Window Shopping Archives

Happy Talk Dress Thursday, July 03, 2008 1:34 AM

A couple weeks ago, I ventured into French Connection with my brother and I spotted a skinny striped dress. It's been at the back of my mind since. H&M has something similar, but it isn't as nice. Despite not looking like the bulky suits astronauts wear, this dress reminds me of them. If I can't travel to space, at least I can dress the part.

Comments (7) | tags: dresses french connection

Several months ago, there was a skirt I was madly in love with from H&M. It was plaid and had the most interesting pocket detailing. However, it was unlined and so I bought its fully lined sister skirt, which had the same shape and pocket design, but came in a different colour and pattern.

Photo: canada.forever21.com

Now Forever 21 is offering the same H&M plaid skirt. The pockets and the print are exactly the same. Unfortunately I don't have a photo of the H&M skirt for comparison, but you can see the lovely Miss Woo rocking the H&M version here and here.

This is the second time I've noticed a H&M piece making its way to the racks of Forever 21. Is Forever 21 making H&M knock-offs? Or is this a mere coincidence -- I wouldn't be surprised if they use the same factories in China/India/Turkey/etc to produce their garments.

Comments (4) | tags: bottoms forever 21 h&m

Photos: stephaniesimek.etsy.com

After spending four years making installation art, I graduated with a fine arts degree in New Media and have an unwavering fascination with technology-based art (and design). So every time I see something like what's in the pictures above, I can't help but exclaim, "How new media!". I had the same reaction to Hussein Chalayan's transforming dresses. His creations were a lot more complex then these illuminated sea cookie pins from Stephanie Simek, but all it takes is a simple LED to dazzle me.

Comments (5) | tags: accessories etsy

For the last year or so I've been searching for a somewhat affordable black leather bag that's big enough to tote around the entire contents of my room. I've managed to narrow it down to the above two bags which are both by Sabina, but I can't decide between the one on the left or on the right. Initially I liked the one on the left, but now I'm veering towards the one on the right. They're both the same price ($245 USD). Which one would you choose?

Comments (28) | tags: bags

Some things I like from Monki (discovered via Hot Chocolate and Mint).

What is it with the Swedes and this aura of cool around them? After visiting the Monki website, I found myself liking Flash (not usually a big fan of Flash sites) and yearning for playsuits and shorts (both of which I enjoy on other people more so then myself). And drop-crotch pants, which has slowly grown on my since my introduction to them four years ago in Hong Kong (which made me and the fellow exchange students go, "Huh?").

Comments (12) | tags: monki swedish

The Clothing Show is currently taking place this weekend here in Toronto. Is anyone planning to attend or has attended? I spent a few hours this afternoon picking through jewelry and riffling through racks of vintage dresses at the Better Living Centre.

At the booth simply titled "Norma's", I spotted the most gorgeous 1960s pink silk crepe cocktail dress. It was a small size so I tried it on. With vintage, I have trouble finding pieces I like that are small enough to fit me. So what does this dress do to spite me? It wouldn't zip up! It must've been that sundae on a stick I had a few minutes earlier.

It made me so sad to leave it there and to learn that the proprietor works out of her home in Fort Erie. She had many lovely pieces that appeared to be great condition. It's a shame I'll only be able to check out her stock at The Clothing Show that takes place twice a year. And that's if she decides to continue to set up a booth at the future shows. Sigh...that dress...

(okay, done whining.)

Comments (9) | tags: events vintage

Photos: aldoshoes.com

Thank you Sabrina for pointing out the addition of the Bellinghama sandal to Aldo's inventory. I've been trying to find the shoe for several months after seeing it featured in a photograph on their website. Now I can admire it from three different angles and in three different colours.

Photos: aldoshoes.com

Sorry things have been quiet around here lately. There are some personal matters that I've been preoccupied with. Somewhat more frequent posting should resume soon.

Comments (11) | tags: aldo shoes

Photos: leanimal.com

Portland based designer Leanne Marshall does amazing things with fabric. She folds and pleats and adds ruffles to all the right places. I guess Leanne never had trouble like I did with following the pictorial instructions (mountain fold...valley fold...huh??) that came with packets of origami paper.

Photos: leanimal.com

Leanne has an Etsy shop, Leanimal, that she uses to sell samples, sale items, and other special pieces made for the Etsy.

Photos: leanimal.etsy.com

Comments (4) | tags: dresses etsy

Photo: hollystalder.com

While wasting away a Sunday afternoon on Etsy, I came across a listing for a gorgeous and ruffley capelet by Holly Stalder. Jill at Couture Salope must've spent her Sunday the same way because she posted about this designer on that very same day. Since Jill wrote a much better introduction to Holly's work then I ever will, I'll post some of my favourite looks instead.

Photos: hollystalder.com

Holly also co-owns, Seaplane, a boutique in Portland, Oregon with Kate Towers. Kate creates equally as dreamy and feminine clothing, which are accompanied by beautiful photographs on her website.

Photos: katetowers.com

Comments (11) | tags: dresses etsy tops

Photo: gap.com

Today Gap released their Design Editions in-stores and online. I thought about heading to one of the three Toronto Gap stores carrying the collection since I am interested in a couple of items, but alas, laziness prevailed.

Last year I wasn't in town when the collection hit the stores and when I accidently stumbled upon it almost a month later, there was plenty of stock left so I'm not worried about the collection selling out. Maybe I'll go later this week...or the next...

I'd love to hear some thoughts from people who have seen this collection in person.

