I love wearing scarfs and can wear them all year.  Well at least the thicker ones are saved for autumn and winter while the lighter ones are for the rest of the year.

Shown here are the basic knots illustrated byTexereSilk.com.

And 12 of the 35 ways to wear a scarf as illustrated here.  For the other ways, please visit TexereSilk for more ideas.

This is how I usually wear my scarf. It’s the “European Loop.” Photo from Boden.  Ikat print scarf now on sale.

“Inspired by the traditional art of ikat, this dramatic pattern makes a great outfitting accessory. We’ve sourced a lightweight yarn which allows you to feel warm without the bulk of a traditional woolly scarf.” - Boden

Here’s Audrey Hepburn’s way of wearing head scarf.  She looks happy and comfortable.  Another cute way to wear a head scarf here.

“Scarf, n. Pl. scarfs, scarves. … The original plural form scarfs has never gone out of use; but from the beginning of the 18^th c. the form scarves (on the analogy of halves) has been common…”

I like the simple and elegant look of this Nordstrom ‘Light’ Wrap.

California’s winter doesn’t get too cold, but last year’s winter was probably one of the coldest. I even ordered Uniqlo thermals all the way from Japan.

This year I am prepared to face the bone chilling winter with my new goose down jacket.

Photo from L.L. Bean.

I’ve had it for a few weeks and actually took it to my latest trip to SF since it gets cold there at night. And it held up against the chill and wind very well. Almost too toasty!

Buying clothes or shoes online can be tricky. But after reading all the positive reviews from other customers, I was ready to order one. Then ended up ordering another one for my mom too. Her other jackets are just mediocre. And I think this one will become her new favorite.

Many people described it as “Durable, Great Value, Comfortable, Performing as Expected, Lightweight, Warm.”

I like that it’s lightweight and warm. I also like the classic design since I hope to wear for a long time. They come in various colors from dark fuchsia to otter brown. I ended up with bright navy.

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Outdoor fashion is becoming more popular these days. From fleece jackets to boots. Is it because they last longer? Or is it because we’ve gone mostly casual in our everyday clothing choice.

Carl Chiara, director of brand concepts for Levi’s, had this opinion to share from a NY Times article, “During uneasy times, consumers are naturally drawn to items that are well-constructed and built to last.” That makes sense, but I would think this is the better way to go, even when times are good. Well made products mean less waste going into landfills.

Outdoor clothing company, L.L. Bean, is getting into this trend with their Signature line. It’s something the more youthful generation can appreciate when they think of L.L. Bean.

Here are some of my favorites from LL Bean Signature Fall 2010 season. I just like the muted and classic colors of the outfit. And the Saltwash Canvas Backpack looks like it’s ready for adventure.

The duck sweater is actually cute! And the shirt underneath is plaid and it’s back. But in much brighter and happier colors.

Photos from LL Bean.

Daiki Suzuki, is Japanese designer that has helped bring the classic American outdoor sportswear look into high fashion. From an interview with Time Out New York in December of 2008, the designer of Engineered Garments was really quite surprised by this trend. The designs from his line was inspired by Woolrich Woolen Mills, an outdoor clothing company.

This is the winning design by Daiki Suzuki. It truly looks like classic American fashion. And the facial hair is more like 1800’s! Photo from The Gloss.

Woolen Mills came calling to Suzuki in 2006 and asked Suzuki to join their team. He was in charge of updating the 170 year old American brand. Two years later, in 2008 his line, Engineered Garments won the CFDA/GQ Menswear Designer of the Year Award.

Suzuki’s combines the utility of outdoor clothing with a modern sensibility. And he also mentioned, “It’s about being made in the USA,” he continues. “It’s not easy manufacturing here, but that’s what gives it its character and heritage.

As for the made in U.S.A part, he must be talking about his own line, Engineered Garment. Since only 20 percent of Woolrich’s products were assembled by Woolrich from start to finish. Forty percent were produced entirely by other manufacturers, and the remaining 40 percent were produced abroad. - source. That probably goes to say for many other retailers too.

