Design from Down Under: Woodford & Co, Lover + Willow

The fashion-forward have long looked far and wide for that perfect piece, but with more and more Australian brands landing at Shopbop, it’s easier to find new favorites from halfway around the globe. Get to know these three brands from the land of Oz.

Woodford & Co
Woodford & Co designer Sheree Commerford focuses on well-crafted design rather than on trends, taking inspiration from timelessly beautiful things. This season that means the Eastern Mediterranean: from mirrorwork and tapestry details to a Turkish-inspired print created by the designer herself, the collection borrows exotic embellishments and marries them to modern silhouettes. (Check out the spring lookbook, appropriately shot on sand dunes with camels.)

Lover
Launched by Susien Chong and Nic Briand at a weekend market stall in 2001, Lover clothing rose to prominence with a little lace dress that landed in American Vogue in 2006. Though the label is a mix of the designers’ distinct styles–one romantic, the other loud–the former seems to have won out in this season’s collection. Entitled A Dance for One, balletic influences are seen in its color palette (blush pinks, nudes, ivories) and its silhouettes (flowy skirts, slouchy French terry tops). The feel of the collection is captured in a dreamlike short film of the same name, a day in the life of Amber Scott, the Senior Artist with the Australian Ballet.

Willow
Designed by Melbourne-based Kit Willow, Willow clothing was fast out of the gate when it launched in 2003. After showing at Australian and British fashion weeks and earning accolades in British Vogue, it was selected for a fully sponsored show in NYFW in 2005. But success hasn’t stopped the designer from continuing to perfect her art. In 2007, she worked with a master of draping in Paris, a skill that shows in her current collection: draped mini and maxi dresses in white and tangerine, shorts with the sensibility of a sarong. And with Sydney and Melbourne boutiques that are equal parts retail space and art gallery, the designer lives her belief that fashion is art.

--Tonya

First Fashion: Bikini Roundup

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With so little fabric to work with, creating unique bikinis must pose some logistical difficulties. These three designers always rise to the challenge.

(1) This Naelie bikini illustrates one of the mysteries of swimwear: more coverage is often more alluring. Naelie – Gina Cutout Bikini

(2) Boudoir styling with an athletic overtone, this Rosa Cha bikini reminds me of the industrial-girly looks of Rag & Bone. Rosa Cha – Bandeau Bikini Top

(3) Denim swimwear may be a tricky proposition, but this D&G bikini is pure Italian glam. D&G – Denim Underwire Bikini

--Rebecca

The Structured Bag: Formed for Function

The exclusive reign of the oversized bag has come to an end. The latest must-have handbags are miracles of efficiency, making the most of their smaller outlines with thoughtful design details and practical, structured frames. A far cry from the slouchy, uncooperative bags we’ve become used to, a framed bag makes it refreshingly easy to keep all our necessaries just where we need them.

Cherry-picking the best elements from bags gone by, these well-formed beauties are intelligent updates to classic cuts. An Alexander Wang handbag (pictured) puts a fresh spin on the doctor’s bag, while Marc Jacobs bags and Rebecca Minkoff clutches are roomier, more utilitarian nods to the satchels and evening bags of the past.

--Rebecca

First Fashion: Peaches & Cream

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As much as I love my black and grey, there’s no escaping soft neutrals this season. Peach and cream have caught my What’s New-browsing eye this morning.

(1) No one does details quite like Thakoon Panichgul. This dress manages to be sweet, but not saccharine. Thakoon - Smocked Dress

(2) Airy and casual and right on trend with the season, I’ll wear these TEXTILE Elizabeth and James pants with a fitted top and Elizabeth and James shoes. TEXTILE Elizabeth and James - Wide Leg Pants

(3) Almost oversized, I love the texture on this Rebecca Minkoff clutch. Rebecca Minkoff - Beau Clutch

--Amie

From Mini to Maxi: The Evolution of the Hemline

Pictured: Opening Ceremony dress (left) and Rebecca Taylor dress (right)..

