I have been using this WWII era, British Army surplus packs for years. These things are pretty much bulletproof; made of khaki canvas that is measured in lbs per yard, not ounces. I’ve had two of these backpacks in the last 12 years or so, and have used it as a carry on, my main luggage while hitchhiking, and have had it on my back to and from work every day. You could load bricks or gold bullion in it and not have to worry about the canvas or stitching. Over time the straps have worn away but never the pack itself.
What is funny about these packs is that they are a massive pain to use… the straps are too thin and they cut into your shoulders. The buckles to close the pack are tedious and difficult. I use them and wonder… why? I’ve finally realized that it is simply just the canvas! You can’t find canvas like this anymore. So, somebody, get a mill to make this stuff again (if they still grow this kind of super-cotton) and update these packs. Here is what would make it better: wider straps and metal quick connect closure. The brass buckles are beautiful but just too difficult.
In the meantime, I recommend you hunt down the last of these packs, at 60 years old they are getting harder and harder to find. One place I have seen them is Belmont Army Surplus in Chicago.
Ok, now I’m starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel that is summer, with little bits of Fall fashion popping up in stores and football season right around the corner. I’m also looking forward to doing lots of traveling for 3 weddings, 2 holidays, and one mini getaway of our own!
Which means I’m on the lookout for a good ol’ travel bag that can actually fit into an overhead bin, now that no one seems to want to check in their bags. These bags by Gräf & Lantz seem like the perfect unisex bag, made of 100% merino wool and hand turned leather.
I just love these beautiful hand made webs from textile artist, Shane Walterner. Kind of wish that if I stopped cleaning my studio, these were the kind of webs that appeared instead of the haunted-house kind I normally get.
I don’t know where I’ve been or how I’ve missed this, but I just found out that the world is running out of helium..?! It’s so endangered that it could run out in as little as 8 years.
In the case of a helium balloon crisis, there is now a solution for you, created by Clementine Henrion. These Helium Eternal ‘balloons’ are in in fact made of fabric, stuffed, and hung from the ceiling; but they still have the same great effect. Not sure about the rest, but you can purchase the rainbow HERE.
Ruth Loebe hand weaves each of her pieces with bright colored wool, in a way that is different from the next because she does not ever “want to get bored” with what she does.
I want to die, die, dye my hair black. Or so the saying went when I was in high school. It looks like everyone took note with Alexander Wang’s Fall 2010 goth-inspired collection!
I have to say, when I looked through Topshop’s Fall 2010 ‘Dark Nouveau’ Lookbook, I yawned a bit at the ripped sweaters, fishnets, and studded, well, everything. What I did love were the embroidered mesh tops and this lacey, floral head piece-hat thing. Click for larger image.
I’ve really been enjoying the couture collections this season.. well, as much as one can sitting behind a computer looking at photos. Although I really loved most of the pieces at Jean Paul Gaultier’s show, all I could think about was how the head pieces looked like the Wiseman’s smart-ass bird hat from Labyrinth.
When I first moved to NY (almost a decade ago, yikes!), I remember everyone telling me how great summer in the city was. And to this day, I still don’t get it. It’s hot, humid, and there’s this dirty grime that seems to hang in the air. Anyway, it’s been over 100° for days now and I am left literally counting the days until Fall.
I recently ran by the J Crew Lookbook for Fall 2010, and got so excited in anticipation, I saved every image. It’s like a girl who’s away at summer camp just rolled around in her suitcase and decided to keep every piece of clothing and every accessory on. I’m in loooooooove.
P.S. Anyone wanna teach me how to do a fishtail braid?
As soon as I saw Christian Dior’s Fall 2010 couture collection, I thought of the sassy talking flower’s from the Disney version of Alice in Wonderland.
Possible source of inspiration?
images via style
The Victoria & Albert Museum in London is presenting another awesome show that I’d love to see. Quilts 1700-2010 showcases British quilts that date back to the 18th century and features quilters such as Bishops Court, Ann West, Grayson Perry, and Janey Forgan, just to name a few.
I was a little skeptical when I heard that Sarah Burton was taking over as creative director over at Alexander McQueen, but I have to say, these first few pieces look really promising! Inspired by Hans Bellmer’s dolls and samurai warriors, Burton states that it’s about a, “juxtapose the pale and the delicate with the bold and armorial. It’s about a highly structured torso that gives way to a more fluid silhouette or drop waists that lead to a finned trouser or skirt.” Can’t wait to see more!
I stumbled upon Fine Little Shop the other day, and fell in love with practically everything! The designer/creator, Elisabeth Dunker also runs a wonderful blog you can see here.
wallpaper
cutting boards
utensils & pillowcases
This cute little mouse rug was being sold over at Toast, but I can’t seem to find it anymore! Does anyone know what skill level crocheter you need to be to make this? On a scale of 1-10, I’m at about a .5 right now..
I don’t know what kind of resort Rag & Bone envisioned this girl at, but it’s definitely more Twin Peaks than St. Bart’s. Wherever it may be, I’d like to go if these clothes are appropriate, b/c I just love everything about them.
It’s been Resort Collection time the past few weeks, and it’s been a case of the ol’ good, bad and ugly! I’m not going to go too in depth with it, since I’m not always too wild about these mid-season shows to begin with (probably because I never seem to vacation anywhere and I’m bitter), but there were a few collections I really loved. First up, Balenciaga!
I have been really loving what’s been coming from them the past few years and this Carol Brady, 1960′s Pan Am airline stewardess, mixed with some hippie prints really works for me for some reason.
