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I took my daughters to MOA last Friday. It wasn’t a first, but I have only been brave enough to take the twins to the “mall of all malls” a handful of times. This time I took my energetic three-year-olds without the help of a stroller. Just didn’t want to deal with the contraption. First stop: a return at J. Crew. But of course, I did a little shopping. As I sifted through the adorable summer preppy wear in the Crewcuts section (J. Crew for kids), my girls were going a little crazy trying on shoes, hiding under racks, playing with the big stuffed dogs on display. This captain had lost control of my little crew, and at that point, I just trying to have forward motion with my shopping. I was seriously trying to not sweat too much. Thankfully the store wasn’t very busy. I managed to pick up a couple of cute tanks, headbands, and T-shirts for the girls and a skirt and pair of mod capris for Mom. (The Cheddar Bunnies in my bag helped tame the beasts in the fitting room). The prices are a little steep for children’s play clothes, but they are so darn cute.
Next stop: the new Janie & Jack store. MOA marketing director, Jeff Hoke, first told me about the more refined Gymboree sister store a few years ago. He promised then it would be at MOA one day. It’s a great addition to the kid mix. The early summer collections are a little more Hamptons-inspired than I was looking for on Friday. But I’ll be back. I was actually surprised that they didn’t take the lead from Gymboree and offer a little TV and chairs. (Maybe those more refined children mind their mothers and stay by their sides.) We trotted off to nearby Gymboree, and I nabbed a couple of sundresses and sun hats (they were having a good sale that day) while the girls watched Thomas and Barney on the TV. I don’t dress our twins identically, but I do like them to coordinate (I have had other twin moms tell me they do that, too.) And Gymboree makes it a little easier with their seasonal collections.
Our main reason for visiting MOA was to get some new shoes for the girls at Nordstrom, but since I had bribed them with a few rides in the Nickelodeon-themed park, I needed to pony up. We took a spin on the carousel (a good option if you need to chaperon two kids under forty-two inches since I could stand between two of the horses), plus the girls qualified to ride the semi-truck-themed ride (thirty-six inches, no chaperon necessary). We followed with lunch under the skylight ceilings in the park area, and we popped into a nearby photo booth to commemorate our girlie play date.
I think I overstayed my welcome because shortly after purchasing the toddler sandals, the signs of the naptime-witching hour were upon us. One melted down and needed to be carried from Nordstrom to the lot outside Bloomingdale’s. The other also wanted to be carried, which wasn’t going to be possible for this mom. So we had to have a little sideline negotiation. And then I did the unthinkable—I broke out two pacifiers in my emergency stash side pocket. Me, the mom that can’t believe Kate Hudson’s son, Ryder, still has pacifiers in his mouth. Perhaps the paparazzi grabbed that shot on the one day Kate shopped a little too long and cut into naptime.
Shoes at Nordstrom, $78. Summer wardrobe additions, $400. Ride at MOA, $20 pass. Lunch in sunny courtyard, $19. Photo booth, $5. Shopping with my daughters, priceless.
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I am signing a lease today for a new apartment in downtown Minneapolis. Although I won't be moving until July, I have already started thinking about how I’ll switch up my décor.
I have a very schizophrenic design personality, which I haven’t yet completely honed in on. I am still trying to figure out the difference between styles I like in theory (American federal, English shabby chic, French country) and the style I want to live in (much more clean, calm, and reserved). I like things that look old but are actually new (lacquered neo-Rocco scroll work), mid-century style seating, art deco accents, and anything that looks a little unfinished and natural. I guess if I had to describe what my ideal place would look like, it would be a sort of glammed up, modern farm house—lots of natural, rough wood pieces; clean-lined furnishings; and flea market accents, with a few art deco flourishes to round it out.
Because I need to use most all of my furniture in my new apartment (Ikea Karlstad sofa, aspen wood coffee table, chrome side chairs, and countless lamps, accents, and mirrors), I’ve been scouring the Internet as of late trying to find some great pieces at reasonable prices to freshen up what I already have. Here are a few items that caught my eyes, some of which I hope to purchase in the next few months, some of which will stay on my wish list until I win the lottery.
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I’ve learned that I easily tire of color. The pattern of this rug gives it depth and texture, even in simple black and white. Morocco bikaner wool rug, five feet by eight feet (on sale for $249), from CB2 |
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If I could afford one thing right now, it would be a huge, worn-in
leather chair in which I could curl up get lost in with a good book. The buttery soft bourbon leather and mahogany finish is brawny without being overly
masculine. Cotswold Chair ($1,998) from Anthropologie, 4999 France Ave. S., Mpls., 612-285-9164; The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, Maple Grove, 763-416-1447
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This 1960’s-style sofa is clean-lined and sparse, but the tufting and button cushions give it character. Petrie Sofa, ($1,499) from Crate & Barrel, Galleria, 952-920-2300
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I’ve long admired the wire design of the Bertoia chair, but I enjoy
this one for its more organic feel (and lower price tag). I can see this
pulled up to my wooden desk. De La Tour Chair ($160) from Urban Outfitters, 3006 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-823-1000; Mall of America, 952-854-8448
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I love the graphic pattern on this rug, but I’d probably opt for it in its other color scheme, brown and ivory. I do get a little nervous about buying something such as a rug on the Internet, so I will probably wait until the West Elm store opens in Edina later this year. Yellow and ivory petal rug, five feet by eight feet ($199), West Elm |
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I am in pretty desperate need for a bed frame. I’ve been sleeping like
a college student with my box spring and mattress on the ground for
way too long. I like that this is a very streamlined version of a
canopy. Classic with no frill. Petite silhouette canopy bed in white ($499–$599), Brocade Home
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I have too many small bookcases. Before I move, I plan on taking them all to Goodwill and investing in one or two wall-length styles to store all of my books, magazines, and more. Expedit bookcase ($149) from Ikea, 8000 Ikea Way, Bloomington, 952-858-8088
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I have an Anthropologie shower curtain right now, but if I was in the market for the new one, a watercolor rendering of flowers would certainly cheer up my morning ritual on even the gloomiest of days. Sundew Shower Curtain ($88) from Anthropologie, 4999 France Ave. S. , Mpls., 612-285-9164; The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, Maple Grove, 763-416-1447 |
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I love anything with a little bit of wink. The daguerreotype photographs framed in cameo-like scrolling could make for an understated accent piece. Cameo chair ($680) from Anthropologie, 4999 France Ave. S., Mpls., 612-285-9164; The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, Maple Grove, 763-416-1447 |
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Again with the wink. I can’t stand a space that is overly precious, and
a funky owl lamp is certain to add a bit of humor to my living room.
