Sunday Style: An Everyday Luxury From Comme Si

Just for the fun it. Don’t over look the smallest detail that comes between your feet and your shoe. Socks are pretty much a necessity. They play to the subtle or bold side of your personality. To be seen or not, it doesn’t really matter. Personally, I love a sock paired with a sneaker, sandal, or a heel. Having your pant or skirt show them off is fun, sporty, and perhaps flirty.

Comme Si uses materials that are ethically and sustainably sourced. The colors range from soft palettes to ones of pop. You can choose from silk, cotton, cashmere, or wool. Nobody really seeks to buy expensive socks. It may feel like a ridiculous place to spend it. But this label is style and fashion with a thoughtful design process. A style that is delivered in a very understated European way. Maybe make an exception and save them for the fun event!

Explore the site for more beautiful choices, Comme Si

Another Cool Girl

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson
Photographed by Zoey Grossman, Stylist by Leslie Fremar, Image from Elle

Let me just add another fierce female to my current list of cool girl crushes (check out my earlier post on Claire Foy).  Sarah Paulson in this month’s November issue of Elle nails the relationship between chic, feminine, and edge.  There is a rawness about Sarah.  She effortlessly exudes confidence in her own skin only to be highlighted by the fashion.  The sexy yet modern ladylike black laced gown by Dior is accentuated by the leather belt but then off set by the handful of chunky jewelry and deep burgundy nail polish. This reveals Sarah’s unconventional style.  It is unexpected and I admire it.  Also, lets not overlook how she rocks neck tats and short hair.  My short hair lady friends are definitely making power statements. Badass and stunning!

The article is a good read.  Sarah simply talks about her life and the challenges she faces.  But you quickly understand that she is trying to live an authentic life as difficult as it may be in the Hollywood spotlight.  She touches upon her relationship with Holland Taylor.  You can’t help but simply appreciate Sarah Paulson.  She is making her own story in Hollywood and standing behind it.

I will be watching Ocean’s 8 over the weekend and I look forward to her upcoming Netflix show hitting in December, Birdbox.

Bihor Couture’s Story

bihor-couture

Something good to share!  Beau Monde, a fashion magazine is partnering with a small town in the Beius Country of Romania to keep their craft alive by creating the brand Bihor Couture.

Fashion designers find their inspiration by traveling around the world and immersing themselves into different cultures and traditions to draw inspiration for their next line.  Unfortunately they don’t always give those communities credit.  But through the awareness and support of Beau Monde the story is changing.  The local creators of Bihor can now sell their 100% authentic Romania design pieces online.  Their handcrafted pieces are bold, bright, unique, and steep in tradition.  The Beius Authentic Jacket is artwork, the scarf is fantastic, and the blouse is simply perfect.  Pieces are for pre-order only due to the length of time that goes into each handcrafted and hand embroidered piece.  Quality takes time.  There is no mass manufacturing here in Bihor.

The video is eye-opening, beautiful, inspiring, and true!  I want to visit these ladies.  I want to befriend them.  They are talented and don’t hold back any punches!  I want to learn their craft.  This story makes my heart sing and it deepens my love for authentic fashion.  Connecting faces to stories is how messages can be conveyed.  Thank you to my dear friend, solid liquids who shared this story with me. Keep them coming my way!  I have been meaning to share this story and no better time than now. Discover Bihor Couture for yourselves and share this story.

video @ Bihore Couture and images @ Branding News

Color Blocking Totes

totes totes

Make room for another tote bag!  The Aiko Tote is a beautifully crafted bag made from German merino wool felt.  The Aiko Tote comes in four stunning color blocks that will compliment all personal styles.  A bag that is up for any adventure or errand.  The Aiko sets itself apart with its soft vegetable dyed leather trim and handle, an interior zip pocket, as well as an open interior pocket.  So need to worry where you will stash your keys, loose credit cards, and other essentials.  It is all in the details!  Just take a look at their attention to the interior label.  This Los Angeles based company is led by Holger Graf and Daniel Lantz.  They have combined their Japanese and German influences with a Southern Cali lifestyle to create distinct pieces driven by high quality materials.  All pieces are designed, produced, and shipped from their home base of Los Angeles.

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The beauty of using German merino wool felt: biodegradable, water-resistant, renewable, and sustainable

pics from graf lantz

Stay Shaded And Chic with Lola Hats

Always hunting for stylish hats that are functional, fun, and chic.  An important accessory that shouldn’t be overlooked especially in the summer.  In fact, a well designed hat can transform your basic outfit instantly.  So besides sunscreen and eyewear, you can add sun hats to the top of your list for summer day essentials.

