HAPPY LABOUR DAY

In observance of Labour Day, we -- like the women in the picture -- will be working! And wondermomo and Whoop! will remain OPEN (11am - 7:30pm) :-)

(The 50 women telephone switchboard operators and their supervisors worked for a Salt Lake City, Utah company. During this period -circa 1914- only young women and not men were hired for this type of work. Apparently, men were not considered, um, "polite" enough for this kind of work, heh heh.)

[Image Credit: Royce Bair, The Stock Solution]

LAUNDRY BY SHELLI SEGAL Horseshoe Neckline Dress

LA label Laundry by Shelli Segal seems to be going through something of a 60s-inspired stage this season, and this is a movement that meets with our full approval, especially when it means we get to look at lots of lovely little shift dresses like this :-)
With outlined beads that texture the beautiful horseshoe-shaped neckline, this ornately printed piece is a lesson in effortless day-to-night dressing. Team it with a tailored black jacket for work, then switch to glossy party heels when the sun sets.

Etc.

This shows MAJOR dedication. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the PEN camera series (first released in 1959), Olympus shot 60,000 pictures, developed 9,600 prints and shot over 1,800 pictures again (no post production) to create their stop-motion "PEN Story" commercial.
Inspired by a stop motion film by Japanese video artist Takeuchi Taijin.
The song, by Johannes Stankowski, is available for free download as a ringtone and mp3 at olympus.eu/penstory/

P.S. Question: What happened to the wife and son?

SUPRA FOOTWEAR NS X STEVE AOKI “Strapped II”

Supra x Steve Aoki “Strapped II”
Strappers are not just for kids (or the old folks), no sirree. The signature Supra model for celebrity DJ/Dim Mak Records founder/industry tastemaker Steve Aoki, these Supras (“Strapped II”) are a hybrid of strap-on sneaks and wrestling shoes. As opposed to the first Strapped introduced 3 years back, the redesigned Strapped II is whipped into a high-top with Supra’s trademark oversize tongue, roomy width, and the NS’s signature rugged rock-and roll aesthetics.
With its four-strap design, this shoe comes unlaced, of course, and the top is meant to be worn with pants tucked in nonchalantly.
Our fave colourway? Definitely the bohemian Acid Wash Denim. Just the right move when you step out for an afternoon with the fellas or just kickin’ around town with your gal.


P.S. So just who is Steve Aoki? Other than being sibling to model/actress Devon Aoki, well, they say he’s only the hottest hipster DJ in LA…
Read on if you're intrigued.

SHERI BODELL Crystal Snake Applique Dress

A stunning special-occasion dress by Sheri Bodell that features snake-like motifs gorgeously detailed with sparkling rhinestones. Classic elegance meets sexy vamp in this dressiest of zipped-up designs. Fully lined.

SHERI BODELL
L.A. designer Sheri Bodell makes clothes for women who want to party like a star without being mistaken for rampaging groupies.
Bodell’s signature is dresses that play with textures and hardware. Often incorporating rhinestones, studs, grommets, chains and leather, the fashionable designer -- who, as you can see above (backstage at one of her catwalks), pretty much looks like a rock chick herself -- makes each garment like she would pieces of jewellery.
Although any of Bodell’s edgy sheaths would be perfect for cocktails at the poshest pads, we suggest perhaps avoiding airport metal detectors.
Not that it matters: We’re sure you’re up for setting off the sirens!

The hills of Hollywood come alive with the starlets and their Sheri Bodells:

NEW ARRIVALS - 25 Apr (Sun)

NEW ARRIVALS
Happy Sunday greetings to you :-)
Some new ladieswear have just landed at wondermomo.
3.1 Phillip Lim, Elizabeth & James, Laundry by Shelli Segal, Nicole Miller, Rebecca Taylor, Paul & Joe & more.
And yes, we're open on Sundays! Until 7:30pm!

Happy 40th Earth Day

Didja know that "Earth Day" was founded by a U.S. Senator 40 years ago today? For a funny take on Earth Days since, check out Grist's list.

[Image: Sharilyn Wright, Canada]

Happy Administrative Professionals Day

The week of 21 April is the Administrative Professionals Week.
Wishing you lovely flowers, appreciation, crumb cake, and other sweet goodies at the office :-)

[Image: Amanda Jean Walker, Canada]

ELIZABETH AND JAMES Floral Shorts (EDIT: & Blouse, too!)

