From the monthly archives:

October 2009

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Erin Dress

This staple piece is not only charming but you will be fielding off compliments every time you wear it. Wear it as a halter, a tube dress, or swing the ties over your shoulders to create a cap sleeve look. Shop Lara Miller’s full collection here.

About Lara Miller:

While studying at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Lara developed her appreciation for organic clothing interning with Laurenceleste and then working for Cynthia Ashby, where she honed in on her creative and business skills. In 2002, after approaching the Chicago boutique p.45 to apply for a sales position, owners Tricia Tunstall and Jessica Darrow offered her an opportunity to show as p.45’s exhibiting artist, to run in conjunction with the Around the Coyote Arts Festival. Her small line was accepted with great success. Although still in school, Lara began her career continuing to sell her new found label. At the same time she collaborated with many Chicago dance companies where she was able to study the movement and proportions of various bodies, which still influences her work to date. By the time Lara graduated in 2003, her eponymous label had been featured in the Chicago Tribune, WWD Chicago and Lucky Magazine as it continued selling at boutiques throughout the US. Unlike most clothing, Miller’s garments are grounded in a collaborative effort with the wearer.  Her work traffics in the flexibility and exploration that a child finds when playing dress up, yet is sustained by sophistication and environmental responsibility.

You can see other items featured on Smashing Darling here.

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trish

Supima Is Calling All Emerging Designers

by trish on October 9, 2009

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Supima Cotton is CALLING ALL EMERGING DESIGNERS. Supima is the promotional organization of the American Pima cotton growers. They are holding an OPEN CALL for their latest contest at Bloomingdale’s 59th street NYC, 59 Metro Level (at base of downward escalator) on October 21st 10 AM – 6 PM. You must bring:

  • A sketch of the eveningwear entry
  • Design Portfolio
  • A garment you have designed and sewn
  • Resume

Winning design will be featured in Bloomingdale’s and promoted by Supima. Contact rsvp@supima.com for more info or visit the website http://supima.com. Become a fan on Facebook.

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leni+spine+red+carpet

I was cruising some of our designer’s blog and came across a post by Dina Varano. Dina’s Spine necklace was on The Red Carpet at the Emmy’s this year. I wanted to let the community know so we could all give her a huge CONGRATULATIONS! Read her original post here and leave her a comment because that is just plain awesome.

This is just the beginning (yes, I am mandating) … it is a fun thought to think someday the whole red carpet will be full of women wearing independent and emerging designer pieces. I know this is a devilish thought but I can’t help myself … “Who are you wearing?” asks the reporter. “[Inset a brand name here]“, says starlet. A hush falls over the crowd. People are whispering to each other, “how could she?”  That was so 2009, “who was her styist?”  Sorry, I know that may be a little extreme but I’ve been an independent designer for so long, I get to have these delicious little thoughts in my head every once in awhile. It helps me keep going sometimes. Please know, I wish no one ill will. Just trying to carve out a little piece for us indies.

Cheers,

trishdarling

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Mark your calendars for the Rock & Shop Vintage Market on Saturday October 17th from 1-5pm at the Cotton Room at Golden Belt in Durham. Featuring over 30 designers selling a well-curated selection of upcycled, eco-friendly & vintage goods, live music by Mount Weather & Lonnie Walker, plus a fashion show and a bar! Admission is $3. First 50 attendees receive a free shopping tote. Everyone that attends is registered to win a gift basket valued at over $500! For directions and a list of all the designers visit www.rockandshopmarket.com.

They are still accepting applications for the Friday November 6, 2009The Rock & Shop Market, Raleigh, NC market.

Follow @rockandshopmkt on twitter for the latest updates.

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Distant Orbit Bracelet

Modern, simple, striking. A variation on the arrangement of circles in my “Orbit” pieces. Two sterling silver discs rest on a hand-formed band of sterling – one 3/4 inch (1.875 cm) in diameter, one 1/2 inch (1.75 cm) in diameter. The length of the cuff band can be customized to fit your wrist.

Because this piece is handcrafted and made to order, please allow at least one week for completion. Shop Stone Soup Jewelry collection here.