From the tea-length New Look dresses of the late ’40s to swinging ’60s minis and bohemian ’70s maxis, hem lengths have always been associated with an era. But lucky for us, there’s no need to confine ourselves to one length like our fashionable forebears. When it comes to hemlines, we’re living in an era of equal opportunity.

Though most of us aren’t about to give up our sky-high hems, the recent reign of the mini is giving way to new lengths, taking inspiration from decades past while staying firmly in the present. Want to put an updated spin on Eisenhower-era style? Try a knee-length Alice + Olivia dress in a relaxed silhouette or a full knee-length skirt dressed down with a jersey tank. Maxi skirts and dresses have come a long way from their bohemian roots: this floor-length Rag & Bone skirt and a striped maxi dress by Karina Grimaldi are about as far from Laurel Canyon as can be. And possibly the most on-trend length of the bunch–the midi–is sure to elbow its way into our closets after a strong showing on spring runways from DVF to Marc by Marc Jacobs.

--Tonya

First Fashion: Dramatic Drape

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Now that the weather is finally loosening its icy grip, I feel compelled to escape my skin-tight layers and slide into a loose, airy silhouette. With their flattering drape, these picks capture the spirit of movement and ease I’m seeking.

(1) Crisp yet slouchy, these Alexander Wang trousers are for the polished tomboy. Alexander Wang – Slouchy Belted Pants

(2) With a wing-inspired print and a flutter sleeve, this Free People dress reminds me of spring's returning birds. Free People – Paradise Island Tunic Dress

(3) Fashion forward meets retro in these show-stopping Matthew Williamson trousers. Matthew Williamson – High Waisted Sailor Pants

--Rebecca

Cool Factor: Talking with Opening Ceremony’s Humberto Leon & Carol Lim

Sometimes that old saying holds true: either you’ve got it or you don’t. In the case of Opening Ceremony founders Humberto Leon and Carol Lim, they’ve definitely got it. The duo opened their store in 2002, and it has since become a beacon for the downtown set, developing collaborations with some of fashion’s coolest kids and, most recently, working with photographer Terry Richardson and model Lindsey Wixson to shoot their spring lookbook. We talked with Leon and Lim about Opening Ceremony’s philosophy and collaborations, and working Wixson and Richardson.

Shopbop: Model Lindsey Wixson served as your muse for the spring 2011 collection. What is it about her that speaks to the Opening Ceremony brand?
HL & CL: We decided to shoot Lindsey Wixson for the SS11 campaign because she truly embodies youth, freshness, and personality. Lindsey was super fun to work with and brought an amazing energy to the shoot. And that smile? How could we resist?!

Shopbop: You shot the lookbook with renowned photographer Terry Richardson. Can you tell us a little about what made you choose him?
HL & CL: Terry Richardson is very much part of the Opening Ceremony family. We have been friends with him for years and have always wanted to work together. He really captured the fun element of the collection through his photos.

Model-muse Lindsey Wixson, shot by Terry Richardson for the spring 2011 lookbook.

Shopbop: Tell us a little bit about the history of the store. What inspired you to open it?
Humberto Leon & Carol Lim: The inspiration for the store came from a trip we took to Hong Kong in 2000. We decided to visit a mutual friend of ours from UC Berkeley and had such an incredible time finding so many things—clothing, objects, food, magazines, music—that we knew we wanted to bring this sense of discovery back to everyone we knew.

This excitement led us to open Opening Ceremony in 2002.

Shopbop: Opening Ceremony has a unique retail perspective, highlighting a new country each year. What is the philosophy behind this approach?
HL & CL: The philosophy stemmed from our love of travel. As we looked to other people or companies that featured a country every year, we realized that our concept shared similarities to the Olympics: featuring a country (not only from a sports level, but also from a cultural and infrastructure level too), the idea of anticipation, and celebration.

So, each year, Opening Ceremony features a country, bringing together emerging designers, established brands, and items we discover alongside a long and growing list of brands from the US and past countries we have featured. In the past we’ve featured Hong Kong, Brazil, Germany, Sweden, United Kingdom, Japan, France, and the USA.

