shopbop shoptalk

Favorite Blogger: Jane from Sea of Shoes

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.

Incredible style, an enviable wardrobe, and a successful blog all before the age of 18? This is the life of Jane Aldridge, the stylish blogger behind Sea of Shoes. The Texas teen has been featured on countless websites and, most recently, in fashion’s bible, Vogue, for her fashion-forward, often daring sense of style. We talked to her about blogging, travel, and the things fashion fetishes are made of, shoes.

You started Sea of Shoes in 2007. What made you decide to launch a personal style blog?

I was inspired by my favorite bloggers like Kingdom of Style and Style Bubble. There were far fewer fashion blogs back then. Mine started as a fun weekend project.

Your style is so sophisticated for someone so young. What role do you think age plays in personal style?

I guess the older you get, the more sure you are of what you like and don’t like. For now I am happy to experiment with lots of different things.

You’re the epitome of a jet-setter. How do your travels to New York, Paris, Tokyo influence your style choices?

The biggest influence of travel on my style is that I love to shop for one-of-a-kind pieces when I’m abroad! But traveling definitely broadens your perspective on fashion, and it’s interesting to see how everyday fashion differs so much, especially in Paris and Tokyo.

Your focus, shoes, is the fetish of many a fashionable woman. What do you think it is that draws so many women to shoes?

Shoes say everything! To me, shoes are special because they are all so different, and beautiful shoes are so rare. Each shoe has a personality of its own. The fact is that there are a lot of ugly shoes in this world, and maybe that’s what makes beautiful shoes so special to us.

How to Wear Sequins for Day

From left: Siwy Hannah Slim Crop Sequin Leggings, Son of John The Striker Baseball Tee, Siwy Hannah Sequin Leggings, Gryphon Metal Sequin Tank.

I’m not a fan of over-the-top bling, but lately, I’ve found myself drawn to a hint of sparkle in unexpected places—a string of glittering rhinestones on a chunky chain bracelet, an oversized Kenneth Jay Lane ring with a jersey dress and cardigan, a few well-placed beads on an otherwise basic tee. It seems only natural that I would start to explore the sequins-for-day look that has won the hearts of so many fashionable females.

Being a less-is-more kind of girl, I was pretty clueless on where to start with this embellished trend, so I turned to Shopbop Senior Stylist Morgan Wendelborn for a little style help. “Denim and flats are the easiest way to wear sequins for day,” says Morgan. “A sequined tank, tee, or unstructured blazer can look so effortless with slouchy skinnies.”

Easy enough—I already have plenty of denim and flats in my wardrobe. But what about sequin leggings? I’ve been flirting with the embellished leg-wear trend, but have yet to take the plunge. Says Morgan: “Sequin leggings look great with a worn-in graphic tee and a leather jacket (like one from Candela).”

And with that, I think I’m ready to give the sparkle-for-day look a go. What about you? Have you experimented with this unexpected trend?

--Amie
Shopbop

P.S. The latest styles from your favorite brands have just been marked down. Check out the Shopbop sale.

Fashionable Investments Worth Their Weight in Style

Our Designer Boutique resort collections have begun to trickle in (coming soon to What’s New!), and their arrival reminded me to take a little stroll through the fall collections we’ve gathered in our purple boutique. This is seriously luxurious style that, yes, is also a serious investment, but these brands offer the kind of pieces that will elevate any closet.

Take Derek Lam’s fall collection. Each season this designer reinvents American sportswear, and the little party dresses, sleek outerwear, and cozy knits are classics in the making. (For you working ladies out there, imagine exchanging business cards while wearing Lam’s fitted blazer, pencil skirt, and high-collar blouse—now that’s a power suit.) Brit favorite Mulberry makes the bags that style luminaries like Kate Moss carry for years, and from my favorite French cobbler, Barbara Bui chaussures are the kind of footwear that make an outfit.

Style investments are not limited to serious pieces, however, as Canadian designers Dean and Dan Caten can attest. Their DSQUARED2 label is tongue-in-cheek playfulness, while retaining a timeless element. And First Lady and Anna Wintour favorite Thakoon takes elegant silhouettes and infuses them with a touch of personality via his signature whimsical prints.

