bits and bobbins

as some (or many) may already know, the late isabella blow was a british stylist who wore hats (and clothing) with utmost panache and style. i rarely bow myself to praise too many celebrities, but isabella is one of the few exceptions, because she is a style icon who deserves praise and adoration.

i relate to isabella so very much…she was not beautiful in the classic sense (and hell, neither am i), but she was intelligent, ridiculously creative, innovative, and cheekily daring, and that’s just scratching the surface. isabella was called a “free spirit”…something i’d give my eye teeth to be remembered for as well. how fab would that be?

life’s too short not to take (fashion) risks…isabella’s life was short too. here’s hoping she made the most of it when she was here. if her personal style is any indication, she certainly did.

ms. blow wore hats better than i could ever dare to wear them. but just for a fleeting moment, i let myself channel my inner isabella blow [with the help of some MORE newly thrifted vintage hats]:

[sorry there have been so many photos of moi lately!]

first, the new:

a recycled acrylic resin giant bangle from brazilian jewelry artist r. sobral. found at the san francisco museum of modern art last week:

all of his work is riotously colorful and completely, completely amazing, in my not so humble opinion. and truthfully, rather affordable.

then, the used:

the original skinny jeans! ha! nothing comes between me and my calvin klein (jeans pattern)!

escada shorts from the 80s. i love the LOUD print emblazoned across them! other people’s opinions be damned (as per usual).

ann taylor purple pumps:

is it just me, or are purple shoes generally hard to find, whether new or used? i rarely see them in thrifts, much less in new shoe stores.

found this week and last, at my usual secondhand haunts here in san francisco.

looks handmade:

a restyled this one a bit, by shortening it and then elasticating the hem. it bubbles nicely now:

i love the ruffles on the sleeves:

my favorite find of the week…just the most perfect colors, and lusciously large supergraphics: