After all this time?*

Alan Rickman as Severus Snape is definitely a source of inspiration for how to dress in both drapey and fitted black clothing. I couldn't find a photo on the Internets showing the detail at the bottom of Snape's pants, but each leg has a row of buttons going up the side seam (you can see a shot during Harry's first Quidditch game in the first movie, in case you're wondering). As I have the same detailing at the bottom of my mono pants, I can attest to the usefulness of this, especially when you wear extra high Chucks. It also gives the impression of having built-in spats, which are always key when wanting to look uber stylish. Though, of course, Alan Rickman is always uber stylish. Particularly when he's surrounded by books in a Manhattan loft (see Seminar if you can!).

By the way, if you've been wanting to get your own SHIN piece like me, take a look at the SHIN webshop. They're only from the older collections, but they're 60-75% off! goodmorning - midnight also has a holiday sale on Etsy right now. Those wool dresses are excellent alternative business wear, if you ask me.

(Photo via Google Images)


*Always.

good morning - midnight

There's something about Austrian label good morning - midnight, from duo Manuela Buxer and Lukas Eckhart, that keeps me going back to their Etsy shop just to stare at the clothes. And it seems like each return visit brings a different piece to my attention, even though I know I've seen all of them before. Each good morning - midnight piece is so simple in design and basic in form, and yet it seems like I've never seen a long sleeved cotton shirt quite like that, or an A-line skirt that blends 60s mod with today's minimalism so easily. This season (seen above) brings something new to good morning - midnight as, previous to this collection (seen below), nearly every handmade piece featured interesting seams, colour-blocking (i.e. patchwork) in a simple and very functional colour palette, and perfect tailoring (in both the cotton/spandex pieces and the lined wool pieces). In other words, the kind of pieces that would make you want to get an office job. But I think the new designs are quite a lovely compliment to the good morning - midnight aesthetic, with the pretty linen and wool aprons, collared dresses, and layered skirts. Perfect for a day on the beach where your only task is to look for sand dollars.

Oh, and did I mention that the good morning - midnight cardigan (above left) I bought for my man (many of the pieces are unisex - just order according to the size chart) is both the highest quality and nicest overall piece of clothing he owns? Indeed, he even proudly tells people that it was handmade for him in Austria when they comment on it. Ah, show me a sweater that never pills (and makes my man happy), and you will find a loyal customer for life. My only problem has been deciding on what to buy for myself (first). Though I think it might have to be this half-button up shirt dress, basically because it has pockets. I'm pretty sure that's exactly why it's called 'it all beings with a smile'.