LFW: best in show

London pulls out all the stops when it comes to fashion, there’re no boundaries when it comes to styling and playing with different patterns and textures. The shows this year demonstrate just that for spring/summer 2012 — from oversized daisy prints over monochromatic geometrics, to unusual fabrication and applique techniques. It’s no wonder London is now for the cray cray city of cool.

Anything goes here, and it’s kinda fun. it’s a city of diversity that’s for sure!

Here’re the shows that stood out to us and a couple of street style looks from Facehunter.

Did you have a favourtie show?

street style from facehunter and runway photos from Vogue and Style

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Christopher Kane  Spring/Summer 2012lfw

NYFW: Hair Inspiration

New York Fashion Week is over, and while I don’t really consider myself to be the most fashionable person, I still like to check out the shows online and follow some of the behind the scenes coverage on tumblr. And beyond just the fashion inspiration, I found myself saving so many photos of hair styles! I doubt I’d be able to tame my mess of hair to look like any of these but it’s still great inspiration… Read More

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

Store Events this Weekend!

It’s looking like it will be a beautiful (almost)fall weekend in Philly! We have fun events going on in a few of our stores, including one at our nearby Ardmore store with a prize that involves yours truly… ;)

Cozy up to Fall at Free People Suburban Square!

We’re snuggling up to this crisp Fall weather, and want you to join!

Stop by Free People Suburban Square on Saturday September 17th – Sunday September 18th, and any COZY item you purchase gets you a raffle ticket! What’s the prize??? A tour of the Free People Home Office in Philadelphia with FP Julia and lunch at our amazing cafeteria! (local residents only, transportation will not be provided to and from the office).

More info on their Facebook page. Can’t wait to meet the winner! :)

Free People Topanga Fall Fashion Show!

Stop by Free People Topanga on Saturday September 17th at 2pm for their back to school fashion show! There will be music from DJ Takara and the blogger from Electric Raspberry will be there giving fashion tips!

Plus – get a sweet limited edition tie dye FP bag with purchases over $250!

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More info on their Facebook page.

Free Your Mind With Free People Brentwood

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Finally, this Saturday September 17th Free People Brentwood we will be hosting a FREE YOGA CLASS from 9AM-10AM in our store! We are ELATED to have Yoga Extraordinaire–Brigitte Bedi of Maha Yoga teaching the class. Just bring yourself, some comfy clothes and a yoga mat! There will be refreshments to follow…and of course time to SHOP!

Please RSVP if you can on their Facebook page.

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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 :)

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″]

FNO 2011: Getting Creative with Free People in NYC

Tonight is our fashion night out event; we’re kicking off fashion week with style!! if you’re around that area please come and join us – we’ll be there with our creative directors and these ever so cool bloggers from Honestly WTF who will be carrying out a special DIY project.

 Here’s what inspires them about NYC

New York in 4 words…

Ambitious, home-away-from-home, sleepless, and fashion, baby.

What we are packing…

We’re totally embracing the grunge-chic trend this season: ankle boots, skinny pants, oversized sweaters and a little sparkle to top it all off. Of course bell bottoms, maxis, and hats will forever be staples in our closets. 

Best Places to go in NY?

 1) We love brunch in NY. It’s a battle between the baked eggs at Café Gitane and the Turkish eggs at Public . . . I’ll have both, please.

2) Christie’s Auction House in Rockefeller Plaza is a great place to go see an art exhibition. Not a lot of people know that it is free and open to the public.

3) Daha in the Lower East Side has the most extensive collection of vintage boots in New York City.

4) Whenever we’re in New York, we always stop by The Little Branch for a sweet libation.

5) Dropping by the first floor of ABC Carpet & Home is always a must – it’s full beautiful things and perfect place to pick up a gift for someone.

One Free People item you’ll be taking into fall…

We’re kinda dying over these Hatchett ankle boots – love the asymmetrical cut and distressed details. They are the kind of boots you live in all season long!

Vintage Missoni now available in Vintage Loves!

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When you think about fashion with amazing prints and patterns, surely there is one name that springs immediately to mind. Missoni. Founded in Italy by designers Ottavio and Rosita Missoni, the brand has been known throughout the years for their use of bold patterns, mixed fabrics and kaleidoscopic colors. Our Vintage Loves line has just launched a collection of Vintage Missoni pieces and I was completely blown away when I saw them.  The pieces are pricey but they are fashion treasures, and the colors and patterns are at the very least some pretty amazing eye candy.

Plus, they’re modeled by one of our beautiful home office ladies which provides some awesome styling ideas for how to wear these pieces in a modern way.

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Shop the Vintage Loves Missoni lookbook.

Click on top three images for sources.

FNO 2011: Getting Creative with Free People in NYC

our fashion night out event is happening this thursday! everyday leading up to the event we will be featuring one of our girls from here in our home office and why they love NYC! Come join us for a fashion bonanza!

go here for more details: free people’s fashion night out

Describe New York City in 4 words…

Lustful, sharp, unpredictable, aggressive

What are you predicting for Fall Fashion?

A preppy cool, is what I’m chasing for fall – lots of tweeds, cool denim and brogues. I’m loving the thought of Annie Hall mixed with a sweet Francoise Hardy. Velvet in jewel tones are on my mind worn with rugged knits.

Who is your style muse?

I admire many people’s style; my muse is someone who has a fusion of great vision, a beautiful mind and innovation. If they have all three then they’ve got me good.

A favorite place in NY?

A great coffee shop in NY always makes my day. I tend to nestle there for a couple of hours people watching and what not – The Smile, 26 Bond Street New York

is perfect for that!

One Free People item you will be taking into fall…

Aged leather wingtip brogues