While in Paris i stumbled across a new store (new, as in there are 6 currently open around paris, and quite a few others in the process of opening around france), The Kooples. I suppose what struck me first was the black and white interiors, bright white lighting (apparently the designers were adamant about making sure the lighting didn’t interfere with the perception of the clothing colors), and the slightly american apparel feel with the candid photography - but with a far more… London rocker meets Saville Row with a Parisian twist? It’s hard to describe, you have to go see it ~ but the tailoring of every detail is impeccable, yet these perfect jackets and shirts had fun subtle yet hardcore skulls on metal buttons… and when unfortunately a jacket i loved didn’t have my size in the color i wanted, i couldn’t help myself and got a really fun necklace (pics on the next page). As for the branding, beyond the black, white, and photography ~ the packaging is nice too, see the bag on the next page! And like Acne, they even have a magazine/newspaper that is just starting off as well…

Their site describes it as: “The Kooples, c’est le retour du chic de rue, un état d’esprit Paris-Londres, une inclinaison musicale, la mode comme manifeste, et un vestiaire pour deux. Depuis cinq minutes ou depuis quinze ans, pour une nuit, pour un certain temps, c’est un mode de vie, un jeu.” The Kooples is the return of street chic, a Paris-London mindset, a musical inclination, fashion as a manifest, and a cloakroom for two. For five minutes or the last fifteen years, for one night, for some time, it is a way of life, a game.

--> to more images

Crazy weekend here ~ been shopping quite a bit, and prepping for Paris (leave monday!) ~ so figured this was a good time to see what was popular on NotCouture this week! Looks like lots of bags and boots made the list. Click the pics to find out more!

“RVL7 - “REVEL SEVEN”. Revel means “to celebrate” - the 7 comes from “24/7”. RVL7 has been created to celebrate living a sustainable lifestyle 24/7.”

Discovered RVL7 in the Eco-Lands of Outsde Lands - amongst the standard white tents, it was refreshing to see this pre-fab woody oasis of a t-shirt bar filled with stickers, buttons, and gorgeous graphic organic tees… see the pictures on the next page to see some of my favorite designs, and the experience within!

p.s.
Unfortunately the RVL7 site doesn’t have a store, gallery, etc etc etc up yet, but hopefully coming soon!

--> to more images

Jewelry seemed to be the main theme this week on NotCouture. There’s a crazy Jaeger-LeCoultre watch that doubles as a keyless entry for the Aston Martin DBS (how James Bond!). And the other mini-theme seemed to be coats and jackets as we’re about to transition into Autumn (how is summer almost over??). If jewelry and coats aren’t your thing, there’s plenty of other stuff to check out at NotCouture, and of course keep sharing your cool finds with us!

NOTCOT Note: This is the final post in my series of Ultimate Accessories posts which have been sponsored by the new Infiniti G Sedan! As with any sponsored content ~ these posts are done - my way - my product choices, my content, and they help me keep doing what i love!

Swims. I’ve shown you the Swims line before ~ and even a hands on review in the rain… but i never had a chance to share how amazing the umbrella and men’s models are. So a few quick notes - when we spontaneously took off into the woods in vermont from our NY trip, we only had our nicer shoes… and both men’s and women’s shoes saved us! Even when we ran across the stream behind the log cabin. And the umbrellas - so nice that they both open and close with the push of a button! It certainly spoils you quickly when running in and out of so many down pours! Read more about Swims!

I’m so happy that we are getting more posts about men’s clothing on NotCouture! That means we get to see great designs from an area that we (mostly girls here on the NOTCOT team still!) probably wouldn’t get to see on our usual internet shopping/browsing/perusing sessions. So here’s a quick roundup of some stuff for guys that have popped up this past week. Seems like plaid is popular for Fall (though I don’t think it’s ever been unpopular…), and you can get acquainted with the latest collaboration (H&M + Comme des Garçons) that I’m actually pretty interested in checking out. Keep posting, guys!

NOTCOT Note: This is the seventh in my series of Ultimate Accessories posts which have been sponsored by the new Infiniti G Sedan! As with any sponsored content ~ these posts are done - my way - my product choices, my content, and they help me keep doing what i love!

