Catherine Parr for Audrey Grace

I have had the privilege of working with the wonderful artist Catherine (Cate) Parr, on some commissioned paintings for the boutique.. Sneak peek below.. Can you take a guess at who these lovelies are?

Hollywood moodboard

Helena Bonham Carter in A Room With A View

Lula moodboard

Franco Zeffirelli's Romeo and Juliet 

Saorsie Ronan in VOGUE December 2011

Cate Blanchett

Natalia Vodianova as Alice (VOGUE)

Kirsten Dunst as Marie Antoinette

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am currently at home in Jackson preparing for the shop opening! So much to do, but it's all so much fun. I have some truly stunning pieces for the shop. Tomorrow I am planning on hanging all the art and photography. Jackson is so beautiful and sunny, totally different from freezing New York! Below is a photo of me on the way to Thanksgiving lunch.

Wearing Sretsis AW11 and Miu Miu glitter shoes

Interview with Nadia from Nadinoo!

I discovered Nadinoo earlier this year, and I am so happy I did. The designer, Nadia, manages to design the most dreamy collections season after season. There is truly something for every girl with Nadinoo. Nadia's designs are hand made, and she uses the most beautiful Liberty fabrics for her designs. She designs for three fictional girls who represent the Nadinoo brand- Fleur, Pixie and Lula. Needless to say, I own much of the spring and fall collections! I interviewed the lovely Nadia below..

Nadinoo's Winter 2011 Collection

Tell me a little bit about you and your line, Nadinoo.

My name is Nadia and I’m a British designer based in Manchester. I set up Nadinoo three years ago with aim of creating lovely handcrafted clothing that would be adored by the ladies who wear them.

What inspired you to create a fashion line?

I think it’s every fashion designer's dream to one day have their own collection to showcase their love and passion for clothing. I was always in love with the process of making a garment so setting up Nadinoo was a perfect way for me to get fully involved.

Where does the name Nadinoo come from?

Nadinoo is my nickname.

Have you always loved fashion?

I’ve always loved clothing from as far back as I remember, I don’t think I really knew what Fashion was until much later. My mother made most of our dresses as children which I’m sure were very unfashionable at the time but I loved them to bits. Was always thrilled when allowed to select fabrics, lace and other trims to adorn them. 

What do you love about living in Manchester and what are your favorite places there?

I’m only just starting to know the Manchester I love, my experience living here as a student was much different so I’m happy I’ve been able to come back and rediscover the city. My studio is on the edge of the Northern Quarter, which has most of my favorite shops and cafes. You are likely to find me hiding away on a rainy day in the Tea Cup or Home Sweet Home with a pot of tea and huge slice of carrot cake. This area is where most of the independent shops are located and the Craft and Design center where I’m hoping we can soon open up our first Nadinoo shop. I love that Manchester is constantly evolving with new places opening and events happening each month. Visiting the Artisan market once a month under the old railway bridges in Castlefield is a definite highlight for me. I love seeing people selling product and produce that they are so proud of and always fun to hear the story of how it’s made.

What's on your fall wish list?

I think I’ve already done most of my winter shopping, been pretty excited about the cold this year which is first for me. I have stocked up on woolly tights so I can carry on enjoying all my dresses. I found some beautiful Wellington boots from Kurt Geiger that are nicely fitted to look more like a regular boot in a shimmering brown colour. Some nice black patent lace ups from Office with a comfy heel to go with my new Orla Kiely checked coat I bagged at their sample sale in London. Also grabbed myself a pair of lovely navy tailored shorts from Kooples at the weekend so I can wear all my Nadinoo shirts this winter. I think my look is much smarter this season, I’m sure that is reflected in the Nadinoo collection. Wow that feels a little like a confessional although I know there is still more.

What are you looking forward to doing over the holiday season?

I’m looking forward to finding the perfect tree to decorate with all our many wonderful handmade decorations, drinking plenty of mulled wine with friends while roaming the Christmas markets, picking out silly stocking filler presents for my husband to make him laugh and enjoying time off with friends and family eating roast dinners galore.

Who other designers, photographers and artists do you admire?

At the moment I’m admiring smaller labels like TBA, Colenimo and Dear Creatures who have managed to successfully create beautiful clothing via the small production rout. I hope one day I can find the right factories I trust who will help produce our collections on a bigger scale. I don’t have as much time these days to scour the net for inspiring photographs, but the photographers I have been admiring lately are Jamie Hooper (http://jamiehopper.com/) Simon Filip (http://simonfilip.com/) and Jessie Adams (http://www.jessielilyadams.com/) All producing dreamy photographs that take me somewhere beautiful!

