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fashion

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blue suede shoes

I’ve got plenty of neutral colored boots and shoes for winter (or any season), but what I really want is a great pair of blue suede shoes. I have one pair of blue suede flats that I’ve worn into the ground yet still every time I wear them I receive a compliment. It’s not the compliments I seek – it’s the wonderful punctuation mark it adds to any outfit, making me feel all the more pulled together. In a season of cozy knits and leggings, anything that will add easy elegance is definitely much needed.

blue suede shoes
Mid heel shoes / Dolce Vita flat / Flat shoes / DV by Dolce Vita leather boots / Franco Sarto pumps / Enzo Angiolini shoes

outfitting comfort

All I want to wear right now are sweaters and leggings. But it’s not really socially acceptable as a 7-days-a-week uniform so I used my brand-new Polyvore account to help me visualize sprucing up a seemingly simple sweater. This is my first virtual styling collection. Ever.

venture west

 

What do you think? How would you outfit this sweater?

i heart austin: style

Austin street style | tide & bloomMy girls make me so proud! Not even out of high school and already so chic and stylish, even on a casual road trip. What are these kids drinkin’ nowadays?! I have no idea where they got any parts of these outfits from, but I just wanted to share how beautiful these girls are. I wish I could be around them more often! Maybe then I’d have more style posts.

Austin street style | tide & bloom

sweater weather

I recently realized that every outfit post I’ve done on this blog has been in a dress or skirt, probably due to the summer heat! But now there’s a chill in the air and I’m more excited than ever to wear scarves, tights, leggings, and boots. My most recent purchase is this amazingly soft infinity scarf from Anthro. Here’s my first shot at an outfit. Can you believe me, in leather shorts?

sweater-weather-5

pin addiction: jumpsuits

Lately I’ve been shopping with my eyes instead of my wallet, which sounds good in terms of practicality and money-saving, but is a little bit unbearable for my incurable fashion addiction. I’m completely guilty of the “I have nothing to wear” syndrome… anyone know a good support group? For now, all I have is Pinterest. My latest addiction is jumpsuits and it’s probably due how infrequently I actually see them in stores. It’s terribly difficult for me to find good fits when it comes to these silhouettes so I can’t bring myself to buy one online either. Here are some jumpsuits I’m currently addicted to looking at:

for work

work-jump1

1 / 2 / 3

for play

play-jump

1 / 2 / 3

Visit the Tide & Bloom on Pinterest to see more of my materialistic addictions (and some inspirational stuff too)!

creative makers: rachael riedinger of neva opet

I began my Creative Masters interview series in order to feature creative entrepreneurs who are a shining example of manifesting your goals and dreams. However, I quickly realized that there is just as much inspiration to be found in a newcomer – particularly because their decision to pursue passion over practicality is recent and fresh in their minds and hearts. I now present to you a “sister” series that I will call Creative Makers: a showcase of artisans, performers, and business owners who are new to the game and ready to give it their all. 

Within five minutes of meeting Rachael at Thread Count, I knew we would become fast friends. Her infectious laughter and evident love for all things well-made really made me feel like she was a kindred spirit from a previous lifetime. After only meeting me once, she so graciously opened up her home and studio to show me where the leather magic happens. That’s right people – leather. magic! Rachael Riedinger is the creator of Neva Opet, a line of hand-crafted purses and accessories that exemplify a modern take on the marriage between functionality and form. Her gorgeous array of leather and canvas bags were enough to make me swoon, but after getting to know her over iced lattes (made by Rachael herself) and scrumptious pastries, I knew I wouldn’t go home without one of her beautiful creations. Her work is dripping with passion and can be found via Neva Opet’s website, Etsy, and Facebook. Be sure to keep tabs on this one, ladies. I’m sure in a few years you will have wish you had bought one of her bags today!

Neva Opet: leather working tools | tide & bloom

First things first. Describe the personality or type of woman you make your bags for.

I make my bags for myself and for women like me. I like minimal things done in great materials that will last a lifetime. A woman like me is someone who appreciates art, design, and minimalism – likes things a bit more understated. I think shopping habits have taken a change and people want to purchase things that they will keep forever. I’m hoping people won’t treat my bags preciously or baby them because they are meant to live and mature with their owners. The materials I use only get more awesome with age.

That’s a cool way to look at an accessory – like a lifetime companion. So how did you learn to make what you make? Where did the impulse come from?

Well I started sewing when I was 14 years old. My mom gave me a sewing machine for Christmas and I started sewing all the vintage silhouettes and patterns I couldn’t find in stores at the time – like peg leg pants (skinny jeans) or just band patches onto my jackets. It just snowballed from there so I’ve been sewing for 11 years now. I just really enjoy making things and after one really awful job, I decided that I wanted to do something that I love. Even if it pays half as much, I’m still so much happier. In regards to the leather work specifically, I’m entirely self-taught. It took a long time to figure out the ins and outs of leather and I still learn something new every time I work. But because of that, each bag I make is better than the one before it.

Neva Opet: Rachael Riedinger | tide & bloom

Neva Opet: Rachael Riedinger | tide & bloom

Which part of the crafting process do you enjoy most?

Hmm. That’s tough. On one hand, I really love the transformation of materials – seeing the fabric or leather become a finished product. But I also really love it when I see that someone else enjoys the bag as much as I enjoyed making it. It’s just such a gratifying thing to see a stranger say “I love this,” and it makes me want to design more. Otherwise, I’d probably just end up with a bunch of bags in a room.