Carrie Parry: Designing for the Versatile Woman

I came across a  talented designer, Carrie Parry  who really wants a woman’s wardrobe to be versatile and different.
She understands that women want to make their wardrobes stretch into different pieces that can work from day to night.
The clothes are pretty but they are also very versatile and functional.

She was kind enough to answer some questions that I asked about her beautiful collection.

www.carrieparry.com
1. How did you get your start in design? Was this a profession that you always dreamed of being in?
Being a designer has been my dream since I can remember. I have always been fascinated by the way that people use clothes as a means to express themselves. Since I was young, whenever possible I have tried to involve myself in every aspect of the design process. I started taking classes in fashion while I was still in high school and continued with my fashion studies at Central Saint Martins, University of Art and Design in London where I received my BA. I have been fortunate through the years to gain work experience with some incredible and talented people like Elaine Gold, Norma Kamali, Zandra Rhodes and Jonathan Saunders and I have learnt and grown from my experiences with each of them.
2.  What advice would you have for students when entering the field of design?
Keep true to what you believe in. Love what you do.

www.carrieparry.com

3. Your 2011 Carrie Parry line is so beautiful and functional. Do you have a favorite of your pieces in your line?
Thank you!  My favorite from my Spring line is the polka-dot button down blouse. It’s such a classic piece and is made of 100% handwoven Silk that is hand block printed with polka dots by artisans in India. It adds just the right touch of whimsy and uniqueness.

www.carrieparry.com

4. I love having double duty pieces in my wardrobe, you have really worked hard to make your pieces so versatile. How do you do it?
I love the idea of customization and  the transformation of clothing. It allows people to grow from being users of clothing to becoming engagers of clothing and gives the clothing the ability to effortlessly transition from day to night and work to play.  So when I design, I always try and keep this in mind!

www.carrieparry.com

5. What’s next for Carrie Parry? Could you elaborate on your Spring 2012 Jean Luc Godard’s French new wave films inspired line.
Yes! Over the summer I was obessed with watching 1960s New Wave films.  I fell in love with the whimsy and sophisitication of films like Une Femme and Mascualn Feminin by Godard and Alain Resnais. For the future, I’d love to eventually venture into accessories and home products!

www.carrieparry.com

Carrie Parry uses sustainable fibers in her garments and the company produces the pieces in New York City.
The colors are so bright and vibrant. The printing is done in San Francisco with eco-friendly dye.
What a great way to feel good in your clothes.

To take a look at the rest of the collection please click Carrie Parry.

Scholarshop Finds …

You might say, “What is the Scholarshop?”

The Scholarship is a luxury thrift shop where the interest free educational loans go to students for college. You never know what you might find so it’s a new adventure each time I go. I did a short video of some of my great finds. So happy! I just realized that my hairstyle is reminding me a little of Prince in his video for When Doves Cry. Ha! Ha!

And here are some pics of how I styled some of the pieces. I love shopping for workhorse apparel that I can wear with many pieces I already have in my wardrobe.

This Jones New York Blouse was $10.00.

Jones New York Blouse from the Scholarshop

The Neiman Marcus scarf was $8 and the black sweater without the black and white cuffs and collar was $10 in the picture below is from the Scholarshop.

J.Crew Blouse was $7.00.

Scarf and shirt from Scholarshop

Neiman Marcus scarf with my Susan Graver reversible coat.

Neiman Marcus scarf

This L.L. Bean corduroy jacket from the Sholarshop is a favorite of mine at a cool $10.00.

L.L. Bean Corduroy Jacket and Gio in the lower left of the picture

These pieces will work for me for fall and winter. Coordinating tops and bottoms will be so interchangeable and fresh.

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Stella & Dot Trunk Show

Happy Days are here, my Bubbling with Elegance and Grace Readers!
Move over department stores, and standing in line for fabulous jewelry this holiday season!

Serpentine Bracelet As Seen In Ladies Home Journal

Wouldn’t it be great to own unique pieces that you can not find at the mall or department store?  Wouldn’t it  be great to have your very own personal shopper?  Better yet.
What about checking off some items on your holiday list in one sitting? Well, here’s your chance!
Maryann Reid, Author and Stylist for Stella & Dot (ID# 131438) is holding an exclusive Stella & Dot Jewelry Trunk Show here on Bubbling With Elegance & Grace!  Starting today (November 4th) at 12pm ET, you can start shopping your little hearts out.  And there’s more: Every buyer will be entered into a chance drawing to win a $25 OFF Gift Certificate!
Your jewelry should be versatile and the right pieces can save you money on shopping for clothes!  You can transition any Stella & Dot piece from day to evening from office to gala!  They can become your very own as you work with me, your personal shopper to build your collection.
Stella & Dot‘s luxurious, handmade pieces have been featured by Vogue, In Style, Lucky, Modern Bride, US Weekly, etc.  Celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Rachel Ray, Ali Landry, and Penelope Cruz have been photographed wearing Stella & Dot jewelry. The View, Good Morning America, The Today Show, and more have also featured Stella & Dot pieces!  Check out all the press at www.stelladot.com/press.
And it only gets better!  Anyone who buys during the trunk show will have a chance to get a wonderful gift bag filled with three of Maryann Reid’s bestselling books, published by St. Martins Press!  Juicy reads and jewelry? The best of both worlds!  Just keeps getting better and better!