If you could see any celebrity wearing you dress who would it be and why?

Zooey Deschanel has been my answer to this question from the start so and I’m going to stick with her until she has no choice but to give in and wear nothing but Nadinoo. The girl is amazing I think we are all a little in love..

What are your favorite books and magazines for inspiration?

I love reading books that calm me or take me places I’ve never been, I read a really cute book recently about a young Chinese girl who moved to New York with her mother, it was such a sad but inspiring little story.  

The magazines I like are a little more predictable Frankie and Lula have set the bar pretty high, would love for another mag to pop up that rivals them..

What is your favorite fairy tale?

At the moment I’m a little in love with Red Riding hood. I think I’m just eager to make a red cape to run through the woods in..

What are your favorite Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly films or looks they have worn?

I’m have a huge soft spot for Audrey, her style is timeless. I loved her pixie haircut and most the outfits she wore in Breakfast at Tiffany's. All her films take me to a happy place, especially on a rainy hangover day. Grace Kelly I’m not so familiar with, what films would you recommend? (All of them, but especially Rear Window and To Catch A Thief! 

What is the future like for you and your line? 

I really have no idea what will happen with Nadinoo from one collection to the next, I just hope we continue to grow and keep the amazing following we have gained so far.

Thank you so much, Nadia! Check out more lovely designs from Nadinoo below!

Interview with Nicky Peacock

Nicky Peacock is a very talented artist living and working in England. You may recognize her work from Lula magazine and the Lula scrapbook. She runs her own blog full of inspiration here. Nicky's beautiful photography will be part of the Audrey Grace photo exhibit. The boutique opens in one month, I am getting so excited! Enjoy my interview with Nicky and a selection of her work below.

Hi Nicky, tell me a little bit about yourself- where you’re from, where you grew up, and how you became and interested in art and photography?

Hello! I’m an artist and curator living on Teesside in the United Kingdom. I grew up in the suburbs of North East England. It’s a tough town at times but it has a certain charm and eccentric quality to it which I appreciate and the coast, hills and moors are only a stone’s throw away. I have always been compelled to create – I used to orchestrate photo shoots with my dolls and cat – put a bonnet on him and a tea cup near his paw. I called them set-up’s. I also used to design shoes and dresses and make rose petal perfume and design labels for the bottles. I was always up to something.

The world of fashion is full of amazing artists and photographers. Who are some of your favorites?

Annette Messager, Sophie Calle, Susan Hiller, Miranda July, Tim Walker, Madame Yevonde, Guy Bourdin, Mike Brodie (Polaroid Kidd), Ellen Von Unwerth & Nina Büsing Corvallo. Not all fashion based but some of my favourites.

And who are your favorite designers?

I have loved the work of John Galliano since the 1980’s and rarely use the word genius but might in this instance. It’s obviously not a fashionable time to be a fan of him in light of recent personal events, but for me – his design work is flawless. Lately, I am loving Haider Ackermann and the sculptural pieces at Jil Sander – as I get older, my tastes are shifting from the cute and dreamy aesthetic into a sharper, tougher look. I spent the whole of my 20’s in vintage dandelion yellow day dresses it seems – but I just can’t pull that look off anymore!

Your work reminds me of my childhood. In your work there is feeling of something very sweet, innocent and dark at the same time. Do you often look towards childhood memories when photographing or drawing?

Absolutely. Almost all of my work is inspired by my childhood. I spent a lot of time away from school as a child and quickly fell in love with the notion of living in my own world. It was a kind of twilight existence where I had enough freedom to experiment and create as I pleased. I spent hours watching 1950’s Technicolor movies, drawing my cat, designing letter headed notepaper for an imaginary perfume empire, making my own magazines or incense and spells and listening to Kate Bush and pretending I was a teenager. When I became an artist I knew right away that the feeling I was trying to evoke was that feeling. The feeling I had when I was trying to summon some kind of magic for myself, to keep me entertained or comforted or to pretend that my life was something other than a sick little girl at home with permanent tonsillitis. It is important for me that there is always a certain kind of darkness – it makes the light all the more beautiful. I make images but I feel more like a storyteller.

