FOF Barbara Lesser is a West Coast clothing designer whose eponymous casual collection ranges from bright tunics to summery white pants. Enter to win a $300 shopping spree. First check out Barbara’s line and then comment below on which of her summer pieces you like best and why.
FOF chatted with Barbara recently.
How old are you?
58
What was your first job?
I started as a sweater designer in NYC one month out of Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. After another month I traveled to Europe for inspiration and Asia to visit factories.
What were you doing before you started your business?
I worked for ESPRIT.
When and how did you launch your own company?
I meet a great guy in 1980 who always wanted to be his own boss and also worked in the apparel industry. First we got married, then we started our business, Felicity, in 1982.
What was the first item you designed?
I did screen-printed sweaters that were like Miro and Picasso paintings.
Where are you based?
We’re in Los Angeles and all of our manufacturing is done right here in Southern California. We’re very proud of that!!!
What is a typical workday like for you?
I’m lucky that I have a great staff who know exactly how to do their job well. I have plenty of time to do my research and think my seasons through while they take care of the details. I start at 9:30 and leave around 5:30. My husband and I always go out to lunch to take a break and discuss business or children. I research fabrics and color quite a lot. I shop a lot to see the retail trends and I sketch out my ideas into groups based on fabrications. We have production fittings a few times a week and meetings to keep everyone informed, organized and focused.
What products do you sell and at what prices?
My collection is casual sportswear for women like I. It’s on trend, easy to wear and care for, and fits the lifestyle of most women I know. The retail prices range from about $89 to $200. The items include tops, pants, jackets and dresses.
What are this summer’s hot items?
Many of my products are hand dyed by local artisans so the result is a hand painted or tie-dyed look. Tops with cut outs and cold shoulders are hot. So are sundresses. Tunics with hi-low hemlines are a very current trend. Our customers love our poplin pants in the hot weather. Bright colors prevail in all categories.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Success is always the best inspiration. I love building on a category that sold well. I find inspiration in everything from sunsets to ancient mosaics. I also love to watch what women are wearing to see what makes them feel comfortable and confident.
To enter, comment below answering the question: What’s your favorite summer item from the Barbara Lesser collection and WHY is it your favorite?
1 FOF will win. (See official rules, here.) Contest closes June 20th, 2013 at midnight E.S.T. Contest limited to residents of the continental U.S.
0 Responses to “{Giveaway} Two words: shopping spree”
his response says:
We stumbled over here different website and thought I should check things out. I like what I see so now i am following you. Look forward to looking at your web page again.
rachel says:
I like the Greek Goddess Maxi Dress.
Gianna says:
Greek Goddess Maxi Dress because it’s pretty.
Susan Chester says:
I love the Double T Hand-dyed stripes because it’s hand dyed and I love the colors.
Heather Manu says:
There was a shirt in the lookbook I really liked but I could not find it in the shop. The one on the first page. I like that style.
Adrianne B says:
The Mixed Media Tunic is my favorite piece because I love seafoam green and the layering illusion of the tank with lace is sexy without being too young.
Adrianne B says:
Timestamp is screwed up! I posted on Thursday, June 20, 2013 at 11:09 pm
Jennifer says:
Greek Goddess Maxi Dress, Love Maxi’s
Beverly Metcalf says:
Pretty clothes. I like the BL Classic Twin cardigan Set. Thanks for the contest.
AEKZ2 says:
I like the Poplin Bow Skirt because it’s trendy and looks comfortable
Carolyn K says:
I like the Short Sleeve V neck blouse because it’s so lightweight, sheer and summery – it would look great with anything!
susan smoaks says:
i love the Greek Goddess Maxi Dress because it is cute and looks super comfortable
Liz Neal says:
I love the Mixed Media Tux Shirt because other than it being a gorgeous shirt it looks very
versatile. Looks like you could dress it up or down.
Vickie Hamilton says:
The mixed media tunic
Kathryn C says:
I just know I would look and feel good in the short sleeve v-neck
Brittney House says:
I like the split neck pocket tee because it’s versatile and I can wear it with jeans, leggings, or skirt
Michelle Tucker says:
I love the Poplin Bow Skirt . I like the unique style of having the bow in the middle of the skirt. So different!
April Beverc says:
I love the Mixed Media Tunic, your fashion is so beautiful! if I win this I may start buying here!
sampleloveletters@gmail.com in case I win
Julie Hawkins says:
I love the easy and elegant shirt because the color is gorgeous.
cheryl says:
I love all of her stuff!!! It is all full of style, color, and sophistication!!!
