Oooo…just got word, one of our favorite lines is on it’s way to our studio  Can’t wait…get ready for some fabulous stand alone timeless pieces!

images via Surface to Air

Yesterday I received the press release for the upcoming Dose Market (read more about our 1st Dose here) and got all excited to read that Heiji Choy Black will be debuting Bodkin’s Fall 2011 collection at Dose on August 14th. I know it’s hot as all get out right now and it’s hard to think about Fall, but Bodkin will definitely get you wishing for cooler weather. Arlene and I saw the line back in February and loved all of it. The chunky knits, the outerwear, the drape, the cozy and cool feel of it all…

There are so many good pieces in this collection, I kind of want it all.

If you’re in the Chicagoland area, come and check it out for yourself at Dose Market on Sunday, August 14th. I know I’ll be checking it out!

{image sources: collage 1 images by us; all other images by Tina Tyrell for Bodkin via Elle.com}

Aside from the fact that we were actually at New York Fashion Week, the whole process has completely gotten away from us. We’ve had no time to surf and catch up on shows, which is sooooo frustrating! However, I’ve caught a few and I have to admit, I’m confused. By some of it, at least. Sheer bike shorts with garters at Rag & Bone? A wood paneling dress at Rodarte?  

Luckily, a few shows did make sense. In order to actually get a blog post up, I’ve decided to only mention 2 for now: Vivienne Westwood and Chanel. In a season that has left me utterly confused, I’ve turned to 2 seasoned masters and, thankfully, they have both shown collections that I understand, embrace, and would love to wear.

Let’s start with Vivienne Westwood. Just what you’d expect, and I am totally okay with that.

My Golden Globes dress! (I'm not really going, btw)

And from the master, Karl Lagerfeld, for Chanel. So many pieces to love. And although I really did love the white boots from Fall, I just don’t see how that fur suit works into real life. Even in Aspen.

That last one would definitely be my Oscar dress if I were an award-nominated actress. In fact, how amazing would Nicole Kidman be in it?? Beautiful. But to be totally honest, I would happily wear all of this shit!

all images via style.com

Since we decided to forgo Market week and do Fashion Week instead, we (of course!) were all about the parties and the shows. One of the biggest treats was being invited to Milk Studios 2 nights in a row. LOTS of celeb sightings there!

Kate Lanphear: the hair, the spiky jewels...

and that trench!

Arlene and Garance. They look like old friends, don't they?

Little Miss Tavi dutifully studying the Gary Graham presentation...

...while sporting her Miu Miu collar. So cute.

We also ran into Susie Bubble (who we/I had accosted 3 nights earlier outside the Chelsea Piers), Sam Shipley and Rogan Gregory (sooo hot!) I admittedly felt a little like an adolescent school girl at a Justin Bieber concert… But more important than my silly, little “celebrity” sightings was the fashion.

The fun and colorful Peter Jensen

the hard edge of Pamela Love

and the luxurious layering of Gary Graham

an attendee in Gary's FW10 peasant blouse

This isn’t the first time we’ve said this, but we’re OBSESSED with Gary Graham. His talent leaves me breathless. You should have seen his inspiration board at the showroom. It was so thoroughly realized that it was 3D!! We’ll post pics of that later. SO much more to recap… stay tuned!

Pamela Love images via Vimeo and Refinery 29; all other images via us!

As our Fall shipments are beginning to arrive, I’ve been looking back at Fall shows. So much goodness everywhere. Knits, outerwear, and pants, pants, pants. I just can’t wait. It’s definitely my favorite time of year for dressing. But then, isn’t it everyone’s? 

When I started surfing, I got totally sidetracked by Ann D. Just, wow. I’m speechless. I. Want. Everything.

`            

images via Style.com

Last week renowned milliner, Philip Treacy, was in town for a personal appearance at Neiman Marcus on Michigan Avenue. As Philip would agree, Neimans is in the business of glamour.  And so is he, so it was the perfect match.

There’s no mistake about it, the man loves glamour. And he truly believes in glamour in your everyday life. He loves hats and admits that, no matter how the chips may have fallen, he wouldn’t have ended up doing anything else.

A piece from Treacy's Spring10 collection

Well, I love hats and I love glamour and to sit down with him was beyond amazing. To try and write about it is actually a little surreal. The whole experience was just… Well, I described it on Twitter as “maybe the most amazing day of my life.” We even tried on some hats!

Now I just have to figure out how to get my hands on one. Hmmm. Anyway…

Of course I asked him about all the current things happening in his life. 

We talked about Lady Gaga. She has indeed applied to be his intern and will have to go through the same process as any other prospective intern. A process which Treacy describes as “pretty rigorous.” Basically, if she can sew and she’s good enough, she’s in; if she can’t, she’s out. And Philip makes a point to let me know that she is quite serious about it. It’ll be interesting to see what happens. 

And Sarah Jessica Parker? Another SATC premiere hat???

At the Sex and the City premiere in a custom Treacy creation. Look at her work that hat. So good.

Yes! He is probably, literally, putting the finishing touches on it as I type this. What will it look like? Well, he wouldn’t say. Here’s what he did say:

Well, she does like a choice… Probably I will see her. And then we’ll decide what the hat is. And then I’ll have to make it overnight.

Can’t wait to see it!!!!!

And I was really curious about the shoes he did for Valentino. 

