New Styles in Fashion

Everyone loves being in ‘the know’ on all things fashion, right? Read Style Bust’s fashion posts to find out what we see happening in the fashion industry from multiple viewpoints. We have ten guest bloggers dedicated to bringing our readers that latest fashion news from different parts of the globe!

Fashion Adventurist: Q&A interview with Kimo of Effie’s Heart

With all of the mass produced clothing and accessories out there today it’s hard to find quality, unique pieces that are wearable for everyday.  Ladies, no need to look any further…we’ve found a local indie designer worth knowing about!

Effie’s Heart is a vintage inspired clothing and accessories treasure!  Beautifully detailed and designed pieces with a classic, but modern touch.  Talk about a breath of fresh air!

Kimo, the founder and designer of Effie’s Heart has a lust for life (inherited from her Aunt Effie), and believes in true originality which is clearly showcased in all of her designs.

Dolce Vita dress, Seven Year skirt, Madalena headband

Style Bust had the opportunity to ask Kimo some questions about her inspirations and what it’s like to be the brain behind Effie’s Heart.

Style Bust: How did Effie’s Heart get started?

I started the company 5 years ago with just a few t-shirts and totes.

SB: When did your love and passion for design start?

I have been sewing and creating clothing since I was a small child.  All the arts intrigue me, but I have a special affinity for clothing and accessories.

SB: Who is the Effie’s Heart customer?

Effie’s heart fits a broad range of customers.  Because the clothing is so classic and functional, granddaughters, daughters, mothers, and grandmothers have told me they fight over a certain size when it first gets to the boutique.

SB: Who are your fashion influences?  Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

I am influenced by everyone and everything around me.  To be a good designer you have to have your fashion radar on at all times.  You never now when the next perfect style line or killer color will brush past you.  I collect all the pieces and save them when it’s time to design a new line.

SB: What Effie’s Heart piece do you think everyone should own (any signature pieces)?

The seven year skirt and the riding tights are wardrobe layering essentials.  The dolce vita dress is perfect for every size and shape of woman.

SB: What are your favorite trends for the upcoming season (Spring 2011)?

Feminity is back!!!

SB: What is your favorite thing about what you’re doing (creator of Effie’s Heart)?

As an indie fashion designer I have to work 24/ 7.  I love all parts of my job.  From designing to shipping to selling to marketing and accounting and budgeting.  Being able to do different things everyday keeps life exciting. There is never a chance to get bored.

SB: How is Effie’s Heart different from other vintage retailers?

The clothing has a hint of history in the design, but the clothing is new and very modern.  I design for today’s busy woman.  My designs are easy to care for, very comfortable with a perfect fit.

A huge thank you to Kimo and Effie’s Heart for being a true fashion adventurist and creating such special pieces!

 

Erin Wasson: Whole lotta love

Alright, so I have to admit…I have a small girl crush.  There’s something about this small town Texan, turned model, turned designer, that intrigues me (almost as much as the Olsen twins)!

Erin Wasson on the cover of Elle Spain January 2011

You’ve gotta love Erin Wasson in this editorial.  She looks like herself and wearing clothing that I can only assume fits her personality (that tom-boyish, laid back look, but yet extremely polished).

Blinging back

I absolutely love details on the back of dresses and tops (whether it be simple buttons or a low, sexy scoop), the details in the back can completely transform the entire look.

I love the subtle feminine bow tie in the back

One trend that was spotted a while back (especially on the red carpet), was the backwards necklace.  I loved it then.  And I still do!

The backwards necklace works best with a dress (or top) that has a high neckline in the front and a deep scoop in the back.  If you’re going for a sexy look, try a thin, long chain like Kate Hudson wore to the SAG Awards.  A shorter, drop pearl necklace looks great with a vintage dress, like Ashley Olsen wore to the CFDA Awards.

The backwards necklace can be tricky and should be very minimal to draw just the right amount of attention to the back.

This anonymous lady had the right idea, but there is too much going on (she looks like she got tangled up in her necklace).  Instead of wearing a multi-chain necklace with a large pendant, she should have opted for a thin, rope like necklace with a tassel.

All of you ladies out there that are planning on wearing a backless dress this New Year’s Eve, try out the backward necklace trend and really make a statement!

Happy Holiday’s!

