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Mar 30, 2009

An interview with Nicole LaFave, creative director of omelle shoes

In early February I posted about a shoe brand I had fallen head-over-heels in love with, omelle. So you can imagine my joy/surprise/awe when I received an email from Nicole LaFave, the creative director of omelle, thanking me for the love! I could not let this opportunity pass by without learning as much as possible from Nicole about the brand, from an insiders perspective, and so we have since been emailing back and forth (she is incredibly sweet, btw!). In order to help you all learn more about omelle shoes, Nicole agreed to do a little interview for Breakfast at Saks! Prepare to fall in love with Nicole and omelle!

How did you and Cherise decide that you wanted to design shoes for a living?
I didn't! We both came from different backgrounds... Cherise during her time at the law firm was wearing a lot of suits, and found herself dressing up with fun shoes and handbags that made a statement, since that was the only way she could get creative in the corporate world. I think it was around that time that she really got serious about studying in footwear or wanting to get into the industry.

On my end of things, I never planned to get into shoes. I have always been one of those girls with a lot of shoes, all different types, including vintage shoes that I became really into before moving from Michigan to L.A. I was working as an art director and a graphic designer in Michigan and moved to Los Angeles strictly for the knitwear program at FIDM. I wanted to create my own knitwear. While I was at FIDM I fell in love with being in school again and I felt that the shoe program sounded interesting and that it was another way to apply my design background, since I studied in many areas prior to moving. I gave the application process a shot for the advanced program and wasn't sure if I was accepted if I was even going to do it, but I was accepted, fell in love with the design application assignment and felt it was now or never since I was already back in school for the second time. It just all fell into place and felt like the right thing to do since I loved the process.

I read that the name "omelle" was created by scrambling the letters of your name and your partner Cherise's. Were there any other possible names for your line that came out of this scrambling of letters? Why did you end up picking the name "omelle"?
We went on google and looked for word scrambler programs and scrambled "Cherise Marie Angelle" and "Nicole Michelle LaFave". Yes there were a bunch of names on the list, however we only circled about 3-5 of them, most of which I don't really remember. We picked omelle because it just sounded right and felt good. It was feminine, quirky and sophisticated, which was what our shoes are.

When was it that you first felt that you 'made it' as a designer? Or to put it differently, what has been your proudest moment as a designer?
This is a hard question. I think as a designer, there are always a lot of these moments. I think I would have to say there were some "milestones" overall.

BEFORE FOOTWEAR (me):
-Creating my first online portfolio as a graphic designer + when I first got into knits ages ago for myself.
-Accomplishing my knitwear portfolio at my first degree at FIDM, it was such a difficult process and degree, but I pushed myself so hard at school to finish the impossible.

IN FOOTWEAR (Cherise + myself):
- Writing the omelle business plan with Cherise, one of the hardest things to date that either of us have accomplished! (probably a huge milestone overall for our shoe careers)
- Sharing S/S 2009 with the world! When we were able to show the shoes to retailers, the press + started getting the word out there, I was proud of all our hard work.
- Shipping S/S 2009 to retailers + opening our webstore! This just happened this past year and as a footwear company, probably one of the proudest accomplishments

What is your favorite shoe out of the Spring/Summer '09 collection?
Neither of us can pick! I don't have an all-time favorite because our collection was made to cover a woman's lifestyle needs from day to night. I can tell you that this week I have been really loving my Darby, Avrey and Carol flats and at night I have been wearing Drew and Cecilia out a lot. Cherise switches it up a lot, but I catch her in Dafné a lot this week at work, and she lives in her Cappy's!

Can you give us an idea as to where omelle shoes are headed for Fall/Winter '09-10?
The fall collection is inspired by my favorite things! Knitwear, pockets, envelopes, and we carried over the hex shapes you see in the spring collection. The colors are interesting neutrals again, but a different palette that is darker, deeper and textural. We have some very interesting shoes that involve knit, felt and really amazing leathers and suede.

Mar 29, 2009

Love, Kate

Kate Moss in Love Magazine, Spring/Summer 2009
Pics from TFS, scanned by *ana*

Mar 28, 2009

Haircuts and Albino Squirrels

Sweater: Free People
Top: Free People
Jeans: Target
Shoes: Matisse

I finally got a haircut over break. I let my cousin just do whatever, and she took a LOT off! But it's freeing, my head feels so light! I'll try to get a better pic of the hair [edit: here's one!], this one doesn't show it very well, and it was windy out so it's really messy-looking.

