{ La Dolce Vita }

Kelly Framel — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 04:00:09 +0000

It’s the black and white world of Fellini, filled with languid starlets and drowsily wasted afternoons. It’s lunching in the park and dancing in the fountain. It’s hopping aboard a carousel just to catch a rarefied whiff of summer wind. It’s my wish for you, that today be filled with delicious dresses and uninterrupted daydreams. |PRIMARY SS2013| starring Victoria Anderson and Alexandra Pungitore for Wilhelmina Models |PHOTOGRAPHY| by Greg Swales |STYLING| by Kelly Framel |HAIR| by Matthew Green |MAKEUP| by Zulieka Acosta

|CLICK HERE| for another peek at my work with Primary!

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{ On The Topic Of Trends }

Kelly Framel — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 04:00:15 +0000

Recently I’ve undertaken several professional exercises (this Nordstrom shoot, plus an upcoming magazine story) that have required me to confront the question of trends. What’s happening now? What’s coming next?! They’re a funny construct; we’re each striving to ascertain and fine-tune our distinctive styles, and yet it’s nearly impossible to be immune to the whims of the zeitgeist (what fun is there in fighting anyway?!). Assuming we avoid slavish devotion to the industry’s whims, I think casually following fashion’s trends is a great way to stay inspired and to tangibly experience a moment in time. Pick and choose the ones that work for you, but don’t be afraid to try the ones that scare you a bit too.

