1. I have become addicted to organizing everything in little pouches in my bag – I love how it looks, and it keeps everything organized. I can switch bags in a hurry, and plus putting items like keys, pens in pouches means less scratches and ink accidents on the inside of my bags! These great Rebecca Minkoff pouches went on sale recently so I wanted to share – I’ve gotten a lot of use out of my own Minkoff leather pouch, and I’ve just ordered the Tokyo version (one of my favorite cities) below for myself too! I think it will be perfect for tucking into my work tote, so I can just grab a smaller bag when heading out to lunch or a coffee.
The pouches are on sale at Nordstrom for 50% off, which is the biggest discount I’ve seen. The Paris version is already sold out but you can check back to see if they restock. I also found it for 25% off here at Piperlime.
2. A few weeks ago in my Blue Jasmine wardrobe recap, I mentioned the designer Zoran (as the antithesis of what Jasmine might wear). I received a few emails and comments about him, and so I wanted to share a few articles about this designer, Zoran Ladicorbic, who sadly stopped publicly producing clothing in 2011. My own introduction to Zoran was very brief – I remember going with my mom while she browsed through the very limited selection at Saks San Francisco and being in a sea of black!
Here’s a great introduction to Zoran, via the NY Times and Cathy Horyn. Then, read on to learn how Zoran “packs”, via Departures. Don’t you wish he was still making clothes for the public?
3. I mentioned earlier that Tokyo, and Japan in general, is one of my favorite places to visit. Amongst many other things, the service is out of the world and in my opinion sets the standard. Read this article, via the WSJ, about what makes hospitality in Japan so unique.
4. For anybody who ever read and loved one of Roald Dahl’s books, such as Matilda or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, I’d like to recommend one of the older favorites in my library, Boy: Tales of Childhood, by Roald Dahl.
If you’ve ever read any of Dahl’s books, you’ll learn where so many of his stories and characters come from. It’s very charming, a great autobiography, and altogether too short. In fact, even if you haven’t read any of Dahl’s books, I’d still recommend Boy for anybody who likes a good personal story.
Have a nice weekend!
18 Comments
diane
June 6, 2014 at 8:24 amI remember my first exposure to Zoran’s designs. It was while reading an issue of Vogue. Love at first sight!
Katherine
June 6, 2014 at 9:36 amHi Diane, you were one of the Zoran commenters! I wish he would make one last comeback out of retirement!
Diane wayne
June 6, 2014 at 11:02 amI agree! At least long enough for me to stock up on his pieces! I remember seeing a photo of a woman in a tunic and pants. The fabric was sheer enough that you could clearly see the beautiful finish inside the sleeves. I think the seam finish was called “French seams” but I’m not sure. I do remember that they were beautiful enough that one could wear that top inside out and no one would know. I remember an article where Liza Minnelli had a wardrobe he made her and she was impressed that she could get it all packed Into five (!) suitcases. Those were clearly not the days of traveling light as we know it. I guess it’s all relative…..
Maria
June 6, 2014 at 3:42 pmI remember scrapbooking that “Zoran Packs” article when it came out! It was my introduction to him and I began to build a little collection via Ebay over the years. I still wear and have most – a favorite being a pair of brown cashmere elastic waist trousers that are soft as a cloud.
However, I didn’t know he stopped designing. 🙁 More reason to hang on to my Zoran pieces now….
The article was written at the ascent of Birkin-mania, yet he found a simple little black Kelly chic. Impressed me both then and now.
Revanche
June 6, 2014 at 3:53 pmI just read Boy recently – I’d read all of his other books but this was one I’d not gotten to; it IS very interesting.
I love the little Minkoff purses! Is it big enough to tuck in a passport?
Ammu
June 7, 2014 at 2:54 amOh I loved that piece on Japan’s service culture when I read it a few weeks ago, it’s such a gracious culture, I loved visiting Tokyo and Kamakura.
Re: pouches, Muji has some great options too. I rely on them every time I switch handbags or pack for a trip.
alice
June 7, 2014 at 7:21 amOh my god, that piece on Zoran packs was amazing. I am inspired and wish he was still making clothes!
Katherine
June 7, 2014 at 9:18 amI think he is your ideal aesthetic!
Glenda
June 7, 2014 at 1:20 pmRe: ” organizing everything in little pouches in my bag”. I started doing that a couple of years ago for the same reasons you stated, & I’ve often wondered why I didn’t do that sooner! I made sure all my little bags look different from each other so that identification is easy, just reach in and pull out the little pouch that contains what I need, no scrambling around or scraping the bottom of the bag looking for an item.
For anyone who may be interested, Mai Tai has designed little organizers that fit in particular Hermes bags, and they are beautiful and a wonderful idea, just as all her products are & blog is. I still prefer my little pouches, though…
a
June 9, 2014 at 5:23 amZoran cut his client’s hair because he hated long hair?!? Fashion nazi. I appreciate clean lines but I think minimalism has reached its overuse since the 90s. I prefer romance and ornate beauty.
Sonita
June 10, 2014 at 9:23 pmKat,
In the mid to late 90s, there was an independent boutique called Ultimo in SF (on Maiden Laine in Union Square, right next to Chanel), who carried a pretty respectable collection of Zorans (more than Saks). I really liked the clothes, though they were too mature for me at the time. I still remember how simple but beautiful they are. I purchased a few sets for my Mom.
Unfortunately, neither Zorans (the collections) and Ultimo are around anymore these days.
Glad to see that there are still some Zoran fans out there. Thanks for bringing back the good memories.
Katherine
June 11, 2014 at 1:32 pmHi Sonita, I kind of remember Ultimo. Did it have a sister branch, maybe Cielo or am I just dreaming?
Sonita
June 12, 2014 at 12:14 amNo, Ultimo is not related to Cielo. It actually started in Chicago, kinda like the Louis Boston in Boston, Wilkes Bashford in SF, etc. I think Ultimo was the place before Ikram (of Ikram Goldman) http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/July-1988/Ultimo-Chicagos-First-Great-Boutique-Dressed-to-Kill/
When it opened in SF, it took the space between Chanel and Jil Sander (now the Jil Sander boutique has become a Marc Jacobs). I really liked Ultimo, always had great finds there. Unfortunately, the economics didn’t make sense for them as they were too close to Neimans. Prada eventually took over the space, before moving to Grant St.http://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Ultimo-Closing-Its-S-F-Outlet-Jil-Sander-2889041.php
The boutique you’re talking about, Cielo, I think are in Palo Alto (Stanford Shopping Center) and Fillmore street in SF (Pac Heights).
Cheers!
Katherine
June 12, 2014 at 6:30 pmThank you Sonita!
a
June 11, 2014 at 6:31 amI’m not familiar with Zoran aside from some of the paltry photos I could find online. I think I get the concept but I’m not sure.
However, Giordano Ladies in Asia (the more formal, higher end of Giordano) mass produces minimalist looks are Zoran-esque. They are priced well (a suit can be 100-200 USD). A top or a pair of pants around 30-40 USD. The materials and labor are good for the price. Best of all, most of things are machine-washable.
http://www.my-lifestyle-news.com/2011/09/giordano-ladies-fw2011.html
Katherine
June 11, 2014 at 1:35 pmMachine washable? Be still my heart!
Nitzan Tagansky
May 11, 2021 at 10:39 amI worked for Zoran, when I was a student at FIT. Ah the memories.
Kat
May 14, 2021 at 7:03 amThat is so COOL!