Nonsense & Sensibility

style03.13.2013

I’m smitten with the spring/summer 2013 lookbook from Maggy Frances. The photographs were taken in Palm Beach. Many of Maggy’s prints this season were inspired by the 30s and 40s and an old book of illustrations she found of sea life. I’m in love with the tweed jackets and pantsuits (Sylvia Blazer) and the fact that there are so many pieces that can be mixed and matched. Don’t miss shopping this new collection on the Maggy Frances website.

My other must-haves? The Cici mini-skirt, Daphne Blouse, and the Marissa Dress.

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style02.28.2013

left to right: Capucine Tux Shirt, Valentine Dress – White Sand, Capucine Tux Shirt and Accessories

Figue is one of my new favorite lines! I loved reading this article on the brand and its founder (a former Tory Burch designer) in the WSJ recently.

This interview with founder and designer Stephanie von Watzdorf has been in the works for weeks, but we wanted to be sure and provide you with some of the latest pieces to shop on the FIGUE website. This is definitely one of my new favorite fashion labels and it’s certainly going to be very difficult to choose which pieces to add to my spring and summer wardrobe!

N/S: Did you always know you wanted to be a fashion designer? In your opinion, what makes Figue different/standout from other collections and brands out there?

Stephanie: I knew I wanted to be a fashion designer when I started drawing as a little girl. At first I wanted to be a costume designer, but then it evolved into fashion.

Figue stands out from other collections because we offer clothes that are seasonless and colorful year-round. We are truly globally-inspired. We use artisans from all over the world and celebrate that global reach.

N/S: Where is Figue currently available for purchase?

Stephanie: Figue is available for purchase at www.figue.com.

N/S: How would you describe your spring/summer collection to someone who hadn’t seen it before?

Stephanie: Our Spring/Summer collection is full of prints, lots of color, and naturally bohemian.

N/S: How do you hope to see Figue evolve and grow?

Stephanie: We want people to discover it naturally—let it grow organically and not force it. People will come back because they love it.

N/S: What has been the single greatest accomplishment of the Figue journey thus far? The greatest challenge?

Stephanie: The greatest accomplishment is the fact that we are here and only launched the collection in October 2012.
There is no greatest challenge. Every day there are challenges and we try to take one step at a time.

N/S: Who are your own personal style icons or influences?

Stephanie: I have always been inspired by Anita Pallenberg. I love Kate Moss and the costumes of the Ballets Russes. Travel is a big source of inspiration.

N/S: Where is your favorite place in the world to travel?

Stephanie: I LOVE Marrakech, Istanbul and Rome.

N/S: What’s a day in the life of Stephanie like?

Stephanie: Every day is different, but they always start the same way—with a kiss from my husband before handing me our dog, Dash. I have a coffee, then peppermint tea which I drink all day long. I spend my day at the studio where we are working on web development, design, making mood boards, meeting with vendors and editors, planning my next trip. I work with so many amazing people.
At night, I love having dinner with friends and then heading home with my husband and Dash.

N/S: What are some of your favorite places and hideouts in New York City?

Stephanie: -Pulqueria: a great Mexican restaurant on the Lower East Side, www.pulquerianyc.com
-La Bottega: It is in the Maritime Hotel. They have great pizza and outside dining when it’s warm out. They are like a family and it is my second living room. www.themaritimehotel.com/labottega.php
-Trestle on Tenth: www.trestleontenth.com
-La Esquina: I love drinking tequila downstairs, www.esquinanyc.com
-SoHo Sanctuary for deep-tissue massages, www.sohosanctuary.com
-MoMA: After looking at the latest exhibition, I really like having a meal or tea in the restaurant on the second floor: Cafe 2.
-Frick Museum
-The Met
-Warm in Nolita: 181 Mott Street, www.warmnyc.com
-Maryam Nassir Zadeh: 123 Norfolk Street, www.mnzstore.com
-Cafe Select in SoHo for casual lunches or dinners with friends, www.cafeselectnyc.com

N/S: What’s the single greatest piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Stephanie: These two pieces of advice have stuck with me over the years:

-Take one day at a time.
- Believe in yourself and be prepared for any changes that come your way.