Shopbop: The Opening Ceremony brand has become an arbiter of what’s hot with the downtown set. Is there a secret to your success?
HL & CL: I think that it all comes from the heart. We are always excited about everything we bring into the store, so we always go with our gut.

Shopbop: Collaborative design is also key to the Opening Ceremony experience. What prompted you to start pursuing collaborations?
HL & CL: From the beginning, we have always thought of ourselves as storytellers. So the idea of doing partnerships is completely natural. For instance, we have always believed in heritage and authenticity, and when we wanted to develop a flannel shirt, we went to the original makers at Pendleton and decided to work with them in telling their story through our lens.

Shopbop: You’ve worked with some of fashion’s coolest kids—Chloë Sevigny, Rodarte’s Mulleavy sisters—as well as iconic brands like Keds and Levi’s. How do you go about choosing and developing these collaborations?
HL & CL: All our partnerships are from the heart and from nostalgic relationships we have with people and brands. There is no set formula to the different partners we work with. Sometimes they happen within weeks of the products being in the store. We like to react from the gut, and most of the time, we are so excited about the projects that we want to share them immediately.

Shopbop: Rodarte is a particularly exciting collaboration, making this label accessible to a much broader audience. How did the partnership come about and what inspired the collection?
HL & CL: We’ve known Kate and Laura since they were 18. We all went to UC Berkeley together and have always had a great connection. The partnership with Rodarte was a natural because together, we share a similar vision of storytelling. We wanted the collection to be a conversation, and we feel that we absolutely succeeded.

Model-muse Lindsey Wixson, shot by Terry Richardson for the spring 2011 lookbook.

Shopbop: You’ve been working with Chloë Sevigny for a handful of seasons. What makes her such a great match for the Opening Ceremony aesthetic?
HL & CL: Chloë Sevigny is a good example of working with a friend who happens to be a fashion muse, and bringing her visions to life. In her own way of dressing, Chloë is incredible at mixing designer fashion with street wear, and that language speaks to Opening Ceremony completely. Chloë is always willing to experiment with fashion, which is so refreshing.

Shopbop: Are there any other collaborations in the works that you can tell us about?
HL & CL: We are launching MM6 Maison Martin Margiela x Opening Ceremony in the fall, which is super exciting. We are currently working on the next installment of Chloë Sevigny for Opening Ceremony and Rodarte x Opening Ceremony as well.

Shopbop: Do you have a favorite collaboration from the last few years?
HL & CL: They are all so different and so personal, it would be hard to choose a favorite. Chloë, Rodarte, Pendleton, Maison Michel, MM6, Deyrolle, Keds, Dr. Martens, Agnes B., K. Jacques… They are all so different and speak to us in a special way.

Shopbop: If you had to isolate one moment from the last nine years, what would be the highlight of your work with Opening Ceremony?
HL & CL: September 1, 2002, the first day Opening Ceremony opened. Carol and I were the only two employees, and we didn’t know how to interact with customers so were both fighting for the register position.

3 Fast Questions for Humberto & Carol:
All-time favorite fashion label:
HL & CL: Comme des Garçons and Dries Van Noten

Person you most admire in the industry:
HL & CL: The people behind the scenes you don’t ever hear about.

Best advice you can offer someone looking to get a foot in the fashion industry:
HL & CL: Go full force and do not do anything haphazardly.

Footwear Fabulous: Alice + Olivia Shoes

Launching today on Shopbop, Alice + Olivia shoes are the perfect complement to the label’s fun, girl-downtown aesthetic. Says designer Stacey Bendet: “It’s the standout shoe. The shoe that makes people stop you on the street to say, ‘That’s so fun!’ or ‘Where did you get that?’”

Check out the short film for a delicious visual on the new footwear line, then pop over to our Alice + Olivia lookbook for a complete look at the spring collection.

