The Wiseling Blog

There is something wonderful about coming across a brand that takes you completely by surprise. Strathcona is such a brand. Based out of Vancouver, Strathcona specializes in ultra cool, fine stockings that feature photo collage style prints. With various prints from photo real citrus and flowers to watercolor-esque geometric shapes and star-strewn galaxies, these quirky stockings mirror designer and founder Ryley O’Bryne’s decidedly unique artistic point of view. Now boasting rave reviews and styling by several influential publishers including Vogue Italia, Bullett Magazine, Nylon Magazine, and Refinery 29, it is only a matter of time before Strathcona makes its way into wardrobes everywhere. Here, to kick start your newest obsession in hoisery (and firmly cement ours), Ms. O’Bryne answers our questions. 

 

When did you first become interested in fashion?

If you ask my mother, there was never a time that I wasn’t interested in fashion. Even when I was a little kid, I wouldn’t let my mom dress me – I always had to do it myself.

What made you want to create printed stockings?

I become a little obsessed with the idea of printed socks a few years ago. I found that I was always looking for special and interesting socks, but I had such a hard time finding them anywhere. Whether it was on the internet or when I traveled – they didn’t seem to be around anywhere. I finally realized that if I was going to get what I wanted I was going to have to make them myself. And that’s when the R+D started.

Where do you find inspiration for your products?

Whenever I can’t find exactly what I want I think about whether I could make it myself. In terms of the prints themselves, everything inspires me. I will be inspired by obvious stuff like a trip to the museum. Or a beautiful lunch. A carpet. Youtube. One of the prints was a little painting I did while visiting a friend in Mexico – the colors and patterns of the tile work there inspired me.

What other creative projects are you involved in?

Film is my other passion. We are working on a music video for a friend’s band this month. But I work on a pretty wide array of projects. Before Strathcona, I worked as a creative art director so that got me involved in quite an assortment of projects. I still take on that type of work on occasion but I am having less and less time for it. Really, I just really love working and creating.

How would you describe your personal style?

I would say fun and diverse. I don’t like having to be one thing or another. I want to wear wild colors and a bejeweled baseball hat one day and pajamas or all beige the next. I like being able to experiment with fashion. That’s what makes it interesting and enjoyable. That being said, we were talking about style the other day and decided the term “Casino Grandma” was pretty great…I definitely lean that way from time to time.

What is your favorite article of clothing?

A pair of extremely baggy sequin pants I got at a Halloween sale 4 or 5 years ago. If you have seen me “out” in the last 4 years, I have most likely been wearing those pants. They are quite literally my “party pants.”

Which recent purchase are you most excited about?

I recently bought a very utilitarian army-green duffle bag from MEC (Canada’s version of REI). It has made my nomadic life a lot easier in recent times.

What is your favorite place in the world?

My parent’s home in Roberts Creek and Paris. Two of the most wonderful places I have lived.

Shop Strathcona. 

Ready to start rocking a bolder pair of hoisery? Share your love in the comments. 

A few months ago, we came across New York based musician Alexa Wilding and found ourselves entranced. Her music, which features breathy vocals that rise and fall around perfectly plucked guitar notes, somehow takes the chill out of our late winter commute and lends some magic to the swirling snow in the air. Add to that Alexa’s evocative songwriting, which conjures up the fantasy and imagination of childhood, and suddenly the listener is presented with the perfect soundtrack to turn a subway ride into an adventure. Given all of these qualities, it is no wonder that she has been compared to the likes of Florence Welch and Stevie Nicks. This week, Alexa took time out of her busy schedule preparing for the rerelease of her album Coral Dust (to be accompanied by a performance at Rockwood Music Hall this evening) to tell us about her inspiration, influences, and favorite NYC shopping destinations.  

When did you first know that you wanted to make music?

