Object/Outfit + Ace Hotel Portland

Hello from the Ace Hotel in Portland!

You may have picked up a slight infatuation with the Ace hotel chain here on the blog. What can I say? I am a sucker for great design, Stumptown coffee and army surplus blankets.

My favorite thing about the Ace in Portland is the lobby. There are entrances to both Stumptown and Clyde Common and an enormous green couch that is always occupied with people reading, drinking, talking. It is a spot that is sure to have sparked the beginning of many great friendships.

Today’s Object/Outfit is inspired by the lobby at the Ace Portland and of course, its amazing couch. I picked pieces that would look just as great in the Pacific Northwest as they would in New York City.

Lately I have been coveting a classic denim skirt like this one from Uniqlo. I’d do it up Pearl District-style with A.P.C’s awesome safari parka and a canvas carryall.

Here I am, all dressed up to go out and about in Portland (although secretly I just want to stay on that sofa all day long).

Have a great weekend everybody, see you on Wednesday!

Photo courtesy of this amazing Flickr stream. Outfit clockwise from top left: A.P.C. Safari Parka; Topshop Crewneck Sweater; Steven Alan Boyfriend Cotton Wool Shirt (on sale!); Marc by Marc Jacobs Mini Umbrella (via Net-a-porter); Martin & Osa Chino Tote; 80%20 Eliotte Wool Desert Boot (via Revolve Clothing); Uniqlo Denim Skirt.

What I Wish I Wore Today

I think I’d call today a triple whammy. I’ve been sick all week and it keeps getting worse instead of better, we are supposed to fly to Portland tonight and, there is a blizzard outside my window.

Days like this make you want to put on the coziest outfit you can find and pull the covers over your head but, sometimes you just can’t do that.

I have been obsessing over these Rag & Bone combat boots for weeks now. I love the rounded toe, tapered ankle and cone heel, they look like the kind of shoes you could wear everywhere all the time.

On a day like today I’d have a bit more pep in my step if I could throw them on. I’d pair with a cool, slouchy cardigan and a pair of jeggings (yes, a day like today calls for jeggings) it would be the perfect look to fend off sickness, travel stress and snow!

Outfit clockwise from top left: Rag & Bone Combat Boots (via Shopbop); Cheap Monday Robyn Cardigan (via Ssense); Forever 21 Skinny Belts 1 & 2; Joe’s Jeans Denim Legging (via National Jean Company).

Fashion Crush: Siegerson Morrison

I love that in New York you never quite know who is standing right next to you.

Sure it could be a crazy person but it just as likely could be a Nobel Prize winner or supermodel or the first boy you kissed in the sixth grade.

This weekend I happened upon a Sigerson Morrison warehouse sale in the neighborhood.

Amid the hubub I struck up a conversation with a woman and I eventually realized she wasn’t just a fellow shopper, she was Sigerson herself!! Both she and Morrison were in the shop working their own warehouse sale.

I was a little awestruck. These successful, cool women with an established shoe line that people (like me) covet are in fact, amazingly friendly, sweet, affable people. It is always a great thing when you find out that the creators behind a line you adore are actually as likeable at the products they make.

These are some of my favorite styles from Sigerson Morrison’s Resort 2010 collection. All are available on their website.

Julien Macdonald

We are a few days into the London chapter of fashion month and I have to say, so far the presentations have been rawther serious.

Silhouettes have been structured, color has been dark, I have seen very few prints overall.

And yet, even when the tailoring means business, there are still some moments of lightness.

Take for example the latest collection by Julien Macdonald. Usually known for his knitwear, Macdonald makes a statement for Fall with a cheeky theme.

Inspired by the UK version of Nora Roberts this collection is imagined for the heroine of racy, british romance literature.

This translates on the runway into chic, inspired outerwear for a British countrywoman with provacative, couquettish whisps of dress underneath.

I love the juxtaposition and I especially love the sharp tailoring in which equestrian buckles evoke bondage straps and capelets and skirts are cut away to reveal almost lingerie-like evening wear beneath. Rrrowl.

All images courtest of Style.com

Packing List

I don’t know about you but I need a vacation.

February has really got me down, New York is looking like a frozen tundra. I can’t wait to see leaves on the trees and boats in the harbor again.

Lucky me, I get to skip town this weekend for a few glorious days of vacation!! Andy and I are heading to Portland, OR for a long weekend (and his birthday!).

