Fashion Merchandising

Sizzlin` Summer

5 Reasons You Know Summer Has Arrived

1) 8 p.m. is the new 3 p.m.
2) Flip flops. Enough said.
3) No more spray tans!!
4) Mandatory pedicures
5) Time for a new bathing suit

So, 1 through 4 leaves me with warm, fuzzy feelings about summer.

Number 5- Mehhh. Not so much.

If you’ve ever experienced that dreaded feeling of having to shop for a new bathing suit, then you know how difficult it is to find the perfect one. With so many styles, ranging from teeny tiny bikinis to effortless and simple one piece’s, it can easily become an overwhelming experience.

This summer though, designs are taking a new turn and becoming more sophisticated and mature. Gone are the days when “less is more”. Retailers are offering ultra feminine and girly designs that accentuate the female form instead of exposing it for every passerby on the beach.

Lux Lollipop Floral Swimsuit
$98.00

Lux Juliet Ruffle Bralette
$48.00

Lux Juliet Ruffle Skirted Bottom
$58.00

Betsey Johnson Beauty Skirted Bottom
$98.00

Betsey Johnson Beauty Cutout Bandeau
$78.00

Posted by Dana at 08:14 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Here in Buffalo, we have been teased by the weather lately. One day its miraculously ( and unseasonally) 70 degrees & sunny in late April, the next day its 40 degrees and hailing? Whatever the crazy weather may be, one fact is for certain…it is almost that time of spring when our legs can come out of hibernation!!

I have narrowed down this seasons hottest shorts, of all different lengths, to my Top 10 Faves. Check em’ out girls!

#10)
Lafayette 148
Bedford Bermuda Shorts-$160.80

These Bermuda shorts from Lafayette 148 have a beautiful sheen that makes them perfect for a day to night look! The sash belt is a great touch, that helps create a laid back yet classy style. Find them on www.saksfifthavenue.com

#9)
Milly
Cuffed Safari Shorts-$190.00

These lovely flat front cotton shorts, look extra crisp in this clean white. Perfect for pairing with nautical blue for a sea inspired summer’s day!
www.saksfifthavenue.com

#8)Lilly Pulitzer
Charlie Hopsack Print Shorts-$118.00

These brightly printed Lilly Pulitzer shorts scream summer fun! The Palm Beach fit reaches just below the waist and is very flattering. The shorts are very reminiscent of the late 50’s-early 60’s beach bunny era!
www.saksfifthavenue.com

#7)
Marc by Marc Jacobs
Mini Pinstripe Shorts-$158.00

The Deep Olive color of these Marc by Marc Jacobs shorts are fantastically rich! The mini pinstripes and covered buttons are subtle details that make these shorts super chic.

#6)
Diane von Furstenberg
Doutzen Habotai Shorts -(no longer available)

Even though these stunning shorts are sold out, (tear), I feel that they still deserve to be noted. Sexy & Comfy? Diane von Furstenberg never lets us girlie girls down! Abrreviated soft silk, in the perfect shady green, a brilliant color for summer that you will see even more of in fall. The cinched waist is detailed with a self tie sash that perfectly replicates what von Furstenberg made famous…the wrap dress!

#5)
Marc by Marc Jacobs,
Dark Denim Shorts-$148.00 SALE $88.80

Gotta have your dark denim? Well here is your fix, in a super short-short style by Marc by Marc Jacobs. The sassy lil’ shorts have three logo button rivets on each side, and a signature “M” stitch in both back pockets. Marked down to $88.00, you cant go wrong!!
www.saksfifthavenue.com

#4.)
Pierce Denim Barcelona-Wash
Bermuda Shorts- $160.00

I love the way these Pierce Denim Bermuda Shorts create a smooth and flattering silhouette. Not to mention the appealing dark denim…very nice! In addition to the charming back button-flap pockets, I was even more impressed when I found out that;”Each pair of Pierce Jeans is marked with a special hand-stitched symbol on the back pocket that represents the area of the world receiving assistance from the company.”

