Some Inspiration For The Boys

Alright, boys we're gonna take this slow. This is only a preview to get you thinking/excited about fall. I know you've felt left out and you need some love.
So here's a few pictures from the Fall 2007 Collections:

Alessandro Dell'Acqua




Wear more metallics....


Alexander McQueen


Thom Browne - I love cropped pants on boys...boys do this.



The proper dress for the robbing of banks. Pretty hot.

Costume National



Key Ideas:
Black and gray is the way
Metallic kicks plz
A shot of color or whiskey

Tim Hamilton

The End of 'Gown in 60 Seconds'?

By Robin Givhan
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, August 10, 2007; Page C02

NEW YORK, Aug. 10 --The end may be near for easy access to cheap, unauthorized knockoffs of designer clothes. Capitol Hill has taken up the cause of fashion.
New York Democrats Sen. Charles Schumer ...and Rep. Jerrold Nadler ...took the stage Wednesday at the Fashion Institute of Technology, along with designers Narciso Rodriguez, Nicole Miller, Richard Lambertson and others, to champion the Design Piracy Prohibition Act. During an hour that was one part C-SPAN and one part Style Network, the group pushed for the passage of the bill, which was introduced in the U.S. Senate last week and would give copyright protection to designers' work. (A similar bill has also been proposed in the House.)

Above Right: A copy of Carolyn Bessette's gown appeared in stores soon
after her wedding to John F. Kennedy Jr.
Photo Credit: Charles Krupa -- Associated Press

Unlike other creative products such as movies, music or books, clothing has never been given copyright protection. Designers can trademark a logo, such as a polo pony, graphic lettering or a brand name. They can copyright a specific kind of ornamentation on a garment -- a unique kind of embroidery, perhaps. But they can't copyright the entire design of a dress. A manufacturer could make an exact reproduction of an intricately stitched Zac Posen gown, and as long as there is no counterfeit "Zac Posen" label inside, it's completely legal under current law.
The New York fashion industry generates $47 billion in sales annually...New York estimates it loses more than $1 billion in tax revenue each year because of counterfeiting. And the New York City police department has argued that black market goods finance everything from child labor to terrorism.
For designers, knockoffs have always been an aggravation. They cut into sales, tarnish a brand's luster and knock the wind out of young designers trying to establish their identity in the marketplace...
Mass marketers could still produce goods inspired by designer collections. Consumers will retain the right to be stylishly dressed on a budget. And fashion gets a smidge more respect as a creative endeavor worth defending.

Read the article in it's entirety at the source: WashingtonPost.com

---
This is an important article.
My thoughts:
Being in fashion design, I do understand the work and effort put into these collections that are being ripped off. Not going to lie, I have definitely been guilty of purchasing knock offs anywhere from Canal street to Forever 21. Fashion is an art form in itself... That is another reason I started this blog. Most people buying knock offs from random stores don't even have a clue. Most stores like H&m, Forever 21, Express, etc. are inspired by the trends debuting on the runways almost six months before!

However, being a stylist, I like to help people get the same looks for more affordable prices.

I do think it is awesome that designers are doing this because it will definitely help younger designers trying to get their art to the masses. But in order to appreciate it... you have to understand it. I hope I can help with that part.

Fashion History: The Frye Company

The Frye Heritage
The Frye Company is the oldest continuously operated shoe company in the United States. The Company was founded in 1863 by John A. Frye, a well to do shoemaker from England. John A. Frye ran the business for nearly 50 years. After his death in 1911, his family continued to run the company until 1945.Frye products have a long and illustrious history; Frye boots were worn by soldiers for both sides of America's Civil War, soldiers in the Spanish- American war, and for Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders. When home-steading drew adventurous New England families to the West during the mid and late 1800's many of the pioneers wore Frye Boots for the long journey.

Frye's current Harness Boots are rooted in tradition and continue to draw influence from the Cavalry. In 1938, on a trip to Washington, D.C., John A. Frye's grandson and namesake met a U.S. Navy Admiral who confided that he had trouble finding the Wellington style he liked so much. As a favor, John agreed to make him a pair. Frye continued to fill requests for these boots through the second World War. During World War II, Frye supplied thousands of servicemen with Frye's Wellingtons, known as Jet Boots, by mail order . Jet Boots traveled the world on feet of U.S. servicemen during the war. Even General Patton wore a pair.

In the 1960's, Frye reintroduced the Campus Boot, from its 1860 original, featuring a bulky toe and chunky heel that came to epitomize the attitude and the style of the 60's and 70's. There was nothing like the "new" Frye Boot on the market, and consumers began to demand "Original Frye's." When searching for items to represent the America of the 60's, the Smithsonian Institute chose a pair of Frye Boots, which remain on display today.Today Frye's classic Harness Boot holds a place in American culture. The Harness Boot has been pictured in fashion spreads internationally and enjoys strong sales in the United States, Europe and Japan.
--

I've been wanting to invest in a pair of these bad boys for quite some time now. However, due to lack of proper funds, I will simply post my must haves.


