Bldg 25 Blog - The Free People Fashion & Inspiration Blog

Endless Summer Means Beach Wear All Year Round

Posted by fp jemma on July 18, 2011April 12, 2012 in fashion

who wants summer to end? I most definitely don’t. i love the easy breezy beach lifestyle too much.

so, when we decided to launch an endless summer shop i was very happy indeed. our new concept introduces a wardrobe that is season-less, relating to the beach lifestyle – easy items that can be layered and carried through from summer to early fall.

our new concept shop, “endless summer”, will carry swim, long sleeve textured shirts, cotton pullover sweaters and cardigans, denim jackets and shorts, knitted maxi dresses and lose, cozy items, which can be worn to the beach as a cover up, or can be worn all year long.

beach is a lifestyle the fp girls love, so we wanted to make it last, because if you’re like me, I also enjoy strolls on the beach when it’s a little chilly outside.

here’s a little ‘endless summer’ inspiration quote from our beach designer about season-less dressing ~

“When I first moved to Philadelphia in the fall, all I had for winter was my denim jacket, a hoodie and my chucks, because in San Francisco that’s all I needed to take me through the winter. I soon found out I needed a little bit more than that. I just recently learned the concept of seasonal dress, put away coats, and take out shorts.

These, I find are staple items, that can easily be layered up or pared down, I never have to put them away. The season-less items in my wardrobe include: my vintage crochet sweater, my 501 cut offs, my Cheap Monday white V-neck Tee, and my white cotton button up.

The design concept for Endless Summer would be clothes at its loveliest most basic level, nice feel, flattering going out or staying in, layered up or layered down.

Or simply

Clothes you never want to put away.”

We love endless summer! do you want summer to end?

Go visit the store here Endless Summer Shop

Monday Quote: Complete the Sentence

Posted by fp julia on July 18, 2011April 13, 2012 in inspiration

I picked up this vintage postcard at Uncommon Objects in Austin. I loved it because it made me think – so for today’s Monday quote, I want you all to write your own quote by completing the phrase:

“I never did, but always thought I would like to _____”

(top image source)

Homemade Herbed Ricotta Cheese

Posted by fp naomi on July 17, 2011April 13, 2012 in food

There’s not much that can beat the flavor of creamy ricotta cheese slathered over a slice of fresh baguette – except maybe the flavor of homemade ricotta slathered over a slice of fresh baguette. Make your own cheese? That sounds way too hard. But that’s the wonderful thing about ricotta. It is the easiest cheese to make, and doesn’t take forever. Once you’ve whipped up a batch, you can use it for just about anything. For today, I like the idea of serving it on fresh French or Italian bread as an hors d’oeuvre for guests. Sprinkle it with balsamic, figs, and walnuts for an extra tempting snack ;)

To make about 2 cups, you’ll need:

4 cups whole milk
2 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon kosher salt
3 tablespoons good white wine vinegar
3 tablespoons minced scallions, white and green parts (2 scallions)
2 tablespoons minced fresh dill
1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Set a large sieve over a deep bowl. Dampen 2 layers of cheesecloth with water and line the sieve with the cheesecloth. Then, pour the milk and cream into a pot to boil. Stir occasionally as it heats up, adding in salt as you go. Once it has reached a boil, turn off the flame and stir in the vinegar.

2. Allow the mixture to stand and curdle for about 1 min. Then, pour the mixture into a cheesecloth-lined sieve and allow it to drain into the bowl for 20 to 25 minutes. You may have to occasionally pour out the liquid that collects in the bowl.

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3. When cheese is almost finished straining, chop up all of your fresh herb ingredients. Transfer strained cheese to a new bowl, and stir in.

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Refrigerate or eat immediately.

Enjoy!

All images via Smitten Kitchen

Play Me, I’m Yours

Posted by fp julia on July 16, 2011April 13, 2012 in inspiration

When we were in Austin in April shooting our July Catalog, we were fortunate to be there during the month when an exhibit by artist Luke Jerram was installed throughout the city. The live art installation is called “Play Me, I’m Yours,” and consists of several pianos that are placed throughout a given city, in public locations, for people to draw on, paint on, and most importantly, play music on.

This idea is so brilliant… not only do the brightly colored, somewhat oddly placed pianos attract a lot of attention, they invite you to be a part of the exhibit by playing music – and there is a website where you can upload photos and videos you take with the piano.

The exhibit started in 2008 and has been spreading joy and music all over the world ever since. Here are some photos from Austin (each city has its own website with a map displaying the location of each piano):

Recognize this red one from our July Catalog? It’s in a BMX park!

I love this photo of our creative director taken by Alexandra Valenti:

For more info on the installation check out the website.

Weekend Getaways: Inspiration from California

Posted by fp julia on July 15, 2011April 13, 2012 in inspiration

Last week I received an email from one of our readers, Molly, who sent me a link to photos she took on a recent solo trip to Big Sur and a trip to Ojai, and I immediately knew I had to share. Big Sur is one of the most incredible, magical places I’ve ever been and these photos bring back a longing I can’t quite describe.

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Check out her tumblr and flickr for more inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing Molly!

Style File: Edition 2

Posted by fp naomi on July 15, 2011April 13, 2012 in fashion

Meet this week’s style inspiration – the design assistant for New Romantics here at Free People. I was immediately attracted by her laid back and beautiful – yet approachable – look. I checked in on her daily to get to know her better and bring you her week in style file.

