Bluff NY | Accessories for your feet

Posted on September 21, 2009 by yougogirl

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I love designers. I love designers of all kinds and what I have always loved about my industry is the creativity it takes to come up with something cool that people will wear. Bluff NY is that team. The two designers that met at Parsons, along with a business partner came up with an idea to create shoe accessories. Inspired by the biz partner who was formally on Wall Street and had to wear boring pumps, the girls ,Jessica and Cara, started working on ways to make your feet, shoes and boots look fabulous by simply changing the accessory.

This is not a new concept. Shoe clips were commonly used throughout history, but most recently in the 50′s and 60′s to take a simple pump from day into evening. Brilliant, practical and dare I say “sustainable”?

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I absolutely love the chains for fall over boots. I recommend wearing the pair on the same foot. This is the easy way to update your shoes ladies. And guys, I would recommend the chains for your boots too…although I haven’t mentioned that to the gals at Bluff NY yet. All the pieces are hand crafted, right in Brooklyn; and the chains are especially time consuming, but worth it.

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The feathers, as well as the straps, are fab for a completely different look and I think it looks amazing over a pump, especially the super high ones. Guess what? We will have these available on the les Egoistes EGO shop as well in October. If you are interested before they go up on the site, email us at info@lesegoistes.com. I have a feeling they are going to go fast. RL

P.S. The designers Jess and Cara are super wonderful gals and we used their pieces in a shoot that should be out this winter. Stand by for those images later this season.

Posted on September 8, 2009 by yougogirl

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My first of four weeks in NYC was everything I wanted it to be. Not all party, but just enough. I was able to connect with almost all of my favorite people in the city, got a chance to create a creative and cozy vibe in my rented room and was able to even check out the Cloisters…something I have wanted to do my entire life. We biked there which was my brilliant gal pal CV’s idea. Something I recommend to do at least once. As we rode along the waterfront under the Westside Highway, we got to see a little slice of every neighborhood. From the lovely café’s on the Upper West’s water front, past Columbia University, to the hipster underground DJ scene on the beach in Harlem, and into the Bronx where the steaks were grilling and Latin music was blaring. Fab.

As far as work goes, this is something you gals are going to love and you guys have to pay attention to (for gift buying of course). I am super excited to coop with uber creative April Torress designer of the Isabella Grace Originals (IGO) accessories that are my new abfab fav.

April takes found objects and creates the most incredible and intriguing pieces I have seen in while. She says she’s “obsessed”. Each and every piece is one of her children and she will work them until they are just right. Yes, I know a lot of people do this, but April’s pieces stand apart. I used her work in a magazine editorial due to come out this winter and honestly, used only her accessories…they are right on for what is happening in fashion right now. I love that each one is made lovingly on her kitchen counter. Hi…can we all say “sustainable” together?

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Here it is, the exciting part. Starting next week, you will be able to purchase a one of kind piece from IGO on the les Egoistes Ego Shop. We will be able to help you get the right pieces and work directly with April the designer. Yea!

Okay that is it for now. Stand by for increased reports this week as Fashion Week Starts on Thursday. Ready to check out Spring 10. RL

Want help picking out that perfect accessory and/or help with your wardrobe? Contact les Egoistes for your personal styling needs.

Spreegirl!

Posted on July 16, 2009 by yougogirl

One of the coolest experiences of my career has been getting to be friends with my assistants and seeing them move on and do fabulous things. My most recent assistant, Sica, just moved down to LA and already has had a design gig with a super cute line. This is a perfect line of loungewear that is comfy and super cute, Spreegirl.

I love their kimono style robe paired with the boy shorts and bra sets. I am a super big fan of the romper, especially in the hot weather. Cute, comfy lounge wear that make you look and feel fabulous.

The line is one of the rare loungewear brands that offers a full size range including plus size and draws inspiration from retro styles, as well as, nature
What more can you ask for? Well, it is also affordable and has pieces made from bamboo and coconut…hi, sustainable…now stop wearing you guy’s old oversized tee and get into some Spreegirl. I am definitely hooked. RL

Abi Ferrin

Posted on May 24, 2009 by yougogirl

Everyday, I feel lucky. Lucky that I constantly meet fabulous and creative people. From my clients to my fellow creative’s, including designer Abi Ferrin who I finally got to meet last week.

The Finerie in Seattle (1215 First Avenue), has been carrying Abi exclusively now in Seattle for over a year and her talent is paramount. She is a go to name in the fashion world and will be showing for her second season at New York Fashion Week. I can’t wait to be there and check out what she has planned for Spring 10.

