I worshipped at the altar of Blossom; I think all girls my age did. Watching this intro — almost twenty years later! — I can’t help seeing myself as a squirrely ten year old in a tube top, shortalls (were those flattering on anyone?) and my grandpa’s fedora. Did I pull it off? Probably not. But I’m glad I tried.

Blossom, you inspired me to experiment with fashion and wear that hat, teasing be damned. You wore it well, lady!

I can see myself in each and every piece from First Rite’s spring collection. So well executed, and I love me a monochromatic color scheme. Who needs patterns? Not me!

[Via]

Um. So, Pendleton is making giant, poncho-style scarves now — like a mini-blanket you can wear with a coat! I quickly need to scrape together $95. Head over to Beklina for more info.

And this sweater is so good that it just makes me angry. Why so spensy?!

I used to be a swimmer; I’d spend my summers hanging from the pool’s edge, wolfing Laffy Taffy, rescuing frogs, and slowly frying on a worn Snoopy beach towel on the adjacent, boiling tennis courts. I was ten. Then puberty hit and it all fell apart. Boobs, hips and height washed over me, and my body felt unfamiliar and not my own.

While talking with my friend Jaime, reflecting on New York City beaches, I realized that I haven’t even put on a swimsuit for three years. Three years! And I haven’t even been to any of those beaches! Not the mythical, taco laden Rockaways, the nudist-friendly dunes of Fort Tilden or any of the other sandy entrances to the Atlantic. It’s a shame, really. I miss swimming, and I’ve never even overcome my personal equator (waistline) while standing at the water’s edge.

Reflecting on these historic bathing suits — modeled during the late ’30s in a retrospective of past swimsuits (lots of stockings and pantaloons) and future, imaginary renditions — I’m reminded that I shouldn’t view the beach as a vaguely threatening expanse filled with broken bottles and judgment; I should revel in the fact that I don’t have to wear pantaloons! Or a bikini! And that bathing suits are not, in fact, inherently scary. If anything, they’re playful and fun and maybe even a treat. How often can you feel so unencumbered and float, weightless, in a massive sea?

I’ll take one of the bathing suits with a cape, please. Body confidence: in for 2011.

[Images via New York Public Library Archives]

It’s getting warm! Not sure how I feel about that yet, but in the meantime I’m assembling a dirty-cream-white-neutralicious laundry list of items to dream about. Find all the details of this particular ensemble here.

There’s no shortage of designer clothing coverage on ye olde internet, and most of it is pretty “aspirational” — as in, I have no real hope of ever being able to wear it, or it’s utterly impractical and I’d probably break my ankle or show my nethers. And let’s not forget the fact that I’d never be able to afford it. (Like a snowball in hell, I would.) So, I was pretty tickled to see that the T by Alexander Wang spring 2011 collection is utterly wearable. I’d gladly sport anything here! As for the cost issue, nothing a few sacrificed dinners out can’t fix.

[Via]

What an ideal wardrobe! The Confezioni Crosby collection combines designer ingenuity with the practical know-how of an American manufacturer of traditional uniforms and work wear — except it’s tailored for women. It’s like a real life version of that plot line from Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead.

[Via Forestbound]

I’m floored by Marian Kihogo‘s unorthodox approach to fashion. Not only is she beautiful (that bone structure!), but she has confidence and innate style to spare.

The beauty and audacity of a fashionable older woman — I never tire of it. Hell, I want to look like this now! I love Lynn Yaeger for a reason, you know.

[Via]

This blanket coat is equal parts beer guzzlin’ at the high school football game and high fashion. The plaid — sweet jeebus. Want.

Oma Vintage is just killing it lately. So many classic looks and such great styling!

I’m quite smitten with Alya Kazakevich’s handmade leather shoes and bags (made in Brooklyn, in fact). Her bags are that truly sumptuous shade of leather, which is quite hard to resist. However, the real story here is the shoes. How many contemporary cobblers have you seen? (Not many on my end.) Making shoes by hand really seems like a craft from another century: it’s so labor intensive and hard to get right. These shoes look totally wearable and the styles are so cute!

See more of Alya’s work at a.b.k. Custom Leather Craft.

[Via]

Wow. The Future of Frances is definitely one of the more exciting clothing lines I’ve seen in a while! I want…everything. The styling, the velvet, leather bows and oversize blousiness (that’s a word, right?): perfection. I’m also very intrigued by the fact their line is made with tencel, which is, as they say, “like silk, but way less scary! It’s made of wood pulp, is biodegradable and feels as great as a heavy silk.” Find more goodness in the newly-constructed Future of Frances Etsy shop and at their Toronto boutique and studio, The Future of Frances Watson.

