by coutorture
A messy shopping experience is such a turn off. Opinionated Coutorture Network Partners weigh in on the state of retail in today's Must Read posts from:
Fops and Dandies complains about the messy situations of retail stores.
ShoeBlog finds inspiration in the Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy exhibit.
The Coveted offers a guide to buying vintage clothing.
Cuffington ponders the downfall of a hyped Portland business.
Chic Inspector says goodbye to an internship at Harper's Bazaar.
That's our story and we're sticking to it. Neon, like metallics, like clutches, like boots, is one of those 'trend' things that everyone's always trying to convince you has come back into style. Sure we have our neutral moments but neon, in some capacity, appears every season. After all, what would street wear be with out the brights? We'll tell you, those crazy downtown kids wouldn't be able to ride their bmx bikes quite as safely at two in the morning. Our network partner, Margarite Elaine, put together a nice little spread of the neons for this Spring 08, and below we've got some additional favorites that are keeping the trend on the map. Paired with the neutrals and transparent fabrics this season, the ever-present neons look fresh and rather newsworthy.
Everyone's always talking about how there are few designers that actually forge new concepts in fashion and we agree. This Fall, for example, no one came close to what Balenciaga, Prada, and Yves Saint Laurent put out and we suppose, in a way, that is perfectly fine. There should be designers who just make nice clothes. Not everyone, that is, can really push the boundaries of what think of the human form. You know, Alexander Wang can make his boyfriend jeans and Phillip Lim his cotton frocks. There's a place for these designers and it doesn't mean they aren't talented, it's just that their office is down the hall in a different department so to speak (the line between Couture and Ready To Wear does not explain these differences the way it used to). What we think is boring is a blanket generalization that suggests that the fashion climate is somehow less-capable than it used to be. That somehow newness is a thing we once had and now do not. That's total double speak if you ask us and, paired with a recession, it's frankly scary.
That said, it's raining and grey in New York and this weather has us in grilled cheese-and-a-glass-of-milk mode. We're going to listen to some James Taylor and Stevie Wonder and remember when riding in a station wagon was the highlight of our day. We know that the only not-new thing about fashion is that godforsaken slogan and that understanding the difference between nostalgic or somewhat easy collections and total stagnancy is key. For your Friday video indulgence, three videos, James Taylor (hottest man alive?) for nostalgia, Isaac Mizrahi for easy style, and Lanvin for something you can't expect from just anybody.
This day-to-night dress makes us want to slick our hair back and indulge in the gold sandals we know are sitting in the back of our wardrobe. Made of silk jersey and absolutely perfect if belted it's no wonder industry people, like Tom Ford, are fans. The designer, Amr, began her company in London in 2005. Bodyamr focuses on figure conscious dresses that are ruched and pleated in all of the right places. The concept of Bodyamr is to be dressed to the nines while still wearing fabric that feels good on your skin. Even though Amr is Omani-born and based out of London, she sure seems to know a thing or two about Americans. That is, we like to be comfortable. If the classiest ecommerce site, Net-A-Porter, still stocks Juicy Couture track pants then let's call Bodyamr something of a saving grace. See the spread below for more from the Spring 08 collection.
Even if Spring showers are brining down your mood, look to the future.
by coutorture
Even if Spring showers are brining down your mood, look to the future. Find hope in Summer outfits and accessories featured in today's Must Read posts from:
Urban Socialite loves the designs of Katherine Pont, who blends feminine with tomboy.
Hot or Not Beauty puts the focus on nude lips.
Cool Summer scarves are part of The Kitten Lounge's go-to outfit.
ModaMuse is tantalized by the brooches of Marian Hosking.
Pearls and Purses selects the perfect pearl accessories for the prom.
How much money do women spend on supposedly cheap fashion? Enough to make Amancio Ortega the 22nd wealthiest man in the world. Don't know who he is? He is the owner of Inditex and worth 20.2 billion dollars. From selling what? Ohh just cheaply made suits at Zara. Sort of makes you rethink your spending habits doesn't it? Go discover a few more fashion billionaires.
Preppy women rejoice! Lilly Pulitzer is opening up at 1020 Madison Avenue. The impressively branded experience will include womenswear, menswear, and children's clothing. The store is a branded paradise with some intense amenities like palm shaped doggie treats and a juice bar. Lily really knows her demographic doesn't she?