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February 13, 2015 - Comments Off on Fashion History: 5 Things You (Probably) Don’t Know About Lace

Fashion History: 5 Things You (Probably) Don’t Know About Lace

There's a lot more to lace than its ability to add a feminine flair to any outfit it graces. Looking back, the fabric has hand a place in most fashion trends through the ages—from the overwhelming lace ruffles Queen Elizabeth would don in the 16th century to the "Below The Knee" dresses flappers so often turned to. For the custom evening and bridal gowns Nicole has created, she favors the exquisite laces made on traditional Leavers looms in France. But there's equally a place for modern-day stretch lace, and we also love the subtle sophistication and function it brings to our Evelyn Dress.

With so many delicate designs and patterns, it's hard to imagine the making-of being anything short of painstaking (and to call it "involved" would be an understatement). So, in our effort to bring everyone closer to the clothing they love, we're digging into a few highlights in the history of process of this elegant textile. Read on and learn.

Lace History Tidbits

In the 17th century, lace was even used to decorate door knobs. Years later, "his and hers" lace collars would become all the rage. Today, the textile plays a much more strategic role in fashion—one that can put a design over-the-top or impress with its subtlety, depending on how it's incorporated. There's a lot to take in when it comes to the history of the fabric, but here are five things you probably didn't know before reading this.

Tatting (a specific type of lace making) was inspired by the intricate knotting of sailors—used for both functionality on the ships and as mementos for long-distance loved ones. (Side note: Nicole's Great-Grandmother from Greece was an excellent tatter)
Lace helped people survive Ireland's Potato Famine. Once food became scarce, the women of Ireland created schools to teach crocheting and lace-making. The founders of the schools even assisted their students in selling their creations—helping them survive a time when money and food was hard to come by.

January 5, 2015 - Comments Off on Round-Up: Survive Winter (And Look Good Doing It) With These Tights

Round-Up: Survive Winter (And Look Good Doing It) With These Tights

Photo by Vanessa P./Flickr Creative Commons

With winter weather comes many things—wind-blown hairdos, rosy cheeks, and the great fashion responsibility that is layering. Instead of thinking of them as another layer between you and the great season that is summer, treat them as the versatile accessory that they are. The right pair of tights can take an outfit to new levels, whether you're working with patterns or a bold color.

Tights are also great for turning summer wardrobe pieces into weather-appropriate outfits—just like the Edie and Pixie Rompers. (We love how they look with either solid or patterned hosiery). We know it's overwhelming—you can't turn around in any department store or website without running into a pair of tights ('tis the season), so we rounded up some of our favorite for your shopping convenience. From the perfect everyday legwear to bold seamed varieties to flaunt on date night, we've found the perfect pair for you.

For the Sustainably Minded

Maggie's Organics from Abe's Market

They put it best: "Grown without pesticides, harvested safely, and spun without chemicals, this cotton is soft, safe and scrumptious." How can you resist a pair of tights that are described as scrumptious?

These tights are made to be lighter than other cold-weather designs, making them a great choice if you're looking for a pair to show off during warmer months, too.

The Go-To, Everyday Tight

M6 from Bene Rialto

These opaque tights are perfect for weatherproofing your favorite summer outfit—whether it be a favorite pair of shorts or a romper. Make sure to play up your accessories to break up the opaque look, if you're working with a monochrome outfit. A stand-out pair of shoes can go a long way with a black pair of tights, as well.

M6 makes their hosiery in Germany, but you can find their designs at Bene Rialto in Manhattan.

November 30, 2014 - Comments Off on Nicole Lenzen Holiday Style Event @ Series by Young & Able

Nicole Lenzen Holiday Style Event @ Series by Young & Able

Holiday-Trunk-Show-Blog

Join us for a holiday style event and trunk show at Young & Able Series! Try on and shop for holiday dresses by Nicole Lenzen and jewelry by Abby Carnevale. Meet the designers to learn more about their collections, and be there by 7pm for a special holiday styling talk from fashion blogger and personal stylist Sara Jessica Berman. Please be sure to RSVP in our form below.

