Time Out With Maria Confer

Maria, better known as the mastermind from Michigan behind the adorable blog Lulu Letty, never turns down an opportunity to slap on a hair bow or pull out some vintage. Maybe her eye for decades past is why her blogging, twitter, Etsy and formspring empire boasts over 1,000 followers to date and is still getting more popular by the moment. Featured on everything from Modcloth to Queens of Vintage, Maria is slowly working her way around the blogosphere. Lookin' to learn more? Luckily, her most recent stop just happens to be chez La Societe de Mode.

Favorite designer? I don’t really have a favorite, but many big fashion houses like Chanel, Hermes, and Ralph Lauren, consistently inspire me year after year.

Maria's famous sketches found on her Etsy

Favorite fabric? Wool tartan

Favorite city? London

Tell us a bit about your life I’ve been married for seven years and have two crazy dogs, Wellie and Pip.

Favorite wardrobe essential? Hair bows
Favorite Food? Anything Mexican, especially fried ice cream!

What do you love the most about fashion? The freedom to step into your closet and resurface as whoever you want to be that day. I find myself mostly channeling movie characters.

What's your biggest inspiration? Definitely other bloggers. They drive my creativity and push me to try new looks that I would typically shy away from. Otherwise, old movies are a huge inspiration to me.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why? London for sure. I love that it’s so old and that the fashion there is very eclectic.

Favorite decade? Oh, I love both the late fifties to early sixties and the late seventies to early eighties.

How'd you get your start? I first started my blog as a place to post my finished sketches. Then after stumbling upon Liebemarlene, I decided that fashion blogging seemed like such fun. I posted my first photo shoot in June ’09.

Unfortunately, no famous last words today, but don't get wrong impression, Maria still has few things left to say. Ask her about her fabulous chicness at www.formspring.me/lululetty or
check out her great tutorial on just how she manages to have such perfectly red lips at the D.I.Y. section of her blog. Still not enough? Channeling your inner Maria by picking up
a sweet hairbow at her Etsy should help you get your fill.


Until next time,
Rebecca&Maddy

Street Style: Rue de Fougeres

Sunlight special in isle number 1! 3 for 1 deal on cute summer ensembles that'll keep you cool, chic and very French. Whether it be sporty white lace-ups with bloomeresque shorts and a button up for that classic menswear look, a flirty ruffled dress with little booties for a sweet girly look or a scarf, tights and cowboy boots for that country chic look, you can't go wrong in Rennes when the sun's-a-shinin'.Don't wait another second before these fabulous looks are all sold out.

Bisous,
Rebecca&Maddy

Time Out with Hannah Byun

We love tights. We experience long and cold winters here in Rennes, and when you're rotating between four or five coats all winter long, tights are key to keeping your outfits interesting. Loud and statement tights are the key to snazzing up any fall/winter ensemble. That is why we're obsessed with Hannah's line Hansel from Basel, which focuses on only tights and hoisery. We took some time out of our day to chat with her about her unique L.A.-based brand, which has been wildly successful - most recently, her tights were featured on the cover of Teen Vogue's March issue.

1.How did you get your start in the industry..what was the big "kick-off" point for you? and any advice for aspiring designers?
well, i had a fun little launch party hosted by my friend who owns creatures of comfort. that's all it took. a good friend, a good store, and good socks. :)

2. As a company that does only socks and tights, do you think this gives you an advantage in the industry?..and we've gotta know, do you wear your own socks?
i do wear my own socks and yes, this gives me a definite advantage. a lot of doors have opened up for me bc i have such a niche skill set. for example, i do an exclusive line of legwear for other retailers which is fun and great!

3. If you had 200,000 dollars to spend at saks, what would you buy from the SS 2010 collection ?
wow. can i save that and buy a house instead?

4. What was your childhood like? did you design already, or did that start later in life?
i always grew up drawing and painting. i was an art student for much of my life. i knew i wanted to do design but coming from a liberal arts background, i wasnt sure how i was going to make clothes. i had an in with socks and it was the perfect fit.

