Dollimou: Made in LA, inspired by the world

While digging through her mom’s closet, designer Alexana Lambros, came across vintage tourist tee shirts, which inspired her and graphic designer, Kim Kaufman, to create Dollimou. “I wanted to create a line that embodies the excitement and charm of traveling the world. I want my line to make you feel like you’re on vacation whether you are or not.”

Alexana makes all of the patterns and Kim creates the graphics in their hometown Los Angeles. The name Dollimou means “my little doll” in Greek and was Alexana’s nickname given to her by her grandmother growing up.

Dollimou’s first season was inspired by Sau Paulo, Brazil and this past Holiday/Resort 2010 was inspired by Paris, France. Their Spring collection 2011 is inspired by the nautical influence of St. Tropez…complete with sailboats and yacht club sweats.

Each season of Dollimou remains a surprise and we can’t wait to see where we’re off to next!  

Dollimou is available at Chelsea Brentwood 11704 Barrington Court, Los Angeles, CA 90049 (310)471-4770. Prices range from $68-$135.

Accessory Report: Great Spring Finds Under $100

Spring is just around the corner, which means it’s time to revamp the wardrobe and add fun and colorful accessories to the mix. With so much to choose from online and in stores, we’ve curated a fashionable assortment of some of our favorite finds…and to make them even more enticing we kept each piece under $100!

A few key accessories are all you need to be on trend this Spring 2011. Chloe wire-framed glasses on sale are always in style and who’s really going to know you got them on sale, right? Gold earrings in geometric shapes are all the rage this Spring 2011, as well as interesting bangles in bright and bold colors. Speaking of color; turquoise, coral and white always say Spring is here.

A lightweight scarf is also a must have for those cooler days and for throwing on at night. We love International Goodwill Ambassador (and supermodel) Liya Kebede’s new line of handmade scarfs called Lemlem, meaning “to bloom” in Amharic. The line is ultra hip and was started as a way of providing Ethiopian weavers with a means to escape poverty; so not only will you look good but you’ll feel good too!

Finally, the well accessorized gal always has a floppy hat in her closet; the perfect accessory for a quick getaway to Palm Springs or a leisurely day in Malibu. 

(Clockwise from top left): Trina Turk Enamel Brick Bangle $98.00 www.trinaturk.com, Lemlem Printed Scarf $99.00 Exclusively for J.Crew www.jcrew.com, Chloe Sunglasses $95.00 www.theoutnet.com, La Vie Crystal Necklace $95.00, Available at Chelsea Brentwood (310)471-4770, Collection XIIX Bold Stripe Straw Hat $38.00 www.nordstrom.com, Dazzle Earrings Orig, $45.00 now $35.00 www.bananarepublic.com.

It’s all about Linen for Spring 2011

Linen is one of the oldest fabrics, spun from flax fibers into string that is made into a strong long-lasting fabric. Linen is a very coarse fabric that is difficult to dye and is thus very popular in the spring and summer months because of it’s naturally light and neutral color. Linen is the greenest of fabrics, since it is produced from a vegetable( the flax plant). The Egyptians often used linen to mummify pharaohs-even the famous tomb of Tutankamen was found wrapped amongst in-tact linen and other fabrics that had crumbled into dust.

Many designers for Spring 2011 have transformed the look and feel of linen by spinning the fabric with cotton to make  it softer and less likely to wrinkle.  Although this is not a new technique by any means, it is an up and coming fabric blend that is sure to give cotton and silk a run for their money.  Linen is a great investment fabric because if it is treated well-it is sure to last for many years.

We have chosen some of the latest trends in Linen for Spring 2011, including soft cotton-blend tees, belted shift dresses and embellished designer shoes. Top designers have come to embrace this organic fabric for good reason and now we know why.   

Clockwise from top left: Aqua Striped Boxy Tee $78 www.bloomingdales.com, Eugenia Kim Linen Stripe Hat $175 www.barneys.com, Penny Linen Dress by Tart $198 available at Chelsea Brentwood (310)471-4770, Linen Chloe Flats $498 www.netaporter.com, Joie Abner Linen Shorts $158 www.chelseabrentwood.wordpress.com, Linen Joie a la Plage Tunic $212 www.chelseabrentwood.wordpress.com.

