e.g.

collabs

Kim H. sent me a message about a sweet collaboration between Uniqlo and a bevy of assorted designers, artists, and pop culture fixtures. Fashion house Cacharel, Japanese Manga Naruto, and Director Jim Jarmusch, among others have teamed up with Uniqlo to offer some takes on tees. Some are silly (see Naruto), some are pretty darn ugly (see Warner Bros. or Disney), and some are working for me. Here are my picks.

Franche Lippee

Cacharel

Antoni & Alison

Jim Jarmusch

boys / toys

photographer: Kim Harrison  model: Albert Vo  stylist: Anna vanAstro

around the corner

Is it February already? There are lots of things to look forward to in this short month.

• Tim P. of Boy Meets Girl fame will be tackling a wild and wooly challenge.
• Glen S. has a rather racy Valentine's Doctor Love to share with you all.
• As always, Anna vA. will share her current favorites in weekly Short Lists. 
• Kim H. and Anna vA. are busy snapping and styling photos, respectively.
• Designers, designers, designers! If it's fashion, Anna vA. has an opinion.

Stay tuned for a hot and heavy February.

quick question: part II

Kim H. / W. Coast / E. Coast / blog: new cup

1.  What items are you adding to your daily queue now that Fall is officially here? Why?

Darker colors and heavier fabrics. Even though it can get rather cold in SF in the summer, somehow these things feel like fall. Perhaps it’s because I grew up in a region with the classic four seasons, but to me summer means light and airy (out here I  layer as necessary), and fall/winter means darker, richer colors, heavier fabrics, things that intend to cover more area of skin (i.e. long socks/stockings instead of 3 t-shirts in the summer). It’s funny, I still find myself avoiding bold, darker colors in the spring/summer. Somehow I just associate those colors with fall/winter, and I don’t want to taint spring/summer with them.

2.  What items are you putting in storage until Spring / Summer? Why?

I used to put away light breezy dresses, skirts, tank tops and the like. Now that I live in a mild climate, I can wear those things year ‘round. And I do – simply use a sweater or stockings to protect from the cold. Lately I haven’t felt the need to put things in storage. I just wear certain things, depending on color and weight of fabric (no wool in summer!), at more ‘appropriate’ times of year.

3.  What is your favorite thing about Fall / Winter dressing?

Fall has always been one of my favorite transition points. I love the rich colors, wool, tall socks… You go from breezy summer cotton into wools and deep reds, browns, greens so fast. As soon as school starts, right? Oh, and plaid! I’ve always had a thing for plaid (I secretly didn’t mind my grade school uniform, shhhhh!!), and fall is the time for plaid. Winter? I adore the heavy fabrics and the intention of staying warm. I love being warm and I love soft things, and in winter I get to wear big soft things to keep warm. (That said, I love summer because I can wear so little, feel free and still be warm. *sigh* I just love moving through the 4 seasons! Haiku anyone?)

Cindy A. / W. Coast

1.  What items are you adding to your daily queue now that Fall is officially here? Why?

For fall, I usually move my Brooks Brothers button downs and pull out my cuff links. The only reason why I wear these stuffy shirts is so I can display my cuff link collection. My favorite pair is a silver oval with a yellow background displaying a vintage car.

2.  What items are you putting in storage until Spring / Summer? Why?

I usually don’t pack anything in storage but I do switch the shelves in my closet so the jeans and pants are more eye level and move the shorts to the bottom shelf. I haven’t done that this year since I’m waiting for summer to come.

3.  What is your favorite thing about Fall / Winter dressing?

I love my leather jackets…yes, I just said jackets. I miss them during the summer months. It makes me feel like I’m going to get on my motorcycle at any time and take off into the sunset. The first date with my husband, we both wore leather jackets, the next date we happen to both be wearing suede jackets. Whenever I wear a leather jacket to dinner with my husband, it feels like our first date all over again.

Beth G. / W. Coast / the South / blog: San Francisco Art & Design Lover

1.  What items are you adding to your daily queue now that Fall is officially here? Why?

I'm not sure that my wardrobe changes much seasonally considering I live in the bay area. In the fall it tends to be warmer than the rest of the year so I wear more dresses and skirts (although they're probably wool). I love fall colors and any excuse to bring them out (like fall). I like to punch up the fall dressing with a bright color in my scarves or jewelry.