Anyways, today started off horribly, the restaurant me and my BF wanted to eat breakfast at was closed, then I thought I broke my camera... it was just one bummer after another. But it has been getting better, I got to go out to dinner (and got a free mini pizza, woo hoo!), and on the walk back to our apartment we crossed paths with the Albino Squirrel! The Albino Squirrel is an institution at my school, and I wanted to be sure to get some pics of it before I graduated. You can read more about the Albino Squirrel here, if you're interested...

Mar 27, 2009

Links à la Mode

Check out even more great posts at the Links à la Mode thread at the IFB forums!

Mar 26, 2009

Very Cool: Erin Wasson's Venice Beach Tree House

The pics above are from Erin Wasson's Venice Beach home, which features a skate ramp and a pimped-out, 900-square-foot tree house. How cool is that? Erin describes her little slice of paradise below:

“I moved into this house in Venice Beach six years ago. I’m in New York more, but I try to come back to L.A. pretty often. The house is only about 900 square feet, but the best part is the big backyard. I always had a fantasy, growing up in Texas, of having my own skate ramp, but we never had enough space at my family’s house. Now the backyard’s awesome. We put in the half-pipethe summer I moved in. There was a small skate shop down the road, and a lot of the boys who worked there would come over and sit around and work on it slowly. One day it was done. Now tons of people from the neighborhood come by. We fire up the grill and everybody hangs out and skates. Then there’s my tree house. It’s got sliding glass windows, it’s fully insulated, and there’s electricity. We wanted to make sure that the house didn’t harm the trees in any way, so it’s naturally suspended. There are no nails in the tree at all. I didn’t think in a million years the tree house was going to turn out as nicely as it has. It’s super-comfortable, really cozy. I go up there in the afternoons to do work. At night, when I’m standing in my backyard and have the bonfire going, I think, ‘Wow. This is really my own little sanctuary.’" (Interview)
Everybody needs a sanctuary! Mine is probably my bed... I just love curling up under stacks of blankets, surrounded by pillows, with my laptop playing a good movie - and don't forget the white hot chocolate! However, I'd trade that for a giant tree house in a second! Where is your personal sanctuary?

Pix from Interview

Mar 23, 2009

sprINg-SPIRATION

I'm loving all of these looks for Spring. You know that time of the year when there's still a little chill in the air and you can't go outside comfortably with both bare legs and bare arms... that's what I'm craving right now. Instead, it's 35 degrees today. But anyways, some things I noted from these looks:

  • Sheer tights paired with shorts are here to stay, at least for 1 more season
  • Scarves are a great way to deal with the chill, without covering up your amazing outfit with a coat
  • Color is fun, and should be played with
  • I need a giant, basic, everyday bag
Pics from Lookbook.nu, AltamiraNYC and Wunderbloc via TFS

Mar 22, 2009

Currently Craving: 3/22/09


Here's a fairly random list of things I'm craving this week. I love the Haute Hippie jumpsuit because it is so basic that it would make a great foundation for a million different looks - definitely worth the price considering how many times it would be worn. The 3.1 Phillip Lim dress is just amazing, I wish I had the occasion (and the cash!) for it. The We Who See boots from UO have great reviews so far, they're supposed to be really comfortable, and any almost-5-inch-tall shoes that are comfortable are A-OK by me! The Be&D Garbo I have loved since I saw another version on Taylor Momsen's arm... hers is bright blue, but this black one is more my speed (the white is hot though too). And the studded sunglasses are just fun, and cheap, so I wouldn't feel bad if I accidently sat on them or something... which I've done to more sunnies than I'd like to remember!

Anyhow, I'm still working on the picture situation, so if you see some ugly Photobucket ads where pics should be I sincerely apologise. I was driving back home for Spring Break all day yesterday, and this morning my baby niece came over so I was playing with her. But I'm settled now, and I will be here until Friday, so the blog mess should be all sorted out soon!

***Did anyone go to the Erin Wasson sale? How was it? I want details!!

Mar 21, 2009

Erin Wasson is having a Garage Sale!

FOR ALL MY CALIFORNIA READERS - DON'T MISS THIS!
Who: Erin Wasson

What: Selling her old clothes, featuring pieces from
Balenciaga, Givenchy, Burberry, Chanel, and Marc Jacobs

Where:
1720 Main St., Venice Beach, California

When: March
21st, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Why:
“My style has gotten a lot simpler and now that I’m designing, I want to wear my own stuff,” explains Wasson, who promises that no price tag will exceed $100, with most hovering around the $20 mark.

...Feel free to pick up anything for me!! I'd die to be there!

