Little Birdie Newsletter
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Welcome to the Jean Pool
Fall 2010 is saying bye-bye to basic denim. This season you will see embellishments and washes that take jeans from fashion staple to fashion statement. We know that with all of the colors, washes, bells, and whistles, you'll find something that suits your style!
The London-based brand MiH has come out with the two-toned Vienna Skinny. They're gray in front and black in back - the perfect combination to flatter every angle. The light weight stretch denim fabric keeps you comfortable while you strut in style.
Rock out in these studded jeans from Siwy. The black stretch denim hits at the ankle, so they will look adorable with your favorite flats or booties of the season. Just don't go through any metal detectors!
Whoa!!! These Unknown Factory jeans are distressed to perfection and have functional zipper details. That's right - you can actually zip off the legs and turn them into shorts!
The London-based brand MiH has come out with the two-toned Vienna Skinny. They're gray in front and black in back - the perfect combination to flatter every angle. The light weight stretch denim fabric keeps you comfortable while you strut in style.
Rock out in these studded jeans from Siwy. The black stretch denim hits at the ankle, so they will look adorable with your favorite flats or booties of the season. Just don't go through any metal detectors!
Whoa!!! These Unknown Factory jeans are distressed to perfection and have functional zipper details. That's right - you can actually zip off the legs and turn them into shorts!
Chain on the Brain
The dangle, they jingle, they swing...and they're everywhere. Chain details on clothing and accessories are all over the place for Fall. A little chain adds a lot of edge to an otherwise basic item. So break free from the chains of boring fashion and check out som of Little Birdie's favorite examples:
This week's featured brand Silent Gypsy has pretty-meets-punky chain link jewelry. The Multi Link Earrings are a steal at $24, and since they are both gold and silver, you can be sure they match whatever is already in your accessory wardrobe. The earwire is sterling silver, so they are perfect for even the most sensitive lobes.
These luxe boots from Tapeet include a removable leather cuff with gold chain accents. Did ya hear that? Two-for-one! Although these boots have a $654 price tag, they can be a staple in your wordrobe if you wear them cuff-less, or lay on the chains for a trendier look.
La Mer Collection makes adorable, affordable watches. Their Gold Chains Wrap Watch is a great way to decorate your wrist because it doubles as a watch and jewelry. You'll love it so much, you'll be begging people to ask you for the time.
This week's featured brand Silent Gypsy has pretty-meets-punky chain link jewelry. The Multi Link Earrings are a steal at $24, and since they are both gold and silver, you can be sure they match whatever is already in your accessory wardrobe. The earwire is sterling silver, so they are perfect for even the most sensitive lobes.
These luxe boots from Tapeet include a removable leather cuff with gold chain accents. Did ya hear that? Two-for-one! Although these boots have a $654 price tag, they can be a staple in your wordrobe if you wear them cuff-less, or lay on the chains for a trendier look.
La Mer Collection makes adorable, affordable watches. Their Gold Chains Wrap Watch is a great way to decorate your wrist because it doubles as a watch and jewelry. You'll love it so much, you'll be begging people to ask you for the time.
Well I'll be Charmed!
Take a look at some charming accessories that are making a statement this fall. DIY with a necklace or bracelet, and add charms one by one to celebrate special occasions or milestones. If that sounds like too much work, there are plenty of pieces of jewelry that already come with charms of different themes, colors, and materials. Whatever route you chose, we know you'll find something that suits your style.
Little Birdie's featured designer, Karen Lindner, has a one-of-a-kind rope chain bracelet in her collection with a vintage watch fob from the 1940's. The bracelet is gorgeous as-is, or add some personal charms to this antique piece for a sentimental touch
Alana Norell is one of LB's favorite jewelry designers. She has her own B-Charmed collection with individual charms that have clips so you can add or remove them as you fancy. She'll also permanently add charms to any of her bracelets or necklaces. Our favorites are the gold crown and the solver feather, but there are plenty of options to choose from!
And for the friend that has everything, check out the BFF ring from Bing Bang . This multi-tone ring comes in size 6 and 7, and it is the perfect gift to give warm fuzzy feelings to your bestie.
Little Birdie's featured designer, Karen Lindner, has a one-of-a-kind rope chain bracelet in her collection with a vintage watch fob from the 1940's. The bracelet is gorgeous as-is, or add some personal charms to this antique piece for a sentimental touch
Alana Norell is one of LB's favorite jewelry designers. She has her own B-Charmed collection with individual charms that have clips so you can add or remove them as you fancy. She'll also permanently add charms to any of her bracelets or necklaces. Our favorites are the gold crown and the solver feather, but there are plenty of options to choose from!
