A Wake-Up Call for Fashion

Pieces from Isabel Marant's H & M Collection; Photo Courtesy of Refinery 29

I experienced déjà vu when I learned that Isabel Marant’s collection for H & M had sold out within a few hours of the store opening. This occurred in spite of the store’s policy to limit buyers to no more than four articles of clothing and/or accessories. The collaboration between luxury fashion designers and discount stores is a golden partnership for both but how beneficial is it for consumers? There continues to be high demand for and extreme anticipation for fashion collaborations of this nature. The media frenzy that results from the announced collaborations and the subsequent buyout of all of the clothes and accessories on the launch date certainly proves this type of partnership has staying power; however, I get the feeling that the excitement is wearing off for many fashion enthusiasts such as myself. What has caused the enthusiasm to deflate?

The clothes and accessories sell out usually within a few hours of the time the merchandise makes it on the sales floor. It is similar to what happens soon after Apple stores open their doors for customers to purchase the newest gadget. It is also reminiscent of what happens on Black Friday at major department stores when the first 500 customers receive a free necklace or gift card. Stand in line and you may still miss out. Get up at 5:00 a.m. just to be the first in line for something I may miss out on anyway? I don’t think so. Don’t get me wrong; if this is how you roll you have all of my felicitations. I may be somewhat jaded because I have been there and done that without much success. It all started a few years ago when Zac Posen and Target announced their collaboration. I was super-energized and prepared to be the first to get a certain Zac Posen blue tuxedo jacket I had my eye on; however, it was not meant to be. None of the pieces were left at the store by the time I arrived. I summoned up the energy after my major disappointment to go online but my size was sold out. This resulted in a double dose of disappointment.

If I had been successful at being truly amongst the first customers to receive an article of clothing from Zac Posen’s collection for Target maybe I would still be consistently fired up to make the trek to the store or to power up my computer. It wasn’t meant to be and that is fine with me now. After all, I can still shop eBay or Vaunte in the hope that a few of the pieces will end up on what I call the cyber rack. Oh wait, as I type the eBay and Vaunte racks are already empty.

Do you still get excited upon the announcement of designer and store collaborations? What is your strategy for scoring items before they sell out?

I would love to hear from you.

Please follow me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/farfetchedbysp or on Google Plus at www.plus.google.com/SharonPate for fashion tips.

Related Stories:

Fashionista, How Isabel Marant's H & M Collaboration Raised the Designer's Profile

Refinery 29, Shop Isabel Marant X H & M Without the 4 A.M. Wake-up Call

Because I'm Addicted, Isabel Marant Pour H & M 4 Ways

Hat Head

 

I know hat head is not a good look but when you find that certain hat or, in my case, hats that seem like kindred spirits there is no denying the chemistry. Have you ever tried on a garment or accessory that you were initially doubtful about it? Have you wondered where I would ever wear this or, even, when would I wear it? I was truly skeptical, recently, when I tried on a few vintage hats at Austin Warren, in historic St. Charles, during their warehouse sale on Labor Day weekend. I have always been somewhat fascinated by the mysticism surrounding the reason women, until the late 1950s, found it so necessary to regularly ensure they had the latest and greatest hats in their wardrobe.

Hats were really almost like another appendage so common were they worn on the heads of women beginning on a mandatory basis during the 16th century. It is, therefore, with complete shock that I admit how completely enthralled I was when I tried on the first hat, a cream stunner with a black star on top of the crown, and looked at myself in a nearby antique mirror. It was love at first sight; however, my intent was to make certain I looked quite dapper before venturing out in public with this head-turning stunner. I stood, as if frozen, before finally going back to the hat section to look at the remainder of the hats which held my fascination. I was quite captivated by a black topper that bears a resemblance to the type of hat Bette Davis or Joan Crawford wore in the film noirs of the 1940s. I fell more in love as my gaze settled upon one hat after another which, of course, made me even more indecisive about which hats I should try on next. Finally, after deciding to try on a pink hat that sort of resembled a hodgepodge of pink ribbons haphazardly combined to chic affect, and which my mother described as a Lucille Ball hat, I finally ventured towards the dressing room to see how I looked in private. It was with utter shock that I realized how elegant and glamorous I seemed to appear.

