Designer Profile: The Row

I've been on a bit of a minimalism kick lately, and one of my favorite "minimal" lines is The Row.  I'm not going to tell you about the designers just yet because I want you to look at the garments first.  The line has been around for about four years and prides itself on a clean look- simple lines, stunning fabrics, and a soft fit.  Style.com referred to it not as "minimal," but as "utterly simple and anonymously chic."  These are pieces that are great on their own or can be easily dressed around.

Here's a look at a bit of their history, starting with last spring:

Pre-fall has been my favorite collection so far.  I love the bias cuts, the furs, and the textural interests in their clothes.  There's quite a bit going on in each piece, yet they are refined and sleek.

The company is also branching out into accessories.  Their AMAZING handbags are launching this fall at Barney's and they have three limited-edition (cashmere!) shoes launching with Toms.

I applaud what they've done with the bags.  Most designers feel the need to smother the bag with their name and branding.  I read an article in Harper's Bazaar about the launch of the collection and the designers said they explicitly stayed away from over-the-top branding.  It helps keep the bags timeless and they go with just about any outfit.  They aren't flashy and pretentious-- just well made and stylish.

So are you ready to find out who is behind this amazing collection...

 Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.  WHAT?!?!  I know.  The twins became known for their "homeless/bag-lady" look, but have really grown up and grown into a much more sensible style.  I heard they had a collection and I had seen The Row's collections on Style.com and loved it.  When I found out the two went together, I had to double check that I was looking at the right line.  From the several articles and interviews I've read since then, it also really sounds like they have a huge part in the designing, which is much more than a majority of the other celebrity lines can say.

In their fall collection you can see a sneak peak of some fall trends- minimalism, furs, and prints.  I'll be posting more on the fall trends soon, so check back!

XOXO,
Coco Birdie

All images from Style.com and The Row's Facebook page.

One Print, Four Ways

To continue the theme started in the "One Dress, Four Ways" post, I taken one of fall's most popular prints-- leopard-- and created four distinct looks.  Actually, there are four styles and eight individual looks!  I love me some leopard print and there are many ways you can dress around it.  If you find the print to be intimidating, try it in small doses such has a belt or handbag.  There are several intensities shown here and the looks can easily be translated into winter or spring looks.  J. Crew is offering a lot of goods in a really nice leopard print this fall, so I'm using their pieces as the jumping off point. 

Bright Colors:
Another one of fall's biggest trends is the use of saturated colors.  Designers showed bright colors paired together on the fall runways and in their recently released resort collections.  I think it is easiest and looks the best if the colors are in the same color family (red-orange-yellow, blue-green-purple), and then small amounts of other colors are used in the accessories.  Add a leopard print to the mix and you'll really get a show-stopping look.  These outfits are not for wallflowers!
Outfit 1:

From left to right: Anthropologie Tassau Earrings in Chartreuse, Nine West Devika Pumps in Purple Suede,  J. Crew Leopard Tippi Sweater, and Anthropologie Crimped Crimson Midi

Outfit 2:

From left to right: J. Crew Silk Leopard Print Scarf, Pour La Victoire Irina Heels in Yellow Patent, J. Crew Tippi Sweater in Heather Viridian Green, and J Brand 29" Skinny Jeans in Blue


Gamine:
The gamine look was popularized by 60s starlets like Audrey Hepburn and Mia Farrow, and continues to be popular today.  Demure basics can be taken up a notch with seemingly simple leopard print pieces like a handbag or pair of ballet flats.  If you are nervous about wearing leopard, start here and build up.
Outfit 1:

From left to right: Etienne Aigner Chastity Boots in Black/Banana Bread, Anthropologie Auspicious Posts in Gold, J. Crew Edie Purse in Italian Calf Hair, and Anthropologie Horkelia Shift in Ivory

Outfit 2:

From left to right: Anthropologie Tied & Tabbed Blouse, J. Crew Bi-Stretch Wool Minnie Pants in Black, American Apparel Small Leather Carry-All Pouch in Black, J. Crew Classic Pavé Link Bracelet, and J. Crew Nora Calf Hair Ballet Flats in Pecan


Minimal:
Similar to the gamine look is the minimal style.  Basic and architectural, the minimal outfits are great for beginner leopard wearers.  These looks have more edgy-ness to them than the previous, and they would look great with sleek hair and red lips.
Outfit 1:

From left to right: American Apparel Small Leather Carry-All Pouch in Tan, Anthropologie Overlapping Glow Ring, Anthropologie Layered Column Dress, and J. Crew Pia Calf Hair Pumps

Outfit 2:

From left to right: J. Crew Marlow Tote in Italian Calf Hair, Anthropologie Wrapped Cocoa Heels, J. Crew High Waisted Skinny Jeans in Pitch Black, and Anthropologie Neale Top


Pattern Mix:
Another big fall trend is mixing patterns and leopard print is a great option since it is has neutral colors.  When pattern mixing, try to use similar colors and hues but mix up the scale and color value.  Both of these looks are pretty bold, but you can do smaller scale pattern mixing with your accessories.
Outfit 1:

From left to right: Anthropologie Squared Tote, Anthropologie Lotus Unfolding Heels, J. Crew Perfect Shirt in Leopard, Anthropologie Tie-Around Bracelet, and Anthropologie Acropora Pencil Skirt

Outfit 2:

From left to right: Anthropologie Gadabout Wallet, Kimichi Blue Linen Pumps in Orange, J. Crew Leopard Calf Hair Jacket, and Anthropologie Splashed Palette Dress

Coming up soon will be a post on one of my new favorite lines, The Row, and a post on fall trends.  Until then, try out some leopard print and enjoy the end of summer!

XOXO,
Coco Birdie

Designer Diffusions

This Fall, two major designers are offering diffusion lines at mass retailers.  First up is Karl Lagerfeld for Impluse, exclusively at Macy's. (click image to enlarge)

This collection is limited edition and will go fast when it is released on August 31.  Prices range from $50-$175 and the pieces will be available at select Macy's stores nationwide and online at Macys.com.  The collection is very true to Lagerfeld's style- the blacks, whites, and grays; the big white collars on dresses, tunics, and tops.  There is a mix of tweeds and pieces that are closer to his design work for Chanel, and rock-n-roll pieces that are clearly diffused from his eponymous collection.  My personal four favorites are the sleeveless black dress with white collar, the black A-line dress with white collar, the pale pink dress, and the leather pants:

Coming September 13 is the launch of Missoni for Target.  After several successful runs with designers like Temperley London, Proenza Schoeler, Lela Rose, and Zac Posen, Target has teamed up with Missoni for an unbelievable collection of goods for women, men, children, and home.  All the looks  feature the signature Missoni stripes and come in great fall colors like teal and raspberry.

For Home: (click images to enlarge)

For Kids:

For Women:

Accessories:

Shoes:

My personal favorites are the black and white zig-zag one piece, the luggage, the glass vase, the cocktail set, and the BIKE.  I really really really want that bike!!

Set your alarms because both limited edition collections will be flying off the shelves as soon as they are released!

XOXO,

Coco Birdie