The Pastel Haze got the brain
So I think my brain hit an all new *thud* when I saw this Stella McCartney for Le Sport Sac rabbit rucksack which is part of a limited 17-piece collection due to launch in Feb on Le Sportsac.com. The soft dusty mauve/pale pink palette of course is appealing but add a rabbit into the mix and that awfully persistent cutesy-loving side of me comes out. The head should really be reasoning 'No no no you overgrown child! Even your 12 yr old sister would say no to this bag!'. But then something inside me is nudging the brain into thinking that there is a teensy weensy chance that this bag could on some sort of level work on an adult. I'm reminded of a Japanese fashion journalist who I saw at London Fashion Week clutching a grown-up teddybear everywhere she went as an attention-grabbing talking point. I'm also hauntingly reminded of those Teletubby rucksacks that some indie kids used to carry for a "funny/ironic" effect. I'm not sure whether I'm wanting to wear the rucksack for either of those reasons.
However, I actually saw this rucksack a while ago in Pop magazine and it didn't quite register with me until together with the magical Tim Walker editorial in Vogue Italia Jan 2008, I somehow thought that the slightly surreal looking rucksack and its dusty colours could possibly be paired with a layer cake of Tim Walker's shades of pale pink, powder blue, mauve, and white with silver accents in fabrics that suggest grandeur (tulle, organza, silks) but in shapes that are casual and loungey, with pretty flats of course (I can't quite get round doing the heels and rucksack thang....). I'm not even sure if the rucksack will be bought to trial this strange thought of mine so I may just discard this as a passing moment and like I said, I may register later on that the brain went *thud* and I should really stop fantasising about wearing a rabbit.
Speaking of pastels though, I was overjoyed to discover today that I no longer have to cover my outfit up with a ma-hussive coat. I have some sort of odd skin which doesn't really feel the coat so whilst everyone was still wrapped up pretty thickly, I just went with a satin jacket and a cotton long sleeved t-shirt underneath. I fear that will all revert though when I get to New York next week. Ah well - a short lived spring is still a some sort of a spring and I did get a chance to wear all the pastel haziness that has been fogging up my brain...
I love Le Sportsac's bags, they're the cutest- I haven't got one, but a classmate totes her books around in this massive cartoony bag and it looks just perfect. I also had the rather embarrassing experience of asking a girl on a bus where she got her very cute (not LS but similar) bag, assuming she was from the North-East, when she answered 'Sapporo.'!
You're lucky to have thick skin, though- it must be my tropical breeding, but I'm a chicken when it comes to the cold..
Posted by: Drusilla | 24 January 2008 at 21:02
The colors and textures in your outfit are very nice. My skin also dislikes heavy coats--I get all itchy.
I fantasize about a bear/rabbit eared hoodie dress that I know would be just too ridiculous for a grown woman...
Posted by: The Clothes Horse | 24 January 2008 at 21:48
wow !!! these are so you...
Posted by: annah | 24 January 2008 at 21:53
Very pretty and ethereal... love it!
Posted by: SkinnyWolf | 24 January 2008 at 22:05
What dreamy pastels!
Posted by: heather | 24 January 2008 at 22:19
I love it when grey gets paired with pastels--it gives them an edge, and there's something about a dusty rose or pale yellow with grey that's super Regency, a chill in the combination belied by the actual pastels. great effect, both in the walker and your own take on it...
Posted by: a lady | 24 January 2008 at 22:46
I love the backpack, I think you should definitely go for it! Although, being practically a child myself (well, sort of), I'm not sure if my opinion should really count here.
Gorgeous editorial too, and the pastel outfit is perfect for spring. I'm so jealous of your warm weather - its below freezing over here!
Posted by: Stephanie | 24 January 2008 at 23:30
Hmmm...not so sure about that bag. It looks one step away from a monkey or Hello Kitty. Unless that's ok with you, in which case this is right on.
Posted by: Thom Wong | 24 January 2008 at 23:44
Those colors are really nice on you. I like the finishes on the fabrics and layering. (I think you should layer to your heart's content.) As for the bag, you'll find a way to reconcile it if you want it enough, and if you do get it, it'll be perfect. You take risks no one else has the guts to take, and they work out.
Posted by: enc | 25 January 2008 at 00:03
That pastel photoshoot is absolutely lovely. The chiffon and layers look delicious.
