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.

Francoise Hardy, the French songstress who is best known for her breathy ballads and bohemian style turns 65 on Saturday (Jan. 17). With the sort of good looks (strong jaw, big eyes, side-swept bangs) that have paved the way for girls like Charlotte Gainsbourg and Feist, Hardy was the original girl with a guitar and a definitive icon of the 1960s.

It is her style though that is still copied and oh-so perfectly French. A.P.C.’s entire look seems to be built on the Francoise staples - the striped tees, cable-knit sweaters and trench coats that exemplified Hardy’s school-girl chic. Celebrate her anniversaire with these pieces:

Striped Shirttail Tee available at Urban Outfitters

10th Arrondissement Trench Coat available at Anthropologie

Cashmere cable knit sweater available at  J.Crew’s boy’s department

Tags: 1960s, A.P.C., Charlotte Gainsbourg, Feist, Francoise Hardy, school-girl.