STYLE
Q+A with Laura O'Dell of Bucks and Does, Porridge + the ODells
in INSPIRATION, INTERVIEWS, STYLE
Life, Love and Los Angeles
Strolling down Sunset Blvd on a sunny day is always a good time. But one particular day there was a DJ on the sidewalk of a store we'd never seen before...or at least hadn't noticed the last time we were in Los Angeles.
It was Bucks and Does and they were celebrating their 1-year anniversary. We fell in love with everything in the store (they carry mens and womenswear) and the people shopping and celebrating inside. The style is California cool, Bohemian-chic. You can find classic pieces for any wardrobe or a fun stand-alone item to spice up your summer. We were drooling over some hats and a Mara Hoffman bathing suit.
If you can dream it, you can create it
Bucks and Does is run by Laura O'Dell and her husband Jason. Laura studied Merchandise Marketing at FIDM and started her career in fashion making hand-dyed and embroidered tank tops that she sold at a boutique she managed in Brentwood. She met her future-husband Jason in 2001, launched Porridge in 2004 (carried by Anthropologie), they opened Bucks and Does in May of 2013, and recently the husband-wife duo launched their namesake line, The ODells.
http://content.theodellscollection.com/video/The-odells-video.mp4 Video credit: The ODells
We are totally inspired by both lines (Porridge + The ODells), the store, this video featuring our favorite song and the dedication to create beautiful, functional designs!
Here's our Q+A with Laura:
What do you think are key qualities to succeed in the fashion industry?
Dedication, patience, ability to adhere to a budget and creativity by means of finding out what your "niche" is. What makes you different from everyone else.
What is one thing you have to do every day?
Check emails. I get sooooo many.
We love reading about your various types of inspiration -- how do you keep it all organized?
I love Pinterest and Instagram but also use old fashion journaling. I keep a pen and notebook in my purse at all times.
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
I stop working at 4pm every evening to be with my family. My 2 kids are my main priority so even if I have to resume work after they go to sleep once 4pm rolls around they have my undivided attention.
If you could only design with the colors from one plant, what type of plant would you choose?
Ohh that's a hard one. Can I chose a vegetable? If so I'd pick a beet :-)
What advice would you give to a fashion designer starting out?
Find your niche and make sure you access the competition.
Do you design for yourself or for others?
Both, but mainly for myself.
Here are our favorite pieces from the Porridge line
Visit Bucks & Does
3906 W. Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, California 90029 323 515-7385
Monday-Saturday 10am - 7pm Sunday 11am - 6pm
Now let's go back to LA!
What inspires you to create? What is one thing you have to do every day? Do you miss those Eastside LA stairs as much as we do?
Ever tried Stitch Fix?
in INSPIRATION, INTERVIEWS, STYLE
Guest post by our friend Jane!
What's Stitch Fix?
I first heard about Stitch Fix a few months ago from a friend, and I was intrigued. When I got an email from Klout about a Stitch Fix perk, I knew I had to try it out! 
Stitch Fix is an online personal shopping service. When you join, you fill out a comprehensive style profile with your sizes, likes, dislikes, price parameters, and any other information that will help your stylist (yes, a real person!) select items for you. You can schedule an automatic “fix” on a regular basis or simply log in to your account and schedule a fix any time you want a few new items for your wardrobe. Your stylist will send you 5 items (usually 4 clothing items and 1 accessory). When you receive your fix in the mail, you try on everything at home and send back any items you don’t love. You pay only for what you keep, and if you keep all 5 items, you receive a 25% discount. There is a $20 styling fee per fix that goes toward your final purchase should you decide to keep any of the items.
First Delivery
I ordered my first fix in March, but was informed that I would not receive it until mid-May. The Stitch Fix team has been rapidly growing due to popularity of the service, so they are currently working hard to reduce wait times. I didn’t mind the wait and figured it would be even more of a pleasant surprise when I received my first fix.
I was right! I received an email a few weeks ago notifying me that my first fix had been shipped, complete with USPS tracking number. It was delivered the next day.
