Tuesday, July 22, 2008

lorick lady

So it's nothing new that I'm o b s e s s e d with 'Gossip Girl'--clearly we've all seen that with my numerous previous posts on the subject. I can't help that I'm drawn to the preppy, chic, and always fabulous fashions these affluent Manhattan "teens" are continually styled in. One of my favorite episodes involves Blair and Serena assisting Blair's mother on a photo shoot for her clothing line, and ends with them stealing the clothes for their own personal fun around the UES! The clothes featured in that episode were so fun and fresh, but still had such a classic element to them--something I strive for in my own personal designs. So imagine my delight when I discovered that the Waldorf Designs line of clothing was available for purchase and I, too, could dress like my favorite Gossip Girl stars!! Now don't get Google-crazy, and start searching for it under that name, because it doesn't exist. What it really is, is the fabulous line from Abigail Lorick, simply titled "Lorick." However, this line was not created solely for the show. "I was friends with someone in the Gossip Girl wardrobe department. They knew that I was launching a collection and coincidently there was a character on the show who was a fashion designer. I showed them Lorick and they thought it would be a good fit for the line behind Eleanor Waldorf." She also has been quoted as saying "Blair definitely is a Lorick lady. That is our concept -- a contemporary, preppy chic classic line. The whole concept is bringing this modern elegance back to my generation of women. I'm hoping to inspire women to dress-up again, to wake up in the morning and throw the scarf on, wear gloves in the summer or pair a T-shirt with a full skirt. Women today don't embrace that excitement"  [source] I L O V E this philosophy for her collections! I love unexpected touches of glamour in fashion, and adding a personal twist to basics. I've posted some of my favorites from Lorick's Spring '08 collection. I love the use of the bright yellow in it. [yellow is quickly becoming my new favorite color] It brightens up the navy and helps tie in the prints. I am also in love with the orange shorts! They have a higher waist, without looking like "mom-pants," and the length and cut is perfection. And the high-waisted floral A-line skirt top right] is one I'm going to attempt making for myself for my friends wedding in August. I can't wait to see what lovely Lorick Lady fashions turn up on Gossip Girl next season!!!


      

      

    


Sunday, July 13, 2008

pieces of flare


Over the past few days, I've rediscovered the quirky, fun, online store that is Fred Flare. They carry all kinds of accessories, jewelry, home decor, office stuffs, electronics, even a small variety of apparel. I love the kitschy, humorous aspect to it all, like this fun little snack tray at left, but a lot of it exudes a subtle hint of coolness and sophistication. I'm infatuated with jewelry, like the 'Forget Me Knot' ring, Boombox necklace, and the eclectic earring selections. Those pieces would take any basic outfit, and give it some sass :).

They feature big names, and up-and-coming entrepreneurs, and hold a yearly contest to find "The Next Big Thing", inviting designers to submit their products, website patrons vote on their fav, and the winning product is sold on the site! I think its a great way for some really talented people to get their name and work showcased. Sadly, they don't have a physical store to shop at, but if you live in the NYC area, after you've placed your order, you can head to the warehouse in Brooklyn and save yourself some money on shipping!! Here are a few of my favorite items on the site this week:



cath kidtson recipe organizer


iPod earbud speakers


'Librarian' Pin. loves it


moustache tote bag. so fun.


necklace



'Polaroid' pins.



Paul Frank hoodie, with hand-puppets!!!



iPod docked speaker...love the old skool lego look :)



Kanye inspired shutter shades--i will be getting mine on Canal street, but for those of you who don't have that option, this is a great alternative!


'Forget Me Knot' Ring




Pink Ladies Tool Kit-I own one of these and I LOVE it!




my DQ loves will enjoy this--it's over 2 feet tall!!!




I'm obsessed with cookbooks--especially ones for fun desserts! and who doesn't love a good bake sale?


I think this might be the coolest pin/case I've ever seen.





'Harmonica' necklace





This is what I need on the subway.




Because every fabulous person needs the ice in their glass to match the ice on they neck ;)




Betsey Johsnon bow watch




'Boombox' necklace



Camera ring


Let's Paint the '90s coloring book-I bought this for my sister, and its hilarious.



A cookbook devoted to possibly my favorite dessert--cupcakes!

and clearly, my love of Gossip Girl can be satisfied on this site through the ever popular "Team" shirts...guess which team I'm on ;)

Friday, July 11, 2008

bermuda, bahama, come on pretty mama...

Even though its the middle of summer, I'm dreaming of somewhere warm for the holidays. As much as I love fall/winter fashion, I had the midwest winters filled with snow, slush, and sub-zero temperatures--ick. But the Fashion World has unveiled their Resort 2009 collections, allowing me to daydream about fabulous fashions in warm locations--and give me inspiration for my own designs as well! My tastes for this season are all over the board, but most things have a commonality in the simplicity of the garments. These looks are very comfy and have a slightly casual element to them, whether they're for lounging on the back terrace or going out to the local cantina for a cocktail on the ocean-view patio. A lot of the looks could also be transitioned back into outfits that are office appropriate. I could have done another entire post on Rag & Bone, but i held back, showing one look at left, and another in my list of favs. They combined the perfect amount of slouch and structure, such as satiny pants with ties at the ankle, knit dresses, and skinny jeans, as well as sticking to darker colors, with pops of fun, like the red of this blazer to the left. But even their slouchier pieces had an element of tailoring to them, with everything hanging just-so away from the body. [ Can you tell I'm in love with this company? :) ]




Here are some of my favorite ensembles of the Resort 2009 collections [all images from style.com]

       

L-R: 3.1 Phillip Lim, ADAM, Alexander Wang

       

L-R: Balenciaga, Brian Reyes, Celine

      

L-R: Cynthia Rowley, Doo.Ri, Erin Fetherston

      

L-R: Jenny Kayne, Lucca, Louis Vuitton

      

L-R: Catherine Malandrino, Marchesa, Naeem Kahn

      

L-R: Zac Posen, Rag&Bone, Ralph Lauren

      

L-R: Stella, Temperley London, Tory Burch

      

L-R: Vena Cava, Vera Wang, Yigal Azrouel