Lola Ehrlich is a former ballerina with Dutch and French roots and also the designer behind Lola Hats.  She is delivering hats this summer for all ladies to take a second look at!  They are charming, sweet, and embellished with just enough detail to make them unique and timeless.  Each handcrafted hat is pressed on vintage or custom designed blocks then steamed.  All trims are sewn on by hand.  Every detail has been considered without sacrificing quality or style.  Lola Hats have graced magazine covers and are admired by many including isostilo.  Take a peek for yourselves online.  Lola Hats is based in Brooklyn, New York.  One word that comes to mind when I see these straw or felt hats is  BEAUTIFUL!

Lola Hats

Lola Hats

Lola Hats

Lola Hats

Lola Hats

Lola Hats

Lola Hats

Lola Hats

All pics are from Lola Hats.  Inspiration for your perfect summer hat!

Accessorize Your Phone With…

iDeal of Sweden offers the chicest and coolest phone covers out there.  A company from Sweden, you know it is going to be good!  Pick a cover that matches your style and your mood.  You never leave home with out your phone.  So why wouldn’t you accessorize it up?!  iDeal of Sweden has you covered with functional and fashionable phone accessories.  It is one more way to be playful with your personal style.

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Check out iDeal of Sweden for inspiration!  All pics from iDeal.  I’m going with the tropical vibe since that is my current mood!

Stepping Into Spring OOTD

City living and keeping the look fresh and light is the goal.  Who doesn’t love the sweet spot before the summer temps strike?!  Yesterday’s look was all about being able to properly chill in the park.  Spring and all its glory is giving everyone a reason to dress with pops of color.  Darker tones can have a much deserved timeout.

OOTD
Spring Vibe

OOTD
Easy & Effortless

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Crossover bag for hands free action

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Stylish kicks for walking the city

OOTD
Light weight knit so no need for a jacket

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Fresh new phone cover for spring is an easy spring accessory

OOTD: Nike Airmax (walking on clouds), Frame Denim (all about the slit), A Detacher sweater (from Covet & Lou is getting lots of wear so CPW is coming down!), Bottega Veneta bag (an oldie but goodie gift from my husband is a timeless piece), iDeal of Sweden phone cover, watch borrowed from my husband, OTIS sunglasses

Getting Sunny With OTIS

A Kauai eye spy find in a surf shop.  Side note:  Surf shops are the best places to explore for all your cool hip summer accessories and more! OTIS is an eyewear brand for men and women that is shedding some light into the eyewear market.  Starting with scratch resistant!  Sunnies that can be thrown into your bag with out their protective case.  The collection is eye-catching, cool but understated, fashionable yet technical with playful names like Skinny Dip and A Day Late.  We love our sunglasses and love multiple options.  OTIS stands out with their mineral glass lens.  The lenses are scratch resistant and distortion free.  The costs are approachable.  The quality and care of the product can justify a purchase.  I have now owned mine for over a year.  They have been tossed around not to test their claim but that is just what happens with sunglasses.  I am happy to report that mine are still in their perfect scratch free condition.  OTIS gets you excited for the sporty days of summer.

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Rumours

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The Insider

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Life On Mars

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Little Lies

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Skinny Dip

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Life on Mars polarized

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Midnight City

isostilo is looking forward to the sunny days ahead wearing  OTIS sunglasses!  How about you?

All pics from OTIS except for featured image

Catching Up With Covet+Lou

I can’t think of a better way to spend my morning than visiting with Tina Burgos, the founder and owner behind Covet+Lou, a clothing boutique in Needham, MA.  You may recognize Tina from the days when she co owned Stel’s on Newbury Street.  Stel’s is where I met Tina and continued to follow her ever since.

Covet+Lou

Covet+Lou is Tina’s new journey.  The store is a direct reflection of her style, passion, and commitment to offering inspiring designers with unique  stories.  The minute you walk into her shop you immediately know you have landed someplace special.  It is a space offering something new .  You get the feeling you are walking into someone’s closet.  A closet you will find interesting!  Covet+Lou is a breath of fresh air.  Discovering new brands is so welcomed!  The clothing is simply displayed only complimented by vintage finds that may be perfect for your home or to wrap up as a gift.  At the moment, everything is bright, patterned, and spring ready.

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Colors of Summer

Covet + Lou
Not your average bandana

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NO.6 Floral Dress

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Make summer easy with one piece of clothing to thrown on!

