service & devotion

In December/ January The Mister and I set out on a four week trip – we stopped in Paris for New Years & to see close friends, embarked upon India for another friend’s wedding and toured the a lot of the country and then stopped in Amsterdam on the way home. (This all occurred in my 6 month blogging hiatus so I will probably write more about this from time to time!)

We try to go to Paris once a year, and we love to sit in cafe’s and drink endless cups of espresso and lots and lots of fois gras- and of course I do lots of shopping. Probably because I follow fashion voraciously online – the high street shopping never seems that exciting. Even though I always have high hopes (and yes there ARE amazing gems out there and amazing stores!) In general, there are few sales, and a lot of what I find I can also be ordered online from the US or ordered online from France (seriously though, Isabel Marant, APC, Commes des Garcon, Petite Bateau are all ubiquitous in American boutiquery) – and a lot of stuff is just out of my freaking price league and I am generally better off buying couture level items on ebay slightly pre-loved). I did end up with the cheeky orange clutch version of the canvas Longchamps “Ceci est un IT Bag”

And our only major purchase was an Evan Hecox painting from his Paris show at The Lazy Dog.  I Love it in our living room!!

So the real point of this post is that since Holland fashion is not so sought after and known about- I tended to find a lot of Amsterdam shopping to be very exciting! In my mind I had pictured a lot of  Orla Kiely-esque prints and color palletes, printed corduroy A-line skirts and knee socks and lots of cardigans. I found Dutch women are very chic, and they LOVE shopping! I researched and sought out a lot of vintage and consignment shops and “epic” is kind of an understatement!  It is possible to run across  Rick Owens or Dries Van Noten or Westwood pieces for under 100-150 euros. The vintage stores were still stuck in a lot of the polyester period of low end 60′s merch. I stumbled  across (and purchased) a stellar deal on a Bottega Veneta Large Veneta Hobo in Cerise that was a steal for E142 (about $250!!!) I authenticated it already (duh) and it was a hardly worn bag from 2007 Resort collection. wowza!

In general, one of my favorite discoveries was a Dutch boutique named after it’s sole designer Cora Kemperman. It was shockingly colorful inside, but with very few prints- mostly solids, The ranges of colors were restrained but on point contrasted with lots of black and some white. To my first glance- the line consisted of beautifully constructed, uniquely shaped knits- all for around $100/per piece.

The Cora Kemperman website describes her collection as “feminine and elegant, has ethnic elements, is comfortable and has been produced responsibly. Our customers are creative women who do not follow the mainstream trends.”

Maybe I still have FIFA Fever, but I love the way that wearing different colors looks athletic or nationalistic- ethnic, but also avant garde. ya know?

Here are some images from the 2010 collection:

And some images from her archive: A lot more black- but still very creative, wearable and European!

I think the reason why all of her images are so appealing is that the models seem to be very womanly- going places and doing things- I look at all the designs and though modeled on a slender woman- can imagine a curvier girl rocking almost all of it! So many times I stare at pictures of runway shows on my style.com iphone app- and though beautiful- a lot would not translate to real bodies with different size boobies or hips. Cora’s pieces are simple to wear but complex in design- comfortable yet celebrating the form.

Best of all- The 10 year old company believes in corporate social responsibility, using sustainable packaging, dying techniques and textiles- also supporting manufacturers in India through providing education facilities for families, decrying child labor and providing health care.

The saddest thing is I was in a rush when I stumbled into the boutique- and I left after a quick browse promising myself that I would return the next day alone to leisurely stock up on some dhoti pants, kimono sweaters and draped jersey madness. Unfortunately my watch was messed up from traveling in India and we had our departure date screwed up! We had to leave the next morning. Cora Kemperman has no online shop, and no shops outside of The Netherlands and Belgium. *sigh* I guess I will just have to go back!

all images from www.corakemperman.nl

I am totally a day dreamer- I lust about imaginary objects that I desire as much as the real thing. Pillows and cardigans and products that only exist in my mind. Lately I have been imagining the perfect shirt dress (it has to be out there somewhere). It looks a lot like this:

Except it would be a TAD bit longer (more appropriate for work) and a teensy bit less blousey- and it would have subtle belt holes on the front and back to lace/weave a skinny belt through if you wanted to give the illusion of a waist but not create a ton of poofy volume around the boobs. I would wear it everywhere in this stupid Houston summer heat.

The closest I have found to this style was a vintage Norma Kamali shirt dress that I stared at on my ebay watch list for weeks because the slowness of my contract work had me necessity bound to frugality. Now I regret it. BIG TIME.

