The String Republic

Summer is in full blast and here in Puerto Rico, we have to admit that we've been getting pretty decent weather during this season. Even the most beach-repeller type people (like me) can't resist a stroll through the sand to get some nice ocean breeze. Since I'm not one to frequent the beach so much, I like my summer wardrobe and accessories to adapt to any occasion/season. 

via String Republic

Recently I found out about the coolest shoes for summer that can transition into any season and location with the world's greatest ease. I can use them for sunny days at the beach but I can also use them for a stroll through the city, running errands, hanging out... you name it! They're called String Republic. Their key trademark is that they're espadrilles, but not quite. Their base is made from yute just like espadrilles but they resemble sneakers, brogues and other shoes styles! The come in different collections: The String Republic, Unbelievable but Fake, and Archibald. Also, they're available in women's, men's and children's sizes.

via String Repblic

I think what called out to me the most was the grand variation of styles and designs. The String Republic collection has a plethora of prints made by international artists and illustrators that give the shoes a funky street edge and the Unbelievable but Fake collection give the illusion of a completely different style of shoe. Some people won't believe that they're really espadrilles! After reviewing the selection available, I ended up choosing from the Unbelievable but Fake collection the Kayak Red Peas. They were my first pick simply because to me, they're the most adorable of the bunch and being as red is my favorite color I couldn't resist the urge to get myself a pair! They're ballerina style shoes that look like top siders! I instantly knew I'd wear the heck out of them. Guess who's been bringing some color into her wardrobe? Oh yes!

Meet my #1 model, Schmookums!

When I got them, I was immediately blown away by the quality of the materials and construction. These are hand sewn so you can guarantee they won't be falling appart any time soon because they're not glued together. The material of the shoe itself was way sturdier than I imagined and the print was so bright and crisp! To me, the best part of these shoes is that they are so lightweight. I can literally put these on all day and I forget I have any shoes on. The only thing that must be noted is that they do tend to be a little tight at first but after the second or third wear, they'll accomodate to your feet. I've been wearing mine non-stop since I got them so they're perfectly adjusted already. As for the price, I think it's pretty fantastic. They retail for $55.00, so for a shoe that is hand made and of this quality, you're getting a very good value for your buck. I'm sure I'll be sporting these around the city a lot once I move to New York! 

Since I've been packing up my stuff and taking everything I don't really need back home, I've got a limited amount of clothes for this next month so of course, I realized I had taken my favorite bathing suit back home. Anyways, I didn't go into the water that day and I just went for a stroll at the beach with  Mr. Boyfriend (thanks for the pictures, love!) so just to show you how fun these shoes look, here's my  outfit of the day:

I wore my favorite nude button down blouse and straw hat from F21, my trusty Ray-Ban Wayfarers, the awesome Kayak Red Peas from The String Republic, my go-to cargo shorts, my studded leather belt from Joe's Jeans and my Erika Peña Square Moni necklace. 

You can check out the variety of shoes String Republic has to offer. Swing by their Facebook page and make your selection! Shop until you drop at www.stringrepublic.com and www.fave8.com. You can also follow them on Twitter (@TheStringRep) and on Instagram too (TheStringRepublic). You can e-mail them at info@stringrepublic.com. Also, don't forget to subscribe to this blog via Google Friend Connect for the latest and to my Facebook and Tumblr for even more updates and treats. Also, follow on Instagram! I'm LilaLane. 

The Skitch: Mary Katrantzou S/S 2012

These late night sketch parties I'm having with myself are really paying off (must be those nerves of mine keeping me up!) and with my lastest picks for skitches, I'm coming to a conclusion: I'm turning over to the print side little by little. Or at least I'm venturing a bit with something other than blocked colors in heavy tones. I may not be as bold as to wear something as "printastic" as Mary Katrantzou (also because it's out of my reach), but her pieces sure make a hell of a statement when it comes to fashion vis à vis art. She trumps all other print master in my book (sorry, Pucci!). Graphic synergy at its highest expression.

