The Fashion Blahs

I'm having one of those weeks where I hate everything in my closet. I'm not sure if it's because I've caught a bad cold and the only clothes I want to think about are jammies. Or maybe because I'm on a self-imposed no-shopping (okay, low-shopping) regimen until I save some money, which is really, really no fun. In any case, I'm feeling generally frumpy, and I hate when that happens.

I'm pretty sure the only thing that will cheer me up is this really adorable dog pillow-making kit ($22) from Fred Flare. Or maybe a change of scenery – I'm leaving for a few days to do some travel/work, which will only require thinking about which cute sundress to pack. Which is about the only decision my NyQuil-addled brain can handle at the moment. See you soon.

Hey, It's Your Last Dress of the Day!: Lewis Cho boatneck

I don't normally shop Kitson – no matter how much their URL asks me to – but I was just clicking through and did really like this navy dress ($195) from newish label Lewis Cho. (They didn't have a good full-length version on the Kitson site, so here it is in cream from the label website as well.) Very simple shape, but with enough of a twist to stand out. Just how I like it.

Dress of the Day, Part 2: Target Garden Dress

It's a special day, kids. Because I don't want you all to become poor because of me, there is a second dress of the day today aimed at those of you on a budget. And for those of you – like me – who should be on a budget. Um. Anyway. It's the Isaac Garden Dress from Target, $34.99, totally cute, in both black and navy:

I wanted the navy, but they didn't have it in my size (or what I assume my size is… a massive amount of peanut butter sandwiches consumed while sick + weird online shopping size issues = rampant size confusion. But fingers are crossed.) So. Yes. I bought the black. For me, the best thing about Target is that – unlike Zara or Topshop or Forever 21 or most other lower-priced retailers – they don't have it here in Singapore, so I don't have to worry about showing up at a party and seeing nine other girls in the same thing.

Via slave to target, by the way. And now, back to my bed.

[Update] I just received this dress, and I am really disappointed. So, it's being demoted from a Dress of the Day to just a Dress.

Currently Inspiring Me to Make a Sandwich

I love inspiration boards. Or, more specifically, I love the Ikea magnet boards over my desk that allow me to justify purchasing a lot of extraneous stuff. (For example: Mike: "Uh, why do you need all these Dada art postcards?" Me: "Duh, it's for my inspiration board! It helps me!" Mike: [slightly dumbfounded, pays for postcards].)

Mine (snippets seen above) is currently featuring a lot of photos from Andre Kertesz (whose exhibit I saw and loved at the ICP last year), photos found at Chinese flea markets, and Sasiko paper doll magnets from Playground!, my very favorite store in Bangkok. But I'm thinking it needs a bit of sprucing up, and love the idea of Frau Liebe's Paper Plaisir ($18), a little bag filled with completely unique vintage paper goods. Kind of like an inspiration board in a bag:

There's also a flickr group devoted entirely to photos of inspiration boards, which are quite fun for a click through.

Dress of the Day: Rachel Pally jersey dress

Today's dress of the day is from Rachel Pally's Fall 2005 collection, but it's a style that I've been seeing *everywhere* lately (including the Topshop maternity section. Why is it that I always love everything in the Topshop maternity section? It's always a bunch of pregnant women and me, browsing around.) Anyway, I actually own this dress – mine is a nice pumpkin orange – and it one of my favorite purchases ever. You can wear this with flats and a big tote and it's very "professional worky." Or you can wear it with a little shiny purse and very high heels and – as long as you don't fall over – it's very "let's go party." I've seen a variety of versions out there lately – just look for an empire waist tie and tunic-style neckline – and I have to say, go forth and purchase. You will not regret.

Possibly The Reason My Bag Is Always So. Incredibly. Heavy.

I sometimes worry that I'm going to be one of those women whose stacks of old magazines fall over and trap her and she's only discovered weeks later when the neighbors get worried because all of her cats are making a big fuss. Of course, I don't have any cats (yet). I'm not sure if this should be a relief or a concern.

Still, even horrible thoughts of me eventually brought down by my own unstoppable magazine consumption haven't done much to curb the tide of glossies that flood our mailbox every month. They fall into the following categories:

Must-read the second they arrive, no matter what:
Lucky, Vogue, Elle, Domino, US Weekly, Teen Vogue

Peruse at my leisure:
Dwell, Harper's Bazaar, New York, DestinAsian, W (whose gigantic size prohibits a lot of carrying around)

Just added recently and very excited about that:
The Daily Mini, Blueprint, Tank

Purchase when I'm feeling particularly frivolous:
UK Vogue, Nylon, Wallpaper, Vogue (Australia) Entertaining + Travel

Wish I could keep up with:
New Yorker (approximately six issues behind at this point; growing into daunting stack on bedside table)

Of these, I keep the entire issue of Lucky, Vogue, Teen Vogue and Domino, and the rest get stripped of their best articles/ pictures/ products and filed into binders every few months or when the stacks appear capable of seriously maiming me, whichever comes first. But, because I'm a firm believer that one can never have too many magazines, I'm always on the lookout for more. (For example: currently intrigued by Dazed & Confused; kinda missing Glamour; desperately wishing Selvedge wasn't so darn expensive.) If you have any thoughts, must-reads, or teenagers selling reduced-priced subscriptions, please send 'em along.

Unless There is Some Sort of Cool New Store No One Told Us About…

I did think it was really cute the other day when I got a very nice e-mail reply from Monday's bag o' the week pick Jocasi – I assume written by an intern or something – to let me know their bags were available at Anthropologie, Henri Bendel and "Fred Seagull."

Spreading the Love

If I could steal a store and make it my own, it would be Cog & Pearl in Park Slope, Brooklyn, which is full of so many beautiful things that my bank account has a heart attack every time I'm within ten blocks of it. Their website now promises that an online store is coming in September. (!!) Which is not quite soon enough for me, but does provide a little time to stockpile some money.

If I could be any fashion blog in the world (besides this one, of course), it would be fashionologie, whose little bio is so cute that if I were five, I would totally ask her to be my friend and share a cookie.

And! If I could have any shoes right now, it would be the intriguing-looking LD Tuttle Trix sandal (on sale for $210). Or maybe the Tara Subkoff for Easy Spirit canvas boot, which is $360 (why, Easy Spirit, why?) but looks like it could go with anything, anywhere, in nearly any temperature.

Really, We Tried to Come Up With a Some Sort of Flower-Related Headline But Our Brain Is Fried

I'm escaping the computer for the next day or two and venturing outside to interact with actual humans and do some real, bill-paying work. (Gotta support the shopping habit somehow.) To celebrate my extraction from the clutches of the Internet, some nature-inspired pictures for today.

From left, floral dress from Spring 2006 collection of London-based Serbian designer Roksanda Ilincic; illustration by Japanese artist Yoko Ikeno, originally for a t-shirt from Paul & Joe; image from an oldie but goodie photo essay from from Slate, Fashion Photography: A Decline in Pictures by Karen Lehrman. Discuss amongst yourselves.

Dress of the Day: Philip Lim 3.1 sweater dress

Of course, I would never leave you hanging without a dress of the day. And so: It's never, ever too early to start thinking about what you will desperately want this fall, especially if there's any chance scoring a vintage version from a thrift shop before everyone else swoops in. Right now, you want to be on the lookout for sweater dresses. To get you focused on "cold…brrr...wool…", here's today's pick: Philip Lim 3.1 sweater dress ($456) from great online shop La Garconne. The slouchy suede boots are also amazing, no?

Sadly, we in Singapore are going to have to sit this trend out, as it's approximately 88 degrees here year-round. That seemed like a really good thing when we were deciding to move here, but now I'm anticipating some intense wool withdrawal come October.

