Welcome to the second installment of Stylebook! Last time we took at peek into the home of Rebecca from The Vintage Closet and today we'll be chatting with the super talented and wickedly stylish Dennice of Fringe as she gives us a look at what defines her fashion Stylebook, shares some her favorite wardrobe and accessory finds and offers one of her beautiful scarves to a lucky winner!
Tell us a little about yourself and your Etsy shop
Before I begin, let me say thank you, sweet Nicole, for the honor of being featured on your beautiful blog. It’s such a thrill for me, and I truly appreciate this opportunity. I wish you every success in your personal and professional life. You’re an extra special person with a heart of gold.
I’m a girl that loves life and my family. My education is in electrical engineering, but my heart belongs to art and fashion, fiber art especially. It’s my passion. I’m obsessed with designing and creating.
I started Fringe on a bit of a whim, never dreaming it would come this far. It’s like a miracle to me. The idea that people all over the world have a little piece of my heart with them (in the form of one of my creations) just amazes me. It’s so rewarding to know my work is appreciated. I make my designs with the hope that they will give someone a feeling of self-confidence and uniqueness, style and happiness when they wear it.
Fringe is my line of handmade fiber art dear to my heart. These items are hand knit, hand-crocheted, sewn, and/or embroidered with care. My creations are original designs I create and they include scarves, cowls, capelets, shrugs, shawls, lariats, brooches and so much more. There are many types of styles in my shop. They range from high drama fashion to urban prairie and lots of styles in between.
A few Fringe originals
What colors in your environment are you most drawn to?
For me, colors are important in so many ways. They can change a mood, create an atmosphere, inspire. For that reason, I am hard-pressed to choose just one or two. When thinking in terms of my fashion sense, I would have to say that I’m drawn to turquoise, blues, and greens for accessories. I’m attracted to these colors in nature too. The sea, grass, trees, the sky...all of these beauties of nature are what I’m drawn to.
On the other end of the spectrum, reds, oranges, fuchsias and purples are also colors I’m drawn to. The colors of a magnificent sunset and vibrant flowers such as the bougainvillea and the California poppy. These are sexier colors, and very powerful for fashion accessories. They will completely turn my mood around. A deep red scarf or rich red lipstick will work magic on any woman.
What colors do you enjoy wearing?
I did sort of answer that in the previous question in terms of accessories. As far as clothing goes, I tend to keep it basic and neutral for my daily wardrobe. A neutral palette for all of my accessories to be showcased on. That’s what I feel is important for me. I have a lot of black, grey, white, beige and denim blue clothing.
What color combinations do you like best?
I tend to like neutrals for my clothing and depending on my mood; I will add splashes of color with the accessories I choose. That could even mean all neutral clothing and accessories with a beautiful red or plum lipstick, if I want my lips to be the focus. I love so many different combos and so many different styles so it’s really difficult to pinpoint one favorite. I think that’s the case for most people who immerse themselves in a lifestyle of creating.
What kind of patterns do you like?
I’m not big on patterns for myself. I rarely wear patterns. I only have a couple of classic plaid western shirts. I do believe that is the extent of my patterns in clothing. I have some tops that have embroidery around the neckline, and t-shirts with screen-print wording or images, but as far as patterns go, that’s just not for me.
I do love stripes and plaids and checks. Gingham is a favorite. I plan to purchase a blue gingham check shirt for myself this season. I love the look of it. There is a full-length wool skirt on Etsy by sohomode that I’m dying to own as well.
What kind of textures are you drawn to?
I love textures! Textures are so important to the overall affect of any ensemble. Organic textures, interesting edges, roughly woven, buttery soft textures. I love torn fabric edges. When textiles are made to look very sculptural, such as being gathered into ruffles, billowy, bubble-y, layers, I love it. I am extremely attracted to worn, torn, old, used and abused textiles.
Are there certain properties you look for in the fabrics you wear?
Softness is the most important property for me. One must be comfortable so the fabric needs to be able to breathe. Cotton is very much a part of my life. Silk is sensual, especially in and on the bed, but not very practical for my day-to-day wardrobe unless it’s in the form of a scarf. Buttery soft wool is essential. I love velvet, but really don’t have much of it in my wardrobe. Durability is also important. I want my favorite pieces to last and last.
Tops are casual as well. Tank tops, flirty little tees, cowboy shirts, feminine blouses with interesting necklines and sleeves. These are mostly in neutral colors so that my accessories shine through. I also wear little cardigans, shrugs, capelets (obviously, considering who I am) and such. Layers are fun and functional. My favorite thrift store finds are shrunken cardigans that are very worn with signs of aging.
