// 2010

Posted on | December 31, 2009 | 8 Comments

First things first: happy, happy New Year to you! May 2010 be good and exiting year for all of us!

Thank you for being here, reading and commenting. I think that a blog is not much without the readers. Your views are always appreciated and I’m extremely thankful for all the good reading that your blogs and the blogs I’ve found via yours provide. It is great to know you!

Then the new years promises. Nah, not really, but I actually like this rather artificial discontinuation point, and the idea of setting some sort of goals and plans for the future. So why not now?

Last autumn was not particularly easy time for me, I had some health problems that among other not so cool things broke my exercise routine. I think that I’ve got some sort of grip of them now, but I want to continue without medication from now on. So I really need to figure out how to exercise to help me feel well and actually be well. I will not make it a huge point in this blog, but I will lightly document how it is going, so occasional fitness project post or mention might follow.

And then the second one, more relevant to the content of this blog.

I have been saving the majority of my shopping money for sales times for a few years now and I’m quite happy to my last autumn success — I cut down almost all impulse clothes shopping in Zara and H&M and had decent amount of money to use in December. Still I think that I have shopped too much. This year I plan to shop significantly less — and better.

So the idea is that I will make my first serious purchase this year around May/June — I will save until then and try to use the whole sum to one or two investment pieces. And the same for winter sales time. The timetables can change if I get some opportunities to travel but the basic principle stays (although I think that I will prefer planned purchases from web instead of quick random browsing of stuff). In-between times I’m allowed to shop only necessities, in my case underwear, socks, tights and maybe leggings and t-shirts — the idea is not to stash these more, but replace items that have been worn out. I can make some limited second hand purchases — but just good and useful pieces with great price, I have to also make a list what to look from charity shops to make this more controlled. In addition to that I can do (knit and sew) stuff myself. But no high street shopping at all. No stashing DIY stuff.

Scary. But also somehow liberating, I have decided just to stop thinking about buying new stuff and concentrate on using the current wardrobe creatively — and there should be plenty of time and energy left to plan and execute some larger DIY projects. I have done similar thing once before — I had financially very challenging period in my life and I just cut out all clothes shopping — now my life situation is so different, actually I think that I will just breathe more freely after this decision.

I don’t even think that this will make blogging difficult. I have still lots of stuff in my wardrobe that has never been photographed here. I have always enjoyed the view to how other people cycle their wardrobe and make out new ideas how to make the favorites look fresh in different outfits. And then, I can probably dive deeper to DIY stuff in this blog, I’m thinking about sharing the projects from beginning.

Did you make any plans or promises for 2010?

And FYI: no, Bollinger did not sponsor this post, unfortunately …

Posted on | December 31, 2009 | 8 Comments

// Purple party

Posted on | December 30, 2009 | 4 Comments

To be honest this was intended to be a Christmas post. It’s about my weakness for shoes and finding some great Christmas presents for me *ahum*.

These Castañer wedges were originally 109€ in Yoox. The brand is better known from their summer espadrille designs, but these wedges were first pair to really catch my eye.

And then they dropped the price to 69€. They are this perfect shade of blue-purple, I’m getting serious spiritual connotations from shades like this.

And then they sent me the code for free express shipping just before the Christmas. I was just not able to wait and see if they were about to send them to me free eventually — they had only one pair left in my size, after all. Despite of the promise, the express shipping failed to deliver them on 24th. The plush velvet makes the color even more deep and creates a great contrast with wedge coated with lacquered leather.

But I would be furious only if they were meant to someone else.

Lurex tights from H&M. “Polaroids” by Poladroid.

Posted on | December 30, 2009 | 4 Comments

// Just in time

Posted on | December 30, 2009 | 7 Comments

Dear London readers (if there are any), how do you survive the magnificent high street — and shopping possibilities overall — of London?

My strict shopping plan was not totally waterproof — although our two nights visit did not give that much opportunities. I decided to steer clear from all too expensive things, nothing is as disappointing as reckless out-of-budget purchase that turns out to be a bad mistake. But I’m not a big fan of reckless in-budget acquisitions that turn out to be mistakes either… So I had a VERY short list of things that I could actually have use right now — and I limited my high street visits to few of my favorites. But still I had really hard time to hold my horses… …and yeah, I also slipped from my high street bargain plan.

I was after a charcoal or black longish knit jacket/shrug/cardigan with not too conventional construction, and I thought that All Saints would be a sure try for a score. Unfortunately many of this winter’s jackets were bit or bit more lacy — not necessarily a bad thing, but that was not in my mind at this time. Still I decided just to walk through Selfridges designer floor (ok and maybe try on some shoes, just try; good thing was that the ink blue and white Marni platform ankle boots just did not fit to my feet). And could not resist to have a look through Martin Margiela rail — this was after all his last season in charge of design. Duh, there just happened to be this quite simple, but in Finnish climate eternally useful lightweight wool knit. Yes, I know, it is not a cardigan. But it is Margiela — and due to slight imperfection on the back it was in the sale on fraction of it’s price. And I know that although it is not a bespoke piece, it will be very, very useful item in my everyday wardrobe.

