vibes – equestrienne.co

Liveable Luxuries // Cocoon Luxe

Somewhere between timeless British chic and modern liveable luxury nestles up-and-coming label, Cocoon. The masses are flocking and the brand’s recently gotten press at Belfast Fashion Week. We linked up with designer Sara Hall to learn more about what the hype is all about, her grassroots social media start, and just what kind of butterfly this Cocoon is going to become.

Basic Stats

Label: Cocoon Luxury Wear

Age: Fledgling; Cocoon Baby launched February of 2015

Based: Newry, Ireland

Vibe: A modern Brit classic. Fresh, but feels vintage in all the right ways. Lifestyle meets luxury. Authentic Harris tweed throws a proper nod to everything Isles.

The hustle behind the bustle: Sara Hall, PR guru turned fashion designer. 33. Wife. Mum. Inspiration.

Work it: The ideal UK outer layer. The Cocoon cape is built for versatility; mix it into your everyday and worry never. Over a skirt to the office or with denim on the school run; disheveled or done. Nude lip. Bold lip. Louboutins or Blundstones. Seriously. It’s the perfect addition to your F/W capsule.

+ Tell us a little about Cocoon.
Cocoon was founded in February 2015. My daughter had outgrown her baby cape and I couldn’t find anything similar in shops or online, so decided to make my own range of children’s capes, using ex-designer tweed cloth from fashion houses in Paris and Milan. Soon I was inundated with orders through Facebook, sold out on pre-orders within a matter of weeks, and had many requests for a range of women’s capes, too. Fast-forward six months and we’ve launched the Cocoon Luxe Autumn/Winter 15 range of women’s capes, in six fabulous Harris Tweed designs.

+ You started out building your customer base exclusively on Facebook, and have experienced a really organic growth in brand awareness. Any thoughts on social media as a community for fledgling designers?

Most fashion companies apparently don’t have a whole lot of success with Facebook advertising, but we have found this to be our key social market. My advice would be to know your customer, have a product you are extremely proud of, and don’t be afraid to take risks.　It’s really only been a few months since I made the firm decision that this would be my career moving forward.　It has always been a serious endeavour for me, but there’s definitely been a lot of feeling out and learning and sheer determination along the way.　　　

+ How would you describe your personal style?

I like to mix various styles up – teaming a vintage piece with something from the high street and something high-end.　I have always had a love of vintage and bohemian fashion, you will always see me in one version of those styles for sure.

+ Fashion is a new enterprise for you, correct?

Yes, a very new industry for me. Both my husband and I have a background in Advertising/Marketing, which is the field I have been working in since graduating from University. I have always had an interest in fashion but never dreamed I would be working in the industry. We do our own promotion and branding, so my background is definitely coming in handy!

+ There are now several options available for both babies and women at Cocoon. What’s next? Where do you envision Cocoon in 5 years?

Yes, coming into this A/W 15/16 we will have a hooded and a collared cape for women; available in 3 sizes, and a loose one-size-fits-all for toddlers (age 1-4/5). All are available in 5 distinct patterns of Harris Tweed.

As for what’s next; well, the ball is rolling in the background and we have some big ideas! We first need to get through the impending madness of the Autumn and our ‘official launch’. We are expecting things to really escalate as our next batch of stock arrives in October and we switch the focus from production side of things to the various marketing and PR that will really start to kick in to coincide with the arrival of cooler weather.　　

For the future, well this may be a bit ambitious but we’ve set it as a goal anyway: to be known as THE Iconic luxury cape brand; as trench coats are to Burberry, bags are for Louis Vuitton, Hunter are for Wellies. Our primary focus will be on capes, as we’d like to continue to refine and perfect our core designs.

The feedback from customers so far on our customer service, packaging and the quality of our capes has been exceptional. This is an area we would like to stay on top of as we believe our customers really are our business.
+ 5 things you need daily or you just can’t deal:

1. Water and lots of it – with liquid chlorophol (grass product) to my husbands dismay as every time he goes to drink water it is green!! My body craves it and I drink around 3 litres a day.

2. Family time – we have a very active and hilarous 2.5 year old, so spending time with her together is a must.

3. Sleep – without my 8 hours of sleep I spend a lot of the day complaining how tired I am….it is not pretty.

4. Internet – for Cocoon most of my working day is spent online. Unfortunately I also have a little bit of a Facebook addiction – thankfully it is starting to die down due to Cocoon time spent on there.

