australia’s gold coast is located in south east queensland, on the country’s eastern shore. with 35 miles of coastline that includes some of the most popular surf breaks in australia and the world, the area has been a huge draw for both tourists and surfers all over the world. it was also inspiration for a special shop launching today on our website that is our nod to surfer girls everywhere – denim shorts in bright colors, easy knits, bathing suits, summery shoes and pops of neon, its a collection that screams summer fun and adventure.
for her second guest post for us, mandy of the amazing blog oracle fox went down to the gold coast and took some beautiful photos to capture the atmosphere there. i am thinking a trip to australia is definitely in order!
all images by oracle fox – thank you so much mandy!
and here’s a little collection i made inspired by the gold coast. click on the image to go see more details, and check out our gold coast shop here.
Our office went crazy this week with bold colours a new trend we’re all loving, it brought a smile to everyone’s face – worn with simple tops and finished off with a touch of ethnic in accessories.
This Colour Block fashion is one of the hottest new trends for the season. It combines the use of two or more blocks of colour in an ensemble. This could be for a top, bottom, tunic, a dress and even a handbag or shoes. Simply it means – creating an outfit by putting areas or blocks of solid color next to each other. It can include monotone, bright colours, muted colors, contrasting and complimentary colors creating an impact outfit for the summer.
We’re also pretty excited about one of our new hires, Dylana – I’m sure you all know her blog Colour Me Nana. She started Monday as our new assistant stylist!!!
I asked her to pull together a colour block outfit for us and she did it perfectly. The ocean green and peach work well together don’t you think?
Here’s her take on colour blocking;
“I love mixing and matching brightly hued pieces together into one look. It is a lot of fun, but if not done correctly, the result can be disastrous. Try to stick to just two really strong colors at one time (like electric blue and shocking pink), and only three at the most (in this case, the colors must complement each other and have similar undertones . . . think orange, pink, and yellow . . . these are my favorite colors to color block with, especially in peachy, almost pastel tones). Don’t try to get too experimental . . . it takes away from the overall effect that the color blocking trend sets out to make. You want to be statement-making, not an eyesore. Just pick your favorite color and pair it with something that meshes well, and just go for it. Keep your accessories simple, and leave behind strong patterns and prints when going for this trend. Simplicity is key when you want color to be the subject of attention in your outfit”
We’re very exciting to be launching the much anticipated Stone Cold Fox Margarita shorts – everyone is bouncing in the office about these beautiful “perfect” summer short made from vintage Mexican blankets.
I like them with a basic tee and biker boot, topped of with a hat, because of their heavy quality they will look great moving into fall also with tights. We are hooked!
Here’s a little bit about the brand.
Stone Cold Fox grew from the creative minds of 24 year old Cydney Morris and Dallas Wand, two childhood friends who combined their knowledge of fashion trends and great silhouettes to create Stone Cold Fox, a clothing, accessory and home ware label that has fashion bloggers and stylish celebrities buzzing with excitement, girls are desperate to own pieces from this exclusive collection.
The beauties are based in California, the brand ethos is quality over quantity and each item is hand made to order. Their vintage boho garments are made from the most luxurious fabrics and attention to detail is their highest priority. We believe you’ll be hearing lots more about the girls and their gorgeous label in the near future… Here’s a little introduction for those of you who haven’t seen already…
How did you start out? It started after we both graduated from college. Cydney had Foreign Cinema, our first collection, as her senior project. When we both moved back home, we joined forces. With Cydney’s design skills and Dallas’s marketing tools, it became a great combo for a small company.
What’s your latest collection inspired by? Our latest collection, Lovely Days, pretty much explains itself. We wanted it to be clothes that you wear on lovely days, or make you think of lovely days. Summer time, hot nights, margaritas, the whole summer in the 70’s vibe. It is just what you want to wear all summer, but it transitions really well into all seasons.
Influences… We are really influenced by the fabrics we see, places we have traveled and an easy living lifestyle. We want every piece to be easy, comfortable and able to wear in any situation. Whether you’re hanging at home, at lunch or even at an event out.
When you aren’t working what do you enjoy? We really enjoy the beach, long lunches, playing with our baby pug, Olive. Drinking lots of wine and hitting the flea markets.
