She Breathes Life. Fashion. Culture

Discover: Corey Lynn Calter

I discovered Corey Lynn Calter when I was in search of some simple yet chic and cute pieces for my trip back home. I can't tell you how thrilled I am to spotlight this emerging Los Angeles designer. I love every single piece in her collection and the styling is pretty spot-on! You can find her collection in several places so have a look at her website to find a store near you.

Looks from her Spring/Summer 08' collection.

I love white in the summer time and that romper too cute!

More cute Spring/Summer looks.

All Fotos Corey Lynn Carter. {Click to enlarge.}

Beijinhos.

Foot Candy: Alexa Wagner

I've fallen in love with shoe designer Alexa Wagner's "Heidi Croco" heels from her Spring 08' collection. I went batty looking for them and finally found them on Vivre for more than my lunch money. And of course I couldn't resist sharing this luxuriously lovely discovery {smile} with all of you. I think she has a little something for everyone so be sure to visit her website to see more from her collections. 

Fotos Alexa Wagner. {Click to enlarge}

And of course I want these . . . the "Heidi Croco's"!

Beijos.

Inspiring Sea Dreams

When I saw these earrings by Kimberly McDonald from her Rockras collection I fell deeply in love. So light, airy, and beautiful - so inspiring. They remind me of sea water that allows you to see straight to the floor and all the beautiful life living there. The other fotos are scans from Elle Accessories that continue to inspire me.

Fotos/Scans Elle Accessories Mag (Click to enlarge).

I'm sorry for the lack of entries. I've been really focusing + very busy. I will try to update as often as time permits, but know I'm not throwing in the towel {smile}. I hope you continue to visit and be inspired.

Beijos.

Discover: Bird Handbags

Bird Handbags was created by former model and actress Liz Carey whose love of "hippie rich" inspired her current collection. She uses exotic skins and ethnic materials to translate her visions, making the bags down-to-earth and workable with any given outfit. What I'm sharing is just a small dose of the loveliness going on with this brand, so be sure to visit the website to see the full collection and stockist.

I'm really loving the Ostrich ("One Night Stand") bags and the "Lil Lady" bags in Lamb! The lushness of each bag, the colours, and shapes are the real cherry toppers. Ms. Carey has a fan in me because I have to have one of these bags to carry my life in!

"Lil Lady" handbags in Snakeskin + Lamb.

The "One Night Stands" in Ostrich + Lamb.

Fotos Bird Handbags (click to enlarge all).

Beijinhos.

Sweet + Pretty: Cherry Blossoms

I'm so glad everyone is responding to the mini minimal make-over of the blog, I too love visiting now hehe.

I haven't had the time to get to the blog liked I've wanted to this week, as things are pretty busy on my end. I will be back either Sunday or Monday to share some more beautiful discoveries, for now I leave you with these Cherry Blossoms. When I got these as a gift, I couldn't resist snapping fotos of them and sharing. I hope everyone has a lovely weekend.

Fotos she breathes (click to enlarge).

Beijos.

Explore Elle Accessories Magazine

Elle Accessories Magazine Spring 08 edition has inspired me to inject new life into this space. It's girly good fun and the colours are full of life. I hope all this colour gives you a jolt of jolliness as you visit!

Elle Accessories is truly a girls best friend, filled to the brim with accessories for each season, and showcasing the obscure and emerging -- something I support completely. It's a treasure trove of ideas, information, and you can get lost for a few hours. So when you're at your favourite bookstore, or newsstand be sure to peruse the magazine isles and grab a copy of the Spring 08 issue.

Bold + Beautiful cuffs, bangles, and arm candy goodies.

Shoes galore!

Jewelry + Perfume living in perfect harmony.

Fotos She Breathes via Elle Accessories Mag (Click to enlarge).

Oh and some fotos from the Fall 07 magazine. I love the electric blues deep browns, greens, grays and those coats! I knew there was a reason I dog-eared the pages these looks were on!

Beijos.

Flow into Spring + Summer

Spring is right around the corner and summer is bitting her at heels! What better way to get into all that's beautiful and flows than revisiting a discovery by way of Brasil?

Have another look at Luciana Galeão's beautiful dresses. You can spend a good hour on her website, everything is aesthetically pleasing and the music is good for your soul.

Fotos Luciana Galeão (click to enlarge).

Beijinhos.

Discover: Kenji Ikeda

I'm really loving these luxurious handbags from Japanese designer Kenji Ikeda. Mr. Ikeda use to work for Givenchy, which might explain his love of clean lines, classic shapes, and butter-soft leather. Mr. Ikeda comes from a family that use to make high-end bags, and it shows in his work!

I love the all the bags because they're classically shaped, and timeless. Below are looks from a few of his collections, visit his website to see more.

I love the photography, truly speaks to the strength of his collections.

