The Smith-Inspired Industrial Light Fixtures

Kozo Lamp $195

The Smith is a perfectly nice new American-ish restaurant in the East Village (images below) that kind of looks like a toned (way) down House of Blues from the outside, and a brasserie meets old west theme park ride on the inside. The best bit of design, however, is most definitely the industrial looking light fixtures, which come in several varieties throughtout the dining room and bar. By complete coincidence I stumbled upon these Kozo lamps in a gift guide today and realized I may have found my own version of these awesome fixtures in an apartment-friendly plug-in lamp. They use tough metal piping and a bare bulb and yet I think would feel completely at home in a home.

SNOK! Approved: Sweater + Blazer = Swazer

The swazer is a hugely convenient item: sweater fabric, blazer cut. Its somewhat tailored, but still casual. I think the swazer for women has been a relatively widespread phenomenon. Gap did a sweatshirt/blazer last year, and a number of higher end knitwear designers have taken on the new shape as a more streamlined approach to comfortable winter wear. The most formal version features a collar in a suiting material to balance the knit, and the most casual is more of a cardigan style, with a rolled collar that mimics a blazer neckline. Simple enough.

However, I am now on the hunt for something slightly more elusive, but just as smart: the man "swazer." Sometimes grouped in with lighter outerwear, other times with sweaters, cardigans, or blazers, the hunt for such a difficult-to-categorize item, can lead to a search across departments. Here are a few choice picks.

On a somewhat related note: Keep an eye out for the L.L. Bean Signature Collection, by Rogues Gallery's Alex Carleton, which features some very promising trench/field coat hybrids, and modern plaid concoctions that flit around the boarder of swazer territory.

SNOK! Approved: Fall Frye

I could have a closet full of Frye boots and never have to worry about fall/winter shoes again. I'll never get over the rough, vintage quality that every pair they turn out possesses, and the way that they ground any outfit with that classic equestrian air. Here are three pairs I'm pining for.

These could go with almost anything, equestrian inspired leggings (like these by Derek Lam or these by Rag and Bone), and a chunky sweater or a big draped scarf. The canvas top makes them more laid back and separates them from the all leather masses. Not to mention the softness makes them completely cozy for the winter that awaits.

Melissa Short

$248

The almost Victorian quality makes them feel vintage, but the classic Frye shape keeps them from being too costume-y. And there might just be a touch of Doc Martins in the shoe shape that's making me faux-nostalgic (I was probably 10 when Docs were everywhere) for the chunky grunge shoe of yor.

Melissa Riding Tall

$378

This is the female version of that worn out work boot look that was all over the Sartorialist this past spring, which included casual and business looks incorporating the unconventional choice. The boots were the one kind of "off" piece, a look that could translate wonderfully for women. Add a dark wash skinny jean,a plaid button down, and a tailored vest.

Owen Crepe Tall

$298

How to Look Crazy Real Fast: A Calendar Year for Cats Dressed as Humans

Photos from United Bamboo website

Maybe I'm on a cat kick lately, but I can't help but to share these amazing, but mostly hilarious, photos from the latest United Bamboo project, a fashion/cat mash-up style calendar for 2010. The calendar, which is currently sold out on the brand's website features 12 months worth of itty bitty kitties dressed up in looks from the runway. Now normally I'd never be such a sucker for animals dressed as humans. I don't want to see your cat dressed as a witch, a clown, a flower, or what have you, but these fashions, and the photography are so fabulously ridiculous. I'm left wondering how many assistants got clawed to death in the making of this so-horrendous-it-might just-be-amazing shit show.

SNOK! News: Club Monaco's Vintage Jewelry Collection

Photo from ClubMonaco.com

As of September 6th select Club Monaco locations (there are 2 in New York!) will be selling hand-picked vintage jewelry, including earrings, bracelets, and a old fashion-y item I've been dreaming of for months, sweater clips. The pieces were all sourced from flea markets around the country and range from $39 to right on up around $600. I feel like I'm constantly becoming a bigger Club Monaco enthusiast the more I have a reason to go business casual. I can't overlook their perfectly classic, yet magically right on trend clothes and jewelry, but while I admired the bolder pieces of this past spring/summer's bold, sculptural jewelry collection, I think these deco-inspired, jewel-encrusted pieces might be right up my alley.

Available at:

160 Fifth Ave, at 21st St. 212-352-0936

6 West 57th St., near Fifth Ave. 212-459-9863

An Alexander Calder-inspired piece from the previous collection

SNOK! (kinda) Approved: Big Cats, Overkill?

