Inspiration Page 53

This page is really about feminine touches... (I'm also really loving the clean mixture of the gold, silver white and blue.) I love the blue velvet jacket with it's delicate buttons. It's just screaming to be worn open over a flowery lightweight dress as much as it's begging to be paired with a simple white tank, layers of chain necklaces - throw in a beaded strand or two - and your favorite jeans. Feminine pieces are really what makes being a girl and dressing up so luxurious.
When I look over this page, I immediately go to the earrings at the bottom corner, I remember when this style of earring - namely the suspended faceted colored jewel - was everywhere. It must have been the early 2000's and though they were born of a trend I still find them just as pretty and classic as I did then. This is a perfect example of how these fashion "journals" are so helpful. Reflecting on what was inspiring to me, or simply what caught my eye years ago - really helps me understand my own style and gain a more discerning eye for new classics and good investment items.

Inspiration Pages : 71 & 72

Pages 71 &72: BEADING!! I want to live my life sparkling.
If I had my way, I would wear a beaded or sequin skirt (or pants) everyday with just a simple tank in the summer or a pullover in the winter.
Sequin can be more practical than you may think, especially in neutral tones or basics like black and navy. It's easy to dress down with the afore mentioned beater and maybe a cardigan, throw on a pair of sandals and glitter down the street looking easy and effortlessly cool. It's one of my favorite things to do. Currently I only have 3 sequin/beaded skirts, though I'm always looking for affordable (but not cheap) pieces to dress down in this manner. I actually prefer to wear them casually simply because it's more unexpected.
The little white number at the center bottom of the page is exactly what I'm always looking for. And the gowns shown here all feel so timeless to me, showing that beading and sequin (especially) can be done elegantly and not be reserved for either celebrities gowns or ice skaters costumes. Every lady should have at least one sparkling item in her wardrobe and you don't have to wait until the holidays to wear it.

Inspiration Book : Pages 33 &34

Ghosts and Witches :
Sure I could say that I'm posting these pages in  honor of Halloween, (Happy Halloween!!!) but who am I kidding. These have some of favorite things, namely creepy fashion. Not necessarily Gothic, because really, if you look at the white dress, it's not Gothic at all - but it is undeniable creepy. It has kind of a shroud look. I just love the way the sheer polka dot fabric is pulled across the stiff crisp white underneath.
As I was building this page I saw it go from just pretty uses of black lace, to a nod to the creepy and mysterious. The inclusion of the Gothic aesthetic into couture still surprises me when I see it, and I still love to be surprised by what I see.

Inspiration Book - Page 10

Page 10 : This page is all about how nature is a never ending source of inspiration. I love how the twisting of the tree creates shadows and light, and how the texture of the bark is highlighted as a result. As much of a stretch as it may seem, I relate this to the play of light on the beaded dress, (which is so beautiful and so simple).  The rustic birdcage is an excellent example of how you can maintain the integrity of the materials and yet create a whole new life for them. The regal dress at bottom left would be charming paired with the intriguing scarab earrings. The contrast of it's formality against the elegant yet undeniably raw element of the beetle...I just love to see something that could really be considered creepy  (epically if it was crawling on your walls) showcased for it's complex and beautifully intricate design courtesy of mother nature. This is also why I LOVE the little bat and jewel pendant, you almost don't notice that it's a little golden bat at first - which is just so cool. Nature never ceases to amaze.

Carnival of Molls

Pages 28 & 29 :This is all about my love of the dust bowl era, I know that seems and unfortunate time in our history  for which to express a fondness, but I do. For those of you have have seen the HBO show "Carnivale" which ran for a mere 2 seasons, you'll maybe see why I appreciate the time. This was the dawn of the gangster age as well as being a grifter breeding ground due to the desperate landscape. So you had the traveling carnivals, and the shifty mafia - which is the style marriage I have on these 2 pages. The darkness and whimsy, the conspicuous consumption and the costumes for the show... Some timeless themes were born amongst the dust.

Inspiration Book Pages 50 &51

Pages 50 &51 : I love to see costume reinterpreted as couture. Marie Antoinette will be reinvented indefinitely.

