Ogle, Unless You're Going to Europe...The Kooples

So about 5 months ago, my dearest friend, the Party Cat, escaped the clutches of NYC and moved across the pond to London.  I was lucky enough to get over there recently to visit her, but it was also my first trip to London ever- oh, and we made an epic stopover into Paris...a city that I've Obsessed about for years.

What was it like?

Well, the weather was pretty mucky, but that was to be expected.  What I loved about it (and maybe what I think is the most alluring thing about living in Europe) was the pace of life there.  Everyone seemed to have an understanding that while things needed to get done, they weren't going to get done at the expense of their own happiness.  I think that's something that New Yorkers should really take notice of.  Oh and the food.  Man, Paris really has that down pat.  It wasn't about anything complicated.  It was the butter.  The bread.  The ANCHOVIES.  Anyway, I digress.  Let's talk about The Kooples.

The Kooples is a store that I saw a few times when we were roaming the streets.  I loved the window displays, but for some reason, I never went into the stores.  I really regret it now!  In the US, you're trained to think that anything you see, you can eventually get online (mostly at Amazon), but when dealing with Europe, that's just not true.  Now I've learned my lesson.  Coming back and looking at The Kooples site, they don't deliver to the US.  Hence, I Ogle.  *Le sigh.*

Let me show you a few reasons why they need to deliver to the US (besides the fact that I would just give them my money):

I love how casual and classy this look is.  It's not anything new- black jeans, a cream blouse and a camel coat.  Done before, I know, but something about the styling of the shirt slightly tucked in and the coat off the shoulders seems so effortless and chic.  See the look and the pieces in their lookbook.

The woman's suit.  This is really hard to find in US, especially one this TOTALLY AWESOME (or as some might say, "totes amazeballs!")  I feel like forest green really made a comeback this fall (um, did anyone see all the coloblocking in the Celine Fall bags?  Yum.) alongside burgundy, and The Kooples has totally embraced that.  The cut of this suit is so right- dressy without being stiff.  See the details here in the lookbook. 

Last, but certainly not least, is their leather jacket selection.  I think there are some amazing options by designers here, don't get me wrong.  But, these are the ones that I would happily plop down the bucks for. Ah quand même....if they would only ship to America!  The burgundy one is so awesome I don't even have words for it.  Also, don't be fooled by the one with shearling and just think that it's normal.  It's actually a long jacket.  See the look in their lookbook.

Anyway, I could probably go on a little more about this, but I'll spare you the torture since you can't get this brand unless you go to Europe...but hey, I love having any reason to go back.  This one and getting myself to the Rue Cambon Chanel store are top of my list right now.  Paris, wait for me!

Ogle, Obsess, Own Now!

See this new feed here on the right?  I've put this here just for you.

There are so many things out there that I see and love and want, but sometimes it's not enough time in the day to write about it.  I don't want it to go unheard!  Now, you can see what I'm Ogling, Obsessing, and Owning in real time.  Check it out- maybe you'll find something you want to Own...don't blame me though if it ends up being an Ogle or Obsess priced item.  Shop at your own risk.  Click through to see the whole list on Pinterest.  Enjoy!

Obsess: Miriam Salat Apricot Earrings

A few weeks ago, I was cruising around Walnut Street in Philly and I came across a store that had a gorgeous pair of earrings in a case.  It was as if I went into auto-pilot when I saw them- I immediately asked the saleswoman to open the case so I could touch and feel (and almost smell, but the lady was standing right there...) these earrings.

Weeks have gone by and the desire to see again is almost insatiable.  Luckily, I am an expert Googler and can find pretty much anything on the internets.  So I present to you, the earrings:

They're SO LOVELY!

After the initial shock of how stunning these were, my eyes moved down to the tiny little hang tag on the back at a pricey $495.  Doesn't stop me from being obsessed with them completely but it did stop me from pulling out my wallet.  They're by Miriam Salat who has a lot of earrings that follow this same aesthetic- straight up girly glamour.  I'll dedicate this post to the Princess List because these earrings look like a lovely and delicate princess would wear them to a beautiful fall, don't you think?  Eek!  If you're feeling like a princess today, you can pick these earrings up here on her site, MiriamSalat.com.

Totally Obsessed: Tsumori Chisato, are you Ogle or Obsess?

I've seen Tsumori Chisato around for a while and I don't know why I haven't been moved enough to write about it.  Her stuff is so cool and awesome and unique.  I hate to say that I've been distracted, but that must be the only reason why I would have put off writing about her and my love for her designs for so long.

Anyway, without much further ado, let's talk about Tsumori Chisato and why I love her stuff.  Being a child of the Hello Kitty era (which is still alive and stronger than ever today), I love whimsical patterns, bright colors and happy faces. I don't know where along the way I lost the urge to wear styles that featured those things.  I still love them.  They still make me really happy when I see them.

Case and point: I've been hunting for a new wallet.  My trusty Miu Miu has finally broken down, but the wide world of wallets, while colorful, isn't really inspring.  It hadn't been until I saw this adorable thing.

It's definitely not your average bear!  It's a pattern of swans with a cat.  I love it.  I would love to have this swimming around in my purse, but at a $300+ price point, it has to be just an Obsession for now.  

Beyond that painfully cute wallet, Tsumori Chisato has a lot of other items that have this same kind of sophisticated, child-drawn storybook feel.  Her clothes focus less on contouring the lines of the body and more around fun patterns and colors that almost tell a story.  Most of her dresses are large sacks of fabric which I would normally be against, but the combination of colors is just so refreshing I can't take my eyes of them.  Here are some of my favorites:

Iceberg Dot Black Dress

Four Trees Print Skirt

Sky and Dinosaur Scarf

Ribbon Dress

The colors are so vivid and different and all would look awesome under a leather jacket for fall.  I'm dying for that Dinsosaur scarf!  As much as I've put this in the Obsess bucket, I feel like it could easily be an Ogle for most people- it is a little wackier than your average dress. 

My Fairy Godmother Did Good.

Turns out, my fairy godmother and her magic wand cleaned me up well for the engagement party.  Ta-dah!  Myself on the left in the awesome Hussein Chalayan Dress, a baublebar necklace and those delicious YSL heels.  A little sea salt spray, bronzer and a baby pink lip worked! 

Love what my friend is wearing?  Well too bad.  Most of it's vintage!  Both her necklace and her leather skirt were her mom's and her top was from Zara.

What a lovely time!