2.  What items are you putting in storage until Spring / Summer? Why?

I have very few things that are distinctly summer, but the few items I have that are go in storage. Even if it is warm enough in the fall to wear them my southern upbringing won't allow it.

3.  What is your favorite thing about Fall / Winter dressing?

That one is easy, I love coats. I own more jackets than I care to remember right now and real 3/4 to full length coats feel like a great classic and easy style that will never go wrong.

where to be worn: office or life

by Kim H.

I recently bought a red dress from Target. I’ve had it no more than a month, and have found at least 5 occasions to wear it - none of them involving the office, not even a single casual Friday. The other night, it struck me that I’ve managed not to wear it to work yet. This is a cotton dress that could easily be dressed up for the office (pantyhose and a cardigan or jacket) or down for a happy hour at a bar (leggings and cute sandals). Easy enough, so what's the deal? Well, it’s not something I want spoiled at work. (Yes, I have inner dialogues..)

This is not the only piece of clothing I’ve done this with. I have quite a few articles that I reserve for personal time only, and not just because my significant other is the only person that should be seeing it. This also includes clothing that is 100% appropriate for a baby shower or Saturday afternoon barbecues.

No, these are clothes that I enjoy wearing and don’t want associated with anything related to work. Don’t get me wrong, the people in my office are alright and it’s a nice enough place to work. But, how can I put this..? It’s like my Facebook page, it’s private. Only certain people are allowed to see that side of me.

My day job pays the rent. I have also been fortunate enough to learn some things and pick up some new skills. But otherwise, its just that - work. When I get home, there’s another side of me - nothing that couldn’t be shared of course - but it’s my life. My hobbies, my likes and dislikes, my ‘relationships’ with people, my personal goals... And somehow, that other side of me has little to do with work. Well, little to do with some of the things that go on in the office I currently work in and the social expectations that exist there.

These two worlds I try to keep separate. Why? Well, again... I’m there to do a job, to earn my keep. And it’s just like in school - you don’t do your homework in bed. Your bed is the place where you sleep, rest, recoup. Homework should be done at some kind of work station. As a visual person I literally wear my heart on my sleeve. If you look closely, you can easily tell what kind of mood I’m in. And my fun clothes can’t be sullied in a work environment. No, they’re for free, me time only!

On the flip side, there are some things I realize I only wear to work. I’m not sure if it started out that way - when they came home to my closet I only saw them as pieces meant for the work space. But on a Saturday morning, when I want to find that right something for the warm-foggy-whatever I need to layer up for, certain blouses/skirts/pants aren’t allowed. It’s a Kim day, and only certain items are allowed into that space.

tucker-ed out

Tucker debuted its line for Target today, and Kim H. and I were anxious to get in early before the other die-hards stole the limited sizes away. I'll admit, when I previewed the collection online, I wasn't blown away. I shrugged and said, "Eh, not my style."

Woops!

Right away, we both noticed that this collection had better quality control. Pants had evident (but not too evident) facing; instead of serging the fabric to within an inch of its life, there was sweet, contrasting bias tape; there were well thought out darts and details like buttons and shape. Huh. But this was all reflected in the price. Huh. Target's infamous GO collections are supposed to bring high fashion to the masses, but is someone on a fixed income really going to purchase a distinctive (read: hard to wear) looking jacket for $45.00? Not so much. 

Due to the higher prices, I was much more selective with my purchases, and ended up buying just one, wee thing, banking on the hope that the sales will be grand. As cute as this stuff is, I've a feeling I'll lose out on a lot of my initial faves. Oh well. Here's my one pic, and two of Kim's (color's way off, but you get the idea).

So Tucker for Target gets two thumbs up. I loved the pumpkin, rust, cream, navy, rich plummy browns, and fall textures. The sizing was a little wonky - two bottoms in the same size are not...the same size. So go! Enjoy! And pick me up the cream and pumpkin chevron jacket if you see one...

where to be worn: white

by Kim H.

Remember that scene in Serial Mom? When Kathleen Turner brutally slashed some random woman she saw wearing white shoes - after Labor Day?? The imagery was vivid, and has stayed with me. Adding to that, having grown up in the South I’ve come to understand certain things…

Wait, I think I need to clarify something briefly: Baltimore (Maryland!) is the southern-most northern and northern-most southern. When all is said and done, I know that certain folks from Virginia look upon us Marylanders as Yankees, but please understand there is more than enough of the South in the culture as well!  