Let’s get leggy! Boy shorts, hot pants, tap pants, floral shorts… there are going to be a lot of shorts this season!
Elizabeth and James' take on this huge trend is to combine it with pretty 80s les petite fleurs peint in heavenly texture.
This Olsen twins design features a wide waistband with belt loops, which is ruched and elasticised at back. They are softly pleated at the hips with wide legs curved gym-shorts style at the sides. The floral is a tiny watercolour in pink, green and celadon on a slate-blue background.
Pair with black tank top or chambray shirt for the perfect Summer "I just threw this on" look!

EDIT (25 Apr): Matching blouse now available, too!

ELIZABETH AND JAMES
Rather than being just another celebrity fueled label, Elizabeth and James is a brand that we find ourselves bookmarking and adding to our “fave” list a lot. Designed by who other than… Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, the Elizabeth and James collection have surprisingly and effectively pleased some of the industry’s harshest naysayers with its wearable yet undeniably trendy style.


If ever there was a moment to renew that gym membership, it's now: floral shorts are the new leggings, and we're loving the way they're worn and styled on these models and celebs.

SUPREME Suede Mid-Cuts

These mid-cut, dessert-boots style suede shoes from Supreme are now also available at Whoop!
With simple suede top and gum bottom, these no fuss, no frills, no furbelow shoes are classy and look like they would be more at home at Barneys New York than a downtown skate shop :-)

ELIE TAHARI 'Mary' Dress

Embrace femininity with this retro-inspired shirtdress from Elie Tahari, updated with a layered lapel and finished with a waist-defining tie. Add a black jacket for the office, or dress down with white plimsolls!

ELIE TAHARI
From his invention of the tube top (yes, he's the one) to the extensive use of stretch fabrics in fashion, Elie Tahari has repeatedly ventured where others have not gone before. Tahari arrived in NYC in 1973, and his first jobs were delivering laundry, washing cars and pumping gas. A job as an electrician eventually brought him to the city’s garment district. Tahari jokes that he couldn't get any "respect from the girls" as an electrician, and so set his sights on being a designer. His fashion empire, which got off the ground in 1974 with the opening of a boutique on Madison Avenue, now boasts a global presence in more than 40 countries and over 600 U.S. stores.

LAUNDRY BY DESIGN Jersey Dress with Fringe

Any laundry fans in the house, hehe? Well, be prepared for a new take on an old favourite. From LA-based designer Shelli Segal's Laundry by Design collection, this LBD with tiers of fringe that add to the beauty of the bodice will help make your night out gorgeous and memorable!

NEW ARRIVALS - 13 Apr (Tue)

Even more New Arrivals to drool over at wondermomo and Whoop!
Including: Laundry by Shelli Segal, Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, Linda Farrow sunglasses, YSL men, Helmut Lang Men, and Visvim (Japan) kicks.
Have a great week!

SUPREME Canvas Sneaker

In the market for a clean casual shoe? After previous successful crossovers with Vans, Nike and countless artists and graphic designers, cult downtown brand Supreme has taken the concept and experience of their past collaborations on board and created their own footwear. Simply called "canvas shoes", these breathable oxfords are lined with leather and sit on a comfortable gum sole. Just right for those who don't want to step away from the sneaker feel.


ABOUT SUPREME
In 1994, Supreme opened its doors on Lafayette Street in downtown Manhattan and became the home of New York skate culture. Challenging the dominance of the established West Coast skater scene and the then conservatism of NYC, Supreme defined the aesthetic of an era of rebellious cool that reached from skaters to fashionistas and hip hop heads. Over the last 16 years, the brand has stayed true to its roots while collaborating with some of the most groundbreaking artists and designers of its generation, and with stores in Los Angeles and Japan has become an international icon of independent counter-cultural style.

In this rare sit-down with Interview Magazine, Supreme's U.S.-born, England–raised founder James Jebbia offers some insight into his influential brand:-
http://www.interviewmagazine.com/fashion/james-jebbia-is-supreme/

PLENTY BY TRACY REESE Cowl Back Top

We all know the value of vitamin C, so why not bring its benefits to your wardrobe with this splash of a flame-colour from Plenty by Tracy Reese?
From the front, this fitted top looks simple and clean with a high rounded neckline. But in the back, the wrap panels create a draped cowl effect that makes a unique statement -- and an unforgettable impression -- as you sashay away.

