…and us bloggers got to go to our shoot with Sasha Pivovarova in NYC – definitely a highlight of the year!
We worked with so many beautiful models…
We debuted FP Spun and Vegan Leather, and launched a special line of Limited Edition Dresses! We celebrated with pop-up shops in NY and LA, where Jade Castrinos performed at our store.
We fell hard for extreme flares, monochromatic dressing, birkenstocks, turbans, sweater dressing, fancy collars, western boots, friendship bracelets and bright nails, flatforms, mixed prints, color pops, polka dots and more…
We were influenced by decades past…
…and by trends like mod and grunge.
We brought you festival coverage from Pitchfork and Outside Lands…
We shot our July catalog with Alexandra Valenti and the Happen-Ins, and we had such a great time we went back and threw a party to celebrate the catalog release! We also threw a party at our 5th ave store for Fashion’s Night Out and had a blast.
We made so many lovely blogger friends!
Many crafts were made, and we held our first crafting events in Cambridge and NYC!
And, some new furry faces popped up in the office :)
2011 was a good year :) Here’s to making the next one even better!
“In this modern age everything, everywhere seems to lead the senses outward and away from oneself. Don’t be afraid of quiet. Find the time for peace and introversion, and life will have new meaning.”
~ “The way of Tea” by Aaron Fisher
This Holiday I spent some quality time with my family. They flew here from Wales and brought with them a new light; I took a step back and soaked in some quiet – we took peaceful walks around New York where my eyes were wide open looking for unexpected beauty. And, we snuggled on the sofa with our tummies full of hearty foods until we drifted asleep. Christmas goes way too fast, don’t you think? But hey, another celebration is soon to come, New Years Eve and then a brand new year to look forward too!
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday!! I thought I’d share a few photos from my weekend, I couldn’t have asked for a more relaxing and fun couple of days with family and friends.
re-stringing dad’s guitar…
Best gift? My dad saw here on the blog that I wanted a vintage camera strap, so he gave me his old one that he has had for years :)
Also really loving this book of photography by Linda McCartney – it begins with her life as a rock photojournalist who was house photographer at the Fillmore East and photographed legends like the Rolling Stones, Neil Young, The Doors, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix, before meeting and falling in love with Paul McCartney. Paging through the book is literally like a glimpse into her life as she saw it through her camera lens – really beautiful.
What was the best part of your holiday this year? I’d love to hear about it :)
I like this interesting take on grunge from Katie from San Jose – she’s wearing the sequin bodycon skirt with the plaid crop buttondown and a cute little top that will be available soon!
The final series in our blogger picks for grunge comes from Claire Geist of DeLune Blog. She’s a little pixie redhead who you wouldn’t normally think of as a grunge girl. Because of this, she brought an interpretation to the trend that was fun to see. It felt fresh and very downtown. The ditzy print of the Floral Shirt Tail Pucker Dress came alive when she paired it with the Vegan 3 Eye Gibson Shoe and ankle socks. The result was grunge but she brought an elegant and feminine twist to the table.
I couldn’t agree more with her choices. And now, her favorite sweet treat, what’s on her holiday wish list and other insights into Claire’s personality….
Being surrounded by amazing fashion all day at work, it can be a little overwhelming at times. I’ll often find myself up in our studio, browsing through the racks, or in meetings, staring longingly at all the upcoming designs and samples hanging on the walls, wishing I could own them all. With Chanukah upon us and Christmas in just a few days, Jemma, Naomi and I each narrowed it down to a few select items that are on our wishlist this year.
Naomi’s Wishlist
Glitter Mesh Longsleeve Layering Top in Gold – I’ve had my eye on this top for a bit. I love how it’s a regular crew neck tee, but it’s sheer and glittery. I want to juxtapose it’s sparkleyness with some sportswear-ish styling. Since it’s sheer, you can take advantage of that and layer a tank bra or racerback underneath. My inspiration comes from here and here.
Perfume Amulet Necklace – I love the hammered nail form of this necklace. I want to layer it on with mixed metals and necklaces of varying length – something like this. It’s also made from recycled metal which is always a feel good plus.
Lora Cutout Wedges – I’m such a wedge girl – they’re so much more stable and comfortable than regular heels. I can’t get enough of the sweet pattern and ethnic feel of these babies. The stripe up the back and triangle cutouts make them a must have. It’s nice how they’re statement shoes, yet pretty neutral at the same time. I would definitely style them with skinnies to let them shine, but I think you could wear any range of styles on top.
Jemma’s Wishlist
Throughout the holidays I like to feel comfortable with a bit of sass! The items I’ve chosen make for the day but also can be carried into the evening.
I like to live in jeans a lot and the new vintage washed straight leg thrift jeans are a new move away from my usual skinny jean I opt for. I’d team them with the vegan leather button down shirt to give them an edge and for extra comfort I’d throw this unique fashion sweater kimono over the top. Come the evening I’d put on these Jazzy studded loafers and I’m ready to go to the local bar.
My holiday wishlist is all about comfort with an edge.
Vegan 3 Eye Gibson Shoe – I’ve been wanting a pair of doc martens for a while now, and I think I’ve found “the one.” These would go with absolutely everything, and I love that the oxford style as opposed to boots.
We The Free Reverse It Kachow Thermal – Two shirts in one, need I say more?! I love the wash on this thermal and it’s incredibly soft and easy – idea for Christmas morning, or a casual night out.
Tanner Shoulder Bag – This bag reminds me of an older FP bag that I have had for a while now, and have loved to bits – literally. I can no longer justify using it as my carry-on every time I travel, so I think this is a perfect replacement. I like bags that are brown or neutral in color so they go with everything!
For the design of our newest store we’re looking to do something really special, and we’d love for you all to help us out! What we’re asking is to send us your love letters. It can be a photo, drawing, letter – whatever – just be sure to mark down where you’re writing from and share what you love with us. You can send it via snail mail, or scan and email it to blog@freepeople.com. In the end of it all, the love letters will become a part of our upcoming Center City Philadelphia location, and one lucky winner will be chosen to receive a $200 FP gift card! So get on it – you have until January 13th to send us your love letters and enter. xoxo Free People
Taking pictures and styling clothes, my thirst for creativity and inspiration was well satiated that day. The euphoria of childlike happiness tightened my cheeks and pulled the corners of my mouth up into a googely grin that never left my face. Shooting and collaborating with these beautiful & talented bloggers was something of an out of body experience – one where you pinch yourself… hard. Myself six months ago, the girl who liked to dink around with the camera gifted by her parents (one of the best gifts I’ve ever received btw), would never have thought I’d be doing this. I’ve always enjoyed photography as a side thing – especially the portrait and fashion genres, but I sort of stumbled into getting to do it on the regular for work. Free People has opened doors to explore my hobby in ways I’d never imagined.
I love being at work & I love what I do, but outside of the office I’ve been pretty busy too. I’m always sure to fill my weekends with adventures: brunching, city jaunts, record sorting, flea markets, nights out with friends, and of course, shopping. It keeps me moving and it keeps me inspired. Life has been a whirlwind of fun and love.
I’ve snapped some photos along the way to document…
Hello again from Hanoi! It’s 6 am, and we’ve just arrived back on the night train from Sa Pa, and just enjoyed a delicious breakfast of Pho and watermelon juice. We’re about to hop on a flight to Hoi An, a beach town on the south central coast of Vietnam, on the south China Sea. We’re literally doing hair and make-up on the street outside of a cafe…
