Splurge: April Flowers

This is my dream dress for Spring. Alas, it's a whopping $540. The only way to justify such a purchase at present is if I made it my one and only dress for wedding season. Praying it goes on sale, but I have a feeling it'll be snatched up right quick, recession be damned.

Elizabeth and James Boudier Dress, available at Ron Herman.

Photo credit: www.ronherman.com

Plaid, Still

Those of you still caught in the grips of a flannel obsession need not fear the coming of Spring. You can still get your plaid fix by updating your stash with a brighter or perhaps shorter-sleeved version of your old standby. Por ejemplo:


Obey - Mens STATUES LONG SLEEVE (BLUE), $76.


Orisue - Mens Reeves L/S (Blue), $64.

It also features a design detail that's actually functional.
Photo credit: www.80spurple.com

Bleu Rider

More marvels from Le Train Bleu. Their selection for the past couple of seasons has been especially on point.

Georgina Cullum's prints are fab. Acid floral dress, $149.

A cami version of the Fleur Wood Galle dress I posted a couple of weeks ago. $78.30.


Sexy moto. Shiny Square Zip Jacket, $163.


I somehow overlooked this sweater this winter. And how my shivering body suffered. Moravian Lovestory Sweater in navy, $44.10.
Photo credit: www.letrainbleu.com

Details Done Right

Lately I've had a hard time finding garment with distinctive design details that don't overwhelm it. Men's tops are a common victim, riddled with unnecessary rivets, zippers, and other obnoxious doodads that seem to serve no purpose other than to make the wearer look like an enormous douche. However, once in a blue moon, I find something I can live with. The contrast lining inside the hood of this striped sweater is one such example:

Scotch & Soda - Mens Striped Hooded Light Sweater (Grey/Blue), $143.

Photo credit: www.80spurple.com

She Hit Pause

Before I launch into this post, I must share with you my latest slice-of-New-York story. I left my apartment early this afternoon and decided to hit up the ATM before setting out. I walked into the Bank of America on the corner of 8th and B'way, and midway through my transaction, noticed a foul stench permeating the ATM vestibule. I looked to my left to see a half-clothed homeless man CLEANING HIMSELF in the corner. His back was facing towards me, and it was covered in scabs or sores of some kind. I quickly finished my transaction and ran out to the street corner to call the friend I was supposed to meet up with. He wanted to see for himself, so he walked over, by which time a bunch of tourists were gathered round, gawking at the ATM bather. It was an interesting start to my day, and a refreshing reminder that despite the fact that the Gap, Coldstone Creamery, and Chipotle have all taken up residence in my uber-gentrified 'hood, there will always be remnants of the New York of old.

My friend Sam and I went on to spend the better half of our Sunday trawling the Brooklyn Flea Pop-up in Dumbo, where we browsed vintage housewares, sampled yummy Mexican fare, and gazed longingly at overpriced lamps and coffeetables. I met Erica, one of the designers from Species by the Thousands (of beloved werewolf ring fame) and bought a supersoft tee with beer can print from the Milton Carter stall, while Sammy made out with some vintage Timberland loafers and a mind-blowingly awesome book about 60's design. However, the best find of the day was the achingly lovely Polaroid-based artwork of She Hit Pause. The artist, Matt Schwartz, was on hand to explain his process, which involves scraping off the top layer of 8x10 format Polaroids, resulting in hauntingly beautiful imagery that's tinged with an ineffable nostalgia. Sam was partial to a surfer girl pic, and I couldn't decided which I liked best -- I wanted just about every print he had on offer. The following are at the top of my list:

I love the playful feeling of Rainbow Tights. $65 as an unframed 8x10.

Love, love, love Girl in Field. A summertime spent sprawled out on the grass listening to my favorite albums sounds like heaven.


Girl with Plane is one of his newer works. I think I'd do this one in the larger, 11x14 format. $85 unframed.

Runners up:

Girl with Piano.

Blue Shoes.
Typewriter in Grass. If I had a desk, I'd hang this over it.


Girl Surfing, Sam's favorite.

Photo credit: Matt Schwartz

Nostalgia Buy

I had a jacket very similar to this when I was in the second grade. On the second go-round it's all grown up and a whole lot prettier.

Save 15% by entering code "take15" at checkout.

Hazel & Jaloux - Womens Woven Jacekt (Blue), $80.75 after discount.

Photo credit: www.80spurple.com

Dreaming of Spring

This weather is absolutely punishing and I don't know what I did to deserve it. Ditching NoCal for NYC probably had something to do with it. I cannot wait to trade in bulky sweaters for whisper-light dresses. Le Train Bleu seems to specialize in exactly what I'm craving.

Such a great dress for hitting an outdoor market. Galle slip dress by Fleur Wood, $131. 40.

I'm (secretly) excited for a return to boho. The Grey Gardens dress totally looks like something borrowed from your very chic mother's vintage. As the LTB description points out, it's a really unusual color combination, and at $51.60, it's a steal.

I love to offset a soft, hyper-feminine frock with a chunky shoe. I'm very into perforated leather for Spring, and I absolutely love this color. Mastic Sandals, $190.
Photo credit: www.letrainbleu.com

Wellie Weather

Wellies are a godsend when trekking through the slush on a day like today. On guys, I prefer the shorter version of the beloved rainboot. They fit comfortably over jeans, whether you wear yours skinny or loose, and they look a bit more rugged and masculine than the taller variety.

Now through March 15th, you can save 20% on a pair at DUMBO boutique Zoe by using code "SPRING09" at checkout.

Hunter Men's Short Wellie in Olive Green, $100 after discount. Also available in brown and black.

Photo credit: ww.shopzoeonline.com

Bright on White

I love a small, bright pop of color on white. This skinny, fire-engine red belt from Moss Mills is the perfect way to punch up a shirt dress, as shown, or a slouchy roll-sleeved t-shirt. I happened across such a tee at the Gap recently. It's featured in their latest campaign, and looks much better on that it does in the insufferably boring ads. I picked one up in white and purple, and now that they're on sale for $10 a piece, I just might go back for more.

Moss Mills Lorraine belt, now $29. 40 (was $98).


The New Cuffed Tee. The fit is actually longer than shown. You really have to try it on.


Photo credit:
1. www.otteny.com
2. www.gap.com

Grey Days

Grey continues to be my new black, but it needs to lighten up as we transition into Spring. Here are my menswear picks for in-betweeny weather:

Note: you can save 15% on these and any other purchases at 80's Purple by entering code "take15" at checkout.

Light and crisp is the way to do it. Wesc - Men's Denmark Jacket (Plaster), $133.45 after discount.

A nice laceup in a suede-leather combo can freshen up your winter jeans. Clae - Mens McQueen (Concrete), $93.50 after discount.


A little less dull with a purple sole.

The tired basic grey hoodie gets a little more interesting with a striped cuff. Converse by John Varvatos - Double Zip Hoodie (Concrete), $191.25 after discount.


Photo credit: www.80spurple.com