I am obsessed with her use of fabric and how she pairs the natural movement of fabric with a cut that flatters women of all sizes. I personally want a pair of her leggings, the “Casey” pant, in all colors. I’m especially looking forward to checking out the rock & roll sheer black.

To top it off, Abi Ferrin is totally dedicated to sustainability. Her tagline “Fashion with Freedom & Purpose” works for so many reasons. Here is what Abi Ferrin & Co says about their purpose. It’s all great, so I included most of it:
From the visually rich setting of a Nepal village to the bolstering street of an American city, the team of women behind Abi Ferrin seeks not only to dress women but also to empower them. The idea was born through the vision of Abi’s sister, Kelly who has dedicated her life to humanitarian efforts worldwide focusing primarily on persecuted women and children. The sisters thought that it would be effective to create a model for capitalistic ventures to support various organizations by commissioning them to create an aspect of the Abi Ferrin product, with the hopes to eventually introduce this concept to other manufacturers.

In 2006 the Abi Ferrin team began a design collaboration with Erika Everett, former designer of Everett Parker, along with a non-profit organization in an impoverished region of Nepal called Guardian Village Handcrafts. This organization in a healthy environment, focuses on providing oppressed women with; training, fair pay, food and shelter for their work. The micro-businesses that are created due to this training also fund foster care and quality education for children rescued from slavery, women and children rescued from prostitution, and other abusive environments. Ferrin and Everett sought to incorporate elements into their garments with culturally specific design lines and adornments.

The women of Abi Ferrin, seeks to provide their customer with a chance to feel and look their best, and see this as an opportunity to take their passion for freedom and clothing to another level. Not only do the custom made adornments add an authentic value to the collection, but they also provide both an intrinsic satisfaction and a conversational element to the wearer, knowing that each button and toggle were purchased to support a cause greater than mere aesthetics. This is an avenue that opens the door for the consumer to invest in more than great fashion. “We hope that the cultural details woven into the collection, coupled with the information we provide about the program, will ignite an awareness of global issues. To the Abi Ferrin customer, this should provide an added satisfaction for contributing to a greater cause. To our friends in Nepal, this will provide much needed help and support.”

I wore an AF kimono sleeve wrap top, “Erika Wrap”, over her leggings to the SIFF Gala this week. I felt glamorous all night and of course, happy with my sustainably stylish garb…even as I downed a soft taco outside. RL

photo credit: Abi Ferrin Erika Wrap Top

Lizzie Parker Eco Atelier opens this weekend

Posted on April 23, 2009 by yougogirl

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The world is a different place when it is sunny in Seattle. I got to check out Lizzie Parker’s new boutique and design space this week on a glorious sunny day. It is so great to hear of a garmento opening shop, instead of closing shop so I was happy to head out to Issaquah and see what one of our fav local and sustainable designers was up to.
I grew up in the Northwest, but I never joined my khatchky loving sisters when they headed to Gilman Village to spend the afternoon…well, it’s all changing now babe and there are fab organic coffee shops, killer home design stores, and a wine shop.

Lizzie Parker is located in an old farmhouse in Gilman Village with an interior that is modern and fun. Lizzie designs and manufactures right out of the store and is planning on doing custom designing on the spot. There is nothing that warms the heart more than seeing sewing machines right where you shop. LP is carrying vegan shoes that are actually cool and she is cooping with Clutch and has some great handbags.

Her line is a fun and functional as ever and, as I tell my clients, Lizzie Parker pieces are perfect basics to mix in to your wardrobe. If anything, you have to own her tees in every color.

The store opens this weekend starting at 10 a.m. Friday, April 27. Here is how to find her:
Lizzie Parker Eco Atelier 317 NW Gilman Blvd, 41 Issaquah, WA |4254270708| lizzie@lizzieparker.com

Stand by for SSF and LE events at Lizzie Parker Eco Atelier in the future. RL

photo credit: Lizzie Parker at her new digs

Posted on April 20, 2009 by yougogirl

What Seattle Fashion Week has going for it, is enthusiasm. I was able to check out the opening night featuring emerging independent designers from Seattle. I really really want to see this succeed in Seattle, mostly because, there are amazing designers coming out of here. I also know from retailers that they would like to buy from local designers if the quality, production value and creative aspects all match the level of what can be found in NYC & LA.

The second thing Seattle Fashion Week has going for it is potential. While the designers showcased were not necessarily the top of what I have seen here, they all have a great foundation to move forward and were appropriately placed in the “emerging” category.

The entertainment at the event was definitely geared to a specific audience and didn’t feel as fashion forward as I am used to…so, I definitely think there is an opportunity for all the world renowned acts we have based here in Seattle.

My fashion picks for the evening were jackets from student designer, Becky Sullivan, men’s looks from Lavsh and springy black & white jersey pieces from a sustainable line called Salvationwear.

I didn’t get a chance to check out the rest of the shows, but I will do some sleuthing and follow up. Overall, I am ready to see these events rise to the level of what used to happen here in Seattle with “Pre-line” and shows like Arena and Stop & Go in the 90′s…RL

photo credit | Lavsh at Seattle Fashion Week 09

Spring 09 Color

Posted on March 21, 2009 by yougogirl

I always get asked, so what are the colors for the season, and I usually know the answer right away. This spring, there is not quick and easy answer. I have seen everything from shades of orange ~ ranging from a traffic cone orange to a curry orange ~ to combos of lavender, blue, teal, hot pink, citrine green. I think the point this season is to just to wear color. We have our lovely first lady to look to for the inspiration that way. I love that Michelle Obama is not afraid of color.

If you are like many folks I know and just a bit uncomfortable wearing color. One way to approach is to wear accessories with color. You can wear all black and throw a bunch of color bangles on your wrist or mix a bunch of big color beads around your neck. Or rock a shoe with color while wearing all black. That is a statement move for sure.

If you go the color direction, balance the color with shades of grey and taupe. This is lovely and easy to do. You can find many grey/taupe accessories out there these days.

Boys, you can get your color with you kicks. Every shoe line from Nike to Converse and even Doc Martins have major color going. If you are ready to go for it, wear a full suit in a color. Cheap Monday has a blue suit styled for a mod fit…hot.

My homage to color this season is a dress designed by my dear friend Andrew Dyrdahl out of pima cotton and it is orange and I mean orange. You will definitely see me coming. Side note: The design of my dress is perfect for most all body types and Andrew was recognized for formal version of the dress by the cotton folks…I loved it so much and convinced him to make a daytime dress out of it. Contact me if you want more details. RL

Photo Credit: Nathan Jenden and Ossie Clark Spring 2009 via Style.com in Vogue UK and Pantone’s Color pick of the season, “Mimosa”.

Shopping in your hood is so cool…

Posted on February 23, 2009 by yougogirl

Shopping in your hood is so cool. Nothing is better than running by the little store a block away from home to pick up a little something to lift your spirits….when I am in NYC, my neighborhood is Greenpoint, Brooklyn. I have been visiting this neighborhood for almost four years and it has really become to feel like a second home.

When I am here, I have my usually stops, they are listed on the shopping page. One of my favorite shops is ALTER. The men’s and women’s stores are across Franklin Avenue from each other. I love Roy and Tommy. They are truly gifted, smart and so cute.
Last fall, Roy got me into some of my favorite pieces that I have worn a ton…they were items from Pre-Loved out of Toronto. I had heard about them through the sustainable design circuit, but leave it to ALTER to recognize excellent design and to Roy to get me to try it on.
Pre-Loved, a Canadian based design company, creates garments from reclaimed items such as button down shirts, trench coats, vintage curtains, sweaters and wool trouser which are cut and sewn into fabulous one of a kind pieces. I love the brand because of the obvious good design.
Tonight ALTER hosted an in-store launch event for Pre-Loved’s Spring 09 collection. I got a chance to chat with founder Julia Grieve, who is an incredible woman with loads of energy and a true vision. The story behind Pre-Loved is amazing and inspirational. It was great to hear about the intentional design direction to make sure each garment has multiple ways to wear it. Julia mentioned that people just started doing it, so now, Pre-Loved does it for every single one of their pieces. My favorite piece for spring from Pre-Loved at ALTER is the Zuri tee. Loose and fun, this piece is right on style target. Thanks Roy and Tommy….fun night.

Just a note, I have my other favorite places I have to stop in every time I am in Greenpoint ~ Dalaga| Always fun for boys and girls, Haden Harnett | Must have accessories, WORD | Cute and hip bookstore, Junk | Cool vintage and antique chatchkes and furniture.
I am sure you have fab finds in your hood. Check them out, keep them around and be cool. RL

Fashion Week Feb 09 – Brian Reyes & Ports 1961 and more…

Posted on February 20, 2009 by yougogirl

Busy day today. It started off in the tents at the Brian Reyes Fall 09 show. There were definite pieces I thought were fab in the collection…I would have liked it if the models could have walked in their shoes, but with the six inch heels ~ a good inch taller than than last season, there has been a definite issue across the board at all the shows. My stand out picks included the dress above described on the line up as the “optic stripe front pleat blouse” over the same treatment of dress. It seemed lovely and fresh. The metallic grey mixed with copper and taupe colors present in many of the garments were lovely.

I especially loved this white dress with gold sequins…what you don’t see, is the back of the piece that is tres chaud (hot)…(photo above | WWD Brian Reyes Fall 09)

A few of the Brian Reyes jackets are right on target and will be easily worn by women at all sizes…I like that. Accessory note ~ big chunky necklaces. Celebrity sitings…I don’t usually care, but I know a few of you like to hear about it, sitting right in front of me, across the runway, at this show was Ivanka Trump and Rachel Bilson. (photo above | loose swing jacket Brian Reyes Fall 09)

My afternoon show was a definite highlight. The Ports 1961 show…I happened to sit next to the Meredith & Scott of The Fashion List ~ an online comprehensive service that helps you keep track of and manage your fashion events. They are awesome…I was already sold on the service to help me out, but now that I have met them…I’m in. The Ports show was lovely and felt like home to me. The inspiration of designer Tia Cibani was India’s Mughal Dynasty ~ specifically the beauty of Nur Jahan. Now that part of the world and specifically that part of India is where my family comes from and with my mother’s master in Clothing & Textiles, her designs were always influenced by the Mughal Dynasty…that was passed on to me and it has always been fun to mix the cultures. This collection was gorgeous…that is all I can say. You can view the whole collection to get a good sense. It will be hard for me to pick a favorite piece, but it may be the Moonstone boucle’ coat…my heart also stopped when I caught a glimpse of the details in the long leather gloves that had a peek of color inside the arm and fingers.(photo above | WWD Brian Reyes Fall 09)

The long hair in a loose braid was beautiful and fresh. (Sigh)…the show was gorgeous. Oh, and I must mention the band, Red Baraat Festival, that played that was reminiscent to the bands that play in the streets of India on most festive occasions. It was awesome to have that live. (photo above | hair at the Ports1961 show)

Coincidentally, if you are based in SEA, Polite Society will be carrying both these lines for Spring…hopefully they will have some of these yummy fall pieces.

In between shows, I was running to showrooms to look at leg-wear and accessories that les Egoistes will soon have available for sale…stand by for more on that.

Final food note…I’ve been forgetting: Met the gals tonight for a drink at the Bowery Hotel Lounge then next door to Gemma for dinner…ate too much. Last night, found a fab gem near Gramercy/Union Square called Bar Jamon…introduced to me by Forbes marketing manager and fellow foodie, Jourdan. Previous night, dinner with the fab gals at Max Mara at Bistro Chat Noir ~ amazing. RL

Fashion Week Feb 09 – Max Mara and more…

Posted on February 18, 2009 by yougogirl

When people hear Max Mara they think different things…oh, that is BCBG, or Max Azaria…..no, gals…this is nothing like those brands. For those of you who know me, you know this is a favorite brand of mine. If you are old school, you know that your closet is not complete without a Max Mara coat. What you don’t know, is that this is no line for old ladies ~ what does that mean anymore anyway~ this line is for hip, stylish and sustainable women.

Yesterday I got a chance to peek at the entire Spring 09 collection as well as the Fall 09 early deliveries that will start hitting stores in July. Beyond the Max Mara brand, there is Sport Max, Marina Rinaldi, and the young hollywood, but super cute Max & Co.

For spring I am going to encourage the silk pieces from their runway collection, as well as, several key pieces from Sport Max including the most perfect white short sleeve blouse that has a beautiful fit. Max Mara also has some jumpsuits that are fabulous. I am crazy for their cuff bracelet made of fabric and heaped with coins and sequins as well as most of their shoes and bags this season.

For fall, they have knit pieces that are amazing and jackets and coats that have a beautiful cocoon sleeve. I will give you more fall detail soon.

What’s this about the sustainability angle with Max Mara? I heard the story a little over a year ago from the MM folks that their product is not only designed and made in Italy, it is exclusively made in one town and several generations have now worked for the company. They have not and will not manufacture their pieces all over the world like several other well known Italian companies. Beyond that, the company is now looking into partnering on a few eco and sustainable projects here in the States. Stand by for more info on that. Needless to say, I think they rock. RL (photo | Max Mara Runway by Lily Donaldson)

Rebecca Luke Style

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