Cashin Cache

There's something inexplicably thrilling about prowling eBay for vintage. In the process of hunting for, say, ridiculous sunglasses, you come to realize the sweet-spot brands to shop for: ones that aren't so major that there's tons of B.S. to dig through (Chanel, Gucci, Dior) but the ones that aren't too obscure to turn up results. I spent, oh, some 20 hours recently searching for a new-old bag, and, as my shopping evolved my go-tos for the world of oversized leather sacks you throw your shiz in and try not to set on subway floors became Bottega, YSL, and Coach by Bonnie Cashin.

Yes, I said Coach. And I f-ing hate Coach—no offense to my many stylish friends who own bags, keychains, and wristlets. But the brilliance of Bonnie Cashin, who lauched the company's women's accessories line in 1962 after doing big things on her own in the ready-to-wear world, is that she totally got simplicity. No logo fabrics, no weird tassles—just modern shapes in cool colors with unexpected hardware, like exterior kiss-lock pockets.

Here are some of my favorite classic designs by the B.C.:

Double header satchel purse, avail at Ruby Lane.

Watermelon tote, also at Ruby Lane.

Double kiss-lock handbag, was on eBay—try to ignore the doily.

The UCLA library acquired the designer's archive in 2004, and there is a really rad online exhibit on it's website. A few choice photos:

Her Noh coat, in paper, circa 1965.

A graffiti wall in one of her houses where she posted quotes. HI, ADORABLE. Circa 1962.

The designer, circa 1960. Um, Chiquita bananas?

1964 Coach ad.

Can you tell I have a girl crush?

BF Plug

T started a blog! With all of his insane concert reviews. (Um, he went to shows Wed., Thurs., Fri., and Sat. last week.) It's called Last Night's Set—Last Night's Party riff, get it?—and you should read it.

Beyond: Ava, The Nine-Year-Old Fashion Blogger

Ok, I'm sorry, but I want to be upset with this grade-school style blogger Ava of Because I Love Style, but she's genius. I can't actually READ her site because you have to be invited—good parenting, wha?—and I'm apparently not cool enough for that, but there was a post over at the die-for Sea of Shoes about, and I can't get enough. I mean, we're not talking Limited Too here, folks. We're talking diy Ann Demeulemeester sandals SLASH boots. Holy.


If you were wondering it doesn't get better than this.

The Geese And The Gays

There's a really fantastic post over at the GOOD blog about how ridiculous it is that we as people focus any attention on such secondary socio-political concerns as banning gay marriage or halting foie gras production. It's written by Zach Frechette (the editor-in-chief) and addresses the fact that our obsession with such alterna-issues works to distract us from the real problems as hand (i.e., in regards to foie gras, can we not instead focus on the totally f-ed up commercial chicken, cow, and pig industries that affect millions, thankyouverymuch?). Anyway, go read.

"What Do You Think Of The Inappropriate Humor?"

I just remembered how much I loooove the three-episode Zach Galifianakis video interview series called "Between Two Ferns." It's the kind of comedy that M would describe as "eeeeeh, AWKWARD" (while tugging at the collar of her shirt), and it cracks my shit up. The whole dang set below:

Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis from Between Two Ferns

With Michael Cera...SHOCKING, I know. There's also a 9/11 joke.

Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis from Between Two Ferns

With Jimmy Kimmel and bare feet.

Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis from Between Two Ferns

With John Hamm and KKK comedy.

Vintage Karl & Anna

From here.

In The Year 2000

It's like looking into a crystal ball, you guys. Fall/Winter 09 fashion week is over in NYC, and while this prolly isn't the most exciting fash city in the world, there were still plenty of trends to note. I spent way too much time curating pics (all from NYmag.com, which posts more quickly than Style.com) to share with you of the things I spied with my little eye.

THE VIVIAN WARD BOOT
Is there such a thing as "hooker chic?" Because that's what these gray Rodarte boots are, and I'm obsessed.


Top to bottom: Rodarte, Charlotte Ronson, Alexandre Herchcovich

THE ANDIE MACDOWELL DOUBLE-BREASTED JACKET
Ok, it's more like punk A.M. than Four Weddings, but Hugh Grant would still be plenty seduced.


Top to bottom: Alexander Wang, Michael Kors, 3.1 Phillip Lim

CYNDI LAUPER ONE-SLEEVE DRESS
It's about time we got some new twist on the asymetrical biznass because because the sleeveless look has been coming and going way too long (see: my senior prom dress...bleh).


Top to bottom: Calvin Klein, Yigel Azrouel, Michael Kors

HOLLY GOLIGHTLY GLOVES
With something casual-ish and short-sleeved? Adorable.


Top to bottom: Marc Jacobs, Derek Lam, Thakoon

RACHEL ZOE FURS
The louder and faker, the better


Top to bottom: Derek Lam, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Preen