J Brand Announces Sportswear Collection

Photo credit and story details:  WWD

Summer is not over, yet I am already looking forward to Spring 2012 when J. Brand launches their new 140 piece sportswear line.  As reported on WWD this morning, the collection includes leather jackets, tops, pants, and skirts.  Donald Oliver, new design director, is heading the operation.  “From day one, we wanted her [the customer] to be easygoing, uncomplicated, subtly sophisticated," said Oliver. "We wanted her to feel relevant, not trendy, not like she’s trying too hard, which is why I think the garments have an ease about them.”

I have always considered Vince to be my favorite band when it comes to timeless sportswear that always feels right.  However, the J., Brand launch will be challenging that come 2012, based on the preview looks and my fanatical obsession with their jeans.

What about you?  Are you a J Brand fan?

A Fashion Favorite Returns

Images Property of Haute Hippie

We here at Delicious are breathing a big sigh of relief.  Haute Hippie’s website is back online.  Taken down for a few months to re-tool, the new site includes the Spring look book and Haute Hippie’s look books are always a delight to flip through.

I discovered Haute Hippie about two years ago, stumbling upon their website while I was shopping online (when I should have been catching up on emails, no doubt).  I was instantly drawn to the uniqueness of their designs and timeless, wanderlust feel to them. I remember seeking out a shop in Chicago to go see their wares in person, concerned that the look book may not represent as well in real life. Has that happened to you?  You fall in love online only to be let down when you meet the real thing?  Not the case here.  The care Haute Hippie puts into the design of their fashion is carried right through to the details of execution.  Back then, they were a few people working out of an apartment in New York.  But it is nice to see they have managed to grow without losing touch with what made them so wonderful in the first place: truly unique pieces created with an eye for detail and a care for craftsmanship.

So often when you hear the words “timeless classic” in fashion you think of ballet flats, little black dresses and Chanel-inspired jackets.  For me Haute Hippie is a fashion timeless classic for very different reasons.  Haute Hippie has the bohemian, jet -set feel of a one of a kind frock you score in a flea market overseas.  You know, that dress, bag or belt that is yours and yours alone?  So take a look at how Haute Hippie does Spring. I guarantee you, the wide leg jeans you are snatching up right now will eventually take a backseat in your closet, but you will reach for your Haute Hippie year after year.

Haute Hippie is available in a number department stores including Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.  Shopbop.com is where I typically get mine.

So, what did you think of their look book?

C/FAN Fan

Chicago designer Christina Fan's C/FAN 2011 Spring/Summer look book, is just one more reason we are so happy that Spring is finally here.  Her designs capture a sense of movement and have an effortless feel about them.  While plenty of designers are showing ballet-inspired looks for Spring, unlike some, Fan manages to keep the look from turning into a costume.  With pieces that range from dresses to tunics to shorts, you will have a hard time picking just one.  I am already on a waiting list at one Chicago boutique for the caftan, to start with.

For availability, click here.

You Can Turn it Around

Designers showing sweaters that button up the back is not exactly new.  Marc Jacobs did it in his Fall 2010 collection, Vogue’s February edition features a lemon yellow Max Mara bodysuit that does the same.  Then there are the sweater girls of the 1950s who we can possibly credit for originating the trend by turning around their crewneck cardigans.

But there is something so intriguing about the styling of this conventional v neck sweater, turned backwards, by J. Crew.  Turning around a v neck sweater and buttoning it up the back is so deliberate, it’s more engaging than donning a top that is cut to be backless.

What do you think?  Are you willing to give this look a spin?

Get Wrapped Up in It

Day Three of our "What to Pack?" Series

It seems that airports and planes are either chilly or sweltering, but never just right.  Layering works well for trans-Atlantic flights and a big, comfy scarf is a must.  I always travel with at least one long, wide scarf that can double as a blanket or wrap in-flight and at my final destination.  All scarves work well because they are so versatile, but don’t add a lot of weight or bulk to your suitcase.  You can use a longer oblong scarf as a belt one day, headband the next.  Or, tie a square scarf into a turban-a look that I have been seeing more and more of lately. 