For example, anything veering into sporty territory has always been a little uncomfortable for me. But I bought a few oversized sweatshirts to style into this recent Celadon + Celery story, aiming for a juxtaposition between the opulence of the flower crowns and the simplicity of said knitwear. Much to my own surprise, I’ve worn them countless times since ~ not just when getting gritty, but even to business meetings and dinners. Who’d have thunk?! Sport is suddenly terribly chic; I probably own more sneakers now than I have in my entire lifetime. Granted, that still adds up to only 3 or 4 pairs, but the point is that I have fallen victim to one of the year’s biggest trends, and I’m definitely not mad about it. I love the Philip Lim side-zip version I got to wear on set, and I’m surprisingly into this whole hoodie-under-blazer situation. Alexander Wang’s fair isle interpretation is chic enough for city or country (and is draped oh-so insouciantly!), as is J Brand’s cutout iteration. Never has sweat looked so crisp.While I’ve really surprised myself with this casual swaying, something a bit more feminine is closer to my own wheelhouse. I think I’ve told you before about how I would fight with my mother as a child, when she’d try to dress me in adorable overalls, and I would insist that I only wear dresses!! This predilection eventually led to a several-year-career as an eveningwear designer, during which time I wouldn’t even wear jeans. Of course, my lifestyle has evolved and those days are long gone ~ but I’ll always be a girl who likes getting dressed up.
Back in those designing days, I thought a LOT about what makes a great dress, and I believe it’s hitting that sweet spot between elegant restraint and a slight sexiness. Most importantly, I’ve found that a full-ish skirt is flattering on everyone. You can knock it out of the park in a perfect LBD, or go more girlish in this summer’s loveliest laces. Carven’s maroon version has a baby blue back, which makes for a really unexpected, modernizing twist on a relatively traditional look. I felt honored to wear the Valentino variation from our shoot (the delicate beading on it is nothing short of divine in real life), and I’m attracted to the way this multicolored one suits my current, more bohemian mood. This is the time of year when everyone seems to be getting married, and Erdem’s emerald offering would be appropriate in practically any nuptial locale ~ from church to beach and everywhere in between.
Sometimes it sounds disingenuous when magazines declare things like: “leather is in!” ~ because is it ever actually out? But looking back at my notebook from last fashion week, I can confirm that it was on every runway in such a major way that it is unquestionably a significant trend. We saw leather used so overtly, applied to everything from the expected outerwear to oddballs like flight suits and socks (no joke). I think every gal should own a great leather jacket. It’s the sort of investment piece that will last you a decade, just getting better & better with age and wear and loving misuse. Leather shorts are also a great way to bring a little rock n’ roll vibe into your summertime nights, then layer up with tights and chunky knits come fall. And while no one needs a leather dress, they sure are fun. I have two hanging in my closet, and every time I pull one out I know there’s an adventure about to be had. What more could you hope for from your clothes?I generally choose what to wear based on context: where am I now, where will I go today, and what getup will guarantee me the best time throughout it all? Anything leopard is always a pretty reliable answer to those questions. It works just about anywhere, it mixes well with just about anything, and it hides a multitude of sins: spilled lunch, the wrinkles of a long day, or even a bit of bloat seem to be magically camouflaged by this brilliant print. To wit, the L’agence dress I wore in this shoot was both blissfully forgiving and also subtly sexy, ruching and ebbing and flowing as it does in all the right places. Phillip Lim’s sculpted number is pretty much a high-fashion sweatshirt, so it’s really killing two trends at a time. Haute Hippie’s whispery silk blouse is a no-brainer (we all need one), and this maxi dress is the sort of thing you can dress up or down and wear all around. Still easing into the idea of animal? A compact little bag is the ideal way to test drive the versatility of this motif ~ I dare you to find a look it won’t work with.Slightly more challenging (for me at least), is the realm of technicolor chroma. For several seasons now, everyone’s been wearing neon, and I just haven’t been able to get into it. My eye craves a calming aura, a more natural palette. As such, I’m loving the classic reds and blues popping up everywhere; it gets me out of my too-easy, all-black NYC routine, and it’s hard not to feel uplifted when your shirt matches the springtime sky.Christopher Kane always kills it in the prints department, and this dress (so similar to the skirt I wore) is what I hope to see cool girls like Chelsea Leyland wearing with flats out in Montauk this summer. Back in the city, I love a satin shoe with ripped-up denim, and as I’ve said before, any time is the right time for a classically-fitted, full-skirted frock. This pretty printed one simply screams summer!
Speaking of flats, I’ve been feeling the heel-less life more and more lately; wobbling around in sweat-filled high heels just seems un-summery. But it’s not just that. Maybe I’m getting older, busier, or perhaps more practical ~ but I am truly into flat shoes in a whole new way. For years, I’d easily spend hundreds of dollars on pumps, then skimp on more practical pairs, but the tides are turning. It started with sandals, evolved into slippers, and now I’ve got my eye on some downright dapper oxfords. This metallic Miu Miu pair obviously appeals to the glamoratti in me ~ that pointed toe is just too too! But I’m also really into the idea of a supremely classic menswear silhouette. Tod’s makes my favorite pair, while Saint Laurent rounds out at a very close second.What’s your take on this whole business of trends? And which of this season’s highlights appeal to you most? Any of them surprise you? Bewitch or bemuse you? Confound, confuse, or seduce you? Tell me everything!

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{ Throwing Shade }

Kelly Framel — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:32:06 +0000

With the sunshiny seasons finally in full effect, I’ve been on the hunt for a fresh set of shades, and fell hard for this Warby Parker pair. Are you familiar with these guys yet? I’ve been a fan of their work for some time, and already have a prescription pair that I wear every night. The brand is built on a promise to make good in the world, and for every piece they sell, a parallel pair goes to someone who would not otherwise have access to glasses. They’ve built a genuinely empowering system, and it’s a nice start-of-the-week reminder to find some way ~ big or small ~ to leave each day better than we found it. |PHOTOS| by Austin Phelps

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{ Bus Stop Style }

Kelly Framel — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:44:10 +0000

Flip-flopping between the city and the pretty has meant a lot of bus and train rides for me in recent weeks ~ and this has pretty much been the uniform for such journeys. This vintage jacket has hardly left my side for the past two months, I’ve worn holes in this t-shirt already, and these boots…. well, I’ve always wanted a pair and finally took the plunge. Margiela has a kind of magic that’s immensely difficult to resist. |WEARING| Kamalikulture sunnies, vintage jacket, ATM Anthony Thomas Melillo t-shirt, DL1961 jeans, Margiela boots, necklaces by Monica Rich Kosann and Jennifer Zeuner, bracelets by Phillips House and Jennifer Zeuner, rings from too many trips to Catbird|PHOTOS| by Austin Phelps