I have a mental list of things I regret not buying. The natural canvas moto jacket from American Eagle (of all places- weird) seen below in one of my polyvores, a vintage miu miu draw string bag from a zillion seasons ago from ebay (a friend talked me out of it and I think about it all the time), a German educational poster featuring different types of dinosaurs, a beautiful wooden cow head (Nandi) from my recent trip to India, ( I have actually cried to the Mister about not having it in our house.) and about four – five other things. In retrospect most of them were around $70-$100. (see? Frugal.) (see also? stupid.)

I am proud not to have any credit card debt, but I also like to live without regrets. Is it stupid to regret Not purchasing something? I know they’re material objects- blah blah blah, but I am pretty darn frugal and thoughtful as a shopper- I rarely regret purchases because I don’t make impulsive decisions. I guess what I am realizing now as I am writing this; is that I MOST regret not listening to my own instincts enough to take the plunge, plop down the cash (or the card) and go for it, if I feel that strongly about something.  Do you have any regrets for something you DIDN’T BUY?

Note to self: listen to my inner instincts. Even if it means shipping a huge crated wooden cow head across an ocean. Even if it means, selling some other crap on ebay or buffalo exchange to pay for the golden needle in the haystack. Listen to your instincts.

P.S. if anyone ever sees an antique ceremonial Nandi like this with gentle huge Disney eyes- let me know- I will pay a premium. *sigh*

P.P.S. if anyone knows of a tent- like shirt dress a’la the one above- let a girl in on it! I need this!

I have a penchant for extravagant and sometimes weird shoes. Like little sculptures for the feet!! Heel height and comfort mean little to me (until I’m in pain!). Fortunately I live in a driving exclusive city where we auto everywhere and I even (guiltily) valet at the galleria! (No judgement please!)

Regardless- I have been lusting over a pair of shoes at Opening Ceremony for a while- and since I recently (yesterday) got a new job- the world is my oyster and my next years’ worth of paychecks are already virtually spent!!!!! (okay that includes paying off my student loans and an upcoming Proenza Schouler PS1 purchase)

So I love them because they have an internal elastic strap across the foot to hold it in place while the exterior leather is kinda like a tent pitched over your foot. Weird right? And totally totally cool.

Contemplating the purchase- I  made some outfits on polyvore on how I would wear these lil’ weirdos.

A few weeks ago I co-hosted an event succinctly called Pop-Up Shop! with a few other Houston gals. All handmade, vintage, and original goodies- the five of us hosted it at Brandi’s salon Sunchild. We totally transformed it into a one day retail dream experience!

I designed this little e-poster…

Gnomes, jewelry, and clothing by Bleubird Vintage (featured in the new Lucky Magazine! Congrats Ms. James!)

Brandi (one Bueno and owner of Sunchild Salon) of BuenoBueno sold key necklaces, vintage boots, and pompoms.

Hand-studded vintage leather bags by Service & Devotion (That’s me!)

and Service & Devotion freshly picked vintage clothing

Kelly (the other half of BuenoBueno) makes handmade note cards.

I don’t have any pics of myself in this batch- but you can check out more coverage about Pop-Up Shop! on one of my cohorts more prolific blogs. here or here.

We all had such a blast, sold stuff, drank vinho verde and voted to make it a semi-regular event!

P.S. If you are interested in purchasing any of the studded bags I have all of them available (admired but not purchased!) They are priced individually- but affordably!

P.P.S check out the website of one of the other co-hosts- Rannie Balias of ChrisRann jewelry. Her stuff is high at the top of my Christmas wish list!

Everyone loves some Jonathan Freakin’ Adler. His style is ubiquitous and has spawned a million copies. Yay!  The only JA thing I own is a needlepointed eyeglass case that says “SPECS” in a funky multicolored circus-y font. I have always kinda wanted a piece of white JA sculpture like the giraffe or the cat or the boob vase. I once cohorted with my  friend Jaime when she needed encouragement to buy the JA condom caddy for her husbands’ birthday. He was partially amused..  But I don’t really think about him all that often these days unless presented with a blog post (what was that stupid banana bud vase all about?)

I first remember seeing the JA needlepoint series when he did a capsule collection for the now-defunct Williams Sonoma company Hold Everything. (This was around 2004 and a little before a designer collaboration with a lower-cost line was the veritable retail gold mine it is today.) Does anyone else remember those catalogs? He did a whole Christmas line with lots of graphic needlepoint stockings, tree skirts and accessories everywhere! I remember this because I was already following him, and I worked for the WS company at the time and I could’ve ordered it all at 40% off! Permanently put in the “regret not buying” file- because cool Christmas stuff is stupid hard to find.