Comments (4) | tags: design editions designer collaborations gap

Thanks to Fruchtzwerg, I am now totally in love with this dress from G2000. It doesn't at all look like the stuff I saw at the stores while in Hong Kong during 2004 and 2007. In fact, flipping through the website I am reminded of Club Monaco, a comparison that has never crossed my mind in the past.

Comments (4) | tags: dresses g2000

Joe Fresh Style has had a sneak peek of their spring collection up on their website for the last month or two. They've finally, finally added their spring 2008 collection on their website (which I found out no more then two seconds ago thanks to their handy dandy e-mail alert).

For the international readers unfamiliar with Joe Fresh, the two year old brand is by Joseph Mimran, founder of Club Monaco. It is sold exclusively at the Superstore, a chain of grocery stores in Canada. I know, strange, eh? Buying apples, a side of beef, and a dress at the same place. I guess they're trying to encourage the soccer mom to look a bit more stylish.

Despite their target market, I always find a few pieces I like in each collection. Here are a few items enticing me to make that thirty minute drive to my closet Superstore.

Comments (12) | tags: bottoms canadian joe fresh style shoes tops

Even though brogues were all the rage last fall, I haven't been able to find a pair in-store for under $250. I was delighted to see Aldo offering a pair of high heeled oxfords in their new spring collection. I'm practically sold at $90. I've been looking for a black pair to sit next to the dark brown ones in my shoe closet. However, I'm also digging the bone coloured ones.

I haven't bought a pair of shoes from Aldo since my high school days of wearing a uniform. When I was in grade nine, I wore a pair of black brogues from Transit (now Spring, Aldo's cheaper sister line). These two shoes stores dominated the feet of the girls at my school.

Comments (2) | tags: aldo shoes

I have spent a good part of the last few months drooling over a pair of Chloé mary jane wedges. There's one pair left on Yoox and they are in my size. Hopefully someone buys them before I find an irrational reason to justify purchasing them!

Comments (0) | tags: chloé shoes yoox

Instead of sleeping, I've been checking out the sandals that have started trickling into stores. I'd like to have a pair of flat sandals to take me through the summer, preferably without the toe floss. My toes can handle the thong style sandals, but I'd like to leave that style for my flip flops.

Here are some that have caught my eye and are within my budget.

Sandals available at: 1. Urban Outfitters, 2. Urban Outfitters, 3. Urban Outfitters, 4. Old Navy, 5. Nine West, 6. Steve Madden, 7. Steve Madden, 8. Steve Madden, 9. Steve Madden

It's still early in the season so I'll probably hold off for another month or so before going on a serious sandal hunt unless I accidently stumble across the perfect sandals. Afterall, we have ten feet* of snow outside thanks to the recent two snowstorms with a prediction of more snow on the way. At this rate, I should be looking for another pair of winter boots.

*slight exaggeration

Comments (8) | tags: nine west old navy shoes steve madden urban outfitters

While out shopping on Tuesday, I was drawn to the display window at Browns because of the above shoes. It was instant shoe love. The green ones are perfect.

The heel reminds me of Chie Mihara, whose shoes I absolutely adore but cannot afford even when on sale.

Comments (11) | tags: browns shoes

Ever since I heard about Jovovich-Hawk designing the next Target Go International collection, I have been checking the Target pressroom site regularly for the news release. Yesterday the images were posted online and I happily perused them. Below are some that piqued my interest.

The collection will be in stores on March 2, 2008. While I do like some of the pieces, I'm undecided if it's worth the two hour drive to Buffalo, NY.

Comments (10) | tags: designer collaborations jovovich hawk target

During last night's jaunt on the Forever 21 website, I came across a dress that looked oddly familiar on their US site...

On the left is a dress I bought from H&M in spring 2006. There are some minor differences such as: the F21 dress doesn't have a tie at the back, the bib & neck ruffle both appear a bit shorter, and the pinstripes are a different colour because the F21 website lists their dress as "sage" (mine is navy). I wonder if the F21 dress comes from the same factory.

Comments (6) | tags: forever 21 h&m

Rarely do I venture beyond the accessories section in Forever 21. Whenever I pick up their clothing it feels like it will disintegrate in my hands. However, occassionally I take a peek at their clothing online. Somehow their clothes always looks better on my monitor and I've taken a liking to these two dresses.

Maybe I will go look at them in store. I'm not holding my breath though. If it's like all the other times, the actual item won't live up to its screen image.

Comments (5) | tags: dresses forever 21

A few things I like from H&M...

I've been trying to locate the yellow cardigan in my size since the end of December, but so far no luck with any of my local H&M stores that carry the trend line.

Comments (6) | tags: h&m spring

They can look a little creepy, but I love the delicate nature of Stephanie Simek's eyelash necklaces. My favourite is the version with a pair of eyelashes (pictured above), which I've added to my ever growing wish list of things to buy when I have a surplus in funds.

You can visit her etsy shop here: stephaniesimek.etsy.com

Comments (2) | tags: accessories etsy jewellery

Pretty slips have been my obsession ever since watching Blair Waldorf strip down to hers on Gossip Girl.

Urban Outfitters currently has a nice selection of pretty slips. I think I will have to brave the snowy conditions and make a trip down to the store. As much as I would like to stay in my nice warm house and have the guy in the brown uniform show up at my door, the UPS brokerage fee from customs is not worth it.

Comments (9) | tags: gossip girl teevee undergarments urban outfitters