Random Thought on Inspiration
Sometimes there is nothing more modern than a classic. Which seems to be a recurring theme here at MD lately. And you have to reach back into the past for inspiration for the future. So tonight I am watching The Sound of Music (one of my all time fav’s) in a very modern way on my new 52″ HD LCD TV (lot’s of acronyms) and being inspired by this classic. The production design and costumes of this movie have enchanted me as a child, and still continues to delight me in adulthood. “The sun has gone to bed and so must I….”
Loading ...Tommy Boy Rules
Thanks to Details magazine and Men.Style.com for THIS sit down with Mr. Ford to discuss some essential do’s and don’ts of life and style. Tom always dishes out very sage advice, including ice cubes, suit jackets, and sex (of course!).
Recession? Really?
Let me start off by saying that I recognize that I live in a “bubble” of sorts. San Francisco hasn’t yet (fingers crossed) been hit as hard as much of the country by the recession. We ventured out to one of our local malls, The Village at Corte Madera in Marin, and I was quite surprised to see that not only was the mall busy, it was packed. We’re talking traffic jam, using annex gravel parking, rent-a-cop to direct traffic packed. A few observations: a) home goods and electronics retailers seemed to have the most traffic. I visited Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Williams-Sonoma, and the Sundance store. All were brimming with customers eagerly picking up the post season discounts. And b) apparel retailers seemed to be having a traffic issue. Gap, Banana Republic, J.Crew, Martin & Osa all had a fair amount of customers, but not nearly the traffic of those retailers selling home goods. Perhaps consumers are focusing on the comforts of home versus the latest clothing trends.
That being said, the discounting was heavy and wide spread (as expected). West Elm seemed to be giving the store away. With much of the store already on sale, customers could take advantage of an additional 40% off! I filled a large shopping bag with ornaments and holiday decor for about $15! J.Crew was offering an additional 30% off merchandise. And much of the sale merchandise was an additional 50% off at Pottery Barn. This certainly has been a very rough Holiday season for retail. And those of us in the business are all a bit nervous about what these results will mean for our businesses and jobs.
But in the doom and gloom of this recession I am looking on the bright side. 65 – 70% off sales at Barneys New York, Saks 5th Avenue and Bloomingdales. Amen!!
From Boston with Love: Boot Obsession
MD normally comes to you from the City by the Bay; however, for the last few days I have been braving an ice storm in central Massachusetts. It was 15 degrees here yesterday, and over 800,000 people are without power. Thankfully, my mother has power, cable, a 42″ HD TV, and high-speed Internet. Woohoo. All the comforts of home.
Perhaps it’s the cold, but I’ve been focused on boots today. Actually, if you look back over MD recently you’ll notice that there have been quite a few posts on rugged footwear. Perhaps I am a bit obsessed. Or perhaps it’s a faze. I am sure you could analyze it and it would say something very deep about my state of mind. Or maybe it just means that I have a serious shoe problem (most likely the latter). But today, while perusing Piperlime (don’t know it? You should. Bookmark it.) I found these amazing boots: Bacco Bucci Merchant, Frye Owen Shortlace These will look amazing after they have been broken in and aged a bit.
I better be careful or I will soon be the boy who lived in his boots.
Missing Brad
I have to admit something to everyone. I am OBSESSED with The Rachel Zoe Project. But not because of the lovely Ms. Zoe. I am crushing hard on Brad Goreski (or perhaps his fashion sense…?). I was glued to the TV to watch the stylish and witty young man each episode. And the fascination shocked me a bit, as he’s not my normal “type.” But alas, there is something quite charming about Brad, and I have been drawn in. From the bow-ties, to the uber preppy, dandy-chic outfits, to the contrast of seeing him rock a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, Mr. Goreski has style that just won’t quit. I can’t wait for season two. And who can we talk to at Bravo about a spin-off?!
Oh, Billy…
I have to give complete credit to my dear friend, Megan, for this amazing find. I have been lusting after several items from the Billy Reid line all day. Now trying to figure out how to work THESE boots and THIS bag (you know, because I absolutely need another…) into my holiday budget. This Southerner is definitely on to something. Kudos Meg!
HRC Buying Guide
As you are out battling the masses for your holiday gifts, please take a moment to view the Human Rights Campaign’s Buying for Equality 2009. Know where you are spending your money and how the company’s you patronage, and their leaders, are using that money to support causes that impact us all. Make an impact with your voice, your vote, and your hard-earned cash.
“With the economy as it is, the need to ensure that every dollar spent counts has never been more important. This year hundreds of businesses have earned the right to call you a customer with the commitment they have made to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Buying for Equality guide will help you easily support companies that support equality for LGBT Americans.” (HRC)
Sundance in Marin
For several years now I have looked forward to the days when I would come home from work, and the Sundance catalog would be waiting in my mailbox. There is something about the rustic, woodsy goods that are sold within those pages that made me feel comfortable and long for the cold New England winters of my childhood. And then, quite recently, Sundance started a brick and mortar operation. How fabulous! Even better, I am lucky enough to live in quite close proximity to a new Sundance store. It’s just a quick hop over the Golden Gate Bridge in Corte Madera at the Village at Corte Madera (another great outdoor shopping mall). I popped up today and found some great ornaments for the tree. But I also spied some amazing boots, sweaters and t-shirts. All very vintage looking, all a bit rustic, and all totally comfortably stylish. Like these Earthwise All-Weather Boots, this Black Vest, or these Silver Aviators. Don’t forget to check out the amazing home goods.
Mall Living
I spent the Thanksgiving week in L.A., and predictably did some shopping. Actually, on Wednesday we managed to hit three L.A. area malls. Until recently, my favorite L.A. mall was, also predictable, The Grove. But that has all changed. The Americana at Brand in Glendale is now my favorite mall (outside of the shopping in Beverly Hills and on Melrose, of course). The Americana is outdoor, destination retail at its best. Great shopping (Barney’s CoOp, Juicy, J.Crew, Kate Spade, Free People, Anthropologie, etc.) , good food, a movie theater, immaculate grounds, a water feature that is synchronized with the sound system, a gorgeous hotel, and valet. But wait, that’s not my favorite part. What sold me were the luxury homes built above the shops. This is my dream come true. Can you imagine? Actually being able to LIVE in a mall. Seriously, my heart fluttered a bit. I’ve seen retail /live concepts before, but nothing like the Americana. There is even a trolley that rolls through the streets. I am now busy trying to convince my husband of all the reasons we should move. Wish me luck!
