Louis Vuitton SS12

If there was one collection ever that totally defines my style it is Marc Jacob's Louis Vuitton SS12 collection. It's perfect pastel colors, feathers, and sparkles are the epitome of my style. The presentation of the collection with the amazing carousel and the finale with Kate Moss just continues my obsession. This collection definitely gave Chanel a run for it's money. A few days ago the campaign photos leaked, which features two models in pastel confections in an ice cream shop. How perfect! The makeup and hair looks also are dreamy. Lovely 60s bouffants with dewy skin and pastel colored makeup. I have a feeling I will be purchasing an accessory from this collection- a parasol, perhaps? The whole collection is very Catherine Deneuve in Umbrellas of Cherbourg, although I have no idea if this was one of the inspirations behind the collection. The celebrities who have been wearing this collection are some of my favorite style makers- Elle Fanning and Cate Blanchett. I can also see Kirsten Dunst, Michelle Williams and Zooey Deschanel wear the pieces. Awards season, perhaps? I would so love to stock this beautiful collection in Audrey Grace. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and is looking forward to New Year's! Enjoy these beautiful photos of the Louis Vuitton spring collection! Oh, how it makes me wish I was in Paris..

Interview with Helen Martin, the editor of Lionheart Magazine

It's true that Audrey Grace is the only United States stockist of Lionheart Magazine. I just read the first issue of Lionheart myself, and it was very inspiring! Congratulations to Helen and her team for compiling a beautiful magazine brimming with illustrations, essays, and feel good fashion. I suggest you pick up a copy! Helen's website is here. I also had the pleasure of interviewing Helen about her special magazine below. Also, the photos are a sneak peek of who is profiled in the first issue. Maybe you'll recognize some of them? Enjoy!

Hi Helen- tell me a little bit about yourself, what you do, where you grew up, etc. 

Hi there, my name’s Helen/Hels, I am 27 and the Editor and creator of Lionheart Magazine. I grew up in a little village in the green hills, just outside of Brighton. I loved it there, it was very quintessentially English, but with a mighty twist - that being Brighton. I adored the Georgian city and went there as often as I could to meet my friends, walk the seafront, sit in the coffee shops and observe everything going on around me. It’s now in a romantic, rose tinted part of my memory.

It was also a bubble!

I left and lived in Australia for a year, coming back via Bali (heart), Fiji, NZ etc. then went to university by the wilder coast of Cornwall. This is one of the best places in the world, full of brilliant people, incredible scenery and a zest for life.

I now live in Bristol, in the middle of a four- legged spider: London, Brighton, Cornwall and Jersey (an island by France, an hour or so away by plane), where Charlie, my boyfriend is from.

Tell me about the magazine you are starting, Lionheart magazine. 

It’s a beautiful collection of talent; interviews, inspiration, illustration, craft, gardening, style and a grasping of the wonder of life as we have it. As opposed to aspiring for more, the magazine encourages learning, growth and dancing!

What can girls look forward to in Lionheart? 

Witty editorial, honest accounts, brilliant interviews, great style, wonderful illustrations and a positive, true outlook. Issue one will have an interview with Bleubird Vintage, a piece by BBC presenter, Cherry Healey and style chat from the recent winner of Cosmo’s Best New Fashion blog award, Olivia Purvis. It’s 96 pages, printed on thick, matte paper and the perfect size for your handbag.

What made you want to start a magazine? Were you inspired by independent British magazines such as Lula? 

I wanted to create something that people would keep, something inspiring, peachy good and a real reflection of their lives, interests and desires. Lula, Oh Comely etc., I really like, but Frankie Magazine, from Australia, was the magazine that really struck a chord with me. It’s brilliant. That said, Lionheart Magazine has its very own, distinct voice and style. You’ll see what I mean I hope, it’s definitely a unique publication, covering a multitude of topics.

What do you love about living in Bristol? 

I love the Georgian architecture, creative community, easy access to amazing mountains and sea, and how I can get everywhere on my bike - no need for public transport or the use of a car.

Who is your style icon? 

Grace Kelly had something that went beyond just incredible style, she was so elegant, stunning and inspiring. I think she’s a timeless icon, absolutely. I went to an exhibition of her dresses at the V&A and was mesmerised by the pieces, but it’s when you see her in them, that her true icon credentials become apparent. As regards to modern day icons, there are so many blogs full of them! Bleubird Vintage’s”Miss” James, is obviously a stylish lady.

