Smashing Darling Blog

Fall doesn’t hit San Francisco in a barrage of colored leaves, crisp days and transitioning wardrobes, as it does in other cities around the country. But a recent visit to Brooklyn, where I strolled down the tree-lined streets of Park Slope and felt the imminence of pumpkin-carving parties just by breathing in the air, left me a little jealous. Okay, a lot jealous. Opaque stockings, heavy scarves and wool jackets may be impractical where I live, but I still want to get my autumn on, g’dammit.

Luckily, Smashing Darling has plenty of pieces to help me do just that. Doing it up fall-style in the City by the Bay could easily start with a funky twist on an outerwear basic, like Reif’s Mayfair Trench. Its structured shape is oh-so-slick, but the lightweight, water-resistant fabric is functional enough for the 60-something days and misty, fog-filled afternoons that come with our West Coast winters.

When the winds really pick up, I’d love to wrap myself in FiftySeven-ThirtyThree’s Anna May Wong Rebel Hoodie and take a stroll with my scrappy pitbull mix along the Pacific Coast to our favorite, dog-friendly hangout: Fort Funston.

Come nightfall, when the temperatures dip down, I’d don the Spiral Cloche with Ties by Naik Fur. What better way could there be to channel my inner Princess Leia while staying warm and protected from the elements?

Of course, there are plenty of warm, balmy days in San Francisco’s autumn months. Erika Hendrix’s High-Waisted Pencil Skirt in brown and camel jersey knit would travel throughout the season while satisfying my current craving for pencil skirts paired with blousey tops.

Next up, accessories. Because what is life without adornment? On weekends, I’d be happy to hit up the dive bar or a friend’s backyard barbecue with a beat up pair of boots, comfy jeans and belt cinched with the Cowgirl Diva Buckle by Urge to Adorn.

In the midst of such a politically charged season, it seems appropriate to don something that looks fabulous and supports a great cause, like Victorian San Francisco’s Support Proposition J Bracelet. A full 100 percent of the profit from this bracelet’s purchase goes to support a local San Francisco ballot initiative to preserve historic architecture.
And last but not least, I’d round out my San Francisco-friendly take on fall fashion with a warm, snuggly knit. While a cozy sweater might sit in the back of my closet until I make it to the Tahoe slopes, the Choco River Clutch by Peep Accessories offers just the right touch of warmth, but without the long-sleeved commitment.

Thanks, Smashing Darling, for helping me find a cure for my fall fashion-envy!

- Lorraine Sanders, Editor, SF Indie Fashion

Try as I might I just couldn’t bring myself to pick out a bunch of snuggly, cuddly woolly warm bits and pieces because down here in the Southern Hemisphere we’re just coming into spring and my thoughts are full of lemonade and sunshine.  Tights are banished, boots are relegated to the back of the cupboard, overcoats are out of sight and out of mind, and all I want is a go anywhere dress, some sandals and a shot of pure hot yellow to match the light of our fiercely burning sun.

The Luba dress (or oversized t-shirt if you’re a very tall sort of person) from CUT-IT-OUT is exactly the kind of throw it on and dash out the door piece which will take an Aussie mama like me from beach to playground to beer garden and back again without losing my cool.   I can hardly wait to wriggle my little flipper feet in the sand at my beloved Bondi beach, but that sand can get egg fryingly hot so a pair of yolk yellow sandals are downright essential - these ones from Ricardo Tovar are just the ticket to save me from fried feet in fine style.

When I’m out amongst the waves body bashing (that’s bodysurfing for all you non-Australian types)  a bikini can be a bit of a flight risk, but a one piece like this snappy Jerry Hall style crocodile swimsuit from Black Heart Bunny will keep me covered (and uncovered) in all the right places.   Having a toddler in tow means I rarely get to travel light, but when I get the chance to run off on my own for a few hours I like to take the smallest purse I can find - this yellow Garden Path clutch from Peep Accessories is small but perfectly formed - and that bunny will make my little boy smile too.

When the sky is a clear intense blue day after day it’s easy to forget that there could ever be a grey rainy day - but without those cloudy days the blue skies would never be so sweet. The Stone Cloud ring from Emily Watson is a smooth cool reminder to never take the sunshine for granted.  - Skye Cassidy editor of Skylark and Son

My personal effort to make my wardrobe more earth-friendly has always included independent designers; without them, we wouldn’t HAVE a “green” fashion movement, nor would we have the choices we do now of stylish, eco-friendly clothing & accessories.  But lately, I’ve been exploring more vintage options; “new” raw materials aren’t being used, to create them, so buying vintage is essentially fashionable recycling.  And since I’m not the greatest thrift-store shopper around, searching for vintage treasures online is my favorite way to shop.  I love that at Smashing Darling, I can shop from a few eco-friendly designers AND vintage sellers at the same place…so just for fun, here’s an outfit I put together:

fabulous reworked 50’s black swing dress
lovely vintage embroidered handbag
gorgeous vintage mother-of-pearl cuff from India
to “modernize” the outfit a little bit, a comfy bamboo/organic cotton wrap top by Sandmaiden

Don’t forget to pop over to Grechen’s Closet to see what she has to say today.