--Amie

Elsewhere & Otherwise

* Just launched! Alice + Olivia shoes have arrived at Shopbop. [Fashionista]

* Anna Wintour, business woman. The WSJ takes a look at fashion’s most powerful influencer. [WSJ]

* Staying on the Wintour theme, the editrix was spotted wearing J Brand boot-cut jeans at the Sony Ericsson open. Could this mean it’s time to put away the skinnies? [The Cut]

* Chatting with Alexander Wang about working with family, his epic parties, and seeing Kate Moss wearing his designs. [Refinery29]

* The Style Rookie Tavi Gevinson is broadening her scope, with a slight shift away from fashion. “I’m more intrigued by mixing fashion with the other stuff I’ve been enjoying.” [The Style Rookie]

* The Africa influence: designers are turning to the continent for inspiration and manufacturing. [Telegraph]

* Favorite designers dish on their preferred travel destinations in a new book from the CFDA, with a foreword by Diane von Furstenberg, naturally. [WWD]

* Speaking of DVF, the rumor mill has her developing a collection for Gap Kids. Those would be some seriously stylish tots. [Racked]

* Fortune Favors the Brave jewelry is looking to the west. The label’s spring collection has an urban cowboy vibe. [Refinery29]

* Lily Allen’s launching a label, Lucy in Disguise (coming soon to Shopbop), and Fashionista has a first look at sketches of the collection. [Fashionista]

* Pretty jewelry, chic digs. Take a tour of Brook&Lyn jewelry designer Mimi Jung’s apartment. [Refinery29]

First Fashion: Spring Lace

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Like eyelet and lightweight linen, lace is one of spring’s favorite fabrics.

(1) Shoshanna makes a sheath silhouette feel fresh in ivory lace. The perfect frock for all of the season’s special occasions. Shoshanna – Scallop Lace Sheath Dress

(2) When the weather warms, I’ll swap out my long-sleeve silk blouses for this equally polished (but sunny day-appropriate) top. ADAM – Floral Lace Cap Sleeve Tunic

(3) Feeling at once vintage and of the moment, this Halston Heritage dress is made special with subtle beading and a floor-length hem. Halston Heritage – Spaghetti Strap Long Dress

--Tonya

Espadrilles: Unstudied Elegance

The essence of easygoing Mediterranean style, espadrilles have been made in the Catalan region of Spain for over 700 years. A continuous staple in the region, these summertime favorites rose to international fame when Lauren Bacall tied on a fetching pair in the 1948 classic, Key Largo.

While staying true to their timeless roots, the espadrilles of today come in a range of heights, silhouettes, and textures. Always unable to resist a cute print, I fell in love with the swan-patterned Tory Burch wedges pictured. Later in the season, I’ll try channeling my inner Bacall with a pair (or two) of bright and refreshingly affordable Diane von Furstenberg flats.

--Rebecca

First Fashion: White on White

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Whether seaside or simply wishing you were, white on white is the best uniform for cool breezes and salty air.

(1) Alexander Wang tees have become the industry standard, and this one illustrates why. Slouchy but not too oversized with a subtle stripe, I’ve ordered one in each color. T by Alexander Wang - Striped Classic Long Sleeve Tee

(2) The best pairing for an effortless white tee? A perfectly slouched pair of Theory pants, naturally. Theory - Kernie Linen Pants

(3) And finish the look with a nod to the nautical. This Gorjana necklace could easily become a signature piece. Gorjana - Anchor Necklace

--Amie

Ask a Stylist: How to Wear Crop Tops

I haven’t worn a top that inched above my belly button since middle school, but this snap of Rihanna rocking an Alexander Wang crop top has me thinking I shouldn’t let the style go the way of passing notes and swapping sack lunches. So I asked Shopbop stylist Haley how to wear crop tops in a decidedly more grown up way.

Tonya: How do I wear crop tops without showing too much skin?
Haley: A huge misconception about crop tops is that you have to be committed to showing a ton of skin before throwing one on. But a super easy way to avoid this is layering! I love crop tops layered on top of lightweight silky button downs. Crop tops are also great pieces to mix in with this spring’s ’70s trend. Pair them with a pair of high rise flare jeans for an on-trend look that doesn’t require baring all that skin.

