super urban outfitters sale

I guess I've been on a little Urban kick lately.

There's a great sale going on at Urban Outfitters online right now. You get an extra 15% off everything that's already on sale after you add it to your Cart plus free returns/exchanges. No offense to Urban Outfitters, but this finally makes the products' prices more matched to the quality. This is a great time to pick up some of the more trendy pieces that you have been thinking about trying out all season.

So for me that means that finally I put in an order for some affordable rocker booties! I'll let you know how they work out when I get them:

Sweet Life by Dolce Vita Lace Heel

Here are some other summer trends that are now a little more affordable:


Plaid Tunic: Kimchi Blue Buffalo Pintuck Tunic


Flat Gladiator Sandal: Ecote Pyramid Gladiator Sandal


Vintage Maillot: Kimchi Blue Cinema Swimsuit


High-Waisted Short Skirt: Silence & Noise High-Waisted Twill Skirt


Onesie/Jumper: Silence & Noise Safari Jumper

loomstate for keds

I have been opposed to the Keds resurgence over the last few years, but I have finally given in and am admitting that Keds are cute again. And the new collaboration between organic clothing designer Loomstate, my favorite department store Barneys New York, and Keds has convinced me that maybe I would even wear a pair...

I am committed to living a more "green" life, so I am a huge supporter of fashion designers who are now incorporating sustainable technologies into their products (remember my obsession with Melissa shoes?). The Loomstate collection for Keds features five designs that are made from 100% organic cotton, nickel free eyelets, and 100% recycled insoles. Also 1% of the proceeds of the eco-friendly collaboration is donated to The Organic Exchange, whose mission is "to deliver sustained environmental, economic and social benefits through expansion of organic agriculture."

I think the designs are pretty cute (the black Birds pattern is my favorite) and I also believe that slip-on shoes are just a really great invention. The Keds and Loomstate collection is available online at Barneys for $75/pair.

Keds x Loomstate Birds Sneaker $75

Keds x Loomstate Sun Sneaker $75

still searching for my perfect rocker bootie

I've been loving the hottest shoe of the spring/summer, which I have named the rocker bootie, but have still not found myself the perfect pair. I'm sure you have been seeing them everywhere but if you haven't, it's kind of a high-heeled gladiator open-toed cut-out bootie. It looks great with rolled up dark skinny jeans or black leggings.

Here are some great ones at Urban Outfitters that I would love to try on...

Sam Edelman Woven Heel $158

Deena & Ozzy Strapped Heel $88

Dolce Vita Rayne Heel $149.99 (reg. $178)

We Who See Buckled Up Wedge $128

hello kelli featured on shopittome

I did a guest blog post today for Blog It To Me, which is the blog for discount alert website Shop It To Me. The article is about fun beach cover-ups:

What To Wear Over Your Bathing Suit This Summer

Hello Kelli is also one of Shopittome's Featured Trendsetters!

h&m and jimmy choo

Could it be true? The next designer collaboration for H&M is Jimmy Choo! On November 14 H&M will release a collection of men's and women's shoes, bags, and accessories designed by fabulously high-end British shoe designer Jimmy Choo. I can't wait to see images of the collection!

meet erin hasler of ija designs

There is so much artistic influence everywhere in Oregon, so I am extremely excited to meet designers who also call this state home.

I recently interviewed the jewelry designer Erin Hasler of Ija Designs who creates gorgeous jewelry inspired by her natural surroundings. She lives with her husband and two young children in the mountainous city of Bend, Oregon and uses her metalsmithing talents and an eye for colorful gemstones to design unique pieces that have a minimal impact on the Earth. As the future turns towards sustainability in all areas of design, I was excited to hear about how she keeps this as a priority in her work...and also a little about some of her favorite things!


Describe your personal style...
I’d have to say that my personal style is pretty laid back. My days are so crazy with work and my two little ones that things need to function to make it into heavy rotation. I’m a total jeans whore and usually just throw on a tank top with some skinny jeans. On the rare nights that my husband and I get to go out, I try to dress up a bit. That generally entails loose sweater dresses over leggings and my Frye harness boots. I can’t walk in heels.


