When a Door Closes...

Vogue Knitting Live New York (and a little makeup!)

2012-01-25T22:11:00.000-05:00

Rockefeller Center Warning: this is a long and picture-heavy post!Click on photos to enlarge. I attended Vogue Knitting Live New York on MLK weekend. Vogue Knitting Live (VKL) is a knitters' event with a little something for everyone: classes at every level; fashion shows; a yarn market where major vendors and yarn shops sold yarn, needles and other related items; a Gala dinner; and a

My Best of 2011

2012-01-01T21:29:00.000-05:00

Favorite Makeup for 2011 by avaruth on polyvore.com It was hard to decide on my "Best" list. I've used many products that I like a lot, so I decided to hone down the list to those things I reach for automatically and most frequently. Le Metier de Beaute Flawless Face Palette: I've hit pan on three out of the four products contained in this palette: the powder, highlighter and blush. It's

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T00:05:00.001-05:00

printing How It Works Our stylish, eco-friendly invitations + greetings are printed with nontoxic inks on thick, bright white cardstock. All orders come with black cocodot seals and your choice of white paper or translucent vellum envelopes. How Printing Works Design the front of your invitation, announcement or greeting. Be sure to include any pertinent event

Koh Gen Do High Definition Makeup Trial Set

2011-12-27T03:32:00.001-05:00

I've been intending to review this Koh Gen Do High Definition Makeup Trial Set ($20) for several months. An e-mail in my inbox this morning announcing Koh Gen Do's end of year make up sale spurred me to write though I haven't used all the products in the trial set. The tin box contained two .14 oz tubes of Maifanshi Moisture Foundation in colors 013 and 003 (additional colors available upon

2011-12-25T01:56:00.002-05:00

Card from Cocodot.com printing How It Works Our stylish, eco-friendly invitations + greetings are printed with nontoxic inks on thick, bright white cardstock. All orders come with black cocodot seals and your choice of white paper or translucent vellum envelopes. How Printing Works Design the

Capitol Kaleidoscope, Le Metier de Beaute

2011-12-12T18:42:00.004-05:00

I bought my Capitol Kaleidoscope after seeing on Best Things in Beauty. There's a dearth of pink shadows in my collection and I can never resist purple! The Capitol Kaleidoscope is exclusive to the Mazza Gallerie Neiman Marcus in Washington, DC. From top to bottom the colors are: Pink Tendre: matte pink Peche Or: rose with a hint of peach Taupe Satine: taupe Prune Veloure:

2011-12-10T00:31:00.002-05:00

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Laura Mercier Nail Lacquer "Twilight"

2011-11-26T02:24:00.001-05:00

Twilight is part of Laura Mercier's Limited Edition Moonlight Collection. It is a reddish purple, with purple sparkles and an occasional red flash. It's a beautiful polish. That said, it is very much like Chanel Paradoxal as you can see from the comparison swatches. Paradoxal is much more sophisticated; when applied, a smoky gray veil subdues even the further its subtle purple shimmer.

Vichy Pureté Thermale 3-in-1 Calming Cleansing Micellar Solution

2011-11-13T21:12:00.001-05:00

I learned about cleansing waters on The Beauty Look Book, where Sabrina reviewed Lancome's Eau Fraiche Doucer. These waters claim to remove makeup and tone the skin without the need for a follow up cleanser. You just dampen a cotton ball or pad with the product and wipe off your makeup. Thinking it was a just a simple toner, I had been using YSL's Instant Pur cleansing and toning water for

Space NK at Bloomingdales,Tysons Corner, Virginia

2011-11-07T20:59:00.000-05:00

I'm so glad that Space NK has opened at Bloomingdales at Tysons Corner! It brings a few niche brands that I haven't seen in the Washington, DC Metro area, including Lipstick Queen; by Terry; Eve Lom; Malik and Goetz; Vincent Longo; and my favorite, Rococo Nail Apparel. Sales Associate Rebecca with a customer Though there are obviously many, many more brands than those I've listed above,

Dolce and Gabbana Perfect Finish Creamy Foundation

2011-11-02T22:26:00.002-05:00

Perfect Finish Creamy Foundation is one of Dolce and Gabbana's newest products. It provides medium to maximum coverage with an SPF of 15. Of the 15 shades offered, Amber 148 and Soft Tan 160 match my NC45 skin tone when blended in. But Amber 148, subtly pink in tone, turned gray within an hour of application, so I went with Soft Tan 160, which is...orange. Yes. I tested the foundation for

Nails in British Vogue, November 2011

2011-10-30T22:29:00.000-05:00

Page scanned from British Vogue, November 2011 Aren't these fun? I especially like the two by David Barton, Sophy Robson's V-Gap nails for Antonio Berardi, and the snakeskin effect by Jenny Longworth.

