Author Archive

09/22/10

When the clock strikes 3:09 am tonight (or tomorrow morning depending on how you look at), Summer will officially come to an end marking the beginning of Fall. I thought what better way to celebrate the start of my favorite season by style swapping a perfect fall accessory, the sweater jacket.

Today’s Staple, Jacket C by Zarina, is a few steps up in warmth from the spring and summer cardigans you’ve been layering but not quite a coat, making it the perfect transition piece for the months ahead. When the days are still warm but the evening air starts to chill, this piece can be layered over a casual T and capri cords or your favorite sundress, extending the life of your summer wardrobe while keeping you feeling cozy and looking stylish.

Style Staple: Jacket C 1. Toothpick Cords 2. Gillian Hat 3. Kindle Oxfords

Style Staple: Jacket C 1. Easy Peasy Dress 2. Baby Ruche Bag 3. Toscow Flats

Happy Fall!  ~ nicole | lillyella

09/08/10

There’s something about simple, rustic art that just screams down home comfort to me, like wrought iron, wood paneling and wool. But what I also love about the style is that you can easily mix in a piece like today’s Style Staple, Summer Swim by Native Vermont, with more modern furnishings for a hint of something unexpected.

Style Staple: Summer Swim 1. Ripple Crochet Wrap 2. Intrepid Wood Stove
3. Belfort Wingback Chair

Style Staple: Summer Swim 1. Lacey Teardrop Lamp 2. Blue Cotton Rug
3. Klappsta Chair

Here’s to the onset of fall!  ~ nicole | lillyella

08/11/10

So, is it obvious yet that I’m obsessed with dresses? I think so. But if you can get past the old school idea that they aren’t for everyday wear, there’s really nothing better when it comes to comfort, versatility and of course, style. Think about it, you have just one piece to put on, you have way more ‘air conditioning’ than in a pair of shorts or pants and you always look put together even if you do nothing else but slip on some flats.

Another great feature of a dress is that with the addition of tights, a cardigan or jacket and even some boots, you’re ready for year round versatility. Today’s Staple, the Hand Dyed Boatneck Dress by RiordanRoache, is a perfect example of just such a piece.

Style Staple: Organic Cotton Boatneck Dress 1. Fleur no. 103 Brooch 2. Hobbs Peep Toe Wedge 3. Bag for Lady

Style Staple: Organic Cotton Boatneck Dress 1. Be the First to Tier Cardigan
2. Watching the Clock Peep Toes 3. Stormy Plaid Tights

Here’s to tights weather ahead!

~ nicole | lillyella

07/14/10

Chances are I’m not the only one with more than a handful of weddings to attend in the coming months. The expenses of all this celebration can really start to add up from gifts to traveling and most importantly, what to wear! In many cases, the guest lists will overlap, so sporting the same ensemble five times in a row might not be an option. Here’s where you put all those Style Swap lessons to use!

Look for a simple dress with timeless detailing and a classic shape like the Anabelle Dress by Shlomit Ofir, then get creative with your accessories to reflect the weddings mood and venue. Go soft and romantic for a garden wedding with a silk sash, floral accents and pearls. Then go smokey and sultry with a capelet, lacy tights and peep toes for the nighttime wedding at the jazz club.

Style Staple: Anabelle Dress 1. Rhinestone and Pearl Necklace 2. Renay Open Toe Slingback 3. Silk Rose Sash

Style Staple: Anabelle Dress 1.Gathering Dusk Capelet 2. Come Dancing Heels 3. Victorian Tights

Which look do you love or would you wear them both? And have you found a great staple dress for all the weddings you have to attend? I’d love to see it!

xo ~ nicole | lillyella

06/23/10

Howdy everyone! Today I’m taking our Style Swap indoors because I’ve been busy making decisions and falling in love. First I decided that a change was in order, so I decided to move my studio from the back bedroom to the front. This, of course, means a little decorating is in order so lastly I decided that today’s Staple, the Forever Flower Garland by EmmaLamb, would be the perfect inspiration piece for my new space. Then I fell in love with a $1500 desk. No, I didn’t buy it, but a girl can dream, right? And then she can virtually create a beautiful room around it.

So, what makes the Forever Flower Garland Style Swap worthy anyway? I figure that when I’m ready to redecorate again, it would look perfect in my daughter’s room. Now I just need a daughter, and $1500.

Style Staple: Forever Flower Garland 1. Albino Blue Jay Print 2. Printmaker’s Desk 3. Swiss Lamp in White

Style Staple: Forever Flower Garland 1. Hold Onto Your Dreams Print 2. Daisy Garden Quilted Bedding 3. Shabby Vintage Parlor Table

Happy Summer!  ~ Nicole | lillyella

06/09/10

When the mercury starts pushing 80°, my only thought is comfort, which for me means a light, breezy skirt like today’s Style Staple, the Cloud Skirt by Ureshii. The best part about it (besides the fact that it’s available in almost 30 colors) is that you can pretty much wear it every single day no matter where you are going or what you are doing. It’s basically as versatile as a pair of jeans, but more comfortable, office appropriate, way cuter and it will still fit no matter how much you ate the night before…

Style Staple: The Cloud Skirt 1. Buttons Cardigan 2. Gold Vermeil Nugget Necklace 3. Maya Vintage Stud Pump

Style Swap: The Cloud Skirt 1. Bud Romance Tank 2. Rose Stud Earrings
3. Flower Sandal

Until next time when we talk summer weddings, soak up this summer sun and stay stylish! ~ lillyella

05/26/10

Hello everyone! Nicole of Lillyella here with a new Style Swap. Even though we had a few frosty nights through the month of May, I think the warm weather is finally here to stay, which means it’s time to start building that summer wardrobe! We’re taught to start with the basics, neutral pieces that can go with anything, but when it comes to tops, go bold — no more basic white tees and gray camis for layering. Try a simple sheath with some color and pattern, like the Sunset Mountain top by ForetLA. You are more likely to find skirts, pants, cardigans and shoes in solid, versatile colors, so let those pieces be your basics. Don’t be afraid of patterns, they’ll go with more than you first think.

Style Staple: Sunset Mountain Top 1. Baby Ruche Bag in Burnt Red Leather
2. Guess Argue Sandal 3. Bleached Denim Capris

Style Staple: Sunset Mountain Top 1. Floral by Numbers Broken Plate Bracelet 2. Seychelles Liz Sandal 3. Skirt So Good

Soak up that sun and I’ll see you in June!  ~ Nicole