Vermillion

We are all in for a treat this week! Designer Lela Rose will be visiting Vermillion for our Spring 2013 Trunk Show. We are excited for her to meet our customers and assist in appointments on Thursday! Her spring collection, which we’ll have Wednesday-Friday, includes an amazing assortment of sophisticated yet approachable separates, to glamours sheaths and gowns draped with textured lace, plush organza and metallic edged embroidery. Take a closer look at the designer as she shares insight into her life…

Q: What inspired your spring 2013 collection?
A: Jim Hodges and his ethereal nature drawings

Q: What is your favorite item in the collection?
A:The blue ink etched floral dress.

Q:What are you most looking forward to about your trip back to North Caroline?
A: Good food and fun with old friends (everyone at Vermillion).

Q:Who are some of your favorite designers?
A: Lanvin, old Romeo Gigli.

Q: What brand of shoes dominate your closet?
A: Christian Louboutin and Lela Rose for Payless

Q: What is the best gift you ever received?
A: My Kids.

Q: If you weren’t a designer, what would you be doing?
A: I would have a home made ice cream store that would also double as a party space.

Q: What is your favorite restaurant in New York?
A: I have MANY but to name a few: Sorella, Momofuku Ssam, Co.

Q: What is your favorite city in the world?
A: I Haven’t been to enough to decide on an absolute favorite.

Q: What is your secret to a successful dinner party?
A: A special cocktail.

Q: Name three of your fall wardrobe obsessions.
A: Olympia Le Tan handbag, Charlotte Olympia shoes, any earrings form Alexandra Bahlman

Q: What is your favorite fall cocktail? (And please share your recipe!)
A: Pomegranate and rosemary margaritas (just muddle pomegranate seeds before you pour and use a rosemary stick as the swizzle)

Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A: Be kind, be kind, be kind.

Q: What is your zodiac sign?
A: Taurus

Q: What has been your proudest moment?
A: This is silly but I feel proud about my kids quite often for small accomplishments.

In anticipation for the box of over 100 pieces of The Woods Fine Jewelry to arrive next Wednesday for our trunk show- we sent designer sisters Shawn and Samantha a Q&A to learn more about them and their collection.  They certainly sound like Vermillion girls to us!

Q: Where do you get your inspiration?
A: Shawn- From working with such diverse materials, mixing the high and low, our clients, and traveling.
A:Samantha- Our kids, traveling, our clients and nature.

Q: If you weren’t making jewelry, what would you be doing?
A: Shawn- A stylist.
A: Samantha- Own a juice bar.

Q: What are you wearing today? Tell us your whole outfit including jewelry!
A: Shawn- Diamond slice earrings (these have become by alternative to studs), a crazy stack of colorful charm bracelets, a vintage mexican embroidered dress, Celine wedges, and my pink Balenciaga weekender bag.
A: Samantha- Snow white druzy earrings, greywood multi diamond bead necklace, The Row chambray shirt, cutoff Rag + Bone jean shorts, vintage Gucci moto boots and my tan Balenciaga first bag.

Q: Currently, what is your favorite piece in the collection?
A: Shawn- The charm bracelets are the most fun to design, and I think each one is a special piece that can be added to anyone’s wrist lineup!
A: Samantha- Anything with a druzy.

Q: Who is your favorite clothing designer?
A: Both- Rick Owens is definitely up there, we also love A.L.C., The Row, Rag + Bone, Chris Benz and Balenciaga.

Q: In your mind, who is wearing The Woods jewelry?
A: Shawn- Laid back style but always in diamonds.
A: Sam- Someone who is confident and does not mind owning the room.

Q: How did your jewelry collection begin?
A: Both- We have both been in retail and fashion since we were kids, this was a natural progression. We loved the idea of creating an accessories line that directly related to the clothing we love to wear, something that enhanced and elevated our casual look.

Q: How do you envision The Woods Jewelry southern client?
A: Both- Southern charm mixed with eclectic bohemian.  Also a wicked sense of humor!