From his S/S 08 collection, love the colours.

I love that white bag, so modern.

All Fotos Kenji Ikeda (click to enlarge all).

Beijos.

Inspiring: Closet Spaces

I came across these closet spaces at Instyle Magazine's website, and was immediately smitten with a few of them. I'm actually really loving Nicky Hilton's closet space, It's clean and sleek! I love those glass doors and that couch. And of course Mariah's room filled to the brim with shoes is heaven to me!

Be sure to check other closet spaces here, and download Instyle's "wardrobe worksheet" to learn how to make the most out of your closet space.

Fotos Instyle (click to enlarge).

Beijinhos.

Made in Mayfair: Georgina Goodman

I don't think I've ever really put the spotlight on fellow shoe designer Georgina Goodman. I truly am a fan of hers and I have so much respect for what she strives for in her brand. It's not all about the commerce but the art and love of designing and making shoes. She's also a very cool lady, who has an awesome shop in Mayfair! It was inspiring at the time of my visit, because I was still learning the craft, and her name was on the tips of tongues everywhere!

What I love most about Georgina Goodman's creations are her shoes that are Made in Mayfair. The handmade element wins with me every time. Below are some of the looks that are oh so delicious and totally Spring/Summer 08 appropriate.

Fotos Georgina Goodman (click to enlarge).

Beijos.

Discover: Mara Mac

Brasilian designer Mara Mac's Winter 08 collection has me ushering the Fall back in! I love the layering and all that violet, burnt orange, earthy browns, and greys has me giddy with delight! While Spring may be staring us in the face, I can tell Fall is going to be absolutely fun!

Fotos Mara Mac (click to enlarge)

Detail look at the shoes.

Beijos.

Head Accessories: Rizvi Millinery

I've never give much thought to hats, or any kind of headpiece, as I've never incorporated them into my wardrobe, even on a "bad hair day". I did however admire them from afar, from the ladies I see wearing them on their way to church on a Sundays, to my nana who wore them religiously and looked so chic doing it, and of course the queen of all hats {the late} Isabela Blow always inspired me, but not enough for me to take the plunge. However, this all changed when my aunt came to visit from London rockin' a Yasmin Rizvi hat! I wish I had taken a foto of her in it, but she promises to send me some when she returns to her side of the pond. She looked so ladylike with a bit of edge, it really was lovely.

I of course had to seek out the maker of all this loveliness, and to find that Rizvi Millinery has all kinds of wondefulnesss in each of their collections makes me want to own a few of them! The looks below are from Rizvi Millinery's A/W 08 and S/W 08 collection.

Fotos Rizvi Millinery (click to enlarge)

Beijinhos.

Simply Chic: Neal Sperling

I'm really loving the simplicity of these looks from Neal Sperling's Spring 08 collection. I love the light colours, the fabrics, and of course the splashes of blue. From the boardroom to the classroom, these looks rock!

Did I mention I love the shoes paired with each outfit? Yes, I really do!

Fotos Neal Sperling (click to enlarge)

Beijos.

It's My Birthday!

Oi amigos!

It's not quite my birthday yet -- it's on Monday, but since I'll be in beautiful Turks + Caicos with a few of my close friends and family, I wanted to to say how truly grateful I am for life and I'm truly looking forward to this birthday, because it's such a pivotal time for me, which adds an extra special flair to this year's celebration.

As my nana use to say "time is precious and fleeting" which is why I try my best to enjoy every single moment, because I'll never get those moments back, so I cherish them and live in the moment. I know it sounds like an affirmation and it is. What can I say, I love life and birthdays hehe!

***

This also marks my two-hundredth post/entry on this blog. Wow how she's progressed. I feel very accomplished when it comes to this place. Thank you all again for taking this ride with me thus far! Also to the bloggers who link to me, who comment, who send folks my way - I'm truly grateful. If I haven't linked to you, please let me know. To my fab readers, what more can I say besides muito obrigada and beijos e amor, you're the bomb truly!

Enjoy your weekend, peruse the archives, as I have so much more to share when I return on Tuesday.

Beijos e amor amigos.

Shoes + Bags: Due Farina + Aleya Handbags

I couldn't resist sharing these shoes and handbags from Due Farina and Aleya Handbags. I'm rather diggin' them! Who cares if the weather doesn't permit there is always September, and there is always breaking the trend rules of Spring!

I've always liked Due Farina, for their quirky offbeat shoes, I have a few pair in my closet, so I was a little giddy when perusing their current offerings. Now, while the buckle on the first boot dubbed the "Equestrian" (it comes in black as well) has me a little concerned, I think it could work on the right pair of legs. I absolutely love the "Casino" bags! The purple one has been ordered, I call it my early b-day gift, "from me to me" heh! I can't forget about bootie dubbed "Kashmir", so 80's, buy them and tuck them away for the perfect day.

