- {In Love With} CrOp Fall 2012 -

During the CrOp David Peck Trunk Show June 14-16 at Tootsies, I stopped in to visit and try on some of the Fall 2012 designs for myself! David’s fall collection is to die for! The colors, hems, and silhouettes are flattering and beautiful. Pictured above are some of my favorites. The last picture is my sister and I both in Fall 2012 pieces. Margaret (who is interning for David Peck) is wearing the dress that was recently featured on the cover of Women’s Wear Daily. It looked fabulous on her! Each garment fit like a glove. I love how David & the team refer to the high-low hem as a mullet hem… Definitely fits the look of the skirt. Great trend to wear now and in the fall. And, don’t you just love the back of the purple gown?? I don’t want to wish my summer away, but I’m definitely looking forward to fall to add some more of David’s designs, for sure!

http://www.davidpeckcollection.com/?Click=1454

- Neon & Polka Dots, Part 2: Lisa Vreeland Book Signing -

When Lisa Immordino Vreeland married the grandson of Harper’s Bazaar’s first fashion editor, she joined a family who boasted fond memories of the “High Priestess of Fashion”, Diana Vreeland. Diana Vreeland joined Harper’s Bazaar as the Fashion Editor in 1936 trailblazing and providing the example of a fashionable woman - the original style setter. The controversial visionary has been credited with “making fashion modern”.

“Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel” is the result of Lisa’s in-depth research into the life and career of the writer and unconventional thinker who “established herself as a controversial visionary with an astonishing ability to invent and discover fashion ideas, designers, personalities, and photographers.” The book outlines 50 years of international fashion and the rich life of Diana Vreeland. “With more than 350 illustrations, including original magazine spreads and many famous photographs, this intensely visual book shows fashion as it was being invented.”

Tootsies hosted the author for an evening book signing where I spent some time chatting with Lisa. She actually had questions for me about blogging, which was a flip of the script! :) She was extremely engaging and we had a lovely conversation. Her message in my copy was about the inspiration Diana can provide through the book. The photos and covers included in the book are beautiful! Trend-setters everywhere should take some time to read the book and learn more about the woman who pretty much brought us all where we are today with all things fashion. It’s available on amazon here. Just the photo journey alone is enough to capture any fashion lover’s attention. See for yourself!

My Outfit:

I knew I wanted to wear this Alice + Olivia polka dot skirt again, and I recently bought the neon TopShop tank, so it only made sense that I try the two together. Black Christian Louboutin peep toe pumps coupled with (a Christmas present from my husband) the black Bottega Veneta knot clutch were an easy choice for accessories. I wanted to allow the neon to take front stage. My necklace is a versatile Silpada necklace and my right wrist donned a python Marni Rocks cuff. To allow the back of the tank to really show, I went with a fishtail braid and simple John Hardy studs.

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Tank: TopShop Fluro Strappy Back Vest

Skirt: Alice + Olivia Polka Dot Ruffle Skirt (no longer available)

Shoes: Christian Louboutin Very Prive Platform Pump

Necklace: Silpada

Bracelet: Marnie Rocks Python Cuff

Clutch: Bottega Veneta Nero Satin Knot Clutch

- Designer Collections, Handbags, & Shoes on Sale! What girl doesn’t love the sound of that? -

I love a good sale and can vouch for the awesome pieces you can find at this one (started on June 5th)! One of my friends found a great pair of Tory Burch flats - white and raffia-ish (perfect for summer). I do my best to share quality sales with you all when I come across them, and this is one is a must. I saw the expanded (since I last posted a Tootsies sale) merchandise on sale which included a few Valentino bags, a beautiful Givenchy black and tan handbag, and shoes galore! If you’ve been eyeing one of those, it may just be on sale. So, here’s the details:

To kick-off summer, Tootsies (widely recognized as one of the finest and most elegant specialty stores in the country) located at 2601 Westheimer at Kirby in Houston is offering up to 40 percent off merchandise from designers such as Alice and Olivia, BCBG, Diane Von Furstenburg, Ella Moss, Haute Hippie, Kate Spade, Kelly Wearstler, Laundry, Meghan, Milly, Nicole Miller, Rachel Zoe, Robert Rodriguez, Theory and Trina Turk.

