// Recycled lace

Posted on | July 20, 2010 | 2 Comments

I made this quick fix for my vintage lace addiction from quite mundane garments: a second hand crocheted cardigan and a piece of bobbin lace which originally adorned a piece of bedlinen. The cardigan I got for 2 euros from the local charity shop — it was broken, slightly stained and the shape of it was not particularly fetching. But I liked the lightweight crochet with subtly 3d flower motif — and the fact that the years of use had given the fabric certain softness, often lacking from crocheted items. I’m happy how the two shades of white combined look like and how the front turned out — but the back is not perfect, I run about 15 cm short of the bobbin lace to finish it as I had planned. The construction idea is stolen directly from this Magda Berliner top I saw in wonderful Res Pulchrae blog — but the body is slightly longer.

It is not at its best over just a lightweight bikini top (that gives almost zero support and no flattening for my chest), but I’ll bet that it will be an useful layering piece. And I promise that I will not play with the Poladroid all the time — but the pictures were utter crap so I did what I could… (yeah, excuses… =))

Posted on | July 20, 2010 | 2 Comments

// Summer hair

Posted on | July 18, 2010 | 9 Comments

So… …I did it… …please call the fashion police. Bought a crimping iron from local supermarket sale, cost me about 30 €. But I really think this look sort of works for my natural ash colored hair. I look more like something (friendly) that came out from the woods than eighties pop star (not that the latter would have been a bad option, either). Sorry about the flood of pictures, I just got bit too exited with Poladroid (that happens all the time I’m using it — can’t even think what will I do if I get my paws all over Hipstamatic…) — the exitement even overcomes the awkwardness of putting face pics to the blog. At least I’m not pouting…

I really am a lazy ass with my hair — I have been at hairdresser’s once in past few (3 – 5) years and stopped dyeing my hair about three years ago. I’m not a huge fan of the dyeing chemicals and the psoriasis in my scalp does not really encourage with experiments (actually it is now in pretty good control, but still). And I hate the feel of hair products in my hair, the worst hair for me is the kind of that does not even move because of all the stuff put into it. So I’m often just keeping my hair in loose bun, ponytail or something else really unimaginative with zero or minimal amount of styling products. I’m certainly aware that even some sort of defined look on my hair type needs a ton of product, so most of my hair experiments are limited to very special occasions, only.

But I do like fancy hairdos on other people, everything from shock colors to outrageous cuts and exotic treatments. This might be the closest I’m getting to that from my premises. The fluffy, ample texture of crimped hair does not really need any boost from chemicals — a simple heat protective spray might be good, but not totally necessary.

Posted on | July 18, 2010 | 9 Comments

// Mandatory cutoffs

Posted on | July 11, 2010 | 4 Comments

I don’t really like shorts — but do appreciate their practicality in this weather. I think I have four pairs, old Diesel striped and pouched ones, two pairs of denim cutoffs and one slightly safari inspired and more formal H&M pair I got earlier this spring. The cutoffs I have bought ready made — which is more than lame, really. Why — well, I like my jeans close fitting at the top — but my cutoffs as loose as it is humanly possible without them actually falling off, so I have no use of my old jeans as a cutoff material. And I hate trying on second hand jeans. So that’s the excuse… …but I definitely don’t go for branded denim with these. Actually I’m not sure if these are from H&M or Lindex — or even some supermarket — I have removed the itchy tag attached inside the waist band.

A long sleeved shirt is often accompanying my shorts when I have to make it to the town. This cotton voile one is By Malene Birger, sunglasses Ray Ban and shoes Topshop.

Posted on | July 11, 2010 | 4 Comments

// Beachy peach

Posted on | July 9, 2010 | 3 Comments

Uh, my self-discipline is about zero — of course I dropped in to Zara sales last week — and naturally could not leave from there without buying something. But considering the current weather (blazingly hot, we are going to break the temperature records next week for sure) this something could not be much better.

100% silk piano shawl dress feels like I had nothing on — but is completely presentable on the summer streets, a perfect combination of cover and free movement of fabric. On daytime I prefer minimal accessories: old Pilgrim sunnies, old Ash perspex (!) prism flats (forgot that I indeed have something perspex), fabric bag, neon coral nail polish. Sorry about the hair, my dorky expression and lack of make up… …I’m pretty much making myself up with sunglasses these days. For evening I can add some layered jewels, the brass net necklace and pendant are from Pilgrim, one with somewhat heraldic motif is vintage.

I’m pretty sure that this dress will be great paired with jeans when the temperatures drop. The whole idea of the it is so simple that I’m beating myself not inventing it by myself. I probably will keep my eyes open for nice patterned silks for another DIY one… …the fringe is just simple net crochet with tassels attached.

I do like summer — like the sun, the heat, everything. But I doubt that I would have this blog if the weather would constantly be like this. Dressing up for dog days is not particularly interesting.

Posted on | July 9, 2010 | 3 Comments

// Work vest

Posted on | July 6, 2010 | 2 Comments

One work outfit from earlier this spring. I did not get that excited about the H&M Fashion Against AIDS collection after all — just got this embroidered vest from mens collection. I like it but it probably needs some slight alterations to fit bit better. Or then I might be too lazy for that. Wearing it over AA tank, with Carin Wester chinos and old brass cuff.