So, having grown up in the midst of strong, Southern, traditional influences, when to wear white and what kind (don’t forget your winter whites!) are of severe importance. Yes it was funny when Kathleen schooled that offender, but that same woman, with her dying breath fought back. ‘Yes you can! Times have changed!!!’ Sadly, it wasn’t enough to dissuade Serial Mom from keeping with ‘tradition,’ but that also stayed with me. Would it really be so bad if…?

After high school I went to California for college. As my first Thanksgiving in the Golden State rolled around, and I was still wearing t-shirts and sweaters at most, I didn’t even think about swapping out my summer for winter clothes. Fall didn’t really happen. I was still enjoying summer weather and dressing for it. Lots of cotton tees, skirts, dresses. Yes, with leggings, but not much else really… Somehow in the back of my head I just kept on dressing for it. Including white. White pants, skirts, dresses, sandals – all fair game for such mild breezy weather.

The next summer, I went home to visit my mom. It was late, already into September. I brought with me a new white leather purse I had picked up on a short holiday that year. Not 30 seconds after shoving my luggage into the trunk of her car, and settling into the front seat, she gave me a funny look, ‘Wearing white after Labor Day dear? Tsk!’

*_* Whaaa?!?!?! THIS  from my hippie mother, the one who originally came from the San Francisco Bay Area, and don’t even get me started on the sandals you’d find in her closet?! I mean, I understand 20 years in the [almost] South is a long time, but really?? Then again, I had spent over 90% of my life abiding by those old rules, wearing appropriate colors/items for the season. It only took me a matter of months to absorb a completely new attitude.

Can’t say I’ll stop wearing white whenever I feel like it, but since that shameful moment in which my mom called me out, I promise you won’t catch me doing it east of the Mississippi between September and May. Nope, in their territory I will abide by their rules.

Out in the Wild West, where the sun shines eternal, and spring/summer roam free, I don’t bother to discern winter whites from summer whites. Somehow this climate, the landscape, the culture demands a certain way of doing things, and allows room for how you dress up for the occasion. And I find it suits me rather nicely

float

Kim H. sent me some verrrry interesting links this weekend. South Korean designer Park Sul Nyeol showcased traditional hanboks in a very nontraditional way. All this for a new department store opening. Sheesh! Around these parts we're lucky if we get a Britney Spears lip sync contest... Enjoy!

little-big-shoe

by Kim H.

Check this out:


I’m in the black flats, my coworkers in the staggering pumps. Can you guess, I’m not quite as petite as they? One even noted how she could see the tops of the cubes for once. ‘Wow! So that's what that stuff on top looks like!’ Little red shoe wasn’t quite as pumped up as naked foot. She still wasn’t quite up there...

Ah, shoes! They serve so many purposes. Today I’m wearing flats because I’m going to walk the long way home instead of bussing the last 1.5 miles. (HA! I know, I’m the dork that actually planned that out - but it's a lovely almost-hike through a park with all kinds of wild flowers in bloom right now! I want to enjoy it, so no distractions from inappropriate shoes allowed.) My cube-mates? It seems they were in need of an extra 5-7 inches today.

And who am I to judge a girl’s wish to be half a foot taller? Look at any magazine or movie or tv show. All the characters presented appear to be long lean willowy amazons with gleaming skin. (Damn their microscopic pores!!) Haven’t there been studies about how tall people have a natural advantage? Just being tall commands more presence, so somehow people can’t help but to look up to you a little more? Something like that I think...

I suppose I lucked out with my 5’9” (175cm); it's a nice place to end up. One guy I dated was nearly my height, maybe a smidge taller. For Valentine’s day I arrived in a cute little dress and 3 inch strappy heels. “How cruel,” the boy’s friend cried, “You’re towering!” Another guy I dated was well over 6’ tall - I felt like I hit the jackpot! “You can wear any kind of shoe you want honey.” Hmmmm! Suddenly I felt no shame in wearing all kinds of shoes I would otherwise limit to only-when-necessary-so-as-not-to-intimidate-boys. Sadly he was a bit of a nutter, so that didn’t last long...