5.　A to-do list – I have been writing these since I can remember and these days the list is getting pretty long!

+ What’s your favourite Harris Tweed? (ours is Hepburn Earth, hands down!). What do you pair yours with?

This is like being asked to pick a favourite child! But I would say I am very partial to the Sienna Mix. I have probably worn this daily since I got in the first sample. It really goes with my blonde hair and pale colouring. I team the Sienna with white jeans, loafers and a simple top for a day look, or dress it up with heels and a nice top for evening wear.　The Navy Grace is also great for being so versatile – it can be worn with any day look and I have worn it to a few weddings as well.

We know, you suddenly need a cape. Us too.

Available only at Cocoon Luxe.

(free shipping on UK orders!)

Muse Moment : Bliss Heers

Bliss[ed] Out : A Master Class in Californian Cool

This week, we caught up with the definition of charm, show-jumping darling Bliss Heers, to grill her on some pressing issues: namely, how did she get so chill, and why do we suddenly want to be her bff?

Athletic, determined, and enviably chic, this girl has got her sport- and style- ducks in a row. Game like this is made to inspire. Behold, your how-to on California cool, via it-girl, Bliss Heers.

Basic Stats

Name: Bliss Heers

Age: 27

Vibe: American, but abroad. Blonde bombshell with a side of girl-next door. The ultimate argument for being able to remove the girl from California, but not California from the girl.

Quotable: “Style is wearing your own personality.”

Sport: International Show-Jumper

Passport: USA (Olivenhain, California)

Currently mapped at: Riesenbeck, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany.

Mounts: Contendra (12), Prado K (12), Cortina (10). All German bred, all jumping the Grand Prix.

Sponsored by: CWD, Samshield.

Mentor affiliations: Manni Kötter, Otto Becker.

Preferred venues: Spruce Meadows, Wiesbaden, Mannheim, Aachen.

Daily necessities: “Coffee x 3, my french bulldog Wilson, my daily morning message from my dad.”

On her fantastic gene pool:

“I am a total daddy’s girl. My whole family is very athletic and both of my parents compete in show jumping. My dad retired from the show ring years ago, but my mom still rides in the hunter divisions. My mother, father, and my brother are all ridiculously fit. My mom has never lifted a weight in her life and looks like she works out everyday and my brother and father actually modeled for Iron Man magazine and have numerous athletic accolades ( Dad competed in Iron Man triathlons, my brother played College-level American football). I’m just grateful that I even look related to them.”

252971_10150214821092393_6951186_n — via Facebook

“One of the main influences on my style growing up has been my amazing mother. Last month, at 54, she could have potentially modeled for Nannette Lepore while she was re-tiling the kitchen. I don’t know anyone who can be so strong and elegant at the same time.”

Quality over quantity:

“Because I’m constantly on the road, I travel light and carry my favorite staples with me. I mix and match constantly…and I’m definitely not afraid take a risk once and a while, like mixing Dubarry boots with a sundress. My basic wardrobe lives in my suitcase: my favorite skinny jeans, flats, a classic sweater, blouse, little navy dress (which I find more versatile than black) and a blazer. Throw in my show whites and I’m good to go anywhere in the world. “

with Phillip Weishaupt in Cabo, San Lucas

mid-show cuddles with Reed Kessler // pc Joe Norick via Facebook

Classic office uniform, with a twist:

“A couple years ago I was give the opportunity to do some modeling for Pikeur. Since then, I have ridden in nothing but them. They are practical and oh so comfortable. On top I wear a simple shirt with long sleeves (I hate tan lines) and a crew neck sweater. For riding at home I have a collection of Lulu Lemon shirts and pullies. At the show, I’ll add a bright cashmere sweater.”

Keep it fresh:

“I hate thinking that I look as tired as I feel. I keep a good moisturizer, lip gloss, and a NARS blush/ bronzer duo with me at all times. Even you can forget that you’re tired when you put some color back in your cheeks.”

11063741_1004647552893560_7035276447661504288_n — with Prado K

Workout vibe:
“Normally my gym shirts have some witty saying on them, like “come to the dark side, we have cookies”. And my running shoes are obnoxiously bright.”

