Waking Up with a Cerato Girl

This morning was a bit more relaxed than normal.

I woke up to pleasantly find I was out of coffee (most caffeine-addicted individuals, such as myself, would normally react in a manner inconceivable to most—usually a moment of panic, an instant stream of words moving like a breaking news banner across the ripples of my brain; they would probably say something like, “OMG, WHAT DO I DO NOW…I NEEEEED COFFEE, IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO FUNCTION WITHOUT COFFEE”), however to my very own surprise I found myself gladly opting for mandarin orange spiced tea. It was at that moment that I knew only good would come of this day.

The sun was beaming into my kitchen, teasing me with the promise of warmth. Wind silently trickled through clusters of mossy green leaves and as I gazed through the residue-covered glass, I imagined the pitter-patter rustle one might hear standing just beneath them. I pulled up the window hoping to delight in nature’s very own orchestra, smiling as I turned on my heel and sashayed toward my closet.

What to wear, what to wear (these three little words trounce in and out of my mind at least twice a day—often times more). Oh how I love the inevitable transition into spring (I roll my eyes). The inconsistency can, at times, wear on my outfit creativity—even the Weather Channel can’t be trusted, so I double check the temperature of the breeze slipping through the window screen and walk back to my closet.

My go to in times of uncertainty, a floor length maxi dress (particularly a bold, bright shade of green by Robbi & Nikki). There’s really nothing that makes you feel more feminine and relaxed as it sways back and forth over the tops of your feet. It was just a bit too chilly to wear the t-strapped maxi alone, so I pulled my chambray shirt from its teal, velvet hanger and tied it up around my waist. Interesting but effortless had officially become my theme for the day.

A high bun would complete the entire look, with the addition of a twisting snake ring from Stella & Dot and a stack of Kristin Hassan wraps and bangles.

Now, all I needed was the cool breeze of a tucked-away beach resort—my mind began to wander (I’m positive losing focus would be my superpower). Instead, I decided I would walk the mile to work, delighting in the beaming sun and cool breeze and imagining a quiet place somewhere beyond the horizon.

Perhaps it was the tea or maybe the beautiful day, but my morning spiraled into a state of Zen that even I could not have foreseen. As I neared the corner to Cerato Boutique I was certain—these moments are the greatest moments.

Waking Up with a Cerato Girl

Today was one of those reluctant, I have to get out of bed and inject coffee into my bloodstream mornings.

The coffee was aromatic, swirling caffeine-laden smells into the clean, cool air. The sun, piled behind the tightly closed shades, urgently peaked through the barely parted slats with promise of a warm spring day. Flipping through the pages of her half-read novel, she wonders when life will slow down long enough to enjoy more than the pre-bedtime 20 page segments that have, thus far, partially quilted this story together.

From fantasy to fashion, she quietly slides across the wooden floor toward the crystal knob of her neatly packed wardrobe. The next fifteen to thirty minutes will consist of pulling tops, skirts, pants, dresses (really anything), waiting for that inspirational flicker. When it does arrive, however, it’s like a warm, incandescent light illuminating the way in a cavernous space. Today this process began with a full length, chiffon maxi skirt from Jack by BB Dakota. The top was an effortless choice that almost too easily fell into place: a deep-v top with pocket detail by Karen Zambos.

Jewelry is always the next step and comes with little resistance. Multiple stacked bangles, including a multi-tone wrap bracelet by Kristin Hassan, and her staple oversized turquoise and jewel-encrusted ring bedazzle her milky, sun-deprived skin. Pushing the backs of her studded earrings firmly into place she daydreams about traveling to the pebbled beaches of South France where she can spend her days photographing fleeting moments and lusting after croissant au chocolat. She adds a spritz of YSL fragrance to her wrist, further pressing the notion into her mind.