Since your magazine will be stocked in Audrey Grace, what can you see yourself buying from the boutique? 

Oooh, I love everything so much! Vintage styles are my favourite and you’ve collected brands from around the world, so it’s a dream shop! I love Rachel Antonoff,  Katie Louise Ford and Her Pony, so pretty.

What are you favorite magazines, books and films for inspiration? 

Books: Brave New World - Aldous Huxley, A Staggering Work Of Heartbreaking Genius - Dave Eggers, The Loved One - Evelyn Waugh and Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald, Tess Of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy. 

Magazines: Frankie, VOGUE, Another Magazine. 

Films: True Romance, Me, You and Everyone We know, Somersault, Shooting Fish, Drive and From Paris With Love.

If you could travel anywhere in the world and stay for an indefinite amount of time, where would it be and why?

That’s a really tough question! I’m always keen for an adventure, I’d miss my cat and friends, but a travelling life persistently beckons. I’d love to visit Stockholm, Vancouver, Costa Rica, Brazil, New York and Portland. I’d also like to live in France at some point –Charlie’s family have a little, simple cottage there and it’s such an escape - I guess, as far as where I’d live for an indefinite time though…well as long as I’m with Charlie, I have blankets, the potential to bring Francois the cat, Charlie has surf and I have paper and pens to write, I would be happy in many places. I’m happy here for now.

What is the future like for you and Lionheart? 

Well, I hope, hope to be continuing to create Lionheart Magazine for many years. It means so much to me and I believe it’s something that will continue to grow and hopefully become a staple in people’s lives, like their cornflakes in the morning. I hope people see it as the breath of fresh air they’ve been waiting for. It’s beautiful, I promise. 

All images www.lionheart-mag.com

Thank you so much, Helen!

The Cherry Blossom Girl

On Sunday evening, I was beyond excited to see the beautiful Alix (www.thecherryblossomgirl.com) wearing a Katie-Louise Ford for Audrey Grace dress on her blog. This has to be one of my favorite dresses in the shop. It perfectly suits Alix and her styling of the dress is amazing. There is also a photo of the lookbook Caitlin Shearer did for the boutique. Alix's blog has been one of the most inspiring things I have found in recent years. I love her styling, photography, travels, etc. She has amazing taste, and I was so proud to collaborate her for Audrey Grace. Hopefully this will be the first of many collaborations between us. Both the lookbook and dress are for sale through me. The lookbook retails for $53 and the dress for $350. I have the dress available in a US size 6 and 8, although it runs small. Please don't hesitate to contact me at jbethany@fordham.edu if you are interested in purchasing either of these items. How could you resist with Alix's beautiful styling? Enjoy the photos.

All photos by Alix Bancourt (www.thecherryblossomgirl.com)

Audrey Grace Boutique Opening Night!

So it happened- Audrey Grace has officially opened. And I loved every minute of it! Here are some lovely pictures of the opening night. I wore a beautiful Lucy in Disguise "Chaplin" dress, which I kept, and a headband by Ashley Cheeks. If you see anything you think you might like from these photos, please don't hesitate to email me- jbethany@fordham.edu. I can provide more information on the pieces. All the art and photography is also for sale.
Enjoy the photos, and let me know what you think about my lovely little shop!
P.S. We are in the process of opening up an online shop- so stay tuned!

Interview with Alexandra Grecco

One of the first discoveries I made for the shop was the beautiful designs of Alexandra Grecco. I remember meeting Alexandra in the West Village at Tea and Sympathy, and our first meeting just warmed my heart. I knew our work together would be incredibly special. I am stocking many of Alexandra's designs from her main collections, and she has also done some very special custom pieces for the shop. Everything Alex created for me was really inspired by the style of Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly. Plus, we did some fun quirky pieces like a dress with hand-painted cats! Anyway, Alexandra is a beautiful in person (both inside and out) as her designs. She's has had a big week, she's currently hosting a trunk show at Bloomingdales in Soho of her holiday collection, so if your in New York, stop by! I predict an amazing future for this girl. Check out her inspiring blog here: Alexandra Grecco. Tomorrow is the opening night of the shop and after a long day of work I think the shop is nearly ready to open! I wish Alexandra (and all the other designers, artists, photographers, etc.) who made this shop amazing could attend- but know you are in my thoughts and I am eternally thankful. Please enjoy the interview with Alexandra below.

