All the pretty gifts from Young Republic

Today, when you think of indie design, you realize how much people had really changed on this matter. Finally, we started to think more about places we shop, which lead us to where it’s made or is it a part of fair trade issue. In this slowly but steady revolution, every day are more and more of those who aren’t afraid anymore to show and offer their hand- created ideas to the world. Despite the fact that Etsy is definitely a pioneer among the platforms for young artists, there are also many great other places that connect designers with their conscious shoppers.
One of these kind of platforms is also Young Republic, marketplace that offers thousands of pretty and unique designs from all over the world. Since they sent me their holiday gift guide, I decided to browse a little through designs offered there, and pick some holiday gift ideas on my own. I found so many pretty things, that it was almost impossible to squeeze them into holiday gift guide. Also I spotted few great labels such as wonderful Alice Nightingale with so many adorable dresses at affordable prices, Ozzy & Lulu that are create little paper wonders, and La Lilouche, vintage-inspired lingerie that comes all the way from India.
Find all these pretty little things on Young Republic, and if you are not sure yet where you will do your holiday shopping, better think twice.

All nude; from tip to toe

Nude tones and pastels are prevailing in every spring seasons so this year again there is a "case of neutral and blush" in various designers collections- from those that are masters in nude like Stella, Chloe or Sophia Kokosolaki are to those that are new in this territory of neutral. Not a strange cause nude tone can give strong effect and in the same time depending of the item can have different output on the outfit; Grecian sexy, rebellious edgy or romantic fragile. Since last spring season one of the top IT items was boyfriend blazer in nude, this year in outwear I was hoping to see the perfect nude parka but my favorite creators of nude failed in that. That certainly won't cause the depression, since there are many of nude lovelies out there- same as those "big", many of independent designers were this season playing with nude so I picked the most amusing but in the same time practical items. Let's see what are misslikey NUDE LIKES of the spring summer 2010 season.

LONG NUDE DRESS
Long dresses are absolute IT items of the season. In the summer the one that is sleeveless is good for mixing and matching with summer tops over it. If you choose the one in nude pay attention that is not too tight if fabric is bit see through.

Misslikey LIKES:
Acne long dress with kimono sleeves-Acne Collection has long dresses in nude with kimono sleeves and those tank. The one with kimono sleeves is item that you can wear in spring and summer. On the back has charming buttons in old school style.

Second one, long tunic is from New Zealand-based brand Lonely Hearts and part of "Brains for Dinner" collection. Silk tunic that is bit see through, is perfect for hot summer days with flats or for lace up boots in grungy manner. (for those not in N.Z or Australia it is available online at Bona Drag)
Talking about Australia, NZ and nude have to mention designer Nathan Smith (check his woman spring summer collection and all the lovely nude items he designs)
MINI DRESS IN NUDE
Nude mini can be minimalistic daily solution daily with different flats and for the night same dress easily can transform into the party dress. On the spring runaway Alberta Ferretti, always master in draping of nude and sheer fabrics didn't fail either this season neither Donna Karan that went in the same direction. Didn't fail either those Avant-garde like Bruno Pieters with body con draping or AF Vandervost with asymmetrical cuts. Devi Kroell is bringing little romance in the nude dress with camisole shape and buttons and Yves Saint Laurent and Rue Du Mail nude dresses are runaway items to fall in love with.

Misslikey LIKES:
Petar Petrov nude sleeveless minis.
Petrov, Bulgarian designer based in Vienna, except is the master in men's fashion, showed his abilities for womenswear this spring; collection is play of the basic colors and aesthetic shapes that in same time are totally edgy and ladylike. Except simple nude tank dresses, skirts or pants love factor are bit draped basic t-shirts in nude.

Second one on the image paired with black boots, simple khaki nude dress, part of spring summer collection of lovely LA based label Wren, named after Dickens character Jenny Wren, aka Fanny Cleavers.

Romantic one with white stripes is from Alabama Chanin "Love and Hapiness" collection. AC is label of designer Natalie Chanin, finalist for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund in 2009. This 100% organic cotton dress with camisole shape is like just created for romantic spring walks.

NUDE TOP
Last spring we and Vogue Paris lusted after Margiela's bodysuits in nude. Would we love this spring Celine and Bruno Pieters long sleeves body con tops in nude? The item is total basic and suitable for a lots of outfits. Totally simple but gorgeous on black skinnies and all fashion forward mix-and-match with everything that is in closet. The simple way is to get American Apparel tested bodysuit in nude. Currently they are selling those with short sleeves. Or go for lingerie basics that you be used good under wide neck tops or those crop to create a double color effect.

Misslikey LIKES
The pretty lingerie - strapless bandeau bra and strapless slip that can easily follow the "lingerie out of the bed" rule. The slip can be easily paired with a simple summer skirt and here comes your evening outfit. Both items are from label Isabella Oliver, where except womenswear, also design maternity collection (keep an eye on the trench coats)

For those crazy about crop tops loveliest solutions are nude crop tank from San Francisco RosenMunns or the one from Brooklyn's Ambit that has line of tops that can be purchased in LIGHT VISION store.

NUDE SHOE
Shoes in nude tones are spring summer love because they visually elongate the leg. If you have iconic Lanvin ballerina flats you don't have to bother - You'll wear them this spring for sure. From the catwalk of nude shoes I adore Givenchy nude wedges with knotted straps, but also I visited some of my favorite shoe makers to check out what they are offering in nude. According to seen- must be that nude is IT of the season's footwear.

Misslikey LIKES;
From London- based footwear label, F-TROUPE, that brings classical Brit charm to nouveau style, I picked in dancing Mary Jane shoes with satin ribbon and Oxfords embellished with tiny gold stars.
In the second row are Rachel Comey's ivory flats, just everything that girl needs for restless spring dressing (this pair available at Creatures of Comfort)
Other superb-finds are Peep Toe heels in clog style from Georgina Goodman and super cool Oxfords in nude with sheer detail from super cool footwear designer Jeffrey Campbell.

NUDE PLAYSUIT
Playsuit somehow manages to evoke in me childhood images. Last season craziness was for nude jumpsuit. This season is short; nude or printed.

Misslikey LIKES
What to say about this playsuit when image speaks for itself?! This "perfect little thing" is from British label Sykes spring summer 2010 collection. Founder, Joanna Sykes is on the scene for 4 seasons with her own label after working for many fashion houses. Sykes spring collection is transparent, simple and plain, filled with essential items same as those bit eccentric like leather pants or metallic pants suit.
Again nothing to add, except announce great love for Sykes.