Macon Me Crazy

Old School Denim Sewing Machine used at Raleigh Denim
Photo via Eco- Chick

This past Tuesday I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to visit The Curatory, the retail space of up and coming brand Raleigh Denim. I was there for personal and professional reasons and on both fronts it was an amazing trip.

Currently Raleigh Denim, founded by Sarah and Victor Lytvinenko, produces a limited run of a small, but compelling selection of men's and women's fits in a handful of washes. The line is currently available at Barney's and select small boutiques throughout the country. One of the many things that sets Raleigh denim apart from other premium denim brands is that each pair is made by hand in the production space attached to the Curatory. The fabric is sourced just miles away from Cone Denim Mills, the premier denim mill in America. Attention to detail and respect for craft is the hallmark of Raleigh Denim and their well appointed store front serves as the perfect backdrop. Below are couple pics I snapped of the amazing space that houses the full assortment of Raleigh Denim as well as complimentary pieces from other indie brands.

 

Upon my arrival I was greeted by John Webb who handles sales for North America and Japan, among other things. He recently relocated for San Fran to NC to take on this new gig so we chatted a bit about the fashion scene in the Bay and then we got down to the business of trying on jeans. John, acting as my personal stylist and tour guide, set me up in a fitting room with the 2 women's fits that Raleigh Denim is currently producing.

First was the Union, a classic dark rise boot cut which I loved, but it was the Macon Straight Fit that stole my heart. I normally have an extremely hard time finding denim that fits so the fact that these fit like a glove was super exciting. Even better was the fact that they come in fun colors like Slate, a nice grey, and the amazingly cool white wash pictured below. I ended up purchasing the Macon in Peacock, a beautiful tealy- blue. To top it all off John even hemmed my jeans to the perfect length on the spot!

Can you say AMAZING customer service!

The Union Fit

The Macon Fit

My Peacock Macons ready to be hemmed

I am definitely a Raleigh Denim fan and I can't wait to add the Macon in white to my wardrobe. I would like to say a super big thanks to John and Victor for showing me such a good time.

If you are ever in the Raleigh area the Curatory is a must see. You will leave with a new found appreciation for quality jeans and most likely with a pair of your own Raleigh Denim! 

Orange Crush

I am back in the Bay and I miss home, my family, and the warm southern weather already. I didn't pack a lot of clothes for my trip so I borrowed  this dress from my sister because it was just way to hot for pants or anything clingy. I love the color. It put me in an instantly good mood!

Backyard Basics in the Blazing Heat

NC is known for heat and humidity so today I kept my outfit pretty basic- Gap shorts, Artizia Tee, and not much else. Spent some time in the shaded part of our yard enjoying the warmth and outdoor space. It was so quiet and peaceful- a welcome departure from the constant hustle and bustle of Oakland.

No Place Like Home

I'm back in North Carolina for a few days to visit family and take care of some business. 

Those that live far away from home, like I do, can create a sense of home away from home with these fun state pillow from etsy designer lovecalifornia.The pillows are made to order so you can specify the color you want and where the heart should go and in about 10 days or so you will be the proud owner of a custom reminder of home.

Photo via etsy.com

Blogger Meet-up: Better Late Than Never

Outfit: Assorted Rings and Bracelets, Banana Republic Black Maxi Skirt, Gap Sweater, Chanel Glasses, Vintage Gucci Purse, Vans Sneakers

I'm totally making a goofy face in this picture, but big shout out to Brittany of Work It, Berk for the photo love. She snapped this shot weeks ago at a Bay Area Blogger Event. The event, organized by Jessica Wong of Stylepint, was held at Andalu in San Francisco. It was pretty fun and I got to meet some awesome peeps like Michelle and Tiffany of Women Enough , an amazing grass roots organization for women, by women, and about women.

I also had a great time chatting it up with Elisabeth of mission:closet and Monica of Sneak Peeq.

Here are some close up shots of the jewelry I wore that day



Armor Ring




Tiffany's 1837 Ring, Made Her Think Talon Ring, Assorted Bracelets



5 Ways Dance Influences My Life and Style

Performing my own choreography at Duke University in 2008

Maybe it was the google homage to dance icon Martha Graham on what would have been her 117th birthday or the article about ABT soloist Misty Copeland in the New York Times  or maybe it was my friend Phaedra getting back into dance and musical theater after years away.

I'm not exactly sure, but after a self imposed year hiatus I find myself feeling like I did when I was a kid, dying to be in in the dance studio. Ready to stretch my body and more importantly my mind.



L: Me taking a break at the barre during a college dance class,
R: My first performance in San Fran

I started dancing when I was four and never looked back. I spent the bulk of my elementary and high school years in a dance studio or on a stage perfecting my craft. Although I took a slight detour for college I always maintained my goal of someday becoming a professional dancer.

I was lucky enough to get my first professional gig right out of college and for a couple years dancing was my primary line of work.

