Posted by Sophie on Thursday, February 2nd, 2012
I want to share my new dress that I’m madly in love with. And I actually took time to take some photos… surprise! As I’m an avid online shopper I’m thrilled to have come across this hip boutique Restler featuring unique, cool, stylish pieces. I especially love the Cling Dress in gray beetles. Ya know… I never say no to grays. lol.
As the name indicates, the dress clings to body but in such a flattering way – thanks to its ultra soft fabric made of 100% organic cotton. Wow, what a comfy dress! You have to wear it in order to appreciate how comfortable this dress really is. Bonus points for decent thickness to keep me warm. It was a chilly morning so I topped the dress with a lightweight cardigan.
By the way, Restler has kindly offered us a 25% off discount for you to grab her sweet fashion goodies! Just enter the code hipgirlie at checkout.
These little white beetles… make me happy. Also available in pink beetles.
You can have so much fun with this dress. Minimal silhouette makes it easy to go with everything – add a pretty touch with a vibrant scarf (and of course it’s in leopard print!) or throw on a ladylike jacket. I’d love to layer on a statement necklace as well.
Perfect short length without being too short. This dress will be no doubt will be one of my fav daily go-to dresses.
The rest of the outfit – Missoni for Target Cardigan, Nina Yaneli Wedges, Bindya Forrest scarf, Versace sunglasses, Chloe Purse.
Restler is also hipgirlie’s newest Shop Spotlight feature… yay! Here are some tidbits about Restler, inspiration behind the simple-chic collection and more about Hannah Peyser the founder of Restler from our Q&A below.
- What prompted the name “Restler”?
The word Restler comes from one of my favorite childhood memories. My best friend (who I’ve known since I was 2 years old) would come over to play at my house and anytime it was raining we would wrestle on my front lawn and get completely covered in mud and grass. So Restler stems from “Rain Wrestling.”
I used this as the name for my brand because it mimics the philosophy I had going into it…just have fun and don’t be afraid to get a little dirty in the process.
- Tell us about restler.us – why did you decide to launch it and what’s the concept behind the business?
I launched the website because my whole life it’s been my dream to make clothes for people to wear and be able to put my own stamp on it. When I graduated school I realized I had this beautiful elaborate sportswear collection I had worked an entire year on, yet I didn’t envision it being picked up by a lot of people and actually be worn on the street. I wanted to create a line that was easy to wear and applicable to lots of different individual styles, while still feeling fashion-forward and unique.
- What are the greatest challenges for running an online shop?
Getting traffic to the shop is definitely the hardest part. Without the budget for advertising, social media is the best way for getting the word out. Luckily there are so many amazing bloggers out there who appreciate and talk about indie fashion labels.
- What makes your designs stand out among gazillions of online boutiques?
The collection is very print and color-based which sets the customer apart as well as the store itself. I tried using the right amount of “pop” when still appearing feminine and wearable. The best thing about the boutique is that everything is handmade in Brooklyn with insane amount of love and care!
- Love your collection. Please share your favorites and where you find the inspiration from.
The Long-sleeve Cling Dress in Pink Rorschach is one of my favorites because the colors are fun and it’s extremely comfortable and great to wear in colder months. The entire collection is inspired by beetles (yep, insects) because they’re such gorgeous and strange creatures. I often take my inspiration from nature. I love to look through National Geographic and apply their amazing photography of the world to fashion.
I like the idea of taking organic patterns and translating them into contemporary graphics and designs for people to wear within that very world. The Rorschach print is taken from a pattern on the back of a beetle shell that I mirrored on itself. I love that it’s now totally unrecognizable and it’s whatever you make of it.
- What are your favorite trends and brands at the moment?
I’m really into wearing buttoned-up collared shirts, it just looks classy. I’ve seen really amazing collar decorations which inspired me to do my detachable collar necklaces. The trend of harnesses in fashion is wonderful and especially when pairing the roughness of the leather and hardware with pretty and lightweight pieces.
I will forever love over-the-top matchy prints, I get really excited when I see then on runways. Brands that I always follow, just to name a few…Christopher Kane, Commes Des Garcons, Holly Fulton, Belle Sauvage, Gabriella Marina Gonzalez, VPL, House of Holland.
- Trends you want to see disappear forever?
I rarely think trends are outright BAD but I think some can be done very poorly. If you own it and rock it then more power to you. Although there is one item that comes to mind…ponchos.
- Wardrobe essentials that women should have in their closet?
I practically live in my black jeans, I would hope everyone has their go-to pair that they can make work for just about anything. I think versatility is necessary in a wardrobe, so anything that works day-to-night is a godsend.
- What would you recommend for transitional pieces from winter to spring?
Layers on layers on layers. I think denim jackets are great because they look effortless and you can always stick a light sweater underneath. I’m really into scarves so I definitely recommend big ones you can wrap a million times for warmth or wear more loosely and casually for spring.
- If you have to pick one place, where is the most fashionable city/country in the world? And would you live there?
I think every place is awesomely fashionable in different ways. Tokyo hand-down has the best street fashion and yes I would live there in a heartbeat! New York City will always be my home so as long as I get to come back I’ll travel anywhere.
- Any advice you can give to those who want to start their own fashion boutique especially online?
Definitely do it, just focus first on what it is you want your image and product to be (I found this to be the hardest part of the process because I have so many different tastes and styles). Then commit to it and run with it! Everything that’s worth doing in life involves some risk.
Karen said,
Great and unique dress! It’s nice to see your face, Sophie! You look amazing!
Sophie said,
Thanks Karen for your sweet comments. I’ll email you here soon!!
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