Q: Whats your favorite stone or material to work with?
A: Shawn- It’s more about the mix for me.  Not just working with one metal or stone or bead but finding the coolest combination for many.
A: Sam- Right now it’s fossilized ivory, as it is getting harder to get, and we covet it for its richness and versatility.

Q: Who’s style do you admire?
A: Shawn- Sybil on Downton Abbey!
A: Sam- Right now it’s Carol Radziwill, LOVE her style and her wit!

Q: Whats on your playlist?
A: Shawn- At work it’s The Lumineers, Andrew Bird, Father John Misty .  At home my daughter rules the ipod so it’s Carly Rae Jepsen and One Direction.
A: Sam- Mumford and Sons, Rhianna, She & Him.

Q: Have you ever been to Raleigh?
A: Both- We have never been but are really looking forward to getting out there in May!  Besides meeting the fun staff at Vermillion and all the great clients, we look forward to checking out some of the restaurants in town-suggestions welcome!

By Whitney Eggleston

While my invitation to the Met Gala this year must have gotten lost in the mail, I was able to attend The Metropolitan Museum of Art Exhibition, “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations” while I was in New York last week.  The exhibit explores the idea of the two women having an “impossible conversation” and the similarities between them and their fashion’s.

Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada never met.   Both were born in Italy, lived during different times, and came to fashion almost by accident.  When you walk into the Met Art Exhibition, “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations”, you are faced with the fictional conversation between Schiaparelli and Prada.  Actress Judy Davis plays Schiaparelli.  Prada plays herself.  The two women are talking to each other across a long table and you get the feeling that you are eavesdropping on two of the great fashion minds.

Schiaparelli and Prada did not like living according to definitions, boundaries or the social convention of the day.  Their fashion and this exhibit showcase this mentality and their disregard for conformity.  Although the two went against convention, they tried to keep practicality in their designs.  Both women refused the definition of glamour and beauty.

The first section of the exhibition entitled “Waist Up/Waist Down” pairs Schiaparelli’s tops with Prada’s skirts.  Schiaparelli used decorative detailing on jackets and considered tops most important because women in the 1930s were observed sitting at café tables.  Prada, on the other hand considered below-the-waist focus as more modern and sexual.  Along with this exhibit, there were Schiaparelli’s hats and Prada’s shoes.  Both women felt that such accessories were appropriate for craziness and exaggeration.

These two women changed the way we look at fashion.  They never considered anything being good taste or bad taste.  The exhibit continued with the following categories of both Schiaparelli’s and Prada’s fashions:

-Ugly Chic-goes against convention pairing different colors, patterns, and textiles

-Hard Chic-uniforms and military influence looking both masculine and feminine at the same time

-Naif Chic-taking little girls’ clothes and putting them into adult designs going against age appropriate clothing

-The Classic Body-inspired by 18^th and 19^th centuries

-The Exotic Body-Eastern influence

-The Surreal Body-combinig reality with illusion (there was a beautiful long organza skirt with a big painted lobster on the front of it)

Some great advice from Schiaparelli and Prada: Don’t be a prisoner of fashion and don’t be afraid of age!

At just nineteen years old, Jenni Kayne launched her clothing line in 2003 and quickly established her signature look, setting herself apart from other collections by offering “something sophisticated and classic at a price point that’s accessible to a lot of women”, says designer. She began showing at Fashion Week in NYC in 2005 and was inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) just three years later.

Inspired by the English countryside- and particularly men’s hunting clothes- her Fall 2012 collection is said to be a polished assortment of the designers signature pieces with oversized coats cut in classic hounds tooth, willowy dresses in poppy autumnal prints paired with crisp citron knits and trousers. Carrying the line for the first time at Vermillion, we’re anxiously awaiting her fall collection arriving any day!

Just almost 50 years ago, London designer Mary Quant created the head-turning shortened mini dress which was debuted for the first time at Derby Day at the Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, wore by British fashion model Jean Shrimpton in October 1965.