I know the best stuff will go fast, so run by when you can :) All 2012 merchandise, you’ll still be current and on trend.

- Last Day for Extra 25% off Sale at Tootsies! -

Don’t miss the chance to get an extra 25% off contemporary, jewelry, and shoe sale items at Tootsies today and browse the selection of designer and handbag sale items while you’re there, too! Spotted an awesome Chloe colorblocking top with a collar and the Valentino studded flats (not in my :( size) while I was there yesterday. I ended up with two pairs of shoes (a fab deal on a pair of Jimmy Choos!) and two clothing items. I just couldn’t pass up the savings! So, if you’re up for some shopping this weekend, swing by Tootsies today and see what you can find.

- Scene at TOOTSIES: Fashion Gene Award -

Houston’s most fashionable mother-daughter duos struted their stuff on the runway in celebration of Mother’s Day at Tootsies. The event was ”Dress for Dinner: The Fashion Gene Award” benefitting Recipe for Success Foundation. Pairs wore spring and summer’s hottest trends adorned with jewels from The Julie Collection. Each duo was presented with the award for their “impeccable family style that transcends generations” with Master of Ceremonies Clifford Pugh from Houston’s CultureMap.  Bites were provided by Armando’s, cookies by Pondicheri, and frozen skinny margaritas by Slim Rita - all of which were oh-so-tasty! Two of my favorite looks on the runway were a tweed Lanvin dress worn by Karen Mayell and a black ruffle Givenchy dress both pictured above. Models followed the mother-daughter walks with more spring/summer fashions found at Tootsies including trends of colored denim, sheer panels, and color blocking.

My friends Julie (first pic above) and Rachel accompanied me to the event. Fellow bloggers (and friends) Monica of Classy&Fabulous and Veronika of Veronika’s Blushing (pictured 2nd with me above) along with Kristy Bradshaw, Karina Barbieri, and some sharply dressed men were among the stylish list of Houstonians in attendance.

As usual, Tootsies hosted a fabulous event supporting a great cause and honoring some beautiful ladies.  

The first annual event attracted many for the deserving cause. “Recipe for Success Foundation’s Seed-to-Plate Nutrition Education has taught over 16,000 Houston elementary children how to grow, harvest and cook their own healthy food. A growing list of over 80 high-profile Houston chefs volunteers their time to help. The only initiative in the country of it’s scope, the RFS Seed-to-Plate Nutrition Education™ program introduces children to the entire cycle of food along with taste and flavor combinations, techniques and skills that will serve them for a lifetime, and empowers them to prepare healthy meals and snacks for themselves.” 

A big thanks to Tootsies for having me and for all that they do to support our local community through fashion. Who doesn’t love an event they enjoy that gives back?

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Details of my outfit in previous post

Dress: Alice + Olivia

Shoes: Bottega Veneta

Necklace: J.A.C. Boutique

Clutch: YSL

- Leather and…. Peplum! -

However, peplum and a little leather is probably more appropriate for the Alice + Olivia black peplum dress I wore for “Dress for Dinner: The Fashion Gene Awards” at Tootsies earlier this month. The dress has a leather panel on one side of the skirt adding just enough toughness to a sweet peplum dress. Since I chose a solid black dress, I went with my Bottega Veneta multi-color strappy heels to add a little pop, silver metallic patent YSL clutch, and J.A.C. Boutique white enamel statement necklace.

See the other beautiful Alice + Olivia peplum tops, dresses, and skirts at www.aliceandolivia.com

When looking for peplum, Alice + Olivia automatically pops into my head. Stacey Bendet does peplum oh so right! With so many variations, try on a few different types from skirts to partial peplums to higher and lower (find where it hits your mid-section best) before giving up on the trend. For a wide range of peplum styles across all price ranges, check out shopstyle.com or visit your local Alice+Olivia retailers like TOOTSIES in Houston.

The Fashion Gene Award post with pictures of the fashion show coming soon.

