Lana

Kate Spade Rocks Polka Dots

Kate Spade Rocks Polka Dots

Cedar Street Dot Margot by Kate Spade

Kate Spade Rocks Polka Dots

Kate Spade can do no wrong. At least that’s how I feel…just about everything that Kate Spade releases I covet. It’s tough in the design world (whether you’re talking interior design, fashion, graphic design…you name it) to go by the moniker of “less is more” without losing your unique touch. This brand is one of the few that managed to nail it, and every piece is so perfectly polished from the realm of refined and grown up to cute and a kid at heart. I actually do not own any Kate Spade items yet, but this brand has been on my radar for way too long! As I’ve mentioned before, when it comes to patterns, I like large, blocky ones. I don’t really like a lot of noise. So when I discovered these cute playful polka dotted items from Kate Spade, I took notice. How beautiful yet cute are these items? When it comes to bags, I usually like just plain, basic colors, but the Cedar Street Dot Margot bag above and the Cedar Street Dot Small Harmony as well as the wallets I have displayed here are so tastefully done and I could see them going with almost anything!

Crisp color, graphic prints and playful sophistication are hallmarks of kate spade new york. as our world expands, our exuberant approach to the everyday is evident in each category we enter, from handbags and clothing to jewelry, shoes, stationery, eyewear, baby, fragrance, tabletop, bedding and gifts.”

Not only does this “Spot On” collection cover bags and wallets, but we have watches, laptop covers, tops, scarves, skirts, footwear, and even some home decor items like clocks, candles and even stationery. When I think “Kate Spade,” I think of those gorgeous black shoulder bags I’ve been seeing everywhere that are currently mentally competing with my much-loved black Coach Large Zoe bag that’s currently sitting in my closet, waiting to come out this fall. But now I’m seeing spots!

Here’s a few of the gifts offered in this fun polka dot print…

Check out the full Spot On collection here, or shop items below!

Lana

DSTLD Second Skinny Legging in Forever Black Review on Denimology

DSTLD Second Skinny Legging in Forever Black Review on Denimology - Front View

DSTLD Second Skinny Legging in Forever Black Review on Denimology

As we move closer to the fall months, I’m sure most of us are turning to our darker denim…probably our skinny jeans, to be specific. But to me, no matter what the season, the classic black skinny jean is a must in every fashion-forward lady’s wardrobe! We all know black goes with anything, and it’s highly versatile…and slimming! I have a pair or two already in my closet, but I only wear them on special occasions, because I, like I’m sure many others out there, live in fear of washing them! The last thing I want is my beautiful jet-black skinny jeans turning into a washed out charcoal. I have nothing against charcoal of course, but black does have a tendency to fade, and nobody wants to buy a new pair of black jeans every few months or so. Fortunately, some denim brands are listening in on this concern, the two I know being Level 99 and DSTLD as I mentioned in a previous post about fadeless black denim. I got to try this new technology with the latter of those two brands, so here is a DSTLD Mid Rise Second Skinny Legging in Forever Black review!

View Full Post

Lana

Denim X by American Eagle

Denim X by American Eagle

The high-waist trend is definitely here to stay, and American Eagle Outfitters has helped perpetuate it with their Sky High Jegging, along with their usual High Rise Jegging. I thought it was going to be a mostly summer trend, but along with this one, several brands are proudly keeping the high risers in their upcoming fall lines. I’m still kind of letting it grow on me, as I like a variety of high rise, mid rise, and low rise jeans in my closet to fit whatever outfit or style mood I might be in. Apart from the high rise trend, however, I mostly admire the shape retention, super stretch trend! I don’t even know if I can call it a trend though, since it just seems so common sense to me for the world of denim. I know there are a lot of fans of the 100% raw denim out there, but I like my stretchiness!

American Eagle Outfitters released a line called Denim X this year, which features their jeggings of the higher-rise kind, in an INVISTA Lycra blend of fabric that will hold its shape, stretch to fit your curves but never bag or sag.

