London Calling: Will You Answer?

Dear Friends,

I am thrilled to introduce our Fall 2017 collection: London Calling. As you can see, we’re taking a trip to London this season. Steeped in historical tradition, London calls us to find the balance between honoring the old and new. Inspired by its rich history, London symbolizes a modern city in a constant struggle with what was, what is and what could be. It’s a place full of contradictions; yet it draws us in with its quintessential charm, distinguished civility, and fabled heritage.

While I was designing this collection, I came to a sudden realization– this wasn’t really all about London. London was simply a catalyst that brought me closer to the idea of how I want women to feel wearing this collection. The word FREEDOM kept coming to mind. And, with freedom comes fearlessness. And, with fearlessness comes true acceptance of who you are. This is the freedom I’m referring to – a freedom that enables you to be who you are today, not yesterday or tomorrow. But right here, right now.

ET_170815-1121a

In today’s world, there is so much pressure to define and edit yourself to a T. I believe our identities cannot be defined by one style. Our identities are not set in stone – we grow, evolve, change. We have different moods for different days. This collection celebrates our complexity and freedom to express ourselves in whichever way suits us in that moment.

Each piece in the collection has its own story that can be told and styled in a variety of ways while celebrating the beauty and power of being brave. For example, new to the brand is the Tibbie black distressed combat boots. An edgy 20-something woman can pair them with a moto jacket and messy bun while the soccer mom can throw them on with leggings and a blazer for a preppy look. Both have the freedom to switch up their style, to step outside their comfort zone and take a bold style risk.

Fall’s typical earthy tones and muted colors take a back seat to London’s revolutionary spirit. You can expect fuschia, cherry, lilac, and neoprene amidst earthy suedes. Bright colors can be seen in elegant dresses, tops, outerwear, striped panel shirting, and a standout glamorous peacock print. It’s all about having fun with your style and having the freedom to express your “perfectly imperfect” self.

ET_London_GIF_ThumbsUp.gif

For so many of us, our journey towards a false sense of perfection takes us down an exhausting albeit unfulfilling path. I not only found my fearless self in this collection, I also found fun! You can’t ever underestimate having fun and laughing at your own jokes (which I do often and my entire team is now completely used to and sick of). I found myself geeking out and belching out a high-pitched squeal (Yes, folks, it’s true—I have perfected the 15-year-old girl squeal) over my favorite embroidered dress in the collection and dancing to the latest Pit Bull tune while no one is watching. Whatever it is… it’s about embracing the moment and allowing yourself the freedom to experience it.

You know what’s not fun? Editing yourself or aspiring to finally arrive at some idea of a picture perfect, untouchable version of yourself- SO BORING. At Elaine Turner, we are about FUN, freedom and effortless style. We exist to enhance your already perfectly, imperfect self. My true joy is finding beauty in what’s real and being OK with yourself today. We are about having fun, being nice and knowing a laugh (or snort) begets a laugh (or snort). So, say goodbye to faking it and Hello to owning it!

ET_London_GIF_Laughing

And, to kick off our “BE YOU” journey, we are launching a “HOW DO YOU WEAR THE CROWN?” campaign. You will see us all over social media, in stores and online asking you to express yourself as only YOU can.

So, this season, we ask you: How do you #WearTheCrown?

In the essence of the season, watch my seasonal video on my inspiration of the season and, of course, me acting like a goofball. It’s always about having fun!

 

XOXO,

Elaine

Trends Issue: Fall-Transition Apparel

So far, August has been all about equipping ourselves with the season’s latest, exciting trends. Yet, as we wait in anticipation for what’s to come with our sneak peek to fall, we realize there’s no better time to get our fashion ducks in a row than now!

We’ve talked jewelry with fun summer getaways to Santa Fe, circular handbags with versatile Shelly, and now it’s time to talk trendy apparel that takes us into the fall season with effortless ease and glamour. Our newest, transitional Apparel Capsule is in perfect step with the season’s must-have trends that are showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. These trends are here to stay, making a timely style transition as we approach the fall. Trust me ladies, the two trends highlighted in our new apparel delivery will be the defining fashion features for the rest of 2017.

Have I given you goosebumps yet? Are you dying to know what they are? Don’t worry, I’m here to ease your fashion woes with two simple words: Embroidery and Denim.

 

julycapsule_STOREad_facebook
From left to right: Bea Top, Pippa Top, and Miley Top.

