Retromania, Simon Reynolds
Music isn’t the only art form that heavily borrows from the past. In Simon Reynolds’ latest book, Retromania, the renowned music writer explores our cultural obsession with the past, via the vintage fashion boom and nostalgic music, and explains how it’s intensified with greater access to archives on the Internet. Arguing that the creative process, and consumer experience, for both art forms have changed with new technology, Reynolds makes a compelling case that there’s little area for artists to craft a unique voice with planned “authenticity.” Use Retromania as a road map when you’re navigating this season’s ‘70s-inspired pieces-- didn’t that trend just happen two years ago?

Bistronomic
Speaking of resurrection, the Gold Coast has a new French hangout. Bistronomic, which opened as the area’s long-time haunting Brasserie Jo closed its doors, has taken over Eve’s old space on Wabash and Chestnut and awakened our taste for both French food and fashion. Stroll over to the restaurant after picking up your stripes and skinny black pant at Mark Shale, and enjoy chef Martial Noguier’s signature cauliflower veloute and a generous pour of Bordeaux.

Parallax, Atlas Sound
If you don’t have a date, enjoy a home-poured glass of wine with the company of Deerhunter’s Bradford Cox, who makes equally warming melodies under the moniker Atlas Sound. Parallax, his third solo album, would sit well on a shelf next to Roxy Music’s For Your Pleasure and sound even better from the bathtub. In typical Bradford style, it’s wrought with loneliness but will rule your heart.

Allegri, for Men and Women
Hearts and sleeves are like Italy and sleek garments, an obvious but timeless association. For utilitarian and chic sleeves throughout November, look to Milan fashion house Allegri. Known as “the architects of fabric,” Allegri has created over 2,000 fabrics since it was established in the 1960s. Whether crafting their outerwear with luxe light goose down, paper-thin but sturdy nylon, or theramore linings-- which are made with 50 percent recyclable materials-- Allegri balances practicality with style.

-- Marissa Muller, Marketing Coordinator