5. Whats the inspiration behind the name Hansel from Basel?
it's kind of an alter ego. it sums up a bunch of my interests: german things, switzerland, and cute little elves wearing lederhosen.

Street Style: Thabor Gardens

This week we've been hanging around the Thabor Gardens as the weather's been getting nicer, and it seems as though it's a popular hangout spot for university kids after school as well. That's where we found Morgane, 19. Morgane sports the classic Keds which are a staple in any French wardrobe, but we love how she ditched the overdone longchamp bag for something a little more exciting. Her oversized vintage tote was definitely what caught her attention. We love how she dressed down her formal school-uniform jacket with a casual checkered button down tucked into a black nylon skirt. Simply put, we can't get enough of her reinvention of the classic school girl ensemble.

Time Out with Robin Black

Oh no kiddos, don't get the wrong impression. This go getter is anything but a simple songbird. As someone who proclaims herself as "the editor in chief and pragmatic anarchist" of her magazine…that's right HER magazine The New Tough she’s more like a hard rock vulture, ready to pounce on any opportunity that presents itself far below and who leaves a trail of clashing, but curiously catchy chords along the way with an awesome bangin' baseline that creates tunes too sick for words. You know what we mean? Are we making sense? Wait... No? Well, good. We feel that this is just the way this antiestablishment photographer and make-up artist gone magazine editor would like it.

Say hello to our little friend, Robin Black.

The Latest issue of The New Tough
Favorite Designer?: Vivienne Westwood for her balls, plus Yoji Yamamoto, Ann Demeulemeester and Rei Kawakubo because art never goes out of style,military fatigues (not quite sure who designs them but I am addicted
to vintage German army coats and boots!).

The 2nd Issue of The New Tough
Favorite Decade ?: I was born in the mid 70's and the culture (in particular, early punk)
has definitely influenced my work. I also am quite attached to the
photography from that decade. The late 80's / early 90's were my
teenage years and so I also have a certain nostalgia for that period.

Favorite camera: my trusty Contax T2.
Favorite person:Nick, my partner in crime and the art director of The New Tough.

Best "dirty little secret": Recently? I kidnapped a Marine from his military base and took naked photos of him for Butt magazine.... wait... can I go to jail for that? If so, it didn't happen.

Favorite hotspot: The 29 Palms Inn just outside of Joshua Tree, California. It's the

perfect desert hide away.

Quick childhood summary:I was raised on a boat, traveling around the
South Pacific, by an Irish/German father and a Japanese mother.Famous Last words: "All good things are wild and free." - Henry David Thoreau

Isn't it amazing how free and wild boating can make a child? We would highly recommend it, you know for fashion's sake.

While we're out rigging sails, take a peak at the newest issue of The New Tough at www.thenewtough.com. Just promise us that you won't be too scandalized...can't say we didn't warn you.

Bis,
Rebecca&Maddy

Street Style: Thabour Gardens

Maddy: Oh my! What can that bright warm light coming from above possibly be that allows us to wear flippy little sundress while embracing flippy haired little French boys?

Rebecca: Golly Gee! I have no idea Maddy, but it's almost as fabulous as that combination of oxfords with a retro pattern and a red checkered shirt with leather and clean white Keds.

Maddy: Rebecca! I just looked it up in my French-English dictionary...apparently it's called a "soleil". What a strange idea! It sounds so much better than that wet stuff, rain.

Rebecca: Wow! thats fabulous.

Maddy: Fab-fab fabulous

Well obviously we have very deep and intelligent conversations, but seriously this couple was as cute as an oversized glass button on a classic trench. If they look friendly in the photo imagine them 10 times friendlier in real life. Oh the wonders and magic of the French...

Rebecca: Magic? Wonders? Maddy, why are you talking to yourself?

Maddy: Yeah, about that...

