fashion blogger – isostilo

A Brand To Admire: House Of Dagmar

No doubt the fashion industry must change its practices. But there is hope if more companies follow the footsteps of House Of Dagmar or at least take a page out of their book. In 2005, three sisters launched Dagmar, a Swedish contemporary label for women. Their standard is clear: high quality fabrics, high quality design, and high quality production. HOD takes sustainability seriously.

The sisters began measuring their carbon footprint in 2017. “We learned many things, for example that around only seven per cent of our fibres were sustainable when we started measuring. We also learned that using fibres that can be recycled or incinerated with energy recovery results in CO₂ savings.” They don’t walk the talk. They are doing!

Back in 2017, 25% of Dagmar’s collections was sustainable and was a GOOD CHOICE. At the beginning of 2019, 50% of their collections were sustainable. For 2020 they hope to be at 90%! Dagmar introduced The GOOD CHOICE- label. A tag that promises the clothes it hangs on are made from ethically produced and environmentally friendly materials.

Where are they going with the goal?: Dagmar’s goal of becoming a climate neutral fashion brand by 2025, offering only 100% sustainable collections.

“For us, this is not only a trend but an important journey. It is an important part of who we are and what we do, it is a part of the Dagmar-DNA.”

I love transparency! I love choices to buy good! I’m a fan of Dagmar!

Pretty Damn Perfect

Now these boots I can get behind. I am finally coming around to the white boot trend. Mainly because I haven’t really spotted a pair that have caught my eye. This has changed with my discovery of Everlane’s soft leather low boot called The Day Boot. They are made in Italy and have an approachable heel height for everyday travels. Loving the hint of edge with the center seam detail. The burgundy is also a beautiful color if you are still undecided on the white. To me the white seems a bit softer than other white boots I have come across. These would be an easy and lovely addition to your wardrobe. The Day Boot is classic, stylish, versatile, and reasonable at $225.00. Score!

An Ultra Layer That Is A Smart Purchase

Ultra Light, Pick Your Color
Ultra Compact, Ultra Perfect

The key to surviving winter may be UNIQLO. It is no secret that I love UNIQLO. The reason is simple: they offer clean, well designed, functional, and affordable pieces for the whole family. Pieces that you will actually wear on repeat. They also do great collaborations. If you missed my earlier post about their Alexander Wang collaboration then check it out. I just received my Heat Tech, NO REGRETS! Here are two other pieces you should really consider. The Ultra Light Compact Down Vest is a slim layering piece that will go undetected. It costs $39.90. Wear it under a blazer, coat, or over a blouse. The alternative to the vest is the Ultra Light Compact Down Jacket. The jacket will cost you $59.90. Both are amazing adding zero bulk to your look. They will help keep you toasty. I personally live in a vest from now through April. Add the Heat Tech for optimal happiness and warmth. Happy Winter Folks!

The Extras

It all works and you won’t be a walking trend. No fuss accessories that will give your wardrobe a refresh. A bit of color doesn’t hurt anyone. I know that black is so easy but so is adding a little color. The wrap is your base to work around. Underneath it I would wear neutrals consisting of a couple of layers (denim tuxedo and a cozy cardigan or jacket). Accessories that have complementing colors will give you a look that is a bit more interesting but not so obvious. Accessories are an easy way to express your own personal style.

Isabel Marant Lipstick, Jennifer Behr Bow, Deborah Lippmann nail polish, Wandler Tote, Alexander McQueen Scarf, The Row’s Cape, Haskell Eyeglasses by Warby Parker

When It Is That Cold

you may want this look! I am not the only one thinking these hats are a good idea. Get on the waiting list. A full coverage hat to be worn on the coldest city days without looking like a bank robber but maybe more like a Teletubbie. They are not for skiers (less you are vying for Jerry of the Day) but for the brave wearers who just want face protection as well as up their city style. The Moritz from Kule will have you fully covered! Made of cashmere so hoping that skin irritation won’t be an issue. But it may be a risk worth taking if they come back in to stock! Stay warm this winter. Kule

Gifts For The Home

I like to think about giving a gift that one would not buy for themselves. Lovely pieces for the kitchen and home are always a welcoming treat. There are many beautifully crafted possibilities. Consider your recipient’s hobbies, interests, and aesthetic. Get creative and make it personal. Perhaps think about pairing the lovely paper napkins with a small floral arrangement or the pitcher and syrup accompanied with your favorite pancake recipe. They all are oh so perfect whether it is a small gesture gift or a celebratory gift. It just depends on the occasion.

