The Fashion Informer

Informed Obsession: Monocle Candle

 OK, first things first: I am not a regular (or even semi-regular) reader of Monocle. Why? Because while I've found it to be a smart, well-designed magazine on the few occasions that I've perused it, the publication features an abudundance of pretentious articles printed in a teensy weensy typeface and, well, I've got better things to do with my time. Like watch my cat snooze. Or pick lint out of my bellybutton. Or see how many Ghirardelli dark chocolate brownies I can consume without barfing. I'm just kidding. I don't own a cat. But my ambivalence about Monocle the magazine hasn't prevented me from enjoying Monocle the candle, which I discovered when visiting their West Village outpost (because all magazines need to be retailers now, too, or haven't you heard?). I'm partial to Monocle Scented Candle One: Hinoki, which was developed by the good folks at Comme des Garcons, is packaged in a matte black glass container and smells like a rich, woodsy mix of moss and cedar and cypress and pine (or as the Monocle site puts it "a perfectly still, slightly chilly spring morning spent soaking in an indoor/outdoor tub at the Tawaraya in Kyoto") with hints of incense, thyme and vetiver. Yes, it's overpriced at $85. Yes, it's pretentious for a magazine to have a signature scent. And yes, their description of it prompts a wicked case of the retarded tingles. But I don't care. It smells divine and makes me swoon with delight every time I put match to wick. Subscription not required.



graphic design by K Sarna

Informed Obsession: Emerson Sandals

I've been a big fan of designer Jackie Fraser-Swan's Emerson collection since I attended her Lincoln Center debut a few seasons back. I've also been a huge fan of Kork-Ease since high school, when I wore my Ava's (which we called Buffalo Sandals, for reasons I've never understood) til they fell off my feet. So I was beyond thrilled when Fraser-Swan collaborated with Kork-Ease for Emerson's spring 2013 outing, sending a trio of black-and-white beauties down the runway, which acted as a perfect counterpart to the collection's strong, graphic silhouettes. I was less thrilled to learn these covetable kicks were runway-only (cue sad face) but I wanted to share them with you anyway, since they're just so damn cool. (And maybe the parties involved will rethink their decision and release these styles for next season? Pretty please?) In the meantime, you can content yourself with off-the-rack versions of the styles shown at Emerson (Bette  and Hailey, respectively). Or follow my lead and go old-school with the original Ava, which is the perfect blend of form and function and will see you through summer in style (knee-highs optional).


graphic design by K Sarna

Informed Obsession: Working Class Studio Journal

I've been partial to Moleskine notebooks since I began my career as a journalist more than two decades ago. But that changed the day I received a Working Class Studio journal from the good folks at shopSCAD. Created by artists from the Savannah College of Art and Design using soy ink on post-consumer waste recycled paper, these colorful lined notebooks are the perfect—and perfectly chic—companion, whether I'm interviewing designers, covering New York Fashion Week or jotting down notes for my Great American Novel (hey, a girl can dream, can't she?). They're about twice the size of the pocket Moleskine and feature a similar elastic band to keep them closed when tossed into the darkest recesses of my bag. But what I really love is that they cost just $10 bucks and boast a variety of graphic print covers, so I can change my notebook seasonally, as I do my wardrobe. And that's about as stylish as it gets.


graphic design by K Sarna

Informed Obsession: Jil Sander Boots

The Queen of Clean is back! All Hail the Queen! That would be Jil Sander to you and me. After an eight year absence, the master of minimalism returned to her namesake label with the spring 2013 collection. But while the designer's other acolytes were busy swooning over her elegant dresses and color block sweaters, I was lusting after her two-tone leather boots with a sexy golden zipper that spirals around the leg from ankle to knee. They're a perfect complement to her spare silhouettes—and a perfect example of ebony and ivory, living in perfect harmony.


graphic design by K Sarna

Informed Obsession: Dallas Clayton

 Really, what's not to like about Dallas Clayton's whimsically upbeat drawings? His cheerful, idiosyncratic creatures hop, skip and jump across the page (or computer screen), urging the viewer to Be Yourself, Make Magic, and Have Fun! Clayton's own story—he wrote a children's book called An Awesome Book!, after the birth of his son, self-published after being turned down by several major publishing houses and became an instant hit—is equally inspiring (as are his illustrated poems). He's now got a devoted international following and a three-book deal with HarperCollins, offering living proof to kids of all ages that if you work hard and believe in yourself, dreams really can come true. Which is, in a  word, awesome!


