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.

Three Ways to Wear Plenty by Tracy Reese

The white cotton dress, one of our favorite summer staples, has finally arrived. How this piece can be any more than a basic for sunny days and beach escapades can plague even the best of us, so we’ll take it upon ourselves to show you how to wear this dress from day to night and even into the office. This particular cotton creation from Plenty by Tracy Reese is detailed with an intricate, high neckline and outer pockets—the best blend of play and sophistication. The beauty of a white dress with a flattering silhouette is the endless possibilities it provides. We could go on and on about how much we love this refreshing, crisp number, but we’ll just show you instead. 

White dress, denim jacket. We’re not sure this style has ever been entirely in or entirely out, but we think it’s the perfect combo for an effortless day look. The key to keeping this pairing on-trend is through accessorizing. Play with patterns and prints to layer this look with a little edge. We chose a leopard flat and an airy striped scarf, but you can almost do anything with this ensemble; neon, metallic, floral—feel free to explore!

Sometimes a cotton dress (especially in white) can be hard to dress up, but with the right cut, it can actually be quite chic. The high neckline on this Plenty shift is what really seems to give this piece a polished appearance. As always, color is this look’s biggest ally. We enjoy mixing cool tones like mints with bolder blues. For that reason, we’ve chosen a cerulean trench with a deep neckline and cinched waist paired with pastel wedges. The vintage necklace ties the look together, adding just the right amount of refinement.

Our final outfit is more for the working woman in a creative field. We couldn’t complete this post without demonstrating how you can successfully pair this dainty piece with a blazer. The trick to doing this well is by choosing a less formal fabric; here we chose a blazer in blood orange linen. To keep everything cohesive opt for an informal shoe. Of course you don’t want to look like you just stepped off a cruise ship, so we like the sophistication of these leather wedges, the essence of everyday elegance. Throw in a bright statement necklace to take this look to the next level.

Free yourself to mix and match, dress up or down, wear boots or heels, load on accessories or wear none at all. Our point? There’s hardly a wrong way!

Get the Look: Dress: Plenty by Tracy Reese (available at Cerato Boutique)

OTR: Jacket: Quiksilver; Scarf: J.Crew; Shoes: Madewell

GNO: Trench: PINKO; Necklace: J.Crew; Shoes: Missel Fridge

WW: Blazer: Smythe; Necklace: Stella Dot; Shoes: Mark and James by Badgley Mischka 

Three Ways to Wear Eskell

We love flowers—getting them, growing them and of course, wearing them. Fun and feminine, florals always manage to find their way into spring and summer trends, but we always love when they’re designed with a bit of edge. Eskell’s silk, floral prints are exactly what we’re talking about. Rather than going the all-over, ultra feminine (could’ve been your grandmother’s wallpaper in a past life) route, Eskell specifically places their richly hued sprawls of flowers. The doily-esque delicacy of flowers has been kicked up a notch with sharp gestures and bold floral choices. In addition, we adore the choice of black, which acts as another layer of contrast.

Little creativity is often given to dressing up or down a dress (simply change a shoe here and add a stack of bangles there), but we’re going to show you some options that you perhaps haven’t thought of. Even though this dress is silk with a chiffon overlay, surprisingly enough, it can still be worn during the day. We like the idea of dressing this floral piece down with a breezy, asymmetric cardigan, canvas booties and round sunnies. We just love how much the oatmeal color softens the edginess of this floral creation.

The best part of a dress is how easily it can go from day to night. Eskell’s Hannah dress has “drinks with friends” written all over it (well, not literally). A night on the town always calls for femininity sprinkled with a bit of edge. And in lieu of this concept, we’ve paired this sweetly silky number with a structured black leather biker jacket. We chose this one specifically for its low-key hardware (you don’t actually want to look like you just jumped off your Harley). Try a suede peep toe pump (a classic feminine touch) and a chunky, vintage-inspired necklace to finish off your rocker-chic look.

This piece is of course perfect for the office, lightweight and formal, but unique (you should never resort to a tired pant suit when options like this Eskell dress exist). To keep this look from saying, “Hey guys, I’m going to the martini bar across the street after work,” try simple, delicate accessories and shoes. A great black flat (look for a distinct, structured loafer) and delicate statement necklace pull this look together without spilling into “nightlife” territory. The double-breasted trench coat in cream is just another layer of dimension, softening the black and further balancing the business-professional. We love an opportunity to make your work wardrobe feel fresh and creative.

Get the Look: Eskell Hannah Dress (available at Cerato Boutique or shop online, here.)