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Dress: Alice + Olivia

Clutch: YSL silver metallic patent

Shoes: Bottega Veneta

Necklace: J.A.C. Boutique

- New Line I KNOW You’ll Love from Industry Vet -

Every now and then, I’ll walk up to a designer’s section in one of my go-to shopping spots and want to buy EVERY SINGLE ITEM I see. Well, that’s exactly how I felt about the brand new collection, Cabe, as I approached their section at the trunk show at TOOTSIES. A summary of my thoughts as I walked up:

“Ooo, I really like this dress…the navy and white is so chic.. and it has sheer panels in the back! Oh, and this peter pan collar sleeveless blouse in navy… oh wait! There’s pink… and white. And, this color blocking blouse… with these pants! Oh, and this tangerine suit! Here’s that dress with cobalt blue trim!…”

Somewhat A.D.D., but you get my drift.

Cabe is the creation of industry veteran Kathy Rego. Kathy spent 10 years with the Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People brands in the Technical Design department. She has been dubbed an expert in the science of fit by others in the fashion industry. With her superior eye for body conscious fitting garments, Kathy focused her Fashion Design knowledge, Technical Design expertise, and years of hands-on sewing of her own clothing to birth a collection that will flatter your frame - starting with an excellent fitting trouser. Kathy explains, “Theory has been the go-to structured pant. We want to bring in something fresh with a little spice through Cabe.”

You can find Cabe at your closest TOOTSIES. Visit their website www.cabestudio.com to keep up with the line, and follow them on facebook to see the excitement unfold. Kathy also brought a preview of the Fall 2012 collection to the trunk show at TOOTSIES… I already have a list of must-haves! The black and green dress above is from Fall 2012. The sleeves are a soft cotton feeling fabric that looks fantastic on everyone… plus the lines are super slimming. You will want to see these pieces. I NEED the color-blocking cobalt blue and black skinny cropped pant in an amazing stretch fabric. They have a fun detail at the bottom that you’ll rave about.

I spent a little time getting to know Kathy and how Cabe came to be… read more below.

Q&A

Southern Chic Style:How did you come up with the name Cabe?

Kathy Rego:I’ve been sewing since I was 16. My grandmother, Kathryn McCabe, taught me all about sewing and tailoring. We spent many hours watching old movies and Grace Kelly. We started making pants and suits, etc at age 16, 17, 18. When I got to college, I would go out and shop and I could see something, go get fabric, then go home and make it. I would go through a season of my own stuff and all my girlfriends would come over and we’d have a closet/sample sale. I started doing custom work for friends for weddings and events sizes 20 down to size 2. I wasn’t the type that was in the kitchen with my mother. I was always with my grandmother or my father. I liked the technical side of things - taking things apart and putting them back together.

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SCS:As an expert in the science of fit, what is your fit philosophy?

KR:After college, I went into Tech design even though I went to school for design. That’s when the industry went to manufacturing overseas. Tech design is a department in a company that works with the asthetic designers and assigns construction and fit to each style - like the architects of it. I ran the Tech Design department for Urban Outfitters and company for 10 years. When I began sewing, we would manipulate patterns to fit appropriately. I know how to look at a garment now and change the pattern to fit the body. (With Cabe) I wanted to create a body conscious line. I wanted a freshness in suiting that is more fun… that focuses on fit, quality, soft and beautiful fabrics. I have my studio in Philadelphia where I have my pattern maker and seamstress. My pattern maker has been with me for 4 years, so we can perfect the fit and quickly move through the process - concept to approving a style in a couple of days.

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SCS:You went to Philadelphia University for Fashion Design, but when did you decide you wanted to work in fashion?

KR: Since I was little sewing with my grandmother. You’d make something and get a compliment and when you said you made it, people would say “You’re kidding!” Vogue was the bible. I would read it and study it.

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SCS: Through your 10 years with Urban Outfitters, Anthropology, and Free People, was there one moment when you decided, “I can do this on my own”.

KR: I always had the bug. I was in more of the fit and technical design of it, but I had so many ideas and got backing and it was just at the right time.

SCS: Did you always want to have your own line?

