Peter Jensen AW 2014

Spring poked her head out of the ground for a couple of days last week, but now we're back to wearing coats and scarves around here. It's a bit like self induced torture to look at pretty spring things right now. So instead, I've been admiring the Autumn Winter 2014 collection from Peter Jensen. The collection was inspired by and styled after a variety of Faye Dunaway movie characters. I spy The Thomas Crown Affair, perhaps a little Chinatown and my favorite, of course, Faye's version of Bonnie Parker. 

 

Dusen Dusen A/W 2014

Everything is so dreary around here right now (more snow on the horizon today) it's nice to see the cheerful prints in the Autumn/Winter 2014 Dusen Dusen collection.  I have a couple of pieces from past collections and they are definitely favorites in my closet that I reach for again and again.  I could see adding a couple of these pieces to my closet as well. The black and white print perhaps, or the sleeveless midi dress. 

Whit Fall Winter 2014

I am definitely a sucker for a crescent moon print so the Whit Fall Winter 2014 collection caught my eye.  The New York City based line has been hit and miss for me over the seasons.  Sometimes I want every single piece, other times I could take it or leave it.  This collection is leaning towards wanting every single piece. 

Samantha Pleet Presents Visions

directed by Maximilla Lukacs and Sarah Sophie Flicker
starring Louisa Gummer, India Menuez, Hannah Metz, and Tara Violet
narrated by Tennessee Thomas
director of photography Graham Willoughby

Samantha Pleet is presenting a short film featuring her Autumn Winter 2014 collection that is inspired by the personal recollections of Joan of Arc.  Even though we're still a season away from seeing these clothes in stores, the scenes featured in her tale are perfect for all of cold, snowy weather we're experiencing right now.  I really love that print that looks like comets flying through the night sky. 

Ingrid Starnes: Winter 2014

 photos via Always Sometimes Anytime

I'd heard a lot about the British television series The Bletchley Circle via blogs and was curious to see it.  I set the DVR to record it just in case it came on here and was happy to discover all three episodes waiting patiently for me after they aired on PBS.  For those of you who haven't seen it, it's a mystery series about four women who used to work as codebreakers at Bletchley Park during WWII.  The story is inspiring, as is the wardrobe that the four characters wear.  Personally, well-traveled Lucy is my favorite. I was excited to find that Ingrid Starnes' Winter 2014 collection is inspired by The Bletchley Circle.  I can see a little bit of each of the Bletchley ladies in these pieces.  There are lots of feminine details and strong jackets.  I think the printed pieces are my favorites. 

Rosapina Vintage A/W 2013

design + styling: Ale for Rosapina Vintage, photography: Alf, garments: Ale's mother, hats and headpieces: Atelier Carlotta Sadino, other accessories: vintage, Ferragamo, Orla Kiely, Max & Co, Chie Mihara, Lomography

The Autumn/Winter collection for Rossapina Vintage features garments designed by Ale and handmade by her mother using vintage fabrics from her grandmother's stash.  I love the family connection! The lookbook shows off each look against a backdrop of perfectly hued autumn leaves.  Doesn't it make you want to hear the leaves crunching under your feet?! To see the rest of the looks, be sure to check out Ale's blog and shop.  

Uttu

I received a very sweet email from Gokce in Instanbul, Turkey informing me about her new collection for fall.  You may remember that I posted about her previous work from Uttu.  Now she has another pretty lookbook featuring her latest designs from her collection You Look Familiar.   The eyelet dresses are my favorite pieces. 

Sessun Autumn / Winter

Sessùn Video Fall 2013 from jas000 on Vimeo.

Last week I binge watched Freaks and Geeks for the first time on Netflix.  I'd always heard people raving about the show but had never seen an episode.  Now that I've watched all 18 I'm definitely on the Freaks and Geeks bandwagon.  I love me some Bill Haverchuck.  Throughout the series, most of the girls can be found wearing really great late 70s / early 80s knits.  You know, the colorful sweaters and belted cardigans that were popular at the time. I'm definitely keeping my eye out for more knit pieces as the weather cools. 

I just found this beautifully shot, serene video featuring the Autumn/Winter collection from Sessun.  The collection has a little bit of that early 80s vibe and so many great knit pieces in it.  Yes, I love the knit pieces but the one thing I definitely have my eye on, hoping for a sale price, is this Lumberjack Coat.  I can't get over that print.  Oh, and I'd take a pair of these boots too!

Morgan Carper Fall 2013

As the nights grow cooler one by one, I find myself wrapped up under blanket on the couch.  Why not just throw the blanket over my shoulders when I leave the house?  If only I could and still look as good as this cape from Morgan Carper fall collection!  I suppose if I feel like dressing up as an extra from The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, this will be my go-to collection.  And I mean that in the best way possible. 