The indi Holiday Fit Kit

image of indicustom gift guide

indiDenim and indiTailored have joined forces to become indiCustom, just in time for the Holidays! .The new project is introducing the indi Holiday Fit Kit.

indi Holiday Fit Kit is packed with tools to help customers design their own custom clothing such as measuring tape, and fabric swatches of shirts and jeans in order to assist when ordering on line. And of course the kit also comes with a personalized gift card message.

The indi Holiday Fit Kits are free with any gift card purchase from now through December 22nd.

Having troubles finding someone a Christmas gifts? Purchase an indi gift card at www.indicustom.com.

Monique Lhuillier Spring/Summer 2011

Monique Lhuillier‘s Spring/Summer 2011 Collection is a beautiful visual celebration, one that I have come back to multiple times since becoming engaged. There are clear floral inspirations weaved throughout the collection as well as a refreshing use of bold and soft pastels colors. Lace, chiffon, sequins and intricate beadwork make the pieces pop with a rich, strong, sophisticated and glamorous look.

The deep v-neck dress below is similar to the silhouette of my wedding dress, my dress will be with ivory lace and not sequins.

image of Monique-Lhuillier-Spring 2011

The gold dress with a top that looks like sprayed on glitter is spectacular.

image of Monique-Lhuillier-Spring summer 2011

I love the striking poppy blue flower skirt + corset top combination below.

image of Monique-Lhuillier-summer 2011

On the Market for a Wedding Dress

I’m getting married sometime next Summer-Fall and have begun my hunt for the perfect dress. I find myself in an unusual situation; I have a tattoo on my bicep that I’m interested in covering with a ‘sleeved’ wedding dress. From the research I’ve done within the last week, I’m finding that hardly any designers design dresses with sleeves. I don’t blame the designers, I assume not that many dresses with sleeves actually sell.

I find Jenny Packham and Temperly London sell some remarkable dresses, however, they don’t sell many designs in the Bay Area. And I don’t really feel like that girl who needs to fly around the country looking for a dress, that just seems impractical.

These are the styles I’m looking for.

picture-262

I’m absolutely in love with the dress on the left, it’s the flowy sophistication that I’m looking for. The dress to the right isn’t bad, with the ballerina wrap shawl over it, however this look isn’t my favorite.

image of Temperly London Wedding dresses

Pictured above are Temperly London dresses, I love all three of these styles. I think the one pictured left is most like what I’m looking for.

If anyone knows of local Bay Area wedding dress designers, please let me know. I’m interested in making a custom version of one of these styles.

Fall fashion on the red carpet

Celebrities do it best, especially when it comes to fashion!  Some of Hollywood’s leading ladies are wearing Fall’s most sought after trends.

Velvet

Sheer

Metallics

Ladylike

Curve hugging


Spring is the new Fall

Fall is well under way (although it may not feel like it here in San Francisco), but for those of you who are still searching for the perfect Fall pieces, I have some advice for you.

During the Spring/Summer 2011 fashion weeks, we saw vibrant colors, feminine embroidery, and heady metallic accents.  Some of the top trends for Spring 2011 are very practical to wear during the winter months (you just have to style them accordingly).   So, why not get a head start on your Spring shopping!

Sand

This is a great color for Fall 2010, wear this color from head-to-toe for that minimalist look or pair with black for a classic look.

Ink


Ink (or navy) screams Fall, wear this color instead of black or even with black for a fashion-forward Fall look.

Grass

A pop of color is sometimes needed for those dreary days of Fall.  Adding a little green to your wardrobe is a great choice (it can be paired with any neutral color and a lot of people look good in green).

Fine Knits

A fine knit sweater is perfect for Fall, it  will keep you warm, sans the extra bulk.  Pair a thin sweater with a knee length skirt or flare leg denim, for a laid back look (I recommend wearing a bra with one of these sweaters though).

Metallics

A little metallic and shine will brighten up any Fall outfit.  Pair a metallic blazer with a white t-shirt and skinny denim for an edgy/rock n roll look.

Snakeskin

We’re going to see patterned tights all over this Fall.  Pair snakeskin patterned tights with a black mini dress for a trendy look.  If you can’t get behind wearing allover snakeskin, opt for a pair of snakeskin platforms, they can be very sexy!

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