KR: I just assumed

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SCS: What designers have shaped or inspired your style and philosophy in creating your collection?

KR: There’s ranges. There’s the simplicity and beauty of things like The Row - a little understated, the sex appeal of something like a Dolce & Gabanna dress, then Victoria Beckham met a need in the market for body conscious clothing. Sometimes there’s more beauty in the less complex things like Celine - she’s broken ground with color and color-blocking. I respect intelligent design. I design always relating back to the body. I can’t design ignoring the shape of a woman

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SCS: Describe your personal style.

KR: It has different personalities for different days (laughing). Clean understated… but also with an element of surprise

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SCS: You began Cabe with pants. How has the collection evolved since you started in 2010.

KR: I really wanted it to be the new suiting line and build a reputation for great fit and great quality… where a customer can come in and pick up a piece knowing they’re a, say Cabe size 6 and they pick up any 6 and know its a great fit without even trying it on. We want to build that confidence with the customer. Once we got the pants where I was comfortable with the quality and fit, I brought that concept into dresses and other pieces.

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SCS: Tell me about your family.

KR: My son plays lacrosse and will be attending Georgetown in the fall on a lacrosse scholarship. He has a little creative bug in him, too. For his prom, he said, “Mom, I want a slim cut tux in midnight blue with black piping.” I would go to China with Urban and knew the tailors there were amazing with measurments, so he wanted to get his tux from China… We took his measurements and when the tux arrived it fit just like the tailor were there with us.

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SCS: Can you give me a hint of what’s on the horizon for Cabe?

KR: Now that the serious work is done (with perfecting the fit), I really want to work more with prints and fabric textures. There’s a comfortable, wonderful knit from Turkey - it’s structured like a woven, but has the stretch of a knit. I really think we can develop a figure conscious dress line with these fabrics. I also am going to work with embellishments in a Cabe-kind-of-way.

*Find Cabe near you and see and try-on the excellent fitting garments for yourself. This is a collection that will certainly have a place in my closet. TOOTSIES is always bringing in fresh, new collections that definitely please. Gotta give credit to the buyers!

- Jewelry Designer Most Represented on Desperate Housewives Visits TOOTSIES -

If you watch Desperate Housewives, you’ve seen Claudia Labao’s designs whether you knew it or not. I had the pleasure of spending some time with the Brazilian-born jewelry designer at TOOTSIES last week while she was in for a trunk show.  Claudia truly created an extremely successful line through old-fashioned hard work and creativity. Along with her husband, Claudia designs and sells beautiful pieces like the ones pictured above. The collection began with crochet-like woven metal designs that have sustained the line over time. She then expanded into precious gemstones and unique items like the necklace Claudia is wearing above. I enjoyed my visit with this very talented and beautiful designer whose journey anyone could admire. Get to know Claudia Labao a little better and find out how she came to become a “Desperate Housewives” favorite below.

Q&A

1. Southern Chic Style: How did you decide you wanted to begin designing jewelry?

Claudia Labao: I always liked fashion and I knew I would do something in the fashion industry. I moved from Brazil to New York, and I was in banking - it was a very good job. I would make jewelry for myself - necklaces, etc. Then on 9/11, I said we have to do what we love. We don’t know how long we are going to live. I told my husband (who grew up in New York) ‘I’m going to do what I love’. I didn’t quit the bank, but I started making jewelry more seriously at the bank, other banks, and the people I knew. In 2003, we started selling my jewelry on the weekends at the Soho street market… to see what people other than my friends thought about it. I got a following including Kate Hudson. (The Market) was a fun family event with my husband and daughter. While selling in Soho, I met a lady from San Antonio, Texas. The area where I grew up in Brazil was also called San Antonio. (This lady) was perfectly put together and bought a bunch of jewelry. She changed my life. My whole family came to San Antonio for a week starting on a Saturday. We loved Texas! That Sunday we decided to look at houses and left making an offer. We bought a house at the end of July and moved to San Antonio September 2003. We started with a little mall kiosk, then opened a store in Alamo Heights (nice area in San Antonio. We started selling wholesale and to museum stores like the Houston Fine Arts Museum. Eventually we closed the store due to how busy we were and sold exclusively and only to Jewel and Gold.

