Two looks from Kate Spade's new clothing line

“She packed her tote and hit the road,” the Joan Didion-esque caption reads next to one of the looks from Kate Spade’s new clothing collection. The wool A-line marigold shift worn under a boxy short sleeve jacket is part of a fashion time machine that is firmly parked in 1962, the year Kate Spade herself was born. Polka dots, sequins and scalloped lace are also abundant, adorning classic shapes which are paired with unexpected colors (lilac for fall?). Ironically for a brand which heralded the minimalist accessories movement in the early 90’s with boxy black nylon handbags, Kate Spade has evolved into one of the few labels that does color and print very precisely.

The Madeleine Dot Ruffle Placket Dress

Over the years the brand has slowly introduced a scattering of tops, dresses and coats to complement their wildly popular handbags and shoes, though this is definitely the largest and most thought out clothing collection so far. The looks are all very office appropriate, that is if people still dressed this way to go to work. The culture of contemporary work attire has somehow allowed for things like flip-flops to make their way into the office and Kate Spade is notably addressing this issue one ladylike trench coat at a time. A standout piece is the Bisous Stella Chubbie, a plush faux-fur jacket with a removable collar and three-quarter length sleeves.

Zooey Deschanel seems to be their unofficial muse (note the model’s bangs, blue eyes and quirky vintage style). Though avoid the literal vintage over-saturation and stick to one piece at a time. The look book’s suggestions are paired with dark denim, crisp white shirts, a smattering of costume jewelry (Kate Spade as well) and above all a sense of humor.

The Bisous Stella Chubbie

The Embellished Gail Dress worn under the Bisous Michelle Jacket

The Debora Peacoat worn over the Dot Maggie Top

Kate Spade clothing is available at Kate Spade.

Tags: 1960s, accessories, color, costume jewelry, faux-fur, Joan Didion, kate spade, minimalism, print, vintage-inspired, Zooey Deschanel.

Swedish label Acne’s Spring/Summer 2009 Lookbook conceives a riding into the sunset glow meets the Land of the Rising Sun. Now presenting: the Japanese Western. Relaxed elastic-waist leather trousers, cut-out silk blouses, and collarless jackets come in blacks, greys and shades of beige. Styled with floppy suede ten-gallon hats and wood-block wedge heels, the mix is awash with Western accents paired with more straitlaced Japanese silhouettes. A crisp white shirt’s loop detail recalls a cowboy’s traditional bolo tie and works with fluid black trousers. The rich burnt suede blazer is cut loose with cropped sleeves and tie a la kimono. And those glorious hats, which are sometimes just a part of the “stylist’s own” are even Acne and appropriately named the Sue Ellen.

Highlights from the collection:

Acne’s Online Shop

Tags: Acne, cowboy, Japanese, kimono, Lookbook, Spring, Summer, Swedish, Western.