Blog Archives
Have you tried Stitch Fix?
Have you heard of Stitch Fix?
A co-worker told me about it so I thought I’d give it a whirl. I just got my first package a couple of weeks ago. You fill out a profile with your clothing sizes, your budget and your personal style and their personal shoppers will send you five items that they think will work for you. For someone like me, who loves clothes but never has time to shop (and is kind of picky), I thought it would be an experiment worth trying.
So here’s what I got! It felt like Christmas came early!
Issa London collection at Banana Republic
Don’t miss the Issa London collection now at Banana Republic. Its line of wrap dresses is very Princess of Cambridge in style and includes an affordable version of Ms. Middleton’s royal blue engagement dress from 2010. Sweet!
Wimbledon style
Serena Williams has a great manicure. Photo credit: Ray Tang/Rex Features
I’ve been so busy with birthday celebrations and work that I’ve completely missed Wimbledon!
Today I caught up on some of the fashion this week. Tennis fashion? Really? Well, check out some of the best style moments on and off the court!
Have a great weekend!
The origins of the Peter Pan collar
Peter Pan collars are big this season, and I, for one, am a fan – both of the style (for example, see last Thursday’s post about the Lucy shirt) and of Peter Pan himself. But any Peter Pan fan knows that Peter Pan wears a V-neck top, nothing slightly resembling the prim and proper Peter Pan collared shirt.
So, how exactly did these collars get their name?
Well, I just read the potted history of its origins, thanks to Slate.com:
The costume that launched the trend was designed way back in 1905, for the first American stage production of J.M. Barrie’s play. Maude Adams, the Broadway star who played Peter, wore britches, a feathered cap, and a forest-y looking blouse with a white, rounded collar—a bit wider than the Peter Pan collars in vogue today, but otherwise quite similar.
And there you have it! You can read the full article.
Fit for a queen
Be the envy of your anglophile friends with these amazing pillows by Naked Decor. They’re designed by Supon, a Thailand-born, U.S.-based graphic designer, who specializes in distinctive home accessories for style-minded homeowners.
They also sell luggage tags, book ends, clocks and yes, even coasters with the queen’s head. All are part of their British Invasion collection. Note: They currently only ship to the U.S.
It’s Hunter season
Ah, I hate rain but I love a good Hunter wellie. And lucky for me, Hunter season is nearly upon us!
Always a classic: Hunter Original in Green
Wellington boots originated back in World War I, as a response to the demand for footwear appropriate for European trench warfare. The North British Rubber Company rose to the challenge and later became Hunter Boot Ltd., the company that is still in business today.
Made of 100 percent natural rubber, these classics are perfect for stomping through any rainstorm. But the Hunter brand is also continuing to reinvent the boot. Check out some of this fall’s latest styles.
A rainbow of boot flavors
Clockwise above: May in Mahogany, Original in Apple Green, Original Tall in Candy Pink, Dallin Tall in Cuioio, Lapins in Spice, Chandler in Chalk, and Regent Savoy in Black.
How to dress your kids like Londoners
It’s never been easier to dress your kids like Londoners (well, apart from moving to London). This summer, Janie and Jack released their Lovely London line, and now Gap has gotten into the act with their Portobello, Brick Lane, Covent Garden and Greenwich fall collections.
I am all for it because there is nothing cuter than a baby donning a union jack knit one-piece, except maybe a baby also wearing the matching union jack beanie.
Slap the union jack on everything, I say and I’ll buy it (well, not now since I’m still saving up to pay for my extortionate red-light ticket. But in theory…).
Shown above, moving clockwise) : Graphic Raglan T in Midland Gray for Toddler Boys, Union Backpack, Union Jack Slip-on Sneakers for Baby Boys, Union Jack Driver Cap for Toddler Boys, and First Original Jeans (Union Jack Medium Wash) for Toddler Boys.
The London line for girls is heavier on floral prints, ruffles and boucle (really adorable items!) and lighter on the Union Jack and other traditional British icons. But they do offer some cute graphic tees that are distinctly British.
Shown above: Portobello Charming Graphic T in Ivory Frost and Pink Granite for Toddler Girls.
Gap is regularly adding more items to these collections and they’re also having a Labor Day Sale now through Monday so kit out your kids’ wardrobe Brit-style.
Have a lovely weekend!
When life hands you lemons …
The first time I saw this print, I was watching the ever-lovely Emily Henderson makeover the living room of the equally-lovely Joy Cho on Secrets from a Stylist. Watch the episode here!
Joy had a wall full of pictures and prints that she wanted to continue to display in an engaging way and Emily was on the case. This charming print was just one of over a dozen on the wall, but its sunny yellow disposition caught my eye.
After a little online digging, I discovered the print was from the Etsy shop of New Zealand-based designer dearcolleen and I’ve since sent the tea towel version to one sister-in-law in New Zealand and another sister-in-law in England. Gin and tonic is the cocktail of choice in most UK households and we love that tradition. It just seemed like a fitting tribute to our favorite elixir.
As a side note, if you’ve never watched Secrets from a Stylist, you don’t know what you’re missing! Full episodes are available online so you can have your own mini marathon any time you like. With or without gin and tonic.
BRITRISH.COM 