Object of Affection: The Capri Sandal

The Capri sandal. My go-to summer footwear.

Made iconic (along with oversized sunglasses) by none other than Jackie O when she bought them on the fabled Italian island during her frequent holiday visits 40 years ago. Now, they’re an always-in-style classic that’s reinterpreted every year.

By far, my favorite this season is from DV by Dolce Vita, available at The Perfect Pair. Timeless and modern. Casual and dressy. Just right for both a backyard picnic and a dressy cocktail soiree. The right equation of chic and bling.

I’m especially smitten with the black ones. Though the faux snakeskin print’s pretty alluring as well. And really, at $69, having both in your warm weather line-up might be the most strategic approach.

 

Then all you’ll need is huge sunglasses, a scarf tied just so, the yacht, and a shipping magnate husband…and you’ll be ready for your island holiday.

p.s. Jackie’s original sandals came from Capri’s Canfora, opened in 1946 and still in business. And yes, you can order online.

 

Jackie O photos: Settimio Garritano

 

 

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Object of Affection: The Cambridge Satchel Company

I’m a sucker for a big beautiful bag.

But I don’t want a brand name splattered all over it. And I sure won’t (and can’t) spend the silly stupid prices the latest “it bags” go for. I want something that’s interesting, well made, and ample enough to fit the contents of a studio apartment.

I’ve found it at the Cambridge Satchel Company.

This is a baller bag…for a brainy woman. (Even if it was originally designed for brilliant British school kids with cute accents.)

The company is young. It was started in 2008 by a British woman who mainly wanted to earn extra money for her daughter’s school fees. “I was quite obsessed with satchels at the time,” said founder Julia Deane. “I was reading Harry Potter to my children and I wanted to find them, because they are exactly what Harry and Hermione would have used at Hogwarts.”

Little did she know the magic that would transpire.

 

Cambridge Satchel Company Neon Collection

Four years later, these satchels are a worldwide phenom. Still handmade in Britain, they’re now available in every hue imaginable. In fact, I’m going out on a fashion limb here and proclaiming that the satchel-style bags like those from Proenza Schouler (this version retails for $1,595) and Kate Spade (going for a more modest $368) are really just offspring of the Cambridge Satchel. Which can be had for well under $200, even accounting for the pounds-to-dollar conversion…

Proenza Schouler Satchel

Kate Spade Satchel

In other words, this is the real thing. Those other “it bags” are mere copies. And if that weren’t enough, they’ll even monogram your Cambridge Satchel with your initials (instead of someone else’s brand).

Monogrammed Cambridge Satchel – Hmm, those initials look familiar. Coincidence?

A good education doesn’t have to be wasted on the young. Now you know.

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Object of Affection – A Heartfelt Note

It’s coming…May 13 is Mother’s Day 2012. And I know what your mother wants. 100% sure. Without a doubt. Satisfaction guaranteed. Trust me.

She wants you to write her a note.

No, not an email. Definitely not an e-card. Not even a paper card with a lame verse in schmaltzy iambic pentameter that you just signed your name to with a few OXOXO’s. None of that.

She wants you to find a pen, locate a piece of paper, and write something you truly mean. She wants it in her mailbox (even if she lives just across town). You have to put a stamp on it. (Stamps? You get ‘em at this thing called the post office. One will cost you 45 cents these days.)

I love a hand-written note. And as a mother, a daughter, a sister to two mothers, and a friend to many moms, you’re going to have to trust me on this one. This is the sweetest, best gift you can give. And it’s cheap. Though it takes time. And you’ll have to find that stamp. But it will blow your mother’s mind.

I know you’ve got a pen and paper somewhere, but use this opportunity to buy something pretty to write with and something pretty to write on. Find what suits your style. Classic black ink on tasteful blue vellum? A candy-colored pen on neon stationery? Or even a card — as long as you actually write something! It doesn’t really matter. It’s about you — and your mom.

Here’s the hard part, however. You have to sit down, and you have to WRITE. Tell her a memory of a bedtime story. Tell her about the best childhood vacation. Tell her what she’s taught you. Tell her why you admire her. Tell her she’s beautiful. Tell her why you love her. You’re on your own here…

It’s what I want for Mother’s Day. It’s what your mom wants too.

p.s. I’m a year-round letter writer, and I know we’ve got fantastic local spots for pretty stationery, cards and pens. I regularly haunt the Paper Place, Social Graces and the Beveled Edge for my old-school correspondence needs and wants.

 

 

 

 

Object of Affection – A Frank & Eileen Shirt

In my book of style, there’s nothing better than a modern re-do of an iconic classic.

