BAG: Dolce & Gabbana, $1775
DRESS: Matthew Williamson, $421
EARRINGS: Lisa Stewart Palm Beach, $85
MINAUDIERE:Judith Lieber, $ 4,995
Friday, June 29, 2012
Monday, June 25, 2012
Spotlight On: KateDesign with Maria Darby & Kate Spencer
A friend of mine reached out to me to make sure I wasn't missing the next big thing and I'm so glad she did! (Thanks Hillary!) I have a scarf collection to rival anyone's and am always on the look out for new and exciting scarf companies. When I was directed to Kate Design I swooned - gorgeous, unique pieces of artwork interpreted on the softest of cashmeres. Check out my chat with Kate Spencer and Maria Darby of Kate Design.
{beautiful, beautiful prints!}
{beautiful, beautiful prints!}
How did the two of you get together to create Kate Design?
Maria: I met Kate on a visit to St Kitts with my in-laws (they had
known her for a few years). She hosted us for New Year's lunch,
beginning midday and we just wouldn't leave we were having so much
fun! And we came back two days later to do it again! Her husband,
Phillip, makes the best sour orange rum punch. It's hard not to fall
in love with Kate and her work, so when she asked if I was interested
in helping her move into other mediums it was an easy 'Yes'! At the
time I was working for a consulting company in New York, but hoped to
eventually start my own business one day. It was the perfect
opportunity.
Maria: I met Kate on a visit to St Kitts with my in-laws (they had
known her for a few years). She hosted us for New Year's lunch,
beginning midday and we just wouldn't leave we were having so much
fun! And we came back two days later to do it again! Her husband,
Phillip, makes the best sour orange rum punch. It's hard not to fall
in love with Kate and her work, so when she asked if I was interested
in helping her move into other mediums it was an easy 'Yes'! At the
time I was working for a consulting company in New York, but hoped to
eventually start my own business one day. It was the perfect
opportunity.
{Maria, left, and Kate}
Kate, where do you get your inspiration?
Kate: I am very lucky. I always have lots of ideas. Once you are able
to draw, then you realise you can adapt most things into a design. I
like things hand drawn or painted so they are not computer accurate.
For example, in the Seahorses scarf, the seahorses are all different,
not just one seahorse repeated, but one fat seahorse and a tall
seahorse, etc. Two of the West Indies Collection designs are to do
with the sea. I look at the sea everyday and I am fearful it. I always
think of the world below... The other day I swam ashore late afternoon
and a diver said he had just seen a magnificent huge sting ray. I
shivered in fear and all night I saw that sting ray in my head. It
will be a design soon!
Kate: I am very lucky. I always have lots of ideas. Once you are able
to draw, then you realise you can adapt most things into a design. I
like things hand drawn or painted so they are not computer accurate.
For example, in the Seahorses scarf, the seahorses are all different,
not just one seahorse repeated, but one fat seahorse and a tall
seahorse, etc. Two of the West Indies Collection designs are to do
with the sea. I look at the sea everyday and I am fearful it. I always
think of the world below... The other day I swam ashore late afternoon
and a diver said he had just seen a magnificent huge sting ray. I
shivered in fear and all night I saw that sting ray in my head. It
will be a design soon!
Who is the woman you are designing for?
Kate: In many ways, it's me. I have lived in the West Indies for a
long time but often travel, either on boats or back to Europe. I like
to travel light. I have always thought that when you go on holiday to
a hot climate you only really need one warm item. Nights in the
tropics can be quite cool, if you start the night off with a strappy
dress you will definitely need a warm shawl by the end of the night,
especially if you are on a yacht. I like the drama of larger scarves
and of course they are lovely and warm on planes too.
Kate: In many ways, it's me. I have lived in the West Indies for a
long time but often travel, either on boats or back to Europe. I like
to travel light. I have always thought that when you go on holiday to
a hot climate you only really need one warm item. Nights in the
tropics can be quite cool, if you start the night off with a strappy
dress you will definitely need a warm shawl by the end of the night,
especially if you are on a yacht. I like the drama of larger scarves
and of course they are lovely and warm on planes too.
The scarves are larger than I expected. What was the thought behind
it's generous size?
it's generous size?
