the style observer is about putting it all together

canvas bags by Slow and Steady Wins the Race

December 1st, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ accessories handbags

What is Slow and Steady Wins the Race? “The mission of the label is to push and produce interesting and significant pieces from the simplest and most inexpensive fabrics and materials.” The bags are what immediately caught my eye. “The bags are based on the modern-day iconic handbag and are all executed in plain cotton muslin or canvas twill and then distilled to the sparest details of hardware and shape to identify it with its original. Through this process, the hi- fashion designer bag becomes a lo-fi object sketch and consequently an alternate icon of itself.” They still look cool, if not cooler, in a raw natural state. The bags have an understated - chic feel. It says: “I’m not trying too hard, but I still have an appreciation for design.” I applaud the effort, and would absolutely carry one of these canvas bags. Would you?

Items in this observation:

  • Slow and Steady Wins the Race

  • the new face of animal fashion

    March 22nd, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ tops trends

    What’s going on in the world always makes an impression on the fashion industry. As such, we have noticed a shift in the portrayal of animals and wildlife. At a time when protecting our environment has become a priority, we find ourselves less intrigued by the skin of the animal and more intrigued by the animal itself. It’s no longer about killing the beast, it’s about protecting it. In response, designers have focused our attention on the face of the animal, and we are drawn in by its beauty. When you look deep into the face of an animal, you can’t help but feel an instant connection. These faces are for all to wear - men, women, and children. We’ve selected a handful of our favorites that would look great with a pair of jeans. We’ve even included some Tees, by Salvor, for the little ones in your life. So, hopefully this is more than just a passing trend and we embrace the animal in this way forever!

    items in this observation:

  • (Tiger) Torn by Ronny Kobe @ Shopbop
  • (Zebra) Torn by Ronny Kobe @ Madison Los Angeles
  • (Bear) Salvor @ Design Public
  • (Gorilla) Salvor @ Design Public
  • (Horse) Crystal @ Intermix
  • (Lion) Harajuku Lovers @ Karma Loop

  • Lauren Bush helps us feed 1 child

    February 13th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ accessories handbags trends

    lauren-bush3-1.jpgenvironmentalbags-feed.jpg

    Last year, Lauren Bush partnered with the World Food Program’s school feeding scheme in order to raise awareness about child hunger and hopefully raise funding as well. Here’s the brilliant part, by purchasing one of these bags you will be providing one child in need with an entire year of school lunches. That alone makes us want to purchase a bag right now. So, not only do you get to help a child in need, but you get to have a cool bag that speaks to the world. The FEED 1 bag is made from 100% sustainable material and is reversible; one side is burlap, and the other is a white cotton twill. The bag reads ‘FEED THE CHILDREN OF THE WORLD’ , basically shouting out for others to get involved. The FEED 1 bag is sold exclusively at Harrods, who is not making any profit on the bag. Sometime this year they are going to launch the FEED 2 bags, and we will keep you posted on that. Some people may think fashion is frivolous, but this fashion bag can actually FEED 1 and give them the hope of both an education and a brighter future. We are officially inspired. Here’s to you Lauren Bush.

    are you Wild2Watch?

    January 31st, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $$ Wild2Watch accessories handbags

    gift-girl-w2w-zebra-clutch-flat.jpggift-girl-w2w-tiger-tote-flat.jpg

    Isn’t it the best feeling when you come across a new designer that you love? Sometimes you want to keep it all to yourself, and other times you want to shout it from the rooftops. Well, we want to shout it out. Wild2Watch bags are an extraordinary find. You will immediately fall in love the very second you look into the animal’s eye. The artist, Kevin Gebhard, has managed to capture the spirit and essence of these beautiful animals. The best part about his collection is that he donates a percentage of the proceeds to help the animals. His foundation works with conservation groups to protect these creatures whose habitat is growing more and more threatened. So, not only do you get to look good when you carry this exquisite clutch, but you get to feel good too. For an everyday piece, the totes can’t be beat.

    Artist/Photographer Kevin Gebhard of Wild2Watch

    eco-friendly meets Jackie O

    January 29th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ accessories handbags

    Beau Soleil eco-friendly toteBeau Soleil eco-friendly tote

    Is it bad if a cute bag is encouraging us to do the right thing when it comes to the environment? In our defense, maybe seeing this bag was our “ah ha” moment. (In the New Year we promise to try to be more environmentally friendly, especially if we get to carry this cute bag!) On a more fashion forward note, this bag is a fresh looking tote. It has a nautical feel to it, so it looks great with reds, whites, and blues. Think Jackie O meets eco-friendly.