Hoot lamp base ($36) from Urban Outfitters, 3006 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-823-1000; Mall of America, 952-854-8448
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I think my biggest shopping weakness is a good dress, particularly a good dress on sale. I don't even have to love it—if it's marked down and it fits me, there's a good chance I'll buy it. The other day I was standing outside Nordstrom at MOA—new dress in hand—when my boyfriend called. The conversation went something like this:
Jack: What are you doing?
Me: I'm at the mall, shopping for my mom's birthday present.
Jack: Did you buy a dress?
Me: (pause, hold up black dress bag, contemplate lying—especially since I was just complaining about paying bills) Ummm . . . how'd you know?
Jack: Every time you go to the mall, you buy a dress.
So, either my boyfriend has really good ESP, or I'm just that predictable. I do have to defend myself by saying the dress was only $49 (regularly $128). Thank you very much, White House|Black Market. (The retailer is currently having a sale on dresses—lots of which are perfect for spring parties, weddings, and showers. Just be prepared to face your boyfriend/husband/significant other after your visit.)
If you're like me, you're of the mindset that there will always be an event that requires a dress, so why not buy one while its on sale—even if you don't know when you'll wear it? And as it turns out, I'll be donning my steal-of-a-dress (shown here) at a cocktail party this weekend. A good dress always comes in handy . . . even if it has to hang in your closet (with tags intact) for a few months first.
White House|Black Market, five metro locations, including a new store at Rosedale, Roseville, 651-636-4950
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If you lived in the Twin Cities in the '90s, you must remember Steve and Sharon, the infamous duo that hosted KSTP's Good Company. Our local ABC affiliate is hoping to hit gold again with Twin Cities Live, a mid-afternoon talk and news program hosted by Rebekah Wood and John Hanson. The search for the hosts took months and spanned the continent, and the show premiered yesterday. We nabbed a few minutes of the hosts' busy time and asked them a few harmless questions.
John Hanson:
Q. What is your favorite Twin Cities neighborhood and why?
A. The Warehouse District because it’s near some great lounges and close to the sports arenas
Q. Necessary extravagance?
A. Premium beer
Q. What can’t you leave home without?
A. Like everyone else on Earth, my cell phone
Q. Who inspires you?
A. People with muscular dystrophy who don’t let it stop them from constantly achieving
Q. Where can we find you on a Friday Night?
A. r.Norman’s
Q. Have Steve and Sharon given you any advice?
A. No, I haven’t had a chance to talk to them, but I would love to.
Q. Tell us something we don’t know
about your co-host, Rebekah?
A. She had to overcome some amazing
competition for the job and earned it.
Rebekah Wood:
Q. What is your favorite Twin Cities neighborhood and why?
A. Woodbury because it’s my neighborhood, and the people there have been unbelievably welcoming.
Q. Necessary extravagance?
A. Starbucks . . . two toddlers, need I say more?
Q. What can’t you leave home without?
A. Guilt—whenever I have to drop my girls off at preschool. Or, C.O. Bigelow mint lip gloss. Both are always with me.
Q. Who inspires you?
A. My husband who is winning a pretty tough fight against brain cancer
Q. Where can we find you on a Friday Night?
A. I’d like to say at a great happy hour, but usually it’s popcorn party night with my family.
Q. Have Steve and Sharon given you any advice?
A. Not yet, but I can’t wait until they do.
Q. Tell us something we don’t know about your co-host, John?
A. He’s got a great overbite when he dances.
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My feelings toward art have always been much harder to define than my feelings toward fashion. When it comes to the latter, I can cite specific reasons for whether or not I like something—is it structural and tailored or ill fitting? A parade of candy colors or stark and minimalist? Does the fabric feel cheap or sumptuous? Are the embellishments an afterthought or an intricate necessity to the garment? Does the design take into mind the nature of a woman’s body?
But with art, I’ve never been good at putting my finger on what exactly it is I like. I love eighteenth century portraiture, I love the impressionists, and I enjoy Frida, Picasso, Murakami, Damien Hirst, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, and Jan Saudek—my tastes don’t easily fall into one category, and I can’t even articulate what it is I like. It either speaks to me or it doesn’t.
On Friday night, I went to the Walker After Hours opening party for Richard Prince: Spiritual America. Prince is a celebrated artist of appropriation who made a name for himself by photographing advertisements and co-opting the iconic Marlboro Man. In many ways, Prince’s work speaks to me. Not just because some of his most famous works, including his Jokes series (beginning 1986), are actually quotations referencing Americana sexuality and stand-up humor, but because of the way that he has influenced fashion.
Unless you’ve been on a deserted island for the last six months, you’ve certainly heard that Marc Jacobs collaborated with the artist on his Spring 2008 collection for Louis Vuitton. Prince’s spray painting and texts were worked into LV bags, and the twelve sexy nurses in see-through plastic coats who opened the show were directly referential to Prince’s Nurse paintings.
Collaborating with an artist isn’t necessarily something new for Jacobs; he did so with his Spring 2003 collection with Takashi Murakami (those Japanese pop art-colored handbags are still some of the best selling) and for his Spring 2001 collection with graffiti artist Stephen Sprouse. And let us not forget how Jacobs visually translated the music and counter culture of different kinds of artists—Pearl Jam and Nirvana—into pattern and color with his critically panned 1992 collection for Perry Ellis.
Perhaps the reason why Prince’s work has been so successful is because he, like Marc Jacobs, delicately walks the line between commercial and creative, a theme that seems increasingly important for any designer or artist if they want to make money and art.
Richard Prince: Spiritual America, open now through June 15. Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., 612-375-7600
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My fellow fashionistas, please humor me for just a moment.
I unabashedly love fashion, adorer la mode, and liebe das damenmode. Anyway you say it, I've loved the ceremony of dressing since before I can remember. I love the idea of putting on an outfit to play or channel a character in my everyday life. I love all of the finery—tulle, lace, sequins, stitching, tailoring, leather, fur, zippers, hardware, cashmere, wool—but there is one thing about fashion that I still struggle to completely understand.
