Tag Archives: rachel comey

a french girl summer, part one

emerson fry, emerson fry summer, french summer, paris summer style, parisian girl summer, parisian style summer

Drop Sleeve Shirt + Mick 2, both Emerson Fry

When I got back from Paris and gave you all my secret formula for how to dress like a French girlso many of you asked if I could update it for warmer temps. And I totally get it – it is infinitely harder to look chic when it’s hot out. Layering isn’t an option, hemlines and humidity rise, and you end up spending the entire summer in a threadbare tee and a cotton skirt with an elastic waist. Which is not without its charms, but…sometimes, we still want to pull it together. So, over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing some looks that are perfect Paris summer style solutions. Read on

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weekend forecast

Casa SMC has been Casa Crazy this week, my friends. Work is piling up (but that’s a good thing, right?), and I’m already swimming in holiday ideas for our gift guides. Lucky thing, since Hanukkah starts in…four weeks?! No pressure. Just wait until you see what I have up my sleeve – this year’s going to be the best yet!

Besides working my un-manicured little fingers to the bone, here’s what I’ll be up to this weekend: Read on

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weekend forecast

lauren manoogian, via shopping's my cardio

Happy Friday, friends! This weekend, I’m helping my future sis-in-law shop for a wedding dress. Ah, memories! But the real killer is how to dress myself…honestly, I’m so sick of this Indian summer, I can hardly stand it. I miss my sweaters!

Here’s what I’ll be up to: Read on

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september essentials

It’s September, friends! Finally! It’s my favorite month of the year – and not just because my birthday’s fast approaching (though that definitely helps). September always feels like a season of possibility. Leaves change, the air takes on that delicious chill, kids are locked back in their cells for another nine months, and the world feels like it makes a bit more sense.

So, I’m choosing to ignore the fact that the weather report claims it’ll be 90 degrees this weekend where I am. Instead, I’m looking ahead. To short boots, cozy fires, and soup season. Grab your first pumpkin spice latte of the season and do a little something to help your brain transition to fall. Need a few suggestions? Read on

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friday finds (and important information!)

Happy Friday, friends! Though, for me, this won’t be much of a weekend, but rather Phase One of the big move. And to clean out all my piles celebrate, I’m selling off a few excellent pieces on eBay that might be of interest. Feel free to take a look – I’d so love for them to go to a good home!

And speaking of sales, there are some killer ones happening this weekend, both in Portland and farther afield.

* Mabel & Zora, one of my favorite girly Portland boutiques with the sweetest owners you’ll ever meet, is celebrating its 6th anniversary today with a flash sale on their website! Save 20% off all separates (which I think means anything but shoes, jewelry and dresses) from 6 pm to midnight tonight only (4.13) with code 6YEAR.

* My beloved Moulé is having an anniversary too! To celebrate a quarter century in business, you can take 30% off the entire store (that means their amazing jewelry and home collections too, neither of which ever go on sale!). The only catch is that you have to be in PDX – the sale’s in-store only. But if you’re here, it’s not to be missed.

* And on a slightly larger scale, Kate Spade‘s multi-annual friends & family event is going on this weekend. Take 25% off nearly everything (except home, stationery and watches) today and tomorrow with code FFSPR12.

And after all that, phew! We need some pretty pictures, don’t we?

These earrings came across my path as a “Best Bet” on NYMag’s blog a couple of weeks ago, and I’m still thinking about them. Quite possibly the perfect studs, don’t you think? Especially for under $100.

Do you know Hermione de Paula? I didn’t either…but now I’m completely in love. She manages to marry old-school tropical prints with mod digitized formats, and the result is, well, the best Hawaiian shirt you’ll ever find.

I am in a world of trouble. Rachel Comey has finally (finally!) opened an online store. Which means no more obsessive hunting through dozens of online mini-boutiques when I’m desperate for a new pair of ankle boots (hers are the very, very best). They even have my size! It spells danger, my friends…but oh, what lovely danger! Those tan perforated Hitch boots (right) are next on my list.

And speaking of newcomers to the online world, Club Monaco’s online store is finally here! Think Topshop, but a little easier to wear – hems are a little longer, styles are a bit more grown up, and looks aren’t all ripped from some other designer’s atelier. I’m so looking forward to taking advantage – particularly since they’re offering free shipping and free returns through the end of April!