Cabled Cardigan, Vogue Knitting Fall 2011

2011-10-26T16:21:00.000-05:00

It's crazy to start a new knitting project with everything else I have on my plate but I couldn't resist this beautiful cardigan! I'm making it in gray Amherst Valley Yarns. I would love to have made it in the color shown, but I'd like to see the yarn first. Maybe later. Now that I've figured out the chart, it's coming along pretty quickly. So if it looks OK when finished, I may make the

Burberry Sheer Luminous Fluid Foundation, Trench No.8 and Trench No.9

2011-10-20T22:25:00.002-05:00

After my experience with Chanel Perfection Lumiere (PL), in which I learned that my complexion can fall between shades, I decided to test a couple of samples of Burberry Sheer Luminous Fluid Foundation, (1 oz., $52) before buying. Because the weather is much cooler than when I tested PL, and because this formula is supposed to hydrate, I prepped my skin with a light-weight moisturizer with SPF

Burberry Sheer Eyeshadows - Porcelain No.03 and Midnight Brown No.21

2011-10-07T19:51:00.001-05:00

It was hard to capture the apricot hue of Porcelain No.03 in an arm swatch. It's a perfect eye shadow base for my NC45 skin tone: apricot looks more natural than yellow or pink. A tiny hint of shimmer keeps it from looking flat on my eyelid, and makes it a great highlighter too, adding just the right amount of lightness without being too light or shiny. Midnight Brown No.21 has more

Favorite Things

2011-10-02T15:55:00.002-05:00

Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint, SPF 20 in Deep Bronze. The last impossibly humid weeks of September gave me a new appreciation for what workhorse this tinted moisturizer is! It’s oil-free, fragrance-free, buildable, and water resistant. It never budged, lasting at least 15 hours with no fading. Rock and Republic Kabuki Brush. Not only do I love the airbrushed look of foundation applied

Chanel Perfection Lumiere Long-Wear Flawless Fluid Makeup

2011-09-24T21:14:00.000-05:00

Image from Chanel.com Chanel has introduced a new foundation formula, and at the same time, finally expanded its color range! It has been a long time coming. According to the website this is foundation is "effortless to apply, with seamless blendability for a naturally flawless effect, this breakthrough foundation is the ideal all-day, everyday formula – suitable for all skin types in a

Nordstrom National Makeup Artist Event: Chanel Prelude Makeover

2011-09-17T21:07:00.001-05:00

I skipped yet another annual Nordstrom Trend Show this morning. Eight o'clock is just way too early for a Saturday morning. I scheduled my Chanel makeover for noon instead. (And even so, I woke up at 11am - eep!) The promise of the trying out the new Chanel Perfection Lumiere Foundation made me haul a__ to get dressed and out the door. Though many companies make foundations in colors for

Sleek Au Naturel i-Divine Palette from the Nude Collection

2011-09-14T22:56:00.003-05:00

The reviews of Sleek's eye shadow palettes have been uniformly good, and the price was right at $10 per palette, so I jumped at the chance to get this palette of what would be neutrals for my skin tone. I was surprised at the size of the palette. It looked so much larger in photos. It is actually the size of two Chanel quads, and not as thick. No big deal - makes them easier to travel with.

Fashion Night Out with Le Metier de Beaute, Silk Road Kaleidoscope

2011-09-09T23:54:00.002-05:00

I couldn't resist going to Neiman's for Fashion Night Out when I heard that Le Metier de Beaute's Lisa Lingis and Erin Lockard would be there to do makeovers. I met Lisa when I won the Neiman Marcus' Beauty Shopping Spree in September. She gave me a fantastic makeover and introduced me to Peau Vierge, which I've used every day since. And I had read so many good things about Erin on the blogs

d.j.v beautenizer, Fiberwig LX Mascara

2011-08-29T00:00:00.001-05:00

I should have known better, but I couldn't resist. On the box, this mascara is described as filled with "brush-on Fiber Extensions," that "dramatically lengthen, separate and condition." Despite the fact that the Sephora website says the company uses "ground-breaking technology" to deliver "innovative, high-performing products to fulfill every woman's unaddressed beauty needs," this looked

Chanel Illusion D'Ombre Long Wear Luminous Eye Shadow, "Epatant"

2011-08-21T21:30:00.000-05:00

It dawned on me that I could apply the opaque Chanel eye shadow primer under the Epatant, the grayish green Illusion D'Ombre, so that I have light-colored canvas for the faint green color. It worked! It's a technique I'll try with other colors that appear ashy on my eyelid or are too pale for my skin tone. The Chanel eye shadow primer is not my favorite because doesn't apply evenly. Rather

Chanel Illusion D'Ombre Long Wear Luminous Eyeshadow

2011-08-21T02:09:00.000-05:00

Chanel describes the Illusion D'Ombre Long Wear Luminous Eye Shadows as shimmering long-wear shadows with a soft and cushiony, gel texture that can also be worn as eyeliner. I bought three: Epatant, a grayish green; Illusoire, light maroon; and Mirifique, black. I would describe the texture as very, very, dense foam - a little bit goes a very long way, justifying the $36 price tag for

To Powder or Not to Powder

2011-08-14T03:00:00.001-05:00

During a makeover earlier this year, a friend asked me which powder I use. I have oily skin but counter to instinct, I use as little powder as possible, because I don't like the flat, heavy, matte look most powders give you. After applying foundation and before eye shadow, I dust my face with T. LeClerc loose powder, using a powder brush. Whenever I develop a shine during the day, I use