graphic design by K Sarna 

Informed Obsession: Lavish Necklaces

 As the days get shorter and the holidays draw nigh, I love the idea of adorning myself with something a little more fanciful, festive and sparkly than my usual go-to silver or charms. Enter Lavish by Tricia Milaneze. Made in Brazil, these limited edition necklaces feature hand-crocheted 18k gold filled wire threaded with bold, colorful stones and glittering glass beads to wonderful 3-D effect. I'm particularly partial to the turquoise choker-cum-breastplate with Good 'N Plenty-shaped beads, which does, indeed, look good enough to eat. Lavish, to be sure—and just the thing to stave off the winter doldrums while making a showstopping style statement.


graphic design by K Sarna

Informed Obsession: Pedro Garcia Faina

 I loves me a good chunky ankle boot. Flat combat-inspired boots are good. But a leg-elongating wedge is ever better. Enter the Pedro Garcia Faina. Crafted from rugged black suede offset with a smooth elastic panel, these "armored" pull-on booties have a lightly padded insole and wrap seductively around the ankle for that all-important fawn-in-the-forest effect that makes your legs look like delicate stems perched atop clunky hooves. (Trust me. It's a good thing.) I like to wear mine with rolled up jeans or cropped trousers, but if you've got the gams for it, they look equally cool with tights and a mini. Best of all, they're now on sale for $375 (down from $625). So go ahead. Treat yo'self.


graphic design by K Sarna

Informed Obsession: Eileen Fisher Top

 There are days when you want to show off what your mama gave you, and there are days when you're feeling a bit more discreet. Eileen Fisher's Notch Box-Top is for the latter—but it's as chic as it is comfy. Generously cut with a hemline that's shorter in front and longer in back, this sweater is fashioned from soft merino jersey and features a flattering wide scoop neckline with fine rib trim at the sleeves and hem. You can dress it up with a pencil skirt or slim trousers for work, dress it down with beat-up boyfriend jeans on the weekend or—my favorite way to go—pair it with black leather pants and piled on jewelry for a rock and roll vibe. It comes in six pretty colors, from fire engine red to Aegean blue, and retails for $198. And if you're feeling especially flush, there's a cashmere version, as well. Say hello to your new best friend.


graphic design by K Sarna

Informed Obsession: DIY Charms

 When it comes to style, I'm all about personalizing one's look. And few things are more personal than jewelry—especially when you make it yourself. Take, for instance, my signature charm necklaces. All of the chains and many of the talismans come from L'Art de la Rue by M'hamed Kherroubi, a wonderfully talented Algerian designer who has set up shop on a table in front of the Apple store on Ninth Avenue and 14th Street in the Meatpacking District. M'hamed casts his own pieces and travels the world looking for old medals, coins and vintage charms, which he pairs in artful combinations on handmade, one-of-kind chains (some of which are also festooned with colorful stones and beads). To these I add bits and bobs picked up from my own travels—be it a cameo from Savannah, an elephant from India, a shell from Montauk or a tiny black wing from my friend Shelly Steffee's former shop—for truly individual pendants that remind me of my journeys and the people I love every time I wear them, which is pretty much every day. It's less DIY than DI-VINE. Just ask Emma Watson, who's also a L'Art de la Rue fan. If you can't get to M'hamed's MPD outpost, you can also find his wares at Eye Candy in Chelsea and Byoutique in North Baldwin, NY, or online at Facebook. Tell him The Fashion Informer sent you—and make it your own!


graphic design by K Sarna

Informed Obsession: Lana Frankel Holiday Cards

 As readers of this blog already know, I have a soft spot for illustration. Especially the whimsically chic illustrations of Lana Frankel, a former Vogue colleague who left her graphic design gig and relocated to the more relaxed environs of Colorado (after a brief stop in San Francisco) to focus on her art. In addition to her signature fashion illustrations, event invites and personalized portraits (human, pet and otherwise), Lana also has a line of happy-making holiday cards and gift tags,which, in true fashionista form, can be purchased off the rack or customized for a truly one-of-a-kind holiday statement. Joyeux Noel, indeed.


graphic design by K Sarna

Informed Obsession: Coclico Ndakinna

As much as I loves me some modern kicks (Rick Owens and Camilla Skovgaard being my go-to faves), I've always loved a good spat. No, not the meaningless argument you have with your SO ("I did not hide the remote under the cushion to get back at you for dogging the Cheetohs!") but the 19th century footwear covering worn by European and Japanese infantrymen later adopted by their monied brethren as a visual symbol of wealth. Today, spats aren't so much a symbol of prosperity as they are a symbol of offhand cool. Take, for instance, the Coclico Ndakinna ankle boot, which pairs a chunky wooden base with a distressed leather upper, all of it covered with an artfully ruched spat that ties behind the heel and is fastened to the sole with small metal stud. And, in keeping with the 19th century aesthetic-meets-21st century materials, the Ndakinna (which comes in black, grey or brown and retails for $425), features recycled cork and foam for its internal padded platform, a vegan leather lining and lead free/nickel free hardware, all sourced from local suppliers—along with a side zip for easy access. It's the past, made perfect.


graphic design by K Sarna

Informed Obsession: Aesa Studs

 Much as I loves me some big-ass hoops, every so often I'm struck by the desire to wear earrings that are a little less obtrusive. A little less obvious. A little less in your face, if you will. Enter Aesa Machine de Terre studs. Hand-carved out of sterling silver or 14k gold, these artfully crafted gems resemble tiny little rocks or herkimer diamonds and are available with or without a single actual white or black 1pt diamond in the center of one earring. Best of all? Aesa jewelry is made by designer Randi Mates right in the heart of Brooklyn. Rock on!

graphic design by K Sarna

Informed Obsession: Duct Duct Goose

Duct Duct Goose wallets started as a hobby in 2010 after 10-year-old competitive swimmer Isabelle Seward suffered a concussion and need to find a quiet, meditative activity to do while recovering. "They were terrible at first, just big purses with a small credit card slot on the outside," she told The Fashion Informer. After several months of trial and error, the pint-sized designer perfected her technique. Soon after, friends and family were clamoring for her clever, one-of-a-kind duct tape wallets and—voila!—a DIY business was born. Made entirely by hand and featuring a wide range of designs (from bold racing stripes and sports insignia to various flora, fauna and animals), DDG wallets sell for $5-$9 online at Duct Duct Goose. During the summer, you can find the wallets—and their inspiring creator—on the Ditch Plains beach at Montauk, which is where I first discovered Isabelle, now 12, and her inventive wares. "I'm not one of those kids that buy a role of $4 tape and search online for how to make a wallet," she explained with pride. "I'm that kid that takes the time to get it right on my own. I was always against looking stuff up online because to me, it's equivalent to cheating. It's much more satisfying to say that you did it yourself then to say you used someone else's ideas." Out of the mouths of babes.

graphic by K Sarna

Informed Obsession: Chelsea Paris Roselle Beatle Boot

 As the Fab Four sang, all you need is love. And, come fall, a good pair of boots that are comfortable enough to run around town in all day and chic enough to elevate your sartorial game. The Chelsea Paris Roselle delivers on both counts. A spirited update of the classic Beatle boot, the Roselle goes for around $495 and comes in a graphic black and white African-inspired print and a black leather-and-ponyskin combo. Both feature a sleek rounded heel and an asymmetrical lace-up detail for added élan. Cause while it's true that money can't buy you love, it sure as hell can get you one really cool pair of boots.

graphic by K Sarna

Informed Obsession: Lori LaMont

 Art and commerce may no longer be strange bedfellows in the fashion world, thanks to folks like Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Richard Prince, Stephen Sprouse, Takashi Murakami and Yayoi Kusama. But self-taught Long Beach, California-based painter Lori LaMont takes things to a whole new level with her series, "Under the Influence," which features large scale watercolors of colorful, delicately detailed animals emblazoned with designer logos (think: Fendi falcons, Chanel horses, Miu Miu and Marc Jacobs elk, a Lacoste lion and Burberry chickens). The paintings' titles—"For Love or Money," "The Status Symbol of the Competent Sportsman"—leave little doubt as to her everything-has-been-commodified message, which is an accurate, if sad, reflection of where we are now as a society. It is, like all great art, visually arresting food for thought.


