Tag: Fashion

I ❤️ Block Shop

~ cdelacuadra ~ 2 Comments
block_shop_oxbow_scarf
Oxbow scarf

Next in my little series on makers I love and support, allow me to introduce Block Shop textiles.  I love their products, and love their company ethos.  Their Oxbow scarf is draped around my neck as I type this!

Block Shop is a textile studio run by two sisters based in Los Angeles and Jaipur.  They design on paper, print with wooden blocks, and dye in small batches. And the best part?  Not only do they employ local artisans and use vegetable and mineral dyes in keeping with local textile traditions, they invest 5% of annual profits in their Bagru women’s empowerment program.

Their website and Instagram have photos and videos that highlight the hand block printing process, which fascinated and delighted me.  It is so easy to buy things with a click these days that I think our curiosity about making and creating has fallen by the wayside.  Block Shop is doing a great job reawakening inquisitiveness.

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Hand block printing process
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Dyed textiles drying in the sun

Block Shop’s textiles are simple and beautiful, and I covet the serene simplicity of their woodblock prints.  This bright and cozy corner designed by Emily Henderson is everything I want in a room.  And I would fill my entire house with their pillows and quilts if I could!

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Sunwave and Sidewinder prints
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Ripple pillow
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Acadia kantha quilt

With Block Shop textiles, I love that I can feel good about the products they offer.  I can purchase a well-considered item to have and use forever, created by hand with time-honored methods.  I hope you find a little inspiration in what they do, and perhaps something beautiful for your own home as well!

Via Block Shop textiles

S’il vous plait

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I’m starting the week with a bit of attitude.  Mondays call for a little grit and determination sometimes, no?  This jacket is the perfect middle ground between a prim tweed and a classic biker.  Paired with a red lip, a great jean, a signet ring for my index finger, and a little je ne sais qoui, I’m facing the week head-on.

Frayed hem woven biker jacket  Cafe au lait tee (similar)  Red longwear lipstick  Distressed blue jeans  Fox signet ring

Springing forward

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New bag and shoes, and I am feeling all set for spring this week!

This new take on the classic Coach signature feels fresh and fun.  It is the perfect little camera bag for running around on weekends, and Keith Haring’s adorable little alien/robot is the sweetest touch.  Stuart Vevers’ take on Americana over at Coach has been overall quite successful so far, and with logo prints re-emerging in a big way (see Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dior, and MCM as well as Coach), this bag feels somehow retro and current all at once.  Flashbacks to my very first Coach bag in college, in the best way.

Loafers are still going strong, thanks to mastermind Alessandro Michele at Gucci.  This white pair from Everlane had me at hello, with the tassels and kiltie detailing.  Work or weekend, these will be in heavy rotation for me this spring.  The mule silhouette keeps it modern, they’re comfortable, and very well made — especially for the price point.  Size up a half size as recommended, and you’ll be set.

I’m dreading the time change this weekend (hello, one less hour of sleep), but I suppose if nothing else I’ll feel cute and ready for spring once I drag myself out of bed and get going.  And in the meantime, happy Friday!

Coach x Keith Haring camera bag  Everlane tassel loafer mule

 

 

Marquise, if you please

~ cdelacuadra ~ 1 Comment

For some reason marquise-cut stones have never been a favorite of mine, and yet in the right context, they can be truly stunning.  I realized the two rings I most want to wear of late are both marquise-esque, so here is a roundup of what I’m wearing, and what I wouldn’t mind wearing.

I love the playful asymmetry of this Alexis Bittar Fine ring: a gold marquise-ish center embellishment echoes the horizontal stone set off-center.  The David Yurman ring, on the other hand (ha! hand) is a much more classic option.  I think the bezel setting and the two-tone element make it modern, and I like the clean look.  These are on heavy rotation lately.

I do like a good stacking ring, and this sideways diamond ring from jlmetalsmith’s Etsy shop I think is just perfection, with it’s diminutive size and delicate gold setting.  The horizontal setting is a fun twist.  I also love this one from MinimalVS on Etsy.  It is even teenier and the bead detail on the band is adorable.  I would not mind either of these making the leap into my jewelry box.

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Lastly, this sapphire and diamond band from James Allen was a tenth anniversary gift, and I love wearing it stacked with my wedding rings.  Classic, but a little unconventional with the blue.

Bonus: you can envision yourself as a noble marquise or marchioness for the day wearing their namesake cut, even if you’re wearing your baubles with sweatpants while watching Netflix!  Glass of wine encouraged, but not required.

Bombs away!

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Lucky for me, I live in Southern California, so while most of the country is bundled up right now, our “winter” is just cold enough to have me reaching for a jacket in the mornings and evenings.  Currently my favorite thing is a bomber jacket to throw on over just about anything.  Jeans and sneakers on the weekend, with slacks or a pencil skirt during the week, with a classic tee or a slouchy sweater, the bomber is a versatile piece that can take you through spring and beyond.  A few of my favorites:

I have this beautiful Stella McCartney number, and while splurge-y, it is so comfortable and beautiful that I reach for it at least a couple times a week.

This limited edition NASA-themed wool and leather bomber from Coach made my heart flutter the minute I saw it when I was in New York last year.  I resisted initially — but it came home with me less than two weeks later.  I caved, and have not regretted it for a minute.  It’s a slightly warmer option, and has such a great attention to detail.  Also I find the “Space Cadet” double-entendre quite amusing!

The color combo on this satin Gap bomber had me at “hello.”  Also with their frequent promo codes and the current sale price, it is such a steal!  It feels great on and is surprisingly versatile, but if you’re color-averse, it also comes in a very fetching all-black option.

If you’re looking for a warmer option, I love the burgundy velvet on this Andrew Marc bomber from Nordstrom.  It has a down and feather fill, but is also still nicely sleek.  I’d love to curl up in this one.  Or, you know, run errands.

For spring I have my eye on this beautiful vanilla-colored bomber from the Gap.  It is water resistant sateen (great if you live someplace rainier than I), and it seems like a great transitional piece.  If you’re like me and spill things occasionally, the not-quite-navy blue is also a lovely option.

Happy Friday and happy shopping!