Photo from Sartorialist, Belt J. Crew 39.50, Bag Mulberry $995, Dress Alexander Wang $350, Shoes Christian Louboutin $207, Scarf Prova for CO-OP $395

It seems that in the past few weeks I literally cannot open a magazine or look at a blog without being bombarded by animal, particularly cheetah and leopard, prints. Not much of a cat print girl myself I went on a hunt for the animal print items that may just suit this dog lover. The results were few and far between but came down to more youthful pieces, colored prints, and patterned shoes! Scott Schuman, the Sartorialist, described the ubiquitous print as a "password" in New York. Something to think about, especially considering the idea of subtlety. A password should be whispered, no?

Nonetheless, the cat happy spread in October's InStyle (pg. 133) was just a few steps beyond the straw that broke the, er, cheetah's...hmm. Here are a few of the layouts I've spotted (oh, cat puns):

• The Sartorialist did a cheetah feature, in which I particularly enjoyed the "west village" and "chinatown" shots because of the creative execution and funky colors. They managed to freshen up a print that can easily come off as tacky.
• Who What Wear also did a leopard print themed Accessory Report this past week featuring Rihanna, Agyness Deyn, and Mischa Barton all bedecked in spots. The WWW girls are quick to reccomend keeping your cats to a minimum with accessories.
• Marie Claire paid homage to the history of leopard in fashion in their October issue with pictures of Jackie Kennedy and Diane von Furstenberg wearing the print. The MC take on the trend can also be found here.

I must say, I think the best part of all this has to be the innumerable and shameless cat themed puns magazine writers and bloggers alike have managed to squeeze out of this story: Animal magnetism, picks of the litter, fearless feline, prints on the prowl, savage chic, urban safari, and animal instinct. I suppose all I can say is, here kitty kitty kitty.

How to Look Crazy Real Fast: Head Gear at Gareth Pugh

Most of the models at the Gareth Pugh show scared the crap out of me. Pasty grey make up and an unsettling evil stare made them look quite zombie-esque, if zombies were impeccably dressed in slick, modern, almost start trek inspired suiting. It was as if Pugh was letting us know what chic dressing would be in the future. The star of the show however, was clearly the head pieces. Beginning with thick charcoal headbands and little black beak-like caps and progressing to an enormous, and rather dangerous looking, double fan structure fastened to either side of the model's head. For me it conjured a distinct image of a frilled lizard. Perhaps centuries from now human's will be equipped with defense mechanisms such as this. In the meantime, I can't wait to see what celebrities attempt to wear this for-runway-only look in real life (my money's on GaGa), and who loses an eye.

SNOK! Approved: The Great Glove Hunt

I may be yearning for indian summer thanks to this sudden cold snap, but there are just too many things I’m looking forward to wearing now that there’s a chill in the air to miss those 80 degree days too much. I'm clearly a fiend for fall-ish accessories (modern cloches, anyone? just wait til I get started on slouchy knit hats!), but one item that has always been somewhat elusive to me is warm (but not itchy), pretty (but still functional), awesome gloves. So I started a hunt for the perfect pair. Toasty, comfortable, and cute! Here are a few first round contenders.

Clockwise from top left:

Topshop studded leather gloves $36

On Mischa Carolina Amato opera length Gloves $375

Mod Cloth (both Petite Bouquet and Lady Sage) $15.99

Portolano suede and leather gloves at Neiman Marcus $295

SNOK! News: New Bravo Show for Project Runway Alum (Hint: Hope it's not a hot tranny mess!)

Christian Siriano is bringing the fierceness back to Bravo. Perhaps seeing his adorable little self in action, and of course making sassy commentary all the while will make us forget those horrifying shoes and floppy hats that tainted an otherwise well-recieved show at New York fashion week, Spring 10. The series will follow the designer, who recently released a book, Fierce Style, and a shoe line for payless, as he creates a new collection and sets up shop (presumably in NYC).

SNOK! Approved: Christopher Kane for Topshop

A vast expanse of grommets, beading, and sheer fabrics dominate the Christopher Kane for Topshop portion of the British import, now happily settled into it's Soho home at Broadway and Broome. The pieces range from bedazzled jackets to transparent neon leotards and leggings. A touch risqué (how would Kane + Topshop be otherwise?) but completely wearable with some creative styling and some necessary layering. Clearly Topshop has got it's collaborations down to an art. They're definitely more creative and in sync with their customer, and hopefully more consistent than H&M or Target Go International collections tend to be.