Posted by: Jill | 25 January 2008 at 01:05
I love the bear. I've been looking for a proper sized bag like that (and have been considering making one), but Le Sportsac has one-upped me better than I could've hoped. Hong Kong is too boring, and I love having Le Sportsac's odd offerings to make life fun. I hope they're offered here. :D
Posted by: Therese | 25 January 2008 at 01:52
I very much enjoy the pink ribbon around your neck. Ribbons should be utilised more readily by more people.
About the bag -- I understand your teletubby fear. A girl at school had all the hipsterish plushie kids accessories and she used to punk them up with metal studs and illustration. I'm not sure that would here as the colours do point towards something much more ethereal. In fact, despite my aversion to grown women wearing little kids' items, looking at this gorgeous shootI can really see the bag working with an outfit that's all about volume. I'm really into that little bulky little bunny being lost in a sea of chiffon. Awesome. Maybe. I don't know...it's late.
Becky.
Posted by: Becky | 25 January 2008 at 02:23
Hey Susie,
Have been reading your blog since the posts took up one page. A few posts ago you mentioned a fantasy dress with a giant bow. I LOVE this dress, found in French Vogue. (I think it was Vogue!) You might too.
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=iyzitx&s=3
Love StyleBubble heaps!
Abby
Posted by: Abby | 25 January 2008 at 03:14
Wow... this photoshoot is amazing... I'm loving pastel colours at the moment!!
Posted by: kirsty | 25 January 2008 at 03:27
I love the pastel shades, and the lady looks like a fairy. Very good pictures and the bag looks good too!
Regards
Kartik
Fashion Evangelist
www.fashion-networks.com
We Blog at http://fashionnetworking.blogspot.com
Posted by: kartik | 25 January 2008 at 04:26
tim walker, :: gasp ::, hes the reason why i take pictures.
Posted by: wecouldgrowuptogether | 25 January 2008 at 08:25
I love your pastel outfit, you look wonderful! I've never explored pastels before, at least not since early adolescence... I really enjoy how your blog always gives me fresh ways to think about style ides like this. :)
Posted by: Mandy | 25 January 2008 at 09:12
Oh My God, I love that Vogue shoot SO much! I think it's the most beautiful one I've ever seen (but I would say that as I live in pastels all year round)! I just wish it wasn't from last month or I would have gone out and bought it and put the pictures up on my wall!
Posted by: Deborah Jones | 25 January 2008 at 09:56
tim walker is so amazing! Thanks for sharing these shots^^
Posted by: chililady | 25 January 2008 at 10:24
Wow! My inner cynic thinks: if ever there was a bag designed to appeal DIRECTLY to the japanese market that would be it. LLG xx
Posted by: Libertygirl | 25 January 2008 at 10:26
Oh meant to add that I have just given you a shout out in one of the style print mags I write for as a must read for 2008. LLG xx
Posted by: Libertygirl | 25 January 2008 at 10:27
In response to your comment on my blog, I think you should get it. It is slightly childish yes, because of its shape and everything, but not overly so. The shade of pink isn't too bright or candy-coloured, the fact that it's a dusty shade gives it a more grown up edge I think. Also even though it's cute, the bag definately has a cool/funky/fresh edge to it too, and it's not like its fuzzy or furry or anything slightly nauseating like that. I think it could be pulled off on an adult, as I reckon you could find a way to juxtapose it so it doesn't scream kawaii.
Posted by: fritha louise | 25 January 2008 at 16:01
i just love pastels right now!! i was scrolling down this post thinking 'please say she's made a sheer outfit!' and you didn't let me down. the satin with the purple/blue, so scrumptious
Posted by: selina | 25 January 2008 at 16:51
Step away from the Rabbit Sport Sac - there is nothing repeat nothing to consider here. No irony, satorial impishness blah blah - but hey it's just free speech.... but the rest is gorgeous!
Posted by: Kate | 25 January 2008 at 21:05
as always you've created another amazing outfit! wish i had the guts - and the talent - to wear this!
Posted by: alana in nz | 26 January 2008 at 07:02
ok this post has officially launched my new love affair with pastels, Susie. And what the ....?! You seriously blog like 150mph!
Posted by: riz | 26 January 2008 at 21:57
I was seriously tempted by a pastel lavender bag today. I figured my outfit would have to be really edgy to pull it off so didn't get it. You, on the other hand, look fantastic.
Posted by: ambika | 28 January 2008 at 02:41
or even this number on my site, is so right for your pastel daze. Shapeless and sheer in a great blue
closetlies.blogpsot.com
*i ship everywhere
Posted by: closetlies | 29 January 2008 at 19:58
oh, i love the color palette for this.
Posted by: Hailey | 30 January 2008 at 03:52