Looking down at her computer, which has been blaring the dreamy rhythms of Grimes latest collection, she notices the time. Sweeping blush across her cheeks and her hair into a high pony, she heads for the door stopping only briefly to catch her reflection in a full length mirror. Refreshed and spring-inspired, she turns the handle and proceeds into possibilities of a Wednesday.

What she’s reading: Special Topics in Calamity Physics by Marisha Pessl

What she’s drinking: a freshly brewed cup of Caribou coffee from her Keurig (add soymilk)

What she’s wearing: Jack by BB Dakota skirt, Karen Zambos top, Lucky Brand ankle boots, an assortment of jewelry and a Kristin Hassan wrap bracelet

What she’s listening to: Grimes, Visions

What she’s thinking about: the beautiful sun of South France

Meet the Designer(s): Lily & Migs

Unlike your typical Q&A, the interview we held with Lily & Migs was far less question/answer and more meandering, tangent after tangent, conversation. The best kind we might add. From discussing things like color palettes for fall, to Jenn’s reality TV debut, we (verbally) ran the gamut.

To give you all a little background, Jenn grew up in Houston and Lauren, Upstate New York. After graduating college, Jenn attended Columbia College in Chicago and Lauren studied at Fisher College in Boston, they found themselves interning, together, for Betsey Johnson. They immediately hit things off. Bonding over coffee (we can totally relate) to their “old age” in intern years, there was a connection from the start. Post Betsey Johnson internship, they decided they wanted to start a line of their own. Thus, the birth of Lily & Migs.

Lily & Migs in a nutshell: A women’s line with feminine, body conscious silhouettes.

The quote that best sums up their fall collection: “Your dress should be tight enough to show you’re a woman, but loose enough to show you’re a lady.” –Edith Head

Colors you can expect to see in their fall 2012 collection include hunter green, orange, teals and slate grays, as well as ruffle details and a lot of sheer layers. The silhouettes hold a certain structure, especially the strapless hunter green dress (which we adore), but maintain femininity through fabric choice and detail. If you can’t tell, we’re really looking forward to seeing this line in Cerato!

Interesting facts you may not know: According to Jenn, their collection happens in about one to two fittings, which in the fashion world is a fraction of what normally takes place (we were in awe over this!). Unlike your average designer, Jenn and Lauren don’t take themselves too seriously. They like to be goofy, relaxed and just go with the flow—and from what we can tell, it’s really working! However, don’t let this fool you, they work extremely hard and, as Jenn said several times throughout the interview, over plan everything. They also recently sent a dress to Blake Lively (we don’t mean to gossip, girl, but we’re totally impressed).

While they’ve only been around since 2008, (in the fashion world four years is more like eight), they’ve definitely proven themselves to be serious designers. Establishing Lily & Migs as a top designer in Boston was probably their biggest breakthrough, but they aren’t stopping there. Expanding their line to four collections per year is currently in the works and we’re thrilled. There can never be enough Lily & Migs in the fashion world!

And to keep you from the anticipation of whatever happened with Jenn and the reality TV bit we thought we should mention that she’ll most likely be featured on an episode of Chicagolicious (yes, a Chicago spinoff of Jerseylicious) due out this summer!

Get to know the designers:

Name: Jenn Barron

Favorite color: Several different shades of green. Chartreuse, Hunter, Olive, Jewel…

Teen crush: 1. Timothy Olyphant (maybe it’s my Texas background but he does make a Stetson look mighty fine!) 2. James Spader (thank you movies like The Secretary) 3. Jason Statham 4. Jennifer Connelly circa the 80′s (okay so girl crush only… don’t get any crazy ideas! I’m a married lady!)  5. Colin Farrell

Personal style: I would have to say classic with a bit of edge. I lean towards vintage inspired looks but refreshed. I LOVE vintage jewelry and pairing it with something more modern.

What are you currently reading?: Several things… If only I really had any time to read them! Omnivores Dilemma, Bringing up Bébé and Half Baked

The moment you knew you should be a designer: Well I had a sewing machine at 2yrs old I’m not sure I ever wanted to be anything else.