Dress of the Day: Safe by Rebecca Turbow

Inspired by yesterday's already beloved Anamika Khanna coatdress, I'm going to feature a great Dress of the Day all this week. Today I'm switching styles entirely and loving this mod turquoise circle dress from Safe by Rebecca Turbow ($180). It would look great with little ballet slippers and a fun clutch, and – unlike, for example, all the white eyelet out there right now – you could definitely add black tights and a turtleneck and wear it all fall as well.

Judging Books By Their Covers and Other Fun Stuff

Among my biggest shopping weaknesses (just after clutch purses and vintage coats) are design books, which I buy at an alarming-to-my-bank-account pace (just arrived: Designers on Design by Terence Conran and Max Fraser). A trick I've learned to stave off the inevitable poverty is to buy cheaper, used copies from Amazon Marketplace sellers, which are generally in good condition but often have some wear and tear to their covers. I then recover them with great wrapping paper (the stack above is my inspiration, and here are some handy instructions), and can just plop them in a big pretty pile on the coffee table.

For the paper, I always shop the sales at stationery brand Prints here in Singapore. I'd also suggest anything from Chicago-based Snow & Graham (see a range of products here) whose distinctive prints (below) are going to be decorating my next big book purchase (which is already on its way: Speck: A Curious Collection of Uncommon Things, about $5 through the Marketplace). An even cheaper alternative: Ikea sells rolls of glossy wrapping paper in bright, bold solids — a good balance to a bookshelf of busy patterns.

Trend I Can Get Behind: Headbands

I had picked up some inexpensive shiny plastic headbands months ago, thinking they'd be great to pair with vintage dresses for a cute retro look. So it was really quite disappointing that every time I put one on, I always looked more like a dorky 5th grader than the epitome of 50s chic. However, I think I've finally come around again to the idea. Based on their celebrity following — finally, a good example of Hilary Duff's hair looking cute! — it's pretty clear that headbands are going to be huge this summer.

The secret to pulling off the headband is to wear it with your hair pulled back in a ponytail or messy bun (remember: you want to go for Audrey Hepburn, not Soccer Mom). I'd skip the pricey versions that are starting to appear now in stores -- you know we'll all be sick of them by fall. Mine were about $2 each from a local accessories store and are a pliable, shiny plastic but they're still pretty cute. Or! Try a simple silk ribbon or printed scarf (which can almost always be found for a buck apiece at thrift stores). Voila.

A Public Service Announcement: Project Runway 2

I'm not kidding when I say that the TV here is just terrible and I never get to see any of the good shows until long after they're done. Which might explain why I've had today obsessively marked in my calendar for months: Project Runway Season 2 is now out on DVD! I watched season 1 last December in a somewhat ridiculous Project Runway binge (stopping only to eat, go through the motions of basic socialization with my family, and complain animatedly about Wendy Pepper), so I'm already prepping for a similar sequestering as soon as it arrives. Doritos will most certainly be involved.

And! Just in case you missed it a few months ago, here's a hilarious interview with my personal hero, Tim Gunn.

Our Big Blank Wall is Just Sitting There, Mocking Me

So the debate rages on over what to do with our big white wall. My all-around good-taste barometer, Kevin, suggested the very cool Wallpaper by Numbers by Jenny Wilkinson (above) but then immediately discredited his opinions by giving Hilary Duff's Elle cover hair an enthusiastic yay. (I'm shocked! Is it a guy thing?)

This weekend at the Scandinavian design bonanza that is the Style: Nordic boutique here in Singapore, Mike and I both loved the very graphic black and white Mazurka fabric by Froso and thought we might buy a few yards and stretch it onto a frame to make some big wall art (not unlike what you're seeing below in the red/white version). At least I know that when I get tired of it, I can channel a little Maria from the Abbey and turn it into pillows or something.

A Good Excuse to be Really Lazy

I kinda completely love these stamp mugs, which leave behind cute designs instead of ugly cup rings. Via swiss miss.

Quite Possibly the Most Fun Package Day Ever

Don't you love how a single piece of clothing can make you so happy? Saturday morning might have witnessed the best fun package day in history. When I was in India attending their fashion weeks back in April, I was able to put in some personal orders with my favorite designers. (*You* try showing restraint around racks and racks of beautiful clothes.) On Saturday, the first big package arrived: A silk trench coat by Calcutta-based designer Anamika Khanna, whose rich, textured fabrics are really gorgeous.

Anamika creates her own fabrics – sometimes using up to 10 different processes and applications – so you won't find similar pieces anywhere else. Her cuts are simple but classic, like fitted trench coats and scoop-necked dresses. And her attention to detail is impressive, whether it's linings or buttons or belts (oh my!) . When the package arrived early Saturday morning, I immediately ripped it open and tried on the coat over my pajamas. (And then, went straight to the patio to take pictures for all of you to see – I'm really starting to wonder what the security guy who sits across the road is thinking of me these days.)

That's the full-length view above – it's technically a trench coat, but can be worn as a dress as well.

Teardrop-shaped appliqués cover the lower half:


The lining inside is a vintage-style floral, and it just peeks out at the collar:


Even the belt and sleeves are really cute:

Anamika also shows at London Fashion Week, and her pieces can be found at Harrod's. I've got two more dresses coming from her in a few weeks time, and then I'm going to force Mike to take me somewhere nice so I can display them properly. [Sighs happily.]

(If you're interested in contacting Anamika Khanna, just e-mail me for her details.)

Too Cute to Miss: Mozi Designs

I'm completely smitten with Mozi Designs, a great Australian brand with tons of cute housewares and other fun things. I think a few of their boldly patterned tea towels (above) could be just the right thing to spruce up my kitchen (or maybe even used to sew together a cute totebag, if you're feeling extremely ambitious). And now that Cat is going out of business with her iPod Cozy store, I'd have to suggest one of Mozi's printed neoprene iPod holders (below) to keep your mp3s safe instead.

Their site is full of adorable gifty things, including plenty of new bird-centric patterns. (Since we're all in agreement that birds are this year's skulls, right?) One tiny problem: There isn't a list of retailers or a way to purchase through the site. I've sent them a note asking for info on how to buy pieces from their collection, so I hope to update with some good news shortly. Trust me, my kitchen *needs* these towels.

[Update] Those of you in the U.S. are out of luck for now, as Mozi isn't sold there yet. But feel free to live vicariously through us here in Singapore, where various pieces of the line can be found in stores like Anthropology in Holland Village, Eggthree on Erskine Street and -- coming soon -- Sky Pilates in Liat Towers on Orchard Road. The rest can be bought through their local agent; just e-mail me for her details.

Bag of the Week: Jocasi Parax Moon

So I decided today that the Margaret Nicole cable-knit clutch (um, $150) from the other week is now officially our very first Bag of the Week recommendation, and that I'll start featuring one highly covetable bag every week until I say otherwise (or, more likely, finally just run out of money). Of course, I'll probably actually be featuring several Bags of the Week, because it's impossible to stop at just one, but at least one great selection is always guaranteed.

So now, Mondays are Bag of the Week day here. Golf claps! And here's this week's pick: Jocasi Parax Moon Small, about $175 through their site [also available in a larger size and in black].

I saw this bag over the weekend at Eclecticism, a funky little boutique at the Meritus Mandarin hotel mall here in Singapore that sells both local and imported brands. The salesgirl was all like, "Jocasi is a totally cool accessories line from London." And I was all like, "oh, I know"… because I read Bunnyshop and she's totally on top of these things.

