Designer Spotlight: Katie Ermilio

It's official: we've got a crush on Katie Ermilio and every single piece in her Fall/Winter 2011 collection. And Ms. Ermilio comes with quite the style pedigree - she is the granddaughter of Grace Kelley's personal clothier. Its a pedigree and history that you can see in nearly every piece in her collection - some of them, we swear we could see Grace Kelley herself, wearing.

Katie has been making her own clothes since she was twelve, and has had a lifelong education learning tailoring and textiles from her father - a bespoke menswear designer - which only reinforces what we already knew: this girl knows what she's doing.

Her designs are structured and feminine, classic and clearly, tailored to perfection.

 I adore her bright, vibrant color choices and flirty short dresses. And if only I had a place to wear that hot pink ball gown!

 This dress is a wonderful combination of retro styling in its silhouette, with a touch of the modern thrown in with the sheer fabric panel in back. I would spin around in this dress like a little girl, were it mine.

 Fantastic wide leg, high-waist trousers that recall Katherine Hepburn and another seemingly simple dress with an intricate surprise in the back - Katie Ermilio has won me over.

 Romantic designs, no? I do believe my favorite piece in the entire collection is that cream sheath dress with the criss-cross straps and bow in the back.

Loving the ladylike ruffles and pleats!

 Aren't her designs simply charming?

Take note, she's definitely an up and coming designer to watch out for!

xoxo

The Little White Dress

 My latest obsession is the Little White Dress. Forget the Little Black Dress - right now, its all about the LWD. Whether you're pairing it with flats and a fedora this summer, or black tights and wedges this fall, its an incredibly versatile piece to have in your closet - and with all the options and styles out there right now, you could even have more than one option. Besides, what looks better with sun-kissed skin than a crisp, fresh white dress?

Emerson Made and The Sartorialist

Dress it up with heels or down with flats, the LWD makes it look like getting dressed was easy, breezy and effortless - doesn't it just give off a cool, laid-back, free-spirited vibe?

Shopbop - Nanette Lepore, A.L.C., Tibi, Velvet, Torn by Ronny Kobo and Dallin Chase.

Truly, I could fine a place to wear each of these dresses. The floaty and romantic Nanette Lepore would be perfect for a bridal shower. The minimalist short-sleeve number from A.L.C. would be just right for a day at the office, and the hot little one-shoulder dress from Torn by Ronny Kobo would be the perfect thing to wear dancing on a summer night with the girls. If only wishes came true...

Sources Unknown

I love that each of these lovely ladies paired her LWD with a great jacket - it really makes the outfit, don't you think? A cropped black leather jacket to make it a little tougher, a little more rock-n-roll, a green military jacket to keep it casual, or a tan leather jacket for a more bohemian feel.

Sources Unknown, Rachel Bilson

And as if the white dress options above weren't enough to captivate your mind, here are a few more gems!

Shopbop - Rachel Pally, Free People, Patterson J Kincaid and Alice and Olivia

A Little Black Dress will never go out of style, but this summer, its taking a back seat to the LWD in all its forms and styles. Which one would you pick?

I will take one of each please, thank you.

xoxo

Quote of the Day

Eva Rose Blog

Father's Day Gift Guide

Father's Day is nearly upon us, and in honor of the all the dads, dadas, daddys and fathers that are hard-working, patient, encouraging, inspiring, understanding heroes in our every day lives, I thought I would put together a little gift guide with ideas to help you shop for one of the main men in your life. No gift could ever compare to what many of our fathers have given us - their time, their love, their support - but, its a nice place to start!

For the "Manly-Man" Dad:

- I don't know a man that doesn't like to grill, and my own father is a lifetime devotee to the Weber Charcoal Grill. Plus this one is actually kind of stylish with its little work table and bright punchy color. Who would've thought you could have both?

- A guide for the true Mountain Man - full of information on the tools and equipment used by real manly men - the trappers and fur traders of the Old West.

- Recover, a company out of Portland, Oregon, creates hand-crafted wooden skins for Apple products. Each piece is hand sanded, stained and lacquered and comes in Maple, Walnut or Cherry, perfect for the woodsy, outdoors-man.

- Truly old-fashioned wet shave soap in a jar that comes in scents like Whiskey and Tobacco - for keeping his five-o-clock shadow perfectly maintained.

- A real man supports his sports team, no matter what their record, in a vintage-style tshirt like this one from Banner 47.