With this one I tried to use many different brushes so I had fun playing around. Much more expressionist than my other illustrations, but I definitely thought it was proper... at least to catch the essence of the prints. Here's my favorite outfit from her s/s 2012 runway show. The flowiness of the pleated skirt is just divine for summertime!

Would you guys be bold as to wear a Mary Katrantzou-like print? Let me know in the comments below! 

pic via style.com

reserved rights D. Velazquez 2012

The Skitch: Anna Sui s/s 2012

Hey! To finish up the Anna Sui fashion skitch, here's the illustration. I went a little more, well... sketchy than I usually do with this one. I wanted to create something maybe a bit more playful so not staying within the lines and splatters of random color were in order (at least I think) to match up with the quirkiness of the cat eyeglasses, the vivid print and color and the whole vibe of the collection in general. And of course, I also wanted to focus on the turbans, being as the Skitch-I-Y for Anna were turbans. 

I was going to post this illustration yesterday, but just as I was about to save my work after two hours sketching and working on an EPK for a short film I'm collaborating on, Photoshop decided to crash on me and I still haven't upgraded to  CS5 (no auto-save backup!) so indeed my work was lost. Not a problem. Start from scratch? Well, I do have a million and one things to do but I can squeeze in another sketch! *Chuckles* No, really. I did create this blog to keep me drawing and post my illustrations so after a long hair pulling and tear jerking scene on my part, I decided that it's OK. After all, if I didn't save it every once in a while it's because I still haven't learned my lesson to back everything up after a session of work. *tsk, tsk, tsk!* Lesson learned, mental note noted!

Anyways, this look was modeled by the ever charming Karlie Kloss. It's amazing how much she's grown after all these years. And to think that amazon of a woman is only 18! Did you guys see how stunning she looked at this years MetGala in Jason Wu? GORGEOUS. 

Karlie pic via Style.com
reserved rights D. Velázquez 2012

Here's the Skitch: Anna Sui s/s 2012

For those who have known me for years, it's no surprise that every once in a while I like to toss aside my usual fashion taste for a bit and like to unlatch my belts and trade them for loose fitting pieces, dip dye my monotone wardrobe into somewhat summery prints and trade my favorite black pants for flowy skirts. It's a very rare sight, but not impossible to imagine. After all, I live in a tropical island where the temperatures get kind of ridiculous sometimes and although I am one for sticking to my personal style no matter the inclement conditions, I can't help but switch that up every once in a while. Enter one of my all time favorite boho-chic designers: Anna Sui.

For s/s RTW 2012, she gifted us with an inspiring flashback via Puerto Rican fashion illustrator Antonio López (proud to say he's from Utuado, Puerto Rico, same place my grandmother is from!) to the early 70's. What I adore about her designs is that no matter how much her prints and styling blast you to the past, her cutting and construction is relevant to any moment in time and any woman can wear them flatteringly. Crépe de chine and chiffon flowed freely. They're effortless pieces yet modern while maintaining a vintage quirk some designers try to achieve but fail to do so as swimmingly as Sui does. Her pieces can be easily styled and it's a look that can carry on for years and years. I mean, you can get an Anna Sui piece from five years ago ans it'll still be as relevant as the next season.

As you all may have read before on my Pucci Skitch post, I'm not huge on prints but there's something about Anna's prints that always warm my heart. Whether it be little hearts or bold paisleys, her prints are some of my few faves. Also, her accessorizing is sweet. Turbans for summer? YES! What more summery, chic and fabulous than that? Sandals with socks? Well, maybe I'll skip on that but it's definitely a style that a lot of girls can carry if done correctly. It's all brightly spirited. I know that whenever the summer bug hits me, I'll always reach out to Sui for inspiration!

Photos via

Style.com, Models.com,
http://wewastetime.wordpress.com/2011/11/28/antonio-lopez/