Although it is true that there are still women of immense style that purchase clothes by season, en masse, I think that particular notion of purchasing is something that most busy, working women today are unfamiliar with. We rush into a store at 5:15 on a Friday afternoon in search of the perfect outfit for our party at 7:30 that evening. We want fashion fast. We buy for now. I can count the number of times on one hand that I have purchased a piece of clothing with the idea of wearing it "next season." My buying habits are completely on the contrary. I purchase piece by piece, minding my internal aesthetic of tailored bohemian while mixing cheap vintage jewelry with designer separates and trendy chain store buys.
So it is maybe no surprise that I have always had an internal mini-struggle with the way the seasons in fashion work. On one hand, I totally get it. Designers must show their collections six months before the actual season in order to allow time for the national magazines to create editorial and for the buyers to get the clothing into the store. Department stores and design houses must create and shoot ad campaigns, buyers must dissect the trend and figure out how to translate them to their customers, and editors need time to put together the fabulous photo shoots that let the clothing tell its own story. But the small smidgen of practicality in my personality (minuscule, I promise) always mildly struggles with one part of this formula.
Let me paint you the picture. It is March 6 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the temperature is barely creeping up to the teens, and the wind chill has blown any hope for a good hair day right out my car window. I wobbled my way to my car in five-inch stilts, slipping on ice and sinking through snow. The only concrete visible is covered in fashion-attacking salt. Yet spring fashion is being thrust down my throat at every turn. I, myself, have been toting the mood-lifting, life-changing quality of spring fashion since before Christmas! Vogue says I need painterly dresses; Lucky recommend lightweight safari-inspired separates; W promotes reliving the psychedelic of the '70s through Balenciaga and Gaultier and sans drugs.
Yet I stand in front of my closet, looking at my spring-appropriate clothing—a painterly Cynthia Rowley shift, floral J.Crew dress, and lightweight, wide leg, über white Charles Chang Lima pants. All I can do is groan and utter, once again, "I have nothing to wear."
So what is a fashion faun to do? Although it would be nice to have a climatologist in my pocket to help me navigate how to most comfortably dress for this horrid March weather, I have to rely on my fashion instincts. The Cynthia Rowley shift could work with opaque gray tights, a long sweater, and a belt; the J.Crew dress looks chic with sky-high black pumps and black Spanx; but the white Charles Chang Lima pants need to stay white and will, therefore, remain in my closet until all of the snow is gone, all of the ice is melted, and the April showers have given way to May flowers.
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No one can argue that Target has not made serious strides in the past few years to appeal to the fast-fashion, designer-hungry crowd. We all know about Tar-jay’s partnership with Isaac Mizrahi as well as designers such as Proenza Schouler, Behnaz Sarafpour, and Erin Fetherston with GO International.
Yet although Target has made headway in the accessories department during the past year—through collaborations with Rafe (handbags), Devi Kroell (handbags), and Loeffler Randall (shoes and handbags)—the one place it has always lagged behind is the jewelry area. But now Target is partnering with designer Joy Gryson of Gryson for a line of practical, luxury handbags and with Subversive’s Justin Giunta (a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist, an artist, and a jewelry, interior, and industrial designer) for a collection of jewelry.
Gryson’s collection will further what Target started to establish with Randall, Kroell, and Rafe—handbags with all of the embellishments and some of the finery of the higher-end styles with a much lower price tag.
Gryson’s handbags are pretty and practical in patent faux leather and on-trend colors, but I am much more excited to see what Target’s first foray into a jewelry partnership will produce.
Subversive for Target is based on Giunta's ethos of more is more.
A turquoise-inspired cameo necklace is given chunky wooden beads and a gold leaf interlude, a gold charm bracelet is abuzz with killer bees and red and gold beads, a five-strand necklace has clusters of faux pearls in a range of subdued colors, an antique-looking locket is opened and overflowing with cascading fringe, and resin bracelets are given antique-inspired appliqués.
As a girl who lives by the more is more ethos, the Subversive for Target collaboration means I will no longer have to run out to MOA’s For Love 21 for a quick accessories fix.
Gryson for Target will be available April 6–June 21.
Subversive for Target will be available March 23–July 20.
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Thursday afternoon, I was speed-reading through my ELLE.com e-newsletter (the subject line read "We know what you'll be wearing next fall," so I was intrigued), when I stumbled across a fashion term I had yet to discover. Carol Han, ELLE.com's market editor, was sharing her thoughts on Paris fashion week. She wrote:
We're only halfway through Paris fashion week and already I'm craving September and the kind of fashion satisfaction that only the Frenchies can give me. I can't wait to get my hands on one of Balenciaga's futuristic, hand-painted structured jackets, or Dries Van Noten's bright blue fox chubby.
A chubby? It was such a funny word to appear in the same sentence as "Dries Van Noten" and "Balenciaga." So, I did what I usually do when I have a fashion question: I e-mailed my friend and colleague Melissa Colgan . . .
On 2/28/08 1:09 PM, "Abby Van Ness" <avanness@mspmag.com> wrote:
What's a chubby? In the fashion sense.
On 2/28/08 1:17 PM, "Melissa Colgan" <mcolgan@mspmag.com> wrote:
A short, overweight man. What is the context?
On 2/28/08 1:19 PM, "Abby Van Ness" <avanness@mspmag.com> wrote:
"I can’t wait to get my hands on one of Balenciaga’s futuristic,
hand-painted structured jackets, or Dries Van Noten’s bright blue fox
chubby."
On 2/28/08 1:22 PM, "Melissa Colgan" <mcolgan@mspmag.com> wrote:
My guess would be that it is some oversized sweater, big chunky neck. Let
me see if I can find out.
On 2/28/08 1:25 PM, "Melissa Colgan" <mcolgan@mspmag.com> wrote:
Okay. Here we go.
Good terminology find.
Actually, now I kind of want a Chubby. Funny because it is a totally derogatory term in typical usage. Only fashion editors would turn it into something chic and cool.
P.S. Erin [associate editor at Mpls.St.Paul] would never let me use that term.
So there you have it. A "chubby" is a short, chunky, fur (or faux fur) jacket, shown here at Dries Van Noten's show. We'd been seeing them on the runways but didn't know a term had been coined.
