Mrket Show and Menswear

Mrket 2015 | Hannah & Husband

Last week we traveled to NYC for the Mrket show, which is the show where buyers gather to see the offerings from different brands for the next season. At the end of last year, Husband started a job with a local manufacturer of custom suiting that is based here in Knoxville. We have absolutely fallen in love with the people that he works with, and he is enjoying the fact that he officially has an excuse to wear a suit everyday.

Below you’ll find a few snapshots of some of my favorites. My favorite thing about custom suits (aside from the fact that a man in a suit that fits properly is just drop dead sexy) are the details–a beautiful lining and a contrasting lapel hole just really do it for me.

John H. Daniel, Mrket 2015 | Hannah & HusbandJohn H. Daniel, Mrket 2015 | Hannah & Husband

John H. Daniel, Mrket 2015 | Hannah & Husband

These chambray pants are local designer Marc Nelson Denim. You can find them here.

It’s worth noting that while the custom offerings above are Spring, the majority of companies showed their Fall collections. That’s what you’ll see below.

Nikky, Mrket 2015 | Hannah & Husband

Men are so predictable. (Nikky)

The first thing that I got totally stoked about was the fact that we saw so many Southern companies! Well-dressed Southerners have a sort of easy-going glamour that is really starting to shine. To elaborate: mixing classic necessities, like the cummerbunds below, with bright patterns and colors can take an item normally seen as a bit stuffy to something fun with attitude.

High Cotton Ties, Mrket 2015 | Hannah & Husband

Southern belle that I am, I blushed to the point of having to walk away when I met James Hill, co-owner of High Cotton. We love their stuff–all  Southern made by the way! In fact, the weekend before, Husband had purchased three of their bow ties at a local shop here in East Tennessee.

Collared Greens, Mrket 2015 | Hannah & Husband

Collared Greens: You know I couldn’t resist the name! This American made brand is based in Richmond, Virginia and had a playful take on classic patterns that I dug.

Brooklyn Dry Goods, Mrket 2015 | Hannah & Husband

BKYLN Dry Goods had a couple rad displays to show their visual merchandising prowess, and I totally geeked out over the vintage DIY details. You know the sexiest men know how to work with their hands! (*wink*)

Tailor Vintage, Mrket 2015 | Hannah & Husband

Tailor Vintage caught my eye because they take really high quality old-school fabrics and break them in. So these styles really do look like you bought them vintage without the uncomfortable “How do I get the Grandpa smell out?” question. By the way: Vodka. The answer to that question is vodka.

Bulgarini, Mrket 2015 | Hannah & Husband

The fabrics from the Italian company Bulgarini made me swoon! (The accents at the booth weren’t bad either. Do you think that comes with the shirt?)

Mrket 2015 | Hannah & Husband

Seaward + Stearn London (left), Edward Armah (top right), Jose Real (bottom left) | Pattern. Bright Colors. Pattern. Bold Colors. Pattern. Trust me. #polkadots

London Sock Co., Mrket 2015 | Hannah & Husband

(More accents!) The houndstooth socks from London Sock Co. really caught my eye. (That was followed quickly by the designer in me adoring their logo.) Their socks are made with Scottish Lisle Thread Cotton (fancy!) and the cool designs come from partnerships with some rad London designers.

Hook & Albert, Mrket 2015 | Hannah & Husband

Hook & Albert came onto my radar when they teamed up with Alton Brown to make a line of beautiful bow ties and pocket squares. What caught my eye with their fall line, however, were the handmade lapel flowers! Aren’t they fun?

Lazyjack Press, Mrket 2015 | Hannah & Husband

Finally! Another female that loves men’s accessories and has a sense of humor. Lazyjack Press was started by Miriam Zelinsky and has playful patterns with tongue-in-cheek names. Above: “Chick Magnets” and “Blue Balls”

Shoes, Mrket 2015 | Hannah & Husband

Nikky (top left), Allen Edmonds (bottom left), Carlos Santos (right) | Finally, you’ve seen the bold accessories but bold shoes are also worth noting. My absolute favorites were the double monks by Carlos Santos.

NYC Sketchbook

Hannah's NYC Sketchbook | Hannah & Husband

If you have been on Instagram in the past week, you may have noticed that we’ve been in New York City for Mrket. Anytime we travel, I fill my sketchbook with doodles of where we went and what we saw so I thought I’d share pages from my NYC Sketchbook with you!

Hannah's NYC Sketchbook | Hannah & Husband

I’ll post more about Mrket (& Husband’s new gig) tomorrow.

Hannah's NYC Sketchbook | Hannah & Husband

Sexy Skivvies

While some might consider January the very definition of sweatsuit season, I’d like to declare January the month of the sexy skivvies!*

*Skivvy: [Southern] referring to one’s unmentionables,
those garments worn that only just cover one’s birthday suit

I understand that January is hard. It is gray. It is cold. It is rainy. Perhaps you too want to spend the entire month either in a hot bath or wrapped up in an ugly, oversized, wool sweater. But, let me propose a little something that can help your case of the Januarys (as well as your mate’s): ridiculously sexy underwear.