About the designer:

Inspired by the classic story, “Stone Soup,” I belive that there is treasure to be found where we least expect it, in the things around us every day.  My simple, clean lines and my designs are often inspired by natural shapes, and my pieces are designed to be versatile and comfortable.  You make your statement, and your jewelry highlights you.

I’ve always loved natural stones – their varied colors, textures and moods. I love to use natural materials in Stone Soup jewelry, because I believe that the most beautiful things in the world are those that we find around us every day.

I also love bright colors and the vibrancy of artisan lampwork and dichroic glass, and when I find glass beads I love, I’ll incorporate them into my work.

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What’s Going On


Happy Fall! Back to school, nose to the grindstone…you know the drill. Or, do you? Ever need a little help throwing an outfit together, need a second opinion, or more? The newly launched site, Fashism, can help. Get feedback on your look, rate others, and this week maybe even win a gift certificate to Smashing Darling, or two! Click here to learn more about the contest – ending October 11th. Don’t miss the bonus round!

What’s New

We kicked off Fall with a little video and fashion fun (?) in Iceland for their fashion, let’s say, frenzy. Check it out here; more Darling videos coming soon.
In New England there is a chill to the air, and nightfall comes a little sooner than we are ready for. Shop the site for some new hats, scarves, and coats to keep you warm.
In fact Rachel Park has marked down her entire scarf collection, all on sale from $5-$20!
If you are reading this from a warmer climate – not to fear. Tank tops, cool dresses, and beachy accoutrements are available on Smashing Darling all year long – love it!
Coming Soon

Philadelphia Fashion Week makes it’s debut this weekend! If you are nearby go have some fun, learn more here. Sharing the same weekend but a different coastline, Portland Fashion Week kicked off yesterday with a focus on eco-friendly and independent designers. Sigh, if only we could be everywhere! Fill us in of you are there…


Other great events coming up – all over:
- San Francisco Fashion Feud
– House of Diehl, Style Wars, Nov 4-21
Smashing Kudos and tidbits

Darling Michabella Creations had some jewels come down the runway at Boston Fashion Week -congrats!…and more congrats to Darling Evil Kitty who was just selected as a finalist for the St. Louis fashion week’s Project Design…Splendicity continues to send out the love to Darling independent designers: Krelwear, Organic Revolution, and Tilley Jewels…check out Lara Miller’s NYFW video from the Green Shows…and go meet Darling Dina Varano this weekend at the RISD Alumni and student art sale.

Become a Darling Fan on Facebook for more Emerging Fashion event updates!

cheers ~ the Darlings

Sign up for the the Darling newsletter here.

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trish

Editor’s Picks by Style Darling, LadyLux

by trish on October 8, 2009

Retro Glam

We got so hooked on retro glam fashion after putting together last week’s set, we decided to repeat the retro theme this week. The minute we found the Meibury dress by Mahtab Azimi, we knew it was “the one” to build the ensemble around. A simple and sophisticated dress, it flows freely to the floor, while hugging a woman’s curves. What a flattering design for just about any body type!  Maxi dresses are extremely hot this season, and allow any woman to feel like a princess. The slit detail on the sleeve is a perfect addition to this elegant and simple.

Because our our dress is dark, we decided to offset it with a cream colored purse. The Oversized Heather Envelope Clutch in Cream Capo by Brynn Chicago spoke to us with its supple leathers and an oversized design. Finally a clutch that can actually fit all of your belongings. Our favorite thing about this lovely handbag though, is the fact that it’s individually handcrafted in the Windy City!

Speaking of wind, we are well into the fall, and the weather will start to get colder and colder (well, for those of us who have seasons anyway). This means one thing: we all need a fabulous scarf to add to our closets. The Enchanted Cashmere Nuno Felt Scarf by NESchwab is as warm as it is elegant. Made with cashmere, fine merino wool, silk and bamboo fibers, it’s extremely sheer, thin and elegant. The designer herself calls it a “sheer symphony of fiber, color and texture”, and we tend to agree. The icing on this fabulous cake? It’s handcolored and handpainted!

