Ask Camp Comfort: Turbans and Headwraps

Ask Camp Comfort is off to an exciting start and this week we are addressing the style inquiry of Tamarah from cutey blog Dolly Varden Vintage. Tamarah has been loving the look of Turbans and Headwraps like those from Prada's S/S 2007 collection, but is struggling to find the perfect way to wear them...

(Prada S/S 2007)

The turban/headwrap has made many appearances in women's fashion over the years. The first images that come to mind when I think of headwrap fashion are those of actress Gloria Swanson and the legendary fashion house Biba. Decades apart but oozing with the same sense of bohemian chic.

Since I will definitely not claim to be a pro at the tying portion... I am a fan of the pre-wrapped versions...

These headwraps are easy to throw on with a sleek ponytail or long tossled hair:

Beau Oise Silk Turban ($85), Jacqueline Lamont Liberty Print Turban ($50), UO Rose Headwrap ($16), F21 Turban Headband ($3.80).

And what could be easier than a headband! These have that fantastic Prada-esque knot on top:

Jennifer Ouellette Ikat Turban ($70), Jennifer Ouellette Double Layer Turban ($70).

Lastly there is the always-classic head scarf.... Twisted around and tied in front or left long in the back:
(Chloe A/W 2007)

So, what do you think? Would you sport the headwrap??? What's your favorite version of the look?

If anyone has any tips on headscarf tying, we'd love to hear them!

On The Fringe

Have you checked out Etsy shop Norwegian Wood??? I LOVE these layered fringe necklaces! And there are some other interesting (harnesses) and fun (patterned leggings) goodies at their shop. More here.

A Bit of Whimsy

How darling are these pictures from Argentinean brand Pesqueira!



I love the sailor coat and stuffed-animal head bags!

(via the ever-so-lovely A Merry Mishap)

Alert: Sandals on Sale

Shopbop is offering 20% off all of their regular-priced sandals until Wednesday, April 1st (with the code SANDALS20)! And they have tons of lovely options... Today, on this sunny Monday morning, I am feeling sky-high wedges!




Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti ($550), Theory ($295), Charlotte Ronson ($145), Dolce Vita ($175) all available at Shopbop

She's Some Bunny!

I just adore Fifi Lapin! She has the most amazing wardrobe, right?


I was so pleased to find that Fifi has created a Wallpaper for Kindred - check it out here.

And here is Fifi in a few Sonia Rykiel looks... She's one super-stylish bunny!


Print available at her shop - here.

Introducing: Ask Camp Comfort

Camp Comfort is all about enjoying fashion and inspiring you to make a look your own! It is with that philosophy that we are introducing a new service to our readers - Ask Camp Comfort. Readers can write in with fashion and style related questions/problems - Anything from "How do I interpret this new trend?" to "I am looking for the perfect pair of flat riding boots!" and we will do our best to help (p.s. it's FREE)! Just look for the link to email us on the right hand column of the blog!


Anyways, welcome to the first posting in our new feature Ask Camp Comfort! Let's get on with the show...

Lovely reader, Courtney, recently wrote to us looking for some help picking an outfit for a special at-the-beach photo shoot with her friends. Courtney is a self-proclaimed "plaid/buttons/hoodie/sneaker kind of gal". She is looking for a dressier option for the shoot to match her friends, but does not want to compromise her style.

Here are a couple of options...

New Bohemian - This long flowing cotton dress has a fantastic care-free summer feel while still looking pulled together. The gold sandals and chunky necklace give the look it's more special quality, while the hat adds a bit of personal style.

Rika Dress ($319), F21 Straw Fedora ($10.80), Anthropologie Necklace ($38), Matt Bernson Gladiators ($170).

Quirky Vintage - This look is definitely channeling Zooey Deschanel! Your friends will be too busy asking you were you got that adorable dress to notice that you aren't super dressed-up. And of course a great pair of over-sized shades helps everyone to look chic at the beach!

Tulle Nantucket Dress ($94.99), Karen Walker Sunglasses ($200), F21 Macrame Belt ($6.80), A.P.C Espadrille Wedges ($250).

One Reason

Another reason I wish I lived closer to an H&M... $39.90!


Dear friend Sofie, please tell me you've located some hot H&M wedges for me!