 Tell me about the work you did for Lula magazine. 

Leith asked me to contribute to a photo editorial in the first issue, it grew from there and I worked on 5 issues. I was an artist-in-residence I guess...that always how I approached it. My role was to interpret the muses from each issue and create imagery that reflected them, through photography or assemblage and illustrations usually. I liked to imagine what the muse’s personal space might look like and create an atmosphere through the use of objects or images...to tell a story about them or create a fictitious landscape for them.

When the first issue got delivered to my house, I couldn’t believe how lucky I was to be involved in such a thing of beauty. Lula has a very distinctive and clear voice which, in the ephemeral world of fashion, is a brave and treasured thing.

What do you love about living in England?

I love the countryside, English breakfast tea, the wild and windy moors, the down-to-earth people, the dramatic coastlines, the folktales, the eccentrics, the crumbling mansions, stately homes & ruined castles, the humour, the fashion and the fact that all my loved ones live there.

England is known for edgy fashion and eccentric, independent fashion designers. Who are some of your favorite Brits? 

My current favourite is Holly Fowler. She’s a recent graduate from Central Saint Martins. She hand paints silk dresses – they’re phenomenal – they look like medieval bronze treasures and porcelain bells – so powerful.

What films do you study for inspiration?

The Red Shoes, Valerie & Her Week Of Wonders, Daisies, Tales Of Hoffman, Innocence, Rosemary’s Baby, vintage Hammer Horror, The Royal Tennenbaums, The Wizard of Oz, Be Glad For The Song Has no Ending, Grey Gardens, Paheli, Picnic At Hanging Rock, Carousel, Cul-De-Sac, Black Moon, Young At Heart, Suspiria...oh this could go on and on so I’d better stop!

If you could have tea with anyone, past or present, who would it be and why?

Leonora Carrington, Grace Coddington and all her cats, Doris Day, Sophie Calle & Vali Meyers. We would be the best coven ever. I would make English tea and serve lavender scones with wild blueberry jam and clotted cream.

Tell me a little bit about the work of yours that is going to be displayed at Audrey Grace.

Small, delicate photographic prints on my favourite German etching paper. Some of the imaginary stories I was just telling you about...

What could you see yourself buying from Audrey Grace?

 I really love Lisa Marie Andersson’s Liberty print dresses and also the gorgeous Wayward Daughter white custom collar with the little pin stripe.

Have you ever been to the south? (in America)

Not yet, though I’ve always wanted to visit. I’m a big fan of Angeliska Polacheck’s blog and her images and descriptions of New Orleans are completely bewitching. It’s definitely on the list.

What does the future look like for you? Any exciting collaborations/projects/exhibits?

Yes, this has been an incredibly busy year for me. I divide my time between working on my own personal practice and curating for myself and others. I also manage and curate a project that provides creatives with temporary pop up residencies in town centre spaces which is one of the loveliest jobs I’ve ever had. Earlier this year I produced my third international exhibition, called Love Letter, Love Letter. I was lucky enough to work with some of my favourite artists on the show: musician Suzy Mangion, film maker Maximilla Lukacs, photographer Dan Estabrook, fine artist Tabitha Kyoko Moses & Minutemen legend Mike Watt – it was a dream to curate a show like this and the book & DVD that accompanied the show will be for sale at Audrey Grace Boutique along with my prints.

Next month sees the release of an album that I worked on with UK collective Detective Instinct. It’s called A History of Headaches and it’s on the Third Uncle label. I have 2 songs on the album and I also contributed to the cover art so I’m really excited to finally see it! I’ve just started work curating a retrospective exhibition and gig for a post-punk outfit called Shrug – who have been together for 26 years...so that will be a whole lot of research!

Next year will see my book Haunt Me finally published – it’s a collection of photographs, drawings, collages and writing along the lines of my blog of the same name. I love being busy so it suits me fine – oh and today I found out that I was chosen as a Video Art Curator at the 2012 Santorini Biennale of Art so I’m a very happy bunny – I’ll get to do what I love and spend the whole summer in the Greek Islands which is kind of dreamy I imagine!

Thank you so much, Nicky!

Misslikey collages for Audrey Grace Boutique

A few months ago I contacted the lovely Nina of Misslikey. I was totally amazed by the beautiful collages she made for her blog. Nina's style and content is simply impeccable. I asked her to create many special collages for the boutique, a preview is below. All are going to retail for $30, please contact me at jbethany@fordham.edu if you'd like to purchase one. Which one is your favorite? They are all so wonderful, I can't decide!

