officially a west coast blog

I have been in transition for a few months, but now I am officially declaring myself a resident of the west coast. I'm excited to find out about the difference between the NY and LA styles and how San Francisco fits in...so much research to do!

I will still keep up with all of my reading about NY designers and shows, but I probably won't have much about the sample sales anymore. Hopefully I will find a way to get involved with the fashion scene in the bay area.

melissa shoes on sale

Melissa Harajuku in Navy $49 (reg. $99)

My favorite plastic shoes are on sale at ideeli!!

We all know by now that I am obsessed with these comfortable and eco-friendly Melissa shoes. The sale at ideeli only lasts for two more days so I would recommend buying them soon...I have a feeling that all of the styles will sell out in the next 12 hours.

Ideeli is another registration required discount designer website that is slightly similar to Gilt Groupe. Here is my invitation to join:
Ideeli Invitation

You have to sign up with your email to be allowed access to their sales and then receive newsletters that include information about the upcoming sales. They usually have a great selection of designers at low prices, but sales only last a few days.

Here are some picks from the sale...

Melissa Sin IV in Navy $34 (reg. $59)

I tried these on at Epaulet in black and they are so perfect for summer so I just had to order them in Navy! They are also available in yellow.

Melissa Night III in Gold $44 (reg. $79)

I already have these in Black and they're probably my favorite shoes right now. These might be all Sold Out by now, but they have Wait Lists on Ideeli. They are also available in a metallic green.

Melissa Ultragirl in Red $39 (reg. $59)

If you are loving the Melissa shoes and want to stock up on more Sale styles, you should check out the Melissa Clearance section at Epaulet. I check it fairly often to see what styles they have in my size...they always have a great selection at ridiculously low prices.

leanne marshall collection at bluefly

Leanne Marshall has to be one of my favorite Project Runway contestants for taking Tim Gunn for a bicycle ride in Forest Park in Portland (my hometown hiking spot)!

If you are a fan of Project Runway, then you will remember that one of the fabulous prizes that Heidi Klum recited every week was the "chance to sell your collection on Bluefly.com." Well that chance has finally come for last year's winner Leanne Marshall and today her 7-piece collection debuted online.

I have to admit that after her amazing final runway collection that impressed the judges enough to win her the grand prize, I find the collection slightly anti-climactic. The pieces are very simple and dumbed down in solid bold colors of jersey knit fabric. The beautiful aquatic-inspired pleats that she handcrafted on the show now seem contrived when attached to a royal blue jersey knit t-shirt. Where is the ethereal color palette and floating aesthetic that we loved on Project Runway? I also hope that she is handmaking all of these pieces because the price seems pretty darn high if she isn't.

Perhaps I am being too critical...what do you think?

The entire collection is on sale for 20% off to celebrate it's debut at Bluefly.com.

Leanne Marshall Bamboo Jersey 'Carine' Tunic $98 (reg. $123)


Leanne Marshall 'Jasmine' Cropped Jacket $220 (reg. $276)


Leanne Marshall 'Cora' Swing Dress $248 (reg. $310)



Leanne Marshall 'Sophie' Pleated Tank $110 (reg. $138)

quick picks for fall 2009

I haven't compiled my final list of my must-haves for Fall 2009, but I have already started keeping my eye out for a few styles. Here is my quick list for Fall 2009...final list to be published next month.

• long blazers - I think these will be an update on the 80's version with a slouchy feel, open front, and rolled-up sleeves. The blazers will be menswear-inspired, but will have a long skinny fit and tight shoulders. No shoulder pads please.
• gray - I love finding beauty in gray. I am interested in gray suede, gray boots, fluffy gray sweaters, gray leather, gray wool hats, gray distressed handbags.
• detailed booties - Take the idea of the open-toed rocker bootie and gladiator sandals into Fall and you get an intense heeled bootie with unique details.
• bowler hats - Think of it as this summer's cloche...cute and vintage-inspired.
• leather jackets - I think the rock 'n roll vibe will continue through the winter, so look for fitted leather jackets with unique designs.
• velvet - For some reason I just came up with this idea. I want to see the softness and romanticism of velvet explored in new ways. It should be used minimally.
  
• chunky jewelry - New and flashy accessories paired with basics will be a good way to create new outfits during a recession.
• vests - I loved layering them with tanks for summer, but I can see them adapting to Fall for thicker layering in materials like leather and fur (fake I hope!).
  

I still think the style will be rock 'n roll and vintage-inspired with skinny legs and slouchy tops. Expect larger-than-life accessories and details with fringe, metal studs, and zippers.

Images: Saks Fifth Avenue, Urban Outfitters, Piperlime, Intermix

layering and letter art

Here are some pieces that I created with the direction of the hilarious and talented Rebecca Wild at Sitka Center using layering techniques and letters. If you live in the vicinity of the Oregon coast and want to take an art retreat, Sitka Center for Art and Ecology offers an amazing collection of classes during the summer that are great for every experience level (literally from beginner to professional).

All of these pieces were done on 7"x7" paper with many layers of tempera, graphite, pastel, and cold wax.

a real journalist analyzes rompers

Thanks to my journalist sister for bringing this article from Slate's fabulous Double X Factor to my attention:

The Romper Craze: Why Grown Women Dress Like Toddlers

For all of you onesie haters out there who have been wondering why I post so often about this summer obsession... Jessica Grose delves into the onesie trend to try to figure out what the hype is all about.

painting at the coast

I am taking a short break from fashion blogging this week to enjoy painting along the beautiful Oregon coast with some of my most favorite people.

If you are interested in taking an art class in Oregon, I highly recommend the gorgeous and environmentally conscious Sitka Center for Art and Ecology.