Shop here, if you too would like a little Due Farina in your life.

Fotos Due Farina.

I'm really liking these particular bags from Aleya Handbags, and the colours are the real cherry toppers. There is something for everyone in their current collection of bags and clutches, but these are the ones I liked. The black "Wendy" Hobo, is rather rocker chic, and the "Maxine" Suede Hobo in Navy is electric! Then there are my two favourites, the "Laila" Satchel (top) and "Maya" (top) tote both in Cinnamon! I want to carry my entire life around in both, ha! Shop here if you'd like a little Aleya in your life.   

Fotos Aleya Handbags.

Be sure to click to enlarge all fotos.

Beijos. 

Discover: David Byun

Photographer David Byun takes really nice photos, his conceptual work is really something to get lost in. Very dreamy things are happening in all his work, from the beauty to the editorials. Go and indulge in his visual journey - you won't be disappointed.

I love how Alek just pops in all that colour, beautiful. I think Mr. Byun does an excellent job of playing-up the colours, it's rather perfect!

This looks like dress-up for a party. I love her hair, again the colours against the pale background, marvelous!

All Fotos David Byun.

Beijinhos.

You're So Vain

From time to time I pick-up a copy of Domino Magazine, because I'm slightly obsessed with making my home, reflect me in every way possible (the control freak in me hehe). I love their ideas, always fresh and clean. I always find something in each issue, that I adore. I hopped to their website today, in desperate need to find some great paint colours, and ended-up staying and falling head first for these vanities. The timing was pretty spot-on as I've been looking for one for months, so many thanks to Domino!

There are so many different things you can do to spruce-up your private space, love it!

And these!

All Fotos Domino Magazine.

Beijos.

Revisiting Colures Magazine

I always love going back to a discovery and seeing what's new and inspiring, and Colures Magazine, which I've shared before, doesn't falter. I love it! Noémie Lenoir graces the cover, and has some really beautiful shots inside the magazine - everything is perfect including the editorials.

Enjoy + revisit with me.

She's so beautiful, a photo from inside the pages.

And of course I had to make a collage, love it!

All Fotos Colures Magazine.

Beijinhos.

Certified Breathable: Web Love

Oi my lovelies! I hope everyone is enjoying their week thus far. I'm having a blast! I know I don't post as often, but many of you come back regardless, and stick with me - I promise bigger and better things are coming. I have plans for she breathes, and I'm grateful and thankful for the cool following this blog has gained. I love that many of you come, and stay for a while. So many come via google searching, so glad you could find what you're looking for via my virtual inspiration vault.

A few of you e-mailed me with concerns about seeing something I posted a few days ago, on another blog - it's all good. This happens and while I've dealt with a content thief here and there, someone sharing the same discovery is just that. So fret not loves. I know some come here, share what they find, but most link back to me, some don't, but that doesn't deter me from sharing and being inspired. I don't own what's not mines, I just share it. I only get concerned when the content is all mines (smile). This is yet another reason why I'm thankful for all of you, it says a lot that you were concerned, always muito obrigada!

***

Now, moving right along I've decided to bring back "Certified Breathable" because I'm all about sharing. Below a few of the blogs I read via google reader, because I want to keep-up with those I find too cool for words. And todays breathing lesson is all about my fellow bloggers, who I think are bringing it.

The ever cool and informative Diane of A Shaded View on Fashion, says "shame on you", and I'm inclined to agree.

Want some audio inspiration? Check-out the Mad Decent Blog, their love of Brasil, and the free downloads are sure to give cavities, and I love it! If you don't know, now you know.

I'm all about the shoes, sometimes the clothes really don't matter to me. Check-out the lovely photography from the Givenchy show, by Sonny Vandevelde! Be sure to subscribe to his blog you won't regret it.

Foto by Sonny Vandevelde

Inquiring Minds Magazine is a special online glossy, it's full of substance, and they cover fashion, art, design, photography, etc. One of my flickr friends Greg Washington is the creative director, yes he did all that fancy stuff for the website. Now if I could get him to pimp-out she breathes, I'd be his friend for life.

For my lads, check-out Inquiring Mind Magazine, Fashion Feature, see I have nothing but love for the men who support she breathes (smile).

Foto Inquiring Minds Magazine

For my ladies, check-out V-Magazine's Blog! Why? Because it's excessively tamed heh.

Foto V-Magazine Blog

More to come soon. For now click + breathe.

Beijos.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

Yes, I know I'm late, but to be truthful I'm not a fan of Fall fashion shows, I prefer the S/S looks, it has more do to do with the lack of colours, than the actual collections.

So yeah, I'm finally getting around to some looks from different Fall 08 collections, that I'm loving. I have more, and I will be in Paris next week, after my stint in LA this weekend. So expect to see more of what's inspiring me soon.

