Charlie May
There is an undeniably effortless look about the Charlie May girl. Her seams are raw and frayed, her cut almost always oversized. With her first stab at resort, Charlie has shown there is no deviation in her brands aesthetic and more importantly she has proven she has a strong business acumen.
There's a push from stockists for designers who produce more collections than just the traditional fall and spring ones. Stores are investing more in pieces from resort wear than spring so it makes sense for new designers, like Charlie, to expand into producing the extra collection. Some argue this extra season puts unnecessary stress and financial strain on designers. The saying goes that resort simply fuels a society of shoppers who constantly need more and are never satisfied. Is it a step too far to expect new designers to venture into resort? Charlie doesn't think so. With her newest collection she has shown she's just as capable at producing this in-between season as any of the big names in fashion.
Photos c/o Charlie May
Gap ss15
Sometimes I go into Gap and don't see anything I like. Other times I walk in and find myself entering the dressing room with an arm overflowing with pieces.
At the moment, Gap is pulling at my heart strings. They have so many simple basics that would make it much easier to get dressed this summer. Below I've picked out a few of my favourite items that are in at the moment.
They include a little black dress that is near on perfection, a denim button up that looks like it ought to cost much more than it actually does, and a bucket bag that is the doppelgänger of the, now much sought after, Mansur Gavriel one. There is also a little striped tee (can you ever have too many?) and a pair of distressed boyfriend jeans that look heavenly. I think it's time I pay a visit to the mall and try some of these bad boys on.
Spring 2015
Sure, it might be -10 degrees outside but my heart if firmly set on the belief that spring is just around the corner. Rumor has it the weather is meant to turn around this weekend and with that in mind I'm already mentally packing away my winter attire. Never one to rush into things, my Birkenstocks are looking mighty tempting indeed.
Sure, it might be -10 degrees outside but my heart if firmly set on the belief that spring is just around the corner. Rumor has it the weather is meant to turn around this weekend and with that in mind I'm already mentally packing away my winter attire. Never one to rush into things, my Birkenstocks are looking mighty tempting indeed.
With that in mind, I've lately been drawn to all things summer. Think bikini clad chicks sitting on the beach, waves crashing in the sea and palm tree lined streets. Otherwise I've head my head firmly tucked into style.com where I've been pinning away all my favourite looks from the collections. But for now lets not focus on that. Instead take a peek at the images that have been swirling in my mind as of late.
Find these and more over on Pinterest
Jason Wu
I'm willing the autumn/winter 2014 season to come to an end. Spring is floating in front of us like a distant mirage yet we're still stuck in the confines of layers and knits.
Now that New York Fashion Week has started we're bypassing spring altogether and going straight into next winter's wardrobes. It's all a bit hard to get your head around but, with collections as beautiful as Jason Wu's latest, it's worth making an effort to comprehend.
His show was stocked full of covetable separates and a slew of drool worthy dresses. The shapes were simple and streamlined. Necklines were either plunging or crew neck. The colour palette paid homage to an old school Banana Republic one with army greens, blacks, creams and a splattering of blood red. He has been criticized for lacking drama with this collection but I'd argue the normality of it provides its strength. What's lacking in extravagance is made up for in sheer wearability.
The coats were perfection, the leather shift faultless, and the knotted back black dress the perfect companion for any unseasonably warm winter's night. To top it all off there was a little red structured bag that would look effortless draped over any girls arm.
Jason Wu's fall show felt less White House and more youthful. It wasn't corporate or overly structured. Not too girly or too blatantly sexy. It walked the fine line of being perfectly conservative in a way that Americans do best. Because for all its reservedness it still packed a serious punch. Add a black leather biker jacket and Converse to any of these looks and your golden in my book.
Photos via style.com
Winter 2015
Hard to believe that we are already edging our way towards the end of January. I feel like the month has been plagued by dry skin and dreams of warmer weather. I'm already willing my way towards mid February when I'll be hopping on a plane to Zurich and then to London for fashion week.
Hard to believe that we are already edging our way towards the end of January.