Double feature: Rhiannon and Lauren

If you are familiar with the blogging world, no doubt you have run across Rhiannon's blog: Liebemarlene, and her sister Lauren's blog: Blooming Leopold! Both girls currently live in the south, Rhiannon in Atlanta, and Lauren in Nashville. I already feel such a connection to them as a fellow Southern girl! In addition, Rhiannon and Lauren both run fashion businesses. Rhiannon has an online shop called Silent Sundays. She stocks beautiful independent designers (Secret Squirrel, TBA, Family Affairs, etc.) and vintage. Rhiannon is going to be selected some vintage pieces especially for Audrey Grace! Lauren runs, Blooming Leopold, her own handmade line. Every piece is so special and pretty. Blooming Leopold will be stocked in Audrey Grace. I am so excited to have these stylish sisters as a part of the boutique. Enjoy my interviews with them below!

Interview with Rhiannon of Liebemarlene!

Rhiannon wearing TBA, a label that will be stocked in Audrey Grace 

Tell me a little big about yourself, your blog Liebemarlene, and your shop Silent Sundays.

I started blogging over four years ago in the days when I was selling vintage on Ebay. In those days I wasn't sure about blogging (didn't know if people would care enough to read the stuff I wrote and still don't) but I loved it, especially the chance to babble on about the things I loved and was inspired by. I sold vintage on Ebay, then Etsy, and eventually set up an online store with my friend Jamie Hopper. She's my favorite photographer in Atlanta, and I can't think of anyone I'd rather work with. We both choose what we want to sell--lots of vintage, and each season we have a small collection of things from some of our favorite independent designers.

Where did you grow up?

In the midwest--I grew up in northern Illinois is a pretty small town, then went to college in an even smaller town in Indiana.  When I lived there I used to knock it, but it's really not so bad, and sometimes I start missing things about the midwest, like its amazing summers and taking weekend trips to Wisconsin. 

What do you like about living in Atlanta?

I like that Atlanta's a city with lots of things to do and see and eat--whenever people come to visit us there's always a new restaurant to go to or good stores to shop at. It's a really diverse place, and pretty liberal for the south (which I like). I like that there's always at least one contestant from Atlanta on each season of RuPaul's Drag Race--makes me proud.  Also Ludacris lives here.

What do you love about living in the south? Do you find it to be a magical place?

Mostly I love that it's different from what I'm used to. I grew up in a place with mostly cornfields--no hills and not many trees. A lot of the south is physically beautiful and has a ton of history, which living here has made me super passionate about. I love that after three years of living here I'm still excited about site-seeing and I'm still checking out nerdy books from the library about southern history and culture. The south is magical to me sometimes--depends where I am. Atlanta isn't magical (unless in funny ways) but cities like Savannah and Charleston are probably more romantic than any other city I've been to in the States.

How do you think Audrey Grace will contribute to the retail scene in the South and specifically, Jackson.

I don't know much about Jackson except that Eudora Welty lived there, and I went to Mississippi once with Jamie and fell in love with it.  The parts I saw of it were beautiful and old-fashioned, and I think that the romantic clothes at Audrey Grace will be a hit there.  

What could you see yourself buying from Audrey Grace?

I'm in love with Up the Wooden Hills and Alexandra Grecco, and I hear something about Blooming Leopold selling at Audrey Grace?

Tell me about the work Silent Sundays is doing for Audrey Grace.

Jamie and I are putting together a capsule collection of vintage pieces that we think will fit the Audrey Grace spirit. And we might put together some photographs too.

Who are some of your favorite designers, artists and photographers?

For the last few years I've really been into designers from Australia and New Zealand--Lover, Secret Squirrel, Juliette Hogan, and Twenty-Seven Names are always favorites. I love TBA and Nadinoo a bunch.  I'm very ignorant when it comes to art, but usually in art museums I like things from the late 1700s best. As for photographers I like Jody Rogac a ton for fashion stuff-- Jamie Hopper too! And photographers like William Eggleston and Clarence John Laughlin make me glad to live in the south. 

What are your favorite books and magazines to look through for inspiration?