Info courtesy of Style

Links à la Mode

  • A Few Goody GumDrop - A Few Goody Gumdrops asks…if you are coming apart at the seems then enter to win torn leggings from LnA!
  • Breakfast at Saks - Still sifting through Paris Fashion Week shows? Be sure to make time for Ann Demeulemeester F/W 09.10
  • Capitola Girl Jewelry Blog - Check, Please!
  • Consume or Consumed - Consume or Consumed Sees Double and Triple: On Buying Multiples
  • Couture Cult - CoutureCult.com: Alison Lewis (formerly of Mooka Kinney), Spring/Summer 09
  • Debutante Clothing - Missoni is Inspired By Vintage Modernist Necklaces
  • Dogmom’s Dish - Desperately Seeking Orla
  • Fashion Daydream - What your didn’t see at Fashion Week: A behind the scenes look into fashion week, fashionistas en route to the shows and models being made up.
  • Fashion Pulse Daily - reports on the latest colors for fall 2009 — the season isn’t comprised of various hues of black or even bright colors for that matter either.
  • Felicia Sullivan - beauty & styling products that work for curly, coarse hair, really work. part 1: frederic fekkai
  • fete a fete - Larkspur & Hawk’s GORGEOUS antique and vintage inspired
  • Independent Fashion Bloggers - Burnout Aversion Tips From Bloggers
  • reLYME - An analysis of the Persian-inspired trend that’s hitting the runway
  • Retro Chick - Top 5 Ways to have fun with no money
  • Shopping and Info - Shopping and Info found Gossip Girl scarves bags and jewelry oh my!
  • Solo Lisa - Sunny fashion picks inspired by Freida Pinto’s character in Slumdog Millionaire
  • Studio Purpura Fashion Blog - Shopping Hops in the Far & South East Asia! Photos to Come!
  • Style Symmetry - Check out my interview with Jennine of The Coveted!
  • Style With Anna - Fashion for Guys: How to Dress Like David Beckham
  • THE COVETED - Exclusive Video Preview & Tutorial: Benefit Smokin’ Eyes
  • the musings of ondo lady - Get ready for a retro prequel of Gossip Girl which is about the trials and tribulations of a teenage Lily van der Woodsen
  • what the pros do… - Spring Clean Your Makeup Kit!
Still want more? Check out the rest of the links à la mode at the IFB forums!

Mar 20, 2009

Technical Difficulties...

I know I'm not the first blogger that Photobucket has screwed over, but damnnn it's annoying! I'm working on transferring over my pics to another site, until then I sincerely apologise for the ugliness of my blog!

Update: So now it's pretty much just posts from the month of February that are screwy, everything recent is alright and everything from January '09-back is alright. So sorry for all this!

Update 3/22: All of the pictures should be back up now! Let me know if anything is still messed up!

Mar 19, 2009

I loff you, two F's


Blazer: Ralph Lauren
Tank + Pants + Boots: Forever 21
Necklace: Margo Morrison

I finished all my midterms, hurrah! I feel like celebrating, except most everyone else is still working... and it's only 40 degrees outside... and it's Thursday... and technically I should be working on a lab that's due when I get back from Spring Break. But regardless, hurrah! I promise I am really happy and excited, despite the sourpuss look on my face in these pics. I only got maybe 4 hours of sleep last night because of work, so I'll blame it on that.

I know I have at least a few college girls and guys who read my blog, how are your exams going/how did they go? Hope you're all having a fabulous Thursday, just remember that Friday is right around the corner! And the sun is shining (at least in my little corner of Ohio), so soak up that vitamin D!

ps- 10 points and my forever love to anyone who recognizes the quote I used in the title of this post... it's from one of my favorite movies!

Mar 17, 2009

Ann Demeulemeester F/W 09.10 Paris


I'm still sifting through all of the collections from Paris Fashion Week (and London, and NY, and Milan...), I have a lot to catch up on! I just had to share my favorites from the Ann Demeulemeester F/W 09.10 show. Lace and sheer tops, knee-high leather boots, layers upon layers of flowing fabrics, and feathers! All working together to create some of the most unique runway looks I've seen all season. The knitwear was to die for, and the layers of long scarves seem to be a big look for Fall/Winter 2009-10 (check out a different take on layered scarves at the Missoni show). As for the corsets - what can I say that hasn't already been said? I need one in my life, for sure. Check out the whole runway show here!

Mar 16, 2009

Just what the doctor ordered



Dress: Forever 21
Shoes: Forever 21
Jewelry: Forever 21
(damn, this should be an ad campaign for F21...
and Dr. Pepper...)