#3)
Express Editor Shorts,
Sexy Satin -$54.50

I saw these fab shorts in Express the other day and completely fell in love! I have to say, the picture really does not do these shorts justice. The white and red are amazing, but, the black pair is what caught my eye! I love the combination of the black satin and the gold findings( must see in person!!). Ooo-ber luxe!!
www.expressfashion.com

#2)
Marc Jacobs
Lurex Tweed Shorts-$925.00

Goin’ downtown? These are the pefect pair of luxury shorts for every glamourous gal, that is if you can shell out $925.00 + tax! The shorts are made of beautiful Italian silvery tweed, and have a silk lining. For those of us who arent lucky enough to be millionaire socialites, we can only hope that the inspiration behind these shorts will trickle down to a more affordable version.
www.saksfifthavenue.com

#1)
Express High-waist Short,
Sexy Satin- $54.50

My very favorite shorts for this spring season are the Express High-waist Sexy Satin Shorts.
These shorts have the triple threat of being STYLISH, SLEEK & SEXY! Best of all , they retail for a mere $54.50!
The Sexy Satin fabric and High-waist silhouette, makes this pair of shorts versatile for a day to night outfit. As with their counter part, the Sexy Satin Editor Shorts, these are even more impressive in person!

Happy Shorts Season!

Posted by Jodi at 01:22 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

We all know that accessories are a great way to update an outfit. Accessories are also a good way to purchase a little pieces of designer luxury if you aren’t the average millionaire who can afford it all. I’m a firm believer in mixing it up! You can rock a $20.00 H&M shirt, cute vintage jeans you scored at a garage sale, perhaps a pair of timeless summertime shoes you found in your closet, add a limited edition Coach handbag and bam…a unique chic style with a trendy touch. I found 5 HAUTE accessories just in time for spring!

1.) COACH ERGO PATENT LEATHER PLEATED FRAMED SATCHEL $398.00-$498.00

This bag is fabulous, and sure to be a Coach sell out! Not only does it come in eye popping colors like Pink, Navy ( in patent) and Vermillion ( regular leather), it also comes in more neutral colors like tan, white, black and signature fabric. ( Check out the above link for even more options!) The inside framed clasp closure is a lovely and functional touch. I love the addition of the pleating on the outside, and the pretty tattersal print lining! Priced just under $500.00, this is one affordable luxury bag that will last for many summers to come!

2.)Louis Vuitton Inclusion Ring- $225.00

When I first saw this ring, I instantly began reminiscing of middle school in the late 90’s, when resin and plastic bubble looking rings were a must have. I also feel a very 70’s flower child vibe, that makes me giddy for summer! This fun resin based ring mixes golden brassed LV monograms with swarovski crystals and comes in fun & flirty colors ( pink, parme, framboise, jaune, pomme d’amore). You can also pair this ring with the Louis Vuitton Inclusion bracelets in small and large.

3.)Dior Escrime Sunglasses-$350.00

Love these shades!! The over sized rimless tinted frames are paired with polished metal and resin arms with cut out detail and a Dior logo. Color choices are black and brown and the lenses are 100% UV protected. The Dior Escrime Sunglasses are a fierce way to protect your eyes during summer’s sunny days!

4.) COACH Spring Floral Scarf- $68.00

Tie it on a handbag, in your hair, around your head, put it around your neck or even tie it as a belt! Scarfs are a versatile way to add flavor to any outfit. COACH’s new Spring Floral Scarf is made of 100% imported silk. The signature pattern is layered with a beautiful floral print that looks as though it was hand painted on the scarf. Absolutely stunning, and affordable!

