A lot of us are oozing with anticipation to see the reveal of PurseBlog and Botkier collaborative design, which will be available exclusively at Saks Mid-July. Our friends at PurseBlog teamed up with fashion darling and illustrator extraordinaire Dallas Shaw for a stunning collection of hand-drawn images. We got in touch with the busy artist for a quick Q+A for the Botkier Blog!

How did you get started in fashion illustration?

I have always been in love with clothing- and the entire fashion industry has always excited me. So it’s only fitting that I work with designers and very stylish people. The more amazing jobs I get the more I love it.

What are some of your inspirations for work?

When I say that I am inspired by the fashion industry I really mean it. I love getting to see the shows- I am fortunate to be able to see the clothing in person and chat with the designers. It’s unreal and unforgettable. I also spend a lot of time reading magazines and online- endless inspiration there.

How would you describe your personal style?

Classic casual- but with pops of glam.

What’s your summer uniform in the studio?

Well- I am in the studio right now! Wearing Madewell ripped denim shorts, a dark, plain, oversized boyish like sweater- it’s almost like a sweatshirt but it’s knit, pearls, a high bun and Chanel glasses- the huge ones.

And out of the studio?

This summer I am living in printed shorts of all types- floral, striped…strappy leather sandals, button down imperfect shirts, gold nugget hoops and straw hats. When summer is here I LIVE it.

Any favorite music artists to sketch to?

No faves- listening to Phoenix today.

Where will you be spending your downtime this summer?

When you do what I do you have to make time for some downtime. But I try to get away on weekends when possible- siesta key, Stone Harbor with friends, Atlanta, North Carolina and Disney World in the next couple months.

What’s first on your summer reading list?

If You Have To Cry Go Outside by Kelly Cutrone. I don’t read a lot of fiction- if I am taking a break on the beach and reading something-I like to learn something about other people’s paths, successes and mistakes in the business so that I can grow from that.

Besides an incredible knack for illustration and painting, any other hidden talents we should know about?

I don’t really have anything hidden. I’m a very good business woman but not sure that is considered a talent.

Lastly, what essentials are always in your bag?

My Blackberry if it’s not in my hand.

Tory Burch sunglasses

Canon- I take photos of everything. Everywhere.

Laura Mercier Crimson Red Hydratint

DKNY Pure – my summer scent this year

My business cards that I keep in a vintage beaded case.

Dallas Shaw’s lovely illustration was designed for PurseBlog to celebrate our recent collaboration – and it’s now on display on the PurseBlog Twitter Page. Want to know more? Explore the world of Dallas at her website and via her blog!

We’re New Yorkers at heart but every once in awhile we crave an escape from the concrete jungle. Though we can’t get away every weekend, we’re all about mixing things up. Our favorite new skincare line, Made From Earth, is an invigorating  shift for the busy, on-the-go metropolitan girl.  It’s a simple solution for destressing: free from chemical additives, organic and made from products we can actually pronounce, so one less thing to worry about. Some of our instant faves: the bevy of lip balms in vanilla and peppermint, Green Tea Detox Cleanser, and their Lavender Calm Lotion.  Whether it’s a weekend in Montauk or just a relaxing beauty find, a change in scenery is oh so refreshing!  Our photos were taken by Monica after a couple of weeks of testing out the collection.

xoxo,

Botkier girls

Peek a glimpse of the Botkier studio in this blast from the past. Filmed last November for E! News, this charming clip gives an insider’s view of our office and a glance at some of our most popular styles from the Holiday/Resort collection. Michelle and Monica share details behind their design collaboration, a true labor of love benefiting the Oxfam organization.

We’re excited to share an exclusive interview with Anthea King, the makeup artist on set. Channeling French favorite Charlotte Gainsborg, Anthea equipped Adina with sultry bedroom eyes and a dramatic pout. The beauty pro tells us how to achieve the effortlessly sexy look at home and shares her  insider tips with Planet Botkier.

What’s on your palette for Fall 2010?