Garments made with LYCRA® fiber can stretch, but more importantly they have excellent recovery performance so that garments can keep their shape. Designers around the world are using LYCRA® fiber, allowing people to wear stylish garments that last. Today, consumers look for fashion & stylish apparel, but they also expect comfort and durability. Garments made with LYCRA® fiber are comfortable, durable and keep their fit.” – INVISTA Lycra

The Sky-High Jegging is AEO’s “best fit ever. Revolutionary high performance stretch that’s softer than ever before. Never loses its shape… so you can show off your assets all day (and night).” I will have chance to review a pair of these Denim X Sky High Jeggings for Denimology soon, so stay tuned!! I have a special soft spot in my heart for AEO…their jeans are such a great quality at such a great price! I’m always impressed with what they release, so I’m pretty excited to try these out.

Lana

A Long but Not Lost Shoot

A Long but Not Lost Shoot - Front 1

A Long but Not Lost Shoot

Back in 2012, I began one of my many side activities working for a friend’s startup, which is now a fashion and lifestyle blog (and iTunes app) called Haberdashion, when it was still in its beginning stages. Basically, the app is a social fashion community, allowing you to follow your favorite stores, friends, or anyone that inspires you for a daily dose of new fashion ideas and looks to help you “Discover Your Fashion DNA™”. You can “covet” (save for later) any item you see or buy right from the app, or you can be an influencer yourself and share your favorite items as well for others to covet or buy! I began working with them a little last year to help with the graphic design side of things: the WordPress blog (my first taste of WordPress, actually) and the email blast were my two main tasks! I ended up being led away with other life events and opportunities, but I still have a warm spot in my heart for Haberdashion, and it’s been fun to watch them grow and finally launch, with a few parties here around my town! I was thinking up ideas for more blog posts just now, and thought of the little fashion shoot we did of all of us back in 2012. I can’t believe it’s been that long! This was the first time I’d ever had a shoot done, and even though I had wanted to do that for quite some time, you can kind of see how nervous I am! It’s funny to see some of the new shots I’ve done for Denimology now. What a difference!

View Full Post

Lana

Mitscoots Socks Help Make A Difference

Mitscoots Socks Help Make A Difference

The fashion and style world is definitely going either the eco-friendly & sustainable route, or the humanitarian route, and I love seeing new little companies and brands popping up everywhere to help make a difference! We already know about TOMS, which donates shoes to the needy with every purchase, and now we have Mitscoots socks to pair with them! The brand concept began when its founders were volunteering in Austin, Texas, and witnessed that a clean pair of socks was one of the items most appreciated from the less fortunate, right after food and water. So, Mitscoots was born, and with every sock purchased, one is donated to someone in need in partnership with various charities nation-wide.

Mitscoots Socks Help Make A Difference

Mitscoots Socks: Bold Mix

Each sock is 100% cotton and made in North Carolina and packaged in Austin. The socks were constructed with the needy in mind, resulting in product that is highly durable for those that might need to be walking in them for days at a time. Our world is constantly changing, and not always for the better…I am thrilled to see so many companies that don’t forget this and work hard to help out those who need it, even with something as small as socks. Sometimes, it’s the small things that count. We don’t realize how much we take for granted!

Mitscoots also makes tech socks with moisture wicking technology, for the athletic ones among us! I might have to try a pair of these!

Mitscoots Socks Help Make A Difference

Mitscoots Socks: The Stevie Moisture Wicking Tech Sock

Visit Mitscoots right here to read more about the story and check out the great sock line for men and women, and check out the video below.

Lana

adidas by Stella McCartney

adidas by Stella McCartney - Tops

adidas by Stella McCartney – From L to R: Perforated Hoodie, Techfit Running Tank, Studio Perforated Tee

adidas by Stella McCartney

If you haven’t yet noticed, there’s been a recent shift in fashion and style preferences lately. Activewear and loungewear are slowly taking over the market, even starting to give denim a run for its money! Workout attire has always had a cute, stylish side, but only now has it somehow become so cute and stylish that many are opting to wear it out on the town or even to work in place of their usual garb. I’ll agree that it’s definitely comfortable, but I know personally through all the jeans reviews I’ve done with Denimology that the denim market long ago had introduced softer-than-soft versions of their best selling products which definitely lean more into the legging realm, so honestly I don’t really understand the “jeans are too uncomfortable” thing going on lately…anyhoo, I digress. Don’t get me wrong, I am a workoutaholic and I LOVE stylish activewear! I’m not really big on Lululemon. I don’t really know why, but it hasn’t caught on with me, even though we just had a store open in town. For working out, I always go after the tried and true (and already pretty stylish) brands: Under Armour, Adidas, Asics, Puma…you get my drift. But it’s interesting now to see high end fashion brands collaborating with these sports brands. Case in point here…adidas and Stella McCartney! How cute are these pieces? I love how they definitely aren’t too cute to sweat in, and actually make me want to go on a long run or hit the gym even more than I already enjoy to, because it’s always more fun to work out with a little flair. So this stuff instantly grabs my attention…two of my favorite things in one: fitness and fashion!

