Friday, July 15, 2011

a few minutes with designer Melissa Akey of Thread Social

Melissa Akey, owner & designer, of Thread Social has the kind of personality that makes you feel like you have known her your whole life...although you have just met.  She makes you feel completely at ease with her cool, kind, down to earth personality.  Did I mention, beautiful and effortlessly stylish!  I had the chance to meet Melissa a couple of months ago and knew that a Q&A with her would be informative as well as lots of fun!  Check it out below and be sure not to miss Thread's Fall, Holiday & Resort 2011 collection which is amazing!  NEWS FLASH...be on the lookout for their little girls' line that is currently in the works...can you stand it???!!!  Thread Social can be found locally at Beanie + Cecil or online through Thread Social as well as shopbop. Happy Friday!  I hope each of you have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo,
helen

Melissa Akey of Thread Social

HW:  Who is your greatest fashion influence?

Melissa:  Marc Jacobs, Coco Chanel, Alber Elbaz, Consuelo Castiglioni.

HW:  Do you have any fashion muses?

Melissa:  Kate Moss, Diane Kruger, Kate Bosworth come to mind. Their style feels effortless and they always seem to get it right, on and off the red carpet.

HW:  What are your must haves for fall?

Melissa:  Thread Social feather print tea length paneled dress and Lurex Chiffon capelet dress.

HW:  What’s your top tried-and-true beauty product or must?

Melissa:  Ooh… I have so many favorites but I’m very loyal...


I love Tata Harper’s all natural skin care line. Crème de La Mer, Nars orgasm blush, Laguna bronzer and red square matte lip pencil (all of my color is pretty much Nars!), YSL mascara and I’ve recently discovered Clinique’s moisture surge tinted moisturizer which is fantastic. It’s light and creamy but provides excellent coverage.

HW:  Describe your style in 5 words or less.

Melissa:  Eclectic, forward, playful, comfortable, fresh.

HW:  Are you currently reading any good books?

Melissa:  I’m going back and forth between The Savage City and The Happiness Project.

HW:  Where are your favorite places to shop?

Melissa:  Net-a-Porter.com, Barneys New York, Topshop and Zara for great inexpensive finds.

HW:  Sweet or Savory?

Melissa:  Savory hands down (I’ve never met a French fry I didn’t like;). Although now that I’m pregnant I need a little of both!

HW:  If you could travel anywhere in the world – where would you go & why?

Melissa:  This is a tough one to narrow down as there is still so much of the world I’d like to discover. In the near future I’d love to visit South Africa, Egypt and Morocco.

HW:  Favorite era?

Melissa:  1970s.

HW:  What’s your favorite part of your job?

Melissa:  Having a great partner and working with a great group of women. Everyone is very supportive and relaxed yet motivated and proactive.

HW:  What is your greatest extravagance?

Melissa:  Travel, hands down. Luckily I have a husband who also wants to see the world. That’s always helpful;)

HW:  Do you have a favorite motto?

Melissa:  Don’t sweat the small stuff, and it’s all small stuff.


business partners & friends Melissa Akey & Beth Blake of Thread Social


Melissa's Must Haves for Fall

Thread Social feather print tea length paneled dress
 &

 Lurex Chiffon capelet dress

Thursday, July 14, 2011

These Are Days

The 10,000 Maniacs song was our farewell song.  The picture below brings back fond memories of that special day.  Including my major dilemma...a quest to find a "cool" pair of white shoes to pair with our traditional white dresses.  Not an easy task, I might add.  Funny the things you remember...here's to SMC!  The tradition continues!
 
News & Observer columnist Lori Wiggins wrote an article in the N&O on graduation morning about Saint Mary’s commencement, “The pomp and circumstance features traditions that define the school’s history and keep alumnae close.”

“Graduation has vestiges of tradition no other ceremony has,” said Theo Coonrod. “It’s the celebration of the feminine spirit. It’s about honoring and celebrating.”


the white, lace handkerchief drops symbolizing the end of another school year

Oh, I almost forgot...while, in general, I don't love white shoes...I can hardly wait to scuff up a new pair of white sneakers.  If I had to choose a pair today, they would more than likely be something like these pretty rockin' Christian Louboutin mary janes... 

christian louboutin mad mary janes





OR


brian atwood from s/s 2011 collection





OR



christian louboutin deva - better in black...no???


Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Skinny Dipping

As the mercury rises (it's supposed to feel like 108 degrees today), can you think of anything more carefree, fun & refreshing than skinny dipping?















Monday, July 11, 2011

woof woof

Photo: Broadway Barks 13


Broadway Barks was founded by Bernadette Peters and Mary Tyler Moore out of their love and passion for animals.  The foundation promotes the adoption of shelter animals with a focus on education in regards to responsible pet ownership, spaying & neutering as well as the importance of pet identification.  Bernadette Peters recently promoted the 13th Annual Broadway Barks event, held this weekend in NYC, on Live with Regis & Kelly. She is the author of two children's books.  Her most recent book, Stella is a Star, as well as New York Times bestseller Broadway Barks.
Both are available for purchase on Amazon.com

Bernadette Peters signing a copy of Broadway Barks for Kate

bernadette peters with kramer




Sunday, July 10, 2011

Loving...JADEtribe Nicole Tote

"A little bit beach-y, a little bit bohemian jet set, and 100 percent natural and ethical, JADEtribe is the true embodiment of fashion with a conscience. Whether it’s the handbag repurposed from hand embroidered baby carrier cloths, the hand braided jewelry that jingles or the organically dyed, hand loomed textiles, each element of JADEtribe carries a piece of Kimberly’s heart and the hearts of the women whose lives have improved by making it."


