Although we’ve featured bits and pieces of Ruche here before, I wanted to do a full post on some of their lovely women’s fashion trends today.  Have you spent time looking through ShopRuche.com?  It’s one of the greatest things since sliced bread (not even exaggerating).  I love their indie/vintage looks.  My fashion dreams now consist of filling my entire closet with Ruche items… and their JEWELRY is so dreamy, too.  But, alas… I need to quit typing and start showing you why I’m so crazy about them!

Sprouting Up – http://www.shopruche.com/outfits-sprouting-up-c-24_114.html

Even though this shirt has sold out, I had to feature it.  Isn’t it lovely?  And I think it could work beautifully to be made modest with a pretty v-neck/scoop-neck shirt underneath, especially with sleeves that end at the elbow.  It would also look gorgeous with a simple cardigan on top.  You’d want to leave it open, though, so the lovely embellishing could shine through.  I think the thing that draws me most to this outfit is the simple colors (tan/khaki with white linen pants) with the bright pop of blues in the embellishing.  This top would also be fabulous for people like me that need some proportion-compensating for not being as well-endowed in the chest region (a.k.a. members of the “flat like a wall” club).

Picture Frames – http://www.shopruche.com/outfits-picture-frames-c-24_116.html

This is a really great outfit, combo.  I especially am crazy about the belted look in the final picture.  The top is quite loose fitting, but it’s well-balanced by the form-fitting leggings.  This looks like such a comfortable outfit that wouldn’t look sloppy.  It could work well for a day running errands with the kiddos or even a get-together with friends.  Since I’m a food photographer by profession, I have this vision of things that work well as a “photographer outfit” and this would definitely classify as something I’d wear to a shoot.  It would look professional, but still casual enough for my clients to feel comfortable (even though I’d be so drop-dead sexy they’d have a hard time focusing on the food – always a problem… ha, ha).  Just fabulous.

Orange Sherbet – http://www.shopruche.com/outfits-orange-sherbet-c-24_100.html

I also have a BIG thing for orange… oddly enough my high school’s colors were green and orange (lucky, right?).  This orange top is just gorgeous.  I love the pin tucks along the bottom, as well as the vintage embroidery across the bodice.  They’ve paired it perfectly with the chocolate-colored cardigan and sailor pants (aren’t sailor pants AWESOME?!!).  Yes, I’ll take this whole outfit right away please.

Here’s some of my favorite tops: Celestial Embroidery Tank, Poplin Zipper Top, Daisy Wings Cap Sleeve Top and the Bella Embroidered Striped Tunic

And a few fun shoes: Pink Studio Leisa gray platform wedge sandals, Gray Studded Pointy Heels and Rocket Dog “Dart” frayed canvas ballet flats (I love Rocket Dog shoes!!)

Here’s some of their sexy earrings: Up Up and Away Dangling Earrings, Coral Moondrop Swarovski Earrings, Mini Mesh Rose Earrings in Silver, Golden Flower Drop Earrings, Jaded Dangling Hoop Earrings by Ollipop and Golden Daisy Sparrow Drop Earrings

A few rad bags: Box Pockets Purse in Chestnut, Leaf Bag in Avocado and Take Me With You Clutch

I love these necklaces: Not So Typical Diamond Locket Necklace by Thursday Island, Cream Rose Indie Necklace, Cherokee Feather Necklace by Thursday Island and All in a Dream Sparrow Necklace

To-die-for accessories: Chenin Grape Scarf in Chocolate, Sweet Sage Flower Headband, A Straw Hat for Huck’s Girl, Grey Berriflower Headband, Mustard Seed Ruffled Scarf and Astrantia Melody Headband

And now, the grand finale… yummy rings: Flower Child Oval Cocktail Ring by Ollipop, Purple Quartz Daisy Ring by Ollipop, Baby’s Breath Ring by Ollipop, Lost in Time Capsule Cocktail Ring by Ollipop, Lorelei Pearl Ring and Green Leaf Flower Ring

So…. are you loving Ruche like I am?  I’d love to hear your thoughts!

I don’t know about you, but I am LOVING the neck scarves that have been trending in fashion during 2009 and now 2010.  I’ve always loved scarves, but there really hasn’t been much variety until the past 8-10 months when scarf selection has just exploded!  On a little Etsy hunt I found these fab “Neck Rags” made by the creative chick behind Textile Monster.

Neck Rag in Gray, Tipped in Turquoise – $22.00

One in every color?  Ummm.. YES, PLEASE.  You should check out the entire color selection in Textile Monster’s store… yummy!

Have you gotten into the scarf scene yet?  How do you wear your scarves – everyday accessory or only with a coat when it’s cold?  What are your favorite scarf looks?

This post is a continuation of my previous Fashion Friday post.

Increased consumer education in a shaky economy is a common cycle or trend throughout fashion history. We are headed for some really amazing times in fashion and in our future! I can’t wait to see the creativity and intelligence that burst out of the ashes of the economy!

