Pick 3

A great pair of flats, a comfortable wedge and a dressy heel, if you buy wisely that's all you should need, for shoes, to carry you fashionably and comfortably through the season (seasons for shoppers like me) I tend to buy season-less items that can, for the most part, be worn all-year-round.  That will justify a more expensive item for me.
The Balenciaga button flat pictured below is classic!  Pair them with a black cigarette pant, jodhpurs or your favorite skinny jeans and you'll be looking fantastic all year long.  It's high price tag could be justified if you wear them for the next several seasons.
What can I say?  I have always been a sucker for anything leopard.  In my opinion, it's a classic print that never goes out of style.  And finally, a pale, metallic, goes with everything, heel for your dressier occasions. The Via Spiga Fantastic reminds me of Michelle Pfeiffer a la Scarface 1983...HOT!
Isn't the back detail of the Louboutin wedge fantastic?  It reminds me of another fashion detail that I have yet to tire of - the exposed zipper.   The shoes below would be considered high end but there are obviously countless options in all price ranges.  Why not wish for the best!

balenciaga button flat
http://www.barneys.com/Button-Ballet-Flat/500674615,default,pd.html

christian louboutin - peanut
http://www.barneys.com/Peanut/500181629,default,pd.html

christian louboutin: back detail

via spiga - fantastic
http://www.viaspiga.com/content.aspx?contentID=99099_shop#key=fantastic

something for the gentleman

With the Royal Wedding still on the brain (and some sacred quiet time while my daughter is napping) I thought something for the fellas would be appropriate.  I was completely unaware of the history of the tuxedo and during my research discovered the story behind its creation from London's bespoke tailor Henry Poole. 

In 1860, Henry Poole made a short evening or smoking jacket for the Prince of Wales to wear at informal dinner parties at Sandringham. In 1886, a Mr. James Potter of Tuxedo Park, New York visited London and subsequently was invited by the Prince to spend a weekend at Sandringham. He was also advised that he could have a smoking jacket made by the Prince’s tailors, Henry Poole & Co.
When the Potters returned to New York, Mr. Potter proudly wore his new smoking jacket at the Tuxedo Park Club and fellow members soon started having copies made for themselves which they adopted as their informal uniform for club “stag” dinners. As a result, the dinner jacket became known as the Tuxedo.  http://www.henrypoole.com/

Henry Poole



What dreams are made of

Although the official wedding picture will not be released until tomorrow, as promised, here are a few pictures of the stunning Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, on her wedding day.

The dress:  Kate chose British designer Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen to design her wedding dress and according to style reports she couldn't have made a better choice.  I couldn't agree more!  Kate looked simply stunning!

Kate's dress is made with ivory and white satin gazar.  The skirt mimics an opening flower, with white satin gazar arches and pleats.  The ivory satin bodice, which is narrowed at the waist and padded at the hips, is reflective of the Victorian tradition of corsetry and is a hallmark of Alexander McQueen's designs.  The lace applique for the bodice and skirt was handmade and included hand cut English lace and French Chantilly lace.  This created a unique and organic design which incorporated the rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock.  Kate's veil is made of layers of soft, ivory tulle with a trim of hand embroidered flowers which was held perfectly in place by a Cartier tiara.  Source: Hilary Moss, Style News Editor at The Huffington Post
 
The jewels: Kate's jewelry was also simple and stunning.  Brilliantly and seamlessly combining old and new.

The Cartier "Halo" diamond tiara was made in 1936 and was purchased by The Duke of York (later King George VI)  for his Duchess (later Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother) just three weeks before he succeeded his brother as King.  Princess Elizabeth received the tiara from her mother on her 18th birthday.  Kate's earrings, custom made by Robinson Pelham, were a gift from her parents and were inspired by her family's new coat of arms.  Catherine's traditional wedding band is made by Wartski and is purely Welsh gold.   Source: Hilary Moss, Style News Editor at The Huffington Post

The bouquet:  A long lover of flowers and their symbolism I couldn't pass up the opportunity to include the details of Kate's bouquet which included Lily-of-the-Valley = return of happiness; Sweet William = Gallantry; Hyacinth = Constancy of Love; Ivy = fidelity, marriage, wedded love, friendship & affection and Myrtle which is the emblem of marriage and love.  A sprig of myrtle has been used in the bouquets of all royal brides since Queen Victoria.  The sprigs for the bouquets come from the same myrtle bush she planted on the Isle of Wight in 1845.     

