Monkey Style: Sober

Out of Amsterdam, the designers of Sober subscribe to a philosophy of finding the beauty in form and function, celebrating rich color and simple lines, and crafting understated pieces that are effortlessly worn by those who value quality. And while I appreciate this mantra, this aesthetic, this point of view. . . I am simply bewitched by the color of her hair. Damn if I will ever pull off a cape with such striking grace.

Monkey Style: United Arrows

In Japan, United Arrows is no obscure brand, but their Fall/Winter 2011 Portrait is thoughtful and leans towards exaggerated and cheeky— so it feels fitting to give it mention so close to Halloween. It's like Sherlock Holmes meets preppy pupil meets Victorian doll all wrapped into one giant line. Oh, and don't miss their happy little housewares. 

 

Bananas For: Outlier

Unsure of itself, this spring has been a bit cuckoo. Sometimes it urges you to hop on your cruiser and head for the sparkling beach. Other days it rolls over in a patchy haze only giving you enough sun that you have to bundle up to take your city bike out for a quick spin. Outlier, fortunately, is designed for the cyclist who cares not for the whims of the weather. With stylish and comfortable pieces ranging from the 4Season OG Pant to the Supermarine Rain Shirt, there are simply no excuses to stay in. (Plus, I'm loving the name of the boat in these inspiring photos!) So, what are we waiting for? Let's go.

Bananas For: Paul Smith Fall 2011

Taking a cue from a stylish grandpa plus a twist of color and some very smart eyeglasses makes Paul Smith's Fall 2011 collection my absolute favorite of London Fashion Week. Long live the cardigan!

Bananas For: SM2

As my first BANANAS FOR, I picked SM2, the darling and Scandinavian-inspired Japanese clothing line. Their current lookbook is a visual visit to a place where soft coats abound and cobblestone streets and books are a part of daily life. Sigh....a girl can dream.

*Photos from SM2

Luv Fall

The always chic Katie (San Franciscan and genius behind Luv is the New Black and Very Katie Like) has graced us with her fabulous fall fashion picks. Happy November!

Along with feminine shapes and lady like pumps, fall trends are all about the bright lips and chunky knits this season. Refined bags, camel, lace up booties, and faux fur are also great for staying cozy and looking chic. I can tell you that my comfy sweaters are on their way to getting worn to shreds. I have absolutely no opposition to this particular trend. This is feel-good fashion at it's finest! Oh and when considering fur... always go faux. It is a luxurious and animal friendly alternative to the real thing!

-Katie

1.) Bobble Knit Jumper- TopShop 2.) Faux Ostrich Lady Bag- Asos l3.) Wool High Lace Up Hiker Boot- Asos 4.) Rouge Cream Lipstick-Sephora 5.) Ribbed Wide Brim Hat-Luxury Divas 6.) Janika Fur Vest- Jack 7.) Clara Whispering Silk Bra-Stella McCartney 8.) Gigi Low Rise Cropped Flares-JBrand

Rain and Shine

Oh LA, have you ever seen the rain?

While you can't help the mess that is happening

outside, you can look your best. A little help. . .

Marimekko Piccolo Black Umbrella, Moschino Collarless Wool Coat, Karen Millen Graphic Attitude Gloves, French Connection Lark Jacket, Gab Wool-blend Duffle Bag, Anna Sui Nylon Ruffled Trench Coat, Aquatalia Wasabi Rain Boots, Valentina Popcorn Mittens, Marimekko Sudenkorento Umbrella, John Lewis Funnel Neck Coat, DKNY Striped Lambswool Scarf, Nixon The Trigital Watch, Monsoon Blue Beret, Calvin Klein Marino Wool Jacket, Steven Alan Tippi Coat, Dirty Laundry Rain Boots

Fiery Grace

A time ago, I arrived at the Fashion Institute of Technology ready to be knee-deep in the study of couture and design, advertising and fabric. But rather, I left two years later grounded and resolved, still appreciative of fashion, but less enthusiastic about convincing people (via Madison Avenue) that they should gauge themselves by their labels. Many years later, I still feel similarly, though I am often told the amount of magazines I read and keep are a fire hazard. What can I say? I love looking and staying au courant from a distance.

So when The September Issue came out, I called the girls and we bought our tickets--some to see Anna Wintour, the high priestess herself, and others to see the fabulous frocks and fray. None of us expected Grace Coddington, fiery (both in hair and spirit) creative director of Vogue. She defines gumption. She demonstrates brilliance. And without her, both the movie and the magazine would be a bore. The balance that Grace, a former model and 40 year veteran of British and American Vogue, manages redeems all of the terrible things you've heard about 4 Times Square. She simply doesn't take herself nor the industry seriously enough to be soured. Rather, she respects fashion and all of its frivolities as a high art filled with color and amusement that matters in its own universe, but will not fix the world. And because of this, she is timeless and relevant (unlike many of her colleagues), just as she was in the better economy of 2007 when the film was shot.

In a 2003 Time article she says, ""I like fairy tales, and I like dreaming. I try to weave the reality into the dream. When readers pick up Vogue, I want them to smile. Everything should be a little tongue in cheek, a little dare-to-go-there."

The point? See The September Issue and forget Ms. Wintour. Grace is the genius behind this "bible". (Anna will tell you that herself).

Blog Find: Mimi & Meg

Any blog that is written by a fellow Domino magazine lover is something I will read, but what makes Mimi and Meg so fun is that Megan mixes great interior design with color (and more color!), art, fashion plus a dash of her own life and a side of quirk.

*Photos from Mimi and Meg