I’m really feeling the East Village or St. Germain des Pres girl who looks just a bit “slept-in”.  I am feeling plummy smoky eyes and the inner rims lined with the same color, spiky lashes and lipstick in a semi-matte berry. A bit of smudging around the eyes is sexy and so right now. Also, lipstick is back! Put the glosses away for now and keep those lips matte in fun shades of burgundy, deep coral and even a sheer vampy purple.

From where did you find your inspiration for the Botkier Fall campaign?

Right now in the fashion world we are really channelling Charlotte Gainsbourg,  the muse to Balenciaga’s Nicolas Ghesquiere. She’s also an actress, singer and impossibly chic and French. It’s about being effortless but still the messy hair falls in just the right spots and you see the eyes but don’t realize that the thick black liquid eyeliner and layers of false lashes are what is seducing you. It’s trickery, but unless you know, you really don’t know what is going on there.

As a make-up artist, indulge us, what are the essential items inside your cosmetic bag?

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation in #6, Stila Eyeshadow in Kitten, (shimmering nude pink) and Twig (shimmering earthen brown), Skinceuticals A.G.E Eye Cream to combat intra-day puffiness anytime, Smashbox slanted eyeliner brush, Caudalie Beauty Elixir spray.

Speaking of insider tips, what is your own beauty philosophy?

I love to do something unexpected! I’ve been using a silver or pink liquid eyeliner just on the top of the lid (Givenchy both shades—hot!). It brightens and will garner a ton of compliments. Also, glitter is making a comeback but now it’s about using it in small amounts. Try some (Makeup For Ever does the best glitter in my opinion) mixed with vaseline and swiped over the eyelid.

All images courtesy of Anthea King’s portfolio. She has worked with Mary Louise Parker, Mariah Carey, Kristen Bell, and Mischa Barton, and has been featured in Vogue, Lucky, Glamour, and SoMa Magazine, among others, and is currently represented by See Management.

These are some of my favorite songs right now. I’m always mixing old and new for an eclectic mix. I never get sick of classic rock and disco, but lately I’ve been hooked on Mos Def, Feist, Cat Power, and Nina Simone. For a different vibe, I’m turning to indie favorites like M.I.A and MGMT. What’s on your latest playlist? Share your current musical obsession and we might add it to our playlist next month!

Right now, I’m really into mixed metal. I’ve always been inspired by jewelry and it’s a huge influence on my design of bag hardware. Whether it’s a vintage score or investment piece, I love to make a statement. Black gold and pink gold are particularly unique and work well with both silver and gold tones. Perfect with an understated outfit, like a worn-in tee and a pair of boyfriend jeans.  You don’t have to choose between silver and gold. Be a bit of a rebel and wear them together…

A few favorites I’m currently rotating:
1. Three key necklace in pink, white and yellow gold 2. 1930s black onyx, diamond and yellow gold antique ring 3. Platinum, diamond and yellow gold earring 4. Fallon ‘Mistaken Identity’ chain bracelet 5. 1970s black and yellow gold chain link bracelet

We’re currently smitten with Swedish darling Elin Kling, who shares her sartorial obsessions with the world via her blog, Style By Kling. Her casual chic style is a mix of flirty floral frocks and edgier, fashion forward pieces like tough leather boots and structural jackets. We’re not the only ones captivated by Elin’s amazing attire–she’s been snapped by the likes of The Sartorialist and The Street Peeper. During the midst of fashion week craze, she graciously took a few minutes out of her busy day for a captivating Q&A with Planet Botkier.

You are such a globetrotter! What is your favorite city for fashion?

I have to say New York. I love that city!
As Sweden gets a lot of snow, what’s your favorite activity during the winter?

I do love skiing.
Tell us five essential objects that are in your purse on any given day…

My Iphone, my camera (ALWAYS, I´m a blogger…), rouge –  I need to refresh my make up after a long day, Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream – addicted, credit card – if I see something I like, I never plan my shopping!
Let’s play time machine. If you could go back in time, what era/decade would you choose?

The 60´s for the fashion, but also for the music. When you couldn’t download, and had to travel miles just to see your favorite band.
What bands are rotating on your iPod lately?

