// 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

// Perfectly worn in

Posted on | June 24, 2010 | No Comments

Poets blouse from UnderCapricorn.

Tan leather clutch from PansysPlace.

Frye mules from Early Mornings.

Posted on | June 24, 2010 | No 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

// Just can’t get the grip of it

Posted on | June 8, 2010 | 8 Comments

I feel slight regrets of buying this dress from Berlin last autumn. I sort of like it, but it does not agree well with my wardrobe. I also thought that it is all too stripy to become really popular… …duh, was I wrong! I have seen it around a lot — which should not be a problem for high street advocate like me — but this piece is so recognizable…

On everyday use I think that it looks best on it’s own, paired just with casual flats and slouchy bag — but my body is not ideal for that. All additional layers strip off the effectiveness of this dress — except when they are theatrical enough.

I just toyed around with that dimension, wearing a vintage haori over the dress, adorned with my DIY body chain worn as giant lariat — I even attached couple of pendants to the ends. The other thing around my neck is an old glass beaded scarf, which actually falls closer to the jewelry category than scarves.

On the latter two pics: Vero Moda cascade knit and Design House Stockholm scarf create a weird court dress feeling.

But I’m probably not theatrical enough for these…

Posted on | June 8, 2010 | 8 Comments

// Flat shoe solutions

Posted on | May 10, 2010 | 6 Comments

The leg feels much better but I’m still taking it carefully, so my flats are in heavy rotation. Actually the weather is miserably cold — and today I seriously considered wearing the winter jacket when going out. And the bare ankles… …well, let’s just say that there are not too many people in addition to yours truly sporting them in this weather.

The haori jacket has been an enormous hit in my wardrobe. I love to wear it with regular denim outfits, over tunics, T:s, tanks and light layers — it definitely makes things bit more interesting. This time I have my old Lee jeans (the ones that saved my skin when I fell), amazing cotton guipure lace T I snatched from Gina Tricot (amazing being from GT, haha!) over a random tank and printed ponyskin flats from Pretty Ballerinas. Actually ballerinas are a staple on my wardrobe, I have another pair from PB in antique silver — and very low cut taupe pair from French Sole. My beloved black Repetto’s I walked to shreds last summer.

And I have an actual haircut with slanted fringe and some layers… …bit windswept but the cut still makes a difference.

Posted on | May 10, 2010 | 6 Comments

// Body conscious

Posted on | May 9, 2010 | 2 Comments

Yes, I have lost some weight, but I’m still not too confident with body conscious silhouettes for quite obvious reasons — and I doubt that whatever range my weight settles, doing bodyconscious dressing will probably not be my thing. But I could not resist on toying with this bargain corset I got from eBay last autumn — it is a superb detailed garment and so far it has been here in one drawing only. I doubt that I will never fully showcase it as a part of an outfit, but I like the idea of exposing it partially, this time like a low slung extra wide corset “belt”.

I built this outfit thinking about going out to relatively casual places… …so I’m wearing Cheap Monday pale blue jeans, sheer H&M vest over the corset which is worn in such a way that I can sit comfortably, and I turned the garters underneath to tone down its underwearishness. I really like how the elastics have yellowed from pure white to ivory, it makes combining this piece much more interesting. The lace biker is from H&M, too — and those suede booties are from my Berlin trip. I could not find the white American Apparel ruched top which would have extended the line of the corset under the sheer top layer, so that’s the explanation for black. And this was a test drive anyway…

I doubt that I will never go out like this — but if I change the top part to something very loose and short enough to let the corset peek from underneath… …yes, that might be the solution…

Posted on | May 9, 2010 | 2 Comments

// Everyday floral

Posted on | April 10, 2010 | 6 Comments

Oh, nothing special this time, but I like to keep these everyday wear posts going on — and not all of my everyday stuff is layered nor particularly creative. On Thursday I wore this nice cotton vintage dress to work, with H&M silk slip (I really like unlined dresses and separate slips), opaque tights and Vagabond OTK boots. I have an old metal bead choker wrapped twice to my wrist. But that’s about it. Super simple.