In her romantic, somewhat demure, way of dressing she reflects her personality perfectly. She seems quiet and shy at first, but is then sweet beyond words as soon as you approach her. This is a girl who doesn’t wear outfits that shout “look at me,” but rather, “come closer.” Pay attention and you’ll notice a dainty necklace or a gorgeous etched bracelet.

Picnik collage

As assistant designer for the Free People New Romantics, she will be given a fabric chosen by her boss, the head designer for New Romantics, and then has to come up with styles using what she is given. The process usually starts with a sketch. Her sketches themselves are amazingly inspirational to look at. She will then drape the piece – usually doing about one a day. After she’s done draping, she will pass everything along to tech who takes it from there. This week she was already working on things for next summer.

Picnik collage

And now for a peek into her personal life =)

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Things To Do In Austin: The San Jose Hotel

Posted by fp julia on July 15, 2011April 13, 2012 in inspiration

Tucked discretely among Austin’s best restaurants and vintage shops on South Congress, the Hotel San Jose is a peaceful oasis either to stay for a vacation or just to pop in for a drink on the patio. Self-described as a hotel with soul, the San Jose’s décor includes vintage concert posters, cacti, animal printed-throws, crawling ivy plants and lots of sun-dappled shade. It’s extremely zen-like, and makes you feel very much at home – from the tray of Texas-style snacks awaiting guests in the rooms to kitchen in the lobby that serves cocktails and cold water. If you’re on South Congress, you must check it out.

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nice touch – a pair of tom’s in the bathroom that you can purchase if interested.

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DO: have a drink at the outdoor patio (open to public)

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Also – stop next door for coffee at Jo’s – home to the famous “i love you so much” wall, and you may even run into Leslie (an Austin celeb)!

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Vegan Leather Makes its Free People Debut

Posted by fp julia on July 15, 2011October 14, 2013 in fashion

I am beyond excited about the fact that Free People is now launching its very own line of vegan leather pieces! As I mentioned in the video, I am a vegetarian and although it doesn’t bother me when other people wear leather products, it’s not something I can bring myself to do. Which is torture, because working here I see so many amazing leather items that I love – but it seemed only natural that we would do this, being a company that loves animals so much! After months of anticipation, vegan leather is here, and I’m happy to say that my search for the perfect vegan leather jacket has ended :)

In addition to the jacket, the other items online now are the vegan leather pants, vegan leather skirt and vegan leather shorts. I love that these items can be styled in a girly way, with pretty blouses and heels, or in a boyish rock n’ roll way:

And here’s how I styled the pants for the video – I paired them with the concert raglan and sandals for an easy casual look. Clearly the boyish look is more my style :)

items pictured: vegan leather pant, we the free raglan tee, calypso pendant necklace, kale collegic stack rings, zion ring, molly beaded sandal.

Your response will help determine whether we’ll continue to design into this line, so I would love to hear your thoughts on vegan leather!

Office Style

Posted by fp naomi on July 14, 2011April 13, 2012 in fashion, home office

Today’s been a busy day! The first half of the day I got to travel out to the owner of Urban Inc.’s personal farm. I shot some photos of the stylish interns on the outing.

Although I enjoyed the trip, it was fun getting back to the office and noticing lots of new Free People buys around. These two ladies are actually wearing two of my favorite items right now – both just happen to have been sitting in my shopping basket for about the past week now.

The Free People Printed Kimono

The Mohawk Embroidered Dress

I love the flirty sheerness these two coworkers were rocking today.

How cool is this shirt? I love the combo of it with the braids.

I caught this stylish woman sauntering up the stairs in her carefree printed summer dress. Her tattoo juxtaposes against the girly-ness of her outfit for an intriguing look.

Denim and lace…one of my favorite combos for summer

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Thursday Poll: The July Lookbook with Bambi Northwood-Blyth

Posted by fp julia on July 14, 2011April 13, 2012 in fashion, features

Our July Lookbook, “FALLing for Bambi,” is definitely one of my favorites yet – maybe because I think Bambi Northwood-Blyth is insanely adorable, but also because I love these pre-fall, layered looks. This lookbook actually has 15 total outfits but I pulled out some of my favorites – which one do you like best?

look one:

look two:

look three:

look four:

look five:

look six:

look seven:

or look eight:

(view the entire july lookbook)

time to vote!

July Catalog: Behind the Scenes in Austin

Posted by fp julia on July 14, 2011April 13, 2012 in fashion, inspiration

The first day of shooting in Austin was a blast – we shot at the Mohawk Room with the Happen-Ins, and models Ashley Smith, Anastasia Khodkina and Jessica Mau took turns pretending to be in the band. Ashley was a natural on the guitar and Anastasia blew us away with her rockstar energy! With Alexandra Valenti making magic behind the lens, it was a day of live music and fun in the company of friends.

view the july catalog.

DIY shirt turned skirt!

Posted by fp julia on July 13, 2011April 13, 2012 in DIY, fashion, home office

so inspired by this look today! our office coordinator took an old oversized button-down shirt and turned it into a skirt! she just buttoned it up halfway from the bottom, stepped into it and tied the sleeves around her waist – add a cropped tee and boots and you’ve got 90s grunge perfection.

just another reason to nab your boyfriend/dad/brother’s button-downs! vintage printed ones are a plus :)