Totokaelo, Impulse Seattle's new e-commerce site, is full of wonderful finds from labels Mayle, Isabel Marant, Rachel Comey, A.P.C., Acne, and so many more. I have pictured recent items on the site that I have "hearted"...

::1:: Mayle Raya Tank $266; Yoshi Kondo Cotton Stripe Blouse $217; Isabel Marant Eloni Blouse $224; all @ totokaelo

::2:: A.P.C. Spaghetti Strap Dress $265; A.P.C. Four Pocket Dress $245; Mayle Camila Top $500; all @ totokaelo

::3:: Whyred Catrin Pump $278.60; Willow Silk Knot Dress $527.80; Rue Ring No. 3 $204; all @ totokaelo

::c l o c k w i s e:: Kaoru Bound Sea Creature Necklace $401.80; Kaoru Bound Sea Creature Bracelet $282.80; Isabel Marant Owen Wedge $418.60; Kaoru Coral Rose Ring $159.60; all @ totokaelo

A friend just found me a pair of adorable Rachel Comey sandals. I'm so enthralled with them--I keep admiring them on my feet! I think I just found a new favorite! Here are some more lovelies from Rachel Comey that caught my eye:

::1::Rachel Comey Wright Heeled Leather Sandals $298 @ Tobi; Rachel Comey Cricket- White

Sophia Loren & I were thrilled to see a beagle & owner featured on Face Hunter! So thrilled that we couldn't resist republishing it here. (Oh and we love her mod 60s look!)


Viva la Beagle!

image via Face Hunter

I adore these gorgeous images of these French actresses taken for Garance Dore. They are each so elegant and beautiful, I could look at these images all day...

Annabelle Hettmann


Melanie Bernier


Roxanne Mesquida

images via Garance Dore

One of my favorite (and most flattering) dresses hanging in my closet was created by Miss Dorothy Lee (Fall 2007 collection), so when I began to search for a gorgeous white dress for those late night summer parties by the beach I turned to her again for something simple, & elegantly draped. I of course was not disappointed and as I sifted through the Spring 2008 look book I knew exactly what I would accessorize said white dress with. None other than some fabulous red peep toe pumps! See below for some of my favorite looks from Dorothy Lee's Spring/Summer collection:


Red shoes are a must...


Cupid's Arrow Peep-Toes $178 @ Anthropologie;

View the entire Dorothy Lee collection here. Purchase @ Revolve Clothing
& the following list of fine retailers.

I adore the bits of green found in these new prints by ah-yi that are now available on etsy:

Willow $22; Cacti Birds Eye View $27;

I have a week of vacation coming up beginning July 3rd, and I have yet to secure myself some chic swim wear! Oh no, time is running out! I'm on a mission like no other hunting down the best suits for summer! This is mas importante as I plan to spend a significant portion of my vaca catching some rays! Here are a few suits that caught my eye, now all I have to do is choose...


::top:: Vix Provence Tie Bikini $146 @ shopbop; Syla by Sylvie Cachay The Brigitte Bikini in Cardinale $220 @ Couture Candy; Syla by Sylvie Cachay Ava Bikini in Stained $198 @ Couture Candy; Vix Palmilla Bikini $168 @ Shopbop; Syla by Sylvie Cachay Carolina Bikini in Massi $251 @ Couture Candy; Malia Mills Dionne One-Piece $365 @ Shopbop;

::middle:: Poko Pano Palms of Rio One Piece in Black $120 @ Couture Candy; Tyler Rose Lacroix One Piece Swimsuit $193 @ Couture Candy;Poko Pano Marcelina Bikini in Multi $150 @ Couture Candy; Marysia CHARLESTON Knot Bandeau Bikini in Fuchsia $183 @ Couture Candy; Melissa Odabash Paris Bikini $150 @ Shopbop;

::bottom:: Marysia CHARLESTON Reversible Halter One Piece $147 @ Couture Candy; Malia Mills Danceteria Print Top & Print Cinch Bikini Bottom $160 +$155 respectively @ Shopbop; Marc by Marc Jacobs Logo Bikini $158 @ Shopbop; Syla by Sylvie Cachay Carolina Bikini $251 @ Couture Candy; Marysia CHARLESTON Reversible Bandeau Bikini in Fuchsia $176 @ Couture Candy;

It is already established I love the prints in the Mociun Spring/Summer 2008 collection, thus it should come as no surprise that I was thrilled to the Mociun fabric resurface on these wonderful throw pillows by Lena Corwin. The pillows are limited edition and were made using the leftover fabric from the Mociun S/S 2008 collection.


