Tag - style

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Tucson’s Laura Tanzer Creates Sustainable Clothing for the Modern Woman
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Wanderlust and White Sands
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The Road to Marfa…

Tucson’s Laura Tanzer Creates Sustainable Clothing for the Modern Woman

I first heard of the Laura Tanzer Designs brand when I was browsing through Phoenix Fashion Week’s social media pages in 2015. At the time, Laura was an emerging designer and had presented during Phoenix Fashion Week‘s annual runway festivities at Talking Stick Resort. Tanzer had showcased the “Les Rayures des Fleurs” collection- a stunning assortment of skirts, dresses, blouses, and jackets that were in an array of red, black, white, and navy blue hues. What also grabbed my attention were the floral prints, stripes, high-waist flared pants, maxi dress with dramatic low cut back, and asymmetrical jacket.

I immediately reached out to Laura, and have since been a fan of her brand, which is sustainably made in Tucson. The designer has been creating clothing ever since the tender age of seven. She, alongside her grandmother, would make clothing for her Barbies. The clothing creating continued throughout the years, as she made wearables for herself, her sister; then her friends, and finally- clients! Along with the impeccable construction of the clothing and passion for what she does, she also credits getting her inspiration comes from anywhere and everywhere. For example, the collection that will be unveiled during Phoenix Fashion Week on the 14th…”The inspiration for my current collection combines my love of modern form, contrappunto, and my travels to places with water – Venice, the Outer Banks off North Carolina, the Pacific Ocean.” I have seen some of the teasers on her Instagram, I can only predict that Spring 2017 will be sophisticated and elegant.

This month marks the three year anniversary of her official launch (October 2013). She now has a charming Atelier in the historic train depot in downtown Tucson, where she works and where clients can come in, browse, and buy. I’ve had the pleasure of stopping by the atelier a few times, not only to finally meet Laura in person, but to also see, feel, and try on the clothing. Let me tell you, the fit of her clothing was amazing! It was refreshing getting a one-on-one ‘fitting consultation’ with her, as she’ll explain the fit and have suggestions on tailoring or how to wear the pieces. It was also fun to see the room where she and her small staff construct the samples and put together the collections. I’m loving that the clothing is made with the highest quality fabrics, right there in Tucson, and with the utmost care and sustainability.

Speaking of sustainability, Laura also believes in not only creating sustainable clothing, but also, a sustainable lifestyle. “I want to contribute to the local economy, create jobs, build my business by respecting the environment and our natural resources. Our Sustainability Series occurs the fourth Wednesday of every month. We host specialists in various areas of sustainable practice/knowledge, such as water, air, toxins, social behavior, etc. It is always entertaining, and always inspirational! My co-sponsors are: Mrs. Green’s World, Green Living Magazine, Local First Arizona, Delectables Restaurant and Borderlands Brewery,” Laura explained further.

If you are local to Tucson, I suggest taking a trip to visit the Atelier. If not local, you can shop Laura Tanzer online. Be sure to also follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Google +, and Youtube.

In the photos below, I am wearing select pieces from the “Les Rayures des Fleurs” collection.

Laura Tanzer maxi dress, nyfw, sustainable fashion

Laura Tanzer maxi dress, nyfw, sustainable fashion

Laura Tanzer maxi dress, nyfw, sustainable fashion

Laura Tanzer maxi dress, nyfw, sustainable fashion

Laura Tanzer maxi dress, nyfw, sustainable fashion

Black and White Striped Maxi Dress (call (520) 981-9891 for ordering info)

** Above images by Sofia Emm **

Laura Tanzer maxi dress, nyfw, sustainable fashion

Navy Blue and White Striped Hi Waist Flare Leg Pant + Navy Blue Top (call (520) 981-9891 for ordering info)

** Above image by Julie Stanley **

Wanderlust and White Sands

Blogger, White Sands, New Mexico, outfit, style

Blogger, White Sands, New Mexico, outfit, style

Blogger, White Sands, New Mexico, outfit, style

Blogger, White Sands, New Mexico, outfit, style

Blogger, White Sands, New Mexico, outfit, style

Blogger, White Sands, New Mexico, outfit, style

Blogger, White Sands, New Mexico, outfit, style

Blogger, White Sands, New Mexico, outfit, style, Cordalife

Blogger, White Sands, New Mexico

Blogger, White Sands, New Mexico, outfit, style

Blogger, White Sands, New Mexico, outfit, style

Blogger, White Sands, New Mexico, outfit, style

Blogger, White Sands, New Mexico, outfit, style

(Cactus Print Tee- Curated Cotton, Vintage Skirt- Coronation Vintage, Rope Sandals c/o Corda.)

