fly.

Happy February!

ashleyrichman — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 05:59:12 +0000

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That’s right, February is finally here! Many things to look forward to as we approach this glorious month. Here is my short list of some of the positives:

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February is…

•The shortest month of the year…meaning, we only have 28 days until March (and March means spring, right?).

•The start of everything Kelly Cutrone (fashion icon and founder of public relations firm People’s Revolution), her show Kell on Earth and her book If You Have To Cry, Go Outside.

•LOST. Enough said.

•The month for NY Fashion Week.

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And finally, the look of February is…

•What Club Monaco believes to have come “straight from the Rivera”.

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That’s right, Nautical Details and French Accents—makes me happy it’s February.

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I’ve been loving Club Monaco’s women’s apparel through the winter, and every time I step foot in their store I can’t help myself from browsing the men’s racks for just as long as the women’s.

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Preppy nautical attire for men, sure why not?

Alexander Wang

ashleyrichman — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 22:55:28 +0000

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After having an extensive conversation with a friend the other night about the exciting topic of weather (I swear we have exciting lives), and on top of that, Chicago weather, I realized one positive- winter clothes and accessories (I guess that’s two positives). I’m just not sure if I’m ready for S/S 2010…clothes, that is.

So here it is… my all time favorite fall/winter accessories brought to you by the one and only, Alexander Wang.

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This pebbled leather “messenger” shoulder bag has a simple enough design to throw in some hardware and make it an Alexander Wang original. I’m usually a cross-body messenger bag wearer, mostly because of the hands-free ease it allows you to enjoy, but this shoulder bag fits just right (I’m actually a proud owner of the Betty Flap Bag in grey as of Christmas and I have not a single complaint)- literally though, it doesn’t fall off your shoulder constantly where you have to keep adjusting it to stay on.

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Betty Flap Bag

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Originally I saw the Rocco Mini Duffle in a black pebbled leather, but this smooth (can I say creamy when explaining a handbag…or just food?) leather in a grey hue is ridiculous. Studding on the bottom- practical…keeps your bag clean -and it’s what makes the bag.

Rocco Mini Duffle

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So, it’s leather and calf suede… not the greatest material for Chicago’s wet/slushy/miserable winter, but it’s design is impeccable.

Diego Studded Bucket Bag

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More of Alexander Wang’s amazing handbags from his Fall 09 Collection:

Brenda Zip Chain Bag

Max Fanny Pack

Donna Hobo Bag

Bianca Vest Bag

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And to please my friend Joyce, bring on SS ’10 !

fly.

ashleyrichman — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 08:11:12 +0000

“TOMS helps Haiti”

ashleyrichman — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:07:11 +0000

With the devastating news about the 7.0 earthquake that hit Haiti on Tuesday, it is amazing (and also extremely appropriate) that so many businesses and foundations are committing relief and funds to aid the victims in Haiti.

I’ve been meaning to post about TOMS Shoes, and now more than ever it seems appropriate to praise them for not only their shoes and their business concept, but their humanitarian efforts towards relief in Haiti.

“TOMS helps Haiti: For the next 48 hours, TOMS will donate $5 of every

One for One purchase to disaster relief in Haiti through Partners in Health”

This means shop. Shop for a good cause:

Aira Cordones

Navy Vegan Wrap Boots

Amiga Fleece Lined Botas

Olive Canvas Classics

For the men:

Martinez Cordones

Natural Burlap Classics

Tiny TOMS (couldn’t help myself):

Silver Glitter Mary Jane

For those of you who don’t know about TOMS One for One movement:

“TOMS Shoes was founded on a simple premise: With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One. Using the purchasing power of individuals to benefit the greater good is what we’re all about.”

*In conjunction with the momentary donations for immediate disaster relief, TOMS has over 30,000 shoes set and ready to give to Haiti in February to aid in rebuilding efforts*

Check out TOMS Shoes to purchase your own pair and help the victims in Haiti.

Leanimal

ashleyrichman — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 06:47:20 +0000

Since Season 7 of Project Runway airs in just 1 day, I feel it’s completely appropriate to pay tribute to my favorite designer on Project Runway.

I know it’s been a while, (yeah, that’s right, 2008 seems like ages ago) but Leanne Marshall, Season 5 winner of Project Runway, should not be forgotten.

Each of her collections surprise and excite me. Through her architectural inspiration, Leanne creates phenomenal wearable pieces (which are mostly made with eco-friendly textiles).

