Just a quick little post to tell y'all that Phillip Lim is going to be collaborating with Target! The collection will be in stores in September (the 15th, I think), and the most expensive clothing item will be $299.99. I can tell you right away that I won't be getting whatever it is that costs that much. What do you think it is? My guess is a coat. Anyway, check out the video of the designer discussing his aesthetic and inspiration.
Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts
Prabal Gurung for Target, or I'm Really Trying Not to Psych Myself Up
Y'all, I am SO ready for this collab launching tomorrow! But as I said in the title, I'm really trying not to get too excited, because I don't want to be all sad if I don't get the pieces I want. Anyway, I was just browsing around and saw that on the landing page for this collaboration, there's a quiz on love. It looked so cute that I had to take a screenshot and share with you.
Designer collaborations: Is the "democratization" of fashion really an excuse to produce knock-offs?
I don't usually write about controversial topics on Frock Yeah, but here goes. I was on Tumblr the other day, and one of my favorite bloggers, Arushi Khosla posted an op-ed article from Business of Fashion (another favorite of mine) discussing the H&M and Maison Martin Margiela collaboration. Here's one quote from the article:
“Real style is a matter of taste. And taste is a matter of experience. Just like one’s tastes in music, art or books, taste in clothes forms over time. It takes effort and knowledge. Buying into a style, quickly and cheaply, inevitably leads to the disposability of style. It’s like reading the Cliff’s Notes instead of the book.” - Eugene Rabkin
And here's what I wrote in reply to the article, which I suggest you read (it's short) before continuing:
"This article really bothers me. Let me start by saying that I have felt for quite some time that designer collaborations should end, or at least not be so ubiquitous, for several reasons. First, the quality is often terrible, sometimes even worse than the usual products in these stores, yet prices are much higher. Second, eBay scalpers often buy up as much product as they can, preventing other shoppers from buying what they want without having to pay way over retail price. Finally, I think the novelty has worn off; there are too many collaborations going on.
Admittedly, I was shocked when I heard about a fast fashion collab with Maison Martin Margiela, because, as the article states, he was not a fan of brand worship; it just seemed really out of placed. But I was also pleased. Pleased, because I would probably never, ever own a piece by MM ever in my life. Not because I’m cheap, not because I don’t want to save up, not because I want the instant gratification of a knockoff, but because I will probably never have the kind of disposable income that would allow me to personally justify spending hundreds or thousands on clothing or accessories. I was so incredibly happy and honestly touched, as corny as that seems, that I was able to get a few pieces from the H&M x MMM collaboration, since I have admired Margiela’s design for quite some time now… so yes, it stings when the writer says, “By all means, if you are willing to buy into this collaboration, please do, just don’t think that you are buying ‘fashion’ or a part of Margiela’s legacy — what you are buying are assembly-line knockoffs that you will discard next year.”
I’m not delusional; I know that by buying H&M x MMM, I’m not actually getting a real, authentic Margiela piece. But maybe I am naive in believing that these are “re-issues” created with the brand’s consent.
In addition, I have to settle for those “assembly-line knockoffs”, because that’s all I can afford, and that’s probably all I’ll ever be able to afford… not to mention the fact that I never buy clothing with the intention of throwing them away. I don’t even know anyone who does that, not even my wealthiest friends. It’s even more of a pitiful coincidence that I can only buy from collaborations; I’m a fashion blogger who extensively covers runway collections, knowing full well I’ll probably never even get to see one of those outfits in person.
What I really want to know is: why? Why is it not okay for us, the unwashed masses who don’t have that Margiela money, to access the beautiful, inspiring work of artists like Margiela? Secondly, if that isn’t the issue, and people who share the same opinion as the writer do believe in a real democratization of fashion, then how do we solve that without using collaborations? Designers won’t lower their prices, and for many of these pieces, they shouldn’t. So what do we do?
Photo credit: Fashionologie
Madewell offer code just for y'all!
Hello all! I come bearing gifts.
For those of you who shop at Madewell -- or those of you who have been thinking about it, but have been daunted by those steep prices (*cough cough* me *cough cough*) -- you're in luck!
Use the offer code STYLE10 for 10% off your order. Enjoy, and tell me what you got!
Am I the only one that does this?: Holiday Gift Guide edition
Whenever I see a holiday gift guide with categories, I use it like a quiz. I go through the whole thing, and I see what section most of the things I like fall under. (I am easily amused.)
With style.com's guide, for example, it seems I am a... futuristic rebel. I love it! I can just imagine what a futuristic rebel would dress like.
With style.com's guide, for example, it seems I am a... futuristic rebel. I love it! I can just imagine what a futuristic rebel would dress like.