And for the friend that has everything, check out the BFF ring from Bing Bang . This multi-tone ring comes in size 6 and 7, and it is the perfect gift to give warm fuzzy feelings to your bestie.
Headband Heaven
Amy and Casey from Ten Waverly let Little Birdie sneak a peek into their headband heaven. After lots of trial and error, the duo has come up with a headache-free headband that looks great at a reasonable price. Here is their step by step process for creating their adorable hair accessories.
To start the process, the materials for the headband are selected and measured.
Next, Amy and Casey grab the glue gun to wrap the headband in satin ribbon.
After the headband is covered and dried, the baubles and bling are applied by hand.
Tah-dah - the finished product. Little Birdie is lovin' the Hope headband for $42.
Meet satisfied customer Dina Gordon from Seattle, WA. Dina's wearing her brand new Casey headband and told LB, "This is the most comfortable headband I have ever worn." Thanks for sharing, D.
To start the process, the materials for the headband are selected and measured.
Next, Amy and Casey grab the glue gun to wrap the headband in satin ribbon.
After the headband is covered and dried, the baubles and bling are applied by hand.
Tah-dah - the finished product. Little Birdie is lovin' the Hope headband for $42.
Meet satisfied customer Dina Gordon from Seattle, WA. Dina's wearing her brand new Casey headband and told LB, "This is the most comfortable headband I have ever worn." Thanks for sharing, D.
Pretty Pretty Pearls
There is nothing more classic than a woman in pearls. These timeless baubles are abound for Fall as embellishments for clothing and accessories. Pearls give lady-like twist to an edgy outfit or add the finishing touch to a preppy ensemble. Little Birdie recommends you give these pearls a whirl.
Joanna Baker mixes freshwater pearls with onyx and Swarovski crystal on her Creme de la Creme earrings . The materials are hand sewn with TLC onto a backing of boucle, tulle, and silk chiffon. The soft color pallet will make your skin glow, and the free shipping on this style will keep you smiling!
This week's features designer, Ten Waverly is introducing the Molly headband. This skinny headband, which comes in black or white, is wrapped in pearly beads of different sizes. This headgear is perfect to coordinate with pearl jewelry or wear as a solo statement.
The Kayden ring from Dannijo jewelry is a vintage-inspired piece that is perfect for day or night. The pearl is fake, but the style is definitely legit! Oxidized hardware paired with crystal and faux pearl is the perfect mix of sweet and vicious.
Joanna Baker mixes freshwater pearls with onyx and Swarovski crystal on her Creme de la Creme earrings . The materials are hand sewn with TLC onto a backing of boucle, tulle, and silk chiffon. The soft color pallet will make your skin glow, and the free shipping on this style will keep you smiling!
This week's features designer, Ten Waverly is introducing the Molly headband. This skinny headband, which comes in black or white, is wrapped in pearly beads of different sizes. This headgear is perfect to coordinate with pearl jewelry or wear as a solo statement.
The Kayden ring from Dannijo jewelry is a vintage-inspired piece that is perfect for day or night. The pearl is fake, but the style is definitely legit! Oxidized hardware paired with crystal and faux pearl is the perfect mix of sweet and vicious.
Step by Step Style
We are loving the one-of-a-kind creations from last week's featured brand Tar and Feather Designs.Designers Jess and Corine have shared with us the steps for making agrand idea into a garment. Check out their scrap book style recap below.
In the Buff!
Late summer style is all about the new nudes. Beiges, buffs, lattes...whatever you want to call it...are all over fashion blogs, magazine pages, and shopping sites. When it comes to color, suddenly less is more.
These camel slouchy pants from ALC are perfect to dress up or dress down. Harem pants look like they are here to stay (at least for a while), so it's time to give this silhouette a shot. The gauze material and drawstring waist mean you will be comfortable all day long.
This maxi dress from Dallin Chase flatters every figure. The plunging V-neck can accentuate your goodies, while the empire waist can be forgiving of the lower half. Little Birdie is loving the light beige color and cotton voile for a great summer send off dress.
291's "Wispy Tee" is the perfect shirt to pair with your favorite jeans or leggings. The semi sheer jersey material and asymmetrical hem offer a little more fashion than your every day tee. Great for those I-don't-feel-like-dressing-up-but-need-to-look-cute days.