Your theme song: Oh wow. Not sure I should give you my real answer That song…. “Big Booty Hoes” by Notorious B.I.G.  :) Yeah, now you know why I wasn’t sure if I should tell you or not!

An unforgettable moment: I have several I suppose. Non-fashion would have to be the day I gave birth to my daughter. If I go fashion related then there’s probably two significant moments. One being working backstage at the Betsey Johnson fashion show in NYC, if it had not been for that I’m not sure Lauren and I would have decided to go down this crazy road of creating a clothing line. Second would have to be completing our own show at Boston Fashion Week last October, it being the culmination of the last three years we have been working towards.

If you weren’t in fashion, you’d be…: I do most of our art direction and graphic design for our brand and really do enjoy it, so if I’m not designing and making fantastic clothing then I think that could satisfy my need for being creative.

Words of wisdom: Take one day at a time. Breathe deep. Only do things and have things that are truly important in your life. And remember if you are doing something you love then you won’t mind when it takes over your life

Name: Lauren Antos

Favorite color: Tie between hunter green and mustard

Teen crush: Kirk Cameron

Personal style: Laid back, comfortable chic with an edge; lots-o-chunky accessories

What are you currently reading?: The 3rd book in the Hunger Games series, Chariots of the Gods & about 5 random others.

The moment you knew you should be a designer:  When calling Jenn for advice in regards to taking or turning down a Betsey Johnson NYC showroom position

Your theme song: “Fighter” by Christina Aguilera

An unforgettable moment: Each day my two children were born.

If you weren’t in fashion, you’d be…: A female NFL commentator…or I’d like to think so.

Words of wisdom:  Laugh when you can, apologize when you should & let go of what you can’t change.

Our 5 Favorites

Spring means only one thing: summer is within sight. And with winter being somewhat bearable for once (we can’t help but envision the frozen chunks of ice making waves along the lake shore last year), we’re even more excited to embrace the transitional, spring pieces filling the boutique. This week our Five Favorites post will make you feel all fuzzy inside, and not just because the items exude warmth, but because they remind us spring is near.

1) We love this new Jack by BB Dakota sweater with its lightweight knitting and cropped, boxy shape. This is the ideal piece to layer during those chilly nights or wear with a simple tank all the way through spring. (Cerato, $68)

2) Coffee. Need we say more? We all love it; some of us (who will remain nameless) might even go so far as to say we need it, so when Starbucks fails to curb our sumptuous caffeine palettes, we tend to branch out. This particular flavored coffee, Butterscotch Toffee by Stockton Graham & Co., may as well be sited for being sensationally aromatic and far too delicious. You’ll melt with just one sip. Admittedly, this is one item that is not from the Southport Corridor. Our Store Manager orders it from a coffee shop in Wisconsin, but check out Stockton Graham & Co’s website for more flavors. (Stockton Graham & Co, www.stocktongraham.com)

3) There’s something alluring and feminine about rosy cheeks that we just can’t get enough of. Benefit’s new Hervana “good karma” face powder is just what you need to combat those winter blues. So take our advice and brush those cheeks into flawless spring bound bliss—we’re positive only good could come of such a thing! (Benefit, $28)

4) Perhaps not just an essential for spring, but a year round must, Francesca’s Collections’ Mini Emergency Kit is one of the more practical (and overlooked) things we’re into this season. How often we leave our houses without a much needed beauty product (namely hairspray, dental floss) is baffling, so we suggest keeping this kit in your glove box or laptop bag for all those unpredictable moments. (Francesca’s Collections, $16.95).

5) We’re just not ready to surrender our “spring is near” attitude, as made clear by our snakeskin loafer pick. These Jeffrey Campbell flats are streamlined with just enough edge to find themselves on repeat in both your winter and spring wardrobe. They pair great with a skinny jean or even tights, adding texture and play to the most basic of ensembles. (Click Shoes, $103)