Jon and I had never been to Europe
+
The baby comes in October
=
Vacation time!

From August 10-26, we visited London, Dublin, Paris and Florence. It was the trip of a lifetime! (Though hopefully we’ll have many more!)

One of my favorite parts was the fact that we’re 28 and 30 years old and were still able to experience so many firsts and have so much wonderment about it. From flying first class for the first time (they gave us pajamas!) to soaking in the history and beauty of each city we visited, this trip was so worth the wait — I was probably able to appreciate it now more than I ever would have before. And who knew, but being pregnant can get you some extra-special benefits, like getting ushered to the front of the mile-long line to the Eiffel Tower! Oui oui.

And now that I’ve gotten that out of my system, and even though Storenvy stuff is busier than ever, more great brand features coming soon here on FLP! xo

From top to bottom, loosely: In London — afternoon tea and “hire bikes” in Hyde Park over sunset. In Dublin — bangers and mash and a 360 view of the beautiful countryside south of the city. In Paris — beautiful not-overly-manicured landscaping all over the city, the bathrooms at Colette (my first bidet!!), la Tour Eiffel herself, a vintage pair of designer frames that I didn’t buy… but wish I had, my favorite cherub at the Louvre and a beautiful produce stand. In Tuscany, on the far left and far right — Pisa Tower and a beautiful hidden courtyard in Florence.

Have you seen Lemlem? Supermodel Liya Kebede (click here for a face shot — you’ll recognize her from runways and J.Crew campaigns) founded the brand in 2007 to create a new market for the work of traditional weavers in her home country of Ethiopia. Pretty awesome. They go for $75 and up and are available through the Lemlem website or at these stores.

I’ve been visiting Kansas City this week, and nothing gets you in the mood for a cozy scarf in warm colors like these amazing fall leaves!

Via my KC-friend Katie at Chanari Style

Some of you might remember my love for Nau. Since many of their pieces are so sporty, I haven’t featured them in a while, but isn’t this new Down Stole beautiful?

Nau’s ethics are absolutely unwavering. In this piece, the face fabric and lining are made from 100% recycled polyester, and the 850-fill goose down fill is naturally renewable.

It’s $230 and will last you forever, both in style and quality — which is just one more of Nau’s awesome design tenets.

Earlier this summer while browsing the racks at Buy Definition with Grechen, I saw several underwear styles in the T by Alexander Wang line and thought, “Huh?” I didn’t understand them, but I didn’t think too much about them, either.

But since then I’ve seen Esti Choi, the adorable and discerning owner of Buy Definition, style the V Cut Bra in several outfits, and now I’m crazy about it!

Perfect worn underneath a sheer top:

Or tastefully peeping out from a low-cut neckline:

This bra is obviously cut for a select few chest sizes, and I haven’t tried it on myself, but its concept is inspiring. I think its lack of typical bra-strap hardware alone makes it more appropriate for sharing, plus its unique shape sets it apart from your run-of-the-mill undergarment.

The ultimate summer-heat layering piece!

***

The V Cut Bra, $61, is available in black, white or grey. The T by Alexander Wang line has no ethical properties that I know of, but purchasing it from Buy Definition is a dollar vote for Esti and her amazing shop as well as for thoughtful design in general. These images are from the Buy Definition website, including the bottom image from the shop’s own new BD Vintage collection.

Plus, get 15% off any BuyDefinition.com purchase with code “grechen”!

Have you seen Samantha Pleet’s Sun Suit? Incredible. Available now at Beklina.

And for a look at where its inspiration came from, Susie Bubble got to visit Samantha’s studio in Brooklyn recently and posted lots of pics. I think the two of us would be very kindred spirits!

The pops of vintage red…

Quirky with a touch of the morose…

Those vintage silhouettes!

The fun…

And even some colorful entomology.

Susie says that these inspiration images are for Samantha’s Spring/Summer 2011 line, so I’d say we have much to look forward to then. Check out Susie’s post for a preview of this fall’s upcoming collection.

Via even*cleveland and Style Bubble.

It’s about time… I’ve always really enjoyed Inhabitat’s fashion coverage (yes, even from the wearable to the unwearable!).

As I’ve been working on my own blog redesign and putting FLP’s niche into words lately, I really appreciate reading Ecouterre’s raison d’etre. The site is self-described as:

“An eco-fashion website dedicated to showcasing and supporting designers who not only contemplate cut, form, and drape, but also a garment’s social and environmental impact, from the cultivation of its fibers to lifecycle and disposal. Our mission: To follow the evolution of the apparel industry toward a smarter and more sustainable future, as well as facilitate a conversation about why sustainable fashion matters.”

Yuka posted her coverage today of The Green Shows from last week, which gives an exciting look at the acceptance of sustainable principles in high fashion right now. Great stuff.

Congrats to the Ecouterre and Inhabitat teams!

Vintage dress from The Way We Wore
Moschino mini dress, hand-picked in LA
Price upon request

Recycled leather bag by Novella Royale
Made from vintage leather jackets, with organic cotton lining
Ships in recycled vintage fabric dust bag
Handmade in Los Angeles
$584

Vintage riding boots from santokivintage on Etsy
Brown Italian leather riding boots with gold metal details
Size 6.5
$69

Fishnet tights by Foot Traffic
(We actually don’t know much about this company except that its business in located here in Kansas City)
Also available in Plus Size
$12

kb

Top by Stewart+Brown: Picnic Blouse
100% Organic Tissue Cotton Woven
Ethically made in the U.S.
$208

Shorts by Stewart+Brown: Hemp Silk Village Short
60% Hemp, 40% Silk
Ethically made in the U.S.
$198

Shoes by Mohop: High Walnut Platform Sandal
The “infinity sandal” — ribbons can be laced through rubber loops in a zillion ways
Available low, medium or high; maple, cherry or walnut; pointy (Maryam), square (Susanna) or round (Leila)
Each pair comes with five sets of ribbons of your choosing
Wood from sustainably managed forests in the U.S.; soling made of natural rubber and rice husks; padded footbed made of nylon faux leather and screenprinted by hand
Handmade by Ann Mohaupt in Chicago
$148 (delivery is at about 6-8 weeks right now)

Mohop order detail:

kb

Loeffler Randall Simone; Eloise, $501 (sale); and Mabel, $419 (sale).

While Loeffler Randall isn’t a brand that necessarily touts its social responsibility, I add it to the list for the same reason that it’s made the ranks of a handful of eco boutiques: These shoes are brilliantly designed and crafted. The overall classic aesthetic, made of the most exquisite materials you’ve ever felt, combine for a series of shoes that will last you for years… as will the compliments, no doubt. The line is designed by a husband-and-wife team and made in Spain.

Coclico Nuance, $320.

Yes, Coclico again! I must admit, I usually shy away from suede for its less hardy nature, but the suede on this shoe makes it feel aMAzing on the foot. (And it’s a blue suede shoe!) Since the first time I wrote about this brand, it has added a Sustainability page to its website, detailing its conscientiousness toward the materials it uses: leather, wood, cork, hardware and “internals.” I’m more impressed than ever. It epitomizes my favorite model for a socially responsible brand: “We hope to encourage higher and higher standards of quality, innovation and sustainability in our industry.”

Maybe it’s the shoes, maybe it’s because it’s Friday — but I had to play virtual dress-up with this one. Paired with a coral-colored vintage dress (I snagged this one a few years ago) and the Ashley Watson Recycled Leather Junco… WATCH OUT.