Interested in receiving personalized style advice? Let us know in your RSVP comments, and the first three to reply will get personalized suggestions from Sara during the event.

In addition to items to spice up your holiday (and everyday) wardrobe, Series has a wide collection of fantastic gift options from local and international designers. All items in the store will be 10% off exclusively during the event. We'll also have drinks from Maven Cocktails, and snacks to satisfy post-work peckishness.

HOLIDAY STYLE EVENT
Featuring:
Nicole Lenzen
Abby Carnevale Jewelry
Stylist Sara Jessica Berman

Tuesday, December 9th
Trunk Show: 6:30-8:30pm
Stylist Talk/Demo: 7:00-7:30pm

Series by Young & Able
345 Broome St.
New York, NY 10013

Drinks sponsored by Maven Cocktails
Light snacks provided

Press Inquiries: Mindy Raf

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Nicole Lenzen is a Brooklyn-based designer whose collection of dresses, rompers, and separates are inspired by the freedom of movement in swing dancing. As a trained patternmaker with over a decade’s worth of experience in the fashion industry including custom couture work, she is proud to represent a ready-to-wear collection that allows women to—as they do in the energetic Lindy Hop dance—swing out and let go. Mixing sustainably sourced silks with activewear fabrics, Nicole thinks across the size spectrum with an attention to fit that gives the modern, professional woman the freedom to effortlessly move from a quick bike commute to a high profile client pitch. In fact, you might catch Nicole, who practices low-impact living, wearing one of her pieces while biking around NYC.

Abby Carnevale Jewelry is a Brooklyn-based jewelry brand, offering an array of designs handcrafted from locally-sourced materials including semi-precious metals and stones along with vintage lace. Inspired by her grandmother’s jewelry collection, Abby’s line translates the classic “Old Hollywood Glamour” style into one with modern flair, making each piece timeless and everlasting, an investment piece to be treasured.

Sara Jessica Berman is an Elite Stylist for Keaton Row. Certified as a Marie Claire Master Stylist in July 2014, Sara's teaching background and penchant for fashion have earned her a loyal client base. She shares her expert styling tips on her blog fashinny.nyc.

Created by Stephenie Harris in 2012, Maven Cocktails is the world’s first ready-to-drink wine cocktail. Bridging the gap between cocktail and wine, Maven is the signature drink that delivers on three fronts—the pedigree of a truly fine wine, consistent drinkability, and a nice cocktail kick. Infused with ultra-premium wine, this vodka-based cocktail has the velvety taste of wine but the high-energy kick of a cocktail.

Series is a month-long collaborative pop-up space supporting designers in an offline setting produced by Young & Able, an alternative multi-brand retail platform devoted to sharing emerging designers and their stories.

November 12, 2014 - Comments Off on Round-Up: Five Must-Have Scarves for Fall (and Winter)

Round-Up: Five Must-Have Scarves for Fall (and Winter)

Photo cred: Francisco Osorio / Creative Commons

Fall is an exciting time for fashion, and we don't just mean those of us looking to discover forgotten favorites at the back of our closets. With the cooler temperatures comes an opportunity to layer on more complicated combinations of style—some for the sole purpose of keeping us warm, and others, well, just because. If there's one accessory that falls right smack dab in the middle of those wardrobe agendas, it's the scarf. From infinity scarves to delicate silk handkerchief throwbacks, there are all kinds of styles for any situation you can think of.

We corralled some of our favorites below, but (as always) we'd love to hear from you. Make sure to share any standout scarves. We're even interested in those, um, more out-there suggestions—like this. You know what they say about form following function.