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2. SCS: What is your biggest inspiration when designing pieces?

CL: Everything! The unexpected (and) the customers

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3. SCS: Are there any pieces in your collection inspired by your birthplace - Brazil?

CL: All of the gemstones and the crochet (her signature design)… I started the line with the crochet. Reminds me of my childhood. Women (back home) would crochet and my grandmother taught me. I would sit and watch and learn (crochet) to make my grandmother happy. Crochet has sustained us and my family for many years.

SCS:Do you still hand crochet?

CL: No. Mine’s a mess (laughing). The ladies who create the crochet for my line make beautiful crochet.

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4. SCS: You and your husband started the line together. How do you and your husband keep personal and work life separate?

CL: We try to separate the two a little, but we breathe work. Everything is work. We are very involved in our daughter’s life and we have an exchange student from Brazil and two dogs… Really, sometimes our house is like a reality show. My husband does the business side of things for the business, so we could be talking about birds, but everything comes back to work.

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5. SCS: How do you feel your extensive work experience working in the arts (pottery, painting, music, and your time with top Brazilian designers) influenced your creativity as a jewelry designer?

CL: My father is a classical musician, so I grew up listening to classical music all of the time. When there was nothing else on, there was always classical music. I was artistic from the time I was a kid. I would take my father’s guitar strings and make a necklace. He almost beat me because he said, “If we have a fire in the house, I will take my guitars”. He had Spanish guitars and classical guitars, etc. It’s his life.

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6. SCS: Your jewelry line has been represented on ABC’s Desperate Housewives more than any other brand of jewelry. How did you get your foot in the door with the ever so popular show?

CL: I met Eva Longoria in San Antonio. She came to the store, she loved the jewelry and flew me the next day to LA to meet with the show’s stylist. The stylist liked my designs and bought for the show. A big part of our success has been Eva herself. She wears the jewelry a lot, and she helped bring us to the celebrity level.

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7. SCS: What is your favorite part about creating jewelry?

CL: The final product… when it comes out the way we planned. Making the collection is sometimes stressful. The best part is when I’m selling retail at trunks shows, and I get to see the reaction of the customers. I love the trunk shows in Texas! They (the customers) are so nice!

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8. SCS: If you could summarize your designs in a few words, what would they be?

CL: Practical but glamorous.

SCS: I agree! You can dress your pieces up or down. That’s perfect.

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9. SCS: What is/are your favorite piece(s) from your collection right now?

CL: (all pictured above) The small crochet earrings. It’s the first time I’ve done them this small. The layered necklace. The bracelet I’m wearing (the gold bracelet with silver squares pictured on Claudia’s arm)

What a pleasure to get to know Claudia better. I love my earrings from her line pictured last above.

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My attire:

Dress: Chloe Dao (a go-to for my work wardrobe!)

Earrings: Claudia Labao

Last chance to meet Claudia today until 7 pm at Tootsies! Check back later for my one-on-one interview with Claudia about how she achieved her success, her favorite pieces, and what inspires her designs.

- Tootsies: Fascinators and Low Cal Cocktails -

The J Brand event at Tootsies on Tuesday was full of exciting new things to try. Two of those - Merci Marcie’s fascinators and the low cal drink Slim Onade. Both worth your time trying.

Marcie Craig is the glamorous woman behind Merci by Marcie and the Fascinators craze. You may assume these were inspired by the Royal Wedding, but the Royal Wedding just fueled the sales of the sassy pieces Marcie created. I learned that fascinators came in to existence before the royal couple’s guests arrived in their unique hair pieces which made the timing of the Royal Wedding impeccable… Inspired by the Fascinator-like pieces we’ve seen on Kate as well as the ones worn by wedding guests, style seekers everywhere are finding ways to incorporate one into an outfit - whether for dinner, fashion events, a luncheon, or…. a wedding! Check out Merci by Marcie on facebook.