The shape of the knit is a giant parallelogram with almost identical openings in top and bottom — and delightfully awkwardly placed long sleeves. The knit can be arranged on slightly different ways, although it is not an actual multiuse garment. The hem can be pulled straight and the piece acts almost like a dress — at least with opaque leggings or with some sort of underlayer, this way the neck opening is really deep — and the front bottom rises quite high — but the back view is full covered from the neck to almost to knees — and hand movement is lightly restricted. But the bottom can also be hitched upwards to hips or even to waist, the body part forms nice baggy drapes, hand movement is totally free and the neck opening can be arranged beautifully. I’m also pretty sure that the upper part can be used like a hood, just haven’t tried it yet.

Oasis leggings and Rützou wedges keep company to the new knit. Although I’m slightly hesitant on using leggings as trousers, the beautiful alienesque detail on the hip of this pair has made me stepping out from the comfort zone once or twice this autumn. And yes, I know that I might be too big to that, but who cares — fat and fashion polices of this world: just cough the gingerbread crumbs out of your lungs, that helps instantly.

In the moment I purchased the sweater I understood something about the allure of high street.

I will probably never have enough money for designer pieces that literally take my breath away.

I can have a T by Alexander Wang, some simple and very satisfying basics with a twist, like this knit. I love them, sure, but they are certainly not too expressive. If I have some good luck I might find few neat items as second hand or score a bag or pair of shoes from sale. But within my short London high street visit I saw several items that literally took my breath away. Ashish for Topshop boots were actually so sweet in real life that I had really hard time departing without them. Those mirrored Christopher Kane power mesh pieces were awesome (but the bodycon lace insert dresses were hideous). Emma Cook boots were super, I would have been very tempted if there were a pair of taupe ones left in my size. And add to that all the good pieces that are not designer collaborations, there were so many. All Saints is always kind of good to me. Although I feel that their skull and bone aesthetic is off somehow (and I’m afraid that they are not my thing anyway), I really dig many of their deconstructed cuts especially in knits and jerseys, some plaid designs, fun bustle inspired cuts and soft, soft lightweight leathers. COS is another really good/bad (check the desired option) place for me… …many pieces look quite basic, but then there is some neat little design twist, or the material is just so good. Topshop… …ok I love the shoe department, but Oxford Street flagship store is just too much for me, my senses distort in there.

However much I might love many of the single pieces the only thing that bugs me on the high street finds are that… …after all they are high street. I can afford (too many of) them — and so can many other people. And I’m not even going to the ethics of mass consumerism this time. And no, I’m not talking about indie fashion or rising designer stars either.

Well. I have a plan to change my fashion consuming habits dramatically. But about that later.

Posted on | December 30, 2009 | 7 Comments

// Christmas wrapup

Posted on | December 26, 2009 | 5 Comments

How outrageous my previous “wish” posts were, the Santa lived out — or exceeded all my dreams.

Welcome, Lotta, you will be my dear friend in the future DIY projects.

What can I say, I’m speechless! I love London! (And could not resist arranging my cheesy tourist pics to an even cheesier postcard )

My new spiky friend will hopefully help me sleep better. Oh, it looks friendlier than the example here — but less photogenic… Image by Herbert Ponting.

Feeling: overall happy, stuffed, well rest, quilty for the carbon footprint expanding actions *sigh*.

Posted on | December 26, 2009 | 5 Comments

// Merry Christmas

Posted on | December 24, 2009 | 3 Comments

Not sure if it is the respect for the little of tradition we still foster — or just the thing that scents, sounds and visuals of this festive time of year help me to connect to the little girl I have been, and I really, really want to nurture that connection — anyway, I enjoy Christmas time (although I’m totally disconnected from religion). The family get-togethers and some quiet time with a good book, box of chocolate and some wine, that’s what is in it for me.

Tchaikovsky ballets, both Swan Lake and Nutcracker, my favorite, were the staples in Finnish national Christmas TV program (oh, gosh, in my childhood this country was all different). So they have always spiced my holidays. Or maybe they were the essence of it. Maybe they evoked some ballerina dreams, maybe I was just hooked to all that visual candy and Tchaikovsky’s magical music. Should a girl as young as her go pointe? Don’t know, I don’t know a thing about ballet. But I know that her dream become true on that very day. No toy catalogs involved.

Need some last minute gift ideas? Go to Kiva and microfinance some local businesses in developing countries. You can let the gift receiver to decide by giving a gift certificate. The few advertising dollars form this and my old knitting blogs went to Ghana — I kind of see it as your Christmas present to that local food business — hope it made you happy, that’s my present to you!

