What’s more classic than a crisp white shirt? The only problem seems to be finding one that fits properly. For so long, women’s tailored shirts were “tailored” more for men. They weren’t constructed for the female body, leaving us with no shape. Kate Boggiano’s collection is all about a beautifully constructed shirt. Her shirts are contoured to a woman’s body, nipped and tucked in all the right places. There’s nothing sweeter than finding a shirt that fits so well you can wear it as easily with slacks as you can with a pair of jeans. Her shirts are made from the best materials, using the highest quality construction and fitting technology. Aren’t you tired of seeing everyone in the same mass-produced garments? Wouldn’t you rather have something made by an Indie designer who put her heart and soul into her work? Someone who makes and designs clothing because it is their passion? Now, that is a piece of clothing I want to wear.

Note: Check out the just launched new version of Smashing Darling, leading the Indie fashion revolution.

great fitting shirts in this observation:

It’s no secret the symbolism that accompanies the image of the beautiful butterfly. I can’t help but stare in amazement as this stunning creature flitters past. It’s not just their fairy-tale like beauty that strikes me, it’s the the journey the butterfly has taken to emerge so glorious. It’s the hope we all have for ourselves, that when it’s all said and done we debut as a superb being. The butterfly signifies change, rebirth, growth, and grace. Designers have officially been pulled by the power of the butterfly. They are everywhere from hair pieces to jewelry, t-shirts to lavish dresses. This summer is the perfect time to grab onto the magic of the angelic butterfly. If you have an appreciation, then it will be a timeless piece that will never go out of style. Butterflies are always welcome in the fashion world.

butterflies in this observation:

DAY BIRGER et MIKKELSEN is a lifestyle collection that pulls inspiration from ethnic cultures, modern classics, and vintage clothes.  The designs are a compilation of street wear from New York, Paris, and London. DAY is known for functionality. Women can mold the pieces in many ways, and inject their own personality into the clothing.  I think that’s what we like the most about it, the ability to make it our own.  If you have stylistic confidence,  DAY can be a real playground for you.  This is a place for you to have fun, and create your own look. What do you think? Is it wearable? Or does it only look good on the runway and not in real life?

For quite some time ERES has been know as the pinnacle swimsuit. Women all over the world embraced the understated, modern style that ERES brought to the table. For a long time they stood alone, but now we’ve discovered D NU D. The swimwear line is equal to, if not better than ERES. You don’t see swimsuits like these everyday. There’s something about the way they are constructed, and how the fabric lays on your skin. Simply put, they are special. You will know it the minute you try one on. George Vicidomini, the creator of this ultra sophisticated swimwear line, spends months designing suits that are perfectly contoured to the female physique. He makes sure that all the technical aspects of the suit are addressed so that women are comfortable wearing it. As a result there’s not that constant urge to tug at it, the fit is beautiful. His suits aren’t about being overtly sexy, but more about being desirous. Vicidomini’s creations have an elegance that is really lacking in so many other swimwear lines. We love when we find a designer who uses his talents to shine a big beautiful light on the female form. It’s obvious from his meticulous designs that he has a real appreciation and love for women. For that… we are grateful!

For over ten years we have been vacationing in St. Barths. There is such an alluring quality to this island. The women who walk these streets have sophisticated sex appeal. They are usually French, and they have a distinct sense of style. They know how to pull it together. They get it, in fact, they ooze it. Carine Lescq, the owner of Filles des iles is one of these inspirationally styled women. She exudes a creative confidence which is revealed in the pieces she carries in her boutique. What she chooses is not driven by fashion trends, but by simple & sophisticated style. It’s all about free flowing, feel good fabrics, that graze the body in all the right spots. The pieces evoke mystery, leaving us wanting more. The mystery behind the French woman intrigues us. We want to drink it in. It’s in the way they carry themselves, and it comes out in how they dress. Each year I hope a little bit of it will rub off on me, and I too will be as magnetic as they are. Women of St. Barths, you inspire me. Oh, and if you are in St. Barths, you would be remiss not to stop by one of the islands best boutiques, Filles des iles.

Sometimes, when we’re on vacation, we are inspired by our surroundings and our feeling of relaxation, and we inevitably buy what is commonly known as “vacation garb.” In the moment, we are just hoping to bring a piece of serenity back to our hectic lives. A piece of clothing that will take us to that place in paradise where we felt so free, or so we hope. Most times what we bring back from our trip doesn’t really work in our “real” world. We find ourselves pulling the piece out of our closet, and wondering “what were we thinking?” Is it impossible to combine these two worlds - the place where your life is and the place where your spirit lives? Designer Charlie Joe has actually done just that. The creative couple, Muriel Jaffe and Philippe Rossi have brought the essence of island life to the reality of everyday living. They use natural materials, beautiful prints and fabrics, combined with sophisticated feminine lines. The end result is a harmonious blend of free flowing and constructed fashion. Wear the purple floral top with white jeans in St. Barts, and belted with dark denim and a cropped jacket in San Francisco. So now you don’t have to put sand in a bottle to inspire thoughts of your unbelievable trip, you can actually slip a beautiful silk top on and be immediately taken back - without looking like a victim of vacation fashion. We love you Charlie Joe!  

Gabrielle Sanchez’s designs bring out the true nature of the material she is using. Any embellishment she utilizes is to facilitate the inner beauty of the piece. The jewels have a sensuous, earthy feel, as well as a refreshing whimsical spirit. They are unexpected and not a bit ordinary, providing warmth and light to anyone who wears them. Spring and summer season is all about embracing the elements of nature, and fashion designers are always inspired by it. We think Gabrielle’s jewels will work beautifully with the styles for next season, and it is a brilliant way to complete your look.

Isn’t it the best feeling when you come across a new designer that you love? Sometimes you want to keep it all to yourself, and other times you want to shout it from the rooftops. Well, we want to shout it out. Wild2Watch bags are an extraordinary find. You will immediately fall in love the very second you look into the animal’s eye. The artist, Kevin Gebhard, has managed to capture the spirit and essence of these beautiful animals. The best part about his collection is that he donates a percentage of the proceeds to help the animals. His foundation works with conservation groups to protect these creatures whose habitat is growing more and more threatened. So, not only do you get to look good when you carry this exquisite clutch, but you get to feel good too. For an everyday piece, the totes can’t be beat.