ValhallA(waits Me)

I would like to take a moment to reiterate the fact that the Valhalla Hoodie by Audrey Cantwell's Ovate is the greatest hoodie ever. Mine actually doubled as quite a fantastic rain jacket the other day when I decided to take the 45-minute walk home rather than a free 5-minute ride because I "like walking." Not that it's waterproof, but the huge hood does what all hoods should, and the fabric somehow never got completely soaked. Dried overnight too, without getting stiff.

And now, the menfolk can get a hold of their own Valhalla Hoodie too. I was expecting the difference to be just the sizing, but the mens' actually has just a straight (ribbed) hem, and ribbed cuffs. One of my favorite features of the original Valhalla is that the shorter length in the back and pointed hem in the front magically creates a lovely silhouette and returns to you your waistline, which other hoodies have thoughtlessly stolen. It makes sense to remove this feature for the mens' version (though I'm sure some men, particularly ones with dreads, could pull off the more pixie-ish womens' version). Nonetheless, my second back-up Valhalla will be the original version. That way, my man won't steal it from me.

Helicopters and smoke monsters

I'm very much loving this 'vest' by Sumie Tachibana (remember that glorious outfit of hers?). It may have been inspired by helicopters (see the unpinned styling below), but it makes me think of Tilda Swinton, specifically Tilda Swinton as the White Witch. Which, I know, doesn't make sense, seeing as this piece isn't white, but it has snowed once again, and my brain is suffering for it. Also, I've decided to re-watch LOST from the very beginning, since it's on Netflix and I have the apartment to myself for an extended weekend. Meaning I may or may not have just watched five episodes in a row. Actually, I'd like to recant my former statement. This piece makes me think of Tilda Swinton as the White Witch, if the White Witch was also the Smoke Monster (is that capitalized?). Also, I need more coffee.

William Watson

Seriously, guys get all the fun when it comes to pants. The latest exhibit I'd like to bring forward for my case is the Fall 2012 collection of one English-born and Brooklyn-based William Watson (found via a brief mention on Fashion156). Might I also direct your attention to the 3D collars, architectural elbow details, and hidden pockets. Oh sorry, I meant HIDDEN POCKETS IN A WHITE BUTTON DOWN! Again: seriously. William, you have given me no other choice than to come back to NY to try and get to the bottom of this pant-and-other-tailored-goods disparity between the sexes. How does mid-June work for you?

By the way, you ought to read the interview with William on The Dandy Project, entitled 'English Licorice', which was the source of Fashion156's mention. It begins as follows: 

In the gum ball machine of heritage Americana and Milanese tailoring permutations that were the trade shows a few months ago, William Watson was a licorice jawbreaker...

 Brilliant writing, seeing as I never actually liked licorice anything before, and am now reconsidering...

(Photos via William Watson NYC Facebook)

Dangling Teeth

Eek - I completely forgot to post this when I had first got an email from Kelli. That's the problem with relying on my bookmark bar to remind me of things. If I bookmark too many things in a short span of time, things quickly get kicked of the bar and away into the oblivion that is the dropdown menu from the bar (which really defeats the purpose of having a bookmark bar instead of a menu...). Anyway, Kelli Scarr, whom I interviewed eons ago after seeing her open for (and play with) Moby, has a Kickstarter campaign going to fund her newest album. Specifically, Kelly 

started a Kickstarter campaign in order to raise enough money to press my album to vinyl, pay for a press campaign (which every record you read about has), a radio campaign (which is the only reason you hear the songs you do on the radio) and to fund a national tour of "Dangling Teeth" this summer (rent a van, rent gear, pay for motels, ect). These resources are completely necessary for any album to reach a broader audience outside a musician's personal mailing list and Facebook friends. It's a daunting campaign but one I am very excited about and believe in with all of my heart.

While she's gone over a little to the country side, Kelly of course still has that incredible voice, so it's worth checking out. Rather relaxing on a blustery day like today, in fact. Her Kickstarter only has three days left and, if you pledge even the minimum ($1) during these last three days, you will immediately get an advance download of the entire album (which isn't out until June 5th)! In the meantime, here's a little bit of a preview for you to enjoy.

Sticks and Stones

Seems like I just did a 'eight months ago' post, but the newest City of Glass video just come out and must be shared (...eight months after the last one). No one has rocked the all-black look like this since Johnny Cash.

Mare Frigoris

Move over complexgeometries: Audrey Cantwell is the new authority on Canadian-made avant-garde-ish jersey (and sheer) basics. The new Ovate collection, entitled 'Mare Frigoris' (translation, or mine anyway: Sea of Cold), has just been posted on Etsy, and it is glorious. All hail the fishtail skirt, racerbacks, hoods, and sheer everything! And, sorry cg, but my vote is in part informed by the fact that your Stifler/Strangler hoodie has failed me, whilst my Ovate Valhalla hoodie is the 2nd most wonderful hoodie ever made (the first being my marriage hoodie). So, with there now being a sleeveless version of the Valhalla, my mind is made up. Pretty spectacular for a label that's merely one year old!

