Borg? Sounds Swedish.

Speaking of eBay, I think it's time to post about some new Maria Severyna pieces. I've had my grey Maria wool wrap for about a year now, and, non-coincidentally, I must say it's been a rather warm and stylish year. While Maria does create some lovely summery pieces (such as my sheer silk wrap), I truly think she excels at the use of heavier fabrics. Enter her new angled vest (above) and capped dress (below), both in a gorgeous green and black pebbled wool. Simply lovely.

Having said that, I would still be tempted to put in this season's version of my wrap, as it now comes in jet black (below). Sigh.

P.S. In case you were wondering, while most of Maria's pieces can still be found at Designer Dream Closet, Katherine's eBay shop (which has switched to this username) is stocked with the new pieces.

P.P.S. Why do the post-original Enterprise crew Star Trek movies suck?

*minkie*

How weird is this: Once upon a time, in a online-land far far away, I used to enter 'DiY' as a search term on eBay under the 'Clothing, Shoes & Accessories > Women's Clothing' category nearly every day. Over time, I built up a nice little favorite sellers list largely consisting of girls in their late teens or 20s who handmade a couple of cute shirts a week at home. One seller who particularly stood out in her creativity and quality was under the moniker '*minkie*', whose gorgeous designs and even more gorgeous looks made me wish I had more money (and was more into ponies). *minkie* dropped off the face of the eBay world even before I did, however, so I had to learn to give up hope of owning something from this lovely seller. 

Then this morning (err...afternoon), while perusing other people's favorites lists, I came upon Etsy seller Minxshop (whom I might've been previously introduced to subconsciously, as I recognize those cage leggings you can see in the photos). While most of the clothing is vintage-inspired pieces that don't fall into my regular style choices, some of the newer designs are right up my alley, including the gorgeous asymmetrical hoodie above (in black and in grey), and the incredibly cute vintage/military epaulet top below (in grey and in olive). As soon as I saw these listings, my daily post was decided. However, I then wanted some more info on the designer, and so I clicked on her profile. Something clicked when I read that her real name is Anna-Marie, with the nicknames of Minkie or Minx. Instantly I was transported back to my eBay buying days, and with a couple of clicks, it was confirmed that these two sellers are one and the same person. The world makes sense again. And so, dearest Anna-Marie/Minkie/Minx, it is wonderful to see you again. You look even lovelier than in your eBay days. Also, I need that hoodie (in black, size medium).

You can read Anna-Marie's blog here or join her Facebook page here. I recommend it, if only to drool over her designs some more.

Credo

Though outside is frightfully cold, I have to admit that this afternoon off has been rather lovely. First of all, I pulled together a very mydearthing-heavy outfit which might just be my favorite layered concoction yet. I should also mention that each and every piece in said outfit is an absolute cold weather/layering fiend essential. (From top left to bottom right: Patricia Ayres Artisanal Wool Coat, mydearthing Alpaca 4 Way Shrug worn as a cowl, complexgeometries leggings (which aren't available anymore, though the new long line leggings look pretty sweet), mydearthing Surplus Wool Warmers, James Anthony Apparel custom Augustus print Cut Out Dress (I think I have the only one, so the print shown and linked here is not the same), mydearthing Sheer L/S Sweater worn over top of the JAA dress, and mydearthing Panel Skirt.)

Then, after getting some yummy things from the farmers' market and visiting my sister's booth at the craft fair (go here after tomorrow to see listings for whatever she doesn't sell), I've been repeatedly listening to Credo, which was Monday's part of Lincoln Center's White Light Festival that I was very sad to not be in attendance for. Someone must've recorded the live online stream, because somehow I have gotten a hold of mp3 files for each part of the performance, which featured Kjartan Sveinsson and Jonsi from Sigur Rós (in separate works), backed by the Latvian National Choir, The Hilliard Ensemble, and the Wordless Music Orchestra. Though the songs have nothing to do with Christmas at all, the spectacular sounds of what must've been a magical night for those involved have gotten me in the spirit already. Topped with a chai and some Hershey's Special Dark covered pretzels, I don't mind that I have to stay indoors today at all.

By the way, Credo should be available as an archived stream on WQXR at some point. Go here (later) to see if that stream is up. Or, if you don't mind compensating myself for shipping and a CD-R, something could probably be arranged. It's really quite beautiful music, so it's definitely worth a listen.

