We’re all over…
Dolman Sleeves
Adds an element of sexy volume much like your boyfriend’s oversized sweater.
Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Dolman Sweater| $395 at ShopBop
We’re all over…
Dresses over jeans
See what The Sartorialist has to say about it here.
(Photo Credit: The Sartorialist)
We’re all over…
Superwide, waist-enhancing belts to layer over outfits
All over the runways for Fall 2006 (see here).
(Ventilo La Colline Wide Leather Belt | $24.99 at La Redoute)
We’re So over:
Fringe
We’re tired of hamming it up with the kitschy Western wear.
(Photo Credit: Active Endeavors)
We’re So over:
Superchunky necklaces
This spring, don’t be weighed down by cumbersome jewelry.
For a fresher look, go with something smaller and more lightweight.
(Photo Credit: Intution)
Tell us: What’s In? What are you so over?
Posted by Susannah on March 2nd, 2006 in Trend, What's In and What's Out, Women |
As we’ve mentioned before, voluminous sleeves are going to be Huge this fall, as seen on the runways of Peter Som and Oscar de la Renta. A look at StyleBytes indicates that the trend is going strong in Europe as well–look at the sleeves on that plaid Balenciaga. These sleeves are a great way to experiment with volume. We’ve found that the key to keeping this look updated is to make sure the volume is not near the upper arm and shoulders, which will indeed make you look ‘theatrical.’
Inspiration: Lela Rose’s Fall 2006 Collection
C. Ronson Empire Cardigan | $150 at Active Endeavors
C&C California Swan Top | $88 at ShopBop
Posted by Susannah on March 1st, 2006 in Runway to Reality, Trend, Trendscape, Trendscape, Women |
Working women around the world face the same problem each morning as they get dressed: "What do I wear today?" Though we can’t plan as many outfits as there are work days, here’s one to get you started.
Working in Style = Layered Necklace + Wrap Sweater + Button-Down Shirt + Cropped Trousers.
For future reference, storm through your closet on one weekend to identify pieces that are appropriate for work. Next, do a mini fashion show for yourself: put together as many outfits as your fashionable mind can come up with. Best practice: either take a polaroid of yourself or jot down the brilliant ideas you came up with.
The next time you get up at the crack of dawn to get ready for the job, brushing your pearly whites will take longer than looking chic.
Snow Necklace | $105 at Couture Candy
Luxe Cashmere Ballet Sweater in Willow | $185 at Couture Candy
Foret D’ Elans | $187 at Couture Candy
Cropped Slacks in Sand Dollar | $231 at Couture Candy
At CoutureCandy, you can shop
all the hottest designers in one place. You can read the latest industry
news, get the inside scoop on the designers, and even keep up on (and purchase)
what
celebrities are wearing. You can share ideas and connect with other members
of the CoutureCandy community via the exclusive "Couture Talk" Forum
or get inspiring wardrobe advice from their "Personal Stylists."
Posted by Advertising on March 1st, 2006 in Advertising |
Simply knowing the top 10 trends of Fall 2006 Fashion Week isn’t enough. You also need to know where to find and how to sport these looks outside the Bryant Park Tents. We did some searching and found inexpensive (yet still so cute) alternatives to the high fashion we all witnessed last week.
Trend: Puffy Shoulders
Runway:
Reality:
INC Puff-Sleeve Shirt | $79 at Macy’s
Yves Saint Laurent Peasant Blouse | $695 at Neiman Marcus
Trend: Voluminous Sleeves
Runway:
Reality:
Diane Von Furstenberg Elisabetta Chiffon Top | $198 at Nordstrom
Norma Kamali Everlast Peplum Babydoll Jacket | $225 at Nordstrom
Trend: Bubble Skirts
Runway:
Reality:
Rachel Pally Bubble Skirt | $154 at Nordstrom
Norma Kamali Everlast Rara Bubble Skirt | $275 at Nordstrom
Trend: Vests
Runway:
Reality:
Free People Washed Tuxedo Vest | $108 at Nordstrom
Double Breasted Shawl Vest | $24.80 at Forever 21
Trend: Long and Short Leather Gloves
Runway:
Reality:
Leather Gloves, Silk Lining | $85 at Neiman Marcus
Fownes Brothers Cashmere-Lined Leather Gloves | $56 at Nordstrom
Trend: Knit Caps
Runway:
Reality:
Crochet Cabbie | $24 at Urban Outfitters
Posted by Melody on March 1st, 2006 in Runway to Reality, Women |
Just because you’re at the office doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice your sense of style. Show off your preppy side with an on-trend sweatervest over a button-down shirt, and spice things up with a pair of cropped pants. Add a pair of killer flats, and you’re good to go!