TRACY REESE
Although the fabric on this piece reminded us a lil bit of Missoni's signature tonal knit patterns, the 'Plenty' collection actually takes inspiration from bohemian and ethnic cultures.
'Plenty' is the more youthful line from Tracy Reese, one of few African-American women (or men) who (a) have officially shown at NY Fashion Week and (b) to have been inducted as a board member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).
Reese's love of fashion was a family affair from the very beginning. Growing up, the Detroit native spent hours at her sewing machine alongside her mother whipping up creations for their favourite fashion muse: her fabulous grandmother. After graduating with an accelerated degree from Parson's School of Design, Reese apprenticed under Martine Sitbon and worked for the likes of Perry Ellis before launching her eponymous collection in 1998. Twelve years on, the designer continues to give her fans "plenty" of what they want: flirty, feminine creations made for a modern woman who enjoys being a girl at heart.

In this latest write-up, Tracy Reese (second from right, snapped with Gabrielle Union, Ciara, and Kelly Rowland) shares her professional tips on how to maximise your style this Spring:-
http://jonesmag.com/dresses-101-with-tracy-reese-maximize-your-spring-style-in-feminine-frocks/

ROBERT RODRIGUEZ Flowers & Chain Necklace

His elegant and city-sophisticated womenswear has always put him a cut above, but didja know that Robert Rodriguez also makes gorgeous necklaces?
With large floral details chaotically entwined by metal chains, this Flowers and Chains Necklace is one unique, ornate piece that will add one helluva high-voltage glamour to your attire.
Oooh and don't you just love how the model pairs this accessory with all the different outfits? The possibilities of where to wear this are endless!
* Retailing for US$320 at Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus!!!

NEW ARRIVALS - 7 Apr (Wed)

Bright and sunny Wednesday greetings dear friends!
Meet our New Arrivals today: Barneys Co-Op, Elie Tahari, Elizabeth & James, Leon Henry (new and fab! From Sydney-based designer Dana Mawlai), Tracy Reese, Paule Ka Paris, Rebecca Taylor, Vanessa Bruno... and PLENTY for the gents, too!
Is there a better way to rejuvenate your mid-week?
:-)

ASH Sneakers (Women & Men), Italy

We think it's a shame that not more people (in these parts at least) know about Ash and we would like to, you know, promote greater brand awareness here (he he).
Founded by the hand of Patrick Ithier (a French man) and Leonello Calvani in Firenze, Italy, Ash shoes are quite known for their innovative designs and chic style that keep in touch with ever-changing fashion appetites.
In addition to women’s shoes, Ash also releases a significant collection of sneakers for both sexes each year, as well as women’s accessories like purses and belts.
Ash designs often reflect the use of the highest quality materials -- including leathers sourced from Incas (a leading tannery that also supplies to labels such as Balenciaga, Dior and YSL) -- whilst adding a sense of individuality and close attention to detail.
But what many don’t know is this: Ash sneakers come with insoles that are REALLY comfortable to wear. Nice and cushy, and with just enough shock absorption to soften your steps but minus the awkward rubbery bounce that some insoles have, you won’t even feel like taking these kicks off.


Ash’s subtle sophistication is unique to the market and the fresh designs of its sneakers have captured the fancy of many Hollywood shoeistas.


You can be as dull as you like in your outfit, but as long as you’ve got Ash on your feet you’ll be a bawse #noRickRoss.

Happy Easter

Happy Easter... may you all get chocolate, and eggs, and bunny hops.


The cutest bunny commercial on the planet (by NY Lottery “Sweet Million” game):

The most amazing bunny envelope opener:

Etc.

Yes, totally unrelated (hmmm, or maybe tangentially related?) to fashion, and the clip is a little long (12:59), but we would be remiss if we did not ask you to check this out. This guy is our hero.

PAUL & JOE SISTER "Sainmalo" Dress

Simple, classic, and cheerful, the Sainmalo* dress from Paul & Joe Sister -- the offspring of Parisian designer Sophie Albou's coveted Paul & Joe line -- is ideal for folding up in your vacation suitcase, and will also dress up well under a jacket for smarter work dos.
(Notes: *The dress is likely named after Saint Malo, a port city and the most visited place in the historical province of Brittany, northwestern of France, where the marinière or Breton stripe originated. More below.)


If there is one trend that’s coming up huge, it must surely be the nautical influence.
Sailor stripes always tend to show up in Spring-Summer styles, you may say. However, this year the focus is on the pattern first popularised by Coco Chanel, also known as the marinière or Breton stripe. (It all kind of started when the Audrey Tatou starrer "Coco Avant Chanel" debuted last year.)
"la marinière" was first brought to the fashion world by Coco Chanel back in the 20s after she noticed French fishermen's striped attire.
Since then, gamine fashion icon Audrey Hepburn and sex kitten Bridget Bardot have shown how the look can be elegant, modern and sexy, whatever the era.


There's simply no escaping stripes this season. They're popping up ALL OVER in Celebville, too, and we have the evidence :-)