So I ended up going out Saturday night too and neglected my homework a little bit, but it's senior year, that's to be expected. I got to take my new favorite shoes out for a spin though, and got tons of compliments - they're definitely a crowd pleaser! But that may be because I was the only girl wearing heels every place we went... Regardless, they held up to hours of dancing and wandering around campus, so I'd say they're definitely worth the $35 price!

ps- I've been messing around with the HTML on this post, trying to make the picture alignment look pretty, but they may be a little messed up still - let me know if anything is looking really wrong!

Mar 13, 2009

Currently Craving: White Noise


Must be the Springtime in the air - everything I bookmarked this week as a crave-worthy item was white (along with a little gold). White mixed with gold just strikes me as so fresh and chic, and I have been fantasizing about wearing all of these pieces together on a still-slightly-cool Spring day. But seeing as it was 30 degrees today in Ohio, I should really cool it with my Springtime obsession... at least for another month or so!

On a different note, I have been searching for a knuckle ring similar to the infamous Elizabeth & James one, and I think I found a really nice substitute at Moonacre's Etsy store. It's the Bar Fight ring, it comes in gold and silver, and is only $75! I'm saving my pennies for this ring, luckily this weekend should be cheap because I'll be going to the Senior Banquet tonight (free drinks wooo!), and I'll have to stay in Saturday night to do work... midterms are next week. But I'll try to get an outfit pic or two in this weekend, fingers crossed! What are you all up to this weekend?

Links à la Mode

  • 39thandbroadway - Fashion’s Plus Size Dilemma; A different perspective on the plus size apparel industry.
  • Breakfast at Saks - Biased Reporting on the Balmain show from a Balmain-iac
  • Clutch 22 - Exploring Etsy - Three unique talents to watch
  • Consume or Consumed - Stylish film looks channeled toward a more stylish life:
  • Debutante Clothing - Special Report: YSL Vintage Clothing Auction in Paris
  • Dogmom’s Dish - Alexander McQueen for Target: Post-Modern Punk Princess
  • ericdwills.com - Here’s a look at the entire line-up of colors for the Kanye West x Louis Vuitton sneakers called the ‘Don’ and ‘Hi Top’ set to be released in June.
  • Fashion Pulse Daily - Fashion Week reviews, Christian Siriano’s shoes, and much more!
  • fete a fete - elegant FIEL flip flops, made with love from Brazil!
  • Independent Fashion Bloggers - Privacy Tips for Bloggers
  • Mademoiselle Robot - A love letter to Jeffrey Campbell
  • Nico Assatly - New Spring Polish that will knock your socks off !
  • Retro Chick - The Primark Effect - Can cheap fashion be ethical fashion?
  • Shopping and Info - Enter for your chance to win a Twelfth Street By Cynthia Vincent Sweater from the Shopping and Info Spring Giveaway.
  • Solo Lisa - Less expensive but equally charming alternatives to the new Tiffany key necklaces
  • Studio Purpura - Milan Fashion Week Fall 2009 presents creative color schemes and designs to tickle your fancy!!
  • Style Amor - THE DYING MAGAZINE: March U.S. Magazine Reviews
  • Style Bite - Geared up for Etten Eller’s Newest Collection
  • Style Symmetry - Eyeliah loves to layer tights!
  • Style With Anna - How to Dress Bohemian
  • THE COVETED - A real life review of the Vivienne Tam HP Mini
And if you still want more, check out the entire list of links à la mode at the IFB Forums!

Mar 12, 2009

Hello, Lover!

Forever 21 Fringe Open Toe Boots

My new babies have finally arrived, do they remind you of something? Ah yes, the $700+ Alexander Wang Alexis Booties. I know, I know, it's awful to support such blatant copying, and Forever 21 is even worse for putting these obvious knockoffs into production, but once I saw them my conscience flew out the window. I'm gonna have sooo much fun with these shoes! And if you can put your conscience aside for just a moment for an affordable and fabulous pair of shoes, these ones are still available at Forever21.com. I'll have many outfit pics with these to come!

Mar 11, 2009

Erin Wasson x RVCA Finally Available!

I figured that a celebratory picture made sense for this post! At long last, the Erin Wasson x RVCA collab is available online (how many times was it postponed?). Anyhow, check it out now at Oak NYC. I know that if money was no issue, I'd have that black christian skirt and the zeppelin blouse in my shopping cart for sure!