Other popular outdoor clothing company that could see business grow is Eddie Bauer, Columbia, Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI), Eastern Mountain Sports, and Land’s End.

Laos is the inspiration behind Anthropologie’s new fashion bag titled “Million Elephants“.

This is how they entice us with the bag…

“Visit the temples in Luang Prabang and taste the delicacies in Vientiane with this Laos-inspired silk and canvas sack by your side.” Now that sounds like a relaxing vacation.

It’s a pretty bag with drawstring closure. Materials include silk, linen, and cotton.

I find the red tassels on the side give it more of a Chinese flair. Or maybe the splash of red was inspired by ? As the plumeria (frangipani) is the national flower of Laos.

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If you’ve ever come across bamboo fabrics, you would be surprise to find that the texture is very soft and similar to silk.

Bamboo fabric also has many beneficial qualities. It is naturally antibacterial, absorbs moisture well and would keep you dry and odor free.   I think it would make great material for socks or t-shirts.

It’s also fast drying compare to cotton fabrics. Another nice thing about bamboo clothing is that it will keep cool in summer and warm in winter.  Which would make for good material to wear year around.  And having clothing made of bamboo fabric would be ideal.

Other benefits of growing bamboo include helping to reduce soil erosion. And growing bamboo also require less water too.

Just like hemp, bamboo plants can be grown without pesticides. Compared to cotton, which requires large amounts of pesticides. Especially during cotton harvesting, where chemicals are sprayed to make the leaves fall off so it’s easier to gather the cottons.

It would be nice to see more bamboo fabric clothing easily available. At the moment, it seem bamboo clothing are still pricey.

Luckily I came across Naturally Knotty, the makers of 100% bamboo viscose shawls and scarves. For a fabric of this quality and design, it’s very affordable. It’s lightweight and cooling material that makes for a perfect scarf in the spring and summer.

The one I got pictured here (image from Naturally Knotty) is in coral. It’s not red or orange coral, but more peachy pastel. I love the two-toned color design. It’s like wearing two scarf in one. If I didn’t have too much scarves already, I would get the bamboo scarves in several colors.

Naturally Knotty is an environmentally conscious company run by designer Jasmine Fullman. Below is a little excerpt from Jasmine’s company. I always like to support companies with good ethics and practice towards their worker and the environment.

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Updated 12/15/09: I finally got my Uniqlo package on 12/10/09. The package took 3 weeks to get here as it was shipped from Japan.

So I tested out my new leggings and undershirt this weekend. The material is really thin and light. It reminded me of leotards, but much more comfortable and softer.

The leggings really kept me warm. They are so thin I could wear them under any type of pants.

The top is very form fitting and best worn as an undershirt. I’ve worn them under sweaters and even worn them to sleep. It’s absolutely comfortable. The scoop neck wasn’t too low cut at all.

I found all the clothes to be true to size. I ordered medium and everything fit perfectly. I highly recommend Uniqlo Heattech clothing. I hope these last as long as they say. If they have free shipping next winter, I may order more.

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Uniqlo is one of Japan’s leading clothing retail chain. Uniqlo is also known for having a nice range of high-quality goods at affordable price.

They have even adopted the Gap’s retail strategy call “SPA” - which is short for “Specialty-store, retailer of Private-label Apparel.” Which means that they would produce their own clothing under their store brand and sell it exclusively.

Their philosophy also states you don’t need to wear huge logos to define yourself (which is what I find annoying from The Gap).

There is no Uniqlo retailer in the west coast and only 1 flagship store in SoHo fashion district of Manhattan, NYC. But you can still make orders at their online shop.

Uniqlo introduced Heat Tech clothing in 2006.  I have heard such great review of it that I can’t wait to try them out.

Even though I don’t live in the colder parts of the U.S., I do get cold very easily.  I have bought regular thermals before, but not something remarkable.  I even bought thermals made of bamboo and cotton fibers.  It was very comfortable, but not as warm.  And the fabric did not hold up 1 year later.

Heattech’s fabric technology (listed below and described by Uniqlo).

