dear ada

sunshine and shadow.

These are very, very good!

 

 

uniform pursuit.

 

I love this wonderful post by keri smith about her desire for a clothing uniform! For the longest time I've been enamored with the idea of a perfect uniform. Don't get me wrong, I love fashion. It's just that I also love the idea of a look that is mine, one that evolves rather than changes with the vagaries of grooviness. I like the idea of timeless, functional, personality and comfort in a person's wardrobe.  There are silhouettes that work for each of us and I'm trying to stick to those and forgo the temptation of the pretty yet inappropriate siren calls of mini skirts and tank tops. Even if a person can do it, it doesn't mean one should. No it's quality materials, surprising and sublime detailing, beautiful crafting and styling that are much of what I look for in clothes these days. 

Yet, truth be told, it never quite works out like a perfect uniform in the end. I'm always tweaking the idea and I must confess, I'm also swayed by styles of the day from time to time (think leggings for me). But regardless of the inevitable slip, the point is I like the idea of a perfect uniform, and with a fresh, new year upon us, I am vowing anew to strive to live the ideal.

bangles.

 

Sad as it is to say, fall is coming and as such it's time to think about some groovy updates to the old uniform. This year I'm gaga for bangly bracelets like this beauty above from wendy milk. I don't know why. Here are some lovely (though not necessarily in my budget ball park) examples I've found recently that I'm drooling over. Maybe I'll be so inspired by these beauties that I'll get crafty and make one myself...yeah, maybe.

from justin giunta

jimin park.

I'm head over heels for the fresh, witty, beautiful jewelry of jimin park! I want them all, in their post-modern irreverence and unquestionable glamour. Perfect for the perfect uniform. Just perfect in so many ways.

Originally found through the ever-wonderful design milk.

 

james washer.

I love simple forms in design. In furniture, dishes and yes, even jewelry. Like these mouthwatering, jade beauties from james washer. Because the forms themselves are so pure and unadorned, the inherent beauty of the material is allowed to sing. And I can't help but imagine how nice they'd look on a simple black turtleneck or a happy white tee. Mmm.

mette antero kjaer.

I love this cardigan by mette antero kjaer. I'm so envious of people who know how to knit, even if that includes using a knitting machine like this one did. And especially when it turns out this nice. Coveted and desired.

heidi turner.

Oh my goodness, did you see the ah-mah-zing embroidery work of heidi turner at ullabenulla the other day? Here's a skirt to covet. Oh my, oh my. It's a bit hard to catch my breath.

flock sweater.

It's tettering on winter here. Cold nights and mornings, but the days are reaching a pleasant warmness. Glorious fall weather still, but not for long I fear. Which makes me want the perfect sweater and I believe I've found it from flocks. Not only is it just plain fabulous looking but the story behind the company itself it is lovely too. Each sweater or scarf or hat comes with an identification tag, telling the story of the sheep or alpaca that produced the wool for the garment. By identifying the creature that helped make the piece of clothing we're wearing, we're reminded of the larger story of making and consuming. We have a choice in everything we bring into our lives, so knowing that the sheep that contributed the wool, that keeps me warm, is well treated and from some far flung land, reminds me of the bigger picture. It's never just a sweater. That, and the fact that it looks absolutely fabulous too, makes this particular sweater a win, win all around!

ach ach liebling.

It's fall now which means turtlenecks and sweaters. Which means more bracelets for me for some reason. This little beauty from ach ach liebling caught my eye the other day because it's so funny and charming. It would certainly sass up the perfect uniform don't you think? And yes, it doesn't hurt that it features the beloved canine theme prominently either.

ben beattie.

I've had these wonderful necklaces by ben beattie bookmarked for ages. Aren't they amazing? I love the simplicity and rawness of the materials and resulting forms of these pieces. As fall quickly decends, I can imagine one or two of these beauties worn over a simple turtleneck. Yes, please!