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{ Dancing in the Street }

Kelly Framel — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 14:30:46 +0000

Life has been a little scattered for me lately, and not in a bad way. Like I mentioned to you HERE, I’ve been spending a lot of time out east, painting a massive mural inside an airstream trailer. It was supposed to be a quick and easy weekend project, but I have a bad habit of going all-in on everything ~ meaning I got really into it, the idea evolved, and somehow it’s turned into over 6 weeks of on-and-off work. In order to keep things moving on it, and also keep up with my clients, meetings and shoots in the city, I’ve been constantly crisscrossing back and forth between country and concrete till my head spins! But it’s felt good to throw myself into a creative project unrelated to fashion. I’ve missed painting; it’s something I grew up doing and then haven’t done for nearly a decade. There are never enough hours or days to do all the different projects I’d like to do. Making jewelry, making paintings, making epic photo stories: they all take time and thought and a lot of love, and I’m giving all I’ve got.I’m really, truly happy when I’m making stuff. I don’t enjoy being idle; I can only relax when I’m getting my hands dirty with a rewarding creative endeavor ~ so as you can see, right now I’m pretty darn contented. Summer is slowly creeping up, the sun is shining, and the possibilities for how to fill a day are absolutely endless. Getting dressed up in the city for collaborative brainstorming sessions or wearing oversized sweats, covered in paint ~ I need both in my life, so thank goodness I don’t have to choose.|WEARING| Westward\\Leaning sunnies, Kenneth Cole vest, Primary tunic (worn backwards), Ben Minkoff bag, Rebecca Taylor pants (previously seen HERE), super-old L.A.M.B. shoes (also worn yesterday! they’ve been on heavy rotation again lately)
|PHOTOS| by Austin Phelps

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{ Gratitude }

Kelly Framel — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 16:00:27 +0000

One of the wonderful things about living in New York is the plentitude of awesome street art one gets to discover every day. Every corner packs a small surprise to inspire, delight, and sometimes motivate you. This little sign, for instance, appeared to me just when I needed it: a quiet reminder to always keep things in perspective.
|WEARING| Lanvin for H+M sunnies, t-shirt from Deus Ex Machina in Bali, Kaelen skirt (in pink HERE), Charles Jourdan clutch, L.A.M.B. shoes, jewelry from Jennifer Zeuner, Monica Rich Kosann and Phillips House

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Hannah Bronfman { Superstar }

Kelly Framel — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 16:00:32 +0000

|ABOVE| Alberta Ferretti coat, Nonoo dress, Camilla Dietz Bergeron necklace and brooch

Hannah Bronfman is the quintessential city girl. She’s super-social ~ out every night, she knows everybody in New York, and they all adore her. She DJs the coolest parties and opens the hottest restaurants. And she works as hard as she plays. Among myriad other endeavors, she just launched Beautified, an awesome app that allows on-the-go girls like herself snatch up last-minute beauty appointments at the best possible price (If you live in NYC, trust me, you need this!). She’s what your grandfather might call a mover and a shaker ~ and inside that downtown persona, I see a future icon. I see a maturity in her eyes that belies her young age, a stillness that contradicts her frenetic schedule. I just had to get her into the studio and draw it all out.