- What true outdoors-man doesn't need a titanium spork for when he's out being manly in the woods?

For the "Liquor Connoisseur" Dad:

- Sagaform Rocking Whiskey glasses, so Mad Men-esque - plus, how cool is it that they can rock when you set them down, but not tip over?!

- Because most of the men I know enjoy drinking out of a hip flask around a campfire - especially a stainless steel one that doesn't hold onto odor or taste - so he won't be tasting last month's whiskey when he is sipping this month's scotch.

- A grizzly bear bottle opener? Its just awesome.

- A Blitz Chiller can chill a bottle or can of beer to ice-cold in 2 minutes. Impressive, no?

- This cordless screwdriver comes with a wine-opening attachment - now that is useful.

For the "Stylish" Dad:

- Black on black Timex watch - smooth.

- If he's fashion forward, he'll love this knitted silk tie from Charvet.

- A leather wash bag for traveling in style.

- Because a flip comb is wonderfully retro and always comes in handy.

- This Jack Spade bag is a simple and stylish way to carry his clothes to the gym or on a quick business trip.

- Hip, thick black rimmed sunglasses from Persol.

"Just For Fun" Ideas for Dad:

- Good old-fashioned pencils with plenty of fun, interesting and useful facts imprinted on them. For the know-it-all dad in your life.

- This little desk toy is actually quite addictive - I will testify to that. Getting these little magnetic balls into the suggested shapes and designs is no easy task!

- University of Washington fans will love these Husky-inspired cufflinks and tie bar. Go Dawgs!

- Because anything with mustaches makes me smile.

- These shirts are a cute idea for the new (and old!) daddy's out there with little versions of themselves running around.

- A wallet for the guitar enthusiast in your life - so he always has a pick close at hand.

What are you getting your dad for Father's Day?

xoxo

Neons and Neutrals

Rachel Bilson

One of the biggest trends we've seen for this spring and summer is bright, neon colors - for me, its like a flashback to growing-up, with all the hot pinks, neon yellows, electric blues and citrus oranges. As a fan of pink in any shade, I have been wanting to add neon hot pink flashes to my wardrobe ever since I first saw them grace the runways, months ago.

The question with bright neon colors is often, how to wear shades that eye-scorchingly bright. The answer: with neutrals. Pick one piece in your favorite electric hue, and build the rest of the outfit around it - in black, white, tan, nude, anything subdued. One neon accessory is often more than enough to punch up an outfit and avoid looking like an extra in a 90's music video - plus the neon colors just look so good with neutral shades - its like they were meant to be.

Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Streetfsn Blog, Christopher Kane heels, polka-dot Marni wallet, Clare Vivier pouch, Lanvin heels, Meredith Wendell straw bag.

 The Christopher Kane heels are a perfect example of how far just a little neon can go - that small green piping draws the eye in and makes the shoes stand out. Neon details on a straw or woven bag for summer are a pretty perfect combination, as well.

Caroline's Mode and Elle

It's hard to see, but I love the way the girl on the right incorporated just a tiny hint of neon into her look with the skinny belt. That citrus yellow-green color looks fantastic with the camel jacket. 

Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Fashion Squad, Marc by Marc Jacobs tassel bag, Kate Spade flats, Marc by Marc Jacobs tote

Now that girl has the minimalistic look down - spiced up with a bit of color in that bright bag, and she is perfectly on trend for the season.

Harper's Bazaar, Tumblr and Aubrey RD

Don't the neutrals just make the neon color pop even brighter and bolder? They are the perfect accompaniment to these electrifying hues for spring and summer. 

Quote of the Day

True. Story.

Traveling In Style - Silver Trailer Design

Photo Credit: Alison Turner

Meet Kristiana Spaulding. And one of her vintage Airstream trailers. Yes, ONE of them - she has an entire fleet. This California designer took her childhood love of Airstream trailers and turned it into an amazing business - Silver Trailers. She redesigns the interiors, and then rents them out - for personal use, for weddings, for TV, film and photo shoots. I love how she finds these shiny silver vintage trailers and makes over the interior into fabulously swanky, chic and stylish traveling abodes. 

Take the Bambi trailer for example. Made in 1962, Kristiana used plywood and aluminum to create an interior that was inspired by the foothills, native grasses and the flowing south fork of the American river. After all, what is more American than an Airstream trailer? It's classic Americana at its best.

