inspiration – Page 3

A Textile Love Affair With ace & jig

It is all about collaboration! This is absolutely true with Carey Vaughan and Jenna Wilson, the two ladies behind ace & jig. They met years ago as fashion design interns then fast forward to being reunited over their absolute love around antique textiles. ace & jig is where pattern playing is at its best! The more you experience the pieces the more you fall in love. Every piece has its own personality and is waiting to be worn and enjoyed. The colors and patterns can make even the most conservative lady branch out of their comfort zone. ace & jig are timeless pieces that you build upon. They don’t read in the moment trend and they don’t read boring! They are effortless. You can layer, wear alone, and mix and match any piece. ace & jig has no rules except that you must love what you own if not then swap it with another ace & jig fan.

Want more reasons to love ace & jig besides that they strive daily to be better, to build a loving community, and they recognize that they can make a difference?! Here you go:

1. ace & jig are committed to giving back to communities, charities, and organizations

2. focused on no waste with their textile scraps so they find creative ways to repurpose them via scrap donations, artisan collabs, making kids clothing, quilts, and other creative ways

3. slow fashion focus with designing timeless garments

4. encourage their community to resell, repair, upcycle or swap pieces

5. they work closely with their textile producers in India to be environmentally focused

6. Want more then check out their site ace & jig

All pics are credited to ace & jig

Take It Outside

this summer with alfresco dining at home. Let’s just say June is officially summer! There is nothing better than firing up the BBQ and having friends over to enjoy the long summer nights. It is the best time to entertain. Summer gatherings can be simple and festive with little prep or you can go full-out gangbusters. Spending energy on creating a lovely and inviting atmosphere will delight you all summer long. You will just need to clean up the space and make of list of the items you will need to make entertaining fuss free and easy. After this it will be a breeze! Here is a helpful tip: clear out a designated space to hold all your summer dining essentials to make it easy on yourself and for those that are willing to lend a helping hand.

: Make your next reservation at home! Get creative with whatever space you may have. All spaces can be turned into a summer oasis.

: Pick flowers and fresh herbs from your garden or go to an outdoor market for fresh local flowers.

: Gathered utensils in a container to pass around is simple, functional, and casual.

: A folding table (great for pop up dinners when you have more guests than your typical dining set can accommodate) covered by a simple white table-cloth. Get clever with seating if you don’t have enough matching chairs by mixing in pieces from your indoors space. Benches work really well too.

: Melamine plates and glasses are worth the investment. This would also look just as lovely with colorful paper plates and napkins. Outdoor dining can be what you want it to be. No rules!

: Light it up with string lights and candles!

: Her smile tells it all! A dear friend who just happens to be my neighbor (thank my lucky stars!) kicked off summer with an outdoor set up that has me planting flowers , dusting off summer plates , and hanging lights! Thank you for the inspiration!

Here are a few places to check out online for your summer alfresco evenings. Happy Summer folks!

Crate&Barrel could be your one stop shopping for all your alfresco needs.

Ikea for some Scandinavian inspiration.

Target for string lighting options and folding tables (so handy to own and can be tucked away).

Check out this great piece from RealSimple. Lots of tips to get you excited for all your summer entertaining.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Anytime

Spring in the city is the best. All the trees and flowers are blooming. There is renewed energy that is contagious with the city dwellers and the tourists. Everyone is always looking for places to experience. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum has been on my list. The recent April showers presented the perfect time to enjoy the Gardner Museum. I had one goal, the Courtyard.

Gardner Museum

To me, the Courtyard is a year round city oasis. The space is peaceful. The sound of trickling water and soft floral scents combine to create a tranquil and beautiful environment. To just sit is enough. The Courtyard is a gem that is accessible for all to enjoy.

Gardner Museum

I found myself pausing at patterns, textiles, bold colors, and wall coverings. The interior design world and the fashion world are extensions of each other. I immediately start thinking of Dries Van Noten, the Belgian genius who is delivering wearable art through his exquisite taste in fabrics and patterns. Walking through the Gardner had me thinking about the current trending floral and bold prints.

Gardner Museum

The Gardner is stunning. One must look up or you will miss beauty.

Gardner Museum

I really enjoyed Bharti Kher’s Sketchbooks and Diaries. Kher spent a month as an Artist -in-Residence at the Gardner Museum. Her contemporary point view is delivered through her use of sketches and drawings. Kher has a playful perspective while incorporating her focus on motherhood and gender.

