Thursday, October 23, 2014

Let's be friends :: Parallel on Instagram

We love putting together outfits and playing around with different combinations. We'd love to hear what you think about some of our latest looks on Instagram.  Hit us up and let us know what you think!






James & Jezebelle Jewelry

Friday, October 17, 2014

How to Clean Cashmere & Wool at Home

Our friends at The Laundress have helpful videos, providing tips and solutions to clean nearly any garment.  Here they show you how to clean a Chanel wool jacket with one of our favorites detergents: Wool & Cashmere Shampoo by The Laundress.



16 oz
Non-toxic
Biodegradable
Allergen Free
$19

And for in between washes, we are obsessed with the Wool & Cashmere Spray!
4 oz

Non-toxic
Biodegradable
Allergen Free
$10


 

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Time to Snuggle up to Fall

It's that time again! Check out Parallel's cozy sweaters and wraps perfect for these chilly fall days:
Shawl Cocoon Cardigan Coat by Dear Cashmere 


Georgie Hood by Curator

Shrunken Snap Cardigan in Black by Dear Cashmere


Pre-Order: Long Cloak Hoodie in Deep Blue by Prairie Underground


Linton Striped Scarf by Rag & Bone


Striped Cuff Cashmere Sweater by Dear Cashmere


Striped Arden in Black/White by Curator

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Interview with Rachael Wood of Chinti & Parker

image of Anna and Rachael of Chinti & Parker
Anna & Rachael of Chinti & Parker 

Rachael Wood, Chinti & Parker co-founder, sat down to answer our questions about her playful collaboration with business partner and cousin, Anna Singh.  The quality conscious brand launched in 2009, producing comfortable, timeless cuts that "allows you to simply get dressed and get on with it". With a loyal following on both sides of the pond, Chinti & Parker has made a name by setting high standards for value. Proponents of  a ‘buy better’ philosophy, Chinti & Parker buy the very best materials while insuring that every step of the production is done in safe and fair environments.

Star Sweater by Chinti & Parker

Why did you choose to have the cashmere pieces made in Mauritius? 

We work with many factories, mainly in Europe but we work with a family run factory in Mauritius because their craftsmanship is excellent and they put up with our technical knitwear designs which have been known to challenge the more traditional of knitters.


Guernsey Stripe Sweater by Chinti & Parker

What separates your quality cashmere from other brands that are less expensive? 

The answer lies partly in the question. Quality. To begin with we work with the best yarn available in the market; it is expensive but it will last the test of time. Design, fit and make are all extremely important to us hence why we go to great lengths to find the perfect manufacturers. Workers are paid a fair wage and all working conditions are of a high standard. All of these things mean that our product looks great; plus you can feel great about the way in which your sweater has been made.


External Seam Cardigan by Chinti & Parker

What inspires you and where does your whimsical design sense come from? 

We don't take ourselves too seriously and I think this comes across in our playful designs. When it comes down to whether a style makes it into the collection, we always ask ourselves, would I want to wear this?

Bow Print Shirt by Chinti & Parker
$174 $102

What can we expect from Chinti & Parker in the future? 

Our big news this autumn is the launch of menswear.

"We always ask ourselves, would I want to wear this?" 


What makes a stylish person in your opinion.

Someone who stays true to their own taste, who isn't swayed by trend. Above all, this person has confidence. If you believe you have it, then we will too.

Bamboo Jersey Maxi V-Neck Dress by Chinti & Parker
$255 $153

What has been the biggest obstacle and boon of being a designer? 

I think it's very difficult to get noticed these days; it's a challenge even getting your foot in the door in the first place. Managing the balance between creativity and commerciality is also a challenge. The boon is being able to do something I love. It is a privilege and something I am extremely grateful for.

All images courtsey of Chinti & Parker and Parallel. Article by Elizabeth Aley.

Rag & Bone Boots for Fall 2014

One of my favorite things about fall is the return of boots. For two years running I practically lived in my Frye boots. Now I am in love with city girl booties. Per usual, Rag & Bone is killing it in the shoe department. Check out the latest Rag & Bone boots at Parallel. You're bound to fall in love (please excuse the bad pun).



$585







$595





$368






Wednesday, September 3, 2014

First Signs of Fall 2014

Fall is just around the corner & the kiddos are back at school again. Fall shopping has always been my favorite - new shoes, books, pens & fresh clothes for back to school. It's an exciting time to refresh your wardrobe, layer up & get cozy. Here are a few signs of fall at Parallel:
Nora Skirt by Curator 

Long Cloak Hoodie in Army by Prairie Underground
$264

Skinny Jean in Anfield Splatter by Rag & Bone
$242

Denim Girdle Legging in Ink Pot by Prairie Underground
$150

Bungalow Hoodie in Oatmeal by Prairie Underground
$253


Cut Out Neck Top by Clu
$125


Normandy Shirt in Pin Stripe by Nili Lotan
$268


Shadow Plant Shift by Feral Childe
$271

Mumler Tee by Feral Childe
$127

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Interview with Deirdre Nagayama of Curator



Stacy Rodgers and Deirdre Nagayama are best friends and designers at Curator, a San Francisco based clothing line that specializes in “the pieces that are first in and out of the laundry basket.” Known for hardworking fabrics and easy to wear cuts, Curator is the stylish solution to fill those holes in your wardrobe and turn heads. Established in 2001, Curator added a retail space in the fall 2009 in the Upper Noe district of San Francisco. I had a quick chat with Deirdre of Curator and learned more about her inventive fashion line.