adidas by Stella McCartney - Tops 2

adidas by Stella McCartney – From L to R: Perforated Mid Layer Jacket, Perforated Running Tee, Studio Long Sleeve Tee

Stella McCartney is no stranger to fashion obviously (but I thought I’d say so in case of those who aren’t aware). The designer was born in London and worked with big brand Chloe for awhile, starting in 1997, as their creative director in Paris. She showed her first collection in 2001 and the rest is history. Her pieces glow with a sense of femininity, and some might like to hear she uses no fur or leather in her designs, as she is a vegetarian. I have no problem with leather, as it’s mainly a biproduct, but fur? Thank you Stella! She also works with a barrage of charities. Adidas probably needs no big introduction, as they’ve dominated the fitness and street fashion industry for long enough. The two have been working together since 2005, not just on workout wear, but also winter sports, cycling, tennis, swim and even surf apparel.

adidas by Stella McCartney - Bottoms

adidas by Stella McCartney – From L to R: Studio Tights, Techfit Running Tights, Essentials Starter Tights

Most of the tops have bottoms that match, and the collection also includes underwear, shorts, sports bras, bags, beanies and shoes. I picked out everything I would either wear or that I thought just simply looked cool. I’ll have to keep my eyes on some of these…I’m digging the Studio Long Sleeve Tee, and the shoes below!

adidas by Stella McCartney - Bottoms 2

adidas by Stella McCartney – Front L to R: Essential Pants, 3/4 Running Tights, Essentials 3/4 Starter Tights

adidas by Stella McCartney - Shoes

adidas by Stella McCartney Pure Boost Running Shoes

Shop the collection on Revolve Clothing here, and read all about Stella McCartney here.

Lana

Prismatic Lamps and Mirrors by Sean Augustine March

Prismatic Lamps and Mirrors by Sean Augustine March

Sean Augustine March: Infinite Prism Desk Lamp

Prismatic Lamps and Mirrors by Sean Augustine March

Who doesn’t love shiny things? We humans love to bling up everything…so much that it’s kind of become a symbol of affluence and status. Chrome, diamonds, mirrored houses…we have such an insatiable desire for the shiny and the sparkly. Even though scientists have recently concluded that this innate attraction stems back from our prehistoric survival days, when our biological need for water took more of a precedence over our superficial desires. Even though the human race has been blessed with the convenience of running water, that caveman love for the glossy things hasn’t left the depths of our psyches. I haven’t really always been into super glittery things, but I always loved clear, transparent objects, like gems…it kinda takes me back to my childhood obsession with Treasure Rocks…

Like most girls, I love my jewelry, but what about some pretty soothing transparent shiny decor for around the house? I discovered Sean Augustine March on Fab.com, albeit a little late. The petty neon desk lamps reminded me of my plastics shop days in 8th grade (and getting overly excited about the possibilities of things I could make with so many colorful transparent neon sheets of plastic ahhhhh!). How pretty are these?! The desk lamps are made up of LEDs rated for 50,000+ hours of ooohs and aaahs, made of optical grade dichroic glass rather than plastic. His mirrored wall decor is handmade and…man I could stare into those things for hours. I love the idea of mirroring up my house, but these just put such a cool kaleidoscopic spin to it.

Prismatic Lamps and Mirrors by Sean Augustine March

Sean Augustine March: Prism Desk Lamp and Infinite Prism Diamond

Whether you are looking at the bigger picture of decorating your home, or just want to add a little bit of a calming touch to your work desk, these prismatic lamps and mirrors by Sean Augustine March are such gorgeous choices…now I just need some time to clean up my house so these could shine without the clutter! The prices aren’t even that bad, either, considering these are hand made. I need these in my life!

Prismatic Lamps and Mirrors by Sean Augustine March

Sean Augustine March: Mirrored Diamond and Mirrored Heart

Here is an enchanting video of Sean Augustine March’s work:

Read more about this amazing artist here at his website and online shop!

