Fashion for everyone

All illustrations by Cate Parr

As much as I love looking at fashion illustrations in magazines and online, I would probably think twice about framing one and hanging it on my wall. The main reason is because I've already had multiple friends enter my apartment and say, "How does your husband feel about your apartment being so girly?" Lets just say he's not entirely pleased with the situation, but he's definitely tired of fighting about it. For my part, I've tried to curb my consumption of overtly femme objects, which would have otherwise overtaken my walls if I still lived alone. While I couldn't resist the United Bamboo Cat Calendar (which is pretty bad since I know Jimmy hates cats), I did have to deprive myself of Fifi Lapin wearing Margiela. Nonetheless, I'm seriously considering purchasing one of these gorgeous prints from Silver Ridge Studios, a recent Etsy find that features the ethereal watercolors of Los Angels based artist Cate Parr. The Meditation series (above) is my favorite, possessing both lustrous beauty, and a more contemplative quality than most fashion illustrations. Perfect for my wall, don't you think?

I'll be the first to admit that I don't really need more clothes (and Jimmy will be the second to affirm that), but now that winter's coming along, I do realize I'm severely lacking in proper attire for handling the elements. Here's my Christmas wishlist for things that would make my least favorite season a bit brighter, and far more bearable.

These Opening Ceremony velvet tie-die ankle clogs are the most lush, gorgeous version of the clog boot I've seen thus far. I admit, they're probably not the most practical winter boots, and I don't imagine that they'd hold up very well stomping through a snow drift, but who wants to go outdoors in this weather anyway?











I would love to stockpile some layering pieces from the Urban Outfitters Around the World collection, which features some of my favorite Scandinavian designers, and which is now mostly on sale for 40% off. Number one on my must-have list is the Stine Goya Cable Sweater, which is giant, warm, and has hidden pockets. I also wouldn't mind getting my hands on the Peter Jensen Bunny Sweater or the Minimarket Buffalo Jacket.


This Acne deconstructed fur coat is both fashionable and functional, although I doubt anybody will be buying it for me considering it costs way over $3000...I can dream!











Lastly, I'm hoping to get a few new winter accessories. Counterclockwise from the top: Jimmy's been asking me if I want perfume because I'm pretty sure he's morally aghast at adding anymore detritus to our overflowing closet space. To my space-conscious husband: If I had to choose one perfume this season, it would definitely be the Six Scents Alexis Mabille 'Beau Bow.' Forget about all other bags, this French & English Confectioner's patent leather rucksack is the bag of my dreams--I might just go ahead and buy this for myself rather than waiting around for someone to give it to me! I'm always looking for a new hat, and my brother has already promised to buy me this beret from Ophelie Hats in blue and red. Christina already has one in green, so it will just be another addition to our mostly-matching wardrobes. Finally, the Jeffrey Campbells Denmark clog boots are a marginally more practical and less expensive alternative to the Opening Ceremony clog boots above. Plus, they're the perfect hybrid of a shearling clog and the JC's ever popular Lita.

What's on your Christmas list?

Leila Shams butterfly dress, Triskaidekaphobia necklace. All photographs by Leslie Van Stelten for International Playground.

A couple of weeks ago, our friends Johnny and Virginia from International Playground asked Christina and I to participate in their first ever Real People shoot, featuring their friends and family modeling pieces from the Fall collections that are currently on sale. Since we will be selling Triskaidekaphobia at the store in spring, and generally love Johnny and Virginia, we of course agreed to be shot, and picked out a couple of our favorite garments from the racks to be photographed in. We were joined by two of our amazing designer friends (who also sell at the store), Becca of Chromat, and Astrid of Upstate. As always, it was super fun to hang out with the crew, and dress up in garments from some of the best under-the-radar designer around (which included shamelessly representing our own brands). I naturally went for two of my favorites: Daniel Palillo and Leila Shams. Here are some of the photos from the shoot, wearing pieces that are currently available here. Also, don't forget we'll be doing a shop-in-shop at International Playground from December 17th-19th, so you better stop by!

Becca wearing RHLS press your luck, cry your eyes crew sweatshirt and leggings, and a Chromat belt.

Christina wearing a Chromat underwire half cage and a Vibe Johansson shirtdress.


Becca wearing a Wackerhaus Juna Jumpsuit and a Chromat half cage underneath
Astrid wearing an Upstate silk shibori wrap, Chromat zipper half cage, and H. Fredriksson dress

Daniel Palillo Heavy Hoody over Leila Shams dress