inspired dressing: quilts

Posted on February 1, 2013 by Amy Dietrich

I am inspired by quilts. I especially love Amish quilts. I love the clean design work and the stunning use of color. And everything can inspire the way I dress. Here’s how a beautiful quilt can inspire a modern girl to get dressed.

I found this stunning quilt on quiltstudy.org. That’s the comprehensive site of the International Quilt Study Center. It’s a fantastic place to learn and to ooh and ahh over beautiful quilts.

This quilt was done by the Miller sisters in Ohio in 1991. The color, movement, and sheer modern design inspired this outfit.

inspired dressing: quilts by coventrydrive

So I started with the draped t shirt by Alexander Wang (via Moda Operandi) paired with some denim by G-Star and added the all important accessories: an armload of bracelets by Reminiscence, Givenchy Cat Eye Glasses (via Net-A-Porter) , and metallic flats by Jeffrey Campbell (via Need Supply Co.). I’m good to go.

Alber Elbaz and make up!

Posted on January 16, 2013 by Amy Dietrich

It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of Alber Elbaz. There is so much to love about his work. Start with the fact that he assisted the genius Geoffrey Beene and then marvel over his ever-stunning work for Lanvin season after season.

This video was recently released along with the news that Alber Elbaz will be doing a makeup line for Lancome! This video is illustrated by Alber, himself, and is charming and lovely. I just can’t help but smile. I hope you will too.

The need for green

Posted on January 11, 2013 by Amy Dietrich

Every year at this time, I crave some color. This year it’s green. Oh, I just love green anyway. It’s one of those colors that just makes me happy. But this year, Pantone deemed Emerald Green as the color of 2013.

I don’t need an excuse to like green, but I love seeing more shades of green everywhere. And maybe…… it’s an excuse for me to justify some the things I want that happen to be green.

Usually, I want a cardigan sweater in some fabulous color to help me get through the gray January/February weather. This year I really want this shirt from J. Crew. And while it’s not emerald, it’s a pretty green! I see it with skinny jeans or skinny black pants and loads and loads of jewelry (of course). And then, not needing any more reinforcement of wanting this shirt, I saw an episode of Million Dollar Decorators (I love that show!) where Mary McDonald was wearing a green shirt with a massive necklace. Thank you very much.

Another green object that I love is the Le Creuset French Oven. My dishes are all white and my glassware is clear. A beautiful piece of green cookware is exactly what I ~~need~~ want.

There is always always room for a green accessory. How about the color of the year for my iPhone 5? How convenient that Pantone offers one in Emerald Green!!

Now, I need to start dreaming about the perfect pair of green shoes or.. an actual emerald.

Photos: Washingtonpost.com, J.Crew, Le Creuset, Pantone.

Pre-Fall 2013

Posted on January 8, 2013 by Amy Dietrich

I haven’t posted in a long time. I’ve been tending to personal matters. Sometimes things are so big that there’s no room for anything else. I have been steadying myself and keeping my kids loved. News flash to myself: I can’t do it all by myself. It’s nice to have family and friends to lean on. While things are not settled yet, there’s now room in my head for something else again.

So I’ll start writing again about something that gives me joy: fashion and shopping.

Here’s my imaginary shopping trip from the Pre-Fall collections:

Lanvin.

I want this animal print coat with the embellishments that aren’t too too much. Genius. And the dress is perfect. Oh, and I need the jewelry and bag.

Bottega Veneta

I love this black wrap top over the slim skirt. Clean and chic. Just add accessories.

Alexander Wang

Oh yes, I would wear this everywhere. I love the sleeveless draped and belted top over those pants!!!

3.1 Phillip Lim Collection

I seriously need this top and the amazing buckle cowl.

And hey, …. it’s nice to be back.

All photos from The Cut at nymag.com.

Peonies

Posted on May 20, 2012 by Amy Dietrich

I always look forward to cutting flowers from my garden. My peonies are the first to show off. This year they are really early. Today was the day to gather the first blooms. I enjoyed cutting an armload of them and choosing a vase. Tumbling and imperfect arrangements are my favorite. I chose a brown vase given to me by my best friend. It’s from Tiffany & Co. I’ve had the vase for years. It looks so fresh with a big bunch of peonies!

Photo by Amy Dietrich for Coventry Drive

Vintage Furniture Shopping

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Amy Dietrich

Factory 20 and a Michigan connection

I saw a decal on a great big pick up truck in metro Detroit the other day that I think said Factory 20. I liked the name and wondered what it was. And then I moved on. Just today, I was checking out the always stunning Remodelista and they mentioned Factory 20 as a resource for a fabulous chair that I was dying over. It turns out that the vintage chair was made in 1938 for the Ironrite Ironer Co.here in Detroit. Factory 20 has one for sale.

I couldn’t resist checking out the Factory 20 site. Uh oh. Way too much amazing furniture to absorb. I had to narrow it down to one category. Here are a few of the tables I’ve been coveting.

I happen to be on a table kick right now. I think I must have looked at every table on the site. There are loads of things to look at! Have fun!

All photos from Factory 20.

Kick up your heels!!!

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Amy Dietrich

It’s time to ditch the black tights and boots. My heart yearns for cute flats in happy colors! I found a few bright flats that could perk up my wardrobe as I wait for spring to truly arrive.

Anthroplogie, Dolce Vita at Bloomingdale’s, Kate Spade, J.Crew, DVF, Tod’s at Saks Fifth Avenue.

And then… I found these. They are NOT flats. But they are gorgeous. And yellow. And…who needs a reason? I love them. (and they come in emerald green and cobalt blue too.)

Kate Spade

Photo Details: Spring is Coming

Image

I enjoy the little glimmers of promise that remind me that spring is just around the corner.

All photos by Amy Dietrich for Coventry Drive

Paris: Fall 2012 Charming, Smart, Pretty

Posted on March 9, 2012 by Amy Dietrich

Alas, the Paris Fall 2012 RTW shows are done. There was so much to love. These are some of my favorite looks.

Charming

Isabel Marant: Gorgeous lace. Strong, feminine, and fun. Louis Vuitton: The hat, the bag, the look. So charming and quirky.

Very Smart Coats

Vanessa Bruno: Just so very chic!!! Celine: Proportion. Perfect white coat over cropped pants. The accent of the cerulean blue scarf is so fresh. Dries Van Noten: Elegant and perfectly tailored.

Pretty

Commuun: The unexpected combination of a peplum jacket over a full skirt is so modern and lovely. Carven: This cut out lace effect makes a drop dead gorgeous little black dress. Giambattista Valli: I do love a shirtwaist dress. This one has a surprise at the hem.