We are staying at my favorite hotel the Ace (as you already know) and plan to stuff ourselves silly at its restaurant Clyde Common (if we’re lucky, we will also make it to eat at Le Pigeon). I’m looking forward to shopping at Frances May and Stand Up Comedy.

When I’m excited about a trip, I always make a packing list way in advance.

I’m bringing some of my favorite things: my J.Crew striped tee and Nico skirt, Vince cashmere sweater and high-waist skinny jeans, a pink ruffled skirt and Steven Alan plaid button down. I’m topping things off with new underwear from The Lake & Stars and my favorite motorcycle boots. And I won’t forget my umbrella because it’s always so rainy in the Pacific Northwest.

Diane von Furstenberg

Although she showed toward the beginning of NYFW, I didn’t want to forget to tell you about the Diane von Furstenberg show.

DVF is more than a well-known designer, she is an absolute icon for the modern woman.

My favorite thing about her collections is of course, her prints which are always strong, bold and command attention which is much like what I imagine Diane to be like herself.

The Fall 2010 collection was a particular standout because it incorporated the element of suiting which is a fresh addition to the line.

In true DVF character, the suiting pieces are not androgynous but all-out feminine. Pairing chiffon rosettes with a grey wool suit, a heavily embellished blazer over black jumpsuit and slouchy blazers with full flirty skirts.

Something about the collection felt a bit French gamine. Whether it was the slim tailoring, the  cropped lengths or maybe just those incredible incredible hats.

All images courtesy of Style.com

Suno

Finally I get to write about one of my most favorite fashion lines, Suno.

I have been an avid fan of this line since first reading about it over a year ago on Refinery29.

As a textile designer, I love (love!) their bold use of mixed prints and repurposing of traditional African textiles. The resulting look is fun and exuberant but also totally sophisticated and chic.

For the latest collection, Suno is also incorporating some original print designs into their presentation.

The line showcases some of the trends we have seen elsewhere on the runways such as velvet and tailored wool pants but, it always goes back to the incredible prints which are the line’s unmistakable calling card.

There isn’t a thing from this collection I wouldn’t be thrilled to wear well, except for maybe the hair…

All images courtesy of Style.com

Prabal Gurung

One of the designers generating a lot of pre-fashion week buzz was definitely Prabal Gurung.

Gurung has found favor recently with celebrities on the red carpet and for good reason, the man makes an excellent party dress.

With incredible draping and super-luxe fabrics (don’t get me started on how much I love that shiny stuff), Gurung’s dresses remind me of the work of Alber Elbaz, mastermind of superlabel Lanvin.

The collection also featured exquisite tailoring and a pared down colorblocked palette. The pieces are clearly beautifully made but with a subtle, futuristic edge. I am excited to see who is wearing Gurung come Fall and what he brings us in seasons to come.

Although I don’t have any fancy parties to coming up on the roster, here are some of my favorite dresses from the collection.

All images courtesy of Style.com

Boy by Band of Outsiders

Much of my upbringing happened in a suburb outside of Detroit, Michigan and as a result I my style has always been and will always be just a little bit preppy. Even so, you won’t catch me wearing plaid pants or pink polo shirts anytime soon.

This said, I always love the clothes from Boy by Band of Outsiders. Their smart shirts and jackets are the perfect mix of classic American style with urban sophisticated cool.

The line’s Fall 2010 presentation stays true to their personal brand of chic. I love the nod to suburban country club culture with spectator golf shoes, wool cuffed trousers, fur accents and blue oversized sunglasses.

This wool tailored vest/mini skirt combo is a particular favorite. I love the mixing of different stripes, the towering platforms and slicked back perfect-ponytail.

Oh, and how can I not love a fashion line that hosts a cookie blog on their website titled

If You Don’t Like Cookies, You Might Not Have a Soul

Yes I do like cookies, and I certainly love the clothes.

Here are some more of my favorite looks:

All images courtesy of Style.com

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Well I am sorry! I promised you a Valentine this weekend and well, while nursing a hangover and eating copious amounts of baked goods…I never put it up.

Here you go, it may be belated but I assure you, there is no love lost.

Valentine’s weekend has been spent keeping up with two of my favorite things. Fashion week and the Winter Olympics!

This week I will be interrupting my own regularly scheduled programming in favor of bringing you my favorite looks from the runway. Hope you enjoy it!

And once again, Happy Valentine’s Day!

XOXO