Osei-Duro Fall 2013

I love this time of year when the fall collections start appearing.  Even if I'm not ready to start wearing layers yet, it's so much fun to see each one revealed.  And this one?  From Osei-Duro?  SO GOOD!  The prints are exactly what I've been searching for even though I didn't know it yet.  I have the Mantel Dress from their spring collection that's been getting a lot of mileage this summer.  The only downside to loving this collection is deciding which piece to add to my closet next.  I'm hoping that yellow skirt shows up for sale soon. 

Nadinoo Play By Numbers

photography by jenny & lee, modeled by hannah keussner, hair & make up by natsumi watanabe, and styling by nadia izruna.

I am very excited to see that after a short break, Nadinoo is back with a new collection. You can always count on Nadia for lady-like silhouettes and the very best prints.  I've somehow resisted one of her bow front dresses for this long but that blue and white polka dot print is tempting me in the worst (best?) way. 

Margaret Howell A/W 2013

Today I will photograph the first collection of fall items to add to the Etsy shop.  In my mind, that means the season is changing and there's no looking back even though it's still hot out, and we have until the 22nd to make things really official.  And since my mind is in fall mode, I'm loving the new collection from Margaret Howell for the season.  The pieces are so classic and utilitarian they fall under the category of true investment pieces.  Each piece may cost a pretty penny, but think how many seasons you'd get to wear one. 

A Piece Apart

I love the simplicity of both the photos and the pieces featured in the new fall A Piece Apart lookbook.  The collection is made up of really classic basics that could easily be mixed into many wardrobes.  I would love the get my hands on a pair of the Matchstick Trousers and one of those flat brimmed hats. 

Pendleton Portland Fall 2013

The Pendleton Portland Collection this season feels like the quintessential autumn collection.  The colors, patterns, fabrics and styles all scream instant classic.  The perfect pea coat is, to me, the holy grail of winter coats.  All the ones I've found so far have been not-quite-right but this grey one looks to be pretty flawless. 

Ace & Jig Fall 2013

Previously I posted a video of Sharon Van Etten modeling the Ace & Jig fall 2013 collection.  Being a big fan of both, I enjoyed the video, but I couldn't really see the clothes.  Ace & Jig is quickly becoming my everyday uniform:  soft, comfortable, ethically produced... who could ask for more?  I'm eying a few pieces that I'd like to add to my closet. Specifically one of those maxi dresses.

Madewell Fall 2013

Yesterday Tom and I took his niece to New York City for the day to visit her cousin (another niece).  We met for lunch at Calexico then took a tour of the Kickstarter office where the Manhattan dwelling niece works.  We were partially there to follow up on an upcoming Kickstarter project that Tom and I are working on (more on that soon...) and also to hang out in the city and do a lot of nothing in particular.  The best kind of day. 

Along the way, we stopped into the Madewell store at Broadway and Broome.  Last time we were there, the crowd inside had me running for the exit before I could make it up the staircase.  Luckily a Tuesday afternoon visit meant a much smaller crowd and room to breathe.  I'm always surprised at the pieces that catch my eye in the store verses the ones I like online.  I guess that says a lot about the styling of the collections online. 

I didn't spy any fall pieces in the stores yet (thank goodness - it's too early) but I came home and looked it up online.  The review I read stated the collection is full of classic pieces that you probably already have in your closet and demonstrates new ways to pair things up.  That may be true, as I haven't seen anything yet that makes me feel like I have to have it.  I do feel like I could dig around in my closet (or the thrift store) and find something similar to put together these looks.  But then again, Madewell always has a way of stocking something that catches my eye. I'm sure something will find its way into my closet.

Secret South: The Traveller

Since it seems that we're stuck in a never ending not-quite-spring pattern, I don't feel quite as guilty as I should in posting a fall/winter collection in the middle of April.  There are plenty of pieces in Secret South's newest collection that would be appropriate to wear right now.  I'm not usually a fan of orange but I think the orange print is my favorite. Although I'd find a spot in my closet for any of those little dresses. 

Orla Kiely Fall 2013

It hardly seems right to be posting a fall collection with the official start of spring right around the corner.  But since there's about an inch of snow falling right now, I think I'll make an exception.  Also, any collection inspired by Margot Tenenbaum is bound to catch my eye. Bouffant 60s hair?  Yes, please!

Samantha Pleet A/W 2013

The new Samantha Pleet collection is taking the internet by storm.  I've seen it popping up here and there and everywhere.  And it's no wondering why.  I know it's a fall/winter collection , but there are so many pieces that could easily be worn in the upcoming spring.  I would love to get my hands on that painterly print for summer.  And then the belted cape would be perfect for fall.

Penny Stock

I'm just discovering the Penny Stock winter lookbook and its easy, comfortable style.  I think it's been floating around out there for a while, but for some reason passed under my radar.  The lookbook is full of truly wearable pieces and one adorable haircut that once again has me hiding the scissors lest I end up with a new fringe.