Archive for June, 2010
Take Me Back To ’95.
14 years ago
Vintage has been a hot word used to describe some of the most popular fashion trends for the past few seasons, but could it be used to describe the ‘90’s just yet? I thought this to myself as I google searched “’90s floral baby doll dress” and the word “vintage” popped up. How much time has to go by before we christen some as vintage? Apparently its around twenty years.
The 1990’s have been dubbed the ugliest era because of the “who cares?” attitude taken towards fashion. Flannel, platform shoes, brown lipstick, BLUE LIPSTICK, and those little buns people work all over their heads… it’s easy to see why people can look back and be a little disturbed. The truth is though, the ‘90’s were kind of awesome in the sense that people could truly dress how they wanted and anything could be cool. I still hold a fond place in my heart for stirrup pants and oversized sweatshirts.
The most popular fashion trends from the 1990’s have been creeping its way back into our hearts. A few years ago flannel snuck its way back into popular cultures closets and even made its way to American Eagle and other mall staples. Doc Martens have also been making a comeback that has been hard to ignore as celebrities like Sienna Miller make them chic again. I was recently in a large mall located on the outskirts of Seattle and found myself buying a pair of black leather platform wedges from Forever XII. My initial reaction was that these shoes were terrible, but on second examination I realized that they were industrial and very cool. Soon after that I made my way to H&M and couldn’t help but notice the number of floral baby doll dresses. It seems as if popular culture has recently been flooded by lame items, cropped tops, crosses, and other ‘90’s once despised staples and I for one am thankful to be drowning in it. I loved the ‘90’s eclectic feel and I think we can all benefit from a little grunge in our lives…. Then again maybe that’s the inner Seattelite in me coming out.
Ultimate Summer Accessory: Panama Hat
14 years ago
Melissa Odabash Paper Straw Panama Hat, available on Net-a-Porter.com $130.
With the summer sun beating down against your face and the nearly oppressive warm air, the Panama hat is the perfect accessory for this time of year. Made from the leaves of the toquilla straw plant and hand-woven in Ecuador, the Panama hat is terrifically lightweight, neutral in color, and generously breathable. The hat is also ideal for traveling, as it maintains its shape even amidst the tight lodgings of a suitcase.
J.Crew Women’s Panama Hat, $58.
Aside from its practical uses, the popular panama has become a summer fashion staple, having gained key status when President Theodore Roosevelt wore one during his visit to the Panama Canal. Furthermore, stars such as Clark Gable, Fred Astaire, Paul Newman, Sigourney Weaver, and many more have popularized this hat making it into a trendy yet timeless article. Whether you sport the panama with a pair of Levi cut-offs and a loose-fitted blouse (female), don it with a pair of Bermuda shorts and a white t-shirt (male), or add it to a black linen dress and gladiator sandals (female), you can’t go wrong—it’s versatile, unisex, and will cease to go out of style.
NIKE Crayons by Diem Chau & W+K
14 years ago
The Crayola Crayon carver, Diem Chau was commissioned by Wieden + Kennedy to carve 66 crayons for this year’s Nike World Cup: The Write the Future Press Kit (following their sick commercial). A nice idea and packaging for an unforgettable press kit.
The clam-shell presentation box. The contents: the wooden box carrier also serves as the crayon’s base.
The crayon players in their base.
Wieden + Kennedy chose a metallic/stone color theme for the players. Above is a close up of the 6 figures that are in each kit.
Fabio Cannavaro of the Italian team in Antique Brass from Crayola.
Didier Drogba of the Chelsea Football Club in Copper from Crayola.
Franck Ribery of the Bundesliga club Bayern Munich in Gold from Crayola.
Robinho of Brazil in Silver from Crayola.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal in White from Crayola.
Wanye Rooney of England in Timberwolf from Crayola.
Press kit photos courtesy of Wieden + Kennedy.
Bring Your Own Bags By Prada
14 years ago
In a fortuitous turn of affordable fashion brilliance, Prada is launching light, perfect bring your own bags for shopping, summer beach tote or gym tote bag. The bring your own bags are produced in the traditional Prada fabric embellished with select archive printss, which you might recognize from runways past. The soft, spacious and structure-less shape is just right for your grocery store assortment of goodies, afternoons at the beach and picnics in the park.
The B.Y.O. Bags will be available exclusively at Prada boutiques starting this month for $295. Yes, this is a bit expensive for a grocery bag..we might need to stop eating for a few weeks to recoup the cost.