Kat Emerick says:
I love the Mixed Media Tunic.. so colorful!
Jenny says:
I like the Modern Silhouette shirt
tracey byram says:
I like the Easy and Elegant ¾ sleeve blouse with shirring detail on the front because it’s simple but elegant.
Melanie Tucker says:
Love the short-sleeved vneck because it looks easy to wear and is perfect for work!
Shea Balentine says:
I like the Short Sleeve V neck – it’s so versatile!
allyson becker says:
it is both cute and comfy.
allyson becker says:
love the Crackled Jeans
Laurie Emerson says:
I love the Right Angle as it is so stylish and would be so cool and comfortable to wear in the spring and summer.
Bettina Maglia says:
I love the short sleeve v neck, but really anything
Heather K Hyde-Herndon says:
I’m not sure if it’s from the Summer collection, but I just love the Split Neck Pocket Tee. The 3/4 length sleeves and split neckline are perfect for my shape! And I would probably pair it with the Poplin Bow Skirt and some sassy sandals. 🙂
Sarah L says:
Easy and Elegant – cool & comfortable.
Thanks for the contest.
Sand says:
I like the Brush Stroke Painted Tee because it looks chic!
krystal wethington says:
Contemporary Classic top is cute and not over revealing.
Gaye M says:
I love the Brush Stroke Painted Tee in Black/White because it suits my casual style, yet it’s sophisticated, stylish and unique.
liz l says:
The Sophisticated Hoodie is super stylish
Erica C. says:
I like the Chino Skinny Jean.
Christian Alejandro says:
I think my girlfriend would love the Contemporary Classic top.
Lucy Schwartz says:
My favorite is the short sleeve V neck top. It looks airy and comfortable.
John Hutchens says:
my favorite is Modern Silhouette shirt because it is elegant, cool for summer and stylish.
Erin E says:
My favorite is the Novelty Dye Tunic because I love the cut and color. Also because it looks so comfy for summer. Thank you for the wonderful giveaway!
Erin E
fairyfractal at gmail dot com
lori cosgrove says:
sea glass tunic
Katherine says:
I love the MIxed Media Tunic in the Sea Glass or even the white or any of them. You can easily dress this up or go casual and would be perfect for the 4th of July picnic I am hosting.
Lyndi Malarchuk says:
I love the Crackled Jean! I don’t wear shorts, so I’m always on the lookout for chic capri-length pants for summer. These would fit into my wardrobe perfectly!
Lisa Garner says:
I love the ¾ sleeve blouse with shirring detail on the front in blush because it has a romantic summer look!
lisalmg25 at gmail dot com
Melanie Montgomery says:
The contemperoy classic pocket tee. It’s casual and breezy so I can move around at work, bu t I can still dress it up and look professional
jules m. says:
Brush Stroke Painted Tee- its so unusual and striking and looks comfy also
cttopflight says:
I’m in lust with the Boho Tunic……the light weight fabric appeals to my sense of cool during the summer months, breathable fabrics are key in the summer heat
talisha sturms says:
My 2 favorites items are the kite pants and the knit pants. They look so cool and very unique and so comfortable. I would love to try these.
jen gersch says:
i like the BL Classic Twin Set because it looks classy
joni says:
Love love love the Vintage Dyed Blazer!
hofken says:
My favorite is the Mixed Media Tux Shirt because I love the sheer sleeves and tail
Cynthia.Richardson@azbar.org
Susan says:
Chino skinny jeans. So cute
Susan says:
The short sleeve t. Perfect for work or play
Susan says:
The short sleeve v neck. Perfect for work or play
kathy pease says:
I love the Brush Stroke Painted Tee which would be so pretty with my favorite pair of black jeans
kathy pease says:
I love the Brush Stroke Painted Tee whi
Sandra Marra says:
Brush Stroke Painted Tee
She says it well: it’s easy, subtle and chic! That’s my style!
Cindy Aiton says:
The Short Sleeve V neck in white is definitely a favorite! It would look so cute paired with black ankle skimming jeans and yellow flats. I love the black and white trend, especially with a fun pop of color.
Christine says:
love the chino skinny jeans cause I could wear everywhere
jennifer Lleras says:
The popplin bow skirt is my favorite new item from her summer line.
Alexa says:
i love the easy and elegant blouse
Lauren Gilbard says:
My career is selling residential real estate in Scottsdale Arizona and like to wear clothing that moves well. Barbara Lesser’s clothing seems comfortable, easy to move in while looking stylish at the same time! I love Barbara Lesser’s sundresses which are perfect for our hot Scottsdale summers. It is important for me to look stylish showing real estate, even though it is 110 degrees outside!!!
handmade jewelry says:
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dani marie says:
i love the chino skinny jean with detail because i can wear them to work.