My only lingering concern was what does one wear under a sheer leotard to make it somewhat public appropriate? Awesome to look at, a little harder to justify...or try on. A slew of metal accents give the collection a tough citified edge with plenty of black, almost punk-goth pieces. But a mix of neon items and a range of 80's-ish party dresses bring it right back around to accessibility. My favorites: a heavily beaded (seriously, it was heavy!) black on black mini tee shirt dress, and the completely illogical, but no less fabulous snap crotch leotards in black and hot pink.

How to Look Crazy Real Fast: Bedrock Fashion Week

In all seriousness, or as much as one could possible muster while creating a straight-up Flinstones-inspired collection, Jeremy Scott sent this down the runway at London Fashion week. All the looks were complemented by leather fingerless gloves (for working at the quarry?), black claw-like nails, and bones as hair accessories. Opening with a traditional shapeless cave lady frock, the show progressed to more tailored items, including leather jackets and mini dresses bedecked in saber tooth tiger-esque prints and exaggerated ragged edges. You couldn't help but feel as though Fred and Wilma must have moved to a rather questionable cave in the East Village in the 90s.

Even the models look pissed at what must have been at the worst, obvious snickering and looks of horror, or at best, amused bewilderment from the audience. There was no visible attempt at masking or reinterpreting the animated inspiration for the line. The high point was most definitely a rather burly man model wearing a one-shouldered, speedo and high tops, leaving the “Your Cave or Mine” graphic tee as it’s design antithesis. It doesn’t get much more low brow than a prehistoric sexual pun emblazoned across your cotton tee.

Still Not Ok!: Sailor Skank Bunny

Please, just don't. Giant pink harajuku bunny, and naughty nurse Sailor Moon, with leg curtains: two people I was not looking forward to seeing in Bryant Park. The expression of the gentlemen on the right says it all. Nothing to do but stare and consider the logic.

SNOK! Approved: Utilitarian Beauties, Fleabags Totes

As someone who doesn't wear heels I've always depended on other accessories to fancy up an outfit: oversize rings, dressier flats, embellished headbands, and big leather bags. Thus, I've never been much of a canvas tote enthusiast (despite the collection of freebies I've been stockpiling). But the two young ladies, and fellow Brooklynites, behind Fleabags have tempted me into tote territory, with this lovely, slightly more substantial and, sigh, $450 option.

They're available in four different vegetable tanned leather shades. Check them all out in the October issue of Elle, p. 206 or simply lust over their perfect simplicity at fleabg.com, and keep an eye out for the Spring 10 collection featuring metallics and denim. I'm already envisioning farmers market visits, and Saturdays in the park. No heels necessary.

Available at:

Albertine (13 Christopher St. Between Greenwich Ave. and Waverly Pl. albertine-nyc.com)

Smith +Butler (225 Smith St. at Butler St., Cobble Hill, smithbutler.com)

SNOK! Approved: 90s Vintage Chanel Earrings

I may not be totally on board with all this 80s throwback business on the spring '10 runways, and I'd certainly never claim to be an oversize jewelry connoisseur, but there's just something about these fabulous vintage (if 1993 can be labeled as such) Chanel earrings that has me drooling. The perfectly over the top 3.5''-long clip-ons just call to me with their sweet classic Cs, old timey filigree and perfectly scaled dangly detailing. A statement such as these would be the only adornment necessary to any outfit. I'm seeing a modern black romper and demure heels that even Coco would condone. Perhaps they would cause some earlobe trauma, but in this case pain is accessory perfection.

SNOK! Approved: Modern Cloches

One of my favorite things about the coming months is the opportunity to score cute, cozy, cold weather hats. And while felt may not be your EMS polytechnohypercoldrepelent fleece, it's a chance to don something vintagey and ladylike and keep your ears warm in the process. The best part, a chance to channel the flapper-ish fashionistas of yore: according to fashion history, "To wear one correctly the hat had to be all but pulled over the eyes, making the wearer have to lift up the head, whilst peering snootily down the nose." A few options to consider...

Gathered and girly in Mauve with a sweet sweeping peak.

Urban Outfitters

A one of a kind, handmade piece with a sculptural, face-framing ruffle. (from Etsy!)

YellowField7

Classic Americana with a nautical edge.

Eugenia Kim

A minimal, ultra modern interpretation in bold royal blue.

