Tag: Fashion

Lustrous

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anne_sisteron_bar_pearl_tori_ring_modeled

As much as I find the culture (ha!) of pearls fascinating, I am rarely drawn to pearl jewelry myself.  I think perhaps it usually seems overly fussy to me, or too fancy for my everyday life.  However, today I stumbled upon Anne Sisteron‘s beautiful jewelry, and I am all kinds of smitten.  While she has lovely designs in all manner of gold and gemstone combinations, it is her pearl rings I have fallen hard for.  To me they are the perfect combination of minimal and sculptural, delicate yet noticeable.  Considering my birthday is just around the corner, I may or may not have placed an order.

Born in Paris and currently an Angeleno, Sisteron’s model background clearly honed her eye for style and line.  Her jewelry mixes classic and contemporary in a very LA way that I love.  Here are some of my favorites:

bar and pearl ring  pearl pillar ring  disc and pearl ring

 

If something catches your eye, you can click here to receive a code for 15% off!

images via annesisteron.com

 

 

I ❤️ Zuri

~ cdelacuadra ~ 1 Comment
zuri_SOKO_production
Zuri is working to create sustainable livelihoods with a focus on women’s empowerment.

Next up is a maker a could not be more tickled about: meet Zuri, a company striving to embody good in everything they do.  Zuri offers a streamlined product lineup that includes dresses, shirts, bags and baskets that come in tons of amazing prints and colorways, all inspired by kitenge and ankara, the traditional wax print fabrics of east and west Africa.

“The history of African textiles is a global story, both ancient and modern, and a powerful symbol of the changing tides of culture, politics, and trade. While we are continuously inspired by the beauty of these textiles, we’re also motivated by the history that they represent and the opportunity they offer to create social and economic change.”

shopzuri.com

Founders Sandra and Ashleigh spent a combined 8 years in Nairobi, and saw firsthand how both corruption and aid can distort markets.  It is their hope “that by paying fair wages, sourcing locally, and making a product that our customers truly love, we will be helping to support a long-term, sustainable economy in Kenya.”  Zuri’s production partners SOKO and Tushone in Kenya are focused on ethical and sustainable practices, and also on building and supporting communities.  Their clothing is wax-print cotton, and their totes are crafted with all-natural fiber Kenyan sisal.

Not only do they do well by their production and suppliers, but they offer a more inclusive size range than many brands out there.  Many of their items are available from size XS through to 2XL, with styles that are made to flatter most body types.  Sustainable, ethically produced, community-oriented, AND size-inclusive?  I am sold.

I purchased the Nuclear print dress and loved it so much that I purchased the Trivial Pursuit version a few weeks later.  I don’t think I have ever gotten as many compliments on a single item of clothing.  And as a delightful extra touch, each was shipped in a surprise printed tote bag.

Their name is inspired by the Swahili word mzuri, which means good.  And their tagline?  “Look good. Feel good. Do good.”  I feel great in my dresses, and I feel even better knowing what a difference you are making in so many people’s lives.  Bravo, Zuri!

Via shopzuri.com

Just for fun

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Recently I stumbled upon quite possibly my new favorite sandals.  They are fuzzy and striped and “a lot of look,” but I love them both in spite of and because they are zany and oh-so-much-fun.  Furry teal sandals?  Um, yes and please.  Thanks, Prada — you’ve officially made me smile every time I look down at my feet.

(similar)

Lighter

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Yesterday, inspired by all those brave souls who have KonMari’ed their way to organized bliss, I decided to tackle my closet and really declutter.  Every so often I will do a cursory purge of worn or ill-fitting items, but this time, I was determined to embrace the “spark joy” mantra and really go at it.  While I didn’t physically pull everything out of my closet and drawers the way Marie Kondo advises, I did review everything in my closet, drawers, and storage — all of my clothes, shoes, and (perhaps most overwhelmingly) handbags.  I was much more ruthless discerning than in the past, and a lot more items wound up on the bed as a result.  The leather jacket I wore not-quite-often-enough that is a little too snug now?  Out.  The dress that proved to be way too fiddle-y to wear a bra under?  Out.  The bag(s) I bought because they were pretty and on sale even though they were a little too small for everyday?  Out.  The cute shoes that I figured would “break in nicely” that hurt my feet all whopping two times I wore them?  Out!  I realized that many items I was holding onto were things I wouldn’t use much, if ever, but that I couldn’t get my mind around being a sunk cost.  And I had no idea how much lighter I’d feel until I got into bed last night!  Freshly laundered sheets, a no-longer-crammed closet, a successful drop off to charity, and many tiny psychological weights lifted?  Yes to all of the above.

img_6864I’m hoping I’ll get more use out of the things I do love now that I can find them easier.  This also reaffirmed the concerted effort I’ve been making to only buy things I love rather than getting an item because it is a good deal (and boy, do I love a good deal — just ask my mom!).  Plus, it feels good to know that some things will be going to friends and family who will get use and enjoyment out of them — certainly more I would having them take up space in our little house.  Perhaps I was a little late to the gate on spring cleaning, but it sure feels good to start my summer with a clean(er) slate.

Sources: green lamps, black shades, and gold pillow from Target; Klimt canvas from Ikea, upholstered bed frame from Cost Plus World Market, patterned pillow from Cupcakes and Cashmere Home, linens from Matteo LA

Links to ponder

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It has been a difficult couple weeks for a variety of reasons, perhaps most especially because we lost some amazing and luminous figures to suicide just days apart from each other.  Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, you will be missed.  As we hold ourselves gently, gingerly, and move forward, here are some important/poignant/touching/thoughtful reads for you to ponder:

The kind of “bad boy” we need more of…

Why “you are loved” is not enough.

Anxious and unashamed.

An important read on size appropriation.

Quick, curious, playful, & strong.

 

Are you ready, boots?

~ cdelacuadra ~ 1 Comment

jeffrey_campbell_floral_bootie

A couple weeks ago I bought the lace up version of these amazing black suede floral boots, and I could not love them more.  They are loud and brash and also sweetly feminine — a total statement shoe that also happens to be highly walkable.  They are slightly man-repeller-ish, but I got compliments from most of the women I know the first day I wore them out.  And that is just fine by me!  I get all the heart-eyes every time I see them.

New go-tos

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The changing of seasons always makes me want to update my wardrobe a bit, and last week was no exception.  Now it’s grey out with some drizzle, but I’ve still got easy summer pieces on my mind.  Here a few new favorites that have made it into rotation lately:

A striped tee (because i can never say no to stripes) in a cute slightly cropped silhouette.  Easy enough to wear all summer.

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This sweet red bandanna, which is the jauntiest when paired with said striped tee.  Floral but not twee, classic yet updated.

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A navy popover with subtle woven stripes is equally easy, but just a little more polished.

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The perfect beaten up black jeans that make me feel like a rock star, no pesky producers or crazy touring schedules required.  Equally awesome with slip-on sneakers or ankle boots.  Trust.

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