Author Archives: Ruthie B.

A Passion for the Sea: Introducing The Sperry Top-Sider Watch Collection

Since the invention of the first performance boat shoe in 1935, Sperry Top-Sider has been known for high-quality craftsmanship and preppy style. Shoesaccessories  and men’s apparel have established the brand in the world of modern seafaring-style. Now, Sperry applies its passion for the ocean to a new line of vintage-inspired watches for men and women.

Taking a cue from boat shoes and the dashboard gauges of vintage motor boats, performance meets style in Sperry Top-Sider watches. Our two favorites are the men’s Navigator and the women’s Hayden.

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The Men’s Navigator
Imbued with the spirit of the ever-popular men’s Authentic Original Boat Shoes, the men’s Navigator features a vintage nautical compass-style case and contrasting orange bezel and accents. A stainless steel bracelet provides durability and versatility.

The Women’s Hayden
Perfect for everyday wear, the preppy women’s Hayden features a rope texture tension ring reminiscent of boating and the sea. Rose goldtone and silvertone stainless steel create a modern classic.

What is your favorite seafaring style? Tell us in the comments.

Shop all Sperry Top-Sider watches here.

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Estee Lauder and Lilly Pulitzer Spring Gift With Purchase

Welcome spring with two style icons — Estee Lauder and Lilly Pulitzer. Limited edition gifts with purchase bring together the Lilly Pulitzer Frosty Floral cosmetic bag and Estee Lauder best sellers.

Now through March 1 (or while supplies last) with any Estee Lauder purchase of $35, choose either the Resilience Lift Creme or DayWear Creme (gift size). Then, choose the Subtle or Bold eyeshadow and lipstick shades.

Deluxe Size Moisturizer Choices:

  • Resilience Lift Firming/Sculpting Face and Neck Creme SPF 15
  • DayWear Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Creme SPF 15

Lip & Eye Shade Choices:

  • Subtle: Pure Color Crystal lipstick in Pink Parfait and Pure Color eyeshadow quad in Wild Truffle, Tranquil Moon, Tempting Mocha and Ivory Slipper
  • Bold: Pure Color Crystal lipstick in Rose Petal and Pure Color eyeshadow quad in Sugar Cube, Amazing Grey, Amethyst Spark and Lavish Mink

All Gifts Include:

  • Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex, deluxe travel size
  • Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara in Extreme Black, 10-day supply
  • Estee Lauder Sensuous Nude Body Veil, deluxe travel size
  • Exclusive Cosmetic Bag featuring an original Lilly Pulitzer print in Frosty Floral

020913blog_estee_gwpBut that’s not all — get more with the Pure Color Lip & Nail Travel Set available with any $70 Estee Lauder purchase.

Get More Bonus includes:

  • Pure Color lipstick in Rubellite
  • Dual-Ended Pure Color gloss in Mod Poppy and Shocking Pink
  • Pure Color nail lacquer in Berry Hot
  • Exclusive “Lilly” nail file

Need shopping inspiration? Shop all Estee Lauder here.

Will you choose the Subtle or the Bold palette? Let us know in the comments.

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Spring Sneak Peek: Chambray Shirts

Soft, durable and versatile, chambray is one of our favorite borrowed-from-the-boys fabrics. Inspired by vintage U.S. Navy workshirts, chambray is here to stay.

Not to be confused with denim, chambray is a softer, lighter-weight choice with an authentic faded and sun-kissed look. The ultimate season-spanning fabric, these qualities make it easy to pair with a variety of colors and styles.

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The flared sleeves of this Chelsea & Violet blouse add a touch of boho chic to the everyday. Pair it with this lace pencil skirt from Chelsea & Violet for a fun, casual daytime look. Continue the chambray look to your toes with the smokey blue Fossil Maddox flats. Pull it all together with the coordinating tomato Key-Per shopper tote from Fossil. Add coral and chambray to your beauty routine with Uber pink lip color from Bobbi Brown and Bossy Boots nail lacquer from butter LONDON.