N/S: Any hints on what we can expect to see from Figue this fall/winter?

Stephanie: For Fall/Winter we have more incredible refurbished military pieces. There are lots of Moroccan-inspired elements and the collection as a whole is a global surprise.

Shop FIGUE here. Follow them on FACEBOOK here. And TWITTER here.

DALLAS: Don’t miss FIGUE’s Trunk Show at CABANA (Dallas, TX) on April 17th 2013

From Left: Ines Top, Tunic Raj, Cloe Dress

From Left: Jasmine Tunic, Kalila Dress, Ines Top Salome

style02.22.2013

It was an amazing experience to be invited to attend a luxury social media and blogging event at Net-A-Porter headquarters in NYC during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week! I loved checking out all of the perfectly curated spring 2013 trends before they hit the online store. From sweet sorbet tones, to white out, and futurama - you’re certain to find the perfect accessory to add just the right amount of personality to your spring wardrobe. I’m smitten with the Pierre Hardy colorblocked shoes and the Lanvin floral necklace! This spring also adds the perfect amount of glitz and glamour with Charlotte Olympia glitter cat slippers and studded accessories from Valentino and Christian Louboutin.

I loved perusing products from Mr. Porter as well! Touring the Net-A-Porter headquarters and seeing all of these swoon-worthy items in ONE room – was like shopping the most incredible closet imaginable. I didn’t even know where to look first. Now, I have a plethora of fresh items added to my spring and summer wish list.

My favorite trend? I’m all about the sorbet. Isn’t the color palette divine?

Shop Net-A-Porter here.

style02.20.2013

The Meredith Wendell x SFK Collaboration party during NYFW was a blast! The limited edition camera straps are crafted out of materials from past Meredith Wendell collections and feature plaid, brightly colored rope, Italian leather, and chains. There are styles available for both point-and-shoots and larger cameras as well. Your camera’s never had such a stylish option for adornment.

Check out the entire collaboration available to shop on the Sarah Frances Kuhn website here.

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From top left: Eclectic Starlight by Cristina B, Mulberry Banana Keyfob, Zebra Wallpaper from Shop Furbish, Rupert Sanderson Shoes,Furbish Yellow Spotted Silk Pillow, Alexander McQueen Bracelet, Delvaux Madame Pouchette, Tibi Dropped Shoulder Coat

There’s something about yellow that can brighten the very dreariest of winter days. It’s clean. It’s fresh. It’s polished. And, yellow is the perfect pop of color when paired with neutrals like tan and gray – it even complements white and nude tones quite nicely.

So, find a way to add a bit of yellow to your home and wardrobe. Whether it’s blended into an abstract print, found its way onto your keychain (a la banana), or you splurge on this GORGEOUS Tibi coat (dying) - you are sure to find the perfect shade to lift both your style and mood!

left: Alexander McQueen spring 2013

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Leandra Medine (Blogger for The Man Repeller) wearing Lublu Kira Plastinina fall 203

I’m finally able to share these incredible photographs I received last week with you. These images depict the recent LUBLU Kira Plastinina Fall 2013 photo shoot in New York City with Tommy Ton. And, yes, they are as amazing as you might imagine. Some of you might recall that I attended the LUBLU trunk show in Dallas recently and I was so excited to sneak a peek of the fall collection. It certainly did not disappoint! I love the rich floral prints, stunning black and white pairings, and striking floor length dresses.

I cannot wait to see more of this collection. This shoot was as fabulous as you could imagine. Not only was it shot by world-renowned photographer Tommy Ton- but bloggers and celebrities like Leandra Medine of The Man Repeller, the Dannijo girls, and more are all dressed up in Lublu. I’m certainly inspired – are you? Enjoy!! xx

See more from Lublu here.

