Hippie Chic always seems to pop up in every season of fashion, but always in small doses. You'll see hippie tunics one season, ponchos the next, and bead work soon after. I always enjoy watching what will come next because I've always enjoyed a blast from the past, especially when it comes to the fashion of hippie love. In the last couple seasons we've noticed headbands and maxi dresses, along with hippie skirts and rompers. What will it be for the fall season this year?
Bell Bottoms!!
I am noticing the runways and celebrities alike sporting bell bottoms everywhere. Stores are starting to carry a style or two of the look, and soon they will be flooding the stores. I admit, I'm a bit excited. As I look in my closet and notice that my denim section needs a major overhaul, I will be excited to add bell bottoms to the collection and wear them on an almost daily basis. I do love my skinny jeans and won't be getting rid of them any time soon, but the contrast of looks will allow me to play much more with the other pieces I have hanging in my closet that haven't got any attention in a while. Hooray for the comeback of Bell Bottoms and Wide Legged Jeans!!
With 4th of July behind us (by just a day), I have stripes on my mind and I can't stop thinking about them. They are everywhere and I love it. I remember when my fashion sense was lacking a bit in the junior high days, I use to tell myself that as long as I was wearing stripes I would look good. My closet was filled with stripes in all different colors. And, I have to be honest, while it might not have been a good idea to limit myself to stripes, I did do it tastefully. I never looked like a clown and mix and matched my stripes with polka dots or anything like that, but I definitely had a "stripe overload". For long after that, I wasn't able to buy anything stripes. I mean, I am talking years of being stripe free. But, that was long, long ago.
Now, I can't get away from them. I don't know what it is about the pattern of a stripe, but I like the way they look. You see them on dresses, shirts, leggings, pants, anything, and everything. They aren't just nautical, you can also see them in soft and sweet colors, adding more femininity. Maybe that's it. It is a geometric shape that adds a bit of "hard" without losing your feminine side? Whatever it is, I think we all need to find our stripe for the season and enjoy! (Whatever you do, please don't add stars to your stripes, like I said 4th of July as past).
You can also check out our striped fashion here:
The Katiedid Boatneck Dress by Jennafer Grace
Charming Nautical Blouse by Jennafer Grace
Basic Striped Romper by Jennafer Grace
Sunset Striped Bikini by Molly B Bikinis
Ocean Striped Bikini by Molly B Bikinis
Grey and White Bikini by Chocolate Cherries
Ella Bodice dress by Jennafer Grace
Purple Haze Dress by Jennafer Grace
Purple Shimmer Blouse by Brooke Catherine
Along with the nice and sunny summer weather, comes the days of the rain. Some of us like the rain (especially when we never really get it here in So. Cali), and others dread it. Regardless, rainy days usually mean gloomy skies, and with gloomy skies come gloomy personas. I know for me, if it looks gloomy out, I lose all desire to put effort into my day. I don't think about what I pull out of the closet, what I eat, what my hair looks like, etc. I use gloomy days as an escape from reality. I guess it would be safe to say I "let go" for the day. And, nothing is wrong with that, right? Not unless it last more than a couple days, I would say.
Being that we are experiencing a gloomy day here in San Diego today, I started thinking about how much it really does affect myself and fashion. Like I said above, it's a day where I usually just don't care. But, today I decided to approach things a little differently. If I begin the day as if the sky is sunny and smiling, then maybe my day will continue on the same path. So, I carefully planned my outfit (dark skinny jeans, a white tank, a pink and purple tie dyed jersey scarf cardigan and flat black sandals), completing it with earrings, a necklace, and bracelet. I straightened my hair, chose colorful makeup, and added a special touch of perfume to perfect the look. I left the house as if the sun was shining bright and I was feeling the beach vibes...
As I continue on my day I start wondering, did it work? Did I really trick my brain to think that the day was not all of gloom and mist? But here I am, looking out the window, and guess what I want to do? Put on my comfy stretchy pants, a tshirt and pull my hair up. I feel the couch calling my name (and I really am normally a busy body!). I just couldn't trick myself. This girl is made for the sun. I love it and it loves me. :)
If you are feeling gloomy today, too, then think about those sunny days to come and take a peak at all our Bcat Threads summer clothing! Online shopping today might just get you pumped up for the sunny days to come!