Remember these:

Threw this coat from her Fall 2008 Collection in here because I absolutely want it! The amazing craftsmanship that went into the innovative design of that collar makes it spectacular- and current.

And finally, here is her most recent, Fall 2009 Collection. Modern pieces, which all have a unique shape and construction that makes them memorable.

*Project Runway Season 7 Premiere airs Thursday, January 14th @ 10 pm et/pt on Lifetime*

U N E A R T H E N

ashleyrichman — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 07:12:29 +0000

If you’ve never heard of or seen Unearthen, it is definitely something worth checking out.

For the past couple of months now I have gone back and back again to the jewelry case at Barneys that displays many Unearthen necklaces. This Christmas, I was lucky enough to receive an Unearthen Apatite crystal necklace from my siblings. It is definitely the most interesting and beautiful pieces of jewelry I own—and the best gift I received, might I add (Thanks guys!)

Apatite

Gia Bahm, the designer of Unearthen has created these amazing crystal/ empty bullet incased necklaces (along with other ridiculous pieces of jewelry (shown below). Not only are they stunning and unique, but each crystal has its own distinct and significant property that is meant to balance and provide a positive and appropriate energy for the wearer.

The Apatite crystal, for example, is titled “THE UPLIFTER”, which means the stone makes it possible for one to see the hidden truths inside oneself. The Apatite is also meant to lend a hopeful outlook. It is a stone of inspiration and acceptance. Also, each stone has many health benefits, such as, enhancing general mental function clarity, soothing headaches and stimulating eyesight (I need this!), helpful for vertigo and dizziness, and last but not least it is known to suppress appetite. A necklace that looks as amazing as this one does, also takes care of my dieting- Could it be true?

Here are pictures of the other crystal pieces:

Can’t beat their packaging:

Other stunning pieces Unearthen has to offer:

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

ashleyrichman — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 07:41:38 +0000

‘Tis the season for snow… and snow boots.

Tretorn: Skerry Vinter Shiny (New Olive/Hollyhock)

AIGLE: Jumping Boot

If you’re looking for sleek, yet durable,

Aigle is known for their hand-made

craftsmanship riding boots. Surprisingly,

this sophisticated rubber boot is also

absorbent and quick-drying. A refined

looking snow boot for Chicago winters

…yes, please.

Lacoste: Wendell NS SRW

Neon laces, enough said.

UGG: Belfair (Charcoal)

UGGs that are form fitting is a nice change. Also, when

wearing this type of UGG you may actually be able to

walk on the snow- It’s product information verifies

“traction and grip”. The rubber outsole looks legit to me.

Melissa: Vivian Westwood Ankle Bootie (Black)

Ankle booties adorned with stylish gold buttons

lining the side…that are rubber. Finally an

“all-weather” boot that you can pair with textured

tights and wear out at night. Amazing.

Melissa: Vivian Westwood Ankle Bootie (Navy)

And yes, they even come in blue!

Menswear? Womenswear? Not sure if it makes much difference…

ashleyrichman — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 23:11:08 +0000

This past Christmas it seemed like the big family joke was miss-labeling packages…

To: Don

From: Rudolph

Trovata: Madeline Cardigan Dress with Elbow Patches

Back View

To: Ashley

From: Santa

Club Monaco ties

All I have to say to this is, “Joke’s on you Santa”. Also, we would like to thank Rudolph for giving us all a good laugh Christmas morning when my brother Don opened up my Trovata sweater, noticed the amazing details including; leather patches on elbows, woven wide stripes, use of blue threading on the double breasted buttons…and was excited about his new gift. oops.

Needless to say, I absolutely love the menswear/womenswear crossover. Whether it be menswear oxford wingtip shoes, plaid boyfriend shirts, “uni-sex” bracelets, bowties, or boyfriend jeans and boyfriend blazers, if it’s done right, I’m all about it.

Here are a few examples of menswear I love seeing women wear:

Boutique 9: Ronnie Jazz Suede Oxford Flats

Miz Mooz Alana-Brown (Bought these a little over a month ago from Lori's Shoes...cannot get enough of them, also they are now on sale!)

Les Halles: Girl Scout Flannel-Grey

Giles & Brother: Hook with Leather Lashing-Antique Grey (My boyfriend bought me this bracelet for Christmas-when I went to search the Giles & Brother website, to my surprise, I found it under "Ladies" and "Gents")

Les Halles Jeans: The Boy Jean- Medium Wash

And for a little inspiration …check out CLOSE UP AND PRIVATE- A stunning blog where artist Sergei Sviatchenko extends visual representations of contemporary fashion.