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Contrast stitching and a zipper chest pocket add modern flair to this chambray shirt from Jones New York Signature.  Pair it with dark denim like these NYDJ bootcut jeans  to continue the chic take on head-to-toe denim. For a bold punch of color, add this fuchsia Diane tote bag from Gianni Bini. Create a little flair with the dot heart & bow drop earrings from Betsey Johnson and the Join Me wedge sandal from Chinese Laundry in royal blue.

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Fading lends a vintage feel to the Lucy chambray shirt from Cremieux while a mandarin collar adds a stylish twist. Kick start a shopping adventure with it as a jacket over the Lina striped dress from Cremieux,  canvas Champion slip-on shoes from Keds and the Sunset African opal statement necklace from Barse.  Keep your essentials close at hand with the MICHAEL Michael Kors Charlton cross-body bag in vanilla. Be certain you are fashionably on time with this chronograph watch from Michael Kors.

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If you like the look of chambray, but prefer a darker wash, you’ll love this button-front shirt from KUT from the Kloth. The darker chambray pairs well with colored denim, like these beach-inspired Sofia coral jeans from Lucky Brand Jeans. Signature drop earrings from T Tahari and the Oil Rub Barcelona saddle bag from Patricia Nash coordinate with the buttons of your shirt, while the Moran wedges from Lucky Brand give you tribal flair.

What’s your favorite way to wear chambray? Tell us about it in the comments.

Shop all women’s chambray here.

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Head-to-Toe Holiday Looks

The holiday season brings plenty of opportunities to show off your personal style. This is your chance to dazzle! We’ve put together some head-to-toe looks to get you party and event-ready.

The Dress: Metallic gold polka dots dance across a black ground, giving this A-line dress from Vince Camuto a luxe look. The pleated skirt flatters most figures while the short length appeals to your flirty, fun side.

The Rest: Play up the metallic shine of this dress with the sophisticated goldtone pave drop earrings from Vince Camuto. Go sky-high with these Dyvine T-strap platform pumps from Steve Madden that visually lengthen your legs. Smooth any figure flaws with Tight-End shaping tights from Spanx and comfortably shape and slim  your tummy, hips, thighs and rear.

Add some starlet glamour to your look with the powder pearl eye trio from Bobbi Brown. As the night goes on, add a little coverage with a coordinating Vince Camuto feather caplet with red carpet-worthy black faux feathers.

Shop the look: Vince Camuto A-line Dress, Vince Camuto Goldtone Pave Drop Earrings, Steve Madden Dyvine T-strap Platform Pumps, Spanx Tight-End Shaping Tights, Bobbi Brown Powder Pearl Eye Trio and Vince Camuto Feather Caplet.

The Dress: This JS Boutique dress outshines the Christmas lights at the office cocktail party with dazzling sequins.  Royal blue glitters with every step, mimicking the beauty of a starry night sky.

The Rest: Old friends silver and blue meet when you wear these Julie pumps from Gianni Bini with allover glitter. Continue the theme with deco-inspired blue and silver drop earrings from Cezanne.

Emphasize eyes with the help of MAC’s Fluidline gel liner, Lancome’s Definicils Precious Cells High Definition Amplifying Mascara and Bobbi Brown’s Caviar & Oyster shadow collection.

Shop the Look: JS Boutique Dress, Gianni Bini Julie Pumps, Cezanne Drop Earrings, MAC Fluidline Gel LinerLancome Definicils Precious Cells High Definition Amplifying Mascara and Bobbi Brown Caviar & Oyster Shadow Collection.

The Dress: Lustrous floral beading and chiffon combine to create this resplendent gown from Adrianna Papell. A one-shoulder silhouette creates drama, while a draped sleeve adds timeless grace. The long, slightly flared skirt mirrors classic movie star elegance.