Lisa Davis says:
I like the Brush Stroke Painted Tee
Katie Martinez says:
Im in love with almost ALL of the new tops in her collections!
Stephanie Larison says:
Short Sleeve V neck if my fave, I could wear this out on a date with hubby or while being casual with the girls. Looks great!
Sherry Anderson says:
i prefer solid colors!!
holly wert says:
i like the different fabrics in the mixed media tunic
pry.school.1@gmail.com
Renee D. says:
Novelty Dye Tunic looks light and comfortable. Very pretty.
Diane baum says:
The short sleeve v-neck is awesome
Onehsancare says:
Classic twinset looks like it will go with everything.
Linda says:
Love the white cigarette pant 🙂
Steve Stone says:
the Boho Tunic would be cool for the wife. shed love it.
Adrienne Gordon says:
I like the easy and elegant blouse, can be used for home or work.
Mihaela D. says:
I like the Boho Tunic I love the color and the design
Denise M says:
i like the short sleeve vneck because its lightweight, breezy and would keep me cool
Shauntea Crutcher says:
I like the Chino Skinny Jeans with Detail because I can wear them with a variety of shirts.
maura says:
I like the deigned for comfort pants and the lovely gray causual vintage blazer
Denise B. says:
I like the “Crackled Tee”; because, here in Florida, loose cotton shirts are best in this heat.
Pamela Callahan says:
I love the mixed media tunic Style 3133RX in Seaglass. I love the color and the high lo design
Deci MacKinnon says:
I like the Boho Tunic, fits my personality
Sue Epling says:
Ooh, definitely the twin set for me! Great collection of versatile pieces…….
Sandy Cain says:
I love the Classic Twinset in Doeskin. Timeless, and can worn with anything – dress it up with heels and a skirt; or it’s easily at home with jeans and Nikes. I love pieces that can transition from one scenario to the next, and the Classic Twinset certainly fits the bill.
Venus Stull says:
I love all the tops; the brush stroke painted tee, for a great casual look. the crackle top is too cool for an easy but upbeat look. But my favorite is the summer cape. Sophisticated and sleek!
Serena Powell says:
I love the Brush Stroke Painted Tee because it reminds me of painting, which is something that I really enjoy.
Kristi C says:
My favorite is the Short Sleeve V neck because of the sheerness and the design on the back.
strawberry3d says:
I LOVE THE POPLIN BOW SKIRT BECAUSE OF IT’S COLOR AND DESIGN.
Stephanie V. says:
Mixed Media Tunic – comfy, casual yet sexy — love it!
tvollowitz at aol dot com
Kate F. says:
I like the Easy and Elegant because it’s pretty and lightweight.
Shelly Miller says:
Short Sleeve V neck
brenda robinson says:
the short sleeve v neck – easy flowing white looks great on tan skin
brenda robinson says:
the white easy breazy shirt – looks great on tan skin
Abraham Liandro says:
Entering for my wife. I checked out the site and thought the cigarette white pants were really nice would like to see her in them 🙂
SHANNA says:
http://www.barbaralesser.com/product/3120bm.html Love that blouse !!!
It is so nice and airy for Spring, Summer, and will be great for the fall and winter too!
So versatile, so pretty !
Belinda MacDonald says:
I love the BL Classic Twin Set, its so versatile, you can dress it up for an evening out or wear it with your favorite jeans, quite simply it’s a go to piece for just about anywhere you want to go and white always looks so crisp and clean, a true compliment to almost any skin tone in the summer!
Colleen says:
A whit button up shirt is a must have classic.
Christine d says:
White cigarette pants. Fabulous for all summer outings
Tammi B says:
I absolutely love the Fringe Benefit Cardigan. I am so in love with cardigans and the layer with bright colors. This type of dressing is perfect for those of us going through the change and layering is our best friend!
S Kay DeGroot says:
Love the cigarette white pants, so young and hip looking!
Jodi says:
I really like the Vintage Dyed Blazer. I like it because it is very versatile, can be worn with slacks, jeans, a skirt or dress and it’s nice for all seasons.
Lesley Van Winkle says:
It’s difficult to choose just one item but I absolutely love the Cigarette Pants in White. They look so comfortable and fabulous I would probably live in them. If I want to look really stunning I would team them up with the Mixed Media top in seaglass.
Frances Rivera says:
I loved the white button shirt. Great for summer.
