
So yah, I’ll be giving a book talk at the B&N in Tribeca (97 Warren Street) this coming Tuesday, July 14th at 7-9PM. Would love if you’d join me. Bring your questions. And if you ask nicely, I may just sign your book ;o)
©2007-2010 Summer Rayne Oakes | All Rights Reserved

We women often wonder how to make sweaters sexy, but it’s all in the cut, drape and attitude. Check out all my sustainable knit-picks for the chilly season: They’re chunky, knitted, warm and woolly and all environmentally-sensible. I’ve worn each and every one of these this winter and boy, have they come in handy. Nineteen degrees Farhenheit: You ain’t got nothing on me!

Chicago-based designer Lara Miller recycled cotton/bamboo knit FLIP sweater. I prefer to wear mine Yoda-style with the oversized cowl-neck over my head, but you can flip the sweater around and wear it as a long dress-with or without a belt. Totally versatile and totally sexy. Available at http://www.thegreenloop.com for $120 or check for Lara Miller store locations near you. Other items featured: Recycled quilt, vegetable-tanned leather boots by Terra Plana; leggings by American Apparel. Photo: Abdul Smith


Brooklyn-based mother-daughter duo from Carasan Designs hand-knit organic wool wrap top with oversized puff sleeves. Made to order. Other items shown here include organic cotton top by Lara Miller; necklace by Ombre Claire; and leggings by American Apparel. Photos: Abdul Smith


Reversible gray bamboo knit top by Lara Miller. Other pieces shown include jewelry by Ombre Claire; silk dress by Pinky Otto. Photo: Abdul Smith


Nothing is sexier than your BF’s oversized sweater. Pictured here is a Uniqlo cashmere V-neck. Uniqlo also has a recycling program that takes back old garments for reprocessing or ships off to refugee camps, so be sure to bring back your old duds once you’re through with them. Photos: Robert August


Lara Miller oversized long sleeve bamboo knit sweater top. Perfect for layering over dresses and shirts. Photos: Abdul Smith
And some other notables include: Fair trade Wool and Alpaca knits by People Tree; cowl necks by Covet available at Pivot Boutique; Femininely-lush cashmere tops by Uluru; Recycled cashmere creations by Deborah Lindquist; Yak-down sweater dress by Stewart + Brown.
Spring 2009 Trends go on Safari
This summer was all about a safari style–smartly cinched waists, khaki colors, tailored looks–with a little hint of urban jungle. The good news is that this trend will continue throughout Spring 2009. Smart city looks will have a flavor of jungle-marked by safari skirts and jackets, jodhpurs, and updated leggings. Related words that come to mind for Spring 2009 will include nomadic, exotic, rustic… All in all, the season will be all about natural materials, wooden and rattan heels, and so on and so forth. Meaning, a ton of eco-friendly materials will dominate the market.
Clutch on this: Rattan & Raffia
A nice rattan or rafia clutch would be perfect for any and all of these looks. This season, a number of designers presented their take on the rattan clutch. Check out some of the choices above to see what strikes your fancy…Clutches from Mad Imports, Michael Kors, Tory Burch, and others. And as always, I chose a price range to fit any budget.