Kira Plastinina (LUBLU Designer)

Kira Plastinina (LUBLU Designer) with Tommy Ton

Jessica Nowitzki (Associate Director of the Goss-Michael
Foundation in Dallas)

Miroslava Duma (Founder of Buro 24/7)

Candice Lake (Blogger for Candicelake.com)

Nasiba Adilova (Fashion Journalist

Claire Distenfeld (Owner of Fivestory)

Danni and Jodi Snyder (Dannijo)

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I was thrilled when I was recently asked to review the Linea Pelle Dylan handbag and was sent one to try on for size! Linea Pelle is a gorgeous accessories line that offers luxe leather in bright and contemporary colors and styles. The leather is extremely high quality and soft enough to offer the perfect “slouchy cool” style while retaining the bag’s shape. I chose the Dylan shoulder bag in scotch leather. I love the gold zipper hardware and the bag offers an amazing amount of storage. Even the side of the bag zips for an extra compartment (or an easy place to store your iPhone).

From clutches to tote bags, the Linea Pelle accessories line truly has the perfect size bag for every need and occasion. The best part? They are affordable. With Linea Pelle, you are able to purchase a luxurious handbag at an attainable price. I love the gorgeous turquoise leather they are offering this spring. I’m adding this tote to my wish list.

I was excited to catch up with Linea Pelle’s Creative Director, Andrew Cotton and find out more about the collection in an exclusive interview for Nonsense & Sensibility.

Andrew Cotton, Creative Director for Linea Pelle. “I believe that we are always true to who we are, which is casual luxury-soft washed Italian leathers, beautiful easy wearable colors and unique hardware. We have some of the most beautiful belts in the marketplace globally! Our handbags I think are also unique in that they are easily identifiable and don’t follow the pack.” – Andrew Cotton

N/S: What inspired the Linea Pelle spring collection? The colors?

Andrew Cotton: Spring 2013 was inspired by nature, sand & sea. Colors range from shades of blue, turq and cobalt, yellow and neutrals in handbags & belts are slightly more neutral w/some fun pops. Also metallics!

N/S: What do you think makes the Linea Pelle collection standout from other accessories out there?

Andrew Cotton: I believe that we are always true to who we are, which is casual luxury-soft washed Italian leathers, beautiful easy wearable colors and unique hardware. We have some of the most beautiful belts in the marketplace globally! Our handbags I think are also unique in that they are easily identifiable and don’t follow the pack.

N/S: What are some of the must-have spring bags from Linea Pelle and why?

Andrew Cotton: Dylans are a girl’s best friend! Every girl and her mother or sister needs a Dylan! They are perfect from day to night, 7 days a week! There’s a silhouette for everyone, from smaller cross bodies to our infamous tote.

I’m also really loving the Sybil Tote-light weight, packable, unlined leather in gorgeous colors; solid and color block! OK, now I feel like I’m playing favorites & you can’t do that w/your babies, so with that said I’m also into the Alex Zip Tote & Messenger-cool & chic! Two tone zipper details in easy shapes, beautiful neutrals.

N/S: What’s an ideal style for the girl on the go? Day to evening?

Andrew Cotton: Two fave picks: First, you can’t go wrong w/a Dylan Zip Wallet-It double duties as a wallet to throw into your tote or work bag and has a wrist strap zip pull for grabbing coffee or lunch when you don’t want to be bogged down w/your carry all AND it’s awesome for a night on the town-throw in your lipstick, cell phone, bank card, a couple bucks & you’re good to go! Second choice: a Dylan Cross Body with a removable adjustable shoulder strap-perfect for long shoulder, cross body or hand held or under your arm-chic!

N/S: Any exciting plans you can share for 2013?

Andrew Cotton: Amazing Fall-fully loaded w/hot new styles & a punch of color! That’s all I’m saying…BUT there may be some other new excitement towards the end of the year…

N/S: Who are some of the stars and celebrity fans of Linea Pelle?

Andrew Cotton: Megan Fox, Sandra Bullock, Courteney Cox, Olivia Munn, Vanessa Hudgens, Beyonce, Jessica Biel, Sheryl Crow, Leighton Meester, Hayden Panetierre, Miley Cyrus to name a few!

Shop Linea Pelle’s New Arrivals here and follow them on Facebook here, Twitter, and Instagram.