Still, I wasn't expecting the leather to be so soft, and the buckle accent to look really cool. (At least in person. The photograph really does not do justice.) And! The handle is also adjustable, so you can lengthen it to be long enough to wear across the chest like a cute messenger bag, or shorten it up so it tucks just under your armpit. Versatility = yay.

Your Homework: Bridesmaids Dresses

I was recently thrilled to be asked to participate in my first wedding, which will take place next May [jumps up and down with excitement; small girly squeal]. The bride also enlisted me for a little bridesmaids dress-hunting help. Now this is not exactly an area I am particularly familiar with (my own wedding will undoubtedly be something along the lines of a Vegas free-for-all, for which I will be able to justify several great designer outfits. Wedding dresses are nice and stuff, but I'd rather spend my money on Prada!) Still, I am taking my bridesmaid responsibilities seriously – nobody likes a bridal party slacker – and have been doing some scouting around.

Realization: Finding cute bridesmaids dresses is *hard*, even when you've established some simple basic criteria (non-strapless, non-pastel, non-outrageously expensive). Mega-bridal sites like The Knot and WeddingChannel.com do compile bridal party dress suggestions – but thousands and thousands of them. Trust me, once you've clicked past your 85th fuschia satin halter dress (yep, there's apparently still a humongous market for fuschia satin), you're ready to hang yourself with a color-coordinated chiffon scarf.

The other slightly tricky thing is that there are six of us bridesmaids for this wedding, so buying cute dresses from a regular store – which is what I would normally suggest to escape the glut of shiny pastels – could get problematic in trying to coordinate.

At best, I could come up with this, which is kinda pricey but which I love:
Vera Wang tulle gown, $330:

(Incidentally, I have to say that Vera Wang's Maids collection – created for bridesmaids, but really just a line of formal dresses – is a great source for black-tie attire. My favorite formal dress is a simple floor-length black Vera Wang dress that I've worn to a bunch of fancy functions. Even better: If you happen to, say, get a wee bit tipsy and spill wine down the front, it's likely no one will be able to tell.)

I also suggested something like this:
J. Crew Avery silk long cross-backed dress [but in black], $295

I also think a tea-length dress is very often overlooked, and can be very classic and pretty:
Vera Wang Bobinette high-neck dress, $260

Really, if it were MY wedding, I would be tempted to go with this:
Diane Von Furstenberg Jolie Empire-Waist dress [but in black], just knocked down to $165:

But… the bride requested floor-length. Apparently, church and knees do not mix. I am still desperately coveting this dress for myself, however.

I think the bride's ideal bridesmaid dress might be something like this, but in black and floor-length (and my suggestion would be a long, contrasting cream silk ribbon at the empire waist):

And so, a desperate plea! Can those of you with Actual Wedding Experience suggest any stores or sites to check out? Comments or e-mails would be highly appreciated.

West Coast Shopping

There's been some great press coverage of the new Diane Merrick store in L.A., which had its official opening party last week. I had a chance to stop by and see the shop just days after it opened in early May, and it really is very cool. I'd met a buyer for the store, Maggie Wachsberger, during India's fashion weeks, and she picked out a great selection of designs from emerging labels like Sabyasachi, Rajesh Pratap Singh and Tarun Tahiliani. Those pieces are just starting to show up in the shop now, so if you're L.A.-bound anytime soon, definitely stop in and take a look. [And keep an eye out for the store's website, which says it's launching soon...]
Diane Merrick, 7409 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, phone: 323-930-0400

Very Exciting Things Are Happening Here at Fashion is Spinach HQ

First, we went and got our very own professional hosting service so we could stop pestering John on his lunch breaks. Then we updated our links list (at right) so it is now chock full of good sites – check 'em out! And then! Mike was clearly embarrassed that we were unable to take a decent, well-lit picture of the cute stuff around the apartment, and went and built a lightbox this weekend so we could do our very own product shots. Isn't it purty?

Happy Friday!

Because it's Friday, and because I was feeling a little experimental with the Photoshop this morning, here's a little collage of random things that make me want to smile and/or shop. From top left: adorable kitten from Cute Overload, thick mittens from Brooklyn Handknit; ocean silhouette duvet pattern by Dwell bedding; really cute hot water bottle on fluffy white bed, which I can't remember where I found. Yay.

How to Look Like a Yoga Expert Without Really Trying

In order to correct my current title-holding status of Most Inflexible Person in the World, I started yoga class at the Como Shambhala center here in Singapore earlier this week. (I can barely touch my shins, let alone my toes, but you've got to start somewhere, right?) I really like my teacher, despite the fact that he used me as the class example of what not to do about seven times. Which is about six times too many, in my opinion. Still. Baby steps.

I figure, if I can't look cute actually doing yoga, at least I can look cute while waiting around in the lobby for class to start. And so, I'm on a quest for fun yoga clothing – starting with this Nike Guru Shrug. It's a little different than the hippie-chic look I was expecting to embrace, and yet, I'm really drawn to it. Plus, maybe if I wear it around enough, no one will suspect that the last time I was able to touch my toes was sometime around 1987.

My Second Dream Career…

…once I learn to sew, at least. But Coquette has turned me on to the Red Dress Shoppe, which makes and sells clothing from vintage patterns. Seriously, how cute is their 1940s Couture Dress (above)? It's only $119, and the most expensive thing I've seen on the whole site.

If you're in the market for vintage sewing patterns yourself, my super sewer friend Nida always highly recommends Rusty Zipper. They have an enormous vintage clothes selection as well, for those of you who are less sewing-inclined and require more instant gratification.

I Couldn't Be Prouder If I Had Written It Myself

The hilarious duo of Cat and Tamar have gone ahead and launched Fashion Binge, bringing their ultra-creative fashion sense to the masses. (Seriously, Tamar has been known to sport full-on leopard-print jumpsuits. The girl has guts!) Stay tuned for the latest New York styles, regular biting commentary, and completely original lingo.

I think this would be a good place to note that -- like me! -- if you scroll your mouse over their photos, you'll see a little comment about the photo pop up. I know how we all enjoy hilarious comments!

Owl Keds: A Love Story

Subtitle: I think I am now designer Eleanor Grosch's biggest fan

Having become completely enamored with my owl Keds, I thought I'd check out some more work of their designer, Eleanor Grosch, the founder of Pushmepullyou Design in Philadelphia, and general creator of Really Cute Stuff. You might recognize her cool rock posters (for sale on her site) for bands from Rilo Kiley to Death Cab for Cutie. She also has a bunch of animal-focused art prints that would make great wall decorations, especially for kids' rooms (they're only $20). And finally! She's also done a few t-shirts, including this one for Wilco. Rock on.

And now, I promise this is the end of gushing about my owl Keds. For today, anyway.

Ridiculous Trend Watch: Starbucks Chic

According to the local paper, the kids in Europe are now using those cardboard coffee cup holders as cuff bracelets. Has anyone actually witnessed this? And, more importantly, did you do your part for fashion and at least give them a discouraging eye-roll?

Happy happy

So it's my friend (and website benefactor) John's birthday tomorrow. I thought that rather than post an embarrassing picture of him (as I am occasionally wont to do on people's birthdays), I'd post one of my favorite photos from his website instead, in keeping with this site's appreciation for pretty things and all.

Ahem. Just don't think the rest of you are getting off so easily.

Everybody in Stovepipe Jeans!

Beloved UK-based fashion brand Topshop is coming to New York as early as next spring, according to yesterday's NYT. (Of course, there's currently a mini-Topshop boutique at the very cool-sounding Opening Ceremony on Howard Street near Broadway, but it's just not the same as one of their massive, trend-packed stores.) I suspect that this development might make Topshop a little less exciting for me, since it's the one thing I can get here in Singapore that I can't buy back home in the U.S. Still, I hate to be selfish. Supermini-dresses for all!

