inspired dressing : all saints

I heard a bit of buzz about a new UK clothing store opening up in New York, called All Saints Spitalfields. Last weekend after dance class, I happened upon it quite by accident (in SoHo). I have to say, I have not been this excited about clothes in some time. I was particularly drawn to the dresses. Oh the dresses. They have a beautiful, inventive deconstructed elegance that I have not seen in a long, long time – if ever. It's the opposite of the ugly, cheap jersey of American Apparel school of fashion that seems to proliferate stores everywhere lately. I have been waiting to discover something that isn't a regurgitation of the worst of the 80s (I know the 80s can be done better). I found it, it's new (not cheap but not out of reach). The dresses have a strong, structured/unstructured yet feminine construction and it is not syrupy sweet. The primarily grey/neutral colour palette is right up my alley, very modern and understated. I absolutely love it. How cool and gorgeous is that reconstructed trench coat dress? I cannot wait to try these on. Suffice it to say, my next dress purchase will be from there. I was also very impressed by the store design. I took this photo (directly above) of the huge wall of old sewing machines. The space had a rough-hewn antique industrial feel to it that was very well considered and gorgeous. Go see it for yourself.