What I have been reading...

What I love about... January

Covetable...Elder Statesman

In 2007, Greg Chait launched the luxury lifestyle brand, The Elder Statesman, a collection founded on the principles of exceptional quality, impeccable craftsmanship and the finest materials. Driven by a deep appreciation and understanding of artisan disciplines the brand has and will constantly strive to perfect the creation of the best possible works. Launching with a series of custom blankets, The Elder Statesman has expanded to offer a wide range of products including hats, gloves, scarves, handkerchiefs, eyewear, home accessories and ready-to-wear. In November 2012, The Elder Statesman's unique perspective caught the discerning eye of the CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund and was awarded the year's top honor.

Ilsa Loves RIck at Quotidienne in Portland!

I am thrilled to announce that the Ilsa Loves Rick line is now available at Quotidienne a meticulously curated online shop featuring small independent designers from here and abroad.   Their mantra "Modern clothing for the art of everyday life." resonates in every piece they sell sourced from North America, Europe, Japan, and other points offering a tightly-edited, well-crafted collection with a minimalist and slightly quirky take, made by people who love what they do. Everything in the shop has been chosen with thought, carefully selected to work together seamlessly. Instead of a closet stuffed with fast fashion, Quotidienne provides a wardrobe of quality things you will love and wear with pleasure.a  covetable bags.

Show Me Your ILR...Eliza in Austin

About a Girl: Rebecca Aranow

Rebecca Aranow is a junior in high school. She has great taste in music, is loyal to the core, and can rock gladiator boots like no one I know.

What gets you excited about the future?

Well, after watching so much Sex and the City I’ve dreamed of having the chance to be that “small girl in the big city”.  I have gone to the same school since kindergarten, I have had the same best friends for most of my life, and I have gone to the same summer camp since I was seven, so I have been in a certain comfort zone for most of my life. ‬But when I start to think about my future, although it is a little scary sometimes for me to not know where I want to end up, it is also exciting to be able to go out into the world without a plan.

Who are your heroes?

When I think about my heroes I think about my grandmothers; the three people who I look up to and aspire to be. My Mommom Marcy, as a mother and housewife, decided to attend law school despite the fact that she had two children to take care of, showing me that anything is possible and nothing can hold you back. My Mommom Cathy was a single mother who not only had to take care of my uncle, but also my father who was a devil child. Through her adult life she jumped from career to career- from radio host, to writer, to designer representative, to photographer, just to name a few- becoming great at her momentary passion before she got bored and moved on to become great at something else. My Mommom Rara is one of the goofiest and happiest people I know and always reminds me to be happy, keep smiling, and take advantage of every second of every day. Her motto, “I love my family”, is simple but emphasizes the importance of a strong family bond,
one which I have with all of my family. My grandmothers have truly shaped me as a person and they are my biggest heroes.

How would you describe your personal style?

I don’t see myself as someone who has one style. I tend to dress differently
depending on my mood, and I try to not let myself be defined by one look. Some
days I like to be a little more edgy, whether that means wearing all black with
studded boots or pairing leather pants with a flannel button down. And other
days I dress more boho or casual chic with a simple oversized sweater, jeans and
brown boots. But whatever person I decide to be for the day I always try to dress
simple with just one standout piece while also wearing things that people wouldn’t
typically think to put together as an outfit.

Must See...Ileana Sonnabend at MoMA

Ambassador for the New is the title of the Ileana Sonnabend retrospective at New York's Museum of Modern Art celebrating her half century of shaping the course of post-war art in Europe and North America. On display until April 21, the show explores her unique eye through art works collected and exhibited in her eponymous galleries in Paris and New York.  You can read more about this incredible art visionary at the MOMA site or in Holland Carter's review of the show for the New York Times.