What are you currently obsessed with? Currently, were obsessed with home decorating and furniture. We love decorating our new work space that we moved into about 2 months ago, and finding special pieces to go in it. We are also obsessed with good vintage finds, printed bell bottoms, photography and sangria.
Last movie you watched…. Cyd – a documentary on Rocky Erickson
Dall – Secret Diary of a Call Girl episodes back to back.
My wardrobe consists of…. Cyd- 90% vintage clothes, NO jeans, lots of flowy long dresses and Mexican gear.
Dall- Ripped jean shorts, flowy SCF tanks, printed long skirts and peach blazers.
What are your thoughts on the free people girl? I think she is just like a Stone Cold Fox girl. Loves to have fun, play with what she wears, a little bit of a hippie chick, and isnt afraid to take risks.
i’m a huge fan of our vintage loves collection and always love the items our buyer finds…but every once in a while she comes back with a batch that completely blows me away and gypsy caravan is one of them. the items in this collection are so special and amazing i had to share some of my favorites…
this yves saint laurentpeasant skirt was pulled from his 1976 “rich peasant collection” – one of his most loved and influential collections that was the first to re-introduce peasant skirts and blouses into the modern fashion world. a huge inspiration for today’s bohemian fashion, it is only fitting for us to have it in our vintage loves collection. the mix of prints in this skirt is gorgeous!
yves saint laurent rich peasant collection
the first thing that caught my eye from this collection were the amazing denim jackets. the hand embroidery and detailing is exquisite – these are definitely the kind of item you purchase and treasure forever!
this one has an exclusive hand-painted floral tapestry motif done by an artist in upstate new york just for our vintage loves collection:
and the fabric sleeves and detailing on this one are so gorgeous! i think its my favorite:
finally, i had to mention these amazing jeans…the fabric at the bottom is, as our buyer says, far out!
our may catalog was inspired by the paintings of henri rousseau, in which bright pops of color jump out of lush tropical landscapes painted with rich layers of green. models tallulah morton and elsa hosk dance across the pages as best friends on vacation, glowing from the sun and losing themselves in long summer days spent surfing and exploring. the images capture the elusive feeling of freedom that hangs in the air in summertime, when you just want to let your hair down, kick off your shoes and run through fields or lay in the sand as the waves wash over your body.
shot in hawaii by fashion and travel photographer frédéric lagrange, our may book is a celebration of both the raw beauty of the landscape and the high summer fashion. look for the catalog in the mail and online on tuesday!
New York City is a place that excites me. Here’s some quick inspiration from my recent weekend in New York. I always get so inspired when I go there; everything is so visually pleasing and the energies are sky high.
I visited Brooklyn flea market, which had some great vintage stalls and beautiful terrariums. This idea is a perfect little hobby to do on summer days and to bring the outdoors/indoors.
I always love the fashion in NYC and how people always hit it right when it comes to looking “cool”
Check out this girl that was hanging outside a bar.
A little kitten that was adopted looking proud under a British flag
An afternoon snack, Nothing beats a New York bagel – tomato, mozzarella and pesto
And a quick stop into these lovely stores made my inspiration rise to another level.
Darr Williamsburg and creatures of comfort Mulberry St.
It’s always refreshing going to New York, don’t you think?
I caught up with this beautiful lady to find out what she’s inspired by right now as she moves into her new role of Art Director. She’s the lovely lady that works in our studio creating, along with the associate stylists, the beautiful looks on our web. She also comes up with some of the catalog concepts along with our creative director.
Her knowledge and vision, mixed with her exquisite taste are pretty inspiring.
What has been your most memorable fashion moment and why?
I think the most memorable moment related to FP and fashion has do to w/ a shoot we did in Morocco last year. We drove 13 hrs into the Sahara desert, about 3 km from the border of Algeria- and stayed with a Bedouin tribe in tents in the dunes. The first night was unbearably warm , so the team decided to pull our mattresses out of our tents and sleep under the stars for the remainder of the trip. Our Norwegian photographer and Swedish model sang us Scandinavian lullabies, and our hairstylist told us stories that made us laugh so hard we cried. We slept like starfish with our heads together and our feet pointed outward. All beneath the Saharan moonlight– the whole thing was pretty surreal and magical. Doing cannon balls off of sand dunes wasn’t so bad either.