Really early on. As I child I danced in ballets like “The Nutcracker,” and when you’re that little, it’s really easy to blur reality and fantasy. You get lost in the lights and the snow and the music. I felt like Lucy in “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” when she climbs into Narnia! I missed that escape when I stopped dancing. So at twelve I got really serious about listening to music. I would listen for hours on big headphones to Kate Bush, Joni Mitchell, whatever music my mother had lying around and I found it had the same effect - I could go some place else! I felt like I had stumbled upon the biggest secret. One day my mother’s boyfriend left an old guitar at our apartment, and I found my permanent key to that other place. I started writing immediately and never looked back. For me making music is pretty magical. You can time travel, revisit old friends and lovers, live out a dream or a nightmare. But much like the ballet, you can go home at the end of the night, safe and sound. 

Where do you find inspiration for your songwriting?

I usually write a song when I’m not sure how I feel about something. It’s my way of safely sitting with an experience, a person, a memory. I’m not as brave in real life, so for me music is a place to explore feelings, no matter how difficult, dark or exciting. There is a joy in coming to terms with a feeling, so while my music can border on dark, I hope the joy of revelation comes through as well. Those are the best songs, I think, the ones where you can totally identify with the singer’s experience, even though it is their own. I’m inspired by New York, having grown up here it is my greatest love after my husband! And while I am a city girl, I am also a plant and flower person, and I find much inspiration from spending time with my plants. Taking care of a small seedling and watching it grow, sometimes struggle, then bloom is akin to writing a song. It makes me very happy.

Who has had the greatest influence over your music?

I tend to revisit the music that hooked me in the first place, the music I heard at home and growing up downtown. Patti Smith, Nico, Lou Reed, Television, Kate Bush, and of course Joni Mitchell, Laura Nyro, Stevie Nicks. This gang never gets old and I check in with them again and again, they remind me to always remain that 12 year old with her head phones! But in terms of a direct influence, Nico and Leonard Cohen. Nico’s solo records with John Cale changed my life when I first heard them. They are sparse and mystical and medieval and from the future at the same time. It’s like going to Narnia! The same with Cohen. It’s their own universe. I strive for that with my own work. The biggest gift would be for a listener to say, this sounds like she’s singing on the moon, I don’t know where I am but I’d like to stay here for a while.

What was your most memorable moment on tour?

Au Revoir Simone took me out on my first tour a few years ago. I was green, I had no idea how tour worked. I followed them around like I was the fourth Simone, the little sister! The first couple of shows were rocky for me - what was I thinking, going out there by myself with just a guitar and my voice? When we got to San Francisco I was determined to fix the situation. I don’t know if it was the beautiful old music hall or the fact that we all did our hair together back stage like in my ballet days, but that night I went out there and one by one people moved closer to the stage until I had the whole hall. I couldn’t believe it. I learned patience that night. I was so grateful that they gave me a chance and in return I gave them everything I had.

What was your favorite on-stage outfit?

Same tour, I wore the same dress every night! It was a black lace Rachel Antonoff dress and I wore it to shreds. Good thing she let me keep it! I was so scared those first few nights that this dress was my secret weapon. I keep all my stage dresses in a special cluster in my closet. They bring back special memories for me. Clothes are truly magical. They can transform you into who you want to be! Fake it til you make it?

What kind of clothes have you most excited for spring?

Up until last year I was always a winter girl. My style seemed to go out the window when the weather got warm, it was really frustrating! I’m pretty boring when it comes to my style in that once I find something that works, that’s my uniform. So last year I felt like I got it down and I lived in leotards, full skirts and wife legged pants, belts and espadrilles. I’m excited to revisit this again! It’s my take on Diana Vreeland meets Stevie Nicks.

What is your favorite place to shop?

Hands down my favorite shop in New York is Albertine in the West Village. I grew up in that neighborhood so it feels like home to me, and Kyung’s shop feels like my bedroom. It’s so feminine! She has the most perfect mix of new lines (A Detacher, Mina Stone) and vintage. I always leave perfectly satisfied. My last big purchases there were a Mina Stone moon dress and a vintage floral floor length tea dress from the 20s. Close runners up would be Legacy on Thompson Street (same thing, mix of new and old) and of course, Geminola.