Lena Tunic $110

How did you you two meet? Did you “click” instantly?

Stacy and I met when we were 16 on the soccer field practicing for our high school team. Our team was pretty bad news bearsey, but we discovered that we ran at the exact same pace (ahead of the pack). We were friends ever after. We ended up picking the same college in San Diego and grew very close being in So. Cal together.

Nora Skirt  $149

What inspires your designs? Can you take us through the collaboration process?

We look to find pieces we can both wear comfortably and work hard in. We’re far from the fit model body types, we look for clothes that fit our shapes well. If we can both rock it we figure we’re hitting a bigger cross section of people.



Curator is designed to “fill [the] voids within our own wardrobes.” So what’s on your fall wardrobe list?

California really needs a rain dance! I’m looking for new boots, high waisted pants of all forms, our striped tops with sleeves rolled up, denim on denim on denim (lena tunic with skinnies), cozy wool oversized sweaters. It’s been dry and hot in my area for so long I feel like I almost forgot how to take on winter.


“If we can both rock it we figure we’re hitting a bigger cross section of people.”


Phoebe Boatneck, available in navy & white $63

In 2009, you opened up a retail location. How has this changed the name of the game for Curator (if at all)?

Opening the retail location was a survival move. 2009 was pretty grim for independent fashion lines, lots of stores were closing and we figured we should try our hands at retail to get off the sell 6 months ahead track. Our store is TINY, I harken it to walking into someone’s closet, one at a time. 4 people at a time is sensory overload! We make it work, it’s small and manageable for us and we love watching ladies try on clothes. Talking to them about what fits, getting the first reads of the line when it comes out. It really helps our design process, our customers definitely inform and contribute to the work.



What makes a stylish person in your opinion?

Staying true to yourself and what you like even when others try to shoot you down. We all notice trends but having a sense of what looks good on your own body type and staying the course with it. Lately I’ve noticed that many women dress for their partners, and while I do care if my husband thinks I look good, it’s my style and I control it. We have a husband bench at the store and it’s not a coincidence that its outside. I try to stay true to my mom’s genius policy…when I was growing up and wearing CRAZY vintage outfits, she would not say a word about how I looked unless I asked. I would saunter past her and if I said what do you think of this mechanic suit and turban mom? She would shoot me straight but I also knew if I didn’t want her input I didn’t have to ask. This gave me a lot of confidence to roll out and explore my style. I rarely asked. As a mom I already practice this policy.



What has been your biggest obstacle and boon as a designers?

They’re are a LOT of obstacles in our field. It can be a David & Goliath choice of a career. Fabric minimums can be a real obstacle at times, and cash flow when you have to put up a lot of money to make goods for future orders. It’s the stuff TMJ is made of. :-). The internet has been a gift for us to be able to direct sell to our customers….



What is your favorite thing in your collection right now? Why?

My favorite piece in the collection right now is the lena tunic. It covers all the bases, denim, long over tush and belly so I can wear skinny pants. I feel like I can really get some work done in that thing.


Images courtesy of Curator. Article by Elizabeth Aley 

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Interview with Nancy Caten of NCbis



Nancy Caten is the designer and jeweler behind NCbis. A bay area native, Nancy creates her unique pieces in her San Francisco studio. Known for combining precious metals, rare and semi-precious stones, her work is influenced by the Arts & Crafts movement of the late 19th century, marked as “a reaction against the industrial revolution and the mass production of goods”.  Her work is unconventional - incorporating vintage materials with a decisively modern edge.



1. In college, an Art professor once told me “the creative part of being an Artist is making a living”. As a professional artist, what has been your recipe for success?

I consider myself a craftsperson, rather than an artist. What interests me most is the process of creation. The journey one takes to make the piece is what drives me, not always the end product. To be successful it’s necessary to take note of the ever changing fashion trends but not allow yourself to be overwhelmed by those constant shifts. You still need to find a place where your ideas and passions fit into the market.


2. Take us through your design process. Where do you find your inspiration when approaching a new design or collection?

I’m inspired by many diverse things. travel, music, nature and I also spend a lot of time in museums which are spiritual places for me. When it comes to designing a new collection I don’t do drawings. Instead I use more of a collage method, assembling different elements like a puzzle and discovering what fits organically.



3. On your website it says your designs are influenced by the “Arts & Crafts movement of the early 20th century”, can you elaborate?

The arts & crafts movement began in the late nineteenth century as a reaction against the industrial revolution and the mass production of goods. It honored quality craftsmanship of everyday products. My own goal is that each individual piece be designed and well crafted by hand. A personal touch invests the work with a human spirit that’s pleasing to me and hopefully to the wearer as well.

"The journey one takes to make the piece is what drives me, not always the end product."


4. Many of your pieces include vintage materials while maintaining a modern edge. How do the vintage materials tie into your designs? What do they signify?

Sometimes I use vintage french metal stampings from the late 1800’s or vintage Japanese and Czech beads but I assemble them using a contemporary silhouette and color palate. Repurposing and recycling materials is important to me. Each piece should have character and a life, and not be throw away adornment.


5. What has been your biggest obstacle and boon as a designer?

When you have a small design business the multitude of daily responsibilities can sometimes get in the way of the creative process. That’s when I know it’s time to visit an art gallery or take a trip to a new destination to refresh my vision.

Images courtesy of Nancy Caten. Article by Elizabeth Aley