Burberry Prorsum Cable-Knit Trenchcoat and Leather Tie Belt

2011-08-06T13:02:00.000-05:00

Unexpected inspiration! Time for fall knitting... Photo courtesy of Bergdorf GoodmanClick on the link for alternate views. Description from the Bergdorf website: "For the Burberry Prorsum Fall 2011 collection, head designer Christopher Bailey

Dior Vernis 908 Tuxedo

2011-07-30T01:34:00.000-05:00

I was excited when I saw this polish at Nordstrom, thinking that was probably a slightly lighter shade of navy than Chanel's Blue Satin, and it was! Unlike Blue Satin, which looks black on the nail unless you look at it in direct sun, Tuxedo looks blue under any light, but a deep, shimmery, elegant blue. Dior polishes now have flat brush that covers a wide area of the nail plate with one

Regard Signe de Chanel, Topkapi

2011-07-15T20:12:00.001-05:00

Topkapi is a beautiful quad. I was unimpressed when I first opened it because the colors looked like others I've seen, i.e. brown and gold. And the names of the colors are simple, Gold, Taupe, Copper, and Bronze. But upon closer inspection, it became apparent that the color described as taupe is actually closer to pewter, and goes on as such. It is unlike any color I've seen. All the shadows

Chanel Peridot 531

2011-07-10T01:44:00.000-05:00

I'm still not sure I like it. Occasionally, it looks bronze. Peridot matches the Habu Spring Shawl. It's growing on me.

2011-07-09T00:44:00.001-05:00

I love British Vogue. It has interesting style coverage. It features the latest fashions, of course, but frequently features women who are stylish in their own right, whether or not they are wearing the latest or are famous. It has printed photo stories showing what real professional women wear to work, including shots of those women in their offices; interesting interviews of people in the

Chanel Les Ombres Quad Eye Shadow - Prelude

2011-07-04T20:28:00.003-05:00

I went to Nordstrom to pick up the three new nail polishes, and two of the new Illusion D'Ombre long wear eyeshadows - I hadn't given much thought to the new quad. I tested the darkest color just because it looked purple, and to my surprise, it pulled a warm purple on my skin. They often don't. So this was an easy sell. It's subtle, and cool, different from the warmer shadows that

Bobbi Brown Bronze Tortoise Shell Eye Palette

2011-06-30T22:36:00.000-05:00

I was attracted to the shimmering bronze-toned shadows in this new Limited Edition Bobbi Brown palette, particularly Olive and Amber, which is bronzy pink. Unlike the traditional black Bobbi Brown palettes, these shadows come in a mock tortoise shell palette, without brushes. Six of the eight shadows are shimmery, two - Banana and Espresso - are matte. The shimmery shadows are subtle enough

Habu Spring Shawl

2011-06-25T22:04:00.000-05:00

A couple of you remember my obsession with this Habu Spring shawl. I looked at it online literally for years, inhibited by the $180 price tag. Somehow I separately acquired the Shosenshi paper linen yarn and the cashmere required for the shawl, and the pattern itself. When I started knitting it, I discovered that I didn't have enough cashmere and that the color I was using was discontinued. I

Rebelle, Chanel Rouge Coco Shine

2011-06-23T22:40:00.003-05:00

I wasn't at all impressed when the Rouge Coco Shine collection when Chanel released it in April because it just looked like any other sheer lipstick. "Boy," the color Chanel released as a sneak preview, didn't look like a shade very many women of color could wear, and the other colors looked too pale or too bright to wear while the weather was still cool. But I needed something bright

Dior Aloha 638

2011-06-19T22:25:00.000-05:00

Well, it's actually last week's manicure. I'm back to Khaki Vert. It sometimes takes me a while to get used to trends, and Dior's Aloha seems a bit over the top bright on my hands though it is beautiful in the bottle. It came with a quick dry top coat, which made the purchase worth it. It dries my manicure even faster than my workhorse, Seche Vite, and is of thinner consistency. I really

Churchmouse Yarn and Teas, Seattle

2011-06-01T20:13:00.003-05:00

I never fail to visit Churchmouse Yarn and Teas, on Bainbridge Island, whenever I'm in Seattle. Visiting yarn shops is particularly soothing, as we knitting types, know, but it was particularly so this time. As I said in my previous post, the professional part of the trip was not a breeze, so being met at the door of Churchmouse with a glass of champagne brought an instant smile to my face!