More proof? When Cathy Horyn of The New York Times uses the word in her On the Runway blog, you know it's official. Something tells me the term might be sneaking into Mpls.St.Paul's fashion coverage . . .
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If you’ve read the book The Devil Wears Prada, watched Ugly Betty, or remember Carrie Bradshaw’s trip into the Vogue fashion closet, you no doubt think the life of a magazine editor is tres glam. Well, I am here to tell you that although the American Express black card-carrying editors at the fashion Bible might have their California Closets full of delicious designer handouts, at Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, we get the tease.
In an e-mail that popped up at exactly 2:24 p.m. today, a local PR princess announced:
Subject: We have . . .
Body: . . . An exciting surprise coming your way.
Xoxo!
Me
So when the gal that mans our front desk rang my cubicle to tell me a package had just arrived, I trotted up for the fetch faster than a fashionista at a Chanel sample sale. Two gleaming white, faux lizard skin boxes awaited. A large one for my editor, Jayne, and a smaller one for me.
Back at my editor’s desk I tore mine open (without reading the card or press release) and pulled out a shimmery gold python clutch by Carlos Falchi. 'Could it be lil’old me gifted with something so sublimely chic?'
“Not so fast,” warned Jayne as she pulled out a pink leather handbag. “Did you read the card?”
We apologize for sending you this gorgeous handbag that we know you’ll want to add to your permanent collection. We DO need it BACK by March 5th. Please give us a call, and we’ll arrange a courier service.
Xoxo,
Me
So although there is no need to feel bad for us (after all, I will set these handbags on my desk and gaze at them right through the end of the business day on March 4th), the truth is that we’re right out there along with you attending the trunk shows and scouring the shops searching for that perfect closet addition that will make us feel in vogue.
Carlos Falchi trunk show, Friday, March 7th, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Pumpz & Co., Galleria, 952-926-2252, RSVP to 612-333-1723
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Although I would never go as far as to say I am a slave to it, I absolutely love, love, love, fashion. So when the opportunity presented itself to go to Fashion Week, I emptied the contents of my change jar and jumped at the chance. Now, less than a week after my final show, I have the advantage of being able to look at the event a bit more retrospectively.
Highlights: Sitting in an Arab princesses’s front-row seat at the Peter Som show; going out to dinner at two of New York’s hottest restaurants—Buddakan and Kobe Club; finding a $450 Cynthia Rowley shift on sale at her Greenwich Village store for $99; and having a handful of people ask me for directions, which means I didn’t look like I came straight from the farm.
Not so high of lights: Carrying a backbreaking amount of stuff around everyday, running in heels on three hours of sleep, and my $125 cab ride to the airport—and I still nearly missed my plane.
Trend Setter
As far as trends go, a few ideas did emerge in the shows. Pending the shows in London, Paris, and Milan, here are my top-three trend ideas for Fall 2008 with a few notes on accessories and beauty trends:
Dark Romance
Lace tamed by leather, soft pinks brushed up against hard black, and the mix of froth and frill took good-girl looks and gave them edge.
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(Clockwise from upper left: Temperley London, Max Azria, Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Naeem Kahn, Zac Posen, and Erin Fetherston.) |
Winter Florals
Considering what a dramatic role florals have played in the spring collections, it is nice to know that these patterns aren’t just a passing fad. For fall, the look is more painterly, dark, and abstract than for spring; floral patterns act as a supporting element in the collections rather than taking the lead roll.
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(Clockwise from upper left: Michael Kors, Tracy Reese, Nanette Lepore, Dennis Basso, Miss Sixty, and Erin Fetherston.) |
Jewel Tones
Cassis and ruby, turquoise and cerulean, persimmon, saffron, chartreuse, and emerald—jewel tones brought a welcome dose of color to the Fall 2008 collections.
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(Clockwise from upper left: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Anna Sui, Diane Von Furstenberg, Tuleh, Temperley London, and Carlos Miele.) |
A Bit of Plume
In the absence of excess embellishment, designers gave texture and added interest to their offerings with a mixture of feathers and plume.
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(Clockwise from upper left: Bill Blass, Dennis Basso, Reem Acra, Donna Karan, Monique Lhuillier, and Angel Sanchez.) |
Metallic Accents
The '90s had grunge, the '80s had shoulder pads, the '70s had polyester, and I am almost certain that when fashion historians look back on this decade, one of the biggest trends will be metallic. Although it has appeared for several seasons now, in the fall collections, metallics were woven in much more seamlessly as an accenting neutral rather than the most obvious trend.
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(Clockwise from upper left: Lela Rose, Pamella Roland, Monique Lhuillier, Richard Chai, Naeem Kahn, and Vera Wang.) |
Accessories: Bright tights, hats galore, and geek-chic accouterments.
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(Anna Sui, Zac Posen, and Proenza Schouler) |
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(Clockwise from upper left: Badgley Mischka, Tuleh, Carolina Herrera, Vera Wang, Ralph Lauren, and Cynthia Steffe.) |
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Carmen Marc Valvo, Betsey Johnson, Michael Kors |
Beauty trend that I LOVE: Red, red, red lips and near-nude faces.
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(3.1 Phillip Lim, Carmen Marc Valvo, and Zac Posen.) |
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Reading all of the reviews last week while fashion's design elite took their couture work to the runways in Paris has got me all revved up for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York City. The shows officially start on Friday, February 1, but I will be making my way to Gotham on Sunday and will be at my first show, Carolina Herrera, on Monday morning.
Designers will be putting forward their Autumn/Winter 2008 ready-to-wear collections, and if their pre-fall showings are any indication, we should expect a lot of the classic fall elements to take the runways—matte tights, tweed, gray, black, ecru, shearling, and jewel tones—along with a few surprises. A more muted-down version of this season’s floral patterns made there way into Balenciaga's, Oscar de la Renta's, and Matthew Williamson’s pre-fall fashions while hints of sherbet colors snuck in at Nina Ricci and Chloé.
Pre-fall favorites and trends to keep your eyes peeled for:
Visible boning at Proenza Schouler.
Dark florals and slouchy boots at Balenciaga.
Mixed jewel tones at Oscar de la Renta.
Oversized sweaters and floral dresses at Nina Ricci.
Whisper-light tulle in rain-cloud gray at Monique Lhuillier.
Grecian draping at Lanvin.
Nouveau bohemian at Chloé.