Recently, the Mr. and I drove to Los Angeles. We stopped at White Sands National Monument for a couple days. It has incredibly beautiful landscape, with soft white grainy sand (gypsum) dunes encompassing miles of acreage. Once inside the park, you meander for a bit, passing by vegetation and sand dunes, until your car leaves the pavement and enters the main section of the park (barely vegetation and mostly dunes). The roads are covered in white; emulating snow. Funky picnic areas dot various areas. We got to experience the Sands in time for sunset, as well as in the morning (when the photos were taken). The blue skies were lovely, yet the air was crisp, while also windy (which helped set the tone for perfect photos).

This trip proved the perfect opportunity to break out my Corda rope sandals that I won in a giveaway a short while ago. After working with an orphanage for an month in Ethiopia, the folks behind the Corda brand noticed that many of them would leave the program with no job opportunities. After brainstorming, they came up with the idea of creating a brand where they could help the transitioned adult orphans by giving them vital training and sustainable jobs. Each rope sandal is handmade in Ethiopia with eco-friendly and durable rope. They are also 100% Vegan. They are pretty lightweight and machine-washable. Since I was still breaking in the sandals, I did notice that the straps were somewhat stiff, but all they need is a little adjusting. I was assured that the straps stretch about a finger’s width. I’m confident that the more I wear them, the better they will feel.

I HIGHLY recommend a visit to White Sands. A great mom ‘n pop place to stay is the White Sands Motel!

The Road to Marfa…

These are my favorite captures from the trip…

Road to Marfa

marfa, tx , photoshoot, travel, blogger

marfa, tx, travel, blogger

outfit, vintage, Southwest, Marfa

marfa, blogger

marfa, tx, Chianti Foundation

marfa, tx, Chianti Foundation, fashion blogger

marfa, tx, Chianti Foundation, fashion blogger

marfa, tx, Chianti Foundation, fashion blogger

marfa, tx, Chianti Foundation, fashion blogger

marfa, Prada Marfa, vintage caftan

marfa, Prada Marfa, vintage caftan

marfa, Prada Marfa, bloggers

marfa, tx, El Paisano Hotel, fashion blogger

marfa, el paisano hotel, matty m leggings

El Paisano Hotel, travel, vintage shoes, blogger, Marfa, TX , historic hotel

Marfa, TX, vintage clothing, print mixing, travel, wanderlust, journey, photo shoot, fashion blogger

Marfa, TX, vintage clothing, print mixing, travel, wanderlust, journey, photo shoot, fashion blogger

Marfa, TX, vintage clothing, print mixing, travel, wanderlust, journey, photo shoot, fashion blogger

Marfa, TX, vintage clothing, print mixing, travel, wanderlust, journey, photo shoot, fashion blogger

Marfa, TX, vintage clothing, black and white dress,  El Paisano Hotel, travel, wanderlust, journey, photo shoot, fashion blogger, Debutante Clothing

Marfa, TX, vintage clothing, black and white dress,  El Paisano Hotel, travel, wanderlust, journey, photo shoot, fashion blogger, Debutante Clothing

Marfa, TX, vintage clothing,  travel, wanderlust, journey, photo shoot, fashion blogger, cactus print maxi skirt, maxi skirt

Marfa, TX, vintage clothing,  travel, wanderlust, journey, photo shoot, fashion blogger, cactus print maxi skirt, maxi skirt

Marfa, TX, vintage clothing,  travel, wanderlust, journey, photo shoot, fashion blogger, cactus print maxi skirt, maxi skirt

Marfa, TX, vintage clothing,  travel, wanderlust, journey, photo shoot, fashion blogger, Born Again Vintage, bubble dress, Ballroom Marfa

Marfa, TX, vintage clothing,  travel, wanderlust, journey, photo shoot, fashion blogger, Born Again Vintage, bubble dress, Thunderbird Motel

Marfa, TX, vintage clothing,  travel, wanderlust, journey, photo shoot, fashion blogger, Born Again Vintage, bubble dress, mural

A few months ago, myself, along with a few friends of mine, ventured about eight hours to the west Texas town of Marfa. It was a fun mini-getaway and full of desert wanderlust and plenty of locations to do photo shoots. We stayed at the historic El Paisano Hotel, where legendary stars: Elizabeth Taylor, James Dean and Rock Hudson stayed while filming the 1956 movie Giant. I highly recommend staying there while in the area, plus they offer a great breakfast.

We spent two days exploring the area including: Chinati Foundation, the Prada Marfa installation, downtown Marfa, Tumbleweed Laundry and Frama Coffee Shop, Do Your Thing Coffee Shop, Ballroom Marfa, Rule Gallery and Marfa Book Company. We also had no shortage of kewl instagram-worthy murals.

Huge thanks to the lovely Sofia Emm for the photography. Be sure to also check out her work HERE. If you’d like to see my snaps of the trip, check out my Instagram HERE under #CaptureMarfa. Or check out the full lookbook!

Brands included in the shoot: Curated Cotton, Big Bertha’s Paradise, Marci Rosenberg Collection, Darylynn Eyewear, LA Hip Threads, Eado Vintage, Born Again Vintage, Debutante Clothing, Matty M, Melissa Velia and My Flaming Heart.

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