Never look like you’re trying too hard:
“Whether it’s to the barn, nice dinner, or dancing, I keep it simple. I love looking and feeling natural, like my clothes were made for me. My accessories are minimal and my shoes are comfortable. Period. I have one favorite pair of black peep toe pumps that I usually bring along. They’re ‘Nike Air’, just in case I just HAVE to dance the whole night… I love wearing classics, but I don’t do boring.”

Abroad closet essentials:
“Winter jackets have become my ultimate indulgence. Being from Southern California and living the last 3 winters in Germany, I know that I invested wisely. I’m sure I’ll have them for years to come, and I feel that I’ve already gotten my money’s worth out of them. My favorite barn jacket is a dark blue, zip up Bauer. It’s fantastic to ride in. It’s so light and comfortable. My favorite non-barn jacket is either my simple Marc Jacobs black leather jacket, or my handed down Denim jacket from my mom.”

10672035_10204946714889921_6532712697889477651_n — Goofing around with her LA Masters winnings, 2014

The last word

“I find that everyday is an opportunity for us to be inspired by something. It’s exciting to think when we get up in the morning, that we have a chance to reinvent ourselves as we would like to be, both inwardly and outwardly. We learn and share, bettering ourselves and people around us. Fashion trends are not different then social trends. I’m a firm believer in suede and empathy.”

details:

1. breeches Pikeur, helmet and gloves Samshield, boots Parlanti, saddle CWD, merino Uniqlo, shirt Equiline

2. linen dress Calypso, boots Dubarry, jean jacket Saint Laurent, fringed bag Proenza Schouler, hat Iverni, watch Kate Spade

3. lace dress JOIE, belt Dolce & Gabbana, d’orsay flats Nordstroms, aviators Ray Ban, frenchie ring Nach Bijoux, blush/bronzer duo NARS, lip balm Rosebud Perfume Co, hat Ally

Strip[ped] Down // Seasonal Studies ft. Altuzarra S/S 2015 RTW

Behold: your wardrobe template for the summer horse show season.

What: Altuzarra, Spring/Summer 2015 Collection

your new uniform // Altuzarra Spring/Summer 2015

Tell me more, tell me more: Luxury ready-to-wear brand launched in New York by Joseph Altuzarra in 2008, who previously worked freelance with Proenza Schouler and as first assistant to Givenchy’s Riccardo Tisci. Massively modern, with a nod to the classics. The perfect marriage of Paris and NY.

Why you care: Gingham, hello. This is obviously your summer workbook. Aren’t you a country girl at heart? Yes. Yes you are. Get your pearls, baby. Classic layering with a sensual, modern vibe; tailored blazers with feminine belting suede as a layering piece. This vibe is screaming for a pair of crisp whites, a sun hat, and a plane ticket to Spruce Meadows Summer Series.

Altuzarra Spring/Summer 2015 // via British Vogue

Get amongst it: Channel your inner Audrey, and then give her a dapple bay 1.30 Jr/Am saintly kick-and-go, a sassy twitter handle, and a pocketful of sugar cubes. Focus on timeless, classic pieces that can be layered (and un-layered) as your day moves through the temperamental YYC seasons.

suede forever // Altuzarra Spring/Summer 2015

Think outside the box, inside the ring. Have you shown in dark breeches yet? Get brave. Get brave now. Sunday wants to feel special, it told us in a dream. Save your whites and go all black errthang on a Thursday, because James Dean would have and maybe you date him, and also because nothing is gonna make your gingham pop more. The Meadows on the Green ain’t even gonna know what hit it. Seriously, where has this summer been your whole life?

schooling life // outfit details 1

Live the dream: You will need a pair of dark breeches (no, not dove grey, put down your comfort zone right now, we can see you). Dark. Navy, Smoke, Emerald, Black. We suggest Cavalleria Toscana. We suggest it in a big way.

Steal absolutely anything of your mothers that is made of yellow gold and crafted circa 1960, but only wear one jewelry item at a time. Huge preference given to earrings.

maybe my mother was a ballerina, so what // Altuzarra Spring/Summer 2015

When it comes to apparel, layer it up, but keep it ladylike and fitted. Knit layers are given extra sass points if kept sheer enough for a second look, but not so sheer that George M. would give it a third. Fit is the difference between forward and unkempt, so keep it tidy.

