November 05, 2015

HOW A COCOON COAT IS MADE

red cape detail

Our mission is to make luxury attainable. We know and respect that you have many options, and we work to make the best outerwear possible to warrant your consideration. 

elizabeth sketchingOur production process starts with the fabric. In an effort to be sustainable, I source excess and dead stock fabric from independently-owned fabric stores in New York. The cashmere, wool, and merino fabrics I purchase are of the highest quality and would be far more expensive if I were to purchase directly from a mill. By purchasing excess fabrics, which typically come from some of your favorite designer labels, I am able to produce our collection at a lower cost and reduce some of the enormous waste produced by the apparel industry.

The fabrics inspire the collection. I often have a silhouette in my mind while shopping, for example, the swing cape came from an old photo of my grandmother, but the fabrics show me what is possible. After my sketches are complete, I head back to New York to visit my factory.

pattern makingI first met the owner of my manufacturing facility when working for another designer in New York. When I decided to start my collection, I met with her, and, quite honestly, she took a chance on me. I knew I wanted my collection produced there because of the couture craftsmanship and incredible attention to detail – as more and more factories close, this skill is becoming difficult to find in the garment district. Our partnership has become stronger over the years, and I’m proud that our collection is made alongside admired designers such as Lela Rose and Kaelen.

The entire collection is crafted, from fabric to finished product, in a modern manufacturing facility in New York’s garment district, by experienced pattern makers, seamstresses, and tailors who are paid a fair and living wage for their craft. Each piece is touched by many hands, and then put through a thorough quality inspection to ensure that you are getting the best possible product.

elizabeth fixing capeI know that my collection is not the least expensive option. But I work incredibly hard to make it the least expensive option at this level of quality. A Cocoon coat will last you for a lifetime, and you can feel good wearing it, knowing that it was made thoughtfully, ethically, and responsibly.

Thanks for listening!

Elizabeth 

November 05, 2015

Cocoon in your closet

I'm a firm believer in shopping thoughtfully and intentionally - everything in your wardrobe should make you feel and look good. 

Style blogger Lee Vosburgh agrees, and in her closet mission, she shares her goals for her wardrobe, how she has refined her personal style, and how she shops. Lee included the Plaid Waldorf jacket in her Fall Foundations series; I love how she paired the jacket with stripes and flares! 

Lee says, "A coat shouldn’t be an afterthought when you’re putting together a look. It should be the finishing touch that brings it all together. Of course, they are an investment piece so it’s important to carefully consider the one that’s right for you." 

I couldn't agree more. My intention is always to design a coat that can take you from day to night, and that you will reach for year after year. 

Thanks for your support,

Elizabeth

October 22, 2015

My Inspiration

Anne Marie Geisler 1940s and 1950s Modeling
My biggest inspiration for going into fashion came from this woman, my grandmother Anne Marie Geisler. She was a fashion model in the 1940s and 1950s who then became a fashion coordinator in the Twin Cities. So much of what I design and wear can all be traced back to everything I learned from her sense of style: timeless, classic wardrobe staples that are made to last.

The image on the left came from an advertisement  for The Golden Rule Department Store in April 1951... The plaid swingy coat would be the perfect addition to any wardrobe this season, and it's over 60 years old... I love that!  

The image on the right is from a fashion article in the St. Paul Pioneer Press on January 15, 1948. We all have a great pair of pumps like she's got on, some things never change. 

The primary goal of my collection is that, like my grandmother, it is timeless. I want to make products that you will reach for often, and feel beautiful in. 
August 25, 2015

In between season wardrobe

After a few 50 degree days here in Minneapolis, it occurred to me that it's time to start playing with a not-quite-fall wardrobe, an in between seasons look. While I'm not quite ready for jackets and layer upon layer of sweaters and scarves, I am pretty jazzed to start mixing in some of the pieces from the new fall collection, not to mention, start wearing boots!

One of the ways I like to make the transition into my fall go-to, boots and jeans, is by cuffing my skinny jeans and pairing them with short booties. This shows a bit of skin at the ankle, because hey, it's not necessary to hide your wool socks under your jeans just yet. BONUS TIP, this is a great trick for elongating your legs!

Choosing a great sleeveless sweater, like our Notting Hill Cap Sleeve Sweater in Grey and Yellow boiled wool, coming soon, is an excellent way to start adding texture and some warmth into your look. This slouchy piece with a cowled high neckline is so cozy and the tunic length pairs perfectly with skinny jeans or leggings.  

