QC Prêt-à-Porter || Lo in the City
15/03/2013 § Leave a comment
R13 contrast sleeve Concert-T
Current/Elliott Boyfriend cropped jean
J.Crew hooded parka
Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers
Ray-Ban aviators
J.Crew cashmere beanie
Mimi Holliday by Damaris Bisou Bisou Pearl lace soft-cup bra
Lolita by Nabokov, first edition (anniversary edition available here)
On the docket:
Celebrating a certain St. Patrick
Audubon’s Aviary at the New York Historical Society, details here
Club Monaco sample sale (only through Friday, details here)
Quite Continental Breakfast:
bits and bobs for your weekend wander
- Explore the cult of British designer Margaret Howell, via WSJ Magazine.
- Fernet Branca is the equivalent of a hipster bartender handshake (and did you know that San Francisco ingests more of the stuff than Buenos Aires?!?). A quick guide to Fernet, via Bon Appetit.
- Patrick Robinson, formerly of Gap, is launching Pashko, his own collection of athletically-inclined comfy clothes “to hang out in” — with your help. Using a Kickstarter campaign, Robinson plans to only make the items that people “order” via the crowd-funding mechanism, and after the initial funds are raised, turn Pashko into an e-commerce business, via NY Times.
- Yasmin Sewell looking amazing per usual, via Vanessa Jackman.
- Thom Browne is amused by what you think his outrageous show concepts mean, but he’s actually too busy building a business to pay you too much mind, via Business of Fashion.
- I am a little bit (TOTALLY) obsessed by the idea of staying in this amazing Airstream on the ocean side of Highway 1 in Big Sur. Okay, completely obsessed.
- Peruse the Windows of New York.
- Who exactly is the “average guy” when discussing what men wear (and #menswear)? Via Robert, for GoLocalProv.
- Stephanie always finds the most amazing things. For example: this portrait from the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Moynat, a french trunk-maker and leather goods company founded by a woman in 1849, provides a lovely bit of illustrated inspiration for your next trip to Paris:
Have a lovely weekend!
xoxo. M.
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Victorians of the Desert
13/03/2013 § 5 Comments
Photographer Jim Naughten‘s amazing portraits of the Herero people of Namibia are currently on display at Margaret Street Gallery in London, as part of an exhibit called “Conflict and Costume,” which you definitely should not miss, should you be in the area. It looks to be an exceptionally thought-provoking examination of the intersection of colonialism, culture, tradition, fashion and identity. The beautiful portraits, starkly posed against the barren Namibian desert, closely focus on the tribe’s unique costume — Victorian era dresses for the women, German paramilitary uniforms for the men. Adopted from their colonizers, and slowly personalized with ethnic textiles and the “cow horn” headdresses you see on the women (the Herero people are pastoralists and place high value on their livestock), the Herero tribe honors their warrior ancestors by continuing this sartorial tradition to present day.
Luckily, for those of us unable to make it to London,
you can purchase Naughten’s book here.
Jim Naughten: Conflict and Costume
Runs through April 13, 2013
Margaret Street Gallery
63 Margaret Street
London
W1W 8SW
**UPDATE** I’ve just been alerted that there is a simultaneous NYC Naughten exhibit at the Klompching Gallery in Brooklyn, running through May 4, 2013! In fact, the opening reception is tomorrow night (Thursday, March 14, 6 to 8pm)! Considering that the price for me to view these portraits just dropped from a transatlantic flight to subway fare, there’s no chance I’ll be missing them!
Jim Naughten: Conflict and Costume
Klompching Gallery
111 Front Street, Suite 206
Brooklyn
11201
Girlcrush || Solange in South Africa
13/12/2012 § 1 Comment
When it comes to the Knowles sisters, it shouldn’t surprise you that I’ve been a fan of big sister Beyoncé from the very start. You just knew that those other – and oft rotated – Destiny’s Children weren’t long for this world, that B was itching for her Diana Ross moment in the spotlight. Now, I definitely love me some divas, but you have to admit that there’s something sort of conventional (and maybe even a bit boring) about the establishment: big hair, red carpet beauty, belted ballads, an affinity for sparkles, etc.
Which is why I think Solange, the younger Knowles, is so much more interesting. A frequent experimenter with her own personal style and something of a slowly burning girlcrush, Solange has officially evolved into the Knowles sister I’d much rather hang with. She pretty much sealed the deal with her video for “Losing You,” which was brought to my attention by a good friend who noted that Solange appeared to be channeling me. Shot in Cape Town, featuring some very dandy Sapeurs (an interesting group of men I mentioned awhile back), as well as a wardrobe that you know I fell in love with immediately, the synth-y groove of the song is almost like an added bonus. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Video directed by Melina Matsoukas.
Photo taken by Daniele Tamagni, via Pitchfork.
Atelier || Lotuff Leather
30/11/2012 § 3 Comments
As I previously mentioned, a few weeks ago I was pleased to accept an invite from Lotuff Leather to visit their workshop in Norwalk, Connecticut. I was very excited to seize the opportunity to meet the fine folks behind the brand and witness firsthand the craftsmanship that goes into every single piece of leather that bears the Lotuff name. Fair warning: this is about to be a bit of a photo-palooza, but there was just so much to see and love – I hope you will indulge me!
