Top 18 Finds of Summer '10

I feel like I should've posted this even before my trip, as it's been fall here for a few weeks and some trees have already lost most of their leaves. Did I mention it's supposed to snow this week? Also, this is the first of my Top Finds posts that I now have to label with a year, since I've already done a top summer post here on kOs before. In case you were wondering. Ah, it's good to have my scarves back. Though they were never really gone. But before I (continue to) enjoy them, here's some warmer articles to (re-)read first.

1) Designer: Wolfgang Jarnach
2) Fashion grad student: Laura Siegel
3) Label: SHIN
4) New collection: Dori Tomcsanyi's S/S 10 collection, Marie Saint Pierre's F/W 10/11 collection
5) Fashion show: Fashion's Night Out - The Show
6) Basic piece: Button up shirt from Wolfgang Jarnach, Mad Marv jeans from Ravishing Mad
7) Future purchase: Emily Ryan dress
8) Future purchase if I win the lottery: Anything from Marc le Bihan.
9) Most musical post: Interview with Tyler W
10) Favorite new-to-me album: Swing Swing by Nicolas Repac
11) Best use of cross-stitch: This, from Susie Quillinan.
12) Most interesting way to recruit blood donors: This.
13) Most worn pieces: complexgeometries wave t, mydearthing Carly Dress
14) Most proud moment: Konrad Parol on Dazed Digital
15) Most commented on thing worn in NYC: ArtLab's Couture Pleated Harness No. 3
16) Best vacation ever (ie. Biggest understatement ever): One spectacular week in Brooklyn and Manhattan.
17) Most bizarre vacation ever: This, as depicted by some ArtLab skirts.
18) Most amazing insect-inspired dress ever: This, by Donovan Tjon.

Variations on a Grace

So either the stress, the cold going around, the arrival of fall weather/dampness/whatnot, or all of the above has chained me to my bed and couch for at least the morning and afternoon. I'm trying to rest up as much as possible so that my trip goes off without a hitch (and hopefully without a hurricane...), and so it seems that a little bit of surfing and blogging is in order before I start packing. Thankfully some new Emily Ryan pieces arrived on the Internets just in time. These variations of her still new Grace Tee are so charming and comfy looking. One needs to be headed my way soon - methinks I'm leaning towards the Maxi Dress (below). Though the Caftan Dress looks mighty tempting as well... Emily is also the current Featured Seller on Etsy, which is what clued me into these fantastic new jersey pieces. Congrats Emily!

Emily Ryan, Summer 2010

Eek! Beware readers (and me), for Emily Ryan has just posted some new delightful jersey designs that are quite versatile as basics, with that added Portland touch (all available in black and two different greys). I love that the Grace Tee has two styling options because of the shoulder cut-out. And though I'm generally not a fringe fan, I'm partial to (my new favorite neck accessory) the Fringe Hoodie Scarf Shrug over the more basic one. Emily has also offered us two new versions of the coveted Cowl Neck Pocket Tunic, being the Asymmetrical Twist Tunic and the Hooded Pocket Tunic (both below). If you weren't already a fan of jersey, you indeed should be one now.

Emily Ryan, Winter 2010

Okay, okay, too much white, you say? Well, Emily Ryan brings it once again, restoring this blog to its monochrome roots. Well, with a teensy tinge of colour (i.e. the spectacular Light Screens dress, inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's stained glass pieces). These are part of Emily's 2010 Winter Solstice collection, and I think this collection is my favorite yet. Particularly the one-off Cobra dress (bottom right). And I just love the set used for the photo shoot. Reminds me of The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus...

I'm thinking of booking one of my vacation weeks to a Fashion Week somewhere. Right now, I'm leaning towards Portland...

Winter is upon us

I've lived here all my life minus 8 months, so I know I should be used to my city's neurotic weather. But seriously? Snow on October 8th? Seriously?!! Sigh. I wish I had this oh so comfy Gathered Hoodie Dress by Emily Ryan to keep warm in. And I wish my job didn't consist of going in and out of 2 degree coolers and -50 degree freezers all day. Again, sigh.

Emily Ryan

Okay Emily, I'm just a tad bit overwhelmed here with all your new listings this morning! I know you gave me the heads-up, but I was definitely not prepared. All those muted colours, hoods, loose/draped fits, and a good helping of jersey! You're a designer after my own heart...

I shall restrain myself from being photo-upload-happy and only post my two favorites, the Jersey (!) Butterfly Tunic (above) and the Pleated Wrap Jumper (genius! - I mean, below). Again, why don't I live in Portland? I could at least go try these pieces on then, even though I'm not allowed to buy them...Sigh. Double sigh actually.

Hey, haven't I seen those shoes somewhere before? Oh how I'd love a vegan pair...That hood just makes the most adorable illusion of tiny cap sleeves when it's worn down. I may have to forego the Ruffle Bustle Wrap Pants and go for this cutie instead when the money gods deem me worthy of some spending cash.

You know you're addicted to Etsy when...

My sister pulled this black dress out of her drawer while we were over for Father's Day brunch. As soon as it was unfolded, I knew exactly what dress it was, who its designer is, and how much it cost. And my dad said my face just lit up like a little girl when I saw it. Turns out she got the last Cowl Neck Pocket Tunic of Emily Ryan's fall/winter collection. I've been eying this dress (and everything else in her Etsy shop) since I found Emily's shop. Guess I've been a good influence on my sister's shopping habits, as she's been purchasing more and more from Etsy since she started becoming jealous of my closet. I'm hoping she'll forget about this one and give it to me for my birthday since it fits me just perfect. And the stretch jersey is of the highest quality and oh so comfy...Sigh.

Today's special

ArtLab's Charlie Chaplin Couture Bib

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these Chie Mihara sandals (if they existed in a vegan option)

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Emily Ryan's Ruffle Bustle Wrap Pants

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YES PLEASE!!!

At least I have something to do while I'm sitting in one position with my heating pad...