T: This look seems a bit edgy. Is it possible to wear crop tops if your style is more classic or feminine?
H: I love the idea of pairing crop tops over long, airy maxi skirts that sit higher on the waist or even over flirty, feminine dresses. Another really classic look is to pair one with high rise jeans in a clean wash and a great leather belt.

T: Are you planning on wearing this look? How will you style it?
H: Yes! I will definitely be wearing crop tops this spring and into summer. I’ll wear them with my MiH Marrakesh jeans, a skinny leather belt, and wedges. When it gets warmer I’ll be pairing crop tops with all my high-waist maxi skirts.

--Tonya

First Fashion: A Few of My Favorite Things

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Today is a good day in What’s New—a lot of my little crushes made it to the site. These three beauties were love at first sight:

(1) Patent leather in a summery sorbet shade, these Pour La Victoire pumps stopped us in our tracks when they came in. Pour La Victoire – Prima Platform Pumps

(2) With its abstract creamsicle print, this Shoshanna dress stood out on a rack of other summery frocks. Shoshanna – Ruched Bodice Dress

(3) All the pulled-together chic you’d expect from vintage Dior, these Retrosun sunglasses sport unique metal-rimmed lenses. Retrosun – Vintage Christian Dior Cat Eye Sunglasses

--Rebecca

From Trenches to Runway: The Trench Coat

When Thomas Burberry submitted a design for an officer’s raincoat to the United Kingdom War Office in 1901, a style icon was born: the trench coat. As its name implies, the lightweight, waterproof jacket was designed for use on the field of battle, but over the years, the classic knee-length design has become the standard outfit of the competent, commanding figure. From Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca to Carrie-Anne Moss in The Matrix, the trench coat is the overcoat of choice for the adventurous loner.

While the trenches of today maintain their authoritative presence, they’ve been updated for the feminine physique with with raised hems, nipped waists, and innovative detailing. A Club Monaco coat sports a full skirt that’s equal parts princess and officer, while a Rebecca Taylor jacket is made ladylike by a ruffled capelet. On the more traditional side of the spectrum, 3.1 Phillip Lim starts with a true-to-form leather version and dresses it up with a surprising cutout back.

--Rebecca

Close Up: Rag & Bone Spring 2011

Our model, Emily Senko, gets up close and personal for our Rag & Bone lookbook, a moody, intimate look at this favorite brand’s spring 2011 collection. Check out the lookbook.

First Fashion: A Step Ahead

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Sometimes designers look to yesteryear for inspiration, and at other times, they look to the here and now. These three pieces fall firmly in the latter category.

(1) With a unique paint-splatter print and an edgy yet delicate feel, this Alexander Wang dress will someday be a part of fashion history. Alexander Wang – Seamed Apron Slip Dress

(2) Equal parts tribal and futuristic, this DANNIJO necklace makes the simplest ensemble feel forward. DANNIJO – Cota Necklace

(3) The Rag & Bone spring collection was inspired by sources as diverse as desert warfare and the beaches of Bequia, and the cutting-edge result shows the brand has gone far beyond its workwear roots. Rag & Bone – Lafone Long Dress

--Tonya

Designer Inspiration: Jenni Kayne Spring 2011

Sketch to runway: the Jenni Kayne Zip Pocket Blazer.

Drawing inspiration from the classic American road trip, the Jenni Kayne Spring 2011 collection has the California ease the line is known for, executed in crisp, classic lines. We asked the designer about her Zip Pocket Blazer:

“Jackets are de rigueur at JK, and this updated waxed-linen version is my new favorite. The longer silhouette looks fresh, and the color is neutral without being basic.”

--Amie
Shopbop

For her spring 2011 collection, Jenni Kayne drew inspiration from that American classic: the road trip.

Jenni Kayne spring 2011 inspiration board.

Jenni Kayne spring 2011 inspiration board.

First Fashion: Wearable Conversation Pieces

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Ever one to favor color over line, I gravitate toward bright colors and simple silhouettes. On a mission to stand out from the crowd, today I combed What’s New looking for pieces that were fashion-forward enough to get people talking, but basic enough to wear again and again.