Photo Credit: Wendy Nordeck

I've never seen so much style fit into just 16 feet of trailer. I love how she kept the retro feel and made it seem like such a calming space with the neutral palette.

Now, meet the Tradewind trailer - a little bit bigger...but not much.

Photo credit: Michelle McCarron

Kristiana built a custom lounge, desk and benches for this trailer, using curves inside the trailer that matched the curves on the outside of the trailer. There are maple wood cabinets, and the desk can be folded up or down - because sometimes, in a trailer, you need some extra room.

Finally, my favorite - the Caravel trailer, made in 1960, and just 17' sweet little feet.

I love how chic and swanky it is inside! I am of course, a big fan of the chandelier, the built in bed and Naugahyde cushions.

Wouldn't you love to get away with one of these little silver bullets behind your car? It would be ridiculously fun to take a road trip with one of these stylish trailers - we may have to put it on our list of things to do "someday".

Fabric Wraps from Chewing the Cud

I am a sucker for pretty packaging - if it looks pretty, I will probably be tempted to buy it - doesn't matter what's inside. So naturally, I am also a huge fan of beautifully wrapped gifts with creative tags and ribbon. One of the most creative and adorable ways I have seen to wrap up a gift recently, are with fabric wraps - like these from Chewing the Cud.

This one that looks like a piece of notebook paper is my favorite - completely charming. Plus, it doesn't hurt that wrapping your gift up in these pretty fabric squares is also environmentally friendly...and its like a second gift - you get the one inside and out! Who can say that about wrapping paper?

I guarantee if you bring a present wrapped in one of these little darlings to the next party you attend, everyone will be admiring your unique choice, creativity and pretty packaging.

Stacks of Bracelets and Over-sized Clutches

Source: www.cupcakesandcashmere.com

 In the past few weeks, I have noticed two trends popping up all over the place - everywhere I look - and I am, naturally, all about both of them. The first is over-sized clutches, which appeal to me largely because I like to carry my life around in my purses and that is never quite possible with a dainty little clutch. Some of these over-sized beauties could fit an entire change of clothes in them - another idea that greatly appeals to me.

The second trend is stacks of bracelets, worn all together, working their way up to the elbows! I like the idea of pairing jewelry of all different styles - leather cuffs, chunky watches, matching bangles and delicate chains - all together. Mixing silver with gold, adding splashes of color - its a wonderful way to spice up your jewelry collection and look, and even the most refined and elegant pieces can look fabulously bohemian and hip when stacked together on an arm.

The funniest part of researching this trend was that when I started pulling together all of the inspiring images and looks - I realized almost all the photographs include the two trends - together. Girls carrying giant clutches with loads of bracelets on their arms. This just let me know I was on the right track with this trend! Check it out...

Top to Bottom: MiuMiu Fall 2011 Runway Show, Blue Celine Clutch, Envelope Clutches from Asos

The gold frame Miu Miu clutch is so charming - like a blown up version of its smaller self, I would carry this any day of the year. I also like the simple, clean lines of the blue Celine clutch - just a pouch, really, with no frills. But what a great color! And of course, who doesn't love an envelope clutch? This ladylike choice, re-imagined by Asos, comes in some fabulously eye-popping shades and would make a perfect choice for toting to work in place of a briefcase!

Top to Bottom: Black and Brown Rebecca Minkoff clutches from ShopBop, Jil Sander floral clutch.

Loving the classic options from Rebecca Minkoff - I am already picturing carrying them around wearing little white gloves. Jil Sander's floral clutch is so bold and bright, its practically the only accessory you would need for any outfit.

Left to Right: MiuMiu Fall 2011 Runway and Atlantic Pacific

There is that Miu Miu bag again, in black. It's okay that I have both, right? On the right, great style and inspiration from the lovely lady behind the Atlantic Pacific blog - and a peek at the trend combination I mentioned before - notice the shiny set of gold bracelets on her arm?!

Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Marni clutch from Net-a-Porter, American Apparel clutch, Miu Miu clutch from Net-a-Porter, and Clare Vivier clutch.

 More enchanting options - my personal favorites are the simplest ones from American Apparel (hooray for an affordable option!) and Clare Vivier. Although that very chic Marni one is also calling my name...

And now, the bracelets...I can't even tell you how much I adore this look. And the fact that there are more over-sized clutches to ogle in each image!