Spring Under $100: Accessories

Time for Part 3 of "Spring Under $100" - Must-have accessories for under $100!!!

A Light Weight Scarf:

Club Monaco Marlow Scarf ($69)

Super-Feminine Hair Accessories:

Bloom ($28) and Bow ($38) Headband both from Anthropologie

Something Straw:

Topshop Cross Body Purse ($70), F21 Straw Cloche ($12.80)

Bold Bangles:

A.P.C Bangles ($30)

Stay Tuned: Bags up next!

Street Chic: The Video Age

Do you ever watch the Street Chic or Intersection videos via Elle.com or Style.com? They're kinda fun... They stop fashionable women on the street and ask them what/who they are wearing! I love the last woman's outfit in this video... I have a big thing for summery white dresses layered for winter!



Although, I have noticed on a couple occasions that people will try to pass off 2-year-old mass market buys as vintage - bad idea! Check out more videos here and here!

I Heart Shoes

I just cannot seem to get shoes off the brain this morning! I want them ALL!! (Insert evil laugh, and master plan to win the lottery)... But if you could pick just one for free - Which one??



I think I might go with the first pair - I don't currently own a pair of electric blue suede shoes!

APC, Opening Ceremony, Mini Market, and Rachel Comey - OH MY! These gorgeous grouping of shoe eye-candy provided by: Tres Bien Shop and Creatures of Comfort.

(P.S. I am not actually giving away free shoes - That would be nice though!) This is also to introduce a new Camp Comfort label - Shoes! Because shoes are too special to be grouped with Accessories!

Pajama Party

Hello, Steven Alan PJ's and Ruffle Panties!!!



Heart.

Rips and Stripes

I wasn't really a fan of the ripped-front jeans until now...



Paired with a striped tee gives the style a more classic look! Teen Vogue editor Taylor Tomasi (1st picture) interprets the trends in her own perfect way, always adding her own quirky style elements!

Shopbop has a huge array of distressed styles ranging from totally torn up to lightly distressed in both dark and light washes. My pick are the light washed, mildly dstressed Joe's pictured below:


Current and Elliott ($216), Joe's ($174), Levi's Capital E ($258) - More available at Shopbop

(Paris images via Style Sightings)

Currently Craving: Shades of Blue

Although I tried to deny it for many years, blue is definitely my favorite color!





Striped Canvas Repettos ($180), Eberjey Bralette and Panties ($48 & $32), UO Fleece Motorcycle Jacket ($68), Stepping Stones Necklace from Anthro ($28), Rachel Comey Scarf ($305), Sunshine and Shadow Skirt ($260), Stewart+Brown Tunic ($170), JCrew Ruffle Bandeau and Retro Hipster ($40 & $44)

Shoes to Play In

I am sort of recently obsessed with Keep shoes. You know I have a little thing for high-tops lately, and I love these gingham glad tennies! Perfect for a weekend day around town - Very Scandinavian hipster - Love!

The Real World

It may officially be Spring, but let's be realistic - It's still COLD! It's getting harder and harder to be inspired by cold weather looks as many of us are just waiting to don Spring's pretty dresses and cheeky jumpers!


This look via Garance Dore made me feel more excited about the fact that most of us are still wearing our winter gear. I love that she makes the those amazing thigh-high boots look so cool and casual. And the bright blue denim is a fantastic way to interject a little Spring into a cold weather look.


James Perse Casual T ($50), Opening Ceremony Cropped Jacket ($288), Forever21 Colored Skinny Jean ($19.80), Organic Jersey Scarf ($50), UO Leather Over-the-Knee Boot ($178)

The Hair File

Like any woman who surfs the internet constantly and semi-dislikes her current hairstyle, I have created my own "Hair" file. Some of these inspiration photos are realistic (i.e. my hair might someday look similar) and some are totally unrealistic (someday I might magically have the opposite kind of hair that I have now) - Never the less, that has not stopped me from amassing a large collection of hair inspiration.

Let me start by telling you about my hair as it is now so that you know where I am coming from. Last summer I cut my hair into a pixie cut a la Jean Seberg in Breatless, then for several months I labored through the extremely awkward growing-out phase... Now I have finally reached a sort of 20's flapper style bob, which has been really fun for wearing this season's popular headbands, but ultimately I painfully miss having long hair.