Chet Baker, The Dead Years (my boyfriends band!), the XX

I was visiting our store in NoLIta on the first real day of Spring in NYC. It’s 70 degrees out and the city has come alive after a brutal winter. Stumbled upon this umbrella graveyard– it must be the aftermath of the crazy rain storm last Saturday!

xoxo,

Monica

New to Planet Botkier, get to know the stylish femmes popping up on our fashion radar. We’ll share a glimpse into their world via exclusive interviews and sartorial advice from the it-girls themselves. At the moment, we’re smitten with the fashion forward Jazzi McGilbert. Hardly a style rookie, Jazzi pens her industry chronicles via her blog, Jazzi McG. We quizzed the blogger on her favorite trends for spring, wardrobe must-haves, and the essentials inside her Botkier bag, the Howard Street satchel.

First things first-tell us about your blog in a sentence or two.

My blog is just a piece of my mind for anyone that’s interested. I post advice, personal stories, outfits, DIYs, and anything at all I find interesting or inspiring. My blog has followed me on a path from boredom, dreams, to a number of internships, to my work as a freelance writer and stylist, to everything in between (and whatever comes next!).

We adore your personal style. What’s your one most cherished look?

Firstly, thank you! And I guess I’m not terribly sentimental about my own style, because I can’t think of a cherished look per se… but I do feel a little naked without my arsenal of rings, bangs/fringe, a hat, heels and dark black eyeliner. In general, I tend to mix high, low, very low and vintage, but it’s not a conscious thing. I’ll go a little dark or sexed up one day, innocent another, and almost tomboy the next… or just mishmash it all together in one look – it’s definitely a mood thing, but I’m not scared to have a little fun.

Since you’re such a coast-hopper, where are your two most cherished shopping destinations, in New York and LA?

In LA, it’s the Fairfax flea market, my regular Sunday morning stop, and Maxfield – more for playing the racks and drooling than actually whipping out the wallet, but I would if I could.

In NY, I love the selection at Seven and always find something awesome for a steal at Century 21.

Which three new trends are you excited to see for Spring?

I’m feeling the braids, wacky colored hair, and cat eye glasses. And I’m excited to see girls’ looks in clogs (though I’ll be sitting out this trend).

Which four blogs are you loving at the moment-fashion or otherwise?

It’s so difficult to pick just 4! I subscribe to and love tons, but these are in heavy rotation at the moment:

1.Sundance’s Full Frontal Fashion has quickly become my favorite fashion/culture destination. They have some incredible contributors, informative posts & videos, and a really fresh voice.
2. Kris Atomic I love everything about her blog: her white blonde hair, quirky illustrations, food & travel porn, all her dreamy fashion inspiration and her kitty Matilda.
3. KCRW-The BEST podcasts, music, and news. I’m constantly listening to KCRdubs – stuck in traffic, on my iPod, laptop, wherever.
4. Not new or anything, but as a fellow Cali girl, I’ve found myself inspired by Rumi of Fashion Toast a lot lately. There’s no denying she is damned captivating – even my boyfriend loves her (and they look like siblings) – and I’ve come to appreciate the simplicity in that she doesn’t try to do it all. She does the personal style blog very well.

Lastly, what are five essentials you’ve always got in your bag?

1. Camera, which is a big DSLR that demands a big bag (my Howard Street is perfect).
2. Chapstick, strawberry to be specific.
3. Whatever magazine or book I’ve picked up.
4. Junk food – candy or chips. Fruit on a good day.
5. Pen, Moleskine, and/or Digital Recorder – tools of the trade.

Spring is on its way, and we’re already anticipating the change of the season. What better way to celebrate than with a perfectly polished manicure? We challenged the girls in our office to pick their favorite colors for spring to match our gypsy-glam inspired collection. What shades are we feeling? Nudes are a perennial favorite, and the muted tone looks effortlessly chic against a black palette. We adore the surfer-chic trend for spring, and will be wearing a bevy of ocean-esque shades. Lastly, we love a bright watermelon shade-a pop of color to welcome the warmer weather!

Christina sports  OPI’s Bare If You Dare paired with the Venice Satchel in Naked.

Tanya rocks Sally Hansen’s Marine Scene with the Harper Satchel in Teal.

Lollise loves Essie’s Fifth Avenue with Dion Satchel in Watermelon.