Lydell review
Last month, jewelry company Lydell NYC sent me some pieces to review. I mentioned that on Instagram a little while ago, but I'm finally getting to it now -- sorry for the delay!
I had asked for some different pieces, but the ones I wanted weren't in stock at the warehouse. The representative I spoke to sent me some other pieces instead: the Pave Link necklace and bracelet.
My first impression of the necklace was that it was really heavy. I wore the necklace to a friend's house, but I had a few issues with it at first.
The links seemed to twist around a lot, and I don't know if it's my Virgo perfectionism showing through, but I found myself fussing with it quite a bit to make sure it lay properly. Once on, some links flipped around during the night, so I felt like I kept having to fix it. If that sort of thing won't bother you, then I'd definitely recommend it.
As for the bracelet, I have no complaints! I have always had pretty big wrists and fingers (makes it a b-word to find nice rings to wear), so the bracelet fit snugly -- not too tight -- on me.
I really liked that just a few links had rhinestones on them, and I got quite a few compliments on the piece. I would certainly recommend this bracelet, and I plan on wearing it on New Year's Eve!
So far, I believe that both the necklace and bracelet are good quality and appropriately priced ($50 and $46, respectively). Check out Lydell NYC, and let me know what you think!
I had asked for some different pieces, but the ones I wanted weren't in stock at the warehouse. The representative I spoke to sent me some other pieces instead: the Pave Link necklace and bracelet.
My first impression of the necklace was that it was really heavy. I wore the necklace to a friend's house, but I had a few issues with it at first.
The links seemed to twist around a lot, and I don't know if it's my Virgo perfectionism showing through, but I found myself fussing with it quite a bit to make sure it lay properly. Once on, some links flipped around during the night, so I felt like I kept having to fix it. If that sort of thing won't bother you, then I'd definitely recommend it.
I really liked that just a few links had rhinestones on them, and I got quite a few compliments on the piece. I would certainly recommend this bracelet, and I plan on wearing it on New Year's Eve!
So far, I believe that both the necklace and bracelet are good quality and appropriately priced ($50 and $46, respectively). Check out Lydell NYC, and let me know what you think!
Guest Post: Patterned, Leather & Peplum - Three Words for Fall
Hi, all! I was recently contacted by Anya Sarre, a ShoeDazzle stylist, who wanted to write a guest post for my blog. Her work has been featured on Entertainment Tonight, the Insider, and the STYLE Network, among other places. Without further ado, here's Anya's article. Let us know what you think!
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Patterned, Leather, and Peplum: Three Words for Fall
My first must-have item this fall is the colored or patterned skinny jean. The patterned jean works really well for both the more adventurous fashionista and those with more conservative tastes. If you are looking to keep things simple, opt for a rich-colored jean in a deep burgundy, a golden yellow, or a mossy green and pair it with a simple buttoned-up white shirt. For the more daring, there are also a lot of patterns from a grey ombre look to brocade patterns and metallic animal prints. If you have not taken the skinny jean leap yet, try pairing them with a long sweater that camouflages the less “skinny” parts. This fall’s chunky ankle boots really complete the look.
Another fall trend to look for is leather, and again, there is something for everyone. If you love leather, you have a ton of choices from full black leather dresses to soft, brown long skirts and even full leather pants, t-shirts, and of course, jackets. If you are not yet ready for full-on leather, look for leather details. I absolutely love the leather detailing this fall. One of my favorite looks is the big sweater with leather details. Keep your eye out for leather sleeves, leather cuffs, and leather side panels. Since leather already makes an impact, pair a leather top or sweater with jeans for a night-out look or simple trousers for a day look.
The last fall staple you should invest in is the peplum skirt or shirt. The greatest thing about the peplum look is that it really looks good on everyone. It defines the waist and adds a touch of flirt without going over the top. Pair a peplum shirt with a tweed pencil skirt for a lady-like look. Dare to accessories and add the perfect pair of shoes to your wardrobe! Fall accessories including large jeweled brooches and Mary Jane pumps add even more sophistication to the look!
The last word in fall fashion: you really are going to look great this fall and without even trying!
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Patterned, Leather, and Peplum: Three Words for Fall
by Anya Sarre
The best news to report about this fall’s fashions is that you are going to look good and feel good, no matter how much effort you put into it. Really? Yes, because this fall there really is something for everyone, for every body type, and for every level of daring. Let’s take a look at some of the staples you want to have this fall and how to pair them with stuff you already have in your closet.
The best news to report about this fall’s fashions is that you are going to look good and feel good, no matter how much effort you put into it. Really? Yes, because this fall there really is something for everyone, for every body type, and for every level of daring. Let’s take a look at some of the staples you want to have this fall and how to pair them with stuff you already have in your closet.