What is your favorite piece of jewelry?
My favorite piece of jewelry is a charm bracelet that my daughter Dylan made for me for Mother's Day (she's four). The bracelet is made up of various glass and silver beads that she piced out and strung for herself.

Who are your favorite designers (jewelry and other)?
My favorite jewelry artist right now is Christine J. Brandt. She does phenomenal work with exotic hardwoods and stones in their natural state. I would love to have one of her rings. I'm also a huge fan of Souchi, a local line out of Portland. Suzi creates the most incredible designs in the softest cashmere ever. I've been coveting her new knit headpieces that channel Rosie the Riveter.

Tell me more about what makes a sustainable material.
The jewelry industry is obviously hard on the Earth, as all our materials must be mined for use. I've chosen to use recycled materials and to recycle all my scrap materials. By recycling scrap materials we're able to continue creating new pieces without mining for more raw materials. With stones I think it's important to research who you're purchasing from and their mining practices. As with all things, if more people begin to demand products that are produced through sustainable practices and ethically responsible companies we will begin to create a shift in how all business are run.

What do you like about living in Bend, Oregon? How does it affect your designs?
I love the small town feel in Bend; I can't go to the grocery store without running into people I know. The outdoor recreation here is phenomenal. We take our kids canoeing, hiking, snowshoeing, and snowboarding. I know that my surroundings definitely have an influence on my work, especially some newer pieces that I'm working on. I've been fascinated with translating textures I find in nature to metal and every walk to the park is an adventure to find some new texture.


Tell me about your tattoos.
My tatoos...let's see...I have quite a few. I have some phenomenal work and some work that could use some love, but I don't regret any of them. They represent various points in my life and are part of who I am. I have an "ohm" on the top of my left foot...it's a reminder to stay balanced and to just breathe when life becomes overwhelming...a useful tool with two little ones. I have a half sleeve on my right arm that's a piece in honor of my family and as soon as my son is done nursing I'm getting both arms fully sleeved. So excited!!


What are you reading right now?
Maya Angelou's "The Heart of a Woman"

What music are you into right now?
I love music. All of it. But lately I've been really feeling Bat for Lashes, Lykke Li, Nick Drake, and my brother's band, My New Vice.

Erin's gorgeous earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings are available on her website at Ija Designs. If you live in Portland, Ija Designs jewelry is available at Hot Box Betty at 1623 NE 15th St.

memories of italy...

finally tracy feith for target

I'm not an enormous Tracy Feith fan, but I was at Target this weekend so I decided to check out what was left of the collection. That's another great thing about living in Portland...the Target doesn't get mobbed on opening day when a much anticipated line is released. There was only one rack of clothing left, but I still managed to snag some cute items.

The collection is dominated by really vivid brightly colored florals in tropical inspired patterns, so if that's not really something that you find in your summer wardrobe then it's probably not really worth it to check it out. I have been pretty disappointed with the designer collections at Target lately, but this is one of my recent favorites.

Tracy Feith is a long blonde-haired Texas-born American surfer dude who designs beach-inspired breezy women's clothing in unique brightly colored fabrics.

Tracy Feith for Target Canvas Print Jacket $44.99
I got this tropical 3/4 sleeve double breasted cropped jacket with buckle details in slightly faded yellows and oranges. I don't wear lots of bright colors, but when I do it's usually with pieces that can be layered like a jacket instead of an entire piece like a dress. I'll wear it over something really simple like cropped jeans and long white tank.

Tracy Feith for Target Embroidered Top in Lollipop Red $24.99
I also got this cap sleeve A-line pullover blouse in a bright orange with cute floral embroidery and lace details. It has a festive feel to it and fits very big and blousy in the middle.

Tracy Feith for Target Strappy Dress in Cobalt Blue $44.99
I thought this dress was cute too, but they didn't have it in my size. The color is very vivid and I like the colored eyelet lace at the trim.

Tracy Feith for Target Stripe Sleeve Cardigan $29.99
I really loved this slouchy surfer cardigan with brightly colored sleeves. It looks great layered over summery beach clothes and unbuttoned (see picture at top of post).

countdown to gap + cfda nominees collection

{Image: Racked}

I am counting down the days until the release of the super khaki collection on Wednesday, June 17 that is a collaboration between Gap and this year's CFDA nominees. I posted about it here when I first saw some of the pieces in the beginning of May.