Here are some other things you should know about Stella & Dot:
    * Easy return and exchanges policy.
    * Lots of fabulous finds under $50!
    * Special flat-rate shipping of $5.95 for this online trunk show.
Sharing is caring!  Share the excitement of this online trunk show to your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers!! Send them the link to this blog post asap.
Ready to go? Here’s what you do:
    1) At 12pm ET on Friday, Nov 4, 2011 log on to www.stelladot.com/maryann
    2) Shop to your heart’s content (keep your holiday list handy) to add some dazzle to your holiday outings or give as a gift, you name it!  There are tons of office parties coming up this time of year, and now is the time to get ready.
    3) At checkout, choose “Bubbling With E & G” trunk show for the special flat $5.95 ship rate!
    4) Done!
 You will receive a confirmation email about the order and tracking info when it ships.  Delivery usually takes only 5 business days!  Please feel free to forwardwww.stelladot.com/maryann to friends who may want to purchase something, too.
Then Next Sunday, Nov 13, the WINNER of the Giftbag and $25 OFF Gift Certificate will be chosen!!!  The winners will be announced on the blog on Monday.
What to do now?  Take a sneak peek at the jewelry at www.stelladot.com/maryann.  Bookmark the page, and set a reminder for the trunk show!  Everyone gets something great, valuable, luxurious jewelry with the added bonus of a chance at getting plenty more for free!  No losers, here!
Any questions?  Contact Maryann directly at maryann.bling@gmail.com with any questions.  Maryann will be happy to personally suggest and pick out pieces for you to go with your needs!
So please look at the beautiful jewelry and purchase a piece so you can enter into the drawing to win $25 off your next purchase gift certificate.
Happy Shopping!

Update

The trunk show is closed and I received a lot of views on this post.  The trunk show didn’t have any purchases so there wasn’t a $25 gift certificate drawing or books given from the author and stylist.

However, on that note  it was great to see that a lot of people was introduced to Stella & Dot, who were not familiar with the jewelry.

Until Next time.

77Diamonds: A Girl’s Best Friend…

www.77diamonds.com

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend and 77Diamonds is tops on the list. Jewelry is one of my passions and I am always on the look for new sites that offer outstanding items. I recently found 77Diamonds.com, based out of London. The site offers a variety of diamond choices that would make any woman very happy. 77Diamonds is a unique online jeweler that specializes in all things diamonds including engagement rings, wedding rings and loose diamonds. Just when I thought I saw a jaw-dropping ring, I turned the page and a different ring was just as gorgeous. Everything that I found became a favorite and must-have.

77Diamonds strives for excellence in every way to make sure that your purchase is just right for you.

1. Hand Made: Wedding Rings and Engagement Rings are hand made to perfection with your choice of settings, cuts and sizes.

2. Quality: 77Diamonds jewelers are willing to do whatever they can to make sure your selection is a sheer joy to see on your finger. They will work with you to design a a style that represents your unique personality.

3. Choice: What ever way that you would like your ring to be designed, 77Diamond guarantees they will add more diamonds, mold the shape of the engagement band to conform with your wedding ring or add a personal message inside your ring. The sky is the limit! Your complete satisfaction is their goal.

If you want to find out more history on the cut of your diamond before you make the purchase, they have a Education page.

77Diamonds is located in the United Kingdom. The company offers free shipping to anywhere in the world. This is such a great bonus benefit because it can be quite expensive to ship these pieces to you. In addition, to insure such a piece can also be quite costly.

If you just have to see your new diamond ring in person before making that final decision, you can schedule an appointment with the staff at the London showroom.

Take a look at the diamonds offered by 77Diamonds. You will not be disappointed. And by the time you get done, you will have at least a couple new best friends…

You can find 77Diamonds on Facebook and on Twitter.

77Diamonds.com

www.77diamonds.com

77Diamonds (http://www.77diamonds.com) is a really great site if your in the market for a beautiful diamond engagement or wedding ring. Maybe you want to purchase a loose diamond to create your own unique design.
To learn more about the company click <www.77diamonds.com>