Makié Clothiers for Women

I've already said how much I love Makié Clothiers for children. I just found out that they now carry a collection for women. Yay!

MUJI fits in my apartment!!

So...I need this bed. Seriously. [I suffer from "small apartment" syndrome. My studio is "Tokyo-sized."]

Is it at the flagship Muji Store on 42nd Street? Sigh....

“Because there is complexity in purity. Elegance in plainness. Intricacy in streamlining. Richness in reduction. Depth in minimalism. Surprise in uniformity. Innovation in re-use. Cool in the avoidance of cool. And there is true sophistication in simplicity.”

Literally translated, Mujirushi Ryohin, MUJI’s original name, means “no brand quality goods.” I heard they put labels on everything the minute they hit the Big Apple!!

Thoughts, Candy?

When a Gloomy Bear Gets Cold

We all know and love Gloomy Bear. But, what, no one told me about Gloomy Bear Gloves?! Winter, come back!

And did you meet Oink Le Rouge?

*All found yesterday afternoon, while making a quick gift purchase at Yoyashop.

Inspiration for Play

I've been working on a few projects when I am able (late at night, crack of dawn). I know, I've promised to post some pictures of some completed projects. But not yet. In the meantime, take a look at some sources of inspiration:

English artist, Julie Arkell. Available at John Derian.

Jess Brown. Available at Twig.

Apolline a Paris. Available at Orfeo.

Herzenart.

Amagasaka: Nagoya Shop

I know it's been a little heavy on Japanese design discoveries, but there's so much to discover! While searching for more information on Michiko Tachimoto's new work, Janetta World, I came across the website for Amagasaka, a Japanese lifestyle store in the city of Nagoya. Below are some images from the book launch of Janetta World posted on their blog.

The shop's blog is where they keep folks informed of events that they host in their space (related to art, design, cooking, music) and new products offered at their shop. There's also a tea salon! Some beautiful finds from them:

Bird prints from Atsushi Toyama:

A book of brass animal bookmarks from Minoru Takeuti:

And finally, the Netherlands via Japan, Cloissone "Shippo" plates commissioned by Cibone Tokyo, and made by former Droog member, Dutch designer Hella Jongerius. More on her work later.

All photos are from Amagasaka.

Ao Daikanyama: Tokyo Shop

Ao Daikanyama. Beautiful fabric pieces - clothing, accessories, home goods. To keep up with their shop news, google translate might induce a headache, but the images will soothe.

D-in-Beantown's Shopping Diary

Saturday - Boston's Newbury Street.

Newbury Street, arraying off the Southwest corner of the Boston Public Gardens, is Boston's Fifth Avenue, where you can walk through Chanel, Burberry, Intermix, and see high-end glitz and glamour. It's where the high-end hairstylists and expensive perfumeries line up and hawk their offerings.

12:30pm: Hopped the T, walked from Chinatown, across the Commons, through the Public Gardens...a couple of thoughts in my head.

I was in need of updating my jeans. I checked out some of the fancier styles, but I'm an unusual petite, so these ultra-long pant leg things for $250 bucks isn't going to work for me.

1:30: I always find myself at the Gap, and ran away with a couple pairs of their higher-end dark-rinsed straight legs with stretch denim. Rules: lowrise, slim fit, straight leg opening, indigo-grey with faded leg.

2:00: Cole Haan's. DEFINITELY HIT THAT BI-ANNUAL SALE! I mean it.

The Air Genie Ballet...mine, mine, mine. Ballet flat with NIKE AIR Technolgy in metallic kidskin with brass ornamental buckle. Fully leather lined. Fully padded leather-wrapped sock lining. Flexible, lightweight rubber sole.

2:30: Picked up soap from Sabon, they were giving some samples that smelled like.... I don't know, they make the smoothest, creamiest soap...you almost want to eat it.

Went home satisfied.

Sunday - Boutique hunting in JP.

10:30: Breakfast on Center Street in my own J.P. My neighborhood in Southwest Boston is full of historic mansions, and surrounded by green parklands designed by America's first urban landscape artist, Frederick Law Olmstead (1822–1903), who defined the Boston landscape when he designed the Emerald Necklace, the park system that runs through Boston. He is also responsible for the grandeur of Central Park in Manhattan.

Center Street is lined with antique stores, casual restaurants, and amazing boutiques. Like Berkeley, Park Slope Brooklyn and Sausalito, the offerings are artisan - jewelery, hats, scarves, purses, t-shirts....

11:30: Tried to get a haircut and touch up the golden tresses, but it was closed. My stylist at Fresh Hair on South Street was a wizard at the long layers, and evening out my thin-crown, clumpy locks at the end thing that is going on. I was bummed.

11:45: Street hat shopping at Salmagundi, an indie hat-shop 2 blocks away. A great young couple opened the place on my street in October, and have been hailed as the best in the city, greatest selection, knowledgeable in the urban headgear industry, and a pleasure to chat with. They're throwing a little party for the new restaurant that is opening next door.

Love the scarfs, the gloves, the belts, and clutches.... The owners tipped me that the new 2008 Spring purses will be in stock in 2 weeks. The fact that they are 2 blocks from my house may mean I need to start bartending to make some extra cash.