Bright graphic paisleys and cropped fur jackets at Matthew Williamson.
This will be my first trip to fashion week, and I am excited to have the chance to report back to all of you about not only the threads coming down the runway but also the buzz and atmosphere of New York during this exciting time. Although I am still waiting for a few additional confirmations, as of right now I will be reporting from Carolina Herrera, Betsey Johnson, Tibi, Badgley Mischka, Monique Lhuillier, Cynthia Steffe, Diesel, Nanette Lepore, Milly, and Rebecca Taylor. So stay tuned all next week for updates from New York City!
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In honor of the 2008 U.S. Figure Skating Championships taking place in St. Paul this week, I thought I'd blog about the glitz and glamour of skater style and how on-ice fashion has evolved over the years—from conservative ice princesses of the past to the fashion-following athletes of today.
As a former figure skater, I'm enthralled with the competition, the grace, and the athleticism of my favorite sport. And although I know its a skater's artistry and technique that achieve high scores from judges, a stunning on-ice ensemble is always a plus. Interpreting my music and designing a new costume was one of my favorite parts of competition preparation.
Thursday night, my sister and I ventured to the Xcel to watch the country's top ladies skate their short programs. We sat on edge as
fourteen-year-old newcomer Marai Nagasu completed a clean triple-triple
jump combination, several perfectly centered spins, and an effortless spiral
sequence—all good enough to bump favored skater Kimmie Meissner
out of the top spot. Although we critiqued the axels, spirals,
footwork, and music, we couldn't avoid the girlie gossip about which
outfits we adored and which we disliked.
Today's skaters have more freedom to express themselves through what they wear. Sequins, crystals, fringe, feathers, asymmetrical skirts, sleeves, no sleeves—options are endless, and regulations are less strict than they used to be. Some skaters have even steered away from the traditional short-skirt-over-flesh-leggings look, opting for a modern skirtless unitard (see Beatrisa Liang's unconventional bodysuit from Thursday night). Dresses of the past were simpler, heavier, less glitzy, and less revealing.
A look back at some of skating's iconic fashionistas:
Three-time Olympic gold medalist (and Hollywood movie star) Sonja Henie revolutionized skating fashion in the late-1930s and '40s. In place of long, compromising dresses and dull black boots, she wore shorter skirts, which allowed for more difficult spins and jumps, and white ankle boots.
Balletic American skater Peggy Fleming floated across the ice to a gold medal in 1968 wearing a fluorescent green number. Dresses were simple but more fitted and athletic than in the past.
It was never her dresses that got her noticed; it was that oh-so-cute cropped hairstyle. But in 1976, Dorothy Hamill stayed in tune with '70s fashion in a persimmon V-neck dress.
The late '80s and early '90s brought much more elaborate dresses with puffy sleeves, intricate embellishments, and lots and lots of sparkle. Kristi Yamaguchi (my skating idol and our September 2007 cover model) glided to an Olympic gold medal in 1992.
In a season focused more on rink-side drama than actual skating, Nancy Kerrigan wowed fans at the 1994 Olympics in a breathtaking, crystal-adorned Vera Wang.
Michelle Kwan followed suit eight years later at the 2002 Olympic games, wearing a shimmering sleeveless dress also designed by Wang.
Kimmie Meissner, the defending national champion and this year's favored skater to win, brings back simplicity in a cranberry-red dress with cutouts.
Don't miss the ladies' long program tonight at 7 p.m. on NBC or online at icenetwork. Even better: Buy tickets for seats at the Xcel!
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I think I started looking for the perfect white T-shirt while Bill Clinton was still in office. I have a short torso, so I wanted one long enough to elongate my line; because of my small chest, it also needed to be v-cut or at least have a deep scoop, and with my less-than-sculpted upper arms, the material needed to have a little give. I became a veritable Goldilocks of T-shirts—tried out simple with Gap (not fitted enough), splurged on Theory (too expensive), saved on Hanes (lost shape), and went for trend with American Apparel (too “look-at-me”). But it wasn’t until I discovered James Perse that I found a shirt that was just right. All of the styles that I have tried by James Perse are tight enough with the perfect amount of give, a bounce back shape, and a sleek look. It was an epiphany. When worn right, the perfect T can be chic, dressing up jeans or toning down a wild print, and in lieu of a closet full of nothing to wear, one will save me from walking out of my house uncovered.
I have this tank in black, white, and gray and wear it with everything in the summer ($41).
The scoop neck and long cut of this T-shirt is ultra flattering ($44).
James Perse T-shirts are available at Macy's, Nordstrom, and online.
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Stress. Everyone can relate to having too much, especially around the holidays (and even the month after as you read your credit card statement).
We all know that not only is it an uncomfortable state of being but that it can actually be bad for you. In small doses, stress helps man our “fight or flight” response when we’re in danger. But our feelings of stress signal the brain to release more cortisol, a hormone present in all chronic diseases.
Stress makes us less fun. It can put wrinkles on our faces and make us feel sluggish. It takes a toll on physical and mental health. It can take a toll on relationships. We’ve all been there.
Managing stress often requires a hard look at our lives or a lifestyle change—whether that’s less caffeine, more sleep, more exercise, or cutting a toxic situation out of your life.
So, I’m going to start doing this thing called exercise. I have no goal set (anything is better than the current “none” I have penciled in). I’d like to try yoga, pilates, and weights. Play some more tennis than I do. Take my cockapoo, Molly, for longer walks. Feel toned and energetic. It has nothing to do with weight and everything to do with well-being.
We have all heard the statistics—the latest Real Simple e-mail I received said, “even people who exercise for less than thirty minutes a day can reduce their risk of dying from any cause by twenty percent, compared to those who don’t exercise at all.” (Emphasis mine.)
This all sounds great on paper and to Molly’s ears. Only, I’m not sure if I have the willpower. I am not athletic. Most of the time, if I have my choice, I’d read a book.
I might need backup.
I don’t think that products can erase stress. But I do have one trick: Origins Peace of Mind On-the-spot relief. Just take a few dabs (a little goes a long way), and rub it into temples, neck, hands, shoulders—wherever there’s tension. Take deep breaths with your eyes closed. Breathe in the pepperminty scent. Feel your muscles and skin begin to tingle. Stretch.