It’s no wonder I adore a Frank & Eileen shirt — a brand that takes its name from an old-fashioned love story and builds on modern interpretations of an awesome man’s shirt. But re-designed for women. Especially women who don’t believe in ironing…

The red-haired founder of Frank & Eileen, Audrey McLoghlin, was in town recently for a trunk show at Nashville’s fashion locus, H. Audrey. Though Frank & Eileen shirts are sold at swank spots around the country like Barneys, Fred Segal and Ron Herman, I was charmed by the special collaboration with H. Audrey’s owner Holly Williams — a limited edition just for Holly’s store.

Holly Williams collaborated with Frank & Eileen on this orange pin-striped linen shirt.

Here’s what else I learned about these re-thought classics. They’re produced in one of the oldest men’s shirting mills in Italy, just outside Milan. There’s a new “capsule” every month — not a full-on collection, but new colors and looks. And that wonderful crinkly, wrinkly, un-ironed look? It’s a top secret on how a Frank & Eileen shirt gets that way, and stays that way. I pressed for the inside scoop (bad pun!), but Audrey diplomatically  declined to comment. She’s classy that way.

Audrey McLoghlin started her company a mere three years — though the label says “est. 1947.”

That’s where the love story comes in. Frank and Eileen are Audrey’s grandparents. They married in 1947 (and they’re Irish, of course). The Frank & Eileen website includes their story.

With jeans. With pearls. With a bright bandana or a Hermès scarf. The kind of modern classic that belongs in every woman’s closet.

 

About Cindy Wall

Cindy’s a communications and marketing pro, a writer, a grammar snob, and a rapacious reader. In her own words, she knows “a little about a lot” — i.e., 19th century literature, Karl Lagerfeld’s latest adventures, professional bike racing, and when to use the Oxford comma. She’s a fan of indie film and music — and bullish on local eating and shopping.

 

Object of Affection – Imogene + Willie

I am thrilled to debut a brand new series today. Cindy Wall and I started talking a few months ago about her writing for Stella Shops and it’s finally happened. Cindy has a wonderful eye, a quick wit and a way with words. This makes her A-OK in my book and I am honored to have her as a contributor. She’ll be sharing some of her favorite finds and this first one is ranking pretty high on my favorite list too.

 

Unless you’ve been under a fashion rock of late, you know that blue jeans are anything BUT blue these days. For me, this has been a tough trend to embrace. I’m a woman who worships a monochrome palette of black, white, gray and taupe. And let’s be real: not every body is meant to be swathed in every color.  So, I’ve held out, withholding love and affection against this veritable color explosion. It’s been painful. Since there’s no single item of clothing that ranks higher in my affection than a great pair of jeans…

But when I fall, I fall hard.

And these are the brilliant hues that finally won my heart. Especially the shocking, glaring, not-at-all-subtle yellow pair (appropriately labeled “pollen”).

I first saw these online, when Imogene + Willie released their spring line. But with colors this bold, no computer screen beats a firsthand perusal (and trust me, this photo doesn’t do these colors justice). I had to see them in person.

Imogene + Willie Elizabeth in Lake and Pollen ($250)

The “pollen” shade is particularly amazing. It’s loud and edgy and sharp and garish and wonderful — and oddly “neutral.” With all the zillions of brightly colored jeans to be had, I’ve never seen anything quite like it. Add in the sure-fire knowledge that i+w will make sure the jeans you buy fit the body you have — an absolute, stone-cold must if you’re going to sally forth in hues like this.

As of this posting, only samples of these beauties are in-store at Imogene + Willie, 2601 12th Avenue South. I’m told the full stock’s coming in soon, however. Check I+W online for the latest news.

My current object of affection.

 

About Cindy Wall

Cindy’s a communications and marketing pro, a writer, a grammar snob, and a rapacious reader. In her own words, she knows “a little about a lot” — i.e., 19th century literature, Karl Lagerfeld’s latest adventures, professional bike racing, and when to use the Oxford comma. She’s a fan of indie film and music — and bullish on local eating and shopping.

 

Top 5 Fashion Trends for Fall 2011 – Graphics/ Prints

The Graphic Print Fashion trend for fall 2011 is not one for the withdrawn wallflower. The powerful prints and geometric patterns are meant to be worn with a great deal of confidence. That being said, I would encourage those of you who want to step out of your fashion comfort zone to be bold, be brave, go where your fashion choices have not gone before.

On the runway we have seen the Graphic and Print trend done by Miss Sixty, Jonathan Saunders, Libertine‘s Johnson Hartig, Danielle Scutt, Josh Goot, and Erdem

Photo Credits for Runway Looks – omiru.com, harpersbazaar.com, nymag.com.

 

 

I am loving these street style graphic print images.  My top tip is to stick to one item of clothing in the trend then pair it with a solid color or colors and don’t be afraid to play with texture. This is a trend you can have fun with but, make sure it looks deliberate and not Derelicte.

 

There are so many amazing street style images of this trend so if you find some you want to share please head over to our Facebook page and upload them so we can all see them and be inspired.