There’s something about receiving a package with surprise contents - I couldn’t wait to see what my stylist had picked out for me. I brought the box inside and quickly opened it to find a personal note from her welcoming me to Stitch Fix and describing the items she had selected for me. Stitch Fix also includes styling cards for each item to show you different ways to wear it.
When I unwrapped the simple, well-designed packaging, I was pleasantly surprised to find a pair of mustard skinny jeans folded neatly on top.
I immediately tried them on and was amazed that they fit perfectly and looked great. I usually have a hard time finding pants that fit well, so these pants were a dream come true. Instant love! (Price: $108)
Next was a striped tank with a metal decoration on the collar. Still wearing the skinny jeans, I put this on and immediately loved it as well.
Especially with the occasional San Francisco heat wave, this seemed like a good piece to have. Unfortunately, I noticed that the loop to secure the upper back button was broken, so even though I loved this piece, I ended up sending it back. (Price: $68)
Next was a long, light-weight black cardigan with a crochet back detail, which shows off whatever you are wearing underneath.
My stylist suggested this piece as a versatile lightweight coverup and when I tried it on, I immediately knew that it was something I would get a ton of wear out of, especially during the spring and summer. I happened to be wearing a bright blue tank top underneath (and yes, still wearing the mustard skinny jeans), so the cardigan was perfect for showing off my colorful top. (Price: $48)
The next item in my fix was a cowl neck knit top.
When I first saw this piece, I was drawn to the fun print and color. But, when I tried it on, I hated how it looked on me. The combination of the body-hugging synthetic fabric, the cowl neck, and the half sleeves just wasn’t for me. (Price: $58)
Finally, the accessory that my stylist picked out was a beautiful crystal ball necklace.
I have to admit, I’m not really a jewelry person. I love fun earrings, but when it comes to other jewelry, I have a couple of key pieces that I rotate between. However, when I put this necklace on, I knew I had to keep it. Not only is it pretty, but I also realized that it can be worn two ways--as one long necklace or doubled up as a shorter one. I love the versatility! (Price: $52)
3/5 Stitch Fix Success
Out of the five items sent, I chose to keep three: the mustard skinny jeans, the lightweight cardigan, and the crystal ball necklace. I would have kept the striped tank as well had the button loop not been broken, but instead I sent it back along with the cowl neck knit top. Stitch Fix provides a USPS return envelope for any items you want to send back, so all you have to do is drop it in a mailbox within 3 days of receiving your fix and you’re good to go. Then, you log in to your account to let them know which items you are keeping, pay for them, and give feedback on everything. Your stylist will use the feedback to help select even more pieces you will love for future fixes.
Overall, I was very impressed with my first experience with Stitch Fix. They make the whole process incredibly easy for the customer and I loved the surprise element of receiving my first fix. Discovering new brands is another benefit of the service - I was not familiar with any of the brands in my first fix. In doing research, I found that most of the brands I received do not sell their products online, so I didn’t have to worry about paying more for an item from Stitch Fix vs. elsewhere. I highly recommend Stitch Fix and I will definitely order another fix next time I need a few new pieces for my closet. Here’s me wearing all of my new pieces:
If you’d like to try Stitch Fix for yourself, here's my referral link!
Jane Philipps is an artist and apparel industry consultant living in San Francisco. She loves textiles, patterns, and all things fashion related. If you’d like to get in touch, visit her website or send her an email.
Have you tried Stitch Fix? How was your experience?
April Birchbox
April Birchbox was filled with new, fun things. An eyeliner when I was in dire need, a color changing nail polish and a lotion that helps honeybees!
Color Club Gala's Gems Collection *****
I got my first Color Club polish a few Birchbox's ago and fell in love with the brand. The color goes on smooth and stays looking nice for at least a week. Oh, and some change colors in the sun! This polish changes from the color in the bottle, to the color of the sticker on the top. Yes, it really works, and yes it is awesome! This polish isn't the most drastic color change, but it's just noticeable enough to be really fun. Especially now that the sun is out everyday! High fives for summer.
Paula's choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant *
To be honest ... I'm still not quite sure what this does. It promised to perfect my skin if I used it on a clean and toned face. If anything, it reminded me to use my toner every day. Which is definitely a plus, but at $23.00 a bottle, it's not worth it. Sadly, I don't see this product doing much of anything for my skin.
