Posts filed under ‘Fashion’
Horsing Around with Rockport at Polo
I’ve watched the growth of the Newport International Polo Series over the past decade. The crowds have grown larger, the tailgates more elaborate, the enclosure more extravagant and the personal style more celebrated. The best thing about the style at polo is that it’s as laid-back or as “la-ti-da” as you wish–just leave any pretension at the gate. I’ve donned everything from my most comfy white skinny jeans and a casual tunic with flats to whimsical over-sized hats with a favorite Lilly shift.
The key, no matter what you’re wearing, is to don smart shoes. For one, you’re standing most of the day. Second: hello? Stomping divots is a bonafide tradition at polo — flip flops simply wont get the job done (tip: make sure what you’re stomping is a divot…). Lastly, you’re on a grass field — plan accordingly (I’ve seen spike heels sink into that grass quicker than a glamour gal’s ego).
That’s why I was psyched to partner with Rockport for a fun polo-infused collaboration. I was challenged to create my perfect look for “A Day at the Match with Rockport.” It was a warm summer say so my philosophy was tow fold: keep it simple. less is more. The look from head to toe: whimsy Madagascar raffia sun hat in lime green, 100% cotton Dobby V-neck fit & flare dress from the Gap in white, natural woven belt and Rockport’s Garden Court Perf T-Strap wedge in Valigia plaid. Oh, and with a little baby in the picture, I had about five whole minutes to pull it all together. The built-in ADIPRENE® by adidas sport technology helped provide shock-absorbing heel cushioning throughout the day while the 2.75 in. added a feminine lift mines too much height. Without further ado, voila! 
(The true test of these sandals was on Sunday when I literally wore them to an early morning mass, pushing the stroller, all the way until 11pm. Literally. It was one of those go-go-go days.)
There’s an amazing end-of-season sale happening right now at Rockport’s Newport location at 240 Thames Street but if you covet some kicks from the fall collection, and you might very well do so, here’s a 20% off in-store coupon — just in time for September shopping sprees (click on the pic and print out or if there are any issues, email me directly at newportstylephile@yahoo.com)
Also, the Newport International Polo Series continues through the end of September. Click here for a match schedule and ticket options and get your tailgating on!
#MyDailyAdventure #PoweredByRockport
Disclosure: I was provided a pair of Rockport shoes “solely” for purposes of this review. All opinions are my own.
#PoweredByHeels: Rockport’s Total Motion Collection Rocks
Chilly mornings, fall festivals, warm sweaters: it’s officially time to trade in those light summer kicks for fabulous winter shoes and boots. Like a lot of working women, it’s not uncommon for me to be in heels from 7am to 7pm; even longer if there’s an apres work event, organizational 
meeting or impromptu gathering with the girls. For an event at the State House last week, I literally drove to Providence in one pair of heels, did the switch in the car for a more formal pair, and after an hour in those, knew they’d be headed for the consignment pile as soon as I got home. (And don’t get me started on my days in DC when it was commonplace to rock the power suit with sneakers on the metro and change at the office–I could never succumb to that fashion disaster.)
So when I was invited to try out a pair of new Rockport Total Motion heels, I jumped at the chance. Newport may have one of the most unforgiving streetscapes for heels. In the course of a short lunch walk, I can easily traipse over asphalt, brick, stone pavers, wooden dock, and of course, cobblestone. Designed with 
technology (which I’ve featured before here), the highly shock-absorbent cushioning protects the heel at impact. In these shimmery, 3″ tall Total Motion Pointy Toe heels (above and left), your step is comfortably supported by a heavenly layer of retention foam and foam-backed lining. The result: easy, comfortable, day into night heels. While I’m not about to drop down to do a set of mountain-climbers in them like this gal, I could if I wanted to:
Rockport’s Total Motion collection includes boots, heels, booties, ballet flats, wedges, driving mocs and more. Rockport wants to know what keeps you energized and on the move, so they’ve launch a fun #PoweredbyHeels campaign. Follow Rockport and share your photo with tags #PoweredByHeels #Sweeps or upload a photo to their gallery for your chance to win a pair of Total Motion Shoes each Friday, or the Grand Prize of a spa vacation in Miami! Click the word shoe below for details!