(1) Everyone and their mother is wearing skinny jeans. Everyone and their mother is not wearing J Brand skinny jeans in peony pink. J Brand - 11” Ankle Skinny Jeans

(2) These Sam Edelman pumps are a step ahead of all the cork platforms you’ll see this spring. Sam Edelman - Novato Open Toe Cork Platform Pumps

(3) Irreverent and delightful, these Alice + Olivia shorts combine a classy cut with an on-the-prowl leopard print. Alice + Olivia - Printed Butterfly Shorts

--Rebecca

Trend to Try: Spring Knits

There’s so much more to knitwear than chunky grandpa cardigans and thick wool sweater dresses. With fun patterns and lightweight linens, warmer weather is the perfect time to don spring knits.

Make like Margherita Missoni in a fun-loving M Missoni jumpsuit, maxi dress, or mini patterned with the Italian brand’s iconic stripes, a look any globetrotting sun goddess would love. Or partake in a bit of British quirk: knit skirts and maxi dresses by Twenty8Twelve are adorned with offbeat patterns and summer-perfect silhouettes. Have a more understated style? Take cues from the preppy handbook and pull on a classic linen top in solids or stripes, like this one by DKNY.

--Tonya

Calling All New Yorkers: Fashion Girls for Japan Designer Sample Sale

This weekend, some of fashion’s favorite names will band together in support of Japan. More than 60 designers have donated a rolling rack of clothes to be sold at a two-day sample sale at the Bowery Hotel in New York. All proceeds from the sale will benefit the Japan Society Japan Earthquake Relief Fund, the Red Cross, and the NYC Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Fund.

Where: The Bowery Terrace, Bowery Hotel, 335 Bowery, New York

When: Saturday, April 2, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday, April 3, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Who: Alexander Wang, Derek Lam, Doo.Ri, DVF, Helmut Lang, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Proenza Schouler, Rag & Bone, Thakoon, Theory, and more.

How much: $5 minimum donation

Why: Because Japan needs our support.

Buy tickets online or at the door.

The event is organized by Fashion Girls for Japan, a group conceived by Kyoko Kageyama of 3.1 Phillip Lim, who was in Japan when the earthquake hit. VPL President Kikka Hanazawa and Tomoko Ogura of Barneys have also pitched in to organize the event.

--Shopbop

First Fashion: Maxed Out

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Last spring, I was all about swingy shirtdresses and full, knee-length skirts. This year, I’m gravitating toward floor-sweeping hems.

(1) Simple and elegant yet interesting, this Rebecca Taylor dress will be perfect for the wedding on my May agenda. Rebecca Taylor - Mirrored Gown

(2) Prairie meets boho in this Haute Hippie skirt. Bonus: it does double duty as a strapless dress. Haute Hippie - Long Tiered Skirt / Dress

(3) With something as simple as fabric choice, Kaelen has transformed the classic maxi into something decidedly forward. Kaelen - Grandma Hannigan Long Mesh Dress

--Amie

The '40s Look: Function & Fantasy

I love the '40s wartime look—it was such an interesting mix of exotic escapism and down-to-business functionality. From tailored tweed skirt suits and Rosie the Riveter's sensible headscarf to slinky evening dresses and Carmen Miranda's fruit hat, it was an era that embraced a woman's duality as both worker and goddess.

Necessity being the mother of invention, the war forced designers to adapt. Women needed sensible clothes, but they also needed a pick-me-up. Luxury materials were in short supply, so steel-arched stilettos were replaced with wedge heels, and colorful cottons took the place of silk frocks. The wardrobe became playful and affordable: mix-and-match brights for the woman who does it all.

To recreate the look, pick full bottoms, tailored tops, and eye-catching colors. Pair a maxi skirt or wide-leg Alice + Olivia pants (pictured) with a fitted off-shoulder top. Shoes should be sensible but ladylike wedge or T-strap heels (Rebecca Minkoff has some perfectly era-appropriate pumps). Once the sun sets, a little bit of dress-up is perfectly a propos: a bohemian Daughters of the Revolution skirt or a draped, vixeny Halston Heritage dress are oh-so '40s when worn with finger-wave hair and poppy lips.