If you could have a super power, what would it be?

To be invisible. I’d love to be a good fairy and make things right for people. I’m too superstitious to do anything terribly naughty!

Buy tickets to the Coral Dust rerelease show.

www.AlexaWilding.com

Alexa’s Facebook

Images via Paola Suhonen and Sonja Georgevich.

Is there a designer, artist, or musician that you would like to see featured? Tell us in the comments. 

Imagine being able to carry a reminder of your favorite place with you where ever you go. Now imagine getting to wear a piece of jewelry that is utterly unique, chic, and statement worthy. Christina Elleni’s accomplished work combines the best of both. Using both traditional and cutting-edge construction techniques, Christina offers up a stunning selection of bangles, pendants, and rings featuring some of the most recognizable architectural feats in the world. Pay homage to NYC by wearing her Chrysler Building ring/pendant on your travels or show your love for the west coast by wearing the Golden Gate Bridge via Christina’s knuckle duster ring. Currently located in San Francisco, where she continues to tempt us with piece after impressive piece, Christina shares her creative process, unique approach to fashion, and sources of inspiration. 

When did your interest in creating jewelry start? 

It started when I was about 19. I had gone to fashion school for a year as soon as I finished high school. I worked really hard and loved learning new construction skills but I found the culture was a bit rough. I had just come from an all-girls high school and it seemed too similar to really excite creativity. I took a year off, worked, saved and traveled for 6 months to about 5 countries. When I came home I had to decide if I was going to go back to fashion school or go to art school instead. I chose art school. By second semester in your first year you have to pick a major for the rest of your degree. At the time there were 2 classes I loved - Sculpture and Jewelry. It was really tough picking but I had always loved making things that people could wear and really cherish so jewelry won out.

…that was really long winded. Sorry!

Where do you find inspiration?

From objects and places I love and people I admire. I went through a kind of organic tea phase at Uni (college)…everything I made was organic looking and was modeled on either a teapot or a teacup or had tea leaves in it. I was slightly obsessed. I also had a fantastic group of friends in my workshop who would inspire me with their work. Then in my final year I got really excited about challenging myself to be as precise and as anti-organic as I could. 

My Dad is an architect and my Mum used to be one too. Both of them work so meticulously. Even their handwriting looks like it’s been typed. I really envied that I suppose. 

I had also just come back from travelling overseas again and wanted to make pieces that reminded me of all the wonderful places I’d seen. I started to consider buildings and how different architecture can really make a huge impact on the city it’s a part of…and how magical it can be I suppose. And that’s what continually inspires me.

What kind of materials do you most prefer to work with?

Silver. Definitely silver. I like perspex and wood too but silver is just more fun and permanent. Oh and I have just started working with gold which is really fun too.

Of all of the designs you’ve ever made, which is your favorite?

Hmm that’s tough. Probably my gold Taj Mahal ring necklace. I know it’s not the fanciest or most complex or the biggest piece, but it’s one I really enjoy wearing.

What is your go-to day to day outfit?

(My cool, when-I-leave-the-house answer) Right now my favorite outfit is an Angela Lansbury t-shirt that my sister lent me (JB Fletcher’s my girl, I love Murder She Wrote) and my blue AG jeans with white polka dots OR my floral Citizens of Humanity jeans, a pair of little dangly silver and pearl earrings I just made and flip flops.

(My real life, uncool answer) I am working from home right now, so my pajamas!

What were you wearing as an art student?

Ha ha, oh dear. Ummm well, always enclosed shoes and an apron…and probably leggings, a tank top and a hoodie. I used to ride my bike to Uni so definitely practical, very worn-in clothing and a backpack…not fashionable at all. My friends would be amazed when I wore anything that resembled an actual outfit.

Which recent purchase are you most excited about?

I just bought a new Foredom Flexible Shaft for polishing, carving, drilling etc. I get to pick it up tomorrow and I’m so pumped! 

What is your favorite place in the world?