ASKA Collagen
14 years ago
Some time ago I watched an Oprah Winfrey Show about things women do to keep their beauty; the show was entitled “Beauty Around the World”. After watching that show I became interested in the Japanese custom of eating or drinking collagen. Japanese women are convinced it works and keeps them looking young.
As soon as I could, I went to a Japanese market and bought ASKA Collagen.
According to the company:
“Collagen, a protein, plays an important role in bonding cells together and maintain firmly in the area such as skins and bones, which results in a firm youthful appearance.”
From my personal experience, the effect was almost immediate; after the third packet I drank, I noticed my face a lot smoother. Although I have to admit, my fine lines are still there; I see this product as a way to help reduce the ravages of time. I’ve been taking it for months and I’m still impressed at how smooth my skin feels. As a side effect, I’ve also noticed my hair and nails are stronger.
You can find this product on Japanese markets (in the store I go to, it’s next to the cash register) or online at the ASKA Corporation site and it retails for $34.00 USD.
Alexander Wang Resort 2010 Collection
14 years ago
Alexander Wang’s clothing has long been considered downtown urban dressing at its best. For his Resort 2010 collection, Alexander Wang is suddenly channeling more of a suburban lifestyle. The colors consists of his basic “urban” palette: deep rust, slate, black and khaki. Most of the Resort 2010 separates take suburban staples and turn them on their heads. Running shorts are made of leather, trenches have a distinct bathrobe look, black and white ribbed athletic socks are worn with Birkenstock-like shoes (ew), and slacks and sweats are styled with leather and studs a la Alex.
The piece as styled for the lookbook appear incomplete and thrown together quickly, similar to what a Soccer Mom with three rug rats might be forced to do on a daily basis. Tragic. As for the Resort, aka vacation collection, I personally wouldn’t wear these pieces on jet setting holiday, I’d rather by knock offs from Tagret or Walmart and wear them doing chores around the apartment on a Sunday afternoon.
Sheer Excitement
14 years ago
Skimpy just got classy has this trend slinks its way into summer 2010 fashion. Sheer fabric is something that isn’t only all over the runway but invading your local mall as well. Sheer fabric is becoming wearable by young fashionistas and reigning style queens alike and it is due to its new attitude. Sheer fabric doesn’t have to be reserved for pole dancers and nightwalkers anymore has it shape-shifts into cute summer tank tops, gorgeous gowns, and sleek nightwear.
So let’s just say that you’re not 5’10, 110 pounds, small chest… how can you pull this off? I have been wondering this same thing since this trend was first predicted (I am 5’1, 123lbs, and have quite a large chest). At first glance, this trend can seem unwearable outside of the red carpet and the runway but there are ways you can incorporate it into your summer wardrobe without worrying about looking too hoochie mama; keep it simple and clean. If you are wearing a revealing sheer top, make sure you have an adequate bra or camisole to fit your comfort needs. Don’t push it too far and save it for special occasions. If you have a bigger chest, I suggest staying away from anything too tight.
Always make sure that fit comes before following and what I mean by that is do not participate in a trend if it simply doesn’t fit you. But if you’re feeling saucy and are ready for a little excitement, try switching out your boring tank top for a lace American Apparel top. You’ll feel cooler inside and out.
Missoni’s Resort 2010/2011 Collections
14 years ago
Missoni and M Missoni Resort 2010/2011 Collection’s seem to be deeply inspired by the 60’s with bright colors and youth shapes, but this is where the similarities between the two collections end. I hate that I’m not completely on board with what Angela Missoni is doing with the Missoni collection. I’ve loved, loved, loved everything Missoni and M Missoni has done for years (if not decades) with little or no criticism. I’m completely turned off by the looks shown above for the Missoni Resort line. The pieces show strong tribal references and shortened silhouettes, which sounds fine, but looks a bit too Palm Springs, Caribbean and Third World in its execution. Maybe my friends and acquaintances aren’t versatile enough and therefore I’m sheltered, but I can’t think of a single person who would think to purchase any of these pieces, let alone look comfortable and confident while wearing them.
Shown above are pieces from the M Missoni Resort 2010/2011 collection. I feel much more familiar and at home with these pieces. I love the rather basic and even plain silhouettes with their pop of unusually old-school-cool colors. And I must point out these adorable colored heels, they are great! I especially like that the ankle straps are gold. Overall, I think the collection seems much more sophisticated and versatile than the Missoni Resort collection. I hope I do find some people on the streets in these pieces. They should mix and match perfectly into other staple pieces we already have in our wardrobes. I hope you too are an M Missoni girl this time around!