Desk Top: Office Coordinator

I love to hear the meaning and stories behind the little things people keep at their desks. Everyone’s desk space here is so unique and full of tiny, fascinating details. Here’s a look at the Free People office coordinator’s desk top!

1. The headphones were actually a Christmas present from my father last year.  They help when I’m looking for new store music!

2. This little giraffe statue was given to me by our creative director.  She’s having a baby (!) and gave away little things after she baby-proofed her home.

3. This is a photo of my friend/coworker. His last day is on Friday (he’s going to grad school) so I snagged it off his desk so I can still see him every day.

4. It’s a pin that says, “Happiness is a warm puppy”.  I bought it from a thrift store, it makes me smile :)

5. A photo of my little kitten, Walker <3

6. A piece of my mom’s artwork that she did in college. Unfortunately, artistic ability is not hereditary.

7. A Swedish wooden horse my grandparents brought back from their visit to Sweden.

8. As the office coordinator, people often come to me asking for candles when they have office parties, so I keep them at my desk.

9. I get migraines all the time! My mom sent me this holistic Migraine Tonic recently- hopefully it works! (fingers crossed)

10. Worry doll- I think this came off of a cupcake from an old office party. They remind me of my childhood.

11. Photo of Audrey Hepburn- She’s one of 11 women I have hanging above my desk as my eyebrow inspiration #dontjudgeme

12 . One of our first round discs for a store mix cd

13. This finger puppet needed a home, so I adopted it.

Inspiration: NeSpoon

What if there was a magical spider that weaved its webs into intricately beautiful creations resembling lace doilies and delicate crochet… transforming abandoned or un-remarkable places into a beautiful work of art…and instead of being repulsed or scared, people would stop to admire its work…

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That magical spider may not exist, but these amazing installations by Poland street artist NeSpoon do… so beautiful.

Guest Post: DIY Fishtail Maxi

The lovely and creative Geneva of A Pair and a Spare contributed this amazing guest post for our blog!

 

Fishtail skirts have dominated the recent SS12 runways and are oh so sexy. What better way to jazz up a thrifted skirt than by creating your own fishtail style? Follow my steps below, it’s incredibly simple!

You need:

A thrifted skirt (I picked one with some subtle pleating)
A pair of scissors
needle and thread
an iron.

How to:

1. Put your skirt on and mark where you want the front, and shortest, part of the skirt to finish.

2. Take the skirt off and fold in it half down the front of the skirt – so rather than the back and front lying against each other, it’s the two sides that face each other – the way you might fold trousers before you put them on a coat hanger. Make sure the fold is directly in the middle of the front of the skirt.

3. Lay the skirt on the floor and cut out the front of the skirt – you want a straight line for the first 30cm or so to create the mini part of the skirt, then tapering down to the back and bottom of the skirt.

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4. Try the skirt on to see if the cut out is big enough. I did this a few times, cutting more away to suit what I wanted it to look like. It’s always best to take this part slowly and do small amounts at a time.

5. Once you have a cut out that you like, fold over the edge of the skirt about 1cm and iron. You may want to double over twice but my skirt was made out of a fabric that didn’t fray too badly so once was enough.

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6. Sew a small stitch all the way around the hem.

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7. Iron flat again.

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Voila! All done.

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Now wasn’t that simple? I absolutely love how this style moves around when you walk! Now that I’ve tested the process I’m going to make a few different coloured versions too.

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Amazing!! thank you so much Geneva!

For more DIY Fashion Inspiration visit her blog: A Pair and a Spare. Also be sure to check out our new DIY Projects category!

Trending on FP.com:

Maxi dresseshigh waisted shortsmaxi skirtscrop topshigh waisted skirtsJeffrey Campbell Shoeslace shorts

Paris Fashion Week: Highlights

Paris fashion week to me has a certain unique edge to it that gives the glamorous silhouettes a bit of funk. From tinsel skirts at Balenciaga worn with a structured top half to Chambray denim worn with foiled gold at Balmain, The designers featured at Paris always know how to mix the young with the old.