$110 each available @ Lena Corwin (hurry, these will sell out fast)

Katherine Pont, an illustrator turned fashioned designer, started her clothing line, appropriately named, "Mine" in 2003, and since has gained a huge indie following. The spring/summer 2008 line, titled "I gave my love a paper cut" is full of flirty dresses, & high waisted gems...two of my favorite things! Here are my favorite looks from the Mine S/S 2008 collection. I simply can't get over how much I love these images!


::top:: Eyelet you playsuit; Bloomertail shorts & Demure Daze Cami; Tulips in a row dress; Emperor's New Shoes; Plum Skirt Look 5

::bottom:: Sweet Dress Look 6 , Mine Scissors Paper Frock Dress $220 @ Standard Deviation, Paper cut dress $195 @ Standard Deviation; feather look 7, shorts look 8,


P.S. A few pieces from Mine's Fall Collection are available now @ Sotto Boutique.

I'm loving the purple, orange, & blue found in Madewell's summer 2008 look book!
images via Madewell

Lately, I've been listening to Death Cab For Cutie's new album "Narrow Stairs" non-stop. Each time I make my way through the tracks I further convince myself that I will never tire of it. Likewise, I will never tire of album's wonderful cover art created by designer, EE Storey.
Needless to say this album has been my source of inspiration on numerous levels. Come to think of it, when I saw the DCFC album cover I was reminded of a colorful collage Elisabeth Dunker, of Fine Little Day, posted back in March, that had me equally smitten. These two pieces of art have me on a bit of a cut & paste bender that has now filtered into my wardrobe. Lucky for me, the color block & painterly trends seem to coincide with my search for colorful geometric frocks & accessories. Here are a few items that might as well have been inspired by the very artworks I referenced above:


::top:: Death Cab For Cutie "Narrow Stairs" $9.99 @ amazon; Miu Miu Nappa Patch Tote $1420 @ Saks; Myne Print Scarlet Dress $264 @ Shopbop;

::bottom:: collage by Elisabeth Dunker of Fine Little Day; Rachel Pally Print Sleeveles Short Caftan $220; Castle Starr Cinched Waist Dress $598 @ Shopbop;

Have you purchased your copy of "For the Love of Light" yet? I just ordered mine, but less for the love of light and more for the love of polaroid & the twenty-five talented photographers who are featured in the book! :) I can't wait to pour through it & be inspired.


Order yours here

The photos featured in NOA NOA's Summer 2008 look book are beyond beautiful! These images are set in what can only be described as the ideal summer. The kind of summer that one only finds in movies and deserted islands. I want my summer to be exactly like this! Of course I would also require a photographer to be on hand to capture every moment & person look to be as elegant & glamorous as the women in these images do!



View the entire NOA NOA collection here


{via abby try again}

I have been seeing some seriously cute sandals here in the big apple causing me to experience severe case of shoe envy! It should come as no surprise however, who can navigate the cobblestone streets holding a zillion shopping bags in platforms?! Okay, so there are a few daring gals (bless their hearts) who have mastered this art, but for our less graceful fashionistas these fabulous sandals will keep your shopping excursions disaster free (just be sure to look both ways--Manhattan drivers don't exactly yield to pedestrians:))!


::top:: 3.1 Phillip Lim for Tatami Patent T-Strap $158 @ Otte; Sigerson Morrison Mirrored Gladiator Sandal $450 @ La Garconne; Modern Vintage Shoes Patent Fernanda Gladiator Sandal $225 @ Shopbop; Dolce Vita Bermuda Faux Snake Gladiator Sandal $135 @ Shopbop;

::middle:: Matt Bernson KM Gladiator Sandal Gold $169 @ Bare Foot Tess;
Lemon Zest Sandals $88 @ Anthropologie; Miu Miu leather gladiator sandals on sale for $338 @ Net-A-Porter; Paul & Joe Dedalo Flat Gladiator Sandal $758 @ Shopbop; Tory Burch Alexis Patent Gladiator Sandal $275 @ Shopbop;