Lula, Bullett, Frankie, Rush, and The Gentlewoman are my favorite fashion magazines, and I love Garden and Gun and Georgia Backroads for southern tourist stuff. I can't really read fashion related books anymore (burnt out and don't really care about Coco Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld, etc.) but I like history books and biographies and novels. Just finished Deborah Mitford's memoirs and it made me want to move out to the country and start over. Or just move to England so I can be her friend.

What are your favorite blogs?

My sister Lauren's blog Blooming Leopold, Foxtail & Fern, Jeana Sohn, Olive My Love for fashion. I love Forgotten New York for history stuff and food blogs like Lottie and Doof and Smitten Kitchen.

Your recent wedding was so beautiful! What advice can you give to those planning a stylish wedding? And where did you find your dress?

Thank you! I'm not big on weddings so don't think I'd be good at giving advice; I just wanted something really low-key and simple and outdoors.  We lucked out on our venue--an old farm community that had prettiness to make up for our lack of decorating, etc. My dress is actually an old one by Lover that I found on Australian Ebay.

Describe your personal style.

I used to dress in very romantic things, but since I'm getting older (thirty-one this month!) I'm trying to tone some of that stuff down--fewer bows, frills, peter pan collars, even though I think it's all adorable. Right now I like pretty simple, boring stuff--plain velvet dresses and tights and ankle boots pretty much make up my fall uniform.    

Who is your style icon?

Silent film stars like Marion Davies and Mabel Normand, Joan Crawford, Julie Christie.  And I like modern girls like Leith Clark, Alexa Chung (of course), Michelle Williams, and Kirsten Dunst.

What are your favorite places in Atlanta and across the South?

In Atlanta I love this new Korean taco place called Takorea, Star Provisions for sandwiches and desserts, Octane for coffee, Antico pizza. Favorite places across the south: Rock City in Chattanooga, Back in the Day Bakery in Savannah, the whole city of Charleston, and where my parents live in Tennessee.

What are your favorite films for fashion?

Busby Berkeley musicals, Julie Christie in Darling, and Picnic at Hanging Rock. Lately I really like Joan Crawford's costumes in '30s movies like Sadie McKee--sort of over the top, but beautiful.

What do you love about your sister's collection, Blooming Leopold?

I love that it's so Lauren--I could see her wearing every single thing in it, and I love that she puts her own touch on everything. I already have my eye on one of the dresses--it has the most perfect sleeves.

What is your favorite decade for vintage?

Probably the '30s and '70s, especially '70s versions of '30s styles. I love art deco elements and flutter sleeves, anything in silk.

What does the future look like for you, your blog and Silent Sundays? Hopefully lots of exciting things!

Thanks! Well I'm bad at planning things. For my blog I want to change it up a little--write about more than fashion and write about other things I'm interested in.. more history posts, for one thing. We just released our new fall lookbook and collection for Silent Sundays, so I'm still thinking about that and not really sure what's next. Excited to get shopping again for our next release!

Thank you, Rhiannon!

The beautiful fall lookbook for Silent Sundays, shot by the amazing Jamie Hopper

Interview with Lauren of Blooming Leopold!

Tell me a little big about yourself, your blog and your line, Blooming Leopold.

My name is Lauren Winter and I'm the girl behind the Blooming Leopold blog and shop! I began the blog as a means to chronicle my personal style adventures and it grew into a love of sewing and a handmade line in 2011, which I couldn't be more excited about.

Where did the name Blooming Leopold come from?

Blooming Leopold is a play on the name of Ulysses' main character, Leopold Bloom. I was on a James Joyce kick the summer I started the blog! My husband and I even named our dog after the character - Bloom.

What do you think is so special about having handmade garments? This is obviously a very important aspect of your line that I love!

Sewing a handmade garment and shipping it to someone is a much more personal experience for me than selling vintage. You put a piece of yourself in everything you sew- with all the added time and effort, and especially since the garments were designed by you, your collection kind of becomes your baby. It's scary to release it into the world, almost, but also extremely rewarding when it finds a home.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in northern Illinois in a very typical midwestern town, surrounded by cornfields. Growing up, I just wanted to get away and find a place with more beauty. Now that I have grown up and moved away, I think the Midwest - with its flat expanse and endless farmland - has its own special brand of beauty that I really couldn't appreciate when I was little.

What do you like about living in Nashville?