It suddenly occurred to me that the reason hats were so beloved by women the world over from the eighteenth century to the mid-twentieth century was because they somehow seem to embody the wearer with a suave aura that can only equate to fashion nirvana. I now completely realize that hat head can be so irrelevant when you find that dapper head-topper. Historically, women based their hair styles on the most dominant hat styles and vice versa. Consider the early 1800s when women wore their hair in styles that were like bouffants on steroids. Hats that were most popular during that time frame were bonnet-like contraptions that, nevertheless, were quite elegant. The cloche hat was fashionable during the 1920s when hair was routinely worn shorter. I can now state with absolute certainty, just like the fashionable women of yesteryear, that hat head is so worth it!

Hats are certainly not as popular as they once were throughout the world and, for the most part, are relegated to occasions or events rooted deep in history like royal weddings or the Kentucky Derby or for church services; however, they still remain immersed in our culture; although on a more casual basis than in the past. I simply could not resist purchasing two, out of the several I tried on, at the grand price of $18 and $22 each now could I?

            Shopping for vintage hats is fun; however, here are some tips to keep in mind:

w        Check the hat for any stains and, if visible, determine, if you can live with any imperfections. Keep in mind that there are many reputable hat cleaning and restoration companies. Make sure you become acquainted with them.

w        Maintain your vintage hats with periodic cleaning and brushing.

w        Do your research. There are a variety of informative sites that provide tips from how to authenticate a vintage hat to how to identify the time frame a vintage hat was manufactured.

Remember, there is no reason to leave your vintage hats stowed away in hat boxes. They are meant to be worn on special occasions. I would love to hear from vintage hat-lovers. Why do you love them so much? Tell me about your favorite vintage hat. What are some of you favorite places for finding them?

Please follow me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/farfetchedby SP and/or on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/farfetched_stl for fashion tips. You can also follow me and see my styling portfolio on www.whatgoeswiththis.co where you can vote on the looks you like.

Fashion on Wheels

        

    Fashion caravans, launched originally by entrepreneurs on the west and east coasts, have finally made their way to our region. Local fashion trucks, such as Rack + Clutch and Mystique Boutique, have added a refreshing vibe to the fashion scene in our region. Entrepreneurs whom elect to launch mobile boutiques are rapidly able to build their customer base as a result of traveling to where their customers work and socialize. The ease in which a fashion truck can be prepped for business events, fairs and festivals ensures a mobile boutique is well prepared to meet the wardrobe desires of patrons.

Rack + Clutch, a mobile boutique founded in April by Emily Ponath, sells on-trend clothing, accessories, handbags and jewelry by both commercial and independent designers. Emily is a talented curator of affordable chic apparel based on the broad selection of merchandise in her boutique. Her keen knack for selecting unique apparel was apparent during my visit to the boutique on August 7. I was particularly impressed with the boutique’s collection of charming budget-friendly jewelry. New merchandise arrives on a frequent basis at the boutique. Emily and her staff use social media to make fans of the boutique aware of the arrival of new merchandise. Rack + Clutch travels to corporations, restaurants and festivals in St. Charles and St. Louis. Rack + Clutch will be at the forthcoming Lou Fest and at the Big Muddy Blues Festival......Read More

Garden Party

Floral prints are popular because they instantly make any garment more interesting and versatile. Floral print blouses, for example, can readily be paired with a skirt or trousers that contain one or two colors reflected in the floral pattern of the top. This rule also holds true for other types of garments; however, while this is generally the classic match-up, don’t refrain from also mixing floral print garments with garments containing other patterns. A floral print garment can also be paired with stripes or color-blocked garments.

Consider the unexpectedness of matching a floral print skirt with a color-blocked blouse. This type of pairing will definitely result in a positively, memorable outfit. The key is to, again, select one or two main colors within the floral print to that are represented in the second article of clothing. A blue, yellow and white floral print skirt, for example if paired with a color-blocked blouse containing only blue and yellow would look simply divine.



ASOS (www.Asos.com)
vest in floral ombre print, $47.52



You can always remain with the more typical pairing of a floral print garment with another garment in a solid color if you prefer a more classic look. A floral print top with a pencil skirt is a more traditional way to incorporate the floral trend into your wardrobe. The top to the left can be dressed up or down and will add a pop of color to any outfit.