We were so compelled by Cimber Designs in Jewelry’s glamorous pieces, that we chose two items to include in our set. The Black & Gold Snowflake ring is perfect to dress up our dress. Containing a mixture of semi precious stones, it’s a one-of-a-kind creation that’s worthy of a royal hand. The Black Onyx Briolettes will delight and play with light as they dangle from your ear at a cocktail party. In a true LadyLUX fashion, these two beauties are handmade.

They say that it’s what on the inside that counts. So what does a lady wear underneath her fabulous glam ensemble? Well, we would never tell, because we are real ladies! But we also know that a true lady would wear Smashing Darling inside and out. The Sassafrass Camisole from On The Inside Lingerie is sure to delight as it supports. You can even match it with Forget Me Not panties for a delicate lace set.

About LadyLux:
Once upon a time, there was girl named LUX. She believed in humanity, doing good for the sake of good, and all things beautiful in our world. As she grew older and began to take stock of the world around her, her mission in life became clear: be a Change Agent. The tasks associated with being an “Agent” is to use her mind and voice to help fix what is broken in the world and empower the people in it to do the same. Thus was born The Lady LUX Network.

Elizabeth Wahler founder ladylux
Founder Elizabeth Wahler

At LadyLUX, our motto is “Good for the Sake of Good.” We believe in doing good and being good, while looking good. We believe in fashion, life, love, philanthropy, eco-luxury and laughter. We empower women to follow their passions, live authentically, and to honestly know and love themselves. Choosing health and your best self, being good to others and good to the environment is simply living the LUX life. In each outfit we put together, we always include organic and “green” items that were created with the idea of sustainability.

See last week’s LadyLux Editor’s Picks here.

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tumblr_kr1iefLbTx1qzud2to1_500Our friends over at Fashism asked if we would help with the prize for their latest contest. Who doesn’t like a contest! Of course we want to help! The contest is really easy and fun, and will get you a $50 gift certificate to our favorite (and we hope yours too) destination for shopping independent and emerging fashion, Smashing Darling. The details follow:

Looking for cutting edge indie designer clothes online? This week you can win a $50 gift certificate to Smashing Darling, the online fashion destination for unique clothes, jewelry and accessories. Smashing Darling brings together over 300 boutiques from the hottest indie designers from fashion hot spots like NYC, LA and San Fransisco.

How to win?

1. Join Fashism

2. Receive points by uploading looks, leaving comments and answering other’s questions.

3. Receive more points by having your comments voted helpful by the community.

4. Have the highest point total by the end of the week (10/11) and you win!

BONUS … post a comment here on our blog with a link to your ‘Look’ on Fashism, this will enter you for another chance at winning one more $50 Gift Certificate to Smashing Darling. The winner will be randomly chosen. One winner out of all the comments with links we receive.

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Bud Button Ring
Bud Button Ring

Three little buds peek out from the center of a blackened concave dish. The buds are protected by a brushed silver circular frame. Modern, organic, and very unique! Sterling silver, handmade, ode to nature. Rings are made to order – please specify your ring size upon ordering. Shop the full collection of Mushka Designs’ jewelry here.

About the designer:

Sarah Wilson’s handmade jewelry embodies an elegant simplicity inspired by nature.  Each piece is meticulously crafted using silver, gold, red brass, or bronze.  Sarah’s contemporary interpretation of organic forms and unique surface finishes are her signature.  With brushed silver, heat-treated brass, and luminous 14k gold, Sarah’s metallic creations are an ode to natural beauty – something that her customers relate to.  A woman who wears Mushka also appreciates personal expression, exquisite artistry, and quality craftsmanship. Read More…

To see other darling featured items click here.

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Mo

Lessons from a Tailor

by Mo on October 6, 2009

I love this video. My great grandmother came from Italy to the U.S. and made her living as  a seamstress in Hartford, CT, in a high-end ladies boutique. Ever since I met TrishDarling I have always loved to sit in her design studio and gaze at all the lovely fabric, excited to see what lovely garment she would whip up. I like to imagine that I met Trish, so I could experience, and be reminded of, what life was like in the studio my great-gram, Ernestina, went to everyday. Lots of hard work, full of inspiration, and full of community. I hope this video inspires you to go meet a local designer; maybe he or she can design you a piece that is completely unique and completely an original, just – for – you. cheers ~ MoDarling

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