Where to Wear: This outfit is strictly Business Casual–it’s good for a polished look at a more casual workplace. We’d have to recommend skipping this one for offices with more strict dress codes–don’t try this one at Corporate. The cropped pants, in particular, might raise a few eyebrows.
Fashion Formula = Button Down Shirt + Sweatervest + Cropped Pants + Flats.
Stenographer Button Up Blouse | $78 at Anthropologie (left), and
Folding Fan Vest | $78 at Anthropologie (right).
Chaiken Cropped "Lindsey" Pants | $112 at Bluefly
Marc Jacobs Blue Suede Studded Flats | $314.99 at Bluefly
Posted by Trisha on February 28th, 2006 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |
Based on the runways and the hipsters of urbania, men seem to a bit more comfortable with having accessories that hang from the shoulders.
The concept of the murse (man bags, or whatever you want to call them) is a wonderful middle ground for brief cases, messenger bags, backpacks and duffel bags. They are perfect for toting around all those necessities you need for a day in the city – wallet, cell phone, iPod, check book, midday snack, Burt Beeswax, Listerine strips, cigarettes, lighter, bottled water, extra pair of socks, passport, 3 forms of identification and for those special occasions – a knife suitable for hunting and skinning. Whatever you can’t live without, I’m sure a murse can handle it. Available in any price range, take a gander at these convenient accessories.
City Lights by Manhattan Portage | $26 at KarmaLoop.com
Triple Five Soul Night Bag | $56 at 80’s Purple
The Minx Chris Pastras Bag | $79.99 at Digital Gravel
Puma by Rudolf D. Schuhfabrik | $98 at Yoox.com
Tumi T-Tech Flow Flap Body Bag | $95 at Tumi
For more fun with murses, check out some of our other man bag picks!
Posted by Dino on February 28th, 2006 in Men, Shopping Guide, Trend, Trendscape, Trendscape |
Argyle is no longer reserved for the nerdy, and besides, what’s wrong with a little geek chic? Don’t fret, just because you’re sporting tilted squares doesn’t mean you Are one.
Where to Wear: As seen above, this argyle fan was strutting the streets of Union Square, perhaps headed to Banana Republic (where we’ve spotted a lot of argyle sweaters lately). Even if your male buddies still equate argyle with dorky, you can still wear this look when you’re with your girl. Unless the pattern reminds her of her hermit 8th grade science teacher, she’ll appreciate your out of the box fashion sense.
Fashion Formula = Blazer + Argyle Sweater + French Cuff Shirt + Jeans.
Pima Cotton Claremont Argyle Sweater | $78 at J.Crew
Deluxe Jacquard Premium French Cuff Shirt | $125 at Banana Republic
Boot Fit Jeans | $49.50 at Gap
Posted by Melody on February 27th, 2006 in Men, Ready Made Outfits, Street Style |
Alexander Erdmann (a.k.a. Alexander 2tone) is one half of the SoCal-based label, True Love & False Idols. With his partner, Alexander Vaz, the duo produces hip-hop inspired men’s tops that transcend the concept of street style and meticulous artistry.
The partnership between the two Alexanders developed through an interesting process. As a part of the graffiti crew, L.A.’s AWR Graffiti family, Alexander 2tone clashed with Alexander V’s graf clan, the "Klobber Crew." As their rivalry evolved, they often met under challenging circumstances on the the streets of SoCal. Eventually, their differences subsided and they decided to let bygones be bygones. Then, in an unlikely tryst, the two met again at the wake of a mutual friend. To totally squash their differences, Alex 2 and Alex V. collaborated to form True Love and False Idols in remembrance of their friend.
