eye on style: cassandra lavalle of coco + kelly
Friday, December 19, 2008
Ever stylish and always fun to read, I think you will enjoy meeting today's Eye on Style guest, Cassandra from coco + kelly.
Cassandra Lavalle
Occupation: Stylist and designer on every level, whether it's simply coming up with inspiration boards to enable clients to do their own thing or designing a project from start to finish.
Location: Seattle
Wearing: I literally had this outfit on all day, and just decided it would be the perfect shot of what I really wear on a daily basis. I finally just recently gave into the plaid shirt trend and purchased this top at Forever21 - the only place to go when purchasing a piece I'm pretty sure I'll have no desire to wear a year from now. Of course, living in Seattle, I'm sure I could get away with it! The jeans are my Hudson skinnies. I have been completely living in them this fall! I might even need to invest in another pair ... these are getting a little worn out already. The boots are the most absolutely perfect shade of grey (hard to tell from the photo) and are Steve Maddens. I love it when I find exactly what I've been looking for in a pair of affordable shoes. The bracelet is mesh gold from H&M... I always like to add a bit of bling to my outfit, regardless of how casual it is. I think the vintage/rocker vibe the bracelet gives is perfect with the grunge look. My necklace is a simple chain with a pendant that says "believe." Take that to mean whatever you want it to! Always wearing my rhinestone stud earrings, and my stackable gold rings.
Cassandra's Favorite Designers: While my taste for fashion leans towards luxurious and refined glamour, the relaxed west coast beach girl in me makes me crave pieces that are comfy and somewhat sensible. Like Coco says, "Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury." I couldn't agree more! So, naturally, one of my favorite brands is Haute Hippie - the perfect blend of sequins and boho chic. The last time I was in Urban Outfitters, I also kept picking up everything from Silence & Noise. I'm currently obsessed with the looks from Thread Social's Spring 09 line. And I recently discovered Mer. It's a very small line, but I love the simple aesthetic of it. There are so many great small designers out there right now, I really don't even know where to start answering this question!
Some of my favorite runway designers are L'Wren Scott, Proenza Schouler, Chris Benz, Marchesa, Carolina Herrera, Alberta Ferretti, Erin Featherston, Monique Lhuillier, Jenni Kayne, Luisa Beccaria, Stella McCartney, Rebecca Taylor...and of course the classics like Chanel, Givenchy, McQueen, Oscar... they always bring forth inspiration!
What style means to Cassandra:
Style is personal. Like art, I think it's all in the eye of the beholder. But, I do believe there is sort of a rhyme and reason for what works and what doesn't. To me, my wardrobe would be incomplete without classic pieces like a great white button up shirt, a pair of jeans that fit perfectly, and of course a little black dress. But, whatever your personal style, I believe that what you're wearing should make you feel beautiful. Style is intimate. The more you accept who you are and embrace the pieces that flatter your shape the better you're going to look. Style has nothing to do with trends and everything to do with finding inspiration in the styles coming down the street or the runway, taking the parts you love, and making then making them your own.
Cassandra Lavalle
Occupation: Stylist and designer on every level, whether it's simply coming up with inspiration boards to enable clients to do their own thing or designing a project from start to finish.
Location: Seattle
Wearing: I literally had this outfit on all day, and just decided it would be the perfect shot of what I really wear on a daily basis. I finally just recently gave into the plaid shirt trend and purchased this top at Forever21 - the only place to go when purchasing a piece I'm pretty sure I'll have no desire to wear a year from now. Of course, living in Seattle, I'm sure I could get away with it! The jeans are my Hudson skinnies. I have been completely living in them this fall! I might even need to invest in another pair ... these are getting a little worn out already. The boots are the most absolutely perfect shade of grey (hard to tell from the photo) and are Steve Maddens. I love it when I find exactly what I've been looking for in a pair of affordable shoes. The bracelet is mesh gold from H&M... I always like to add a bit of bling to my outfit, regardless of how casual it is. I think the vintage/rocker vibe the bracelet gives is perfect with the grunge look. My necklace is a simple chain with a pendant that says "believe." Take that to mean whatever you want it to! Always wearing my rhinestone stud earrings, and my stackable gold rings.
Cassandra's Favorite Designers: While my taste for fashion leans towards luxurious and refined glamour, the relaxed west coast beach girl in me makes me crave pieces that are comfy and somewhat sensible. Like Coco says, "Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury." I couldn't agree more! So, naturally, one of my favorite brands is Haute Hippie - the perfect blend of sequins and boho chic. The last time I was in Urban Outfitters, I also kept picking up everything from Silence & Noise. I'm currently obsessed with the looks from Thread Social's Spring 09 line. And I recently discovered Mer. It's a very small line, but I love the simple aesthetic of it. There are so many great small designers out there right now, I really don't even know where to start answering this question!
Some of my favorite runway designers are L'Wren Scott, Proenza Schouler, Chris Benz, Marchesa, Carolina Herrera, Alberta Ferretti, Erin Featherston, Monique Lhuillier, Jenni Kayne, Luisa Beccaria, Stella McCartney, Rebecca Taylor...and of course the classics like Chanel, Givenchy, McQueen, Oscar... they always bring forth inspiration!
What style means to Cassandra:
Style is personal. Like art, I think it's all in the eye of the beholder. But, I do believe there is sort of a rhyme and reason for what works and what doesn't. To me, my wardrobe would be incomplete without classic pieces like a great white button up shirt, a pair of jeans that fit perfectly, and of course a little black dress. But, whatever your personal style, I believe that what you're wearing should make you feel beautiful. Style is intimate. The more you accept who you are and embrace the pieces that flatter your shape the better you're going to look. Style has nothing to do with trends and everything to do with finding inspiration in the styles coming down the street or the runway, taking the parts you love, and making then making them your own.
posted by Mary Jo at TrustYourStyle at
Friday, December 19, 2008
I'm Mary Jo, a handbag designer living in sunny California. TrustYourStyle is where I share inspiration and connect with other style lovers. Did I mention I celebrate 
10 Comments:
thank you so much Mary Jo! it was an honor to be asked by you to participate in your blog :) xoxo
You are so welcome! I'm so glad you were able to stop by and share your style with Eye on Style!
xo mjm
I still haven't given in to plaid but I'm working myself up to it.
Sexy lady!
P.S. I used to have a shirt like that.
this has been a great read! I love this series of posts on style! and her plaid shirt is great too, I want!
Thanks Tina! I'm a big fan of your blog btw :) Thanks for stopping by!
Great interview as always! C&K is pretty much my go-to authority for style, so it's fabulous to hear Cassie's thoughtful and inspiring take on the subject. Thanks to both of you for this great post!
Oh, and loving those boots ;)
What a great interview and series! It is great to read such a fashionable gal's thoughts on style.
That outfit is a perfect casual, yet stylish ensemble. I love the plaid shirt (I've been craving one since last Christmas and that looks perfect!) And the boots are fab too!
Hi Courtney & Anne--thanks for stopping by! It's so fun for me to have all these different bloggers sharing their personal style. More to come...
gosh, she is sooo cute!
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