I'm adoring these looks from Alice + Olivia's Fall 08 collection! The colours, the nod to the 80's,  the styling, and how it was presented, screams "girls just wanna have fun"!

Give me the pink puff jacket/dress and I'll live-out all my childhood dreams. I see the ankle boots will live on, so I'll take a pair in yellow. But most of all I love the immediate feelings of care-free  coolness with these looks, no real trend mining, just wearing what you want, and looking good while doing it.

Fotos NY Mag.

Details of my favourite looks.

Detail Fotos Elle.

Beijinhos e amor.

Mac + Fafi

I'm sure by now that everyone has either heard about or seen the lovely collaboration between Parisian artist Fafi + Mac Cosmetics! I saw them during the cab ride home from JFK, via a window display, and literally smiled all the way home.

I've been a long time fan of Fafi (we're friends on myspace) and am completely overjoyed at her success. Her work is girly, fun, and cool, and it's a good move that Mac hooked-up with her. I plan on visiting a Mac store and getting my Fafi Mac on as soon as I'm home again.

You can get your Fafi + Mac on here and for more on Fafi visit her here.

Fotos TheCarmineVault

Beijos.

Colours of Spring

I'm loving these fotos from New York Magazine take on Spring 08 as art, very inspiring. What I find most appealing is how each background offsets the clothes they're using - all of which makes everything more visually appealing.

Fotos NY Mag. Marni Dress, Top/Skirt both Fendi, Dress Chloé, Gown Marni.

Beijos.

Handmade Luxe: Henry Beguelin

There is something beautifully organic about things handmade, and that includes shoes and handbags. Being a shoe designer, I never really think about the "time" factor when it comes to creating, but when I look at the Henry Beguelin brand, I remember the process. I think about the time it took to create each piece and of course the craft - all of it gives me a new respect for those in the factories, making flights of fancies come true.

Below are just a few pieces I'm loving from Henry Beguelin's current collection . Go, and discover more of these handmade beauties, or go and visit one of their stores, in the US (New York to California), Europe, or Japan. Click to enlarge.

Fotos Henry Beguelin

Beijinhos

Transcultural: Trace Magazine

I've been a huge fan of Trace Magazine for a few years now, mostly for their coverage of world music, but more recently for their ability to connect the fashion, film, and music world. Trace never fails to transcend cultures with their content. They've always been a magazine that catered to the new and authentic - drumming to their own beat, even after all these years.

Here are a few of my favourite covers, including the most recent one.

Fotos Trace Magazine.

Beijos.

Complex + Versatile: Jen Kao

Japanese designer Jen Kao's designs are so intricately complex, that upon first look you may miss the extra special detailing going on in her collections. From the shorts paired with jackets, and the long dresses, it's the patterns and colours that draw me in. The mixture of feminine and rough seems to be a signature of hers, that works and pulls the entire S/S 08 collection together for me.

While, I'm not personally a fan of trainers, long dresses paired with flats, the looks below are attainable, because I can easily see them on me, even if there is a bit of height deficiency. I'm always mindful when I'm laying to not stomp myself with a look - those 5'5 and under get this. For the first time I think I'll venture into the unknown, and perhaps post the results up in the very near future.

Be sure to visit Jen Kao's website, and discover the entire S/S 08 collection.

Fotos Jen Kao

Beijinhos.

Beautiful + Conscious: MADE

I stumbled upon MADE Accessories, when I was doing a bit of reading a few weeks ago, and couldn't resist sharing their message and accessories.

MADE carries the motto of "trade not aid", by sourcing their creations to disadvantaged countries across East Africa. They support the workers, by training and paying them fair wages. It's these very things, that's made me a fan of this brand. 

While I'm not much of a jewelry person, I do like the simple aesthetics of their designs, mix that with the wood and brass detailing and you have some real winners. Have a look at their online shop, as there is plenty to discover - promise it won't break your wallet, even if you don't reside in the UK.

A sample of their creations below.

Fotos Made (Click to enlarge)

Beijos.

Discover: Giselle Nasser

I'm still sifting through all that Milly has sent me from SPFW, but when I got to Giselle Nasser's current collection dubbed "Stella", I became so engrossed, that I had to visit her website - and what a pleasant website it is, especially the music.

Upon perusing her past collections, I came to the conclusion that her Winter 07 collection is the one with the most pieces, I'd love to own.  The structure, colours, and and intricate details, is all a form downplayed sexiness, which I can personally get with. I love the cobalt blue on Emanuela, perfect against her skin, and the weaved colour blocking is pretty amazing. And of course me being a lover of all things purple (and it's various shades); I'm loving how it's paired with blue and black. The pieces below don't restrict, or grab the female form, but rather mold to the woman with ease - something I can appreciate.

Details.

All Fotos Giselle Nasser (Click to Enlarge all Fotos).

Beijos e amor.