Ravishingly is a Midwest Gypsetter

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For all you indie loving girls out there : Brae of fashion blog Ravishingly is the perfect inspiration. Her use of girly accents like frilly skirts, floral halos and quirky animal accessories is balanced with a charmingly monotone expression in her daily outfit posts. Electric Frenchie got a chance to interview her. Doesn’t she looks darling in our Mink Pink unicorn top!?
Interview after the jump…

Q: What is on your playlist? 

A: It’s pretty diverse right now. I really like the new Disclosure album and I am into electronic music. SBTRKT is on rotation.

Q: You mentioned you have a frenchie too! What is his name and how did you come up with it?

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A: I got Vincent, my frenchie last November. His litter mate is with my cousin’s brother. Vincent got his name because I wanted to give him a pompous stereotypical French name… but after a few months I realized that Vincent isn’t even French, it’s italian!

Q: Any funny stories about posting/picture taking? How do you take your photos?

A:  I live in a small town in Montana so I am used to getting strange looks every time I walk out of the house. Also, because it’s a small town that is pretty spread out I can go ten minutes out of town and be completely secluded. So usually I set up a tripod and take photos myself. If I plan on going in public I definitely bring a friend to take photos for me. 

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Q: What excites you about indie fashion?

A: Anything goes. Thats the exciting part. It hasn’t been created yet. There isn’t a defined set of rules. You can make it whatever you want it to be. 

Q: If you could travel anywhere next week where would it be?

A: Definitely Japan. It may be cliche but I really want to check out the Harijuku scene. I love the culture and street style in Japan. 

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Q: Who are some of your favorite bloggers?

A: Olivia Lopez of Lust for Life is great. I also enjoy Pale Division out of Australia and Fated To Be Hated out of Las Vegas. 

Q:Who is your fave trend-setter. What ready to wear labels are you digging right now?

A: I like KTZ shoes. My friend showed me it recently and I love it. Shakuhachi out of Australian has amazing stuff. Stolen GF club out New Zealand. I am a shoe person. 

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Get her unicorn Mink Pink top here.  
Q: How long have you been blogging and what inspired you to get it started?

A: It’s been about a year now. I started b/c I joined lookbook.nu and I started checking out other pals blogs and thinking and I could do that. It usually depends on the weather when I get out to take photos. 

Q: What do you do when you aren’t blogging?

A: When its not Summer I go to school for Poly Sci with a minor in Media Arts… I don’t know what I am doing with it yet. I started pre-med and I don’t want to go to school for 15 hrs. I have a vintage shop too. I go to yard sales and find a lot of stuff. You never know what you are going to find… I love yard sales. Finding a box of mod clothing is like heaven.

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Q: Who are you fashion icon(s)?

A: I wouldn’t say I have any per se. I like to look to the average and ordinary things in life for style inspiration. 

Q: What pieces at Electric Frenchie make your heart skip a beat?

A: My pics include the Temple Beaded vest by Somedays Lovin’, The Finders Keepers Memphis Blues dress in black, Mink Pink cheeky studded shorts & the rose colored silk turban

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Be sure to check out Brae’s blog Ravishingly for your daily inspiration because while she can find inspo in the ordinary things in life, her outfits are anything but ordinary and definitely worth checking out!

 

Behind the Scenes : The Love Club Lookbook

From inspiration boards to reality, follow us through The Love Club look book photo shoot in Behind the Scenes with Electric Frenchie.

The lookbook debuts August 2nd here

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While gathering inspiration I was attracted to the juxtaposition of lace and wood, soft and rustic. The forest habitat & natural watering hole was refreshing and the perfect back drop to beautiful models in elegant bohemia.

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The trees at the shoot location were massive and the perfect canvas for lace doilies. While the girls were setting up the location, a squirrel ran down and stole one the antique pieces of lace for their nest home. I guess squirrels care about shabby-chic decor too!