As far as shoes go, in my daily wardrobe, I really have four basic styles. Flip flops, Chuck Taylors, boots (Frye boots and cowboy boots are my boots of choice for the most part), or ballet flats. I have quite a collection of all four of these styles (another source of wisecracks from my guy). I also have a thing for Mary Janes.
I almost always wear a belt, usually a black one or a brown one, depending on my shoes/outfit. I have a sizable buckle collection and I switch buckles almost daily.
Finally, jewelry, scarves, shawls and such, arm warmers, hats. I can’t stress how important accessories are to me. Depending on the season and my mood, I am always wearing something by way of accessories.
I am in love with coats. Fabulous long winter coats, coats of all styles. It’s slightly tragic that I live in Southern California when I yearn for coats the way I do.
What kind of outfits do you like to wear for formal occasions?
Most formal occasions I go to are in the evening. For an extra special evening, I tend to go with the classic Audrey-Hepburn-Breakfast-at-Tiffanys style. A long black dress, with either a low-cut front or a low-cut back, long gloves (a must), the shoes will be simple and sexy with 2-3” heel, and let the jewelry do the talking. I’ll either pay a lot of attention to my hair or my makeup, but not both. For formal occasions, I feel one should have some drama. Either drama with the makeup and simple hair, or drama with the hair and simple makeup.
What kind of outfits do you like to wear for nights on the town?
Oh, I love picking outfits for a night on the town! It’s the best time to go a little wild or dramatic, sexy and fun. I’ll whip out the high strappy heels or my coolest boots. I’ll wear a fabulous, deep or brightly colored blouse, or perhaps I’ll go dark and dramatic with black. The hair gets sexier, the makeup more daring. Perhaps the jeans get tighter or the skirt/dress gets shorter. It’s just the best opportunity for expressing myself and pushing the envelope a bit. The accessories become even more delicious too. Usually, the accessories become bigger, longer, more dramatic.
What types of fasteners do you like the look of most (zippers, buttons, hooks, belts etc?)
I love all of those fasteners mentioned. Probably belts are my all-time favorite because they accommodate my fiendish belt buckle collection. Zippers, buttons and hooks are very much important fashion features too. Especially for someone like me who uses detail as a strong form of fashion expression. I love them most when they are vintage, and perhaps show signs of wear.
What kind of embellishments do you find most stylish?
Where to begin. The obvious answer, for me in particular, would be scarves, cowls, capelets and shrugs, lariats, shawls…you know, Fringesque type embellishments. However, I believe I can come up with many other examples. Actually, I could go on all day about this and never run out of examples.
I think a necktie on a woman is incredibly sexy, and I believe most men would agree with me. Corsets are heavenly too.
Little added details make a huge difference to me. A vintage brooch attached to a hat or an overcoat, a bracelet worn over a pair of gloves, a long red scarf tied around the throat leaving the flowing ends fluttering, a man’s watch on a woman’s wrist, a gigantic flower brooch worn with the simplest dress, a necklace that hangs past the waist(or worn backwards to hang down the back), a pearl choker, a huge sculptural ring, old trinkets (a skeleton key, for example) hanging on long chains or strips of leather or lace, layers of necklaces or bracelets worn together, belts of all kinds…the list is endless.
What is your favorite type of accessory?
I simply cannot pick one favorite! I am drawn to vintage, unique pieces. Sparkle and grit are all important. Sexy is good and so is fun. I do collect certain things that I can’t get enough of. I think I’ve mentioned them elsewhere in this interview.
Are you a jewelry girl?
I am most definitely a jewelry girl. Absolutely! I wear earrings every single day; even if I barely have time to get dressed, I make sure I’m at least wearing earrings. I have a lot of silver and turquoise. I have several antique Native American pieces that I cherish and wear often. I love big rings, cuffs and sexy, swingy earrings. I like my necklaces extra long or super short, as well as lariats. Turquoise is my favorite stone, but pearls are a close second. Silver is my metal of choice.
What fashion staples can you not live without?
Pretty much all of the items in my wardrobe are so very important to me. I can’t live without accessories, jeans, my boots/flips flops/Chucks. I have a vintage hat that I wear all the time. It’s a gorgeous hat and reminds me of the 20s. I adore my Leaves of Glass jewelry collection and cookoorikoo ring collection. Also, I have several pieces from bonzie and treehouse28 that I love and wear often.
I wouldn’t want to live without a few cosmetic staples either: mascara, eyeliner, bronzer, lipstick/lip gloss especially. Also, I consider the proper skincare products as important as any fashion staple. Ladies, it’s never too early to start caring for your skin.
