Vintage-ing

Paradoxically, when we have reached a high point in terms of digital technology, many nostalgics are going back to analog.

First, it was the vinyl which still enamoures many of us with its fantastic sound. Then the Polaroid returned full of charm, boosted by the closure of its factories. And now the comeback of the Lomo.

From Unica Home "Originally produced by the great wall plastic factory in Hong Kong in the 1960's the diana has become a cult classic, known for producing soft and dreamy images due to light leakage. given away by reader's digest as a freebie, the diana has been out of production for almost 35 years. A light, inexpensive medium (120 film) format camera, the 'new' diana has 4 f-stops and comes with a booklet, camera strap and lens cover. An additional change is that the camera has a removable lens, allowing for pinhole camera action!"

Slimane

Away from home feeling I am going to see something unique. I enter the museum and see the distinctive black & white Slimane portraits. Just 10 of them. Add some music festival noise to create the atmosphere. 120 km to see ten pics...is this what L'art pour l'art means?

Music when the lights go out - The Libertines

In the name of perfection

It's no secret we live in a hedonistic society obsessed with perfection; one only has to think in all the tools within our reach to change what it is not written in our genes: plastic surgery, make-up...and the list goes on and on.

After much thought, I can't think -apart from the obvious- of any reasons to explain this phenomenon. Aren't flaws the ones that give us character?

On top of it, is the overuse of Photoshop. I beg those who are working at magazines to stop it because most of the times it's on the verge of tackyness.

"A flaw, a mistake. That's what makes the poetry, gives it the painterly quality". Miroslav Tichý.

Maybe not - Cat Power

Selling at all costs

I've always been in love with the tomboy look Winona Ryder sported in Girl Interrupted. Especially when she wore men shirts. It may seem a bit boring at first, but it's great for lazy days when you only have to attend some classes.

Now, American Apparel is selling something of the kind. The thing is that in USA the said shirt costs $54, while in Europe the same one is €54. That makes a difference of almost €20! Even if the garments are made in L.A. I don't get the huge difference in price.

Isla de Encanta - Pixies

Strange feelings

19th August. Summer is coming to an end, but I've got the feeling it hasn't already started. Tiredness and boredom join forces causing lack of inspiration. I'd rather not write, but I can't. I must do it, or I'd be betraying myself.

Pic by Francesca Woodman

I crossed the doorstep and think:

(I look like a million bucks)

Later, waiting for the traffic lights to turn green, I see the prettiest girl with a perfectly studied outfit. She must think I look like crap (!)

Stuck in the middle with you - Steve Miller Band

Com(m)e and stay with me

If I were to name a few of my favourite labels, Comme des Garçons would be -without a doubt- one of them. Traumatic experiences (aka several articles missed on e-bay) made me lost faith in owning a Rei Kawakubo's design.

So, as you can imagine, I received the collaboration with H&M as great news. The whole line screams CdG: polka dots galore, black, deconstruction...

On the other hand, many people are complaining because CdG is suppossed to be a non-commercial brand, and this collaboration is regarded as a big marketing maneuver. What are your thoughts on this?

Come and stay with me - Marianne Faithfull

Wounds of sorrow, words of joy

At first, one thinks perverse and sweet doesn't match very well. But, Lochers wants to prove the contrary with its latest jewellery collection. To get what I mean, look at the piece below: It's called the Kate necklace.

The Paris-based Swiss designer has put together irony with embroidery resulting in a bunch of necklaces that will add a different twist to any outfit.

I am the Walrus - The Beatles

Beauty routine

I've always wondered what Chloë Sevigny does to keep her skin inmaculate and glowing. If you are in the same boat as me, congratulations because she confessed her beauty regime to Marie Claire. Good genes also help.

"I recently started having microdermabrasion at Mamie's Spa in New York City, which leaves my skin bright and my pores tight. My home version is Kiehl's."

Other Chloë's favourites:

DIOR DiorShow Mascara: "I love lots and lots of lash and this is the best - I can keep it on without drying out my lashes."

MAC Cream Colour Base in Premeditated: "This pigment packs a punch, so just a bit does the trick. Besides, I find most men don't like a lot of makeup." This sentence surprised me because I wouldn't have imagined she got ready just for men.