JADEtribe Nicole Tote



kimberly hartman

Check out the post below from shopbop blog - blog.shopbop.com 
Founded in 2009, JADEtribe’s handmade bags and jewelry are the result of designer Kimberly Hartman’s journey across Asia. To learn more about the line’s unique origins, I asked Kimberly about her travels, the process of making these one-of-a-kind pieces, and how her eco-friendly accessories help the women who created them.

JADEtribe designer Kimberly Hartman in Laos, helping with the production of the Nicole Tote


You founded JADEtribe after a long trip through Asia. What was the origin of the line?
"In 2008, I decided to spend some time traveling after working sixteen years in the fashion industry. My plan was to discover a new part of the world, and at the same time I had a dream to create my own collection. While in India, I was inspired by the many tribes I met, and the word tribe really resonated with me–a group of like-minded people, sharing the same values, living in a community. Two months later, I was in Laos thinking of a name for my company, something Asian–a color, flower, or something representative of the cultures around me. I have always loved the name Jade, it happens to be good luck in Asia, and it was green! Being ecologically minded was important to me in launching my own collection, and there in Laos it all came together."
What drew you to Southeast Asia in particular, and what made you decide to work with artisans there?
"I had been traveling for three months through India, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand when I decided to return to Laos. I fell in love with the hand-woven textiles I first encountered while in the capital city, Vientiane, so I returned to explore the beautifully picturesque village of Luang Prabang. It was there that I took a course on natural dyeing and hand-weaving. The techniques used by these women have been passed down through many generations, and provide a source of income while preserving their cultural talents. I experienced firsthand that if women are empowered and have financial opportunities, they are able to contribute to a more comfortable life for their families and provide an education for their children."

Nicole Tote, before & after


From start to finish, what goes into creating a handmade bag like the Nicole Tote?
"The Nicole Tote was the first JADEtribe bag created. The incredible women of the Ban Nayang village grow cotton in their village, which is harvested, de-seeded, and spun into yarn. Leaves from the indigo plant and bark from local trees are used to create the organic dyes that color the yarns. The wooden handlooms take one to two days to be set with the traditional “hook” pattern of the Nicole bag, and then the ladies begin to weave. The finished textiles are then sewn by women in a village near Luang Prabang, and we use organic cotton to create the handles and line the bag."
JADEtribe bags and jewelry are known for being both stylish and sustainable. Could you tell us more about how the line is ethically made?
"JADEtribe products are all either hand-made, hand-woven, recycled, or refashioned, and all are created at a fair trade price. I have met and developed my products with families, not factories. Two different families in Thailand produce JADEtribe jewelry: all bracelets are braided by hand, using hand-hammered sterling silver beads or brass beads, bells, and shells. Also in Thailand, I began to refashion parts of traditional textiles into handbags. I use collars, sleeves, aprons, and the most exquisite baby carrier cloths and repurpose them into fashionable bags. Each original tribal textile is one of a kind, so every JADEtribe handbag is unique."
BUY LOCAL:


that iconic cherry logo


Bonpoint's cherry logo is an iconic symbol of luxury children's wear.  Check out their website today for special summer savings of 30-50% off regular prices.  Shop baby, girl, boy and don't miss the Yam line for older children and mums.
My summer basket





Look n° 1
look No. 1

Look n° 12
look No. 10
Look n° 16
look No. 9








Friday, July 8, 2011

Summer Friday Cocktail Series

My Dad is well known for his Bloody Mary's.  In the past, we have talked about bottling the stuff!  Equally  yummy all year round today's Summer Friday Cocktail feature is a nod to this old family recipe.  Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!  I have lots of exciting stuff lined up for next week including my Q&A with Thread Social designer Melissa Akey.  I am so excited to share!  Melissa is so chic and super cool!  'til next week...Ciao!
helen

e-stationery from iomoi

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Moss Wears Galliano

Style Goddess, Kate Moss, married rocker Jamie Hince over the July 4th weekend.  In what appears, from all of the pictures I have seen, to be a very down to earth - English country - wedding...Kate wore a beautiful, vintage-inspired wedding dress and floor length veil designed by her friend, John Galliano.  The dress was cut on the bias with a lovely cream colored bodice and slightly sheer skirt with exquisite gold embroidery in a natural, earthy pattern of leaves.  The groom wore a custom made suit designed by Stefano Pilati for YSL.  Kate's daughter, Lila Grace, (along with the other bridesmaids) wore very sweet, age appropriate dresses by Christine Innamorato for Bonpoint (a favorite for beautiful, luxurious children's clothing!) Enjoy the photos below!  The sophisticated, elegant and always provocative Moss doesn't disappoint, in my opinion.  She looks beautiful, sexy, comfortable and happy!!!  Can you say OBSESSED?  Ha!

rehearsal dinner - kate in vintage...so cool, chic!
mum and daughter
sophisticated, elegant and, of course, a bit provocative...love, love, love the sheer mid-thigh silhouette!
vintage-inspired veil...perfection!


amazing hem detail
bridesmaids wore ivory chiffon dresses embroidered with rosebuds by bonpoint
so sweet!
love this pic!

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