My love for denim knows no bounds – when I happened upon the new GAP 1969 collection, it really couldn’t have had more uncanny timing. I was instantly compelled by the Washed Chambray Light Denim Shirt and it’s casual comfort ways. My only qualm? Having to stick to the no-denim-on-denim rule (aka don’t wear jeans with a denim top. It’s wrong in too many ways to describe).

The offerings of GAP 1969 span from blazers to patched jeans (pictured above). The only piece I would admittedly not be overly keen about would be the return of the denim skirt (long). Careful also of fit for this collection – I’m finding that one size off could be cause for boxy-silhouettes, and oversized isn’t quite oversized in a flattering way (just imagine the quizzical looks that I received when I asked for XL in tops).

Would you wear it?

> images from gap.com

I know spring is on the way but don’t let this 10 degree weather fool you.  If history is any indicator we will soon receive a final whiteout of snow before months end and than trudge through sludge and mud until mid April or the arrival of more summer like weather in May.  This is why I am going to give one last hoorah for boots.

Through fall 2009 and winter 2010 we have witnessed the re-emergence of the great Red Wings style boots.  The boot I will be plugging today is the Bodega Crepe Field Boot.  Bodega, a newish getup out of Boston, has put together a pretty sweet outdoorsy fall/winter/early spring boot which features all-natural leather and waxed canvas.

It’s a revival of something classic and classically beautiful. I received a press kit for the Dove Beauty Bar a ways ago and had to think twice as to whether or not this was a new product. Alas, it’s one in the same with my all-time favourite beauty / personal product – the Dove Bar. Without a doubt, I’ve never quite found a comparable soap – it’s seemingly natural, gentle, and more reliable than any other product I’ve encountered thus far (and that’s becoming a burgeoning collective).

Facts are:

• Dove has been positioned throughout its history as a ‘beauty bar’, and not soap, because of the contrast of some ingredients in Dove vs traditional soap.
• Dove White, Unscented and Sensitive Skin Beauty Bars are dermatologically tested, and shown to be hypoallergenic and non- comedogenic. 57% of dermatologists use Dove at home.
• With every purchase of Dove, a portion of the proceeds is allocated towards the work of the Dove Self-Esteem Fund.

Really and truly – this is a tribute to something great that’s getting a little light again. Aaaand, so concludes this tribute post to a bar of soap.

San Francisco-based company Gold & Citrus is taking accessorizing to a whole new level with their collection of luxurious body jewelry.  A perfect fit for the fashionably creative, these playful pieces are as versatile as they are stunning.  Wear the body jewelery in multiple ways to achieve your desired look - as a long strands necklace to add glamour to any outfit, or neck to waist for a full body boho-chic look.  All pieces are made with the best materials and mix the more traditional (gold chains, beads, gemstones) with the more experimental (feathers, studs, antique sequins)

Visit goldandcitrus.com to see for yourself a little body jewelry by Gold and Citrus in all its glory.

Volume. It’s absolutely key with my scarf selection these days. And what better timing did Kyla Leslie of kove have when her email about her incredible scarves blasted into my inbox. Another slight spurt of luck came upon me when I realized that we were both in the same magical place that was Vancouver. With that said, we had the chance to meetup and chat about the story behind the stunning knit pieces.

They’re warm, they’re fuzzy, they’re outrageously the rage, and handcrafted with love on the west coast. kove is a brand that’s homegrown and literally made with love by Kyla herself. Don’t take my word, take hers:

kove is a mix of handmade crochet and knit accessories that have been inspired by life on the west coast. each piece is designed to be worn throughout the seasons in a variety of different ways. tucked into a winter coat or layered instead of a jacket, kove items provide warmth and protection from the elements all year long. each item is custom made to order. currently, it will take less than five business days to make and prepare your order for shipping.

It was something that awaited her when returning from travels – Kyla Leslie is a modern crafts-ista. With a passion for bringing in a new flare for knitwear, kove is a definite result of a young love for what would appear typically traditional.

I’ve got a love for kove in the form of a spring green mainland warmer – and you should too.

> For more on Kyla + kove, see les links:

http://kovebyhand.blogspot.com

http://www.twitter.com/kovebyhand