Category: Style

Steal This Idea

Suitcases, originally uploaded by MaggieMason.

OK, I have a good idea, and I think one of you should do it. Please collect little kid suitcases and old bowling bags and turn them into laptop bags and backpacks. If I were doing it, I would:

-Add a sturdy over-the shoulder strap (or two for a backpack option)
-provide a padded interior pocket for the laptop
-provide a pocket for magazines or files
-sew on an exterior canvas pocket with velcro or magnetic flap closure (as a place for phone, wallet, keys, pens)
-Look for suitcases with double zippers, or orient the bags vertically so you only have to unzip a little of the bag to get at its contents

If I wanted to get fancy with the outside pocket, I would:

-add a key fob
-sew in a couple of ribbon loops to hold pens upright

Make a few, put up an etsy shop, then email me. You could also pitch it to ReadyMade for their section on repurposing old goods to make new wonderful stuff. Eh?

Please do this. I lack the time and skill, but you are a very skilled individual who has been looking for a unque product to sell. Thank goodness we found each other.

The Art of Dressing Well

My friend Mai has a fun street-fashion blog called Fashioni.st. I went out walking with her the other day, and took a couple of pictures.

Because we only had a second to stop someone as they rushed by, I found there were a few key things I looked at first. On women, interesting shoes and bags often signaled that everything else was working too. Mai mentioned that people wearing jeans were less likely to be doing something compelling with their outfits. I noticed that men who pay attention to making their hairstyle unique were more likely to be dressed well too. Also, anyone wearing color stood out, as it’s almost impossible to find people who aren’t in black.

It was a surprisingly educational experience. For hours afterward I couldn’t stop checking people’s outfits for creative sparks, and I found myself getting oddly anxious about my shoes.

Gay Pride Week

I’m sifting through the handbags in my favorite Mission thrift store, when the man next to me taps my shoulder. He’s attractive, well-dressed, late forties.

Him: Excuse me, can I ask your advice?

Me: Sure.

(He holds up a feminine red blazer and two purses.)

Him: Which of these purses goes better with this blazer?

Me: Well, the left one won’t work because the reds don’t match, and the one on the right is a little crazy. Is the woman artistic?

Him: I sure am.

Me: So, you’re the woman.

Him: Yep.

Me: Then it’s perfect. Have a fun weekend.


ONLY YOU

This morning I noticed a smoldering cigarette in the street. As most of the western United States is on fire right now, I walked a few steps over and crushed it with my toe. Then I realized how silly the impulse was. It’s not as if the asphalt were about to ignite. For a moment, it made me a little sad to live in a place where nothing burns.


MASTER OF MY DOMAIN

I’m way too excited about this. Two days ago, I successfully registered mightygirl.org and mightygirl.com. Triumviratacious. Troikarama.

I bought leather pants this weekend, and they’re fabulous. They make me want to pose instead of standing still. They make me want to take up chain smoking. They make me want to pout out angry lyrics and crawl catlike toward a video camera while underage models writhe seductively in the soft-focus background. Man, nothing screams rock star like wrapping your legs in dead cow.

2:28 p.m.