Collar detail

Just because it's winter, it doesn't mean that you need to cover up your style in order to keep warm. A good winter coat is an important investment, not only for keeping you warm, but also out on the streets during this time of year, it's the article of clothing that everyone sees. It's your statement style piece, so make it count!


I, personally, love collar details. Long winter coats which are often necessary for cold East Coast winters can often be heavy and drab, leading the eye to be dragged down. A beautiful collar detail brings the attention back up closer to the wearer's face. A beautiful collar adds sophistication to an otherwise simple coat.

I recently became quited enamored with this Spiewak Sonntag Coat in herringbone.

There are many beautiful details on this coat, but I think it's the collar that really sets this off. If you're in the New York Area, you can buy this coat at Alter. Or for slightly cheaper in black, you can purchase online at Karmaloop.

For considerably less money also at Karmaloop, you can purchase this Shearer coat, which also has an interesting collar detail. Keep warm and fashionable this winter!

One of a Kind Show New York

I'm so excited that the One of a Kind Show New York is happening this year. I looked forward to the OOAKS in Toronto every winter and summer. It's a grand showcase of clothing, jewelry, art, and other items made by hand by independent artists (usually local, but there were other artists from different parts of Canada and some of the US as well). I loved the OOAKS because it brought together so many amazing independent designers, artists, and craft artists under one roof and I had the chance to peruse and shop for many lovely things that I otherwise wouldn't have known about or have access to. Some of the artists became my favorites and I looked forward to seeing them every year.

Here are some items that will be available for sale at the OOAKS.

Baby, it's cold outside, but you won't be with this gorgeious scarf from Smartworks. Teal and chocolate brown is one of my favorite color combination. It'll be a lovely pop of color during the dark gloomy wintry days. It may seem as if spring is a long way off, but your spirits will be up and lively with this scarf, turning any outfit into a dashing ensemble.

Pretty in pink is what you'll be in this fantastic number by Selma Karaca. Do take a look at the rest of her collection in her website. Her talent is surreal. What I particularly admire about this dress is that it's delicate and dainty without being cutesy and sweet. The dress has an air of sophisticated style. A lovely piece for a Sunday afternoon outing all way to a romantic evening date.












There are many more beautiful surprises waiting for you at OOAKS.

December 11th - 13th
Pier 94, 12th Ave and 55th
$15 (good for all four days) -- Yes, it's worth the admission and I'm a cheapskate who thinks that I shouldn't pay admissions for an event where I'm going to spend money (and lots of it). This statement tells you just how much I *love* the OOAKS.

Get your Groupon

I love the good life, but alas my fiscal means don't stretch that far . . . unless I get my Groupon. It's a great site that holds a daily deal for various cities in the US. Look what New York had in the past couple of months.

Fantastic deals on various services and products, usually around 50% off (sometimes even more). I got the chance today to use my Groupon coupon for a facial. The experience of both buying the Groupon coupon and the facial was easy and wonderful. Bought the coupon, called the spa, booked an appointment, and printed out my coupon. No gimmicks. No hard sell.

Thanks to Groupon, I'll be able to indulge in the good life at a very affordable price.

Handmade Cavalcade 2009

Like many, I'm an avid fan of Etsy, an online marketplace for handmade crafts and vintage items. I'm eagerly looking forward to attending Handmade Cavalcade on Saturday, Dec 5, 2009 at Openhouse Gallery, 201 Mulberry Street, NY (closest subway: 6 Spring St. stop). It's open from 11 am to 8 pm.


So many of the artists on Etsy are rather clever and imaginative. I love buying stuff from them because 1) I love knowing that what I'm buying is something that isn't mass produced and lets me be express my individuality away from the homogeneity of brand names, 2) I love supporting artists, especially local artists, and 3) I love getting stuff in the mail. No one sends letters anymore. I remember how as a child, I envied my mom for receiving letters in the mailbox and what an incredible treat it was when the magazine subscriptions that she got for me would arrive in the mailbox. That thrill of seeing something interesting waiting for me to open. Yes, so one of the things I love about shopping online is the delayed gratification.

But if you go to Handmade Cavalcade, you can support local artists and even meet them too. And no delayed gratification, which is also pretty awesome.

Dagg & Stacey

While living in the Great White North, I fell in love . . . with Dagg and Stacey, two wonderfully incredible creative and talented independent designers in Toronto.

I always am in lust for their clothes. Their style is simple and quirky, and yet still sophisticated. Their collections can be found in stores in the US and in online stores (just google Dagg & Stacey).

 A cool new jacket from their Fall/Winter 2009 Collection

I would love to wear this to work during the winter as a change of pace from the endless routine of a sweater and pants. Available at Plox Clothing Boutique.

Ken & Dana Design

As I said before, I tend to stick to classic designs, but I like my clothes and accessories to have a bit of edge to them. I think the jewelry from Ken & Dana Design are gorgeous and exemplify beauty with hard chic edge. Some of their stuff is a little too edgy and out there for my own personal style and taste, but even so, I always appreciate the design elements of their pieces.

 

Beauty doesn't come cheap. They have two lines BYLU and b-side. BYLU is the more upscale line, even still they have a few pieces that are under $100. B-side is the more downtown line with interesting pieces inspired by graffitti and geometry. Their jewelry is certainly very creative. I haven't ever seen anything like theirs anywhere else. If you lust after their more pricy stuff, but can't afford the full sticker price, sign up their their battle alerts. Once in a while (anywhere from once to twice a month), they'll send out a notice where you can pick up their latest novel creation for a song (relatively speaking).

I love these stacked rings.