How To: Create Your own Embroidered iPhone Case

Learn how to create your own embroidered iPhone case, on the Free People blog.

Hemp Jewelry: Sparking Earthly and Worldly Emotions

Hemp jewelry has been a craft art I have been infatuated with ever since I was a young girl. The rough and in some areas smooth, texture of the cords intrigued me. The smell of mass produced hemp tempted me every time I visited a craft store. Being also that I love beads of all kinds, this was, and still is, a never ending story for me. Some may say that hemp jewelry is a thing of the past, for druggies, or just so overdone that it is not special any more. I would have to disagree, because with the newest color variations of cording and how bold designers are becoming with their creations, the possibilities are endless.

I have found a few shops on Facebook that I enjoy browsing in my spare time. The first one is Hemp~Knotic! jewelry. Michelle Najarro creates one of a kind pieces that are colorful and eye catching. She pays attention to nice design detail and has something for everyone. Her range of work goes from very simple, to very intricate, and her prices are great.

Examples of Ms. Najarro's work

Interestingly, I just stumbled across this page: High on Hemp, on Facebook. My favorite design elements by this company are the encased crystals and semi-precious gemstones in hemp work nets, for pendants, and the nice use of cord colors and beads that contrast well.

Examples of pieces by High on Hemp

If you enjoy hemp jewelry as much as I do, then go ahead and check out these pages. I hope you enjoy what you discover.

Note to readers: This is not a paid review or sponsored article. This article is my own personal opinion.

Feminine Felidae

Are you a cat lover, or secretly a cat hoarder? Learn the ways of the claw with the fanatically interesting book, Cat Lady Chronicles by Diane Lovejoy. Be engrossed with bold and colorful cat images, featuring fine artists from around the world, while learning about a true story of a wonderful woman, that found a new meaning in life with her rescued cats.

My favorite part of the book is when the author mentions, while realizing she is who she is, that there are more important things in life, than material possessions.

"Who am I?" I still carry the Ferragamo tote bag I bought more than a decade ago and acquire affordable antiques for our historic home. It's hard to resist material temptations. But when it comes to the "It" item in my life, it is the interconnections with Lucius, Lydia, Leo, Linus, L.B., Alvar, Lillie, T.J., Perkins and Miss Tommie. Connectivity means much more to me than a command center for communications, a site for bundling electronic interactions. People, pets, art and books enrich our spirits and fuel our lives." (Lovejoy 152)

In chapter eight, Lovejoy reminds us, "...if you are inclined to feed stray cats on a regular basis, ...buy trousers or shorts with deep pockets,...." She notes that she is, "...prepared to feed a hungry cat anytime." (Lovejoy 113)

Here are some lovely fashion choices that may suit you as well:

Dsquared2 Print T-Shirt

Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Intarsia wool and raccoon blend Sweater

Visit the Cat Lady Chronicles Facebook page!

Works cited:

Lovejoy, Diane. "Cat Lady Chronicles." Trans. Array Yarwood Editorial Services. 1st ed. Milan: Officina Libraria srl, 2012. Print.

The World's Longest Social Scarf

Wrapped in Merino is oh so social now, and is on a mission to set a new record. As an irresistible bonus, they are giving away Net-a-Porter gift cards every week!
Check out my addition to the scarf (I'm in the purple) ;)

Add We Love Wool on Facebook!

What do you Think about Style.com/Print?

I received Style.com/Print Fall 2012 magazine in the mail a few months ago, and I have enjoyed it so far. I like "The Top Ten.." sections, but they could have left out the top ten party animals. The lists give a good perspective of the season, and the picture quality is interesting and easy to read. It has a fun and modern layout, which young people enjoy. I wish the section entitled The Trend Report, was a little bit more in depth, but for those that do not care about reading minuscule details, it is perfect. Another cool section is called The Instant Get, which features luxury contests to enter. The magazine also features artwork, information about designers, and street style from various cities. If you have this issue, what do you think about  it? Did it intrigue you to want to purchase a full subscription, or were you unimpressed? I think I like it better than WWD Magazine. Read more about the first issue, and you can purchase your subscription here.

Note: I am not affiliated in any way with Style.com. This is just my opinion based on owning the second issue of this magazine.                         

New Content Coming Soon

Due to my little mishap recently, I decided to continue to update this blog for now, with some new content. I hope you enjoy what the future holds.

New Missoni now available for Pre-Order

Zig zag contrast Dress

Some new and stunning Missoni designs are available for order and pre-order now at Neiman Marcus.

Swirl-Knit Sleevless Dress - created with multicolored swirled crocheted stitches!

My Mistake

Hello everyone,

Please excuse the mess on this blog. I accidently deleted all of my pictures on my blogs, because I removed them from my gallery on my new phone, not knowing it would remove them from my albums online. Please bear with me while I salvage some of my previous posts, by finding the old images and adding them. It will take a few days, and I may delete a few posts. Thank you for your patience.

Jillian

Quick Update - New Links

Don't forget to check out our other blogs and pages:

Adonis Style
Access Adornment
Latin Glamorista
Sappho Style - *new!

Thank you for your readership and support!

Alternative Look: Dolman Sweater with Printed Leggings

Y's Plane cut Knit sweater in Beige - $2, 216 USD (only in size small available)

I usually do not like hats but I liked the way this one looked, with this entire outfit. Something about it screams "this is me, and you have to accept it..". I think this look is very cool with the hat, the buttons down the arm, and the printed leggings. This particular hat looks like a telescope crown with a bit of a wider brim. A fedora or canadian crowned hat would also be just as interesting. You would actually stay rather warm in this, because both pieces consist of wool. The sweater is a wool/cashmere blend.

