Scene from Christmas Eve Morning

Apartment Visit: Jacqueline Kravetz, Writer and Amy Chaplin, Chef

One of my favorite things about the holiday season is that I really make more of an effort to spend less time on work and more time with friends.  Last night, I spent a delightful evening with two amazing women, Jacqui, a dear friend from my college days at Smith, who is currently the Director of Institutional Giving at Chanel 13 - New York's PBS station (and a great short story writer), and her partner Amy who left her post as executive chef at NYC's renown Angelica's Kitchen to become a celebrity chef.  Her blog http://www.coconutandquinoa.com/ is nothing short of brilliant.  Amy's gorgeous vegan food, and whole foods lifestyle is featured in the January issue of Martha Stewart Living Magazine.  Together they have made a home in NYC's east village that is a quiet haven from the bustle of the streets below that they share with their Miniature Italian Greyhounds, Stella and Alfie.

Jewel Box Tour: Sara's Vintage and Estate Pieces

Sara has one of the most drool worthy collections of gorgeous (and crazy fancy schmancy) estate and vintage pieces.  The only person I know with an original Elsa Perretti Bottle Necklaces, not to be outdone by her stunning Tiffany chain mail wrap necklace.

The Creatives: An Interview With Kate Connor

Kate Connor, Editor of The Local Palate magazine, a Charleston culinary magazine illustrating the food culture of the south.  In this picture, Kate is waiting for Mayor Riley to come out and eat boiled peanuts, a big treat in the south.  Its even a bigger treat for us to be able to feature her in an installment of the Creative's.  Kate is smart, sassy, and stylish, just the way we like 'em here at Ilsa Loves Rick.

Gaby:  What do you see trending now in fashion?


Kate:  I don’t know if it’s because we’re in a college town or not but I see a lot of cowboy boots, leggings, and vintage items out and about.  A lot of mix-matching of patterns too.

Gaby: What are your top 10 TIMELESS must have items for a best dressed closet?

 Kate:  Ten items!  That’s a lot for me.  I’m all about simple so things that go well together work best for me.  Anything black so that it goes with everything.  A great pair of jeans, a classic cocktail dress, a casual feel great dress, collared shirt, scarf or wrap sweater, great bathing suit, sunglasses, pair of heels, boots, and of course, flip-flops.  I sound so boring and practical!

Gaby:  When was the last time you had a fashion epiphany?

Kate: When I first traveled abroad and realized how few clothes I needed as long as I had the right things.  I’m always spilling things on myself too so dark clothes are best for me.

Gaby:  What is your favorite High brand?  And your low brand?  How do you mix high and low?
 
Kate:  Favorite high brand is Nicole Miller and low brand is J. Crew/B.R.  Most of my clothes are on the low-end side so I don’t have to worry about mixing!

Gaby:  What is your go-to uniform for a day of work?  The weekend? 
 
Kate:  Uniform for the office is always pants, flat shoes, and a button down shirt – something comfortable.  And always a sweater or cardigan as I get cold easily.  On the weekends, when I get out of my pajamas, it’s usually to wear work-out clothes or jeans and a tee-shirt.  In Charleston, we’re often on the boat on the weekend, so in the summer I’m living in my swimsuit.

Gaby:  What is your favorite ILR piece and why?
 
Kate: I love the interlocked rings as it’s simple, elegant, and makes a poetic statement about two becoming one; the symbol of love as a reminder on your finger.

Gaby:  Who are your fashion icons?

Kate:  Anyone who does their own unique thing such as Ellen DeGeneres or Lady Gaga – they’re afraid to let fashion make, or not make a statement.

Ilsa Loves Rick Feature in Little Bits Blogspot!

The blogsphere has its own kind of mojo.  Like one big conversation between all the folks you didn't even know that you wanted to have to your next dinner party, the ones that you would love to go shopping with, or the ones that you would call on for some good old fashioned community action.  Little Bits blog (warmastoast.blogspot.com) is a particularly well edited blog with mojo to spare.  And we love them even more for featuring our Snake cuff in 14k GF.  Check it out!


http://warmastoast.blogspot.com/2011/12/i-love-ilsa-loves-rick.html

Ilsa Loves Rick Introduces their "Hoop" Earring Collection!

Sara and I have spent the last several weeks prototyping new additions to the Ilsa Loves Rick brand.  We are excited to announce the addition of a collection of earrings that are our particular take on that staple of any bohemian luxe jewel box...the hoop.  Coming soon, the Kiss Cuff, and new additions to The Drape. And since Sara and I are all about all things equal between the sexes, and since  Ilsa Loves Rick loves  boys too, we are developing a collection for men! For now though, let me introduce The Curve, The Roundabout, and The East West....

Jewel Box Tour: Gaby's Vintage and Artisan Ring Collection

For years now I have been building collections of all different things.  It started with antique mechanical toys and ephemera, and grew to include everything from tin noise-makers to Steve Kennedy oil paintings, Joseph Maida photographs, daguerreotypes, coats, Frye boots, Tila March tote bags, The City Tote by Foley and Corinna, Sissi Rossi Tinto en Capo Washed Buffalo bags, Nicole Lively Wedge Platforms, Birkenstock Gizeh, and rings.  Now, there are rings and there are rings.  I like them large, unusual, and in gold.  Usually wearing one big ring next to my wafer thin wedding band on my left hand and an assemblage of Ilsa Loves Rick bands on my right.

 

 

Jessica rocks the Wrap in 72 Percent Dark

The Creatives: An Interview with Rachel Ahrenhold

Rachel Ahrenhold is the Fashion Account Executive at People StyleWatch magazine. She started her career as an assistant at Lucky Magazine and then at InStyle. She currently handles East Coast based contemporary fashion & accessories advertisers.  And, she is fabulous!