Tuesday Morning Hairpin Set by Hot Pink Chick – $14.00

Handcrafted, One-of-a-Kind
Because we value supporting our economy and neighbors, consumer education is going up. We want to know that we’re getting quality items that will last. We want to know who makes it – that there is a real person behind it that we can trust, because we have a distrust for the “too big to fail” companies and their motives. Quality is important now – not quantity. You know you aren’t wasting money on corporate handouts and large overhead.

Large Boulder Opal Necklace by Sandrandan – $24.00

Though we will see a variety of items from the internet moving across the country, we will see the spectrum moving closer and closer to home. We have already seen the influence bloggers can have because we trust them. It will just get closer to home as we want to meet those we are putting our trust in. We need to get to know people so that we can understand their motives. Are they just out there to make a buck? Or do they really care about and understand their customers and products.

Rosette Jersey Scarf by Sue Bradbury – $24.00

We will also move toward locally-made because the well educated, jobless people in our communities will start making better products of their own, with higher quality, cutting costs. Sellers will look at “how low can I get the price?” instead of “how much can I charge?” We will get a lower cost, better quality item from someone we trust. Basically it is BACK to the AMERICAN WAY.

Monument Earrings by LKFarnsworth Studio – $19.00

Be sure to subscribe and Google Friend Follow CreatedByChicks.com to never miss a Fashion Friday installment!

— Part 2 in a 2-part series: Part 1 – Fashion Friday Bring in the New Year with Color! (due to technical internet issues, this post is showing today, rather than Friday when it was originally intended) —

As we move from 2010 Spring/Summer weather into Fall/Winter life, the tone in color obviously has a cooler mood. But mentally we don’t totally change from one color to another. So our muted lilac from summer now has a little gray added to neutralize it and calm the intensity. This new deeper purple is called eggplant.  (Click on pics to be redirected to the item in their store).

Hand Woven and Hand Dyed, Pure Wool Shawl by SR’ design – $40.00

The vibrant bold blues will move to a sustainable navy. Navy is a classic for business and most other occasions. More women will be joining the workforce to try to supplement reduced family incomes or take over where a job has been lost. The mature business mentality of both navy blue and dull lilac will be admired for sophisticated occasions.

Stylish soft jersey V neck wrap dress in navy blue and plum by Daniella Besso – $120.00

Velvet Millinery Flowers in Midnight Blue for Fascinators, Hats, Corsages, Brooches, Altered Art by Mary, not Martha – $6.95

The vibrant Raspberry or fuchsia of the summer will be lightened, softened, and toned down to almost a pink; but you can still see the blue undertones that give it a raspberry feeling. This will be idealistic for casual activities. It has a younger, more spontaneous, yet feminine look for daytime clothing.

Crocheted Raspberry Newsboy Cap by Winona Min – $36.00

The vibrant tangerine will also tone down, so much in fact that it will seem more like a vibrant, skin tone. This will be great for layering in different weights with a stark white for contrast and to show off its color.

The eco-friendly green that was so playful in the summer becomes almost a seafoam teal. This color will soften the sharper business cuts of clothing.

Green and Orange Flower Clip by Blue Yodey Baby Boutique – $2.75

Opal is the gem that will tie in any color from this palate – so any piece of jewelry containing this iridescent stone will be the crowning touch of your wardrobe.

Precious Stone Blues by Jellies Jewelry – $188.00

CHA–CHA CELESTE. luminous gemstone charm Ring by Beijo Flor – $49.00

All this month I’ll be talking about 2010 color and fashion trends, so be sure to subscribe and Google Follow (sidebar) CreatedByChicks.com so you don’t miss any of it!

Fashion is not as unpredictable as the “authorities” we rely on to dictate fashion try to make us think it is. So before you read any further I will give you a warning, you will learn about fashion and how to make your own decisions here, I don’t believe in dictating fashion just predicting which can be done with extreme accuracy.

Montana Sky cowl and winter white rose brooch by Felted – $68.00

The first principle you must learn before picking out what to wear this Christmas is what is the basic mindset most people are in, then you can figure out what will appeal to them. Considering this we can say that right now the economy is the main point on most Americans minds. Many are tight with money, lost a job, or are just grateful they have a job. This cuts out excess in just about everyone’s minds. We are making more intelligent consumer decisions and making sure things will last. Consumers are in the middle of an intellectual revolution. We value the resourceful, the durable, long lasting, economical, eco-friendly and reliable items. We also look back to those who have already experienced this kind of economy and learn from them- our grandparents and those who lived in the 1930’s.

Teal Satin Flower Hair Pins by Nomsa – $11.00

Having said this, we can now predict what is going to be a hit at your Christmas party. This Christmas is not about how expensive or perfect your dress. This Christmas is about Classics, simple, handcrafted- SENTIMENT. So what does a sentimental Holiday dress look like? Think long term, a dress you can wear for the next 10 years, a dress you daughter will ask if she can get out of your closet and wear in 20 years. Look for long, sleek feminine lines and fabrics.

