Peacoats

A.P.C. Caban Court 70's Peacoat - $500 at Stuart and Wright

VS.

J.Crew Majesty Peacoat - $258 at jcrew.com

Long term, I'd be happier with the A.P.C. one for sure - better quality, classic fit, less pilling usually -- but the price is pretty steep for something so basic.  Also the J.Crew one comes in a rainbow of great colors, including a sunny yellow. I was in the market for just a plain navy one. Hoping for a sale to start soon on either one, which would make the decision much easier...

Muuto teapot and mugs

I am loving my new "bulky" teapot and mugs in dandelion yellow from Scandinavian design collective Muuto. A cookie jar and sugar are also part of the collection, which is available in grey, white and yellow.

Muuto is slowing taking over my home as I now have multiple pieces from them including: lights, flower pots, fruit bowl, and some great wool storage bins made from recycled plastic that I use for toy storage.

And I have several items on my wishlist - mainly lights:

Muuto is sold at DWR and other small design boutiques.

Milk magazine - kids street style

I just discovered the "look de rue" street-style section on Milk magazine's website. Milk is a French magazine (with English text in the back) that is specifically a children's fashion magazine but has many other interesting things besides kids stuff. Their website is just as inventive. The only thing cuter than stylish kids - think Suri Cruise - is adorable stylish French kids walking the streets of Paris. I really like how all the kids are posing without actually looking like they are posing.

1960s Cameo Earrings

In desperate need of new earrings, I stopped by Gilt, an estate jewelry store here in Portland. I found these beautiful 1960's cameo drop earrings in 18k gold. The pointed triangular trim is my favorite feature.

Tartan Plaid Repetto

 

I spotted these new tartan plaid creations from classic ballerina brand Repetto while reading Milk, the uber-chic French children's magazine. Then I discovered that the classic ballet style - the BB - is available in adult sizes at saks.com. And Opening Ceremony is selling both the oxford - the Zizi - in adult sizes and the ballerina flat in kids sizes. I am a sucker for plaid and these are a nice refresh of Repetto's classic styles.  Adult ballet flats are $265 at saks. Adult zizi are $325 at opening ceremony. Kids ballet flats are $150 at opening ceremony in euro sizes 28-34.

what I'm keeping - Alexa Chung for Madewell

Ugly Cardigan - probably my favorite piece

The word on the street is that Madewell will be re-launching some of the topsellers from the Alexa Chung collection on November 11th. So if you missed out the first time, here's your opportunity.

Shrimp Coat - my 2nd favorite piece, not in my original order but picked up in-store. get several compliments on it every time I wear it.

Penny Dress -  a casual everyday dress which is hard to come by

Hamish Wrap Scarf - super soft, sure to be a go-to item in winter

Amelia tee - a new twist on the classic striped boatneck, I got it in the navy stripe

Cassie Crewneck Sweater - I ordered this is a medium because that's all that was available and ending up loving it as an oversize sweater. I think most of the sweaters ran small, because I sent back the Aimee Fisherman Knit in an XS when it looked like a cropped sweater on me.

Patrice Top in white - this is one of those that you have to see in person. I was very on the fence about it when I ordered it and it IS a specific piece that necessitates a specific outfit. That said, it is very cute.

Thora Cords in rust - these I also picked up in the store, as they were sold out online immediately. They are a great fit: high waist, fitted leg, ankle length. I got a size 27 so they would be a little loose for a more boyish look.

my new black Filson bag

Purchased at the original Filson store in Seattle, my new handbag is very much a "man-bag". I had always admired the small cross-body messenger bag from outdoor hunting brand Filson but couldn't decide on a color and felt that it might be too authentic and not enough fashion for me. When I spotted the new black color - a first for Filson* - I took inspiration from Coco Chanel and her love of manly items and purchased one for myself. The body of the bag is a soft black wool and it is trimmed in black leather. And with a lifetime guarantee, this bag seems to be a relative bargain at $175. After one week with this bag, I am loving the sheer utility of it:

• the long strap means it is perfect to wear cross-body but it also has a short strap on top so it can be carried one-handed as well.
• there is a "tip" pocket on the back, similar to the classic Chanel bags, that is a great spot for the iPhone
• the roomy interior easily holds my large wallet, makeup bag, two baggus, sunglasses, keys and even a small notebook
• the front flap pocket is a good place to tuck things (like important papers) that you don't want to get lost
• lastly, it is not nearly as heavy as the twill Filson bags I've used in the past

*(To note: Filson has also done black in the medium messenger size as a collaboration with Blackbird, the men's boutique in Seattle. This limited edition run of 66 is a black twill with dark brown leather trim and only available in the larger, double pocket silhouette.)