Summer is here and now its time to show off your beachwear in style. Our designers have been working hard to get the latest looks to you to get you ready and prepared. Today I found the newest piece in Jennafer Grace's collection, its the Flamingo Lounge Dress. Can you say AMAZING? The colors, the drape, the whole look...it's just stunning. If you are one to cover up at the beach, this is perfect for you. Talk about sex appeal. A combination of Sex in the City meets Shanghai in a vintage boutique. Ooh La La. I want one!! And, you can get yours too right here! :)
Being that I sell my designs in local San Diego shopping boutiques, I have become quite familiar with the shopping experience that is gained from the people shopping in those stores. I have been spending much time looking at the similarities and differences of those boutiques, versus going to the mall to shop. I've talked to many different people with different walks of life to better understand what they expect from a shopping experience and how that experience is gained by the way that they shop and where they choose to go. In doing this, I think I have gained some very useful information that some people just don't know about.
Why Shop in Boutiques?
Boutique shopping is a great experience that some people have never enjoyed. Why? Maybe because they just don't know how good it gets. First of all, what exactly is a boutique? A boutique is a small store that caters to such things as fashion and jewelry. They often carry a select variety of items that is cohesive to the entire store. They are geared more towards a niche, and supplying that niche.
A common mistake made about boutiques is that they are expensive. I hear comments about how some people can't afford to go into boutiques or don't want to spend alot of money on clothing, so they won't shop at them. This is not true at all. I mean, yes, there are some boutiques that are expensive, but it really is not the case in all of them. In fact, most boutiques that I have ever stepped foot in San Diego have a vast majority of prices. You can find everywhere from cheap to moderate to expensive, and sometimes all those prices in one store.
The best part about boutiques is that you can always find unique items. When you are looking for something to stand out from the rest, shopping in a boutique is the best way to find it. They usually only carry a select variety of items, and sometimes just a couple in each size. And, most of the time, they are the only one to carry that item in the area. On top of that, local boutiques are most likely to carry independant designer brands that can't be found in mall stores.
The shopping experience in a boutique is also much more intimate. If you are someone who doesn't like to be hounded by the sales clerks at mall stores, you will love the experience of a boutique. They are generally more helpful, versus hungry for your sale. They want to give you a great experience and help you find just what you are looking for. The environment tends to be more relaxing, making you more comfortable to shop.
I really could go on and on about the experience that you can gain from shopping at your local boutiques, but it is an experience you should try out yourself. Take a day to walk around, look at the different stores and see for yourself. The experience can be relaxing, enjoyable, and different than your every day routine. Plus, you are supporting the local economy by shopping at local small bussinesses. Its a win, win for everyone!
Happy Shopping and Enjoy your local boutiques today :)
About a week or so ago, my friend asked me if I wanted to become part of a "Non-book Club for the Girls". I said "Yes, of course!" for my time with the girlfriends has been lacking dearly. You know how it is, you get together with the girls, have the best time ever, vow to do it all over again real soon, then all of a sudden a whole year has passed and no set plans have been made to do it again. Well, this new group is an attempt to set the plans every month so they are scheduled. Whether you make it or not is your own energy decision, but when life just flies on by, why pass up the opportunity to hang out with the girls?
The idea was to have each girl in the group plan a girls night, taking turns with whose month it would be. Last night was a visit to the Gaslamp District for a few drinks at the Gaslamp Tavern. Being that it was Memorial Day Weekend and a sunny, warm day altogether, there were people everywhere and lots to watch and talk about as we sat and enjoyed a cocktail. And, while the time was enjoyed by us all, we had a far more important obligation approaching us, so we wrapped it up and headed down to the theater to watch Sex and the City 2.
Of course, the movie is 50% about the fashions worn and 50% about storyline. I won't tell you the storyline, for that is what you go to the theater to see. But, I must talk about the fashion because it was incredible and never ceased to amaze me. Every scene consisted of new wardrobe from all the characters, and each time I saw the new pieces, I thought to myself "How does that work?". They were so different and never seen before, but the confidance that each character radiated didn't allow you to think twice about their decison for the pieces. They rocked it. From Carried Bradshaw looking super sexy in, of all things, a tuxedo with a black crowned accent headpiece to Samantha Jones in the red dress with blazing sharp, stab-worthy spiked shoulder pads in the club in Abu Dhabi, to Miranda's very low neckline black and white sequined and form fitting dress that she wore to her friend's wedding, and of course Charlotte's 80's inspired pink power suit, fashion was a very powerful aspect of this movie.
While the ladies vacationed in Abu Dhabi, they had so many amazing pieces from headwraps to jeweled bathing suits, I couldn't help but want to rip them off their bodies and keep them for myself. There wore so many beautiful colors, it was all very awe-inspiring. I recommend that even if you don't go for the storyline, go for inspiration in fashion. It will make you want to be more daring, less insecure, and feel an extra urge to go shopping for your new summer wardrobe. And, for some added help, check out our store for all the new summer items!