Covet + Lou
More than just clothing

My time with Tina covered every topic from kids, shops, blogs, how to change the world, fashion, and just life. You can’t help but feel energized after spending time with Tina.  Her style is authentic and appears effortless.  She rocks it with confidence.  One of the many reasons I admire Tina is for her ability to make everything her own.  She is more than the woman behind Covet+Lou.  She is wife, a mother, and an entrepreneur.  From what I can see, she is doing it with confidence, determination, and grace.

I explored the fashions, learned about the inspiration behind each label, and walked away committed to the less is more approach.  We need to support designers who combine craftsmanship, art, integrity, passion, and environmental awareness.

Covet + Lou
Happy Feet

Covet + Lou
Easy, light, and summer ready

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Shoes for all personalities

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Something to make your basic t-shirt interesting

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Simple but not boring

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Ways to brighten up your mood

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A mix of old and new

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For your home

Covet+Lou is bringing to you a place to shop and feel connected.   Tina is a welcoming encyclopedia of fashion knowledge.  She embraces what she is showcasing and doesn’t have fillers.  Covet+Lou is a must to visit in person if you are so lucky but rest assured Covet+ Lou is available worldwide online with a click of a button.  She has a cult following and I am right there with them!

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The one piece that allows the rest of your outfit to boring

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Shades of blue

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Material Girl in such a good way!

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Something fun from BASERANGE for underneath that classic crisp button down

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Transitional knit pieces

isostilo was like a child in a candy store.  Bouncing from one piece to another.  Here are few highlighted brands and pieces that I love:

Covet + Lou
NO.6 nails it with this dress.  Wear it now by wearing a thin long sleeve underneath.

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Crisp white with pastel!

NO.6 is known for their clogs but you should get to know their clothes.  NO. 6 designs unique pieces with a feminine edge.  Tina introduced me to N0.6 seven years ago with my first pair of clogs. I still wear them!  Timeless design is all I am saying!

Covet + Lou
Casual with interest

Covet +Lou
Pullover paired with one piece jumper says all day and every weekend

A De’tacher means to be detached .  The pieces are designed with an aesthetic that demands appreciation.  This line is meant to be layered which gives the pieces endless possibilities.  Two stand out pieces: The Conor Polo in sky and black along with the Sequoia Pullover in orange cream and orange are perfection. Investment pieces but lifers!  Both pieces made in Peru.

Covet + Lou
Beautifully crafted bag from Brother Villies

Woven basket bag from Brother Vellies is the perfect bag for summer.  This unique piece is a subtle style statement. It also timeless!

Covet + Lou
Flirty and sophisticated not so expected white summer basic

Hansel from Basel’s soft white embroidered cotton blouse is sexy but tasteful with detailing that can’t be overlooked.  A summer basic to be worn with everything.  Hansel from Basel is out of Los Angeles created by artist turned designer, Hannah Byun.

Covet+Lou

Feel Good About Your Basket and Net Bags!

Basket bags mean one thing: ease!  They are a perfect classic summer accessory.  A bag that will compliment your nautical or city style.  When the magnolia trees and cherry blossoms begin to bloom, start preparing yourselves for warmer days and lighter accessories.  Straw bags can range from simple to well decorated.  They also come in every handbag style.  These simple and functional bags set the tone for a laid back, easygoing vibe that we all tend to favor during the summer months.   Baskets bags are fun, versatile, and perfect for strolling around a seaside village or walking around a farmers market.

Basket Bag
Found a gem when I was in Florida.

Basket Bags
Colorful handmade baskets.

Basket Bags
The baskets are made from river grass and have leather wrapped handles for durability and comfort.

Handmade Baskets
Johns Jungle African Market Baskets sell beautiful handmade basket bags from Ghana

These beautiful handmade baskets are made with love from the women of the Bolgatanga communities trying to make a difference for themselves and their families.  The funds from these bags help provide health care, school supplies, and community buildings for the weavers and their families.   The baskets are stunning in person and no two are identical.  Truly works of art!  Please check out Johns Jungle African Market Baskets  if you fancy a basket bag or baskets for your home.

Net Bag
A sweet little something for your essentials!

Net Bag
Net bags are eco-friendly, simple, useful, and inexpensive

Net bags are all the rage!  Time to get on board with this trend.  They are a perfect city bag alternative for holding just your essentials.  The net bag makes for a great last minute accessory to throw in your suitcase for a weekend away.  An easy way to have some fun with a trending piece.  My hot pink find costs $12.00! You can opt for a fancy designer stamped one or anything in between.  But we can’t ignore how fun they are for summer!

Summer Essentials
Ready for summer!

Hands up for earth and wallet friendly purchases!  They both are on trend (bonus).  I love them for their care free nature.  They are isostilo style!   Time to swing into longer and lighter days!

Check out Eco Bags for inexpensive options for the string bag.