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Stylist Christian Ramirez always spoils us with the most amazing high-end designer pieces to complete the luxe boho vibe we love so much. From the sparkly Prada shoes to the amazingly ornate Rodarte heels, the models’ feet enjoyed some designer love.

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For any of you who aren’t familiar with Lorde, I highly recommend her youthful and upbeat music. Wise beyond her 17 years, she sings of “The Love Club”, a clique in school who has everything and yet no one. She describes the “girls on top” and it reminded us of our beautiful models effortlessly floating about in accessible bohemian clothing that looks so much more expensive than it is. Her song was the inspiration for our pre-fall look book shoot.

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Everyone, hands-on, to create the perfect shot. There is a makeup artist and three assistants out of this picture. The other two models are waiting in the cold RV in between takes!

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Emilie gets her makeup done by pro Alyssa Garcia in a Gucci raven feather jacket that Jessica Alba wore the next day for a photoshoot!

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After a 14 hour day we were tired but really happy because we were given small surprises through out the day (like a life size bird cage that happen to be on the premises) and had a team that worked really well together. Doing what you love for work is a blessing.

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#frenchiedoesla

So we visited Los Angeles and fell in love with the City of Angels. Day one was reserved for a jog in Hollywood Hills and brunch. Followed by a lazy day at Santa Monica Beach. After that it was all fashion business… which was really just having more fun.

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We had a chance to visit with Penelope Time’s Chanelle Laurence for a yummy so-cal lunch at Lemonade. The food was healthy and they managed to make veggies scrumptious. Not to mention they had amazing watermelon/rose-mary lemonade.

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Afterwards we heading to Gypsy Junkie’s new digs on Sunset Boulevard! Filled with beautiful silks, patterns and a lot of sunlight, we were honored to be the first retailer to see the S/S 14’ line of boho amazingness.

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After that it was time for a mani/pedi before heading off to our exclusive blogger dinner that Chanelle co-hosted with us at The Little Door, where we saw Steven Tyler! We had a great time, talking about our favorite clothing lines and the different things that make our respective cities cool.

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I am wearing our new Cameo Wierd Science Pants (obsessed!) and a Gypsy Junkies Mimi Fringe top… and I couldn’t get enough of this hat our stylist Jenny Woys let me borrow for the trip!

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From L. to R. : Locks & Trinkets, Walk in Wonderland, Honey N’ Silk, Penelope Times, my hubby, me, Talia with Closets for Causes

These girls have great blogs and we look forward to working with all of them in the future. You should check out their daily style posts for inspiration!

While sunny California is amazing, we were happy to get back to Austin, where we are hosting a pop-up shop this week at Stubb’s. If you are in the Austin area, Red Bull is hosting a concert with Dandy Warhols + Theophilis London this Saturday from 6-10pm and we’ll be there with Summer clothing and jewelry.  

XO, 

Chonie

Style Guide + Lineup Match for Lollapalooza 2013

Who’s going to Lollapalooza?? No matter who you are going there to see, make sure you look your best! Besides the music, people watching is an integral part of Lollapalooza or any other music fest. Electric Frenchie has come up with five outfit ideas, inspired by some of the hottest bands featured at Lollapalooza this year, so that you can feel confident about stepping out in style. Let us know which outfit is your favorite and share your festie pics on Instagram by hashtagging #frenchies    image

Items Pictured: Gypsy Junkies Mimi Fringe Tunic in Black, Semi Precious Jasper Stone Feather Bracelet, Pyrite Buddha Bracelet

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Items Pictured: Burnout Leopard Jacket by Lovers and Friends, Pink Stitch Swing Tank in Chartreuse, Nia Black Lace Hot Shorts by Dress The Population, Vintage Gatsby Bracelet in Emerald, Tri Lions Necklace, Vintage Endearment Bracelet    

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Items Pictured: Set the Mood Beaded Bodice Cropped Top by Keepsake, Hiding My Heart Biscuit Tan with Pink Shorts by Finders Keepers, Gold Coast Wrap Bracelet in Turquoise, Finders Keepers Let Love Rule Bomber in Navy, Laughing Buddha with Rhinestones Bracelet in HoneyLaughing Buddha with Rhinestones Bracelet in Green, Thai Embroidered Makeup Bag