Gardner Museum

My favorite piece, John Singer Sargent, El Jaleo. The setting that Isabella curated especially for this piece of art makes it come alive.

Gardner Museum

The Gardner was founded by Isabella Stewart Gardner in 1903. Her love of travel inspired her to collect art and untimely share that love with Boston. Her passion, commitment, vision, and spirit is still very much present. The Gardner has an amazing and impressive art collection. It is also offers music, dance, and special performances. So spend as little or as much time as you wish. I highly recommend making a lunch reservation ahead of time at Cafe G.

Go Bold With Timeless Pieces From Marimekko

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!

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!

Maimekko — 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!

Check out isostilo’s picks off the Marimekko website. Go big this summer!!

Aitoa shirt

Marka Pikkuinen Unikko sneakers

Spalje plywood tray

Kassi bag

Uusi Matkuri Kukkatori Bag

Basket large mug

Pollina Nurmu ankle boot

Khristina tunic

Jokamekko dress

Ooho shirt

Revy Tasaraita pant

Lumimarja cocktail paper napkin

Like A New Bag Is Necessary?!

Maybe… I really don’t need one but why not take a peek. Basket bags, net bags, and fancy bags are all catching everyone’s eye. Handbags are a great way to add that one piece to freshen up your style especially with spring on the horizon. You want to feel lighter and carefree. For me, I want to carry my essentials: sunnies, iPhone, wallet, lippie, keys, sunblock, and my small note pad (yes, I know I can take notes on my iPhone). Shedding layers is a gal’s spring goal so why not begin with an accessory that we don’t leave home without. I am a bit of a bag lady and have collected some classic style handbags over the years. But now I am hunting for a minimal, nondescript, and fuss free handle carrying accessory that is not a luxury piece. It needs to fold into my lifestyle without defining my look. A fun bag that has me swinging with a smile on a sunny day. So I hit the shops for some inspiration. Check out these beauties that are currently trending. For now I will be toting around my recycled cotton patterned bags from cool shops that I have visited during my travels. Stayed tuned for what isostilo ends up sporting for spring and summer if at all anything!

Accessories — Just when you need that little something to swing and check out the neck candy

Peanuts For Spring!

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!

Essentiel Antwerp for your online browsing pleasure if you wish!

DOEN

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

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

https://shopdoen.com/blogs/journal/ricki-lake

All pictures are from DOEN.

Monday Inspiration

Wishing for dreamy viewing than check out my new latest Netflix love, Chef’s Table. So far it has been an amazing and inspiring series about six of the world’s greatest chefs. I have traveled to Italy, the North West corner of Massachusetts, Patagonia, Los Angeles, New Zealand, and Sweden. The cinematography is beautiful, the authenticity of the chefs is heart grabbing, and the food is revolutionary. I’m in love with Massimo Buttura and his electric personality!

Need more inspiration than check out My Next Guest Needs No Introduction With David Letterman, a once a month interview with David Letterman and a global leader that is sure to inspire. First interview is with President Barack Obama. Enough said! The interview is one on one on an open stage with no band and no distractions. David Letterman is back and better than before with a personal style he is enjoying. Check out the beard!

Dreamy reading inspiration. Enjoy The New York Times recently released 52 Places to Go in 2018. Always amazed with the beauty that world has to offer. Happy browsing!

Time To March

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 .

Short Zia Trench Rachel Comey

Damn!

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!

adidas x Concepts

While walking about Boston’s popular shopping destination, Newbury Street, my eyes spotted the adidas x Concepts store. The collaboration between these two brands excited me. It is nothing short of cool. The space is defined by a minimal aesthetic that highlights the sneakers and apparel. The use of exposed brick, black steel, unique lighting, interactive graphics and music enhances the products and your shopping experience. It’s so great to see the streetwear culture in Boston continuing to evolve. The space is so refreshing and unique to Boston. Being able to really interact with the merchandise is so important. The sales staff is approachable and laid back with individual styles that compliment the whole aesthetic that adidas x concepts has created. Everything is so well displayed and the environment welcomes you to get playful. I found my inner gangsta while

trying on sneakers, track pants, and hoodies. I walked around thinking this is a store that takes no convincing to pop into with my husband. I’m thinking this could be the end of my allowance! Walked out with the ankle warming adidas by Stella McCartney Ultraboost X MID.