Seen on the backs of celebrities such as Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda, TLFI’s stands out from other labels as an unapologetic brand that combines fashion forward graphic design and ingenious versatility. Omiru had the opportunity to talk with Mr. 2tone.
O: How and when did your interest in fashion design start?
A: It actually started because I was a graffiti writer and when I was 16, all the guys that I ran with started doing graphics for a company that is now called Green Apple Tree. I was just always around graphics. I kind of dabbled – did a lot of freelance work –before settling into fashion. It was never really a conscious choice. It kind of ended up that way because I have always been an artist, and it’ss been the area in which my style was most applicable.
O: Based on the origin of the label, what kind of insight have you gained in your personal business life?
A: Basically, it’s all about relationships. That’s the one thing that has remained true. You’re only as good as your relationships with people. It’s really good to cultivate them properly and to keep that going because I wouldn’t be anywhere if it wasn’t for the people I knew. Everything has been through somebody I know.
O: What is the background to the name of your label?
A: Well, the real true story behind it was that I wanted to start a company called “False Idols†and my partner wanted to start a company called “True Love.†We just came together and it made sense. If you want to go further into it, with “true love,†we are doing what we want to do out of love.
O: What sets your collection aside from those other urban labels?
A: We definitely aren’t an urban label. Although we do have those tendencies, we are probably urban by default because of where we come from. You know, our stuff is very designed and thought oriented. We don’t really trend spot. We don’t really follow what the next guy is doing. The stuff is very thought out. There’s a lot of nods, smirks, jokes and a lot witticisms that may or may not be smart. There’s a lot of attention to detail – the attention to detail is probably a little overdone because it drives me insane. If you would take the shirts and look through a magnifying glass, you’d find notes in the artwork. I pretty much hand draw everything. I draw every font, every bird, every alligator – whatever the thing is, I’ve drawn it.
O: Besides punk and L.A. street style, what are some of your more obscure inspirations?
A: Yeah, my inspiration is a bit more obscure. Of course there’s music and all that other stuff involved, but I get a lot my inspiration from movies and literature. A lot of my inspiration is probably my own pathology. It’s my own problems, issues and thoughts. Like, whatever is there, I’m grabbin’ it, usin’ it and stickin’ it on a shirt.
O: What are you tired of in fashion?
A: To say we don’t trend spot is kind of a lie. I am very aware of what’s going on. But the thing I do hate in fashion is the fact that when a company does well, there are five or six companies that emulate that style. I think that’s kind of boring and it plays that company out.
O: One of your shirts stated, “You’re only as good as what you steal.†Do you try to intertwine some sort of social message in all of your clothing?
A: There’s no trying involved. It’s just gonna happen. I have another shirt that has a flying squirrel and it says “Cocaine Breakfast.†It makes no sense, it’s ridiculous, and people love it. It’s pretty much me – I am really serious and pretty silly at the same time. I have another shirt coming out in the summer – it’s got a little social commentary on it. It says, “Praise the Lord, Pass the Ammo.†It’s got an M-16 and a cross – those are big no-no’s for department stores. I mean, I can’t help it – I’m 31 years old, I listen to NPR – I’m not a bimbo, you know what I mean? It’s not like I am sitting here watching MTV all day. I’m really aware of what’s going on. It bums me out because this is my only outlet at times. On the other hand, I will do the goofiest things you can imagine.
O: How do you keep the style of T.L.F.I. from becoming too “ordinary�
A: We’re about to go into a project for fall and as far as pushing the envelope, we definitely pushed the envelope to the point to where I don’t know what we are going to do next season. We really over-design everything. We take it as far as we can take it, without it it just being obscene.
O: When do you think you will be 100% with your fashion career?