::bottom:: Devotte Off-White Studded Sandals $335 @ Satine; United Bamboo Tassle Sandal $415 @ La Garconne; Ludi Sandals $188 @ Anthropologie; Sam Edelman Gilda Gladiator Sandal in Black & White $85 @ Revolve Clothing; Matiko Gladiator Sandal in Nude Suede $90 @ Revolve Clothing;

Rachel Bilson attended the Whitney Art Party at Skylight in NYC Tuesday night wearing a stunning mini Herve Leger dress, Lanvin shoes, and an amazing Romanek feather clutch--giving us all a new appreciation for the classic bandage dress. Rachel looks gorgeous with the natural makeup, and pulled back hair, but what I love most is that this dress has sculpted her tiny frame into a sexy more womanly figure! I swear these dresses are like magic!



here is a closer look at the details of the dress & bag...


Perfection!

Want to pour yourself into a sexy bandage dress? Check out these options below from Intermix:

After falling victim to the Marc by Marc Jacobs Airliner Magazine Clutch supply shortage (they were sold out everywhere!!) , I have set my sights on a new Marc by Marc Magazine clutch.  I am convinced that this one is even better than the first as the color & lock detail have me sold two times over, so I will not hesitate. You know that old saying, how does it go again--purchase first, ask questions later?  Yeah, that sounds about right! 

Pamela Love has parlayed her obsessions with nature & science into a unique & edgy jewelry line that never fails to fascinate me. I may be lusting after her peacock ring (pictured below) at the moment, but her eagle talon cuffs, molar necklaces (she was bred by dentists), & anatomically correct heart necklaces always have me wanting more.


Pamela Love Peacock Ring (18k gold-plated with blue sapphire) $320 @ Cabinet of Curiosities

I put on the brakes on my search for eco-friendly chic ensembles once I picked up a lovely dress by Larsen Gray. It is very rare to find an eco-friendly garment with the fine artistic details and embellishments found in Larsen Gray's line that could be described as polished, feminine, a bit eclectic, & fun. Larsen Gray is designed by Pratt Institute alums Nora Caliguri (a season 1 Project Runway alum) & Rachelyn Porter (who formally worked with Chanel). Saving the earth has never looked this good! Here are my favorite looks available from their spring/summer line:


::top::Salvia Shoulder Sash Dress $216; Dianelle Ruffle Dress $224; Ladybell Open Back Dress $216; Lily Lace Dress $246; all @ shopbop

::bottom::Distincta Open Side Tank $244 + Roseipes Braid Highwaist Short $216 both @ shopbop ; Larsen Gray Azuka Ruffle Tank$185 @ basic boutique; Bolea Braid Dress $242 @ shopbop; Larsen Gray Pocket Dress $260 @ basic boutique;

I am finding it increasingly difficult to resist these sweet floral printed items found at Bird...my wallet is DOOMED! :)


::top:: Tsumori Chisato bouquet print jersey dress $475; 3.1 Phillip Lim floral screenprint tank top $125; Tsumori Chisato bouquet print cashmere scarf $310; Tsumori Chisato aloha girl printed silk dress $750; all @ Bird

::bottom:: Farhi - Nicole Farhi rose buds scarf $185; Tsumori Chisato bouquet print silk dress $675; IGE Designs flower bunny $75; Acne bella flower print dress $300; all @ Bird

A little over a year ago I was posting about Marisa Haedike, of Creative Thursday's adorable paintings coming to life in the form of sweet clay character sculptures. Now, Marisa's characters are coming to life in a new form-a children's story. The book, is titled, "Who are you going to be today Olive?" and is written & illustrated by Marisa. The 26 page book features 22 illustrations and revolves around the story of Olive, a little bird, learning to be herself with the help of a few friends (some of who are surely, familar from Marisa's artwork!). One hundred hard copies of the book will be available (at the price of $44.95) as early as August 2008 and will come numbered and signed by Marisa. Softcover copies will be available for purchase later this year.

Purchase "Who Are You Going To Be Today Olive?" right here.

**View more from Marisa @ Creative Thursday
**Purchase more of Marisa's work at the Creative Thursday shop

This weekend as I was sifting through my overflowing closet I found myself favoring high waisted pleated mini skirts & pleated tunics & shifts while ditching the bohemian looks summer's past. For me these pleated looks are delicate, simple, & feminine-the tiny folds adding the right amount of polish that will definitely outlast the summer months.