Disclosure: Rockport provided me with a sample of Total Motion Pointy Toe Pumps for purposes of this review. All opinions expressed are independent and my own.
Labor Day of Love: Merci Beaucoup, Saint James
I’ve featured the classic striped boat neck top, also known as a French sailor shirt or Brenton stripes, on Newport Stylephile in the past (here and here are just some examples). Fashion icons including Brigitte Bardot, Audrey Hepburn, Coco Chanel and Newport’s own Jackie O 
have sported the timeless stripes, and as we transition from summer into fall, this ever ageless style is one to embrace.
The SAINT-JAMES Company has been touting the look since 1889, perhaps even being credited with “inventing” it. Established in Lower Normandy in the commune of
Bridgitte Bardot
Saint-James, the style was originally intended for deep sea fishermen, then adopted by known seafarers, and amateur yachtsmen. The “genuine pure new knitted woolen Breton seaman’s sweater” was originally pure wool and it soon became a global phenomenon. Today, there are SAINT JAMES boutiques found in Paris, Nice, Le Mont Saint-Michel, Saint-Malo, Strasbourg, Lyon, Granville, Biarritz, Tokyo and more, but you don’t need a passport to find the century-old brand.
Island Pursuit on lower Thames Street carries select SAINT JAMES autumn collection pieces for men and women including sweaters coats jackets, tops, dresses, and accessories like scarves, tops, belts, totes and umbrellas. SAINT JAMES is known for top quality and longevity and are priced on par with upscale brands (a women’s long-sleeve top, for example, typically starts around $89, scarves around $40). But with coupon code: NEWPORTSTYLE, get 20% of your entire purchase. The fine print: 20% off applies to in-store and online purchases from now until November 1st. Offer is only valid on regular price items and cannot be combined with any other offer. When shopping online, get free shipping on all orders over $100.
Audrey Hepburn
Coco Chanel, ca. 1917
SAINT JAMES, Autumn 2014
This post has been sponsored by Island Pursuit. All opinions expressed are independent and my own. For sponsorship opportunities, click here.
US OPEN STYLE: Interview with Ginny Hilfiger on Designing for FILA
This summer, during the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships at the International Tennis Hall of Fame here in Newport, I had the opportunity to chat with designer Ginny Hilfiger. Yes, she has designed for her famed brother’s company but those years are just a part of more than two decades in the fashion industry. So it made perfect sense when FILA tennis approached Ginny to spearhead the evolution of the line’s signature Heritage Collection, which you’re seeing on the courts of the US Open this week. Here’s what she told me about the “old meets new” collection.
When did you debut the Heritage Collection for FILA?
It was the French Open this year. Jelena Jankovic got voted the Best Dressed in the dress I designed. And then my next collection is this one, the US Open, and each season I am doing more and more.
What has been you inspiration for this collection?
It’s all derived from the archives of FILA and the Björn Borg days and Monica Seles and all the archives. I actually established a trim code—like signature trims and hardwares, when I first started at FILA and I used those throughout the garments to have consistency in the modern heritage. So basically my thing is
modern heritage for FILA and taking the vintage from the archives and making it modern with my new detail code…the blue and white classic FILA; the striped ribbon. It’s all these little trims and threading that throughout and the red, white and blue. And I came out with a different way of doing the logo. So it’s taking the old but making it new with the fabrics, functional fabrics and modern silhouettes using FILA inspiration.
What has been the player reaction to the line?
We sold out of the French Open line!
How has your experience been thus far working with FILA?
Great! I love FILA. I love the people. It’s a great brand and there’s so much history. I’ve been all over the world for FILA. I was just in Sao Paulo…and designed a capsule for them. I was in China and got to see what they are doing there, Korea, Germany. … I designed a really nice Heritage line for China and a lot of the people are tagging on to it. It’s all based with the same DNA though. So it’ still using the signature detail but in a subtle way … and I love the CEO of the company, Gene Yoon; he’s such a young at heart kind of guy, so supportive to the whole thing I’m doing, and Jon Epstein in New York who’s the president – just a lot of really good people. It makes you positive and motivated.