The beach! I’m from Sydney and grew up on the beach so that’s my happy place…specifically, probably Tamarama or Bronte on a beautiful summer’s day.

Visit Christina’s site.

Shop Christina Elleni jewelry.

Is there an artist, designer, or performer that you would like to see featured? Tell us about them in the comments.  

Panama, a five-piece synth pop outfit based out of Sydney, easily qualifies as one of our favorite new groups. In the midst of a cold, wet northeastern winter, their special brand of sunny indie pop is just what we needed. Their latest release, “It’s Not Over”, is the perfect soundtrack for long road trips to sun-drenched beaches and has us dreaming of summer days and warmer weather. Needless to say, we’ve had Panama’s summery songs on repeat here at the office. And this week, we were lucky enough to have band leader Jarrah McCleary answer some of our questions. 

What brought all of you together to form the band?

Well, Cam our bass player and I have been mates for years and we played in our last band, Dirty Secrets together. Lachy, our drummer and I met at a house party a few years ago, and I knew that he was the best around so I asked him if he’d be keen to jump on board the Panama boat. Trev used to be Cam’s housemate and he’s played in a few bands as a guitarist and percussionist so it worked perfectly to invite him to join us. Tim is a friend of friend who I’d known for a little while. The EP had some songs that I thought would really be taken to the next level if we had a saxophonist, and Tim was definitely the man to ask. We’re really lucky to have all of them as they’re great musicians.  It also makes a huge difference when you deeply respect the people you have to spend so much time with!

Where do you find inspiration?

I try to listen to lots of music, as much as possible. I think I’m a bit behind the times as I’ve only just started using Spotify but damn, it’s a great source of new and old music! I’m finding it a perfect way to inspire my songwriting. I also like to try to get out of Sydney and see new things when I can as I find it helps my songwriting too.  I’m a big fan of long drives and road trips – this is a theme that seems to have wriggled its way into the way I write too.

Is songwriting a democratic process?

I do all of the writing for Panama but I definitely look for the support of my bandmates in terms of their opinions on mixes and demos. I also really value their input in terms of perfecting our live performance. 

What is your favorite on tour memory?

So far, we’ve only played one show out of Sydney. We supported Van She in Melbourne about six months ago which was fun. We’re heading off on a short tour of Australia next month so I’m sure we’ll have some fond memories to report back after that.  Most of my time overseas with this project has been recording with Eric Broucek of DFA Records fame in LA and then San Fran.  We’ve spent some amazing time together working on the EP (just released) and some forthcoming material.    

How would your describe the bandmembers’ personal styles?

Musical styles? We’re all very different. Tim our saxophonist is really into funk and disco music. Cam our bass player is the most eclectic person I know. Lachy plays in bands ranging from girl pop to pop punk to grunge rock and Trev is an avid fan of Folk music. 

If you were a band of superheroes, what would your name be?

The Panamanians.  That’s probably a work in progress name, actually.  Keep you posted :)

www.wearepanamatheband.com

Is there an artist, designer, or performer that you would like to see featured? Tell us in the comments. 

Dear New York City dwellers and admirers of vintage,

Just a quick tip that the Manhattan Vintage Clothing show is running now. If you’re anything like me and enjoy the thrill of the search, rare Lanvin and Chanel, Vietnamese denim, and luxurious screen-printed silk scarves, this show is a must.

No need to thank me. See you there tomorrow! 

Yours truly,

Chelsey

The Manhattan Vintage Show runs February 1-2 at the Metropolitan Pavillion at 125 West 18th Street

This week we are pleased to introduce you to {re}collect, a boutique whose approach to vintage is not only nostalgic, but refreshingly and classically modern. Boasting a collection that spans from elegant 20s to pop-chic 90s, you’ll discover adaptable pieces that pair well together and with your contemporary faves. We enjoyed chatting with Afsaneh, the woman behind the boutique and an expert of 20th century culture, who regaled us with charming tales like her Billy Corgan lookalike crush and shopping in Vienna. You’ll find it hard not to admire her in this exclusive Wiseling interview.