Adding a floral print pair of pumps into your wardrobe and/or a floral print bag is also an elegant way to add floral prints into your style repertoire.

Floral print jeans are currently a very popular trend. Make sure you consider your figure if you decide to add floral print denim to your wardrobe since the focal point of your outfit will be your lower body. Floral print jeans can enhance a boyish-type figure but detract from a pear-shaped figure. You can still wear floral print jeans if you are more pear-shaped but the key is in the top. Empire waist tops are the perfect companion to floral print jeans if you have a pear-shaped figure and you would prefer to balance out your look. The jeans below can be effortlessly paired with a sleeveless blouse or tee, wedge sandals and bangles to a barbecue or to an outdoor concert. 

Gap (www.gap.com), 1969 printed
legging skimmer jeans, $55.99 (sale price!)

Suggested pairings:

1. Pair a floral print dress with a pair of solid-color, stud-embellished pumps. The femininity of a floral print dress paired with the toughness of studded pumps is a fashion-forward look.

2. Pair a floral print dress with a leather jacket for a soft and edgy look when fall arrives. The dress below from ASTR is a perfect replica of what I am referencing. This style of floral print dress will match superbly with a leather jacket, tights and booties once autumn arrives. Pair this dress with gladiator sandals and a clutch bag during warm weather season.

ASTR sheer panel print dress,
Nordstrom, $76.00

3. If you decided to remain with a more classic look, which is typically the pairing of a floral print dress or skirt with a cardigan, add interest to the outfit by selecting a cardigan in a less traditional style such as a hi-low cardigan or a cardigan with embellishments such as sequins.

4. Pair a floral print blouse with a striped skirt for an unexpectedly chic look. The rule of thumb is to make sure the striped skirt contains a maximum of two colors represented in the top. In addition, thin vertical stripes are best if you decide to try this idea. You will be positively amazed at how elegant this pairing can be. A beautiful example of this is Anthropologie’s vertical-striped garden pencil skirt below:

Anthropologie (www.anthropologie.com),
vertical-striped garden pencil skirt, $88

Recommended shopping destinations for floral print garments:

Budget-friendly online boutiques:

1. Topshop
2. Nasty Gal
3. ASOS

High-end boutiques:

1. Shopbop
2. Anthropologie

The Wax Factor: Jeans

The recent proliferation of waxed jeans has made it chic to be seen wearing shiny pants. Wax-coated jeans rose in popularity during 2007 but five years later they are even more trendy than they were before. During St. Louis Fashion Week, in October, I was thrilled to see that both mass merchandise boutiques such as, The Limited and Express, and high-end denim boutiques such as Lucky Brand have embraced this trend. Wearing bronze, silver or gold-coated denim is definitely not for the faint of heart but I, for one, love the wow factor.

Wax-coated denim pairs well with a variety of tops: basic t-shirts, blazers and sweaters. The key is to tone down the rest of the pieces you wear. Waxed denim has such a "look at me" presence that it is almost an insult to overdo the rest of your outfit. Doing so can make your outfit appear as "over the top." Below are tips on what works best with waxed jeans along with recommendations on what not to pair with them:

Do's:

• A white or black burn-out t-shirt paired with waxed jeans is a casual-classic ensemble.
• The combination of a tuxedo blazer and either a simple camisole or a white oxford shirt paired with waxed jeans equal a chic evening outfit.
• An over-sized cowl-neck sweater and a pair of skinny waxed jeans is an elegant pairing for a girls' night out.
• You can't go wrong with red. Red is glorious with wax-coated gold, silver, bronze or black denim.
• Invest in a pair of black-waxed jeans. A well made pair of black-waxed jeans can look similar to leather.

Don'ts:

• Pair waxed jeans with metallic tops in the same or similar tones. A gold-top with gold-coated jeans is a fashion foul-out. The same is true for silver, bronze and so on. 
• Wear over-embellished tops and blazers with waxed jeans i.e. Just say no to the pairing of a brocade print blazer with waxed denim.

My rule: Don't let the outfit over-stage you.


Below are wax-coated jeans I loved at first sight:


Lucky Brand's Rose Gold Coated Jeans


www.LuckyBrand.com; $129; Hurry to take 25% off!