Altuzarra Spring/Summer 2015 // via British Vogue

Remember where your natural waist it, and belt absolutely everything there. Seriously, belt everything, but under no circumstances are you to fuss with matching said belts to your footwear. Who are you, your grandmother?

Always remember, the more structured the garment, the more feminine the belting [see, blazer + girlish ribbon]. Keep your skirt game tight, (literally: tailor it if you must) on a Sunday night, but long as long, past those knees. You’re the lady of the house, even if you’re renting it for the circuit.

You will need to sort out your ideal classic red (blue undertones, not orange) lipstick shade, if you have not done so already. Matte is preferred for the PM, but a gloss or balm is good for around the grounds.

Stripes are to be embraced, even mixed.Buy one suede shirt in caramel or cream and practice in a mirror until you can layer it at least four different ways. Receive bonus points and unlimited sartorial blessings if you can tie it up whimsically without exposing navel (naughty).

Fetch yourself a few good gingham button downs, one in black and white, and on in either crisp blue or blush pink and wear them till friday. When the weekend hits, introduce a striped belt and buffalo-check-lined show shirt to your whites, and take them on a date with a charcoal grey hunt coat. Top it off with a modern take on the velvet helmet, because you ‘get it’. Smile smugly as you all live happily ever after.

outfit details //

1 // breeches Cavalleria Toscana, tee Celine, blazer Altuzarra, sunnies Oliver Peoples, beanie We Are Pop Culture, scarf Dennis Columb, belt Saint Laurent, earrings Tiffany & Co, short boots Parlanti, cell case Ted Baker

2 // breeches Cavalleria Toscana, shirt + crewneck H&M, boots Parlanti, bag Asmar Equestrian, lipcolor NARS, belt Anne Taylor, hat Flora Bella

3 // breeches Pikeur, jacket Cavalleria Toscana, shirt Asmar Equestrian, boots Parlanti, earrings Kate Spade, bet Tome, helmet KEPItalia, phone case Isaac Mizrahi, sunnies Ray Ban

additional stalking //

Altuzarra

Spruce Meadows

equestrienne.co on instagram

British Vogue

Royal Windsor: The Takeaway

What: The Royal Windsor Horse Show, from the flip side.

Highlights: Strawberries and cream in adorably tiny cups. Carl Hester ribbing Charlotte Dujardin during her exhibition ride (watch it here). Champagne. Holland Cooper, generally. Frighteningly athletic children riding in the Gymkhana. Land Rover trials over a terrifyingly impressive mechanized obstacle course. Hermes.

Vibe: Country fair, heavily Londonized. White denim. All the champagne. Men in brogues.

Have: A driver, or appropriate footwear (there is a healthy foot-jaunt from the parking). One fantastic, well-fitting tweed item. Cheeky caps and floppy sunhats ok; baseball hats not ok. Access to chic layers should it rain, which it will. Oversize sunnies recommended, aviators at a minimum. A vigorous credit card for falling down the retail rabbit hole.

Never ever ever: Unfitted outerwear. E-cigarettes. Backpacks not containing a helmet. Sport sunglasses. Fussy hair. Apparel emblazoned with competitions you have participated in or won (exceptions: The Olympics; WEG; GCT). The sales rack vendors; this will only dishearten you, or lead you astray. Do not wear your actual riding boots, this reads dreadfully Pony Club (exception: short boots, but only if Italian). If you absolutely must wear your breeches, at least wear your most pristine whites (sock-bottomed), and have the remainder of your look purely civilian. For the love of god, do not wear your cotton jods. Actually, why do you own cotton jods? Toss those yesterday and never speak of it again.

Visual diary:

// more on instagram

Obsession Alert: Holland Cooper

What: Holland Cooper

Logistics: Harrods London standout. Timeless and sexy simultaneously. Whispers sweet nothings to our tweed obsession. Pop up shops at major Equestrian events UK-wide.

Manifestation exercises: You probably own a rustic country cabin, but with a butler, or at least someone to hedge the bushes and live in during the week. You should be able to prove actual experience on a hunt field prior to purchase, or have a Rover key in your pocket during (Land, not Range). You may or may not know how to shoot a pheasant. Any man who can carry off the Sloane jacket (Grey Donegal, please) with white denim earns an automatic catnip rating of 8.5, regardless of height.