--Rebecca

First Fashion: Cheer Up With Blues

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Every spring, I’m attracted to styles that remind me of sunny blue skies. These three will have my wardrobe looking up in no time.

(1) In sweet shades of blue and purple, this Marc by Marc Jacobs dress will make the prettiest season even more beautiful. Marc by Marc Jacobs – Elm Print Colorblock Jersey Dress

(2) Camilla Skovgaard adds her architectural signature to a ladylike T-strap. This sandal-bootie hybrid will make all my white dresses pop. Camilla Skovgaard – Ankle Point Strap Sandals

(3) Though I fall for the designer’s prints and patterns every season, the icy teal of this Mara Hoffman bikini will feel fresh on a hot afternoon. Mara Hoffman – V Wire Bikini

--Tonya

Spring 2011 Mini Trend: Bold Stripes

Milly Anais Hostess Dress, right. Marc by Marc Jacobs Beatrix Stripe Sweater Dress, left.

This season, designers took stripes beyond Breton mainstays to something bolder. Thick lines both horizontal and vertical popped up in collections by Isabel Marant, Marc Jacobs, and Jil Sander, and proved to be a refreshing take on the blueblood-prep signature. How to wear the look? Take a page from the Marc by Marc Jacobs dress pictured and mix wide stripes with a thinner variety, or dress down a floor-length Milly dress with a cardi, belt, and flat sandals. If designer loungewear is more your tune, Splendid tees give the trend a relaxed feel.

--Amie
Shopbop

First Fashion: Unique Bags

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I’ve never been one to carry a brown or black bag. I favor playful, quirky accessories—after all, a girl’s handbag is the window to her soul. These three picks caught my detail-loving eye.

(1) The perfect fusion of slouchy and structured, this Foley + Corinna bag is made even better by a mouth-watering tomato tone. Foley + Corinna – Jet Set Bag

(2) A throwback to the wicker satchels of the Grace Kelly era, this Marc Jacobs handbag has all the charm of vintage and all the practicality of modern. Marc by Marc Jacobs - Bianca Dreams of Monte Carlo Tote

(3) This spritely Tory Burch bag reduced us all to raptures when it came in. Eye-catching, on-trend, and classy, this is a logo pattern at its absolute best. Tory Burch – Dopp Kit

--Rebecca

Coming Up Roses: Floral Prints

This spring’s floral trend has me feeling like Dorothy stepping into Oz. After years of stubbornly wearing only shades of grey and black, it’s refreshing to find myself among all these bouquets. Such temporal beauties, flowers are ever a gentle reminder to appreciate the moment.

In the quest to turn my wardrobe into a garden, I started with a work-appropriate Diane von Furstenberg dress and playful Marc Jacobs flats. But my little heart has been stolen by the to-die-for Alice + Olivia dress pictured above. It has me wishing for an invite to a summer wedding or a swanky garden party.

--Rebecca

Shopbop & IFB Best Dressed Blogger: Francesca from LoveLaceLuxe

We snapped shots of the chic bloggers who attended the IFB Conference at Milk Studios last NYFW, looking for the best dressed, and after much deliberation, Fashion Director Kate Ciepluch and Style Director Morgan Wendelborn picked their winner: New York-based Francesca Alfano of LoveLaceLuxe.com. A collection of inspirational photos and cool style finds, LoveLaceLuxe is a must-add to any fashionable blog roll.

Check out our Facebook album to see Francesca’s winning outfit and the five runners-up.

Shopbop: What made you decide to start a blog?
Francesca Alfano: I’ve always admired fashion and found myself constantly browsing through a ton of fashion websites daily. My friends were always coming to me for fashion advice, whether it was trying to help them decide on what to wear for a certain occasion or asking that I take them shopping for clothes. I realized that I wanted to pursue my love for fashion by sharing clothing I enjoyed and photography that inspired me. I started lovelaceluxe.com in March 2010 as an outlet to express my personal style and inspirations.

