Posts filed under 'News'
We asked: Are Skinny Jeans In or Out?
You said:
It seems that Skinny Jeans are still in style…for now. Almost half (47%) of you think they’re in style. However, 28% think they’re on their way out, and 25% believe that they’re already Out.
Omiru’s take: While skinny jeans appear to be hanging on to their place in the spotlight, don’t count on them sticking around for too much longer. Already, they’re seen as passé in Britain, and they seem to be losing their appeal in the US, albeit slowly. We like the look of skinny jeans, but we find them difficult to wear, as they accentuate figure flaws. If you do sport the look, we recommend pairing the jeans with heels to elongate the leg. Flats provide a more casual look, but we caution against them unless you have the leggy figure of Sienna Miller.
Next Question: What do you think about Military-inspired fashion? Are they In, or are they Out? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
April 24th, 2006
We asked: Are Leggings In or Out?
You said: It seems that Leggings are Out of style. Only 17% of you think they’re still in style, and a whopping 44% say they’re Out. And another 39% say that they’re on the way out.
Omiru’s take: Though the throwback to the 80s was charming for a short while, it seems that the romance of the past (at least with these leggings) is over. The problem we see with them is that they’re just not super flattering. The short-skirt-over-leggings look that seems to be this year’s frilly-skirt-with-Uggs works for the uber-leggy, but what about the rest of us? And given the wealth of other fashion choices out there, aren’t there more flattering options? Leggings were fun while they lasted, but it’s time to move on.
Next Question: What do you think about Skinny Jeans? Are they In, or are they Out? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
April 17th, 2006
We asked: Is Nautical Fashion In or Out?
You said: Looks like Nautical Fashion is still in. Most (59%) see Nautical Fashion as a Classic, and another 23% believe that it’s a trend that’s still in style. Only 13% think it’s Out of style, and another 5% consider it on the way out.
Omiru’s take: We’re fans of Nautical Fashion, and we definitely think it’s still in. While we do see it as a classic (think: navy blue, crisp white, and Ralph Lauren advertisements), it’s definitely being hyped as a trend…as it has been for the last couple of seasons. While we’re wearing the trend, we’re being mindful of going overboard.
Next Question: What do you think about Leggings? Is it In, or is it Out? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
April 10th, 2006
The scene at the Discarded to Divine event put on by St.
Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco
was truly delightful. Hundreds of fashion enthusiasts gathered at the Gensler
building and
celebrated not only their love of fashion, but also their compassion for charity. It wasn’t your average fashion show with runways and bright lights, but it was
sophisticated, fun, and for a great cause!
The Crowd: Men in suits, teenage girls with metallic belts
and purses, ladies in skirts and jeans.
The Food: Finger foods like shrimp, guacamole, carrots,
broccoli, celery, and crackers.
The Clothes: Different pieces were sewn together by SF State and FIDM students to make funky
outfits. We saw a wife-beater-turned-dress, a jacket with unique
patches sewn on the back, and a long dress with a head piece reminiscent of the dress of women from the Middle East.
The Models: Amateur models with heavy makeup and teased hair
strutted their stuff while guests nibbled away.
April 10th, 2006
We asked: Where’s your favorite place to shop?
You said: With 54% of the vote (mind you, this poll was completely unscientific), Cheap Chic rules! Coming in second, with 23% of the vote–online shopping. Specialty stores finished third, with 14% of the vote, and Department Stores, Boutiques, and Sample Sales all came in last, with 3% of the vote each.
Omiru’s take: Can’t say that we’re surprised about the popularity of Cheap Chic….what’s not to love about fashion forward styles at dirt cheap prices. Perfect for trends that you would only want to sport for one or two seasons. Online also had a strong showing, reflecting the growing acceptance of buying style items without the benefit of trying them on first.
We were somewhat surprised, however, by the seeming unpopularity of sample sales. Perhaps it’s because of how we worded the question–what’s your Favorite place to shop. We love a good sample sale (though they’re few and far between), but for practicality’s sake, we do most of our trendhunting at Cheap Chic stores. Oh how we love H&M!