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Items Pictured: Lace Me Over Teal Blouse by Champagne and Strawberries, Semi Precious Turquoise Stone Feather Bracelets, Thai Embroidered Crossbody Bag in Multi Swirl

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Items Pictured: Mink Pink Cheeky Studded Shorts in Mint, Quartz Spirit Crystal Necklace, Semi Precious Green Stone Feather Bracelet, Pyrite Buddha Bracelet 

How to Pack for Lollapalooza 2013

It’s that time of the year again. Countless troops of young Indies, Bohems and other music lovers, clad in hair chalk, flower hairbands and cameras, set upon Chicago to hear their favorite bands at the annual music festival, Lollapalooza. Number one rule for any music fest is not to overpack. Electric Frenchie breaks down what necessities to throw into your bag to ensure a great time and no worries.

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The nights can get cold and windy in Chicago so be sure to bring along a coverup and different kinds of shoes. A swimsuit for the scorching days and a bevy of beauty products will all fit in your Stela 9 weekender!

Packing for the Entire Trip

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For daily use, keep it light, with a small to mid-size backpack. Make sure you have a hat, a backup phone charger, and don’t forget your cash before you get hit up for $10 atm fees! Long days in the sun are great but don’t forget your water (in between drinks) and suncare. 

Packing for the Day

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Designer Spotlight : Stela 9

Photo by Kristen Wrzesniewski

Stela 9 nails the serape trend in their southwestern collection of travel bags and cute backpacks. Recently celebrated by the Zoe Report, the unique collection has a cool back story and blog about their extensive travels scouting for fabrics and finishings.

Items are handmade by skilled artisans in Guatemala  Stela 9 directly contributes to the livelihood & sustainability of the indigenous communities that these cherished items travel from.

The Isabella weekender that recently arrived was a must in our Summer lookbook, Bold Paradise, an homage to a travelling beauty in search of the sea and sunshine. 

The designer lives the life of a jetsetter, which fits the bill of an ex-archeologist. Stela 9 was started in the summer of 2010 with a wife and husband who were used to scavenging for gems and beautiful materials. 

Our next delivery of Stela 9 includes an adorable back pack with black and white aztec print, pom poms and coin detailing. It’s swoon-worthy and will be available mid-late July!

Collectables and reasonably priced, this collection is a new favorite of the Electric Frenchie team!

Designer Spotlight : Dress the Population

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An edgy yet elegant LA-based fashion brand designed for a sophisticated, sexy woman who knows how to have fun. Learn more about the designer and what pieces from the Summer collection we knew you would love!

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Love the tailoring detail on this shift dress! The lace arm cut out is feminine and gives that hint of skin we love in the Summer! The Lily dress is summer soiree’ approved.

The designer and creative director, Franklin Morales, grew up in California & has an organic California girl aesthetic. Party dresses, vibrant prints and touches of lace describe the collection. All pieces are produced in California.

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These shorts are hot, hot hot shorts! Crochet lace with stretch and beautiful cut outs representative of the Summer collection on the Nia Short.

Where would you wear these DTP wow-pieces?

Christen is a Great Lakes Gypsetter

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At Electric Frenchie, we love a girl that can mix up fringe and lace. Christen is a master of switching up her look on the daily for her fashion blog Two Happy Hearts. She took a few minutes to share some tips for fashion bloggers, spill who her favorite style icons are, and brought her #frenchiestyle to the Farmer’s Market.

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Christen is wearing UK brand Yumi teal scallop shorts from Electric Frenchie. 

EF: Where does the name “Two Happy Hearts” come from?

2HH: The blog is a collaboration of myself and my husband. He takes all of the photos. He is a perfectionist so that can be tough when it’s cold but he is my best friend so I am comfortable taking photos with him.