Describe the {re}collect girl in three words.

Spirited. Intricate. Visionary.

Where do you find inspiration?

The inspiration for {re}collect comes from the women in my life who are really close to me. I’m really blessed to have some phenomenal women in my life who are so brave, beautiful, and have very definite styles. When I’m shopping, I’m always asking myself what they would think, would they like it, or what else would they pair the item with. In business and especially in a business as personal as vintage, it’s always about focusing on the kind of woman who is your customer and knowing her in a really intense manner. There’s a great Jean Cocteau quote that goes, “Style is a simple way of saying complicated things.” That quote has always resonated strongly with me. Fashion is a very psychological expression and vintage even more so because you are pinpointing the nostalgia that someone feels close within the history of fashion. It’s almost like a layer deep within another layer. Being close to women you see something very important in and rare is essential to understanding how, what, and why – you can’t just rely on your own feelings or impulses because that is so one-sided. I see that in a lot of vintage collections and it’s really disheartening.

When and why did your love affair with vintage begin?

I had a crush on this guy in my freshman high school drama class. He looked like a much better looking version of Billy Corgan and he always wore those vintage 1970s poly-printed disco shirts that were really popular at the time. This was 1993. To impress him I started to wear vintage, which was mostly 1960s because at that time there was so much of it in thrift stores. One piece was a bright kelly green 60s wool boucle car coat I found at Salvation Army. To this day it has left me with a vintage coat hoarding habit of extreme magnitude. Anyway, my mother just couldn’t understand why I was wearing an old coat and threw it away. I felt the loss of this coat so intensely, that I just kept on collecting and looking mainly to find it again. To this day, I am still looking for that coat! The upside of this story is that I have fully converted my mother into a vintage fan since then, she being a vintage handbag collector.

What is your favorite era?

Over time it has changed so much and I’m assuming it probably will change again and again. In my teens it was all about the 1930s and 1940s. Very romantic and lots of velvet and lace all paired with Mary Janes. A bit of the Victorian pieces as well- tea dresses cut into minis and that sort of thing. Now, I would most definitely have to say the 1980s. To me there is nothing more glamorous and exciting than wearing a Mugler dress or a YSL skirt from that period. The best part about the 1980s is that it’s rooted in the submissive silhouette of 1950s so that you have this lovely mix this, but in fabrics like leathers, viscose, and patent. It’s was such a clever way of offering women the luxury to look ultra femme and tough at the same time. I love that push/pull and juxtaposition in fashion, when things aren’t what they seem. For me, that is the moment when things get incredibly sexy.

What is your favorite travel destination?

Hands down, Vienna. I am a huge fan of Wiener Werkstätte and anything that goes along with this magnificent period. The first time I went there- it was love. You have amazing time capsules of cafes like Cafe Prückel and museums such as the Leopold. I thought what could be more perfect than looking at Josef Hoffmann furniture all day while exploring a beautifully city full of incredible history and stopping into drink coffee and snack on apple strudel. Also, a duty free Wolford shop at the airport? Yes, please!

What is your favorite piece from your boutique?

The Walter Steiger Gold Metallic Suede Curved Heels. Miu Miu did a great recap of this idea last year and now Dior is taking this curved heel notion and expanding it into more sophisticated space age meets film noir 1950s vibe. I just feel these are so right for evening this coming spring and fall, from the gold and silver metallic combination to the elegance of the heel. Also, the quality of vintage Steiger shoes from the 1980s really is just unparalleled if you haven’t experienced it. Overall, it’s such a clever way of possessing high end designer quality shoes that are completely on trend without paying upwards of $1,000 for the pair. That’s one of the points I stress about my philosophy towards vintage; In a fiscal sense it’s about having that rarity and extremely high quality pieces without the extreme price tag.

 

Visit the {re}collect boutique on Wiseling now.

 

See our editors’ choice of {re}collect pieces in Wiseling Vol 1 Issue 11. 