Inspired by iconic portraits of a young Dorothy Dandridge, I set out to transform my beautiful friend into her highest, most heightened self ~ the formidable femme within. I hosed her down in liquid gowns and a safe-full of LoveGold jewelry, hoping to create a space through which her confidence and innate elegance could truly radiate.|ABOVE| Maiyet gown, Slane tassel earrings and necklace, Temple St. Clair necklace, Camilla Dietz Bergeron rings and bracelets
|ABOVE| Donna Karan gown, Camilla Dietz Bergeron jewelry |ABOVE| Talbot Runhof gown, Slane earrings and chain necklace, Temple St. Clair amulet necklace, Slane ring, Camilla Dietz Bergeron bracelet|ABOVE| Talbot Runhof gown, Slane tassel necklace, Camilla Dietz Bergeron rings|ABOVE| J. Mendel dress, Slane chain necklace, Temple St. Clair amulet necklace, Camilla Dietz Bergeron bracelets, Andrew Kayla shoes

|CLICK HERE| to enjoy an epic array of additional golden goodness

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{ The Sisters Kosann }

Kelly Framel — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 04:00:08 +0000

I first met Danielle and Laura Kosann while coordinating to shoot their mother, jewelry designer Monica Rich Kosann ~ and I knew in a second that we would be friends. I could instantly sense that I’d found a pair of kindred spirits. Like my sister and I, the two work together, creating artful and inspiring content for both MRK Style and The New Potato ~ a lifestyle site that focuses its lens on the hottest news in food.

These two are totally tuned-in to NYC’s feeding scene. Always the first to try each buzzed-about new eatery; they’re the girls to text when in need of a reliable restaurant recommendation in some obscure neighborhood. They grew up here, immersed in a world of art and photography, of fine jewelry and high culture. Their intrinsic chicness is incredibly inspiring to me, and I’ve long dreamt of capturing their unique relationship and dramatic, arresting beauty in pictures. Considering that they were practically weaned on precious metals, I knew the best thing to do was to fill Ann Street Studio with crisp, monochromatic clothes, plus gleaming bijoux from LoveGold’s finest designers ~ then simply let it all sing off their alabaster skin and gothically glorious tresses. |ABOVE| Danielle wears: Lola hat, Camilla Dietz Bergeron necklace, Donna Karan bodysuit, Slane ring // Laura wears: Camilla Dietz Bergeron earrings and brooch, Prabal Gurung dress, Temple St. Clair ring (on index finger), H.Stern ring (on middle finger)|ABOVE LEFT| Danielle wears: Lola hat, Maiyet top, Camilla Dietz Bergeron, H.Stern and Slane bracelets, H.Stern rings, Nonoo pants |ABOVE RIGHT| Laura wears: BCBG dress, Slane and H.Stern necklaces, Camilla Dietz Bergeron bracelet|ABOVE| Danielle wears: H.Stern earrings, Nonoo suit, Camilla Dietz Bergeron choker and rings, Monica Rich Kosann lariat |ABOVE LEFT| Laura wears: Donna Karan blazer, Zac Posen skirt, Monica Rich Kosann locket necklaces |ABOVE RIGHT + BELOW| Danielle wears: Lola hat, Maiyet top, Camilla Dietz Bergeron, H.Stern and Slane bracelets, H.Stern rings, Nonoo pants |ABOVE| Laura wears: Camilla Dietz Bergeron earrings, Monica Rich Kosann necklace, BCBG dress // Danielle wears: Camilla Dietz Bergeron necklace, BCBG dress|ABOVE| Camilla Dietz Bergeron earrings, Alberta Ferretti coat |BELOW| Laura wears: Camilla Dietz Bergeron earrings and necklace, Alberta Ferretti coat, ADEAM dress, H.Stern rings // Danielle wears: 3.1 Phillip Lim vest, Tibi dickie, J. Mendel pants, Camilla Dietz Bergeron necklace and bracelets, Slane rings|THE SISTERS KOSANN| starring Danielle and Laura Kosann |PHOTOGRAPHY| by Jamie Beck and Kevin Burg |ART DIRECTION + STYLING| by Kelly Framel |HAIR| by Francis Anthony Rodriguez for Kerastase |MAKEUP| by Michelle Dittrich |PRODUCED| in collaboration with LoveGold

|CLICK HERE| to enjoy an epic array of additional golden goodness

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{ My Fashion Introduction }

Kelly Framel — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 12:00:30 +0000