So I want to wish you all happy holidays, go and have what is in there for you — and take care of yourself and your loved ones.

Posted on | December 24, 2009 | 3 Comments

// That one is so not me! Or is it?

Posted on | December 20, 2009 | 12 Comments

Tavi run just recently a giveaway in her blog, the item was a Rodarte for Target lace cardigan.

I dropped in a line or two, but to be honest without too much passion. I really like the cardigan, but hello, Tavi’s pick was her favorite color, mustard — or more like ochre to me. That color is so not me — see where we are going?

Ok, I did not fall asleep instantly last night (can’t really remember when I actually have), so I let my head to start the “combine the yellow cardigan to the current wardrobe” — visual game. Because this underdeveloped network called Internet does not allow you to plug in to my visual apparatus directly I had to make some quick doodles in very old fashioned way to explain what was going on in there last night. Sorry, three out of five outline snapshots came out blurry, I guess that we made this years darkness record today. And all my ink tips were wonky, so no nice fluid line today, just very quick and dirty throwing-the-ink-towards-the-paper stuff.

Ah, this one is a real cookie cutter solution sharing the same elements to the Target styling with less California surfer rock and more the girl next door. A white A-lined pull-on shirt with pintucks on hem and nice rolled collar from H&M, Costume National wool flannel skirt in raspberry pink, chartreuse plastic necklace from Gina Tricot, bone white wedges wit wooden sole from Topshop.

More attitude with Filippa-K printed silk shirt, an old skirt reconstructed from military trousers, burgundy (yuck, how did that come out so ugly — the actual colors of the skirt and tights go together so well) lace tights from H&M, Docs.

My old black Diesel antifit jeans with yellow stitching, H&M striped T-shirt, docs, leather cuffs. So easy that it is actually lazy.

I have worked the idea of monochromatic jersey layers a bit further from my first trial. I found an thunder gray AA tank pair that makes a perfect foundation for this, and the old Malene Birger ruched tunic is almost the same shade. I will add an oversized white AA see through tank underneath and slip on a white vintage girdle I just won from eBay (wow, visual interest and tummy control in the same package). Then a pair of seriously oversized skin colored tights, maybe destroyed a bit, wrinkling around the calves — and my all white Converse.

For some not-too-formal party I would wear an old, beautiful Rodebjer silk dress constructed from mauve and gray chiffon over Sonia Rykiel for H&M bustier and H&M mesh leggings with my gray booties from Berlin. And that mustard’y thing wold be a perfect clashing cover on my shoulders…

For the summer a very simple combo of billowing silk jersey chocolate sundress with smocked top from Filippa-K, perspex prism sandals from Ash. There were easily at least four more of these, but now I’m tired on doodling.

Suddenly I felt that my wardrobe is seriously short of mustard yellow lace cardigan. I could go out from my color comfort zone for it, really. I’m all about going out from my comfort zones occasionally. I know, sounds a bit ridiculous, this one is cardigan, after all, the most inoffensive of all garments…

What about you, do you have comfort zone in colors? Shapes? Prints? Skin exposure? Combinations? Overall styles?

Posted on | December 20, 2009 | 12 Comments

// For the very first time…

Posted on | December 19, 2009 | 5 Comments

No, I did not test nutmeg trips…

Eggnog for the Christmas! Cream, milk, organic eggs, some sugar, rum and some freshly grated nutmeg. How could that be bad?

I’ve been thinking making this for years, but now I got a nice little reminder/kick on the ass from Luxirare’s image feed. Thanks, Ji, the recipe really works!

Edit. some background music for the wintery eggnog moments. In addition to being one of the worst procrastinators alive (thinking about making eggnog for years, duh), I just hate Christmas music. But at this time of year I appreciate my feelings to be touched. So I can discern not to be totally frozen. Or just accidentally hibernated.

The Little Sparrow from Paris can be trusted for that duty.

Posted on | December 19, 2009 | 5 Comments

// Even more Jolier

Posted on | December 19, 2009 | 15 Comments

I think that my relationship to Jolier One will be long and strong one. Here I’m wearing it as a part of menswear inspired ensemble. The pants are the All Saints ones seen here before, shoes are those familiar Rützou wedges (I wish that I could wear these pants with brogues but they are just a tiny bit too long for that — and I like the extra lenght with heels so I have no plans on shortening them). The shirt is really ancient and from Sisley. Gosh, today when I visit Sisley or Benetton I find hardly anything interesting. I’m not sure but I have this vague memory that when I roll back for say 12 years those both brands were actually rather interesting. This shirt has a classic cut with slightly extended cuff slits on the sleeves, and the neck opening extends just under bustline. And there is not a single button in it. So the structure nods a little bit to decostructionism without being too flashy to wear on everyday basis. I love it and aim to keep it for the rest of my life. That’s an achievement, shirts are not my favorite garments.