I think aromatherapy can be a great aid for stress relief, sleeplessness, anxiety—a whole host of things—, and this is one product that I’ve found does the job. It has helped me ward off headaches and panic attacks. It has made me feel energized and lifted my mood after a long day. A huge, good thing in a small package.
Available at Origins stores and counters.
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Alliances between fashion designers and mass retail chains is nothing new—Isaac Mizrahi has been designing for Target since 2002, and there were plenty of designer/retailer partnerships before that. And collaboration between a fashion designer and a provocative artist is nothing we haven’t seen before—Marc Jacobs teemed with artist Stephen Sprouse in 2001 and Takashi Murakami in 2003 for accessories collections for fashion house Louis Vuitton.
But it seems that in the past couple of years, the number of artistic partnerships have taken flight, especially in the realm of fashion and home design. So what is it about the current times that makes for such an encouraging environment for these creative meetings of the mind? I think it all boils down to the democratization of design. During the first fifty years of the twentieth century, only the highest members of society could afford French couture or custom-designed clothes, so the creation of mass retailing has instilled in us all a yearning to wear something by a big-name designer.
Through the entrance of women in the workplace, double-income households, and fashion as a necessity, among other factors, good design became something that more people could afford. Luxury fashion and design houses quickly caught on, offering small leather goods, cosmetics, and fragrances to appease the masses' desire for a taste of the pudding. We have a desire within us for luxury, and the opportunities we’ve had to become acquainted with the finer things create more of an aspiration for it all.
Collaboration is just another evolution in design. Retail as a whole might be declining along with our economy, but organizations such as Target, H&M, and Topshop not only provide affordability in good design, but they also keep designers’ wallets nicely padded while the talent continue to create fashions for their own design houses.
With so many great collaborations out in stores now (and at a variety of price points), the idea that the best products come out of the creative summit of two or more minds is solidified. These partnerships are a winning solution for the designers, retailers, and us insatiable consumers.
Here are some of the great collaborations currently on shelves or in the works.
Stella McCartney introduced golf wear to her Spring/Summer 2008 collection for Adidas (she has been designing yoga, dance, gym, and tennis clothes as well as the post-workout cover up since 2005). Find select items at Nordstrom and One Thousand Steps.
Hot on the heels of accessories designers Devi Kroell, Rafe, and Hollywould, Jessie Randall of Loeffler Randall is the current accessories designer for Target. The metallic flats and evening clutches have been receiving a lot of Internet buzz, but I love the simplicity and timelessness of the woven faux leather satchel.
Although the Erin Featherston’s über-girly garb is currently still on the racks at Target, bohemian fashion babes everywhere are a buzz about the next GO International designer. Milla Jovovich and Carmen Hawk of Jovovich-Hawk are up next with a collection vintage-inspired and print-heavy tunics, smocks, and minis. And later this spring, Rogan Gregory (former designer for the Gap; CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award winner for 2008; current designer at ethical T-shirt label EDUN; current designer for Loomstate, and organic line of T-shirts and jeans company; and designer of his own namesake line) threads will hit the shelves. Available at Target this spring. Image above is from Jovovich-Hawk's Spring 2008 ready-to-wear collection.
The runway at Louis Vuitton was a complete ode to artist Richard Prince—spray painted and text-emblazoned accessories, sexy nurses in see-through plastic coats, and garish pastels. Love it or hate it, the bags are sure to be one of the “it” items of the season and will probably inspire a throng of knockoffs. Available at Louis Vuitton stores.
Pierre Hardy, a French accessories designer who has created jewelry for Hermès
and shoes for Balenciaga, signed on to do a capsule shoe collection for
the United States retailer Gap. But before you rush out to your neighborhood Gap for this collection of men’s and women’s footwear, I regret to tell you that Pierre Hardy’s sculpturally designed shoes will only be available at the European outposts of the retailer. In fact, if you’ve ever had the pleasure of traveling abroad and for some odd reason stepped into Gap (I stuck to one-of-a-kind boutiques and European retailers, such as Topshop) the Euro birds have much superior designs to choose from.
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 December has been pretty much a blur for all of us in our office, and as much fun as 2007 has been (we introduced this blog!), we’re excited for the New Year and what’s to come in 2008. So as you sit watching the clock tick by this afternoon, longing for a lazy weekend filled with returns and exchanges, here are some fun links to take up your time.
One of my new favorite stationary designers, Molly Woodland (design at left), is also from Minnesota.
From the skinny model debate to plus-size jeans at Calvin Klein, nudie designer pictures to Vera Wang on Ugly Betty, this year saw some interesting things. The New York Times anoints 2007 The Year that Yelled 'Notice Me'.
Have a wedding on the horizon? W Magazine takes a different look at something blue.
As the first in a series of shows designed to promote dialogue about fashion, the Metropolitan Museum of Art presents some forty costumes and accessories dating from the eighteenth century to the present and invites visitors to share their opinions.
Did you know there was lead in your mascara? Now that Minnesota has banned it, the question is, will Minnesotans be left with crappy mascara, or will the cosmetic industries step up and reconfigure their formulas?
Are you as excited for the Sex and the City movie as we are?
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If you have a gift card to Barnes & Noble or Borders burning a hole through your pocket (I know I do), why not treat yourself to a wonderful new coffee-table book on fashion, design, or style. Throughout the past few months, some really great books have been published on these subjects from some of the foremost minds in the fashion and design industries. Here are the ones currently occupying space on my coffee table and in my mind.
In Vogue: The Illustrated History of the World's Most Famous Fashion Magazine
I have been pining after this book for two years and finally was able to delve into it on Christmas Eve. From wonderful art (illustrated vintage covers dating back to 1892 and the photography of Steven Klein, Irving Penn, Patrick Demarchelier, Richard Avedon, and Helmut Newton) to narrative on the delicate inner workings of the fashion and magazine industries, this entire book is a creative treat. But my favorite part was the insiders' look into publishing one of the world’s most important fashion magazines—behind-the-scenes anecdotes (including how many people it takes to create the fabulous fashion shoots), insider photos, and discarded proofs.
Little Black Book of Style
Nina Garcia, fashion director of Elle Magazine and arduous judge on Project Runway, penned this reference book to personal style with an authoritative, yet coaching, tone. The Colombia native talks about the influence globetrotting parents and American prep schooling had on her personal style, noting how important it is to tell our stories though our appearances. With playful illustrations by Reuben Toledo, Little Black Book of Style offers frank and witty advice on everything from creating a closet full of classics to pointers on guarding against fashion faux pas and how to achieve a signature, personal style.