I would love to wear just the mongolian lamb vest on top of the dress when going out (and roll the sleeves down)… …but unfortunately it is not that warm yet.

Posted on | April 10, 2010 | 6 Comments

// Wearing the haori

Posted on | April 9, 2010 | 4 Comments

I have photographed just one actual outfit this week (bit busy week at work plus it has been so cloudy and dark) … but in addition to that I had to experiment a bit how I’m planning to implant the kimono stuff to my actual outfits. I really sought out another haori, a simple men’s style and in color that is totally lacking in my wardrobe: maroon. The maroon / ivory weave of this silk looks so exquisite, I really love it. I think I need third — a long one — made from softly draping silk, to be worn when lounging at home and maybe also as a dress…

I’m wearing the husband jeans ™ (old Acnes), Castañer wedges and an old Filippa-K vest with understated transparency detail, AA tube bra underneath. I also plan to layer the haoris with my old FCUK dark jean jacket, but I need to wash it once or twice to be sure that the color won’t bleed.

And I thought that it would be just fair to photograph the ratty Topshop bag — I have been carrying it with me almost every day for several years now and it has served so well. Truth is that I love it but our relationship kind of reminds me of an old marriage… …which is not necessarily a bad thing after all.

The red little monster peeking under the jacket is the tying cord, actually…

Posted on | April 9, 2010 | 4 Comments

// Vintage find

Posted on | March 31, 2010 | 6 Comments

I’ve done some great second hand finds this winter — and the nomination for the most beautiful one goes easily to this mint green, sparely flowered kimono. Or to be more exact, this is actually a haori jacket, used as top layer over a kimono. It is made of pretty awesome handpainted heavyweight silk and it has traditional half lining with a matching fabric. I will provide some detail shots later with first actual outfit post — but that will probably take a while, this one is not for rainy weather we are currently experiencing here.

And no, I’m not going to wear it like this… …I’m planning to layer it over my dark jean jacket (that one still needs a wash or two, I need to be certain that there will be no color transfer) or a second hand oversized denim shirt; to relatively casual outfits to tone it down. I like the idea, the simple shape and the quality fabric so much that I’m definitely going to get another one, with very different fabric. The men’s versions are often more simple with no painted or embroidered details, and that’s what I’m after — they usually have some subtle small scale woven pattern with colors like blue, gray and maroon, often combined to white or ecru — very easy to combine to prints and solids.

Naturally this was not my idea — I think that it was actually Susie Bubble who opened my eyes for these. Before that I remember seeing Catherine Baba wearing a kimono beautifully… …but that was not enough to cause any action here, though.

The bracelet is silver petal necklace from Efva Attling worn doubled, the suede belt is familiar from some previous outfit post — and oh yes, it is from Vero Moda, I found a faded print inside. A vintage slip underneath.

You can find several sellers from Etsy — this one is from SeskasPlace — I warmly recommend her shop! But there is more, check for example KimonoMomo and Togei.

And guess what. These are not expensive at all.

Posted on | March 31, 2010 | 6 Comments

// Vintage how-to — fur

Posted on | January 3, 2010 | 31 Comments

Ok. I just wonder if it is possible to write about fur without saying what you think about it. I have stated my opinion here earlier, but I will do it again, just in case. But this is not opinion post, this is about choosing, caring, maintaining and repairing second hand fur.

I think that keeping and killing animals just for fur does not fit to contemporary society, I don’t want to encourage it and for that reason I would never consider new fur. But on the other hand I am carnivorous — and I sure hope that all parts of the animal end up in good use — including skin and fur. So, maybe I could consider for example lamb fur — but so far I haven’t bought any new fur garments.

I also wish that everything that human being has manufactured will be used to it’s full value. For that reason I like the idea of using second hand fur, until it falls apart. The material lasts for generations if handled well and the use value of fur is really good in this northern climate.