SMITH'S Rosebud Salve: "This balm, a small hairbrush, and a gold Estée Lauder compact from the Tom FOrd Collection two years ago are always on my person."

RENEW & RELAX spa: "The day after a long night of dancing at the clubs, I go foa fabulous foot massage at Renew & Relax, a nail place near my house in downtown Manhattan."

ESTÉE LAUDER Tom Ford Collection compact

CHLOÉ Eau de Parfum


Source: Marie Claire via TFS


Downtown - Petula Clark

Masscob

After years of working for other companies, in 2003 Marga Massanet and Jacobo Cobian took the plunge and found their own label: Masscob.

The vintage inspired silhouettes are reinterpreted with taste, resulting in a variety of timeless clothes. Massanet and Cobian are not afraid of saying they ignore trends, because their garments are made for individuals who have a clear idea of how they want to look.

Delicacy and details mark the difference, giving the brand a charming vibe that the customer can't help but fall in love with.

I am sure this brand will enamour those who are already fans of Isabel Marant, Maje or A.P.C.

How to fight loneliness - Wilco

If only I had $150,000...

The always avant-garde magazine Visionaire has teamed-up with Goyard to make 10 complete sets of its first 50 issues in a trunk made ad hoc for the anniversary. The only impediment for me to buy it, is the fact that I don't own $150,000.

But if you are willing to pay the mentioned amount, let me tell you it worths it. The truck includes things like "the "Vinyl Killer" Mini, a battery-operated car with a needle on its underside that plays music as it travels across the record grooves" or The Diana Vreeland memos issue.

Sources: Wall Street Journal, TFS.

The Passenger - Iggy Pop

I love by

When I was in Paris I saw several guys wearing this t-shirt:

To my surprise, when I got back home, I had an e-mail of a French brand called iloveby that produces the said t-shirts. The main purpose of Mely and Cyril -the designers behind iloveby- is to support new and upcoming illustrators.

They recently launched a new -and rad- project: "this bag sucks ", a collaboration between 12 different artists.

High on life - Polock

Winter wishlist

From left to right: A.P.C. trench, topshop top, play comme des garçons black cardigan, vivienne westwood sex shoes, topshop skinnies and belt, isabel marant shirt, tuxedo and vintage school satchel.

Wish you were here-Pink Floyd

Shopping in Paris

After nearly two weeks, I could finally take pictures of the things I bought in Paris.

I purchased the Brassaï book on impulse. I had previously seen -and loved- a few of his pictures at the Pompidou, and it only cost 10€ so, it had to be mine. As well as the The Beatles vinyl, even though I have most songs on CD.

The Ferragamo's were on my winter wishlist. The shoes were a bit stiff at first, but they worth the initial pain. I also bought some Princess Tam-Tam underwear and a striped t-shirt.

My eyes literally glittered when I saw this Charles Anastase dress hanging on a rack. I had spent the previous months to the trip coveting it at Browns. However, I waited a few days before I decided I was going to get it and when I came back it wasn't there (!).

I was ready to kick myself, when my friend advised me to ask the shop assistant. I breathed a sign of relief when she kindly told me they had put somewhere else.

Golden skans - The Klaxons

What's next?

It seems everyone is already thinking about what to wear next season, and so am I. My favourite trends for next fall/winter are:

1.- Grunge. Long plaid flannel shirts paired with ripped tights will be my signature outfit.

Preen

2.-Lace. Ever since I saw Sienna Miller wearing this lace dress, I've been lusting after one. Thanks to Miuccia for bringing it back.

23/08/05

3.-Men inspired clothing: long blazers, slouchy pants, crisp white shirts...

Daughters by Obedient Sons

4.-Military inspired jackets. Did they ever leave us?

Scanned by Diorette for TFS.

5.-Patterned/Ripped tights, or how to make a statement.

Rodarte

Pennyroyal Tea - Nirvana

Uterqüe

The Inditex* group, in its search for new markets, has just launched Uterqüe a new line focused in fashion accessories for women. They will also sell a selected range of garments and leather clothing.

The firsts shops -already opened in Madrid, Barcelona and La Coruña- as well as the products, are said to be very sophisticated.

