The Bees' Knees

Image via thefashionpolice.net

My knees are an issue.  I don't mean to be negative.  In fact, that's why I am confessing.   We all have our moments!  I just have to unburden my soul and tell you that over the past few years, the oh-so-stylish mini has had me at times doubting my wardrobe and my gams!  Who needs that?   Not me.  Solution:  the midi!  It's the bees' knees for sure!  It's sexy (in my humble opinion), glamorous, elegant, not to mention more forgiving when it comes to the age and size of the fashionista wearing it.   And best of all, it's got me feeling very ladylike and much better about those knees!  I'm so glad this classic is back for Fall!

Image via whowhatwear.com

Image via vogue.co.uk

Image via emilyjanesimkins.wordpress.com

Image via floraisabelle.wordpress.com

Wardrobe for My Road Trip

I've got a girls-only trip planned next month to Brimfield to scout out some must-have antiques and maybe (hopefully!) even some bargains.  But what to wear?  I need something vintage-y . . . something that fits in but stands out.  Something that will help me keep my cool while I'm diggin' through barrels and bins and dusting off all those hidden gems.

So check out the dreamy designs I found at CreoleSha.   Eco Upcycled clothing with a vintage, New Orleans-style flair.  Do you love it as much as I do?

Each piece is hand dyed and hand embellished.  

And I love the quote on their website  . . .

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... it's about learning to dance in the rain."

Amen!  

Living Life as Art in the London Underground

A recent New York Times design article turned me on to Frieda Gormley and Javvy M Royle and their company House of Hackney.  Their house in London is a living studio of their design ideas and products.  They really practice what they preach!  I love that open and honest collaboration, not to mention their confident, daring vintage-modern style!  Not for the faint of heart, which is what I love, but who has a faint heart around here anyway? Beautiful kichaas!

Photos above and below David Dunan

Hey Babe, Take a Walk on the Wild Side!

Or at least the fabulous, vintage-inspired, classy side where you'll find Florodora Shoes.  Ladies, as you all know, lunch breaks can be dangerous.  My lunch break yesterday resulted in the to-die-for spectators pictured above landing in my closet (but I needed them, really I did!!).  I proudly laced my tootsies into them this morning and I received five compliments and various oohs and aahs before I even hit the office elevator.  Located in the Monadnock Building at 330 S. Dearborn St., in the Loop, Florodora has rocked the clothing side for about 4 years with a store that features local designers and one-of-a-kind jewelry.   The shoe stop opened about a year ago.  Seriously, what did we do before then for shoes?!   And what would shoes be without handbags and chapeau?  They've got those, too.  Check it out!  You won't leave empty handed -- remember, I warned you!

California Dreamin'!

I'll be visiting Granny (who's 99!!) and the whole clan in August in sunny SoCal.   I'd like to bring a little Midwest style with me to WOW the folks back home who think Chicagoans only know to dress brats and burgers!  Abigail Glaum-Lathbury is one of my favorite local Chicago  designers.  The Tesla dress hangs in my own closet.  With some awesome booties or chic mules, the look is way off the farm!  And I just found Hound Design with its colorful, breezy, kind of retro pieces.  Any other suggestions?  Photos Chicago Fashion Resource, Brian Guido + Julia Stotz .

To prepare for the trip, I checked out the original art of  Clare Elsaesser.  This Bodega Bay, California artist really speaks to me.  I love her colors and the sense she gives of catching the subject in a personal, ordinary moment.  Beautiful.

I plan to swing by the tasting studio of Artiste in Los Olivos where they blend art and wine to come up with memorable modern and impressionist blends.  Artwork by Rose Masterpol.

See you at the beach my beauties!