A Knitta “tag” in Paris

Got a pen? Well put this on your weekend calendar:

Knitta, a team of graffiti knitters (yes, you read that right) is making a rare public appearance in Soho’s Madewell store. This Friday the 16th the anonymous group–which has traveled the world from London to Tokyo to knit their bright yarn sleeves over everything from marble statues to street signs–will descend and “tag” the downtown store. Then, on Saturday from 4-7:00 pm the creative statement-makers will be on hand to customize the belt-loops of Madewell’s cool and colorful jeans. (Gratis with purchase!) Be sure to swing by and be embellished, but leave your own needles at home as this isn’t exactly your granny’s knit-one-purl-two scene. Madewell, 486 Broadway New York, NY 10079

Knitta’s customized beltloop

Rootstein’s Agyness Deyn Mannequin

Here’s a preview shot of one of the Agyness Deyn Rootstein mannequins that will be formally (and by formally I mean with a turntable and champers-fueled fte) unveiled later this week. When I first saw the pose I must admit I was a bit disappointed; the subservient turned-in-legs-arms-all-akimbo stance isn’t exactly an appropriate pose to immortalize the bold, head-turning British catwalker.

But then, brushing my feminist concerns aside (for a few minutes anyway) I realized that the mannequin stance did make reference to some iconic (albeit fictitious) women: Nike, The Winged Victory of Samothrace which can be found in the Louvre and A Crainte des Traits de l’Amour, by 18th century sculptor Jean-Louis Lemoyne. (His rococo masterpiece is located in the Metropolitan Museum.) The comparison of the 3 sculptures kept the aforementioned criticism at bay, as it suggests that Agyness’s careerand the mannequin she inspiredis indeed an impressive work of art.

The Soft Rock Trend, as illustrated by Urban Outfitters

Full disclosure: I like soft rock. A lot. Its a recent obsession, prompted by a resurgence of retro soundtracks and one tantalizing infomercial. ( Time Life Soft Rock Series. Try to catch it if you can. Hell, TiVo it if possible. Ten bucks says you’ll start singing along with the TV before it’s over.)

I like soft rock so much that I actually spent a good chunk of money and time to see Christopher Cross in concert last weekend. (Perhaps you remember his hits: Sailing, Ride Like the Wind and the Authurs Song? Are you misty-eyed with nostalgia yet? Thought so.) Much like the aforementioned infomercial, his performance was simply amazing, in that super-sentimental, uncomplicated kind of way.

While it can be hard to adequately define the 70s musical genre, Cross describes his music as being mid-tempo; neither fast or slow, but some slow, hazy blend of the middle. It was then that I realized theres a full-on soft rock sartorial movement going on right now.

Think of it this way: When applied to clothing, “mid-tempo” can translate into something thats neither dressy nor casual. Now think of the number of items in your wardrobeor in your favorite shopthat are neither formal nor fuss-free?

Still dont know what Im talking about?

Take a look at these ensembles:

From left: Lux @ Urbn, Mint @ Shopbop, Kimchi& Blue @ Urbn

Not party dresses exactly, but not schlumpy outfits either right?

Clockwise from top: Moccasin @ Urbn, Pau&Joe @ Shopbop, Frye @ Shopbop, Gladiator @ Urbn

And these shoes? You could wear them to work, maybe, but probably only on CasFris. (A.k.a. Casual Fridays. Sorry, my lame inner Gossip Girl made me do it.)

Bags all from Urban Outfitters

And these lovely little structure-less totes? Can wear them most places, but can’t bring these to grandma’s house or the gym.

From left: Madewell, Charlotte Ronson @ Shopbop, Free People @ Urbn

Chances are you’re quite familiar with the kind of styles aboveall of which, might I add, serve as the pitch-perfect answer to the tough-luxe rock’n'roll trend that’s just about to wind down. Channeling a romantic ease and a faint ’70s vibe, these pieces fit into a trend that I’ll now fondly refer to as Soft Rock Style. Catchy isn’t it?