Turning Japanese, I Think I'm Turning Japanese

I had meant to post a fun picture of the vintage kimono I bought a few weekends ago (only $6!) from my favorite secret vintage kimono store here in Singapore, but that was before last Thursday's kimono-finding frenzy. And so, here are pictures of them all. I need to get them cleaned, but then I'm definitely going to start wearing the long ones around town coat-style (above). I really think they're going to spruce up my basic jeans-and-tee ensembles, don't you?

I also found this short jacket-style one, which I love:

Some of them, I'm hoping to eventually convert into cute wrap dresses (but first, I have to advance to the actual sewing part of sewing class):

The bold, 70s-style prints are my favorites:

This classic one is actually a small child's-sized kimono, which I'm going to hang on the wall:

Speaking of Vintage (as I Often Do)

I miss a good thrift find (kimonos are about all I can come by nowadays). My twice-a-year trips to America don't really cut it, and even then, I'm hindered by buying only what I can carry back (or, um, hide away in my parents' basement for later). For now, I'm living vicariously through a variety of Flickr vintage group sites recommended by decor8, including the Nifty Thrift and Vintage, the Only Way to Shop, where people submit pictures of them wearing their coolest vintage finds (like this awesome polka dot-rainbow dress someone recently posted, above). It's not quite as much fun as thrift shopping myself, but still very fun.

We'd Hate to Disappoint 25 percent of Our Fans

There was quite a good response to yesterday's mascara post. As in, I got one fun e-mail about it. (But, current research shows that I have about four regular readers, so that's a quarter of my fan base! And that's pretty good!) My readers (okay, reader) were also wondering if I had a suggestion for pressed powder. And why yes, yes I do! So this has inspired my first installment on Beauty Products I Use and Would Actually Recommend to Others:

Pressed powder: I don't use foundation, even though all the magazines say I should and that I'll never get pretty, glowy, even-toned skin without it. But you know what I hate more than not having pretty, glowy skin? Weird makeup streaks on clothes and other foundation-related mishaps. Plus, foundation always makes me sweaty and uncomfortable. And so: No foundation.

But no one wants shiny skin, so the pressed powder is where it's at. Lately, I've been sticking to MAC Studio Fix because a) it's very light and b) those nice, persuasive MAC salespeople will help you find the right color for your skin. My main problem is that, especially in a hot humid climate like Singapore, it's so light I sweat it off in about an hour. Prior to Studio Fix, I was a big fan of Origins Silk Screen Refining powder, which is slightly heavier and keeps you non-oily for much longer. My main problem is that their color range didn't quite match my skin tone, so it sometimes looked kind of funny-cakey. But I'm thinking about returning to the store and seeing what they can do for me now.

(I suppose it should be noted that from time to time, I feel the need to dabble in a little foundation, and so at those time, I mix a little bit of Cover Girl Clean Makeup liquid foundation – which is oil- and fragrance-free – into some of my regular moisturizer. I apply it after I've already put on an initial layer of moisturizer, and it generally makes me a little more even and dewy, but not pancake-y. It can still come off on clothes, though, so be careful.)

Blush: I'm a daily user of Passport Nomad Anywhere Color in JFK (that's the name of the shade), a light cheek cream that comes in a cute little stick. It's a little pricier, but one stick seems to last forever. Really, I think the cream blush is the way to go – it looks so much more natural and even (that is, as long as you rub it in properly). When I really want a lot of color, I use Benefit's Benetint, which gives a great rosy flush but a) has a slightly weird rose-like smell, like you're rubbing grandma's closet on your face; and b) comes in a nail polish-style applicator, so if part of the bottle breaks – like mine did – it's a huge pain. Still, recommended for really rosy, glowy cheeks.

Face masks: I always come back to Kiehl's Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub, which is a quick, light exfoliator/mask that always seems to make my skin a little brighter. And! The best thing about Kiehl's is that you can always just pop in and ask them for a sample, so you don't have to commit to the $25 tube without making sure it works for your type of skin.

Comments? Questions? Suggestions? We are committed to helping 100 percent of readers, so the other three of you should feel free to respond.

Fun Package Day! Fun Package Day!

On the way home from yoga today (I'm generally fitness-challenged, so it's kind of fun to say that for once), I got a call from Mike. "I think you're going to want to stop by my office on the way back from class," he said, partly because he knows me too well, and partly because I don't think he wanted to lug home today's bonanza of mail. Because there was not only brand-new issues of Dwell and The New Yorker and US Weekly and Elle (an aside—Hilary Duff's 70s-style hair: Yay or nay? I say nay, but Mike says yay. These are the kinds of riveting discussions that we have during the course of the day.) There was also my new owl Keds! And they are really, really cute. I took them for a spin on my patio so you could see for yourselves.


And here's that Hilary Duff cover so you can judge for yourself, if that is something you would like to do:

A Weekend's Worth of Birthday Outfits

So, it was my birthday this weekend. Hurrah! One of the best things about birthdays is that you get to wear your most colorful, bright, poufy outfits and no one can tell you otherwise. Think Birthday Girl, circa Age Six.

And so, I chronicled my birthday dress choices this year for all of you. (On my way out to the patio – where the best light is – Mike says, "Are you taking pictures of yourself out there?" Me: "Yep, for the blog!" Mike: "Oh. I thought maybe you were becoming really narcissistic or something.") Um. Yes. Well. But let's have a look anyway:

To your left, Friday's fancy-dinner outfit: Vintage striped dress from Park Slope Flea Market (my birthday dress of choice for the past five years, it should be noted); with vintage clutch, also from the Slope Flea Market; gray satin ribbon around waist; the Great Zara Shoes.

Middle, Saturday's running about town/soccer watching outfit: Dress from beloved vintage store Hooti Couture in Park Slope; oversized basket tote from shop in Bali (straining under the weight of my camera); chunky wooden bracelet, also from Bali; beloved Reef flipflops.

Right, Sunday's brunch outfit: Tailor-made party dress ordered from Wendy at Ya Shi Tailor Shop, #03066 Ya Show Market in Beijing (Palm Beach-y fabric from the terrific Dong Jia Du fabric market in Shanghai); vintage vinyl clutch from Delaware Goodwill; those Zara shoes again!

Not pictured: Sunday night's t-shirt and gym-shorts–from-11th-grade outfit, which I wore again all day Monday during the recovery from the birthday weekend.

An Endorsement: Really Amazing Mascara

I am not much of a beauty product junkie; truthfully, I probably don't use enough of the stuff. And when I do, it's usually a) things people have given me for free; b) things the MAC people have convinced me I need because they are really incredibly persuasive at that store; c) things from Kiehl's, because I love them.

Despite those limitations, I do like most of my regular beauty products, but a good mascara has always eluded me. My eyes (back in the pre-laser eye surgery days, at least) always become irritated by those little mascara flakes. Plus I cry a lot, necessitating a supreme waterproofing formula. And even once those aspects are solved, I never end up with the thick, dramatic lashes like the advertising promises. Usually, I end up with anemic lashes and embarassing undereye smudging that makes me look sort of deathly ill.

Really, I have gone so far as to bookmark intense web discussions on mascaras to see if anyone has a breakthrough suggestion. So far, they have led me to buy a pricey tube of Lancome Definicils and it was really disappointing.

I am telling you all this because I want you to understand the true affection I now feel for my new L'Oreal Volume Shocking mascara. It's got two parts, you see: First, you brush on some thickening lash primer and then, apply one sweep of the mascara topcoat, and voila! Actual thick lashes! The results are really quite impressive.

