The Essentials: Fall Layering

It's mid-September (I know, how did that happen?) which means layering has now become everything. And thank god.
Perhaps we'd all do well by embracing some solid layering choices in our lives? (And on that note I hope by now it's blatantly obvious I dig a good casual layer moment.) There's something to be said for interchangeable pieces you can just grab and throw on whenever, wherever - with ease (which is always the point, or my point anyway). So with all that in-mind what better place to grab-and-go than the beach?

With the California coastline as a backdrop, Ai-Li Chiong-Martinson chatted with me about what she wears and how layering plays a huge part in any and every choice she makes. And how can it not? In-fact it seems layering is rarely far from the Seattle native's mind (which I'm guessing has a lot to do with those unexpected Northern-Pacific gusts and showers, you know?). "I generally prefer to keep things pretty comfortable and muted, but that might mostly be an innate nod to the crispy Seattle weather rather than aesthetic preference. Layering is my go-to. I take any number of simple items and transform their texture and shape to suit my needs." 
When chatting designers and influences Ai-Li is partial to anything Japanese, partly owed to her heritage. "I might be biased, but I love anything Rae Kawakubo, Kenzo Takada, Yohji Yamamoto and Junya Watanabe." In terms of inspiration Ai-Li pinpoints a few key people. "My mother, Yayoi Kusama, Alexa Chung, Pierre Bonnard and of course Audrey Hepburn (trite as that might be)."

When talking Seattle, Chiong-Martinson has a running list of awesome recommendations. "If you're looking for the best one-stop shopping experience (realistically for those without a budget, but also for wishful thinkers like myself) then you MUST stop by Totokaelo on Capitol Hill. The variety of designers and clothing that you'll find here can at times verge on tortuous, but it's 100% worth it. Just next door to Totokaelo is Elliot Bay Book Company, which is arguably the best bookstore in town. Seattle also has a few awesome and reasonably priced vintage haunts. I would say that Cairo on Capitol Hill is one of my favorites, but ultimately nothing compares to Georgetown's weekend Vintage Trailer Park Mall."  

- Ai-Li Chiong-Martinson, wearing an Acne leather jacket, Ann Demeulemeester top and Cutler & Gross shades, photographed by Alexander Atkins in Half Moon Bay, California.

Cut It Out: Alexander Wang

Despite the title of this post please, Mr. Wang, don't stop cutting it out. We love it. And you! But you probably knew that.

I mean I can't get enough of the patchwork leather pants you made me (or Neimans rather - but that's just a technicality). Ok - enough rambling. The real point is this: cut-outs are so the tits, especially when infused with really strong tailoring and a basic trilby (you may have noticed my new-found interest in hats...). 

Remember when Dayne came over and rocked that seriously ripped-up Joy Division tee? Well, for his second look Dayne opted to wear something slightly more tailored. Unsurprisingly the Alex Wang blazer was an easy choice. I'm guessing its incredible fit and overtly nautical-meets-French-schoolgirl vibe (which is always lovely, isn't it?) played a huge part in what was a very rapid selection process. Design-wise the cut out is actually held in place by hundreds of little threads, like a tiny harp. Aside from creating a near invisible mesh effect that extends down the lapel, Wang's design also ensures the two sections of blazer flow seamlessly. Good thinking - because no one's got time for weird bunching, thanks. 

Dayne Arron Watai, wearing Alexander Wang's Cutaway Blazer and a vintage trilby, photographed by Alexander Atkins in San Francisco.

Hairspiration: The Dip Dye

By now I'd say I've made my views on hairspiration known, and so nothing is more exciting than seeing it become reality.

Hairspiration is a real thing and you, dear reader, are being led to it's very essence. Hairspiration in action! And if that sounds a bit too intense for a Tuesday morning, relax. Just look at the pictures and click the links - you'll get it.

When my friend Camille (who has always had great hair moments - remember?) decided she was going to go all Alison Mosshart-circa-right-now this past weekend, I was beyond excited. I mean who doesn't like The Kills? (Especially now that Jamie Hince is actually Mr. Kate Moss.) That's right, we all love them. 

Some of the best decisions we make are impulsive. Changing-up your look is real when it's impulsive, because your gut knows you want it. Camille settled on her hairspiration twenty minutes before her actual appointment. Judging from these shots I'd say it was a hugely successful source of inspiration. Centrally parted, teased or even tied back in a high-pony, the triple dip-dye job has proven its versatility. And besides all that, aren't we supposed to do this kind of thing in our twenties?

Tuesday just got a little more interesting.

Camille Labat, wearing an Acne leather jacket, photographed by Alexander Atkins in Palo Alto.

*Camille Labat wears blue-tinted Ray-Bans and an Acne leather jacket. Click here to visit her tumblr.