My Stylish Summer Book List!

In my continued state of rest, rest and more rest, I've had ample time to plunge into a fun list of rather "stylish" reads.  I thought I would share this with you all because they are not only feeding my fashion appetite with great reading, but there are also hundreds of fabulous photographs to get lost in as well! Cheers...

Who What Wear Celebrity and Runway Style for Real Life by Hilary Kerr and Katherine Power
P.S. I Made This by Erica Domesek
Facehunter by Yvan Rodic
Kate Moss Style, Inside the World's Most Famous Model by Angela Buttolph
The Selby is in your place by Todd Selby
The Sartorialist by Scott Schuman
Style Diaries World Fashion from Berlin to Tokyo by Simon Werle
Beautiful People by Simon Doonan and also by Simon Doonan, Eccentric Glamour

The "Indie" Hobo Bag from J. Crew...

I just purchased and received J. Crew's Indie Hobo bag.  It is much smaller than the picture seems to reflect on the dress form.  I love bigger bags, but this is not the one for roominess.  J. Crew describes below as "summery".  I am not really sure about that, but it is considerably lighter than some of their hobo bags so this must be where the description fits.

I am keeping this one as the weaving is really pretty and I love the brown strap with the black bag in contrast.  With the recent 30% off Sale items it made is a lovely deal for sure.  And, it will fare much better on my back not carrying so much around!

J. Crew describes the Indie as:


Supple and summery in the finest Italian lambskin with handwoven basket-weave accents. The delicate, supple leather is easy on the arm (all the better for traveling light), and the adjustable buckle strap can be lengthened and worn messenger style. An interior front-wall patch pocket and a back-wall zip pocket keep pencils, cell phone and keys organized. Top zip closure. Brass-finish hardware. Cotton twill lining. Import. Adjustable shoulder strap fully extends to 16". 5" handle drop. 12 3/4"H x 16"W x 5 1/4"D.

Loving the "Headscarf" as a Perfect Summer Pick-Me-Up!

Janie Besner Silk Scarf & MARC BY MARC JACOBS Sunglasses

Since I've been laid up, I've taken a heightened approach to pulling my hair back so I don't have the stress of washing every day.  With that, sometimes it is just best to cover it up!


You probably noticed that the scarf has been used as a beautiful accessory in so many fashion magazines this Summer.  There are some amazing colors that can add just the right pop of color. It really is a fabulous way to dress yourself up a bit whether you are in shorts or going out to dinner (or in my case recuperating with visitors stopping by!).


So, who says you have to look tired and unkempt because you are off your feet?  And who says you can't take that same old outfit and spice it up?  I've taken a renewed interest in my scarf box.  Maybe you have or had a grandmother stow some of these in an attic or drawer.  Some of my Aunt's have come back in fashion so I am glad these stuck around and made it into my drawer!


Obviously eBay is a great way to search for some higher end designer scarves such as Ferragamo, DVF and Pucci.  Nordstroms also carries these scarves and with some other more affordable options as shown in the picture above by Janie Besner.  Scarves that are specific for head wear may commonly be referred to as a headscarf, neckerchief or head wrap.  Nordstroms highlighted the "headscarf" recently in their blog The Thread as follows:

"The Headscarf: Summer Hats' Alter Ego"

We love hats for sunny weather, but a lightweight headscarf has become one of our new favorites in headwear. It’s a perfect, unfussy way to tame unruly hair while punching up casual summer basics—like cutoffs and a tank—and good for anything from looking cool and carefree at the beach to running errands around town, without worrying about who you might run into.

The key to rocking the headscarf? Proportion, material and color. Keep the length long, for flirty floating tails. Choose a vibrant print or color in a fabric that’s light and airy. Stick with your basic tops and bottoms or swimwear here—e.g. save your favorite tribal maxi dress for another time to avoid looking like you’re going to read somebody’s palm.

Knot it up, pair it all with aviators or oversized sunglasses, abig tote, cute espadrilles, and you’ve got a ‘70s-inspired, glam-gypsy mix that’s ready for wherever summer takes you.