 

You can also visit the {re}collect showroom in Philadelphia by appointment or find their booth at the Brooklyn Flea on weekends.  

 

 

 

In a world full of overdesigned jewels, finding a piece that strikes the perfect balance between statement and understated elegance can seem like a lost cause. Luckily, there exists designers like Kate Jones. Drawing on a wealth of knowledge and experiences that most could only dream of, Kate creates the beautiful heirloom-worthy pieces that her brand Ursa Major has become known for. Her most recent architectural Collection No. 3 has really captured our attention with necklaces, earrings, bangles, and rings that promise to stand the test of time and outlast even the most popular of trends. Here, the master jeweler answers our questions. 

Image via Backyard Bill. 

When did your interest in creating jewelry begin?

The truth of the matter is, probably at about age 10. I spent a lot of time playing around with polymer clay (like Fimo and Sculpey) making my own beads. I was obsessed with the technique of “caning” or millefiori, and then I started making these funky animal brooches from it, Keith Haring-esque shaped fishes and dogs . My mom wore one into a store, and that was it, my first order. So I think I’ve had a business number since the age of 12.  

Did you study jewelry design or are you self-taught?

A little of both. My first metalsmithing class was at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, in Deer Isle, Maine, through a high school program they did in the state.  Then I went onto study at Rhode Island School of Design, but I only did the first year of jewelry and metalsmithing before switching to textiles. It’s ironic, Lauren Manoogian and Caitlin Mociun were also classmates in textiles, and we all do jewelry now. I gained a tremendous technical foundation from RISD but learned a hell of a lot from just practical application and on-the-job experience, every summer I would return home to Maine and work in a small store called, A Silver Lining, doing repairs and custom work. That’s when I learned just how much of the craft is about tools and tricks, which is to say a lot. A whole lot.

Where do you find inspiration?

Oh boy, in everything. But if I had to name the top hits I’d say art and architecture, and in the pursuit of making old new again.

Do you like to wear your own pieces?

Of course! But when people ask me if I’m wearing any of my jewelry, I get bashful after about the third piece or so. I actually have to be a bit careful not to wear much of the jewelry I own but didn’t create because invariably people always pick that out first and excitedly say, “Did you make that?!”

What is your favorite part about being a jewelry designer?

The detail, the problem solving, and the opportunity to create a piece that might be handed down 100 years from now.

Describe your typical studio uniform.

Jeans and an old oversized Smith and Hawken denim shirt.

What is your fondest childhood memory?

Living on our sailboat, Ursa Major, we spent a lot of time hanging out in Antigua, and there was a spot called Shirley Heights. It was an old fort high up overlooking English and Falmouth Harbors, and every Sunday night was Jump Up, otherwise known as the classic Caribbean party: steel drums, reggae, BBQ, and rum punch. I was 8 and dancing my ass off with the locals, BBQ sauce smeared across my face. 

What are you most looking forward to in the new year?

Expanding the brand, new projects, and travel. I’m creating a line of hardware, collaborating on a bag, and foraying into the world of objects. I can’t wait.

Shop Ursa Major here. 

Visit the Ursa Major blog.

All images via the Ursa Major Collection No. 3 Lookbook.

Is there an artist, designer, or musician that you would like to see featured? Tell us about them in the comments.

We always admire smart-minded business women who make things happen, and even more so when they’re smartly clad. That’s why we’re currently taken with Dondi, Dani and Darin, the ladies of Muse Studio Vintage, three gorgeous women who take their style and business very seriously. The power mother-daughter trio have combined their sartorial tastes with their biz-savvy skills to create a fabulous and successful on-and-off-line vintage business, curating an exciting collection of detailed pieces. Focusing on sustainability and veering from mass-produced items, they choose only one-of-a-kind pieces that respect their rules of recycled, made in the USA, and or locally produced. Furthermore, they’ve expanded their business beyond fashion, creating a local space to promote sustainability where they support and incubate local businesses, “a place where eco-chic shops can grow together.” They truly do it all. 

