STORE ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Just a quick little update on the store, which I probably should have done months ago. I'll be holding a summer clearance stall at Terrigal Markets this Sunday from 8am - 1pm, so if you're around be sure to pop down and say hello. I have about 200+ dresses, tops, skirts etc all reduced with nothing over $10!

I've also finally made the decision to hire new models for the store. This has been a long time coming and to be honest I've put it off for as long as I can, but now it's at the point where myself and my store both can't move forward if I'm constantly needed in front of the lens. I'm sure you've all noticed how I haven't had a chance to frequently update the store as much as I did when I first started Gary Pepper, which is something I never thought would happen. My business has always been my first priority but for the past 6 months it seems my blog has been taking first place. I'm after size 8-10 and 12-14 models so please send your portfolios to info@garypeppervintage.com.

Lastly, I'm on the look out for new up and coming designers to carry in the store, as well as a talented graphic design intern. If you're interested or know anybody please send them my way!

Opposites Attract

[Blouse: Similar | Pants: J.Crew | Wedges: Similar | Watch: c/o Kenneth Cole | Necklace: c/o Maya Brenner] If there were ever two opposites in my closet, I'm pretty sure it would be cargo army pants and my polka dot blouse. But they work together perfectly. Mainly because pinterest and J.Crew say that they work together. I just do what they tell me to do.
And why yes that is a tiny state of Texas around my neck. Thank you for asking.

Sneak Peek: Volcom Holiday '12 Design Collab Photoshoot

A lot of my time has been spent planning my big Volcom Holiday '12 design photoshoot! For my Fall '12 collection (in stores June), we shot here in NYC, and so we were thinking of something new and fresh for my Holiday '12 line. First thing that came to my mind was, "how about we shoot in Philadelphia?" Home to my sister and our fave photographer, Dylana Suarez, we immediately started gathering material and location scouting in the city. What I love most about Philly is the grungy-ness. The historic buildings, torn-down walls, and just relaxed yet edgy vibe gave us exactly what we wanted to work with. They worked well against my pretty, Holiday designs. Getting to play creative director on this entire project with Volcom has been amazing. Everything from working on my collection, to modeling, styling, and creating the ad campaign with the Volcom team has been a dream project. Our marketing director flew out from sunny southern California for this shoot and she snapped these behind-the-scenes snapshots for Volcomunity. I felt like we kidnapped her and took her to the crazy east coast...and of course, to one of the most unique cities I've ever been to. Philly is kind of my second home now!

What started off as a snow blizzard, we thought..."heyyy, it's a Holiday shoot...snow will be cool!" Luckily, just as we started shooting, the sun came out, but there was massive amounts of wind. It was freezing, but we managed just fine! Philadelphia is home to many amazing artists, including my personal favorite, Isaih Zagar, who happened to be walking his dog as we were shooting! How adorable is he? Thanks so much for our whole team including Dylana and our music blogger, Cheryl for being such troopers! My Volcom Holiday '12 collection, in stores September, features some really beautiful dresses, sparkle tops and skirts, and everything else that'll jazz up your holiday parties. Everything is what I call "understated luxury." Stay tuned and follow everything on Volcomunity.com!

LATTE

(Alice McCall Top, Zara Jeans, Benah Rose Gold Cuffs, Vintage Belt, Jennifer Hawkins for Siren Heels)

Sea blues, pastel hues and a iced caramel latte with extra cream on top - the perfect way to cool down in this summer heat. Absolutely love this top by Alice McCall, with its low cut out sides helping to keep you seductively cooler this season. If you haven't noticed I seem to have taken a liking to more minimal yet structured pieces, and these cute cap sleeves mixed with this interesting architectural print are bold enough to be worn simply with jeans and a pair of coloured heels. No excessive layering and minimal accessories, a few of my favourite things. Worn with these rose gold cuffs by Benah to add a touch of glimmer and a matching green liquid eyeliner to keep it fun.

A big congratulations to Anna Latson - our winner of the $1,000 my-wardrobe.com giveaway! Please make sure to check your emails and Thank you to everyone who entered. Hopefully I can run another giveaway very soon!

