Designers: Cynthia Steffe

BACKGROUND

The Cynthia Steffe label was introduced in 1989, and it has been a staple for contemporary women’s apparel ever since. Founded by its namesake designer (pictured above with her daughter), the brand started off with influences from Donna Karen and Anne Klein, where Cynthia began her design career as an assistant. Although she left the brand in 2006, the label has continued to push forward with contemporary looks that still hit the seasonal trends and are tailor-made for the everyday fashionista.

DESIGNS

The label has always been centered around sophisticated silhouettes, elegant, feminine lines, and playful sportswear and includes a large assortment of separates ranging from skirts to tops to jackets. With a versatile design aesthetic, the collection has easily become a favorite among many celebrities including Hilary Duff, Eva Longoria, and Scarlett Johansson, and we here at CakeStyle feel exactly the same. For us, we particularly love her dresses! They are an easy way to look fashionable from head to toe. Just throw on a great accessory and pump or sandal, and you’re ready to roll this season!

[images via country living & cakestyle]

Trends: Midi Skirts

Midi skirts are perfect for this time of year. They’re great for easing into warmer weather, so it’s no wonder we’ve seen them all over the runway this season. As the name suggests, midi skirts tend to fall somewhere below the knee and above the ankle, which makes them incredibly versatile. Wear one to the office, out on the town, or to a Memorial Day barbeque.

How To Wear Midi Skirts

Midi skirts work best with a fitted or tucked-in blouse and heels. A general rule of thumb is to choose a midi that falls around the middle of your shin. If you’re shorter, you may want a skirt that falls right at or below your knee. Next time you decide to rock this trend, here are some possible combinations:

1. Simple Midi with a Printed Blouse: If you choose to go with a solid midi skirt like the green pastel option pictured on the left, pair it with a floral or printed blouse for some contrast. We love the addition of the pale pink Kate Spade studs!
2. Bold Midi with a Pastel Blouse: For a patterned midi skirt, we recommend a subtle, solid-colored blouse. This will let the skirt take the spotlight. Finally, a pair of strappy heels can add a springy touch to the ensemble.
3. Knit Midi with a Bright Blouse: If flowy skirts aren’t your thing, there’s still a midi for you! The knit skirt on the right is perfect for transitioning from the office to happy hour. Make it pop with a brightly colored blouse and a pair of classy, patent leather pumps.

Nothing says, “Is it summer yet?” quite like a midi skirt.

[image via polyvore]

What To Wear: What To Wear to a Summer Wedding

Summer wedding season is here – ladies, here are your outfits! Weddings are oh-so-fun, but there are so many dress guidelines that every gal needs a cheat sheet to get through the season.

First, you’ve got your casual weddings. Even if they are daytime and outdoors, you still need to look cute. I just love Shoshanna dresses for these occasions. The fit is great, the fabrics and patterns are feminine, and you’ll always look just right. I love this Creamsicle Shoshanna sheath for a wedding during the day. The color is gorgeous and it goes perfectly with this turquoise Marlyn Schiff collar necklace.

Next up is cocktail. You don’t want to go overboard here, and I think Milly does gorgeous cocktail pieces. The line is fashion-forward, yet classically cut, meaning every woman can pull the pieces off. This dress by Milly is a gorgeous blue, and the lace effect makes it dressy enough for cocktail affairs.

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Blog: The Style Digest

CakeStyle’s summary of fashion, retail, and e-commerce news from around the web.

iPhone Mashup Shoe

Presented at last year’s Milan Design Week, the iPhone Mashup Shoe is a pair of 3D-printed platform heels with a holster on the side to hold an iPhone. The design was commissioned by FreshFiber, a 3D-printed accessories site, and made by Dutch designer Alan Nguyen. The shoes are a fusion of art, fashion, and product design. Read More

ShipHawk Aims To Disrupt Retail Shipping

Santa Barbara-based shipping startup ShipHawk (launched at the end of April) is an online shipping platform looking to relieve pain points that small and medium-sized businesses experience. ShipHawk takes care of everything from providing shipping estimates to handling package pickup, delivery, packing, insurance, and more. The key difference between ShipHawk and other shipping companies is that it provides estimates without having to see items packed beforehand. ShipHawk works with companies like UPS and FedEx to handle fulfillment, as well as insurance companies and agencies that handle packing. The company currently services Southern California, with plans to expand across the U.S. Read More

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Designers: Jeweliany

Jeweliany by Julie Simpson 

Jeweliany, an eco-friendly, metalwork-inspired jewelry company, was launched by designer Julie Simpson (pictured above) after she received a degree in applied design and metalsmithing from San Diego State University. Her designs artistically blend function, beauty, and grace, and were inspired by Simpson’s world travels. Jeweliany jewelry is great for both everyday wear and dressier occasions!

Jeweliany’s most iconic pieces come from the constellation collection – a set of necklaces made from slim tabs of silver and a star diamond in a gypsy setting. These popular pieces are made from 100% recycled materials with conflict-free diamonds.

Last summer, we caught up with Julie Simpson for a brief Q&A. Check out her responses below!

1. Which celebrity would you love to see wearing your pieces?

Sienna Miller – I love her style.

2. If you could only wear one accessory for the rest of your life, what would it be?

This is hard. If I had to choose I guess I would pick a design that I have been wearing for a long time now; it’s seven hammered rings that stack and are worn the entire length of the finger. They are all different: oxidized, hammered, silver, gold, matte, shiny. I keep adding to them and changing them but I feel like they’re a part of me now.

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