new No.6 prints for spring

 

The two founders of No.6 did a Q&A on the Steven Alan blog this week where they described their inspiration for the spring collection. They also referred to several prints from the "second delivery" of the No.6 clothing collection. This really piqued my interest as the No.6 prints are what I love and I have been known to go to the ends of the earth to track them down. Apparently, several of them were created by artists, including Paul Wackers, and then given to No.6 to use in the clothing. Here is the text describing them:

We included the Flower of Life symbol, which represents the sun. We expanded the print to cover the whole silk screen so that each dress would be unique. The Flower of Life in delivery two was scaled down to create a polkadot print. The Flowers in Vase print by artist Paul Wackers, titled “The Closer You Are the Quicker it Hits You,” was given to us to print on silk and became a random print, so no one garment will be alike. For our second delivery, landscape artist Elissa Gore created a water color stripe print especially for us on the porch of the cabin.

Karin and Morgan also revealed they are working on developing a full-on web store, which I hope will include the apparel as well and not be just clogs.

And then today, one of the prints in question popped up on the No.6 blog:

I don't usually like prints that are like wearing a painting wrapped around your body but I might have to make an exception for this one. It is pricey at $415 but the detail on the neckline is stunning.

A sneakpeak at the spring look book and several of these prints popped up on Refinery29 a while ago. All images below are taken from that link:

Another small interview appeared a little while ago on another website called Dossier. It's more about the history of No.6 but well worth a look for serious No.6 fans out there.

No.6 moccasins

Currently obsessing over everything in the new No.6 collection. Far too consumed with making the impossible decision of what to buy to even remotely begin to blog about everything I love. So I'll start with one thing. These new No.6 moccasin clog sandals are at the top of my wish list. A two piece sandal with separate ankle piece with a tie closure. The base has a peep toe and is available in two versions - one with the leather braiding on the top, one with the leather braiding on the sides. I prefer the side braid version but they are both pretty amazing. And Totokaelo in Seattle has an all black version, including black sole.

The side braid version in bone (left) and naked (right). How to decide between these two colors?

 The top braid version in sunflower (left) and desert (right). 

The all-black version at Totokaelo and they also have one in cigar (right).

Here they are styled in outfits for the No.6 blog (I also love these pants). Aren't they great?

It's a Fanny Pack, people.

Clare Vivier's new waist bag

I know a fanny pack, ahem...waist bag, is sort of inherently a fashion faux pas. Knowing that I don't hesitate at all to tell you that I own one. It is the most beautiful tan suede with wide leather belt fanny pack you have ever seen; it also happens to be Maison Martin Margiela and is one of my most treasured possessions (Really!) An exception to the no-fanny-pack rule, it might be.

My MMM pride and joy

So perhaps because of owning this special and novel fanny pack, I reacted more positively than the average person to the new "waist bag" by Clare Vivier. It is smaller than the average bum bag, which helps I think. And it is very simple in design. And to be honest, wearing a fanny pack leaves you hands-free, a wholly underrated fashion experience (especially as a parent). I do find that fanny packs only work in the summer though. Jackets just get in the way of it (does it go over or under?) and it looks best when combined with some version of two-piece outfit - shorts or a skirt - and occasionally with the right cute summer dress or romper.

I included this photo of a vintage Chanel fanny pack (for sale yesterday at R29, alas it sold out already) just to prove its validity as a fashion item. I mean, if Karl Lagerfeld thinks it's okay then we are on to something, right?

And not to be outdone, Leandra Medine of Man Repeller (if you are into the underage blogger thing) has a quite covetable diamond-shaped fanny pack in lipstick red. Hers is by Larissa Hadjio, who has an even chic-er one coming out soon, all black with gold hardware, available in two sizes (pictured right).

Clare Vivier in navy

The Clare Vivier waist bag is available at Shopbop for $216. A less pricey version of this trend (trend?) can be had at American Apparel. And because of the bright colors of their version, I think it would be a great accessory for a kid. They have a nylon one for $22, a leather one for $42, and corduroy or denim, both for $22.

Madewell Birdslife print

Spring is here in Portland. I know other parts of the country are still getting snow. But here we had three straight days of sunshine (unheard of). And I woke up this morning after setting the clocks forward yesterday to birds chirping away and pink blossoms of Daphne filling the air with its wonderful scent.

Which has inspired me to write about Birdslife, a very spring-y print from Madewell's spring collection that I have been admiring for several weeks now. It really looks like something from Rachel Comey or No.6 and is now on sale and they are even running an extra 20% off sale promotion.

The romper is my favorite and it sold out right away. However, many thanks to Mickey Drexler and his wonderful assistants who so nicely tracked one down for me and had it sent express shipping (Gotta love their customer service, truly impressive.) Although all of a sudden, there are a couple sizes in the romper available online again.

The dress is great too although more expensive. And it has also been spotted on Reese Witherspoon.

Lastly there was a camisole tank but it has now sold out. If you are near a Madewell store, unlike me, I would suggest scouring the store for this one.

Isabel Marant FW 2013

I know there has been some differing opinions over Isabel Marant's fall/winter collection that debuted a couple days ago at Paris Fashion Week. I just wanted to go on record saying I loved it. And for the first time in many seasons, I won't have to worry about looking like an LA fashion victim in certain pieces. Because honestly in some of these cowgirl getups, that has been my fear. I aspire to her Francophone chic; the main reason I have loved Isabel for many, many years. And in her past few collections, overall the prints and cuts have been amazing. However with this collection I am very much looking forward this fall to clean lines, drape-y sheer fabrics, comfy leggings, sexy cutouts and overall monochromatic colors.  I loved that she mixed navy with black, which is one of my favorite combinations and definitely very French. And she kept a lot of the studs, in the jackets, and sparkles, on the skinny scarves, which are both Americana-enough for that customer wanting that LA look. And keeps the stuff from looking too boring.
Here are a couple of my favorite runway shots. The coats were also amazingly simple:

And did I mention I love love love the boots? In the black with or without pony hair, yes please.

Also IM did a great interview with Elle where she explains her inspiration for this collection -- basically to look chic in bad weather, if I may paraphrase. You can read the whole article here.

T magazine: keri russell

There's a great interview with Keri Russell on the NYTimes' T Magazine blog today. She has a new show, The Americans on FX (haven't seen it) and a new horror movie. She has a been a favorite of mine from her Felicity days. Since then, she's became a mom and Brooklynite, and has a great, simple style.

Below are two street style shots.
First: oversized cream cable sweater with simple blue jeans with rips, Filson bag (she's a longtime Filson fan) and tortoise shades.
Second: all black including black socks with No.6 t-strap sandals in nude. Great contrast.