Blazer from Carven: Things I Have

This weekend I took a quick trip to Paris... I needed some inspiration, some fun, and some croissants. While at Printemps Homme I came across a great Carven section, something I have yet to see in the U.S.

I'm a fan of what Guillaume Henry has done since joining the house and tried on a few pieces. Later that day I saw more great Spring items at L'Eclaireur. And after that even more at colette. So I knew I had to take some Carven home with me...

Enter this amazing blazer that I loved as soon as I tried it on. It fit me perfectly, was nicely cropped, but a little boxier than what I've been buying lately (which I liked). Also it wasn't navy, which speaks to my need to branch out color wise.

Unfortunately, pocket protector not included.

Now I can't wait to work it into my wardrobe and wear it! Here it is on the colette site...

Smythson Leather Notebook: Things I Have

In what seems like an oxymoronic product offering, Smythson (the storied English stationer) has created a small notebook embossed with the word "Recessionista". Now, it just so happens that I am on the hunt for a small leather notebook... and this one, despite it's humourous messaging, fit the bill.

Of course I have plenty of notebooks, but nothing that is compact enough to fit in my bag for those moments when you're inspired and need to write something down! This delivery from Smythson accomplishes that. I was of course drawn to the Fuschia leather. The tongue-in-cheek sentiment on the front just made me smile.

I picked mine up at colette (yes another Paris purchase), but they're now on sale at the Smythson website. Check out the rest of their fun pieces!

Kitsune x James Heeley Candle: Things I Have

I'm committed to leaving Paris the way I came -- with carry-on baggage. So my purchases must be small + selective. Last night I popped into colette, the ever cool concept store that was packed with people clamoring for last minute gifts.

I saw some amazing things (loved a short sweater vest by Henry Holland), and they had a fantastic display upstairs for Christopher Kane.

But I decided on walking away with just a couple of small items, one of which was this candle done by Kitsune in collaboration with perfumer James Heeley. It's mint scented, which I found to be really refreshing, and I loved the sophisticated subtlety of the black glass.

Kitsune is all over the place these days with fantastic collaborations, so it was great to see one more. And great to see colette supporting fellow French labels.

The colette website is where you can find out more info on the candle collab, but be warned, you will start drooling at all of the other items they have on offer.

Things I Want: Cole Haan Shoes

I've been seeing Todd Selby's work in a lot of places (with good reason!), most recently showcasing at colette.

Then today I came across this photo shoot he did for the Cole Haan Spring catalog. And I love it! The first shot I saw was a man with his feet on the dash of a car, pants rolled up, and a fun saying scrawled on the dash.

But then I got to this picture and these amazing blue and white two-tone shoes. They are calling my name! Perfect for Spring...

Check out the rest of the spread via Hypebeast: http://hypebeast.com/2010/03/todd-selby-cole-haan-2010-springsummer-ad-campaign/, and get excited for Spring!

Things I Have: Ken Bowtie by Alexis Mabille

I have an affinity for Ken (Barbie's boyfriend) and his classic looks. Ken has some amazing style and in the mid 60's he was fashion forward!

Last year colette hosted a fantastic shop-in-shop of Barbie goods, including a very fun and playful Ken bow tie by Alexis Mabille. Now I am a) obsessed with colette (duh!), b) loving the work of Alexis Mabille, and c) a fan of Ken.

So imagine my delight when a friend + mentor gifted me one of the Ken bow ties! I love it and cannot wait for the perfect event to wear it at. Hmm....

One of my favorite blogs, Highsnobiety, covered this when it launched last year: http://www.highsnobiety.com/news/2009/03/09/alexis-mabille-x-barbie-ken-bow-tie/

Things I Want: Purple Swatch

Since I just recently wrote about my mission to buy solids, and since I have a thing for bright rubber watches, how could I resist this brilliant color palette from Swatch!

There are twenty different colors, but I think the purple (or Callicarpa as Swatch has named it) is my fav. So cute and would be a really fun accessory for a day out on the town. And at 38 EUR the price can't be beat.

Found these at Acquire (http://www.acquiremag.com/style/watches/swatch-color-codes.php) and the watches are available at colette (http://www.colette.fr/#/eshop/article/580667/swatch/53/).

Enjoy!

Things I Have: Yellow Nixon Watch

It is not news that I am all about yellow right now. And I also have a thing for rubber watches (already have two -- one from Diesel, one from Alessi).
But then I was just in Paris, at colette, and saw this one by Nixon... in yellow! I had to have it and so I did.

You can see it here (plus all of the other colors they have): http://www.colette.fr/#/eshop/article/133205/nixon/95/