After a phase of "burn out" from fashion design, I've been struggling to get back on my feet and produce a work of art that I have put my whole heart in to. It seems that the small break I was taking has turned out to be quite the hiatus. Two weeks of "taking time off", turned into two months and still not sure when I will be back at it. My husband and I have recently bought a new house, which I am sure you know that means, painting and decorating. So, while I may not be producing fashion, I now have much of my focus on interior design until we get this house looking like it belongs to us.
How similar are fashion and interior design? Well, the design line is a bit different. I went from working with the curves of a woman's body to the box-like surface of a room. This has been the exact boost I needed for my future in fashion. I needed a change, and this has been perfect. I am still using my creative juices, but now I have to consider working with different pieces. In the end, though, the process is all the same.
We are attacking our house one room at a time. The most important being our bedroom, because once we finish that, then we can move in and work around everything to design the rest of the house. I recently bought new bedding and haven't grown old of it one bit. I love the colors and so does my husband (that is a rarity, so I am running with it). From my bedding, I decided to find my inspiration. What can I do with seafoam green? Well, I found a few pictures that I really liked, and these are now my inspiration boards.
What I love about this bedroom is how they use white, seafoam green, and gold. This is the color palette I have chosen for my own bedroom. Granted, my room is not the same in size, but the ideas of how the colors mix is what I am using for my own ideas.
So far, I have only painted the walls, but its all a process, right? And, I want to do it right the first time, so a little bit at a time is just perfect. Everything will have its own place, and will be placed so perfectly in the room. Our only debate right now is, TV or no TV? I'm starting to think that we should attempt no TV and if we feel we are missing a little nighttime tube, then we'll add that later. With televisions being so thin and light these days, it could be a nice accent piece to add to the wall without taking up too much clutter. Hmm, I'm sure you know where my husband sides--he's all about the TV. We'll just have to see. I will keep you in the loop about all my interior designing ideas and projects and show you the results in the end. This is going to fun!!
And, to you, Fashion, I love you and miss you. When I come back, I hope you will be ready for me. :)
Introducing Bcat Threads new Featured Designer, Molly B Bikinis. Perfect for laying in the sun, chilling at the beach, swimming, surfing, or playing at the pool. These bikinis are versatile and so nicely made for durability and long wear. They are the best investment, and work well with many body types. The shapes are made to enhance a women's features to make you look amazing in the summer sun. Each piece is designed by a local San Diego surfer girl who knows what it takes to own the perfect bikini. Check out all the pieces with their funky names and inspiring backgrounds. You'll be sure to find the perfect set for yourself and all your friends. Click here to check out all the selections in our store.
Summer is right around the corner, which means its time to find your bathing suit of the season! Chocolate Cherries has just launched a new line of swimwear that is adorable for all shapes and sizes. She has the cute one piece with a heart cutout that is so unique and adorable, you will feel so good wearing it. You won't see anything like it in your local department stores, this is one-of-a-kind! Her raspberry ruffle bikini is also so flattering and precious for women of all ages. Please be sure to check out the new swimwear and other pieces by Chocolate Cherries today!
The Golden Globes is always the hot spot to see the most popular celebrities and the hottest fashion. Of course, for me, its the fashion that I am most excited about. This year there was plenty of rain, testing to see who turned into pumpkins and who kept smiling through it all. It seemed like most everyone was tolerating the rain quite well, considering the gorgeous gowns, makeup, and hair so perfectly done for the event. So, who topped my list as the best dressed? I give the award to Zoe Saldana, of Avatar, for wearing the most gorgeous maroon colored ruffled Lois Vuitton gown. I loved the color, which was different than all the others that night, and the ruffles were perfect. I would love to wear this dress on the red carpet (well, if I looked like Zoe Saldana, this is).
This year, to my suprise, I was not very pleased with Julia Roberts look. I mean, she is always beautiful, and everyone looks good in black, but it was just too safe and frumpy for my taste. Granted the jeweled necklace was a great addition to it all, it still just wasn't enough for me. Of course, she always has the most gorgeous smile and great attitude that I've already almost forgot about what she wore... Ah! That must have been part of the plan.
