Dolce Vista

Flouncy Flowy Fall Fashions.

All maxi dresses are not created equal.  While a jersey sleeveless maxi dress in a primary color makes for breezy summerwear, we yearned for something more.  And then, on what had been one ordinary midafternoon, we spotted this dress.  It adheres to the general maxi dress concept while winking at fall with its rusty hue and long sleeves.  Also, we highly approve of the switch from the typical empire waist to a belt at the waist for a change and for some added definition. And the cherry on top? The clutch!

Trendalert: Summer maxi dresses are converting into long below-the-knee skirts with many tiny pleats for fall. Worn with a belt around the waist and a button down top tucked in or tied in a knot safari-style, this look is comfortable and stylish.

August's Cuore Di Moda: Harper Lamé (contact: harperlame@gmail.com)

Curating life.

Ch 6.      He turned, tiny studs dripping down his shirt like the end of the affair.  At least he had done what he wanted to do without fear of the consequences, and, for a moment, had truly lived.  After all, as Harper Lamé always wrote, it was better than not being noticed at all.

Ch 5.      They were interrupted by a shriek, as her nemesis pulled them apart.  Startled and disgruntled, she eyed her nemesis up and down to observe a dress from next season’s Harper Lamé collection.  The garment was moveable sculpture, giving the illusion of many layers of diverse fabric, when in fact there was one simple piece beneath.  She gave out a laugh, lit a cigarette, and leaned against the warm brick wall.  

Ch 4.      He knew it was wrong, but he didn’t care…he couldn’t stop if he tried. He took her hand and led her away from her friend and away from the crowd. As they walked, he quickly glanced over his shoulder at her to see that she looked quizzical but somehow under-standing.  They stopped.  She laid down her Harper Lamé bag with its elaborate detailing, black leather body, and hardware handles, and they faced each other.

Ch 3.      She joined her friend at the bar. Her friend updated her that even though he had gone through a tragic breakup last week, there was hope on the horizon.  Tonight he wore a hoodie designed by Harper Lamé, with the somber breakup holes around his waist disappearing into studs springing from the gentle tap on the shoulder of a new love, as if left behind as jewels.

Ch 2.      Absentmindedly, he played the glittering gold bar like the keys of a piano, awaiting an electric green absinthe.  His silent song halted as he glimpsed her approaching. Her dress skimmed her body like molten metal.

                Gone were the fleeting and varied glances of a moment ago that had revealed the versatility of Harper Lamé. No longer did he observe how the intricate detailing, studs, carefully shorn holes, thread adorning torsos at unexpected intervals, amount of skin revealed, and, of course, lamé, fit each person as if it had been so ordained. No. Instead, he was now inspired.

Ch 1.      Her boot extinguished the glimmering embers he had left on the wrought iron staircase as she joined the underground party.  Both of them wore custom Harper Lamé, flowing like living art throughout the group.

                This was the only party in New York City worth attending and Harper Lamé was the only label worth wearing, to cry out brat, designer boho, outcast, glam, gutsy…and to change the world.  

To contact Harper Lamé for custom designs or inquiries:

· email harperlame@gmail.com

· call Brian Lane (designer, pictured to the right) at 704-891-1866

· email StyleShifter at styleshifter.ss@gmail.com

Note: Pricing varies and Harper Lamé can design pieces to accommodate most budgets.

Images taken during today's interview with Harper Lamé!

Watch for the full feature coming next week!

contact: harperlame@gmail.com

COMING THIS MONTH...HARPER LAME!!

Dolce Vista

  

A heaping pinch of color.

What would otherwise be an ordinary striped shirt is made extraordinary by two elements. First, the scoop back adds a cheeky femininity and keeps the stripes from overpowering the wearer. Second, it was love at first sight with the wide coral stripe and its unexpected splash of color.  

If we were to add anything here for some more fun, it would be an asymmetrical slash of yellow or coral across the skirt like a ray of crystalized sunlight slicing through a lake’s clear waters.

Dolce Vista

Weekend androgyny.

This look says hippie, hipster, military, boy, and girl, all without specifically declaring itself to be any one of these things.  At first glance, the outfit appears thoughtlessly easy and pajama-esque. In fact, if glimpsed only for a moment, it might verge on slightly sloppy in the estimation of some people.  Which leads us to wonder…what mysterious charm grasps hold of us here? The allure, whether unconsciously created or done by design, lies partly in the understated coordination - red bag with red heart, and army green hat with army green pants. Also intriguing is the unlikely amalgamation of styles.

Confidence is the most important factor here, though. To successfully wear something unique, you have to own it (figuratively speaking, of course). We aspire to one day create an equally unique look and to fearlessly own it. After all, isn't that really what fashion is about?

Dolce Vista

Simply sweet.

First, the footwear beckons. Moccasins are the perfect casual shoe. Their shape is similar to the Tom's seeping into the city but more old school Americana style. We love them year-round.

Overall, the whole ensemble here just works without even appearing to try. The slouchy bag adds to the already elongated silhouette created by the close-fitting dark jeans. What the picture doesn't capture are the pièces de résistance - namely, crimson nailpolish, crimson lipstick and a crimson scarf tied bountifully beneath the collar.

Dolce Vista

The perfect late summer look.

We love this skirt. It's difficult to find the perfect pleated or ruffled mini-skirt - most of the time you look either three times your size or preposterously like an adult stuck in a five year old girl's birthday outfit. Here, though, none of that has occurred. The amount of movement in the fabric, the size and width of the ruffles, along with the skirt sitting at the waistline, combine for a flatteringly fun effect. The earthy tone helps to avoid the problem of looking like a child. The simple sweater and shirt on top are the perfect complement, drawing the eye to the center to slim the figure by balancing the body of the skirt. 

Trend Alert: it appears that this type of skirt, ubiquitous this summer, is going to stick around throughout the colder months. We've already spotted similar skirts in primary color sweater knits. Now that we think of it, isn't this perfect for a romp around the skating rink?