::top:: sneaky pleat dress by rachel comey $281 @ le train bleu; vanessa bruno long pleated sleeveless dress $355.60 @ shopbop; lux pleat front dress $58 @ urban outfitters; le befana petal-pleat shell $78 @ anthropologie; zero maria cornejo off shoulder jersey dress $412 @ la garconne; karen zambos pleated babydoll dress $372 @ couture candy; alexander wang tank dress $407 @ basic boutique; bensoni shift dress with pleated bust $540 @ la garconne;

::middle:: alexander wang silk crepe racerback dress $455 @ bird; miu miu pleated satin dress $2212.50 @ net-a-porter; splendid in-the-fold tank $39.95 @ anthropologie; jovovich hawk alex mini pleated dress in yellow $418 @ revolve clothing; built by wendy shiny coated poplin pleated dress in grey $321 @ revolve clothing; design history pleated empire top $100 @ saks; vesey by maniesse $120 @ active endeavors;

::bottom:: double flower pleated tunic $22.80 @ forever 21; karen zambos vintage couture pleated baby doll dress $372 @ shopbop; bread & butter pleated dress $204 @ otte; ASOS pleated detail jersey cardi £20 @ asos; vanessa bruno athe accordion pleat dress $211 @ la garconne; nora marcella apron skirt $231 @ basic boutique; juicy couture piped n pleated linen denim short$148 @ shopbop.

As many of you know, New York is my adopted home--I am originally from Iowa, a region that is presently being pummeled by tornadoes, rain, and now floods that are reaching historic levels. 53 of the 99 counties in Iowa have been declared disaster areas. Cedar Rapids, IA, the second largest city in Iowa (after Des Moines), is one of the hardest hit regions. The entire downtown area of the city is under water (see photos & video below). Residents all over the state are being asked to conserve water, and there is a need for sandbag volunteers in the downtown Des Moines area (& in other areas I'm sure). As of this morning, Principal Park (home of the Iowa Cubs) in downtown Des Moines is an island-- the dugouts & parking lot are completely filled with water. Having just flipped through photos of the floods of 1993, this news was eerily familiar. The water levels are constantly changing and are not expected to recede until tomorrow morning. I ask that you to keep the people of Iowa in your hearts and prayers.


Cedar Rapids Thursday:





{images via Des Moines Register}

Visit the Des Moines Register for constant updates on the flooding complete with videos & photos.

{looks from s/s 2008}

Parisian designer Vanessa Bruno has perfected the feminine cool look with her elegantly draped dresses & effortlessly chic ensembles. Now on June 17th Vanessa Bruno will launch an album, entitled "Plant A Tree" of compiled folk music featuring songs from Kate Bush, Chet Baker, Kevin Ayers, King Harvest, Lesley Duncan, Bobbie Gentry & more. Proceeds of the album will benefit the Planete Urgence Assocation...five trees will be planted for every album sold, which will in turn help the organization's reforestation operation. The album will be available at Vanessa Bruno boutiques, Colette, & FNAC Paris. See below for the track listing...

1. King Harvest- dancing in the moonlight
2. Lesley Duncan- love song
3. Chet Baker- come saturday at noon
4. Kate Bush- army dreamers
5. Sweet Inspirations- but you know you love me
6. 22-Pistepirkko- birdy
7. Glen Campbell- witchita lineman
8. Townes van Zandt- waitin round to die
9. Kevin Ayers- puis je?
10. Lee Dorsey- freedom for the stallion
11. Colin Blunstone- caroline goodbye
12. Bobbie Gentry- mornin' glory
13. Sibylle Baier- tonight
14. Dion- abraham, martin, john
    

I was greeted with tornado sirens in St. Louis, and landed in NYC during a terrific show of lightning, but in between it all I had a fabulous time with these girls some of whom I haven't seen for 8 years! It is always great to hang out and reminisce about the "good ol' days!"  Abby did a fabulous job planning the weekend! Here is a photo of us ladies at the St. Louis Arch!

 

The Sex & The City movie had several St. Louis references, one of them being this film. Incidentally, I'm headed to St. Louis this weekend to meet some of my girlfriends! Sadly, I'll be away from this space until Monday. I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

This clip may be a bit out of season, but if you ask me it is the best part of "Meet Me In St. Louis", enjoy...