As a designer, I get myself out there as much as I can. One way of doing so is participating in a website US Trendy. I usually read through their blogs for ideas, and sometimes come across an article about something I have designed. I found this article interesting, for they took a picture from my portfolio work and compared the picture to one of Lady Gaga. Read more from the article here. Who wouldn't like to be compared to the most daring fashionista in the celebrity world. I like the comparison and welcome it proudly. :)
There is one hot trend this season that I can't get enough of. Think Metallics. Metallic skirts, leggings, mini dresses, anything metallic. There is so much to pick from and I love 'em all. It actually comes at a suprise to me, since a year ago I would've told you that I hate sequins and you'll never catch me wearing them. But, the look is different now. It has changed from dancewear to fashionwear.
There is no doubt that I will be wearing a metallic mini this New Year's Eve. Why not? Its an instant boost that anyone can pull off and look amazing doing it! This trend has also inspired me to create my own peice of metallic wear. This high waisted pencil skirt can be dressed up or dressed down. Wear it to work as an accent peice, or wear it out as the main look. It works! Of course pictures never do it justice, but TRUST ME this is a one-of-a-kind must have item for the season. :)
For one of your own, you can purchase this skirt on our website, or you can also try it on at Ceclia Boutique in Mission Hills, San Diego, Ca.
I just received a new photo of the day from my friends, Minh and Rochelle Huynh today. They did all the styling and photography, Jennafer Grace and I added the clothes, and Santana Bomar worked her modelesque figure to create such beautiful pictures.
Model: Santana Bomar
Hair, make up, style: Rochelle Huynh
Production: Minh Huynh
Clothing: Trench Coat - Brooke Catherine and Lace Leggings - Jennafer Grace
If you are interested in purchasing a jacket of this style, let me know by emailing an inquiry. I can make this in any color (I just don't have this fabric anymore). Or, for another similar style, check this out!
Yet another one of my designs has been featured on US Trendy. I designed this dress for part of my fall collection. Hope you enjoy!!
We have just added a new featured designer to our site. The line is named Radokri and I am very excited about it. She has versatile feather flowers that can be used for just about anything. When you add it to your wardrobe, it adds enough pizazz to be noticed and draw positive attention. The designer creates, by hand, a wonderful collaboration of feathers and jewels, attaching it to a clip, so you can use it anywhere. They look beautiful in your hair, or on a scarf, purse, necklace, or belt. The feathers create interesting textures and beautiful color. And, anyone can wear them!! There is one to fit everyone's personality type. To shop Radokri, go to our site. Happy Shopping!
After receiving yet another amazing photo from Minh and Rochelle Huyn, I had to blog about it. Why? Because there is so much fun going into this shot. A lot of women look at button up shirts as something people wear in an office atmosphere. As you can see in my design, it can look hot anywhere. Match it with a high waisted skirt for a bold look, not necessarily for the 9-5ers only. At the same time, if you are looking to spice up your work wardrobe, this would be a great addition. The lace adds plenty of drama for all who attract it!
The other fun thing I like about this shot is that not only does it do my blouse design justice, but I collaborated with Jennafer Grace for this look. We added her high waisted knit leopard skirt to show how great it can be to mix and match designs, colors, and patterns. Who knew that lace and leopard could look so good? Well, we found it did and couldn't wait to show this combination to you.
You can purchase the blouse at our website here.
After reading a blog from my friend, Elizabeth Leffler-Agia for San Diego Magazine , I thought to myself that I had to share this amazing idea with you. Bagonia Bags , an eco-friendly, multi-functional handbag line has come up with a marvelous idea for our bicycle traveling people. They created a whole line of beautifully made handbags that not only have several compartments and a secret stash of 3 reusable shopping bags, but it also has the buillt in ability to connect to the handlebars of a bicycle. With a lot of people turning from driving car to riding bikes saving on money and protecting our environment, these bags make for a fashion statement, as well as showing your support to protect the environment as well. And, if the price is a concern of yours, please keep in mind that these bags are made in the U.S., supporting our local manufacturers and factory workers. This is a small business with a big cause and you won't be disappointed if you buy yours today.
One of the newest fashion trends trickling from spring into the fall/winter season is the accentuated shoulder. Think shoulder pads! Thats right, power dressing in the 80's has come back and seen on all runways. The bigger and bolder, the better! The puffed sleeve matched with the 80's mini dress makes for the absolute perfect duo. And, the best part is that this is a great staple item that can be layered with leggings and high waisted belts. Try it out for yourself...you feel confidant, collected, and oh so sassy. Dress below can be purchased on our website at: http://bcatthreads.com/i-1554472-one-shoulder-ribbed-navy-mini.html And, the best part is, you can create your own look by inquiring about a color that you look best in, and get a custom size for your perfect fit!
