What I Wore: Vest Obsessed

You may remember this vest I bought last January...It was a winter staple. I'm so glad fall is here so it can make its seasonal debut.  

When you find a good thing, you stick with it, right? The perfect fitting pair of jeans - buy two or three pairs. That's kind of how I feel about long vests these days - and Zara has heeded the call. I can't decide if I love my grey one or this camel shawl collar vest, or waistcoat as they call it, more. One feels very Philip Lim, and the other Max Mara - which is code for not going wrong either way. 

And on my recent trip to Paris (post here) I picked up a few things at Zara (which I'll try to share on the blog in the coming days) because it's actually cheaper there than in the states! Trust me, I did the math. One of those things was this double pocket vest. While this isn't a 10 on execution when it comes to the outfit, I'm pretty sure I can do better, and I'll definitely be trying in the coming winter months. 

Who will be investing in a vest this season? 

In the Olympic Spirit

With the Opening Ceremony for the 2014 Winter Olympics just days away, I thought I would share a great story about how the Ralph Lauren Opening Ceremony Sweater came to be.

This story starts right here in Oregon, on the Imperial Stock Ranch, which has been raising sheep and cattle for over one hundred forty years. In 1999 they began selling the ranch’s raw wool by creating and selling premium wool yarns. As a spin off of the historic Imperial Stock Ranch, Imperial Yarn was born.  Once a year the luxurious wool is harvested, custom milled, and sold across the country and beyond.

In July of 2012, Ranch owner Jeanne Carver received a call from someone in product development at Ralph Lauren. Soon after, designers from Ralph Lauren came to visit Imperial Ranch, touring the facilities, historic buildings and landscape. After a few sample orders, they eventually placed a production order for a "special project", and eventually Jeanne learned that the yarn would be used for the sweaters being made for Team USA and the Olympic Opening Ceremony. 

And that is the abridged version of how this sweater came to be (read the full story here). This sweater is sourced, designed and manufactured all in the United States of America. 

Some have criticized it for being similar to an "Ugly Christmas Sweater". I, however, think it is fantastic. This is meant to be a showpiece, a costume of sorts. Having attended the Opening Ceremony at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, I can tell you that what the athletes wear NEEDS to stand out, not only for TV but also for the live audience. 

So here it is, in all its American glory! 

images from 

So let the games begin!

Wool You Be Mine

Earlier this week here in Sun Valley, I visited one of my favorite stores, Silver Creek Outfitters. You may not know, but my +1 and I are avid fly fishermen, and Silver Creek is our go-to for flies and all things fishing-related. The store shares the name of a spring creek located South of Ketchum/Sun Valley. Pretty spectacular, isn't it?

So what does this have to do with cardigans or couture? Well, Silver Creek is a great place to get brands like Patagonia, Barbour, Ugg, and Tory Burch. Bottom line, this is my kind of store as it perfectly mixes fashion and sport into one beautifully appointed log building right on Main Street in Ketchum.

images via 5ive Creative

While I was able to restrain myself from purchasing anything (my +1 did score a great Patgonia jacket on sale), I was introduced to a very cool brand called Wool You Be Mine! These bags are made of thick and sturdy wool, leather and steel grommets giving them a simple yet modern aesthetic. They are fully lined and have interior cell phone, wallet, and key pockets and a zippered privacy compartment.  Here's the coolest part, the bags are offered in eleven colors with a choice of five graphic icons, number, letter, WYBM logo or zip code to reflect your unique spirit. Custom/corporate designs are also available.

This is the zip code for Ketchum! I am in LOVE! Wouldn't this bag be great conversation starter?

Here are a few of the other bags they had on display.

At $335 they are a bit of an investment, but the fact that they are so customizable makes the price somewhat justifiable.

Stay tuned next week for more from Sun Valley. I made many a trip to Consign Design, and like always, came away with some incredible treasures! 

Stripes Galore

Remember these mittens from the last Olympics? I bet you don't know who they're made by. I didn't, and I even have a pair (which I love, even though I'm American...OBSESSED with all things Winter Olmpics...can't wait until 2014 in Russia). 

They are made by Hudson's Bay Company, or "The Bay," North America's oldest commercial corporation and one of the oldest in the world. Who knew?! What started out as a fur trading company, incorporated by English Royal Charter in 1670, today owns and operates retail stores around Canada. Its parent company also owns Lord & Taylor here in the states. But enough of this history lesson, lets get down to the good stuff - namely a collection of stripes that I am OBSESSED with (you'll be seeing the appearance of some stripes at my wedding in August - stay tuned). Here are a few things from the HBC Collection that I wouldn't turn down...hint, hint Dr. B. 

P.S. The tote, is $10.00. That's right, 10 buckaroos! You can barely get lunch for that, let alone a totally adorable tote.