Strange Florals

Strange Floral by accessfashion featuring a floral tank

Jonathan Saunders long sleeve dress, 245 GBP
TopShop floral tank, $50
Jonathan Saunders graphic tank top, $205
Slouchy boot, 125 GBP
Sweety Bird, 90 GBP

Unique floral patterns such as these make any outfit stand out among the crowd of regular drones.

Unlikely Prints

I've been attracted to Rodarte for a long time, and always seem to be engulfed while watching videos or looking at the images of their work.

Wood grain, Spring 2011, for a fabric print shocked, but intrigued me to want to see more.

The cornfields print is such an eerie, dream like idea, and the way it is used in this collection amazes me. I would love to own the grey gown in the Fall 2011 collection. It is so beautiful.

Of course, we cannot forget the knitwear ;) Rodarte really brings women back to the main elements of design in fashion, simply by the expression of the art, and strangely brings us back to our roots.

Stay Safe this coming Spring and Summer

Skin cancer is prevailant in the United States, and sadly, many people die from it each year. The best thing you can do is protect your skin with sunscreens ranging from SPF 15 or higher, and using broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection products.

"SunSoul sun-protective clothing achieves a 50+ Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) with a proprietary fabric that is extremely light-weight, breathable and durable. However unlike any other sun protection apparel line, SunSoul also uses the application of advanced fluorescent technology to offer safe and effective natural solutions to refine skin tone and texture as well as prevent sun-damage and blemishes."

"SunSoul blumöd is the newest activewear for all seasons that uses fluorescent compounds in the fabric to convert UV into beneficial blue light. Wearing the blumöd clothing in the sun only a few hours a week can improve the appearance of blemished, damaged skin."

"Those concerned with premature aging of the skin and who are dealing with thinning or thickening of the skin and "sun spots" are ideal candidates for SunSoul yelomöd. SunSoul's yelomöd transmits infrared light to the skin to help improve skin tone and texture."

Find these products and learn more at SunSoul.com

Flannel - A Perfectly Soft Layer

What the hell is flannel and why would anyone ever want to wear it? When I hear the word "flannel," the first thing that comes to mind is a plaid flannel button down shirt from the 90s. However it is so much more than that, and is so comfortable.

"Flannel is a soft woven fabric, of various fineness. It usually doesn't have a nap, and instead gains its softness through the loosely spun yarn it is woven from. It is commonly used to make clothing, bed sheets, and sleepwear." (source)

Hermes Fall 2009 Ready to Wear collection.

The pants in this image are made of flannel. Check out this entire collection on Style.com (see the link above, under the image). There are some glorious knitted sweaters and stunning leather skirts and dresses. The colors of the leather (of course Hermes is a well known name for luxurious leather goods) are divinely earthy and look soft, supple, and flowing on the body.

Warm Fleece

Are you making any holiday gifts this year? Have you ever used fleece? I like this material because its very warm, and you usually only need to wear that layer with maybe one shirt underneath.

Fleece is made up of napped synthetic fibers. Your regular fleece that you can buy at almost any store, is actually known as polar fleece.

Even though some fleece is very cheap feeling (think the snuggie..you know that thing with the armholes, that acts like a blanket?), you can find some very nice, non synthetic fleece at shops like BlueFly.com, and Nordstrom.

Marios Schwab Fall 2007 Collection - fleece sweater

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Hancock Fabrics is having a big fleece sale right now: http://www.hancockfabrics.com/Fleece_stcVVcatId537261VVviewcat.htm?extid=HAN_EML_20090921_CT_biggestfleeceevent

Also, Hancock Fabrics is celebrating their 52nd anniversary, so enter for your chance to win a $52 gift card from Hancock Fabrics, here:
http://signup.hancockfabrics.com/OpenHouse/B/


MORE LINKS:


Fleece Queen - solid colors are #3.75 a yard.

Pretty Penny Designs - Unique Chokers

Red Vintage Silk Covered Beads Choker
Pink Silk Ruffles Necklace

Pretty Penny Designs is "a jewelry store that brings you brand new vintage jewelry hand crafted by the designer. She uses non-traditional materials such as vintage fabrics, re-purposed buttons, antique lace, tie silk and reclaimed leather. Each piece of this beautiful handmade jewelry will come ready for gift giving in a colorful box with a ribbon."

Also, check out the designers inspiring and fun blog, for great information and tips:

The Pretty Penny

Lilly*blossom "Book Bags"

Lilly*blossom designs showcase quality hand made products, created with the best designer fabrics to date. In addition, each book cover has a cute book mark sewn into it, with added bead embellishments. The beads are perfect for added weight to keep the book mark in place, and give it extra pizazz. What better gift than this?!? Any reader in your life will love and appreciate these book covers as a gift. They are so useful, and easy to carry. I love my "Turquoise and Taupe" cover, and use it daily.

"The Paperback covers are so easy to use and they are unique on the web! Simply slip the front and back cover of your favourite paperback into the cover and use the beaded bookmark to keep your place, close the book and you have a bag! I use them for commuting everyday and they are so eye catching, people often ask where I get them from and if they can buy them! We also sell lots for holidays & travelling - no more struggling to the pool or beach, just slip on your arm and have your hands free for those essential items such as sunglasses and cocktail! Keeps your book splash free." -Helen Newton of Lilly*Blossom Designs

You can purchase directly from the website, and on the Lilly*blossom Etsy page.

Ankar Pocket Squares

Men need to play more (much more) with their accessories. The more selection they have in their wardrobe, the better. Surprise your man with one of these amazing pocket squares by Ankar. Ankar carries quality pocket squares in luxurious linen and silk fabrics, made in Italy.

SunBanditz Batik Headbands

Orchid Gold, Fall 2008 Collection

After wearing ill fitting plastic headbands for hours, you might feel pain and discomfort, as I usually do. Face it, those typical hair accessories may look cute on the rack, but are not fun to wear because they hurt, or don't hold your hair away from your face like you would excpect. SunBanditz headbands are unique because they are made with stunning jewel toned batik fabrics that are so alluring and fresh. They show up perfectly on all shades of hair and skin. They are available in custom sizes and are designed with contours in mind.

Stylish Mode Headbands and Accessories

Stylish Mode's handmade headbands are durable, with heavy and thick fabric and sturdy stitching. This product will last. They keep my hair back as well. They really hug my head and I don't have to worry about my hair falling back in my face. One of the very unique things about Stylish Mode is that the company offers custom sizing, which is perfect because no two heads are the same. This is a sure way to make sure your money is well spent.

Stylish Mode also offers a variety of purses and accessories, all created with expert attention to detail.

Breezy Fabric Choices

Dresses from left to right: 3.1 Phillip Lim silk pleated sleeveless dress, Eco Skin bamboo blend dress, and Rick Owens silk dress.

Accessories from left to right: Twisted Orchid bamboo tote, Gucci bamboo pumps, Christian Louboutin linen and crocodile pumps, and Raw Bags bamboo clutch.

I love how cool linen feels but hate the way it wrinkles. Cotton is always my perfect solution. Bamboo is also another perfect choice and is great for the environment. Silk feels amazing on the skin.