The British Are Coming!

Sound the alarm, the British are coming! If you're not already familiar with Jack Wills, allow me to make a proper introduction... I was recently tipped off to this fabulously British company, whose design inspiration follows British military history, British sporting traditions, and British country pursuits. The overall effect is irresistably preppy with a twist of the eccentric that is as fashionable as it is proper.

While Jack Wills has its roots in the UK (obvi!), they've since expanded to Ireland and the US. However, if your summer travels haven't taken you the Vineyard or Nantucket, you've likely not seen an actual Jack Wills store. Never fear, there are rumors of further expansion in the works! But in the meantime, thanks to the miracles of modern technology, immediate gratification is available at Jack Wills online, where preppy purchases for ladies and gents, as well as home and lifestyle, are but a mouse click away!

Perhaps because I'm just soooo pregnant these days, I was immediately drawn to the Wills' lounge wear collection. No question about it, I simply must own the Torrisholme Hoodie! The striking JACK is printed in blue on black, a color combo that works for just about any lounging situation--and clearly I'm not above a little name dropping. After all, as you may already know, comfy chic goes quite a long way in my book.

Of course, a fashionista must always consider accessories--and there are indeed a few choice pieces that I'm just slightly obsessed with. For one, the Shawbury Spectacles in navy/pink are adorably girly, yet alluringly academic (and can you really argue with a duality like that?). Plus, I would be absolutely remiss if I didn't also call attention to the Brimslade Canvas Barrel Bag; it's basically perfect for a weekend getaway--or the gym, if we want to be practical about things (sigh).

As you can see, there's no shortage of great buys where Jack Wills is concerned. Fortunately, the price is right--and not for nothing, how often can you honestly say that when it comes to fashion? I encourage you test this fabulously British company for yourself, and I'm fairly confident that, like me, you will also want to shout it from the rooftops: the British are coming!

Special thanks to the always fashionable Chi-Chi for sharing the good word about Jack Wills!

All images from Jack Wills (www.jackwills.com), in order of appearance: (1) Jack Wills logo; (2) Torrisholme Hoodie in black $89; (3) Shawbury Spectacles in navy/pink $174; (4) Brimslade Canvas Barrel Bag in emerald $89.

Comfy Chic: Best Idea Ever

I know that it's August--and thus still very much the summer time--but I'm sort of over it. I'm annoyed by the heat, sick of the corresponding wardrobe, and basically just ready for brusque autumn days and the changing leaves. Sheesh, someone sure is full of complaints, huh? While I can't accelerate time, I continue to look forward to fall fashions--and the days cool enough for stockings, boots, and sweaters.

On that note, let's talk comfy chic, shall we? Best. Idea. Ever. Granted, I'm willing to strap on 4-inch heels every day, but fashion and comfort are not always mutually exclusive. Hello, does the word luxury lounge wear ring any bells??? Indeed, it is the very premise behind the Juicy Couture sweatsuits that took over the nation nearly a decade ago (yikes, I am getting olddd). But today, I want to move behind terrycloth and velour and focus on something a little bit more luxurious: cashmere. Yum.

While innocently online window shopping from the J. Crew fall collection, I fell head over heels in love with their Cashmere Popover Hoodie. J. Crew calls this Classic New England wardrobe piece the epitome of luxury lounge wear. Of course, they've also put their money where their mouth is, making their Popover Hoodie from a special 12-gauge knit hailing from a world-famous Italian mill in the foothills of Piedmont. Available in four subtle autumn shades (nickle, cobblestone, plum, and burnt sienna), this hoodie also features a convenient kangaroo pocket; long sleeves; and an even longer silhouette, hitting at the hip. Plus, if your blood runs blue, you have the option of adding a monogram (just add $10).

Instantly envisioning candy apples and apple cider, I can actually picture myself wearing this hoodie, perhaps with mon petit bébé in tow. As my husband would say, I am a "marketer's dream," but I'm willing to wager--now that you've heard the full story--that you sort of want one too...

Images: Cashmere Popover Hoodie $198 by J. Crew (www.jcrew.com).

Let Them Eat Cake!

When the sun sets on these scorching summer days and it's time for a bonfire on the beach, sun-kissed fashionistas reach for a cozy hoodie to snuggle up in. And that, my style savvy friends, is where the new lolly.brand Cupcake Hoodie enters the scene...

This summer, the lolly.brand hoodie has been reinvented, with a new look--and a new attitude to go with it. Printed on American Apparel® brand, this asphalt colored hoodie has a looong silhouette (a definite favorite amongst tall, long-bodied girls like me) and also features long sleeves and a handy kangaroo pocket in front. But to be clear, it's really all about the back, which boldly proclaims, let them eat cake. I think our dear beloved Marie Antoinette might agree, don't you? This sweet 'n sassy sentiment is accompanied by lolly.brand's signature cupcake in a neon pink that really pops! Yum.

And if you don't already know, you're sooo VIP! The truth is, this fabulous new hoodie isn't even available on the lolly.brand website yet! But worry not, it will be there soon--so prepare yourself to get comfy. After all, every girl needs to kick off her heels and put her feet up from time to time. And of course, an off-duty fashionista can neverrr everrr have too many hoodies. I should know. What else can I say? Let them eat cake!

Images: Back and front of the (new) lolly.brand Cupcake Hoodie $45 by lolly.brand. Coming soon to the lolly.brand website (www.lollybrand.net) so be sure to stay tuned!

RED HOT!

I have to confess that, often times, the posts I have the most fun writing are also shameless self-promotion... But disclaimer aside, there is much excitement on the lolly.brand horizon, and if you've been following the oh-so-fabulous I LOVE LOLLY.BRAND group on Facebook (And if not--well, you should! For you slackers, click here!), you may have already seen a little sneak preview of what's RED HOT (quite literally) for spring and summer... Hello, I'm talking about the new brand.L Skateboarder Hoodie!

I know I say this every time, but I swear I always mean it: this sweatshirt is my favorite yet. Reinvented with a longer fit, a bright new color, and a bigger/bolder graphic, I wasn't kidding when I said red hot! Printed on American Apparel®, this irresistible hoodie features: brand.L's signature skateboarder graphic on the back in black and the logo along the left sleeve; cozy fleece lining; and contrasting white zipper tape and silver zipper.

And yes, there's more... It's now available online (yayyy!) so be sure to shop brand.L for him (or her)--and add that long awaited pop! of color to your wardrobe. If you're feeling patient, you can also check out the lolly.brand booth for this and other fashionably sweet styles at Boston's Stylefixx next month. But I have a feeling you're not going to want to wait on this one. I mean, they do say that good things come to those who wait--but whyyyy wait when you don't have to?! Happy shopping, fashionista friends!!

All images: Benny modeling the new brand.L Skateboard Hoodie from brand.L by lolly.brand $50 (available online at www.lollybrand.net under the "shop brand.L for him" tab).