Hair Adventures in Seattle

2011-05-30T21:20:00.000-05:00

I took a quick business trip to Seattle last week and after some contentious meetings, spent Saturday shopping. I went to Kinokuniya, a Japanese bookstore; got my hair washed and blown out at Vain, a salon worthy of Lady Gaga; then took the ferry to Churchmouse Yarns and Teas on Bainbridge Island. Oh, and Nordstrom's flagship store. Funny thing, whenever I'm in Seattle perfect strangers seem

Nails of the Week: Chanel Khaki Vert and Mimosa

2011-05-11T01:34:00.000-05:00

Inspired by Sabrina, I coordinated my nail polish today for the first time ever. Apart from the year I wore purple glitter polish all summer, I almost always wear red on my toes no matter what I wear on my fingers. This time I'm wearing Khaki Vert on my fingers, and Mimosa on my toes. I have a feeling that it's going to be a Khaki Vert/Mimosa summer. I love both of these polishes. (What do I

Chanel Mimosa 577

2011-04-13T19:29:00.000-05:00

I passed on most of the Chanel Spring/Summer collection. I haven't seen the eye shadow quad, and I didn't need the bronzer, and despite all the hoopla and excitement about the new Rouge Coco Shine, I thought them unremarkable, the effects of which can be achieved by several lip glosses I already own. (I reserve the right to change my mind!) But I didn't leave the Channel counter empty-handed. I

Bergdorf Goodman Beauty Event Starting Today

2011-04-06T13:15:00.000-05:00

Sequin Sash by essie

2011-03-30T18:50:00.000-05:00

Despite all of the beautiful, bright summer colors due out soon, Sequin Sash is one of my latest faves. I had it applied a few months ago at my salon when I had painful nail break silk-wrapped. Not quite knowing what to expect of my first silk wrap, I thought this color would be the perfect cover. As it turned out the wrap wasn't very obvious, so I could have chosen any color I pleased, but

2011-01-16T19:02:00.000-05:00

. Attention Knitters! Join us on MLK Day Monday, January 17, 2011 - 9am -1pm Washington National Cathedral, Perry Auditorium (corner of Wisconsin and Massachusetts Avenues, NW) Bring your knitting supplies to support the Washington National Cathedral’s celebration of “KING Across the Ages,” with the Interfaith Youth Action Group to knit hats for people in need! Feel free to knit hats in

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T15:43:00.001-05:00

card by Cocodot

Shirley Paden's Design Class (or... It's All About the Numbers)

2010-12-08T17:59:00.002-05:00

I took Shirley Paden's Knitwear Design class at fibre space last Saturday. I had unknowingly followed her designs for years, i.e. I loved many of her designs before I knew who had designed them. So I jumped at the chance to take a design class from her. We were told before the class that we would learn how to construct two types of pullovers, a round neckline with a Classic Body silhouette,

Les Regards de Chanel, Les Bruns

2010-11-17T00:25:00.002-05:00

ETA to clarify that the palette is now available on Chanel.com. This all-purpose palette has been out of stock for quite a while. It's only available on Chanel's website, where it really isn't defined. Chanel fails to tell the consumer that it contains two eye shadows, an eyeliner, an "eyelighter" (really another eye shadow), and two eye brow powders. The name on the bottom of the palette

Habu Hempathy Skirt Pattern

2010-11-10T18:22:00.003-05:00

I finally finished writing the pattern for my Ralph Rucci-inspired Habu Hempathy Skirt. It is available on my Knitwear Design Page. There's only one pattern there now, but there are more to come. It is also available as a .pdf download on Ravelry, but I can't link it to the blog at the moment. Many, many, many thanks to Deb and Olga for their much needed advice, editing, and modeling.

Tom Ford Lip Color "Warm Sable"

2010-11-07T02:13:00.001-05:00

I wanted "Warm Sable" when tested on my wrist a few months ago. The price, $45, made me hesitate. When I won the Neiman Marcus shopping spree it was one of the first items I picked up. It's good quality, but not stellar. It's not drying, but not particularly moisturizing either. It wears well; it lasted throughout the morning, and there were traces left after lunch. It's the right all

Socktoberfest!

2010-10-31T10:09:00.000-05:00

I started these many months ago and finished last night. I'm pretty sure I used the Formula Toe Up Socks for All Sizes by Lisa Kay, for the lattice pattern, but did my own Turkish cast on and heel. Yarn: Socks that Rock, given to me my Olga Colorway: Korppi Needles: US3

Chanel SOHO Collection, "Stunning" Rouge Coco Hydrating Creme Lip Color

2010-10-30T17:12:00.001-05:00

I think I've finally found "my" pink lipstick. Though I like the ones I have, I still found myself looking for one that I liked just a little better. This one, Chanel Rouge Coco Hydrating Creme Lip Color in Stunning, from the limited edition Chanel SOHO Collection, is the best one so far. Chanel Rouge Coco Hydrating Creme Lip Color in Stunning Chanel makes similar shades, but I think the

Sephora Friends and Family Sale

2010-10-23T15:26:00.000-05:00

The Sephora online sale is on! 20% off using the code FF2010. The sale ends November 3rd. What are you going to buy? I've got my eye on the new Fall Guerlain eyeshadows and couple of Bobbi Brown palettes. If you want to earn 5% on your purchases, go to Sephora through the Mr. Rebates portal. Mr. Rebates an online site that allows you to earn cash or points when you shop online. Cash can

They Say It's Your Birthday...