(I accidentally got the non-waterproof kind, so I follow up with a coat of the Galoshes side of Lingerie & Galoshes for Lashes by Urban Decay, an extra waterproofer that I bought because the company founder once called it "surf-proof." It really probably is.)

And! In my first FashionisSpinach.com Freebie Giveaway, I have one extra brand-new, nonopened tube of the non-waterproof L'Oreal Volume Shocking mascara. Quick, send me a note and it's yours.

I'll Have One of You… And One of You… and One of You

Yesterday, I discovered Singapore-based online jewelry store L'ArtiChaut and subsequently fell in love with U.K jewelry line Tatty Devine, whose whimsical, slightly wacky necklaces definitely make great statement pieces. My favorite is their bird necklace (above), but there are a ton of other great pieces as well (the dinosaur? genius!).


Part of my initial excitement upon discovering the site/brand was that I thought I'd finally found the source of a necklace I recently spotted on a girl in the taxi line at Paragon mall in Singapore. It was a long chain strung with big, flat, plastic kelly green olive leaves and one white dove. (Mike thought it was based on a papercut by Matisse, which seemed right at the time, but I've not been able to locate it, so maybe not.)

And so, a reader plea: Does anyone know what I'm talking about? (And, more importantly, where I can find it?) And also, a warning: If you like the necklace the girl in the taxi line is wearing, always, always ask her where she got it.

The Bigger, the Better

I was flipping through a bunch of magazines this week and started getting all excited about volume again. So what if some people can't tell the difference between fashionable and pregnant? I'd gladly confuse others if it meant I could have one of these pieces. (And maybe even recieve some pink and blue gifty things in the process...)

Donna Karan:


Chloe:


Marc Jacobs:


Sabyasachi (India):

Desperately Coveted, part 17 of 442

I'm always on the lookout for non-trendy staples from little-known designers (so you can wear it forever without the risk of anyone thinking "that's so three years ago!") Right now, I really love the Grace Car Coat from Ong, the line by New York-based designer Leong Ong. (Really, I'm such a sucker for anything with a big collar – it's a nice, quirky touch without going too over the top.) It's really too bad that it's way too hot here to wear anything with sleeves.

Thank you, thank you very much.

A sincere thank you to John, who continues to makes this site possible until I can get my act together and find it a real home, and also to my brother, who got the archives, permalinks and RSS feed working this weekend. I have a site with an RSS feed! Nothing could make me happier, except maybe these shoes.

Fall Wish-list: Black Kimono-style Dress from Target

It's never too early to start thinking about fall wardrobe purchases. The second I saw this kimono dress from the preview of the upcoming Paul & Joe collection for Target (arriving this fall), I knew that I am going to have to buy it. And only $29.99! Via No Good For Me, who is back in full blogging action these days.

I Think I have Just Found my Dream Career

The design-minded owners of New York homewares brand Salvor (whose Jack Russell terrier and mini starling pillows, above, are on my Desperately Coveted list – though I'd really be very happy with any of their animal pillows) also maintain a second site called Salvor Kiosk. Several times a year, they travel to a cool country somewhere the world, buy a selection of small, clever things from local stores and designers and the like, and then resell it (at very reasonable prices) on their kiosk site. Looks like they just got back from Sweden, where the terrific finds include the following:
Midsummer folding card:

Horsehair broom and red metal dustpan:

Children's moccasins:

And I'm sitting looking at all this cool stuff and I suddenly realize, I think I can do this! And so, it is now decreed that Fashion is Spinach 2.0 is totally going to have an online store. This is probably not going to happen anytime soon, but for now, I just like thinking about it.

Because You Can Never Have Enough About Topshop

I've never been to the massive Topshop mothership at Oxford Circus in London, but ever since I saw atelier455's great pictures of the store's vintage section, I do believe a pilgrimage is going to be necessary.

Wall to Wall

We have been talking a lot about doing something to the living room walls, to make them less industrial white. I was leaning pretty heavily toward painting one wall a nice robin's egg blue and then, across the room, creating a wallpaper-like pattern using a rollerwall applicator, which is basically a paint roller with a design on it. (There are more rollerwall-esque suggestions over here, if that sort of thing excites you.)

But then I saw this frames wallpaper from Graham & Brown on oh joy! the other week, and now am seriously considering something like that. (I suppose it should be noted that Mike is not, so it's more likely just going to happen in my head.) But, since we know this apartment is only temporary, I've been feeling pretty daring about the decor.

Things That Make Me Go Oooh…

Via the aforementioned Bunnyshop, here's LES jewelry maker Erica Weiner's France and hammer necklace. I don't even usually wear necklaces (except for the chunky kind) but I love this. It's eerily reminiscent of a necklace I saw last week on the owner of a new Singapore boutique called Salad, at 25/27 Haji Lane. The shop is great and carries an eclectic mix of mostly black and white things. But what I wanted most was the owner's necklace, which was a long chain with two charms: a little metal flat birdcage and a little metal butterfly that, when next to the cage, looked like it was in the cage. So cool! However, when pressed, she said it was from a Hong Kong jewelry designer but that she did not know his name or any identifying details. Rats. Foiled again.

A Little Voyeurism to Start off Monday

Better than any magazine or TV show or even most blogs, good old-fashioned people-watching is really my favorite way to see personal style in action (and, usually, get some really good outfit ideas). I'd rather have an afternoon watching what people are wearing in any cool city – say, Paris, Tokyo, London, NYC – than an issue of any fashion magazine. (Okay, maybe not Lucky or Vogue. But most of the others.) Which is why I've been enjoying myself over at Hel-Looks, a website that chronicles street fashion in Helsinki. Those Finns are all kinds of crazy dressers.

Desperately Coveted, part 14 of 842

This colorful memory game by Marimekko has a great selection of the company's cute prints at a really reasonable price. Totally cool and definitely worthy of a great crafty project, particularly if you are not the gaming type.

673 Ideas for the Home!

I used to have a job at a fashion magazine where I was in charge of counting the number of "fashion ideas!" that would be splashed in a big, bold number on the cover each month. Before the issue went to press, I'd dutifully examine every page and come up with the number. My final counts were rarely questioned – sometimes, they'd say, "Is that all?" and I'd have to go add on an extra hundred or two as if I'd suddenly discovered a wealth of new "ideas!" that I hadn't seen before. Also, all even numbers would be rejected because research apparently shows that odd numbers on the cover sell better. I could not make this up if I tried.

One day, my boss saw me laboring over the pre-press magazine, counting away the number of bangles and bags – hey, I was young, I was eager to please – and told me to stop wasting my time and just make up some reasonable number up every month and turn that in to the powers-that-be. And that was the end of thinking too much about that. But, in an ode to my earlier job as Magazine Cover Number Girl, I give you the first counting installment: My Top 5 Vintage Home Finds. I mean, Finds! (Be sure to scroll over the picture for the full description,)

We'll start with the one above: a funky red candleabra (apparently from Scandinavia), $6 at secondhand store in Newport, Delaware.

And now: Antique bingo game, owned by the grandparents of a second-hand shopkeeper in North Wilmington.

Plastic-y and perfect, I found this 70s-ish dish drying rack at a Goodwill in Newark, Delaware for about $1. It's my inbox on my desk.

I wrested this away from a man in a Goodwill on Kirkwood Highway. It cost a whopping $20, but totally worth it.

And, just to prove that not all great vintage comes from Delaware, I find the coolest vintage wallpaper from a little store in the mid-levels of Hong Kong and have my favorite pieces framed.