Gaby:  What do you see trending now in fashion?

Rachel:  Booties with a great platform and high heel aren’t going anywhere- which is a good thing considering I’ve invested in a bunch of them. Larger, bold statement pieces, such as necklaces and earrings, are still very prevalent, and can add just the right amount of bling to any look and take you from day to night. I’m also seeing tight legging-style pants with leather paneling worn under larger pieces like a knit sweater or flowy top with a well-cut blazer. I recently attending some press previews with one of our fashion editors, and I was thrilled to see that bright colors are back for spring. That always cheers me up, especially being in NYC where it’s very easy to get stuck in the ‘all black, all the time’ rut. Big, bold, bright colors are fun to mix and match, and always easy to toss on over a pair of white jeans once summer arrives.

Gaby:  What are your top 10 timeless must have items for a best dressed closet?
 

Rachel: 

1. A black blazer. Theory and Elizabeth and James are my go-to’s.

2. Jeans that make you look and feel great (DL1961 is my favorite brand- they have a 4 way stretch that NEVER goes away, so they keep their fit and complement every body type. I’ve converted my entire office!)

3. Invest in a good handbag…people notice.

4. A nice watch. I own an oversized gold Michael Kors one that I toss on with anything- or a diamond Michael one that I wear for nicer events

5. A pair of black pumps that are comfortable and easy to walk in. It doesn’t matter how beautiful the shoe is- if you can’t walk down a hallway without tripping, you’re going to look (and feel) like an idiot.

6. A great piece of jewelry with a good story behind it

7. Under garments that fit you well. It’s worth a trip to the bra experts for a personal consultation. You’d be surprised at how many women wear the wrong sized bra- and are going out looking larger than they really are because of it.

8. A dress that you know fits you perfectly- it’s worth investing in and will pay off in the long run

9. Nude color heels. The rumors are all true- they make your legs look longer and thinner when worn with skirts or dresses and bare legs. Perfect for summer.

10. A best friend in your size to borrow from when all of the above fail 

Gaby:  When was the last time you had a fashion epiphany?  

Rachel:  I pride myself on being the best, most strategic packer ever. For trips I stick to one or two basic colors that go well together, like black and gray, and build from there. It’s such an easy way pack and you just remix and restyle certain items during the trip. Also, (and this isn’t exactly an epiphany) but I’m finally at the place where I know what looks good on my body and what doesn’t. It can take awhile to get there, but once you have a firm understanding and confidence with your body type it makes choosing pieces much easier and a lot more fun. Another secret of mine- dry shampoo and eyelash extensions are my new fave thing to splurge on. No eye makeup? No problem! Running late in the morning with no time for a shower? Sprinkle in some dry shampoo and put your hair back in a chic chignon- problem solved. Looking good doesn’t have to take long!
   

Gaby:  What is your favorite High brand?  And your low brand?  How do you mix high and low?
 

Rachel:  I have my aspirational brands: Chanel, Prada, Chloe…things I just lust after but don’t buy unless they’re on some sick sale. Miu Miu and Lanvin are both brands I’ve started to invest in for shoes- they’re gorgeous AND comfortable. My fave go-to’s are Helmut Lang, DVF, 3.1 Philip Lim, Elizabeth and James, and J. Crew. For more price-friendly brands, far and away it’s Zara and H&M that take the cake. Without fail I always find great staples (tanks, leggings, sweaters) or a fun dress or pair of heels at either one. It’s important to realize when certain items are worth investing in and to not feel like you have to have all high-end or all fast-fashion. I’m literally wearing a 3.1 Philip Lim dress with a pair of booties I bought at DSW for $60 as I write this. I’m all about the high/low pairing, and so is my office. ‘Where are those heels from?’ ‘Gucci’ ‘What about your jacket?’ ‘Esprit’ It happens all the time.

Gaby:  What is your go-to uniform for a day of work?  The weekend?

Rachel:  Heels during the week. Every day. I love them and feel weird when I’m not wearing them at the office or in meetings. A simple dress with a sweater or tight pants with a cute top and blazer. It’s my ‘down town’ chic look. Classic and pulled together but always with fun, standout jewelry and a little bit of edge. On the weekends, I’m in leggings with either flats or sneakers, depending on what I’m doing that day. An oversized sweater or long sleeved shirt with a scarf on top. Comfort is key, especially in NYC where you’re walking all over the place. The heels go back on at night though J

Gaby:  What is your favorite Ilsa Loves Rick piece and why?
 

Rachel:  The Interlock in 14k Gold Filled. It’s such a simple, classic, and dainty looking piece that you can wear anytime, anywhere. It’s not something you would have to think about before you wear it. “Will this look ok with what I have on? Does it make sense?”. Who has time for that?  I just want to put on my fab jewelry and walk out the door!

Gaby:  Who are your style icons?

Rachel:  I’m inspired on a daily basis by the women I work with. I worked for a women for 3 years who was the Associate Publisher at InStyle and then the Publisher of People StyleWatch…she had the best clothes, bags, and shoes out of anyone else I know and I took cues from her on a daily basis. I also think Sienna Miller, Cameron Diaz, and Rachel Zoe always look incredible.

Scenes From the Weekend: A Holiday Parade

My very first solo exhibition at the Amherst College Art Museum, in Amherst MA, consisted of a series of large scale black and white prints of small town parades and festivals. Even now, many years later I am drawn to this public expression of local citizenry- hand made floats, old cars, scouting groups, and the high school marching bands- that are at the center of so many American towns and are the sorts of events that make us feel connected to each other and our communities. Today was our annual holiday parade.