What fashion trend do you hope never makes a comeback?
Please, please don’t let the big shoulder pads come back. For the love of humanity!
Based on fashion alone, what time period in history would you most love to live in?
This is a tough one. I do love at least one thing about all the fashion periods. At the top of my list of favorites is the 1920s and 1930s. The clothing Faye Dunaway wore in Bonnie and Clyde is to die for (pardon the bad pun, but you know what I mean). I adore the fashion from those decades.
If you’ve never seen the remake of A Star is Born with Barbara Streisand and Kris Kristofferson, I highly recommend you watch it because Barbara’s wardrobe was incredible.
I also love elements of the western, prairie days as well as the Victorian age. Some of the 60s and 70s still mesmerize me too.
I adore the Grace Kelly 50s style and the Audrey Hepburn 60s. Edith Head is my all-time favorite movie costume designer.
I feel that we are really in an amazing place right now, fashion-wise. Anything goes. As long as you’re true to yourself, you can dress however you wish, and you will be in style.
What colors in your environment are you most drawn to?
For me, colors are important in so many ways. They can change a mood, create an atmosphere, inspire. For that reason, I am hard-pressed to choose just one or two. When thinking in terms of my fashion sense, I would have to say that I’m drawn to turquoise, blues, and greens for accessories. I’m attracted to these colors in nature too. The sea, grass, trees, the sky...all of these beauties of nature are what I’m drawn to.
On the other end of the spectrum, reds, oranges, fuchsias and purples are also colors I’m drawn to. The colors of a magnificent sunset and vibrant flowers such as the bougainvillea and the California poppy. These are sexier colors, and very powerful for fashion accessories. They will completely turn my mood around. A deep red scarf or rich red lipstick will work magic on any woman.
What colors do you enjoy wearing?
I did sort of answer that in the previous question in terms of accessories. As far as clothing goes, I tend to keep it basic and neutral for my daily wardrobe. A neutral palette for all of my accessories to be showcased on. That’s what I feel is important for me. I have a lot of black, grey, white, beige and denim blue clothing.
What color combinations do you like best?
I tend to like neutrals for my clothing and depending on my mood; I will add splashes of color with the accessories I choose. That could even mean all neutral clothing and accessories with a beautiful red or plum lipstick, if I want my lips to be the focus. I love so many different combos and so many different styles so it’s really difficult to pinpoint one favorite. I think that’s the case for most people who immerse themselves in a lifestyle of creating.
What kind of patterns do you like?
I’m not big on patterns for myself. I rarely wear patterns. I only have a couple of classic plaid western shirts. I do believe that is the extent of my patterns in clothing. I have some tops that have embroidery around the neckline, and t-shirts with screen-print wording or images, but as far as patterns go, that’s just not for me.
I do love stripes and plaids and checks. Gingham is a favorite. I plan to purchase a blue gingham check shirt for myself this season. I love the look of it. There is a full-length wool skirt on Etsy by sohomode that I’m dying to own as well.
What kind of textures are you drawn to?
I love textures! Textures are so important to the overall affect of any ensemble. Organic textures, interesting edges, roughly woven, buttery soft textures. I love torn fabric edges. When textiles are made to look very sculptural, such as being gathered into ruffles, billowy, bubble-y, layers, I love it. I am extremely attracted to worn, torn, old, used and abused textiles.
Are there certain properties you look for in the fabrics you wear?
Softness is the most important property for me. One must be comfortable so the fabric needs to be able to breathe. Cotton is very much a part of my life. Silk is sensual, especially in and on the bed, but not very practical for my day-to-day wardrobe unless it’s in the form of a scarf. Buttery soft wool is essential. I love velvet, but really don’t have much of it in my wardrobe. Durability is also important. I want my favorite pieces to last and last.
Coat and Sweater from Anthropologie
What does your daily wardrobe consist of?
I’m fortunate to work from home and can wear whatever I feel like wearing. I’m a blue jean girl through and through. I mostly wear Levis, I’m a diehard fan. Not the classic 501 style (I do have some vintage 501s that I adore though), but the excellent styles such as superlow boot cut, skinny jeans, and such. They come in amazing rinses, stitches, and details and I have quite a collection. They fit me just right which is a hard thing to find in jeans, right ladies? My husband teases me about my jean obsession (as well as other fashion obsessions I happen have).
Living in southern California means there are several months of the year that are too warm for jeans, so on those days I wear lovely skirts of assorted lengths, shorts of many different styles, including cutoffs, and capris, sweet little dresses. I must say that I have always felt the “no white after Labor Day” rule is beyond ridiculous. I’m a proud rebel, in that respect.