Taking on account the current economic situation, it doesn't seem a clever movement. I am guessing everything was already prepared before the crisis took place.

* Inditex has eight sales formats: Zara, Oysho, Massimo Dutti, Stradivarius, Bershka, Zara Home, Pull & Bear and Kiddy's Class.


Dance with me - Adam Green

Bad girl gone good?

Kate Moss is on the new cover of US Vogue. But this time she's playing a role that doesn't correspond her: the good girl.

The accompanying header reads: How the supermodel rose from bad girl to business tycoon. Really, Anna do you want to fool us? Why does Vogue want to clean-up her image now? I don't get it.

Besides, the main reason many people love Kate is precisely because she's not a good girl at all! She always does whatever she wants without having on account what the public opinion would think.

Golden touch - Razorlight


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You might have noticed I changed the header. It's provisional. I just got tired of the old one. But this time, I need your help because I am hopeless at Photoshop. Any idea, drawing, suggestion...would be more than welcomed. Please, send me an e-mail with your proposal at silkandlame@hotmail.com

Totokaelo

Generally, I enjoy having a look at online shops. But with Impulse is something else. I L-O-V-E every single designer they stock and the way the clothes are presented.

The thing is, they used to sell only through the phone, and I never liked the idea very much. So when I found out they had established an online shop called Totokaelo, I was more than happy.

It's not only a shop but also an online community allowing customers to have a more personal service. Their response is almost instantaneous. And the best is they still keep the same philosophy they had at Impulse: "choosing pieces that are timeless, versatile, and well crafted. "

What else can you ask for?

Work, work, work (pub, club, sleep) - The Rakes

Dommage!

I am really sorry for not updating these past two weeks, but I connected myself to the Internet thrice, and I only had the time to check my email.

Anyway, here I am to tell you everything about my trip to Paris. I, obviously, had the greatest time ever. My favourite part of the city was definitely Le Marais: the shops, the atmosphere, the arquitecture...I visited a few vintage shops there, being Mamz' Elle Swing one my favourites. All the clothes were in such good condition.

That same day, I also visited the Centre Pompidou and I liked it more than expected. They have such an amazing collection. I discovered Brassaï, and bought a book with some of his works. Apart from that I also bought a Charles Anastase dress, a pair of Vara Ferragamo shoes, a striped tee (so random, I know), Princesse tam-tam underwear, Le Petit Prince book, a vinyl from The Beatles and some CD's. I'll post pics as soon as my friend from Why Fashion? returns.

I went to the Avedon and Valentino exhibitions, and I loved them both. I strongly recommend them.

To sum up, I didn't find women extremely chic or anything, especially taking on account everyone has that damn Longchamp bag! I am not saying the French chic is a fakery, however I couldn't really see anything that caught my eye. I blame it on the hoards of tourists.

Non, je ne regrette rien - Edith Piaf

Soñar despierto

*Yesterday, Josep Font presented in Paris his latest collection. Once again, the Spanish designer, took distance from the mediocrity that floods the majority of international catwalks, showing his mastery and savoir-faire.

I can safely say, this is one of the few shows that have made me jump with joy from my chair and made me think about fashion as art.

Like puzzle pieces falling into place, Font conceived this 18Th century story -history itself- taking care of every single detail: from colours, to fabrics, embroideries, silhouettes or even the atmosphere.

More than dresses, these garments are works of art invested with life, capable of leaving behind feelings of astonishment.

* Click here to read this article in Spanish.


Volver - Estrella Morente

Leaving for Paris

On Sunday I'll be leaving for Paris and I will have two weeks to explore the city. Therefore I've made a list (it's an obsession of mine) of things I would like to purchase there, and on top of it, is getting something at Princesse Tam-Tam.

My love for this brand is well justified. To start with, it's made by women who know that not every kind of underwear fits every body. It's common -and very annoying too- to find a bra you like, whose style doesn't fit you. However, Princesse Tam-Tam makes a wide range of styles in the same fabrics, resulting in timeless classics.

Shopping recommendations are more than welcomed! (you can leave a comment or send me an e-mail)

Leaving for Paris - Rufus Wainwright