The Goods!: New York Gets The Goods...It's Been Too Long! Shopping and food are a perfect combo! Here's the selection the ladies had to shop from.

It seems like forever!!! Six months to be exact, but I finally made it out to New York last week and JUST missed the snow!! YAY!! I had seven days to visit my cobbler and tailor, host a potluck and shopping party with the one and only Kerin Rose, have multiple meals out with my friends, a little bit of shopping and of course bring The Goods! to my accounts. I had the great pleasure of meeting Pamela Castillo of Market Publique and chatting vintage. A brief stop at the Nina/Delman Shoes offices to chat about their Delman exhibit at FIT: Scandal Sandals and Lady Slippers. Sadly I missed out on dancing but it was an intense work week, so work it was!

The Goods!: New York Gets The Goods...It's Been Too Long! Our very own, Kim gets The Goods! Here she models her "Prowling Ass Outfit". Jungle dress and bitchin' boots!

Make sure to check the gallery to see The Goods! available at Marmalade Vintage, Daha, Narnia, Zachary’s Smile and Portia & Manny! PLUS some nails did!

1. Closet space – I know there’s more than one lady (or gent) out there who feels me on this one. I. Have. No. ROOM! No matter how I think this through, re-packing and re-organizing, even after donations to the S.A., I still have piles of stuff that won’t fit anywhere. Santa I solemnly swear I will love you forever if you save me from my storage issues.

2. Crafty supplies -  If you cant buy, DIY! Spend less $ and be more creative. Giggle at the shocked faces when you say “Oh, this? Yeah I made it myself!”

3. Installations – I’ve always wanted to do a large-scale art installation somewhere in the city. This may be more of a New Years Eve resolution type thing, or even a Christmas present to myself. Regardless, it’s something I want and well, ‘presents’ can be subjective, right?? Maybe I’ll just wish for one of my talented friends to get inspired and come along with me. Installation by Tara Donovan

4. Decent Winter Boots – The lucky ladies who live on the west coast don’t need to worry so much about this one, but for those of us stuck on the east side, this is an annual struggle. How is it, with the multitude of designers, the masses of shopping centers, that I can’t find a warm pair of boots that don’t look like I’m about to go dogsledding? If anyone knows of anything, holla for real. I can’t go another winter freezing/looking like a snowman. Alexander Wang Boots shown.

5. A Video Camera! – Vlogs > blogs baby! Panasonic Pro Video Camera

The Goods!: Contempo Casuals By James Rowland Shop.

You are bound to run into other pirates while out hunting…it’s almost a given. And so it would be that on this particular Sunday at my local fleamarket, I had an encounter. It was friendly, don’t get me wrong (in part because I had already got the goods…real talk), he was checking out a pair of vintage Sergio Tacchini sneakers…I casually mentioned that it was too bad the vinyl was sticky and melting and how cool they were (like I said I had already got the goods). He looked at me, said “yeah” and kept digging. I kept my pace and headed down another isle, swooped on some sweet heels and boots, and while I was getting my money out, here “he” comes again. He eyed my red boots, asked me if I was going to buy them, I replied “yes” and then proceeded to ask him if he was a buyer for someone, he said for himself, he asked me the same and I replied with the same answer he had. That was that.

Then one day I find myself on eBay checking out vintage boots. I come across a seller offering some really amazing boots, “Gypsy Boots” or something and they where based in Oakland. Initially, I’m thinking who is this amazing boot finder in my hunting grounds?!?!??!

Well eventually it all came together. While hitting up one of my fav spots, Down at Lulu’s, I ran into the “pirate” again. He knew me from The Goods!, gave me a hard time for my lack of up-dates (sorry!!!) and so began a friendship of sorts.

The Goods!: Inside James Rowland Shop.

I am so excited to share with you the man with a keen eye for woman’s footwear and 90’s hooker dresses. He is a magnetic for OTK boots, all things Contempo Casuals and I am convinced he has a magic portal to travel back in time. For the past year he has set-up shop in Berkeley, CA in a private by-appointment only location all while maintaining his on-line sales on Etsy. He’s taken what he learned from growing up thrifting with his “cool older sister” and made it a business.

The Goods!: 90's Body Con Dresses By James Rowland Shop.