OTR: Cardigan: Zadig et Voltaire; Shoes: Rag & Bone; Sunglasses: Selima Sun for J. Crew

GNO: Jacket: Warehouse; Shoes: Classiques Entier; Necklace: J. Crew

WW: Coat: Orla Kiely; Shoes: Madewell; Necklace: J. Crew

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 Five Favorites for Valentine’s Day

In lieu of colored candy hearts and gushing, love-filled Hallmark cards, we’ve dedicated this week’s Five Favorites to the heart-melting holiday known as Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re in need of a last minute dress for your romantic night on the town, or a bottle of wine to share with your girlfriends (this will be absolutely necessary as you watch P.S. I Love You, tissues in hand), we’ve picked five things that will be sure to make your night wonderful or… bearable.

Our first favorite is Jenny Han’s criss-cross dress in punchy red. If you’re having a last minute dinner dress meltdown, we suggest you try this one! Simple and flattering, this A-line shape has just the right amount of flare for an evening out (though we also love this dress worn casual). Add some sparkle and you’ll be one red-hot tamale! (Jenny Han, $128; Available at Cerato Boutique)

Whether you’re staying in with your guy or reveling in singledom with your girlfriends, there’s no better time for Cupcake’s Red Velvet wine than Valentine’s Day. Its rich, bold flavor filled with hints of chocolate and blackberries makes for a foolproof after dinner dessert. Or, if you’re choosing to pair this wine with a slew of romantic movies, chocolates and a few boxes of Kleenex, we can assure your tear-laden self will enjoy every last sip. (Cupcake Red Velvet, $12-14; Available at most liquor stores)

Everyone needs a good red lipstick, especially around Valentine’s Day. Not only is it a head-turning confidence booster, but one lip shade that will never go out of style. Benefit’s Full Finish Lipstick in Flirt Alert is our favorite when it comes to channeling that old Hollywood pout. (Benefit, $18; Benefit Cosmetics)

The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Valentine’s Day is candy. Chocolates in heart-shaped boxes, chocolate roses, red gooey hearts covered in gleaming bits of sugar and heart-shaped lollipops, to name a few. So naturally we had to include the sweetest part of the holiday with Candyality’s endless love-inspired treats. We couldn’t get enough of their sour gummy hearts in red and white. (Candyality, price determined by weight; Candyality)

Subtle sparkles are a must for any clutch collection. This Zambos & Siega structured handbag is a classic addition to your Valentine’s Day ensemble. Even Garmental thinks so, look how they styled it with our favorite Jenny Han dress, here. (Zambos & Siega, $78; Available at Cerato Boutique)

Three Ways to Wear Plenty by Tracy Reese

This week we’re completely enamored by the Plenty by Tracy Reese amazon and navy inkblot convertible chemise. Versatile and light, this frock is the perfect go to for a weekend away (we’re thinking the West Coast, maybe San Francisco). Or, you can add a few layers to stir-up a bit of envy as you fabulously brave the winter chill. We’re certain this is one dress with an array of possibilities, so we’ve taken on the challenge of giving you three different reasons to welcome this knock out number into your wardrobe.

Going to the grocery store? Throw this dress on with a pair of sheer black tights, a tan, wedged bootie and black cardigan and you’re ready for some chic supermarket madness. Trust us, you’ll look effortlessly amazing running your errands.

Let us guess, you’re friend called while you were running those last few errands demanding you two hit the town for a much needed GNO (girls night out). No need to fret, just a few tweaks to your current day look and you’ll be ready to cozy up with a glass of wine at 404 Wine Bar in no time. Trade out your cardigan for an edgy, gray motorcycle-inspired leather jacket, kick off those tan booties for a black, ankle-strapped platform pump, add a stack of silver bangles and simple silver-studded earrings and voila! Day to night has never been so easy!

Work attire can be so blasé. We suggest stepping out of your typical button down/trouser look and into something striking. Though a bold deviation from a generic suit and pant, this chemise can exude just as much professionalism when paired with the right pieces. Try a cropped black blazer with an angled cut, black tights and a black flat with charming detail. This dress will definitely have you tackling that looming mid-week slump with the utmost confidence.

Get the Look: Dress: Plenty by Tracy Reese

On the Run: Cardigan: J. Crew; Bracelet: Kristin Hassan (available at Cerato Boutique); Shoes: H&M

Girls Night Out: Jacket: River Island; Bracelets: Kristin Hassan (available at Cerato Boutique); Shoes: Steve Madden

Working Woman: Blazer: Witchery; Shoes: Belle by Sigerson Morrison