Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Introducing the City of Roses very own Indie Designer, Justine Mutchler



This is the robe I saw Justine (the designer) rocking and fell in love!

It's always exciting to find new boutiques and people watch in Portland.  I always find something that inspires me.  This time I was at an outdoor movie in the park and spotted a fashion maven rocking a jacket (robe)  I had to learn more about.  I approached her and was excited to find out this amazing piece was designed by her!  Brilliant!  I'm getting one and had to share!  The exciting thing is that they are basically one-of-a-kind pieces since the designer, Justine (who has an amazing eye) chooses the fabrics and designs from that.  Ok, I can keep sharing how amazing the designer is...but, I'd love for you to read the interview below and learn a little more about Justine and her designs.

Here's where to find her:
Pinterest
Blog on Tumblr, Get ready to be inspired!
Facebook
Instagram

Q: How did you come up with this style, what is it called?
A: The Boubou. It’s inspired by a traditional West African gown.  
Q : How do you style it?
A : The Boubou can be worn with almost anything in your closet.  If your style is more causal, put it on with some sandals and a romper. If you want to dress it up, you can throw on a dress and some boots. I also wear mine around the house. It looks good, it’s comfortable and it’s versatile.
Q : What inspires your designs?
A :  I get a huge amount of inspiration from traditional ethnic clothing. I have always been attracted to foreign patterns and raw fabrics from around the world.  Indian textiles and architecture have always influenced my style greatly but are not my only inspirations.  I am stimulated by Moroccan prints with vibrant dyes, the traditional female headdresses of Djibouti and Ethiopia, as well as Japanese silk Kimonos and Chinese Hanfus. I am fascinated by all types of leather work, jewelry and Native American printing as well. My interests are rather eclectic and varied - I just like the thought of using exotic textiles and forms to create unique and timeless pieces. 
Q : How do you choose your fabrics?
A : Fabric shopping is often times the first step in my design process.  Almost every one of my designs was inspired by a certain textile or print. Bold, geometric prints have been jumping out at me recently. I’m very attracted to anything with texture and dimension.

An example of how the process goes with choosing the fabrics.
Q : Who would you love to be wearing your pieces?
A :  Anyone adventurous and free spirited!
Q : Which store do you see your items in?  I can so see your jacket at Free People.
A : Thank you! Free People would be a great spot! I would be honored to have any brand accept one of my designs.
***I love to find out where people are hanging out in Portland:). There are soo many cool places to try:). 
Q : What are your favorite places to shop in Portland?
A : Compound, Rock and Rose, Threads Count, Yo Vintage… and of course GoodWill! I’m also a vendor at Red Fox Vintage, come check me out - #39!
Q : What are your favorite places to eat in Portland?
A :  Nicholas – the best Lebanese food you will ever eat. Prasad is another great one – creative and high quality, organic vegan cuisine.
Here are a few of her other designs below.  She will be selling on Etsy soon.  Follow her via her social media accounts to see when items are available.  

These are her recent designs.  Halters inspired from Indian Ghagra tops.

Recreate this look...kinda



I love how Vanessa Jackman usually shares how someone can get the look inspired by someone she's shot on her blog.  I just saw one today's post that I thought would be cool to do and I thought of a dress she didn't think of sharing.

the floral dress:



the Plaid Blazer:

*the catch is it doesn't need to be exact...but, it's fun to find varieties that are vintage on etsy.  

Longer version of blazer more similar to the look above.  Don't forget the skinny belt to cinch.

The wildcard...just go crazy:)

Finally! H&M is selling online!! Here are a few items that caught my eye...


H&M is now selling online!!!

H&M is now selling online!!! by fashionalities featuring h&m earrings

H&M is ONLINE!  Tons of cute items...But, I'm really curious about whether or not they will be offering the trend items we see in select stores and if they will highlight where those items can be found, quick and easy:)  P.S. For anyone who follows me on twitter or facebook you know how I am always sharing about shipping and I did find out that H&M is charging for S&H...$5.95 to be exact.  Lets see if they have a promo for FREE SHIPPING during the first week or day of starting an e-commerce site.

Ace & Jig summer 2013 items on sale now!

Great prices on the amazing Ace & Jig items for Summer 2013 everywhere!  Plus, get the scoop on their really cute items for Fall 2014!!

Find the items at:
Of a Kind
Anthro
Saks
Ace & Jig site 

* I heart the metallics!
I love the layering for the fall collection!


Saturday, July 27, 2013

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

What I bought with the money I won from the Barely There blogger contest



Thank you to everyone who voted for me and helped me win!  I was excited to get third place considering the picture I had to submit since I was out of the country when I had to send in the pictures:)  It was still a fun contest to participate in.

I decided I would purchase something that looks cute and gives back with the $100 I won:)  I found out about a line called IX-Sandals (IX is the Mayan word for water~brilliant!)  that gives back through adorable huaraches that make it so children in Guatemala get clean drinking water.

Use code: REFINERY29 to get 25% off right now!  It helps with the $11 S&H:)




P.S. Barely There now has a project where they are giving back!  With the launch of their new line, Invisible Look, Animal Prints the company donated $25,000 to the World Wildlife Fund to help fund animal conservation efforts.  I'm excited because the company sent me a $50 Pre-Paid card that will allow me to symbolically adopt an animal of my choosing.  Will share more in another post!  It's all about giving back anyway that you can!  

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

My new obsession: kimono cardigans

Nicole Richie has rocked them and blogger, Ascot Friday (check out her blog and feed on instagram) arms them as her mommy gear...I NEED one of these comfy, versatile pieces in my wardrobe now!

Minkpink $100  http://rstyle.me/~cz-CNEP *get $15 off $75 or more using code: summerhigh plus free shipping on purchases over $50!!  
How to style it:





Photos via: Instagram @arnhem_clothing @spell_bryonbay

Monday, July 15, 2013

This is what happens when I'm excited about something I just bought

This bralette is from Buffalo Exchange and less than $20.  I will be wearing this like crazy.  My first look, with my culottes I've had forever:)

Other ways I'll be styling the top:

It's all about keeping it high waisted with a cropped top.  The maxi skirt is a light, sheer fabric.

Tia & Tamera Season 3

I'm so looking forward to Tia & Tamera for their 3rd season on the Style Network!  Last night, for the first episode I LOVED their style, the way I could relate to Tia with a 2 year old and Tamera with a newborn...It will be cool to see how these real deal mommy's stay fit and fab while working and raising young kids. What do you look forward to?

P.S. I want to try out a v-steam:)

#spon


Isabel Marant pour H&M 2013

I'm ready...are you???


Thursday, July 11, 2013

Love affair with straw hats + eugenia kim

This book is on the way and I should have it by Saturday, funny enough.  I am hoping that this is what I'm expecting and will allow me to do some DIY fun with hats since Eugenia Kim hats are a little too expensive for me to buy more than one.  I just bought a straw fedora at the Dollar Tree and can't wait to see if I can create a feather trim hat with directions from the designer  herself:)  We shall see how that goes.


Here are a few of the hats I'm LOVING right now!
Bianca feather-trimmed straw fedora (I really, really want this one...I spied it on Instragram on Satine Boutique's posts.  They have the best outfit inspiration posts EVER!)

Eugenia Kim - Craig (Natural) - Hats (This is the hat I want to use as my inspiration for my first-ever DIY feather fedora.  Lets see how it goes:)