BeKind Body Lotion ****
This lotion feels great, smells great AND every purchase from the BeeKind brand helps support a healthier honeybee population. You can feel you skin start absorbing the hydration as soon as you put it on. Who wouldn't want to help the honeybee's while also using a lotion that really works? I may have to purchase this one once I run out of my stockpile of gifted lotions.
Sumita Eye Color Contrast Eyeliner **
I was in desperate need of eyeliner when this showed up in my birchbox. It glides on smooth, lets you create a thin or thicker line, and stays on throughout the day. It's somewhere between a pencil and a gel. The down side ... I used up the sample within a couple days, so I doubt the full size product would last me very long! I've since bought an ink pot eyeliner instead.
KIND Healthy Grain Bars *****
Yes, this is an empty picture. I ate the Kind bar (with chocolate and cherry pieces) way before I had a chance to take a picture of it, and it was delicious. I was already a fan of Kind bars, they use real fruit and nuts and mostly honey to stick everything together. Kind bars are easy to grab at stores around me, so I doubt I'll buy them on birchbox, but I appreciate the sample!
That's all for now, stay tuned for my May Birchbox--it should be arriving any day now! And check out my February Birchbox review.
On creation, inspiration + color with Skyler of NativeDanger
in INSPIRATION, INTERVIEWS, STYLE
Last November I was sitting in my sister's living room thinking about whether or not there are fashion designers in Washington, DC. A message popped up on my computer screen--her flatmate had sent me a link to an article about a fashion designer in DC. My question was answered.
Skyler Javier, designer of urban menswear brand NativeDanger, is the kind of person you could talk to for hours. Or at least, I could talk to for hours about everything from fashion production headaches to siblings to finding balance between chaos and order. It's refreshing to meet an artist so entirely committed, but yet extremely down to earth. The Native Danger Spring/Summer line is part whimsy, part function and all future perfect--the kind of line that seeps into your psyche and helps produce dreams.
When did you first become interested in design?
Around 2007 some of my sketching and illustration work started to focus on figure drawing. The figures were typically clothed so there was attention to the shape, fold and fit of their garments. I guess that may have been the initial starting point of my interest in design since it was basically fashion illustration, although from an unintentional standpoint.
How do you define creativity?
To me it's a drive to generate, and specifically with the goal of communicating personal and deeper facets of the human experience in a non-verbal way.
What's one thing you have to do everyday?
Zone out and just take a moment to hang out in my head, preferably while listening to some tunes.
Which part of the design process is most challenging for you? Most rewarding?
The most challenging part is the middle stage when you start pulling a concept into reality and you have to coincide imagination with math, geometry and the temperamental physical properties of whatever materials you're using.
The most rewarding part is the final execution. There's singular moment when all the frustration, doubt and stress fade and turn into this rush of a high while you're staring back at a product when it's finished to satisfaction.
What keeps you motivated? And/or Inspired?
In short, ennui.
Your recent collection is very monochromatic and minimal, if you had to pick one color, what would it be and why?
Black because it's never wrong.
what one piece of advice would you give a fashion designer that is just starting out?
Seek advice from established designers who have been successful in the specific category of the industry you're interested in pursuing and force yourself to stay grounded within a realistic business plan.
Visit NativeDanger and other fashion houses and artists at 52 O Street Open Studios this Saturday and Sunday, May 10th and 11th, from 12pm - 6pm.
Buy now, vintage lovers.
in INTERVIEWS, STYLE
We love vintage and we love American-made. Who knew we'd meet someone that is also totally in love with both? We met Lisa Rowan, owner of Beltway Vintage, back in November when she invited us to her space at Analog in Brookland. She recently released her Spring 2014 Lookbook, which was shot in the gorgeous Building 170, a circa 1919 electrical substation that's part of the Washington Navy Yard Annex Historic District. Last weekend while browsing Thread at Union Market we had a chance to ask her more about vintage, style and how to find the perfect romper. Here's our conversation:
How have you seen the vintage shopping landscape change in the past five years?