What does your daily wardrobe consist of?
I’m fortunate to work from home and can wear whatever I feel like wearing. I’m a blue jean girl through and through. I mostly wear Levis, I’m a diehard fan. Not the classic 501 style (I do have some vintage 501s that I adore though), but the excellent styles such as superlow boot cut, skinny jeans, and such. They come in amazing rinses, stitches, and details and I have quite a collection. They fit me just right which is a hard thing to find in jeans, right ladies? My husband teases me about my jean obsession (as well as other fashion obsessions I happen have).
Living in southern California means there are several months of the year that are too warm for jeans, so on those days I wear lovely skirts of assorted lengths, shorts of many different styles, including cutoffs, and capris, sweet little dresses. I must say that I have always felt the “no white after Labor Day” rule is beyond ridiculous. I’m a proud rebel, in that respect.
Tops are casual as well. Tank tops, flirty little tees, cowboy shirts, feminine blouses with interesting necklines and sleeves. These are mostly in neutral colors so that my accessories shine through. I also wear little cardigans, shrugs, capelets (obviously, considering who I am) and such. Layers are fun and functional. My favorite thrift store finds are shrunken cardigans that are very worn with signs of aging.
As far as shoes go, in my daily wardrobe, I really have four basic styles. Flip flops, Chuck Taylors, boots (Frye boots and cowboy boots are my boots of choice for the most part), or ballet flats. I have quite a collection of all four of these styles (another source of wisecracks from my guy). I also have a thing for Mary Janes.
I almost always wear a belt, usually a black one or a brown one, depending on my shoes/outfit. I have a sizable buckle collection and I switch buckles almost daily.
Finally, jewelry, scarves, shawls and such, arm warmers, hats. I can’t stress how important accessories are to me. Depending on the season and my mood, I am always wearing something by way of accessories.
I am in love with coats. Fabulous long winter coats, coats of all styles. It’s slightly tragic that I live in Southern California when I yearn for coats the way I do.
What kind of outfits do you like to wear for formal occasions?
Most formal occasions I go to are in the evening. For an extra special evening, I tend to go with the classic Audrey-Hepburn-Breakfast-at-Tiffanys style. A long black dress, with either a low-cut front or a low-cut back, long gloves (a must), the shoes will be simple and sexy with 2-3” heel, and let the jewelry do the talking. I’ll either pay a lot of attention to my hair or my makeup, but not both. For formal occasions, I feel one should have some drama. Either drama with the makeup and simple hair, or drama with the hair and simple makeup.
What kind of outfits do you like to wear for nights on the town?
Oh, I love picking outfits for a night on the town! It’s the best time to go a little wild or dramatic, sexy and fun. I’ll whip out the high strappy heels or my coolest boots. I’ll wear a fabulous, deep or brightly colored blouse, or perhaps I’ll go dark and dramatic with black. The hair gets sexier, the makeup more daring. Perhaps the jeans get tighter or the skirt/dress gets shorter. It’s just the best opportunity for expressing myself and pushing the envelope a bit. The accessories become even more delicious too. Usually, the accessories become bigger, longer, more dramatic.
What types of fasteners do you like the look of most (zippers, buttons, hooks, belts etc?)
I love all of those fasteners mentioned. Probably belts are my all-time favorite because they accommodate my fiendish belt buckle collection. Zippers, buttons and hooks are very much important fashion features too. Especially for someone like me who uses detail as a strong form of fashion expression. I love them most when they are vintage, and perhaps show signs of wear.
A peek at Dennice's home office and a painting from her grandmother above her bed.
What kind of embellishments do you find most stylish?
Where to begin. The obvious answer, for me in particular, would be scarves, cowls, capelets and shrugs, lariats, shawls…you know, Fringesque type embellishments. However, I believe I can come up with many other examples. Actually, I could go on all day about this and never run out of examples.
I think a necktie on a woman is incredibly sexy, and I believe most men would agree with me. Corsets are heavenly too.
Little added details make a huge difference to me. A vintage brooch attached to a hat or an overcoat, a bracelet worn over a pair of gloves, a long red scarf tied around the throat leaving the flowing ends fluttering, a man’s watch on a woman’s wrist, a gigantic flower brooch worn with the simplest dress, a necklace that hangs past the waist(or worn backwards to hang down the back), a pearl choker, a huge sculptural ring, old trinkets (a skeleton key, for example) hanging on long chains or strips of leather or lace, layers of necklaces or bracelets worn together, belts of all kinds…the list is endless.
