A Knitta “tag” in Paris

Got a pen? Well put this on your weekend calendar:

Knitta, a team of graffiti knitters (yes, you read that right) is making a rare public appearance in Soho’s Madewell store. This Friday the 16th the anonymous group–which has traveled the world from London to Tokyo to knit their bright yarn sleeves over everything from marble statues to street signs–will descend and “tag” the downtown store. Then, on Saturday from 4-7:00 pm the creative statement-makers will be on hand to customize the belt-loops of Madewell’s cool and colorful jeans. (Gratis with purchase!) Be sure to swing by and be embellished, but leave your own needles at home as this isn’t exactly your granny’s knit-one-purl-two scene. Madewell, 486 Broadway New York, NY 10079

Knitta’s customized beltloop

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Rootstein’s Agyness Deyn Mannequin

Here’s a preview shot of one of the Agyness Deyn Rootstein mannequins that will be formally (and by formally I mean with a turntable and champers-fueled fête) unveiled later this week. When I first saw the pose I must admit I was a bit disappointed; the subservient turned-in-legs-arms-all-akimbo stance isn’t exactly an appropriate pose to immortalize the bold, head-turning British catwalker.

But then, brushing my feminist concerns aside (for a few minutes anyway) I realized that the mannequin stance did make reference to some iconic (albeit fictitious) women: Nike, The Winged Victory of Samothrace which can be found in the Louvre and A Crainte des Traits de l’Amour, by 18th century sculptor Jean-Louis Lemoyne. (His rococo masterpiece is located in the Metropolitan Museum.) The comparison of the 3 sculptures kept the aforementioned criticism at bay, as it suggests that Agyness’s career—and the mannequin she inspired—is indeed an impressive work of art.

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According to the folks at Urban Outfitters, books are the best accessory for the home.

Observe:

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The Soft Rock Trend, as illustrated by Urban Outfitters

Full disclosure: I like soft rock. A lot. It’s a recent obsession, prompted by a resurgence of retro soundtracks and one tantalizing infomercial. ( Time Life Soft Rock Series. Try to catch it if you can. Hell, TiVo it if possible. Ten bucks says you’ll start singing along with the TV before it’s over.)

I like soft rock so much that I actually spent a good chunk of money and time to see Christopher Cross in concert last weekend. (Perhaps you remember his hits: Sailing, Ride Like the Wind and the Authur’s Song? Are you misty-eyed with nostalgia yet? Thought so.) Much like the aforementioned infomercial, his performance was simply amazing, in that super-sentimental, uncomplicated kind of way.

While it can be hard to adequately define the ‘70s musical genre, Cross describes his music as being mid-tempo; neither fast or slow, but some slow, hazy blend of the middle. It was then that I realized there’s a full-on soft rock sartorial movement going on right now.

Think of it this way: When applied to clothing, “mid-tempo” can translate into something that’s neither dressy nor casual. Now think of the number of items in your wardrobe—or in your favorite shop—that are neither formal nor fuss-free?

Still don’t know what I’m talking about?

Take a look at these ensembles:

From left: Lux @ Urbn, Mint @ Shopbop, Kimchi& Blue @ Urbn

Not party dresses exactly, but not schlumpy outfits either right?

Clockwise from top: Moccasin @ Urbn, Pau&Joe @ Shopbop, Frye @ Shopbop, Gladiator @ Urbn

And these shoes? You could wear them to work, maybe, but probably only on CasFris. (A.k.a. Casual Fridays. Sorry, my lame inner Gossip Girl made me do it.)

Bags all from Urban Outfitters

And these lovely little structure-less totes? Can wear them most places, but can’t bring these to grandma’s house or the gym.

From left: Madewell, Charlotte Ronson @ Shopbop, Free People @ Urbn

Chances are you’re quite familiar with the kind of styles above—all of which, might I add, serve as the pitch-perfect answer to the tough-luxe rock’n'roll trend that’s just about to wind down. Channeling a romantic ease and a faint ’70s vibe, these pieces fit into a trend that I’ll now fondly refer to as Soft Rock Style. Catchy isn’t it?