We Interrupt Our Usual Fashion Blogging For the Cutest Thing Ever

Do-It-Yourself Fashion: It's a Cinch

Yesterday at the trim store, I came across a roll of 4-inch-wide black elastic, absolutely perfect for replicating the wide-belted look from Lanvin this season (above). The label's designer, Alber Elbaz, cinched his ladylike dresses and coats with simple, slimming belts, and you can too… for only about $4 per meter and a few large hook-and-eyes.

Here's the belt in close-up form as seen in Vogue's much-discussed makeover of UK celebrity Jordan, from the April issue. And there's plenty more ideas in the photos from Lanvin's spring/summer show.

A Little Housekeeping

M. has protested the fact that I am calling him "M.", which he describes as "really stupid." I cannot argue with that. After he offered up a few name suggestions of his own – including that I call him either "the Viking" or "Mr. E." -- we have agreed that from now on I will just call him Mike.

I Cannot Wait to Learn How to Use a Sewing Machine

We haven't actually gotten that far in sewing class yet. (We're still just learning how to draft our own patterns, which I supposed is useful as well.) Still, today's fabric store field trip reminded me again how much I love Amy Butler's forest print pattern, and how I can't wait to actually be able to make something cute with it:

Sewers, take note: The repro depot in general looks like a great source for fun fabrics.

What to Expect When You're Not Expecting…

Subtitle: If you wear this season's voluminous shirts and dresses, people will ask you when the baby's due.

I thought I'd post a picture of the much-discussed Topshop batik top from last week's pregnancy-inquiry blunder. For now, it's been demoted to the "day wear" category of things to throw on to go run around town. I'm also experimenting with some belts, like this great bird belt from hippie-chic Bangkok brand Senada Theory, above. But even with a belt, I'm still pretty sure I still run a very strong risk of people insisting I am with child.

Bookmark Alert: Bunnyshop

Here is a story: Months and months ago, Cat and I were discussing fashion blogs and how we hardly ever find any that fit our personal fashion needs, which I think can essentially be summed up as: stylish, slightly quirky, and not costing $400. And Cat was all like, "You should really read Bunnyshop", and so I did, and it was smart and funny and shared my devotion to Topshop and I liked it immediately.

I liked it enough to request to be added to the Bunnyshop e-mail list, which is not something I would normally do. And then, I got an e-mail back from Bunnyshop herself, because it turns out I know Bunnyshop and have met her on several occasions. (I cannot remember if I admired her wardrobe, but I am sure I must have.) Small blogosphere, no?

Anyway, a few weeks ago I sent Bunnyshop a reader request about whether or not I really have to wash my jeans, and I'm not saying it's because she knows me or anything, but she answered the question right away, and really well, AND she basically decreed it is okay to walk around forever in dirty denim, as long as you mask the smell slightly.

Unable to Follow Rules, Plays Poorly With Others

I was never very good at following directions and so completely ignored the rules of the Color Week game (where you're supposed to put up one picture of a certain color each day for a week). But since I took all the appropriately colored pictures, I'm going to put them up anyway in one big post. I promise to do better next time.





Despite my rules-related shortcomings, I really sort of enjoyed this project. Although I kept walking around town muttering things like, "brown. I need brown!", it also made me pay so much more attention to everything I passed.

Avoiding Unnecessary Shoe Trauma

I hardly ever buy duplicates of the same item because I have serious fashion A.D.D. and, no matter how much I think I love it, I inevitably get bored of my new purchase within a few months and don't need to have a second one waiting around for me. So basically, when magazines say to "buy this in every color!" I have learned the hard way that this rule does not apply to me.

Yesterday, I made an exception. I have a pair of shoes from Zara – lightly metallic, round toes, kitten heel, seen above – that I love and wear to all occasions where my standard Reef flipflops won't cut it. These Zara shoes literally go with everything and were the only worthy replacement I found for my previously beloved silver ballet slippers, which fell apart from extreme overuse one horrible day that we now commonly refer to as The Ballet Slipper Catastrophe of Early 2006.

I recently realized that I could not handle another footwear trauma like that, and so stopped by Zara yesterday to see if they still carried the shoes. They did, and they even had them in my size, which never happens because my size 10 feet are considered gargantuan by Asian standards.

I took it as a sign and bought another pair, and I'm not ashamed to say that upon purchase, I felt a little relieved.

Preparing for Fashion Domination

I had the most perfectly wonderful day yesterday. It started with a morning work-y meeting that I really enjoyed (added bonus: really tasty coffee!). Then, I met my sewing teacher and classmate to buy lots and lots of important sewing paraphernalia and scope out some of the best fabric stores in Chinatown. I invited them along on my afternoon plan of visiting some favorite artsy design shops, and then our teacher took us to her favorite local dumpling place, which was just delicious.

Deep breath. And THEN, we traveled across the city to Arab Street and the best ribbon and trim store in the city. (More on that later.) And then, we popped in a few more of my favorite artsy-fun shopping stores, including my secret secondhand Japanese-clothing store where they were in the process of unloading a brand new shipment of vintage kimonos. (!!!) I bought four. And then, I stopped off at the fantabulous design bookstore, and then, to the greatest camera repair shop ever, run by this really nice guy who loves cameras and got me all excited about the photography course I start next week. And then: delicious Indian food. And then: bed. Sigh. *Smile.*

See, I Still Love Purses

This is not quite weather-appropriate for this time of year (unless you live in Australia), but I've lost all sense of the time of year here in Singapore, since it is about 88 degrees year-round. I really do walk around a lot saying, "um, what month is it again?" It's amazing how much a lack of seasons can really mess with your mind.

It can also really mess with your wardrobe planning, making it very difficult to justify any cold-weather purchases like this extremely cool cable-knit clutch from Margaret Nicole. (I would definitely go with the heather gray knit, but maybe choose either a cream or black satin ribbon as I'm not so much into the pale pink.) This would be very cute for fall, kind of like a less-bulky (read: more slimming) version of your favorite chunky sweater.

Don't even get me started on how my vintage coat collection is wasting away in storage. Oh, seasons, I miss you more than you know.

What if we didn't call it a "fanny pack"?

I realize I may lose some of my fashion credibility right now, but sometimes I think I might want a fanny pack. Hear me out: I get tired of lugging around heavy purses (cute purses, sure, but still heavy), and very jealous of M. when we go out and around the city on weekend afternoons, and I still have to carry a bag for my basic crap and he is rocking the man-pant pockets and is totally hands-free.

Of course, when I say "fanny pack," I actually mean Hable Construction's adorable gardening belt, which I have coveted for a long long time for this exact purpose. (Especially because I do not own anything close to a garden, unless you count four small houseplants in various stages of dying.) I have not actually seen this belt in person to know if it can appropriately hold a few credit cards, my phone and some keys, but I think you could definitely pair it with some cute knee-length shorts and a little white blouse and go for a walk, without suffering any fanny pack-related embarrassment and completely free from the shackles of handbags.


Of course, you run the risk of people quietly thinking you're wearing a fanny pack. But I really don't think anyone is going to confuse this with the sweaty tourist with an overstuffed leather pouch strapped under his gut.

Personal Shopper: Undorky Desk Stuff

I only have one reader at the moment (hi, Cat!), so I thought I'd indulge her with my very first reader request posting. Apparently, she has just inherited a desk with some hideous floral office accessories, which need to be fixed and fast. And so, suggestions:

The highly lovable Museum of Useful Things (or, MUT) has an online shop with lots of fun desky things, including a very cool old-skool stapler and this awesome measuring tape tape.