Vogue Italia March 09- Next Shape

I will be getting back to doing regular postings (including outfit pics, if anyone is interested in those) in the next few days, I just finished a big lab report and an exam in my Psychophysiology class, so now I have a little time to breathe and blog! And of course catch up on Paris Fashion Week, I'm so behind on the shows. What did you all think of Chanel? Any favorite shows that I just need to check out tonight before I go to sleep? Let me know!

But for the time being, for your viewing pleasure, here are some pics from the Vogue Italia March 2009 issue.


Pics from TFS, scanned by Diciassette

Mar 9, 2009

New Invitation-Only Designer Sale Site: Juxzy!

In the style of Rue La La, Ideeli, and the like, now comes Juxzy!

Juxzy.com is an online private sale hub where designer brands are sold at discounted prices. Each private sale boutique is open for a limited time to a members-only community. We work with high-end boutiques from across the country and directly with designers to bring you the best prices possible.

Membership is free and by invitation only. In addition, there are other exclusive discounts, promotions and events - just like your regular private sale store. There is nothing like being the first to sport the latest fashion designs, being ahead of fashion trends and leading the fashion crowd. And all at a dream price!
I'm honestly addicted to these private sale websites, I mean why pay full price when you can wait a few weeks and find the same clothes at sites like Juxzy for 50% off or more! Juxzy officially launches Monday (I guess that's technically today!) at 11am EST, and this week will be featuring sales from Junya Watanabe, Alberta Ferretti, Y-3, Comme Des Garcons, United Nude, Atsui Tokyo, Terra Plana, Eco Skin Collections, and Simeon Dacumos. Amazing designers at amazing prices, count me in!

If you are interested, check out Juxzy here, and if you'd like to join, Juxzy has offered a special referral code for readers of Breakfast at Saks - just enter code "881abd" to join!

Mar 6, 2009

Currently Craving: Spring!


It's currently 63 degrees in Ohio, I have no idea what I'm doing sitting in front of the computer right now! I think I'm going to go frolic a bit before my yoga class. If it's warm where you are, turn off the computer and go outside!!!

Links à la Mode

And if these posts leave you wanting more, you can check out the entire list of Links à la Mode in the IFB Forums. While you're there, check out this amazing article by The Musings of Ondo Lady, "Me, My Blog, and I" - I just happen to be one of the bloggers featured in the article! Happy reading!

Mar 5, 2009

And now for some biased reporting on Balmain F/W 09.10

I am shamelessly obsessed with both Decarnin's Balmain and Erin Wasson, so when you put the two together I can barely contain my shrieks. The Balmain F/W 09.10 collection, while sticking closely to the Decarnin formula of recent years, is so fantastic in its design and execution. The over-emphasized shoulders, the quilted leather, the sequins, the studs - it teeters towards being over-the-top, and ends up falling somewhere between chic and gaudy. Which I mean as a compliment, really!

The dresses are all stunning, similar to last seasons but why mess with perfection? Also, I predict that we'll see similar emphasized-shoulder blazers on many fashionistas come Fall/Winter 2009. And the slit-front harem pants... well, those may be a miss, one of few in this collection of hits! Unfortunately, Balmain is insanely priced, but honestly I'd sell a few unnecessary organs for a Balmain dress or two!

Ok, so after that love-fest I may need you all to bring me down to earth. What do you think of the collection (view the whole show here)? Too same-old, same-old? Too over-the-top? Or are you swooning just like I am? Let me know!


Pics from Style

Mar 4, 2009

McQ Alexander McQueen for Target Available Now!


At long last, the McQ Alexander McQueen for Target collection has arrived online! No longer do we have to feel jealous over the lucky NY-ers and their Target pop-up store buys, or scour eBay only to find the tattoo dress going for more than 3 times its original price! The pieces are available to all, along with free shipping for orders over $50. What are you waiting for? Click on over and start shopping!

PS- Because I love you all, and everyone loves saving money, I found a $5 off $50 code to help you save a little dough - just
click here to use (it will redirect you to the Target website). Happy shopping!

Excuse me while I have a preppy moment...

Liz Claiborne S/S 09 ad

The imminence of Spring is making me want to break out my old polo shirts, pop the collars, and go horseback riding or golfing or something like that. Is that an awful confession to make? It's probably not something I should admit on a fashion blog, especially one like this that is so dominated by the leather/dark/studded trends. Maybe it's because the market has been oversaturated by the rocker look, but for whatever reason these clean and preppy designs are really satisfying to me right now - especially the crisp khaki pants and abundance of plaid. So Spring-y and fresh!
Burberry Blue Label S/S 09 ad from Japan

Burberry S/S 09 ad

H&M S/S 09 ad
Pics from TFS