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EF: You change your hair up on the regular. Loving this bright red right now! What is your favorite hair trend?

2HH: Well, I am liking the red right now. I use the same dye every time but the red changes from a deep red to coppery. I use “Red” by Wella.

EF: Who are your style icons of all time?

2HH: Marilyn Monroe, Edie Sedgwick, and Audrey Hepburn

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EF: Do you have any advice for bloggers who want to get started?

2HH: Stay true to what you love. Try not to compare yourself to other bloggers. There is a quote I like “Comparison is the thief of joy”. Also, reaching out to other bloggers. It’s amazing how supportive the blogger community can be of each other.

EF: How do you enjoy one hour of “me” time?

2HH: Lately I have been trying to read more. I am reading Under Wild Wood by Colin Meloy right now it is soooo good! It’s part of an excellent series.

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EF: If you could travel anywhere for your next trip, where would you vacation?

2HH: Europe. I have never been and would love to go with my husband to France, Italy and Turkey.

EF: What is on your Spotify playlist right now?

2HH: Teagan and Sara & Lana Del Rey

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EF: We love how varied your style is. What inspired you to start designing clothes with your sister Kylie?

2HH: We created Midnight & Dawn together because we both love vintage and wanted to be able to create universally flattering clothes that are timeless. If I am inspired by a fabric I love, I will build from there. Sketch some ideas and start the pattern.

For anyone who hasn’t checked out Christen’s blog or design line, get to it! The clothing line has some amazing little people clothes that make us want a baby to dress up. Christen and her husband do a great job of expressing their creativity and sharing a piece of their daily life with the blogosphere. 

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Get the Look…

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Inspired by Gossip Girl. In Season 3 Serena wears a Marchesa gown to a wedding, looking like the perfect guest for a fancy fet’e. Recreate the look with a gold wrap bracelet and our new Keepsake Tidal Wave Maxi dress.

10 Garden DIY Mini-Projects

Inspired by Summer’s beautiful flowers and my friends’ lovely yards, I decided to gather up some backyard DIY ideas that are both affordable and innovative. If you try any of these yourself – we’d love to see photos! You can comment with a link to yours below!

Idea #1

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Make a peacock with a garden pot holder and your favorite wine bottles. Or you can cheat and buy one for $75 here.

See 8 more ideas (like nighttime water bottle bowling..yes!) after the jump!

Idea #2

If you have steps going down to a pool, create a nice water fountain by purchasing a submersive pump and appropriate hose. Definitely for the advanced DIY’er, here is a helpful how-to that talks about the logistics of digging for a pump and water flow. Read here.

Idea #3

It’s super cute and only requires some paint, flowers, old tin barrels that can be found at a junkyard and small umbrellas found at the dollar store.

Idea #4

Create a fancy garden structure where there is no grass with retired tires, wooden pegs, a tin base (with holes in it for watering) and soil.

Idea #5

Creating a structure with wood (hello hunky carpenter friend!) and old milk cartons, you can create a starter herb garden. See what kind of herbs work for your environment, then commit to planting them in the ground.

Idea #6

This is really to show off the bottles on the wall so ignore the over-complicated DIY above. A plastic bottle has two holes on either side so that wire can be fed through. A large nut under the bottle keeps it in place on the wire. Then cut out a place for your plant and soil!

Idea #7

One of my favorite finds! Glow in the dark water bottle bowling. Get glow sticks (which everyone loves anyways, and should keep many in-stock at the house) and water bottles. Add a kickball.. DONE!

Idea #8

This looks like a magical fairyland and it all it took was some hanging lanterns, which can be found at a local goodwill or home decor super center, and ladders. Add tea lights when you want some extra ambiance. If you have mosquitos like we do in Texas, put citronella mini-candles in your ladders!

Idea #9

Another really fun idea for kiddos (or adults, who’s kidding). Find square rocks at your local Home Depot or Lowes and find some circle rocks to throw some paint on. Minutes of entertainment!