Next Question: What do you think about Nautical fashion? Is it In, or is it Out? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
April 3rd, 2006
Many guys will agree; it doesn’t get much better than seeing a beautiful girl…and another beautiful girl. Get your mind out of the gutter! I’m not referring to anything PG rated, but instead to LA artist Win Lin’s limited-edition anime graphic tees at Urban Outfitters. There’s a racerback cotton style for every type of gal: “Insecure,†“Liar,†“Vain,†“Annihilator,†and “Lachrymose Baby.†If you like none of these, just choose the fine art portrait you think looks most like you! Omiru got a chance to talk with Wil.
Omiru: How did the collaboration with Urban Outfitters start?
Wil: A buyer from UO serendipitously visited a Los Angeles boutique where I was having an art show in 2003. She bought some of my artwork and contacted me nearly a year later to see if I’d be interested in doing a collaboration with them.
O: What was the process of making the tees?
W: UO determined the material, cut and finish of the garment, we talked over the color options, I pitched for their approval a set of words and images I thought were thematically consistent, and I recommended where to place the images and the words. All of it happened very quickly–they accepted everything right away.
O: From where do you draw your inspiration?
W: I usually draw to vent some perceived injustice or injuries on my ego– usually triggered by those who I desire or desire to be. I believe this insufferable side of me can be made more palatable when it is delivered in the form of an attractive human face or figure. Technically or stylistically speaking, I used to consume copious quantities of fashion magazines throughout the 90s and I practiced drawing Linda Evangelista almost daily throughout the height of her popularity, so my style definitely reflects that aspect of my life history.
O: How long will the tees be available?
W: I am not clear on how long UO will be stocking the three designs I currently have in their stores, but I know that four new designs will appear in UO stores either this month or next month. I am still working with them, and I think they are shooting for a mid-summer release of some new items–whatever it is that I come up with.
Like what you see? Visit Urban Outfitters to get yours for only $28.
March 30th, 2006
St. Vincent de Paul Society, which helps more than 1,000 people a day affected by poverty, homelessness, substance abuse, and domestic violence, will be holding a "Discarded to Divine" fashion show and auction on Thursday, April 6 from 5:30-7:30pm.
Fashion and art students from FIDM and SF State University designed one-of-a-kind haute couture outfits from donated clothing from the Society’s Vincentian Help Desk, a free service that provides clothing and a dignified environment for the poor and homeless. If the pieces look archaic, it’s because they were inspired by the Arts and Crafts Movement of the late 1800s. Jackets, gowns, wedding dresses, accessories, and non-wearable works of art will be on sale at the special reception on Thursday, in case you’re craving original and unique additions for your closet.
If you can’t attend the fashion show and auction, a special preview exhibit will be available at the De Young Museum on Friday, March 31, from 6-8:45 p.m.
Stay tuned for a post-show recap!
"Discarded to Divine" Preview Exhibit
Friday, March 31, from 6-8:45 p.m
Koret Auditorium at the De Young Museum
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr., San Francisco
Free admission.
"Discarded to Divine" Fashion Show and Auction
Thursday, April 6 from 5:30-7:30pm
Gensler, 2 Harrison St., San Francisco
Suggested donation is $20. RSVP at 415-977-1270 x3021.
March 29th, 2006
Billion Dollar Babes: Kate Nobelius and Shelli-Anne Couch
Photo Credits: Billion Dollar Babes
Even if you’ve never had the pleasure of attending a Billion Dollar Babes sample sale, you’ve probably heard amazing things
about it from friends who have. A two-day, invitation-only event held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and
London, Billion Dollar Babes attracts roughly 4,000 fashion lovers, who
compete with other shoppers for styles by more than 40 designer labels like Alex Gaines, Blue Cult, Chaiken, Catherine Malandrino, Costume National, Christian Dior, and more.