A: Never. As soon as we get our sample, I’m in love with it, I go nuts and then by the time production hits, I can’t stand it. I don’t even want to look at it. I can’t even wear my stuff because I am just in it so much – I just hate everything (laughs.) It’s just from being exposed to it too much – I just need to take a break from it. Once I do something really good, I’m like, “what’s next?†I’m already planning in my head how to improve it.
O: Your clothing has already been selling at Nordstrom, M. Frederic and Fred Segal. Do you plan on expanding to other stores? If so, which stores?
A: My thing is to grow within our means. At this point, it’s two guys running the show. Being that I am already here too much as it is – I can’t be here any more than I am – I just want to keep it within our means. Also, I don’t want to burn out the brand. You know, we could’ve thrown it in any major store that we wanted to blow it out to make some money, but we are trying to establish some longevity and build a good base.
O: What fashion season do you prefer? Fall or Spring?
A: I grew up in Venice by the beach – and it was the spring season. But after we did fall – man – I loved the jackets and hoodies and what you could do. I’d say spring just for the colors and the casual, but fall for the jackets. But you know what? I like fall because it’s an excuse to layer some stuff.
O: What was second on your career list to fashion?
A: Actually, I went to UCLA film school. I’m still keepin’ my eye on that. I still write and do all that stuff. That’s where I get a lot of inspiration from – my writing. Honestly, at the end of the day, that’s where I plan to end up. At the end of the day, I just want end up sitting at home writing. I mean, this is really fun, but I maintain those other interests because I don’t want to forget about it.
O: What clothes have you worn that you are now ashamed of?
A: Oh sh*t – I don’t know. I would like to say Cross Colors, but I don’t think I actually bought any. Actually, I just admired it from afar. That whole era – I mean, when I was a kid, I was into graffiti and rap – that was my whole thing. That’s what I came up in. It’s still there, I’m just a lot more subdued. There has to be a ton of embarrassing sh*t. I used to wear PNB and Triple 5 Soul back in the early 90s.
O: If your house was burning down and you could only keep one thing in your closet, what would you keep?
A: It would be one of my brims – one of my stitchy brim hats. I’d have to take one of those because they are a constant with me.
O: What can we expect from T.L.F.I. in the future?
A: In the near future, I’m thinking we are going to keep progressing forward. Basically, our thing is reinterpreting everything. We’re not a couture line. I don’t have a heavy fashion background – my partner does – but my whole thing is that men want to wear things that are comfortable and casual. We are bring the design aspect of everything to the highest we can take it.
For more info on True Love & False Idols, check out their site: www.trueloveandfalseidols.com
Posted by Dino on February 27th, 2006 in Designer Profiles, Features |
Designer Norma Kamali, renowned for her form-fitting
activewear and cutout swimwear, has collaborated with Spiegel to offer
Norma Kamali Timeless, a collection of three convertible pieces all
priced under $100. For example, an extremely versatile tie-waist skirt
can also be worn as a simple top, or as a halter, cross-front or
strapless dress. Add a few supporting pieces into the collection–a shrug, bootcut pants, a pleated skirt–and you have a sexy, versatile and low-maintenance wardrobe.
All-In-One Dress, worn two different ways | $79 at Spiegel
Posted by Susannah on February 25th, 2006 in News, Off Topic, Women |
Issue XXVIV* of the Friday Fashion Hotlist: a weekly compilation of the
cutest and coolest stuff Style Intelligence Report saw out there this
week.
This
week, we’ve got the skinny on some awesome springtime jackets!
For women:
Yeah, we know that Biker jackets have been In for ages, but we love the clean, fresh feeling of this one. Maybe it’s because it’s not basic black, maybe it’s the oversized collar (oh-So-big right now…and at least through Fall 06), but we just can’t get enough of it.
And for Men:
Forest Green Cotton Hooded Bomber Jacket | $197 at Bluefly
Classically cool cotton bomber perfect for the crisp pre-Spring air.
*Hey, are the roman numerals confusing to anyone else?
Correction: Should be XXIX. Less confusing. And even better…correct. No more writing at 3am =P
Posted by Trisha on February 24th, 2006 in Friday Fashion Hotlist, Men, Trend, Women |
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