Museum shops are apparently the way to go, because the Moma store is also rocking a lot of good desk stuff, and it's not all outrageously expensive either. Plus, Moma continues to be the only place in America where you can buy Muji, the sleek Japanese lifestyle brand whose name literally means "no brand" (or something like that. I speak Chinese, not Japanese!) About 90 percent of all my stationary and desk items come from Muji, because if you shop for Muji in one of their own stores (so, basically, anywhere outside of the U.S.), it is this enormous megastore where everything from watches to wastebaskets is really well-designed and about three dollars. I carry their blessedly non-neon post-it tabs with me everywhere, so I can constantly mark off pages of books and magazines I want to remember. Kind of like a poor man's version of Lucky.

While I don't mean to rub it in, but you can see the full-on Muji desk accessory range on their UK site. The clear office set might be the way to go for one-stop desk accessorizing, if you don't mind being slightly matchy-matchy. That see-through hole puncher alone is genius.


This is not technically a "desk accessory", but everyone will be jealous: Ooms twig memory stick card.


And, on the supercheap side, Ikea has a desk accessories section as well. I love their tapestry-print cardboard magazine holders (though, ahem, some surgery will be necessary to get them to fit very large magazines). My tapestry print is silver and white, which isn't on the website anymore but still is stocked in my local store.

I also suggest Ikea's kitchen section for lots of industrial-looking pencil holders and organizers and stuff. (My current pencil container is actually their stainless steel cutlery caddy. Only $3.99, kids!)

Finally, I can't stop thinking about the Electri-tree for my home office. In pink, of course.


If I had any other readers, this is where I would invite them to leave their own suggestions in the comments area. However.

Swimfan

I sort of hate swimsuits and swimsuit shopping, so generally just stick to a bunch of cute but cheap bikinis from Target and Old Navy and leave it at that. Do I think they're amazing? No. But, they're not awful and they've only delivered a small amount of embarrassment, most recently in Phuket last month when the plastic holder in the back of my bikini top snapped and -- even though I clutched the top to my body before flashing/offending any other pool patrons -- the gross sweaty fat man next to me wouldn't stop leering until I exited the pool area and changed into something sturdier.

Still, every time I see one of the Stella McCartney for Adidas swim suits, I think I might actually look quite cute in it. Also very fit, though that might just be a mental thing.

And, if I hadn't already purchased cute Owl keds to be my shoes for the summer, I might have made these Stella-Adidas athletic ballet slippers my comfy shoe of choice.

Desperately Coveted, part 9 of 793

Also from decor8, this Amy Butler Betty Shopper bag pattern, which you can make in the cute Amy Butler Grand Tapestry fabric shown above. (Or any other pattern or colors of your choosing. But I personally wouldn't change a thing.) If any one thing was finally going to force me to start up the sewing machine and stop using it as a place to drape discarded clothes, I believe this would be it. I wonder if I can convince my sewing teacher to skip the lesson on pleats and help me make this bag instead?

Blogger ate my website

Bear with us as we experience some serious technical difficulties, like attempting to replicate the old template, which really just did get chewed up and spit out by blogger right before our very eyes. Some things appear unfixable for the moment -- such as, I am pretty sure there was never a line underneath the header before, but now there is and it is weird -- and others need a little time. The blogroll will return. Rest assured, I do not think Google News is all that pretty. (Except sometimes, when they modify the logo! Like, remember Picasso's birthday? That was cute.)

[Update] The line is gone! Yay!
[Update] The links are back! Yay!
[Update] The site still goes offline at random. Boo.

We Are Tempted to Write a Cute Head Using Song Lyrics Referencing the Name Mandy, But Won't

We get terrible TV over here. Seriously, they only show things like The King of Queens or Everybody Loves Raymond or [insert other identical show starring relatively unattractive comedian and hot wife and several dimple-cheeked children], all from about four years ago. Apparently, that is what people in Asia love. We do not love.

Which is why we get a little overexcited whenever a new season comes out on dvd. (This is not the royal we. This includes my partner-in-TV-hating crime/boyfriend, whom we shall call M.) Case in point: The new season of Entourage arrived in the mail Thursday afternoon. By Saturday evening, it had been decimated. Of course, there were only 17 half-hour episodes and it was a slow weekend. But. Still.

You'll be happy to know that it was really good – maybe not as good as season one, but still good – but I also loved it because it prominently featured Mandy Moore, one of my favorite actresses and celebrity style icons, even though she's significantly younger than me. Which is slightly weird, except for the fact that she really always does look very fashionable. And, as M. pointed out, always so very glowy! And, I also appreciate how she seriously dwarfs other, malnourished stars like the Olsens and always looks about 50 times better than them, if occasionally slightly giant-like. See more of Mandy's outfit choices here. I ignore the ones where she's a blonde, because she's a much better brunette, and if I can't tell her that in person, I quietly vote with my mouse clicks.

Hey, y'all! Look at me!!

This website has pledged to be about pretty things, but its proprietor confesses a shameless addiction to non-pretty things as well, such as ridiculous celebrity gossip. And so, I interrupt the ongoing quest for the cool and inspiring with a burning question: Is that really Britney's arm up Kevin's shirtsleeve? Is that not the stupidest public display of affection you have ever seen, except for maybe that hideous and horribly awkward Ryan Seacreast-Teri Hatcher fake kiss?

That's all. As you were.

Desperately Coveted, part 6 of 472

I really, really, really want this bag, from San Francisco-based bag line Nepacema. It's very Orla Kiely, but without a scary price tag: The bag is only $130, which I would consider very reasonable if I hadn't just spent all my money on adult things like health insurance and tax payments this month. (Via decor8.)

I don't know how you people do it…

One of the reasons that this blog hasn't moved into the big time – i.e., I haven't told anyone about it – is that I'm just not sure if I can keep it up. (The other main reason is that I am still unable to figure out all the technological quirks that continue to plague it – like why it will suddenly drop offline for four hours, and why pictures don't appear in the permalink, and other computer-y things that people like me aren't equipped to deal with. There is nothing so humbling as not being able to figure out blogger.)

But really, it can be rather time-consuming to poke around for the coolest stuff and crop appropriate pictures and write something witty and put it all together in a nice little fashion-is-spinach package, without any embarrassing typos and such. Don't get me wrong, I'm really enjoying myself here – but I am also wondering how everyone else seems to get real work done in addition to the blogging. I'm continually impressed by the vast number of excellent design and fashion blogs out there that always seem to have the coolest, most unique stuff every single day. If you haven't checked out the blogroll yet, decor8 and oh joy! are among my current must-clicks. I'm also adding in a bunch of recently discovered blogs like Coquette and Just My Cup of Tea (whose blogroll alone is intense) and the recently launched (but worth a mention due to the picture alone) design boner. These people make it look so easy, and I secretly hate them for it.

Did I say hate? I meant admire! Admire!

Quite Neat, Actually

Quite Neat, Actually

These days, the fashion blogosphere is all about online fashion mag N.E.E.T., now in its third issue. It's quite cute and worth a virtual flip. I personally love the frothy pink vintage prom dress featured on pages 35-37. It also turned me on to online vintage shop frecklewonder, where nearly everything is sold (boo) but which I will watch in the future.

Cheap and chic, at the risk of sounding cheesy

Cheap and chic, at the risk of sounding cheesy

I normally avoid The Gap because it's way too identifiable. You could probably show me a wide variety of Gap clothes from, say, 1988-1995 and I could probably tell you exactly what year they're from, just because everyone in the [insert number from 7 to 12 here] grade was wearing it when it came out. (For example: Denim striped shirts? Very 9th grade for me.)

However, I no longer live near a Gap (at least for another six months or so), and so I think it's perfectly fine to covet this cute raffia clutch purse, priced at only $19.50. I believe my Teen Vogue showed it available in a wide variety of colors, so keep an eye out if these won't do.

