Seeking Chic

Love these 1950s Embroidery Transfer sewing pattern...

Wed, 01 May 2013 09:23:24 -0400

Love these 1950s Embroidery Transfer sewing pattern illustrations!

I Love Eyelet!

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:52:12 -0400

Actually, we are ALL loving eyelet around here this Spring. We like to think of it as Lace’s sturdier cousin, or as The Guardian UK puts it, “[Eyelet] is for eating ice cream, lace is for drinking cocktails…”

The fabric itself is a descendant of 18^th Century embroidery techniques, developed in Western Europe. The French version was called Richelier Embroidery, Italians called it Cutwork, it was called Broderie Anglaise in England, and the Spanish called theirs Madiera Work. But the White-on-white Broderie Anglaise is probably closest to what we call eyelet today. It’s characterized by patterns composed of small holes or eyelets bound with overcast or buttonhole stitches to keep them from fraying. It was a time consuming, tedious, and intricate technique. We have several samples of Victorian Broderie Anglaise in our inspiration-archives, which you can see below.

In the mid 19^th century, a Swiss hand-embroidery machine was invented that could both pierce holes and finish raw edges. By the 1890s, Broderie Anglaise, or as it became known in America, Eyelet, could be produced in elaborate patterns and with much greater speed. Today, there are nearly infinite varieties of eyelet patterns available. Our fabric team couldn’t pick just one- so we sprinkled the entire Spring collection with fresh, modern and novel eyelet fabrics. Below, a sampling of some of our favorites.

L to R: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9

Also: The pages from the antique Italian Cutwork book show above are available for purchase here.

Rain, rain go away...a sunny weekend's on its way!

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 16:13:00 -0400

It’s finally spring here in NYC, and we couldn’t be happier. We’re kicking up our heels (our Lexa Linen Espadrilles to be exact- worn by our Colorist- extraordinaire, Susanna) and getting ready for some warm-weekend R&R. And we thought this fun pink-drink sounded like just the thing to have on hand! Happy weekend everyone!

You can find the original recipe and others at Skirt.com.

And if pink isn’t your fave, you can find our Espadrilles in a rainbow of colors here.

Behind the scenes of our April collection!

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 09:58:20 -0400

Each season, we go through a process we call “concept.” During this time, we decide what sorts of things are inspiring us (like Red and Turq from the previous post!) and what the feel of the collection should look and feel like for each month. This means determining the palette (all those gorgeous linen colors this season aren’t an accident!), the types of prints we think you’d like, and the fabrics that will make the collection special. Last April, I took a few snapshots of this creative process, and we thought you might like to take a peek!

A few of our more vibrant vintage finds. These really helped influence the palette for April.
A stack of multi-coloured tweeds waits for our R&D team to sort through.
Inspiration research- we love photographer Slim Aaron’s book “Once Upon a Time.”
A grouping of tonal swatches and vintage finds that we tacked on the wall to help guide us.
Examining some vintage jewelry. The necklace I’m holding (a chain of giraffes!) gave our design team the idea to do “critters” for spring, like our ladybug and honey-bee accessories. (see my two favorites here and here)

The Colors of Spring!

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 14:00:54 -0400

This spring, we’re just loving red and turquoise. They’re the perfect spring duo- vibrant, cheerful and bold enough to shake off that winter gloom! Below are just a few of the ‘red and turq’ things inspiring us this season. From turquoise vintage convertibles (we’d tie our Floral Stripe Wrap around our hair, Thelma and Louise style!) to raspberry ice pops, we just can’t wait for that warmer weather….

Image credits, L to R:

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9

Our final February art & artists appreciation post!

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 16:28:14 -0500

We can’t end our month of art and artists with out mentioning a few more of our favorites. First, we love Matisse. We found a beautiful multi-hued paisley print at a market, and it reminded us so much of the French painter’s portraits and still-life paintings that we even named the print “Panted Paisley.” We’re particularly fond of his “Spanish Still Life,” pictured below.

And finally, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Kandinsky. Kandinsky was considered one of the first true abstract painters. His bold colored shapes and forms are truly inspirational. You’ll find bold, artful color splashed all over our February and March collections in homage to both these artists.

We hope you’ve enjoyed seeing some of our artistic inspirations this month. We’ve been inspired all over again to go visit some new exhibits this spring in NYC. But no matter where you are, your local museum has a world of patterns, textures and colors just waiting for you to discover. Visit Museumsusa.org for more info.

Washed Silk Blouses and Painterly Paisley Top at Talbots.com

Image credits: Matisse; Kandinsky 1 & 2

Rothko Red!

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 10:06:22 -0500

This is artist Mark Rothko’s ‘Untitled’ (Red and Orange) from 1968.

Mark Rothko wanted viewers to experience his pictures in an intimate, intense manner, which is why he recommended viewing them from just 18 inches away, to feel their energy and vibration. We love almost all Rothko work, but we especially love the intensity and vibrancy of this piece.

Our front pocket leather satchel also glows in a bright red Tomato color. We think it packs a pretty vibrant punch too. But don’t worry- we don’t mind if you get closer than 18 inches (in fact we encourage it!) It’s the perfect accessory to brighten up any mid-winter ensemble. See for yourself here.

Inspired by...Stripes!

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 13:57:00 -0500

Street Painting – Franklin’s Footpath / Photographer: Henry Groskinsky, 1972

Artist Gene Davis putting finishing touches on his 414-ft-long painting. “Franklin’s Footpath,” painted on the street in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. At the time, it was the world’s largest artwork.