.... umm, well I gotta go so we'll see you next week, ok?

Bis
Rebecca&Maddy

Time Out with The Stylish Wanderer

For anyone who's spent even the least bit of time surfing around the internet looking for fashion inspiration, they are sure to have come across this kid's blog. The Stylish Wanderer is only one year older than Tavi Gevinson, but her impeccably refined and classy outfits are a far cry from Tavi's experimental and daring miss-or-hits. TSW's taste is seriously to die for. How someone in middle school can possess all of this fashion wisdom is seriously a mystery to us. This week we were lucky enough to sit down with her for some quick Q&A.

Favorite decade? My current favorite is the 1930s
Favorite designer? Oh thats so hard! Either Alexander McQueen or Chanel or Chloe
Top 5 song playlist?
Currently:
Satellite Heart- Anya Marina
Fame- David Bowie
Weird Fishes- Radiohead
Mansard Roof- Vampire Weekend
Hero- Regina Spektor
Favorite Food? Avacados!
Favorite Party Outfit? Vintage sequin flapper dress with black pumps. So much fun!
Favorite fabric? Linen
What do you love the most about fashion? The fact that you can express yourself through what you are wearing. I also just love the fabrics and matching things together. Its so much fun.
Favorite city? Toss up between either New York or Los Angeles.
Favorite wardrobe essential? Marc by Marc Jacobs butter leather handbag
Whats the best fashion related memory you have? Going to the Marc by Marc Jacobs show in New York City and seeing all of the famous models (like Karlie Kloss) and actually seeing the clothes walk on the runway.
Famous Last words? Be inspired.

Until Wednesday,

Rebecca&Maddy

Street Style: Place de la mairie

When we stopped to ask these two étudiantes for their photo, they seemed a little bit embarrassed by our request at first. "We're dressed like such slobs today!" they said, smiling sheepishly as we took their photo. Josephine and Caroline, however, have mastered the art of throwing on a patterned scarf on a lazy day. Let's face it: without their fierce animal print or bold blue patterned scarves, their jean-and-t-shirt outfits would not have even captured the least of our attention. So, next time you wake up with 5 minutes to spare, don't reach for that necklace or bracelet to accessorize your less-than-stellar outfit, throw on a scarf!

Featuring
and the new Neo Military Jacket in natural tan. Which features a classic style and an a-symmetrical collar, diagonal front zip, vertical arm zips and a horizontal back zip. It retails for £595.
Magenta 8 is about as comfy as you can get without resorting to uggs or, even worse, sweatpants.No no, we're not thinking of loungewear, we're talkin' cute boleros and jackets made of buttery soft Alpaca wool thats can translate from day to night.So what's the story behind the brand? Well, once upon a time...

Giovanna Velasquez – Magenta 8
The Story
Giovanna Velasquez founded Magenta 8 in 2006, secure in her belief that independent women preferred independent design. Velasquez hails from a long line of stylish Peruvian women - women who insisted upon a separate room for their personal tailors to measure bespoke garments which were shipped across from Europe.

Born into this captivating fusion of traditional and glamorous lifestyles, it was only natural Giovanna would weave her childhood stories into the wonderful designs of her Magenta 8 label. Originally, a handbag and accessories designer her sense of style is instantly recognizable; rich with hidden details and exquisite linings.
Every garment is handcrafted using the finest Alpaca wool, chosen for its softness, exceptional warmth and natural benefits.

Wrapping up in a Magenta 8 design is to know true femininity, warmth, luxury and elegance – all at once.

Hummingbird Collection 2010
"Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration. Like a hummingbird, we aspire to hover and savour each moment as it passes, embrace all that life has to offer and to celebrate the joy of everyday. The hummingbird’s delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life’s sweetest creation"

Magenta 8, magnificently yours.

Ready to wrap yourself in luxury and warmth? Head over to www.magenta8.com to check out all of their newest collection.

Till Wednesday,
Rebecca&Maddy