Hello again, my dears. To continue on with the 4+ years of catching up we have to do, I thought I'd share some details of my 8 month stay in Portland, OR in 2012. Though the food, coffee, and independent fashion designers are all hard to top out there, I admit, I found myself longing for the smell of subway urine and the sound of a taxi horn blaring for a minimum of 2 whole minutes(as is NYC tradition). That being said, it was an amazing stay, and I can't complain that I had the chance to get above ground for a little while. I'd like to say it was sunny on the outside, but as I was warned, the Portland Winter proved to be a good 4 months of spritzy rain. This might have stumped any chances of a good hair day, but I had enough to keep me distracted with Portland's fabulous selection of good food, good coffee, and good boutiques.

was, and still remains, one of my favorite shops in SW Portland. With a minimal layout, the store showcases a range of innovative International designers whose conceptual work runs parallel to their clean and creative aesthetics.

was another favorite, featuring the collection of Etoile Isabel Marant, Christophe Lemaire, and Vetements (a new found love of mine) to name a few. 

I can't leave outwhere I found a great Creatures of Comfort dress on sale. Ilana Kohn, Horses Atelier and Rachel Comey are only some of the brands they carry, including a good selection of menswear. 

Lastly, the famous shoe super store  couldn't be missed. Located right across the street from Odessa, it was a convenient all-in-one shopping visit on a rainy Portland day.

I'd be remiss in my west coast recount if I didn't mention my love affair with CAFFEINE that blossomed during my time there. When it comes to Portland in particular, there were far too many great cafes to choose from. 2012 was before Stumptown became a household name, and third wave coffee was a sensation that had yet to grace my little rat lips. I'd have to give my #1 vote to the superb blends of Heart Coffee Roasters, maintaining two beautiful locations on the Eastside and Westside of town. With a limited menu on any extra gimmicks, these cafes maintained a respectable business model of only doing one thing, and doing one thing EXTREMELY WELL. I still craaaaaaave this stuff. (Yes, that's me pictured, pretty buzzed). If you're ever in Portlandia, have a cup of heart coffee to go alongside all the vegan, gluten free, and other health concious food options that are in abundance (and a definite BONUS) on that side of the country. I say it's totally worth it.

Below are a few pics of my adventures just outside the big city. That's enough blabbing for now. Happy Autumn!

                                xo Litla

  

In September of 2011, I was fortunate enough to partake in the NES Artist Residency in the small fishing village of Skagastond, in Iceland. While looking over pictures from my 6 week stay there, it's difficult to find a way to put Iceland into words---I've never experienced such light, such landscape, and such a necessary sense of isolation in all my little rat life. If an abundance of licorice candies, sky views of the aurora borealis, and earthen houses aren't your thing, it might not be your kind of trip.

With a few days stay in Reykjavik, I couldn't resist stopping by KronKron to see the fabulous collections in person. Many designers are featured in the store, including one of my ALL TIME FAVORTIES Henrik Vibskov. The perfect sense of whimsy with his use of prints and proportion, he's always top on my list to check out each season. 
Enjoy some trip pics!

xo Litla

WELL HEEEELLLLLOOOOOOOO THERE!

That's right,

Hello dear friends! How long has it been? Too long! I guess I didn't entirely keep true to my promise, declaring I'd "be back shortly", but it's been 4 years of many adventures and exciting new projects to fill you all in on! The clothing line is still one among many goals, but I've moved from east coast, to west coast, to back east again, making production a little difficult. But enough excuses, how are ALL OF YOU? You have been missed dear ones, and your support and well wishes haven't gone unnoticed. Thank you. 

 If you're craving some new/pre-loved/vintage pieces for Fall, I've launched two online stores that I'll be adding new items to bi-weekly. (click links below and/or sidebar). To shop new and pre-loved:

And for my vintage finds:

 All sale proceeds will go towards launching some new textiles to sew into clothing for all of you! I've been working on some buttons too, and will keep you posted on my progress---I promise, within LESS than 4 years time. 

A very humble 'hello again' to everyone!!

xo Litla

Wooed by Wu.

Hello my lovelies!!! I apologize for my long absence as I am trying to get a clothing line and online store up and running! I can't tell you how much all your warm comments and support have meant to me, and I promise to return to the blogging world shortly. In the meantime (as I'm sure most have you have checked it out already) I wanted to share my love for Jason Wu's Fall 2011 Ready-to-Wear line. Wait for the embellished gold dress at the end----It's worth it! 

Also, if you haven't made it to the Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty show at the Met, I couldn't recommend anything more spectacular, awe inspiring and frankly, life changing....The design of the exhibit is, alone, unmatched and surely does McQueen's creations justice with it's Gothic caves, wallpapers, and overall exquisite architectural details. I couldn't help myself, and had to purchase the exhibition catalogue right away...

I'll be back shortly! 

much love,

xo Litla

LOVING: JF and Son

Designers Jesse Finkelstein and Katie King create clothing that is as unique in function and design as it is in pattern, texture and print. The creative pair started their line JF and Son 3 years ago, and have most recently expanded from Ready-to-Wear to a new home collection available in their East village store at 56 University Place, New York. Finkelstein and King have a studio in New Delhi, India, and do all the hand detailing work (beading, embroidery, etc...) themselves. They believe in working overseas fairly meaning "everyone is getting three times the living wage and everyone is being treated as creative individuals, not just people who were doing rote tasks". Read more about the brand in their exclusive interview on Fashionista. {pictured above: the "Matsuda Dress" available at Refinery 29: BOUTIQUES paired with my fave Sam Edelman "Zoe" boots available at Zappos. photos via Refinery29 and Zappos}.

Cut-out dress and Habotai Circle Blouse from Refinery 29. 

CK Beaded Blouse in pink and nude

Embroidered canvas and leather "sac bag"

These bags are the perfect size and shape to hold just about everything. The stitching detail is beautiful, and I love the simplicity in the design and the lack of heavy metal hardware. I have one in the gray canvas, and the subtlety of the black contrast stitching makes it unique, but quietly versatile. The length of the strap is also very convenient, hitting right under the pit. 'Can't say enough good things about it! It's just right for everyday. all photos via Refinery 29: BOUTIQUES.

I'm totally Diggin'....

Meadham Kirshhoff S/S 2011 photos via style.com

Meadham Kirshhoff S/S 2011 photos via vogue.com and style bubble.

Doc Martens purchased in London circa '98.

Rainbow fringe necklace by Two String Jane. photo via Two String Jane.

monster purse with chain strap from Bearmojo. photo via Bearmojo.

April 2011 Elle

April 2011 Baazar

April 2011 Vogue

Meet Miss Snowberry.

I found these fabulous fox scarves/collars at Miss Snowberry's Shop on Etsy. The UK based designer, works with a variety colors and textures, adding a unique whimsy to each one of her designs. They just arrived in the mail yesterday, and I'm in love with their expressions (or lack there of!) and beautiful craftsmanship. Though it's a bit warmer out now, I'm making an exception! Thank you, Hanna! 

photos from Miss Snowberry's shop.

She makes sheep hand warmers too!