 

Endless Embroidery

This season, it’s all in the embroidered details. Embroidery takes casual pieces to the next level, adding refined depth and personality to denim, cotton, leather, you name it. Suddenly, your favorite chambray top is a staple of your wardrobe, a piece made to make you shout from the mountaintops, “THIS is me!”

A Closer Look:

  • Meet Miley: the off-the-shoulder blouse with an elegantly embroidered upgrade. Her light, cotton material and flounce sleeves (trend alert!) provide the breezy look you need. Flower detailing on the sleeves make this top a fun and sophisticated piece that can go from day to night. Pair her with skinnies and your favorite flatforms for a super trendy look!
  • Bring on Bea. Whether at your favorite coffee shop, or your go-to brunch destination, the Bea top sets a classy and chic tone. Tapping into both the embroidery and shirting trend, this peplum and button down fusion is flattering on many different body types. Pair Bea’s navy and white stripes with your favorite jeans and strappy sandals for a day out in the sun!
  • Welcome Waylon. Waylon gives the button-down shirt-dress what it has always been missing: an embroidered hem that pops. It’s lightweight, yet structured, and striped shirting material instantly creates and elevates for a put-together look. Wear it loose and flowy with sneakers, or cinch the waist with the tie and strap on your wedges!

 

JulyCarousel-03
The Miley Top.

 

Daring Denim

Denim is seeing a major, major comeback. In fact, you’ll see this trend play throughout Fall; we even secured a partnership with jean brand DL 1961. But, we’ll go into that later. To play on this surging trend for now, we’ve taken a classic Elaine Turner staple and pushed it to the max: Tencel. In this apparel delivery, you’ll find the fiber offers even more softness, breathability, and all-around comfort to your wardrobe. Best of all, this flattering textile is environmentally friendly and incredibly sustainable. You’ll even discover that it works seamlessly with the other big trends of the season.

A Closer Look:

  • Peek at Pippa: What if being stylish and trendy was as easy as throwing on a shirt? Well, turns out it is. Pippa is the mid-blue chambray kaftan shirt that is hitting on all the major trends. Pair her with your white skinnies and hit the pavement for your daily errands or brunch with your gals.
  • Jumping for Joyce: Ride the denim on denim trend and pair this mid-blue, tencel chambray with your jean trousers. In the fabric world, tencel is associated with the word “drape,” which is textile-speak for flattering to any body type. Throw on Joyce with ease. Add a circle crossbody, summer wedges, and your chic sunnies for an effortless look.
  • Jealous over Jessie: Just because denim is functional and casual, doesn’t mean it can’t also be sexy. Jessie taps into the tie-string detail trend, giving this mid-blue chambray shift dress some sizzlin’ flair. Throw on Jessie’s tencel fabric with your summery, sexy wedges for a date night look, or dress it down with your sneakers for a day out and about.

 

JulyCarousel-05
The Pippa top. 

 

Bonus Round: Introducing Custom Elaine Turner Leggings!

Our eyes are open. Leggings are everywhere. And we know that each of our new apparel pieces goes flawlessly with perhaps the most versatile item ever. So what better time to introduce our custom Elaine Turner Leggings to the world than right now? Our black ponte knit leggings contain rayon, nylon, and polyester, essential for a high-rise cut that prevents slipping, sagging, and slims the waistline. Wear the black ponte leggings with everything, and don’t look back! This must-have item makes any outfit feel like pajamas but looks like everyday wear. We’re even taking these leggings a step further with two other styles this fall, stay tuned!

 

leggings
The Black Ponte legging.

 

There you have it! Our latest apparel delivery is bringing you the hottest trends of the moment: embroidery, denim, and (surprise!) leggings. Thank you for checking out the latest in Elaine Turner release. I am pumped to see where you take these trends this season!

XOXO, Elaine

Fall ’17 Sneak Peek: London Calling

It’s about that time in Houston when we face the dog days of summer. In a blink, July is over and hot, sweltering August is now here. However, Fashion Time doesn’t quite work that way. According to Fashion Time, it’s transition-o’clock. It’s time to charge full steam ahead to fall.

You might be thinking, “Fall, Elaine? In this heat?” as you desperately search for changing leaves, pumpkin spice, and crisp breeze. “All I’m seeing is sun, sun, and more sun.” Well, I’m here to tell you to look beyond your surroundings. It’s the perfect time to take a quick vacation to the fall season. Let’s indulge in some mental wanderlust and transport ourselves for a quick getaway to fall.