My first plan was to construct a vest out of Jolier, but the deep neck opening of the shirt changed the plans. I kind of like the stronger feminine accent of it worn in this way, as part of the “suit” — and the hooks and loops look particularly fetching on the front and upper edge. The really old Filippa-K coat fits to the big picture. Bag hanging on the chair is Sonia Rykiel Domino.

Posted on | December 19, 2009 | 15 Comments

// Vintage lace vibe emerging

Posted on | December 18, 2009 | 4 Comments

Lately I have been thinking about incorporating some vintage lace to some of my DIY projects. Considering the handwork involved the prices for antique lace pieces can be shamefully bargainous. My favorites from antique laces are different variations of needlepoint lace — that technique allows amazing freeform designs — and different variations of tape lace where simple (machine made or in the early versions handwoven) tape forms patterns that are connected with needlepoint techniques. The tape brings some dimensionality and structure for the lace, I really like the look. Both techniques allow very ornate designs, but the result is not necessarily particularly dainty. These lace types are also relatively durable. Antique lace can be easily dyed (they are usually made from cotton or silk, sometimes linen), but I would advise avoiding cutting it if you are not familiar with the lace type (and even then…). Purchase a piece that fits, or can be folded/ruffled to fit.

needlepoint2
Two needlepoint examples, first from mmmoonchild, second from Deepwater.

tapelace
Beautiful tape lace collar in excellent condition from mmmoonchild.

One thing I just can’t forgive myself is that I let this awesome tape lace bolero slip away from me. Although it is quite simple in lacework terms (not too much those time consuming connection stitches in between the tapes) the fact that the whole lace design is constructed to the actual patterns makes it truly stunning. If I don’t remember wrong the seller asked some ridiculous 70 dollars for it… …and look at its gorgeousness! How magnificent black layer would that be? What can we learn here: if you see a gorgeous vintage piece online in right size, buy it and cry for the credit later. It will pass and your credit will heal. This sorrow won’t.
tapelace2

And because there is no denying of my handcraft geekery, I’m embedding here an awesome little video from Kenmare Lace & Design Centre, charmingly enthusiastic Nora Finnegan tells something about the history of Kenmare lace and shows the basic needlepoint technique. There is a whole series of these, about needlepoint on netting, bobbin lace, tape lace… …if you are interested just follow the link to YouTube and watch them all.

Edit.
dior

Edit. speaking of bargains, if you are vintage size four, meaning in this case that 32 inches is enough to go around your bust, go on and grab this amazing Dior jacket from Stock in Trade. The seller asks *sic* 22 dollars. I’m considering a new career as an eBay blood sucker.

Posted on | December 18, 2009 | 4 Comments

// Gathered with hooks and loops

Posted on | December 17, 2009 | 16 Comments

blackflowr1 blackflowr2 blackflowr3 blackflowr4

The truth is that I don’t have much style. My wardrobe is a haphazard collection of stuff I happen to love and that’s it. There is no great thought behind, no consistency, very few if any awesome “it” items — on the other hand I have very little restrictions except my tendency to avoid anything too revealing. I have some habits, though, like quirkifying outfits somehow, layering, repeating same detail or item several times, picking a focal point and piling stuff there, costumeish elements or arrangements, childish background stories for outfits… but actually I’m pretty consistent only with my hair. It has been for years now from medium length to long, and almost always gathered up somehow. I just wish that it would be remotely parisian chic in a nonchalant, not-too-done way… …but I’m afraid that usually it resembles more a birds nest; or is just plain boring.

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With relaxed face me and my sister look like… …some angry bitches. That’s a family treat, but fortunately does not tell much how we actually are. No wonder I try often to balance with some cuteness in my outfits, even when wearing full black.

Today it’s my eBayed Docs, H&M tights (I’m in awe with these), my Christmas pressie for myself: Jolier One as a pant (looks like skirt, tho’), DIY silk chiffon skirt/dress, AA long sleeved T and Comme des Garçons for H&M wool jacket. No jewelry, but my nails are silvered!

And my new EOS 500d with remote kicks ass! I’m slowly getting a grip of it. These self portraits will probably never be particularly breathtaking, but at least you are able to see the details of the outfits.

Posted on | December 17, 2009 | 16 Comments

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About

Location: Helsinki, Finland

Contact: kamicha (a) gmail dot com

I'm especially interested in young designers creations, non-established labels and indie fashion. So if you have something interesting to show, feel free to contact!

You can find Finnish design from both specific and some outfit posts - but both are tagged.

You might be also interested in DIY posts, How-to posts, DIY ideas - or my adventures in Etsy =).

More about me and this blog.