Ring by Concrete Ring. Cape by Bayou Salvage.
What is your favorite type of accessory?
I simply cannot pick one favorite! I am drawn to vintage, unique pieces. Sparkle and grit are all important. Sexy is good and so is fun. I do collect certain things that I can’t get enough of. I think I’ve mentioned them elsewhere in this interview.
Are you a jewelry girl?
I am most definitely a jewelry girl. Absolutely! I wear earrings every single day; even if I barely have time to get dressed, I make sure I’m at least wearing earrings. I have a lot of silver and turquoise. I have several antique Native American pieces that I cherish and wear often. I love big rings, cuffs and sexy, swingy earrings. I like my necklaces extra long or super short, as well as lariats. Turquoise is my favorite stone, but pearls are a close second. Silver is my metal of choice.
Accessorizing her home is as important as accessorizing herself.
Here is a cabinet in Dennice's hallway and a deer wall hanging she painted herself!
What fashion staples can you not live without?
Pretty much all of the items in my wardrobe are so very important to me. I can’t live without accessories, jeans, my boots/flips flops/Chucks. I have a vintage hat that I wear all the time. It’s a gorgeous hat and reminds me of the 20s. I adore my Leaves of Glass jewelry collection and cookoorikoo ring collection. Also, I have several pieces from bonzie and treehouse28 that I love and wear often.
I wouldn’t want to live without a few cosmetic staples either: mascara, eyeliner, bronzer, lipstick/lip gloss especially. Also, I consider the proper skincare products as important as any fashion staple. Ladies, it’s never too early to start caring for your skin.
What fashion trend do you hope never makes a comeback?
Please, please don’t let the big shoulder pads come back. For the love of humanity!
Based on fashion alone, what time period in history would you most love to live in?
This is a tough one. I do love at least one thing about all the fashion periods. At the top of my list of favorites is the 1920s and 1930s. The clothing Faye Dunaway wore in Bonnie and Clyde is to die for (pardon the bad pun, but you know what I mean). I adore the fashion from those decades.
If you’ve never seen the remake of A Star is Born with Barbara Streisand and Kris Kristofferson, I highly recommend you watch it because Barbara’s wardrobe was incredible.
I also love elements of the western, prairie days as well as the Victorian age. Some of the 60s and 70s still mesmerize me too.
I adore the Grace Kelly 50s style and the Audrey Hepburn 60s. Edith Head is my all-time favorite movie costume designer.
I feel that we are really in an amazing place right now, fashion-wise. Anything goes. As long as you’re true to yourself, you can dress however you wish, and you will be in style.
Tank top by fastfastfast. Lingerie by Under the Root.
Sum up your Stylebook
Whatever your style, the key is to be true to yourself and don’t be a slave to the latest trends. I feel it’s important for me personally, as I’m so interested in fashion, to keep up with the latest trends. That doesn’t mean I’ll implement them into my wardrobe though. I may, if I love what the latest and greatest is, but if it’s not my personal style, I won’t go near it. I also feel you can really stand out if you apply your own personal style to the latest trend. Make it a mix and you will be completely unique. Fashion and style is what you make it. Have fun and don’t be afraid to push the envelope.
I hope you have enjoyed this installment of Stylebook! Stay tuned for more to come soon and if you are interested in sharing your own personal or decor style, contact me at stylebook@lillyella.com.
You can check out all of Dennice's own stylish creations in her shop Fringe, and visit her blog for more fashion and decor inspiration.
ENTER TO WIN A FRINGE SCARF!
Yep, a giveaway! Dennice has generously offered one lucky winner their choice of her Poet Scarf, Snowdrift Scarf or Best Friend Scarf!
Here's how to enter:
Please leave a comment telling us what your favorite item is from Fringe and also what new color combos or types of items you would like to see Dennice add to her shop. YOU MUST INCLUDE your first name -AND- etsy username or email address with every entry. (If you are worried about email spam, you can spell out the 'at' and 'dot' rather than using the standard email format.)
Receive additional entries if you follow or subscribe to my blog, twitter and/or blog about the giveaway. Just leave a comment/link letting me know! You have until Tuesday, November 3 at 6 pm (est) to enter and I will announce the winner later that night. Good luck!
Receive additional entries if you follow or subscribe to my blog, twitter and/or blog about the giveaway. Just leave a comment/link letting me know! You have until Tuesday, November 3 at 6 pm (est) to enter and I will announce the winner later that night. Good luck!
I hope you have enjoyed this installment of Stylebook! Stay tuned for more to come soon and if you are interested in sharing your own personal or decor style, contact me at stylebook@lillyella.com.
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