So, through these photos I have been plotting my return to long, gorgeous hair!

This is wear I am hoping to be in the next couple of months (They say hair grows faster in the Summer!):



Then once I get to this point I will be able to pull it back into a chignon which was always one of my staples, and I miss it:



And around that same time I will be able to start wearing lovely little braids like this:



This would be the ultimate end result, although I don't think I have ever had my hair quite this long:



And finally since I have been a brunette for most of my life, I am thinking of trying a dirty blonde like this (and the bangs are always a must for me!):



(Sadly, I have not done a great job of recalling the sources of all of these photos, here's the best I can do: Elenita, Pixie Market, A lovely Etsy vintage shop I can't remember the name, I don't know where either of the braid photos are from, The Rockstar Diaries, and Stye Clicker - Apologies to those I have not sited!!!!)

Spring Under $100: Flirty Dresses

Here we are at our second installment of "Spring Under $100" - Yay!

As you've probably noticed before, finding cute dresses under $100 can prove to be difficult - but we have some great options here!


Country Fair Dress ($44.99), Picture Book Dress ($74.99) both from ModCloth - Lot's more lovely/affordable dresses on their site!


Ruffle Neck Denim Dress ($78) at UO, Purple Tie Die Dress ($62) at Pixie Market


Space Invaders Dress ($90), Oversize Check Dress ($80) both available at Topshop.

Does anyone else have a good resource for inexpensive Spring dresses? (I know H&M and Zara are probably a goldmine, but unfortunately they do not have an online store for me to show any of their product here!)

Smoky Alice

I discovered this lovely shop via Forty-Sixth at Grace - The styling is totally inspirational!




More here (click join first to access the rest of the site - but you don't have to actually join, it somehow just enables browsing)

Spring Under $100: Sandals

Today I am starting a little "Spring Under $100" series - First up, great Spring sandals that won't break the bank!


Nine West Rejoice ($79), Corso Como Franc ($98)


Nine West Macee ($89), Chinese Laundry Sudoku ($70)


DV by Dolce Vita Delfina ($90), Sam Edelman Greco ($99)

Stay tuned for more Spring Under $100 to come in the next couple of days!

Hello Gorgeous!

Finally, ridiculously cute and stylish shoes for a fantastic price! That's the aim of new shoe brand Marais USA... Priced in the $55 to $65 range, the styles are simple, chic and versatile! Plus, the styling in their photos is just too cute - and refreshingly realistic (i.e. regular girls, doing regular things):





(spotted via Frolic!)

A Touch of Denim

I am a huge fan of the classic denim work shirt. I bought mine while traveling through the South on a cross-country road trip years ago.... It's perfectly worn in and the most perfect shade of faded blue. It really adds a touch of authenticity to an outfit. I have always worn mine denim shirt is a casual, slightly undone way, inspired by the 70's... So I was pleased as punch to find these two lovely women styling their denim shirts in a more pulled together way, paired with black, suiting, and leather! Alas, a new way to mix in one of my favorite pieces of clothing!


I am also willing to give the denim-on-denim look a try - provided it's done with extreme care! (more on that here)

Current and Elliott Shirt ($200), Current and Elliott Pants ($218), Corso Como Sandals ($129), Alex and Chloe Black Diamond Earrings ($410), Mirror/Dash Jacket ($98)

Written in Black and White

I am feeling in need of a little inspiration to start the week off right... I found that I have been bookmarking lot's of Black and White outfits - Here are a few of my favorites:



Although not pictured here, I am especially loving black & white ensembles paired with tan accessories (shoes and bags)!

Also to note, the 2nd picture of designer Rachel Antonoff is from a fantastic little photo series Elle.com did on some of New York's creative set's 9-5 looks (that's a tongue twister, sorry). The work attire of designer Alison Lewis was also very lovely:


spotted via Design Dig

(photos via Street Clash, The Sartorialist at Style.com, Elle and Superfantasticpicturetime)

Fit For Spring

As a Chuck Taylor and Keds wearer, I have been won over by Bensimon's simple and easy canvas tennis shoes! Wildly popular in France and featured here in Teen Vogue, these tennis shoes an perfectly paired with Spring's floaty dresses, cuffed trousers, and boyfriend jeans...