 

Goldbug Studio

If you can manage to pull yourself away from Royal Wedding TV coverage tomorrow Goldbug Studio's FOLLYSTORE begins their annual sale at 11:00 am.  The production studios warehouse space opens only once a year to the public.  Goldbug Studio + FOLLYSTORE are located in Raleigh's Five Points  - 518 Pershing Road.  If you can't make it on Friday, don't panic, the sale will continue through the end of May.
FOLLYSTORE hours through May 31 are: Monday-Friday 11-4 and Saturdays 11-6. 

http://www.goldbugstudio.com/

Goldbug Studio designs have been featured in Barneys NY and have also been spotted in the office of Jenna Lyons, creative director of J.Crew.  Don't miss this unique opportunity-it only happens once a year.
Below are a few of my favorites and some of Goldbug Studios bestselling pieces.

embellished animal masks

 Alphabet City Series Crown of J's as seen in Jenna Lyons office at right

Jenna Lyons - creative director of J.Crew

glass glitter birds

golden swan place card holders

glitter snowflake

i heart

In 2007 Claiborne Swanson moved from San Francisco to New York where she worked as Anna Wintour’s assistant. After getting married in 2009, she left Vogue and began pursuing her love of photography.  Frank's photography exhibition "Indigo Light" features an installation of 29 portraits - all of women closest to Claiborne, like her sisters Veronica Beard and Alexis Trania.

“Fashion has always had a strong presence in my photography,” "it is not meant to dominate the portrait but instead add dimension –  My goal is to find something that takes your breath away… I dream to shoot my vision of spirit and soul.  I set out to take portraits that capture women in their greatest beauty and truth, whatever that may be.”

The photographs below immediately struck and inspired me...even taking me back to my own college days when I was studying photography.  My 1998 photography exhibition was part of my final graduation project and these photographs remind me in many ways of the fashion images I photographed, developed and installed over ten years ago.  

On a second note if you are not familiar with Claiborne's sister's label, Veronica Beard, be sure to check out the line which is based on the concept of the tailored men’s blazer with interchangeable sweaters that zip in and out. The sweaters are sleeveless so the bulky arm problem is eliminated.  Perfect for easing into spring and, upon summers end, taking you seamlessly into fall and keeping you looking your best through winter.  You can find the line locally at VERMILLION in Raleigh's North Hills or online www.vermillionstyle.com & www.veronicabeard.com

Be sure to check the end of this post for a few favorites!

self portrait, claiborne swanson frank

veronica beard by claiborne swanson frank

alexis trania by claiborne swanson frank

sophia pera by claiborne swanson frank

serena nikkah by claiborne swanson frank

boho dress

scarlett jacket

dickies

linen blazer

Lilly Pulitzer HOME

Palm Avenue will re-open in their new location - 2015 Cameron Street, on Wednesday, May 4 and will be the first store in the country to offer the iconic designer's new home furnishings collection.  Don't miss the Grand Opening Party on Thursday, May 12 from 6-8 pm.  Palm Avenue will generously donate 10% of the evening's proceeds to Habitat for Humanity Raleigh.  Stop by to meet a Lilly designer, enter to win prizes, and enjoy a cocktail or a sweet treat or two. 
The custom upholstery program will allow customers to mix & match fabrics and frames.  Choose from a variety of wood finishes, fabric options and trim details.
"We are thrilled to be the first store in the country to offer this timeless and eclectic line to customers" says Rebecca Byrd, owner of Palm Avenue and a North Carolina native.  "We believe North Carolina's roots in the textile and furniture industries provide the perfect location for us to invest in this new endeavor and honor our State's exciting heritage."

Carrie Loveseat

Tanglers Chest

Rowan Bench

perfect polish

In celebration of the upcoming Royal Wedding butter LONDON's, limited edition, No More Waity, Katie (a soft, elegant greige with a splash of lilac glitter) might just be the perfect polish for a little mid-week pick me up for yourself or a thoughtful thinking of you gift for a friend (No More Waity, Katie ships May 2011).  Founded in 2005 butter LONDON has quickly become a cult phenomenon encompassing all things Rock & Roll, Great Britain + Fashion.  Check out British Racing Green, bestselling Yummy Mummy (brit slang for impossibly thin, beautiful, "stay-at-home-mums") or La Moss (named for England's most famous model) butter LONDON products are formulated without the use of harmful ingredients like Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP or Parabens.

ORDER IT HERE: www.butterlondon.com

butter LONDON L to R: No More Waity, Katie, British Racing Green & La Moss

butter LONDON