Lana

Striped Essentials by Bailey 44

Striped Essentials by Bailey 44 - Tops

Bailey 44 Striped Tops. From L to R: Slope Style Tee, Autumnal Top, Sunrise Sweater

Striped Essentials by Bailey 44

I am not a pattern girl, per se…I love big, bold colorblocking, or just basic colors. I like a lot of contrast, rather than a jumble of colors and designs mixed together. Any kind of print I wear usually fits this preference, and stripes is one of the very few patterns I really can stand. Of course, still, the blockier and bigger the better, but I think it’s the perpetual shape of stripes that seems to make it okay in my book. I purchased a black and white 3/4 sleeve black and white striped dress from French Connection on sample sale site Rule La La not long ago, and I adore it…it’s simple enough that I can dress it down or up. Soon after I caved in to purchasing one from Express, but in an olive green and black color combination. I love this look so much! I recently got an email from one of my favorite brands, Bailey 44, highlighting some new striped dresses, sweaters and tops, and I am having a hard time picking favorites! Bailey 44 was founded in 2006, in Los Angeles, and excels at women’s contemporary styles. The brand states, “Our clothing is made for the woman who is agelessly sexy, effortlessly cool, and who works at balancing an active, busy life.” While I don’t yet own anything from them, I admire their designs and have a constant eye on them for a future addition to my wardrobe. These tops and dresses have a rayon/spandex blend, so I bet they are perfectly form fitting and soft. Maybe I’ll have to finally grab my first piece from Bailey 44! Check them out for yourself.

One very cool thing to note is that Bailey 44 recently earned accolades with their addition to the Made in the USA Hall of Fame this year! The Made in the USA Hall of Fame site states, “The Made in the USA Foundation’s Hall of Fame celebrates business’s who exhibit excellence in USA manufacturing practices and standards. Those nominated will be evaluated on their contribution to job creation in the USA, accurate labeling, promotion of USA made products, and labor and environmental standards.” I definitely feel it’s important to note those who keep business between our borders through these hard times.

Shop more from Bailey 44 here, or go after the striped collection here!

Here are some other fun striped styles from other brands that I would totally wear…

Lana

Parker Smith Bonnie Trouser Bootcut Review on Denimology

Parker Smith Bonnie Trouser Bootcut Review on Denimology

Parker Smith Bonnie Trouser Bootcut Review on Denimology

Parker Smith has been a recent hot hit here on Denimology, and for great reason! With their amazing fits for curvier figures and super soft fabrics that will make you change your mind about the recent perception that yoga pants are more comfortable than denim, you really can’t go wrong with this brand and I know they have an incredible potential for longevity in the denim world. I have done two reviews for them thus far: the Becky Bootcut in Deep Azure, and the Ava Skinny in Skylight. When we hear of denim, we usually conjure up thoughts of skinny jeans, bootcuts and the recent trend of super destroyed slouchy styles, but the trouser rarely gets any attention. Maybe it’s because it’s a bit more of a classy, dressy style than something you’d normally expect from a pair of jeans, which most people only get a chance to wear during leisure time on the weekends? I’m not sure, but I am happy to present to you a fantastic example of a great trouser pant, with a Parker Smith Bonnie Trouser Bootcut in Ebony Sateen review!

View Full Post

Lana

Labor Day Weekend in Siwy

Labor Day Weekend in Siwy

Labor Day Weekend in Siwy

Siwy to me has always been one of those strange denim brands that I can’t help but love and crave, even though it is always so hit or miss for me in the fit department. I’ve gone through several of their styles in the past without much luck on my curvier shape, but when I do find one that fits, it’s PERFECT. Not long ago I reviewed the Hannah in Odyssey, which is now one of my absolute favorite jeans and fits me like a glove without a belt! Also in my collection is a beautiful pair of the Siwy Camilla shorts that I just had to have after seeing them on Miley Cyrus when she was filming her Party In The USA music video. These are the Siwy Splatter Paint Camilla shorts which are a soft, pretty dark grey with gold glitter splotches on them (so I’m kind of afraid to throw them in the wash). I grabbed online years ago (so they are no longer available, unfortunately). They kind of sat in my closet unused for awhile because I bought them in my old size of 27, not knowing that these shorts run kind of big. After getting more into fitness over the years and dropping to a 26, they got a little bigger, but the boyfriend shorts style kind of blew up within the last few months making me feel that a tight fit maybe might not be the only way to wear these!

View Full Post