Modern Romance: Neesh by D.A.R.
One of the aspects of blogging that I really enjoy is sharing wonderful new finds, and this one is no exception. neesh by D.A.R. is a clothing line designed by Denise Allen Robinson, with an eye toward ageless-yet-feminine, flirty-yet-subtle, whimsical-yet-wearable clothing with a bit of Paris attitude. Denise began by designing sweaters for a friend’s boutique, and the clothing line grew from there. She travels to Paris multiple times per year (so envious!) for inspiration and design ideas.
How would I describe the pieces they sent for me to try on and style for you? Modern vintage? Practical romantic? Feminine, definitely very feminine, but not too jeune fille? All of these, actually. The current collection was inspired by Downton Abbey, so you may recognize some of the characters in the style names.
This Jean Valjean jacket is made of wonderfully soft French Terry, has a double-action zipper closing, and a grosgrain drawstring that allows the collar to either be worn gathered (as I’ve shown here) or flat. The Mary’s top (for Lady Mary, natch) is a soft floaty tunic.
All of the clothing is made in the USA, and most of the pieces I’m wearing in this post are machine washable. Most are made with natural fiber fabrics. There’s a lot of “mixed media” design, and one of the details I liked the most was the full sleeves or sleeve insets of jersey, which provide a snug and flattering yet comfortable fit. The pieces I tried would be fabulous for travel, due to the washability and packability (can be rolled or scrunched up).
I’ll admit it; I had so much fun styling these pieces. And I think that sense of fun is what neesh by D.A.R. is all about. The clothes are available online as well as in stores (maybe one near you). Of the pieces I’ve shown here, I was offered my choice of one in consideration for this write-up…can you guess which I picked? Which would you choose?
Linked up with: Verizon Voices Fashionista Style Hop and Visible Monday!
Other items worn shown below.
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I’ve been following your blog for sometime and this is the first time to comment. I want to tell you how wonderful you look and I love all your looks, especially the first two. Keep of the good work! I really enjoy your posts.
Warmly, Simone
Well I will check this out based on your pictures! I love the top two jackets and I am in search of some great fitting jackets. Good job with your review!
Wonderful pieces, Une Femme. I really like the simple designs-with-a-twist. I am guessing you chose the Javert jacket, and I would love the Jean Valjean for my October trips to NYC!
Such a fine collection. I will check out the site. The jacket in the first picture looks great on you! You must add it to your closet!
blue hue wonderland
Some great pieces here! You especially rock the moto and the colour block tunic! For myself, I plan to check out the Valjean jacket, wonder how warm it is? Need a mid weight fall topper, but sometimes the wind cuts through certain fabrications.
The two jackets look great on you, and the Valjean is the more unique of the two. My guess is that one. Must’ve been hard to decide. On second thought, perhaps you will wear the moto jacket more?
I love all of these looks but most of all your hair colour is exquisite, I am dying to be a blonde just once in my lifetime and the tone of yours is perfect.
If you didn’t pick that top jacket, you should add it to your shopping basket! I’d also bet on the darker jacket, but the light is gorgeous with your colouring and a lovely contrast to the wine/rust (hard to trust screen colour) . . .
Bravo Susan! You look Fab…………..and love to see how you styled your Neesh.
Thank you for “rocking” the look.
Best
Denise
I am so into that first jacket on you, especially with the sparkly J. Crew necklace! You look wonderful. Now I want to check out this brand, I am on the hunt for a new jacket and can’t seem to find the One.
Side note: Can you join Adrienne and me for “How I Wear My: Animal Print”. We love your leopard Equipment blouse look, can we use that photo? Let me know what you think! XO, Jill
Jill, thanks. Yes, I’m planning to join you! 🙂
You look fabulous in all these clothes. Not too sure which one you chose but I think that The French terryJean Valjean coat would be great fun. Love the soft neckline on you and a great layering piece.
Oops, I meant “Keep up the good work”!
I really like both of the top 2 jackets and think you chose the Javert! Love….
