two elle – a lifestyle boutique for women, men, and home

Life, it seems, is different on this side. The leaves don’t change. The breeze doesn’t chill. And fall fashion is something of a store-displayed myth. I purchased my obligatory wool items in the hopes that I could recreate a life I once loved, but as the sun continues to shine, perhaps I must accept the truth of my newfound glow. So, the glitter of the Miu Miu sandals sparkles into October. But, as it’s fall, I’ll throw in a twist: I’ll play with pattern.

Temperature demands that the sleeves stay short, but I’ll mix up the plaids and dots and camos and animal prints with reckless abandon. Just because I’ve welcomed a little warmth into my seasonal spell, it’s doesn’t mean I can’t still fall for the magic of this heavier time of year.

And it doesn’t end at pattern-mixing. Everything gets a little messier in the fall, kiddos. The hair gets pulled back, and the flaws become the strengths. I embrace the breakdown within the fall. It becomes…..my thing.

So, despite the brightness of the light, the ambiguity of this transitional time settles in. Patterns get mixed up, persona gets messy, and a dash of glitter gets thrown in. It’s my first sunny fall in 15 years. Forgive me, friends, if it’s a little confusing.

Well, according to the calendar and trendsters, we are well into fall. I have located my scarves and jackets in storage and procured the season’s best sweaters (I foretell animal duels between the J.Crew french hen and the Madewell sheep, but they’re family, so hopefully no blood will be spilled). HOWEVER, according to my iphone (the 4….not the 5….I don’t even have Siri….is it too soon to call it vintage?), it is still 100 degrees. So, before breaking out the battling family sweaters, I decided to keep it in my own family this weekend and fully represent my brother’s clothing line, Collective Los Angeles (also affectionately called Cola).

Everything is available online at www.collectivelosangeles.com for your purchasing pleasure. I kind of love them all and haven’t really developed a favorite yet, although I’m currently leaning toward the Cola crop top paired with the Madewell striped pencil skirt. But can you really beat the Runyon shirt? Basically, sibling-loyalty aside, I’m a fan of the brand….enough so that I’m figuring out how to take solo shots of shirts with writing on them (it’s tricky when you can’t use a mirror!). And I’m even carrying my computer around town in a bag that has an expletive on it! So, f*ck fall, buy Cola, wear a tank top, and celebrate family! xoxo

I know, I know. It’s too soon. It’s still over 100 degrees outside, and we’ve added a touch of humidity, but sometimes a girl just can’t help herself. My favorite season has begun to reveal itself in my favorite places, and I’ll deny it no longer. I’m falling head over heels for the crew and their silly French hen.

Yep, the touch of cashmere and the long-sleeve button-down is a bit of a health risk in this climate, but I’m nothing if not a risk-taker. I see you, J.Crew, and I’m ready to fall.

And maybe I was too quick to judge the notion of a Peter Pan….

P.S. Can we also please talk about the Kate Spade Garance Dore line????

The 2012 Olympics were all about fashion. That may not be what you were hearing on NBC, but that’s definitely what you were reading if you follow me on twitter @twoellerachel (warning: there was a lot of talk about glittery Russian tears). I’ve become completely swept away by the Olympics, and what I lack in hair clips and tight buns, I’ve made up for in Olympic-inspired fashion. Gap (yep, you read that right) made it easy with these vintage Olympic logo tees. #TeamUSA

With one month left, it seems only appropriate that we begin a little two elle retrospective, but this time we want your help.

Our Good & Fair t-shirts (still great holiday gifts and now on sale. just sayin.) beg us to remember that there’s a story behind every wardrobe, and we couldn’t agree more. My story plucked me out of Manhattan and set me here in Nashville. It plunged me down a rabbit hole and began the journey that you’ve all been a part of with me. This journey, while thrilling, took me away from the worlds I knew and asked me to create a new one. I’ve missed a best friend’s wedding, and I’ll miss another in a week. I’ve sold clothes for 10 out of my last 15 Christmas Eves, and I’ll do so one last time for you. With the sacrifices, however, came great joys. I’ve been afforded the opportunity to dream. I’ve turned a white box into a wonderland. I’ve found a staff that makes it so that I can’t take a day off, because I don’t want to miss a day of their company. And, of course, I’ve created the bunny and Nashville shirts that are now filling my closet.

So, here’s what, bunny lovers: SHOW US YOUR TWO ELLE! Send pics of your faves to info@twoelle.com with perhaps a couple choice words, and your story will be added to ours.

You’ve been listening to ours for all these years, but now we want to share yours! TELL US YOUR STORY!