Trend Spotting: we LOVE polka dots

Such a playful print is running through our minds lately, we can’t quite get enough of this adorable look. It’s a look that made a very popular fashion statement, especially for women’s dresses and blouses during the 1920, 1940’s and 50’s and now it has made its way back and is at the forefront of everyone’s minds.

We like this look either worn full blown retro, like our muse Alexa Chung, or dress it down with casual items, jeans or cutoffs to give the look a relaxed, cool vibe.

Are you happy to wear polka dots?

 

Photos: Marc Jacobs, Yohji Yamamoto, Alexa Chung

From left to Right: Elizabeth Taylor struck a glamorous pose in a blouse with a polka dot yoke in 1944, the same year she appeared in the award-winning movie National Velvet. Studio headshot portrait of American singer and actress Alice Faye (1915-1998) wearing a polka-dot dress. 1970 London policewomen.  Marilyn Monroe circa 1951.

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dotted lace tee, mesh panties, mesh dot ankle socks, polka dotted boho blouse

September Catalog: Behind the Scenes with the Dogs!

As you may have seen by now, we had a very special cameo by one of our beloved home office pups in the September catalog – Toby! I caught up with Toby the other day to ask him about his experience shooting his first Free People catalog :)

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Were you nervous about being a part of our September catalog shoot? I was a little nervous, but once we started shooting, I relaxed.

What did you do to prepare for the shoot? Well, I’m a natural so I didn’t do much. I had a bath and made sure my paws were extra clean.

What did you think of Bambi, the model you posed with? She was great! I think we complimented each other well. At first, she was a bit scared of me, but after she realized I was a gentle giant, she had fun.

What was your favorite part of the shoot? Being showered with cookies and attention from all the ladies :)

Do you get stopped on the street now that you’re a famous catalog model? Not so much…

Will you be doing any more modeling in the future? I hope to. I am available :)

Do you have a favorite item from the September catalog? I love the Americana Sweater Jumper.

What’s your favorite thing about Fall? Boots and the cooler weather!

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Toby wasn’t the only pup on set at the September shoot! He had a bud to hang out with – Ace!

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Ace lives on the farm in New Tripoli where our catalog was shot. He lost his leg when he was hit by a car but he is doing just fine now! He had a blast during the shoot and LOVED all the attention from the ladies :) He is one happy dog!

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Office Style

Everyone showed up ready for work and looking good this week. Femme lace and preppy elements like classic stripes and trousers seemed to have a big role in how we were feeling. The classic touches were accented with funky bellbottoms and cheetah print punches throughout.  On top of it all there were some great maxi dresses and fun pops of lipstick. I have to say, this week in office style there was much for the eyes to enjoy. Check it out…

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Thursday Poll: High-Heeled Ankle Boots

I can’t help but notice all of the great new ankle boots we have up on the Free People site. I’m especially loving a bunch of the heeled/wedged styles. I think that my wardrobe could benefit from one or two pairs of the following. What do you all think? Any favorites?

Avila Ankle Boot

Darla Platform

Dustin Wedge Boot

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Ponderosa Boot

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Saffi Lace Bootsaffi lace boot

[polldaddy poll=”5506643″]

September Catalog Behind the Scenes with Bambi Northwood-Blyth

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More behind the scenes from our September catalog shoot in New Tripoli PA, featuring Bambi Northwood-Blyth.

P.S. did you guys see our video of Bambi and one of our designers having a draw-off?! So cute.

Photos by Thomas Northcut.

More from our FASHION Night Out event

New York fashion week is still under way and we still have a buzz from our fashion night out!
New York definitely pulled out all stops for this Fashion event, the streets were crazy, and inside our free
People store the atmosphere was high energy as well. We got to mingle with our customers
and celebrate our Fall collection with them. Those mini cupcakes made by bakedbymelissa went down a treat two.

Tomorrow we have the official DIY of the Honestly WTF bracelets and Thursday more Street Style from outside New York Fashion week!!!

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Here are some of our store girls in beautiful Free People clothes

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Snapshot: Kayleigh Jordan, UK

A new feature for up and coming photographers who inspire us.

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Based in: The UK, living on and off in both England and Ireland. I am half Irish and half South African (born and raised in Durban, South Africa). Sometimes I do feel like a bit of a gypsy…

Shoots with: digital or film, depending on my mood. The first camera I ever purchased (pentax 35 mm) is the one I always return to when I get tired of using digital. I love the simplicity of it. other than that, I use my canon dslr.

