Archive for January, 2008

a tree grows in becket

Published
by
threadmettle
on January 30, 2008
in about a look, diversity of style, inspiration, miscellanious musings and sightings
. 2 Comments

I swear it was before watching Eastern Promises. For a while now, in fact, I’ve been mesmerized by people’s tattoos. I don’t watch Miami Ink or anything, but when I tune into Project Runway, it’s Sweet P’s tatted arms I can’t keep my eyes off of.

Here in NYC, there is a fair amount of inky eye candy (nothing like Seattle, where being tattooed is mandatory and enforced by the local population). But imagine my surprise when I was struck dumb by a tat in rural Massachusetts:
tree tattoo

So good, isn’t it? But that’s not all. “I once had a sparrow alight upon my shoulder…”
tree and birds tattoo
Now that is body art.

In my next life, I want some, too. But in this one, I think I’ll stick to clothes and keep on marveling at the ink on others.

back in rotation

Published
by
threadmettle
on January 15, 2008
in clothing and for your review
. 3 Comments

denim skirt.jpg

Call me crazy, but I’m experiencing a renaissance with my denim skirt. A simple 5-pocket mini purchased at the Woodbury Commons Saks Off 5th in 2005 (or was it ‘04?), I’d long relegated this item to country-wear—cute but, in the words of my father, spoken with nose wrinkled, “not so much.” It just seemed ho-hum, unimaginative, lazy. That is, until recently, when I’ve taken to wearing it around the neighborhood and on weekends, but always a bit abashedly, loathe to open my oh-so-current swing coat and reveal it. But at dinner on Sunday a friend wore one, too. It was smarter, to be sure—a uniform midnight blue wash, button-front, pencil cut, secured at Dear Fieldbinder—but appealing in the same way I perceive mine: casual and chic.

So with only a little hesitation, I’m going to lift my moratorium and declare the denim skirt, like the jean jacket, a [yes, somewhat boring but still] wardrobe basic to be worn with impunity [and impish delight] whenever one deems appropriate.

Unless you disagree.

And even if you do, this high-waisted one from Ernest Sewn might change your mind.
ernest sewn maya skirt
(Check it out on revolveclothing.com)

deft derivatives

Published
by
threadmettle
on January 2, 2008
in bags, for your review, new york style, shoes and sightings
. 0 Comments

We live in a knock-off culture; just ask Diane von Furstenberg. But a $15 (i.e., flammable) dress styled to look just like a high profile designer’s is only one possible outcome. Sometimes, ideas are appropriated and adapted, built upon, and result in something pretty cool in its own right.

On the uptown 2 train, I caught sight of the Coach Bleeker Wool Blanket Tote. Check it out:
Coach Bleeker Wool Blanket Tote.jpg
(Photo from Coach.com)

Doesn’t it remind you of the Louis Vuitton Trunks & Bags collection of ‘06 (among the many other it-brands that rock the oversized logo stamp)?
louis vuitton trunks & bags.jpg
(Photo lifted from the What’s Haute Blog)

Now some might say, “Ooooh, dirty knock-off!” But I like the Coach bag. What do I think saves it from being a total wannabe? The braided leather, coupled with the wooly blanket material. It looks Western, or indigenous, and not at all Euro-luxe. In other words, I think it’s Coach’s own take, apropos of its American heritage, and safely distinct from the likes of Vuitton, Prada, etc.

Another sweet, singular interpretation of an existing design? The Ash Vanilla high top:
ash vanilla high top.jpg
(Image courtesy of Olive Shoes, but they’re on sale in Gold at Urban Outfitters)

No one was wearing metallic shoes in Paris, but I don’t care; I can’t resist them! Nor can I refuse a) high tops or b) wingtip detailing! And if that’s not enough, there’s also a pair with buckles (swoon).