For the Birds

For the Birds

Lately, I've had a bit of a fetish for cute little Partridge Family-ish, peep-style birds. It started a few months ago when I saw the Dwell Baby robin peeps crib set, which I wish they made for adult beds. (Seriously, why don't they?) And then I bought those folders from yesterday's post. And then today I saw these terrific zid zid kid bird cushions and these eeboo Counting Birds Wall Cards, both on decor8. (I'd very nearly bought eeboo's Hardware Store Alphabet Cards a few months ago at Romp, but I'm sort of running out of blank walls.) Also via decor8, Clare Nicolson bird pillows, which are also extremely cute. Hmmm... are birds this year's skulls?

Charmed, I'm Sure.

Charmed, I'm Sure.

If I wasn't still clinging desperately to the chunky beaded necklace craze (as evidenced by my recent inexplicable need to purchase not one but two scarf-covered beaded necklace from the Tara Jarmon for Target collection), I would probably look to either one of these designers: So Charmed (that's their six chick bracelet, above) or Art School Dropout (below). Both have that kitschy, colorful feel that vaguely reminds me of much-cooler versions of my beloved plastic charm necklace, circa fourth grade. (Hmmm… I think I still have that charm necklace somewhere. Note to self: Definitely find it.) In any case, both of these online shops are so cute and inspiring, they are definitely worth a good browse, particularly if you're attempting any fun projects in the near future.

Art, art, good for your heart…

Art, art, good for your heart…

I thoroughly enjoyed The Wurst Gallery's Vintage Vandals collection, in which a bunch of artists "updated" paintings they'd found at thrift stores, flea markets and the like. (They ingeniously provide before and after shots.) I once stayed with a friend of a friend in Dallas, Texas, and – despite the fact that he appeared to have never, ever, ever cleaned his toilet or shower – he did have an intensely cool collection of thrift store art. (It may be what gave his apartment the slightly musty odor, I'm not sure. We'll give him the benefit of the doubt and say it was.) Whenever I look for thrift store art, it is always things like Life's Little Instruction Book posters with cracked frames. This gives me new hope.

The work above is Portland, OR artist Chris Hutchinson''s contribution. But even better: Every artist had to answer a fun q& about their best thrift finds and whatnot, and Australian artist Beci Orpin's answers included a photo of her cool vintage book collection, which I now completely covet.

Well, that's the end of that.

Well, that's the end of that.

I no longer want a white dress. Why, you ask? Well, see, on Saturday, I went out for drinks (many, many drinks) and decided to wear the aforementioned new Topshop batik shirt/dress. It is not white, but rather a cute blue and white print and also very diaphanous and floaty, kind of in the style of the Olsens:

I got to party number one, and there was one other girl there (and about 10 guys. Small party.) And the one other girl was wearing the exact same dress (she was also more than a foot shorter than me, so she was wearing as a dress cinched with a wide white belt; and I was wearing as a shirt, unbelted, with extra-long jeans and chunky amber resin bangles and a little white clutch.) And then I thought, this is why I don't like to shop in Topshop (or Zara, or wear things like Trendy White Dresses) – because, inevitably, you will get all cute and go out and someone will be wearing the exact same thing. Mortz, as the kids say. What could I do but compliment her on her fashion sense and then stand as far away as possible for the rest of the happy hour.

Also: Later (many drinks later), another person insisted, repeatedly, that I must be pregnant. So unless you feel like developing a complex, it seems that only extra-skinny types like the Olsens should do shapeless/diaphanous. And so, I'm cured forever. Or, more likely, for about one to two weeks.

Bank Account Blues: Flax art & design

Bank Account Blues: Flax art & design

And thus begins my ongoing series on why my bank account is as anemic as it is. I was (somewhat) recently in San Francisco, and begged to be taken to Flax art & design. I had never been to Flax art & design before, but the front of the store, on Market Street, is covered with giant pencils and cloud painting and other large things and claims, quite authoritatively, to be Where Creative People Shop. Well, if creative people shop there, then I wanted to shop there too. And so I did. And it was fun!

Now I'm forced to appease my Flax love through the online store and the very cool, very inspiring catalog (sign up now!), which isn't quite the same. But recent great Flax finds: The very cool eggshell blue and red Cavallini file folders, which I use constantly (I also sort of covet the Coral ones); vintage-inspired mailing labels (now on super sale!); and cherry-print notecards from the adorable Carrot & Stick Press (who are just getting all kinds of media love these days). All perfectly justifiable reasons for spending money, no?

Reading for the ride home, part 1

Reading for the ride home, part 1

I recently came across this New Yorker profile of the amazing Suzy Menkes, the longtime fashion editor of the International Herald Tribune. It's five years old but still completely entertaining, particularly if you envision yourself as a respected yet quirky fashion writer one day, which I sometimes do. The IHT's style section (updated on Tuesdays, and with a helpful little e-mail reminder) is always a good read for international fashion finds.

And while we're at it…

And while we're at it…

I also love the Holice shoes by Tara Subkoff for Easy Spirit. Though I think it's really mean of Easy Spirit to price them at $280. It's like, "Hey! We're going to give you comfortable shoes! And they'll be cute! Really cute! And… we're going to price them about five times what our shoes would normally cost. because we can. Bwahahaha." So, basically, I will not be owning these, but rather admiring them from afar.

Currently coveting, part 8 of 672

Currently coveting, part 8 of 672

These owl-print Keds, designed by Eleanor Grolsch, are the cutest shoes I have seen in a long time. I'd bet the Japanese kids love them. I see myself pairing with cute vintage sundresses and running around town comfortably, for a change. I have been talking about them so much that a certain boyfriend has agreed to buy them for a certain upcoming birthday, if only to get me to stop talking about them, I think.

Also available in adorable seahorses and slightly-less-cute llamas (I mean, sherpa lining? really?). And at $40, so much more reasonably priced than the shoes in the Zero Maria Cornejo Keds line, (below) which are also very cute but highly unaffordable. I mean, they're still Keds.

Nuts for New Fashion. Literally.

Nuts for New Fashion. Literally.

I am in the throes of a fashion dilemma. Really. These things weigh on me. It goes like this: I know, in my heart, that I should not give in to the White Dress Trend. I know I should save the money, or at least spend it on something that is not the thing that every single person in the world will be wearing this summer (yes, even here in Singapore). I should spend it on something cute and unique or at least not so easily identifiable, like a piece from one of those great Bangkok designers I'm always raving about. (More on them on of these days, I promise.)

I know all this. I do. And yet, every time I walk by Zara or Topshop or (Zara's more expensive big brother) Massimo Dutti, I desperately want a white dress. I thought I found the perfect one at Zara yesterday. After I explicitly vowed not to buy a white dress, I starting longing for this very cute hippie-ish sundress with embroidery at the hem (see above), and went to three Zaras to find it in my size. (The rub, and the sign that God does not want me to buy a white dress: Turns out I do not have a size. The medium is too small, the large is way too big, my sewing skills are not good enough to alter either.)

So, trend crisis averted, for one day. Instead, I'm going to focus on my new sliver-wedge sandals and batik dress (which is really a top – why do they insist on calling longer-length tops a dress? it would be scandalous if I ever wore it as one), both from Topshop. Of course, I'm also thinking about how much it would cost to pay a tailor to alter that dress. The internal struggle continues.

Of course, it's not that I don't think you should all buy white dresses. If I had a need to wear cute clothes every day – like say, an office job, or a social life – I would buy it. But I wear jammies to work (at home), and I already have a lot of going out clothes, and the amount of times I could wear the white dress before the trend is over is, like, 12 – tops (once a week for the next three months or so). And… I'm going to stop now.