Aleah Rainbow-Stripe Sling Back Pump in silk dupioni- Talbots.com only

Life as a Canvas...

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 17:54:00 -0500

Our newest delivery is all about life as a canvas- the art of fashion. In honor of this, we’ll be posting some of our favorite artists and works of art all February long. On this gloomy, rainy day here in NYC, we especially love the bold colors of this Eames piece!

You can find a rainy/snowy day pick-me-up of your own here.

Gorgeous paper-cuttings by Sarah Dennis. We love the graphic...

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 16:29:00 -0500

Gorgeous paper-cuttings by Sarah Dennis. We love the graphic navy on white.

January: A fresh start!

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 16:37:56 -0500

There’s just something refreshing about the mix of navy, pink and green. And after the holidays, couldn’t we all use a little palette cleanser? January calls for crisp, clean, classic silhouettes. They’re perfect for layering up right now. And later, when you put your snow boots away, they’re perfect pared-down with a little sandal or mid-heel. These shades give you a little mid-winter ‘zing!’ that will carry you (and your wardrobe) into spring.

Lately, we’ve been spotting this palette everywhere- decor blogs, street style snaps, and fashion blogs have been celebrating these shades. Some of our favorite pics are below, as well as a few of our own favorite January pieces. Enjoy!

{Above: our palette in progress}

Credits: 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12 {from pinterest, chictopia & thepinkpeonies.com}

3 & 9: Talbots Highland Plaid Raincoat and Ponte Knit Jacket

Hope everyone had a very happy New Year and a wonderful start to...

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 16:47:00 -0500

Hope everyone had a very happy New Year and a wonderful start to 2013!

Charming cookie-cutter wreath project here!

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 10:00:53 -0500

Charming cookie-cutter wreath project here!

Bright and Bejeweled!

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 17:12:37 -0500

Our accessories designers were very busy this season, sketching and crafting and designing a whole bevy of bejewled and brilliant scarves, clutches, jewelry and giftables. We are obsessed with jewel tones this season: emerald, ruby, sapphire and amythest- they look great on everyone and add some festive pop to any holiday look. You can check out the entire treasure-chest of jewel tones over at Talbots.com.

Holiday time is cookie time!

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 11:59:00 -0500

Growing up, the arrival of the holidays meant one thing: Cookies! We had a beloved book called Cookies for Kids (now out of print, but available on Amazon, used). The holidays meant that mom would let us pick out the wild, crazy, messy and/or complicated recipes and let us give them a go. It was the best: a whirlwind of sprinkles, icing and candies. Some of our favorite memories are of baking cookies with mom.

To that end, we’ve gathered a list of fun holiday sweets and treats to try out this season from all around the web. Get messy and make memories of your own with these edible projects.

L: Eggnog cheesecake squares from The Gallery Gourmet R: Try freezing whip-cream in a layer. Then use cookie cutters to punch shapes for cocoa. Such a clever idea, at Lovesome!

L: Almond Breton Biscuits at BH&G. It wouldn’t be the holidays without sprinkles. R: Melted snowman cookies. A co-worker brought these to the office the other day and we were just charmed. Tutorial at SmashedPeasandCarrots.

L: Cherry Snowballs (kids love the cherry surprise in the middle) from Chef-In-Training R: Cut notches in your cookies so they easily perch on the rim of your mug (ready to dunk!) via 79Ideas.

//image credit: top right image found here//

Meet your holiday-dressing hero: the Party Pant!

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 14:32:00 -0500

Don’t want to mess with a dress this holiday season? Pick a pair of these festive pants for your next soiree. A pair of printed pants is festive, yet unexpected, and a simple solution to any party-dressing panic. (I love our rose print in plush velvet!) Just add a feminine heel or flat to balance the menswear aspect of the look. A little bling, like a cocktail ring or bejeweled necklace, and you’re ready to fete!

// Tartan // Dupioni // Foulard // Rose-Print // Leopard //

Pinterest round-up: The Thanksgiving Table One of the many...

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 12:16:00 -0500

Pinterest round-up: The Thanksgiving Table

One of the many lovely things about thanksgiving is that the communal table becomes the center of attention. While looking for inspiration on how to jazz-up our own tables, we found so many clever and beautiful ways to dress-up our usually humble table. So, we rounded up a gallery of our favorites from Pinterest to get us inspired for the holiday, & we just had to share…

Wishing you a very happy thanksgiving filled with family, friends, fun and food!

//pinterest image credits 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8//

Roses are red...

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 12:00:00 -0500

Last fall, our SVP of Design was re-watching the Hitchcock classic, North by Northwest, when he was struck by how absolutely beautiful Eva Marie Saint “rose dress” was. He loved it- so much so, that he searched vintage archives till he found a gorgeous velvet rose print, which our artists turned into a modern homage to the “rose dress.” It’s a vision in velveteen- glamorous and chic.

Below- Eva Marie Saint in the original “rose dress” in North by Northwest

Below, our modern version- perfect for holiday soirees, hosting or a night on the town.

Talbots Velveteen Rose Dress

//North by Northwest images courtesy Classiq film and fashion blog // original film production credits here//

Photo

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 16:09:06 -0500

Over on the creative blog Loves of Life, blogger Katie posted...

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 13:59:22 -0500

Over on the creative blog Loves of Life, blogger Katie posted this fantastic FALL checklist. I just love it! How many can you and your family check off the list? (Pssst: she’s provided a printable version of the checklist, so you (or your kids!) can print it out and actually check off the activities as you go!) I’ve only done five- I guess have some work to do!