Available at Shopbop, Free People, Urban Outfitters and Martin+Osa ($55 - $88).

Invoking Bardot

I love the Bridgette Bardot-esque styling of the Dear Creatures Spring 09 look book! Their quirky, vintage inspired pieces are always sure to please... And those paper bag shorts are too cute - C'Mon!


It appears that Zooey Deschanel is a fan... spotted here wearing a Dear Creatures top in the Oliver People's ad. Is it just me or do you kinda want to be her best friend?!?!?

Or...

Or I could just chuck it all and move to Paris!



Ok ok, this is totally not going to happen, but I just loved these pictures of Paris via the blog Style de Vie. Looks like a pretty fashionable and lovely life, doesn't it?

And just because it wouldn't be a proper post without a Paris outfit... This would be me in my head-to-toe APC look! (I know, no self-respecting fashionable girl would wear one brand head-to-toe, but this outfit is so good!!)



Thanks to everyone for your kind comments and encouragement on my search to find a home! More on that front later...

Where Next?

Where next? What next? These are the main questions currently on my mind. We are just a few months away from moving to a new town, getting new jobs... thing is, we are not 100% sure where we are going! And since I tend to have an overly-romantic view of "what could be" (but don't even get me started on the job-hunt), I have here imagined my life in these different cities through clothes!

The current plan and most realistic option: Laid-back, green and beautiful Portland?


Not the plan but I worry that I may never get to live here: Fast-Paced, fashion-loving New York?


Not at all an option really but close to where we are now: Sunny but cliche, la-la land Los Angeles?


Maybe the perfect city, but been-there-done-that: Back to San Francisco???


What do you think? Which is your favorite outfit (read:city)???

(Clothes and accessories via: Built By Wendy, Forever21, Dolce Vita, La Garconne, Barneys, Anthropologie)

Obsession du Jour: Red Lips

I am not much into beauty trends... give me a little eye shimmer, mascara and lip gloss and I am set. But lately I have been loving the look of bright red lips (or deep red for that matter). The look is especially appealing on brunettes but also lovely on blonds and red heads!



I decided to pick up a cheap tube of Cover Girl "Really Red" from the drugstore to do a little test drive of the look before purchasing something nicer...


Lorac, Yves Saint Laurent, Laura Mercier all available at Sephora
(photos via Garance Dore, The Sartorialist and Style Sightings)

Friends in Fashion

Great friends really do make the best accessory! And don't you love how each of these pairs have a very similar look.... Do you find that you and your best friends tend to dress alike? Are you inspired by each other?



This post is specially dedicated to my best friends (who are alway style icons to me) in San Francisco, Portland and New Orleans whom I miss dearly everyday (especially lately!!!!!)... xoxo

(photos via Garance Dore and Style Sightings)

Onesie Twosie Whosie

I am suddenly feeling like I am needing a shorts onesie and Urban Outfitters has a few very appealing options at a price one might be willing to try said trend...




Also loving this one from Forever21...


Now we just need the weather to cooperate! (Although I spotted more than a few people sporting tights with shorts... hmmmm, not sure how I feel about that yet)

Who's Your Style Icon?

A while back Joslyn of Simple Lovely asked the question - Who are your favorite girl crushes? And it appears that a lot of people responded with favorites based on style... So it got me wondering about Style Icons... Of course there are the classic top picks like Audrey Hepburn and Francoise Hardy. The modern picks like Sofia Coppola and Zooey Deschanel. I find that some are on my list always and others change as my taste and style changes.

Currently my top 3 style icons would be (in no particular order):


Kirtsen Dunst


Charlotte Gainsbourg


Michelle Williams

Who are your Style Icons?

Look Of The Day

Love Love Love this girl's look... everything about it I love... The cute, tousled fringe, The cut-away cropped blazer, The simple grey tee, The high-waisted trousers with bow-belt, The cream booties, and That lovely smirk!

Total quirky perfection! This one will have to be re-created!
(source)

Wanted: Black Ankle Boots

For winter with skinny jeans or tights, for spring with dresses or a romper... They are on the feet of every fashionable girl! I cannot get enough of these round-toe black ankle boots... Now it just comes down to picking the right pair!