In their current collection, you’ll find gorgeous chiffon, leather, furs, pretty details and lots of 70’s. Here, Dondi tells us where she finds inspiration for Muse, evoking 70s nostalgia and making their studio work sound like a whole lot of fun. Read our interview with Muse below, and make sure you head on over to Muse Studio Vintage at Wiseling. 

Describe the Muse girl in three words. 

Free, resourceful, badass. 

Where do you find inspiration?

I find my inspiration in music; rarely do I find a piece that doesn’t sing its own song to me. When my daughters / business partners Darin and Dani do photo shoots we usually marry a song to the overall look. Music is a huge part of our day while shooting, editing, listing- we dance in the store all the time – it keeps thing interesting and fun! Just the other day we danced to “Sunrise” by Simply Red. It makes me think about our friends from Bretagne France, they just spent a week with us and love to dance and have good time. That song, those friends, that experience will definitely have an influence in what I buy and shoot for the Spring/Summer Collection.

When and why did your love affair with vintage begin? 

When I first heard Stevie Nicks… I used to tie scarves to my arms in my bedroom and pretend I was in Fleetwood Mac… I grew up in the 70s -my mom used to wear oversized baby blue sunglasses, slinky polyester print shirts, hi waist bell bottoms and gold jewelry… with her jet black hair and crystal blue eyes-she was stunning and I’ve always gravitated toward that look…that level of coolness.

What is your favorite era? 

Definitely the 70s. I adore vintage Halston draping disco dresses, oversized Dior sunglasses, Lanvin shirt dresses, platform boots, huge fox furs like in the Jimmy Hendrix “Foxy Lady” old skool music video. And metallic white eye shadow under the eye…aaah! Can’t get enough of that!

What is your favorite travel destination?

Austin, Texas- it’s not far away or mysterious, but it’s where I feel at home. I can visit with my three best friends I’ve had since forever – we hang out the lake and drink wine late into the night, laughing and crying- then get up early and go estate sale shopping! I will take it over any other place in the world any day!

What is your favorite piece from your boutique? 

Definitively, the 1940s fox fur. It’s is everything I dream about- totally relevant today with the huge structured shoulders and hot 70s vibe… what plays in my head when I see it? “Kashmir”….Led Zeppelin…of course! Epic.

Irish designer Orla Kiely has accomplished a lot. On top of a successful line of clothing and handbags, the London-based designer has her hand in the creation of a number of other products including wallpaper, kitchenware, stationery, and furniture. However, she is best known for her youthful prints which have adorned everything from cars and buses to water bottles and even postage stamps. Not to mention that Kiely’s immense talent for creating these pretty prints and patterns has spawned a plethora of design collaborations with the likes of Uniqlo, Brita, and Citroën cars (to name a few). Here, the aptly titled “Queen of Prints” answers some of our questions. 

When did you first realize that you wanted to be involved in fashion?

My life has always been focused on design, color and print. I have always liked the same thing and been true to my style but growing up I always found it hard to find clothes that I loved. I remember when I would find something it was like an event! I wanted to design fashion that I loved and just hoped that other people would too!

Where do you find inspiration?

Most of my inspiration comes from the 1960’s and 70’s, the era of print and pattern. A lot of designs were inspired by contemporary art and architecture which is also something I have always loved. I have always said if I was not a fashion designer I would be an architect! I try to bring out the sense of energy and vitality that the 60’s and 70’s had.

Which aspect of design are you most passionate about?

My passion will always be for print. I design everything in house and simply love coming up with cute and original prints each season that are all exclusive to us. We have always been known for our colorful and bold prints and so I always try to design something that will excite and surprise our customers each season!

You are involved in a lot of projects. How do you stay balanced?

Each year we get involved in lots of different creative projects and collaborations and, however many we do, each one is always special and exciting. I am lucky enough to work with my Husband, Dermott, so this helps to keep my work life balanced and in control. We discuss everything together and living just a short stroll from the office means I am never far from everything. So, even when we are going though extremely busy periods, especially design deadlines, I can be home quickly. My home life is so important to me and being able to relax with my two boys and my dog Olive keeps my life in balance.