Although a seemingly natural progression to move into other areas of accessory design, I was curious why. He told me that the only reason he did it was because [the Valentino team] asked him to. If someone asks him again, we might see more. Here’s what he had to say about the differences between hat design and shoe design:

It’s still a shape.  And it’s a point of view. You can adapt your aesthetic to anything because hats are about shape and function and form, and so is everything else. 

It’s interesting to hear him talk about form and function and glamour all at the same time. I think many women would consider function and glamour to be mutually exclusive. But Philip most certainly disagrees.

Glamour is a function. Women are becoming less timid… It’s about not conforming. Hats were the conformist’s accessory and now they’re accessories of rebellion. Hats are fun, really. Whether you’re the wearer or the observer, it’s entertainment. It’s all entertainment.

[Women] don’t grimace when they come and try a hat on. They may not want to try a hat on, but then you can sort of surprise them or amaze them or shock them. It certainly brings out a reaction.

And his clients are certainly those who like to elicit a reaction. As he says,

I make hats for the most interesting cross-section of glamourous people in the world, from Prince Charles’ wife to Lady Gaga, from Marilyn Manson to Elizabeth Taylor… There’s something that runs through the minds of all of them. They’re all… Interesting people wear hats.

And interesting people make hats. And he has some interesting opinions, too. His favorite Oscar look ever?

Cher in Bob Mackie. After talking to him, it makes perfect sense that he would love this. This look brought about a discussion about Hollywood dressing. Obviously, Treacy is a big fan of old Hollywood glamour; he is most definitely not a fan of the Hollywood stylist.

I’m not really interested in that kind of boob-tube induced, spaghetti strap, Hollywood dressing. I don’t find that stylish. They all look the same to me… Stylists have ruined [the business]. They make everyone look the same and they make the artists paranoid about not looking the same.

Interestingly enough, while searching for the above Cher image I came across an interview with Bob Mackie from a couple of years ago, and he uttered some very similar sentiments. Needless to say, I did not mention that I am a stylist and that Arlene and I often have a fear that all the women in Chicago will be running around looking like us!

So with all the royalty and celebrities and iconic designers that he’s created hats for, is there one that stands out as his favorite?

It’s always the next hat you’re going to make. So my favorite hat’s going to be Sarah Jessica Parker’s hat for the premiere.

And I can’t wait to see it and his favorite after that. I’m certain he will go on to create many, many memorable and stunning works of art and, hand to God, I will own one someday. He is a master of his craft, an artist of the highest degree, and I’m so appreciative of the time he gave to me and the talent and gift he shares with the world. Thank you, Philip Treacy.

Here’s to glamour! Clink!

SJP image via Daily Mail, Valentino runway image via Style.com, Cher image via google images

We saw so many amazing pants in NYC last week! For Fall 2010, it is all about the pants. Harem pants, soft pants, leggings, patchwork, panelling… When Arlene and I started this website, we were pretty adamant that we would sell only a tiny offering of pants (knowing that finding the perfect pair of jeans is one of the most tortuous undertakings that any woman can endure). Well this season we’re breaking all of our own rules! Just look at all the fabulous pants that made their way down the runway.

Leggings and panelling at Rag and Bone and Derek Lam…

and at Ohne Titel and The Row…

and from a couple of TwentyThirtyForty.net’s faves, Gar-de and Mason…

And lots and lots and lots of soft pants. My favorite — mmmmm, so cozy. 

Acne

Costello Tagliapietra, Max Mara, and The Row…

and some super soft and slouchy offerings from Loeffler Randall. We adored her seashell pocket pant from last Spring, so we’re totally jazzed about these!

and, of course, the lovely Rachel Comey (quickly becoming my very favorite pant designer)

We’re just barely entering the Spring season, there’s still snow on the ground here, and all I’m looking forward to is next fall! The world of fashion is soooo confusing, but bring on the pants!!

all runway images via Style.com

Yes, the beat and the loove.  The love for Celine!  Right before market I like to peruse style.com and get my eye “ready” for the next season.  I was never really into Celine (is it the name??), but with Phoebe Philo at the helm I’m instantly drawn to see what she’s up to.  Love her spring10 and her take on khaki and also love her color for prefall10.  She works those blues and greens (and reds and yellows!) like the pro that she is!

images via Style.com

Fashion Week officially kicks off tomorrow, and Arlene and I are lucky enough to be there. We’ll be heading out to NYC on Thursday morning (Arlene’s 9-year old daughter, Kit, in tow. Can’t even begin to tell you how excited she is. She started crying the minute Arlene told her — started saying it was going to be “just like the day we went searching for Rodarte for Target!” She LOVES to hang out at our studio — playing dress-up, waiting on imaginary customers — and she loves fashion. Oh, and she really, really wants to have her picture on our blog. She is a serious fashionista-in-training.)

Anyway, while we were able to set up a few appointments for Thursday and Friday (Sonia Rykiel inlcuded, we’re happy to announce!!!), the main reason for this trip is the Rachel Comey show. We just adore Rachel Comey’s easy, quirky, yet feminine style and are super-excited to be adding her to our shop this Spring. Can’t wait to see what she’s got on deck for Fall. Here’s a quick look back at Fall 09.

Love her knits, her furs, her prints, her layers, her shoes. Just love everything about her whole vibe. So easy and so cool, right? We’ll definitely give an update upon our return. And maybe even include a picture or two of Kit.

all images via Style.com