Being the dedicated fashion bloggers that we are here at Catwalk to Campus, we're always looking for the best hidden gems of the fashion world. Our current fave? cooper & ella, the recently-launched fashion line headed by Kara Mendelsohn, a mother of two and a seroius fashionista. cooper & ella's collection is now being sold in over 250 stores around the world, despite only having been launched in 2013.
So why exactly are we so obsessed? Mendelsohn explains it best herself: "cooper & ella is modern and chic, but approachable. The clothes are versatile and easy to wear in real, everyday life and easily take you from day to night." Sounds like a dream, right? If that's not convincing, consider the fact that Mendelsohn is not only the Creative Director and designer of the brand, but that she balanaces an undeniably crazy workload with the busy life of a mom. In fact, Mendelsohn named the company after her two kids, son Cooper and daughter Ella. Not surprisingly, Mendelsohn describes the cooper & ella woman as someone who "looks good while doing it all. She has a lot going on in her life and her style is ‘effortless cool’ and one that’s her own." Mendelsohn herself definitely fits the bill, and manages to balance her jobs as mogul and mom while looking fabulous.
As for Mendelsohn's personal style inspiration, she says that her biggest source of inspiration is her nine-year-old daughter, Ella. "I love her confidence!" Mendelsohn says. "She tries and wears what she thinks looks good and doesn’t worry about what anyone else thinks!" Ella definitely knows her stuff, as this element of experimentation is evident in cooper & ella's pieces, which combine accessibility and effortlessness with rich fabrics and details to take them from basic to brilliant.
With the crisp fall days of pumpkin picking and apple cider upon us, we wanted to ask Kara what autumnal trends she's most excited to rock this season, and she shared a few unexpected gems. The first revelation? "The wide leg!" Mendelsohn says. "I am over skinny jeans!" We never thought we'd say this, but we're getting a little tired of the collegiette uniform of skinny jeans and boots, so we can totally get on board with wide-leg styles!
If you aren't ready to let go of your skinnies just yet, the cooper & ella fashionista is all about "flat over-the-knee boots" and we can totally see why. The taller style is a modern take on a classic boot and, in Mendelsohn's own words, the style is "cool, but comfortable." Works for us! And what better to pair skinnies and over-the-knee boots with than an autumn classic: plaid! Mendelsohn's final pick is a no-brainer, and we've totally fallen in love with the rich colors of this cooper & ella Emily Button-Back Blouse (image below!).
Now that we're even more excited about fall fashion than before (if that's possible), we were dying to know what Mendelsohn considers her style must-haves, no matter the season. This fashion-forward mother of two shared with us the five style pieces she can't live without (and we want them all!).
1. cooper & ella blouses
"I wear one almost every day!" Mendelsohn says. "Yes, because they are mine, but [also] because they’re easy and stylish. I feel good in them." If the plaid Emily blouse ($135) above is any indication, we certainly agree! And for anyone with a busy schedule, the amazing quality and versatility of these tops are perfect for on-the-go: "They work for meetings, lunch with the girls, date night and the rest of my crazy busy life!" Mendelsohn says.
2. Frame denim
This premium denim brand is a favorite of fashionistas and celebs alike, and Mendelsohn neatly sums up the reason: "A great, flattering fit." Enough said! Whether you're looking for skinny, flare, boyfriend or high-waisted styles, Frame denim ($169-$249) has amazing options for anyone who considers denim a style staple.
3. Leopard flats
For a busy working mom, heels aren't the most practical choice for daily footwear. That's why Mendelsohn loves flats that pack a punch, like leopard flats with cute details. The right pair of flats can actually become a standout accessory to a more understated outfit: "They go with everything!" she says. She especially loves this quirky pair from Marc by Marc Jacobs ($298), complete with a little mouse face on the toe (adorable!).
4. Delicate gold necklace
"A personal piece makes it that much more special to wear every day," Mendelsohn says, and we have to agree. While bright, funky statement necklaces are a staple for summer, more understated, unique pieces are perfect for layering over chunky sweaters. "Mine, by Helen Ficalora ($155), features two simple charms, ‘C’ and ‘E’, for Cooper and Ella—my kids," Mendelsohn says. Sentimental and stylish!
5. Leather backpack
We have to admit, this is our favorite pick of Mendelsohn's. She says that the Deux Lux Wink Woven Front Flap Backpack in Navy ($62.99) is "awesome for lugging around all things life!" We love the idea of incorporating navy into your daily look as a neutral, and the woven leather adds a unique touch.
If the fabulous clothes weren't enough, cooper & ella is also committed to doing good. The brand recently partnered with the Hope Foundation School in India to launch an initiative known as Empower, dedicated to empowering children and helping them become successful adults. With every item purchased from cooper & ella, the company will provide a nutritious meal to a child in need.
With a passion for philanthropy, a breathtaking collection and an inspirational designer, we can't find a thing not to love about cooper & ella!