Stylist: The Interpreters of Fashion
And ode to the often-unheralded, behind-the-scenes powers in the fashion industry, Stylist: The Interpreters of Fashion by Sarah Mower looks deep into the world of the individuals who are called upon by designers, editors, photographers, and celebrities to tell them what’s hot and what’s not. The book, once again full of phenomenal fashion photography, features sixteen of today’s top tastemakers, including the theatrical Polly Mellon, French Vogue’s Carine Rotfield, flame-haired beauty Grace Coddington, and Hollywood force of nature Andrea Lieberman. It is these fashion insiders whose inherent sense for the next big thing, distinctly creative minds, and discerning tastes often help reinvent staid fashion houses, add bravado to editorial, and create trends of epic proportion.
Vintage Fashion: Collecting and Wearing Designer Classics, 1900-1990
If you are an amateur vintage collector (like moi), this book by Emma Baxter Wright is a perfect guide to the fashions of the last century. The text breaks down trends and dissects vintage pieces pointing out what collectors should look for, and the color photography showcases the fabrics, techniques, silhouettes, shapes, and workmanship that are indicative of the style and craftsmanship of vintage garments. The most useful part: a shopping guide offering tips on where to buy vintage pieces, how to care for them, and glossaries on fashion terms and the century's most collectible designers.
Tony Duquette
Step into the divine, theatrical world of American artist and design legend Tony Duquette in this 416-page, five-pound retrospective of his life and designs. Duquette is known for his over-the-top style and clients ranging from Elizabeth Arden to the Duchess of Windsor, and I first took notice of him when I received my April 2007 issue of Harpers Bazaar in which Reese Witherspoon was photographed in a Nina Ricci gown at Duquette’s exotic and eccentric Dawnridge estate. A true renaissance man, Duquette designed interiors, jewelry, costumes, and sets for MGM and the Broadway production of Camelot. The book is sumptuously illustrated in words and pictures with author Wendy Goodman delving into archives, old photographs, and anecdotes of Duquette.
That Extra Half an Inch
I have a not-so-secret crush on Victoria Beckham. There is just something about her over-the-top fabulousness and love of tight and bright fashions that I find oddly appealing. In That Extra Half an Inch, Beckham coaches women on how to make themselves the very best woman they can be. A step back in feminism, maybe, but her style pointers (a whole chapter on looking chic in jeans!) are right-on and witty.
Vogue Living
If you’re looking for a collection of photography from the world’s most stunning residences, pick up Vogue Living. Written and compiled by Hamish Bowles (European editor at large for Vogue and editor in chief of Vogue Living), this book showcases thirty-six spectacular houses and gardens—whose equally spectacular owners come from the worlds of fashion, music, art, and society. Vogue Living’s rich photography and energetic prose is the most irresistible home tour I have ever been on: from Christian Louboutin’s whimsical houseboat on the Nile to Marella Agnelli’s breathtaking gardens in the Palmeraie of Marrakesh, Madonna’s rustic, romantic English countryside retreat to Oscar and Annette de la Renta’s Palladian Dominican mansion.
Style A to Zoe: The Art of Fashion, Beauty, & Everything Glamour
Although I might be so incredibly sick of the Zoebot look, no one can doubt the influence Rachel Zoe has had on fashion from Hollywood to suburban malls. She took starlets out of jeans and flip-flops and dressed them in vintage Halston and red-soled Louboutins and thus created a legion of young followers in oversized sunglasses and designer handbags. In Style A to Zoe, Rachel Zoe shares insider tips on how to live a luxe and fabulous life with advice on must-have accessories, wardrobe staples, when to splurge, when to save, and how to decorate, entertain, and travel in style.
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 The divine, chic, and refined Coco Chanel once said, “Fashion fades, only style remains the same.” And in a time when there are now five concrete seasons (pre-fall, fall, resort, spring, and couture) and throwaway fashion trends (boxy dresses and leggings anyone?), how do you develop a style that is entirely your own? How do you assure that a friend will waltz into a store, spot a jacket, and declare, “only you could pull that off”?
Honing my personal style has been a quest of mine for as long as I can remember. I always sought out things that were unique, well designed, and a little more special than everything else. I am not even close to having a completely developed sense of self-style—it will be something that I am sure I will fine-tune, edit, and define for many years.
There are a few things I have figured out, though: I will never buy the must-have handbag, and I will always come of as slightly eclectic, slightly unpolished, and, I hope, a little off-the-beaten-path. I was wearing vintage in high school when everyone else was wearing Abercrombie, I wore dark colors and heels in California when everyone else wore Sevens and flip-flops, I dressed up for class as a coed while everyone else donned sweats.
 But I have also followed a few of the trends du jour, some with much more success than others. During college, I amassed a closet full of throwaway items, only a handful of which I return to season after season. Last year I made a pact with myself: I will only buy things I truly love as well as wardrobe staples and cheaper trend items that I wouldn’t feel bad about dismissing after a few months, er, days.
Since then, I have purchased the most divine persimmon wool coat with big gold buttons by Milly—the single most expensive item in my wardrobe—(left), a gorgeous white shift with a beaded neckline (also Milly), a few loud-print skirts by Dolce & Gabbana, and plenty of James Perse tees and tanks (a wardrobe staple), and I mixed it all in with a bunch of throwaway costume jewelry from For Love 21 and a few trendy dresses from H&M.
What I guess it all comes down to is that I am starting to realize I must invest in what I will always look good in (wide-leg trousers, the color blue, four-inch heels) and what I will always love (oversized jewelry, animal prints, and furs) and mix it in with a few things that are currently in season (jewel tones, layered knits). As far as my dream list of investments go, I want a little boy’s navy blue blazer from Brooks Brothers , a pair of Christian Louboutin pumps , a blouse from Alexander McQueen, anything vintage YSL,  and a great, classic day bag (I am thinking a Tory Burch tote). So tell me, what trends have you fallen victim to, what are you wardrobe go-to pieces, and what are you most excited to buy this season?
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No doubt you’ve noticed that the price of hair accouterments has been rising—Chi this, ceramic that, ionic huh? It’s hard to invest the cash without begging the question: Can a $200 hair dryer or straightener really work that much better?