APC ($530), Opening Ceremony ($435), Lauren Moffatt ($198)

Layer It On

Ahh, the art of layering... It seems like such a simple task, but that's not always so when it comes down to the moment when you need to find a shoe, pant, top, sweater, coat and scarf that all go magically well together without looking overdone or like you tried too hard in creating your layered masterpiece (ahem, run-on-sentence). I think the key to artful layering lies almost completely in proportion and balance. Finding that cardigan that peeks out just the slightest bit from under your jacket. Or the perfect legwear/shoe combo that keeps your legs from looking too short under a longer dress.


As Jane of Ill Seen, Ill Said pointed out, Totokaleo is a wonderful source for masterful layering. Their blog even lays out a layered outfit's stages from start to finish. Not to mention they have some seriously covetable pieces for sale on their site!


Click the pictures for a closer look and you can find more layered creations here.

Happy Layering!

(P.S. I forgot to include a link to the Sessun website in my last post - apologies!)

Sessun S/S 09

It might be old news (sometimes I get can get a little buried under the stacks), but I just discovered that the Sessun S/S 09 collection is on their website....


Lot's of mini florals, lavender, pink, blue, and super-tiny short shorts!


I really like the collection, but it doesn't feel quite as inspired as their A/W collection... What do you think?

Hello Sunshine!

Where was I when JCrew started carrying sunglasses?? Well, it's news to me and these sunnies have me head over heels (although they are a bit pricey in the $300 range)




And speaking of JCrew... I spotted this little ruffle tank in the new catalog and at just $44, I think I'm in love!

Currently On The Wish List

My ever-growing, expanding and changing "wish list" is becoming more and more Spring oriented these days...


Basically the entire line of Opening Ceremony shoes, especially these beauties! The Peachy-pink color is just too perfect!


A cropped trench for those Spring showers!


Fabric Necklaces - This one is from Super Candy by Candace Ang for Urban Outfitters.


Wooden heeled platform sandals like these from APC (or the Pierre Hardy for Gap pair)...


A sturdy canvas tote... I love the waxed feeling of this one from Gap.


Knit tank dresses... this one could be worn a multitude of ways!

Stripe Love

The lovely Alyson of Unruly Things posted this fantastic striped-tee picture from Cabbages and Roses and I have been obsessing over it! They have few very darling striped pieces on their site...


I think I might need a pair of engineer trousers for spring because the mix of the horizontal and vertical navy/white stripes is just mind-boggling good!


Damn you irresistible overseas brands and your expensive shipping (I'm talking to you too TOAST)!!

Is This Sporty?

I feeling kind of intrigued by Adidas' new fashion line - SLVR.... I spotted their new ad campaign in a magazine and quickly went to the website to see more. My interest was especially peaked by the over-sized and slightly bubble-shaped hooded parka, as it is always an extreme challenge to find a rain-resistant jacket that isn't from an outdoors brand!


And since I have been loving sweatshirt alternatives... this jersey biker jacket also looks interesting...


More here.

A Cherry On Top

I am loving the resurgence of girly hair accessories and headbands. I bookmarked this picture for inspiration then found a couple cute and easy options via Anthropologie....



(Inspiration picture via style.com)

I Heart The 70's

What girl doesn't love the high-waisted, sexy, free flowing fashion of the 70's? ... These cork wedges from Steven Alan are just the thing I need to add a little 70's sass to Spring! Perfect to pair with a flirty floral dress or wide-leg jeans!


They are very appropraitely named The Partridge Wedge ($265)... More info here.

Spotted: Black Harem Pants

Harem, Genie, Carrot, Hammer... Call them what you will, these pants are making a fashion comeback. Luckily they come in several shapes and sizes for the trendy and daring and the more faint of heart. Here's a selection of some more wearable versions...


Knit: Anthropologie ($58), Something Else at La Garconne ($150)


Woven: Forever21 ($27.80), Anthropologie ($98)

An outfit ready for Spring...

Anthropolgie Sunnies ($28), Giles & Brother Necklace ($100), Dolce Vita Damsel ($72), Steven Alan Brighton Top ($125)

(Street Style Pictures via The Sartorialist and Look Book)