Sul velo sollevato

I don't remember the last time (if there was a last time) that I was home for less than half of a month. June has somehow become my travel month, resulting in my seeing both coasts, 4 Canadian provinces, 2 American states, 3 wineries, roughly 50 bison, all but one (surviving) generation of both sides of my extended family, 2 (relatively) obscure musicians, the person responsible for me meeting my man, the place in which me and my man were legally married, the place in which me and my man will retire, the place that was last graced with the presence of the world's greatest dog, and the place in which I 'found' myself (the latter two locations being where I'm off to in just a few hours). In the words of Toki Wartooth, Wowee!

So kids, have a fantastic rest of the month. When I return, its back to the books, namely Chapters 35-40 in Wheelock, and the remaining billion pages of Don Quixote. If you discover some new blogs or assorted things that you think I should know about, please leave me a comment and let me know. Research shows that it's nearly impossible to catch up on two weeks of Internets after being unplugged! To start, please find out more about Italian fashion (under!)grad Caterina Dorigo for me. Her work (found via NJAL) is quite intriguing.

Wood Be

Every once in a while there's a collection that simultaneously makes me think 'that's why I blog!' and floods my brain with all types of memories that were stuffed in more than a few neglected gyri and sulci. Such is the 'Wood Be' collection of Central Saint Martins BA grad C.J. Yao (found via NJAL). 

I might've even seen the collection briefly as it's been on the Internets for a couple of weeks, but the runway does nothing for these pieces. They need to be outside, or at least in a monastery, nunnery, bell tower, or cathedral with a huge flippin organ. With Björk, or a pharaoh, or Björk dressed as a pharaoh. Or Tilda Swinton and a giant redwood in the background, surrounded by a circle of nuns.

But C.J.'s collection is not just about editorial value - if you look more closelier, each of these looks contains something very wearable. Basically, C.J. has done for wood and fringes what Sky Lucy Young did for Swedish rag rugs. Absolutely fantastic work. I want it all.

Breathing

I just got back from a 5-day trans-provincial roadtrip to visit both sets of grandparents. We used to do this sort of trip regularly when my sister and I were younger and still living at home, but I can't even remember the last time the four of us went together. It was a pretty intense weekend and I'm planning on writing a post about it after I process a bit and scan some epic pictures of my one Opa when he was younger (and much more stylish) than me. But for now, I'm posting a short film Anna Österlund of Ravishing Mad did with her husband Truls Bråhammar and composer Mikael Karlsson. It's a bit disturbing, but it somehow reminds me of the first half of this weekend's trip, in more ways than one. For more info on the film, read Anna's blog on it. Among other things, Anna is such a fantastic writer. I could read her posts all day.

Electric Feathers (...and help wanted)

Holy crap. Tipped off by Fawn Boutique, I just discovered my new favorite label, called Electric Feathers. I think you'll enjoy both the preceding and the following:

I can't seem to find any info on them, other than the fact that they're a favorite label of many people (not a surprise), but this stuff is beyond perfect for summer, made in New York, and convertible convertible convertible!!! It seems like it's been a while since I found some good convertible stuff, doesn't it? Granted, this is from last year, but I want it now. Even the non-convertible stuff is incredible. The first outfit below is my new favorite outfit (yes, even with the shorts!)...

...and the tank below is my new favorite piece name: Reversible Flying Buttress Vest. One, please!

In other news, provided that you've made it down this far, and inspired by all this silk, I broke my cardinal rule yesterday and bought something from a chain store that was by no stretch of the imagination made ethically. I'm having such a horrible time finding pants that fit me, namely summer-friendly pants that are shorter and fit my 1 cm larger right calf (increased diameter thanks to my surgery and/or the larger muscle from the exercises following said surgery). Added to that, somehow I've gotten sucked into the trend of silk pants. So, when I saw silk pants that had an elastic waistband (i.e. guaranteed fit), were not a horrible colour (i.e. navy), were a very cute cut, and both fit (both of) my calves and allowed me to wear a size two sizes smaller than a normal pair of pants (i.e. instant self-confidence boost), I momentarily forgot about my rules. However, I now feel incredibly guilty, and am now asking you, oh Wise Reader, to let me know of any ethical equivalents to this pant (in a dark colour). The tag is still attached and they're even right by the door in the bag, just waiting for me to return them. Thank you in advance for your help!