Photos by Jysla Kay

"If a man does not keep pace with his companions perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music he hears however measured and far away."
-Henry David Thoreau

The Problem with Skirts

[Tee: Old Navy (Similar) | Heels: Urban Outfitters | Clutch: Similar]
Something about being out of an office setting makes me suddenly feel very dressed up in a skirt. When I would go to my 9 to 5 every day, a skirt was a no-brainer. I almost felt sloppy in pants (because of the impending wrinkles that would occur while sitting all day), so typically all I would wear was a skirt or a dress. But these days I feel like I should be going to the Oscars whenever I put a skirt  or dress on (hence the amount of pants I wear). And yes, this is what I would wear if I was attending the Oscars. Fancy, no? Who am I wearing? Old Navy. 
I used to wear wrap skirts when I was a little girl and they would fascinate me. Mainly because the ones I wore had spandex shorts built into them. This meant no activity was out of question -- if I wanted to play kickball or go down a hot metal slide, then the sky was the limit. Maybe that's my issue with skirts now -- if only they had biker shorts built in, then I'd start wearing more of them. 

Running With Heels

Currently featured in Running With Heels iPad Magazine! You can download the free issue at the iTunes Store! >> http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/rwh-feat-dsw/id501357508?mt=8

Hot Pink

(Junk Food Classics tee, Sister's coat, H&M scarf, J Brand pink coated jeans, Marie Turnor bag, Angel Court choker necklace, Dear Fieldbinder boots)

The more I travel, the weirder I get with style. Never fully packed, I always end up just throwing a bunch of layers on...anything for warmth basically. I've been at my sister's for the weekend and didn't really pack a coat and so I've been swimming in this giant camel coat that I stole from her closet (shhhh). I like how oversize it is! I sort of feel like a little boy in it! Though I lean towards tomboy looks, I'm still a sucker for color and anything to brighten up the day with my new favorite colors: fuchsia and a hot, hot pink. On the lips (this shade is by Estee Lauder)...on the pants...it's all the rage and I'm loving it. One thing I never forget to pack, on the other hand, are my basic rocker tees. I recently ordered this Velvet Underground tee from the new Junk Food Classics collection, which I'm obsessed with. Their softness and perfectly distressed prints get me every time.

Today, I head back to NYC. It's always bittersweet. I just love my Philly friends too much... Currently packing while listening to my Rolling Stones pandora playlist. I'm still smiling like a dork thanks to a very successful, ass kicking weekend. We worked our butts off shooting, and still, our bodies hurt from running in and out of the cold! More updates on what projects I've been working on very, very soon!

Saturday Nights and Sock Buns

[Blazer: Similar | Tank: Similar | Jeans: (Similar) | Shoes: Payless (similar) Clutch: Melie Bianco ]
Our date nights rarely consist of us actually going anywhere that warrants me dressing up or wearing heels. Does this stop me? Never. But the good news about running down the street for pizza is that a tank top is perfectly acceptable on a Saturday night. I tend to think that wearing heels trumps any casual piece you are wearing; it tends to balances out the casual. Unless it's pajama jeans, of course, and then all bets are off. 
It's hard to get over the fact that I'm wearing a sock on my head. Via the loving Pinterest, I learned how to put a sock on my head, wrap my hair around it and fool you into thinking my hair is full enough to make this pretty little bun. It's been way too long since I've been able to do a blogger bun; it feels good to be back. Even if it involves foot gear and deception.

SHANGHAI

(Style Stalker 'Shanghai' Pants, Zara Top/Blazer, Thrifted Heels, Michael Kors Watch, Marcs Bag)

I'm sure you've all seen the new 'Come As You Are' collection by Style Stalker by now. Is it just me or has Susie and Rach completely nailed it once again? Every collection seems to be getting better and better and this is by far my favourite to date. These pajama pants are so insanely comfortable, with their thin silky fabric and blue and white Shanghai print adding a beautiful and luxurious feel. A wonderful interpretation that allows me to finally wear my pajamas out of the house. I own a lot of pants but these have to be in my top three of easiest to wear, and also the most commented on. I've literally had people stopping me in the street asking who they are by and where they can find them. Now that's when you know you're onto something amazing, girls. Cannot wait to see what they come up with next!

Don't forget that we'll be drawing the winner to the $1,000 my-wardrobe.com giveaway tomorrow night so be sure to enter for your chance to win here.

Photos by Jysla Kay