My dear girlfriend Michele is pregnant.  She also happens to be drop dead gorgeous but is having lots of days where she feels decidedly not gorgeous because she is pregnant. For all of us that have gone through the amazing/terrifying experience of pregnancy, we know how she feels…With your body changing rapidly and your emotions in turmoil it’s difficult to find clothes that you feel comfortable and stylish in.  Keeping this in mind, I wandered through all of the wonderful shops in Smashing Darling and chose some beautiful things for her that will keep her feeling and looking chic (both now and postpartum) and also help get her prepared for the new baby!

Who says you have to look frumpy when you’re pregnant? This gorgeous dress from Sandmaiden is so chic and because of it’s empire waist, it can be worn while pregnant and for years afterward.  The lovely grey Molly purse is nice and roomy so you could potentially stick a bottle and some diapers in it as well as your personal items.  I love pretty much anything that Dina Varano does but this beautiful bracelet looks stunning and comfortable and you could use your wrist as a rattle if you were desperate! The lotus earrings from stone soup are so simple and elegant and just short enough to avoid grabby little hands.  And we can’t forget cool baby gear…The Silbo designs blanket looks so soft and lets face it- it never hurts to start pushing music early right?  These cool t-shirts from Studio 119 are made to order with whatever name you wish and they are such a fun conversation piece!
To read more about Michele, and see more of my favorite Smashing Darling things for Mamas take a peek at my blog lusciousmetals.blogspot.com.

Stone soup lotus earrings
Sandmaiden chemise
Dina varano bracelet
Studio 119 motorcycle shirt
Silbo designs baby blanket
Molly purse

Last warm days of summer. Memories of warm evenings. Light materials and golden pastel shades. All items available from www.smashingdarling.com, your indie fashion webstore. - Outi of Outsapop Trashion

Shawl by Sandy May
One of a kind silk flower by hello, fabulous by k. hendrix
Dress floral chiffon by Laura Dawson
Chandelier Earrings by Victorian San Francisco
I love Outi’s Editors Picks! I am so sad that summer is winding down! You can see previous editor’s picks here. If you would like to be featured in the blog for editor’s picks email me trish@smashingdarling.com or leave me a comment for me on the blog.

As a die-hard trend sleuth, I try to resist getting too caught up in the patterns, the textures, and the glitz thrust upon me on a daily basis.  My own personal style generally calls for clean, sharp lines and simple detailing. Right now, I’m really into shapes—circles, squares, hexagons—primary/secondary colors, and modern silhouettes, so finding things I loved at Smashing Darling was a breeze.

The large round buttons and sharp pleats of the Kangaroo Pocket Pencil Skirt caught my attention immediately.  The deep circles and three dimensional effects of the Juneau Ring and Nerd Belt were so unique, they cried out, “You must own us!”  The Lady Maria Bag, with it’s exotic modern detailing and round handle, was a must-have item the second I saw it.  Similarly, the rugged exterior (offset by a smooth interior) of the recycled ‘Cactus Drop’ Conveyor Belt Earrings made them an instant favorite.  (Who would’ve thought?)

Now, you might be wondering about the Socialist Shoulder Tee given my ‘clean, sharp, and simple’ ways.  But it was such a kickback to the 80’s (one of the most awkward and fantastic times of my life) that I just couldn’t resist.  The Necktie Hat, with it’s simplistic mod appeal, seemed to finish off the outfit nicely.  And, who knows, maybe it would come in handy for those bad hair days (which I seem to suffer from on a regular basis these days). - Jill Trend De La Creme

I love it! and if you would like to be our featured Editor, for Editor’s Picks fridays email me trish(at)smashingdarling(dot)com Just do it, it’ll be fun!

I love dressing up and going to meetings in various locations. My favorite look is one that is totally casual and comfortable. I love mixing it up with solid colors and prints. As a rule, I love to keep my clothing basic and to bulk up on the accessories any time I opt to go casual. At heart, I am a T-shirt and yoga pant girl so I was so pleased to find some great pieces that I am definitely going to have to get to start adding to my closet. In addition, I would totally travel in this look as well as you need to be very comfortable when you even think about heading to the airport and waiting for flights that are destined to be delayed!

I love organic cotton and pants that allow you to move. I want something that allows me to hang out around the house while also being available for people to drop by and as I basically live on the beach at this point, we are always running out for a quick errand! This navy pant by Sandmaiden is something that could be an essential and I love that it comes in a number of fabulous colors; moreover, they ensure that there will be plenty of movement. I also love to pair my solids with a graphic and the Anouk Tee looks super comfortable and I love that there is an intricate and yet non distracting logo on the front and between the shoulder blades. I truly believe that people see you coming and going half the time so it’s nice to give them something to look at!