These camel slouchy pants from ALC are perfect to dress up or dress down. Harem pants look like they are here to stay (at least for a while), so it's time to give this silhouette a shot. The gauze material and drawstring waist mean you will be comfortable all day long.
This maxi dress from Dallin Chase flatters every figure. The plunging V-neck can accentuate your goodies, while the empire waist can be forgiving of the lower half. Little Birdie is loving the light beige color and cotton voile for a great summer send off dress.
291's "Wispy Tee" is the perfect shirt to pair with your favorite jeans or leggings. The semi sheer jersey material and asymmetrical hem offer a little more fashion than your every day tee. Great for those I-don't-feel-like-dressing-up-but-need-to-look-cute days.
Shorts Stories
One's of the summer's biggest trends is little shorts. Break out the razor and the self tanner because it is time to show off those legs. These flattering fits will make even the most self-conscious shoppers want to show some skin. (Cue the ZZ Top song She's Got Legs.)
These jean shorts from Genetic Denim are washed, faded, and distressed to perfection. The 5 1/2" inseam does not leave much to the imagination, but you can dress them down with flip flops or pull at the platforms (as shown). Wear 'em any way you want - you'll still make heads turn.
The sweet floral pattern on Pret-A-Surf's Ditsy Boy Shorts adds a little sugar to this spicy silhouette. The polyester shorts have a velcro tab closure for a comfy fit and a hidden zipper pocket in back to stash your stuff.
These studded shorts from Pencey offer a cool, casual style for your summer wardrobe. The fleece material has inside-out trim for a contrasting look. Pair them with your favorite tank top for runway-meets-runner appeal.
These jean shorts from Genetic Denim are washed, faded, and distressed to perfection. The 5 1/2" inseam does not leave much to the imagination, but you can dress them down with flip flops or pull at the platforms (as shown). Wear 'em any way you want - you'll still make heads turn.
The sweet floral pattern on Pret-A-Surf's Ditsy Boy Shorts adds a little sugar to this spicy silhouette. The polyester shorts have a velcro tab closure for a comfy fit and a hidden zipper pocket in back to stash your stuff.
These studded shorts from Pencey offer a cool, casual style for your summer wardrobe. The fleece material has inside-out trim for a contrasting look. Pair them with your favorite tank top for runway-meets-runner appeal.
The Hat's Where It's At
This summer, be a head case. Protect your skin, increase the longevity of your highlights, and look smokin' hot because hats are back. Say bye-bye to Blossom's look from the 90's and say hello to these fe-dorable styles.
This braided rafia style from Bop Basics has contrast neon trim to bring some bang! to your brim. Keep the sun out of your eyes while all eyes are on you.
Eugenia Kim 's fedora with multi-colored grommets is the perfect way to accessorize your favorite summer romper or sundress. The narrow brim keeps the hat looking feminine so we can still see your pretty face.
Tarnish makes this neutral toned plaid fedora. The braided bands that wrap around the hat add extra detail for extra style.
This braided rafia style from Bop Basics has contrast neon trim to bring some bang! to your brim. Keep the sun out of your eyes while all eyes are on you.
Eugenia Kim 's fedora with multi-colored grommets is the perfect way to accessorize your favorite summer romper or sundress. The narrow brim keeps the hat looking feminine so we can still see your pretty face.
Tarnish makes this neutral toned plaid fedora. The braided bands that wrap around the hat add extra detail for extra style.
Handbags by Hand
Little Birdie was so impressed by Antibellum Designs creator Alexis Campagna's handmade handbags, we asked her to show us how it's done. Alexis takes us step by step in her studio through the four main stages on making her handbags: pattern cutting, dyeing, strap cutting, and sewing.
First, Alexis cuts the patterns for her accessories out of thick paper. A tool called and awl is the used perfect the paper pattern and make sure that it is symmetrical. The revised pattern is the cut with an exacto knife.
Next, leather is selected for the bag. Dye is applied to the leather with a tool called a wool dauber (you can see it in the pic). Alexis applies the dye in a small, circular motion to make sure the color goes on evenly.
In this pic, Alexis is using a tool called a strap cutter which is used (you guessed it!) to cut straps. She adjusts the tool and then is able to run a piece of leather through it to create uniform strips of leather. Alexis uses it to create all of the handbag straps and belts in her collection.
The last step is sewing. At this point all of the leather has been dyed and treated. True to the vintage feel of her line, Alexis uses a Singer sewing machine from the 1900's to create the Antibellum pieces.