go pitter-patter when browsing through J.Crew. So many pretty and lust-worthy prizes.

I've always believed that there are certain items worth splurging on and J.Crew happens to carry many classic pieces that make for great investments. But, even when buying a more expensive item, the price has to make sense. The J.Crew pricing tends to be higher than even the beauty of the pieces constitutes. I try to justify a purchase here and there, but I wish I could do it more often because I love so many of their offerings.
I've listed my pricing on a few items that I am currently drooling over below. At these prices, I would buy.

Striped Victoria Ruffle Shirt
J.Crew price = $98, My price = $68

Merino Melanie Button-Cuff Crewneck
J.Crew price = $78, My price = $58

Super 120s Blair Dress
J.Crew price = $188, My price = $120

Classic Peacoat
J.Crew price = $225, My price = $150

Favorite-Fit Herringbone University Pant
J.Crew price = $168, My price = $98

I won't even go into their shoes or jewelry because the majority of the items are overpriced and the quality (or lack of) does not justify the expense.
Last I checked, J.Crew was a mass-retailer and not a high-end designer.

happy friday!

Let's splurge on something fabulous this weekend, shall we?

Even if it's just a shiny new gloss or a pretty pair of earrings. A purchase is definitely in order.

leifsdottir love

I recently added Leifsdottir to my favorites list after realizing the vast majority of items I've been drooling over are a part of this new line by Anthro. The pieces are feminine and beautiful with charming details like whimsical prints, pretty buttons, and fancy embroidery, all of which I cannot get enough of. Best described by Elle, "Overall, it looked like the wardrobe of a traveling girl with eclectic tastes who picks up unique pieces everywhere she goes."

Launched in August, the line is now available through Anthropologie (of course) and other retailers such as Nordstrom, and Bloomingdales.

As if the Fall line isn't enough, there's more to look forward to with the Spring 2009 collection, which debuted at NY Fashion Week. So delicious!

Tres magnifique!

warning...pr spoiler

Leanne wins Project Runway season 5!!!
By far, my favorite designer to win the show thus far. I just loved her final collection and her architectural, sophisticated, and innovative approach to design throughout the show. Her pieces are brimming with beautiful details and flawless construction.

Bravo (no pun intended)!

love letter

photo by spurmarks

Friday Morning, Jan 17, 1896

My Very Dear Eugenia,

I think it is best that I do not come to see you next Sunday, day after tomorrow. There are no new cases of measles yet, but there may be some danger of my taking it yet. My arm is getting sore rapidly from vaccination and is likely to be pretty sore by Sunday, if it continues. By Sunday week, Jan 26, everything will be quiet here and then I am coming to see you if that will suit you. Be sure to tell me if it suits for me to come then. I am so anxious to see you I can hardly bear to think of waiting that long.

Ever yours,
Willie

- Written by my great-great-grandfather to my great-great-grandmother. Transcribed by my cousin, Alice.

penny pinching

Depending on how you look at it, the present sad state of affairs could be considered a time to save and prepare for more failing banks and lost jobs. On the other hand, it could be a time to spend and help-out the failing economy. My stance is somewhere in the middle, while I'm not cutting out shopping entirely (especially not during my favorite time of the year), I am cutting way back. The thought of putting extra money away instead of spending it on another pair of shoes, seems like a pretty smart one right about now.

And, so I give you another make-believe shopping trip.
If I were to shop, this is what I would buy...

I found these at Nordstrom a few weeks back, but they don't have them online anymore & I can't remember who makes them. I fell in love the moment I saw them.

Tory Burch Milano Duncan Tie Neck Dress

See by Chloe Plaid Toggle Jacket

Miz Mooz Jessy Wedge Boot

Semantiks Crochet Dress

Leifsdottir Painted Button Melange Sweater
And everything else Leifsdottir.

i heart art....lindsey

This week's I Heart Art is by my good friend, designer, and mommy-to-be, Lindsey (of StoneTree Designs)! She previously gave us Monica and Michael Sweet and now she is sharing the Romanian abstract painter, Alexandra Nechita.
Take it away Linds...

This amazing talent began painting when she was just two years old. By the age of ten, she was already pegged as "The Petite Picasso". Born in 1985, she has so many more years to evolve as an artist. Seeing her originals in person is breathtaking. The large size of the canvases she usually uses is surprising and the colors are stunning. She has the striking ability to capture raw emotion in her paintings and invoke deep discussions of current world affairs. She enjoys painting angels and works that speak of peace and unity. The depth she creates on her canvases is like nothing I have ever seen, and I can only imagine what she will bring to the world of art over the next several decades. - Lindsey

Thanks Linds!
And, don't forget, you too can participate in I Heart Art! How to here.

pfw...so far, so very good

My heart is all a flutter after viewing the latest offerings from Paris.
A few of my loves so far...

Vivienne Westwood
The epitome of all that is eccentric and cool, Vivienne Westwood's Spring collection is edgy and so much fun. The color palette is amazing, although my favorite pieces were in black. Scrumptuous!

Junya Watanabe
I want to be a market girl with a load of flowers on my head and the perfect mix of new and classic prints draped around my body! I love this collection. The innovation was on par with what Watanabe usually brings to the table, but the African-influence, use of denim, and serene vibe of the collection took it over the top. Bien fait!

Comme des Garcons
Rei Kawakubo took us back to her infamous black this season with an intricate presentation of technical sophistication. I admit it didn't make the list of my favorite CDG collections, but I do love the mathematical & geometric elements and the structured composition. I get it, at least I think I do.