Archive for August, 2006

Sumo Laptop Purse

Sumo Cases Laptop Purse Designer Geoff Sacco created Sumo to fill the niche
below high fashion for lifestyle bags for tech products.  Young, fresh,
and with attitude, Sumo is all about Tough Love.

This premium nylon bag with padded corduroy computer compartment is almost too stylish to carry a  (12") laptop!

Also available for 15" laptops for $129.99.

$119.99 at SumoCases.

2 comments August 4th, 2006

Designer Profile: *Fat Free by Cici

There’s a new way to drop some pounds, and it doesn’t require giving up cookies or going to the gym. Feel instantaneously lighter by sporting designer Aylin Gould’s brand-new weightless accessories line, *Fat Free by CiCi,  made of Italian lambskin, Swarovski crystals, 14K  Gold and Sterling Silver. The San Diego-based designer was preparing her handbag line (yes, she’s a busy gal), CiCi by Aylin, when she decided to add accessories.  Using leftover materials, she createdthe first pair of *Fat Free by CiCi earrings. Omiru had the chance to talk to Aylin about what makes her collection unique, the origin of the *Fat Free concept, and in which stores you can snag your *Fat Free goods.

ring

Omiru: How did
your interest in fashion design start?

Aylin:
Ever since I
was a little girl, I would play “dress up,” trying on my mom’s make-up and high
heel shoes.  I was raised a little more
strictly than most of my friends, and there
were a lot of outfits that I was not allowed to wear in high school.  I loved to sketch my own clothing designs,
dresses, tops, handbags, jeans…that I fantasized about wearing one day!

O: Why did you choose
to focus on accessories?

A:
“Accessorizing
is not the frosting on the cake….it’s the main ingredient!” I almost always base my outfits around my accessories…while
most girls put on accessories as the final touch.

O: What makes your
collection unique?

A:
My collection
is very unique in the sense of style, shape, and touch. The *Fat Free collection is so incredibly soft and light…so
fat free!

O: Each of your
accessories is virtually weightless. Was this feature accidental or was it
planned that way?

A:
By accident! I had been designing handbags for the past
few years.
  Realizing how competitive the
accessory market was really made me start brainstorming about other outlets or other
items to introduce.  *Fat Free was born on February
24th, 2006
, as I was getting
my handbags ready for a local trade show. 
Hoping to at least break even, I wanted to introduce something else to
sell.  I bought some plain beach
flip-flops and applied Swarovski crystals.   Surprisingly they turned out
super-cute!  I thought these would be a
guaranteed sale, unlike $450 handbags! 
This sparked a creative path, which led me to my leather scraps, which
are leftover pieces from my handbags.  I
started cutting different shapes and then started applying the leftover Swarovski Crystals to the leather cut-outs.  I then threw on some 14K gold earring hooks, and we
were “good to go!” 

O: How did you know you were on to something?

A: My first *Fat Free creation,
“Feathers”, was made with Turquoise Italian lambskin.  I first ran to my husband to get his honest
reaction.  He liked them a lot, even
though they were a bit flashy.  To be
honest, I was worried they might have been a little too “crafty.”  So that afternoon we took a walk through the Gaslamp district in downtown San Diego.  I
was wearing jeans, flip-flops, and a black tank top….with my new Turquoise
“feather” earrings.  The reaction we got
amazed us!  Men and women, young and old
were throwing compliments at my new piece of jewelry!
  From that day
on, everything just fell into place.
  The
company name, logo, marketing, trademarking, packaging, line sheets, store
sales, word of mouth sales…etc.
It was so nice to
see something positive out of our own company!

O: What are you
inspired by?

A:
I am inspired
by color and nature.  I love seeing all
the different color combinations in the sun-setting sky.

O: Design
philosophy?

A:
Without
accessories, fashion would be compromised. I always add a little bit of drama to fashion, using bold colors and mixing unexpected textures and shapes.

earringsO: If you were to add
a new accessory or product to your current line, what would it be?

A: I would add an
apparel line.  Lightweight, low calorie
blouses, tops, dresses, and more.  THE LOOK: modish and chic. THE FEEL: light weight, comfy yet sexy.

O: What is your
favorite piece?

A:
“Angel of Hearts”…in the MILK color!  I love the idea of having accessories that
work year round!  They add style and sass
to my summer tops and dresses while keeping my winter wardrobe looking
fresh!  I love adding light colored
accessories to heavier/darker clothing.

O: Where can we find *Fat Free accessories?

A: LF stores
(nation wide), Gracie’s Boutiques, JEP boutiques…and more!

O: Is your line
fairly affordable or does it break the bank?

A:
The fat free
collection is very affordable…all suggested retail prices are under $100!

O: If your house was
burning down, and you could only keep one thing in your closet, what would you
keep?

A: 
My mom’s gold locket that she used to wear
when she was in high school.  It has a
beautiful flower etched into the front of the locket.  Inside is a black
and white photo of her when she was in high school.  The locket is so special to me…I wear it all
the time!  I also love how it adds a nice
feminine touch to any outfit–even Jeans
and a T.

O: Last words?

A:   Well…I’m 100% Turkish, born in Santa
Barbara,
CA.  My nickname is “CiCi." I studied Art with an
emphasis in Interior Design at San Diego State University. 
I’ve worked in the corporate world of interior design for more than 8
years.  I’ve taken elements of home
design and combined them with fashion design! 
I’ve really been able to put a fresh creative twist on my designs through my previous experiences.

As for Fat
Free:……*Fat Free is loved by not only your simple “girl next door” but also
your more complicated fashion gal!  The
woman who wears Fat Free is outgoing, fun, attention seeking without being
obvious, sexy, and confident.  She’s a trendsetter!