Simple solid colors for dresses. Your basic dress should be a neutral or basic color specifically antiqued white, gray or of course red, are always tasteful. If that doesn’t sound spicy enough accessorize with a broach from your grandmother and a headband or scarf from your favorite boutique and you will be the talk of the evening. Indigo is the hottest holiday color this season one indigo accessory or blouse will go very far. If you can’t find indigo royal blue or somewhere close to that will do. Try white or copper color accessories with the blue. For Jewelry go for pearls or semi-precious stones.

Gray felt flower brooches (set of 3) by podgehodge – $30.00

Fabrics should be natural fiber or a close imitation. They last longer if you care for them properly and have a classier look to them. Evening dresses and blouses will really look classy in a soothing classic satin and will stand out for a long time to come. Business or work parties should be woven wool for dresses and suits and accented with a soothing creamy satin.

Red Felt Flower Sampler (set of 6) by Crafty D’s Creations – $4.50

If you are really trying to figure out what to wear for that classy casual daytime event try my old favorite- Felt! Look into it. It is not expensive, get a felt flower and it can improve any daytime ensemble. You can wear it in your hair, on a headband, as a broach, or even on your purse, but whatever you do be creative and classy. Knitted, felted, ruffled, fabric accessories.

Since the old American way of ingenuity and resourcefulness is prized right now, try and make something yourself, or if you are not so good with your hands but can pick something out with your eyes, buy it from a boutique in your neighborhood. Don’t forget to support all those great chicks around here when times are tough and a lot of people are trying to make extra money from what can be made with their hands.

Felted Rose Flower with Long Crocheted Lariat/Scarf/Necklace/Bracelet/Belt by Big Frozen Melon – $48.00

Though we are buying locally we know that the economy is hard all around the world and we value all peoples and cultures for being humans, so find an international print to add some flair and culture. Like I said before, Sentiment and concern for those around you is at a high, fashion isn’t without a heart.

It’s getting colder & the fashion is getting hotter!!  Today we’re featuring the creativity of Manonknits.  I LOVED this gorgeous scarf as soon as I saw it!!!  (click on the pics to be redirected to the item on the original site)

Pink Panther – $65.00 - cobweb felted lace thin scarf was created by wet felting – an antique technique of manufacturing non-woven fabric. Bright pink merino wool was blended with white silk fibers and hand felted. This felt is so lightweight and so sheer that you can see right through it!  PINK PANTHER cobweb felted lace scarf is very thin but warm for all seasons. Just that bit of added warmth to make the day perfect. Scarves made in this way are very easy to wear and they drape beautifully.

But then I thought it looks so thin that would it even hold up for wearing it through the whole season (especially with my kids tugging at my neck).  Check out what Manonknits says about that:

Care: This scarf looks very delicate but it is made for everyday use, the more you wear and wash it the more beautiful and soft the felt will become.

Completely fabulous!!  Things HAVE to be durable at my house or they don’t last & I just adore when an item says it gets more beautiful each time you wash & wear it!!!  Right on!!  Here’s some other to-die-for designs from Manonknits:

First Greens – $66.00

Sunny – $66.00

So are you rushing to snag one right now?!!  They are sooooo beautiful!  It would be really interesting to watch the process of how they’re made – don’t you think?

And, yes, I did mention a jacket.. isn’t this adorable?!  It’s funky & fun with a bit of the Grecian draping kind of style that’s so popular right now.

Fuchia Coat – $449.00

Thanks for your fabulously creative creations, Manonknits!!!  Loving your designs!!!

Today I’m featuring the creative chicks behind Shade Clothing & all their hot, fall fashions.  I’ve been a fan of Shade Clothing from the beginning (have 4 of the original Shade short-sleeve t-shirts from years ago) and their fall line makes me so excited!!!  It’s been really fun to watch this company evolve.  I’m also a big fan for how they’re using social media to get the word out about their sweet clothes (I stay update via their Facebook page).

Check out some of my faves (click on pic to be redirected to original site):

V-Neck Placket Top – $32.50

Floral Scarf – $14.50

(Can use the Scoop Neck 3/4 Sleeve w/Cuff shirts also pictured here in so many ways, especially for layering.  They are a MUST for fall!)

Denim Skirt – $42.50 (Isn’t this so stinkin’ cute?!!)

Terry Peacoat – $44.50 (I am in LOVE with this jacket – be still my heart!)

The creative chicks behind Shade Clothing have such a great mission for their business & clothing: “make clothes that help women feel comfortable and happy.”  Can you have a better mission than that?  All of Shade Clothing’s fashions are made to be perfectly modest.  No more tugging on the back of your shirt when you sit down, no more pulling up your neckline when you bend over, and no more adjusting your hemline every time you sit or stand.  I love it!  They also have a nice line of maternity clothing which is fabulous for when you get towards the end of the pregnancy & have a hard time keeping that belly covered.  These creative chicks saw a need & filled it… fashionably & affordably!  Keep up the creativity Shade Clothing!  We’re diggin’ it!