Intimately Social

Approximately eight months ago, I was finally free from the worst experience of my life. Also, at the same time, I wrote about the MINNAPALMQVIST collection inspired by "shapes we don't want our bodies to have." Now, I am beginning quite possibly the best experience of my life, and Minna has once again created shapes I don't want my body to have, but shapes (layered shapes, at that) I definitely need in my wardrobe (i.e. her A/W 12 collection, found via NJAL). I'm thinking Minna has a crucial part to play in my life. And/or my wardrobe. Whatever it is, thank you, Minna. Also, thank you to the nice bus driver who broke the rules and stopped at a non-bus stop; I think you'd look lovely in a MINNAPALMQVIST jacket. (Whoever decides to close down all the major bus stops on the major street downtown in any city probably have no concept of layering clothes, and should probably quit their day job.)

re. porter

I received an email (which I nearly tossed into the Trash without a glance!) from a new kid on the online block with a most interesting idea. The shop, called re. porter (pronounced and defined as the French verb), is the project of Vancouver-based Graham Newmarch, and purports to be "the first truly boutique-style online consignment experience." And it does so not only with a gorgeously minimalistic website, but also through three interconnected functions. Firstly, re. porter provides an outlet for 'first-sale' boutiques to sell their un-sold inventory by providing pieces to the discerning customers at a reasonable price without completely eliminating profits (yes, we all love a good sale, but when it's an artisanal label in question, large discounts don't really help said label survive). Secondly, re. porter allows individuals with exceptional, and sometimes changing, taste to give their no-longer/un-worn clothes a new home. Also, with respect to this latter function, clients who put their items up for consignment on re. porter earn credit from sold items towards their own purchases from the shop. Thirdly, and as to be expected, people like you and me can buy fabulous clothes from the comfort of our own homes.

Armed with the knowledge that Graham used to work at Layers (which you may have seen here), you'll say a mental "Of course!" after taking a look at the current selection (chosen by Graham himself). The shop is (at least at the present) geared towards offering pieces from avant-garde menswear labels like Damir Doma, Label Under Construction, and Yohji Yamamoto, all found in gently used or new condition. For us ladies, we'll just have to do with being creative (and being able to translate menswear sizes) until Graham finds a woman with his taste and selection know-how. I don't know about you, but I'm up for the challenge!

Just as a heads up, you likely won't find your favorite piece for $100 on re. porter. These prices do reflect the artisanal quality and worth of the labels Graham stocks. However, chances are you will find your favorite piece (seeing as those pictured here, which are/were available at the time of writing, would each likely become my favorite pieces under my ownership...). Go. Now. And if you have an InAisce piece you no longer want, please contact Graham (and/or me).

Edit: In case you're re-reading this, you are correct, I have edited it. It was easier to just change a few in-text things after speaking with Graham, so the 'Edit' in question is not technically included here. My apologies, though having to re-read (and me having to re-post) is kind of in the spirit of re. porter, no?

Duly noted

Here's a new menswear designer to pay attention to. This is from the first collection of Taiwanese-born and Toronto-based Yenting Chen's label, Duly Equipped (found via NJAL). Since getting my InAisce blazer (and a few mens' McQueen pieces), I'm a sucker for a perfectly tailored piece that could double as womenswear. Particularly when there are side vents involved with long jackets (à la my Christmas Westwood), and when there are brilliant pants. Calf pockets seem like someone should've come up with them a long time ago, no (see below)?

(Photos via NJAL)

The Perfect Trench

I totally missed this LummeDesigns (a.k.a. Attila Design) piece being listed and sold (probably because I was beginning the rest of my life on that day). This is quite possibly the most perfect trench coat I have ever seen, from the snap button closures, to the green lining, to the beach print. It would've fit me too. My life somehow doesn't seem complete anymore. Sigh. Tiina, do you have some more of that fabric?

Snow day

Good thing it snowed two feet (and counting) this morning, resulting in my staying home today, as I was present to receive my very first package from Hungary. I managed to finally get a couple pieces from kOs favorite Dori Tomcsanyi, including the above jacket and bamboo knit dress. Well, I'm not certain it's the exact jacket pictured above (though it is from the same collection), and the dress I got is the Winter 11/12 version, but the shoot of the S/S 10 collection is one of my favorites that I've ever posted and deserves being posted again. Well, Dori's S/S 10 collection is actually one of my favorite collections ever. Do yourself a favor and head over to Dori's webshop, as she knows how to put on a sale! 

In related news, given that both of my items from Dori are in the light tan family, I think I'm moving over to the light side (though it might just be that my eyes are blinded by the snow and are only registering shapes). I am thoroughly intrigued by the S/S 12 collection by Italian-born and London-based designer Claudia Ligari (found via NJAL). Particularly that perfect scuba-inspired dress, and those 3D panels that create super sneaky curvature in otherwise minimalistic shape-free pieces. That's what you call ninja tailoring. Or at least I do, in my snow-crazed state. Have I mentioned I'm sick again?

Edit: All of the pieces available in Claudia's e-shop are also available in black! Eek!

Semper ubi sub ubi

You know you're a nerd when you're so excited to be studying Latin again that you can't actually concentrate on studying Latin. I did, however, manage to get through six chapters of good ol' Wheelock this weekend and notice the gem that is this post's title, which I don't remember reading the first (or second) time around. Granted, that was roughly eight years ago... Anyway, I also managed to catch a post from the uber talented Don of Urbandon, informing the blogosphere that he has decided to create womenswear. And, it was not an April Fools' post! I've already informed him that this particular skirt of his has appeared in my dreams before, and therefore I must have it (amabo te). I will call it 'The Last Skirt I Purchased As a Non-Grad Student'.* Has a nice ring to it, no?

Anyway, the words you need to know for today's Latin lesson are as follows. Please be advised that the grammar is ridiculously incorrect.

- semper = always

- ubi = where

- sub = under

*Provided, of course, that a new mydearthing skirt is not released before September.