See Ginny’s collections more new arrivals by FILA here: http://www.fila.com/new-arrivals/womens
Endless Summer: Shopping & Sales Island Pursuit
If I had my way, I’d pump the brakes on summertime and extend my favorite season by another month or two, but since that isn’t in the cards, it’s best to focus on the spoils of the months ahead: idyllic late summer temperatures, a quieter vibe, and amazing seasonal sales!
I stopped into Island Pursuit over the weekend and seeing awesome TOMS shoes 30% off (including tiny and youth sizes), tons of mens shorts and swimwear on sale including a huge selection of Southern Tide, and womens classic long sleeve and three-quarter sleeve St. James tops made fall’s eminent arrival exciting. I never realized how may unique lines Island Pursuit carries. Sure, there’s well known favorites like Sperry, Vans, Barbara Gerwit, Henri Lloyd, Tommy Bahama and Quiksilver, but there are fresh, emerging lines like: johnnie-o, bags and totes by Lindsey Tia (see the anchor tote at top!), Kuhl, Tracy Negoshian, Frocket, The Belted Cow, Spartina 449, Bugatchi and more. I’ll be featuring some of these in the coming weeks, but in the mean time, take a virtual look at what’s in the Newport store (there’s also Island Pursuit shops in Sarasota, FL, Sanibel FL and Chatham MA).
Shopping online?Use coupon code NEWPORTSTYLE for 20% of your entire purchase and don’t forget: free shipping on all orders over $100! https://www.islandpursuit.com
This post has been sponsored by Island Pursuit. All opinions expressed are independent and my own.
“Is there anything more thrilling than a new frock?” -Lady Sybil … Downton Abbey Returns
If you’re a sucker for period dramas, eyebrow-raising aristocratic behavior and jaw-dropping Edwardian-era costumes (Spanx ain’t got nothing on a good corset!), and haven’t been watching PBS’ Downton Abbey, it’s time to get on board with the British series that has won viewers around the world (its of the most successful shows in “Masterpiece” history). The plot revolves around the patrician Crawley family (which includes their three beautiful and deliciously drama-filled daughters) and their servants–both social sets have their own heaping of oh-no-he/she-didn’t! moments.
I was late to the party on watching Downton when the series first aired, but caught
up online by watching it here (free). Now I’m all caught up and will be watching (perhaps with a Pimm’s Cup?) tonight when season two debuts in the throes of World War I.
It’s not hard to imagine that the fashions donned by Newport’s robber baron families who summered in their Bellevue Avenue mansions during the era dressed much differently. Rosecliff’s Tessie Oelrichs was known for her lavish parties at the mansion, which is why she had commissioned the largest ballroom in Newport when working with architect Stanford White (one party’s guest list included famed magician Harry Houdini). In fact, Downton begins with the announcement of the Titanic disaster, and the sorrowful lost of family friend John Jacob Astor IV who went down with the ship (and was the son of “The Mrs. Astor” of Newport’s Astors’ Beechwood mansion). Click here for a recent Q&A with the series costume designer, Susannah Buxton, from the Wall Street Journal.
Downton Abbey’s Season 2 returns tonight on PBS at 9pm. Here is a glimpse of the fashion seen in season one. What’s your favorite Downton look?
The Look: Rib & Rhein
Since arriving on the Newport scene more than two years also, Rib & Rhein on Newport’s William Street has offered a refreshing collection of international fashion, accessories, home décor and one-of-a-kind treasures. With autumn’s arrival, I popped in to see the effervescent Erin and Thomas Ribeiro, who were kind enough to create a signature Rib & Rhein look for the season at hand. Drop by to see their fabulous finds and be inspired!
On “Her”:
Fancy Classic English White Dress Shirt
Floral Linen Duchess Wrap
Turquoise and Stone Chelsea Girl Belt
The Isabella Necklace
On “Him”:
Classic Fit English Dress Shirt
Light Wool Cold Method V-Neck Sweater
Cashmere and Wool Blend Ambross Jacket (pants also available)
Silk English Pocket Square
Rib & Rhein is located at 86 William Street in Newport, (401) 619-5767
