Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Eco-Centric: Milk Does a Body Good

The "Green Scene" has been trying to steadily catapult itself into mainstream fashion, however, consumer rejection and hesitation has slowed the process of the trend penetrating designer collections. Eco-friendly apparel hasn't been as 'consumer friendly' as one might think. We all go green with cars and household cleaners, so why the hesitation when it comes to your clothes?

The companies that have continued to pursue the green side of fashion have tapped into a world once thought of as impossible. Organic cotton is the most commonly known organic fiber. Next to cotton, comes bamboo. Who would have thought we could strip the fibers from bamboo sticks to make soft luscious towels, robes and comfy tees while at the same time installing it in our homes as durable flooring? 

On the contrary of these solid and weighted fibers, there is milk.  We all know that milk is good for your body, but is it good for your wardrobe? The majority of us have enjoyed steamed milk in our Starbuck's misto's, but how about steaming your cream into a fiber that creates a cashmere and silk-like fabric? That's some milk that might be hard to swallow... with the exception of one creative soul.



The milky fabric was created by Italian textile designers and is said to be as durable and sustainable as it is comfortable.  Fashion designer, Casey Larkin has welcomed this fabric into her world and created a creamy line of fashion for her San Francisco based Mr. Larkin brand.  From this, Larkin has produced body skimming gowns which seem to be "doing the body good."


Mr. Larkin is known for capturing eco-luxury in its label with styles that are created of organic fabrics like bamboo, organic cotton and cupro, which is a cotton that utilizes the entire cotton plant allowing you to see specs of  seeds and leaves for an uber organic look. Now, she has added milk to the list of usable organic matter. 

One of the luscious pieces in her milk collection is the linen colored dress featured to the right. By looking at it, you would never guess the content label would read "milk". But, milk can be draped and shaped and, as mentioned, feels like a blend of cashmere and silk which makes this piece look both stylish and cozy.

Mr. Larkin has changed the minds of the people who once juggled the thought of wearing organic clothes. Those who are familiar with the brand are seeking to get their hands on a piece so they, too, can have more than just a glass of milk. Even celebrities such as Anne Hathaway have been spotted wearing a Mr. Larkin Milk gown.  One by one, we are realizing that you can dip more into your milk than just cookies.  

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Indulge in India

 



Take yourself seaside, oceanside and bayside by visiting a place whose boarders hit all three. Welcome to the world of India as you join me on a journey to the passages of an unfamiliar but stylish place!





The Uma Silk Wrap Necklace adds an incredible splash of color and sass to any outfit and the gradient hues of pinks pay tribute to Indian culture. Finish this style off with the Uma Flower  (left) for an extra girly and flirty look.  The flower also comes with a barrette so you have the option to wear it in your hair! Click the Uma Silk Wrap Necklace link to view a style video with tips and final touches!



Get some luck with the Signature Clover Cuff! This silver bangle is hand-hammered with Stella's signature clover motif. The diameter is 2" which allows both small and large wrists to 'wear their luck on their sleeve!' A great everyday piece to be worn with any color as well as prints!


The Stretch Medallion Bracelet in Brown is earthy yet vibrant. A wooden base is decorated with a filigree design and finished with enamel kelly green and turquoise blue discs. The oblong shape of the bracelet makes this piece fit better than a cuff. It's comfortable and fashionable!


Fashion the floral trend Indian style with the Saveena Flower Ring. Glass stones surround the chrysophrase center stone, the most valuable of all the chalcedony stones. It's fine quartz fibers make this ring radiant and stunning and sits slightly higher than the dazzling stones circling it.


The delicate nature of the Signature Clover Necklace makes it easy to wear your luck around your neck.  Stella's signature clover makes an appearance here also and is stamped through for an eyelet look. This necklace is great for layering and is long enough to be worn as shown or doubled over for a multiple-chain look.

Finish your Passage to India by clicking here to shop the entire collection.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Escape to St. Tropez



Take a trip with me to the French Riviera for a fraction of the cost. With these cool, chic and casual styles, you'll daydream of a vacation to a place of paradise.  No one has to know you never did go!




Make a bold statement with the St. Tropez Statement Necklace in Ivory. Layers of silk-wrapped beads dangle from your neck off an ivory ribbon. Swarovski crystals are then delicately hand sewn for added detail. The necklace is lighter than it looks and is designed so you can twist the crystal brooch to wear on whichever side you desire.