My first must-have item this fall is the colored or patterned skinny jean. The patterned jean works really well for both the more adventurous fashionista and those with more conservative tastes. If you are looking to keep things simple, opt for a rich-colored jean in a deep burgundy, a golden yellow, or a mossy green and pair it with a simple buttoned-up white shirt. For the more daring, there are also a lot of patterns from a grey ombre look to brocade patterns and metallic animal prints. If you have not taken the skinny jean leap yet, try pairing them with a long sweater that camouflages the less “skinny” parts. This fall’s chunky ankle boots really complete the look.
Another fall trend to look for is leather, and again, there is something for everyone. If you love leather, you have a ton of choices from full black leather dresses to soft, brown long skirts and even full leather pants, t-shirts, and of course, jackets. If you are not yet ready for full-on leather, look for leather details. I absolutely love the leather detailing this fall. One of my favorite looks is the big sweater with leather details. Keep your eye out for leather sleeves, leather cuffs, and leather side panels. Since leather already makes an impact, pair a leather top or sweater with jeans for a night-out look or simple trousers for a day look.
The last fall staple you should invest in is the peplum skirt or shirt. The greatest thing about the peplum look is that it really looks good on everyone. It defines the waist and adds a touch of flirt without going over the top. Pair a peplum shirt with a tweed pencil skirt for a lady-like look. Dare to accessories and add the perfect pair of shoes to your wardrobe! Fall accessories including large jeweled brooches and Mary Jane pumps add even more sophistication to the look!
The last word in fall fashion: you really are going to look great this fall and without even trying!
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Thanks to Anya for this great article! I think she had some wonderful advice, including how to wear skinny jeans for those of us who aren't skinny or are self-conscious, and how to wear peplums. I'm looking forward to seeing all these trends on my lovely readers! Please check out her blog posts at Shoedazzle.
So, what did you think of the article? Have you already bought some of these trend pieces for fall? Here in the DC area, the weather has taken a quick cold turn, so I'm digging out all my fall clothes and filling in gaps in my wardrobe. I'm thinking a pair of green skinnies will go quite nicely with what I've got...
Neiman Marcus Fall/Winter Trends!
A few weeks ago, CAPFABB hosted an evening with Neiman Marcus that included high-end fashion, awesome bloggers, yummy food and a styling challenge (more on that later)! This was my third CAPFABB event, but I always go to these events alone, so I always have a few awkward minutes before I start introducing myself to people. Everybody is really friendly, so as I said before, if you're in the area and you blog about fashion and/or beauty, join the group and come to an event!
Back to the focus of the evening: fashion. Neiman Marcus signed about 10 bloggers up for two separate teams. Each team had to style a model, using as many of the fashion trends on "The List" as possible. We were given the run of the store, which was awesome... but also a little nerve-wracking, because I was absolutely convinced that I'd be tackled by a Neiman Marcus employee if I touched a Ferragamo bag. Luckily, my partner and I picked up a Rebecca Minkoff Mac bag for styling without a hitch!
Drum roll for our model, please...
Here she is, encompassing every trend on The List -- without looking like a fashion victim. There's mixed greens in the shoe, a fur jacket (not pictured), a smoking slipper for daytime wear, navy leather in the top, a statement handbag (the one we didn't get tackled over), a shirt and silhouette borrowed from the boys, two digital prints, a brooch, and the fall face (a red lip).
I have to say, working on this styling challenge with everyone was really fun, and it really got me thinking about pursuing styling as a side career. Oh, by the way: we won!
As usual, I met some really nice people, including the bloggers from The Coattail Effect.
All in all, I had a great time at this event. My one gripe is that the prize we won for the challenge was kinda...mediocre, especially considering (apparently) the outfit we styled was bought immediately by another shopper. Oh, well! It was still a fun evening, the company was great and the food was a smash-bang fusion.
Back to the focus of the evening: fashion. Neiman Marcus signed about 10 bloggers up for two separate teams. Each team had to style a model, using as many of the fashion trends on "The List" as possible. We were given the run of the store, which was awesome... but also a little nerve-wracking, because I was absolutely convinced that I'd be tackled by a Neiman Marcus employee if I touched a Ferragamo bag. Luckily, my partner and I picked up a Rebecca Minkoff Mac bag for styling without a hitch!
Drum roll for our model, please...
I have to say, working on this styling challenge with everyone was really fun, and it really got me thinking about pursuing styling as a side career. Oh, by the way: we won!
As usual, I met some really nice people, including the bloggers from The Coattail Effect.