When are you happiest?
I think there are so many different kinds of happiness– I am the happiest when I arrive in a new country or city I’ve never been to before- I find newness/ new experiences completely exhilarating.
I am happiest when I am filled with hope and anticipation about a new project– I’m a total Pisces, always dreaming about what’s to come.
I am happiest when I find a new book that I can’t put down.
I am happiest in Paris.
What is the one habit you just can’t break?
It’s not a habit, but every time I travel the contents of my toiletries bag spill all over the place. I am a total klutz- an unbreakable habit. No matter how tight I close the lids of my makeup, shampoo, etc – they will find a way to open. I am undeniably prone to spills and stains.
Who are your style influences and why?
I think my personal style is very different than the style I am attracted to… Anita Pallenberg, Mick Jagger, Zelda Fitzgerald, Brigitte Bardot, Ingrid Bergman, Marianne Faithful, Bob Dylan, Lauren Hutton, Kate Moss, Katherine Hepburn are all people whose style I am so inspired by– but don’t necessarily try to adapt for myself. I also love the instant gratification of street style blogs– I’ve had many mornings when I’ve had a difficult time getting dressed, checked out some blogs, and completely reinterpreted (knocked off) someone else’s awesome outfit. Like instructions on a lazy day.
What are you currently obsessed with?
I am taking French lessons through Skype– no excuses to not show up for lessons!
The Hunger Games trilogy, a young adult series recommended by a friend this weekend. Kind of a speed reading nerd, I read two of the series in one day.
Photography by a friend, David Bellemere. His work is rich, architectural, sexy and totally inspiring- Hoping FP will be working with him soon!
The last movie I watched was…
Last weekend I went to my friends new apt in Brooklyn and watched a film called Micmacs by Jean Pierre Jeunet. We ate gummy bears and peanut butter m&ms at 10 am and watched the movie. It was kooky and fantastical.
My favorite food is…
I think the ritual I am most in love with is a coffee first thing in the morning, though not necessarily any food in particular.
My biggest indulgence in life is…
Facials! I love them.
My wardrobe consists of…
My style is simple but romantic- high-waisted trousers, lots of silk and chiffon, menswear, vintage, and some core pieces I wear all the time. I am definitely a proponent of investing in items you think you will wear forever. I am curvy, and I definitely tailor my style to what works for my body shape- I think that’s a huge part of feeling confident in your style… Knowing what works, what doesn’t, and embracing that! ( Easier said than done, I know, especially when you fall in love with a style or silhouette that isn’t the best for your shape.)
Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life.
I don’t think you could do away with it. It would be like doing away with civilization.”
-Bill Cunningham
The legendary Bill Cunningham has graced the big screen in a rather interesting heart touching documentary about his passion Street Style Photography.
Street Style has been a No1 go to inspiration for me, there’s something so raw and fresh about how people choose to dress, the decisions they make to achieve such a visually pleasing outfit is incredible.
I’ve been waiting to see this documentary for quite some time. He has always been a guy that intrigued me.
”
Bill Cunningham works for The New York Times as a photographer that shoots and curates the paper’s “On the Street” and “Evening Hours”
This enchanting eighty- something guy rides around NY wearing his signature bolt blue work jacket on his bicycle, shooting silhouettes that excite him “Some marvelous, exotic bird of paradise”
He captures the upbeat fashion Scene in New York recording the changing street life of one of the world’s great cities for us all to see. It shows his lifestyle and how the little in things in life are most important to him.
It shines a light on a guy who needs nothing more than his happy passion.
He has touched my heart in more ways than one. His passion is overwhelming because he loves what he does so much that not much else matters. Street Photography is his life
not just his job and it was great to see that in the documentary. He is world renowned for his work and his pleasant embrace. A true inspiration to anyone!
The platform has taken a quirky new direction. A new sole has appeared on the fashion front and we’re diggin it.
The flatform was a key statement throughout the spring/ Summer runaway shows – Derek Lam, Prada, and Vena Cava
All made their silhouette that much more interesting by adding this elevated shoe.
They have the comfort of wearing flats but give you that attractive 5 inch lift without the cripple factor.