The Rest: Glisten down to the floor with these jewel sandals from Gianni Bini with rhinestone accents. Keep the silver sparkle going with Nadri crystal teardrop earrings.

Start the night off right with a glowing face to match your dress with MAC Prep + Prime Skin lotion.  Color Design Infinite 24-Hour Longwear Eye Shadow from Lancome gives you shimmering eyes without the worry of turning into a pumpkin at midnight. This luminous color stays true for 24 hours without creasing. Play up your pout with vibrant color from Dior with this Limited Edition Diorific lipstick — it even comes in a luxe vintage-inspired gold case.

Shop the Look: Adrianna Papell Gown, Gianni Bini Jewel Sandals, Nadri Crystal Teardrop Earrings, MAC Prep+ Prime Skin Lotion, Lancome Color Design Infinite 24-Hour Longwear Eye Shadow and Dior Limited Edition Diorific Lipstick.

The Tunic: Not all holiday events require a fancy dress and heels. For these occasions, you’ll want to look your best in casual style. This vibrant, cozy Eileen Fisher cowlneck tunic in rich terra cotta pairs perfectly with the sleek and modern NYDJ Janice Jeggings in black.

The Rest: A row of studs evoke edgy shimmer on these equestrian-inspired Billie boots from Arturo Chiang. Just as sequins and beads enchant on an ornate dress, these studs complete the casual look with style.

Your face will stay flawless all day with Double Wear Stay-in-Place makeup from Estee Lauder. Its lightweight and comfortable formula stays fresh and looks natural through heat, humidity and nonstop activity. Add a pop of color with the high shine of Origins Liquid Lip Color and high-potency hues of the Limited Edition Fade Resistant Gloss Shine nail polish from Lancome Vernis in Love.

Shop the Look: Eileen Fisher Cowlneck Tunic, NYDJ Janice Jeggings, Arturo Chiang Billie Boots, Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup, Origins Liquid Lip Color and Lancome Vernis in Love Limited Edition Fade Resistant Gloss Shine Nail Polish.

What is your favorite holiday look?

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Dillard’s Exclusive Interview With Code Bleu Designer Roxanne Weippert

Code Bleu offers a variety of women’s denim jeans, shorts, skirts and jackets. Read our recent interview with this top-rated brand’s designer, Roxanne Weippert , who shared what the motto “live by your own code, made for real women by real women” means, and what’s coming for fall.

Q: What does “live by your own code, made for real women by women” mean to you as the designer of the brand?
A: To me this phrase says, wear what makes you feel good about yourself and know that it was designed with you in mind. When I design the Code Bleu line, I always think about whether it is A — something I would want to wear and B — whether it will flatter my customers’ body.

Q: What fit do you recommend for someone who does not want a bootcut, but would like a slim leg without it being too skinny?
A: I would recommend our Marielle straight-leg. It has the same great upper body block of our Annette Boot and Aimee Skinny, but is more of “slim” straight than a true straight. The Gwen is a true straight-leg jean, with a relaxed knee while the Marielle has a more fitted knee and slimmer leg opening.

Q: What does the “tummy” slimming technology do in the Gwen fit?
A: The lockstitch pattern (that you see on the inside) helps to reinforce our rigid cotton pocketing, which is what “sucks you in” when combined with our comfortable stretch denim.

Q: What is your favorite fit?
A: I wear the Aimee Skinny because I find the super-stretch fabrics to be the most comfortable and with fall coming I like to wear a pant I can tuck into my boots.

Q: What do we have to look forward to with Code Bleu?
A: New colors and more prints! New fits — like our new Veronique Butt-Shaper for the upcoming holiday season.

Shop all Code Bleu here.

Do you have a favorite Code Bleu item?

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Dillard’s Exclusive Interview with Joe’s Jeans Founder & Creative Director Joe Dahan

A legend in the modern fashion world, Joe Dahan launched Joe’s Jeans in 2001. His innovative designs pioneered the idea of body-specific fits. He remains the creative director for the company, responsible for the design, development and marketing of the brand.

