Warby Parker: 2014 Winter Collection Launch

Accessories can completely make an outfit...they can add that extra dollop of sweetness or chutzpah to your look.

What better way to accomplish this than with sleek eye wear...your face is the first thing people see, and presents your personality {almost} instantly. 

Warby Parker's new Winter Collection does just that.

I am being modest here. If I could type my reactions to gawking through their new items, there would not be space on this page. 

If I was still 13 and did not know that too many exclamation points were childish, I would use all. of. them.

When I was sent the materials and photos for their new collection, I had a November Christmas moment. My husband thought it was just the funniest thing ever, but I unwrapped each zip drive like a mad woman. And, Mr. Nelson, Mr. Serious Face, sauntered over and looked through the pages with me, thoroughly impressed.

Where, how do I even begin?

To 'intro' this piece, here is Warby Parker's own take on their polished new collection...

"The six new rich tones and eight new shapes 

from this year’s Winter Collection will help 

you put your best foot—or face, rather—forward, 

even in the event of a polar vortex. We mixed 

stainless steel with acetate, freshened up 

existing silhouettes with color treatments, 

and renovated classic shapes for unshakably 

confident options with a lot of character.

Available November 4 online and in stores 

and showrooms; starting at $95"

Polished. I have to repeat myself. 
Their vision for these looks is undeniably pristine and yet relaxed. One of my favorites is the 'Keene Beach Glass.' I am a fan of grey, pretty much all shades. I love to decorate with it, wear it, etc. These are so clean and can be easily dress up or paired with a tee and leather jacket for a more casual feel. They are pretty, but precisely understated. 


Another trend seen in their new collection is tortoise, including a 'burnt lemon' take on the pattern. Burnt lemon...that just sounds interesting! And, do not be scared off by yellow, I know I have trouble wearing the color (because of my skin tone and hair color), but it is a soft touch of the hue, just enough to grab your attention, but not overtake the print. 

Glasses are not supposed to cover your face. They have their "necessary" duty, of course...but eye wear should accentuate your natural colors, features, and personal style. Warby Parker does an exceptional job at creating unique and beautiful pieces that do not overpower their proprietor. 

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To find a complete list and graphics of their Winter Collection click here.

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One last fun idea...I put together two outfits at the shop (Mosaic) and I think the 'Barkley Antique Shale Fade' sunglasses would be a most stylish asset to these looks. 
  

Thank YOU for taking the time to check out my thoughts on Warby Parker's Winter Collection 2014. I am eager to hear the public reception of the new line. Warby Parker was gracious enough to desire my opinion and words on their creations, and I appreciate that so much. I decided to accept their invitation to write on this because I was truly smitten with their designs and excited attitude.

XoXo

I'm Back..With Some Very Exciting News!

I disappeared!

Thank goodness I found myself again.

Phew.

Can I still apologize? Or is it too late for that...Will you take me back?

I broke my foot running, and then I decided that wasn't enough and tore a ligament in my right knee.

I did this running too soon after my boot came off. (Didn't she post about patience one time?)

Yes, yes she did, and I am learning my lesson in patience the hard way, but I am learning, I try to make that the point.

I also got an internship! 
I am still working/styling at Mosaic, but I am also a collections intern at a museum here, and I. LOVE. IT. I sneeze a lot, but mostly I am happy to be surrounded by tangible history on a daily basis.

So, things have been cooky, to say the least.

I am still married, Jake hasn't quite had enough of my crazy just yet.

..................................................................................

What I am really (really really really) excited to share with you is that I am going to be back at it 110% starting with...

Warby Parker recently contacted me to help them launch their Winter Collection!

If you are not sure who they are, Warby Parker is a fashion forward sunglasses and prescription eye-wear line/website. (Check them out here).

I am beyond grateful to be a part of their big launch, it is going to be very exciting! 

The official Winter Collection debut is tomorrow, the 4th. I plan on posting late morning/early afternoon. 

...................................................................................

I am still not able to run, so you may get some off the wall posts here and there. I have given you fair warning. Thanks for not leaving me, and I'll see you here tomorrow!

XoXo

Allison's Angle for Mosaic C.S. week 1

This week we are going to dive fashion first into fall! 

Although the temperatures cannot seem to make up their mind, here at Mosaic we are already starting to celebrate autumn. Here we have a beautiful and soft mix of some basic fall color schemes, while the patterns on the various garments bring a unique spin to a classic elegance.

This look contains…

• A teal textured Blush blazer, size small and runs for $10.
• Layered under the jacket we have a vintage Pykettes blouse. The deep chocolate brown and floral pattern sits charmingly against the light blue, complimenting any skin tone and hair color. This garment is retailing at Mosaic for $13.
• Last, but not least the sleeveless, caramel dress under all of this is a Starina piece, size small and priced at $11.

Paired with this look are some NEW Dr. Marten’s, size 5 and selling for a cool $85 and a copper gem stone and stud charm necklace.

Stop in to check out these pieces as well as countless other fabulous finds, see you soon at Mosaic! 