2010-10-09T19:29:00.000-05:00

Le Metier de Beaute Kaleidoscope Flawless Face Kit

2010-10-05T14:45:00.002-05:00

I love this kaleidoscope. Its shape doesn't immediately seem travel-friendly - whenever I think of travel-sized makeup products, I think small and flat, with smaller amounts of product - but the barrel-shaped Kaleidoscope is perfect. The kaleidoscope comes with four products: Classic Flawless Face Finish Translucent Compact Powder; Highlighter in Whisper, Rouge Radiance Powder in Echo; and a

Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Complexe and Foundation Brush

2010-10-03T20:16:00.001-05:00

I took many of my new cosmetic items with me to San Francisco, including Le Metier Beaute Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Complexe and the foundation brush. Photo from Neiman Marcus I got lots of complements on my complexion, including one from a Nordstrom beauty sales associate who stopped me as I walked by to ask what I used on my skin because it was so beautifully luminescent! That's a first. I love

Artfibers, San Francisco

2010-10-03T15:18:00.003-05:00

I'm back from a week-long business trip to San Francisco. Though I seemed to have worked more on this trip than I do when I'm in the office, i.e. meetings all day and working through State's remote system at night, I got to see more of San Francisco than I usually do. I managed to eek out some time to visit the newly re-opened Artfibers on Sutter Street. You may recall that under new ownership

Neiman Marcus Shopping Spree!

2010-09-25T20:32:00.006-05:00

I won a $500 beauty shopping spree at Neiman Marcus thanks to Charleston Girl at Best Things in Beauty and of course NM! I was breathless for hours after I found out. NM gave readers of Charlestongirl's blog, Best Things in Beauty, the cute gift below, and entered us in the shopping spree drawing. The keyring's adorable, and I will use my notebook to catagorize lipsticks and glosses a la

Jouer

2010-08-30T22:51:00.001-05:00

For those of you wondering, I've been interested in makeup since I was a teenager. I used to do my girlfriends' makeup. At the time I was mostly interested in eyeshadow; I still am though my interest has expanded since then to a full range of products, from inexpensive to high end. I got into high end because drugstore brands at the time were not highly pigmented, causing them to be ashy when

Penelope

2010-08-25T21:28:00.001-05:00

I am knitting. Yes. I'm knitting a wool skirt in the round, Penelope, from Perl Grey Studios. I picked up this kit while on a business trip to Miami a few months ago. I made it all the way there without knitting project in hand, but I had planned to visit a local yarn shop anyway. It was a cute little shop - can't recall the name, but the staff was very friendly and helpful. But I have to

Rock and Republic "Tempting" Eyeshadow

2010-08-22T22:02:00.000-05:00

It's so frustrating when makeup lines are discontinued. Prescriptives? Gone. Tony and Tina? Gone. Tony and Tina made the best brushes. This Rock and Republic eyeshadow in "Tempting," has become one of my favorites. It's hard to tell from the photos, but this rich taupe has a hint of mauve in it, and anything that is even remotely in the purple family always captures my attention. Well,

Blog Change

2010-08-11T20:46:00.001-05:00

I inadvertently changed my blog last weekend. I wanted to install a label cloud and while tinkering I clicked on "upgrade," not realizing that I would lose data. Further tinkering recovered many of my links, but my buttons are gone. I suppose in this Ravelry age, not many of us are collecting buttons and badges anymore (are we?), but I wish I had mine back just for sentimental reasons. They

2010-08-07T23:11:00.001-05:00

I got some useful make up tips this week. The first came from Afrobella in a blogpost entitled "Stop the Shining." I didn't follow every step because I don't have all of the products, but I used the Smashbox primer that's been sitting in my train case for years, which made a big difference in this humid weather we're enduring right now. So, step by step, I applied in the following order:

Yarn Sale

2010-08-01T14:54:00.000-05:00

It's time for a destash. If you're interested, check out the details here. There are only a couple of things now - I plan to add more gradually.

Thank you, Oprah!

2010-08-01T02:37:00.003-05:00

I got a new Dell laptop and printer, and wireless mouse at 30 percent off via one of O magazine's deals of the day. I know Dell frequently runs sales, but this offer came in the nick of time. I needed a new laptop - my old one is at least six years old, ancient by techie standards. It is impossibly slow and starting to freeze, so it was about time. My old printer had quit printing. O's

Habu Paper and Cashmere Spring Shawl

2010-04-22T13:41:00.000-05:00

I started working on this shawl and its burgundy twin two years ago, but was stymied by instructions that appear to be full of mistakes and miscalculations, and ran out of cashmere required for the six cashmere-only "Ears of Grass" panels, and to strand with Shosenshi paper on the stockinette panels. The cashmere is A-34 in colorway 1305, discontinued by Habu because of inconsistent

Habu Hempathy Skirt

2010-04-18T14:25:00.000-05:00

I always start things a bit late. I didn't know there was a Ravelympics 2010 until two days into the Olympics. Without a second thought, I jumped up and grabbed some yarn out of my stash and began knitting this skirt. To be fair, the concept for this skirt had been stewing in my mind for a while. It was inspired by a Ralph Rucci collection and Habu stainless steel. And I needed a black skirt

Fall 2010 RTW

2010-03-07T00:04:00.003-05:00

Issey Miyake's Fall 2010 RTW collection, shown at Paris Fashion Week, looks electic to my untrained eye, ranging from unusually long and unusually styled infinity scarves to classic designs. No pleats. I suppose he hasn't done pleats for a long time. All photos from Style.com. Here are a few that caught my eye: This jacket/cardi made me wish that I like to sew. It's so elegant and modern.