Top to Bottom: TheGlitterGuide and SterlingStyle

I have been thinking about getting a big, round-faced, chunky, men's gold watch for some time now. I really like the way it looks to combine the watch between bracelets and bangles.

Top to Bottom, Left to Right: Kenneth Jay Lane bracelet from Net-a-Porter, Amrita Singh bangles from Pink Mascara, Philippe Audibert cuff from Net-a-Porter, Nixon Small Player watch from Net-a-Porter, Nixon watch from Wink NYC, Archer bracelet from Giles and Brother

Loving these Nixon wathces - I feel like the black one has a great 80's vibe to it - I would rock that timepiece all day long! Wouldn't all of these together look dynamite?

Top to Bottom: Sara White and The Vault Files

I think mixing and matching gold and silver can totally be done - old style rules be damned! Adding in a few leather pieces give it a rocker-chic feel too.

Top to bottom, Left to right: Kate Spade from Nordstrom, Lee Angel from Net-a-Porter, Giles and Brother from Net-a-Porter, Isharya bangles from Net-a-Porter, Dannijo Harlow bracelet from Net-a-Porter, Hive and Honey leather cuff from Piper Lime

More fun bracelet choices - it was hard to just pick one image from Kate Spade - I am in love with her entire candy colored collection.

Top to Bottom: Lilie Blog and The Vault Files

What do you think? Do you love this over-sized clutch trend as much as I do? What about wearing stacks of bracelets all at once? I plan on adding both to my fashion repertoire as soon as possible.

xoxo

Luly Yang Couture

This past weekend I had the extreme pleasure of visiting the jewel-box of a wedding boutique, Luly Yang Couture, here in Seattle, for a little peek at the new collections and tour of the studio. If you haven't heard of Luly Yang, allow me to introduce you to this amazingly talented and charming designer. Luly is one of the Northwest's most sought after wedding dress designers, creating phenomenal gowns that are romantic, feminine and beautifully detailed.

And let me just tell you - her shop windows? The most amazing you will ever see. They are a breath of fresh air and beauty - I swoon every time I walk by.

Luly recently created two new ready-to-wear bridal lines (a perfect and more affordable addition to her couture line), Luly Blue and Luly Yang Diamond - all inspired by the palace of Versailles - created with hand made flowers, freshwater pearls and silk organza. Check out some of my favorite pieces from the collection...

Alavekio's Photographic Essays

Audrey's Tea is one of my top picks from the Diamond collection. The tea-length, the lace, the cap sleeves - so lovely! I love the idea of a short wedding dress, and this one is so classic and old-fashioned - it reminds me of something you would see on Mad Men.

Alavekio's Photographic Essays

The Blossom dress, also from the Diamond collection, is such a fun combination of different looks. There is embroidery, there is lace, there is ruching, there are ruffles - and it all flows together seamlessly.

Alavekio's Photographic Essays

The chiffon strapless Fur Elise dress reminds me of a Disney princess gown - romantic and fairytale-worthy. This Diamond collection gown has a beaded ruched bodice and draped skirt over tulle, with an organza sash on the bodice and the skirt. Siiiigh.

Alavekio's Photographic Essays

The La Grandeur dress (Diamond Collection) is simplicity and elegance at its best. A strapless A-Line gown in silk satin organza is pure class!

Alavekio's Photographic Essays

Isn't the La Vie En Rose dress (Diamond Collection) breath taking? With pleated taffeta and big fabric flowers on the skirt, it is truly feminine and unique.

Alavekio's Photographic Essays

The Marie dress (Diamond Collection) is so fun! Definitely a must for the fashion-forward bride - short in front and long in back, this silk taffeta scoop neck gown makes me want to twirl around the dance floor - carefree and fun, for sure.

Alavekio's Photographic Essays

The Regal Duchess (Diamond Collection) is the perfect name for this gown. I adore the way the skirt trumpets out at the bottom, and the unique fold of the sash at the empire waist line. Stunning!

Alavekio's Photographic Essays

The Water Fall (Diamond Collection) is so simple and classic on top, and I love the surprise of the vertical ruffles at the bottom of the skirt.

Aren't these dresses just so ladylike and elegant - each and every one! For more from the Diamond and Blue collections, and fun behind-the-scenes details and secrets, check out the Luly Yang blog and stay tuned - I won't be able to resist showing more later, I am sure!

xoxo