I feel like the month has been plagued by dry skin and dreams of warmer weather. I'm already willing my way towards mid February when I'll be hopping on a plane to Zurich and then to London for fashion week. I can't wait to be reunited with friends that I haven't seen for way too long and devour some delicious food (I think London has the best restaurants around). For now I'm dreaming about far away destinations, couture creations, and types of hair I wish I could recreate. Some of the pictures that have been swirling around in my mind are below. Click to view larger and scroll through.
From a selection on Pinterest.
Chicago
A couple of weeks ago I went up to Chicago for the weekend. I stayed at the Public Hotel, which had dreamy all white interiors and was located just a short walk from the water. As you might expect, the weather in Chicago this time of the year is absolutely freezing.
A couple of weeks ago I went up to Chicago for the weekend. I stayed at the Public Hotel, which had dreamy all white interiors and was located just a short walk from the water. As you might expect, the weather in Chicago this time of the year is absolutely freezing. As a result I wrapped a scarf around my face enough times to cover just about everything but my eyes - a trick I highly recommend.
Wearing: Jigsaw coat, Muriee scarf, Mykita sunglasses, Gap bag, boot and jeans.
December 2014
Not entirely sure how it's already December. The past twelve months have flown by so quickly. It's hard to believe in just a few weeks we'll be rolling into another new year. I have to say I'm looking forward to the fresh start.
Not entirely sure how it's already December. The past twelve months have flown by so quickly. It's hard to believe in just a few weeks we'll be rolling into another new year.
I have to say I'm looking forward to the fresh start. There's something about new beginnings that speaks well to me. I already have a list of resolutions that I'm toying with in my mind. They fall under the regular self-help categories of run more, eat healthier, read more often etc. etc. etc. We'll see how they play out. If they're anything like last years...
Lately I've been feeling drawn to a heap of beautiful images. They're generally of the foggy landscape variety sprinkled with a helping of minimal interiors. I like anything white, black or grey. Navy blue is also okay. In general that's also all I like to wear. Bleak colors just feel right in winter.
Photos from a selection on Pinterest.
ART: 314
The Contemporary Art Museum in St Louis is holding a silent auction tomorrow night, called Art:314, to help raise awareness about local artists. I was over at the museum yesterday to get a sneak peek at all the work that is up for grabs.
I've already made a list of all the pieces I want to get my hands on for my new house. I just found out that we've got a new place to move into later this month and I've already decorated the whole place in my mind. I can't wait to move in and get all my boxes unpacked. Moving is fun but the process of getting settled in takes a bit of time. I still feel smack dab in the middle of the process.
If you're in the St. Louis area make sure to come down to Art:314 tomorrow night. We can talk home decorating tips and IKEA must-haves.
Wearing: coat by Joes Jeans, jumper Madewell, jeans 7 for all Mankind, bag Mark and Graham, and shoes from Banana Republic.
Photos by Stephanie Bannon Photography.
That Fall Feeling
November is officially here and it feels strange to think we're heading full steam ahead towards winter. At the moment I'm on the hunt for a job and a house. The search is tiring and as a result I've retreated into the world of Pinterest where I'm browsing through an endless stream of photos that have me yearning for dreamy landscapes and even dreamier interiors.
November is officially here and it feels strange to think we're heading full steam ahead towards winter.
At the moment I'm on the hunt for a job and a house. The search is tiring and as a result I've retreated into the world of Pinterest where I'm browsing through an endless stream of photos that have me yearning for dreamy landscapes and even dreamier interiors. Stop and browse my favorite images of late. Click to view large and scroll through them all.
Tate Foley
When I pulled up to the location of Tate Foley's studio Sunday afternoon I was sure I was in the wrong place.
Tucked down an idyllic suburban street in Creve Coeur, it was the last place I expected to find this artist's abode. I knocked on the door reluctantly, half expecting no one to be home but was greeted by Tate who was all smiles and warm welcomes.
We headed down to his basement where his studio is located. There was a big Riso printer in the corner and shelves lined with design books and knick knacks. Tate gave us a whirlwind tour, showing how the Riso printer works, and unveiling some of the hidden gems of his studio - including a pack of playing cards with dinosaurs attacking humans in odd situations. After looking at a selection of Tate's work one thing was clear, everything he makes has a hint of humor. He plays with words and takes references from pop culture - one slogan he has used is Obama's ambiguous 'win the future' campaign. Tate is a printmaker who's forging his own unique path in the art industry. He has published comics, made numerous small pamphlet style books and makes pieces large enough to take center stage on anyones wall.
