Haute Hippie is at the top of many women’s lists of favorite designers (including mine), and we owe its existence to a happy accident. Upon moving to NYC, Trish Wescoat Pound happened upon a job as a receptionist at Calvin Klein, which led to stints at Michael Kors and Theory before founding Haute Hippie in 2008. Drawing inspiration from the beaded fashions of the ’20s and the boho sensibility of the ’70s, Haute Hippie is made for the eclectic globetrotter seeking exquisite craftsmanship at an affordable price. Her purpose in founding her line? To create a woman’s Ultimate Closet. Working in a subdued palette of nude, ivory, grey, and blush pinks perfect for mixing and matching, her pieces can be layered and worn from spring to fall. Embellished dresses stand on their own for evening or mix with tailored blazers or soft cardigans for day, while ruffled skirts and beaded blouses can be swapped out with simple jersey pieces. Above all, the Haute Hippie collection is meant to be worn with ease: in the designer’s words, “You can actually be comfy and dressed up, which is a novel concept.” Let’s thank our lucky stars. --Tonya

Sydney Morning HeraldFashion's first ladySydney Morning Herald... gridiron shoulders - Gaga has emerged as a surprising muse for both the high street and haute couture. Her space-age aesthetic has influenced designers ...and more��