Favorite Blogger: Carey from Corks and Caftans

At Shopbop, we spend a lot of time reading magazines and blogs, chalking it up to research (it is, we swear). And though our list of bookmarked sites is long, there are a few favorites we can’t help but check out every day. This week, we’re talking to the stylish ladies behind some of our favorite fashion blogs.

This favorite blogger is actually three, but we have to admit we’re partial to Carey’s sense of style. Launched in 2008, Corks and Caftans chronicles newlyweds Carey Wodehouse and Rob Burden’s style and wine exploits with special appearances from Eli the cat. Here Carey talks to us about Eli’s diva model attitude, her style icons, and, of course, caftans.

Carey from Corks and Caftans. Photos courtesy of Corks and Caftans.

When and why did you launch Corks and Caftans?

C&C was launched in the heinous winter of ’08, while I coped with the loss of my “hot-shot” ad agency job. Funny story: Napa honeymoon was over, I went back to work, poured a cup of coffee, and got let go. C&C is a product of finding the silver lining in that situation. We had passions and we needed an outlet to express how important they were to us––and finally had the time to do it. It became like a working resume.

Your blog mingles your love of fashion and style with your husband Rob’s love of wine, all with a very personal touch. What made you take this direction?

Every blog post could be a conversation we just had on the couch. We encourage each other to talk about what we love, so the blog happened organically. We saw blogs that were either very production-oriented or lacking anything to sink your teeth into. C&C is all us, a lifestyle. We wanted to connect with people at that level. When I’m reading a blog, if there’s only one line that lets you into the author’s life, I linger on it. It’s what I’m there for.

The photography has a very luxe, dramatic feel to it, which adds to the blog’s overall aesthetic. Who’s the photo guru, or is it a collaborative effort?

Oh, that’s Rob. He’s way more artistic than he gives himself credit for. We photograph not to document, but to convey our enthusiasm for the subject. The rich tones amp it up and make the photos more like a distant memory; less like “These are shoes. They are brown.”

There’s a third character in your family: Eli the cat. Is he a willing model, or does he require a little coercion?

He’s been begging me not to renew his 2010 model release, but the guy knows he needs coin to feed his addictions. And when I say addictions, I mean foul, stinking chunks ‘n’ gravy. (Mostly, we can’t get him out of the shots.)

You were a runner-up in Shopbop’s Most Fashionable Fan Contest. How does it feel to win such an honor (wink)?

I’m still in shock! Shopbop is such a huge barometer for all things on the forefront—so tastefully done, and so clearly driven by the trusted talents of its stylists that I find it to be unparalleled. To say it was an honor is an understatement.

Your look seems to veer toward the bohemian. How would you define your personal style?

If a tweed-clad, gin drinking, insubordinate British bachelor––recklessly driving an old MG through the countryside, hitting a pothole, and sending a wheel flying off––tragically died and were to donate all of his blood/good sense/off-color humor to a pregnant, Hemingway-loving, Allman Brothers groupie... I’d pop out.

Who is your style icon?

Kate Hudson, circa her marriage to Black Crowes’ frontman Chris Robinson. I have a sort of stalkerish envelope with pictures of them cut from tabloids. They were this effortless, unwashed downtown duo––a rock and roll fantasy. However, I could never ask Rob to paint his toenails blue like Chris did.

What’s the one thing you must have this fall?

The big sweater cardigans are amazing this year! As a caftan lover, I’m drawn to volume that creates drama. I’m torn between Haute Hippie’s Blanket Poncho and Mara Hoffman’s Peace Scarf. They’re theatrical, but also kind of like woobies.

And finally, what’s your favorite caftan and what’s Rob’s favorite wine?

Caftan: silk floral Missoni seen on both Margherita Missoni and Nicole Richie: heaven. Wine: Cuvaison 2006 Arcilla: a complex Syrah/Merlot/Malbec blend from Carneros, California.

For more from Carey, Rob, and Eli, visit CorksAndCaftans.wordpress.com.

Rob and Carey on a recent trip to Nantucket to celebrate their one-year anniversary.

Comments

[Melissa]

I love it!! Before I met Carey and Rob, I knew everything about them. I religiously check their blog.

[amanda murphy]

these questions couldn't be more perfect for carey. a kabillion props to shopbop for capturing what it is we all love about corksandcaftans. lucky for all of us, carey, robby and that handsome luggage-nosed eli found that silver lining last fall.