YellowField7

SNOK! Approved: Partially Leather Items

All Photos from Shopbop

Pants, jackets, gloves,...shorts? ugh. Some items are ubiquitous with leather. But if you're not a Hell's Angel or Stella from Project Runway (leatha!) it can feel a bit heavy handed for everyday. Luckily, the fall fashion gods must be smiling on us this season, and somehow a handful of designers felt for our leather loving pains and created pieces that are partially leather, combined with more wearable materials like knits and jersey. Some of my favorites are the Alex Wang leather leggings: a daytime version of last year's liquid/latex leggings, a cowl neck, perfectly drapey leather sweater, and this beautiful Helmut Lang geometric leather and jersey dress.

Still Not Ok!: Jelly Belly

Believe it or not this was not the only inappropriately exposed belly on the street this week, but this one in particular seemed the most deliberate (the lack of shirt! the matching shorts! and wellies?) and ironic because of the locale: She was walking out of the tents at Fashion Week! jiggling all the way. For all the fanatic girls and boys, dressed to the nines and stuck outside the tents with their cameras hoping to get a glimpse of a designer or celebrity stylist, this was a the most horrifying of moments. Even the security guards, unfazed by Betsey Johnson or Patricia Field, looked dazzled, or perhaps that was nauseous, by the wardrobe choice.

Stakeout Breakdown: Coming up Roses...in September

Never have I come across such a population of overly trendified show-goers and gawkers alike as those who stormed Bryant Park Sunday morning. But from the sea of harem pants and tiny denim cut-offs there emerged quite the collection of well-honed, unique personal styles. Lucky for us, this women took two unlikely partners, a bold rose floral and an organic feeling quazi-zebra print draped sweater and looked spot on without piling on the fall pieces that must have been falling from the sky, or perhaps handed out in the gift bags, that morning. The black denim and dark, lace up platforms kept things autumn appropriate, and the spectator glasses (they were everywhere!) were the one carefully chosen, of the moment item.

Stakeout Breakdown: The Tents at Bryant Park

A few of the fashionable folks I found at Bryant Park on Sunday: In the future Andre 3000 and Amber Rose will fall in love and become this adorable twosome, spotted outside the shows taking pictures of everyone interesting they came across and one another. Love the volume of her pants balanced by the sleekness, and simplicity of everything else. Not to mention, their body language, seemingly posed in a perfect mirror image of interest.

Still Not Ok!: Fashion, Or A Lack Thereof

Bra tops as shirts and the general lack of pants (Alex Wang, Taylor Momsen) on the runways this week...perhaps this is where it's leading: General public nudity. Passable on models, unacceptable on large flabby subway man.

SNOK! Approved: Fashion Week on the Street

Never have I seen such an invasion of black ankle booties in New York as during the first few days of fashion week. Particularly for Fashion's Night Out, when every 16 year old girl from Jersey was in full 'faux celebrity/model' costume. Amidst all the black Wolford tights, cropped leather jackets, and sunglasses at night that prowled the city on Thursday the Sartorialist found just one young lady, booties and all, that provides a creative inspirations such as this. Color! And a sense of humor! Imagine that.

SNOK! Approved: Fanny Pack Class of '09

Photo from LuckyMag twitter

One of my first loves of NY Fashion Week this year: the "waist bag" from Rachel Comey. Yes, it may have some distant relation to the fanny pack of yore, but when was the last time you saw a suede fanny pack, or one on the runway, ever? A few years back American Apparel attempted to reinstate the fanny pack as a cutesy hipster retro-ism and failed. It was too soon. It was too similar. It was too neon. But now might just be the right time, and the right reinterpretation to resurrect this hands-free wonder.

Still Not Ok!: Eloise at the L Stop

So many fall trends gone awry on one young lady here. The giant red bow and a side pony tail, may be an attempt at crossbreeding feminine vintage and 80's Madonna inspirations. The gold fringe, perhaps a nod to some military styling. But I'm afraid to say, it's more likely this look is a hulking thrift store monster gagging on some runway looks that have been sitting in the fridge for a few months. Some styling tips from sweatpant shorts/mom bob friend are likely to blame.

Still Not Ok!: The Clog-Sneaker

I'm all for socks with personality, especially on a man in an otherwise conservative suit. That they remain covered a good deal of the day, makes that little flash of color or pattern all the more endearing. However, on nearly everything other occasion there are a number of socks that are just wrong: holiday themed, musical, mimicking any sort of animal face, or with individual toes for example.

Argyle usually falls into the former realm of widely accepted and generally enjoyable socks. Avocado-hued and elasticated, these enormous sneaker/loafers accompanied by purple argyle are most definitely the exception.