* Linea Pelle Product Review – all opinions are my own.

style02.19.2013

From top left: 1. Veronica Beard for Goop – Exclusive Navy Blazer with French Terry Hood – currently soldout – but add your name to the wait list! 2. Prabal Gurung for Target Crystal Teardrop Earrings 3. Christopher Kane for J Brand 4. Emilio Pucci for Guerlain 5. Oliver Peoples AERIN Isobel sunglasses 6. The Cambridge Satchel Company & J.Crew 7. Shabby Chic for TOMS 8. HBO GIRLS and Deborah Lippmann

I really can’t seem to get over the incredible fashion collaborations happening this month between some of my favorite brands! First and foremost- I am SWOONING over the Veronica Beard for Goop collection! Seriously- pairing a crisp tailored blazer with a removable sweatshirt hoodie? Pure GENIUS. I love the jeans – Christopher Kane for J Brand too. Of course, the Prabal Gurung for Target was fun and is mostly soldout, but if you come across these crystal earrings (or any of the other accessories for that matter) definitely add them to your shopping cart.

It’s difficult to get more chic than this Emilio Pucci Beauty Brush for Guerlain. Pull this makeup brush out of your accessories pouch while wearing AERIN and Oliver Peoples sunglasses - and you are set!

I’m currently smitten with The Cambridge Satchel Company and I love the exclusive colors and prints (like polka dots!) for J.Crew. These are the perfect bags for spring and summer.

I was so excited to read today that Shabby Chic had collaborated with TOMS. I added these floral print shoes to my online shopping bag right away – purchase? Done! And, last but not least, we can’t forget about our nails. HBO Girls nail polish collaboration with Deborah Lippmann should all keep us busy when it comes to nail color experimentation – at least until March!

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The Candela fall 2013 presentation during Mercedes-Benz fashion week was a dream. It was as if The Great Gatsby had traveled to to the prairie – with a dash of the Victorian era (think lace, ruffles, and cameos). I loved the dramatic black lace skirts paired with tough leather jackets (the perfect balance of the masculine and feminine). Soft dresses in peach ruffles and sequins paired with embroidered Western boots and denim shirts quite nicely. Even the most delicate looks were given an edge with chunky knit sweaters or menswear inspired shoes. Fringed sweater sleeves and scalloped skirts offered the perfect mix of detail to add that extra bit of flair. The easy wear glamour look of Candela fall 2013 makes looking elegant by day quite effortless. Hence, purchasing that possible over-the-top flapper-esque sequin skirt won’t seem so impractical come fall. If you can wear it with a casual luxe sweater- you can certainly justify its addition to your wardrobe. Shop Candela here.

beauty, style02.14.2013

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, fashion editor and style expert Jacqui Stafford teams up with Coach to promote the release of her debut book, “The Wow! Factor: Insider Style Secrets for Every Body and Budget” and the new fragrance, Coach Love.

Jacqui and Coach Love representative Kathleen Pierce, Vice President, Global Communications for Aramis & Designer Fragrances, ended their weeklong promotional tour yesterday, making their final stop here in Dallas. I had the privilege of meeting these two lovely ladies yesterday for a chat about the new book and fragrance.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re a size 2 or a size 20, or weather you have a small budget or a large one, you can look amazing today,” says Jacqui on what she refers to as the “wow factor”, “And its not about being the prettiest woman in the room or the skinniest; it’s about being the woman people want to be around.”

Jacqui is definitely one of those women, and now she’s made it easy for you to be one too. Taking from the knowledge she’s gained over the years of working with thousands of real women, writing for magazines like Vogue, Marie Claire, and Lucky, and serving as the Executive Style Director at Shape Magazine for 8 years, Jacqui has created an easy to follow guide based on her own insider information.

“I wanted to write the non-fashion persons fashion book, one that any woman could really understand and easily read through to find out the secrets to what makes the wow factor,” says Jacqui.

One of those things is putting on a fragrance, and that’s where Coach comes in, a brand Jacqui describes as one of the classics.

“I’ve been a fan of the Coach brand for many years,” says Jacqui, “so it was a natural thing for me to partner with them.”

A more mature fragrance than the popular, playful Coach Poppy scent, Love is a romantic and sensual floral scent of jasmine and gardenia along with sultry patchouli. The heart-shaped logo design by Milton Glazer, known for his iconic “I Love New York” logo, and a bottle that’s pure pink make this the perfect Valentine’s Day fragrance.

By: Jessica Tomberlin