Anyway– I love Jonathan’s stupid lil’ sense of humor and his stupid lil’ outfits**. Even the goofy way he spells his name and his inane antics on Next Top Design Star (or whatever show that is)  (**And I’m not even saying this in mock love like someone refers to “Oral”.)  He’s kinda someone you almost love to hate like Rachel Zoe, Anna Wintour or Kelly Werstler.

I really do seem to gravitate towards animal figures in my house, and bold colors and sharp imagery- so the graphic nature of his stuff does kinda appeal to me – but I don’t chase after his brand’s bath accessories so my Kleenex  box has a chic shell, or a covet a $695 tortoise lamp “As Seen in May 09 Elle Décor Magazine and June 09 Metropolitan Home.” I get his style- but I think I love the era of quirky vintage things that inspire him more! In our ever-aware world of everyone’s a designer and in big ol’ bloglandia – he’s the King of quirk.

It now seems that the only way to effectively describe a certain aesthetic is to refer specifically to him.  I may already have things in my house that could easily be inspiration fodder for the man himself. I just came to realize that in the course of the last few weeks, everything that I have purchased is undeniably Jonathan Adler-esque.

[Side bar: I squawk about too much whimsy and cuteness in product design- am I full of shit because I think that the vintage items I acquire have more gravitas because they are old and not expensive? I justify it by thinking that whimsy and pricey is bullshit, and quirky, old and cheap is valid- whatever I probably am full of shit]

OK. Enough ass gazing – on to the goodies!!

First up- a pair of wonderful lion-esque sunny modernist mugs (Pictured here on my sunshine-y kitchen window with wind up godzilla and little succulent). I only found a pair and I snatched them up!

This set of espresso mugs caught my eye- they are a slightly larger size (which I love) and the textured white ceramic looks great with my classic white  french porcelain dishware.  I also love the lopsided angles of the handles. They make the cups look less mass produced- and though unmarked- I am pretty certain they are.

This next item is so exciting! I have wanted a set of poison glasses for SO LONG! I originally saw a set on ebay advertised as a vintage set of  Neiman Marcus barware from their eponymous and extravagant Holiday Catalog- selling for around $100. My friend Robin collects old glassware and has two sets of these puppies!  Recently, Robin & I went thrifting and her eagle eye found 5 of the glasses at one thrift store and then- as luck would have it- we found the 6th at the next thrift! The missing one! The only slight difference is the decal is positioned higher, but whoever drinks out of Arsenic probably will never  know the difference! They will look great in my new bar that I’m currently refinishing. Also- In the original set there was an ice bucket that just said POISON with the “pick your..” words above and some sort of really great skull and cross-bone metallic emblem on the lid. I am keeping my thriftin’ eyes peeled for that piece!

God bless Picasa!  I just found the original pic I saved off of ebay and filed in my “to find or die” folder.  Dreams *can* come true.

Next up! My Jonathan Adler inspired shopping spree continued when I found an interesting hand-rolled silk scarf with great typography. I collect silk scarves and as a designer- letters on anything is great. Don’t try to adjust your eyes. There are no distinguishable words, and the letter forms are all twisted reversed and generally scrambled. I would love to know who the designer was.

And lastly: this mint condition vintage needlepoint purse that one of my friends will be receiving as a holiday gift… I LOOOVE me some geometric needlepoint (reflected in my very first blog post ever!) The back has a monogram, the trim is a rich chocolatey ultra suede and the lining a silk rust moire. Lovely!

Is it just me or I am channeling Mr. Adler these days? Or maybe his “genius” is more derivative than I realized? I am thinking way too much about this.

I have been on a several month search for the perfect fall booties.

Requirements: Medium height heel, Versatile color, Slightly Western riding heel, rounded toe.

Aside from the bootie thing being pretty hot- the idea I had in mind was not exactly the prevalent design for this season.My mission originally began last spring when I borrowed my friend’s pair of Isabel Marant booties that started it all. I wore them for four days straight at SXSW in Austin. They were exceptionally comfortable in tan suede and I felt like such an understated class act rock star that week. Unfortunately, not only is an Isabel Marant Price tag WAAAAY out of my league, but in typical Marant fashion, the boots were sold.out.everywhere.

Above in tan suede (currently listed on Ebay here for a starting price of $600 used! Insane!) and in black leather a few weeks ago, also from the ‘bay. See the nice hints of western styling? The classic toe? The mid height heel? Perfection!