The local vintage scene has both gotten larger and smaller. We've seen vintage style grow in popularity, but several big-name vintage retailers close their doors. People are more willing to search for the perfect vintage piece. And, with the economy looking a bit better, I think people are more willing to make an investment in a beautiful piece that still has a decade or two of life left.
What's the most common size in the pieces you find?
Tiny. It's getting harder and harder to find items from the 50s and 60s that are larger than a modern size 4. It's the same with shoes- we don't carry too many because there are only so many size 5 or 6 women in the area. I always tell customers that they'll never see a size 8 shoe in my vintage shop unless it's on my own feet. I hoard vintage shoes that I can wear myself.
Do you remember the first piece you bought at either a thrift or vintage store? If so, what was it? Why did you buy it?
I actually bought my senior prom dress on eBay. It was an Oleg Cassini gown, which I had sought out because I had a thing for Jackie O and I knew he was one of her favorite designers. I also wore an old pillbox hat from a Woodward & Lothrop (also an eBay score, before I knew how significant Woody's was in DC history), which in retrospect I could have skipped.
What do you think is the future of vintage clothing?
I worry about it, honestly. Pieces from middle-to-late 20th century were made so well. And a great majority of garments today are not made to last multiple seasons, let alone decades. True vintage pieces are going to quickly become scarce—and so the prices are going to go up. Buy now, vintage lovers.
What designers do you admire--contemporary or historical?
Well, I still love Oleg Cassini. I love Christian Siriano and have been following his collections very closely over the years. Nanette Lepore is a favorite. As for the past, I'm always going to love Christian Dior for giving us the New Look.
How does one find the perfect romper?
Start with the crotch, because that's going to make or break it (and you). Put it up to your waist and really, just grab the crotch seam and pull it to see where it's going to hit. I'm still searching for a flattering romper that I can wear beyond the beach.
What most inspires you most in a piece of clothing?
I'd love to say color or pattern, but most often it comes down to how it's cut. I look at Robin Wright's costumes in House of Cards as a good example of this at work. Every piece she wears fits perfectly. Every dart and seam is in the right place. None of the pieces are very complicated or busy, but every one of them exudes control. The cut and fit of a garment that helps a story fall into place.
What's your favorite found treasure?
One of my favorites came from my family's own collection. My grandmother once owned a square scarf that had illustrations of different foods and their calorie counts. I haven't figured out the best way to display it yet, but I think it deserves to be up on the wall in my kitchen instead of in a box in the closet.
Where's your favorite place to find a new outfit?
I actually can't remember the last place I got a "new" outfit. Even a dress I splurged on this spring was a piece I found in a consignment store. So, I guess I would say that upscale consignment stores are my favorite.
How do you put together an outfit? What piece do you start with first?
At least six days out of the week, I start with jeans. If the jeans fit, I can dress them up or down without an issue.
How do you balance live/work/pleasure? Do you sleep?
Oh, I sleep. I'm the napping champion of the Mid-Atlantic. But I'm still figuring out how to balance work and everything else. In retail, you get used to working any and every day of the week. But I look for gaps in my calendar where I can fit in a bit of fun, whether it be shopping with a friend, a coffee date, or a matinee at the movies.
Beltway Vintage owner Lisa Rowan is the shop’s lead buyer. She’s been selling vintage for five years as a consigner, reseller, and shopgirl. She’s finishing her Master’s in Liberal Studies at Georgetown University, where she focused on American Studies. Lisa realized her path in fashion and its history when she discovered that her great-great grandfather immigrated to New England from Belgium to open a woolen mill in the late 19th century. Her graduate thesis examines the fall of the American garment-making industry, and the factors that would make a modest renaissance feasible. She loves reading about the business of fashion. You may recognize her as the DC Goodwill Fashionista for Goodwill of Greater Washington.
Visit her shop at Analog in Brookland, follow her on Twitter @BeltwayVintage + @Lisatella and like her page on Facebook!
What about you?
Where do you shop for vintage clothes? Do you think clothes were better made 40 years ago? Have you found the perfect romper?