Inspiration Book pages 59 & 60

Pages: 59 and 60.
These pages are really more about color, and how the color is used. When I was little purple was my favorite color. I thought I had grown out of it yet I can see myself drawn back to the dusty purples, especially when combined with deep pinks and dark cranberry colors. I also love how lavender can be mixed with dark plum to achieve such a dynamic result.

Inspiration Book - Page 1

I have been keeping these journals of clippings ever since I was a teenager. They are bits from magazines, sketches and notes collaged together. I refer to them whenever I want to get ideas, but also for perspective. I'll post them from time to time and I'd love to get some feedback...

Page 1: I love the warmth of the neutral colored drapey knits, they evoke a sense of ease that I love to see contrasted against the fussy bright flowers of the vintage feeling dress. I love the severity of black fingernails paired with the 1950's sensibility of the dress, and the ring and earrings compliment the femininity. The whole page has a vintage-y shabby chic feel. (Well, if shabby chic went a little goth.)

Historic Style

This is what I do best.

Clothes, fashion, styling, accessorizing, merchandising. I love it all. But I don’t love the trends, never have, though what is wonderful about fashion comes from the trends and after all they can be fun. I see the necessity, trends introduce the masses to new ideas and show variations of style, which is what I love about “fashion”, STYLE.

I love to tell strangers that I dig their shoes, hat, top… whatever. Everyone loves a compliment, and when I get one from a stranger, it makes my day. We all like to think that we have style.  I always thought that style was something you were born with, but as I’ve gotten older I really feel that though it can be innate (in a blessed few) it can also be developed. I have known several people who were uninspired, but after being exposed to good tailoring, good fit, flattering cuts etc - took to fashion gradually - and developed a real sense of personal style. So I encourage everyone I know to experiment, to try new things. If you’re spending any money at all on clothes, then you might as well spend it wisely. Style does not have to come with a huge price tag, fashion might but style  (once developed) can come from thrifting, discount stores, or high end boutiques. As long as you know what works for you. Then you can decide how much you want to invest in your wardrobe.

  Fashion presents itself in the form of trends - which are basically reactions to the last big thing. If “skinny jeans” are popular - you better believe the “full leg pant” will be on the runway next season. “Short is in“ ? Hell no … by the time people are wearing “short” at the mall - it’ll be all about “long“. So don’t bother. My advice is to take advantage of the trends (when the stores are stocked with options) to get the best piece for your long term wardrobe. If short is in, then here is your chance to invest in the short skirts or dresses that your wardrobe has been lacking. If you have style then you won’t care what is “in” and you’ll wear your favorite mini when everyone else says it’s “out“. Most likely it’s not the people that are on trend, but the people who are wearing what is “out“, (and WEARING IT WELL) that are the ones designers look to for inspiration. Be one who inspires, that is something to aspire to, and it will NEVER go out of style.

Speaking of never going out of style, here are my thoughts on what has been born from trend - yet has become timeless over the decades. I have kept fashion journals, I guess you could call them since high school and anything that I clipped from a magazine in 1989 that I look at today and still love - that is what I consider good design, good fashion and ultimately a good investment. These are my favorites from each decade…

From 1900 to 2010, here are my picks:

1900 - The Corset - at the time if you DIDN’T wear one you would have been shunned by proper society, yet ironically now it is considered risque. What a fantastic evolution. I certainly don’t suggest that you wear a corset everyday, but they are a beautiful piece when worked into a dress or jacket. They have never gone out of style.

The Original, the Modern and the Dolce & Gabbana

1910 - The Gowns -Now, obviously they had dresses prior to the 1910's, but not yet like this. These were "gowns" not big fussy evening ensembles. This was a glorious era for intricately beaded, laced and trimmed gowns. If you look at old drawings of gowns from this decade, they are clear blueprints for the red carpet gowns of the generations that follow.

1920 - The Beads - beaded gowns, beaded bags, piles of long layered beaded necklaces. We can thank the flappers for all that beaded glory. Love it!!

From Coco Chanel to Louis Vuitton 2011

1930 - The Bias. The Bias cut was a revolution that hit in the 1930’s and draping was reborn. Fashion was changed forever, and my favorite example of the era manifested not in the evening wear, but in the nightgowns. Nothing says romance more to me than the silk nightgowns from the 1930’s, bias cut with touches of lace are so feminine, and just as sexy now as ever. I collect them fiercely whenever I can.