Go chic St. Tropez style with the Riviera Pendant Necklace and Riviera Coin Earrings. Vintage coins act as a backdrop to labradorite stones on both pieces and a crystal studded flower on the necklace. These pieces are casual and calm and the necklace is great for layering.



Update your look with the Bardot Flower by wearing it in your hair, on your lapel, swapping your brooch out from last seasons La Coco Necklace or by adding it to the Sofia Pearl Bib Necklace. Any way you choose, you'll be making a huge statement. Shapeable linen fabric is fringed on the edges and stacked in a floral design for a rustic beach look as the center sparkles with a collection of Swarovski Crystals.


The rocker-chic Colette Necklace is dressed with an array of textures and materials for an impeccable look. Pearls, chains, and crystals are all braided together and finished with a blush colored gros-grain ribbon for adjustability.


Go playful with a coil of silver nuggets that collectively create the Bardot Spiral Bangle. It's coiled design provides flexible adjustability to fit both small and large wrists. This is a great everyday item and a fabulous piece to stack more bracelets with. (It also looks fabulous with the St. Tropez Statement Necklace!)

To escape to the other great finds St. Tropez has to offer, shop the entire collection by clicking here.  Travel with me again tomorrow as I take you on a passage to India.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Men's Fashion Friday: Slub Tees

We all know that great creations can come from mistakes such as the production of Coca-Cola.  Well, in the ever evolving world of fashion, our defect turned stylish is the "slub".

Slubs are sections of yarns that appear thicker or fuller in certain areas than the rest of the yarns and are created as the fibers are being spun into fabric. Originally, these lumps were considered defects in production and were rid of before the fabric was finished. However, over time, the slub became stylish and accepted in such a way that machines were designed to create slubs on purpose and more frequently in fabrics. Thus, the mistake or defect turned into a fashion statement.

Slub T-Shirts are the most familiar form of slubbed fabric to the average consumer, "shopper." Another type of slubbed fabric is slubbed silk, also known as dupioni silk, which appears to have thicker areas of yarns so that some areas look as though the yarn was spun on top of itself. If you look close enough at the picture to the right, you will see that areas of the fabric are lighter than others, making it appear streaked. The darker areas are the slubs where the fabric is thicker and thus absorbs the dye heavier. There are not two different shades of dye which makes the beauty of this "defect" even more interesting.

Slub Tees can be some of the most comfortable shirts a guy can have as a basic in his wardrobe. Because of the purposeful defects in the fabric, the slubs make the shirt appear more stylish and can be passed off as more formal versus casual.

Old Navy's Slub-Knit Jersey Tees are heavyweight and come in a variety of colors and offer a more stylish look than a basic jersey-knit tee.

The Howe 'Moment of Glory" Split Neck slub shirt can be found at Nordstrom. This style has a more rugged look with long raglan sleeves and an added hem to incorporate a contrasting color at the sleeve hem and the neckline.


Also at Nordstrom is the short-sleeved Penguin V-Neck Slub Cotton T-Shirt. The slub in this particular shirt is more visible than some shirts that have subtle slubs. The heathered look is more apparent in this style, especially in darker colors and can be more easily recognized as a slub shirt.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Stella Sample Sale - Act Fast!

If you are in the mood for a great sale, check out my Stella Style Steals Sample Sale! (Say that five times fast...) I am selling most of my jewelry at dramatic discounts and for less than what you will pay on my website.  

To hold or purchase an item send me an email at ali.callitcouture@gmail.com. Items can be gift wrapped and shipped for only $5.  Act fast as I have one piece of each item and they are going quick!

Click the link under each item for a more product details.














Camille Vintage Heart Necklace Sample price: $29 (was $39, on my website for $34)














Sofia Pearl Single Strand Necklace I have TWO pieces. Sample price: $40 (was $69, on my website for $52)














Bloom Flower Brooch in Ivory/Gold Sample price: $20 (was $39, on website for $29) SOLD


  











Bee Charm Collection Sample price: $34 (still original price on my website for $49)


Ribbon Wrapped Deco Ring Sample price: $20 (was $39, on my website for $24)















Deco Squares Ribbon Necklace Sample price: $50 (was $98, on website for $58) SOLD











Claudette Pave Bracelet **Sold out on website. Sample price $40 (was $59) SOLD














Adrienne Mixed Chain Necklace Sample price $90 (still on my website at full price for $118)













Stackable Deco Rings Sample price $30 (still original price on my website for $49)














Sofia Cluster Ring - Black/Silver Sample price $25 (still available on website for regular price of $39)














Geometric Stretch Bangle Sample price $28 (still on website for regular price of $39)

 