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In case you didn’t know, Diane Von Furstenberg, she-of-the-wrap-dress and globetrotting-style bar-raiser (hel-loo?! Have you seen those H.Stern knuckle-dusters?) is certifiably awesome, in pretty much every way that counts. And in just the past ten days she’s given us 3 more demonstrations of her awesomeness:

1) She unveiled her Wonder Woman-inspired collection for holiday ’08. The freshy, sporty line features bold hues and patterns that recall my grade-school sticker collection, and is sure to fly right off shelves come November. (Get it? Fly?)

2) Last Monday she held court at the star-studded Costume Institute Ball. With the Olsen twins as one of her 6 dates. And she brought a camera.

3) She recently posted her VIP candids for all to see on her online “magazine.”

Love.

Check. It. Out. Now.

Snaps from DVF.com

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Banana Republic Fall 2008 

It’s a dreary day today, here in New York City. The inclement weather poses not one, not two, but three major problems for me:

1)    What to wear?
2)    Where to find a cab?
3)    Why does Fall ’08 seem o’ so far away?

That spring showers prompt the last concern—the yearning for darker, damper temperatures—may of be some surprise to you. But if you’ve been paying close attention to the recent runway shows, chances are you’re itching for fall fashion to hit stores too. The somber, sexy palette! The restrained elegance! The over-size jewels!

I had almost forgotten all about autumn’s sartorial goodies until I saw the Banana Republic fall runway show a few weeks back. Filled with svelte skirts, lean knits, sculptural exterior layers, and a few French trenches the next collection is a cosmopolitan dream. And each, I’m sure, would make a rainy day so much more romantic.  See what I mean?

Banana Republic Fall 2008 

Snaps courtesy BR 

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Good-bye neo-Goth, hello old-school graphics. For our second installment of Casual Observations, I’d like to turn your attention to the recent resurgence of TV test patterns and Trapper Keeper-style graphics. Both feature bold colors, distinctive patterns, and conjure up bygone eras which many of us associate with a sense of joyous naïveté. (Remember when you actually wrote on paper and had to turn the non-cable TV on by manually turning a dial?) And as a quick glance at a few of today’s pop-culture artifacts and sartorial backdrops will demonstrate, these iconic graphics are current favorites of today’s taste-makers:

First, take a look at Apple’s latest Ipod commercial:

Then compare it with the intro credits to everyone’s favorite ’80s guilty-pleasure, Saved by the Bell:

Both recall your ’80s school supplies, no? Surely you remember Trapper Keepers and their distinctive geo-patterns…

Meanwhile, back in Manhattan, savvy window-dressers are zooming in on the same ’80s graphics as well as TV test graphics, as they make a perfect back-drop for the season’s vivid, New Wave-inspired pieces…

Bergdorf Goodman, Fifth Avenue:

Diesel, 14th Street @ Union Square:

Note the color palette and gradient pattern in the backdrop of the store’s “Diesel TV” window, and how similar it is to the Ipod commercial. Nice how it all comes full-circle isn’t it? (That’s what the fashion demi-monde likes to call A Moment.) Considering the ’80s TV inspiration behind this nascent trend, it seems fitting to now say, “Stay tuned for more…”

Snaps= TV Test pattern, iStock; Folders, Flickr; store photos Kate Terranova and Erin Dustin

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If you’re anything like me, you had a hard time getting dressed on this dreary morning. For inspiration on how to fight the Rainy Day/Monday/Break-Up Day/I Hate My Wardrobe Day blues, check this out:

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This is usually GlamBlush’s territory, but I couldn’t help pointing out this fantastic, tres fashionable perfume case from Estée Lauder. Not only is Aerin Lauder’s ‘Tuberose Gardenia’ scent wholly intoxicating, but the case that holds the solid perfume (the most purse-friendly way to carry any eau b.t.w.) comes festooned with citrine, yellow and green jade. Who needs jewelry when your make-up bag has so much bling? Estée Lauder ‘Tuberose Gardenia’ Solid Perfume, $175 at Nordstrom.

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