The silver moto jacket is fabulous and such a great combination with burgundy – one of my favourite colours this season.
Agree with materfamilias – you should definitely go for that 😉
Annette | Lady of Style
Nice range shame they are not available in the UK. I like the first 2 jackets.
I bet you picked the first, but you really nailed the last sweater, picking up on the stripe with the color of the boots. That is the outfit I would have chosen. You have pinned down a style and it really works well for you. So much fun to watch your transformation over the past year.
As for me, after being horrified by some pictures of me posted on Facebook by a friend, I’m on my way to Weight Watchers this afternoon. Spent the day hunting down clothing to cover up with as I lose (hopefully).
You look great in all of these items. I especially like the Javert jacket and the Valjean. Will be fun to see what you picked. Have said it before, but your haircut and color are just perfect.
These are all nice pieces and you have styled them so well. I bet you’re keeping the Javert!
I like you best in the Javert jacket – or maybe I like it best for myself. You look great as a blonde.
The suspense is killing me! What did you pick? If it were me I would go with the Branson jacket. It is classic but updated, the length and fit very very flattering.
Nice! You look fabulous in everything….I particularly love the moto jacket.
Debbie 🙂
http://www.fashionfairydust.blogspot.com
I’m guessing either the Branson jacket or the Comforting Jumper they both are very much you. All of the pieces look great!
You look great! I love that “Comforting” sweater!
See, you have a lot of moto, you have moved away from the structured but maybe not all the way to Valjean, so I’d guess the tunic. Which I also love and think looks great on you.
I’m in love with the Javert jacket! I like the mixed media and cut of some of the other pieces, too. It’s a challenge to find a great, proportional jacket when you are petite, that makes these even more impressive!
Alicia
I’m really liking your blonde hair!
I am loving both the Branson and the Javert–and expect that you chose one of them–maybe the Branson since you recently acquired a moto EF jacket.
Like everyone else, I think your haircolor is perfect for you. It has a softening effect, plus it is glamorous on you. You have never looked prettier!
Style icon! All of the pieces are cut and styled beautifully. My favourite look is the Javert jacket with the burgundy pants! Fabulous!
The navy blue coat is insane, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
You look wonderful with every look.
Thank you so much for your inconditional friendship it means the world to me.
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Great collection-stylish and comfortable. All the pieces look perfect on you–I can’t pick a favorite.
I’m guessing you kept the first jacket. I would if I were you – it looks great!
Beautiful photography, beautiful lady, beautiful clothes and adorable doggies. What’s not to like?
THE DOGS ARE SO CUTE!! Okay and you look really great too! Such gorgeous sumptuous sweaters!
Thanks for linking this up to the style hop this week, I appreciate your hard work so much.
Love, love, love the first jacket! It’s so hard when you’re petite (and an adult) to find something kicky, fashionable, and that’s proportioned correctly. This looks great on you!
And love, love, love the color block sweater as well!
You look superb in all these outfits. Completely at ease and very chic.
Those jackets look way better on you than they do on the website.
I love the moto jacket and the comforting sweater — and may I ask, what is that great necklace you are wearing with the comforting sweater?
Hi Emma, thanks. The necklace is a J.Crew acorn necklace from a few years back.
I think I am missing something..
Do you own all these clothes, or are you modeling them for us?
There have been so many new outfits lately, so I got curious.
Naturally you are free to reply or not : )!!
Mette, I am just modeling them. I was offered one of the pieces to keep, and decided to keep the jacket in the top picture.
Ok. I understand. You chose well : )!!
You look great in all the looks that you styled and the Javert jacket was my favorite too. Checked out the site and found several pieces that caught my eye!
OMG I LOVE your hair!!!! You look gorgeous x
You have the best taste in jackets … pretty much my personal role model these days for outerwear! (No pressure, here!) You always look so casually carefree with a good polish … tough act to follow. I learn from you every week.
Thanks for showing us how.
you look very good!
greetings from germany