We're Moving!

 It's been in the works for a few months now, and its finally time to unveil what I've been up to behind the scenes here at The Style Umbrella. With the help of the super talented graphic designer, Travis Andersen of Mindbogl Designs, I've created a new look for the blog and moved to my very own website.

So, update your bookmarks and take note, you can now find The Style Umbrella here - same stylish blog, just new and improved. See you over there!

Well Said: Robert Holden

Just one.

Fashion Inspiration: Hunter Boots

Image via Elements of Style

I got my first pair of Hunter boots  a few years ago - classic tall shiny black ones, and ever since that day, I've only wanted to add more colors to my collection. Now that its fall, and the rainiest of seasons here in Seattle, my Hunter boots are going to be back in heavy rotation. Usually, I just wear them with leggings or skinny jeans, and maybe a pair of thick, tall socks, but I've been feeling inspired to wear them in new fun ways this fall - maybe with a dress or skirt and tights.

What I Wore, Cupcakes and Cashmere, Weekend Attire, Atlantic Pacific, Source Unknown   

There are so many gorgeous candy colored options - I think I need to add a few more to my closet - purple and pink for sure, maybe Tiffany blue and silver as well.

Hunter Boots

Which color is your favorite?

Designer Spotlight: Atelier Versace Fall 2011

I recently came across the look book for Atelier Versace's fall collection and I am entirely smitten with it. Its like wearable art. The collection has a little bit of everything - leather, satin, sequins, crystals, bright colors, nudes, eastern and Asian influences and avant garde cuts and shapes. Its high fashion couture, lavish and over the top, but strikingly gorgeous at the same time.

I love the combination of purple and green in the first gown and the sculptural details of the last three.

How beautiful is this skirt - I adore the way it falls wraps and is such an intricate pattern and design without being too overpowering.

The feathery leaf details on this first dress are incredible. I could see any one of these gowns on a starlet on the red carpet - the sleek black one or the glowing rose gold sequin one, especially. And the bright pink ballerina inspired dress? My favorite. Naturally.

Which dress is your favorite?

Well Said: Steve Jobs

Via The Red Thread

Style Icon: Dallas Shaw

I can't remember quite when I fell in love with Dallas Shaw and her whimsical fashion drawings, but it's been awhile now. Dallas Shaw is a fashionista in her own right, with her own amazing sense of style that she infuses into her artwork.

She works in several different mediums, but my favorites are her fashion illustrations. She's even collaborated with the likes of DKNY, Kate Spade, ShopBop and more - doing fashion sketches, custom designs and even helping develop products.

Personally, I would like to hang her sketches in my very own walk-in closet and dressing room someday. Wouldn't that be the perfect place to display her chic sketches?

Sketches by Dallas Shaw

I especially love this series of sketches she did for some of the major fashion and style bloggers out there in the blogosphere during the holidays a few seasons ago. It would be a dream come true to have her sketch me in one of these collections someday!

Do you have any favorite fashion illustrators I should know about?

xoxo

Pretty in Pink: Shop to Help Support Breast Cancer Awareness in October

Source: The Beauty Department

October doesn't only mean the arrival of fall, carving pumpkins, apple cider and Halloween - its also Breast Cancer Awareness month. A wonderful inspiring cause to get out there and embrace. Dozens and dozens of businesses and designers have released limited edition products this month that when purchased, will go towards benefiting Breast Cancer Awareness and organizations helping in the fight against the disease.

This is a double bonus for me since I adore the color pink - but even if you don't, there are plenty of great options out there that support the cause. Really, all you have to do is go shopping and you're doing some good for the world and those fighting against this disease.

Just check out some of the amazing products below and keep in mind that your favorite designer probably has something available too, so check out their websites - I've seen stuff from everyone from Betsey Johnson and Ralph Lauren to Marc Jacobs and Tory Burch. Get on it, people!

Tshirt: New Balance, Lip Gloss and Lipstick: Bobbi Brown, Bracelets: Shashi, Watch: Movado, Journal: Smythson, Boots: Hunter, Nail Polish: Essie, Lip Balm: Eos, Candle: Diptyque, Flats: Tory Burch