Lulla Collection by Bindya 'Butterfly' Square Scarf

I also find that the texture/material is important in choosing a scarf.  One with a blend including some cotton is very breathable.  I also like a "washed" silk or chiffon which gives it a nice feeling on your head or skin and adds a pretty sheen. If you are seeking the length of the scarf to fall a bit longer from your hair or even down your back, make sure you consider dimensions.  I like to wrap and then have substantial scarf left to fall behind my hair, so 70" in length is typically my choice.  This also allows the scarf to be used as a body wrap through another season.  

For me, this accessory has come back to rear it's "chicness" right onto my head!  Do you have any pretty scarves that you have either stored or plan to buy?

Cheers!  

J. Crew "Caught on Cameral" 2011 Fall Preview

Now that's the J. Crew I know and love!  Take a peek at the Fall video and Look Book preview for some of the Fall pieces.  I love the use of bright colors, textures and what seems to be some comebacks of J. Crew classic in general.  These items are currently pre-order.

I really love the leather/faux fur trench on the last slide, super cool (19 online)!  This actually gets be excited about Fall.  Creatively I feel they've managed to present a youthful and slightly eclectic look without veering so far off the path to who they are as a brand.  And, the models look absolutely beautiful and healthy.

Thoughts on the clothing preview?  Do you like the use of creative on the site including the video?

Special thanks for the images over at Ferygirl from the Ukraine!  She has other images as well on her blog at
http://feryvan.blogspot.com.  Cheers!

Whispering White.

Whispering White by CrewCat featuring kate spade wallet

Summer's Classic Offerings Wrapped Up in J. Crew July, Brief Review...Catalog Available Online!

Oh July, my love! Well, not quite, but J. Crew has set "sail" with lots of new items and of course their July catalog.  It gives me a sense that the depths of Summer are just around the corner and I am laid up! Having had my back surgery, I've had limited attention span for just about anything, but have appreciated the time to heal and sit back.  And scrolling through fashion's emerging Summer pieces is nice therapy on the side!

J. Crew's July offerings don't disappoint and even though many of the trends are consistent across retailers (the "maxi", linen, nautical stripes, wedge sandals...), I was loving the richness of color JC offered throughout.  They also captured some of the old J. Crew that I've longed to see.  

"Celebrate Summer" as example on catalog pages 2-3 shows the classic "preppster" family wearing classic clothes.  This photo makes me want to join them!  I would imagine they are sharing a traditional lobster feast, either in the Hamptons or off the coast of Maine.  The vibrant color mixed with beauty (especially Lauren Hutton), make me feel happy for all that Summer brings.  Love the styling with classic button downs and linen, plaid and trendy tortoise shell sunglasses.

I adore the paisley pencil skirt and at 22" in length, a more suitable option for those of us that are out of the "mini" options!  JC has been too short, short in my opinion for far too long.  I also love the pearls styled over the boys white shirt and how about the Tretorns?  Love this look completely and from my perspective, I think this is a nice transition "back" to a more classic J. Crew look as well.

I like the Marlow bag in henna.  It is nice and roomy 12"X17" overall with several pockets to please.  It reminds me of the kind of bag my mother carried around when we were young holding all of our stuff every day! I tell my kids now that if they bring it, they carry it!  

Per my post below, Eddie Borgo is featured with J. Crew as a runner-up for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award.  I am not a big fan of his "punk-ish" jewelry.  This seems to target a younger crowd but the cool aesthetic is spot-on to add to some of the more classic pieces of J. Crew.  Frankly I was more interested in spying in on his prized possessions (check out the site).  It is fun looking into what makes people who they are and what drives them creatively.  And, his cool aesthetic is clear through his guest edits for Jenna's Picks.  

I like the Panama hat which is nicely priced at $58.  I have seen these as high as $300, so this is a great steal for Summer.

Lastly, J. Crew does a fabulous job with swim suits both in cut and color.  July is no exception.  With colors like  plum orchard, vivid poppy, casablanca blue and agate both in green and a sumptuous paisley - who would not want to dream about a vacation by the sea!

Where are you traveling to this Summer?  Are there any "must pack" pieces from J. Crew that you will take along?  What do you think about JC July in general?

Cheers.