Get the look:

Cotton & Cashmere Pointelle Sweater - $59.50 USD available in many colors

Y's leggings featured above - $575 USD

BDG Abstract Legging - $39 USD online exclusive

Regarding Operation Helmet Liner

I came across the Yarn Haven website today and it states, on the right hand side bar, that the military is no longer accepting these types of knitted helmet liners. You may or may not have already known this, but this is just a heads up, in case you were wondering. Here is another link to support my findings. The U.S. Military is now issuing its own helmet liners. Thank you to all for your support in helping our troops!

End of Summer - Free Knitting Patterns

Stacked I-Cord Cowl - Vogue Knitting Free Pattern

Aran Coat - Verena Knitting's Free Pattern

Woven Snood by Taryn Nikolic - Free Pattern

Leather and Knitwear

Crop Biker Jacket - $89

Trends indeed come and go, but anything, such as a long, light weight knitted dress, paired with leather is timeless and gives you that raw edge without going over the top. Black on black is always stylish, and I like to wear silver jewelry while wearing black from head to toe.

Get the Look:

Ellos Knit Dress in Dark Grey

BKE Linear Ring 

Note: this ring is adjustable with a stretch but inconspicuous band!

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Recommended sites:

View the latest women's fashion in dresses, footwear, accessories and ellos nightwear at Ellos UK online. Visit Ellos.co.uk and receive free delivery as well as the option to buy now and pay later on purchases.

Missoni for Target

As you all may know, Missoni for Target will be available in stores and online on September 13th and will go through until October 22nd. Love it or hate it, it's coming and I hope you all buy a few pieces. Have fun shopping for one of the most well known knitwear labels in the world!

Missoni creative director Angela Missoni takes a walk down the runway at the conclusion of the Spring/Summer 2012 men's show in Milan.

The Sleek Lady

I couldn't pass up the chance to share some information about this label with you. Lafayette 148 New York dresses a woman impeccably, with style and grace. Click the link above to learn more. Can you believe how sexy and cool these outfits are? You walk into a room wearing something like this, and you are sure to be stared at and remembered.

Alternative Look - Fine Knits

Free People has some of the nicest knitwear I have seen but they're prices are beyond my current budget. Do you like these designs? The Rio Sweater Dress is made of rayon and polymide. I especially like the look of the white tank dress showing beneath it.

My Wardrobe features this long cardigan by Helmut Lang. I like how it is styled here. Care for this item is crucial, however, because it is made of wool.

To finish these looks, try some platform shoeties, monochromatic jewelry, such as black and white or any color really, as long as you keep it to one color with black and white. A small clutch with the eye catching knitted dress above will work, and a oversized handbag with the long cardigan would be fine. I would opt for a bright bag for both since these looks are mainly focusing on black, white and grey.

Verena Knitting's New Knit-A-Long

Verena Knitting is hosting a new knit along for the Autumnal 2011 season. Here is more information taken from my Verena Knitting e-newsletter:

"Yell" Fair Isle Yoke Pullover

by Ursala Marxer, Fall 2011

Sizes: 4/6, 10/12 and 14/16

Yarn: Lana Grossa "Cool Wool 2000" 100% superwash merino; 8 (9-10) balls White; 1 ball each Light Green, Dark Green, Yellow, Lilac and Violet (all sizes). 

"Yell is a fantastic pullover and knits up quickly in worsted weight superwash merino. Fun and engaging for more experienced knitters, Yell is also a great project to start with if you've never tried stranded knitting before."

"Knit this pullover while sharing your successes, your troubles and your photos with other great Verena knitters! Forum discussions will let us all chat with each other and ask for and offer help when necessary. Knit-alongs are always fun and a great way to get in touch with other knitters. And, you'll have a gorgeous Fair Isle yoke pullover when you're done!"

"If you're interested, please send an e-mail to Sara (s.vallejo@vikantpublishing.com) with "Yell KAL" in the subject line for more information!"

"If you've already got a few too many knit-alongs on your plate, don't worry! Yell will be available in our Fall Issue as well, so you can knit it at your leisure."

So what else is new at Verena Knitting? Here is today's free pattern!

"Cable News" is made with Schoeller + Stahl "Big" in the color #7823 Rubin


Have fun with these free patterns and good luck on your KAL!

Alternative Look - Long and Layered

Stay "so cool" with this long motorcycle inspired knitted jacket by Pudel. To create this look, wear it with a tight tube bra or tube top, a dark over sized tank with big gaping arm holes. Some bad ass yet a little baggy jeans such as harem jeans would be great with this look, or you can choose skinny jeans as well. I saw some on the Forward by Revolve website.

Lastly, the coolest option is to find some clunky, floor shattering wedge boots that are shaped to look smaller in width from the front view. They have to look more structural rather than feminine. These black suede wedge boots by Enzo Angiolini would work perfectly well, but I honestly prefer these insane wedge ankle boots by Giuseppe Zanotti just because they look so strange. However they have an astronomical price tag, so buyer be aware and beware! :) The shoes featured on the model here are super cool, but I do not know the designer. Have fun creating your next alternative look!

Claudia Shiffer F/W 2011

The designs featured can be purchased at colette.

***Update: It seems as if they are no longer selling the Claudia Shiffer label. Please contact the website's support team, or search for the label on the internet.

Alternative Look - Modern Jungle

Alexander Wang Bustier in Trench

Superfine Jersey Legging in Moss

Giuseppe Zanotti Platform Pump in Cheetah

Maison Martin Margiela Metal "Wrong Lens" sunglasses in Gold

All of these luxurious pieces can be found at Forward by Revolve