What was your favorite gift?
One of my favorite gifts this year is the new handbag that my daughter gave me. (Of course, we’ll get the bill for it, but that’s another story.)
It’s a black hobo style with brushed gold detail and a single strap. It’s by Tracy Reese, who always delivers one of my favorite runway shows in New York. She’s known for feminine, flirty clothes, but I haven’t really seen many of her bags. My daughter Stephanie said she picked it up for about one-fifth the price that was on the retailer’s tag. Such a deal!
She got it at Tuesday Morning. I’ll pay closer attention to the handbags next time I’m there.
Anyway, what was your favorite gift? Share.
Fashion industry still gushing about Michelle Obama’s style
Now that the holidays are nearly over and a new year is within sight, excitement about Michelle Obama, her clothes and how she wears them is reaching another level. The fashion industry has been waiting for a fashion savvy first lady for years. Get ready, here comes one. Check out this story in USA Today.
Second Black Friday?
What a day to visit the mall!
Santa didn’t bring me the right sizes on a couple items this Christmas so my day was spent returning and exchanging!
If any of you were out today you were not alone in the feeling that the malls and shopping centers were more packed than they were during Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving). Many stores in Penn Square Mall have sales going on, with markdowns between 40-70% off. Hopefully this increase in markdowns will increase sales for retailers to end the 2008 calendar year.
If you’re planning to shop around town over the next few days, I would advise you to give yourself plenty of time because the malls will be packed. That means long waits outside for parking, and inside to check out!
Happy Sales-Shopping,
Crystal VanZandt (fashion intern)
Is she or isn’t she?
Although the president bailed out the automakers last week, there does not seem to be any “bailout” plans in the making for design houses.
Many companies are trying to cut back costs even if that means finding alternatives to showcasing their latest in the tents at Bryant Park for Fall 2009. Vera Wang, DKNY, and J. Mendel, to name a few, have already announced their decisions to find a smaller presentation.
Now, designer Betsey Johnson is following in their footsteps and has opted to show her Fall 2009 collection in her Manhattan showroom. This cuts the cost by 50 percent, reports Glamour magazine.
In addition to cutting costs on the runway, the Betsey Johnson house alluded to a much more recession-friendly line in a recent interview.
“Ms. Johnson is planning a limited-edition design collaboration with a retailer that will likely launch in the fall.” CEO Chantal Bacon said.
She didn’t disclose which retailer, but it’s assumed to be either H&M or Target.
Would you like to see Betsey Johnson at a Target near you?
-Crystal VanZandt (fashion intern)
Thakoon limited-edition fashion collection comes to Target
Thakoon, the latest limited-edition collection for Target’s GO International campaign, lands in stores Dec. 28.
Designer Thakoon Panichgul is known for his avant-garde updates to classic American sportswear. His low-priced resort collection of women’s swimwear and apparel will be available through January.
“Thakoon Panichgul is an extraordinary design talent with a keen eye whose brilliantly priced collection is sure to please our guests,” said Trish Adams, senior vice president, Target. “His silhouettes are trend-forward with an urban femininity, providing chic looks at a great value.”
Merry Christmas to all
Wishing you much a day filled with love and joy and cheer.
Reach for a hat, guys, and top off your look
Hats are big news for women, and I keep reading that guys are topping off their looks, too. There are plenty of male celebrities, including Brad Pitt, who love the look, but I haven’t seen many men in the Oklahoma City area wearing hats, other than the occasional newsboy cap. Lots of ballcaps, too, of course. Maybe I’m just not in the right place at the right time.
Here’s a story from CBS about how hats are cool for guys. Check it out.
Mischa Barton for Stacey Lapidus
Recession? What recession?
Despite retailers struggling with the rest of us during economic hardship, celebrities keep starting their own collections. One celebrity in particular, “The O.C” heartthrob, 22 year old Mischa Barton, is all about accessories.
She’s launching a headband line for Stacey Lapidus. The Mischa Barton for Stacey Lapidus line consists of six pieces for holiday. Priced between $80 and $200, the collection is full of pearls, beads, crystals, sequins and flowers. Mischa Barton for Stacey Lapidus can be found at staceylapidus.com.
This is Barton’s second accessories venture. She also has a handbag collection through the London-based company Ri2K. Unfortunately for us, this collection is only sold in the UK and Australia. Maybe someday soon it will sail to the States, one can only hope!
Crystal VanZandt (fashion intern)
Welcome to Boot Camp!
With all the choices out there for purchasing boots–ankle boots (also referred to as booties), mid-calf boots, tall boots (to or above the knee), leather, suede, or fur boots–I thought it would be a good idea to give advice as to how and when to wear each kind.
Ankle Boots
Very spunky footwear when worn with tights and a skirt that hits at the knee or slightly above. That being said, avoid wearing ankle boots with skirts that pass the knee – this tends to look frumpy.
Mid-Calf Boots
This cut looks great with skirts of any length, or with tucked in straight or skinny jeans. This style can be casual and chic at the same time. Another plus, mid-calf boots accentuate your calf muscle. Leather and suede are great options for this style of boot. Flat leather equestrian-style boots come mid-calf and rev up any outfit.
Tall Boots
The classic knee-high boot. Ensure that the boot fits tight around your leg; if the boot gapes open it loses its luster. This boot is again, perfect for tucked in straight or skinny jeans. If you are pairing with a skirt, make sure it hits above the knee.
Fur-Lined Boots
Narrow, fur-lined lace-up or slip-on boots are great for a fun casual look. To mix things up a bit, try wearing knee socks over your tights and letting them peek just slightly over the top of your boot. Be sure that your socks and tights are contrasting colors.
These boots are made for walking, and now you can too!
Crystal VanZandt (fashion intern)
JC Penney ready with sales, coupons and early hours on Dec. 26
Don’t spend all your money before the holidays. Dec. 26 is shaping up to be a shopper’s love fest.
Oh, sure, there will be plenty of people returning ties, robes and coffeemakers, as well as redeeming gift cards and spending holiday cash. JC Penney says Dec. 26 is one of its busiest days.
So, you know what that means. Plenty of sales. Even early hours.
Penney’s, which will open at 5:30 a.m. Dec. 26, is advertising 100 doorbusters until 1 p.m., twice the number as last year. Shoppers can even sign up for a free wake-up call at www.jcp.com.
Penney’s is also including bonus coupons in sales circulars ($10 off a $50 purchase; $15 off a purchase of $75 or more).