Growing up in Austin, Texas, fashion wasn’t a big part of my reality. Until high school, I wore a uniform everyday, and I had very little exposure to the idea of dressing up outside of that ~ we didn’t watch TV, and no one I knew subscribed to Vogue. The Lands End catalogue that occasionally arrived at our house was as transportative a portal as I knew for most of my formative years. Creativity was always a constant, however. I was forever building sets and writing stories, painting pictures and making doll houses, crafting Sculpey dioramas and sewing little prairie costumes for my dolls, customizing patterns I’d bought at JoAnn’s Fabric.Then, I arrived at high school and things started to change. First of all, I suddenly had to dress myself every day, and I took to the challenge like a fish to water. I realized this was another opportunity to express myself creatively, to figure out and communicate who I was as a person. I stopped sewing clothes for dolls and started making things for myself to wear. I received a very modest monthly allowance from my parents, and I’d spend it at Goodwill, buying vintage pieces to chop up and dye, to customize and reconfigure. I started dying my hair and at some point pierced my nose; I wanted to try on every character imaginable. I got two jobs so I could buy nicer clothes (while simultaneously squirreling away for a majorly-used car). One was making smoothies at a health club, the other was hawking tube tops at Contempo Casuals ~ and I loved it there. All the employees had daring hair and funky shoes, and they seemed so sophisticated and worldly to me at the time. One of them was even majoring in FASHION at university, and as soon as I knew that was possible, I had a plan for my life.It would have been a huge jump from shilling Contempo to designing couture (which I later went on to do), had it not been for the life-changing arrival of Nordstrom at the mall where I worked. Its opening forever altered the landscape of fashion in Austin, and was really my first introduction to quality, luxury, and integrity in clothing. All of a sudden, I’d discovered a petting zoo of designer delicacies, where I could paw at Valentino dresses and properly-made shoes. I adored watching the new window displays being installed, and I’d save up for little splurges in the contemporary departments, always visiting the higher-end aisles with a sense of reverence and wonder. It was a world I was determined to study, understand, and immerse myself in. I loved every bit of it.Fast-forward more than a decade, and fashion and I are inextricably interconnected. I’ve worked on every side of the business, from retail to merchandising to design to production to styling ~ then became an accidental member of the new media (thanks to this site), even occasionally modeling. I’m still deeply passionate about this business, and for that I will always have a soft spot for Nordstrom; they introduced me to its possibilities. So, when they invited me to both style and appear in this season’s Pre-Fall campaign, there was no choice but to say yes. I owed the experience to that little girl from Austin, and to a store that will forever symbolize to me her big city dreams. We’ve come a long way together.

|CLICK HERE| to check out the rest of this very special shoot!

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Inspired At { The Brooklyn Museum }

Kelly Framel — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 11:00:45 +0000

Recently, I spent an evening at the Brooklyn Museum, co-hosting the after party for their annual Artist’s Ball. It all started with a roaring dinner party inside one of the wings of the museum, where 16 tables were decorated in installations by contemporary Brooklyn artists. We snuck in the day before, as the artists were setting up their imaginative tableau, to snap a few pictures of the scene for you. May these images introduce you to the works of someone new ~ or at the very least, inspire your own festive flights of space-making fancy.|2 ABOVE + BELOW| paintings on recycled windows, by Navin June Norling |ABOVE + 2 BELOW| papier-mâché dinner dates, by Jennifer Catron and Paul Outlaw |ABOVE| woodworks by Alison Elizabeth Taylor |ABOVE + 2 BELOW| José Parlá setting his kitschy mise-en-scène into motion
|2 ABOVE + 3 BELOW| FAILE’s infamous iconography |ABOVE| a sweet madonna, by Fernando Mastrangelo |2 ABOVE + 2 BELOW| Jules de Balincourt’s tabletop rabble rousers |ABOVE + BELOW| intimacy within grandeur|PHOTOS| by Austin Phelps

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