Which recent purchase are you most excited about? 

I recently got a Raleigh bike in pillar box red with a gorgeous brown leather saddle and handle bars. It’s still a little chilly outside but I can’t wait to take it for a spin.

The holidays have finally come and gone. What was your favorite thing about this holiday season?

It’s the perfect time to spend with all my family and I got the chance to go back to Ireland and see everyone together. You can’t get better than that! But I also love the excitement and buzz in the air. Everyone is in high spirits and it’s a time to reflect on my life and everything I’ve achieved.

If you could have a super power, what would it be?

To be able to rewind time so we could all live in the 60’s!

Shop Orla Kiely here. 

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Introducing one of our favorite new shops, Alex + Afton. Launched in Denton, Texas, where they have their brick and mortar store, Alex + Afton has gained an internet following to be reckoned with. Their eclectic mix of novelty sweaters, party dresses, and bohemian wares consistently has everyone at the office oohing and aahing whenever a new piece is posted to their shop. Here, Alex + Afton co-owner Caitlin answers some of our questions. 

Describe the Alex + Afton girl in three words. 

Undone, bohemian, cool(er).

Where do you find inspiration? 

I find inspiration in the imperfect. Women are just so inspiring as they are, without the high maintenance. In women I like haphazard glamour, accidental beauty, messy hair and unpolished fingernails. Holes in tights, not the hipster-on-purpose way, just from your average wear and tear of taking on a busy day as a modern female. In my surroundings I gravitate to and cultivate the unexpected. My house is a collection of random, yet it is cohesive in its aesthetic.

When and why did your love affair with vintage begin? 

I would like to say it was when I was listening to early Led Zepplin surrounded by vintage playboys dressed up in my mothers caftans, but I was born in the mid 80s, so I saw Grease as a 5 year old, and wore a poodle skirt for most Halloweens after that. In middle school, I was obsessed with the 1970s. The bigger the bell on the bell bottom, the cooler I was. It has been a phase I will never outgrow. I have been collecting hardcore since I was 16, and I am a lot older than 16 now.

What is your favorite era? 

Stop, this is hard. I have to say the late 1960s. There was still mod (think Twiggy) and there was the hippie revolution: Woodstock culture, bra burners, bell bottoms, marijuana, and poet blouses. The 1960s and 1970s were just so groovy.

What is your favorite travel destination?  

I am a Californian at heart, as much as I love New York. I have to say San Fran.

What is your favorite piece from your boutique? 

Again, another hard question! I think I will just bite the bullet and name the first one to come to mind, and its the leopard silk palazzo pants.

Visit Alex + Afton on Wiseling here. 

Via The Cut.

Like many fashion staples, the jumpsuit was first known not for its sartorial qualities, but rather for its utilitarian purposes. Convenient and protective, the jumpsuit was used by pilots, astronauts, skydivers, and racecar drivers. Starting in the 1960s, the jumpsuit bridged the gap from work suit to fashion item, eventually having its hay day in the 80s. 

Today, the jumpsuit occasionally resurfaces as a trend for a season or two, and has recently enjoyed a renaissance thanks in large part to the rising popularity of maxi dresses and rompers. We love this 1990s velveteen jumpsuit from Alex + Afton Vintedge.

Is there a particular style or trend that you’d like to know more about? Tell us about it in the comments.   

In a season when most people are dreaming of tropical cruises and sun-drenched resorts, snow-covered Helsinki is the last place that we want to travel to. But when it comes to winter fashion inspiration, we can’t think of a better city to emulate. Hel Looks, founded in 2005 by Liisa Jokinen and Sampo Karjalainen, features street style snaps of the Finnish capital’s most fashionable residents, as well as photos from the bloggers’ travels abroad. We can’t get enough of the lovely layered looks, vintage finds, and self-made wonders found on Hel Looks. 

All images via Hel Looks. 

Is there an international blog that you would like to see featured? Tell us in the comments.