Learn more about the man and his famous denim line.

Q: Who is the Joe’s Jeans woman?
A: The Joe’s woman cannot be defined or placed into an individual genre. She embodies a casual chic lifestyle, but her personality does not fit into one specific mold.

Q: Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?
A: Among other things our collection is inspired by our surroundings — the places we go, someone we spot on the street, a friend or maybe even a blogger with a unique sense of style.

Q: Who or what are your major influences?
A: Art in any form whether it be music or architecture — it provides inspiration for our various collections each season.

Q: What do you feel you bring to the industry?
A: Since we started we have been known as the go-to brand for body-specific fits. Even today we are constantly developing new fits and silhouettes and working with innovative fabrics, washes and techniques to ensure we are continually bringing our customers not only the best fits but also our take on the latest fashion trends.

Q: What is your favorite step in the design process?
A: I love being hands-on and working on a variety of projects from designing the next collection to looking at the design of a new retail store to brainstorming on the next ad campaign. No two seasons are the same. The natural momentum and evolution of the creative process keeps me intrigued.

Q: Did you attend school for clothing design or are you self-taught?
A: Self-taught. I started in the business very young.

Q: How did you decide you wanted to design denim?
A: I started Joe’s in 2001. At the time, there weren’t any premium denim brands in the market and my vision was to create a line that would bridge the gap between fashion and denim.

Q: How do you choose your colors for a season?
A: It starts with our overall inspiration for the season — not just in terms of color palettes, bodies and fabrics but what we see here in L.A. and on our trips. Music, art and street style are big influences.

Q: The Joe’s Jeans pocket stitch is iconic. How did you end up with that design?
A: Our pocket design is very minimalistic — we’ve named it the Moon Eclipse. We use our signature tiny needle arch along with a Joe’s logo.

Q: What’s the ultimate message you want to get across through your designs?
A: We believe the most important aspect of our designs is that women wearing them feel comfortable, confident and sexy. Even a little more daring and provocative, if you will.

Q: Which pair of jeans should no woman be without?
A: The Skinny Jean.  The iconic skinny is definitely not a trend — it is a wardrobe staple that is here to stay.

Shop all Joe’s Jeans here.

What pair of Joe’s can’t you live without?

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Boy Meets Girl: Herringbone Patterns

This season, women’s fashion is all about boy meets girl. Traditional patterns put a menswear spin on ladylike silhouettes.

Named for the shape of the herring’s backbone, the herringbone pattern is made up of short, slanted parallel lines that create a broken chevron-like shape. Herringbone patterns are found in brickwork, tile and textiles and are traditionally associated with wool menswear.

This season, shake up the expected with a feminine take on this classic pattern.

1. Antonio Melani Elvin herringbone jacket and Maxine herringbone wide-leg pants: An updated take on the traditional herringbone suit, the Elvin jacket features a kissing front and curve-hugging fit that couples well with the flattering wide-leg silhouette of the Maxine pants.

2. Preston & York Cecile dress: Camel herringbone and espresso colorblocking create a trend-loving look. An inset waist features shiny goldtone hardware.

3. Antonio Melani Caleigh dress: This dress features black and white herringbone with a face-framing cowlneck. A banded waist with button details slims your figure.

4. Vince Camuto suede and tweed dress: One of our favorite feminine takes on this classic pattern, this dress has a curve-hugging silhouette and real brown suede piecing in all the right places.

Shop herringbone women’s apparel here.

What is your favorite take on the menswear trend?

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Whimsical Animal Motifs Channel Nostalgic Charm

What do owls, peacocks and wolves have in common? They’re all part of a women’s fashion trend that features whimsical animal prints on tops and sweaters. Create a look around your favorite animal with these fun, nostalgic pieces. For a casual look, couple these fanciful prints with leggings or with a pencil skirt for a polished look with personality.

