New Americana

These crisp white culotte pants were made by local design queen, Caroline Hayden. She’s been an inspiration of mine ever since I first dove into the fashion world here in Minnesota. I remember meeting Caroline at an Emerging Designer showcase in Northeast Minneapolis during a fashion week about 5 years ago. I don’t think either of us knew a soul in the room, but we liked a little something the other was wearing or bumped into each other in the hallway or something like that and found our way into a conversation. We totally hit it off. When I saw her collection presented later that evening, I knew right away she was a complete gem. Her business and brand has grown into an empire of sorts as she sets her sights on the bridal avenue and New York markets. This article by Minnesota Monthly editor Jahna Peloquin captures her ascendance beautifully. It includes some shots of Carline’s recent work. I have to say… Caroline’s full-skirted velvet dress in rich currant is completely enrapturing.

Caroline designed an entire collection exclusively for Silhouette Fashion Show & Gala, a September 2015 Minnesota Fashion Week event I was honored to co-produce with HopeWorks Foundation. Each item from the collection is now available, by appointment only, to be shopped and purchased. The clothes are in runway sizing. 100% of the item price of your purchase will go directly to HopeWorks to support humanitarian efforts in Haiti, specifically making quality education more accessible for disadvantaged children and empowering remote communities to channel solar energy independently and decrease poverty using hydroponic, sustainable methods. If you’d like to make a donation to this incredible cause right away, feel free to do so on the HopeWorks website here. All donations are tax-deductible. Otherwise, drop me a line at lindsey@rubygirlblog.com to set up a time to shop this one-of-a-kind collection.

photos by isabel kruse

Shop today’s outfit:

white panama hat via j.crew || beige crossbody bag via j.crew || mules in bone via macy’s || karen walker sunglasses 25% off at Shopbop today!|| powder blue bangle (30% off at J.Crew) || lacy blue crop top