Heather Swarthout says:
I love the Split neck pocket tee. 🙂 It’s very pretty!
Lavada McReynolds says:
I like the Modern Silhouette in Daffodil, because of the Hi-Low cut and slimming effect back.
pam forsberg says:
Love the ad shirts!!! They have my name written all over them!! Thank you for letting me win one of each!!! I need a large!! Thank you !!! My friends would say–they look like you!!!
Candy says:
Love the crackled tee! It is not cut too tight, but still has a young and fresh look…
Catherine C says:
I love the Mixed Media Tux Shirt. It can worn all year long. It can be casual or dressy. It looks simple, but is sophisticated. A very versatile shirt!
Christy Piwowarczyk says:
I live the mixed media tie dye! beautiful.
Patricia Assanowicz says:
Your collection is great, my favorite without a doubt is your Mixed media Tux Shirt. Love both colors, my color choice would be the black. To me this Tux shirt is young, fresh and very stylish. This shirt can take me from work to dinner and out with friends, the possibilities are endless on what outfits I can out together with this Tux Shirt, thank you for a chance to win and also a new site to find great stylish clothing. have a FAB day….
Jasmine says:
I Love all of your clothes!!! I cannot pick only one. The style is absolutely perfect
wizardewu says:
I like the Boho Tunic. It can be casual or dressy depending upon accessories.
Cindy Boyd says:
I like the mango v neck top with the tie dye stripe at the bottom. Very chic and looks comfortable.
Christine Norman says:
Tank top is my style as I wear them with shorts all summer long.
Ruth says:
I like the classic twin set cardigan/tank. It would be perfect for work in a chilly air conditioned room!
Margee says:
I really like “Modern Silhouette” because the back box pleat combined with the high-low hem make for a beautiful and easy-breezy look. Also the necklines in her collection are very face-flattering. The icing on the cake is that the clothes are made in America. Wonderful!
Pamela Lloyd says:
I love the easy and elegant. Dress it up or dress down or just be sexy for your partner. I love the sheerness. Lay it with a lace top underneath
debra says:
love the jacket fringe benefits
Jennifer Quire says:
Beautiful Clothes! I Love Them ALL <3 If I Have To Pick ~ Cigarette Pant White Size 6
I've been looking for a pair White Pants for summer.
nicole henke says:
love the Ruffle Top ! and the classic!
suerae01 says:
I love the Lightweight Poplin Pant, I would choose black – I live in NYC 🙂 Love the rest of the line as well very much my style.
gmc says:
The Boho tunic in turquoise is lovely as well some of the other tunic tops are lovely.
chrisskins says:
I love the Easy and Elegant top in Blush. I’m in the market for a tasteful, feminine, not farty, (pardon the French) pink top and this is gorgeous. Love the smocking. The whole line nails where I’m at — too old for junk, too young for embroidered bee sweatshirts. (I’ll always be too young for that stuff.)
Janet Keyser says:
I love the “BOHO TUNIC” in turquoise color; so beautiful! I have a bracelet that this would go with very nicely!
ticki566 says:
The designs look cool and airy and the material must be scrumptious. I love her designs especially the tops…Perfect for the summer! I would love any of her tops or sundresses!
Gigi says:
The colorful tunics. They look so easy/breezy for summer.
Mamavalveeta03 says:
I love this outfit in the lookbook for Spring 2013 (and I hope it shows up with the link!): http://www.barbaralesser.com/lcat_15.html
It’s the tie-dyed hi-lo top with the white crop jeans and sandals. So cute and summery!
Shari Roe says:
Wow, she has some awesome tops!! My favorite is the peach one pictured above, but I couldn’t find it on her site except in the Lookbook. There are many looks in that Lookbook that I would LOVE to have. My favorite in her Shop tab, is the Novelty Dyed Tunic. Or is it the Macrame Knotted Tunic? Or…….
Michelle H. says:
I like both the Mixed Media Tux Shirt and the Boho Tunic. The Tux Shirt is very elegant. I love the color of the Boho Tunic and think it would be very versatile to wear.
sattalia says:
The cotton stretchy pants were meant for me.
velder dixon says:
classice twin set-in all 3 colors
Becky says:
I like the mixed media tux shirt, elegant and sexy, for me that’s as “dressy” as I like to be when I have to “dress-up”. Of course adding slim leg pants and heels.(not too high.)
Denise says:
I like the Poplin Bow skirt. It looks professional and feminine and would be good for the office.
Sandra says:
I love jackets.The Fringe jacket looks so versatile. Could dress it up or down. Gorgeous!!
