Ilana Kohn

Loving these new pieces by Ilana Kohn... A made to order dress (to your specifications), in trend-right fabrics and shapes for under $200, sign me up! Read More.. Read More..

So good!

Ack! Julia's new Rennes handbag collection is sooo good! Love the simple styling for the shoot and that striped dress is a must-buy as well (if you're a size 4, you're in luck!) Now the tough part is deciding which bag you'll buy...


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Nice For The Price

Ooo! I just discovered Fiel sandals while browsing the footwear selection at Mohawk General Store...


Incredibly cute Ariana Bohling/Rachel Comey-esque sandals. And at a fraction of the price, I might add.... I mean c'mon ladies, I am a huge fan of all Comey footwear but $345 for sandals?!? That's how much my Mars boot cost! Where do we draw the line?


Anyways, I digress... These Fiel sandals look damn nice and come in at a more reasonable $134. You can also find them here (gotta love the impulsive shoppers dream of free 2-day shipping!) Read More.. Read More..

Three Things

1. CM + Thomsen Dress: Painted by hand in perfect Spring colors (via Scout Holiday)


2. Margaret Powell's Summer collection: Clean, understated, well-tailored (via Inventory)


3. Marais Espadrille Wedges: Hooray, they're back! Hmmm.... what color to get.... (via Marais USA) Read More.. Read More..

Billykirk x Opening Ceremony

Kinda digging the new Billykirk x Opening Ceremony collab...



Although the prices seem a bit steep for the product, no?

Thanks to everyone for their kind comments on my big news! You know I can be a little camera shy and for some reason I was a little nervous to share my news here... But I am so glad to have such amazingly kind and supportive readers and friends! So, thanks a bunch!

xo, Roberta Jane Read More.. Read More..

Cardigan

A couple cute pieces from Cardigan's Spring line...


I love the knits paired with cutoff jean shorts!


And do you recognize the model from Joanna's hair tutorials? Can't wait to try the braided top knot!


{First two images via Cardigan, third image via A Cup of Jo} Read More.. Read More..

Ace & Jig

Must. Have. Now. Love love love Ace & Jig's Sp/Su11 collection! Those perfect beachy stripes!!



Has anyone seen the new dresses for sale anywhere? I must know the second they become available! Read More.. Read More..

The Lady and The Sailor

While on our road trip I picked up the perfect scoop neck, flowing, striped tee at one of my favorite San Francisco boutiques, Behind the Post Office.

Said perfect tee is made by new-to-me brand The Lady and The Sailor. While the prices are a bit steep for a basic tee ($60+), the fit and quality of fabric makes up for the price. I am smartly adhering to the hand wash instructions to ensure this $60 tee lasts me a while. And if it wears well, I am going to order more (it's that good)!


And since Camp Comfort felt due for a little Instant Outfit action, here's how I'm wearing my new tee:


The Lady and The Sailor tee ($68), Steven Alan Varsity Sweater ($265), JBrand Low Rise Jeans ($180), Steven Alan Beanie ($95), J.W. Hulme Legacy Bag ($300), Bass Sade Boot ($79).

p.s. Happy New Year everyone! Read More.. Read More..

Designer Bio: Anna Allen

Our third installment of Camp Comfort's Designer Bio features the lovely Anna Allen. Her understated yet beautiful designs have quickly gained a little cult following. So, we set out to find out what inspires Anna and her namesake line.


Roberta Jane: Tell us a little about yourself.
Anna: Hello, my name is Anna and I am a clothing designer and historian. I have been sewing for as long as I can remember and later became obsessed with the 19th century, particularly the 1850s-'60s time period. I have been studying clothing from the mid-19th century for about 13 years now. I started my business in November 2003 after graduating high school with the idea that I would only be creating historically accurate reproductions for living historians and reenactors. But a few years ago I decided to branch out and learn how to create my own patterns and garments for everyday wear. It has been a challenge, but very rewarding! I'm now able to meet both of my passions; history and clothing for today. When I'm not busy behind the sewing machine or in front of my computer (wink) I enjoy going to the park with my boyfriend, learning to cook new things, watch old movies, knit or participate in living history (though these days that is very seldom).