See more *Fat Free by Cici accessories at FatFreeStyle.com.

August 3rd, 2006

Andean Blue Alpaca Scarf

Andean Blue Alpaca Scarf from NovicaHandwoven by Patricia Anaya of Cuzco, Peru. 

Patricia on her design work: "I am interesting in sharing my good fortune with others, especially with people who are physically challenged, and unwed teenage mothers. I teach them in the areas of textiles and general knowledge. My vision is for all of us to grow together, through this small family enterprise, offering our art and sharing our knowledge."

$47.95 at Novica.

August 3rd, 2006

How To: Dress for Work During a Heat Wave

Office

The key to looking fresh at work despite the sweltering heat is to keep your look simple and remember that the difference between looking crisp and feeling wilted is all in the details.  To beat the heat while keeping your look professional, try:

Lightweight, Breathable Fabrics: It goes without saying that lighter weight fabrics are generally going to be cooler than heavier weight fabrics.  However, consider how breathable the fabric is.  Natural fabrics like cotton and linen work especially well on hot days because they absorb and release moisture quickly, allowing fabric to “breathe.”

Simple Silhouettes: Simple, unfussy silhouettes—such as a well-cut suit or a shift dress—automatically give your look a polished feel, even when you’re sitting in the stifling heat.

Adding the Unexpected:
Upon this simple foundation, add an unexpected color or detail to punch up your outfit.  A bright color, an oversized collar, or a special detail like pintucking or piping will take your outfit from simply work-appropriate to stunning.

Layering: Layering becomes more important than ever when alternating between the blisteringly warm outdoors and an ice-cold air-conditioned office.  Keep a fitted sweater on hand in the office to weather these temperature shifts.

Personal Grooming:
Neat hair, manicured nails, and scuff free shoes—personal grooming essentials—are de rigeur.  Longhaired women can pull back their hair into a ponytail or a bun for a refined look.  Oil absorbing facial wipes work well to keep your skin fresh looking (and feeling) throughout the day.

We’ve used these principles to create a mini-series of heat-resistant and work-appropriate outfits for women and men.  Enjoy!

For Women
For Men

1 comment August 2nd, 2006

Wear To Work: Beat the Heat in a Sleeveless Top and Wide-legged Trousers

Tuxedo detailing on the top complements the graceful drape of the wide-legged trousers.

Elegant Casual Fashion Formula = Shrug + Sleeveless Top + Wide-legged Trousers + Heels.

Burdock Shrug by Theory

Burdock C Knit Shrug by Theory | $180 at ScoopNYC

Caty Lawn Melange Top by Theory

Caty Lawn Melange Top by Theory | $180 at Shopbop

Stratford Pants at Anthropologie

Stratford Pants | $88 at Anthropologie

Ralph Lauren \"Chelle\" Pump
Ralph Lauren "Chelle" Pump | $149.95 at Nordstrom


3 comments August 2nd, 2006

Wear To Work: Beat the Heat in a Solid Top and a Printed Skirt

A grafitti-style printed skirt and a sunny yellow sweater makes this outfit "Pop."

Elegant Casual Fashion Formula = Sweater + Solid Top + Graphic Skirt + Flats.

Anthropologie Seapod Hoodie

Seapod Hoodie | $88 at Anthropologie

Rebecca Taylor Voile Top

Rebecca Taylor Cotton Voile Top | $190 at Shopbop

Bea Skirt at Anthropologie

Bea Skirt | $118 at Anthropologie

Jet Beaded Velvet Ballet Flat
Jet Beaded Velvet Ballet Flat | $148 at ScoopNYC


1 comment August 2nd, 2006

Wear To Work: Beat the Heat in a Shirtdress

Bright orange perks up an office-appropriate light blue shirtdress.

Elegant Casual Fashion Formula = Shirtdress + Flats.

BCBG Max Azria Pinstripe Shirtdress

BCBG Max Azria Pinstripe Shirtdress | $160 at Nordstrom

Mimosa Peep Toe Flats at Anthropologie

Mimosa Peep-Toe Flats | $78 at Anthropologie

1 comment August 2nd, 2006

Wear To Work [Men]: Beat the Heat in a Cotton Shirt and Lightweight Pants

Punch up the same-old button-down shirt and slacks routine with an unexpected color.

Business Casual Fashion Formula = Cotton Voile Shirt + Cotton Pants + Suede Loafers.

Slim Fit Cotton Voile Shirt by Hartford

Slim Fit Cotton Voile Shirt by Hartford | $145 at ScoopNYC

Mason Canvas Pant

Mason Canvas Pant | $160 at ScoopNYC

Suede Loafer by Hush Puppies

Suede Loafers by Hush Puppies | $120 at ScoopNYC


1 comment August 2nd, 2006

Wear To Work [Men]: Beat the Heat in a Lightweight Suit

Say it’s summer by adding a tappan-check shirt and patterned tie to your lightweight suit.

Business Formal Fashion Formula = Lightweight Suit + Patterned Tie + Dress Shirt + Dress Shoes.

Hugo Boss \'Einstein Sigma\' Basic Suit

Hugo Boss ‘Einstein Sigma’ Basic Suit | $695 at Nordstrom

Refined dot-tie

Refined dot-tie | $59.50 at Banana Republic

Tappan-check Shirt

Tappan-check Shirt | $69.50 at J. Crew

Street Smart Dress Shoes from Kenneth Cole

"Street Smart" Dress Shoe | $175 at Kenneth Cole

1 comment August 2nd, 2006

Marc Jacobs Patent Pumps

Marc Jacobs Patent Pump One part girly, one part funky….but Totally cool.

$395 at Shopbop.

2 comments August 2nd, 2006

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