I love Nashville! The southern states seem to have a lot of history and personality to me. Living in a city in the south means you still have the life and universal feel of a city while being close to the old plantation homes and well-preserved culture of the south. Nashville has the sweetest people I've ever met, beautiful weather, and awesome coffee shops (Crema, Dose, and Roast Inc. are our current favorites).

How do you think Audrey Grace will contribute to the retail scene in the south and specifically, Jackson?

With the variety of designers and vintage stockists heading Jackson's way, I think Audrey Grace Boutique will leave an indelible mark on the fashion scene around the area! Designers from all over will be selling their wares at the store, including several designers that are only available in large cities like New York and London. What a treat Mississippi has to be able to shop these collections locally! 

What could you see yourself buying from Audrey Grace?

Everything! My favorites have got to be TBA, Silent Sundays, and Rachel Antonoff.

Tell me about the vintage pieces you are sourcing for Audrey Grace.

I'm lucky to not only be providing my handmade collection but also vintage found here in Nashville! Pieces I'll provide for the boutique include dreamy holiday garments - 1940s velvet dresses in rich jewel hues, sequined tops, and assorted lace and chiffon pieces in pastels.

Why do you think Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly's style is relevant today?

To me, Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly embody a classic sort of beauty that never really goes out of style. The shapes and fabrics they wore can generally be found in the garments of today- holiday dresses in brocade, wool suit sets and simple black dresses. Not to mention, both women were stunning and confident.

Who are some of your favorite designers, artists and photographers?

Aubrey Beardsley, Edward Gorey, JW Waterhouse, David Hamilton, TBA, Family Affairs, many more!

What are your favorite books and magazines to look through for inspiration?

Umberto Eco's History of Beauty and Lula Magazine! I love looking through illustrated books from the 1920s or older, too. I have a turn of the century copy of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam (I think I picked it up at a yard sale when I was little) that has these beautiful color images, and a collection of children's fairytales that's about 90 years old now.

What are your favorite blogs?

Liebemarlene, Hannah and Landon, and Hello Mr. Fox are definitely my top three favorite blogs! I love Always, Sometime, Anytime as well. The Selby is a website I've been visiting a lot lately too, we just bought a house and I'm in desperate need of some interior design inspiration.

Describe your personal style.

I don't know how to describe my personal style because it's always changing.. right now, I'm in a 70s meets 90s phase - boxy blazers, cut off shorts, grunge-y maxi dresses, Gunne Sax, floral wreaths, lots of velvet. I'm addicted to this pair of chunky platform lace ups I found at a thrift store last year.

Who is your style icon?

My style icons are my sisters! They never fail to be themselves- they both have very distinct styles and I love them for it.

What are your favorite shops? Do you shop locally or online?

My favorite shops are thrift stores, preferably out in the country around Nashville or in Madison, TN. I try to keep my shopping local at nearby vintage stores like Local Honey and Goodbuy Girls, and I buy a lot of stuff from American Apparel in town. When I shop online for clothing, it's either on Madewell, Topshop, or Etsy (but that's mostly dream shopping).

What are your favorite films for fashion?

I think I get more inspiration from films than from books- films like The Red Shoes, Pretty Baby, Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, and Amadeus. I revisit my favorite films often. The best films for fashion are movies that try to capture another time period, like Picnic at Hanging Rock or Badlands, because inevitably they leave some of their own decade's (or century's) style in the film and the mix can be beautiful.

What do you love about your sister's vintage collection and her shop, Silent Sundays?

I love looking at Silent Sundays' wares and instantly thinking of Rhiannon and Jamie - their shop is reminiscent of their own personal fashion, and that's how a shop should be! How every piece is styled and the professional quality of their lookbooks, too.. have you seen their latest one? Their vintage is always classic but still manages to be current - a line suede skirts, brown velvet mini dresses, sheer polka dot tops. I'm always bragging about their shop to people!

What is your favorite decade for vintage?

If you looked at what I wear, you'd probably say the 90s, but the 1940s are my favorite. The elegance and cut of clothing are so unique and instantly recognizable. I think that decade was very flattering for men and women. And everyone wore a hat - we need to bring that back.

What does the future look like for you, your blog and Blooming Leopold? Besides collaborating with Audrey Grace, of course!

I'm currently putting together a handmade and vintage holiday collection, to debut at the Audrey Grace Boutique and online in late November or early December! Stay tuned.

Thank you, Lauren! Below are photos from Blooming Leopold's AW11 collection. So excited the line will be stocked at Audrey Grace!