Vince is all about the traditional tones of spring with their newest collection. They are known for their casual and effortless look with basics that are not boring. This season it is all about soft tones in lovely lightweight fabrics. Pops of nautical throughout the line. Vince is one of those lines that will compliment any piece in your closet. I appreciate this brand for consistently focusing on classic pieces that reflect an easy-going aesthetic.
I am ready for summer! How about you? Vince has me excited for sunshine and carefree days. Always keep an eye open for friends and family discount offerings!
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 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.
Colors of SummerNot your average bandanaNO.6 Floral DressMake summer easy with one piece of clothing to thrown on!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.
Happy FeetEasy, light, and summer readyShoes for all personalitiesSomething to make your basic t-shirt interestingSimple but not boringWays to brighten up your moodA mix of old and newFor 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!
The one piece that allows the rest of your outfit to boringShades of blueMaterial Girl in such a good way!Something fun from BASERANGE for underneath that classic crisp button downTransitional 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:
NO.6 nails it with this dress. Wear it now by wearing a thin long sleeve underneath.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!
Casual with interestPullover 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.
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!
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.
Anything that hints of spring is welcomed with open arms. The Finnish textile company, Marimekko is known and respected for their bold colorful prints. There is nothing shy about their brand. Marimekko has a long history of offering unconventional designs for your wardrobe and home. You can’t help but appreciate their knack for offering season after season a timeless and unique aesthetic. Spring is the perfect time to embrace change and perhaps reach outside your style comfort zone. This season is about patterns, prints, and colors. I spent some time in both the Cambridge and Boston Marimekko stores . The stores are full of bright and lively pieces for your wardrobe and your home. Time to be bold!
A spring setting that says host a lady’s coffee morning!Sweet flower vases in light creamy tones are perfect for a powder room or small side table.Fresh, light, and neutral tones with quiet patterns could be perfect for a bedroom.Prints and boldness playing off each other with a pop of yellow.Vibrant pinks and reds to give you a splash of color for a guest bathroom seems right.These black and white patterns create an interesting story on these simple plates. The small two-tone plate with a pop of pink compliments the playfulness of all these prints. Easy additions to your spring and summer tables. A common circle design connecting them all together.Patterns and colors to inspire a few changes this season. The pink, red, and yellow flower power says spring! I’m also thinking a wrap skirt would also be fun in this fabric!! The cars and animals are perfect for a child’s space.
Marimekko has so many pieces to freshen up your space. You may feel inspired to recover a few cushions or pillows with some bold and playful fabrics or maybe it’s a sweet tray for your drinks. A small bud vase with fresh flowers makes for a perfect host gift!
You always seem to need a small catch-all purse.A great city bag for errands to tucking it in your suitcase for an extra tote. Functional and stylish!Green print or black print? Both sides are fab but would remove the label.Pop of sunshineClassic stripes should be a basic in your wardrobe.The stripes go back to Marimekko’s to commitment to equality for everyone since 1968.Bold Flower PowerAn alternative to the classic blue stripA bold wide leg poplin cotton pant in the Tasaraita pattern for any summer occasion like cafe sitting to a summer holiday!The Pollina Nurma ankle boot! But are they comfortable? I’m told yes. The fabric and pattern on these open toe booties are beautiful in a cotton canvas. The heel is wearable and street worthy. Summer perfection!More cloth bags!
Check out isostilo’s picks off the Marimekko website. Go big this summer!!
isostilo has a new local find in Cambridge. I am a fan of making something your own. The idea of designing and getting creative with textiles allows you to put your own spin on something. I love customizing t-shirts for my son’s birthdays. It has become a fun tradition. I scored this year with finding BOSSTOWN Custom Printing & Embroidery in Cambridge. Honestly I had gone to the Converse store originally but the equipment was under repair. So I was on the hunt to find a local business. Having a local shop that is owner occupied is always welcomed. We have to support our local shops to keep things interesting and unique. After a brief meet and chat with Melissa, the owner of BOSSTOWN, I knew a super fun t-shirt would be designed. I am thrilled to have found Melissa. She is running a business, juggling kids, and delivering a service that I hope all will consider the next time you are looking to personalize some kicks or t-shirts. I will say that she is located in an unassuming location and you walk through a little maze to find her small space. Another gem! BOSSTOWN
New year, new adventures ,more memories, and always smiling! Happy 11!
Walked into Essentiel Antwerp, a men’s and women’s clothing store from Antwerp (not that the name doesn’t give it away). At the moment they are having some fun with a Peanuts collaboration. One can swing a snoopy bag to bring a basic outfit to life or flirt in a Peanuts inspired skirt. I am always delighted to see a fun side of fashion. The store is full of bright and colorful pieces. Spring is knocking on the door in this store. It is so refreshing to experience something different but wearable at the same time. Essentiel Antwerp will bring out your inner playfulness! I Love It!!
A few pics for the men. But you get a sense of their style. I’m digging the plaid pants. Here’s a peek!
Before another storm hits New England, I must get some wear out of these boots! Sometimes you have to hunt. It is also part of the fun. I had been hunting for my perfect black boots for longer than I want to admit. Here were my requirements: black, low heel, edgy, and would be worn year after year. Boots have been ordered, boots have returned. One of the benefits of online shopping! I don’t think I am alone on this one. I have hit every store in Boston and beyond. Believe me, there are boots out there that get me excited but I’m fussy, focused and no regretful purchases please. With my endless searching along came Church’s studded, glossed leather, handcrafted, classic wingtip style black boot. Love at first sight. An absolute investment purchase. Welcome to my closet! Totally worth the hunt. I am in LOVE. Rock n Roll baby! I’m breaking them out and breaking them in! To be worn with everything!