Braised Short Ribs, Gourmet, December 1975

2009-12-02T00:13:00.003-05:00

I've been on a bit of a pursuit of a good short rib recipe similar to the one that used to be served at Butterfield Nine, that wonderful restaurant downtown DC that had the temerity to close. This recipe doesn't have the same flavor, but it's still good. It is from the December 1975 issue of Gourmet Magazine.The posting here is a tribute to the now defunct (and already missed) magazine. Gourmet

Japanese Avant-Garde Fashion at the Textile Museum

2009-10-28T20:38:00.008-05:00

I had a chance to see 35 articles of Japanese avant-garde fashion from the collection of Mary Baskett at the Textile Museum a couple of weeks ago. The weekend symposium began with a reception a Friday night, which I missed, because it was rainy, cold, and by 7:30 I was fried. Saturday's session was held at the Phillips Collection, one of my favorite art galleries in DC. The theme was from "Kimono

Kinokuniya, Seattle

2009-06-14T16:25:00.012-05:00

I actually made it to Seattle despite my employer's every bureaucratic effort to prevent it. That's a bit of an exaggeration, maybe, but it seemed so at the time! I went there for work, but stayed on my own dime over Memorial Day weekend. Seattle is one of my favorite cities for many reasons, not least of which are all the wonderful yarn stores. As soon as my delegation returned to Europe, I

Waiting and Waiting

2009-05-15T19:51:00.004-05:00

and waiting and waiting. And spinning. I won't bore you by whining how work has overtaken my life at the moment. I'll just say I've spent endless time waiting for callbacks and return e-mails instructing me on how to use the new travel software that was designed to make my life easier, but has actually messed everything up. And that's from someone who likes new technology, hard and soft.I do like

2009-05-10T15:28:00.004-05:00

The locks are spinning up nicely. In absence of spinning tools, I separated them a bit by hand at first, and with the advice of Kitty Kitty and Javajem, brushed them with hairbrush. Actually they recommended a flicker and a dog brush, but I don't have those either.I barely pre-draft now. I tug at an inch or two, then start spinning right away. Almost all of the curly bits disappeared. I'm

YPF: MSWF Loot

2009-05-08T02:00:00.002-05:00

I was intrigued by this roving. it's 100% wool. Most people told me that it needs to be combed, but I ran into a woman who told me that she spins it as is. As usual, the colors drew me to it.Before Deb, Debbie, and I left for the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival Sunday morning, I told Deb that I absolutely did not need any more sock yarn since I have plenty, and my sock knitting mojo seems to

YPF: Sheep Yarn Shop Company

2009-04-23T16:40:00.004-05:00

This is spinning up better than I thought it would. It's lustrous and I'm able to draft it easily. The only problem seems to be that the spindle I'm using isn't heavy enough. I have another, but I need to re-attach the hook at the top. I plan to buy another at Maryland Sheep and Wool next weekend. Are you going?I attended a reception at the Italian Embassy a few weeks ago. The architect drew

Chado Ralph Rucci Documentary

2009-04-07T20:20:00.006-05:00

Neiman Marcus sponsored the screening of an excellent and inspiring documentary, Ralph Rucci: a Designer and his House, tonight at the Corcoran Art Museum. Rucci, whose design house is called Chado Ralph Rucci, is currently the only American designer invited to design couture in Paris."Chado" is apparently a meticulous Japanese tea ceremony, and while most of Rucci's current designs do not appear

Book Signing Party for Karida Collin's "Pints and Purls"

2009-04-05T11:33:00.005-05:00

After some afternoon knitting, Blogless Debbie and I went to a book signing party for Karida Collins and Libby Bruce's new book Pints and Purls yesterday at A Tangled Skein. The party was fun and food good, and the crowd and staff welcoming as usual.I didn't meet Libby, but Karida was there with books and yarn.Cici and Chelette were there too. I didn't get a photo, but Cici has a very serious SLR

My First Yarn

2009-03-20T19:10:00.004-05:00

I taught myself to spin on a drop spindle several months ago and finally got around to taking lessons at A Tangled Skein, realizing that I needed to learn the terminology, how to prep the roving, and how to ply it. I'm addicted. I bought some neon yellow roving at Woven Art last weekend where I spent a wonderful weekend knitting. More about that when I sort out the photos.The only thing that I

YPF: Habu Cotton Nerimaki Slub N-46

2009-03-06T07:08:00.001-05:00

Bought this at Stitches in a package with other samples. don't know the yardage or what I'll make out of it. Like other Habu yarns, it is beautiful.PizzaI used my pizza stone for the first time ever. I've had it for several years and never used it for want of a peel. I discovered on a food site that you can line your stone with parchment paper, which enables you to slide the 'za right off the

YPF: Yarn Love, "Cleopatra"

2009-01-16T12:39:00.004-05:00

600+ yards of Tussah Silk in Toffee Colorway.I don't know what I will make yet. It's beautiful, soft, and richly colored. I bought it at Stitches East this fall. I discovered the Three Irish Girls Booth fifteen minutes before closing. ACK! According to her Ravelry info the DC-based "Irish Girl" maintains the Three Irish Girls site, the Yarn Love site, and The Yarnista blog. The colors caught my