Lotuff, a New England-based luxury leather goods brand founded by brothers Joe and Rick Lotuff nearly four years ago, is a brand you need to firmly place on your radar. The Lotuffs, along with creative director Lindy McDonough and a whole host of highly skilled craftsmen and women, take great pride in producing some of the very finest leather items made in America, using techniques honed over decades – and in some cases, generations – of combined experience. A men’s brand at heart, the all-leather bags, briefcases and accessories that Lotuff creates epitomize the elegant meeting of timeless style, functionality and quiet craftsmanship.
Not only was I inspired by the passion I heard from Joe and Lindy as they discussed their values and goals for Lotuff, but they also deeply affected my personal concept of “luxury” – calling into question some of my own assumptions about the true worth of some of the high-end bags I have lusted for in the past. My day in Norwalk reinforced the notion that luxury is not achieved by the mere application of a name or a high price point to an item. But rather, an item is properly considered luxurious in relation to the process, materials and skills that go into its creation — and seeing up close the massive amount of pride that each of the Lotuff craftsmen and women pour into their work brought this into sharp focus.
While this fuller concept of luxury appears to have taken hold in some #menswear circles, it is interesting to note that the majority of women continue to be fine with paying top dollar for cheaply manufactured status accessories. Indeed, it is difficult to decouple this tendency for status from womenswear’s obsession with fast fashion. For those of us who find ourselves frequently left wanting by the “it bag” of the moment, the premiere women’s collection by Lotuff is a godsend. And my leather-scented day spent trying out all the gorgeous prototypes? Heaven indeed.
For more information, visit Lotuff Leather.
Please say hello to my new best friend… In. Love.
If you are in New York City this weekend (30 Nov – 2 Dec),
be sure to check out Lotuff in person at this year’s Pop Up Flea.
Pop Up Flea
Friday, Nov 30th 3pm – 9pm
Saturday, Dec. 1st 11am – 7pm
Sunday, Dec. 2nd 11am – 6pm
Drive-In Studios
443 W. 18th Street (nr. 10th Ave.)
Charm School Extra Credit: How to Tie a Bow Tie
29/10/2012 § 2 Comments
Editor’s note: Even though February’s Charm School has come and gone, a bit of Extra Credit is just the thing to get us through the other 11 months of the year, no?
The Corsillo Brothers, the lovely Brooklyn-based duo behind The Hill-Side and Hickoree’s, have created an elegant — stop motion! — film to teach you how to tie a bow tie, which makes an excellent hidden talent for anyone’s toolkit. Closely related to a previous Charm School lesson (see: Tie a Tie), this would definitely be taking it to the next level. Granted, learning to tie a bow tie takes patience and practice, but without any hands getting in the way of this tutorial, you’ll be on your way in no time.
Personally, I can’t wait to break out my holiday bow tie.
Do you have any plans to wear one?
And if you like the indigo chambray tie featured above, you can find it here.
The Quite Continental Charm School
A modern guide to creating a charmed life
Autumn is Calling || Veronica Beard F/W 2012
02/10/2012 § Leave a comment
When two talented sisters-in-law, both inexplicably named Veronica Beard, launched their eponymous collection in fall of 2010 it was with a single, well-tailored blazer: “The Jacket.” In the seasons since, the line has blossomed into a full ready-to-wear collection — recently debuting their S/S 2013 at New York Fashion Week — with a strong foundation in familiar, iconic pieces.
I’m not sure how this line escaped me for almost two years, but upon first glance, I knew we would be fast friends — and when I read that the designers strive to create a “uniform” for the modern women, I upgraded that to very best friends. Classic, yet also very contemporary, the Veronica Beard woman is effortlessly chic in clothes that are made to be lived in. She’s a tailored city girl who highly values style, fit and comfort.
Before we get too lost in what’s to come for S/S 2013, I wanted to take a moment to share the F/W 2012 lookbook with you. I only have one tiny complaint, and it has nothing to do with the clothes. I’m not too terribly fond of those grey platform boots, but adore every single other thing. The jackets and outerwear still stand apart as their very best work — the silk lapels on that blazer below? The those luxurious fur collars? The colors and textiles you can sink your teeth into? Gorgeous, simply gorgeous. And the best part?
You can get it right now.
All images via Veronica Beard.
QC Prêt-à-Porter || Fantastic Ms. Fox
01/10/2012 § 2 Comments
Acne Mape cropped lizard-embossed leather jacket
Tory Burch Samantha sweater
McQ Alexander McQueen tartan wool mini skirt
Eugenia Kim Gabriella feather trimmed rabbit-felt fedora
Tory Burch fox head hinge bracelet
J.Crew cashmere-lined leather gloves
J.Crew Brompton hobo
Sam Edelman Petty Kid suede ankle boot
J.Crew solid opaque tights
For me, fall doesn’t really begin until I’ve got my first pair of tights on for the season, and guess what? Today was that day. In honor of fall’s arrival, an outfit with just the right amount of schoolgirl gone bad and a few foxes thrown in for good measure. I’m especially drawn to the richness of deep jewel tones this fall and am in love with the burgundy and green here. The Acne moto jacket is the obvious budget-killer here, but I couldn’t resist You can find a similar and much more affordable and non-leather option here, if either qualities are more desirable to you — but alas, no green.
