February 5, 2010
When Ralph Lauren announced they’d design official Olympic outfits for athletes and for regular people, we could all see the logic. Now, conceptual, artistic label Rodarte is entering the ring by swathing Olympians like Johnny Weir in its classic netty knits.
Sunday’s New York Times Magazine will feature a spread of 13 Olympians dressed — in varying degrees — in Rodarte. I guess the pairing came from the idea that athletes have beautiful bodies that can do beautiful things and deserve to be cloaked in museum-worthy designs…or something.
Thanks to “Little Darlin” for the tip!
February 5, 2010
Banana Republic Denim shirt; $69.50
Somewhere buried in my parents’ guest room closet is a long-sleeve denim button-up shirt that I wore way back in middle school and which I called my “blue jean shirt.” It was a dark wash, and I always wore it with black pants. Classy.
Now I want the 2010 version, which I’d wear with skirts and possibly black skinnies. Remember when Oprah and everyone when nutso over that Brooks Brothers white blouse? I’d rather have this. Click it to shop it.
February 3, 2010
Photo Source: BryanBoy.com
Back in October, I pointed you all to an article in the New York Times about the CFDA’s incubator contest for emerging designers. New talent vied for discounted studio space in a 10,000-square foot building in the Garment District in a project that is also being supported by the City of New York.
And yesterday, Fashionista directed me to the list of winning designers who now have a warm, dry place to make pretty clothes. Each designer gets about 800-1,000-square feet each, and will only pay $1,500-$2,000 a month in studio rent, as opposed to the nearly $3,000 a month rate that City Room estimated last fall.
If you take a look at the list, you’ll notice that there are a lot of designers who’ve already received measurable success and press: Sophie Theallet, Alice Ritter and former Bill Blass design director Prabal Gurung, among them. It’s been barely a year since Gurung struck out on his own, but he’s already got shout-outs from Demi Moore and Oprah. Oh, and 800+ square feet to play in.
February 2, 2010
Earlier, I told you about Emma Watson’s temporary design assisting gig with People Tree. She’s supporting an organic line of mens- and womenswear for the British label, which traditionally sells eco-friendly clothing. It all looks super cute and simple, and above all, comfortable. Nothing like the frothy Rodarte or utilitarian and spiky Burberry that Watson prefers for the red carpet, but I can imagine it’s just the sort of thing that works at Brown.
Or under a black cape.
January 29, 2010
It’s Friday, so we’re going to have a little fun today. My friend Alex — who lives in Ithaca — sent me this dress code that Cornell’s Pi Phi sorority pledges and/or members have to abide by. Categories include Casual Chic, Business Casual, Skit and Philanthropy, and Cocktail. A few choice favorites are below (typos included), but you can view the entire list on Buzzfeed here.
“Yes:
Medium-to-dark or black skinny or straight jeans
Cardigans (with longer tank top under preferably)
Blazers: Yes, please! I love a casual top with a cool boyfriend blazer over it
Nice flats: Tory Burch, etc…Mid-height Mary Jane heels, or mid-height chunky kate spade, etc.
Booties if you can pull them off aka probably not
No:
Shoes: open-toed!
“Tacky/cheapo/pleather. Don’t mess with me.
Note: Everyone needs a pair pretty heels and nice slacks in life in general — it’s a good investment
Satin. No one looks good in satin dresses unless its from Betsey Johnson or Dolce and Gabbana, you weight less than 130 pounds, have 3 pairs of spanks on and it’s New Year’s Eve.”
And there you go.
January 29, 2010
Luvi Wheelock’s bridal couture boutique Casa de Novia is hosting an Oscar de la Renta trunk show today and tomorrow from 11am-6pm, and Saturday from 11am-5pm.
You should go, because:
- You can see Jenna Bush’s wedding dress (not the custom-made one, but the retail version, which is just as gorgeous).
- Oscar de la Renta makes the best bridal gowns and shoes, period. Sorry, Vera.
- You can wear at least half these gowns and cocktail frocks even if you’re not getting married: seriously, Luvi told me so.
- The people at Casa de Novia are among the nicest, chicest, most genuine people in Houston’s fashion and retail industry, and this is now one of my favorite stores in the city, even though I’m not engaged.
- See dresses below (click on each thumbnail for a larger image). Stupid beautiful.
When you go: Currently, only Oscar de la Renta dresses and shoes are at the store. Casa de Novia is located at 3331 D’Amico, Houston, TX 77019. Call 713.523.9090 to make an appointment.
January 28, 2010
Photo Source: CFDA
If you respond to fashion rather than the chance to share your credit card number with George Clooney, you’ll be glad to know that you haven’t missed the boat on the Haitian relief effort. The fashion industry is now kicking its philanthropic influence into high gear, and below are just some of the shops, designers and institutions you can ally yourself with, in support of Haiti.
- Catherine Nicole: Austin-based handmade jewelry shop Catherine Nicole is donating 25% of all web proceeds earned during the month of February to the Red Cross Haitian relief effort. Most pieces are made from vintage Chanel chains and are reasonably priced.
- Ralph Lauren: Ralph’s created a bold polo similar to his Olympic fashions supporting Haiti relief. Women’s polos are $98, and 100% of the proceeds go to support Haiti.
- CFDA Fashion for Haiti: The CFDA has designed a “Fashion for Haiti” t-shirt which will start selling February 12 for $25. The shirt is being made by Theory (who I believe had a hand in the super soft, perfect-fit Fashion’s Night Out t-shirts). You can buy the shirt at cfda.com or any of these listed retailers, and all the proceeds will go to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund.
January 28, 2010
Photo Source: BergdorfGoodman.com
We all know how much the price of Jimmy Choos and Manolos (not to mention the entire Meatpacking District) skyrocketed after Sex and the City, and that’s why I’m prepping you for a similar Carrie effect, this time involving SJP’s new pet project, Halston.
Inevitably, she’ll start wearing Halston exclusively to the SATC 2 premieres, as will the other girls, and then it’ll start popping up on starlets and Miley (also part of SATC 2), and by then you won’t be able to afford it. Or dream of affording it. So get it while you still can. Dress at left is $325.
January 28, 2010
Check out Alessandra’s cuffed denim mini, as shot by Scott Schuman in Milan, presumably at Fashion Week. It’s certainly an option if your skirts are too long, but do you think cuffing would work on skirts of other materials: tweed, maybe, or a heavy wool like this one?
Photo Source: thesartorialist.com
January 27, 2010
Photo Source: Stained Couture
People’s Revolution founder (and The Hills cast member) Kelly Cutrone is now focusing on branding herself. Cutrone — who was known as the bitch in black in a very blonde LA — will premiere with Bravo her own reality show called Kell on Earth, on February 1. The LA Times explains that we’ll see Cutrone juggle New York Fashion Week, single momhood and crybaby assistants. Oh, and if that’s not enough to get your own ass into gear, Cutrone is releasing her first book on February 2, called If You Have to Cry, Go Outside, and Other Things Your Mother Never Told You. It’s already getting good reviews, so maybe a healthy dose of reality is what we’re all desperately needing.
Photo Source: NYMag.com
On the other hand, if blonde society princesses gone scandalous are your thing, you may be interested in the news that the blue-blooded Tinsley Mortimer is falling pretty far from the Thomas Jefferson family tree and debuting her own reality show called High Society this spring. Expect girl fights, cocktail parties and more of The Hills, with way bigger bank accounts.