(Photo of rehearsal of Kjartan's "Credo" from Sigur Rós' Facebook)

Logan Neitzel, S/S 11

This collection, just like my baked-goods-smelling coffee, is seriously cool. Kind of what I would expect Lisbeth Salander to wear if she hit her head and was wanting to soften her look a little. These pieces are part of the S/S 11 'Zeitgeist' offerings of (the totally adorable) NYC-based designer Logan Neitzel, who was in Season 6 of Project Runway (alongside Louise Black). My apologies for the pixelated photos below; such fine designs do not deserve such, but these are all that the Internets had to offer for a wider look at the collection. 

Though his work in practice may not be for me with the leather accents and accessories, I can easily appreciate his work in theory: "His work nods to trends, but Neitzel designs for those with individual approaches to style. His combination of hard and soft telltale a discerning eye. Pieces are built to wear. Everything is heavy. One sits up straighter in a Logan Neitzel dress."

Logan, please call me when you find a leather replacement. I would be most willing to fly down to NY to pick something up for myself. My posture needs a little improvement anyway.

(Non-pixelated photos via Logan's Facebook)

The Undiscovered Country

At the risk of sounding like a complete nerd, I wish I was Vulcan. They have the most perfect fringes ever. Does anyone else think that SATC's Samantha is simply an earlier (i.e. present day) and more human version of Lt. Valeris?

And while we're on the topic of Star Trek, I must say that Iman makes the most beautiful shapeshifter ever (until Uncle Jesse's now-ex-wife, that is). So long crew of the Enterprise...

(Grainy photos via here)

Kia kaha

So today's beekeeping/needling session brought with it some interesting little tidbits about muscles and fasciae and whatnot. Now I am beginning to think that overcoming/dealing with my chronic problems is going to come about from understanding how my body works. And, aside from my beekeeping lessons, I'm thinking I should begin my studies by looking at clothing that explores the human anatomy, i.e. Melissa Hibbott-Simpson's graduate collection. Her's is my favorite look (top left) from Rookie 2010, a fashion show of select grad students from AUT University in Auckland (which I found out about from Fashion156). The photos below are my other favorites from Melissa's fellow grads that were rightly chosen to show at Rookie, namely (left to right, top to bottom) Sarah Atkins, Amber Hodgman, Caroline Nicholls, and Lauren Nuttall. I think New Zealand's fashion scene (and perhaps my muscles) are in good hands.

White Wisp

 

It's snowing that kind of snow that you know is the real beginning of winter. The kind of snow that makes me worry about the couple of Canadian geese I saw frantically flying southwest this morning. So begins the four months of being grateful for a cozy apartment on the really cold days, and going crazy from being in a tiny apartment on the really cold weeks. Soon I'll be looking forlornly at my favorite ballet flats and (not begrudgingly) wearing some old friends. For now, I suppose I'll just enjoy this very comfy spot on the couch, underneath my warm crocheted blanket from my grandma, and my overheating laptop. Can someone get me a chai?

(Photos of a most perfect wintery wool wrap from hier apparel, also available in charcoal, black, chocolate brown, and forest green. Though it goes against my very nature, I'm extremely tempted to get the white, not completely uninfluenced by Spock's wardrobe from the one or two movies I may have watched last night...)

Konrad Parol, S/S 11 (Part II)

While you have seen these clothes before, I can't help but post them again in lookbook form, as they, being Konrad Parol's S/S 11 'EMBER' collection, remain my most favorite menswear collection ever. Also, Konrad's description of its inspiration completely justifies my knee-jerk reaction of wanting to read Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere. For EMBER portrays the strong underground-dwelling race of slaves from H.G. Wells' The Time Machine, specifically emphasizing their masculinity and brutality. I haven't read said book, but, as you may know, Neverwhere is also set underground (and the people there can be pretty brutal), so the world makes sense again. However, with these pieces on Konrad's model (Michał Słowikowski), I'm not sure 'brutality' would be the first word to associate with this brilliant collection...

And now, to return to my Star Trek movie marathon. Is it just me, or is Spock rather dreamy?

(Photos by Krzysztof Wyżyński)