You know the bulk of my posts highlight unique, independent and up and coming fashion designers. Every now and then some of the major brands deserve a little bit of attention. Especially when what they’re pushing is fun and doesn’t cost a dime. Jumping on the whole DIY hand-bag thing (like I’m really going to spend $975 on a Fendi bag I have to color-in myself), Hermes has a playful interpretation of craze on their website. Just go to their home page and click the little cut-out-purse icon and you’re on your way to a PDF download pattern of their classic Kelly bag. From there, let the creativity begin!

If any of you actually do this (ahh to have free time on my hands) be sure to send me pictures of the final product!

Thanks to Coquette for the heads-up!

TGIF. Seriously. I’m in desperate need of some R&R. Last night at Girl’s Night Out the wine and lemonade cocktails were flowing… all I really wanted was a massage, but the line was literally out the door. I figured the stress it would have caused me to wait in line would negate the whole purpose of the massage… better just to fork over the money and not have to deal with it, you know? Anyway, the scene was full of “look-at-me” ladies, scrambling to snatch up bargains from the various vendors there. Fun times!

Today’s featured designer is Katherine Pont, of Mine, London. I love her ability to do feminine with a twist of tomboy! Katherine takes a holistic approach to design as each collection is composed with a story in mind which unfolds as the collection takes shape.Everything down to the naming of each individual garment is considered in this process. It is this fairytale sense of creation coupled with Katherine’s hand drawn embroidery and print embellishments that give her line it’s signature style. The Mine aesthetic is sophisticated with a playful spirit… it has distinctively vintage feel coupled with a cool modern interpretation.

Stop by her site, check out collections, and be sure to check out Katherine’s MySpace page as well!

Did any of you catch the C’s and Cav’s last night?? What a game! I’m so excited for the C’s success this year. . . but I have to admit it was hard seeing Big Ben and King James lose like that! Speaking of losses, isn’t about time for Hil Hil to throw in the towel?? Okay, I”m done with the personal commentary for today. . . on to fashion.

Doie was “born from the idea that it is possible to be stylish and comfortable while still helping the environment.” All of designer Sara Kirsner’s clothes are made with a combo of bamboo jersey (super-soft, breathable, and earth friendly) and silk. Doie’s luxurious creations are comfy enough for lounging around on the weekends and sleek enough to carry you into the night. The cutest part, is that Sara named the collection after her grandmother who, well into her eighties, is still a style icon! How cute! All of her pieces are made locally in NYC and can be purchased at various online boutiques like Nimli and The Öko Box.

Another Super-Tuesday… without getting too political (check out Wonkette for that sort of thing), lets just say I’ll be glad when this whole thing is over. That being said, when all is said and done, I hope our girl Hillary takes a seat. I’m definitely for Obama.

Anyway, speaking of super-things, be sure to check out Supermandolini. Founded by two graphic designers from Thessaloniki, Greece, Supermandolini is a culmination of their love and passion for design. It started with a range of t-shirts and has branched out into a great collection of handmade goodies like necklaces, earrings, and a limited number of posters and canvasses. Each product on their site is designed from start to finish by Supermandolini and is sold exclusively on their website, (that way we they ensure that each product receives the personal touch and character that distinguishes their products from the rest!). I love their necklaces!

For those of you who have been commenting, I finally fixed the comments box so it fits my template. I’ve been teaching myself CSS which is actually more intuitive than HTML, but the comments box thing really threw me for a loop. Anyway its all fixed, so comment away!

I actually have the day off because my crazy (and I mean that in the endearing sense) friend from college is getting married. She’s the one in the “about” section who has climbed Mt. Everest several times. She loooves Nepal and it’s only fitting that I post about a great online boutique, Uttam Direct.

The brand was founded over 10 years ago by Uttam, who in 1994 began selling knitwear from his home country of Nepal, in London’s popular Camden Market. Uttam’s hand-made goods, constructed with vibrant colours, hand-stitched embroidery, and creative embellishments, gained local and international popularity. The continuing growth and success of the brand led to the development of the Uttam Direct website, and the launch of the stylish new Yumi brand.
Inspired by the East, Uttam Direct’s designs embrace the traditions and beauty of Nepal, India, and Japan. The site only sell clothes by Uttam and Yumi, whose styles are created by a design team renowned for using techniques such as patchwork, tie-dye, appliqué, hand-stitched beading and embroidery, and printed knitwear, chiffons, and silks. The collections are developed carefully – often involving several sample stages until the design is perfected.

You’ll love their colorful designs (you guessed it) just in time for summer!

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My inbox is still flooded with contest entries!! The chance to win Star50’s bag-a-kini will be open until March 12, so keep the entries coming!

I’ve written about Naketano in the past because I absolutely love the brand. I wear my Lari Grey Multi all the time… it’s seriously the most comfortable sweatshirt ever (plus I always get tons of compliments whenever I wear it). Anyway, Christina and Jozo are always great about updating us with their latest collections. This time they wanted you to be the first to know about their their new spring/summer collection (I got the e-mail a while ago, sorry I’m just posting about it now!) Anyway, I’m sure you’re going to adore their new line as much as I do. I especially love their dresses and tank tops!
From the site:
“In the eyes of Nicole Christensen, Naketano´s head designer, a fashion designer receives ultimate accolade when a piece of clothing becomes a favourite piece. When one buys and wears other garments solely to combine them with the one, the favourite piece. Whoever craves to wear one item constantly (if possible or hygienically bearable), on any occasion and in all possible and impossible combinations, awards that item´s designer to the max and, at the same time, defines the benchmark Naketano perpetually aims to reach.” Nicole has certainly achieved this benchmark with me! Definitely an Urban Socialite obsession!