Ten Minutes with Jules Reid
May 18, 2010
What’s a girl to do when her wanderlust (and empty closet) is thwarted by a dearth of vacation days? Thanks to Jules Reid now you don’t have to actually be a modern gypsy to look like one. Whether you’re planning to rock the Casbah or the staff meeting, vintage shapes that reference both Lily Pulitzer and Carrnaby Street in an array of souk-worthy fabrics will ensure your look always translates as gorgeous. Here’s more from Jules Reid . . .
Oligoville: In five words or less, Jules Reid is. . .
Jules: Fashion is passion.
Oligoville: How would you describe your ideal customer?
Jules: A “gypset” girl, a gypsy-like girl with classic style. Someone who is familiar with vintage designs but loves a modern look. Bohemian but preppy and sophisticated all at once.
Oligoville: How’d you end up as a designer?
Jules: It has been my dream since I was in my early 20′s to have my own label. I have studied fashion and prints and trends in every spare moment that I have had.
Oligoville: Can you talk a little about your motto “fashion is passion,” what does that mean in terms of your work, your life, etc.?
Jules: I am so passionate about fashion. It is a way that you present yourself to the world, every day that you wake up. It shows through to your attitudes about life, religion, and even your religious beliefs.
Oligoville: Who and/or what inspires you?
Jules: David Hicks and Emilio Pucci.
Oligoville: What’s 24 hours like in your life?
Jules: Eight hours of family, eight hours of design work, and eight hours of sleep!
Oligoville: What’s in your closet? What are you wearing right now?
Jules: I have on a Jules Reid maxi dress as I type, but in my closet is Pucci, Chloe, Lanvin, Tracy Feith, and J. Crew.
Oligoville: What’s in your bag right now?
Jules: My black notebooks of ideas, my 2010 silver Barneys agenda, my makeup and my iPhone. Oh, and my Buba wallet.
Oligoville: Tell us about some unexpected setbacks you have faced since starting your business and what you learned.
Jules: Hiring a PR firm early on may not be the smartest thing to do. The brand needs to grow organically and take hold through word of mouth. Press will come.
Oligoville: What has been the most rewarding part of your career?
Jules: Seeing women get so excited about their Jules Reid purchases.
Oligoville: Tell us where you expect to see your business in the next five years.
Jules: I hope to be a household brand name, a name that most people recognize.
Oligoville: Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Jules: Take it one day at a time, and believe in yourself.
Oligoville: What’s on your playlist right now?
Jules: Dave Matthews, Coldplay, and Natalie Merchant
Oligoville: Any last words?
Jules: Every day is a gift that should be taken to its highest level.
What’s Your Eccentric Glamour? Bohemian Chic
May 14, 2009
In Simon Doonan’s book, Creating an Insanely More Fabulous You, Eccentric Glamour, Doonan takes a stand against Hollywood-inspired “porno-chic” style. He believes that every woman must have her own unique (and eccentric) sense of personal style, I couldn’t agree more. In a world of mass-produced fashion and US Weekly becoming more of a fashion Bible then Vogue, how is it possible to define, create, and maintain a truly original personal sense of style?
I’ve categorized the modern fashionista into 5 of the following groups: Bohemian, Rocker Chic, Classic, Urban, Couture. What type of fashionista style defines you?
Bohemian Chic
Bohemian chic style is all about combining old with new and vintage with modern. It’s about mixing different styles: a bit of hippy with a dash of classic, a sprinkling of rocker with a bite of hipster. Boho’s enlist the use of different fabrics, materials, patterns, and textures. A bohemian loves to express their travels, creativity, and emotion in their clothes.
Get the Look: Artistic pieces, natural materials, lots of jewelry, loose fitting items, free and unconventional
Celeb Inspiration: Nicole Richie, Drew Barrymore, Zooey Deschanel, Olsen Twins, Kate Hudson
Where to Shop: Anthropologie, Vintage/Second Hand Stores, Handmade/Indie Designers
In the words of Mr. Doonan himself, “SAY NO TO HO! … and yes to ECCENTRIC GLAMOUR.”
Stay tuned for my spotlight on Rocker Chic, Classic, Urban, and Couture style in the weeks to come …
Trend Report: Age of Aquarius
January 21, 2009
‘Make Love Not War’ rings true today as it did in the 60′s and it is perhaps the biggest influence in our desire to revert to a more innocent time. A time when fashion was a lot more than just clothing. It defined a generation and its ideals of love and peace. Our last giveaway could not have been more perfect!
Long peasant style dresses, which we are calling maxi dresses today, will once again reign along with fringed vests and the ever present peace sign.We saw a bit of this emerging trend last Spring and Summer with head bands on every celebrity hipster, gladiator sandals and tomahawk boots but this emblematic style of clothing will be stronger than ever this year.
As an accessory queen myself, I should note that jewelry will play a major role with dominant silver or antiqued metal finishes. Leather and cords will hold chunky colorful stones or pendants. The mixture of jewelry and layering of pieces will be a popular way to wear them. Everything always worn in abundance, like a modern day gypsy wearing their most prized possessions all at once.
Trends come and go but the 60′s hippie style has proved to have some staying power. Lets just hope that Peace and Love do too.
Photo courtesy of Free People
