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.

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.

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!

New Power Girls Meghan and Patricia’s 5 Favorite Work Pieces

Launched this year as an extension of the Huffington Post series The New Power Girls, NPGDaily™ tracks and profiles women in new media and internet business. Here, co-creators Patricia Handschiegel and Meghan Cleary pick 5 must-have pieces for the stylish businesswoman.

NPGDaily co-creators Patricia Handschiegel and Meghan Cleary.

Business girls like us go from talent-ready to home office to speaking at a major industry event. I sold my first company, Stylediary.net, in Marc by Marc Jacobs aviators, while Meg once hula hooped in the lobby of Zappos.com in Giuseppe Zanotti stilettos while talking to the company’s CEO. Just because we are in business doesn’t mean we can’t have a little style and sass.

A power girl wardrobe has to be versatile and flexible, capable of moving from chic business to casual meeting to work at home to red-hot date night—in an instant. And when we shop, we shop like businesswomen—with a focus on value. The same hot heels you wear to meet with the top brass at a TV network or an internet company is the same pair you’ll work with a slinky party dress for a Hollywood event. Five things we can’t live without:

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs skirt. 2. Vince knit jacket. 3. Leopoldo Giordano heels. 4. Rag & Bone blazer. 5. Gorjana necklace.

1. A polished skirt in an unexpected material is a total staple.

2. A cozy, oversized knit jacket is a travel must. Stripes mix things up a bit.

3. Stilettos with a twist—classic yet unusual—work for meetings and cocktails alike. Leopoldo Giordano is an unsung shoe talent.

4. An essential jacket is very important. Rag & Bone does great cuts in substantial materials.

5. A simple, understated necklace adds a touch of shine to any ensemble.

--Patricia and Meghan

For more from Patricia and Meghan, visit NPGDaily.com.

NYFW from a Designer’s Perspective: Victorialand’s Kate Wendelborn

Kate Wendelborn is the founder and designer behind Victorialand. Here, she reflects on her Fashion Week.

Designer Kate Wendelborn models two looks from the Victorialand Spring 2010 collection.

With the close of New York Fashion Week, I finally have 20 minutes to sit down and think. Designing and realizing my collection over the past few months, everything came together this week in the finishing, styling, and showing. I can breathe now.
 
I’m a bit of a details freak, so reworking multiple pieces a few too many times to get them just right is pretty normal. As you can imagine, that takes a lot of work and time, so I am not even going to tell you how much I have (or haven’t) slept in the past two weeks. But seeing my vision in physical form makes it all worth it. For me, it's all in the subtleties: the curve of a seam, the length of a sleeve, the curve of the seat of a pant (even an eighth of an inch makes a huge difference to me), the number of buttons on the front of a shirt. I’m a design and fashion masochist and love every minute.

For the Spring 2010 season I wanted to expand Victorialand's menswear-inspired shirting beginnings into other tailored/menswear-inspired pieces like jackets and trousers. I have always loved the powerful woman and like to see women dress like strong people and not like little girls. Looking at the way men dress inspires me. I like playing with the idea of making that look relevant every season. It’s about making small changes in style and not giant leaps that stray from who you really are. Clothing has a lot to do with perception, whether we like to believe it or not, but I don't believe it's in a superficial way. It is a first impression and a jumping-off point for showing who you are and what you are made of. For me, wearing a well-tailored jacket or a well-cut shirt with a great shoe gives a woman something a t-shirt and sneakers won't (and, I mean, I wear t-shirts under my jackets every day, but I always bring the jacket). There is an aura and a sense of seriousness to a woman who can pull this off. I relish the attempt and love to experiment with this as I grow older. This is what Victorialand is all about.

Celebrity Stylist Lindsay Albanese Picks Her 6 Summer Must-Haves

Style Expert and Celebrity Stylist Lindsay Albanese believes women should dress for their bodies, personal style, and the occasion. Translation: dress for yourself and stick with what works for you and makes you most comfortable. It’s advice that has landed her celebrity clients—Maria Menounos, Britney Spears, and Paula Abdul, to name a few—on “Best Dressed” lists.

Regularly quoted in Us Weekly and Life & Style, here Lindsay talks about 6 summer must-haves.

1. Distressed Denim
Skinny, slouchy, boyfriend, cropped, dark, light, acid-washed—no matter how you like it, distressed, worn-out denim is summer’s (and fall’s!) most coveted staple. My favorite thing about this trend is that you can wear it with so many pieces you already have in your wardrobe. Pair your distressed jeans with a T-shirt and a cute belt and you have the perfect look for drinks with the girls.

2. Statement Shoes
Adopt a phrase from Carrie Bradshaw and say "Hello, lover!" to dramatic shoes. They’re all about straps, cuffs, hardware—anything in the extreme. Vampish footwear adds edge to your flirty summer dresses and skirts and is so fierce with jeans.

the weekend escape plan

From Shoptalk Guest Blogger Meg Cuna

A fashion industry veteran, Meg Cuna is the Chief Content Officer for nascent style website StyleCaster. With a resumé that includes a market editor stint at Lucky and the launch of Life & Style Weekly, Meg has a trained eye and well-honed instincts when it comes to fashion. Here, she shares what she packs for her weekend getaways to the Hamptons.

I’m not the first to say this: summer in the city is quite boring. By Friday afternoon, everyone has shut down their computers and already started the trek to the Hamptons. Like (well-dressed) sheep, we travel in herds to escape our urban lives in exchange for two and a half days of sunshine, sand, and water. And with this change of location also comes a change of pace. It’s the perfect chance to leave behind the teetering strappy high heels and swap them out for that favorite pair of gladiators.

The trick to packing for these mini-vacays is to look chic and effortless in the heat. I tend to lean toward a nautical-preppy uniform all weekend long.

 

ShopSpotted: Rompers were all the rage at Coachella

Trend forecaster Anne Ziegler travels the world scoping out the latest and the up-and-coming in areas ranging from fashion to music to art to travel. She’s helped retailers identify current and future trends and has worked with some of the biggest names in the glossies (Elle, Vogue, Lucky). Dream job? You bet it is. She recently returned from a trip to Milan, and before that, checked out the scene at Coachella. Here, Anne highlights a few concert-goers rocking the must-have romper.

Every year, music-philes attending Coachella can count on three things: a sweltering desert sun, an amazing lineup, and throngs of cute girls sporting the latest and next fashion trends. The third is what interests me the most. While most of my friends navigated from stage to stage following the music, I followed the girls. Yes, that’s right, I was on the hunt for chic girls with individual style. And I found them—plenty of them!

Among the many stylish girls roaming the polo field, I spotted quite a few spring trends, but my favorite style for the weekend had to be the romper. (A sibling to the jumpsuit, but it was way too hot for jumpsuits!) I know, I know, you haven’t worn a onesie since childhood, but the romper proved to be the perfect playful-yet-stylish piece for the festival. These girls were rockin’ the trend and brought their own style into the equation.

I love how this festival-goer paired her romper with a vintage bag and shoes, making the look her own. The romper alone is a great basic, leaving plenty of room to create your own style by accessorizing.