Calling All Commuters: Sash-ay Scarf, Vespertine NYC

There's no such thing as being too visible when it comes to biking—day or night. This scarf from Vespertine NYC is a way you can add a little safety flash that won't pull away from your outfit when your bike is locked away waiting to be ridden home. The design features a woven 3M threading that illuminates when in direct light, meaning you stay highly visible without committing to any unsightly neon colors. Coming in at $92, you're jumping in on the 3M trend—and keeping yourself intact—for a steal.

August 4, 2014 - Comments Off on What to Wear to the Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governor’s Island

What to Wear to the Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governor’s Island

voon_michelle Vintage style mavens Michelle Coursey & Voon Chew on the dance floor - photo by Paul Stein

When it comes to themed summer happenings, the Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governor's Island is one of my favorites. It takes place over two glorious weekends, with the final 2014 dates coming up August 16-17th. Conceived by the dapper bandleader Michael Arenella, the event is a dreamy escape back in time: 1920's garb, antique gramophones, a vintage motorcar exhibition, pie contests, properly themed cocktail, and—of course—lots of dancing. (You can see the complete "Run of Show" here.) Once you get past the excitement of what the Lawn Party actually is, don’t let the anxiety of coming up with an outfit weigh you down. There is no specific dress code, but everyone is encouraged to channel elegant vintage-inspired attire to contribute to the overall spirit. Here are a few tips for dressing for the occasion, but make sure to buy your tickets first.

miu_miu Miuccia Prada + Catherine Martin costumes for Baz Luhrman's Gatsby

The Dress
The 1920s style brings about visions of fringed shifts and beaded extravagancies. This is the event to pull out your finest and wear it well. For inspiration, the gorgeous costumes created by Miuccia Prada and Catherine Martin for Bahz Luhrman's Gatsby take the cake, and we absolutely love the campaign for Campari starring the lovely actress Eva Green. Try scouring vintage and thrift shops for aged beauties from the era. Or if you're feeling more daytime summery, lightweight feminine cotton dresses can also fit the bill. For previous lawn parties we've worked with clients to revamp their vintage finds: dresses in silk + cotton gingham as well as a pretty floral print.

nicole_lenzen_jazz-age Nicole Lenzen handmade lace & silk headband paired with a vintage dress - photo by Sarah Joj Tester

Mind Your Head
The headpiece played a role as an extension of a hairstyle in the '20s. What that means: Feel free to keep your 'do simple—a few waves and finger curls should do the trick—and compliment it with a flapper-style headband that was popular towards the end of the decade. If you are one of those DIY-inclined ladies, try using a plain headband or scarf and adding your own adornments to match your outfit. Or if you prefer a hat or fascinator, NYC milliner Gretchen Fenston has gorgeous jazz age-inspired creations. Otherwise a floppy woven hat is perfect for a hot summer's day full of drinking and dancing.

jazz_age_feet Dancing in Air - photo by i stolethetv

Dancing Shoes
This is a given. Whether you decide to go for a more modern look and pair your favorite pair of lace-ups with your get-up or an era-appropriate pair of crescent-tipped heels, make sure you won't end up nursing blisters halfway through the festivities. If it's a pair of '20s inspired shoes you're hunting for, look for a pair that features an ankle or t-strap (great for dancing!); low, chunky heels; or an oxford for a menswear inspired look. Finding a local pair might be the quickest, but Modcloth has a great selection of era-inspired shoes, as well as Remix and American Duchess for quality vintage repro.

gretchen_fenston_ Milliner Gretchen Fenston in her own creation - photo by Voon Chew

Feminine Accessories, Bold Lips
A string of pearls can go a long way. Toss a few around your neck or on your wrists for a feminine touch that won't take away from the rest of your outfit. Bonus: Playing up the nude colors of your accessories allows for a bold, red lip—which is always the best way to cap the perfect outfit. Read more

July 29, 2014 - Comments Off on The Peter Pan Collar: How to Pull It Off and the History of the Style

The Peter Pan Collar: How to Pull It Off and the History of the Style

The Peter Pan collar is a perfect way to pull off vintage chic without coming off too strongly. The feminine yet subtle detail on our Effie top is the perfect way to add a bit of character to your wardrobe without having to worry too much about accessorizing. Read on to learn more about where the collar originated and how to best style the sweet detail so it shines.

