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.

The lovely Garance, Susie, and Camille

Our favorite bloggers have left their desks and are all over New York Fashion Week. We spotted Susie Bubble at Tom Scott and Camille of Childhood Flames at the Matthew Ames show. Also out on the town is Paris-based Garance Doré who has been busy snapping lush pics of New York’s stylish set. Following up with their coverage, we have noticed a common theme of said bloggers writing about being greeted by amorous fans and humility ensues. Ms. Bubble comments, “YAY! I have readers in New York! I apologise for sounding so flustered and awkward when people come up to me. I’m a hardcore geek who can’t communicate with real human beings.” Likewise, Camille writes, “Apologies for being terribly awkward in person but I definitely appreciate you guys reading the blog and it’s so fantastic to meet some of my readers! You are all so lovely!”

This sort of bashfulness from the girls who regularly post images of themselves in amazing, sharp outfits for the world to see. Such a conundrum! While blogging is a very personal art form, actually getting out from behind the computer and realizing there are legions of people who actually read and follow every word and image is quite another thing. Maybe best said by Ms. Doré, “I turn around and someone jumps on me asking me if I am Garance Doré, and I assure you, it’s a little weird..”

Tags: bloggers, Blogs, Camille, Childhood Flames, Fashion Week, Garance Dore, New York, Susie Bubble.

Tonight, join jewelry and accessories designer Ryan Matthew and bespoke tailors Jake Mueser and Amber Doyle for the opening night of their new venture, Against Nature, a men’s specialty shop located within the walls of Elsa, a cocktail bar in the East Village named for and inspired by fashion icon Elsa Schiaparelli.

8pm, 217 East 3rd Street.

(Elsa image courtesy Oliver Haslegrave via Gothamist, jewelry image Ryan Matthew via Thrillist.)

Tags: accessories, Against Nature, Amber Doyle, bar, East Village, Elsa, Jake Mueser, jewelry, men's, Ryan Matthew, Schiaparelli, tailor.

The Changing of the Guard

Michelle Obama is just sparkling in a yellow Isabel Toledo coat and dress this morning for the inauguration. This is not the first time Obama has worn Cuban-born designer Toledo. Previously she wore the designer for a Vogue/Calvin Klein fund-raiser in June and has purchased many of her designs at Chicago store Ikram. The outfit will most likely be knocked off by ABS Schwartz by midday and be in Macy’s by tomorrow morning.

The Obamas arrive at the White House.

The Obamas arrived at the White House a short time ago to be greeted by the Bushes. Michelle’s best accessory was the gift she brought, the gracious person that she is.

The Gift

Tags: Ikram, Inauguration, Isabel Toledo, Michelle Obama.

The Golden Globes are such a great way to bring in the new year and it is obvious from the red carpet that no one in Hollywood gorged themselves over the holidays.

A couple of our favorite dresses:

Maggie Gyllenhaal is wearing spots, à la Lanvin. The dress appears to be a little big, both in size and fit, but we love that it is Lanvin and also a fun departure from all the other usual glittery frocks. Maggie gave Ryan Seacrest a humbling interview on the red carpet about Dark Knight co-star Heath Ledger and also was a presenter for Best Actress in a Miniseries (Laura Linney picked this one up for John Adams).

Courtesy of E! Online. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Drew Barrymore looked lovely in a fluttery blue-grey Dior gown by John Galliano. Her hair however is another matter, which was teased and pouffed into a haywire bob.

Courtesy of E! Online. Steve Granitz/Getty Images

Tags: Dior, Drew Barrymore, Golden Globes 2009, John Galliano, Lanvin, Maggie Gyllenhaal.

Spotted in Miami Beach: a pair of the brightest heels ever in flouro-orange. Unexpected, shocking and very cool. A neon sign for the feet. When asked for her picture, the wearer of these standouts demurred, “But they’re just shoes!” Exactly.

Tags: Miami Beach, neon, Shoes.