Our trip to fall is a trip to London.

I will be giving you more in depth details on my design process and inspiration as soon we officially kick off Fall in a couple of weeks. However, I’m so excited to share where we are headed that I had to send you guys a quick sneak peak with fun behind the scenes pics and highlighted fall trends. Enjoy this quick getaway to fall, but remember, your style is a reflection of who you are as an individual. Pick the trends that suit you or reimagine what’s popular to meet your personal sense of style.

 

ETshoot_7-13-17_40
Behind the scenes at our Fall ’17 photo shoot.

 

Express Through Embroidery

Embroidery is not only all over our new arrivals but our Fall Collection too – apparel, shoes, handbags, you name it. We have left no stone unembroidered. Embroidery is your one-way ticket to being you at your boldest. Who we are as individuals lies in the details. Whether it’s the shoulder of the jacket or the back of a sneaker, don’t be afraid to embellish your style with detailed, individual charm. We’ve taken the embroidery trend and let our imaginations run free.

What to Look For:

  • Handbags: You’ll find classic Elaine Turner shapes with new, groundbreaking details. Leather, suede, and even python are all due up for an elegant, embroidered facelift.
  • Shoes: Look for embroidery where you least expect it. You wouldn’t want this trend to “sneak” by you this fall.
  • Apparel: We’ve kept Elaine Turner signatures like chiffon and georgette, but we’re letting embroidery take the weight off your shoulders.

 

ETshoot_7-13-17_02
Behind the scenes at our Fall ’17 photo shoot.

 

Customization Adds Character

Fall 2017 is rooted in individuality grown from London charm. London is eclectic, richly diverse, and welcomes everyone for exactly who they are. Our trip to London means a step outside of our comfort zone but also a newfound freedom to stretch our boundaries. Every piece in this collection can be worn and styled million different ways, molding to the personality of the woman wearing it. So, this fall is all about mixing, matching, layering, pairing, and being daring. There are endless options, no wrong answers, and a push to customize.

What to Look For:

  • Handbags: It’s all about the strap this season! And, we will be introducing removable, adjustable “guitar-inspired” straps to our handbag assortment so you can truly make it your own.
  • Shoes: This line of shoes is our most diverse yet. We’ve tapped into London’s diverse charm to provide you with heaps of new styles and materials to choose from. Let’s just say you’ll be equally ready for the dance floor, the grocery store, and even for combat.
  • Apparel: We love providing effortless glamour through light, elegant dresses, and tops. But just like London, it’s time to embrace the new age. Customize your look with boundless outerwear options, jackets, and shirting. We’re introducing new materials, new shapes, and new style categories you won’t see coming.
  • Jewelry: It’s time to go bigger than ever before. Expect heavier pieces with layers on layers on layers. Who says one necklace can’t have 3 different textures? In London, anything is possible.

 

ETshoot_7-13-17_17
Behind the scenes at our Fall ’17 photo shoot.

 

Add a Pop of Color

We know this isn’t your first Fall. You know the drill. Earthy tones, neutrals, and muted colors. But let’s dive into London’s revolutionary spirit. How about a pop of color? If summer can be for suede, we say fall can be for color. Break the status quo and welcome the exhilarating rush of being a true trendsetter. Let’s break new ground together and sip pumpkin spice lattes while we do it.

What to Look For:

  • Handbags: Prepare yourself for classic fall hues, but make room for something new! Expect fuscia, cherry, lilac, neoprene, and bright floral patterns amidst earthy suede’s.
  • Apparel: We’ve added a pop of color to balance out our darker, sophisticated tones. Look for bright colors in outerwear scarves, striped panel shirting, and glamorous peacock print.
  • Jewelry: I’ll keep it straight with you – our jewelry is tapping into the Woodlander trend for earthy natural pieces. But we’ve maintained bright colors through layering and beautiful beads. Keep an eye out for your favorite Elaine Turner pink and turquoise touches.

 

ETshoot_7-13-17_09
Behind the scenes at our Fall ’17 photo shoot.

 

Thank you for our joining me on this brief trip to London and sneak peek into Fall 2017. I am so excited to see you tap into your full fashion potential this fall.

 

XOXO – Elaine