Each would be a noteworthy addition to any wardrobe. Tell me, what’s on your fashion investment list?

--Amie

Favorite Blogger: Garance Doré

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.

The stereotype goes that in the fashion world, it can be a rare thing to find genuine, kind, and truly considerate people, but French blogger, illustrator, and photographer Garance Doré has found two in international Vogue editors Anna Dello Russo and Carine Roitfeld. And we’ve found one in Garance herself. I talked with this charming blogger about photography, illustrations, her boyfriend Sartorialist Scott Schuman, and what it’s like to be in touch with fashion’s royalty.

Garance Doré at Milan Fashion Week. Photo by Scott Schuman.

When and why did you launch GaranceDore.fr?

I launched it three years ago out of frustration from my job, which was at the time being an administrator. I felt like I was very disconnected from the people who see my drawings because when they’re published in a magazine you have no feedback. I felt far away from the readers, so one day I decided to open a blog.

Your website transitioned from focusing on your illustrations to including photography. Do you prefer one over the other?

No, I think it’s all an organic energy. Photography inspires illustration, and illustration inspires photography. I couldn’t do one without the other.

What do you think is the biggest difference between the two?

Illustration is more like a dream representation, and it’s more difficult to grab. People will look at it, and they won’t identify with an illustration so much. But with a picture of someone they can really identify. And I think for fashion … it’s great to have pictures because you can show the actual clothes. With an illustration, you can show the feeling of the clothes.

Each of your posts includes a personal account about fashion or about the person you’re photographing or about the illustration, but you rarely show pictures of yourself. Now, I’ve seen pictures of you, and you have great style. Why don’t you feature yourself on your blog?

It’s not really a choice; it’s not my first interest. I like to talk about my life, but more in a funny way. I don’t know, I could do it, but my blog is my personal diary. I mean, I know what I look like, so I don’t need to show myself. On the contrary, I love to see other people because they inspire me.

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.”

Favorite Blogger: Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere

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.

Armed with a magazine background, Emily Schuman launched Cupcakes and Cashmere in March of 2008. Featuring her impeccable personal style, as well as mouthwatering recipes and DIY home design features, this blog has a little something for every fashionable female. Here she talks with us about working at Condé Nast, how food and fashion relate, and sequins for daytime.

Emily Schuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere. Photos courtesy of Cupcakes and Cashmere.

When and why did you launch Cupcakes and Cashmere?

I constantly come across new things (whether it’s a great jewelry line or a fabulous pair of boots) and I liked the idea of sharing my findings with other people. I launched my blog in March of 2008 and document things that bring me joy.

Cupcakes and Cashmere has a very personal tone—you fully welcome your readers into your style world. What made you decide to take this approach?

It was never really a conscious decision, but it speaks to who I am as a person. I’m fairly open and think that adding my own opinions and personal touches to my blog makes it feel very accessible. I think people can relate to me since I’m not a model, but just a girl who throws together outfits and puts my own spin on trends.

You have a background in magazines (Teen Vogue and Domino). How has this influenced Cupcakes and Cashmere?

When I worked at Condé Nast, it was like a little runway show every morning. If you had a new top or even lip gloss, we all wanted to know about it. It was such a fun environment, and I think I’ve found a similar one within the blogosphere where we all like sharing what we like.

Bring Fashion Week to Everyday Dressing

 
Some showstoppers, like finale-worthy evening gowns, speak for themselves on the runway, but inspired styling is a big part of what makes separates (see the season’s de rigueur chunky knits and animal prints) and more challenging looks (sequined harem pants at Thakoon) sing. While most of us can agree recreating a head-to-toe runway look is overkill, taking cues from how top designers present pieces at their shows is particularly helpful in figuring out how to wear them for every day.

Take Rag & Bone for example: clever layering made their fall 2009 collection come to life. Look closely at the ensemble on the far left above: that’s a leather dress peeking out from under the peacoat. With leggings and a sweater, it’s less biker rally, more British It-girl, while a felted wool shift (middle look) feels modish, not mild-mannered when put over a white button-down shirt and finished with socks and booties. And, flying in the face of the navy-with-black-is-a-no-no rule, the last look (at right) shows what a beautiful (if unexpected) couple these moody neutrals make.