The hunt was still on… My next flash of excitement was when I had pre-ordered a very similar pair from the F/W09 Rachel Comey collection from a local boutique that I occasionally did some side work for.. I thought the midnight blue colored leather was lovely. With similar detailing as the Marants. I was happy to be doing some work for them in exchange for a close-to-wholesale discount! Unfortunately- the downturned economy has had it’s effect on many boutiques of it’s ilk and they shut their doors and canceled their fall orders. (also Available here at Gimmeshoes)  Side bar: at $338 the Comey boots ain’t that bad, but I have had SUCH a hard time with her other shoes falling apart, that it’s a bitter pill to swallow paying that much for shoes that are basically fragile and always getting repaired…

Moving forward- I have been doggedly pursuing my dream bootie amongst the throngs of studded ,stilettoed and bubble toed versions of this season glam-rock bootie bunches. And then I stumbled across this: The Nine West Gabble. A multi faceted taupey-brown leather. Zipped sides and a more au-courant fold-over detail- I struck the mother lode! Though they were obviously popular in the spring (and were featured in Elle and Lucky magazines), I found my pair on Overstock.com for $79! While they are sold-out there they are still available here, here, and a few pairs here. I am not completely enthralled with one detail- the goldenly gold zipper. But eh… it will probably tarnish soon or i can always attack the zippers with some rub ‘n buff to dull them out. Honestly, I haven’t bought a pair of Nine West’s in YEARS, and I am excited to have a pair that I can scuff, wear in the rain and kinda break-in unabashedly.

Some quick shots of my new booties! I love getting new shoes and wearing them around the house while doing my chores-  the cut off denim shorts would not be my  fashion M.O. with these boots. Since the weather has stayed warm in Houston, I am getting my last few wears out of my summer flats, platforms and wedges- hopefully transitioning some tights into the mix until it is closed toe-time for good…

Since childhood I have always shopped at The Gap.Through my awkward pre-teen years, through my girly AND punk rock highschool phases. Through sorority house in college, preparing for the Peace Corps and also through my fashionably challenged early 20s ..

Now it’s like a once or twice a year thing. A good deal on a leather jacket, a pair of Pierre Hardys on sale, some basics…

But now- with Patrick Robinson at the helm, things are a little more … exciting

This Wrap sweater and the massive cowl is a winter must for me- and all I ever need in Houston (85% of the time that is) is wool sweaters and chunky scarves-

After my vintage prints and loud colors of summer- Layered neutrals is one of my signature moves in cold weather fashion. Greys, camels, navys, and blacks. Preferably all in the same outfit. This little ombre skirt is a wait and see- I would love to see it in person.  The black stockings, the grey boots, navy socks- are all inspirational styling ideas.

Alongside Mr. Robinson- the other best thing to happen to the gap is Mr. Pierre Hardy. Check out the fall show- here. Look at them boots! I am assuming they are all Pierre Hardy for Gap creations. I wonder if the shearling is real or faux?  I have a few pairs of the Pierre Hardy for Gap shoes- and I love the fact that they are high style (& great quality) and I can walk through the gravel patios of Houston’s  ice houses and bars and not worry too much and chipped wood and beer-stained leather (know what I mean?)

My and my ladies modeling our Pierre Hardys. Bought at Gap Galleria after Hurricane Ike.

The other OTHER thing that Gap is currently slaying is their denim.

The outfits that these denims bring to mind are so fun! All of these are totally office capable on ANY day of the week. Great professional looking seperates to mix and match with dressier tops and jackets.

The olive jeans are top of my list. A hint of riding pants that will be perfect with these Faryl Robin boots that I am contemplating buying over at Overstock.com. (*sidebar: not an obvious place for shoes, but Overstock has some seriously decent deals on everything from Valentino to Eley Kishimoto to Frye- and with the standard $2.99 shipping and online reviews like other big shoe sites, it ain’t too shabby)

The yellow cords (which also come in cropped) are totally taking a page out of the past few years of the JCrew play book. Regardless-  the combination of the rust colored booties is very aspirational- it immediately reminded me of the Chelsea Studded Oxford (in Spice) that I spyed from Frye.

The cascading mini studs are so great! (full disclosure: I have not been able to embrace the studded craze of the past few seasons…but these are a whole ‘nuther level of cake taking.)

I’ve been into the mini boyfriend blazer and button up for a few years (Specifically winter 2007 in Portland Oregon comes to mind- I called it “the Winter of dressing Dutch” involving vintage clogs, vintage Sisley selvedge denim and a heather grey vintage Pendleton blazer, and lots of red socks.- hard to explain but seriously epic. ) I am prolly gonna go right after it again this fall.

Ok. Deviating from my Gap train of thought into shoe territory and other things, sites, etc.

Can’t wait to see the new Gap by Robinson merchandise in the shops- but for now- pre fall is good enough.

