Feeling Splashy: Missoni SS ’11

Even though it’s the complete opposite of this Muji lifestyle video that mesmerized me for a full 5 and a half minutes not two days ago, Missoni’s Spring/Summer 2011 promo video is now the master of my visual zeitgeist. I want to splash around in a pool of psyched out prints, drape myself in a zig-zagged caftan and bake under the Amalfi sun.

[Thanks for the tip, ladies!]

missibaba

Psyched on lots of things right now, but namely, at this moment, Missibaba bags are what’s doing it for me. They are based out of Woodstock — wait for it — in Capetown, South Africa. I know, I thought it was going to be the world of wind-chimes, too!! Anywhoo, these puppies are super-rad and handmade by a crack team of artisans. Oh also I like how the bags look like they are dancing in the photographs. Etsy site is TK. For now we’ll have to just admire via internets.

Found these dolls from one of my favs: Commas and Clauses.

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so good. so so good.

new, delightful items from French store/label Cancan.

there’s also a very fun and very cute behind-the-scenes video, which unfortunately i can’t show you because wordpress refuses to support flash (?!?!?!). BUT, I highly recommend viewing it here on Clementine Levy’s blog.

 

ANYWAY, fantastique.

boy oh boy

Hello my pets. I’m back from a trip around the world (literally! three weeks: L.A. to L.A.!) and ready to show you some of my discoveries.

First up is a store that Jesse and I stumbled across in Osaka: Beams Boy. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to snap any photos of the store myself (must learn “can I take photos for my American fashion blog?” in Japanese), but thanks to the power of the internet, I can show you the wonder that is Beams Boy.

We were later informed that this is a store for teenagers, but no matter! Trends forever! It seems people around the globe (myself included) are nuts for the American hertiage style, and honestly, who better to see a trend through to obsessive levels than Japanese teenagers? Apologies in advance for the ridiculous amounts of images here. I’m obsessed with Beams Boy. Wait, let me rephrase that more accurately. I’M OBSESSED WITH BEAMS BOY.

fit to knit

What many of you, my readers, may not know is that I happen to be a big knitter. Not huge, but big. Something that prevents me from really fulfilling my full-on knit potential is one simple truth: most knitting patterns are really, really lame. There I said it! So how psyched was I when, whilst perusing online favorite frolic, I happened across Quince & Co.?

Based out of Portland (the Maine variety), Quince & Co. not only spins and dyes what look like beautiful yarns, but they also offer ridiculously reasonable and not-at-all-lame patterns. I can’t wait to start in on one!

underneath your clothes

During an obligatory Etsy troll I found this really awesome Aussie lingerie line, Hopeless. Each vintage-style piece is handmade in silk.

hitting the road

Tomorrow I’m headed out on the first of several adventures before the end of the year. Really wishing to up my Huckleberry Finn factor with these puppies from Kenton Sorenson.

endless summer

But in a good way!

I’m sorry to my readers, my internet companions (I hardly know ye) — I’ve been away all week in Maine with my family. I had every last intention of updating, but there were too many bugs to swat and dogs to pat and sand to dust off. But here I am now! Bearing good news!

The good news is this. Normally, I go to Maine, I remember what it’s like to feel cold and cozy, and then, I’m sick of summer. I get really into tweed. Fall in love all over again, if you will. And then the rest of summer drags.

I’ve been inordinately obsessed with summer this year and I was really hoping the momentum would last post-Maine. And it did. With the help of Bhalo (silky and easy and nostalgic) and someone… that I can’t remember. Some genius posted about them and I didn’t take note of who it was in my blind and ignorant and internet-hungry state. WAS IT YOU? (let me know so I can tell everyone!!).

Anyway, Bhalo is awesome. I want it all.

just stretch

I love these Swatch-like watches from Toronto-based May 28th. As if a multitude of fun and bright patterns weren’t enough, their elastic watchbands make this an easy-breezy summer accessory. Website is here.

twist & shout

I didn’t realize that Confetti System also makes beautiful silk and leather necklaces! Wish I could go back in time and add some of these to my peach & khaki roundup. Quelles dommages.

in the bag

So yeah, it seems I can’t get enough (a) rope jewelry, (b) tie dye and (c) L.A.-based handbag designers. Seriously though, it can’t be my fault they’re all so good can it?

That being said, this bag from Le Bulga just about as perfect as they come (and yes, based in L.A.; yes, handmade; yes, simple, beautiful, sophisticated). It’s also on sale here. Birthday celebrators take note.

call me sentimental

After exiting the fashion world to start families, former LaRok designers (and longtime friends) Cary Vaughan and Jenna Wilson are back with a sophisticated and wearable line called Ace & Jig.

Talk about a line that Gets Me Right Here — like my very own mother before them, Vaughan and Wilson travel halfway around the world to India to oversee the production of their yarn-dye woven fabric, working with weavers one on one.

are you mocking me?

Ok, who’s been hiding this from me? That’s really the only explanation, because this is right up my alley. Lore! Tradition! Moccasins!

Since 1909, Quoddy has been making leather shoes and moccasins in rural Maine. Inspired by the Passamaquoddy tribe’s heritage of craftsmanship and artistry, whether bark canoes or woven baskets, the company still handsews each shoe on a bench. Awesome.

Found via this StyleCaster slideshow!

all in the family

Nina and Kaya Egli, the mother-daughter design team behind Family Affairs, create pastoral, vintage-looking pieces that make me want to hop back in time and into some red lipstick and field of flowers. The last photo (cool beverage + tunic + lady afro) is pretty much how I want to be spending this and every summer hereafter.

i can see clare vivier now, the rain has gone

I love the elegance and simplicity of LA-based Clare Vivier‘s handbags. Who knew such subtlety and timelessness could be manufactured in Burbank?

knotty by nature

London-absed A Alicia’s line of eco-friendly jewelry has got me tongue tied. Pieces are handmade of sustainable or vintage fabrics and can be ordered online here.

sharing/caring

Ordinarily, I’m not sure if I would share this, since at heart I’m a greedy, greedy, greedy person. But guess what! I’m feeling very generous today, so I will let you know about this: the zany-brainy ladies at Vena Cava are holding an online garage sale. If I wasn’t about to hold one of my own, I’d be all over it. Particularly the jar of Lisa’s self esteem. You can also buy their Volvo!

aquavit sunrise

Copenhagen’s Stine Goya created splashy lightweight ombre pieces for her summer collection. Yet another to add to the wear-all-summer-in-summer-of-dreams list. Available here.

one more thing

Yes, please!

Ginger & Smart dress found via Shiny Squirrel.

tight rope

One of my very best friends just moved to town from Providence and has hit the ground running working with local furniture and accessories designer Tanya Aguiñiga. Each day, these two crank out beautiful and fun creations — like felt-covered folding chairs, birch benches and hole tables — from Tanya’s studio in Atwater Village.

This weekend, a few of us went to an open studio their building was hosting and got to see some of their latest projects in situ: rope necklaces and  bracelets. Made by unwinding thick pieces of white rope, the necklaces end up looking like popcorn — popcorn which is then dip-dyed and which hopefully will one day adorn my neck.

Rope bracelets are available at ReForm School; word on the street is the necklaces may soon be available at A+R!