when absolutely every eye must be on you

17 January 2012 fashion

This is a Golden Globes post that is not about my favorite and least favorite dresses…this is red carpet commentary you can actually use. (Red carpet images from New York Magazine online.) What can we learn from Sunday’s red carpet about keeping every eye in the room where it’s supposed to be – on you? [...]

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the best accessories for spring 2012: milan

8 January 2012 fashion

Fashion people are already looking ahead to fall (the pre-fall collections are already out!), but we normal people are still thinking about what to wear this spring. Around here, some of us are already dressing for spring…the high was 56 yesterday! Here are my favorites for this spring from the Milan shows. Check out my [...]

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the best accessories for spring 2012: paris

22 November 2011 fashion

It may seem crazy to think about spring in November, but trust me, time flies! You’ll be thinking about sandals and spaghetti straps before you know it. These are my favorite accessories from the spring 2012 runway shows in Paris. Check out my picks from the London shows, too. I wanted to do Paris next, [...]

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mark your calendar!

5 November 2011 coming soon

You love the new collection, yes? And you want to see it in person, and feel the soft ultrasuede and see the shiny silk, yes? You’re in luck. Check out my holiday show schedule below, and stay tuned for possible additional dates! November 12 ~ The Handmade Market, Raleigh NC December 3 ~ Holiday Heap, [...]

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the best accessories for spring 2012: london

14 October 2011 fashion

Fashion “week” finally ended last week with the shows in Paris. I thought I’d share my favorite accessories from all the runway shows, starting with London. I’m starting with London, because my favorite show was Burberry Prorsum. I am officially obsessed with the idea of a trench dress! (All runway images from Style.com.)   trench [...]

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fall 2011 preview: la acquabella

6 October 2011 coming soon

I can hardly believe it, but I’m about to introduce my eleventh collection for Holland Cox! As always, the collection consists of eighteen one-of-a-kind handbags, in three styles: the classic, the wristlet, and the envelope clutch. But this time, I’m very excited to offer a new look for the envelope clutch! The merrimack envelope clutch [...]

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have you felt the girl effect?

4 October 2011 girl effect

The Girl Effect is quite simple: when the lives of girls are improved, their whole communities improve with them. In my former life, before I spent 100% of my time sewing and thinking about sewing (as opposed to only 50%), I was a lobbyist for a non-profit education association. Education policy took up a huge [...]

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the most practical bag in your closet

26 September 2011 fashion

I’m sure you agree that an envelope clutch is a perfect evening accessory. But have you ever thought about using one every day? I can hear your gasps of outrage from here…But Valerie! You exclaim. I could never fit all my stuff in a clutch! They’re just too impractical! Settle down, my loves, and let [...]

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wear it this weekend: DIY envelope clutch

Thumbnail image for wear it this weekend: DIY envelope clutch 22 September 2011 fashion

I have long been a huge fan of the envelope clutch. Not only is my own version one of my flagship designs for Holland Cox, another version is the very first sewing pattern I’ve offered for sale! Despite what you may think, an envelope clutch can be very versatile. This little tutorial is just one [...]

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on being trendy and stylish at once

20 September 2011 fashion

All she meant was that the truly stylish woman is no slave to fashion. I believe this to be true, and therefore have never spent much time being “trendy.” When I do follow trends, they are looks that already fit into my ideal personal style…garments, accessories, and embellishments that I would like anyway. There are [...]

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