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) holds an annual awards ceremony to honor individuals who have made great contributions in the fashion world in menswear, womenswear, accessories, journalism, creative vision, and lifetime achievement. This year the CFDA Fashion Awards will be held on June 15 in New York. The Gap and CFDA collection will be released on June 16 in NY and June 17 for the rest of the world.

View more images of the khaki collection on Racked. I am loving the slouchy trench and the front-zip dress!!

Links à la Mode: Free Bird

• 39th and Broadway – What the end of an era of fashion excess means for the industry
• Bobbins and Bombshells – Celebrating first anniversary with a beauty of a give away! The prize: Pin-Up Cosmetics!
• BRICK MY LANE – How to give shoes a rock’n'roll edge using simple DIY ideas.
• CUTEMESS – How Trevor the horse and an Australian Kangaroo Paw flower came to rest on a Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent dress.
• Debutante Clothing – Interviews celebrity favorite vintage costume jewelry maven Carol Tanenbaum
• Decline Designs – Defining Your Personal Style, Part Three: Using Your Inspiration
• Dirty Dirty Laundry – KABLUEY! Check out my venture into the world of blue monochromatic fashion.
• Fashion Grail – Love the way Chloe Sevigny perfectly combines the elegance of a scalloped Chloe blazer and cut off shorts.
• Fashion Hippo – Three lucky readers will receive this tee as a prize. Loved by Kate Moss and many other celebrities. Ends June 18th.
• Hong Kong Fashion Geek – Update your look for less – Resort 2010 looks for recessionistas
• Independent Fashion Bloggers – Giveaway sites for freebie junkies.
• MissRedLips – In Defense of Brooches
• Pursed Lips Magazine – The CFDA Fashion Design Awards Promotes their Photoshoot, with None of the Women Nominees. Is something fishy?
• Retro Chick – Mary Queen of Charity Shops – The Review
• Style on the street – Alison Stephens, the new it model
• Style Symmetry – Vintage Snakeskin Bracelet Giveaway!
• Super Kawaii Mama – Meet Aleshia Brevard. A Vintage Style Icon you’ll never forget!
• The Capitol Fashionista – Fashion Nostalgia: The Beautiful Covers of British Vogue
• THE COVETED – The perfect giveaway for vintage lovers… win at Rice & Beans Vintage.
• The Curvy Fashionista – The State of the Curvy Community Panel Discussion at Full Figure Fashion Week
• the nerdlings – The photo shoot started off well. But words were spoken that shouldn’t have been spoken and everything else just descended into chaos.

pop culture overload: gaga and kanye

I don't often post about pop culture, but I have already admitted my obsession for all things Gaga...so I might as well share my excitement about the recent announcement about the upcoming Lady Gaga and Kanye West collaboration tour that starts this Fall.

These are definitely my two favorite pop artists right now, so the idea of the duo taking the stage together is quite thrilling. Get ready for some ridiculously over-the-top no-pants, japanimation, crazy sunglasses, psychedelic outfits extreme pop culture overload. It might make your head spin, but whatever they come up with will go straight on to your iPod's workout playlist.

Both artists are known for their unique fashion sense, so you can bet that I'll be blogging about what Gaga and Kanye will be sporting for their shows.

giveaway: melissa zig zag campana flats!!

I am super excited to be doing a giveaway with Epaulet on Splendicity for a pair of black Melissa Zig Zag Campana flats!!

Melissa shoes are my absolute favorite right now, so it's so great that Epaulet is giving away one pair for free to a lucky randomly selected reader! It's super easy to enter...just go to my article on Splendicity to find out how:

Giveaway: Melissa Zig Zag Campana Flat

Good luck!

budget v. beauty in architecture

{Image: NY Times}

Here is a really great article that was in the NY Times yesterday by architectural critic Nicolai Ourousoff:

Architecture - Battle Between Budget and Beauty, Where Budget Won

In the decision to scrap the flashy starchitect Frank Gehry's design for the new Nets arena in Brooklyn, the city is also making a bold statement about the low priority of good design. It is a sad reality for architects to be again told that cost is much more important than thoughtful design. I have strong reactions to these issues because I believe that it is possible to pursue a combination of good design and low cost in all areas of design, which includes architecture.