From Jean Harlow to Donna Karan Spring 2011

1940 - So much to offer - how does one thing stand out?
First and foremost is the amazing and classic hairstyles. Some of the most iconic looks come from the era of limited shampoo! Ironic. Veronica Lake, Rita Hayworth and many more of the glamour icons were featured in this decade. Versions of these hairstyles can be found easily in the decades that followed.

Veronica Lake and her iconic hairstyle

For clothing, this is a toss up between the Platform Shoe, and the Structured Suit. The Platform Shoe has been victimized by fashion many times over the years (hello 70’s - UGH!) but is best in it’s classic state - the platform peep toe is a definite classic.The structured suit for women will always be a staple, and we can thank the 40’s for some beautiful originals. 

Carmen Miranda and her platforms, some lovely 1940's ladies off to work in their modern suits, and Dita Von Tease rocking the whole look today.

1950 - Again I am torn, this time between the makeup and the clothing. First the classic 1950’s makeup. The big black false eyelashes, liquid liner and simple red lip are perfection. They will always look clean and fresh while looking youthful and feminine. For clothing - HANDS DOWN ICONIC - the blue jeans and the leather biker jacket. (Thank you Marlon Brando in “The Wild One”)

Who's a more perfect example of 1950's makeup than Marilyn?

NOBODY is cooler than Brando

1960 - The boots. Love a great pair of knee high boots! This is also the birth of the mini skirt. Two looks that will forever be in style, regardless of trends. Find me a man who doesn’t love a woman in a mini! (Not that we dress to please men - just stating a fact)

1970 - So many wonderful fashion moments happened in this era despite the events of the decade. Here are the highlights for me: (all the runway looks are of like minded Balmain Spring and Fall 2011 respectively)

The Americana - the 70’s are responsible for most all of the looks that have become associated with the badassery of America, the American flag jean Jacket, the aviator sunglasses, the beat up leather pants - basically anything worn in “Easy Rider” (I realize easy rider came out in ‘69 - but it’s fashion impact hit in the 70’s for sure)

Punk - One of fashion’s greatest muses. Tight leather, brightly colored hair cut wildly, metal as an accessory, I could go on…but I know you get it.

Glam - Which I personally credit to David Bowie. Thank you David Bowie for your contribution to fashion and music and all culture in general.

1980 - Goth! The era where punk meets sweet misery, and Goth is born amongst the neon and lucite in a moment of fashion history. A personal favorite of mine as I was walking proof in my teens. I love to see Goth revived over and over on the runways - though black has never been “out” in my wardrobe…

(Top) Siouxie and The Banshees circa 1980, compared to (Left) Givency 2009 and this shot of  the Chanel Runway 2011.

1990 - Grunge. I said it! I’ll never get tired of the juxtaposition of feminine and tough. We saw it here first when the baby doll dress was paired defiantly with army boots and plaid was given it's 15 minutes of fame. Beat up jeans were reborn at ridiculous prices for the trendy (but dirt cheap for those who actually had kept their jeans - perfect example of how fashion always repeats.) 

Marc Jacobs did grunge most famously (left) in Vogue 1992

2000 - This admittedly is a tough one. It’s so close that it’s hard to have perspective. But here is my best bet. The hipster…much of what the hipsters wore in the millennium was retro with a twist, which will continue to define the hip in their future manifestations as it has in the former. But there are always a few new ideas that come about in the mix that help tie that particular group to their decade. In the case of the “Y” generation hipster, the most sustainable ( to use a term from their era ) were:
1.The side slung belt, or the layering of belts. Textured, colored whatever…the belt was a necessity worn off center or backwards, often layered 2 or 3 deep. This look still works for me, and I think it’s a keeper.