Try adding some texture into your wardrobe this season. It is a great way to make your outfits looked more polished as well as being more appealing to the eye. Every major designer has added texture into their collections this season. It is the new alternative to embroidery and embellishment. You can add texture by layering, folding, wrinkling, wearing different types of fabrics, wearing old upholstery-like fabrics, and so on. Brooke Catherine has added this texture twist into her new Summer 2009 Collection. She has blended her girly and funky style with texture by using one of a kind fabric and by uniquely combining fabrics to make fashionable pieces. Pictured below is a dress that will soon be added to bcatthreads and is designed by Brooke Catherine herself. The dress is a classic example of texture as it is made of three very different types of fabric. The top is a shift satin which gives the dress a romantic sheen, the collar and waistband is a luxurious gold dupioni silk, and the skirt is an emerald green jacquard fabric which has an upholstery-like textural pattern on it. If you decide to try this trend out, don’t add too many accessories or it will take away from the texture and make your outfit look cluttered. Keep your hair, shoes, and accessories classic and minimal and you will end up looking in style and FABULOUS!!
The classic style of wearing a jacket will complete an outfit and help you look more put together. This spring and summer, the preppy look has come back in style. Instead of going with the ultra short jackets, wear them as long as a tailcoat or short like a waistcoat. The jackets this season are great because brights as well as neutrals are in the color palette. Masculine yet feminine is this springs look: the shoulders are broad and the collars are bold, but the waist is fitted and feminine. These jackets should not look like half of a suit, they should look fun but tailored. The great thing about jackets is that you can wear them to work to look professional or you can pair with a cute pair of skinny jeans and bright heels for a a more fun outfit. For those of you who want to be a little more funky.. try putting a belt over the jacket at the skinniest part of your waist. Pictured below is an "unclassic" jacket by Brooke Catherine.
Geometric prints are everywhere!! Designers are getting inspiration from simple shapes that we have known and loved since we were babies.. they are on everything from dresses and accessories, to shoes! It is a great way to bring some color in your wardrobe, or disguise a problem area. This trend is being seen in high fashion (like this Diane von Furstenberg dress shown below) and even in your more budget friendly stores like H&M or Forever 21. By wearing these crazy and most often colorful prints, make sure to balance it out with something more neutral otherwise you will look like a walking disaster! Dont be overwhelmed with the thought of wearing a bold print. It can look chic without trying too hard. Try pairing a colorful dress with some strappy nude sandals and a colorful one toned purse!!
Trying to give your night out on the town look a little extra glam?? Add a jeweled clutch or necklace to give that boring dress more of oopmh. A sparkling cuff or a chunky necklace will give color and glam to any outfit. Just make sure less is more!! Add too much and it will look like you walked right out of an 80s movie.
For those of you who like to wear comfy athletic wear, the sporty look is back!!! This spring look out for spandex, bright colors, running pants and hoodies. It may not be a look you can wear out to a club, but for running around town and doing errands it just might be perfect. Designers such as Michael Kors, Stella McCartney for Adidas, and Missoni are all showing these trends in thier latest fashion shows. Almost makes you want to work out huh!! Get out those sneakers girls and get moving..
So now that everyone is broke from the economy.... recycling old clothes that you may have kept a little too long and making it new again is becoming the new trend. It is being reported in almost every magazine, and you can see it on the streets of your very own city/town. Men and women are mixing new things with vintage clothing or bringing in other decades styles with the now. Not only is it a way to feel like your wardrobe may not be as small as it is, but its a way to give your clothes new personality. You can cut up old T-shirts, mend an old sweater by adding different buttons, adding an old 80s belt to your new outfit.. there are endless things you can do to make your pieces feel new again!! Also in trend with the economic crisis, is the reoccurance of the fashion back from the depression in 1929. Designers are bringing back the flapper look, lots of fringes, 20's style hats, and lots of loose sack like fitting dresses and shirts. Be creative, dig into your old clothes and see what you can do. Make lemons into lemonade!!!
Belts have always been in fashion, but the last couple seasons they have definitly been the accessory to have. And the next few seasons to come belts are still going to be a way to up your ante by taking your outfit from one level to the next. Wether it be a simple dress, a sweater, a knit blouse, or a high waisted skirt, belts are a way to emphasize your waist, big or small. The hourglass is always in style and a way to really accentuate your womanly curves, belts around the smallest part of your body is a great way to do that. They also add texture, which is also a trend that will not go away for a long time. The more texture the better!! For those of you who dont know.. it's more fashion forward to belt anything but your pants these days... although no one wants to see crack. Crack Kills!!!