For all valuable fur I strongly suggest professional care. But you can get lesser quality second hand fur for bargain prices — and in that case you might be curious to mend and maintain it yourself. If you have at least a bit common sense and some basic skills in sewing, I truly encourage you to try rather than leave the precious material to deteriorate, the maintenance adds up years, maybe tens of years to the furs mileage.

How to pick a good fur from charity shop?

When you evaluate the condition of the fur in the second hand shop, the hair itself tells a little. Usually fur retains it’s shine and softness easily.

You should pay more attention to the leather under the hair. Does it feel soft and supple — or brittle and hard, or paper like? Does it leave dust or more coarse residue to your hands? Can you find tears, usually from seams, check especially underarm, middle back, side seams, elbows and around the collar. Does the fur shed hair?

If there are no major tears and the hair seems to be relatively well attached to the skin even brittle skinned, hardened or slightly papery fur can be saved. Note that some furs are relatively prone for shedding even in decent condition, rabbit is a good example.

Check also marks of possible insect damage (small, usually round holes, broken hair or bald spots in small but distinct areas) and staining, with pale fur especially around the collar. To see possible yellowing you might need to see the fur in natural light, tungsten light is so warm colored that it can camouflage light yellowing. See also sleeve openings and inner collar, these areas can be dirty and/or badly worn.

Everyday care for all fur

Never storage your fur in plastic — and don’t use mothballs or cedar or any other substances with strong smells to preserve it. If moths are nuisance in your apartment you should take your fur coat to professional storage for summertime. In Finland moths are not a big problem (personally I have never encountered those), but even here the professional storage might be good idea, especially if you live in modern apartment with dry, air conditioned air — it is just too dry to keep the fur in top shape. Both excessive dryness and excessive moisture are bad for fur. Dryness makes the skin age fast and it comes brittle and prone to tearing, moisture encourages the insects and — in bad cases — mold. Cool space is better for fur storage than warm.
Let your fur to breathe. Use a sturdy, wide shouldered hangar for it and be sure to not to squeeze it between other garments. Avoid hanging stuff over the fur and if you bag the fur for storage, use fabric pouch or uncolored paper pouch for protection, never plastic. You can even add some tissue paper inside the collar (make a sort of extra collar out of it, so that it raises the pouch slightly to the air) to avoid pressure and protect the shoulders.
Avoid carrying your bag on shoulder when wearing fur.
If the fur gets wet in a rain, no problem. Just shake excess water out of it and let it dry freely in normal room temperature. Don’t use heat. If the fur is soaked, take it to the professional when it has dried.
Small stains can be removed from fur with Marseille soap and bit of water — or 50/50 water-rubbing alcohol mixture. You need a sponge or cloth that does not stain or leave any residue. When using soap and water, don’t wet the fur. Just keep the sponge lightly moist and rub the stain so that the soap makes just a bit foam. In the end rinse the sponge well and remove all foam residue with moist sponge (you might need rinse the sponge several times and keep stroking the fur with moist sponge). With alcohol the process is essentially same, moisten the sponge with mixture and squeeze excess of it out. Rub the stain carefully, no need to rinse. You can always test your method of cleaning to some hidden place, this might be wise especially with dyed fur.
A professional can condition your fur, this should be done in 2 – 3 years intervals to keep the fur in top shape. The brittleness of the skin means that you need to hurry.
Finland is not exactly a paradise for second hand shopper. Well edited second hand boutiques are sparse and relatively expensive, charity shops are stinky and full of crap (FYI, personally I prefer these smelly, full of crap places to well edited — and well priced ones, anytime. Nothing beats the joy of real bargain find!). But you can find great fur here in bargain prices. I guess that because of this miserable climate (-26 degrees Celsius today) the fur has been a staple in Finnish wardrobe. And lots of good stuff has been carried to charity shops. I picked my gray rabbit fur from Valtteri flea market for 10€ — and that one is real quality fur. The coat you see in the first image is from UFF 5€ days, although furs were bit more expensive, maybe that 10€. Both are great places for bargain fur finds in Helsinki, and you can also try Salvation Army charity shops.

DIY conditioning & repairing after the jump

Posted on | January 3, 2010 | 31 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.