SNOK! Approved: Gussied up Rain Boots

A rain boot that attempts to mimic a regular boot too closely will never succeed. It will always just look like a really clunky rubber shoe. And I'm not sure I can get behind a rain boot with a significant heel. But one thing I can resist no longer are the adorable ones high-end designers are turning out. From Dior and Chloe, to my personal obsession, Tory Burch, which have an old-timey equestrian feel, I've been coming across a whole new crop of these, seemingly paradoxical, wonderfully indulgent necessities. See: The September InStyle which has a whole page devoted to the new set in the Shop It! section (Pg. 388).

SNOK! Approved: Street Peeper and Karla's Closet

Another blog for great street style looks from all over the world: http://www.streetpeeper.com/ One day SNOK! may have bloggers all over the country and the world, but for now I rely on Street Peeper. Tokyo, Stockholm, and Paris are always great inspirations that make me think outside of my New York bubble. If anything they err on the side of conservatism. They also may just happen to have the cutest logo around.

For more outlandish looks check out http://karlascloset.blogspot.com/. This young lady's got a serious shoe fetish and she does full fledged fashion shoots with great photos and completely original looks. I must forewarn, however, there are giant leather underpants up there, and I maintain my aforementioned distaste. Otherwise, feel free to explore and emulate! (Check her out as guest blogger in Lucky this month).

Still Not Ok!: How Not to Wear Over-the-Knee Boots

How not to wear over-the-knee boots: with bare legs and a skin-tight military style jumper that's inching it's way into your crack. Also, suede boots in 80 degrees? The key to fall fashion may just be patience, and September 2^nd does not a justification make.

SNOK! Approved: William Rast

William Rast, the love child of Justin Timberlake and his childhood friend Trace Ayala, has a mission to merge urban streetwear and southern charm. But their fall collection is a lot more New York, and an almost unnoticeable smidgen of Tennessee. It comes across as the rather well appointed love child of LaRok and Alexander Wang with just a dash of Old Navy circa 1995 (see: several conspicuous American flag tees)

Gone forever are the days when you could spot JT in a head to toe light-wash denim ensemble (including cowboy hat). But Timberlake made sure to pay homage to those glory days by sending out a handful of models in jeans and denim jackets. It seems there's still just enough bro left in him to keep the line down to earth and, less the aforementioned Canadian tuxedo, wearable. Fall was heavy on the leather and denim, but also featured more tailored items, including blazers, vests and outerwear, that afforded them some clout with a more mature audience. There were also a few very on-trend touches like a bold shouldered button down, plaid shirts, and slouchy scarves.

The pair missed the mark in a few places with some schitzophrenic fringe and bedazzling, and what appear to be black wind pants. The best part of the show, in my book: the reveal of Timberlake, and his little tiny friend looking confused and self-conscious. The reason perhaps? That other dude in the photo below. Oh, just the actual designer, Juan Cervantes. Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain. JT and Mighty Mouse are set to get all the glory.

SNOK! Approved: Esquire's Best Dressed Real Man in America

My unrelenting love for everything Esquire is no secret. And as of his victory on the Today show this morning, neither is my immediate adoration of the new 2009 Best Dressed Man, 22-year-old Columbia student Dan Trepanier. It seemed to me that living in Cambridge meant a sea of awkward, too-short-pants wearing, Jansport toting Harvard kids. Throw in a butt-length ponytail and an obscenely oversized tee (preferably with a wolf scene on the front or a math joke on the back) and you've got your MIT kid.

So imagine my surprise when this morning I learned Esquire had not chosen a 30-something "entrepreneur," but a college kid. Not to mention he's an aspiring fashion designer, a self-proclaimed momma's boy, and a fellow fashion blogger (MensStyleBlog.Blogspot.com). The charmingly un-hip Trepanier sported jeans, cuffed just a touch at the ankle a la Thom Browne, a striped rugby shirt over his standard shirt and tie, a perfectly tailored tweed blazer, and of course a little white pocket square. He looked like a young, American Nick Sullivan (Esquire's fashion director). If only more men would have such an enthusiasm for developing their personal style, the world would just, well, be full of men with an enthusiasm for developing their personal style. Would it be so bad?

How to Look Crazy Real Fast: A Bunny Ears Update!

Animal-ears-on-humans, the most unforeseeable fashion pandemic maybe ever, is now officially known as Not Hot or N1H1. Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen were spotted sporting another designer's variety in Tokyo. Let's hope Maison Michel is french for Marc Jacobs. The new black lace variety are more anatomically correct than the previous free form option from Louis Vuitton, perhaps a nod to the safari inspired fall collections. What could be next?

In un-surprising old news, Madonna wore the Marc Jacobs designed "ears" to the Met Costume Gala and looked ridiculous.