No matter how casual I may be, I always accessorize - this may come from me being a jewelry designer but in addition to wearing my own necklaces, my finger is never without a large cocktail ring. It is important for me to wear natural stones/gems and something that gives my hand a double take. Without a doubt the Merle Zsa Zsa Bling ring is wrapped and a great neutral that gets you noticed. In the realm of accessories I can’t skimp and I love that the Joan Shoulder Bag is perfect to wear when you’re hanging out. I can run out of the house, grab a latte or unexpectedly end up at an outdoor cafe and yet my bag with the rich caramel color still looks amazing with my lounging look. Sometimes the mornings get chilly and we are heading into that season so wearing a super cute hat like the Smurfette by Love, Anjia is the perfect way to stay in season as chilly mornings slowly become the norm. Whether it is the weekend or I have an opportunity to work from home, I feel that are many ways to rock the casual look without looking like you fell out of bed.
Kimmie Smith - Kitten Lounge

It’s early morning in late September, and I’m rushing off to get the boys to school and then onto business in Manhattan. After an hour of closet time the night before, I’ve figured out the perfect thing to wear. It’s all Indie fashions for me today. These pieces will intrigue even the über fashionistas of Seventh Avenue. They will, no doubt, be wondering “who are you wearing?”. These days it’s consider “JV” in the fashion world to only embrace the big designer labels. The real challenge is to discover the next “It” designer, and to wear pieces that people haven’t seen all over the streets. The Krelwear dress is enough to make me giddy. It’s light weight enough to last through the afternoon heat. Simply pop on an Anne De Pasquale hat to combat the September morning chill. Luckily, I’ve found a way to look chic and walk comfortably through the streets of Manhattan. I’ve chosen the perfect pair of Ricardo Tovar gladiators. Grab a Mi Mo hobo bag - big enough to carry all the day’s necessities. Top the outfit off with some beautiful jewelry. The Scorpienna’s Beadery earrings will bring out the pink in my cheeks in the most subtle way, while the Mushka Designs necklace will dance across my chest like the leaves of Fall on a breezy day. Lastly, I clasp on a Twist Style bracelet for added feminine detail. GASP! I’ve done it. I have found the middle ground between active mom, and fabulous entrepeneur. Thanks Smashing Darling! Jean Voute Pratt - Style Observer and Gift Girl

Center photo: KRELwear - V-neck waisted dress
Clockwise:
Anne de Pasquale - Kat’s Beret
Scorpienna’s Beadery - Rhodonite Flower Earrings
Mushka Design’s - Mod Petal Necklace - Brass
Twist Style - Freshwater Pearl and Semi Precious Bracelet with Antique Button
Ricardo Tovar - Black Patent Leather Gladiator
Mo Mo Handbags - Cari 903A Brown

Contact me if you would like to try your hand at being the next Editor for the day with our Editor’s Picks. We love to link to other blogs and sites, so it is a great way to get something out there that you want to promote! email me trish(at)smashingdarling(dot)com. Keep checking in…tomorrow we have the weekly Scavenger Hunt. Play along and you could win a fabulous Student Smash Up!

So, a few weeks ago I was supposed to go to a party in a castle. A pretty much almost real castle in Hollywood for a birthday of a friend of a friend. Now, due to a combo of Mercury doing it’s retrograde dance, a sneaky twist of fate that led to a pretty amazing weekend just a few weeks later, and the bummer of last minute changes in plans, I didn’t get to go to that party. However, the wardrobe question was already twirling about in my mind. So, I chose Smashing Darling items that remind me of what I would wear if I was knee deep in a Francesca Lia Block princess fairy tale with that modern, eclectic beauty in the glam sham of LA kind of story. Sometimes its nice to just give in to your inner romantic. - Crosby

Clockwise from the top:
Bra and Flutter Panty - Sandmaiden
The Hunter Cuff - Nothing Simple
Vintage Choker - hello, fabulous by K. Hendrix
White Lace up - lingerie du pied
The Art Of Manipulation - Naik Fur
Sugar Skull Barrettes - Madame Maxine’s Rockabilly Rags & Bags
Babydoll Cupcake Cocktail Dress - love, anjia

You can also see Crosby w/ her BFF showing us ‘How They Wear Their Indie‘. Don’t forget to check out her blog PR Couture too.

Let me know if you would like to have some fun putting a look together for our weekly editor’s pick. email me trish at smashingdarling dot com. Thanks!

One of the easiest, most budget-friendly ways to cheer up your wardrobe is with accessories - in particular, jewelry. Even a dressed down jeans-and-cute-tee looks spicy instead of drab by adding an eyecatching piece or two. Here are five rockin’ handmade rings from SmashingDarling.com crafted by some of the most talented indie designers on the market who combine unusual materials like silver with resin or concrete, and - like fashion magpies - give new life to the likes of vintage ball buttons and cut colored glass:

1. Berry beaded cocktail ring by Lucky Accessories
2. go robot! Vancouver ring
3. Anne Maa Designs sterling Triangle ring
4. Manic Trout Poison Ivy Button ring
5. unisex Katy concrete ring by Tam Aura

- Lesley Scott