Maria: We wanted Kate's art to have a large 'canvas' which is of
course the fabric in this case. The scale is impactful. The size (50in
x 60in) makes them much more than a scarf really. We've had customers
tell us they use them as a blanket, drap them on the wall as art and
wear the Double layers as dresses. We are glad they are so versatile!
course the fabric in this case. The scale is impactful. The size (50in
x 60in) makes them much more than a scarf really. We've had customers
tell us they use them as a blanket, drap them on the wall as art and
wear the Double layers as dresses. We are glad they are so versatile!
{gorgeous when unfolded}
{and when knotted!}
What's a day like for you, Maria, when it comes to running a small business?
Maria: Not as glamours as Kate's! I wish I were the creative genious
living in the islands and on a boat! But in all seriousness, it's so
much fun. I love the variety, independence, flexibility and reward
that comes with just being two of us behind it. Usually I start the
morning with my coffee responding to emails. There is lots of back and
forth with our partners, Kate and I, inquiries from
boutiques/customers, etc. Then, I fill online orders to be shipped out
that day. I love a nice lunch break so enjoy meeting a friend or my
husband for lunch…then back to work! It's a pretty great set-up.
Maria: Not as glamours as Kate's! I wish I were the creative genious
living in the islands and on a boat! But in all seriousness, it's so
much fun. I love the variety, independence, flexibility and reward
that comes with just being two of us behind it. Usually I start the
morning with my coffee responding to emails. There is lots of back and
forth with our partners, Kate and I, inquiries from
boutiques/customers, etc. Then, I fill online orders to be shipped out
that day. I love a nice lunch break so enjoy meeting a friend or my
husband for lunch…then back to work! It's a pretty great set-up.
{the seahorse, wrapped}
Kate, you are British -did you attend the Queen's Jubilee?
Kate: Yes in fact! It was an unbelievable atmosphere, quite ridiculous
really. Never knew the British were so soppy! It was bloody freezing
but it made the royal barge look quite ethereal and timeless.
really. Never knew the British were so soppy! It was bloody freezing
but it made the royal barge look quite ethereal and timeless.
{Ed's note: amazing! So jealous!}
What's next for the brand?
Kate: I have so many things I want to do -- from more scarves, to
robes, to pottery and placemats, to prints. The next collection will
still reflect my signature painting style but we'll mix things up a
bit in size and texture - stay tuned!
To purchase these beautiful, unique scarves, please visit http://www.katedesign.com/.
xx
Friday, June 22, 2012
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Wowza - Songza! A Ridiculously Cool App You Need Right Now
So a couple of weekends ago I was hanging out at a friend of a friend's barbecue. I didn't know the crowd well so I got to talking to another party-goer who looked as awkward as I did. He was in the music technology industry which is so far from anything I understand so I was completely fascinated.
His app and website is Songza, which he and a partner produced rather recently - he let me in that it was growing exponentially since it's conception. I know nothing about music but he assured me it was different than Pandora and way better. I downloaded it and forgot about it.
Until this week. This app is SO cool! Instead of being like Pandora and using an algorithm to find you songs, these play lists are curated by music experts. Most people I know in the music biz tend to like classic and then really cool stuff, into which Britney and Gaga do not fall.
But this is really different. Songza registers what time it is and asks you what you're doing and what you'd like to listen to. For example, it asked me two questions tonight:
And then you just go! I was completely and totally surprised by the awesome music they chose for me - it was like having a really awesome music friend play DJ. I cannot stress enough how COOL this app is!
Here's a sampling of their other playlists I found while browsing:
You could spend hours looking at the play lists - but you surely don't have to with the way the music is edited. I mean, who can say no to something that's
a) free
and
b) played SKEE-LO in my wake up 90's music??
xx
Friday, June 15, 2012
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Dad's Day is June 17th
Daddy's Day is this Sunday, June 17th - what are you getting your dad? It's so hard to buy for men in general, but dads are triple tough. The answer is always the same: "If I wanted it, I would have bought it for myself." So, to get around this (and get around spending silly money on "World's Greatest Dad" mugs) try buying an experience for him and you to share. There are tons of companies out there and the good news is that they have outposts in cities across America. I've picked out a few of my favorites.
How about bull riding in Atlanta?
$440 buys your dad a day at bull riding school.
4 laps for $225 sounds like a deal!
A gourmet Georgetown walking tour could be something for you both to do.
$134 per person sounds like a fun afternoon.
Or a flight lesson in Dallas for only $200 might make him giddy!
Archery for two will set you back only $65
Or Dad can borrow a Harley for a day for only $200!