The band "The Kills" is a shining example of hipster styling

2. The Vest. Now I know what your saying…the vest is by no means new. It’s been around FOREVER, but the way it was vested…now here me out. Yes, we saw the vest over the tee in the 80’s on the likes of Debbie Gibson (who ruined hats in the 80‘s also BTW) but she wasn‘t the only one. They were worn open, loose, over tee shirts with big breast pockets, paired with bike shorts (UGH!!) and to make it even worse - baggy socks and patent leather shoes tied with a bow! TRAGIC. I was one of the guilty, I did it too and I am ashamed. After this trendy application I never thought vests could make a comeback, but come 2000 the hipsters proved me wrong! It was done well by the Y-Gen, they took the vest and gave it proper distinction by choosing the tweeds, the worn leathers, the dignified vests. Coupled with the hipster trademark thin tee and skinny pant ( and belts) maybe throw in a few jumbled necklaces, one of those loosely slung scarves and viola! Hipster! The point is that the vest triumphed, and I for one was impressed at it’s cool rebirth. I now give the vest it’s proper due. The Vest…Is cool.

So all this leads me to the point.

Hang onto those skinny jeans - they will be back in 6 to 8 years. Hold onto everything actually - if it still fits, keep it - it’ll come back in style, and if it’s a good solid well made piece it’ll be a shining example of timeless. I guarantee this to be true. In fact, I challenge you to make a fashion time capsule, take all the clothes you feel are not in style, (if this is an issue for you at all, really you should just wear what you like and not worry about it) and put it in a box for 10-12 years and trust me, those pieces will be cool again. In some cases, you will be considered fashion forward! The only issue then will be if YOU have moved on, not fashion.

Find

Was flipping through my magazines and was stopped dead by these very cool glasses.
Apparently they are designed by the Olsen twins, which I don't want to believe, but I've got to hand it to them...These are fantastic.
For being a retro style, they are remarkably versatile. I've drawn up a few little heads to show their range.
Modern, Geek, Retro (obviously) and Romantic. Either way you wear them I want!

Inspiration

Been watching lots of fashion documentaries lately. Talk about inspiring!
(You can order most of these on netflix)
 Here are some trailers, and in some cases the whole doc via you tube (in parts):

Lagerfeld Confidential - 

Chanel Chanel

Jay McCarroll Eleven Minutes

Yves St Laurent : His life and Times (parts 1 -6 respectively)

Marc Jacobs & Louis Vuitton (Part 1 -6)

 For those of you with netflix streaming I recommend these to watch now (instant gratification!):

Valentino : The Last Emperor (trailer only)

The September Issue (trailer only)

ENJOY! Hope these are as inspiring to you as they are to us!

Website is ready to shop!

Just finished uploading Jewelry by Designer Shannon Koszyk

Shannon Koszyk Jewelry

and Rings by Designer Moss Mills

Kathleen Ring by Moss Mills

Still working on other lines...stay with us for more!

Sneak Peek

Photo shoot of jewelry completed - have been picking through all the shots and getting them sized and ready to upload for sale on the site! Here are some shots from five of the designers I have finished editing so far....

"Crown" Ring by Femme Metale

"Thirties" Belt buckle by Spragwerks

"Hae" Ring by Moss Mills

Owl necklace by Erika Pena

Champagne Crystal Earrings by Anne Koplik

This is why I love Fashion...not like

Hope everyone had a great 4th of July!

Welcome to enexile!

Welcome to the newest and latest manifestation of enexile.

We’ve been away for about 3 years, but never gone…We closed up our Seattle location in 2007 in order to follow our (my) gypsy heart all the way to romantic and mysterious Savannah, Georgia.

Much effort was made to reopen in our inspiring new locale but with the economic climate being as it was, combined with trouble finding the perfect location…we haven’t yet gotten that new storefront. So here we are, a few years later, gearing up for our e-commerce debut! Though I’m still hoping we’ll get the opportunity to open a flagship location, I can no longer wait and the shop enexile site is born! I am thrilled to announce that the new enexile e-commerce site will be up in a few days!

In conjunction with the e-comm site, I have decided to do this blog in an effort to help create - or rather - continue the world of enexile that we worked so hard to develop during our 8 wonderful years in Seattle. I truly felt that our store was a place where you could come and hang out, feel comfortable and pick up some great pieces. So this blog will be my way of continuing to deliver that environment.

I will be updating regularly with inspirations, styling ideas, and other style related goodies so be sure to check in and see what’s new.