• HEAT GENERATING - The highly absorbent rayon mix fabric absorbs the moisture generated by the body and converts it into heat.

• HEAT RETAINING – Tiny pockets of air are trapped between each fibre, making it hard for the generated heat to escape.

• STRETCHABLE - The soft stretchy fabric moves with the body and creates a snug fit, making it the perfect outerwear or inner wear layering item.

• MOISTURE RETAINING (women’s only) - Milk protein containing natural amino acids has been mixed with the fibres ensuring the fabric is smooth and soft to touch.

• ANTIBACTERIAL (men’s only) – Antibacterial agents have been woven into the fibres to help keep the fabric fresh.

• NON-DEFORMING - made of highly resilient and durable material. Heattech maintains it’s shape even after repeated washing.

I like the list here.  Except for the “special antibacterial agent” used to keep the fabric fresh.  This just sound a bit too toxic for me!  But luckily, only the menswear shirts have the antibacterial agent.

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I am looking forward to working with this pattern by Simplicity.  So far I have made a summer dress and shirts with patterns by Simplicity with very nice results.  They are easy to understand and sometimes can be done in a weekend, if not sooner.

Photo from Simplicity.  Misses & Miss Petite Dress, Jacket, Pants, Shorts and Tie Belt.  The pattern retails for $10, but I always get them on sale at the fabric shop for only $1. This year the price was increased to $2.

The pants require at least 2 1/2 yards of fabric.  And the jacket requires only 1 1/2.  Since I am loving linen at the moment, I am hoping to make both the jacket and pant with medium weight linen.

I am also loving bamboo fabrics too.  But I don’t know how it will hold up with the blouse pattern.  So I will stick with cotton.  In case I change my mind, there is an online fabric shop that has bamboo fabrics here.

Hope to post updates/reviews later. So stay tune!

I just saw the most pretty yet subdue knitting book ever. It’s Classic Knits: 15 Timeless Designs to Knit and Keep Forever by Erika Knight. I am not the expert knitter, as I have never successfully knit anything more than a scarf.

If you are interested in classic design and can’t really knit any of the patterns in the book, you can still find ready made items and include them into your wardobe. Personally, I always like the idea of mixing a few classic items with trendy ones. Classic designs are the best since the style will last much longer for years to come. Unlike trendy pieces that can only be worn for a few seasons.

The photography in this book is also very beautiful. The background feels like somewhere in an Irish or English country cottage mixed with Parisian city apartments. Katya de Gunwald, who is the photographer, did a great job highlighting the clothing and setting. At first, it felt a bit solemn, but it’s still bright enough to feel like spring is just around the corner.

This picture above is a classic, but mix the nice leather boots and it looks modern. I love the combination of polka dot dress and a simple sweater. The decor reminds me of a drafty English home. It could probably use some fresh flowers, or maybe even a sleeping cat.

The three pictures in the photo gallery are some of my favorite from the book. I also like the cute little navy vest. I think I have one like it in wool, but unfortunately it was thrown in the washing machine and shrunk! I love the classic knit messenger bag. Just the right size for all your magazines and books. And finally, the soft caramel color sweater is sweet, but with an air of elegance.

If you like classic designs, I think you’ll like this book. And if you can’t knit, just keep it as an inspirational picture book. Please note, all pictures are copyrighted by Erika Knight and Katya de Grunwald. Please do not take photos without permission of artist. Thank you!

Solar Jewellry has this vintage Miriam Haskell necklace for sale for about $325. I love the combination of soft colors from the pearls to the jade like beads.

The pendant just makes me want to smile and whisper to the birds. What a beautiful piece of art to be worn and admired.

I am in love with jewelry from the early 1900’s. There is something in them that speaks to my heart and makes it skip a beat.

Art Nouveau era Jewelry designer Miriam Haskell is one I’ve learned about recently. Actually she was born in 1899, at the height of the Art Nouveau era. Her pieces evoked nature in their subjects and construction. Around 1924, Haskell began making jewelry commercially. Her creations included unique flowers, animals, and other organic materials.

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