Time to break you in
History Fact: This fine English company was founded in 1873 by Thomas Church and his three sons.
Fun Fact: Tony Blair had a pair he called “lucky pair” and British Secret Service agent, Mr. James Bond aka Pierce Brosnan wore a selection of Church’s to complement his Brioni suits. Need I say more to justify this investment?!
More sneaker porn! I have to admit my husband has a good eye for finding men’s basics. A few years ago he in his mind had found the ultimate score with Greats! Greats is a men’s and women’s sneaker company from Brookyn, New York by the two genius founders, Ryan Babenzien and Jon Buscemi. They hatched their original plan in 2007 but didn’t launch their brand until 2012. They wanted to offer very high quality sneakers at a reasonable price through a vertical system that would allow them to design, produce, and sell direct to consumers. No retailer mark up. Sounds too good to be true, right?! But they are doing it and crushing it!
Asif is a huge fan. He thinks that Greats is the sneaker must have for all guys. The style of Greats is simple, subtle, stylish, and clean. They are understated, cool, and not in your face. Think Vans meets Common Projects and meeting in the middle on price. My sneaker loving husband loves The Wooster and The Royal Classic. In fact my father-in-law, brother-in-law, and brother have all been gifted Greats. Ladies next, please!
So with all this Greats obsession, Asif is convinced that the women’s styles would be right up my ally. But it hasn’t been till now that I think I’m ready for some Greats! Maybe it is due to my sneaker love affair and my new foot issue. Sneakers are so easy to wear in the city and it is my preferred choice of footwear these days. Damn, I hate when he is spot on!
Get ready for some men’s greatness:
Wear The Pronto Vintage With AnythingThe Rosen For The WeekendThe Royale High Is All You NeedStep Up Your Game With The RoyaleThe Wooster, Loved By All
Get ready for some women’s greatness:
Spring Forward With The Royale PerforatedThe Clean And Simple AltaRun Out The Door With The WoosterThe Royal Platinum, To Be Worn Now!Just In! The Royal in Light Blue.
Don’t need new kicks? How about the newly released slides?!
Love Me Some New SlidesNice Twist!
Fact: They sell out like hot cakes so be sure to have a couple of runner ups!
Say what (I need another coffee for this one)! Balenciaga and Crocs?! My dad has been rocking the Crocs for years. So I am trying to get my head around the fashion hype over the $850 Balenciaga Platform Crocs (apparently already sold out). Only available in two colors, pink or sand. BTW this is not a first for Crocs to have their dubbed up footwear strutted on the runway. The last two years Christopher Kane led the way with them. Is this cool or absolutely ridiculous? Maybe a fashion hack is an option if you can’t get your hot little fingers (not possible) on them at Barneys, Saks, and other high-end retailers. Best of luck!
Balenciaga X Crocs (pic from Vogue)
Read the Vogue article here or read on about my new tasty indulgence, Royce Chocolates.
I do not have much of sweet tooth. I prefer savory. But my husband was away and sweetly came home with a gift for me from Japan. The package had me interested. He handed me a neatly folded, cool, subtle silver package with a tiny Royce’ sticker that closed the package. Inside were two beautiful boxes filled with tiny squares of chocolates. I eventually took a nibble and thought at first I would share them with my chocolate loving husband (I was also thinking this was a gift to himself). Lets just say I WILL NOT BE SHARING. The tiny golden square dusted with chocolate melted in my mouth. Boxes are hidden and I am keeping an inventory.
OH MY!
This high quality, indulgent chocolate was founded in Sapporo in 1983. The art of Japanese chocolate must be experienced and now Royce’ chocolates can be ordered online in the U.S. I just learned that I can visit their Boston store for a quick shopping pick me up! But for now I will savor every nugget of heaven. Here is another Valentine’s Day gift idea:)
It’s time to escape with DOEN’s new spring arrivals. DOEN is a LA based collaborative company made up of eight talented women delivering wearable West Coast style. DOEN will whisk you away in the most wonderful sense. Each piece is playful, soft, airy, light, flowing, and feminine. Bring on spring or plan a trip!
Decide for yourself!
DOEN has a journal section featuring real women wearing their clothes. I am sipping some coffee and reading about Ricki Lake. If you want more than read on and explore for yourself. xo
The Women’s March is coming up on January 20th in Washington DC. Rachel Comey has partnered up with friends across the country to update her classic camo jacket, the Short Zia Trench, for this year’s march. The jacket is stylish with pops of blue that soften the camo print yet it maintains its strong presence. What makes this year’s jacket unique is the printed Latin phrase “Si Vales, Valeo” meaning “If you are strong, I am strong”. This special edition jacket represents what Rachel Comey believes in and more importantly delivers a powerful message of solidarity. Ten percent of the sale of these jackets will be donated to Downtown for Democracy .
Photos from Rachel Comey.
Can’t end this post without saying this model is just slaying it! Her hair is stunning, the pants are rock ‘n’ roll, the cami is sexy and the earrings, come on!
isostilo 