SB: There are so many fashion blogs out there. What do you think the key is to making your blog stand out from the pack?
FA: I have my own voice. LoveLaceLuxe is a place where readers can check out the latest trends, advertising campaigns, street style, industry news, and what’s hot in NYC at the moment, all on one site. I update it frequently and keep the material consistent for my followers.

SB: You post fashion editorials and inspirational images. What tends to catch your eye?
FA: Something that I can’t stop looking at: a beautiful model, an amazing shoe, interesting lighting, or unique styling. These all tend to catch my eye.

SB: How would you describe your personal style? And how is your blog an extension of that style?
FA: I would describe my style as polished chic. I try to stick with classic clothing and neutral colors (the majority of my closet is black, navy, and cream), but this doesn’t mean I’m afraid to take risks! A lot of my clothes are vintage or basics from a store that everyone can afford. I love accessorizing a $20 H&M dress with chunky vintage jewelry or an interesting belt to make my outfit more unique! On my blog, I like to post interesting accessories, handmade jewelry, or trinkets that are key to making a good outfit! Everything on my blog, from the editorial content to clothing, is something I am totally in love with or would wear. This allows me to really stay true to my personality within the blog.

SB: Who is your style icon?
FA: For a while now, I have been really inspired by street fashion as opposed to having one style icon. I love seeing how average women create these awesome and accessible looks without having a stylist or a ton of money—to me, this is true style. Fashion is expensive but style is not, and many stylish girls are not rich. My mother also will always be one of my style icons. She has excellent taste and has always given me the best style advice. Whether investing in a classic piece of jewelry or a handbag that I will have for a lifetime.

SB: Who are some of your favorite bloggers?
FA: I have a list of 50 or so blogs I try and read daily! It’s difficult keeping up with all of them, but a few of my favorites include Emily from Cupcakes & Cashmere, Geri from Because I’m Addicted, Rumi from Fashion Toast, and more recently, I have been getting into Sabrina’s blog AfterDRK. I also have various street style blogs on my reader, including Jak & Jil, Stockholm Street Style, and Vanessa Jackman.

SB: What’s next for Love Lace Luxe?
FA: You are definitely going to start seeing more of my personality and personal style! I am going to start sharing more about my “bargain finds” because I am very thrifty, and want to share this side of me with my readers. I’m always looking for new fashion adventures, so my readers will be able to explore these with me through my blog.

--Shopbop

Step Into Spring with the Season’s Best Shoe Trends

Now that the equinox is behind us and spring has officially sprung, it’s time to decide what will take the place of our boots once the weather starts cooperating. These three shoe trends will have us building our spring ensembles from the bottom up:

Flatforms
Love height but hate the pain? Try flatforms for spring. This easy-on-the-ankles version of the wedge sandal is right in step with the ’70s trend, and wood-bottom styles by Ash shoes and Joie pair perfectly with short shorts and flare jeans.

T-Strap Sandals
Act like a lady with a T-strap sandal. Whether elegant (like this pair by Sergio Rossi) or easy (the above wedges by Tibi), they’re a classic complement to a feminine full skirt or wrap dress.

Ankle Tie Sandals
The flirtiest trend of the bunch, ankle-tie high-heel sandals are meant to be flaunted with a mini dress or cropped jeans. And with satin, print, and striped leather versions, Diane von Furstenberg shoes offers a host of irresistible iterations.

Tonya

First Fashion: Deco Inspirations

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Designers are looking further and further into the past for inspiration. Today’s What’s New is a goldmine of ’30s-inspired glamour, with its sharp silhouettes and high-contrast patterns.

(1) The stripes, the accented heel, the delicate ankle tie—the sea may be full of beautiful fish, but these Diane von Furstenberg sandals are the one. Diane von Furstenberg – Vanity Ankle Tie Sandals

(2) With its front slit and exposed shoulders, this Young Fabulous & Broke dress is straight-up slinky glamour of the Jessica Rabbit variety. Young Fabulous & Broke – St. Tropez Long Dress

(3) An unexpected open toe grounds these charming vintage-inspired Boutique 9 pumps firmly in the present. Boutiqe 9 - Bailar Open Toe Oxfords

--Rebecca