Sharing from Vogue.com 2011 CFDA Awards

Each year I look forward to the annual CFDA award's show to see who will shine among the fashion designer's brightest.  And Vogue.com captures the photographs beautifully.  As below, I have copied a few of my favorites and there are some 37 pics on their site at Vogue.com.  As far as major awards, Marc Jacobs (one of my favorites), accepted the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement which has been (coined the Half-Lifetime Achievement Award).  Thrilled.  The Womenswear Designer of the year went to Jack McCollough & Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schouler and for Menswear designer of the year, honor went to Michael Bastian.  Alexander Wang accepted the Accessory Designer of the Year (yeah!).  Emerging talent awards were recognized with The Swarovski Award for Womenswear given to Prabel Gurung.  The Menswear award went to Robert Geller and Accessories presented to Eddie Borgo.  


For J. Crew fashionistas, you may already know that J. Crew has joined forces with the Vogue/CFDA Fashion Fund with winning recipients celebrating a creation as their "signature capsule collection" designed exclusively with J. Crew.  Billy Reid, the 2010 winner is currently featured on www.jcrew.com.  Runner up recipients include Prabal Gurung (June) and Eddie Borgo (July).  They are also featured online, catalog and in stores.  A more detailed article on the partnership can be found on NBC's online blog called Thread/NY.

Steven Kolb and Diane von Furstenberg
Photo: Kevin Tachman

Zac Posen
Photo: Kevin Tachman

Sharing from Vogue.com by Chloe Malle NYC 6/7/11

Before the annual CFDA awards show kicked off last night, Alexander Wang, who was nominated in three categories and would later go on to win Accessory Designer of the Year, obediently answered questions from a reporter in the lobby of the renovated Alice Tully Hall, then exclaimed to his date, Aymeline Valade, “OK! Let’s go find the bar!” Nearby,Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Swarovski nominees for Womenswear Designer, held court on one of the green foam settees lining the room. Asked how the twin sisters would celebrate if honored with the award, Mary-Kate, in a gold sequined Chanel jacket, replied with a flat smile, “Bed. We have work early in the morning. We’re finishing resort.” As the bells announcing the show began to sound, the Olsens stood up to confer with Daphne Guinness, who had a laser cut–ornament fascinator atop her head, and as guests made their way into the theater, Jason Wu led date Karlie Kloss across the front row by the hand.

Anderson Cooper, the host for the evening, opened the show by sharing rare and unseen photos of himself as a child model for Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein—proving he has both fashion cred and enough experience to serve as the night’s MC. Evening highlights included Karolina Kurkova’s suddenly breaking into song while presenting the Swarovski Awards. “I hear Lady Gaga’s in the house; I’m such a fan!” she gushed before thrilling the audience by singing, “I’m your biggest fan, I’ll follow you until you love me, papa-paparazzi.” Later, Kanye West, wearing jeans and rhinestone-encrusted velvet Stubbs & Wooten–style slip-ons, presented the International Award to Phoebe Philo of Céline with a heartfelt speech about how he used to go into the Chloé boutiques when Philo was designing for the house and marvel at the mastery of the handbags. CFDA President Diane von

Karolina Kurkova
Photo: Kevin Tachman

 Furstenberg closed the show in lieu of Cooper. “This is not supposed to be me,” she explained as she took the Swarovski-encrusted podium, “but Anderson had to go deal with the Weiner matter. I don’t know what is wrong with the straight guys these days.”

As guests exited the building at the end of the evening, fans lined Sixty-fifth Street clamoring to get photos with Ashley Greene and Miranda Kerr, both outfitted in Michael Kors. The model and actress kindly posed for pics with fans, causing a few policemen to take notice and begin corralling people on the road and Greene to nervously relocate her fan base to the sidewalk. Kanye started saying his goodbyes to Sofia Coppola and fiancé Thomas Mars, but when the French Phoenix front man told West they were going to the Monkey Bar, West eagerly answered, “OK, yeah, I’ll go by.” Terence Koh, Erin Fetherston, Liya Kebede, and others trekked downtown to toast Gaga on her CFDA Fashion Icon Award at Le Bain, where Patti LaBelle shared the mic with the songstress for a rousing rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," bringing down the house.

Shar

Coral Sun

Coral Sun by CrewCat featuring canvas wedges