PS. the key to living in Texas is still dressing for the seasons even if you are wearing olive green riding jeans tall boots and a tank top and gauzy warm toned scarf… I’m gonna go Polyvore this shit.

Sara is going to the beach with her whole family; Husband, kiddos, our parents, her husband’s aunt & partner, and her brother-in law and his pregnant wife and their 2 kids. She is a brave and organized soul with patience to boot.

I was invited, but also unemployed; so natch it seems like a wiser move to stay put in HTX, where the mosquitos love me, the bar owners know my name and the cazadores and soda runs freely.

When I travel with anyone on airplanes or trains (any mode of transportation that serves drinkies and has sky mall ) , I like to play a little game of “imaginary shopping spree”. Where each participant has like $3000 in Sky mall bucks to hypothetically spend on each other. You each make a list and then present the goods to one another!  This game is obviously more fun than seeing Baby Mama again or picking the slimy lettuce off your deli sandwhich.  I like to pick out fun and thoughtful things for my traveling companions like super duper well lit magnification mirrors for my girlfriends to see their clogged pores with, or an artsy copper arthritis bracelet to maybe help my mom’s achy wrists. I love giving hypothetical gifts! It takes quite a bit of time to spend that much money (unless you blow it all on some Lord of the Rings memorabilia chess set. I think one time when flying  back from Chicago I got Brett to play- I got him some silly things like light-up slippers and a super duper spectacular hammock. I can’t remember what he got me.

brightfeet

badass hammock

Another time playing the sky mall game, on a train ride back from Seattle to Portland (where I used to reside) on the tail end of a weekend getaway- a visiting paramour gave me a hot dog cooker. Thanks dude. Needless to say after he returned to his home state,there was no more heat in that kitchen.

romantic at home hot dog cooker.

Since Sara is road-tripping it to her awesome Florida bungalow vacation- and we aren’t trapped in a airplane cabin together. I thought I would bedeck and bedazzle her with my picks for her vacation-wear. Kind of like the skymall game- but with a much better selection of fabulous items from the internets. Today’s selections: the basics: the bag, the dresses, the sandals and the throw. Coming up: the swimsuit, the sunnies, and the beach baubles.

recycled sail cloth beach bag by Reiter8- Sara's lucky number! $75

K Jacques sandals from St. Tropez. $207

personally collaged dresses from Swell.com

54x68 garment washed quilted throws from Utility Canvas

So what do you think Sis?

Some people knit, or collect stamps or go hiking for past time pleasures. I thrift shop. I think I am pretty damn good at it if I do say so myself. I have the patience of a buddhist monk looking for transcendental enlightenment. Not too many people can accompany me because my will to keep digging is kind of unsettling and primal. The thrill of the find is enhanced when I find a real vintage gem that is not only an awesome cut, but amazing materials by a notorious designer, and then I go through my mental list of the gals I love who also love clothes- and a sartorial match is made.

I gave Lauren the Ungaro silk blouse with the scribbled jungle animals and the vintage metallic red woven leather Bottega Veneta purse.  Margeaux was thrilled with the plum cashmere Jil Sander drapey sweater with the mother of pearl wrist buttons and also a stunning sweeping Prada black wool skirt. The Louis Feraud wool challis pencil skirt had Jessica’s name all over it!  Just the other day I just picked up the most GLORIOUS pair of aztec printed no label (possibly escada?) silk jersey harem pants (NINETY CENTS)- and my very petite friend Margeaux also received those. I give most of the best scores away mainly because of the joy it brings a few of my fashion loving friends and also the joy it gives me to see them appreciate and cherish one of my lucky but cheap finds. I need to start taking more photos of my lovely and gorgeous friends wearing some of the lucky scores.

I have been thrifting for quite a while. I don’t give everything away. Some things I stash aside hoping that I will get around to wearing it, (or will fit into my lifestyle or across my hips)! Closet cleaning time normally that means it’s ebay time!  Here is a sneak peek of some of the things I will be saying goodbye to selling soon.

Lanvin

Flora Kung

Diane Von Furstenburg

Emilio Pucci for Formfit Rogers

The Lanvin skirt looks like it could’ve been a Tory Burch creation from almost any of her seasons, and the silk Flora Kung is the most gorgeous vivid palette. I always passed on Flora Kung looks untill I saw them styled and worn by Judy of Atlantis Home. Another example of Judy wearing Flora Kung here.

These things are fabulous- but none of them seemed to match the personality or body type of myself or my friends- so they need to find a new home.

If you happen upon our burgeoning blog in the next few days- I will be happy to provide details on measurements or pricing.