graphic by K Sarna

Informed Obsession: Allen Stone

 For those who may not be aware, long before I was a fashion journalist I was a music writer (and a travel writer and health/fitness writer before that, but that's another story for another day). Music has always been a huge—and hugely important—part of my life, starting with my early love of Patti Smith, The Clash and Television and ending with…well, I'm currently loving Azealia Banks, Meklit & Quinn and Band of Skulls, though I don't foresee my passion for music ending until the day I draw my final breath. Which is a good thing, since there are so many amazingly gifted new musicians being discovered every day, in all the many genres that I love. Which brings me to my latest musical crush, Mr. Allen Stone. The son of a preacher man, 25-year-old Stone originally hails from Chelewah, Washington and now makes his home in Seattle. Part R&B singer, part crunchy granola hippie, Stone is a gifted songwriter blessed with a uniquely soulful set of pipes, which he puts to good use singing his own stuff and covering everyone from Bob Marley to Marvin Gaye to Chaka Khan. I recently saw him live at Highline Ballroom and was totally blown away by his chops and by his inclusive, fun-loving attitude (which you can see for yourself here,  here and here). And Stone introduced me to the Swedish artist Tingsek—one of his own personal favorites, who opened the show that night—for which I am eternally grateful. See? Music begets music begets music. It's a beautiful thing. 


graphic design by K Sarna

Informed Obsession: MQuan Bells

 Michele Quan is one of the more creative people I know. We first met when she launched the jewelry company Me&Ro with her bestie Robin Renzi back in the early Nineties (Michele is the "me" in that equation). The duo parted amicably several years later, and today she's a sculptor specializing in handmade ceramic art and objects for the home and garden. Central to MQuan creations are hand-sculpted garlands, bells and skulls that represent both our connection and interdependence as well as the transient nature of our time here on earth. Wheel thrown or slip cast in porcelain, stoneware and earthenware, her objets d'art are then painted or finished with delicate, hand drawn images of iconic symbols—the moon, stars, flowers, animals, trees, shells, guns, clouds, endless knots—that further represent her overarching themes. While I can't yet afford one of MQuan's bespoke garlands (which range from 10' to 31' long, boast 36 to 108 individual handmade beads and cost between $2,500 - $18,500), I am the proud owner of a single iridescent Jingle Bell, which tacitly reminds me of what's really important in life and helps put things into perspective every time I see it. And that, my friends, is money well spent.



graphic by K Sarna

Informed Obsession: Earthies Tortola

The transition of seasons can be a lot of fun, style-wise (all those lightweight layering options!). But it can also present fashion dilemmas, especially in the footwear department: too cold for summer sandals, too warm for boots. What's a girl to do? Enter the Earthies Tortola. Built on a supportive, ergonomically-designed flatform with reinforced arch support, a padded heel cup and shock-absorbing footbed that provides both height and comfort, the Tortola's strappy, buckled Grecian-inspired upper (which comes in brown, black or red leather) is both classic and cool—and it's a bit more closed than the average summer sandal, making it an ideal early fall option. I got a pair just before Labor Day and wore them throughout New York Fashion Week, garnering a great many compliments and (a Fashion Week first) no blisters or barking dogs. Huzzah!



graphic design by K Sarna 

Informed Obsession: MiH Phoebe Jeans

Now that the weather in the Northeast is finally cooling down (a little bit, anyway), I can partake in one of my favorite hobbies: layering. And my favorite base piece for layering is a good pair of jeans. Boyfriend jeans, to be precise. Being neither tall nor skinny, but somewhere in the middle, I find rolled-cuff boyfriend jeans to be a forgiving, flattering cut—and I like any pants that let me showcase a cute shoe or bootie. So I was delighted to make the acquaintance of the MiH Phoebe jean, which boasts a slouchy, mid-rise cut and—the pièce de résistance—a tall, frayed-edged cuff, which feels much newer to me than the tightly rolled cuff of seasons past. I'll be rocking these bad boys with layered tanks, stripey sweaters and lace-up oxfords or chunky platforms.


graphic design by K Sarna

Informed Obsession: Lauren Craft Skulls

As a rule, I pretty much hate skull jewelry. Actually, I pretty much hate skull everything. It's so predictable. So obvious. So completely and utterly played out. (Ooooh, you're wearing a skull ring/necklace/tattoo/handbag. You must be a badass rebel. Not.) And yet. And yet. I cannot stop thinking about, staring at and swooning over this delightful little ring. Designed by newcomer Lauren Craft (who studied at The Gemological Institute of America and worked at Alexis Bittar before launching her own fine jewelry line earlier this year), this sweetly subversive beauty features a trio of white coral skulls encased in champagne diamonds with a black rhodium and silver finish on an 18K yellow gold band. They're like The Three Amigos, shepherding the wearer through this life—and on to the next—in style. Kudos to Craft for breathing new life into a tired old trend.