What’s your New Year’s resolution?
It’s the last day of 2008.
Know what that means? Time to make a New Year’s resolution.
So what will it be for ‘09? Lose weight? Promise to go to the gym three times a week? Stop staying up late? Take the dogs on a walk? Play with the kids more? Stop bad habits?
For me, I have decided to focus on the good things in life and to roll with whatever comes my way. It’s a new year, a new chapter of my life. I will be graduating this May from Oklahoma State University and with that comes change. My resolution is to accept change.
What’s your New Year’s resolution?
Happy New Year.
Crystal VanZandt (fashion intern)
What to wear on New Year’s Eve!
Deciding what to wear for the Big Ball Dropping to ring in the new year can get a little stressful.
Because of this fact, I thought it might be helpful to give some wardrobe suggestions to avoid the last minute panic!
Maybe it’s the sparkle of the ball dropping, or the stars that light up the night on the eve of a new year, whatever the reason, everyone associates New Year’s with sequins.
Don’t get me wrong, sequins are a fun way to celebrate a special occasion. But, if you want a new look for December 31st your in luck! There are other options for ringing in the new year.
Try this Pleated Metallic Brocade Skirt from Forever21 for only $22.80. This would be great paired with a basic top, tights, and pumps.
JS Collections Satin Pants from Dillard’s priced at $119.00 is another great option for New Year’s Eve.
If you already have black pants, try pairing them with a fun, flirty blouse. Like this VaVa by Joy Han Bow Camisole, also found at Dillard’s for $102.00.
Of course, a little black dress is a perfect New Year’s Eve ‘go-to’ when you can’t decide on anything else. Try this strapless polyester dress from Victoria’s Secret for $98.
Hope these suggestions are found to be helpful when deciding what to wear tomorrow night!
Happy New Year,
Crystal VanZandt (fashion intern)
Old Swarovski name, New Jewlery Collection
Vanessa Swarovski Piedra, the great-great-granddaughter of Swarovski Corporation founder Daniel Swarovski, launched a jewelry collection this fall featuring Swarovski crystals under her own brand, VSP. Swarovski Piedra plans for VSP to extend beyond jewelry with candles, crystal-studded pashmina scarves, throw blankets and crystal-adorned furniture.
The collection consists of shimmery bracelets featuring tiny crystals that can link together to create necklaces or belts, crystal pendants hanging from cords, and even children’s pieces. It’s a fresh look to her family’s heritage in the fine jewelry business.
VSP, which debuted this fall at the Dallas Apparel and Accessories Market Show, is already being carried by several boutiques across the country and this spring will be available in Macy’s Herald Square location in New York City, Swarovski Piedra said in an interview with an AP writer.
The pieces range from about $60 to $600. Swarovski Piedra isn’t too worried about the effect of the ailing economy, saying that crystal jewelry allows people to get a quality item without the cost of more expensive fine jewelry.
-Crystal VanZandt (fashion intern)
Chanel, Louis Vuitton aren’t immune to bad economy
An outfit from the Chanel spring 2009 show.
A slow down in retail sales and difficult economic times aren’t just affecting Sears, Ann Taylor, KB Toys and Circuit City.
Luxury brands are feeling hard times, too. Chanel reportedly is set to lay off 200 of its Paris employees. Chanel doesn’t usually fall on hard times.
LVMH, which owns Louis Vuitton, isn’t immune either. The company cancelled plans for a new Louis Vuitton megastore in Tokyo.
Big sale at Balliet’s, 50 Penn Place
Balliet’s is having a final clearance sale. What a way to start off 2009.
Starting at 10 a.m. Friday, any apparel and shoes purchased by Balliet’s prior to the fall 2008 season will be on sale for $9.99. Yes, $9.99. All sales are final. Get there early.
Mitchell’s Jewelry gets retail award
Kirk Kara, right, awards Newton Mitchell, owner of Mitchell’s Jewelry, with the “Top Selling IJO Kirk Kara Retailer Award.”
Jewelry designer Kirk Kara awarded Mitchell’s Jewelry with the “Top Selling IJO Kirk Kara Retailer Award” last month. Mitchell’s Jewelry in Norman has been Kirk Kara’s top selling Independent Jewelrs Organization member for three years.Designer Kirk Kara, who is known for his bridal and diamond jewelry, was at Mitchell’s to meet with brides and help celebrate the store’s grand reopening.
Best Trends of 2008
A lot can happen in a year. For 2008, this is an understatement.
It was the year of the Olympics in Bejing, China, a new president was elected, Oklahoma’s own Sam Bradford was announced Heisman Trophy winner, and who could forget the recession that plagued businesses all over the country.
As 2008 comes to a close, I would like to take the time to reflect and look back at the year in fashion.
Here are a few of my favorite trends of 2008:
2008 was a year of bright colors. Bright jeans or bright shoes, neons were a must-have.
Oversized jeans (the nice way of saying baggy) were popularized by celebrities such as Katie Holmes (a.k.a. Mrs. Tom Cruise).
Boots were there through it all. Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer.
Textured leggings injected a touch of high-fashion to any basic outfit.
Plaid was playful in ‘08.
Big, bold bangles accessorized the year.
The floor-length maxi dress made her comeback.
-Crystal VanZandt (fashion intern)
What’s your favorite item in your wardrobe?
Everyone has that one special garment in their wardrobe that quite frankly, they simply can not live without.
For some it could be an old pair of faded blue jeans, or a worn in t-shirt.
For me, that garment is my gray BDG PE cardigan I bought at Urban Outfitters this past fall. It’s a long cut, over-sized cardigan that can be worn over just about anything. I wear it with everything from jeans and tops to skirts and dresses.
Oh how I love my gray cardigan!
What your favorite piece?
-Crystal VanZandt (fashion intern)
Obama knows what to wear for inauguration
With the inauguration count-down continuing and the frenzy over what designer Michelle Obama will be wearing, one can only wonder, what about President-elect Barack Obama? What will he wear?
Hart Schaffner Marx announced that the company has designed a satin notched-lapel tuxedo for the Jan. 20 inauguration.
The Chicago-based company has been designing Obama’s suits since the Democratic National Convention this past summer.
-Crystal VanZandt (fashion intern)
Take a peek at summer jewelry
We haven’t welcomed the New Year yet, but I’m already planning stories that will publish in February and March. It seems the fashion industry is always looking ahead. Here’s a peek at some of the new summer jewelry by R.J. Graziano.