Want more? Check out our Runway to Shopbop feature, where you’ll not only find inspiration, but shopping-friendly runway looks galore.

--Maureen
Shopbop Shoptalk

Favorite Blogger: Jennine from The Coveted

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.

“The Coveted is about style without compromise.” So says the mission statement of this favorite eclectic blog. Launched and managed by Jennine Tamm Jacob, The Coveted covers fashion, beauty, and all things style, showcasing Tamm Jacob’s own multifarious looks (if a person could get a master’s degree in mixing prints, she’d have it). Here she talks about why she started blogging, her sojourn in Europe, and her covetable sense of style.

Jennine Tamm Jacob, founder of The Coveted. Photos courtesy of The Coveted.

When and why did you launch The Coveted?

Well, The Coveted began in February 2007, and why, well there is a long story and a short story. The short story is I started The Coveted as a way to keep myself occupied. The long story is that I had been reading blogs avidly and was looking to change my career, so I started a blog to document what I was passionate about. It turned out I loved blogging about fashion so much it kind of overtook my life.

The Coveted mingles your personal style with favorite bloggers, runway highlights, and Sonja’s beauty posts. Is there a method to your blogging madness?

Haha. Not really. It's pretty much just madness. 

You recently got back from a spell abroad. How did living in Europe influence your style?

Being in Europe influenced my style in a way, but that's hard to quantify. I had always read European blogs and I went to university in London and my husband's German, so I think my approach to a lot of things is more international. But I would say that while I was there I hardly shopped at all. Buying is a whole different experience in Europe. I noticed that it's so easy to buy in America—we make it very tempting!

Red, White, and Blue (Jeans)

From the stars and stripes at Derek Lam to the varsity letters and knee socks at Alexander Wang, the Americana trend earned many a fashion editor’s vote for Most Popular Story on Spring’s Runways. Not surprisingly, denim lines that find inspiration in the classics of American style are suddenly looking like the coolest kids at the party.

Standing for “product with a purpose,” Prps denim was founded by designer Donwan Harrell (read a Q+A with him here) as a nostalgic vision of American life. Rendered in organic, African cotton and hand-woven in Japan on vintage Levi’s looms, each unique pair has a durable, rough-hewn quality adored by denim aesthetes and the casual fashionista alike.

Designers Emily Current and Meritt Elliott, who began as stylists with a passion for altering vintage jeans, consider Current/Elliott a “curation of heritage denim.” With styles that refer to a specific period in American history (like the nod-to-the-’70s Elephant Bell Jeans), and a collection rounded out by faded chambray shirts and jean jackets, they show that the line that ignited the boyfriend jeans trend is here to stay. And for the classic sexy tomboy look, a pair of distressed William Rast jeans, paired with the line’s flannel shirts and leather jackets, channel co-founders Trace Ayala and Justin Timberlake’s Tennessee roots and rebellious attitudes.

--Tonya

Where the Wild Things Are Jewelry: For the Lovable Monster Inside of You

 
Just like Spike Jonze and Dave Eggers did a gorgeous, decidedly grown-up re-telling (please read this review from the NYT if you haven’t) of Maurice Sendak’s1963 children’s classic Where the Wild Things Are, Pamela Love and Opening Ceremony have taken iconography from the story and turned it into a standout jewelry collection that’s definitely not for kids.

Though these limited-edition pieces make reference to Max’s mystical journey, they do so in clever, subtle ways, never veering into kitschy, obvious territory. (Not that we’d expect any less from a collaborative effort between indie film luminary Spike Jonze, hipster outpost Opening Ceremony, and fashion editor darling Pamela Love.) Take the Douglas Feather Cuff and the Judith Single Claw Necklace for example: signature pieces in their own right, they manage to speak to both your nostalgia for that time of endless discovery we call childhood and your adult self’s critical eye for pieces of enduring style.(P.S. Where the Wild Things Are jewelry is only available online at Shopbop and Opening Ceremony.)

--Maureen
Shopbop Shoptalk