Designer Profile: Leanne Elroy

One of the things we love about the lines we carry at abrahams&duffy is that they all have a story, and a good one at that.
The story is what ties it all together and for us that's what really makes somthing special.

One of our favorite designers and one of our favorite story's, is Elroy.

Designed for living, Elroy's pieces are modern, comfortable and stylish; truely versitile clothing for YOU, the modern woman.

Started in 2007, Leanne Elroy started out manufacturing her line in her hometown of Vancouver BC, but soon after, "On a whim, and with only one contact scribbled on a scrap piece of paper," she set off for Indonesia where she helped set up a self-run sewing cooperative where all her clothing is manufactured by a group of amazing artisans.

Leanne uses both custom produced organic fabrics (from mills in Indonesia) and 'upcycled' fabrics that would otherwise be sitting in the landfill, with amazing results.  Banish the thoughts of stiff and drab organic cotton or hemp.  Amazingly soft and touchable knits, bright silks, unique blends (pineapple silk anyone?), and modern prints, her fabrics are on the forefront of what 'green' can mean (and it's amazing!).

Aside from being the most social and environmentally responsable designer we know, Leanne is also a really nice person who we love working with, and has a passion for design that shows in her work.  Just listen to her own words:

"I truly believe it is more than possible to live in abundance without polluting, consuming natural resources excessively or abusing labour practices. As the sole owner and operator of this company, my commitment is to remain dedicated and respectful to our environment, to our supply and production teams, and to our customer. There can be hope in the fashion world after all."

See?  It's all in the story.

xo,
a&d.

The Fall

It's here!  er...  or at least the clothes are!

I know it's hot out there, but wow, we really have some amazing new pieces that will set you up for an amazingly fashionable fall season.

Here's your jam of the day to help you peruse...





It's kind of the Canadian invasion over here, and it's no wonder,  they do such lovely things up north!

first,
Betina Lou!
Hailing from Montreal, where all of her clothes are made, we love her, we really do.
Sweet, amazingly tailored looks, timeless and feminine.
From her lookbook:

The cutest every navy wool sweater with three-quarter length sleeves and brass button detail at the shoulders,

paired with a khaki twill skirt with dark buttons and great side pockets.

Such a great finish look.

This shirt is just de-lovely.  Burgundy yarn-dyed with pleating detail at the front and contrasting buttons, and a cute little collar.

Paired with a navy twill pencil skirt with button and removable strap detail at the waist.  

So so flattering on every silhouette.

Just look at Marissa!

she looks so pretty!  And love the navy on navy.

I just  love this skirt!

cutest pocket lining ever:

So many lovelies from Betina Lou.

 wool and tencil sweater with sweet collar and covered buttons

amazing wool houndstooth dress with lush satin lining and removable straps!

 

And now:

Allison Wonderland

Based in Vancouver (that's BC people, not the 'couve), Allison not only wants you to look good, but wants you to feel good.  As in you should be able to enjoy all of that great food and drink from our amazing Pacific Northwest and still look great in that dress!

Case in point:

Great structured pieces that are just begging to be worn with a great pair of boots!

Navy wool dress with front pockets and exposed zipper detail

Classic red wool skirt with pockets and exposed side zipper

And now:

Elroy!

Hailing from the Vancouver area as well, pairing amazing design with social and environmental responsability.  What else could you ask for!

Organic cotton knit tank with long back and side pleat detail in midnight blue.

Upcycled brown and black plaid shirt dress with covered buttons.

Here's the sweater Marissa was wearing with the khaki Betina Lou skirt, super fine organic cotton ribbed, with sheer paneling.

 Chocolate brown organic cotton cardigan with cable knit detail, perfect for layering

And now:

We3!

Also hailing from Vancouver, We3 is a collaboration between 3 amazing gals who take inspiration from YOU, The Modern Woman.  They want you to be comfortable, stylish, and environmentally sensitive.

Ohhh, look at that!  

The Treble tunic is a blend of organic cotton, hemp and just a touch of spandex for fit.  

Doesn't Marissa look hot!  

You can flip it upside down and have a shirt with an extra super long cowl too.

 Teal Kimono top, with 3/4 sleeves, viscose from modal with just a bit of spandex.

Great everyday basic, but with a color and drape you can dress up.

Oh look!  It's basically the same top, but in a beautiful taupe color, and 

100% super fine merino wool.  Oh luxury....

And now:

Vicarious By Nature, or as we heart them, VBN.

Surprisingly NOT from Canada, this made in L.A. label features super yummy soft organic cotton fleece knits pretty enough to dress up.

 

Dolman sleeved top in sweet heathered eggplant.

Super lux oversized cardigan with huge collar.  The coziest thing ever.

Swing by once you can stand to try some of these beauties on!  It won't be this hot forever. 

I know I'm ready for some good old Portland grey skies...

xo

a&d