Valentino brought 1920’s lace back into the picture and wasn’t scared to hit the ground with it, while Chloe brought interested and unique proportions down the runway;  I love the exaggerated details in the garments – why not call out a great waistband or a cool sleeve.

Here’re my highlights from Paris, what did you guys think?

Balenciaga, Balmain, Valentino and Chloe – Street style by Tommy Ton via style.com  

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Trend Spotting: Fairisle

Fairisle is one of those words that awakens certain senses… it symbolizes chilly weather, playing in the snow and bundling up by a fire to warm your bones,  crisp air and red cheeks.

I never knew this, but fairisle is named after a small island in northern Scotland. The traditional knitting technique uses multiple colors to create the signature fairisle patterns, and first gained popularity when worn by the Prince of Wales in the early 1920s. Today its one of our favorite patterns for knitwear and we love it in all different forms – sweaters, leggings, socks, bags, you name it – it adds pattern, color and a touch of coziness to a basic outfit.

Here’s how some of us are rocking fairisle in the Free People office!

We love this cropped pullover to pieces! It’s the perfect sweater to throw on over a tank and jeans all fall and winter long.

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I had to get a close-up of these amazing studded ankle boots too!

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We’re dying over the new colors in the Pocono sweater leggings – These have snow day written all over them :)

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Add some color to your outfit with a fairisle bag like the Peruvian ski satchel!

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Lastly, this fairisle tunic is amazing! Just throw it on over some tights and boots, and you’re set!

Are you guys into the Fairisle Trend?

Photos From Our Lovely Fans

Love this shot of the Dursoduro Maxi Cardigan.

Photo by Sarah Welch.

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The On the V Crochet Tunic and Printed Tea Length Skirt.

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The lovely Zilker Park Convertible Maxi.

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More love for the Dursoduro Maxi Cardigan!

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The Open Stitches Pullover looks great over the Voile and Lace Slip with tall boots!

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Photo by Sarah Welch.

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And how amazing is this?! Spotted in FP San Antonio – one of our customers embellished her Extreme Vintage Flares with some boho artwork! LOVE!!!

Style File: Fashion Blogger & Creative Researcher

The fashion blogger and creative researcher here at Free People is a little pixie with amazing style. Using her sharp British eye she blends rich colors and details, and always knows how to style vintage pieces in a way that strays from dowdy. She’s one of those select few who can pull of a vintage floral-print jumpsuit and make it look modernly chic. She rocks the borrowed from the boy look with nostalgic touches of corduroy, elbow patches, and canvas – keeping her silhouette streamlined, but relaxed. A lot of her clothes she either makes herself or she’s picked up on a vintage store run. And then there are those pieces it seems that she is religiously attached to. You can almost bet she’ll have on her black lace-up walking boots and silver rings. They seem to go with everything she wears, always adapting to the spirit of each outfit.

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Trend: Borrowed from the Boys

This fall we’re all about borrowing from the boys –  giving menswear style blazers, sweaters, shirts and denim a cool girl attitude. We had some fun in the studio last week shooting this video starring our production assistant and stylist intern!


Song is “With You” by Seapony.
Items featured:

Look one: Slouchy Velvet Blazer, Skinny Jeans, Long Sleeve Fishnet Top, Tribal Pendant.

Look two: Wide Stripes Pullover, Crafted Cuff Thermal, Floral Pant.

Look three: Boy Blue Denim Shirt, Kate and Johnny Dress, Floral Tights. Also Pictured – Ski and Hike Backpack.

Look Four: Raer Donna Wideleg Overalls, Freedom Baseball Tee.

Shop all styles Borrowed from the Boys.

Monday Quote

“The bridge will only take you halfway there, to those mysterious lands you long to see. Through gypsy camps and swirling Arab fair, and moonlit woods where unicorns run free. So come and walk awhile with me and share the twisting trails and wondrous worlds I’ve known. But this bridge will only take you halfway there. The last few steps you have to take alone.”

– Shel Silverstein

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