A piece of Tate's work is going to be auctioned off this Friday evening at the Contemporary Art Museum in St Louis. Art: 314 is a silent auction taking place at 8pm. Tickets are currently on sale through the CAM website.
Prada
The Prada show is normally one of my favourites. Not so with the brand's Spring 2015 collection that just showed recently in Milan.
Fussy and scattered, with a plethora of coats and knits which made is resemble something more of an autumn collection, the layering felt confused with a mismatch of vintage inspired patterns clashing against themselves. There was a selection of beautiful dresses, all nipped at the waist and cut quite straight. What really made them stand out was the fabric that had frayed edges.
While I wasn't floored by most of what was on show, there was one look that had me going weak at the knees: look number 2. It's a matching skirt and jacket combination with exposed brown exaggerated stitching. Something about it feels a little Western - maybe it's that elongated collar that ends in a fierce point. Everything about it feels right. I just wish the rest of the collection had been as spot on.
Photos via Style.com
Cervo, Zermatt
A few weeks ago I headed down to Zermatt in southern Switzerland for the weekend. I stayed at the incredibly lush Cervo Mountain Boutique Hotel.
In Zermatt it's illegal to drive a car so we were picked up at the train station by an electronic vehicle that scuttled us off to Cervo. When we arrived we were greeted by a glass of wine inside the main chalet while we checked in. Our room overlooked the town and had an epic view of the stunning Matterhorn. While there we made use of the wellness center everyday which has a sauna, scented steam room, outdoor jacuzzi and a cold dunking shower. This was definitely my favorite aspect of the hotel.
The dining we experienced was a bit mixed. On the plus side had a cheese board delivered to our room one afternoon and it was undoubtedly the best I've ever eaten. If you are ever there, I couldn't recommend it more. Unfortunately I also had a subpar cheeseburger at the restaurant that left much to be desired. In general I wasn't impressed by the restaurant and so I'd recommend heading into town for dinner. It's likely to be cheaper and better than what's on offer at the hotel.
Overall, I couldn't recommend Cervo enough. It's the perfect rustic escape for exploring the mountains around Zermatt. The views can't be beat.
Looking back
New York Fashion Week kicked off yesterday in the states. Fashion month has officially begun and to celebrate the launch of the spring 2015 shows I wanted to take a quick look back at some of my favorite moments from last season.
These photos are from three shows that I attended back at London Fashion Week in February but they never made it on to the blog: Eudon Choi, Nasir Mazhar and Central Saint Martins MA. These are some of my favorite looks and the pieces that are getting me most excited for the month ahead.
Bring on the shows!
Bright & black
Much to my dismay, the transition towards autumn has undeniably begun. The temperature is starting to feel a bit cooler and as a result I've had to swap my slinky tank tops for chunkier knits. I would complain but the transition means I get to wear this furry lime green jumper and I'm pretty sure that can only be a good thing.
Much to my dismay, the transition towards autumn has undeniably begun. The temperature is starting to feel a bit cooler and as a result I've had to swap my slinky tank tops for chunkier knits. I would complain but the transition means I get to wear this furry lime green jumper and I'm pretty sure that can only be a good thing.
Thankfully bare legs and sandals are still in order so all is not lost.
Wearing: Samsoe jumper and jacket, Second Female skirt, & Other Stories bag and Birkenstocks.
August 2014
Currently feeling drawn to all things dark and moody. Namely foggy photos of Norway, clunky black shoes with rolled down matching socks and anything Raf Simons x Adidas.
Currently feeling drawn to all things dark and moody. Namely foggy photos of Norway, clunky black shoes with rolled down matching socks and anything Raf Simons x Adidas.
Summer in Switzerland seems to have taken a backseat - in its place has come an onslaught of rain and chilly weather. Pretty much just feel like cozzying up on the sofa with a good book. Tomorrow I'm off to Zermatt for a couple of days and there it's reported to be snowing. Fairly certain that will catapult me into the autumnal mindset.
Bring on the knitwear...
Photos via Pinterest