The Limited's Black Glazed Jeans

www.TheLimited.com; On Sale for $47.94

Express' Stella Silver Coated Jeans



www.express.com; On sale for $49.90



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St. Louis Fashion Week Review: Indulge

The Indulge fashion event presented  by Brown Shoe Company and produced by Alive Magazine on 10/12/12 was truly spectacular. The collection of apparel on display on the runway by Ann Taylor and Eileen Fisher could be the basis of a workshop about the best approach to layering.

Anny Taylor did not tinker with their formula of their success; however, they paired their proven formula of preppy, classic and chic garments with bold-colors, such as orange and yellow, which will surely prove to be a winner for this retailer. A particular stunner was a charcoal metallic cape worn with the must-have slim-fitting trousers of the season. This stunner would work well with jeans, the ubiquitous slim-fitting trousers I referenced and with pencil skirts. The retailer also charmingly used scarves to drape the neckline of knit dresses and crewneck sweaters.

Eileen Fisher also truly impressed with knit dresses that could readily be layered with other garments. A sleeveless knit dress in a burgundy/maroon tone, which is a popular color this season, has such an elegance about it that it can be dressed up or down dependent upon your destination. This dress can be worn over a blouse for a classic look or worn similar to the runway look which was with a wide-belt.

I would be remiss if I did not reference the stunning garments on display by a favorite designer BCBG Max Azria. The luxurious gold-dress presented by this designer was stellar and a true representation of a statement dress. The simple streamline-shape was the perfect silhouette for this sleeveless column-dress that seemed as if it was made of spun gold. Another superb garment was the black and white animal print skirt that contained a solid black front-panel and animal print side panels. This skirt was beguiling.

Juicy Couture's collection was well represented by gem-toned faux-fur jackets, capes and coats that were simply stunning.

Lucky Brand Jean's whirlwind display of denim in scene-stealing prints, patterns and metallics was fabulous to behold. I fell in love with a mixed-print pair of jeans that I can only describe as a an animal print-jungle print hybrid.

The evening was all that I anticipated and more.

Pictures of the runway shows can be accessed on Alive Magazine's blog (www.AliveMag.com/blog).

St. Louis Fashion Week: Fall in Fashion Review

The amazing collections displayed by the designers and retailers the night of the Fall in Fashion event on 10/11/12 presented by Brown Shoe Company and produced by Alive Magazine at the St. Louis Galleria, are indicative of the combination of sporty-glam that has become so pervasive in fashion. Cropped slim-fitting pants worn by the models on the runway were accented with a panel in a contrasting color down the side of the pants leg. The color-blocked slim-fitting pants had a sporty vibe reminiscent of jodhpurs or ski pants. The designers glamourized the cropped pants by pairing them with tie-neck colored-blouses, metallic and jewel-toned ponchos and faux-fur vests which made for a  compelling look. The Limited's slim-fit pants although not color-blocked were amongst my favorite. The black pants with black faux-leather side panels are elegant yet sexy enough to transition from the office to the club.

I was also enthralled by the sheer blouses and high-waisted pencil skirts displayed by the models on the runway. This look is so charming and chic. My favorite pairing was the sheer black blouse and golden-yellow nautical skirt by Apricot Lane. The pairing of a blouse and pencil skirt is so classic in women's wear; however, the dichotomy of a sheer blouse and the traditional pencil skirt made this outfit a stand -out. The entire outfit had a romantic yet contemporary vibe due to the high-waist of the skirt, the double rows of buttons on the skirt and the decision to select a sheer fabric for the blouse.

Brooks Brothers and Ann Taylor's collections were also superb. Both continue to offer classic garb in traditional fabrics that both women and men can depend on for that certain refined appearance so many of us depend on when we want to look effortlessly elegant. Tweed blazers, sweater vests and straight-legged trousers  by Brooks Brothers were supremely on exhibit on the runway.

I enjoyed the beige trench coat, the jewel-colored blouses and pencil skirts on display by Ann Taylor. While the garments are so representative of what Ann Taylor offers every autumn season there is no reason to change a formula that works! That is the reason this designer continues to be a favorite of women. This designer specializes in basic staples that are necessary pieces for every woman's wardrobe.

For runway photos please access Alive Magazine Blog.