Inspired by the Harper’s Bazaar tribute to this iconic fashion trend, I took a look at their mini skirt moments worth remembering and looked ahead to a few for Fall.

Twiggy- British fashion model arriving in London
August 21, 1967

Bianca Jagger with Mick Jagger in 1974.

Gwyneth Paltrow September 2009

Diane Kruger at the 65th Cannes Film Festival. May 2012

Now back in Vermillion, Proenza Schouler- we love their lots of leg looks. And one of our favorite pieces from Spring, the blue mini peplum Jason Wu skirt…and its on sale!

Inspired by nature’s elements, sister designers Shawn Hecox and Samantha Hitchcock created The Woods Fine Jewelry. We just received our second shipment at Vermillion and are blown away by their unique and unexpected collection of diamonds, organic stones, antique wood, tooled leather and even mammoth ivory that assembled create luxury jewelry with a twist of edginess, femininity and accessibility.

Based out of Aspen, The Woods client list includes Ashley Olson, Kate Hudson, Charlize Theron and was just recently seen on Emily Maynard, on ABC’s The Bachelorette.

Emily Maynard

Sophia Bush

Kate Hudson

Taylor Swift

Eva Amurri

While my mom was in town visiting for Mother’s Day, my husband and I took her to Poole’s Diner. I had raved about the bourbon punch and pimento cheese platters Ashley Christensen had made for the Veronica Beard brunch we hosted at Vermillion. I knew she’d be blown away by the food and cocktail selection, but I had no idea that the bourbon punch could be topped by a few of the delicious drinks we had there! While my husband Chris and I chatted with Ashley about their upcoming event at The Alley (Chris’s business on Hillsborough St.) my mom had already ordered our apps and decided on dinner. Needless to say, it was amazing. I researched later how I could attempt to create some of these tasty yet refreshing concoctions and came across a few I’m going to try…

Bourbon Punch

• 1/3 cup water
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 15 fresh mint sprigs, divided
• 2 1/2 cups bourbon
• 12 dashes angostura bitters
• 1 cup club soda
• 1 ice block

Stir water and sugar in small saucepan over low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and bring to boil. Add 5 fresh mint springs. Remove from heat; cool syrup completely. Strain syrup into punch bowl. Add juice, bourbon, and bitters; mix in soda and 10 mint sprigs. Add ice and serve.

Blue Moon Cocktail

• 2 oz. dry gin
• 1/2 oz. Creme Yvette or creme de violette
• 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice
• ice cubes

Blueberry Mojito

• 8 blueberries
• 6 to 8 mint leaves
• 3 ounces club soda
• 2 ounces Bacardi Lemon (*Try the Harris family way with tequila and create your own Don Julio!)
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• 1 lime wedge

Muddle the blueberries and mint with a splash of soda in a shaker until crushed. Fill shaker with ice, add Bacardi, lime and simple syrup. Shake and strain into glass filled with ice and add soda. Garnish with mint and blueberries.

By Maury Poole

As our Veronica Beard Trunk Show approaches, we were excited to receive this Q&A from both Veronica Swanson and Veronica Miele. We are honored to have the sister-in-law designers visit Vermillion for the first day of the show next Wednesday April 25th from 1-3:30pm to meet all of our wonderful customers. The show will continue until 6pm Wednesday evening thru Thursday 10-6pm, with Spring 2012 inventory to shop and the Fall 2012 collection available to special order.

Take a look at their Q&A…

Veronica Swanson Beard

Q: What inspired the conception of your line?

A: The need for the ultimate icons in our wardrobe

Q: What inspired your Fall 2012 collection?

A: The city and country dynamic – her week life and weekend life.

Q: How do you envision your Southern Veronica Beard client?

A: Feminine, hilarious and gracious.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about your trip to Raleigh?

A: Seeing Vermillion and owner Ashley Harris of course.

Q: What is your favorite piece for Fall?