Key pieces: The label is known for the ladies capes, which come in a wide range of UK-made tweeds, with or without fur trims. Bonus points for rolling up in the Gold Label offering, which boasts a healthy dose of raccoon fur. Also, you will require a tweed mini skirt, because sex.

Accessorize with: Heiress waves set in mermaid-length layered locks. Oversize sunnies. Dramatic mani (black, mulberry, silver foil). An appreciation for monogramming. Bangles and rings ok, but only if stacked.

Soundscape: The huntsman calling the hounds; Richard Branson.

hc3 — Designer Jade Holland Cooper in one of the line’s staple miniskirts

hc5 — Excuse us while we google pheasant hunting.

Delicious raccoon trims from the Gold Label.

Additional stalking // www.hollandcooper.com

Playing Favourites // Polo Ralph Lauren, Ready to Wear Fall 2015

What: Highlight reel, Polo Ralph Lauren, Ready to Wear Fall 2015.

Why you care: Classic equestrian club vibes. Have you seen polo? You care so much. We’re going to the club right now. Get in the Rover. Ralph Lauren forever.

Takeaway points: A neutral palette will go all the way. Keep it simple but layered. Acquire a blanket duster-length coat, as well as Joni Mitchell’s entire discography. Forget that “refined” and “leather fringe” used to be mutually exclusive terms. Strongly consider a beret, but wimp out at the last minute and buy an aubergine beanie. Temporarily lose your flatiron. Fall in love with dark moody jewel tones. You are a forest gypsy wildling schoolgirl nymph princess. Resist the urge to let your stable grow long manes; do not resist the urge to make daisy chains.

Need. Need this coat. Hyperventilating. // via style.com

Touch of Americanav Fringe // via style.com — Touch of Americana Fringe // via style.com

layered neutrals forever // via style.com

A stylized set of tails for Sundays // via style.com

Tweed duster for the win // via style.com — Tweed overcoat for the win // via style.com

Layers + Visibly bunched socks // via style.com

textures and jeweltones // via style.com

An unfussed blazer is gonna get necessary // via style.com — An unfussed blazer is gonna get necessary + a pop o’ neon // via style.com

Additional Stalking

Muse Moment // Jessica Springsteen

What: Classic Americana rock royalty, add twist of Jersey, spritz of Society. Muddle with leather and serve on the boardwalk.

Have: A soft, forward hand. Fantastic brows. Work ethic. Undergrad degree from respectable Americana institution. ASPCA Maclay Title. Sense of humour. Famous industry friends that legit like you.

None, zero, zilch: Tabloid headlines. Extensions. Faux leather. Thirsty behaviours.

Vibe: Unbothered, workmanlike. Classic pieces, nothing too trendy, natural fibers. Tasteful but undeniably sexy. Girl-next-door-in-a-shampoo-commercial hair.

Get amongst it: Poppa Bruce’s Wrecking Ball, 2012, all the way through, while you deep condition your locks and vow to only salon color from now on. Cultivate a centre part. Aquire fantastic abs but in no way flaunt them. Maintain a first-rate instagram account. Be so down to earth everyone wants to be your bff.

via theeditorialist.com — via Editorialist

Jersey Girl Vibes // via gettyimages — Jersey Girl Vibes // via getty images

Additional stalking:

https://instagram.com/jessicaspringsteen

https://editorialist.com/magazine/8870/born-to-ride#1

Jumper Chic: A Guide

What: Showjumper queen, but tidy. Think sportof kings, stuff of dreams, love of life, scene of scenes. Never fussy, always classy. Manifestation Exercises: Imagine everything you do is in slow motion and also black and white. Visualize that every handbag you own is lined in Baker plaid and smells of polo mints and Miss Dior. There are spare pearl earrings in your left breech pocket which you do not worry about as they are freshwater. You are going to spin and hot yoga on the off-day. Inspo: Tiffany Foster, Reed Kessler, Charlotte Casiraghi of Monaco. Always: Tone on tone dressing. Navy. Conservative layers (NO BANGS). Wide brims (hats; helmets; visors). Pearls. A good watch. Working knowledge of wine pairings. Avoid: Tequila. Prints. Unbraided manes. Soundscape: James Bay, the new Mumford, the National Anthem.