FO: Seaweed Necklace

2009-01-12T22:56:00.003-05:00

Pattern: Seaweed Necklace, Hand-Knit Works, Setsuko ToriiYarn: Neighborhood Fiber Co., Studio Sock, knit together with stainless steel artistic wire for beading.Hook: size 2Mods: I crocheted this with a much finer yarn than the pattern required, together with stainless steel artistic wire, which gives it some weight, heft, and sparkle. I added a sterling yarn ball, purchased from Bead Obsessions

Bracelets

2009-01-07T22:07:00.004-05:00

For me and for gifts.All but the one on the right made with cheap acrylic yarn, Vanna White and Red Heart, I think. Love the colors. I used the Lion Brand patterns for the center ones. The one of the right is knit with embroidery floss. Still need to weave in the ends.Made this at Bead Obsessions tonight:It was a Wire Cuff class given by Roxanne Rash. She was a great teacher. The bracelet

YPF: Malabrigo

2008-11-21T08:01:00.001-05:00

Malabrigo! I never understood what the fuss was until I saw this skein at A Tangled Skein, a LYS in Hyattsville, Maryland. I know it pills but it's worth it, many think.I saw it at Knit Night at A Tangled Skein. What a lovely place! The yarn displays are placed in such a way as to create four knitting spaces. I've attended twice with Deb. The staff and other knitters are so nice and welcoming.Deb

Tim Gunn!

2008-11-15T18:19:00.006-05:00

photo by OlgaWe saw Tim Gunn today! In his new role as creative director for Liz Claiborne, Tim is hosting fashion shows across the country including one today at one of military exchanges in Washington, DC metro area. Olga invited me a few weeks ago - thank you, Olga! - and we were put on the waiting list. We didn't know that we were actually going until last night.We got there early, way early.

The New Millennium

2008-11-05T16:04:00.005-05:00

The elections are finally over. Like many of you, I'm a news junkie and have been parked in front of the TV late every night for months and I've got dark circles under my eyes to show it! I'll be tracking the new Obama administration's transition, of course, but now I can get a life.I'm so pleased that we may re-engage the rest of the world now and I know many people around the world feel the

2008-10-25T16:45:00.004-05:00

Is Sarah Jessica Parker shorter than I thought? Was part of the skirt missing? Anyway, I think the dress looks better on Carrie than on the maniquin.The rest of the collection looked better than the photos. My pix don't do it justice.Other guests:and then this:not Westwood, but reminds me of the Torii's gradation cardi. Back to knitting...

Carrie's Wedding Dress at Muleh

2008-10-17T12:40:00.005-05:00

According to Project Beltway, the Vivienne Westwood wedding dress that Carrie Bradshaw wore in the Sex in the City movie will be on display at Muleh, October 23rd, from 5-8pm. Westwood's Anglomania collection will be on display too.Muleh1831 14th St., SW

The Coat

2008-09-30T20:22:00.007-05:00

I finally finished The Coat. I was determined to take it to Moscow because I didn't have much else to wear. So I did the minimum finishing possible, i.e. just enough to hold it together and not have strands of yarn showing (shame, shame!). I have not woven in the yarn on the interior pockets. It still has no buttons and I didn't do the slip-stitch edging as instructed.I love it, even though I

I Forgot My Slacks, or Shopping in Moscow

2008-09-27T14:39:00.010-05:00

I tried them on, folded them up and laid them on my bed instead of packing them. When I was dressing for our Monday morning meetings, I realized that I only had a black skirt and the black jeans I traveled in. My trip was only a week but still. I needed slacks since it was getting chilly. My friends Natasha and Valeriy were taking me to dinner that evening so also kindly took me to buy slacks at

Moscow, 2008

2008-09-23T11:33:00.007-05:00

I returned from Moscow last night, though my visa had expired and the Russian government wanted me to stay an extra day to get a new one. Long story short, the US embassy intervened and arranged for me to get a new visa while I stood at the Delta check in. I was annoyed, but was already making plans to go yarn shopping that night. Next trip I guess!I had not been to Moscow for eight years and was

2008-08-30T23:09:00.006-05:00

Are any of you still there?Thanks to those of you who asked where I've been. I really appreciate your concern. It's been a busy summer - some travel, lots of work, and I was a bit ill for a spell. I'm fine now after changing my diet a bit. I'm eating lots of fresh veggies, no red meat, no refined or processed foods, no sugar, and have radically reduced my caffeine intake. Giving up sugar was

WIP Wednesday: The Coat

2008-06-04T21:07:00.009-05:00

well, it's still Wednesday, though it's late...I ran out of yellow cashmere for my Habu shawl, so I started the Washi and Tsumugi Coat, which I call simply The Coat.I started it on my trip to Denver last month and it knit up pretty fast. I nearly finished it - actually completely seamed - when I decided the top was too big. Rather than frog and re-knit I decided to cut it.I had deviated from