Starting from the top left:

Linen Tea Towel, Alessi Tree Diffuser, Neutral Sky Candle, Petite Silo Pitcher & Syrup, Vintage Glasses, John Derian Paperweight, Black Burgundy Truffle, Ceramic Tree Ornaments, Bird Paper Napkins, Laguiole Cheese Knives, Wine O’s, Shibori Dyed Cocktail Napkins

Holiday Plaid All The Way!

Yes, A Men’s Dinner Jacket
Under Everything
Pair With Pant Below
Neutral Glen Plaid
Fun With Any Look
Only To Be Paired With A Tartan Blouse
All Good All The Time
Ornaments
Beret Of Happiness
Low Commitment
Hug Me All Winter Long
Put A Tartan Bow On It

There is never too much tartan and egg nog during the holidays. It is fun, festive, and traditional. Don’t just wear one piece. Mix and match many pieces together to really get into the spirit. Here is my selection from J.Crew to get you head to toe excited. They have a fab selection. FYI, holiday sale is in progress! Happy Holidays. Go tartan. It is a classic! There is nothing here that you can’t wear year after year. J.Crew

French Twist

Sylvain Le Hen

Super fan of this cool girl clean look! Sylvain Le Hen from France is designing sleek hair accessories that will delight your eyes. They are minimalistic and beautifully crafted. Who knew hair accessories could take on an architectural vibe? Subtle, bold, clean, and utilitarian all come to mind when I see these art forms disguised as hair clips. Sylvain Le Hen hair accessories would make for a lovely gift. I am asking Santa for the red raw band. I have the disc and long clip. Hopefully Santa reads my blog! (all images from Sylvain Le Hen) For a local US online retailer with the most selection head to Founders & Followers.

Closet Refresh

The Sweater Stone

Huggable Hangers

PEVA Sweater Bag Large

Wool Dryer Balls

PEVA Sweater Bag

The Laundress

Every winter a closet overhaul is a necessary task. It is a time to reevaluate, purge, and shift clothes to make dressing easier. Otherwise, it is too easy to wear the same favorites on repeat and neglect at least 90% of everything else you own. You have way more options than you think. I have figured out a pretty efficient system which is simply removing everything from the closet. You need to start with a blank slate. Clear a day! It is an eye opening experience. You must be willing to try things on then make honest decisions to keep, repair, or donate. It is important that the clothes fit you well otherwise no sense giving up valuable space. Declutter your life. Keep what you love. Know what you own. The closet reorg gives everything a home. It is also a way to take care of your clothes. They will last longer.

You will enjoy a well-organized closet. Try to accomplish this task before making any new purchases. It allows you to take an inventory of what you own. This will also point out what wardrobe basics you may be lacking help you justify that new piece you have been eyeing. Shopping with intention. Need vs want. I can definitely say I own enough leopard print! This winter, my gap is with basics. I will be hunting for warm layering pieces, possibly a new loafer, one seriously functional warm rain coat, and I’m sure a few little gems.

Here are few closet basics that can help you during your closet refresh.

Sweater bags are the best way that I have found to store sweaters. The zip closure will keep out the moths and dust. PEVA sweater bags have been my saving grace to preserve my favorite sweaters. They also keep them neat and visible with the clear packaging.

These slim Huggable Hangers from Joy Mangano are non slip which will prevent your silks from hitting the floor.

The Sweater Stone can make a little mess but is sweater friendly when it comes to removing the pills from your favorite pieces. I have also read good reviews on the Conair Fabric Defuzzer-Shaver.

The Laundress offers everything when it comes to taking care of your laundry. I will be trying out their Wool & Cashmere Shampoo for an alternative to dry cleaning.

Wool Dryer Balls are another new one for me. They are 100% pure New Zealand wool promising to reduce drying time, lessen static, and eco-friendly. Lasts for 1,000 loads (wow imagine if you tallied how many washings you do?!). You can also add natural oils to the balls for a lovely added scent to your laundry. (gotta admit this is a funny thought!)

BTW I don’t bother organizing my workout drawer. Nice to have that one drawer you just don’t fuss over. Happy sorting folks!

Get Ready For Vogue Paris

It is the little things that can get you excited. Thank you for print! On December 6th, Vogue Paris will be hitting the shelves with their special Christmas issue featuring the Birkin clan. Three women that don’t need an introduction: Jane Birkin with her daughters Charlotte Gainsbourgh and Lou Doillon. They all are admired for many things but most definitely for perfecting the effortless style of denim, a white t shirt, and a Birkin bag. A casual and unpretentious style. Promising to share everything from film, fashion, life, music, and more. This issue has already earned its spot on my shelf for eternity! image from WWD. Can’t wait to see it!