Posted on | July 6, 2010 | 2 Comments

// Non-colors

Posted on | July 2, 2010 | 7 Comments

If I had to stick just to one style I would probably vaguely vary the Mad Max futuristic-utilitarian-comfortable-dirty-faded-dusty looks for the rest of my life. Probably not because it is my absolutely favorite way to dress up (it is not) — but because it is somehow in harmony with my looks — heavy build, scars, pale wolf eyes, road dust colored hair.

This looks actually quite costume like although the separate pieces are simple enough — I wore it still. A familiar All Saints jersey dress over Weekday mesh tunic, Pedro Garcia sandals (initially I was pulling the Westwood boots on, they would go so well, too) and Topshop wristlets. For some reason I have stored these sandals as special occassion shoes — and have worn them maybe once or twice before. Don’t know why, they are very nice to walk in and blend in to many outfits. The thin straps limits the use a bit — but they can definitely be worn for short visits downtown. I love the contrast between almost unnoticeable straps and chunky sole. Something new in this outfit… …when I saw these weird jersey wristlets in Topshop online boutique I just had to have them. And yes, one might think that I have hurt my wrists — but still they please my eye so very much that I don’t really care. I would like to add some legwear, but it is too warm for that.

Posted on | July 2, 2010 | 7 Comments

// Pirates, ahoy

Posted on | June 30, 2010 | 7 Comments

I wanted to reward myself for my exercise project with something that I have wanted for a long time, something I believe I do use a lot and something I don’t consider completely outrageously out of my price range. So now I’m a happy owner of classic slouchy shaft Vivienne Westwood pirate boots in suede. The taupe color goes well with my wardrobe and I love the lightweight construction, these can be well incorporated to summer outfits as well.

The weather is very warm and summery, so the dressing is simple. I’m wearing an old Diesel sundress covered up with H&M cardigan — this piece has been probably my best high street purchase from this spring. The slouchy cut is excellent and I love the lively material. One of my Pilgrim pendants is hiding underneath the dress.

So… …this was the last month for my start for more physically active life — and although this month either was perfect from the exercise perspective (traveling and now the flu) I think I have actually changed something in my habits because I’m actually missing regular exercise when I’m not doing it. On this period I did not focus on weight loss, but I got down 4 – 5 kg and it certainly has not been my muscle mass.

Naturally this was not the end of the project. My summer holiday starts tomorrow and when I get well I’m planning to have a physical activity filled semester. And I could really focus on weight loss for a while. I’m still quite chubby.

Posted on | June 30, 2010 | 7 Comments

// Something blue, something borrowed

Posted on | June 29, 2010 | 8 Comments

I had several outfit photos packed to my hard drive, now starting to purge…

There’s not much about this outfit, it’s just a pile of cheap stuff. The silhouette draws this to the girly-cutesy side, I let the patterns and colors fight back just a bit to keep it from going too sweet. Tank is quite old American Apparel see thru one (I love electric blue in small portions), cotton cardi is from H&M, skirt from Monki sale (excellent piece, the watercolory black and white plaids are such an unusual and eye teasing print), the belt is from flea market (why would somebody like to sell perfectly worn in cognac leather belt, just asking) and the shoes are old Topshop wood wedges. Cat looks a bit upset about my choice of pattern… …I had to assure her that no animals were harmed…

Posted on | June 29, 2010 | 8 Comments

// Nineties cover-up-op

Posted on | June 16, 2010 | 2 Comments

I’m not turning this blog to outfit posts only. It’s just that I haven’t been surfing too much lately, haven’t got any fascinating e-mails from interesting indie designers *hint, hint* — and I just can’t get myself excited about fall fashion when the summer is just hesitantly beginning here far north…

Anyway, there has been a long period in my life when dressing to vintage nightgown belted as a dress combined to probably the most unfashionable vintage pair of sunglasses was totally out of question. But apparently that is not the case anymore. I layered this lovely pale peach silk vintage gown over a canary yellow vintage slip, threw a H&M cardigan over it — I love this one, especially after I changed the ugly plastic buttons to dyed mother of pearl ones — what a shame that there is no sight of them in these pics, haha! (Side note: I’m not always worrying about minor details, but ugly buttons are certainly an issue for me.) And then let the white Converse and couple of leather cuffs cut down the sweetness.

The sunglasses are my very first high profile brand pair from nineties (Emporio Armani) and they have started to look fresh to my eye just recently. I especially like how they combine metal and plastic to distantly antiqued look. Truth to be told they are actually my cover up plan for non-existing make up.

Posted on | June 16, 2010 | 2 Comments

// Sport, Pocahontas style

Posted on | June 11, 2010 | 11 Comments

I really, really dig skirts. The freedom of movement they provide — and the ventilation on summertime! For me it is not even a girl thing, I think that I would fight my right to wear one even if I were a guy.

Anyway… …I’m not riding on trends today, either… …I just happen to have found few quite awesome second hand leather pieces lately — this butter soft Pocahontas skirt being one.

The skirt was originally long a-lined one but I hitched it up from sides and attached with few stitches for this slight bustle skirt shape. Combined it to old H&M silk anorak, AA gray marl tank top and a pair of all white Converse — which in spite of my all effort to keep them bright and clean start to look pretty worn out… …all for this slightly sporty look. At makeup department there is still not much effort, sorry…

Posted on | June 11, 2010 | 11 Comments

keep looking »

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.