5.) Just Cavalli Silver Charm Necklace-$223.00

Turquoise & Silver jewelry is great for the summer months. Add that color combo to a tribal inspired charm necklace and you have this fantastic piece of jewelry from Just Cavali! The link chain necklace is made of polished silver tone brass and enamel , with an adjustable lobster clasp with charms that include: an engraved palm, logo, snakeskin-textured heart, cross and peace sign, enameled fang and fist, and turquoise beads. ( Check out the link above for additional must see views of this necklace!)

Posted by Jodi at 01:55 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Whether its Madame Butterfly, Barbra Hutton or this seasons Baby Jane Holzer meets Mrs. Robinson meets Raquel Welch, John Galliano always finds the perfect Dior Heroines that inspire his collections. Enormous thick eyelashes, gigantic back combed hair combined with Kennedy-era skirt suits and alluring dresses, portrayed Galliano’s idea of “pure glamour”. Galliano drew on the “optimism and opulence” of the sixties, an era when change in fashion as well as politics was in the air, much like today.
The color palette consisted of lime green, bright orange, red, fuchsia and purple. A delightfully surprising color story for a fall collection. Beautiful patent trim suits in red and an enlarged Dior hound’s-tooth print were particularly striking. Simply cut dresses were sublime with psychedelic-like prints, and flashy embroideries and feathers. Evening dresses were bubble cut, be-jeweled, lustrous, and the prints were mesmerizing. Luxurious mink and chinchilla flared coats, were cut in horizontal bands, and accessorized with short leather gloves and top handle bags.
Galliano always incorporates a narrative theme or a structure based on a fictional character. Unlike other Dior shows with an elaborate set and fantastic props, Galliano kept the right amount of creative restraint on both the collection and the backdrop. The set included a stunning waterfall staircase, that was purely for looks and not use. The models strutted down the runway to the tune of Mrs. Robinson with voluminous Baby Jane hair and thick embellished eyelashes. The fabulous hair and makeup dramatics set aside, the Dior collection for fall 2008 was muted compared to most Galliano shows. However, Galliano’s work was, as always, impeccably glamorous and this time completely wearable.

If you haven’t already…check out the Fall 2008 Dior show!
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/collections/F2008RTW/video/CDIOR

Whats your opinion of the show??

Till next time!
Jodi

Posted by Jodi at 12:05 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

It looks as though Andy Warhol has not only made master pieces in the 1960s through paintings and a whole genre of art. This falls collection has modernly twisted the art-deco era and brought back a look of boldness. Andy Warhol’s color palettes and the looks of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture and his dynamics are seen in this falls collections. Art- deco, geometric color patterns are seen on garments of all types. Shoes are modernly bold with bold, chunky heels and extravagant color palettes. Bold red tones, greens that reminisce the jungle ambiance, bright oranges that are juicy as an orange fruit. Jewelry has followed with this modern twist and stuck with the chunky, bold looks. Bold color palettes that are still tasteful and are enough to liven up any old black suit. Bold faces are seen on many of the tops in the collections, as seen in much of the art in the 1960’s. These looks appear in just to name a few, Pierre Hardy’s shoes, Marc Jacobs, Antonio Marra’s line, and Lanvin shoe. The planned out lines and color are just enough to give that bold taste and sexiness. Is it something that will be here to stay, or is it an attempt at a new fad? What do you think?

Any Opinions?

Taryn

Posted by Taryn at 09:43 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Merchies and Magazine Junkies!
The fashion publication of the week(according to moi) is Vibe Vixen! It’s a stylish spin off of the hip-hop and urban lifestyle publication Vibe. On the cover of the holiday edition is Kelis, the fiercely stylish R&B singer who isn’t afraid to dare to be different! Inside you will find Hot Hot Hot tips on making this festive season your most fashionable yet! From bold makeup statements to dressing for that magic hour at the end of the year, this issue of Vixen has got what you need. Can’t find it on the newstands? Check it out online at http://www.vibevixen.com/.
So Merchies what are you reading????????
Misty

Posted by Misty at 08:31 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack