Category: fashion

Art Inspired Fashion

February 21, 2012

Posted by Nicole L. under accessories, clothing, Design, fashion

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If you’re not acquainted with art, it can sometimes be a little intimidating. Mostly because contemporary art is usually so serious. But I was delighted when I found this series by artist Amy Sullivan on (my fave art site) The Jealous Curator.

Featured in Jealous’ post were two series; one whimsical/creepy “Little Red Riding Hood” inspired set, and the second series featured the elusive forest creature – Sasquatch. What drew me to the Sasquatch series was an image of Sasquatch, his boombox, a friend and dozens of Eames chairs stacked precariously high.

This whimsical combination of Sasquatch and Eames chairs made me think of how fashion can be seriously intimidating, unless you’re able to find the whimsy. By simply adding some pattern (like polka dots) and a little color, you can create and outfit which has sophistication and style!

Shopping credits: crop pants – J. Crew, shoes – See by Chloe, tote bag – Cynthia Vincent, tank – Michael Kors, scarf – J. Crew, cardigan – Juicy Couture.

Nicole Longstreath is a wardrobe coach in Orange County, CA and author of Reclaiming Your Wardrobe, an ebook dedicated to building a smarter wardrobe, avoiding bad purchases and uncovering your unique style. She also publishes a weekly outfit inspiration collage, exclusively for readers of Collages & Commentary.

Wear This Now: Fancy Blouses

February 16, 2012

Posted by Nicole L. under clothing, Design, fashion, Inspiration

2 Comments

The most under-rated item in a wardrobe is, hand-down, a good fancy blouse.

Whether they’re vintage polyester or expensive silk, a good blouse can be dressed up or down to suit whatever your day has in store. If it’s a casual day, pair with jeans. But if you’re going to a more formal event, a nice blouse can be the star of the outfit and get you noticed for all the right reasons. A no-fail fancy blouse combo: pair with a pencil skirt and some statement shoes.

Here are a few that got my attention. I have to say, the cobalt blue blouse from J. Crew is definitely going on my wish list!

Shopping credits: sophisticated blouse – J. Crew, ladylike blouse – Guilietta, trendy blouse – Milly, retro blouse – Anthropologie, smart blouse – Anna Sui, casual blouse – J. Crew.

Tweetable Mentions 1.27.12

January 27, 2012

Posted by Linsi Brownson under art, Body, Design, do-it-yourself, doors and windows, Explore, fashion, Gather, interiors, Nurture, Projects

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Blink, flash, poof – Friday. I’ve had a great week and I hope you have too.

This was interesting:

The Disney Princesses got a makeover from @designtaxi

news from designtaxi.com

If Miss O’Hara can make a dress from curtains, you can make a curtain from your bedsheets – from @ShoutWithJoy

Bees go to the Opera from @PureGreenMag

I almost got a pixie cut. Goes like this.

This is where the cool bloggers go but I’m the geeky girl who hides in the bathroom stall listening to their conversations - RT from @simplygrove, @jasminestar

Happy Weekend. Start it early.

Wear This Now – DIY Colorblocking

January 17, 2012

Posted by Nicole L. under accessories, clothing, color story, Create, do-it-yourself, fashion, Inspiration, textiles

1 Comment

Last Fall, the colorblocking trend took over. Because it was a relatively-new trend, bloggers and fashionistas were gleefully putting together dazzling combinations of bright and bold colors – mostly in ways which would have been major faux-pas in preceding years.

The colorblocking trend has returned for the Spring, but this time it’s embracing a more neutral color scheme – which makes it more wearable for non-fashion-bloggers and those who can’t show up to work wearing hot pink and electric blue with a straight face.

This is a good thing, because for far too long, we’ve been clinging to safe beige in our wardrobes and avoiding fun accents of color. Because most ready-to-wear retailers are slow to catch on, DIY might be the only way to wear colorblocking. Below are some of my favorite colorblocking projects.

Credits: dress, shoes, clutch, pants, earrings, necklace, J. Crew skirt, fabric paint.

You know it’s coming…

December 30, 2011

Posted by Linsi Brownson under Celebrate, Design, Eat, fashion, holidays, interiors, Seasonal

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A New Year’s post!

But what kind of a visual artist would I be if I didn’t get all worked up about the shiny, bubbly decor that surrounds our latest holiday? That’s right, I would be just a lame if I ignored the fact that I obviously love me a holiday party.

So, at the risk of this seeming like a cliche, easy post (which it is, and is), here is some New Year’s eye candy from my Pinterest board Holiday Magic.

Get the party started right with a New Years kit (handmade, of course).