I must admit, I have a bit of a girl crush on the the Laura & Becky Carter of the eco-friendly indie label, Velvet Leaf. I couldn't help but be smitten with these images:











images via: http://www.myspace.com/velvetleaf

I can't wait to check out Début, a new shop in Nolita (298 Mulberry Street) that will showcase emerging labels in a gallery-esque environment. The mission of Debut is to celebrate the artistry of fashion designers in their own dedicated showcase. For a full list of designers available at Debut please visit here!

I was very sad to hear the news that Alison Lewis and Rachel Antonoff, the designers behind the label Mooka Kinney, are splitting up! This news coming in just after I spied Carrie Bradshaw wearing their flag dress in the Sex & The City movie (whilst doing some cell phone tossing) this past weekend too! However, I must admit I was slightly disappointed Carrie didn't wear one of the infamous jumpers!!

Here is a peak at their fall 2008 collection:


The girls of Mooka Kinney are too cute...this video says it all:



I wish them both the best of luck in the future! (hopefully we will have two fab new labels!)

Lila Rice Marshall is a native east coast girl who took her passion for unique handmade jewelry to the West coast where after graduating she fell in love with metalsmithing which in turn led to the birth of Round Designs Jewelry in 2001. Lila's designs juxtapose opposing elements incorporating both organic and industrial aesthetics. Her pieces are can be considered edgy or refined with mixed chains, metals, & textures.



{clockwise} Bow Necklace by Round Designs Jewelry $216; Medallion Necklace by Round Designs Jewelry $216; Boyfriend Necklace by Round Designs Jewelry $216; Mesh Disc Bracelet by Round Designs Jewelry $247; all @ active endeavors

Scallop prints, detail, and hemlines have been ubiquitous in fashion lines this spring, and I am loving the feminine touch! Mayle, See by Chloe, Madison Marcus, Karen Zambos, Prada, Manolo Blahnik, Milly, Marc by Marc are just a few labels that have embraced the mini-trend--check out some of my favorites below:


{top} See by Chloé Bi-color shift dress $723.60 @ Net-A-Porter; Madison Marcus Ruffle Racer Back Dress $197.40 @ Pink Mascara; Marc by Marc Jacobs Open Toe Dotted Pump $350 @ Shopbop; Spiral Metal Cuff w/ scalloped edges $8.90 @ Forever 21; Madison Marcus Scallop Top $182 @ Basic Boutique; 3.1 Phillip Lim Pleated Lace Scallop Dress $311.50 @ La Gorconne; Dolce Vita 'Athens 38' Sandal $89.95 @ Nordstrom; Ella Moss Ivy Cami in Sun $171 @ Revolve Clothing; Karen Zambos Vintage Couture Scallop Top $262 @ Shopbop; Shoshanna Eyelet Shift Dress $330 @ Nordstrom; Prada Scalloped Pump $442 @ Neiman Marcus;

{bottom} See by Chloe Scallop Print dress $625 @ Bergdorf Goodman; Prada Suede Scalloped Pump $550 @ Neiman Marcus; Stella McCartney Scalloped Tier Dress $842 @ Neiman Marcus; Ulla Johnson Anais Dress $352 @ Basic Boutique; Bing Bang Scalloped Earrings in Gunmetal $77 @ Revolve Clothing; Boutique Nordstrom 'Melina' Pump $47.55 @ Nordstrom; Manolo Blahnik Scalloped Patent Sandal $514 @ Bergdorf Goodman; @ shopbop; Karen Zambos Vintage Couture Scallop Dress $328 @ ShopBop; Milly Scallop Strapless Dress $374 @ ShopBop;

Yves Saint Laurent left home at the age of 17 to design for Christian Dior. Following Dior's death in 1957 Saint-Laurent was tapped to save the Dior fashion house from financial ruin at the mere age of 22. In 1962 he founded his own label, Yves Saint Laurent and from there, he became one of the most influential fashion designers of all time. Yves retired in 2002 (view a photo slideshow of Yves & his last collection here), and passed away Sunday evening at the age of 71. May he rest in peace!

Read the full story here.


{images via viiphoto, time magazine, cinebeats, & brightstarlights)