Sure you may still be bundled in that oversize, wool sweater but underneath you will be a serious case of hotness strutting your stuff. There’s just something about embracing your inner sex kitten that is empowering. And knowing that all that pretty is underneath that oversize sweater will make doing household chores feel less maid of the mansion and more goddess of your domain.

Hers & His

Hers & His 12/10/13 | Hannah & Husband

Hers

Reading:

I am always the first to admit that I’m a huge Disney fangirl. At the moment, that fact is most apparent when looking at my stack of books. After all, what better way to get ready for the December 20th premiere of Disney’s Saving Mr. Banks than to reread all the Mary Poppins books? Don’t tell me I’m alone here!

Will you be reading Mary Poppins before December 21st?

If you want to read along, here’s my list…

Mary Poppins
Mary Poppins Comes Back
Mary Poppins Opens the Door
Mary Poppins in the Park
Mary Poppins from A to Z
Mary Poppins in the Kitchen: A Cookery Book with a Story

Wearing:

Do y’all remember when Lady Gaga used to just waste her crazy on things like giant eggs and Madonna bras? Well this holiday season, she has endeared herself to me forever. Sure her Christmas special with the Muppets was weird, but America loves a girl who will live out her childhood fantasy on television wearing an inappropriately sexy outfit! And, now she’s dressing as a Christmas tree. A CHRISTMAS TREE! Check out the detail shots on PopSugar. Who else wants their own version?

Watching:

The NYTimes has been putting out some really great short films lately. Last week, I was mesmerized by these star-studded, one-minute films. This week, I am swooning over Joanna Coles’ executive assistant Sergio Kletnoy. If you have ever fantasized about living in Magazine Land, you must check it out!

Hers & His 12/10/13 | Hannah & Husband

His

Reading:

Uh, it was championship Saturday. Give me a break. And Go Spartans! (I NEVER thought I would say those words.)

Otherwise, make sure you are following @RealTimeWWII on Twitter. Follow along while they “live” tweet the war. Japan has just bombed Pearl Harbor and the United States has declared war. Whether or not you’re a history buff, it’s worth a spot in your feed.

Listening:

This is one of those recordings I just keep going back to. Darryl Brenzel’s “Re-(w)rite of Spring” – a jazz rewrite of Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring”. If you know and appreciate the original, this is going to blow you away. Check it out: http://open.spotify.com/user/123470565/playlist/5vkkn1q7wQxFYUKodHmnZf

Watching:

Did I mention football? Has Hannah had enough football? Why don’t you ask her how much she loves football?

Hello, Gorgeous!

If you’re a new reader, “Hello, Gorgeous!” posts are a round-up of beautiful, random links that are making me smile this week. Enjoy!

Jackson Pollock, Modern Art was CIA weapon

Why did the CIA support them? Because in the
propaganda war with the Soviet Union, this new artistic movement
could be held up as proof of the creativity, the intellectual freedom,
and the cultural power of the US.

Without getting terribly political (at least for the moment), let me just say that I alway knew art could be used to change the world. The Independent ran a great article on how the CIA did just that during the Cold War.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mica Hendricks

“If she gets bored, we’ll do something else.
Yesterday, she wanted to be a superhero…”

Earlier this week, I heard an interview with artist Mica Angela Hendricks. She’s the mom who has gained some recent popularity by collaborating with her 4-year-old daughter on some really funky portraits. As it turns out, she wrote about the experience for Huffington Post that is worth a read. I especially love the lessons she shares at the end.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dr. Seuss "Nerd"

Did you know that Shakespeare invented the word “swagger?” Or that “Wendy” wasn’t really a name until J.M. Barrie? If not, you’ll love this article on HelloGiggles8 Everyday Words Invented by Famous Authors.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

If you’ve ever attended Fashion Week, you know these people. In fact, you may have been these people. After my week’s commentary on the runways, it seems only appropriate to share…

 

 

 

Spring Fashion, Already?

While I have spent the majority of the last week talking about Fall collections, I’d be remiss not share a few of my notes from the Spring lines that were revealed this week in NYC.

Looking for outfits that may already be in your closet? Check out JCrew. 

closet-jcrew

While some designers aren’t reinventing the wheel, we should take a moment to be thankful that Oscar is Oscar again.  (For context, see notes on his Fall line.)

Oscar de la Renta, Spring 2014

For resort wear with a modern twist, I’m digging on Altuzarra.

resort-altuzurra

For the Mother Nature types: Marchesa will make you swoon…

mother-nature-marchesa

…and Anna Sui will get you ready to head out on the open road in search of the nearest native reservation.

mother-nature-anna-sui

While I knew Barbie had it right all along, this Spring Honor will be proving me right.

barbie-honor

If you ever dreamed of playing Elvis’ mother in a 60s movie: check out Kate Spade. 

gidget-kate-spade

For those with a collegiate sense of humor: the humping balloon animals of Ostwald Helgason are for you!

balloon-otswald-helgason

Pamella Roland’s clothes are good–her hair is *Fabulous!* Also, that first outfit may be my absolute favorite.

hair-pamella-roland

Do you imagine yourself vacationing with Cary Grant in Italy? You should think about packing some Tory Burch.

italy-tory

Going for that Southern Belle meets Blossom look? Check out ZAC by Zac Posen.

belle-blossom-zac-posen

Auntie Anna

While Spring styles are debuting in NYC for Fashion Week, let’s take a look at your Fall wardrobe.