Bloggers Louise (Miss Pandora) and Alix (The Cherry Blossom Girl) wearing Alexandra Grecco SS10

Northern Alps Halo and Scalloped Blouse

Alex on holiday in Montana

A look from SS12

Hello Alex, tell me a little bit about yourself, what you do, and your line.

I currently live in a lovely neighborhood in Brooklyn where I work on my womenswear line, Alexandra Grecco which I started about 2 years ago.  I created my company with the intention of making quality garments with detail reminiscent of Old Hollywood and the deco period. I'm so happy being a part of a field where I get to meet and collaborate with so many talented people.

What can my customers expect to see from your line that will be available in Audrey Grace? (Tell me about the custom pieces, collections, etc.)  

Jaclyn picked some of my favorite pieces for the shop!  Some are from my upcoming SS12 collection, and others are best-sellers from previous collections. We also did quite a few custom designs exclusive to the boutique, including some hand-painted frocks, embroidered stockings, floral crowns and jewelry!  So much fun!

How would you define the type of girl that wears your clothes? 

I've discovered that there are many different types of gals from many parts of the world who wear my clothes, so I don't know if it's possible to come up with a definition. I have to say that all the customers I've ever met or conversed with online has just been so lovely!

What is your favorite decade for fashion?  

I'm always torn between the 20's and 60's, so I'm going to name two!  

What are your favorite places in NYC (and Brooklyn)? 

I love my neighborhood in Brooklyn and the surrounding neighborhoods as well.  I enjoy secret escapades to Dough in Bed Stuy very much!  Prime Meats in Carroll Gardens or Vinegar Hill House are two places I would dine every night if I could afford it.  I'm always reminded of how magnificent the city is when I just wander the streets and people-watch on a lovely day. 

How does it feel to see style icons like Sarah Sophie Flicker wearing your designs?

Pretty wonderful!  I've been a long-time admirer of hers and she's been so lovely and supportive. 

Who would be the ultimate celebrity you would love to see wearing your designs? 

I recently gave a few pieces to Michelle Williams, including the "If I Only Had a Heart Dress" which she was particularly fond of.  She's such a tremendous talent and down to earth, so, I'd say her!

What are your favorite magazines for fashion? 
Lula and Frankie!

Who is your vintage (and modern) style icon? 

I admire anyone who is visibly comfortable with what they are wearing and how they carry themselves...I don't mean sweatpants,  just incase that was ambiguous.
Who are your favorite designers?
Miuccia Prada, Lyell, Rodarte.
and photographers?  
Gosh, I have quite a few, but to name a couple: Wendy Bevan, Alex Prager, Dan Estabrook, Ellen Von Unwerth.

What is on your Christmas list? 

A new pair of boots!  I'm notorious for wearing the same pair everyday until the soles wear thin.  Running around the garment district ruins shoes!

What can you see yourself buying from Audrey Grace? 

Most everything, especially the mural by Katy Smail!

Describe an ideal day for you. 

A day with no plans.

Are you designing a holiday collection- or working on AW12?  

Finished with holiday, onto AW12!  I'll be releasing a vintage-inspired bridal line in 2012, so I'm working on samples for that too.

What does the future hold for you and your line? 

Whatever it is, I'm excited to see it all unfold.  

Sarah Sophie Flicker wearing the Violetta headband

Alex with some of her beautiful dresses

Paper doll design- Natasha Thompson (http://thesecret-teaparty.blogspot.com/) for Audrey Grace Boutique

All other photos courtesy, Alexandra Grecco 

Audrey Grace Gift Cards

These delightful Audrey Grace gift certificates will be available in the shop for any amount you wish to purchase them for! They were designed by the lovely and talented Ale of Rosaspina Vintage- check out her beautiful blog here: Rosaspina Vintage. Ale has created several lovely things for the shop and I have gotten to know her over the process of setting up the boutique and can say she is truly an Audrey Grace girl!
Do you want a gift card to Audrey Grace for Christmas?