A: The 3 piece trench coat

Q: Besides, Veronica Beard what other labels monopolize your closet?

A: Sophie Theallet, Philip Lim, JCrew, Zara, lulu lemon, Isabel Marant, and Chloe

Q: What Veronica Beard essential piece will be your bag for Summer Vacation?

A: Boho dress in all colors

Q: Best advice your mother gave you?

A: Take one thing off before you leave the house and fake it til you make it.

Q: Who’s style do you admire?

A: Gwyneth Paltrow, Diane Kruger, Angelina Jolie

Q: Favorite restaurant in NYC?

A: Il Cantorini

Q: Best gift you ever received?

A: My two boys.

Veronica Miele Beard

Q: What inspired the conception of your line?

A: The need for the ultimate icons in our wardrobe

Q: What inspired your Fall 2012 collection?

A: The city and country dynamic – her week life and weekend life.

Q: How do you envision your Southern Veronica Beard client?

A: Hospitable, polite, and gorgeous!

Q: What are you most looking forward to about your trip to Raleigh?

A: I am most looking forward to seeing the city and meeting the Raleigh girls.

Q: What is your favorite piece for Fall?

A: Definitely the bomber jacket.

Q: Besides, Veronica Beard what other labels monopolize your closet?

A: I am a big fan of Balenciaga, Vionnet, and Rick Owens.

Q: What Veronica Beard essential piece will be your bag for Summer Vacation?

A: The india print peasant dress and the seer sucker jacket.

Q: Best advice your mother gave you?

A: Be an individual.

Q: Who’s style do you admire?

A: Kate Moss and Heidi Klum

Q: Favorite restaurant in NYC?

A: Babbo

Q: Best gift you ever received?

A: My mom!

I cant wait to head out first thing Sunday a.m. for our New York buying trip! I always get so excited for these trips with Ashley, but a bit anxious too because I’ve got to pack!! They are calling for wintery mix and chilly weather, so it will be perfect to include some of my favorite cold weather pieces from the season. It’s tricky because I have to keep in mind that of course I want to take some fabulous things but comfort is key. Like my new super soft Alexander Wang leggings will be great to have because I’ll probably wear them on the plane with a tee and jacket, but will rework them with my Yigal poncho sweater for appointments. Here are some of my must-haves for the trip…

Yigal Sweater

Basics

Leather Jacket

Moto Boot

Alexander Wang vest

Always look forward to winding down in the evening for a nice dinner and much needed cocktail.  We have reservations at Pulqueria—Chinatown’s underground Mexican Restaurant and I’m thinking a fun dress, tights and my Rag+Bone Newbury booties…or just my Rachel Zoe Jeans and Tory Burch coat.

Tory Burch jacket

Rag + Bone Newbury Boot

I will not be leaving the house without my Natura Bisse Shock Cream and lip balm I just picked up from Luxe Beauty Boutique this week.  Also a bottle of Smartwater will be in my tote at all times—need to stay hydrated! Can’t wait to come back and share what all we’ll have coming in for fall!

By Karla Appleby

by Ashley

I hope you will stop by Vermillion and check out our AMAZING collection of bags.  Just recently, I returned from New York buying Pre Fall 2012.  I could not stop myself from buying so many of the most beautiful bags which will begin delivering in May.  Whatever “moment” you may be having this fall, we will have an option for you.  Whether it be a super sophisticated, classic look you want or an edgy downtown look you are achieving, you will be covered.

The color blocking and sophistication of the Celine mini luggage bags were gorgeous.

Phantom is a great style and there are not many people I cannot see with this caramel bag from Celine.  The classic box in the grey with silver hardware looked so beautiful with all their clothing.

Proenza Schouler will be gracing our doors again this fall.  I have always loved the clothing and am now in love with the bags as well.  The military green was so perfect for fall but I am personally drawn to the neon yellow.  Their novelty shearling for next season was really luxe while giving off an edgy vibe.

Along with our beloved Balenciaga and Anya Hindmarch bags…these bags will fit right in.