Move over Skinny Girl Margaritas! There’s a new low calorie cocktail company in town, literally. Houston locals developed Slim Ritas - 100 calorie fresh juice margarita, as well as what Paula and I are drinking above - Slim Onade Lemon Drop Mix! The Slim Onade was delicious! After just the first sip, I could see my friends and I throwing some Slim Onade Lemon Drop Mix, vodka or rum, and ice in a blender and creating a refreshing frozen drink for the pool that won’t pack on the pounds… just in time for summer! I WILL be purchasing some pronto. See their entire story along with where to find them and recipes like the one below at www.slimritas.com

- J Brand Fits at Tootsies -

Tonight, there was so much fun going on at the J Brand event at Tootsies here in Houston that I will have to share it all in two parts. First, let’s focus on the main event - J Brand Fit Specialist Oscar Adames and J Brand’s fantastic jeans!

At the J Brand event that included cocktails, a station from The Do Bar to style your hair, an eyebrow station, models throughout the store, cupcakes, and a DJ; I had the pleasure of visiting with the wonderful Oscar as well as witnessing his consulting with ladies trying on J Brand twill skinnies in a wide range of colors. In the second picture above, Oscar told me about all of the great (on trend for spring) neons available from J Brand like the electric blue and pink we’re holding as well as yellow. Other popular colors I saw flying off the rack were white and tan. Oscar and I were able to help my friend Paula (pictured with me in the last two pictures) purchase the white J Brand twill skinny jeans… She was definitely converted to a J Brand junkie! As Oscar said tonight, J Brand jeans are like a push-up bra for your behind. They really do lift and hold everything to make anyone’s backside look fabulous!

Fit tips from Oscar Adames, J Brand Fit Specialist:

 - The “sausaging” or “smile lines”, as the lines in the jeans on your upper hamstring and below your behind were referred to, does not mean the jeans are too tight when you’re trying on. As the jeans stretch out, these lines will smooth out.

- If you are concerned about gapping in the back of your jeans (at the top… the problem some women have when the waist is a little big), a little give when you pull on them is just fine. If there isn’t any room, then your jeans are too tight and will cut into your waist. Basically, if they lay flat without you touching them, the waist fits.

Not a J Brand follower yet? I highly suggest you go to your nearest retailer (Tootsies is a great place to start) and try on a pair. You won’t be disappointed. I personally own at least 4 pairs of the brand because I know the fit and I know that I’ll love them :)

Like so many, you may think J Brand is only about denim… check out their entire ready-to-wear collection at www.jbrandjeans.com

*Tomorrow, more from the fun event including a new skinny cocktail we loved and Fascinators (find out what these are!).

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My outfit:

Top: Miu Miu

Jeans: J Brand

Shoes: Miu Miu

Handbag: Miu Miu

(No, it was not a Miu Miu conspiracy… I just loved the pieces with these J Brand jeans!)

- Make Your Own: Color Blocking -

Spring/Summer 2012 is full of the trend in ready-made color blocking patterns and pieces as well as great bright, neon, bold, and pastel colors for do-it-yourself outfit creations. For this look, I had a successful shopping trip to Tootsies here in Houston where I found my favorite buy of the excursion - Alice + Olivia Cady Cuff Short in yellow! I also found this great white crop Flavio Castellani jacket at Tootsies and immediately knew I could create a fun color blocking outfit… the decision became which color top to pair it with! I stuck with a cobalt blue tank from Urban Outfitters since it’s a little less unexpected than, say, pink or green and yellow. A few days later, I found the beautiful Elaine Turner ostrich handbag and knew along with the Miu Miu patent wedges in tan I’d recently purchased, they would be the perfect additions to the bold colors.

More color blocking outfits to come! I’ve found some amazing bold and bright pieces lately and can’t wait to share. Color blocking can definitely be fun and allow you to put pieces together you may have never imagined! I’m a little giddy with all of the possibilities :)

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Shorts: Alice + Olivia Cady Cuff Short

Jacket: Flavio Castellani

Top: Urban Outfitters

Handbag: Elaine Turner (no longer available)

Shoes: Miu Miu patent wedges

Sunglasses: Chloe

Watch: Michele Tahitian Ceramic

Bracelets: David Yurman