It really all started three years ago. On a thrifting trip at a Goodwill in Woodland, CA he happened upon 50 pairs of vintage boots. Although he claims to be “off the radar” when it comes to fashion, he figured there was some sort of resale value in the score and so it began. Now, all businesses need a name and what better “equation” for a name them the one to create your “porn name”; middle name + street name you grew up on. Unfortunately this is an equation that doesn’t work for everyone but lucky for some it does create an excellent porn name…and business name, thus James Rowland.

The Goods!: Cross Colours By James Rowland Shop.

The Goods!: Cross Colours By James Rowland Shop.

I had a chance to sit down with the man behind James Rowland, chat all things vintage footwear and ponder the direction of woman’s trend based vintage. We came to the conclusion during our talk that coming from a background of Sicilian cobblers might have something to do with his passion for ladies foot coverings. He has a love for “cheaply made” styles, the kind that go so far over-the-top and sport brand names such as Wild Pair, Rush Hour, Express, Clicks, and Dolces.

The Goods!: The Wild Pair Collection By James Rowland Shop.

The Goods!: The Wild Pair Collection By James Rowland Shop.

The Goods!: The Wild Pair Collection By James Rowland Shop.

His clothing taste follows suit as he covets both Avon Fashion and Contempo Casuals. Yet the man knows quality too, coveting brands like Joan & David, Moschino and Thierry Mugler,  it’s safe to say, James Rowland knows style and what the ladies want. When asked to describe the style of James Rowland he instantly replied with “Clear, Sheer and Cut-outs.” And the future of woman’s vintage? “Mesh is my new Floral.” Oh, we love that!

The Goods!: In Full Bloom By James Rowland Shop.

Keep up to date with James Rowland at his blog and get even more James Rowland by shopping his Etsy shop!

80%20 Spring 2010

Fellow M.I.S.S. crew member CeCe Chin is the brains and guts behind footwear brand 80%20, after going out there alone way back in ’04. The name derived from her theory that we wear our favourite 20% of our wardrobe 80% of the time, thus the smallest percentage having the greatest impact. Leading to the 80%20 motto being “80% life, 20% shoes = 100% love”…wise words, no?

Floral Lace up Wedges

Floral cut out leather boot with hidden wedges!!

Dantity floral wedges

At the recent Project tradeshow, M.I.S.S. peeped the goods New York based label 80%20 had to offer for spring 2010. Made and designed for our shoe-pleasures, with love from CeCe of course! We are glad to see 80%20 has stuck with the labels niche roots, a fearless act that we all admire. 80%20 has stayed within the lines of being a label that is quirky, cool and wearable; one which has not turned to the flip side of becoming commercialised, and ultimately, something that we see everyday.

The signature 80%20 look of a hidden wedge has again resurfaced for this collection, but with a fresh spring update! Take for example, the cute floral heels. The new garden floral theme, along with the revamp of the classic 80%20 hidden wedge, is also used in the cut-out leather boots. The contrasting leather brown straps against the dainty floral exterior patterns,  on this distinctive cut out boot, makes for one hell of a trendsetting piece. It is a very attention grabbing boot; in the best way possible! For those who have a soft spot for 80%20’s floral print, but daren’t wear the cut-out-leather-boot-wedges, opt for the floral lace ups with the added cork wedges! If the extra few inches are not needed, check out the flat floral pumps instead. Minor details for that unique touch are never forgotten at 80%20, even for the flat floral pumps which sport delicate leather laces.

80%20's Candy Striped Slip-ons

Spring 2010 Lace Ups

Candy Striped cork wedges!

For spring 2010, 80%20 has also introduced a new line of sneaker style shoes made from leather and seersucker fabrics, all with consistent folded-fabric detailing. There is more lace up court wedges, but this time in muted tones of gray, black and khaki, as well as candy coloured pinstripes. These do not scream “look at me” like the floral versions do, but are rather understated stylish pairs of footwear – perfect for those warm spring day strolls. The candy pinstriped materials – in green, pink and gray – are further used in the preppy lace up pumps, along with easy to wear slip ons.

Spring 2010 Hi Tops

Leather lace pumps!

lace up, cut out heel boots

The leather counterparts of the new sneaker style shoe collection consists of more choices in the lace up pumps, neat hi top leather sneakers, plus a peculiar shaped lace up boot. This boot features the cut out leather style, but this time on the heel bottom. Although based in the sneaker style shoe collection, it is one which has more feminine accents compared to the other selection of lace ups. The in-trend tassel featured on the ends of the shoe laces is a 80%20 touch we cannot get enough of! This, along with the use of a slimmer fitting shaped shoe all contribute to the softer, feminine touch that many seek in a piece of footwear perfect for everyday use.