What's New: In Photographs

At Mosaic:

 

Our 1 year anniversary in 2 days:

 

TEXAS:

 

Graduation, finally:

 

Gaining weight...oh well, it was because this tastes so dang good:

 

Training for my first HALF!: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/312925094- my last long run before Sunday's race :)

 

 

So...What does all this mean? It means I am sorry for being absent for A MONTH. Geez. That is pretty bad. I was running around trying to remember my name while training and graduating and flying on an airplane, but I have missed posting and am excited to get back into it! The race I am running is the Cleveland (Rite Aid) Marathon/Half Marathon, which my brother and husband will be cheering for me at with doughnuts in hand (their quote). I hope you have been enjoying this dazzling weather, I promise I will see you soon, xoxo.

 

2040s? Internship Piece No. 7

How to dress vintage with modern brands? Yes, it is very possible and much easier than you may think. And, I do not mean going and just picking up an outfit off a mannequin that everyone else will be wearing. This is an easy DIY that you can make unique to your tastes and resources.

Have fun!

The fuscia camisole is Ann Taylor Loft
The coffee lace blouse is XXI
The robin's egg Bermuda shorts are Talbot's
The lime and tan heels are Charlotte Russe
The jewelry is vintage emerald and an older piece from a thrift shop

The whole outfit costs under $40!

These style of shorts came in towards the end of the 1940s and beginning of the 50s when women began to expand into more menswear inspirations. The lace detailing is a classic look and the bow adds a modern touch to a feminine outfit. The heels can really spread from the 60s to 80s with the shape and colors, but the pointed toe is coming back in recent fashion lines. This is just the beginning of a palette for numerous ideas to help you create classy, beautiful, and timeless styles with brands you can find at your mall, xoxo.

Psssst!

Here is a sneak peek of two new posts to come...
1- A Dee-Double-Licious pasta recipe with a homemade yogurt ranch & four cheese tomato sauce
AND

2- How to dress vintage with today's current brands, I hope you are excited, I am!

 

 

 

 

Shew- Another round of volleyball tonight...I really think I could play everyday, just if I didn't dive so much and end up with those ugly bruises ;)

 

xoxo

Fashion Potluck

It's Spring, It's Spring, It's Spring...If I keep saying this over and over again and wear shorts will it come true? Lately it has still been chilly outside, but in Mosaic we are celebrating SPRING whether or not the outdoors cooperates.

 

This week we had a mini photo shoot for an ad campaign coming up and so the ladies (mannequins) were on their best behavior. I chose to do hues of purples and oranges with pops of green. These are some of the most up and coming colors...and besides that they just look so pretty together! You can easily go from feminine to edgy to boho chic with these combos.

 

Enjoy a few of the 'models' I got to style...

 

 

(If you have any questions or want to know prices give us a call or post on Mosaic's facebook wall, we'd be happy to help...)

 

See you in the shop!

Chanel, darling

2oceansvibe.com



This is a column I wrote for a historical journal for their "A Day in the Life" series. It concerns Coco Chanel and her business during WWII: The Cave: A Day in the Life of Coco Chanel: Circa 1941

 

Enjoy, xoxo!

Internship Piece No. 6: Kazar

If you enjoy and appreciate all things crinkled, beaded, sparkly, gem stoned, and over the top glamour then you need Laurence Kazar in your life. He is a designer through some of the most intense decades: 70s, 80s, and early 90s fashion. Kazar's pieces accentuate everything bedazzled, but still hone in on awe inspiring beauty. The delicate placing of each gem or bead must be excruciating, but the final result will leave you wondering how you can work it into your (now less exciting seeming) wardrobe. There is not much information out there about this designer, but his work is so unique and loud that maybe he is fine with this obscure legacy.

In Mosaic we have a Laurence Kazar: NY original; a cobalt, silver gem covered, beaded cocktail dress. Good luck finding a spot that is not dripping in pretty hues of blue and shimmered beading; if worn you will mostly likely be a walking prism...which I think is pretty neat. Although the dress is well accessorised it exudes old Hollywood style and swankiness. Pair with simple stud earrings, a rhinestone hair piece, and some T-strap heels and you have yourself a statement outfit that will never become outdated.

                                                                                                       Our piece is selling for a very striking $55.00, but hurry...she is not going to stick around long.

 

See you in the shop!

Internship Piece No. 4: Icetip

 Once again a garment, this Icetip labeled jacket, has stumped me. After a few days (on and off of course) of researching I was not able to come up with much in the way of the brand's history. I was disappointed as this piece is so neat and of honest quality. The jacket in the spotlight this week is a chocolate brown, leather, long sleeve, fringe coat with only a small clasp closing (but better left open in my humble opinion). The shape of the jacket is what makes it even more unique. The back cut comes up a smidge, but the sides come to a point, giving what could have been a boxy cut some femininity. As you can see in this first photo, the stitching is thick and meticulous. The braided stitch travels all along the wide collar showcasing the piece's understated yet bold chicness. We have it paired with a coffee and teal tie-dye summer rope halter dress and some ankle booties (or wedges in the summer time) I think it might be fun to keep the jewelry simple, maybe just add a long, single, gold, charm necklace or two or just a statement bag.