We here at the office love them and find them the perfect way to add quirkiness to any outfit.
Flatforms, are you digging the shoe of this season?
i’m so excited about today’s guest DIY! it comes from halligan norris smith, who i met through fp jemma and is an amazingly talented and crafty lady! we posted some photos from her beautiful wedding a little while back, and they definitely give you a taste of her creative aesthetic…so when she said she wanted to do a DIY for our blog i knew it would be awesome!
i’m sure you’ve all seen the foxtail trend that seemed to take over the blog world last summer… well in a spin on that trend, remember the phenomenon that was rabbits feet? i had a few of the so-called good luck charms when i was little. but thanks to the crafty genius of halligan, you can make your own faux rabbit’s foot in just a few easy steps and have an adorable keychain or accessory to wear this summer!
Tools:
needle and thread
glue – such as E6000
Materials:
faux fur
beads
wire or looped head pins
bead caps
chain
embroidery thread
tin foil
Instructions:
Step 1: Download and print out template from our flickr page. Cut out your outline.
Step 2: Trace paper template shape onto the back of two pieces of faux fur.
Step 3: Cut out both shapes.
Step 4: Place both fur sides together and do a simple blanket stitch around the outside, leaving about 1 1/4″ open for stuffing.
Step 5: Turn rabbit’s foot fur side out. Then take your tin foil, roll it up and squeeze enough to fit vertically inside the pouch. Then, use polyfill to fill any remaining open space.
Step 6: Slightly curl lips of opening, line with glue, and pinch closed with a clothespin.
Step 7: Trim extra fur from around tip of you rabbit’s foot form.
Step 8: Use embroidery thread to wrap tip of rabbits foot, tie off and glue string ends.
Step 9: Sew 3 bead “toenails” onto base of rabbit’s foot.
Step 10: Use a curled head pin or curl wire to form loop. Put loop through bead cap and put glue onto wire before inserting into top of rabbit’s foot.
Step 11: String chain into loop.
All done! Use them as keychains, hang from your car’s rearview mirror as a good luck charm, or clip them to your bag or belt loops for a super cute accessory :)
images by the talented jess roberts, and be sure to check out halligan’s website here. thank you so much ladies!
Erika Pena is a dreamer, who started her journey into Fashion design and accessories when she was 18 and attended Parsons school of
Art and design in New York City. Her Accessories draw inspiration from her move to Manhattan from Puerto Rico conveying the rough and edgy city life of NYC to the light and airy free spirited air of the Caribbean. All her work derives inspiration from her travels, the people she meets and the cultures she absorbs herself into – making her pieces extra special!
I played around with her pieces in the studio the other day I feel in love with the unique rings that sit just delicately on the tops of your fingers. The textures of her jewelry make for exquisite accessories perfectly dressed down for a festival and easily adapted for a lovely night out. Sasha wears the rings throughout our April book, they add that extra special to any outfit.
i have been waiting, patiently, ever since our meeting back in january about the april catalog product when i saw them all lined up in a rainbow of colors. birkenstocks definitely carry a strong sense of nostalgia with them… it is hard to look at them and not be reminded of a time in my life when i was too young to know or care about fashion, all that mattered was comfort and ease. i’m not gonna lie, wearing them now i even start to feel like a kid again. the famous photos of kate moss by corinne day capture that carefree feeling perfectly.
if you’re like me and grew up wearing birks, you already know how comfy they are, and that they mold to fit your feet to perfection. but another reason why i love these so much right now is that i’m a big flip flop girl- i like sandals that can slip on and off easily so if you’re at the beach or chilling at a park you can kick them right off. but i’m getting a little tired of the same old rainbows i’ve been wearing for a few years now and i have already decided that they will be replaced with these sunkissed tangerine birks very soon.
sasha pivovarova rocks the birkenstocks in a couple of awesome ways in our april catalog. our shoe buyer loves the look on the left – she says birks are the perfect shoe to pair with girly, feminine skirts and dresses this season to add a touch of laid back cool. the look on the right is one of my favorites in the entire catalog – the pop of color is perfect to complete this fun & funky look.
check out our birkenstocks online here – and tell me, what do you think about their comeback?
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