All in all, I had a great time at this event. My one gripe is that the prize we won for the challenge was kinda...mediocre, especially considering (apparently) the outfit we styled was bought immediately by another shopper. Oh, well! It was still a fun evening, the company was great and the food was a smash-bang fusion.
Motel Rocks - 50% off sale preview
Hey readers, if you've been looking to update your summer wardrobe, Motel is about to have a sale!
But even better than that, you get to shop the sale early. Follow this link to see the secret selection of items that will go on sale next Wednesday, and with the code SECRETSALE50 (type it in at checkout!), you'll get 50% off these items!
Enjoy, and let me know if you get anything!
But even better than that, you get to shop the sale early. Follow this link to see the secret selection of items that will go on sale next Wednesday, and with the code SECRETSALE50 (type it in at checkout!), you'll get 50% off these items!
Enjoy, and let me know if you get anything!
Blogger meetup: December
About a thousand years ago (last December), I went to a CAPFABB blogger meetup at Bloomingdale's. Having never been to a Bloomingdale's, it was really nice to check out the store. It's really quite swank -- there are designer goods everywhere. Thankfully, I have no money, so I wasn't too tempted to shop.
Getting on to the main event, there was a contest to put together a lookbook from the featured items. Some of the things included perfume, jewelry, bags, iPhone cases, and goods from Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch and others.
Her skirt was pretty dope.
We also got goody bags from Bloomingdale's, which included beauty samples, texting gloves, earphones, and some other things. All in all, I had a great time. I wish I were able to go to more CAPFABB events, but they're usually on Tuesday evenings, which doesn't work for me.
If you're in the DC area and you're a fashion or beauty blogger, I really suggest you check out CAPFABB and definitely attend the events - they're tons of fun!
Holiday dressing!
Quick posty post from me... life's been a little hectic, what with work and the chorus. Little known Frocker Fact: I sing in a chorus! Our holiday concert series is coming up soon.
Speaking of holidays... it's probably about time you start thinking about what you're going to wear. Especially if you live in New York, because I've gone shopping there the day before New Year's and there are WAY too many people in every single store.
The friendly people at Motel asked me to let you all know that they've got a new dress called Gabby. Gabby is glittery! And gold! (Well, sometimes. She also comes in black and charcoal.) Personally, I'd pick the gold one. It's a super cute, yet sexy, dress that'd be perfect for either a smaller affair or a big bash at a club. In either venue, you're sure to stand out.
So check out the Gabby dress... and as added incentive, I've got a discount code for you, my awesomely awesome followers. Enter SEQUIN15 for 15% off of the ENTIRE website from November 28 to December 4!! Enjoy, happy shopping, happy holidays, and if I actually know you, please come to the holiday concerts and hear me (and 20 other people) sing!
P.S. Sorry if this post was a little strange. I'm still vibrating from the venti coffee I had at noon.
Speaking of holidays... it's probably about time you start thinking about what you're going to wear. Especially if you live in New York, because I've gone shopping there the day before New Year's and there are WAY too many people in every single store.
The friendly people at Motel asked me to let you all know that they've got a new dress called Gabby. Gabby is glittery! And gold! (Well, sometimes. She also comes in black and charcoal.) Personally, I'd pick the gold one. It's a super cute, yet sexy, dress that'd be perfect for either a smaller affair or a big bash at a club. In either venue, you're sure to stand out.
So check out the Gabby dress... and as added incentive, I've got a discount code for you, my awesomely awesome followers. Enter SEQUIN15 for 15% off of the ENTIRE website from November 28 to December 4!! Enjoy, happy shopping, happy holidays, and if I actually know you, please come to the holiday concerts and hear me (and 20 other people) sing!
P.S. Sorry if this post was a little strange. I'm still vibrating from the venti coffee I had at noon.
J. Crew Looks We Love
I really like this collection from J. Crew, and now that I'm working somewhere with an actual dress code, it may be in my best interest to spend a little more cash and invest in some "business casual" items...
P.S. It's my birthday! :D
ASOS Favorites!
I haven't done one of these in a while, but y'know, I do love ASOS. Here's what's caught my eye lately:
Holly Fulton scarf
Metal bowtie
Metallic satchel bag
Sheer knit maxidress
Boucle tweed dress
Floral lace dress
The perfect leather jacket! It looks like something a French guy would wear.
Probably the coolest ripped/non-ripped jeans I've ever seen.
The blouse and shoes in this outfit.
I love anything with a collar.
Probably as close as I'll get to the hat that Wendy and I are looking for.
I must have this brace!
Patent leather? Blush color? I am SO there.
I love ribbon laces.
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