A guy I’ve been dating recently will just peer up silently at me if I arrive in shoes more than 2 inches tall. “You like that, don’t you..?” *sigh* Yes. And dammit, I want to wear these things! I have SHOES and they go with my OUTFITS. You can’t censor these things! Thankfully, this boy also has a soft spot for all things red. So it seems we can find ourselves a nice compromise where I get to enjoy my big girl shoes, and he gets his red fix.

But tonight? I’m taking the long route home, cutting through that field of wild flowers (have I mentioned I adore little bitty flowers ??). And my comfortable black satin and lace flats are the perfect choice for my afternoon adventure.  <3

tread

by Kim H.

image by the sartorialist

The bridge toll recently went up to $6. This is not something I can afford (honestly, I really don’t know who can), so it was time to find a new way to work. As much as I love mother Earth and want to do right by her, giving up my 20 minute commute (40 min round trip) for nearly an hour each way was painful. No matter. I also love eating well, and wasting money on that damn toll wasn’t going to cut into happy drinking/eating hours. So I prepared myself - this was going to be a lifestyle change. I’ve commuted via public transit before, but this time it was going to involve a bike.

Before, when I traveled via bus and Bart, there were many things I knew or did differently. I knew the weather report. One doesn’t wear her favorite suede pumps, regardless of how well it completed the outfit, if rain is certain before lunch (unless you pack them safely in your over-sized purse). Speaking of purses, those gigantic bags that women are known for? Perfect for a girl who needs to keep it all with her during the day. Especially since she cannot simply leave it (whatever it may be - yoga pants, umbrella, book you meant to give to Jessica at the front desk...) in the car trunk till it’s necessary to have. No, you have with you what you need that day, all day. And you wear the clothes that will get you through the day without catching pneumonia, coming home soaked or over heated, etc., etc.

In the Bay Area this requires skill. For a girl doesn’t want to sacrifice a well thought-out outfit simply because its going to be 50F at 7:30am when she catches the bus, and 78F while she’s at lunch with cute-boy-recently-met-at-gallery-opening, and then 55F with a chance of showers at 5:30pm when she must make her way back home (or to drinks with aforementioned cutey if lunch was cancelled or went really well..??). Yes, it takes true talent to appear effortlessly cool and appropriate while bussing across the micro-climates of the Bay Area.

So, how to approach this new biking aspect of my return to public transit commuting? Well, I sure wasn’t going to relinquish my dresses or skirts. No, I have too many, and love them too much. And having gained a few pounds at work, skirts are far kinder to my over-sized bum of late than those cute but fitted pants... This would take some serious plotting. And so the night before my first run, I excitedly planned outfit options, while carefully checking the weather report. It was just like old times!

Day 1: I wore a simple plain black t-shirt with ruched short sleeves and a red ruffly skirt. Yes, I even wore my favorite black 2” pumps (they tie around the foot, so are not likely to fly off). To protect my honor, I employed short leggings under the skirt, at least to get me into the office. My bag was packed (with all things necessary - I could live happily on a desert island for weeks, or until I finished my book), my outfit complete, and helmet snapped on tight. I struck out.

Gliding down the first few streets was easy and fun. No one seemed to notice me in my red skirt, at least not as though I were some weirdo frilly mutant. In fact, as I rode along, I noticed other girls on bikes in skirts and dresses! All looking very cute and work appropriate and yet managing nicely on their bikes without showing anyone any kind of goodies. Whee! This was fun!

And then it happened. I was sitting in an intersection, signaling and waiting to make a left turn when a couple of guys in a truck leered over me with big grins on their faces. They were loving my red ruffles a little too much. They gave me a nice whistle and let me pass. :-/ Huh. A few blocks further a couple of guys unpacking a truck noticed my skirt hiked up around my thighs (recall I’m still in leggings!!) and the effect was more than any espresso they might have bought. They happily gawked and grinned as I passed by. *sigh*

I made my connection to the bus, and I was on time to the office that morning. No one was the wiser I had arrived via my new methods - I looked as well dressed and polished as any other day. If the worst of it would be a few happy boys staring now and then, then this wasn’t going to be so bad after all.

Wait, I lied. There was one thing different - helmet hair. Apparently my ugly helmet (not gonna lie, I was a little ashamed of my dorky helmet compared to the cool ones the more seasoned bikers sport) is vented so that my hair dried nicely while remaining fluffy. People did comment on how nice my hair looked that morning!

Editor's note: found this blog with some really cool links to stylish bike helmets. All is not lost. Check it out here.