Big Love for Bold Stripes

I love originality, in all its forms. Certainly, I am inspired by so many amazing and talented women, both in fashion and other areas. I happened to live next door to Theresa Wingert, a successful director and amazing artist, who always looks effortlessly cool. Whether it is a pair of platform boots or the way she rocks her denim, I always love seeing what she has on and how she puts her personal spin on things. She is not so much a follower of trends but a trendsetter.

Photo courtesy of Where Did U Get That? 

I also love the style of Karen (featured above) from WhereDidUGetThat? so much...she's fantastic. Her take on things is so extraordinarily unique and her mix of high/low style is super inspiring. I have bought several dresses after seeing them on her and I always credit her for her stylish picks, plus I really appreciate the fact that she has taken the time to answer my questions on fit. By mere coincidence she was wearing a bold black and white skirt on her recent post, while this week I chose a similar look with my Alice + Olivia Paulette Wide Leg Pants.  My trousers are a bit hard to find now but you can find similar pairs here and here. Anyhow, great minds? I hope so...

I cannot go anywhere in these trousers without people stopping me. I love the boldness of stripes and pop of color mixed together to really make a statement. Since it is close to Valentine's Day (a favorite of mine) I chose to pair my fab trousers with a beautiful Joie Dannee Sweater. It is a combination of details that are killer....a flattering boatneck, a gorgeous cherry red, plus ruching and bow tie detailing at the wrists. You can find it at the above link, or head over to University Village to the Joie store to check it out in person. Right now at Joie they are showing lots of stripes in their latest collection. Tell Rebekah I sent you.....

Stripes make a great platform for other patterns as well. A favorite combination of mine are florals and stripes, but I also adore animal prints as well. The Manolo Blahnik Leopard Slingbacks I wore for this shoot are old favorites of mine, and my new favorites are these Prada Leopard Fringe Loafer Mules that I found on sale at Neiman Marcus.

And speaking of originality, my Tah Circle Bag, that I bought from Sway and Cake this fall is a fabulous favorite as well. I am a sucker for a round handbag. This is one of those bags you just always reach for because it is a stand out in both form and function. Plus, it is big enough to fit my things, including too many lipsticks, and has a sassy red interior. In addition to black, this cool bag also comes in Burgundy, Electric Blue, Red and Whiskey. Tah is a Portland based company, by the way, and Sway and Cake is a Seattle boutique that I am thrilled to see back as a brick and mortar as well as online.

My mismatched rose quartz and druzy earrings are Elliot Hunter NY, created by a local jewelry designer, Allison Becker. Each of her pieces are one of a kind and handmade using semi precious stones, raw stones and unique details. You can view her pieces on Instagram or go see them for yourself at her trunk show at Salua Lingerie on February 10th.

I am excited to share that I'll be talking about my love of stripes and how to style them soon on KING 5's Good Day Northwest, so stay tuned for more details. Have a great week! xx

Changing Shape: A Dress for All Seasons

Last spring I attended an event sponsored by the Seattle Chapter of Fashion Group International featuring local designers in a Pop-Up Shop at University Village. It was really great to see so many amazing creatives in one spot and I did not go home empty handed! It was at this fashionably fun evening that I had the pleasure of meeting Rebekah Adams, the local designer behind the label Poppyseed. I was so smitten with her Zipper Dress that I bought it on the spot.

The following September at Fashion Week at The Bellevue Collection, Poppyseed won the Independent Designer Runway Show for 2017. I attended the show, and in my article for Vanguard Seattle I wrote:
"Poppyseed’s innovative designs and modern aesthetic make her pieces both wearable and completely original in their approach to dressing. While the brand is geared towards modern maternity wear, the designs has a wider focus that has created bold pieces that are can be worn by women in any stage of life. The “Zipper Dress” was her first foray into this versatile dressing and kicked off the creativity of Poppyseed that won the show this fall."

The Zipper Dress from the Poppyseed capsule collection was originally designed with a woman's pregnancy and changing body in mind. The double zipper front is sewn onto inverted pleats, which allows the dress to change its shape. Zip it open for a bell silhouette, close the zippers for a fitted look, or a bit of half and half. It has multiple and charming personalities and I love the details of the high/low hem, plus the viscose, nylon, and spandex fabric combination make it keep its shape beautifully.

That being said, I am not expecting anything other than some packages from the UPS man so I wasn't in the market for maternity wear. ;)  However, this beautifully unique dress is not only for ladies with a baby on the way, it is a fabulous and uber flattering dress no matter what your size and shape. It comes in black or navy and is equally able to look casual chic or dressed up for cocktails.

I love the dress so much that I didn't want to have it be just for warmer months, but wanted to style so I could wear it in cooler temps without freezing to death. (I am often cold!) The solution? Layers. Athleisure wear continues to be strong for Spring 2018, with cool and unique sweatshirts giving us a fun alternative to knits. I hit the sales this month here and there and found this cool Jonathan Simkhai Lace Appliqué Cropped Sweatshirt in black and blue, a favorite color combination of mine. I love this cropped sweatshirt over this dress, which doesn't hide all of its great details and creates a whole new look. It is unexpected and I like that.

I added black heeled Via Spiga booties with sparkling Emilio Cavallini Metallic Double Net Socks peeking out to them...I am obsessed with socks! Socks with booties, socks with high heels. Get yourself some super fun socks! Finally, a cool bag: this black Valentino Rockstud Garavani Bag I received from Santa gives the whole thing a bit of sass.

I have been cleaning out my closet and slowly adding things to my closet on Postmark and consigning other things to local shops. Getting things organized helps me shop in my own closet too and mix things unexpected together. Adding a jacket, sweater or sweatshirt can change up a dress you already have in your closet and give it a new perspective, all while keeping you warm in the winter months ahead. Try it with any of your favorite dresses, from florals to prints to solids, and add a layer, socks or tights and a pair of booties to get creative with both your old and new loves in your closet.
Thank you for reading! xx