We All Need A Little Billy Reid

I have been dying to write about designer Billy Reid since last summer.  I was working on a menswear article at the time, and fell in love with his style.  However, a women's line was still in the works.  Since then, Billy Reid's line has gotten better and more focused.  Now, it's time to introduce you to Billy Reid.

Billy Reid was born in Louisiana, and now calls Florence, Alabama home.  He is an extremely talented designer who won both the GQ & CFDA Best New Designer of the Year award and the Vogue/CFDA Fashion Fund award in the same year (the first designer to do this).  Accolades aside, his design aesthetic is the perfect mix of his southern roots and chicness perfect for city life.  His signatures include a nod to the seventies, natural fabrics - linen, cotton, leather & suede and soft, dusty color schemes.  This all equates to a refreshing take on womenswear.

As I was trying to decide the best way to write about Reid, Ralph Lauren kept coming to mind.  Just as the Ralph Lauren brand brings this "Hamptons meets the West" lifestyle to mind, Reid's brand is all about a lifestyle.  When I think of Billy Reid, I envision myself in a movie... somewhere in the South in a big old beautiful house.  I am having friends over for a large gathering, and my backyard looks like something straight out of a rustic Pottery Barn outdoor setting.  All of my guests (including myself) are dressed and styled in a perfectly cool, a little retro and a touch rock 'n roll, but don't look we tried way with a Southern twist.  We sit around late into the night as someone plays guitar and we all sing and have a blast.  Doesn't it sound nice?!  I think it might be time to invest in a few Billy Reid pieces...

Here are several looks from his Spring 2012 presentation...

I can't forget his wedges, they are to die for!

Reid's womenswear is available on his website.  Go, check it out now!

                                                                                                                              - Allison

*Photos courtesy of style.com and billyreid.com.

What Would You Do Without Shoes?

I am sure by now everyone has heard of TOMS shoes.  It is the result of traveler Blake Mycoskie befriending children in Argentina, only to learn that they did not have any shoes.  He returned to the United States and officially started the "One for One" campaign, otherwise known as TOMS shoes.  When you buy one pair, one pair is given to a child in need.  What a fantastic yet simple idea... a way to buy something that you really can use at an affordable price with the added bonus of knowing that you are truly helping a child in need is genius!

The reality of the situation is that going barefoot can be very bad for your health and future.  Many diseases are transmitted through the soil, cuts caused by being barefoot can get infected and many children are not allowed in school without shoes.  So, you really are doing so much by investing in a pair of TOMS.

From a fashion standpoint, they are really cute shoes.  They have come a long way from their inception, and  I believe that this has really helped the brand become so well-known.  Think of these shoes as the keds for the 21st century.  They are casual, cool and fun.  Now available in a variety of colors, prints and textures... there is something for everyone.  TOMS even introduced a wedge this spring... fabulous!

They can be worn with your white jeans, a sundress, to the playground, running errands or out for a casual night.  The price of these shoes ranges from about $40-$70 depending on the style.  Not such a bad price when you think about what you are doing when you make that purchase.  Seriously, what you would you do without shoes?

For more information about the One for One campaign or A Day Without Shoes, visit Toms website.  And don't forget to make your investment in TOMS this spring... c'est chic!

                                    - Allison

*photos courtesy of nordstrom.com

Spring Awakening

Joy!  It is spring!  The sun is trying to break through the clouds (I see a hint of blue sky) and it is going to be warm (sort of, does 50 degrees count?).  Anyway, I love the first signs of spring... 

I always associate spring with new beginnings.  So, why not try out a trend that I haven't done much with until now... shorts!  However, I don't actually own any cute, dressy shorts - yet.  This is what I would wear if I had it in my closet right now...

And, I would top it off with a belted cargo jacket....

Perfect!  I must go and add this to my closet  - stat!  

                                   - Allison

*Photos courtesy of manywallpapers.com, rottentomatoes.com, decideforyourself.wordpress.com, madewell.com, shopbop.com, jcrew.com