When Hunting for Pheasant, Quail's a Game Bird

We e-mailed with designer Michelle Nguyen of adorable label Quail to get some fashionable predictions from the girl behind the serger.

DC: Describe the personality of your newest collection, Hemingway style (in six words).
MN: Charming, refined, clever, affordable, robust, nostalgic.

DC: What piece of clothing best describes Quail's style?
MN: The Quail Minnie skirt was named after Minnie Mouse. It has a thick waistband to accentuate the waist, a volumous skirt to make legs look lean and long even when you're 5'4, and pockets for an unexpected casualness. I wear mine all the time with chunky heels or delicate little flats.

DC: Favorites?
MN: The Blossom dress is just so effortlessly fantastic!

DC: What will girls be wearing this summer?
MN: Hopefully our High Bow shorts that we did for spring, over a really awesomely bright colored one-piece swimsuit and nude-colored fringed leather sandals. With an afternoon margarita in hand. In Mexico.

DC: What will we see in shopping bags this fall?
MN: Prim and proper frocks that show off more of a natural waistline; our tweed Warehouse pant and Eat Cake tee. Blouses and skirts with intricate prints on top of rich, saturated colors; beaded tops and dresses -- very late-'80s inspired. Oh, and our Frenchie dress in violet and tweed!

DC: Fashion Week pit stop?
MN: Find a couple of really amazing estate sales -- the classier version of Goodwill adventures.