Archive for March, 2009

Lately I’ve been spending a lot of time on Etsy, especially after Holly Stalder’s gorgeous dress helped me win the IFB Dress Up contest (pictured below). There’s something about discovering unique items that aren’t available via mainstream retailers that’s really exciting. However, the discovery part can be overwhelming since there are so many shops to explore.

In an effort to help spread the word on some of my favorites, I’m going to post about Etsy designers as they catch my attention. To kick things off, I’ll start with three: Holly Stalder, I Heart Norwegian Wood and Lilian Asterfield.

Holly Stalder

Shop: hollystalder.etsy.com 

Price Range: Approximately $55 – $420 

Many of you might recall the white lace ruffle dress I wore to the IFB Dress Up Soiree at New York Fashion Week. It’s now available for custom orders through Holly’s shop along with several other eccentric, detailed pieces. Holly is a finalist in Etsy’s Spring Fashion Contest – go here to vote for her.

I Heart Norwegian Wood

Shop: iheartnorwegianwood.etsy.com

Price range: Approximately $35 – $115

This designer offers a wide range of accessories including harness vests, cage skirts, fringe necklaces and edgy printed tights. I’ve been contemplating a harness vest for a couple of weeks – just need to decide which color. I Heart Norwegian Wood is also featured in Etsy’s Spring Fashion Contest – vote here. Special thanks to Jennine for introducing me.

Lilian Asterfield

Shop: lilianasterfield.etsy.com

Price Range:  Approximately $18 – $120

Nicole Deponte gives a whole new meaning to up-cycling with her ultra femme neckties, belts and other accessories. I have my eye on a few of the ties. Nicole was featured in DailyCandy Boston’s Sweetest Things of 2008 a few months ago. I found out about this designer through PunkyStyle.

Not surprisingly, just after setting our clocks an hour forward for Daylight Savings, Seattle’s temperature dropped and welcomed snow and ice with open arms. Living in an unpredictable climate my entire life has taught me the importance of building a versatile wardrobe – knowing what pieces can carry through all four seasons.

Before it started snowing on Sunday, the weather was actually gorgeous. Thinking it was a little too good to be true, I dressed prepared in one of my new favorite no-fail looks: t-shirt dress, winter leggings (thicker than normal leggings), boots, long jacket and a hat.

A few weeks ago, I spotted this amazing cape-like jacket by BCBGirls at Macy’s. While I loved it enough to pay full price, after a 70% discount, it only cost about $60. The pocket tee dress is also new purchase from Forever 21 and at just $12.80, I highly recommend everyone pick one up ASAP.

Wearing:

• T-shirt dress: Forever 21
• Jacket: BCBGirls 
• Winter leggings: AA
• Boots: Report (from two years ago)
• Hat: Bebe
• Necklace: Forever 21
• Bag: Target (also new purchase)

Exciting news! I got first place in the Independent Fashion Bloggers “Dress Up” contest from New York Fashion Week, which means I’m about to be a proud owner of the Vivienne Tam HP digital clutch!

Thank you so much to all those who took the time to vote. It’s the perfect tool for a fashion blogger, which will make posts while traveling a lot easier. I’ll let you know more about the fashionable gagdet once I receive it.

Click here to see the rest of the winners from the contest.

Special thanks to Jennine for putting on the soiree and contest, to HP for contributing the prize, to WendyB for shipping it to me and thanks again to all who voted.

My final day of New York was spent shopping and wandering around (I finally went to Zara for the first time) before attending Vivienne Tam’s Fall 2009 show at her store in Soho.

Since I had to head straight to the airport from the show, I wanted to wear something comfortable enough for a six hour flight. I decided to wear a navy boat neck dress by SPUN (the dress version of my favorite shirt) with Winter Leggings from American Apparel, black boots and fun accessories. Good thing I didn’t do much on the hair and make-up front considering it was raining and I, a Seattle girl, forgot my umbrella.

On my way to Vivienne Tam’s boutique, as I was heading for the subway in the rain with my suitcase, I overheard someone say “Jordana.” I turned around and it was Julia of Fashion Pulse Daily, who I had met the night before at Digital Moda. As it turns out, she was on her way to the Vivienne Tam show too! On top of that, she’s a native New Yorker, which allowed me to breathe a huge sigh of relief since I wasn’t quite sure where I was going.

There were already a ton of people there when we arrived, so it was a bit of a stuggle lugging my suitcase in. After stashing it in a corner, Dina of Eye4Style and Sarah of StyleIt (both working at the event) gave me the master tour and helped me squiggle my way to the front so I could see the collection up close and personal.

What I loved most about attending the show was witnessing firsthand the clear efforts Vivienne Tam has made to embrace fashion bloggers. Part of this has been evident through her partnership with HP in designing the digital clutch – talk about the perfect marriage of fashion and tech.

As for Vivienne Tam’s Fall 2009 collection, I absolutely loved it! Most of the pieces are versatile and can either be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. I also love that she incorporated vibrant reds and purples into the line because most fall colors are a tad depressing.

Check out all the photos from the show here (courtesy of Vivienne Tam’s Flickr feed).  

The geek in me is really impressed with HP. They sponsored a blogging station at the show and two of their spokepeople, Walt and Kerry (pictured below), gave me a demo of their new line of ultra chic TouchSmart computers.

Since I had to catch a flight, I didn’t get to stay long enough to post from the blogging stations while I was there, but I definitely plan to take advantage of them in the future.

Overall, my trip to New York was short and sweet, but I’m looking forward to going full force for the Sping/Summer 2010.

Special thanks to Dina of Eye4Style and Sarah of StyleIt for inviting me and showing me around. Also, thanks to Beka of reLYME for getting my outfit pic.