Roberta Jane: When and Why did you start your namesake line, Anna Allen?
Anna: I started designing and selling my own clothing line in May of this year. I have always been passionate about clothing in general, though my particular style has evolved quite a lot through the years. But as I have gotten older I am beginning to find my "look" and I wanted to have the chance to design the kind of clothing I would like in my own wardrobe. So essentially it's as if I'm designing a wardrobe for myself (though I rarely actually get to own any of my pieces!) And it's great fun coming up with new ideas and figuring out how to transform my ideas into actual patterns!

Roberta Jane: What are the 3 biggest inspirations for your collections?
Anna: History is a big one. When I decided to become a better seamstress, it was because I was so interested in historical clothing. And whenever I design a new garment, I'm almost always inspired by some particular garment from the past; whether it's men's working wear, little girl's frocks or simple dresses from the depression era. Although it's hard for me to choose just three, I'd say nature is another big one. I'm inspired by all the natural colors and forms. There's so much out there, you just have to open your eyes and see the beauty everywhere surrounding us. And lastly, I'm very much inspired by fabric! I have a client I sew historical garments for and every time she asks me to make her a dress, she hands me her fabric and says, "let the fabric speak to you." And I do. :) You'd be surprised how much fabric has to say!


Roberta Jane: As a blogger yourself, what are your Top 5 favorite blogs?
Anna: Oh boy, this is a hard one. I read way too many blogs. I have been thinking maybe I should limit my number and concentrate on a few that constantly make me happy and inspired. Although my list is always changing, here are my current top 5: un arc-en-ciel dans le lavabo, Mettes Potteri, 3191 Miles Apart, NIBS, The Pioneer Woman.

Roberta Jane: Random Bonus Question: What is your favorite season?
Anna: Summer! I know everyone and their mother likes fall, but I am a summertime girl. I love all seasons, don't get me wrong! But there is just something about the summer that I have always loved. Sundresses, bathing suits, lazy books, late evenings, outside concerts, gardening, green grass...bliss.

Be sure to check out Anna's blog Wildflowers:Pretty for more info. Thanks Anna! Read More.. Read More..

Oh, Sonia

If you did not catch Sonia Rykiel's Sp11 show, I recommend you pop over to style.com and check it out... Stripes, geometric prints and an amazing color palette... Now if only I could afford her clothes! Read More.. Read More..

Namesake

Loving some of the new pieces from Creatures of Comfort's in-house label. Read More.. Read More..

Want To Shop Here

I can't recall how I ran across Swedish store, Monki, but I fell instantly in love. Sadly, if you're state-side, you're out of luck (myself included). I guess it's just another reason (#264?) to plan a trip back to Sweden...

As long as I was poking around their site, I figured I would put together a little Fall Transisition outfit... Apparently I must be a "grass is always greener" kind of girl when it comes to weather. Now that it's finally hot in Portland, I am just itching for crisp Fall weather.


And while we are on the subject of Sweden, did you see the dreamy Vogue Italia spread "Sweden in the Summertime" posted over at The Thinking Tank?

Anyways, hope you all have a great week! xo Read More.. Read More..

Stanley & Sons

I love this simple and classic look via Elle.com (especially the tote!) Who could go wrong with a gingham shirt, rolled-up shorts and a utilitarian canvas bag.

I was happy to discover, upon further reading, that her tote is made by Stanley & Sons... Check out their made-to-order bags here.

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Very Intriguing

Jewelry by The Vamoose.... I think I need some Citrine in my life! Read More.. Read More..

By Chance

Have you seen the new line Chance? Created by former Kate Spade Creative Director, Julia Leach, the line is chock full of the most perfect basics. I think I will definitely need to try one of her striped tees and those sun hats are pretty irresistible as well.

Check out the portraits series as well for some simple and lovely styling inspiration.