Jeans Paige Denim Boots Christian Louboutin Necklace Post- Accessories Bracelet Unrefined Jewelry Sunglasses Valentino 

January 27, 2015

New Year and new styles

Women's designer styles for the new year
I can’t believe that 6 years ago this week I was working backstage at Paris Fashion Week, getting to see first hand the looks that would define what’s next in fashion around the world. Now, like most, I am resigned to browsing the internet to get a glimpse of what’s on the trend horizon. In the first few days of shows I can already tell you, it’s definitely different. I am getting a much more casual vibe than ever, could this be driven by demands of the marketplace? Are companies not as willing to risk spending on high end evening wea

As the week progresses I’ll post my thoughts and favorites.

Most likely to be worn at the Oscars goes to: Atelier Versace.

Practically designed for the red carpet, this entire collection of showy, and I mean showy, pieces are what the celebrity folk are asking for right now. The more skin they can bare on the carpet, the more they get talked about. No press is bad press.

Favorite Trend: The Jacket Dress (ex - Christian Dior).

I love this spin on a daytime favorite, the shift dress crossed with a crisp blazer. It brings the best parts of both looks into a one piece wonder, no layering required. I must say that I miss the glamorous, show-stopping pieces from Dior, but Raf Simmons does have a way with modern simplicity that I really appreciate.

xoxo,

Elizabeth

December 24, 2014

The stockings are hung by the chimney with care....

The stockings are hung, the tree has been trimmed … the holidays are upon us. Do you have your outfit ready? You can’t go wrong with an LBD for your holiday occasions! The Ludlow Knit Sheath Dress is the perfect dress … oh so chic.

Enjoy the holiday festivities!

November 26, 2014

Get to know Becky from Whistles and Clovers

Becky from Whistles and Clovers blog

This Thanksgiving we are thankful for friends, family and fashionable folks! We had the pleasure of collaborating with Becky from the blog “whistles & clovers” a couple weeks ago. She is a mom, fashion aficionado and blogger … She is fun + adorable, we thought you should get to know her too! 

Where do you get inspiration for your blog?

Sometimes I get it from other people, struggling to make a fashion trend happen in their daily life. I also am inspired by pieces in my closet and trying to show those pieces in easy ways.

Which blogs do you look to for inspiration?

Sincerely, Jules / Cupcakes and Cashmere / Pink Peonies / Camp Patton

 How has your style changed after becoming a mom?Realizing how important comfort is! I wear less skirts and dresses and more looser fitting, baggy sweaters. I still add a pop of accessories … My style is definitely reflected in how I dress Savona (her adorable + stylish daughter!) I dress her in outfits I would love to wear.

What are your “can’t live without them …” must have wardrobe pieces:

Designer handbag / Riding Boots (cognac color!) / Nude Pumps / Skinng Jeans (Loving J Brand) / Chunky Cardigans

What are you most excited about for the Holiday season?

Outfits for Holiday parties … They always have a little bit more sparkle and sequins!! It’s a lot more fun to dress up this time of year. 

What is your favorite thing to blog about?

Savona. I like my blog to be about being a mom and the realness that goes along with that. Not everything is perfect, I try to find the humor in the bad things and I admit them to my readers. I love fashion and I try to tie fashion into my mommy lifestyle as well.


Thanks for sitting down with us Becky and keep on doing what you’re doing! We love your stories about the ups and downs of motherhood, the adventures of Savona and your style is fabulous, thanks for inspiring us. 

Check out her blog for more, http://www.whistlesandclovers.com

{ photo courtesy of Becky and whistles & clovers }

November 10, 2014

We love Whistles and Clovers

Becky from Whistles and Clovers wearing Cocoon's fashionable capeWe just love Becky from Whistles & Clovers! She is a darling blogger from Minneapolis … running around town with her adorable daughter and looking oh so fabulous while doing so.

Becky's writing is witty and charming and we love that she loves the Cocoon by Elizabeth Geisler collection … check out her first feature about the High Street Swing Cape.

{ High Street Swing Cape » }
October 28, 2014

Styles for the chilly weather ahead


Women's designer cape by Cocoon perfect for fall

The weather forecast for these last few days of October are supposed to be chilly … that just means it’s cape weather! The High Street Swing Cape and a plaid scarf seems like the perfect way to dress for it.

High Street Swing Cape >

October 20, 2014

Perfect style in perfect fall weather

Fall fashion by Cocoon by Elizabeth Geisler

 

Cherishing these beautiful sunny fall days, and looking oh so fabulous in the meantime! The Park Slope Princess Panel Coat is perfect for crisp, cool fall weather, the contrast paneling is stunning and so flattering!

Pair it with skinny jeans and boots you are ready to rock fall.

Park Slope Princess Panel Coat

Sizing
Sizing guide for Cocoon by Elizabeth Geisler