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We are friends, neighbors, and obsessed with all things style. Gina designs unique, hand-crafted jewelry and Jennifer practices the art of wardrobe management. It was only natural that they came together to launch a blog and style shop. Cakewalk Style Shop.

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Closet Therapy

Gilt Groupe screenshot

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting a new friend at a Kappa alumni function. Kathy is a lovely, sophisticated and very fashionable woman; of course I was immediately drawn to her! We had so much to discuss. She loved my owl bracelet (it’s a Kappa thing) and I told her about the promo I found and all the lovely creatures on the site (my love of creatures stems from my days as a Science teacher, I think). I went on to talk about what a proficient on-line shopper I was (knowing where to find what I want and for the deals I’m looking for). She then said, “Well, Jennifer, if you are an on-line shopper, I must direct you to my daughter-in-law’s site. It’s out of New York and it’s called the Gilt Groupe.” Me: “Gilt Groupe? Are you kidding? We are basically friends (the website and myself). I blogged about gilt group months ago. In fact, just yesterday, I ordered two Lauren Merkin clutches (one for a client and one for myself)!”

She promised that she would introduce me to Alexandra the next time she came to Houston for a visit. That was last week! I had both Kathy and Alexandra over for coffee and thoroughly enjoyed the conversation. Alexandra is equally as lovely, sophisticated and (of course) fashionable. She was so gracious (especially evident when I burned the cappuccino and when my pool polaris sprayed her while we were sitting on the back patio!). She laughed and said it was OK because she was hot anyway (see, gracious!). She always asked about myself, what I did, or about Gina’s jewelry when I was so interested in hearing her story. I would love to hear more, but they had to jet out of town. Next time. So, I will share the abbreviated story of the formation of Gilt Groupe with you:

Alexandra is on the far left and Alexis is on the far right. You already know the two on either side of Giancarlo Giammetti (the honorary president of the Valentino Fashion House).

As long time friends, Alexis and Alexandra knew that they would always create something innovative together. For Alexis and Alexandra, the question was never “if” but rather “when.” Alexis returned from the West, her proving ground was Silicon Valley as a founding member of eBay, while Alexandra hailed from the East coast, blazing a trail up 5th Avenue with tenures at both Bulgari and Louis Vuitton.

However, it was not until 2007 that their plans coalesced, the stars aligned and Gilt Groupe was born. Bringing complementary strengths, interests, and areas of expertise proved the perfect combination. Alexis and Alexandra set out to take the New York invitation only sample sale “on the road” via the Internet superhighway; they made what was once accessible to New Yorkers, accessible to the country. With the launch of Gilt Groupe, ecommerce met fashion and your closet breathed a huge sigh of relief.

Gina had set plans and did not get a chance to meet Alexandra (or Kathy), but says she already likes her immensely based on the fact that she speaks five languages!

Gilt Groupe is truly my favorite place for on-line sample sales. Often, I find myself passing around emails with friends or clients where we are asking one another our thoughts on this or that. It is a great place to fill those wardrobe holes (and shop from your list). This group is by invitation only. If you would like to join, I’m inviting you right now! Just click here and you’ll be all set! Happy shopping!

Charming

The Paris Apartment: Romantic Decor on a Flea-Market Budget
by Claudia Strasser

Gina’s jewelry was featured over at the paris apartment blog today. Please go check it out!

If you don’t read Claudia’s blog, you should! In fact, that’s her book above. I bought that book around 10 years ago and it’s still in my library and much enjoyed today. Someday, Gina, myself, and crew are going to have to take one of her shopping trips to Paris. You should join us!

Wish I was there

image from The Sartorialist

I am sooooo feeling this photo. I don’t know if it’s because I‘ve never been to Australia or because I’ve never owned a Missoni dress, but this woman looks absolutely amazing. I love it all. The booties and the oversized sunglasses ramp up the classic look of the shift dress. This image is definitely going into my style inspiration folder.

Dreamy

photo via Anthropologie catalog

I just received the newest Anthropologie catalog and I was captivated by the beautiful underwater photography. Brilliant.

Yes or No?

Yes...

taken by our favorite photographer Nancy Aidee

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