I can speak for the hair dryer. The answer: Unequivocally, yes.
Before I tried the Bespoke Labs T3 hair dryer, I felt there was no way I could justify the $130 to $300 price tag—it couldn’t be that much better than my Target-bought, 1850-watt Conair, which has ionic technology and several heat settings.
My past-the-shoulders hair is what you might call . . . difficult. It’s wavy, but not curly. It used to be straight and smooth, but now it can be a jumbled, dry mess. It needs a lot of attention, a lot of product, and a lot of time with the hair dryer—upward of fifteen to twenty minutes if it’s really wet, and ten to fifteen if it’s damp. That doesn’t include styling time.
The first day I used the dryer, my hair was soaking wet. I put in a little smoothing serum, and I dried my hair for . . . drum roll, please . . . two minutes. TWO MINUTES. The second day, THREE MINUTES. I thought I read the clock wrong. On the second day, I forgot to put in product, so I figured my hair would look like a broom. But it was smooth, sleek, and ever-so-slightly curled under. Can I get a hallelujah?
Allow a science lesson (as I have come to understand it). Tourmaline, a gem called the “electric stone” in Asia, creates negative ions and infrared heat when it’s heated. (It’s crushed and melted into the dryer, not painted on such as in the less expensive models.) Negative ions break down water molecules into smaller droplets, making evaporation a snap, whereas typical hair dryers just blow the water off. These little negative ions eliminate flyaways and static by balancing out frizz-inducing positive ions. Infrared heat doesn’t heat air—it heats from within—so the warmth starts in the hair shaft, which avoids cuticle damage (i.e. split ends), which, in turn, makes hair look shinier.
So if you want to splurge and really spoil the mane girl in your life (and that might just be yourself), the T3 is a sure bet. Smooth, silky, salon-blowout-quality locks will make her (or you!) feel like a million bucks every day of the year.
$130 to $300, depending on the model. Available at many local salons and Sephora.
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I reached a style milestone this weekend with my first purchase of an item from a high-end French designer. Although I have, over the past few years, amassed a small collection of clothing and accessories from lower entry point designers—D&G, Milly, Tracy Reese, Nanette Lepore—, I had yet to purchase a big-ticket item.
 Enter my new favorite consignment store, Cris in San Francisco. You won’t see much on this blog talking about stores outside of our metro area (and there are plenty of great consignment stores here), but I had to tell you about one of the most exciting shopping experiences of my entire life (I am really not exaggerating). When I walked into Cris, a well-curated consignment shop on Polk Street in Nob Hill, I thought I died and went to Carrie Bradshaw's closet. Prada, Versace, Christian Louboutin, Badgley Mischcka, Manolo Blahnik, Etro, Chanel, Marni, Cholé—all of the important designers in Anna Wintour’s Blackberry were there.
Although there were plenty of stunning gowns, beautiful coats, and sportswear separates, my friend Jessica and I spent most of the time crawling around on the ground—every wall was lined with designer shoes. I tried on gently used Louboutins (one-season old), YSL platform sandals (three-seasons old), and a pair of red alligator pumps by Manolo Blahnik (classic). But when I came across a pair of black suede platform pumps by Azzedine Alaïa, I nearly lost my cool. They were the same pair that Meryl Streep dons in The Devil Wears Prada. They gave me at least five inches, and they made my ankles look sexy.
Azzedine Alaïa, as it turns out, was probably one of the first haute designers I became familiar with. Can anyone forget when Alicia Silverstone’s character, Cher, in the 1995 movie Clueless is getting mugged in her Alaïa dress, and she pleads with her robber:
"This is an Alaïa."
"An a whata?"
"It's like a totally important designer."
 Alaïa’s seductive, clinging clothes and architectural shoes were a massive success in the eighties and nineties; the media proclaimed him, “The King of Cling.” In the mid-'90s, however, Alaïa virtually vanished from the fashion scene. But in 2000, he signed on with the Prada group, which helped Alaïa’s designs go through an impressive revitalization (he has since bought back 100 percent of his company shares from Prada).
So seeing anything Alaïa in person was major for me. I was beyond elated to find that they fit perfectly. At $250, with a few scratches on the pale pink soles (I doubt they were even worn beyond the confinement of a store), how could I not wrap them up, and bring them home . . . even if they did comprise my trip’s entire shopping budget?
Although I haven’t seen any Alaïa in the Twin Cities, our designer chart will give you insight to where you can pick up other top ready-to-wear designers. And there are always some great consignment designer shoes at Rodeo Drive in St. Louis Park.
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I am officially in hibernation mode. I feel and look tired all the time. Also, my skin is suffering already this season from lack of humidity/cold wind/lack of sunshine. Times like these call for softer makeup (yes, you are hearing this eye shadow-obsessed girl right).
Here are some hints on what has been helping me look bright-eyed every day—I have had the most success with Benefit products, so I’m focusing on my current favorites from the popular brand. (And yes, there are more that I love.)
Every makeup artist you talk to is going to press some eye cream into your hand before you leave the counter. That skin is thin and doesn’t regenerate itself like the other skin on your body. Under eyes have special issues. Treat them right. I love Benefit’s Eyecon. Pat—don’t tug—a little of this white cream on with your pinkie finger day and night, and you can see a difference. (Add a little concealer or Benefit's Some Kind-a Gorgeous, and you are well on your way).
Still look a little droopy? Try Eye Bright. It’s a thick, whitish-pink crayon for lining the inside corners of your eyes—a makeup artist's secret to instantly brighten your look. Unlike other white eyeliners, it never leaves you looking like an alien, but beware: A little goes a long way. Also, make sure to color in the little ridge on the inside of your lid—that’s the secret spot.
Last, rosy cheeks are a must. I have trouble with rosy since I flush so easily. I think I’m already on my way to rosacea, so when that is coupled with pink or red blushes, I look feverish—or worse, clownish. I usually stick to peach. Benefit's Dandelion, though, is like a miracle in a box. It’s a sheer pink blush. I'm convinced Benefit is boxing up the fountain of awake. There’s no shimmer or glitter, but it gives you a glow. It’s subtle but definitely brightens my appearance. It will work on most, if not all, skin tones.
So there you go: some instant brighteners for when you’re not looking all that merry!
Available at area department stores, such a |