Soiree Pave Bracelet -  Ivory and Black available Sample price $20 (on my website for regular price of $29)















Heirloom Deco Bracelet Sample price $62 (still available on website for regular price of $89)


Penelope Necklace Sample price $45 (still available on website at regular price of $69)



Tiny Flower Necklace Sample price $18 (still available on website for regular price of $29)



Avery Chains & Pearl Necklace Sample price $49 (still available on website for regular price of $69)

Spring Sneak Peak

If you can't decide what spot to hit on your spring vacation, let me help. In just one trip I can take you to the French Riviera, the sandy skirts of Mexico, to a country whose coast flirts with an ocean, a bay and a sea and a small getaway to the white beaches of Florida.  

The Stella & Dot Spring 2010 line is a passport to your favorite getaways. Travel with me to serenity by viewing the video below and getting a personal sneak peak of our new line. Items will be available on my website this Friday, January 15th! What an affordable way to escape to bliss...

Friday, January 8, 2010

Men's Fashion Friday: Stella Steals for Guys

Stella & Dot's Winter Sale applies to the guys too! See a few items below that are featured and click on the items link to shop the sale! Ladies, don't forget, Valentine's Day will be here before you know it and these pieces are great "happy's" for you guy.



The men's Bull Stamp Necklace symbolizes strength. The vintage wax bull is stamped into sterling silver and hangs on a 20" chain with a 2" extender. Get this piece on sale now for $39 (originally $79!!)



The Fleur di Lis is symbolic of the kingdoms and this Fleur di Lis Necklace allows you to wear the bold icon around your neck in style. The blackened sterling silver pendant hangs from a leather cord and can be yours for only $24 (originally $49)

 
If you don't like cuff links because they make an outfit super fancy, try the Stella & Dot Lion Stamp Cuff Links. Royal lions are pressed into sterling silver for a vintage and rustic look and add a touch of style to your outfit without being over-the-top dressy. Purchase a set of links on sale now for $34 (originally $69!)

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Statement Scarves

Jewelry is not the only accessory that can make a statement.  For those cold days where you need to layer up, a scarf can take the place of a bold necklace, especially since it will cover up your jewels anyway.  There are lots of trendy styles on the floors for you to make your scarf the statement piece of any outfit.



I love the Pockets-A-Plenty scarf from Anthropologie. This scarf looks like it has so much fun knitted into it but its simply an assortment of trinket-perfect pockets that you wrap around your neck. A tiny knit bird hangs from one of the pockets as though the creature knitted it for itself. The button detail at the neckline adds a stylish finishing touch.



Swap out your necklace for the Cable Knit Ascot also from Anthropologie. For just $24 you can stay warm and trendy with this slouchy bow-tie look. This is a great piece to add to a simple top as a modified collar.

 

The eternity scarf is both versatile and trendy and can be found at most popular retailers. The one featured here is Urban Outfitters Deena & Ozzy Eternity Scarf. Eternity scarves can be worn long (like above) doubled over and worn to look like a cowel-neck, over your shoulders or stacked for just around your neck. You can get a variety of looks in just one style!



If you are too timid to throw on a sequenced blouse to get the shiny look for the season, you can still stay on trend with a glitzy scarf. The Juicy Couture Chiffon & Sequence Scarf is one of many styles that feature this glimmery applique.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Stella's Winter Sale


Don't let this sale pass you by! Get 50% off of our winter sale items by shopping today! Click here to go directly to the sale page and see below for a quick peak at some of the many items that are featured.


Get the La Coco Brooch necklace on sale for $88 (originally $118). Wear this necklace up to 8 different ways! That's like getting 8 looks for $88, including the option to wear part of the chain as a bracelet! Also, switch out the berry brooch featured in the necklace above with the Bloom Flower Brooch on sale for $29 (originally $39) for even more looks!



A great everyday silver bracelet is the Burnished Links Bracelet which is now on sale for only $19 (originally $39). You can wear this piece on its own or you can purchase the Burnished Links Necklace (right) on sale for $66 (originally $89) and use the bracelet as an extender for the necklace to achieve a longer look!


Save $74 on the Nadia Embroidered Cuff and get this on sale now before it goes for only $74!  Yes, spend $74, save $74 off its originally $148 price tag! This cuff is hand embroidered silk fabric with Swarovski crystals and glass stones with an adjustable hook and eye closure. You cannot beat this price!


The black onyx and gold Paige Chandelier Earrings are classy and stylish! Get my favorite pair of Stella earrings on sale now for $52 (originally $69).