Designs featuring owls are some of the most popular to crop up as part of this motif. One of our favorites is this quirky owl sweater from Kensie.  A friendly owl peeks out from the front of the top, while elbow patches add sophistication. This owl-print tee from Chelsea & Violet flaunts vintage charm while flattering your figure with ruched sides. This tunic tee from Chelsea & Violet gives you a different take on the trend with owls creating horizontal stripes — one owl stands out in metallic gold.

Peacocks and feathers are another popular theme. The Liza tee from Lucky Brand Jeans flaunts a peacock print adorned with metallic studs, giving you a touch of bling. An eye-catching blue peacock print adorns this black thermal top from Lucy Brand Jeans. Colorblock birds brighten the classic Melbourne sweater from French Connection. Blues, browns and creams stand out against the black background, with one bird turned to look outward.

Wolves have long been thought of as mystical, majestic creatures. Flaunt your love for these noble animals with this wolf-print tee from Chelsea & Violet. An asymmetric hem creates a chic silhouette.

Check out all of our animal motif items here.

What animal motif is your favorite?

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Borrowed From the Boys: Update Your Wardrobe With Houndstooth

What do hounds and their teeth have to do with clothing? Theories differ on how or when this distinctive broken-check pattern got its name, but most agree that it’s called houndstooth because the shape of the check mimics the shape of a dog’s jagged back teeth.

Classically houndstooth was made of alternating bands of black and white threads. Some historians believe that the pattern originated in Scotland and gained popularity because it was considered a neutral plaid — one not claimed by any particular clan — and thus okay to wear at meetings between warring clans or social events.

Regardless of its origin, women’s fashion has been borrowing this pattern from the boys long enough for it to become a wardrobe staple. This season, houndstooth is making a resurgence with updated colors and silhouettes.

1. Vince Camuto Tie-Neck Houndstooth Dress: Boy meets girl in a large white/black houndstooth print complete with a bow at the neckline and a flirty A-line skirt.

2. AK Anne Klein Houndstooth Dress: The classic check gets an update with bold spice and cappuccino in place of traditional black and white. If you prefer the classic colors, this dress also comes in black and sugar.

3. Antonio Melani Leonardi Belted Houndstooth Dress: This dress takes it a step further with a colorful navy and juice check. Short flutter sleeves and a flowing skirt continue the ladylike appeal.

4. Lauren Ralph Lauren Wool Houndstooth Pencil Skirt: Traditional black and white couples with faux-leather trim and equestrian details for a mod take on this timeless look.

5. RD Style Long-Sleeve Blouse: Sheer houndstooth is framed with bold black trim and oversized black cuffs for a dramatic, yet feminine look.

Shop all of our women’s houndstooth here.

What’s your favorite take on houndstooth?

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Crazy About Cobalt

This season is all about living life in full color. The hottest hue popping up everywhere from dresses to jeans: Cobalt blue.

Eye-popping and vivacious, it’s easy to make a statement with this bold blue — just add one piece to any outfit and voila! you have a chic look.

1. Gianni Bini Miller Ponte Swing Dress: Bright cobalt pairs with structured ponte knit for a swingy silhouette. Decorative seams at the neckline and bodice create a glam vision while an exposed back zipper keeps the look mod.

2. Vince Camuto Colorblock Blouse: Cobalt, black and white panels mix for high-impact contrast and combine with a hi-low hem for extra coverage. A keyhole opening at the back plays peek-a-boo.

3. Chelsea & Violet Colored Denim Skinny Jeans: These stretchy jeans are a jewel in cobalt. Make a dramatic entrance in rich, bold color.

4. Gianni Bini Kitty Peplum Skirt: The infusion of cobalt makes this figure-flattering peplum silhouette pop.

5. I.N. Studio Jacket With Roll-Tab Sleeves: Add a burst of color to everyday work looks with this boxy cobalt jacket with faux-leather trim.

Shop cobalt women’s clothing here.

How will you add cobalt to your fall wardrobe?

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