And last but not least, my favorite Pin of the week! What can I say…I have bag storage on the brain. But can you blame me, now that this beauty has come to live with me?

{via design*sponge}

Phew! Okay, that’s it, friends. Have a fantastic weekend…pop by my place if you’re in Portland…and I’ll see you back here next week

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crafty girl: the isabel marant boot hack

This is really crafting by delegation (which, one might argue, is the best kind of crafting), but I had to share my most recent “Well, aren’t you clever?” moment.

A couple of years ago (wow, make that three years ago!), I bought a pair of cheap tall suede boots. They were my first foray into the world of tall boots, actually – I’d never been a fan, being from California, where shoe-related warmth is utterly unnecessary. You can see the process unfold right over here if you’d like a stroll down memory lane.

As you’d expect from cheap boots with absolutely no internal structure, these turned from slouchy chic to saggy swashbuckler over the course of a couple of years. They showed all sorts of unpleasant watermarks and wear on the shaft, the color was fading, and – best of all – the stitching was coming out at the top. Clearly, something had to be done.

Meanwhile, I was wishing for a great pair of knock-around cognac ankle boots to give my beloved Rachel Comeys a break (and stand in for the $800 Isabel Marant boots I’d been coveting). It finally dawned on me, in a fit of genius, that I have an amazing cobbler and a fashion gambler’s heart (Ha! As if.). So, I took them to my beloved cobbler Dorian, who turned these:

…into these:

And I’ve been wearing them almost nonstop since. Brand new shoes for $35 – not bad!

My crafty hack would work best with a cheapie pair of boots (lining and zippers will definitely complicate things. But if you have a far-too-slouchy pair of boots in your closet that you just can’t salvage, this is a pretty fantastic solution. Just remember, a good cobbler is key to this crafty mission. If you don’t have one, you’re missing one of the great joys in life. If you don’t have one in your town, ask the most well-heeled girl you know who she trusts.

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styled alternatives: cardigan fall 2011

Have you seen all of the goodness going on at CARDIGAN this fall?

Sigh…I’m pretty sure it’s love. But, truthfully, I’ve always been smitten. Designer Lynne Hiriak has a way with creating the most covetable, classic cardis and striped sweaters – her styles have become a staple in my closet. But this season seems especially wonderful – all of those cozy, chunky knits and bold colors have me ready to curl up by a fire with a hot cup of cider.

While I’d happily snatch up absolutely anything from this collection, a couple of favorites may have made their way to my closet recently. This pretty polka dot Stella crew ($198) is the perfect step forward now that I’m feeling a bit stripe-weary. Wearing it feels just like pulling on your favorite menswear sweater – thick, warm and comfy – but this packs an infinitely superior style punch. Wearing it with jeans and a tee (you’ll want to layer, since it’s wool) is a no-brainer, but I love the idea of taking this up a notch with some warm fall colors.

Paired with: Rachel Comey Mars boot, $385; Rag & Bone Malin pant, $290; Old Navy chambray shirt, $29;
Botkier Brinks shoulder bag (again, I know- it’s just so good!), $425

As is always the case with this brand, the cardigans steal the show. I’ve gotten a compliment (or three) literally every time I’ve left the house in this beautiful Daphne cardigan ($298) – the fair isle knit is so perfect for cold weather, and oh, is it warm! I’ve paired it with everything from summery silk dresses to an all-denim look (it works, I swear!) with my Frye Engineer boots. Since casual is a cinch with a piece this classic, I thought I’d show you how to dress it up a bit.

Paired with: Linea Pelle clutch, $195; Oasis leather skirt, $160 (loving the leather skirts this season!);
Proenza Schouler silk tee
, $187; Scout & Catalogue scarf, $118; Frye Naiya platform moc, $173.

You’re feeling warmer already, right? One little tip: these are built for a very oversized look, so if (like me) that doesn’t work for you, you’ll want to size down. (Always a nice ego boost as well, right?)

Do yourself a favor and peruse CARDIGAN’s fall lookbook…if nothing else, the pictures are transportingly lovely, and it will give you oh-so-many styling ideas for the season.

Mostly, though, it’ll make you crave sweaters. Lots and lots of sweaters.

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