Fashion Crush: Katie Ermilio

And we're back...sorry for the summer respite, things got a bit hectic - but TTT is now back with a fashionable vengeance! I have two weddings coming up in LA next month (my 7th and 8th of the year - wedding overload!!) and am on the hunt for a great dress or two. I have had this vision in my head of what I want to wear - think full swing skirt, tight bodice, retro chic - and have seriously limited myself...until I stumbled upon the insanely gorgeous frocks by Katie Ermilio. 

Katie Ermilio is the granddaughter of Grace Kelly's personal clothier - the man who also created the iconic green jacket donned by Master's champions each year (and the only real reason I would ever watch that golf tournament). After a childhood immersed in fashion she was sure that her career would be as a fashion editor and scored internships at Vogue and a pr job at Teen Vogue. In her spare time she was designing her own dresses and selling a few on the side at her dad's bespoke men's clothing store in Philadelphia. As her dresses continued to garner reviews from editors and sell-out she realized that her calling may be elsewhere. She launched her first wholesale collection this Fall (currently available on Shopbop) and nailed it. 

I always feel like the mark of a great piece of clothing is made up in the details - whether it be hidden pockets, buttons down the back, an unexpected bit of ruching, or an exposed back, it's the details that transform a pretty piece into something you will want to wear over and over again - and Katie does details impeccably!

Last night Katie previewed her Spring 2012 collection and I am anxiously waiting for the photos to be posted. I found a few sneak peeks and once again am loving the bright palette and design elements that take her simple and chic pieces and make them be-yond!

*Rich Tong*

Katie described her Spring 2012 collection (in WSJ) as playing "within the meeting place of where menswear ends and womenswear begins, incorporating elements of draping alongside sharp tailoring."

*Katie Ermilio tumblr*

p.s. don't you just love her glasses - I see a brand extension into eyewear in her future...

Inspiration: Vogue

I absolutely love this look from the November issue of Vogue. I don't know if it is the soothing neutral colors or the preppy oxfords paired with day-glo type bangles and hoop earrings, but I need to replicate this! Lanvin is not exactly wallet friendly so I found a few other options that are much more accessible!

P.S.: Don't you just love the model's hair!! She is like a current day Shirley Temple! 

Vogue by To The Tens

The skirt: two great options from Zara...

 This skirt even has the same bow detailing and allows your shoes to share in the spotlight.

Comfy, flowy and still chic...

The Top:

Club Monaco for Shopbop.com

Great nude oxford by Jamie Rika

Short and sweet by Steven Alan

Ode to Oxfords!

Great detailing and the perfect tobacco color..for under $60!

Forever 21 (under $25!)

Classic by J.Crew

Layer with your favorite bangles and you are on your own way to being en vogue!

Go gorg for grad!

Graduation season is approaching and some of my friends are on the hunt for the perfect grad dresses. With graduations most often taking place early in the day and usually requiring one to sit thru long ceremonies, it is important to wear something comfortable, daytime dressy and fun to allow you to celebrate yours or someone special's big day!

Rebecca Minkoff is killing it, lots of great dresses (but careful you may steal the spotlight in one of these)!

DVF is always a good staple for fun, flirty and comfortable dresses that flatter any physique.

Some pretty printed options... (from left to right: Porter Grey, Mara Hoffman, Milly, Nanette Lepore)

All available on shopbop.com

Price Wars

One dress...3 prices. I have been contemplating buying the below Of Two Minds zebra print dress for a week now and was shocked to see that it is being sold for 3 different prices at 3 different stores. I have noticed before that certain boutiques consistently sell products for $5-$10 more than others, but this dress is being sold for $42 more at the West Village boutique, Castor & Pollux, than it is on shopbop.com and $28 more than Intermix. While Castor & Pollux is not a chain and may need to raise prices to stay in business I find this to be kind of crazy and slightly shady. Obviously, shopbop will be receiving my business. Remember it is good to shop around!

$306 on shopbop.com

$320 at Intermix

Jersey Girl

I was out and about this weekend and decided to pop into Intermix to check out their new Spring duds. I had seen the below Torn by Ronny Kobo skirt in the window and had not been too impressed. I needed to grab something quick though to try on with a top so I decided to give it a whirl. I was proven wrong! This skirt is amazing- a must for everyone. It is jersey so right off the bat, it is extremely comfortable. Plus, the pleating is incredibly flattering and shapes you in all the right places. For once I admit that sometimes you just do have to try things on...The skirt is available at Intermix or online at shopbop.com.

Hassle-free Shopping!

For those who have not heard Shopbop.com now offers free returns, so in addition to their free shipping their is no downside to taking a chance on something! It's as easy as slapping the return label on and forgetting about that minor lapse in judgment. If you aren't already a Shopbop devotee, check them out. They carry just about every brand, high to low, plus they always have a great selection of things on sale.