 

What I was able to find were jackets of this same label and even more that were very similar. Most are selling for anywhere between $35-$300! Big gap. But, here at Mosaic our garment is wonderfully in fabulous condition, fits a size medium, and is selling for $35.00...also, the dress has never been worn and is priced at $11.00.

 

Stop in and see us soon!

xoxo 

Internship Piece No. 3 Continued: Flashback; 80s Chic?

Can the 1980s really be labeled as chic? Some would argue yes and some would not even consider that more than a bad joke. Personally, yeah I know no one asked, but I used to really "dislike" the 80s fashion, trends, ect. But, I have learned you can find the good in anything, and I have actually come to really appreciate and have fun with some 80s shenanigans (aka off the shoulder please).

The red, gold beaded dress shown before is without label. But, I can tell you by the shoulder padded, inverted pyramid silhouette, and over-beaded extravaganza that this garment is...an 80's baby. This type of shape had overtaken the era, along with teased hair, leggings, Member's Only jackets, and fingerless gloves. Could I see someone rocking with dress with some black, lace, Madonna-esque gloves? Period, yes. 

It takes a brave soul to take on this lady. The piece has a gorgeous, just cut out enough, v-dropped back and long sleeves. It is way more than do-able though. Pair with some half heeled ankle booties, throw up the hair, and maybe a gold bangle or two and strut. Why not play up with red with some bold lips and remember not to forget the extra layer of mascara. If you're gonna do it might as well go all out!

This number is a size medium and is available at Mosaic for $35 :)

xoxo.

Internship Piece No. 3- Preview!

                             

       Here is a sneak peek of the next spotlight piece I did for Mosaic. It follows my pattern of vintage finds and I decided to be brave and take the pictures with me in the garment! And, yes...I did feel a bit uncomfortable, but I tried not to show it (I realize this only semi-worked). Be on the lookout for the description and story to come, xoxo.

PS: (Happy Super Bowling!!!)

Internship Piece No. 2: Jeunesse

Jeunesse: A covert and romanticized saga...

This is an original Jeunesse, silk blend cocktail gown designed by George Halley. He began working under this specific fashion house with his (this) label in the mid-1950s, and the dress most likely came about between 1960 and 1965. Halley had worked his way up to the top and was called the "master of draping" by Charles James, of Lord and Taylor. He then began working for the fashion house owned by Richard and Sydney Browner-Jeunesse, where this piece would call home. Here, Halley was able to create his own designs with his name included on the ticketing. To find out more about Halley's fashionable history visit here: vintagefashionguild: George Halley. 

The fashion innovations at the time were all about the new silhouette. Before the 1960s, dresses were usually cinched at the waist and envied a full skirt just skimming the mid to lower calf. These newer shift dresses were a respectful nod at the 1920s flapper, but had a more subtle femininity about them. For instance, this dress still exudes sex appeal with the cut out back, but the bow and ornate beading adds just enough detail to let the dress speak for itself. The bold powder blue is a color that was carried on into the late 1960s and early 1970s. The shift shape is also making a comeback into today's trends, including designers like Valentino, Michael Kors, and Louis Vuitton placing them in their spring collections from the past year and the line to come.

We are so grateful to be able to showcase amazing vintage pieces such as this one at Mosaic. We price to sell these beauties, but still want to give them the credit they deserve. The stitching is impeccable and the lines and unique details are hard to come by these days. Stop in and take a look at this dress and other garments we are excited about. Possibly pair this garment with some Maryjane's and chandelier earrings to keep it classically 1960s, or take it more modern with a nice pump and a pastel scarf tied around the waist or neck.

Enjoy!

Internship Piece No. 1: The Planet

This piece is a 100% cotton, 3/4 sleeve, loose fitted jacket by the brand "The Planet." The colors are a (barely) off white with a faded black and a mosaic, painted pattern. The sleeves are widened and there is only a small clasp closure, but it seems the jacket is better left open. We have it paired with a black felt beaded stretch belt, a simple LBD, and some copper knotted chains and beaded strands. The piece is also reversible with the colors switched but the pattern stays the same. 

"The Planet" is an obscure brand these days, but they specialized in clothing and gifts from around the world. The other items swirling around on the web are currently of high quality and not of imitation. Another neat aspect of the brand's items are their originality. This jacket is one of a kind with the pattern not being replicated. Many of their clothing items sell for well over $100 and $200, therefore with concerning the piece's uniqueness and quality it is priced at $65.00 and is available at Mosaic. 

I was hoping to find more information about the label's history and how the jacket was made, but with absence of new and continued production it was difficult. What I can guarantee is its one-of-a-kind detail and quality fabric, there is no mixture, just 100% pure and soft cotton; more rare than it used to be. Come in and check it out for yourself, try it on with a pair of skinny denim and ankle booties or pair it with a pop of orange or blue underneath for a bold contrast.

Hope to see you in the shop soon!