Left today with a Grace Hat, in white, red and green, to go with my new winter down coat. There is a storm hitting the Boston area tomorrow after all! Another foot of snow? I needed a new hat.

12:00: Fire Opal. What can you call Fire Opal...I guess it's like those California boutiques that sell artisan creations: housewares, jewelry, clothing, scarves, accessories....

I kept something behind the counter 2 days ago, and Steve, the owner, called me with a reminder that it was time I came and got it.

Sigh.

Fell hard for their Presh belts, vintage silk fabrics incased in an antiqued buckle, with soft leather hand-dyed belt. Mine is a yellow silk with small chinois flowers, and the belt is dyed a very deep brown to go with jeans and work clothes.

Went home.

Notes:

It's more fun shopping in JP, and dangerous, because you get to know the owners. It's too easy to stop in for a look and leave $300 poorer. Seriously.

You buy into the whole artistic sensibility and their casual boutique familiarity.

While you can say NO! on Newbury, or Fifth Avenue, or Market Street in San Fran, here, your defenses are lower. I mean, mine are.

Spring accessories notes: C, I am feeling that Southern California - Hollywood Glamour meets Cowgirl Soul thing. I am seeing my belt go with turquoise boots, tank tops and chunky necklaces....

More on that later.

For a peek, check out Zoey Willow's online boutique.

Random Paris Shops

I took these photos early last week, when Christmas was only slowly starting to pop-up all over Paris.

At La Droguerie.

Ohnona. An atelier boutique on r de Marivaux.
I loved this display of cuffs and collars.
At Tartine et Chocolat. Does anyone else love their children's fragrances?

Absolutely stunning flowers at Sébastien Mengozzi on av George V. Vanna White was stateside, so here is John.

Hats at Hermès.

Librairie Polonaise on bd St Germain.

Galaries Lafayette

Asiatica by way of Kansas

Based in Kansas City, with trunk shows traveling around the country, Asiatica arrived in Brooklyn today via a mailed holiday greeting, aka, very pretty catalog. Some of my favorites:

Aoki Ryota silver lined porcelain bowl
Five Japanese papier-mache puppies
Reiko Ishiyama oxydized silver bracelet

Le Bouton Studio

Le Bouton Studio makes oh-so-beautiful clothing for women and children. Lisa is a modernist at heart--with an eye towards clean and simple forms, a refined appreciation for textures and color, and a really high standard of craftsmanship. Here she is with the dress she made for me--the second photo makes me think there was some waltzing going on during the photo op. And yes, I am an amazon, and yet I feel gamine in that dress. Thank you, Lisa!

The Le Bouton shop is preparing for the debut of its fall collection. Bookmark the link and check it often. I'm sure you'll find something you'll love. Lisa also keeps a journal, where she shares everyday scenes from her life with her adorable muse/daughter, Frances.

Spring Blooms at Posie

I walked past Bloom today, admired the costly pretty things, and ran straight to the corner grocer for my own more affordable blooms. It is unfortunate that those of us who live in the city often have to pay for fresh flowers, but imitation flowers in vases just don't cut it. Having grown up with a mom with a thriving orchid nursery, fake flowers in a pot or a vase still make me wince.

There is, however, a kind of synthetic bloom that I love, and those are Alicia Paulson's boutonnieres and barrettes. Ms. Paulson makes her blooms from a variety of fabrics, all rich in color, pattern, and texture, and with a flair that produces such charming beauties. Pin the boutonnieres to your scarf, lapel, or bag (I've ordered one boutonniere, but I'd like to order more to pin to my plain white drapes when tied back - maybe for that special dinner party one of these days). The barrettes are great for keeping your tresses off your face and in place (unless in place is in your face).

Sugar Roses from Posie Rosy Little Things

Pouf Boutonnieries from Posie Rosy Little Things

Blossom Barrettes from Posey Rosy Little Things

There's more to see and admire at Posie, including bags, stuffed animals, scarves, and crochet patterns and kits. An innovator, Ms. Paulson was one of the first to offer the now ubiquitous open chain capelets. (The capeltes are no longer for sale, but the pattern is still available.)

My Favorite Milliner: Kelly Christy

In the catalogue for Inside Design Now, The 2003 National Design Triennial, Donald Albrecht writes of my favorite milliner:

In the age of mass-produced fashion, Kelly Christy holds out for customization, transforming her clients into eccentric actors in the drama of city life.

As an aspiring milliner, I count Kelly Christy as one of my inspirations. I still remember the first time I walked into her little shop on Elizabeth Street in Little Italy. That was right around the time that Café Habana had just opened a few doors down, and the neighborhood was starting to be called Nolita. (The shop has since moved to Broome Street in Soho.) Maybe my mouth was slightly open as I stood there in awe of her beautiful creations, a little afraid of touching the rich felts and soft straws. I examined my favorite shapes, each trimmed with a distinctive band, a feather, or some other treasure. Tickled.

Kelly’s designs are traditional, but with a nod to the contemporary, and often with a witty twist. Until then, I had satisfied my hat lust with a mad ebay addiction, which deprived me of the joys of a custom fitting. I stalked the little shop for a few years before I finally broke down and just had to have a hat all my own. Kelly is terrific, as she guides you in picking the shapes that are most flattering, and invites you to pick out the trimmings for the millinery confection that she is about to create.