Not to burst any
shopping bubbles, but did you think the tons of fabulous outfits get
there by themselves? A lot of hard work goes into organizing an event of such scale. Shelli-Anne Couch
of parent company Couch Nobelius is
a major reason for BDB’s success thus far. She and partner Kate
Nobelius handle every aspect of the process, including event
strategy, sponsorship, sourcing, guest list compilation,
pre-event publicity and celebrity outreach (it’s a tough job but someone’s gotta do it!).
Omiru had the opportunity to ask Shelli-Anne–an award winning journalist herself–a few questions about organizing such a massive event.
How did you start your business?
In a one-bedroom apartment in Hollywood with the grand total of one laptop, two phones, one fat contact book and a lot of chutzpah!
What did you have to do to get started?
Operationally,
we just bought items (ie: a printer, another computer as we could
afford them). Strategically, we solidified our film premiere event
production stable while nurturing a fashion idea (that was to become
the global brand of Billion Dollar Babes).
What are some challenges you face as a fashion event organizer?
That
common sense is underated. Seriously. People put square pegs in round
holes all the time! Also, people are never on time.
What’s a day in the life of a fashion event organizer like?
Liaising
between the fashion client and the media, setting up interviews pre- and
post- runway show, and setting up shoots of the collections.
What do you do to satisfy your clients?
It’s
all about setting and maintaining expectations. When a fashion client
signs on and part of the wishlist is two celebs wearing their clothes
per month and one fashion cover, then by golly, you have to achieve that.
Would you say fashion event organizers wear multiple hats? If so, what are they?
Oh golly, yes. You’re the creative director, publicist, nursemaid, best friend, disciplinarian, and accountant.
How much can one expect to earn as a fashion event organizer?
The sky’s the limit. Some events cost upwards of $500,000 to produce and you’re earning 20 percent of that.
Do some fashion event organizers get paid more?
Absolutely. Why? They’re better! Their client liaison skills meet their creativity
and execution skills, all within the fiscal parameters. They bring an
event in on budget, on time and it looks wondrous.
The Billion Dollar Babes San Francisco sale will run 8am-6pm on Saturday, April 8 at Dogpatch Studios. Everyone is welcome to attend but guests must RSVP online at www.billiondollarbabes.com.
March 27th, 2006
Local Bay Area designer Andrea Lamadora of House of Mamasan debuted her Spring collection at the Supper Club, where beds replace chairs as a means of lounging. Despite the hordes of stylish fans sprawled out as if in the comfort of their own home, the night was anything but sleepy.
Lamadora’s creations are wise beyond her quarter some-odd years. Kimono tops with exaggerated sleeves and dresses made of rich fabrics dominated the room. Vibrant colors, a signature of the Oakland resident, reflected a streak of global influence from her worldly travels to Bali, Hong Kong, Thailand, Cuba, the Yucatan, and Hawaii. Her unconventional styles are not only influencing northern California club hoppers and hipsters, but also celebrity clientele such as Bay Area natives Goapele, Jean Grae, Tekitha, Aceyalone and The Hieroglyphics.
Designing isn’t Lamadora’s only forte: Her styling works have showed up in magazines such as Hype Hair, Essence, Vibe, Ebony, Savoy, Jane and Teen People. Check out www.houseofmamasan.com.
March 17th, 2006
Be one of the first 100 shoe lovers to purchase a $50 pair at Macy’s Union Square on Thursday, March 16 (6-8pm) and you will be rewarded.
Not only will you have yourself a new pair of smashing mules or pumps, you will receive a signed copy of shoe guru Meghan Cleary’s (aka Miss Meghan) book The Perfect Fit: What Your Shoes Say About You. What’s more, you’ll go home with a gift bag of shoe surprises including a $25 Macy’s gift card. Hmm, we wonder what you’ll be spending that on! The hottest Spring styles will be available from Nine West, Enzo Angiolini, Circa Joan & David, AK Anne Klein, and Bandolino.
Remember to choose your shoe style carefully–you never know what it might say about you.
To attend the free "Luv Shoes" tour, call 888-266-1686 for reservations. Other dates: Fresno: March 14, 6-8 pm, Sacramento: March 15, 6-8 pm, San Jose: March 18, 2-4 pm.
March 13th, 2006
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