(all photos via Chance, discovered via Hi+Low) Read More.. Read More..

Shabd x Baggu

A lovely reader recently brought to my attention the collaboration between Shabd and Baggu. I am a huge fans of both lines, so obviously I think it’s a great collab! (Like I needed another canvas bag and p.s. I am not a Baggu spokesperson incase you wondered - haha!)


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!!!

Great news!!! Madewell's e-commerce site is up! Naturally, I've already compiled a rather large "shopping bag"!



Read More.. Read More..

Designer Bio: Rennes

It's been a while since our last Designer Bio, so I decided it was time to bring this exciting feature back!

This time I have the extreme pleasure of bringing you a Camp Comfort exclusive (haha, that's in my journalistic voice) interview with Julia of Rennes! It's hard not to be a huge fan of Rennes, with it's beautifully simple designs and super soft leathers. So, without further adieu, here's what Julia had to say about Rennes:


Roberta Jane: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Julia: Hi! My name is Julia and I make leather goods and accessories under the label Rennes.  Since I can remember, I've always been very busy with my hands, whether that would be sewing, drawing, or playing softball.  I grew up in the country in Connecticut and Massachusetts, and moved to Boston six years ago for college.  In school I studied art history and painting, which I loved; but in my off time I was always knitting and making jewelry.   When I have time, I play the piano and bagpipes, though it doesn't happen often. 

Roberta Jane: When and Why did you start your line Rennes?
Julia: I started Rennes as a hobby in 2008, the summer after I graduated school.  At the time I was working a retail job, so I would sew on my days off or at night when I got home.  At first I tried making clothes, but that didn't take off.  On a whim I bought leather and made a few bags, and to my astonishment they started to sell!  The idea of quitting my job and doing this full time kept coming into my head until I finally gave my two weeks notice and took the plunge.  In the beginning I had no idea what I was doing.  I didn't know anything about starting a business, and within three months I had ruined three different sewing machines - there was a different crisis every week.  These days I tend to break things at a more normal rate.



Roberta Jane: What are the 3 biggest inspirations for your collections?
Julia: One thing that has inspired me is simplicity, which has roots in a few different places.  In high school most of my friends were foreign exchange students, and I was obsessed with the things they wore.  The clothes were funky and cool, like I liked, but they were understated and classy at the same time, which I had never seen.  I had never been into fashion before, but this opened up a door for me as I was trying to define myself.  Another thing that has influenced me is having lived in a Quaker community for four years.  The experience taught me a lot about necessities and how we define what is important to us everyday, and how we live simply.  When I work I try to make designs functional with high attention to detail so they last a long time.  I think it is the small details that make a quality piece.

Roberta Jane: As a blogger yourself, what are you top 5 favorite blogs to read?
Julia: Only five?   Here are a few I read, in no particular order: Scout & Catalogue,  Vain and Vapid, Commas and Clauses, Bekvam, and Evaforeva.  There's about a hundred more that follow - blogs can be very distracting when you are trying to work during the day!


Roberta Jane: Random Bonus Question: What is your favorite color of nail polish?
Julia: I really like painting my toenails white in the summer.  I think there's something kind of fun about white toes, but I'm not sure why! 

Special thanks to Julia!

(Would love to hear from you - Do you like the Designer Bios? Any small designers you are just dying to read about? - Let me know!) Read More.. Read More..

Portland Weather, Ugh

Seriously? Rainy and 50 degrees? Just when I was daydreaming of wearing shorts, the weather in Portland turned sour. Ok, I know I wanted to move away from California, but right now I could really use some sunny weather and some beach time!

So, I decided to torture myself a little more by browsing for a beach bag... Obviously these totes from Mariner's Supply are ship-shape (haha, get it!?!)



(spotted via Design Sponge) Read More.. Read More..

Too Cute

A few too-cute-for-words looks from Lauren Moffatt's Spring 2010 collection to start your Monday off right...



Yep, I'm ready for Summer!

P.S. I am on the search for the ultimate Summer hat... More on that to come... Read More.. Read More..