House of perfection

It may be old news to some, but I just couldn't fight the urge to write about one of San Francisco's star boutiques, House of Hengst. Though the studio and it's owner (the ever lovely Ms. Susan Hengst) have been a favorite of mine for years, I am continually surprised and delighted by each new collection, and Spring/Summer 09 is no exception. Having been in the Mission street flagship store just last week on a whirlwind San Francisco trip, I was once again wowed by the vintage-inspired creations of Ms. Hengst. The fluid and fabulous 70's inspired dresses and jumpsuits, the high waisted jeans, and the dreamy comfy lounge wear are all hallmarks of a line that is truly unigue and diverse. Some of the pieces are more akin to lounge wear and come in lovely neutral colors. Other styles are more slinky-sexy and fashion-forward, and still others are 100% modern classics (think Audrey Hepburn inspired poufy silk dresses). You can't go wrong here- whatever piece you choose is bound to become a favorite for years to come. The fact that the studio actually makes the clothes on location, and that the decor is made of ever-rotating artists’ creations, makes this indie boutique more of a gallery than anything else. Both the clothing and the atmosphere are truly works of art. Though the designer has relocated to Manhattan (hurray!) in the past few years, she can often be found checking in on her SF studio, no doubt whipping up brilliant creations for next season's wonderful collection.

Sparkle, shine, and glow

The 4th is just a little less than a month away and I'm already think-think-thinking about how I will spend it. Where will I be? New York or California? Will I see the sky light up from the beaches in the west or from the banks of the east river in the east? Maybe, if I can't decide, I'll be sure to be on a plane that night. That way, when it comes to fireworks, I can have it all. I'll watch them from above, all the way from one side of the U.S. to the other. And you? Where will you be? On a roof top? A barge? With friends? Alone? In bed, with your head safely buried under the covers? Let's not celebrate our independence independently. It's never too early to start planning when sparklers are involved.

Oh how I've missed you so

Just like honey

Skeleton me: It's about to get hot, take solace in September

I know I said I like to try and stay present, zen-like, about fashion. It's almost summer, let's stay in the moment. Let's be here now. Let's dream of what we'll wear when we seep out in the wicked humidity to grab an italian ice, rather than pine for next season's lovables. But then I saw Burberry Prorsum's fall 2009 line and decided I could skip right over all of that.
As far as I can tell this autumn is going to be a total hunk. Prince-charming style. Burberry has got the white floaty dresses like our dear Isabel Marant, but paired with grey tights, clunky boots, and chunky knit scarves that keep warm what the lightweight frocks cannot. Oh fall, when I'm not frozen into a wardrobe-rut or baking into a melted mess, how I love thee. As much as I enjoy the haze of summer, I thrive in the crispness of the later parts of the year. Throwing on extra layers and getting that "all tucked in" feeling just does it for the northern Californian in me. (Sigh)
But back to today, back to Brooklyn: If you're looking for summer shoes, Marais USA (see below) has got some adorable suede and/or patent flats, sandals and heels in poppy summer colors. Though I'm a fall girl through and through, I just ordered myself a pair in an attempt to keep my feet on the ground. Seasonally, anyway.

Head in the clouds