Favorite subject: portraiture is my thing. I love to photograph people I meet on my travels and friends who I am exploring the world with.

Inspired by: Travel. Even if I am not venturing far I like to feel like I’m exploring somewhere new. When I’m not traveling, I sift through thousands of blogs and magazines for inspiration. I refer back to a lot of films too, mostly ones I watched as a teenager for some reason. I am drawn to photograph places with beautiful light. I think because it reminds me of home and those amazing African sunsets.

Random fact: I am terrible with directions. Whilst traveling in Italy, my friend and I made the headlines of a local newspaper – we missed our last bus home from the beach, got lost in the local town center, and arrived home very late in the evening. Our host was so worried she called the police and had most of the town searching for us. I will never forget the neighbors coming in the next morning with the paper, laughing at us while muttering something in Italian.

Go see more of her work on her flickr page and website.

September Catalog Photographer: Yelena Yemchuk

Our September catalog was shot by the amazingly talented Yelena Yemchuk, originally from Ukraine. After working for several years doing video and photography for bands – most notably the Smashing Pumpkins – she turned her focus to fashion photography. Her work has a moodiness to it that translates beautifully through her lens, making her the perfect photographer to shoot our September catalog with its autumnal feel.

Here are some behind-the-scenes shots of the photographer at work, as well as some of her previous editorial work that is absolutely breathtaking!

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Go see more on her website.

Behind the scenes photos by Thomas Northcut.

Love is in the Fan Photos

There’s love in the air in the latest batch of fan photos…

Love this photo by Genevieve Blais.

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Looking lovely in the floral halter maxi dress.

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The much-loved voile and lace slip.

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Beautiful Elsa of Stylebaad wearing our sundial maxi dress.

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The Andean beauty dress in a shot by Taylor Herron photography.

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Rocking the super 70s wideleg jean!

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Reader Leah sent in some gorgeous shots from her Free People inspired engagement shoot, in which she wore one of our older fp one dresses and the sunburst maxi! Photos by Priscila Valentina.

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so sweet :)

Style File: Office Coordinator

Our office coordinator has a courageous coolness about the way she dresses. There’s nothing quiet about how she presents herself. You can almost guarantee she’ll have on an awesome loud print or a bright color if not pasted across her lips. Perhaps what I covet most about her wardrobe, are the true pieces that make it up – her funky fringe jacket, cool vintage pin, artisan rings, and perfectly grunge tee – all seemingly one-of-a-kind (if not so). She knows how to pull them all together with attitude. Whatever look she is going after she makes it fearless and exhilarating. Check out what she wore this week…

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I should also mention she’s a pro at braided hair styles!

Now for a little bit more about her, in her own words :)

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Office Style

It looks like the rain has people dressing a bit more casually this week. Today in office style we have some great laid back tees, close-toed shoes, high waters, and cozy sweaters or jackets. Where people decided to battle the elements and thrown on something more put together, we have great combinations of color and texture. Who would have thought to layer plaid over lace or to throw in and pop of blue with rusty orange and zebras? I love it all!

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The Sleeveless Printed Tie Buttondown

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The Dursoduro Maxi Cardigan

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Thursday Poll: September 2011 Catalog

The much anticipated September catalog dropped this week, and in my eyes it’s the perfect depiction of fall – my favorite season. I can’t get enough of activities like apple picking, the smell of crisp air, jumping into piles of leaves…and the clothes, oh the clothes…

I love fall fashion. It’s chunky knits, cozy fabrics, jackets, scarves, and ankle boots. It’s plaids and flannels – furs and fairisle. The September catalog falls nothing short of what I love about fall fashion. I can’t wait to get all cuddled up in these clothes with a good book and a mug of something hot. Which outfit will you all be wearing to enjoy autumn delights?

Look 1

The Ihamana Scarf, Polka Dotted Boho Top, Daisy Chain Plaid Dress, and the Helios Waist Belt

 

Look 2

The Pretty Cozy Romper and Floral Woven Pullover

 

Look 3

The Oversized Fairisle Trimmed Sweater and the Vermont Knit Sweater Shorts

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Look 4

Textured Turtle Neck, Native Floral Silk Slip, and the Linea Blades Necklace

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Look 5

The Americana Jumper Sweater and the Medford Lace-up Boot

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Look 6

Enchanted Eyelet Dress, Open Stitch Cardigan, and the Devendra Lace-Up Boot

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[polldaddy poll=”5487433″]