Some may wonder what exactly this has to do with fashion and style and I agree the link is not necessarily the most obvious, but for me the influence of dance on my personal style has been quite important.

Top 5 ways dance has influenced my life and style

#5-Ballet Flats are a girls best friend
I am obsessed with ballet flats. I own numerous pairs in almost ever possible incarnation and color. One would be hard pressed to find me out during the day in something else. They are the perfect shoe for running errands and side walk dance offs, should the need arise.

#4-Long live leggings
I know the trend has kind of died, but these comfy leg coverings will always be in regular rotation for me. While black ones are always a surefire win colorful ones are a great way to incorporate the ubiquitous spring 2011 trend of bold color.

#3-You only have one body, treat it well
Self loathing has become way too popular these days and I am really kind of over it. Suffering or hurting your body in the name of fashion is played out. Every one of us was given a body that is unique and special. It is about time we start treating our bodies that way. Who cares if years of  developing amazingly strong thigh muscles doing grand plies (a more graceful version of a deep squat for non- dancers) means skinny jeans are not my thing- Flares are back in style anyways!

#2-Individual style- never duplicated, but always admired
Josephine Baker is one of my dance and style icons. What I admire most about her is that she turned what was seen in her day as a negative ( the color of her skin and lack of formal dance training) into a positive. In the 1920's she took Europe by storm with her individual looks, voice, and dancing and along the way helped to break the color barrier and became a fashion icon. There hasn't really been anyone like her since. Her style and story was incredibly influential this season. Check out Prada's spring 2011collection for proof.

#1 Express yourself
Blogging, dancing, even getting dressed in the morning are all amazing creative outlets for me. Some days I thank my lucky stars that a regular gal like me is fortunate enough to be able to share what makes me special with the rest of the world!


L: Pointe Shoes,
 R: My first pair of designer shoes were "pointe" inspired Gucci Heels



Crazy for Cobalt

Bracelet by Max and Chloe, Striped Purse by DVF, Sunglasses by American Apparel, Striped Tote by Fendi, Watch by KR3W,  Foldover Clutch by Clare Vivier, Ring by Rachel Roy, Striped Espadrille by Kate Spade

I am completely smitten with all of the cobalt, azure, and royal blue accessories out this summer. Blue hued accessories paired with rich neutrals and crisp creme and white are the perfect way to create a summer look that will sizzle!

Photos via Shopstyle and seevivier.com

Food Feature: American Grilled Cheese Kitchen

Some co-workers and I decided to get out of the office today for lunch and went for sandwiches at the American Grilled Cheese Kitchen in Soma. I had driven by the restaurants several times and heard good reviews so I was super excited to check it out for myself. I love grilled cheese!

The line at lunch was a little off the hook, but the yummy salad and sandwich was well worth the half hour wait. There were several options on the menu that looked appetizing like the Moscone (fresh mozzarella, fontina, roasted tomatoes, basil-lavender pesto, and kalamata olive tapendae) and Mushroom Gruyere, but I decided to go for the Mousetrap made with cheddar, creamy havarti, and monterey jack on sour dough.

It was great and I definitely would go back again!

Sneak Peek: Fruity Fun

I love clothing and shoes that have a sense of humor because it is hard to be in a bad mood when your outfit is having fun! These watermelon Vans are a blast to wear and are always a conversation starter. I copped them about two summers ago. Definitely money well spent because they always make me smile!

Measure Up?

Your style surely will in these unique Christian Louboutins. 
I love them!!
Photo via Neiman Marcus

Brace Yourself

I have been lusting over this Alexis Bittar cuff bracelet since I saw it in the February issues of Elle and Bazaar. As luck would have it Alexis Bittar recently opened up a new boutique in San Francisco on Fillmore Street and yesterday I decided to go check out the store to see what they had to offer.

I spotted the bracelet as soon as I stepped into the store which totally made my day. Apparently a limited number had just arrived. They also had a lavender version, but this orangey-red color was the right one for me.  According to the store manager people have been calling in for months trying to track it down, so I am totally stoked that I got my hands on one.

The color and shape of the bracelet are so unique and I am super excited for the new addition to my summer wardrobe!

Retail Math # 3: Much like Michael (Kors that is)

Lately I am all about slouchy, relaxed looks and Michael Kors Spring 2011 runway was all about easy, breezy American style. I'd love to rock this Kors inspired look for a weekend escapade in the city or while strolling along at an outdoor mall or flea market on a sunny day.

My favorite part of this look is that the lax-ness of the easy, knit top and full skirt are balanced by the rich, earthy-luxe texture and color of the accessories.  



Items from L-R: JCrew Whisper Linen Boatneck, Dooney and Bourke Crossbody Satchel, Zara Long Skirt, Ralph Lauren Brown Embossed Belt, Ecote Platform Crisscross Sandal