Some internet love for Kate Towers, who just launched a new web site, featuring some great photos of past and current collections, as well as a blog. Today marks the first entry, but I am greatly looking forward to tracking what she's working on through it. I love boutique and designer blogs, I think everyone should do it. Although I am anti-online shopping (I know, Etsy, blah blah—I love Etsy, but I only use it to "window" shop, and can't ever bring myself to buy something I've never tried on. That's so essential. It's actually a point I brought up with Faythe Levine, author/editor/director of Handmade Nation in an interview I just published in the new issue. It just doesn't make sense to me to buy these handmade one of a kind items online when you live in a city like Portland, where it's so easy to buy directly from the artists, but she brought up the fact that people who live rurally don't have that kind of access. I guess I'm kind of a hardliner on it.) I use blogs constantly to pique my interest in checking out the three-dimensionals. A couple of my favorite shots from Kate's new site:

I’ve been trying to reconcile writing about fashion with the economy the way it is. Encouraging people to spend when they might get laid off? Not in line with my values.
However, I do love fashion and I know you do, too (or, uh, you wouldn’t be reading this). Maybe instead of ceasing to shop, we can take this opportunity to change our shopping habits. Maybe we can shop in a more thoughtful manner.
My proposal is pretty simple: spend more on less. Buy a few quality items and wear the hell out of them.
The strategy? Choose versatile pieces that can be styled a myriad of ways. To illustrate, I asked Adam Arnold, make-up artist Kristin Goodman and photographer Christy Klep to help me style his lovely midnight blue dress for four everyday occassions. Kristin models after the jump.

I could wear it to work, and to visit Nana, and to the bar, and to…

The latest from Emily Katz, new designs for spring, are updated for perusal on her web site. The collection is heavy on white and gray, and features some greatest hits, like the "Ode to Summer" and "Cross my Heart" dress, her tulip skirt. Here are a few of the ones I like of the new crop:

At the end of the year, everyone makes their "best of" lists, but I thought it was more appropriate in a fashion context to switch gears and look ahead to 2009. Bearing that in mind, I asked a number of Portland designers and shop owners for their style wishes, predictions, advice, and more to carry into the new year, including baggage from 2008 that they'd like to see left behind. I didn't get to ask nearly all the people I'd like to hear from, though, and the limitations of print journalism mean that even the people I did hear from had to be edited. I'd like to post all of the unfettered responses here, though, in the final weeks on the final day of 2008, and I would encourage everyone to jump in and add your own responses.

“Big chunky cowls and neck warmers are already enjoying their huge practical hit in such places as Etsy.com. I’m so glad, because not only are they super warm and admirably courageous, they’re such a neat twist to the old humdrum of scarves! (Plus everyone looks mysteriously adorable with half their face covered.) Realistically, most of us will be strapped for cash after Christmas, even more so this year, so I predict that in 2009 thrift and vintage will turn the tide even more. The notion that vintage wares are expensive is totally untrue, you can find great vintage-wear for surprisingly affordable prices. If you’re in Portland, you should definitely check out Tony Starlight, an awesome restaurant that hosts the monthly Alexandra’s vintage fashion show, where you feed your gob while admiring lovely vintage clothes (heaven, right?). I predict that the hot colors for 2009 will be dusty muted colors and am wishing very hard that the complexity of grey will make a big comeback. What I truly hope to see in 2009 is snippets of extravagance and luxury fused with simplicity and unexpected textures. I don’t know how the fashion gods will do that, but when I see it I will love it.”—Tiffany Pang, Muntedkowhai

At the end of the year, everyone makes their "best of" lists, but I thought it was more appropriate in a fashion context to switch gears and look ahead to 2009. Bearing that in mind, I asked a number of Portland designers and shop owners for their style wishes, predictions, advice, and more to carry into the new year, including baggage from 2008 that they'd like to see left behind. I didn't get to ask nearly all the people I'd like to hear from, though, and the limitations of print journalism mean that even the people I did hear from had to be edited. I'd like to post all of the unfettered responses here, though, in the final weeks of 2008, and I would encourage everyone to jump in and add your own responses.

“In 2009, keep it simple, keep it local. Glamour, decadence, and frivolity are so ‘80s. Self-loathing, indifference, sagging, and slacking are so ‘90s, and time for a change means more than your underpants. Responsibility and accountability are the new black. Keep a watch for new lines using Pendleton wool—the local sheep shearer will be back in a big way. Moonwoods will be using their superior fabric as part of our casing design in theme with keeping it local.” —Danielle Higgins, Moonwoods

At the end of the year, everyone makes their "best of" lists, but I thought it was more appropriate in a fashion context to switch gears and look ahead to 2009. Bearing that in mind, I asked a number of Portland designers and shop owners for their style wishes, predictions, advice, and more to carry into the new year, including baggage from 2008 that they'd like to see left behind. I didn't get to ask nearly all the people I'd like to hear from, though, and the limitations of print journalism mean that even the people I did hear from had to be edited. I'd like to post all of the unfettered responses here, though, in the final weeks of 2008, and I would encourage everyone to jump in and add your own responses.

Next up: Sarah Wizemann of Lille Boutique:

“Nipped in waistlines; lots of belts—high waisted trend continues. Sober, minimalist style—no more flashy logos and brand name flaunting. Sheer blouses and knit tops with visible bras. Vintage pieces incorporated into new looks, recycled materials, intentional holes, and tattered garments. Spring’s bold colors and prints will give way to fall’s muted palate, darker shades, and introspective styles… lots of black. Punk and goth influences (plaid, leather, lace, velvet). Conscious consumption—less shopping sprees at H&M and Forever 21 on disposable trends, more carefully considered purchases. Quality versus quantity. Investment pieces that will last will be key for ’09 looks. A trend I’m looking forward to is more racial diversity in the fashion world, and not invited back to ’09 are actresses launching clothing lines.”

At the end of the year, everyone makes their "best of" lists, but I thought it was more appropriate in a fashion context to switch gears and look ahead to 2009. Bearing that in mind, I asked a number of Portland designers and shop owners for their style wishes, predictions, advice, and more to carry into the new year, including baggage from 2008 that they'd like to see left behind. I didn't get to ask nearly all the people I'd like to hear from, though, and the limitations of print journalism mean that even the people I did hear from had to be edited. I'd like to post all of the unfettered responses here, though, in the final weeks of 2008, and I would encourage everyone to jump in and add your own responses. First up is Tiffanee Bean of Mabel and Zora:

“I’m so hooked on the ‘60s and ‘70s looks right now, so I’m hoping they’re big in ’09. I am going back and forth between a Diana Ross disco diva look and glam rock getups! I currently feel slightly like I’m in a Halloween costume every day, so hopefully these will both become big styles for next year!”