1. The Colossal Cowl by Nina Ramone

2. The Belleville by Yarn Over Movement

3. Oatmeal Soopascarf by Yokoo

4. The Super Snood by Louise Dungate

Choices, choices! I’m very excited to get all bundled for winter (and the cold days in fall — my favorite), but I’m in need of a new cowl or scarf to do the job. There are so many awesome contenders on Etsy that it has become incredibly hard to make a decision — and I tend to be indecisive anyway, so now it’s just a total nightmare. So, why not do a little straw poll on the subject? Vote in the comments for which cowl floats your boat, and if you see any I missed (cream or cream variegated with gray or black, scarf or cowl and big as haaail), let me know!

The contenders:

1. The Colossal Cowl by Nina Ramone

2. The Belleville by Yarn Over Movement

3. Oatmeal Soopascarf by Yokoo

4. The Super Snood by Louise Dungate

Vote away! I can’t wait to hear what you think.

Arielle de Pinto is a dreamweaver. For serious. If a formal occasion arises that necessitates a headpiece, I’m all over this.

[Via Marieaunet]

My mom gave me one like this for Christmas a few years back. Needless to say, she knows me well.

Now to acquire everything she’s wearing.

I’m always pumped about Southwestern stuff, but the fall really brings it out in me. There’s something about the nubby wool sweaters and bright colors that make me wanna roll in a pile of leaves (while thinking about coyotes and cacti and othersuch Western things). All of these treasures link to their origin.

For some odd reason I’m really into the idea of alternative wedding dresses, like overalls or something with a hood. (And no, not getting married anytime soon, Mom.) These harnessed gowns by Temperley London are a nice modern take on the whole bridal idea. All the little leather bits and a sheer metallic cover-up are pretty great.

However, to do a complete 180 on you, this more traditional gown is kinda my idea of heaven. I’m not sure when wearing something strapless became the only way to walk down the aisle, but I’m not having it. A more conservative dress has become totally foreign for contemporary weddings, and thus, kind of alternative. I’m digging it.

Reasons why I like it? The 1930s design aesthetic pleases me to no end, and the sleeves and lace are just right. If I actually wanted to look like a bride, I’d probably do it like this. In fact, this dress reminds me of something British royalty would have worn — can’t you just see them posing in front of the church before they get in the motorcade? This gown is also by Temperley London. Who knew?

I’m a sucker for braids, be it hair or a knitted approximation. These chunky knits by Celapiu are going on my winter wishlist. And did you see that cat ear warmer?! Tiny pointed ears!

Also, the styling for these shots? Genius. The giant eyebrows make me giddy! Now to find a Halloween costume that can work those in…

Hello, big blazers! I love all of the detailing on these fine specimens, from the embroidered “feathers” to the miniscule belt at knee-length. Made by the wondrous Natalie Rae Richardson.

[Via I'm Revolting]

Hello, leather coat of my dreams! The sheepskin just adds to the cozy factor. And that leather color? Sumptuous.

Find it at Zara. They’re really getting it right this season.

On that note, my previous go-to, Uniqlo, now totally bites. What happened?

Because snakes are the ultimate power animal.

Via Erie Basin, of course. If I ever get married, my wedding ring is most definitely coming from here.

Pure elegance. Helmut Lang Spring 2011, I eagerly await your austere lines and the inevitable trickle down to Zara (which I’ve been known to haunt). If these clothes could speak, they would probably have a Garbo voice.

Because one is never enough, obviously. Those braid crowns, the Navajo prints: Lindsey Thornburg and Pendleton score again!

[Via Clever Nettle]

This Navajo Cloak by Black Market Baby is just about the perfect fall coat. I seriously gasped, out loud, when I first saw it. Incredible.

The fall shoe hunt for is on! So many black shoes, boots and booties, so little time. I’m partial to all of these, but I think I’ll most likely end up with — well, the jury is still out, but it will have a heel!

For all of the I.D.s, find me on Polyvore.

I made a pit stop at Zara last week to escape the heat and check out their new wares for fall. I’m not usually into the big Z — I have horrible associations of ugly purple poly-blends during my time in Rome, circa 2004 — but I was willing to give it another chance after seeing some love around ye olde blogosphere. Let’s just say that I wasn’t disappointed (more like I had a pile larger than I could conceivably carry in less than ten minutes, then had to dump it all to go meet a friend; sorry, Zara employees).

As such, here’s my fall wish list in a nutshell. Notice the leather, the draping, the longer hemlines and the lack of patterns. I’m not sure I’ll ever (willingly) wear a pattern again after this ungodly hot summer. Curse you, summer sundresses and your large vintage florals! I’ll wear you, but I won’t like it.

[All clothing from Zara. Deena Boots by Frye, Saddle Bag by Rachel Comey, Cognac Clog by Swedish Hasbeens, Jane Boots by Frye]

Also, notice that Zara has a web presence as of — this month, I think? Yes!

Fall, be here now! My matte black tights really want to be worn, and Dear Creatures is tempting me like cray (craaaay!) with their new lookbook. I want….everything. Now to trawl the many thrift stores in Iowa in a vain attempt to replicate these looks.

It’s going to be 75 degrees this weekend. Do you think I could get away with a fur hat?

[Via Shiny Squirrel]