And finally, GREAT AMERICAN DAYS
Try skydiving in New Jersey for only $229
What are you planning on getting your father?
Monday, June 11, 2012
I'm a Look Lab Fashion Insider!
Exciting news - I'm part of an online fashion community called LOOK LAB where you can pose all your fashion questions to "experts" like me! There is a range of styles and points of view on the site so if you're not into bows and Manolos like me, then you can find perhaps someone edgier out of Milan. The service is free and open to both men and women. Have fun posing your fashion questions!
Check out some of my current responses to guys and gals using the site - for day drinking at The Standard or a Nantucket clam bake or even an amateur sailing trip - Look Lab is a fashion resource you should be using now!
xx
Kate for Less: Dress Like the Duchess
I had a very special request from a friend of mine, Ms. Blake, who thinks "Princess Chic" is now going to be her signature style. Well done, you! as the Brits would say. For the first time, I put together a lovely Polyvore page of Kate-like items - all under $100. I've used Polyvore in the past as a search tool, but never really used it to make mock FOB (front-of-book - like the trend pages in a magazine) pages. Pretty neat! Here are Kate's basic outfit elements:
1. A colorful (usually) dress. This is said to be a directive from the Queen - you want to wear colors so that people far away can spot you.
2. Minimal, classic accessories. We all know that Kate loves those nude LK Bennett pumps and I have to agree, even though many of my friends shutter at the thought of a nude pump. (Boring!) But I think that's the point - she doesn't want to look dated, ever, when looking back on photos. Diana was usually very good about this, so I think she might be following her husband's mother here.
She also hardly wears jewelry - again, I wouldn't want to look back either 2, 5, 10 years from now and be like, what was that weird tribal necklace thing? But she does get crazy with the fascinators and hats because, well, she can. And those will always look outrageous!
3. Shiny hair. I want it. I hate her for having it. I ask for it every time and get limp locks. wa.
Blake, my darling - enjoy!
Friday, June 8, 2012
Friday Files: Raffia
WEDGES: Nine West, $99
SKIRT: Burberry Prorsum, $1995
BANGLES: Madewell, $8.50
CLUTCH: Rebecca Minkoff, $195
WEDGES: Alaia, $1765
HAT: ModCloth, $33
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
My Baby Blog is Three Today!
Hard to believe it, but I started this blog three years ago on a long bus trip to DC. Thank you to everyone that has been part of Where The Style Things Are's success!
I put together some of my most poignant and favorite posts. Enjoy! xo
We shopped for
dresses and
one pieces after I learned to make flip books.
I lamented the state of the airline industry and gave tips to dress appropriately on flights.
I revealed my secret love of The Bachelor and posted Sh*t Fashion Girls Say so I could easily watch it 70 times a day.
I got to guest post at one of my favorite sites, The Zhush, and had several guest posts from blog friends including this one about men's fashion.
I organized a new office and went to Mexico City.
I featured friends doing great things including Annie Griffin and Lindsay Cowles.
I tried to hit every preppy interiors staple and make Ikea interesting.
I explored every inch of New York and made gift guides for every occasion.
And I got to share it all with you! So thanks for the past three years - and I'll keep at it as long as I have it in me and I have an interested audience!
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Two Things To Love Today: His & Hers Shirt and Sticky Buddy
I think these two things are especially rad today:
The perfect-fitting man's shirt made for a woman (not too tailored!)
$98.00
And the infamous Sticky Buddy! The best thing $10 can buy. I LOVE this thing. I just lint rolled the entire couch, washed it, and rolled the pillows.
$10
Friday, June 1, 2012
Lupus Awareness Month Ends - With Me!
Happy Friday and First of June to you all - and happy birthday to a dear friend of mine, Megan Grinstead!
Yesterday marked the end of lupus awareness month, but I got one last appearance in to support the SLE Lupus Foundation on WABC with a longtime favorite of mine, Dr. Jay Adlersburg. He was so great and I had a wonderful time doing this segment! Please watch and remember throughout the year (not just May) to help spread awareness. I'm off my lupus soapbox after this, promise! xx
Friday Files: Stripes
SUNGLASSES: Forever 21, $5.80
DRESS: Sonia by Sonia Rykiel, $295
BAG: Marc by Marc Jacobs, $143
CUFF: Lacoste, $115
DRESS: Marc by Marc Jacobs, $484
WATCH: Anne Klein, $55
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