Archive for November, 2009
Click the screencaps to enlarge.
What can I say? I find the natural world incredibly inspiring so unfortunately you’ll all have to suffer through some nerdy posts on occasion! Thanks to a recent post on the very cool science blog, The Artful Amoeba, I got to learn a bit about the bizarre and beautiful Bloodybelly comb jelly (Lampocteis cruentiventer) (how’s that for a lyrical common name). The video is a must watch (hilariously corny soundtrack included). Video of course, is after the jump. Screencaps and video courtesy Monterey Bay Aquarium
Skirt: $115; Jacket:$155 Bag: $150
I think I’ve mentioned the fact that I’ve been trying to work pattern and colour into my daily wear rotation several times recently. I’ve been somewhat successful and I continue to be on the lookout for designers who create prints that appeal to me. The Osei-Duro print fabric bag I posted in the second outfit in Friday’s Cut-and-Paste post obviously really caught my eye. I really like mudcloth fabric. I recently made a shirt out of some mudcloth fabric I found at a local fabric store, and I’ve a mudcloth fabric bag I bought a few years back from Oak. I like the earth tones and abstract and geometric patterns that typically characterize this textile.
Well, I decided to do a little exploring of the label and found that it’s a project begun by two women, Maryanne Mathias and Molly Keogh, who wanted to create socially responsible, sustainable clothing. This is a popular trend these days, but Osei-Duro goes beyond just using organic materials. Mathais and Keogh were attracted to West African textiles and formed a company that utilizes women’s cooperatives based out of Ghana to create beautiful garments and accessories while paying equitable wages and teaching valuable business skills to the women who produce the pieces. All of the pieces use natural and recycled fabrics.
Creatures of Comfort carries several items by Osei-Duro, but the label has its own online shop and the prices are slightly less
Bag: $150; Tank: $83
A coworker and I were discussing the whole shorts and tights look recently. I like this style and I basically consider it to be a classic even though it’s having a bit of a moment right now. I remember the preppy version quite well from my childhood (corduroy shorts, penny loafers, and fair isle crewneck anyone? Ha!). So how does one pull off the combo now? I don’t like any combination that includes denim cut offs or denim cut offs with dippy 80s lace tights, so I went in search of something more mature and less fashion-victimy. In fact, I put together two versions, one being a little more casual than the other, and after the jump. This really has gotten addictive
Simple, timeless leather goods produced by brothers Chris and Kirk Bray. Their passion for craftsmanship and hard work has resulted in beautiful accessories that can span the generations. Thanks to Grain Edit’s twitter for the tip on Billykirk. The video after the cut gives a nice overview of the brothers’ philosophy and a look at their workspace
Cuffs, clockwise from top left: $70, $75, & $70
Shoulder Satchel: $325, Large Carryall: $345
The designers of ffixxed found Pour Porter through a google search for Fabrics Interseason, and correctly assumed I’d be interested in their pieces. I usually ignore marketing emails as they rarely line up with my personal taste, but this pair piqued my interest with their pieces and the fact that they’ve collaborated with Bless and have been featured alongside Fabrics Interseason and Slow and Steady Wins the Race.
The duo behind the label are Australians who have worked out of Hong Kong, Berlin, and New York and just released their second collection. While I wish their items were easier to browse (designers, it is possible to make an arty website that is well designed and easy to navigate!), they’ve plenty of interesting projects to peruse, and I’m excited to watch them develop. Thanks for the email! Remember to click the images to enlarge
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