Gonhikin says:
Love the “must have” fringe jacket!!!
Perfect length, color, style. And it’s a piece, like many of the otheres that has a design element that makes it different. Love ’em!
Diana Shenderovich says:
love Crackled poplin pants
beth says:
the vintage dyed blazer….love…..looks like a classic to have for a lifetime!!
linda says:
I especially love the Mixed Media Tux Shirt-it is casual, but elegant. It looks like it would be perfect for me here in Florida. I truly loved Barbara’s entire collection.
Diane says:
Mixed Media Tux Shirt. I could dress it up or down and get double use out of it. You can’t go wrong with white tops. It is a beaut!
Jewel Hopson says:
The mixed media tux shirt gives a smart, sexy, take me serious but never forget I can be your playmate impression.
Cindy says:
The classic twin set–in all 3 colors! Love it.
Donna Black says:
Love the mixed media tux shirt. I always enjoy seeing a modern take on a classic style.
AJB says:
The capri pants
DanV says:
I like Contemporary Classic (3149VJ-XS-BLA) Color: BLACK because it looks great and seems like it would be comfy.
Mary G says:
I already know Barbara Lesser’s designs and am a fan. I especially like the black fringed jacket (Fringe Benefits) in the current collection.
Avonlady says:
My favorite item is the cropped crackle jeans as shown in the blackish/grey. I love nice fitting jeans that are cropped bc I am short and petite and I like the look of these. I also like the look bc you can wear them anywhere and look dressed up. I would love to have these jeans.
joyce says:
I like the macramé knotted tunic.I like the color and the casual style.
Barb says:
I really like the BL Classic Twin Set and the Fringe Benefits Jacket. I could get a lot of wear out of both of these pieces.
Patty says:
I love the BL Classic Twin Set in grey.
Tracey says:
Love the Brush Stroke Tee – can’t beat a cute black top to wear with any pants.
CME says:
I LOVE the black tee with geometric design. I especially love the curved hemline.
Betty A. Jones says:
I applaud you on your career. However, what does a garment have to be made of to be worth $200.? I have often looked at places such as Neman marcus and wondered “WHAT” in this world makes this so expensive. The material, the thread, or is it just the name of the person who made it?
From the comments you have the ability to make clothes hang correctly on people and that in itself will help a person feel good about themselves…
Jewel Hopson says:
When you find a well made garment that you absolutely love, you enjoy wearing it for years and years. Garments shown in this collection, become investments.
Debbie Fry says:
I love the peach colored v neck top. It is so feminine and romantic! It could be worn with jeans for a casual look and also with a skirt or slacks for an evening out. It was a hard choice since all the tops are gorgeous and would fit right in with my “style”.
roxanne says:
I had a heart transplant in 2010 and have a really wicked battle scar down the middle of my chest my son call it the Zipper so my favorite is the white overshirt with the tank.It looks light enough for summer fun but looks like a good cover shirt for my fab new body scar.DONATE LIFE BABY
Beth Venteicher says:
I love the Short Sleeve V-Neck Top. It is beautiful and so versatile. It would be great dressed down with capri pants and a floppy hat or dressed up for an evening out with a skirt, some strappy sandles and jewelry.
Terry says:
These are gorgeous and so flattering to women of all ages! My favorite (arguably) is the “tuxedo” shirt. I would wear it with sknny leg pants and very classic gold jewelry. It would be a great non-traditional look for a wedding that I will be attending.
ktpotat says:
I love the white cigarette pants they scream summer to me
lesliebee says:
Definitely Fringe Benefits for the movement the fringe creates!
Patty says:
I love the mixed media tux shirt. I also like the peach blouse in the picture above, but could not find it on the website.
Barb M. says:
I love the crackled jean! And when I read Ms. Lesser had worked for ESPRIT, I laughed, for when I first began to work and buy my own clothing, that is where I shopped the most!
Camilla Wilson says:
Would love the white Tux shirt
eddyrobey says:
The novelty dye tunic looks perfect for me
Lisa M says:
Would love the BL Classic Twin Set. It’s perfect for the office.
yyoerger says:
Sophisticated Hoodie. It’s a different take on hoodies — as the name says, with sophistication. It combines fun and class.
Sherry Ann Abrams says:
Less Can Be More with the Lesser Mixed Media Tux Shirt ! This top could be dressed up a scarf, pencil skirt, and pointy heels or dressed down for summer with the perfect v-shaped statement necklace! I love the flattering neckline which, is cleverly repeated in the sleeve design. This blouse is definitely a wardrobe building piece for any woman.