Its great to know that one of M.I.S.S. Crew’s very own is doing their thang and making a success of it. What more, we love that Chin has catered for all our needs in one spring 2010 collection. Go girl go!

LUTZ by Robert Clergerie AW 09/10

There is something so naughty and nice about the AW 09/10 LUTZ by Robert Clergerie collection.  Those innocent rounded toes and wingtip details paired with platforms, ankle straps and stacked heels speak both to my inner “nice lady” AND my dare devil fashion vixen.  After the success of the SS09 collection these two design houses have come together once again for a limited edition shoe collection. This collection draws inspiration from a shoe classic: the traditional derby shoe and are available in the following color-ways: black, black & navy, black & brown and black & grey.

LUTZ by Robert Clergerie AW 09/10

LUTZ by Robert Clergerie AW 09/10

The three models available are crafted out of the finest leather with the utmost attention to detail. The knee high boots are constructed to hug your leg, made from a “silky” stretch calf-skin. All styles feature details from the traditional derby shoe: perforated markings and a decorative toecap having a point that extends toward the wearer. These details paired with the high, chunky heel and platform wedge are are MUST for this Fall.

LUTZ by Robert Clergerie AW 09/10

Marc by Marc Jacobs Woven Boxer Bootie.

I love how these look tough yet feminine. ‘Nuff said! I want!

If you haven’t been to GLS, located in the Lower East Side of NYC, do yourself a favor and visit this wonderland of vintage shoes. Home to over 500 pairs of shoes and boots ranging in all sizes and colors, you can’t say no to the 50% discount they’re currently offering.

Boots, a popular health and beauty company based in the United Kingdom, has come stateside to gain the cult status that is has in Britain. The last time I went to London I had several friends ask me to bring back Boots products, so I was happy to learn that now ladies on this side of the pond can get these great products. As one of the sponsors of NYFW, Boots had a booth at the tents where it showcased and highlighted products from it’s Protect & Perfect skincare line.

One of the things that makes Boots products great is that they are not tested on animals. Instead, all of the products are tested by the end users: 4000 women test the products to ensure quality and credibility. The products are hypo-allergenic and contain ingredients that protect your skin from damaging free radicals like the sun and pollution. The Protect & Perfect skincare also

[c]ontains lipo-peptides and white lupin extract to strengthen and protect the collagen and elastin content for firmer smoother skin[, while] Pro-retinol Vitamin A [h]elps normalise the skin’s surface by promoting cell turnover and encouraging the formation of newer cells for a smoother, more youthful appearance. . . . This innovative formula works to reduce the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles, while promoting elasticity and firmness.

One year ago, a beauty survey was conducted in Britain to determine the credibility of “age defying” treatments. Boots came out in the lead and was the only formula proven to improve the signs of aging in as little at 4 weeks. Soon after the Protect & Perfect creams were sold out all over the U.K. I was lucky enough to get my own jars of the Protect & Perfect day and night creams. I’ll let you know how my skin looks in 4 weeks. In the mean time, if you want to try out for yourself you can find Boots at your local Target or online at Target.com.

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80%20′s collection “has come a long way, baby.” I remember when I first heard about the line I was really smitten by the slip-on’s with graphics . For Fall 2008, Ce ce’s gotten all grown and sexy on us. The line definitely has casual shoes for the girl on-the-go, but 80%20’s line has expanded to include boots and heels. The boots come in wedge and heel styles: The wedges seem super comfy and the heels replicate the vintage silhouette in a way that’s nostalgic but still maintains a modern look. They come in all lengths from ankle to over-the-knee. The heels come in basic colors with accents of pop colors and are perfect for day-to-night transitional outfits. The Fall ‘08 collection recently launched and be sure to check out more pics and the video Look Book after the jump.

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OMG!! Two of my favorite brands, Heatherette and Irregular Choice have teamed up to produce the cutest shoes eva! The shoes, designed especially for Heatherette’s Spring/Summer ‘07 fashion show were in such demand that a limited line are going to be sold through irregularchoice.com beginning in June. The website will stock all the styles and deliver worldwide. The shoes will be available in some stores but the locations are secret for now. All I can say is mark your calendars and plan out your outfits because these shoes are darling!! I hope this will be the beginning of a new and lasting relationship.

More pics after the jump . . .

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