In terms of versatility, this organic cotton scarf from Organic Giraffe is about as good as it gets.  It is light weight enough to loop the neck, but unfurls to a full wrap.  For sales info, contact sales@organicgiraffe.com.  And the stripes seem just right for Spring, don’t you think?

These Boots were Made for Walking

Day Two of our "What to Pack?" Series

Now that you have picked your perfect travel coat, the second most important item to consider for your travel wardrobe is your footwear for day.  Of course you need something fashionable, but it also must withstand walking long distances, navigating over cobblestones and climbing the stairs of say the piazza di Spagna, aka the Spanish steps, in Rome. 

When I was looking to build my travel wardrobe, I knew a flat boot was just what I needed and spent considerable time searching out the perfect pair.  After much debate, I settled on my Paige boots from Frye in “saddle”.  I felt the camel color was a bit unexpected and would work well with the skinny dark denim jeans I live in on trips.  Also, the style was unique and would lend itself well to the inevitable “distressing” that comes with any journey. 

My advice: after you have purchased your perfect travel boots, test drive them on a long walk at home to break them in properly, ensure you pack the correct weight of sock and to see if you need to get any inserts for them.

What is your favorite footwear for day when you travel?

Road Trip!

What are you up to this weekend?  I am braving the winter roads to travel to Michigan with my husband to visit his family.  I am really looking forward to seeing everyone, especially my niece and nephew.  So what’s in my bag?  So glad you asked….



1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, *Winter Kate, sold out online.  Originally purchased at shopbop.com.



What are your road trip essentials?  See anything missing here?

Coffee worth getting out of bed for

I fell in love with many things the first time I went to Europe, but discovering Illy coffee topped the list.  I adore it for the taste (cappuccinos being my preference) but Illy actually hits on all the things that my “Delicious” blog is about:


Fashion:  Simon Doonan created “Miss Illy” out of recycled Illy tins for Barney’s holiday window display at their flagship location.  Love her gown.

Design:  Just look at that logo.   Also, collaborations with artists like Jeff Koons, Robert Rauschenberg and Daniel Buren make cups and saucers worthy of stowing outside the cupboard.    

Décor:  Heck, I like the Illy canister so much it sits on my kitchen counter.  And for someone who is fanatical about clean surfaces, that’s saying a lot.

Food:  This is the most delectable, bold coffee without any bitter aftertaste that I have ever sipped.  Although an Illy cappuccino is my fav, they have coffeemaker-compatible grinds that are perfect for the home too.  I get my Illy at Whole Foods but you can visit Illy’s global locator to find the store or café nearest you.  Or, download their i-Phone ap to get your Illy info on the go.  Visit Illy’s online shop for lots of great last minute holiday gifts, too.

So if you haven’t tried it, please do and share your thoughts!

2011 Color of the Year

It’s my favorite time of year.  “Holidays?” you ask. Not exactly, although they are a delightful diversion to the everyday.  It's the time of year when PANTONE selects their “color of the year” and their pick for 2011 does not disappoint. PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle, is a strong reddish pink said to “lift spirits and impart confidence to meet life's ongoing challenges.”  I, for one, look forward to seeing Honeysuckle pop up on everything from throw pillows to lip gloss in the coming months.

There are already a few ways you can bring Honeysuckle into your world.  Dessy, who makes delightful bridesmaid and special occasion dresses, offers PANTONE WEDDING where color coordinating your entire affair is as easy as clicking swatches.  Or, make a statement in your home by painting one wall (or a whole room!) Honeysuckle with PANTONE Paints.

Come Spring, I intend to retire my Essie “Merino Cool” nail polish for whatever is the best match to this cheery color.