"Toyko Style Beads Collection" by Uta Ono

2008-05-28T20:47:00.008-05:00

Toyko Style Beads Collection by Uta Ohno is a beading book containing some unique styles. No knitting involved.Jyuzukakebato RingMizakura Necklaces Hatsunagi Wire NecklaceSouda Turquoise JeweleryLovely stuff. Now to tear myself away from knitting!Deb, who hosted a few of us for a lovely knitting and stitching one Saturday afternoon, tagged me for a meme. 1) What was I doing 10 years ago? the same

2008-05-26T09:57:00.008-05:00

Can't believe an entire month has gone by since I last posted. I've been to Denver since then and I just returned from Seattle last night. I've been there three times in the last twelve months. It's rapidly becoming my favorite American city. There 's so much to say about it that I don't know where to start. I know that I have a narrow view of it: I stay at one of the hotels downtown a few blocks

YPF: My First Handspun

2008-04-25T06:41:00.000-05:00

Yarn: Tussah Silk Roving, bought a couple of years ago at Uniquities in Vienna, Virginia (they don't appear to have a website), but I was afraid to ruin it.Spindle: Plain wooden top-whorl drop spindleComments: I just taught myself last night by watching YouTube videos and links I found on Ravelry. The Joy of Handspinning is a great site. Clearly, I need a lot more practice, but I'm really

Happy Earth Day!

2008-04-22T06:14:00.001-05:00

I just happened to finish these brown/green Dashing fingerless mitts in time for Earth Day.Yarn: Lana Grossa Furetto (wool, alpaca, and acrylic), bought at Wolle Rodel, FrankfurtPattern: Dashing, Knitty.comNeedles: US 6 DPNSMods: They are a "thank you" gift for our friend in Berlin who showed us around Frankfurt. Though she has large hands, I shortened the mitts by a few rows, but don't remember

Kusha Kusha Scarf

2008-04-13T16:03:00.004-05:00

Pattern: Habu Kusha Kusha, Kit-78Yarn: a-177 Super Fine Merino and A-20 Silk Stainless in WhiteNeedles: Addi Turbu Lace US8, 6, 4, and 3Mods: None. Simplest of knits.

YPF: Dream in Color Smooshy

2008-04-11T06:28:00.001-05:00

Green! It's Dream in Color Smooshy Sock Yarn in Spring Tickle. I bought it at So Much Yarn in Seattle last year. (I still need to blog that store. It's great!)On my drive in to work Monday, I regretted not having brought any coffee with me and thought "wouldn't it be great if there was a parking space in front of that Starbucks?" Not only was there a parking space right out front, there were 30

Habu Paper and Cashmere Spring Shawl

2008-04-06T15:46:00.005-05:00

I've been obsessing over this shawl for a few years now. I think I visited the Habu site at least once a week to admire it. I discovered too late that Habu discontinued the cashmere in the color I wanted. It can be made with Geelong lambswool, but only the cashmere came in the screaming neon lime/yellow that I wanted. I was crestfallen. I found it on sale at Purlsoho, luckily. I hope I have

Almost FO: Parrotfish/Pomatomus Hat

2008-04-04T21:38:00.007-05:00

I got some knitting done while I was in Frankfurt. I started the Parrotfish/Pomatomus hat on the flight over and finished it while I was there.It still has 2 US3 circs holding six stitches in the top. I have two fur cuffs that when fastened together, go around my head. I thought I would use them as a band, to make a Russian-style fur hat, but I don't like this look for me. I'm not used to looking

"Unikat" Yarn Shop, Frankfurt

2008-03-27T20:44:00.011-05:00

Loved Unikat. Another very small shop, only slightly larger than Lana. It's a few blocks away from the Opera, in the other direction from Lana in a tony little neighborhood.Michelle and I went there 5 times, the first 3 times it was closed. Don't ask why we didn't call first! We finally got our German friend, Beate, to call to find out what the hours were. We were intrigued by what we could see

"Lana" Yarn Shop, Frankfurt

2008-03-20T17:46:00.009-05:00

"Lana" is a tiny shop owned by Katja LeJeune in Frankfurt's upscale shopping area near the Opera. It is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and stores like Prada, Akris, Jaeger, Lalique, Salvatore Ferragamo, and other chic boutiques. Walking space inside is maybe 10x10 feet, yet it is fully stocked with beautiful yarn, knitted garments, knitting booklets, and buttons that Katja has collected over

Wolle Rodel, Frankfurt

2008-03-14T21:41:00.004-05:00

My yarn arrived today! I mailed it to myself from Germany. For those of you looking for these posts: sorry they are late. I wanted to post pix of the yarn along the shop photos!The first yarn shop we visited was Wolle Rodel, located downtown Frankfurt.I wasn't completely oriented yet - we had only been there a couple of days - I didn't know exactly where we were, but I recognized YARN - it was

Frankfurt

2008-03-09T12:15:00.012-05:00

Where do I start? I was on a business trip in Frankfurt, Germany, for the last two weeks, where I found a sophisticated city with good restaurants, world class chocolate, culture, great fashion, and great yarn shops, of course!I also discovered that one of the four colleagues traveling with me is also a knitter. YEA! A knitting buddy for two weeks. I didn't have to explain why I had to go back to