Where Did the Peter Pan Collar Come From?

It should come as no surprise that the first Peter Pan collar came from a costume designed for the play that inspired its namesake—"Peter and Wendy." In 1905, actress Maude Adams christened the now popular style in her role as Peter Pan in her performance in New York City. John White Alexander designed the first style, and although he is most well-known for his keen eye for portraiture, we think it's safe to say his solo contribution to the world of fashion was spot-on. Surprisingly, the collar wasn't as popular among later Peter Pan characters—you don't see another performer boasting the style on-stage quite like Adams did.

Maude Adams and the original Peter Pan collar, which is a much more pronounced shape than we're used to seeing with more modern takes on the classic detail.

The design itself pulls inspiration from a few earlier styles, most notably the Parisian Claudine collar. Coincidentally, the Claudine's moniker also has a literary background. The style is named after the 1900 novel Claudine à l'école in which the main character donned the eye-catching neckline. More modern takes on the Peter Pan collar are a bit more refined—cutting down on the tails in the front and rounding the edges in a bit—making them easier to wear with lots of different styles. For those of you interested in the construction, this collar can be designed two different ways: in one piece with a front-fastening bodice or in two separate parts that are fastened in the back.

How to Wear It

Our Peter Pan collar takes the subtle, rounded shape of the Claudine and mixes it with the flair of a classic Peter Pan shape. It's delicate and feminine without taking over your outfit's entire style. The rounded neckline can be buttoned all the way up without looking too uptight, and the top two buttons can be comfortable undone to show off just the right amount of décolleté.

These Victorian Brass Beaded Tassel earrings and Word Up bangles from Erica Weiner are great examples of how to compliment your Peter Pan collar.

Effie's buttons have a brass finish, giving you a touch of style without having to do a thing. Everyone has their own beliefs about matching metals with jewelry, but there's no real rule. Since your neckline is taken care of with the sweet rounded collar, try playing up your earrings with a pair that dangles —we suggest a jazzy brass variety. Don't be afraid to toss in a cuff or a bracelet. We suggest checking out what Erica Weiner has to offer. A lot of her pieces come with a story, which is the perfect combination to add to your newfound knowledge of the Peter Pan collar.

July 24, 2014 - Comments Off on Five Tote Bags to Show Off at the Beach

Five Tote Bags to Show Off at the Beach

When packing for a recent beach trip with my mom and sister, I realized I was missing an essential accessory—a cute and durable tote bag large enough to hold sunscreen, towel, snacks, and sunnies (not to mention mask & snorkel!) So we set off on a search for the perfect bag to carry around everything needed for a day trip to the beach—or even an impromptu picnic. We were pleased to discover there was no need to sacrifice style for function, and wanted to share our findings. Check out five of our tote picks for those days where you just need a good book and sunscreen on-hand.

Beach Tote with Mat, Need Supply Co., $82.99

The rope handles on this tote from Need Supply scream lazy beach days. You can forget the hassle of dragging along a beach towel, thanks to the mat—which comes with the tote—and its intuitive strap storage (with a charming bow in the middle!). For a function-friendly twist on a canvas classic, it doesn't get much better than this. Get your hands on your own tote here.

Beach Wave Print Canvas Tote, Dezso, $175

The graphic design on this Deszo carryall is about as far away from the kitschy illustrated beach scenes you're more likely to see spotting the sand. We love this photo-inspired print—it's just abstract enough to pull in a few appreciative double-takes and give you a touch of the beach no matter where you are. The tote itself is a classic canvas construction, complemented with bold orange piping for the perfect amount of pop. Buy it on Intermix here.