What’s keeping me busy around the city this week? Quite a few things, indeed! I will be catching Grace Kelly in Hitchcock’s Dial M for Murder (in 3-D!) at Film Forum before it closes, a champagne-infused girldate at The Drybar in Flatiron, an opening reception for artist John Whitlock at Goose Barnacle in Brooklyn on Thursday (details here), a record release party for the country duo The Vanity Belles (tickets here) and a happy hour or two. I’m definitely in need of a pair of boots made for walking like those gorgeous Sam Edelmans above. Love!
Have a lovely week!
What will you be getting up to?
xoxo. M.
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It’s All Transitory
15/09/2012 § 8 Comments
Transitory
tran·si·to·ry/ˈtransiˌtôrē/
Adjective
Meaning: not permanent
“transitory periods of medieval greatness”
Origin: late Middle English: from Old French transitoire,
from Christian Latin transitorius, from transit- ‘gone across’
Wearing: GANT shirt (similar), H&M skirt (similar idea) and belt (similar),
Cooperative tassel skimmer, Bag by San Fernando Valley Mercantile
Lips: NARS Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil in Dragon Girl
Photos taken by Jenna Rosebery in Madison Square Park
There’s been a snap in the weather in New York that arrived this week like an old familiar friend. It was that moment when the endless sun-filled possibilities of summer darken — just a bit — and you realize that it’s only a matter of days before the leaves will be gone and you start to pull on clothes you’ve forgotten you have. While the California girl in me will always want it to be just a little warmer and sunnier outside, since moving to New York I’ve really come to value the transitional seasons of fall and spring — two seasons that Los Angeles distinctly lacks.
Fall is a time for introspection — it isn’t hopeful and promising in the same way that spring is. There are no fuzzy spring chicks or pretty buds, but rather falling leaves and ripening apples that can cause your thoughts wander to the areas in your own life that have changed, will be changing, or need to be changed. Definitely over the last few weeks of my own life, this has been this case. With the emphasis on the spring of 2013 during fashion week, the fact that we are in for a stretch of colder weather, a few more holidays, a new year and yet another birthday of mine, came into sharp focus. I’ve also been met with some pretty big changes in my professional and personal life that I’m currently navigating.
Taking a step back from it all, the word “transitory” repeatedly came to my mind, and how we are forever in transit, forever navigating, and while changes can range from the annoying to the downright painful, it helps to remember that constant motion forward. Not to mention the friends, family members and colleagues who are there to help us along the way. But most importantly, keep in mind that you are completely in charge of yourself. While we can’t control what happens to us, we definitely can control how we react. So don’t ever forget to drive your own bus.
With that, please join me in welcoming fall!
xoxo. M.
New York Fashiongram
13/09/2012 § Leave a comment
Full posts to follow, but I just wanted to share a few of my
favorite New York Fashion Week moments, captured via Instagram:
Bill Cunningham at Suno
The rush at Monika Chiang
Lovely linen at Samantha Pleet
Misha Nonoo and Olivia Palermo at Nonoo
Lani en route to Fashion’s Night Out
The opening of Michael Bastian
Refreshments at Cafe Gitane
QC Prêt-à-Porter || NYC Fashion Week Essentials
07/09/2012 § Leave a comment
A few New York Fashion Week essentials:
Pour La Victoire Morandi Satchel First and foremost, you’ll need a bag big enough to tote quite a bit of stuff. I really love how this satchel expands, but most of all, I’m drawn by the gorgeous color.
Joie Day Dreaming Smoking Flats You’ll welcome a respite from all the high heel duty. Be sure to keep them in a shoe pouch (as well as your heels, when you change), to keep the inside of your bag clean.
Canon EOS Rebel T3i 18MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm and 55-250mm lenses Self explanatory, with two lenses to switch it up as you like.
Ray-Ban Meteor Sunglasses Black meets tortie, with a squared-off, retro feel. Effortless cool.
NARS Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil in Dragon Girl Bold red; the most iconic fashion statement…for your face.
Macally Powerlink8 Battery Charger You will always, always, always be in search of juice. This little gadget can power up an iPhone, iPod or iPad on the go. Genius.
A sneak peek at Monika Chiang S/S 2013!
Yes, I’m back on the east coast and New York Fashion Week is in full swing! I’m currently running around the city and soaking up all there is to see, and I’m really excited to share some very lovely collections with you in the coming days. Can’t wait? The best way to follow me over the next few days will be via Twitter (@mariahkunkel) and Instagram (@quitecontinental). Of course, if there’s anything you think I should I check out, please email me!
Have a lovely weekend!
What will you be getting up to?
xoxo. M.
Keep in touch!
Facebook || Twitter || Tumblr || Pinterest || Svpply
Instagram: @quitecontinental