On Trend for Spring-Designer Totes

               

To tote or not to tote?  The tote bag has long been identified as a larger and more casual alternative to a traditional handbag, ideal for activities like a day at the beach or shopping at the farmer’s market. This Spring 2011 season, the usual canvas and straw tote bags have moved up on the accessory social ladder after receiving more attention to detail from their designers.

Designers are incorporating leather handles, metal hardware and silk lining to create the ideal tote, the perfect combination of casual and chic. These bags can be described as sophisticated and fun…not to be taken too seriously, which is a welcome change from Winter’s more dark and demure handbag designs.

(Clockwise from top left) Enshallha Tote $350 www.calypso.com, Anya Hindmarch Boat Bag Canvas Tote $135 www.netaporter.com, Day Tote with Rope Handles $98 available at Chelsea Brentwood (310)471-4770, Henry Cuir Kif-Kif Tote $1475 www.barneys.com.

Where The Wild Things Are- Spring’s Geometric and Tribal Prints

Spring is the perfect time to let your wild side shine with color and prints. The warm weather evokes the allure of the outdoors and nature as we tend to spend more of our time in the sun.

Geometric and tribal prints were a huge element at the 2011 Spring runway shows where each designer put their own spin on the trend.

Get the “Out of Africa” look with a tribal print in combination with khaki or army-green pieces. To achieve a more mod look stick with bold primary colors and geometric prints.  Either way…you’ll look stylish and it just might remind you to add that African safari you’ve always dreamed of to your bucket list.

Diane Von Furstenberg Skylar Silk Romper $385.00 www.bloomingdales.com, Charlotte Ronson twisted Strap Dress with Rope Belt $235.00 available at Chelsea Brentwood (310)471-4770, Marc Jacobs Geometric Printed Silk Top $495.00 www.netaporter.com, Hot Spots Bel Mar Tunic $238.00 www.trinaturk.com, Zebra Print Scarf $39.00 www.zara.com, Alice + Olivia Printed Layer Skirt $220.00 www.saks.com.

Spring’s Skirts

Get out the self-tanner and hit the gym gals, because skirts are a big trend this Spring!  There is something so chic and breezy about a really great skirt, paired with the right top, they can easily take you from work to a night out on the town.

The two predominant trends in skirts for the Spring 2011 season, are the  midi and mini. The midi can be tricky; if you’re on the shorter side it’s important to have them tailored so they are  slim fitting and on the shorter side of the midi length, which will elongate your silhouette.

Draped mini skirts and Spring-time prints always look sophisticated for day…save the black mini for evening! The high-waisted flounce mini will create a fun, flirty look.

We recommend a fitted blazer for work and a 3/4 sleeve leather jacket or extra long sheer cardigan to finish off the look for play.

(Top Row)Thakoon Drape Front Long Skirt $390.00 www.saks.com, Mid Striped Skirt $13.80 www.forever21.com, A.L.C. Twisty Skirt $295 www.barneys.com, (Bottom Row) Marc Jacobs Shimmer Stripe Tweed Miniskirt $595.00 www.nordstrom.com,BB Dakota Clarion Flounce Skirt $48.00 http://www.shopnastygal.com, Leifsdottir Aviary Skirt $240.00 www.leifsdottir.com.

The Modern Espadrille

Once footwear for peasants, the espadrille has evolved into a spring-time staple.  They were present most everywhere at the Spring/Summer 2011 runways, and you can be sure they will be gracing the streets come the ides of March, making this a shoe to invest in.

The signature jute sole is not only eco-friendly but amazingly comfortable because the braided cotton rope acts as the ultimate shock absorber.

The espadrille became famous in the US in the 1940s when Lauren Bacall’s character in the film “Key Largo” wore them laced up around her ankle.  Since then, the style has been revived at least once a decade…yet here at Curator’s of Style we are mesmerized with the sophistication for the upcoming season.

Dolce Vita Jollen Espadrille $125.00, Chelsea Brentwood (310)471-4770

Christian Louboutin Pepi Peep-Toe Espadrille,$425.00 www.saks.com

Valentino Patent Leather Slingback Espadrille, $475.00 www.valentino.com

Lanvin Espadrille Wedge, $595.00, www.lanvin.com