Auntie Anna | Anna Sui, Fall 2013

Auntie Anna is *that* aunt. You know the one. Your mother resents her because she’ll always be the fun one, your grandparents talk about her as “our little lamb that went astray,” and you have idolized her every move since the first time someone explained Woodstock.

She moved to Berkley at 18 and has since only come home for weddings and funerals, but each summer you beg your parents to take a little vacay to Cali. When they finally say yes, you pack your bags and head West to find Auntie Anna living your future dream. She entertains artists and musicians, throws lavish parties (think Auntie Mame), and teaches you how to make the perfect martini: no olives–they take up so much room in that little glass!

Then, that day finally comes: she lets you raid her closet. This is what you choose…

 

 

Oscar de la Renta: Pageant Queen Needs a Happy Pill

While Spring styles are debuting in NYC for Fashion Week, let’s take a look at your Fall wardrobe.

Oscar de la Renta | Fall, 2013

In case it isn’t obvious, I often wonder what designers are thinking when they put together their collections. The stories and inspiration fascinate me to no end. So when looking through Oscar de la Renta’s Fall collection, I couldn’t help but do the same. I pictured a beautiful woman traveling around the world, there were bright colors and playful hats–and then the evening gowns hit.

Pageant Queen Needs a Happy Pill OR Oscar de la Renta | Fall, 2013

I am not kidding; my reaction was visceral. I hated these gowns. But why? The cuts weren’t outrageous, the billows mimicked the rest of the collection… and then it hit me: the makeup, the big shoulders, This was Suzanne Sugarbaker gone mad!

It was if our favorite Southern beauty queen had dropped her basket, gotten on pills, dropped 75 pounds, and decided to walk down Oscar de la Renta’s runway.

Then, I found out John Galliano was backstage. That’s ok Oscar, he’d make me crazy too.

Muffin’s Favorite Fall Collection

While Spring styles are debuting in NYC for Fashion Week, let’s take a look at your Fall wardrobe.

a young Muffin

When Muffin was little, her parents worried about how much time she spent in the backyard. After spending mornings at St. Joseph’s, she’d come home, grab a book, and run outside where she’d spend the remainder of the afternoon reading and rescuing the occasional cat who’d found its way up a tree. At night, she’d play with the globe in her father’s study and dream of all the exotic places she’d visit and people she’d meet when at last she could bust out of the walls surrounding the family’s estate.

At 18, she lost an argument with her parents over joining the peace core and eventually ended up at Harvard where she studied Ancient Civilizations. When it was finally possible to take a year abroad, she took it very seriously and this is obviously what happened upon her return…

Muffin grows up. | Electric Feathers

This Fall you may spot Muffin reading in coffee shops around Cambridge and showing off her new threads to friends.

“This cape is modeled after one given to the great chieftess Gitchi-gooni on her declaration day.” 

“What–this old thing? Why my theatre teacher, the great stage actress Mae Farecenot, gave it to me just before she departed for the nudist colony.” 

“While in Norway, I learned to knit my own caps from the grandmothers in the village who gathered around the fireplace of a local shop and told me tales from Norse mythology.”

Don’t get me wrong, I want every piece of Electric Feathers’ Fall collection. Every single piece.

Why This Belle Covets Veronica Beard

While Spring styles are debuting in NYC for Fashion Week, let’s take a look at your Fall wardrobe.

Fact: When I laid my big brown eyes on Veronica Beard‘s Fall collection, my little Southern heart went aflutter. There are several things a Southern woman looks for when choosing her Fall wardrobe aside from the obvious fashion-foward considerations…

1.) We like cuts that give a little tip of the hat (or coonskin cap as the case may be) to the past.

2.) We love having at least one element that makes us feel ultra feminine–whether it’s a touch of pink or a silk skirt.

3.) There must be sass. Every Southern girl has an attitude, and we’re proud of it. We’re strong, we’re opinionated, and we’re self-reliant. The most important accessory a belle wears is that glint in her eye that tells the world not to mess with her.

So, with that in mind, it should be easy to guess why I’ve been swooning over Veronica Beard‘s Fall collection since it’s debut. These girls may be in Manhattan, but they have enough soul for a gal from Tennessee.

Veronica Beard | Fall, 2013

A girl that wears Veronica Beard know how to shoot a gun. 

She loves her daddy.

Her childhood crush was Davy Crockett himself.

I heart Davy Crockett.

She can forage for her own food, and knows how to season an iron skillet.

She may even possess the ability to talk to animals. 

The phrase “…wild as a mink but sweet as a soda pop”? That was written for her.