The summer is still going strong, and the weather has been absolutely amazing, i love the warm summer night sitting outside listening to nature all around you, watching the stars, as a bat buzzes by your head… so anyhow, writing a series of ultimate accessories wouldn’t be complete without a perfect bikini and coverup ~ so my latest lust object is this refreshingly green Missoni Columbia Halter Bikini and the Missoni Corinto Silk Kaftan. Now if only someone would gift me the set with a big floppy beach hat, some fun sunglasses - and i’d grab my kindle and be off to lay outside and get some good afk time!

There were a good amount of shoes popping up on NotCouture this week.. Or maybe it just seemed that way because I’m currently on a quest for shoes. And of course, we need bags to go with our shoes, so here are some interesting ones that were posted. I especially liked the accordion-like bag from Samsonite Black Label!

Babies everywhere! Or i’m apparently reaching that age where i have found myself constantly baby shopping for friends suddenly… So is it any surprise that Jill Fehrenbacher, of Inhabitat, in the midst of her pregnancy has launched Inhabitots, the latest addition to the Inhabitat family? Also, the new logo for the calm blue site is an adorable Owl with child! While many of the products there are right up our alley (and have shown up on NOTCOT previously) ~ they are eco-friendly, clean and modern… and my latest discovery on Inhabitots to add to the backup list for new-parent shopping is what is a bit scarily called “Teething Bling” by Smart Mom Jewelry. If you pick the subtler hues, its not a bad necklace/bangle, and the nice thing is, it’s completely safe for your child to teeth on, and saves your usual jewelry from the nibble marks. My only worry is… will this help condition your baby to think its ok to chew on jewelry in the long run?

Daphna Simon’s Jewelery has a gorgeous, naturally inspired, yet edgy look and feel ~ and i love her use of the wood and her perched leopard, grizzly, and wolf on her rings.

This week’s NotCouture roundup was mainly inspired by mirrormirror’s post about Acne launching a collection of men’s underwear, then noticing that some Fall items like jackets and hoodies were trickling in, and that was an amusing contrast. I went on a search for some cool underwear for the guys but either the selection is pretty limited (if that’s the case, I feel sorry for guys!) or I just don’t know where to look for it..? But it wasn’t hard to find pretty pieces for the girls from favorite labels like VPL and The Lake and Stars. So whether you’re stripping down or covering up, feel free to share what you’re wearing (or wish you were wearing)!

Modern Amusement is finally coming out with a Women’s collection for Autumn ‘08, and I didn’t even have to see the lookbook to know that I’d be really into the clothes. I’ve liked Modern Amusement’s guys’ collection for awhile now. It’s one of those labels that is the epitome of SoCal for me… the perfect blend of casualness and sophistication (like say, 60/40 casual/sophisticated). I love the dark colors with pops of color and white, the sheer fabric, and all those pleats and pintucks! The women’s collection will be available in stores beginning August 15th and I can’t wait to get my hands on it. More looks after the jump!

--> to more images

While dropping something off for Andy at A+R in venice, i popped next door to Vert, the “high end luxury retail store specializing in all natural, eco-friendly products” primarily focused on health and beauty. While there, i was drawn to the packaging of the Ayurvedic line, Pratima.

As they showed me each and every product, and explained the process of the products, i was as much intrigued by the experience of each product (from smells to textures) as the packaging and background. Completely natural, ingredients from india, the only spa/clinic in Soho, and Vert is the only one carrying the line outside of the Pratima Spa. The line is also surprisingly affordable. The facial cleansers start out in a sandy, powder which you mix with water. For moisture, you mix a few drops of the liposomes with a few drops of the essential oils and massage it into your skin. Additionally they also have masks, oils for various treatments, body oils, creams, and more. The Anti-Stress Aroma Oil is already doing wonders for my workaholic day! Take a look at the next page for more pics of the packaging and display, as well as some background on Dr. Pratima Raichur, and a peek at Vert!

--> to more images

On fascinating new uses for nanotech-engraving… Adidas has launched adiThread on their “This Is Not A Jersey” site - where supporters of the New Zealand All Blacks team can get closer than ever to the players, and literally come together to form the thread of the jerseys with their names! See stills from the video, and more from the campaign below. Even go add your name to the thread at adiThread!

--> to more images

NotCouture user “smallsociety” posted the crazy sequin covered military hooded jacket in post #2319 and since then I’ve been thinking about how we incorporate bright and shiny things into our wardrobes. In this short NotCouture roundup (it’s short because, honestly, I’m enjoying being completely zombified by a different type of bright, shiny object in my living room.. my new tv) we’ve covered a few of the bases, from jewelry to over the top stuff like an LED lit dress and metallic slip-ons for guys!