Thoughts?

it's a girl

I just adopted an adorable 12 week old gold-colored Havanese puppy. She is so wonderful.

My posts might be less frequent for the next week while I spend all of my time bonding with her.

the best accessories for summer

I wrote a fun article on Splendicity about my absolute favorite accessories for summer. Accessories are a really great "recessionista" option because you can pair new accessories with simple basics and look fashionable without spending tons of money!

Check out my full article here to see my picks:
Best Accessories for Summer

i can't get enough of melissa shoes

{Melissa Vinyl Heel in Pale Gray}

Here I am again professing my love for the fun, comfortable, and unique collection of Melissa Plastic Dreams footwear. I spent a good amount of time at Epaulet with wonderful owner Adele last week in Brooklyn while I tried on every style available...and I am here to give a full report!

{Melissa Night III in Black}

I posted a while back when I first discovered the amazingly complete collection of Melissa Plastic Dreams shoes at Epaulet. Now I have been there multiple times and actually own a few pairs of Melissa shoes so I can tell you more about them.

Melissa shoes are made in Brazil from recycled plastic. They are molded from one soft piece, so they are extremely comfortable with no hard edges to cause rubbing. I wear them all day and they stay comfortable! Some people worry about foot odor with plastic shoes, but they actually have a sweet fruity smell and are extremely easy to wash with soap and water. I am completely obsessed with these shoes and want to own every pair!!

I will keep you udpated with new styles as they come out, but here are my current picks:



Melissa Campana Corallo in Coral $79
Got these! I love wearing these for a pop of color with simple jeans and tank. The shoes are asymmetrical so the left is different from the right. I also loved them in Silver.


Melissa Night III in Black $79
These are the most basic Melissa shoes. I mentioned them in my original post but I get tons of comments on them everytime I wear them, so I thought I would mention them again. They look great on (see picture above), they are waterproof, comfortable, affordable, and they can pass as patent leather so you can even wear them to work...I guess I don't understand why everyone doesn't get a pair of these!


Melissa Vinyl Heel in Pale Gray $99
Got these too! They look absolutely amazing on with the solid one piece wedge heel (see picture above). The pale gray is a unique and fun color for summer. Love them!



Melissa Alexandre Herchcovitch Scarfun Wedge in Navy Pearl $99
The most comfortable ankle strap 3.5" wedge heel that you will ever wear.

You will be hearing a lot about Melissa shoes and Epaulet from me over the next months...

review of guggenheim frank lloyd wright exhibit

Frank Lloyd Wright: From Within Outward
Guggenheim New York
1071 Fifth Avenue
May 15 - Aug 23, 2009
$18 admission

The Frank Lloyd Wright exhibit currently on view at the Guggenheim displays an amazing collection of hand drawings by FLW for 64 built and unbuilt projects. His drawings show his immense talent in rendering detailed perspectives and hard-lined plans and sections in a style that has been emulated by architects everywhere.

Although this exhibit has a very complete collection of FLW's projects, the exhibit should really be titled "Architectural Building Drawings of Frank Lloyd Wright." Missing from the exhibit are a complete enough set of drawings or models to fully realize most of the projects, and there is no mention of his gorgeous non-building designs for objects like lamps, chairs, stained glass, and woodwork. Most projects were displayed very similarly, with a brief summary of the use, date, and location of the building and two hand drawings by FLW. There were very few models, preliminary concept sketches, or any other elements that would help to actually visualize or understand the design. This created a slightly monotonous pattern to the exhibit.

The focus of the exhibit was definitely on the dying art of the architectural hand drawing and was a celebration of the old-fashioned colored pencil perspectives with retro scaled cars and people. It is amazing to see so many original drawings produced by FLW himself for famous buildings like the many versions of Taliesin and various Prairie Houses. I was impressed by the gorgeous drawings, but was definitely hoping to experience a more encompassing and in-depth explanation of the pioneering concepts that made FLW the most well-known architect of our time. With an extreme focus on 2d floorplans and sections, the exhibit was really lacking elements that could fully explain FLW's building concepts.

james perse sample sale