Frye Harness Boot $201.95


Frye Reese $153.95 -lol I know but they seem so good. The name of this shoe made me crave some fried rice maun.


Frye Oxford $153.95 -Black and brown oxford lace ups!! Power piece much?
*No one I know better get these... I'm saving up!


The Classic Campus Boot $253.95


Frye Gwen $147.56 -I dig them.


This color is sexy.


Frye Adrienne Boot $398.00- Perfect for fall not falling!

Find more Frye styles at Zappos.com or Frye... It's worth a look... trust mama.
I know some of these seem a little expensive but think quality over quantity especially when it comes to a classic.
And don't worry I'll be on the look out for Vegan alternatives. Anyone know any? - feel free to comment.

Philip Lim Flying Coach?

FLYING COACH:

Could Phillip Lim soon be creating apparel pieces for Coach? Word is the designer has had a few conversations with the accessories giant for a possible collaboration with Reed Krakoff, Coach's president and executive creative director. Further details could not be learned, but the focus could be on trenchcoats. The project is said to be in its nascent stages, and product is unlikely to hit Coach stores before spring or even fall 2008. It wouldn't be Coach's first apparel venture. Last year, the New York-based company struck a deal with cashmere label Lutz & Patmos for a capsule line of women's knitwear.
Read the rest of this article here...

Philip Lim is easily one of my favorite "up and coming" designers. I am very confident he will soon become a household name. And I definitely can't wait to see what he will do for Coach. (check out the Legacy collection).

The Unexpected at The Gap

I happened to be at the Gap the other day when I noticed these shirt dresses in the window. Immediately thought: Perfect staple piece for Spring and Fall. All depending on styling, of course.



$69.50
There are soo many ways to wear these dresses. I'll work on some examples.

So I decided to see what else Gap might have to offer. Oddly, this bag struck me as ugly, but in a good way... if that's possible.


$128.00

Not convinced? Picture that purse with this sweet and delicate dress by
3.1 Philip Lim.


...and these shoes:


Gap $39.50

These shoes are pretty cute too. Especially, when paired with a dress like the Marc Jacobs one. Throw on the herringbone tights. And don't forget the fabulous trench!


Gap $39.50


Gap Herringbone Tights $12.50



Marc by Marc Jacobs $368.00

10 Summer Pieces To Wear Into Fall

No need to pack away your favorite summer pieces once the temperature drops. With a few styling tricks and some key additions, you can wear them through the fall season.

1. The Floral Dress

Wear Now With:
Bare legs and sandals

Wear Later With:
Opaque tights, belted cardigan and ankle booties
Opaque tights, a chunky oversized cardigan and ankle strap pumps
Layer a turtleneck underneath the dress and wear with opaque tights and knee high boots

2. Bermuda Shorts

Wear Now With:
Bare legs and flats or wedges

Wear Later With:
Opaque tights, turtleneck, fitted jacket and heels
Opaque tights, belted collegiate sweater or cardigan and ankle strap pumps

3. Cropped Short Sleeve Jacket

Wear Now With:
White pants, shorts, jeans, dresses

Wear Later With:
Wide leg pants
Long sleeve turtleneck and jeans
Knee length or shorter dress with tights

4. Patent Leather

The Scoop:
Patent leather accessories and clothing with patent leather embellishments continue to be a hot trend for Fall


5. Menswear Vest

Wear Now With:
T-shirts and shorts, button downs and capris

Wear Later With:
Menswear inspired pants and a fitted jacket
Feminine button downs and jeans


6. White Pants

Wear Now With:
T-shirts, tanks, printed blouses

Wear Later With:
Jackets, knit turtlenecks, belted cardigans
Looks especially fresh worn with dark, rich colors like black or brown

7. Graphic Print Skirt

Wear Now With:
T-shirts, tanks, pretty tops, cropped jackets

Wear Later With:
Opaque tights, long sleeve blouse and ankle strap heels
Opaque tights, fitted sweater or cardigan and heels
Opaque tights, long chunky knit cardigans and knee high boots


8. Bright Oversized Bag

The Scoop: Bold, bright oversized bags in orange, red, yellow, purple and jewel tones continue to be a standout through Fall.


9. Minidress

Wear Now With: Bare legs and flats

Wear Later With: Opaque tights and heels or knee high boots


10. Metallic Accessories


The Scoop: Our favorite neutral continues into Fall. Gold, platinum and bronze handbags, shoes and accessories add interest to virtually any look

Source: StyleBakery

Power Piece: The Staple Trench

I know, I know, technically it IS still summer and yeah I do live in Houston, Texas... the dirty (hot, hot) South..point is who am I kidding?... We're all totally psyched for Fall!...
New classes, new pressures and new clothes!
Here are a variety of picks for some great trench coat styles at both designer and non-designer prices.

The Classic Trench
Built to be weather practical yet versatile enough for a glamorous cocktail soiree. There are plenty of different styles to differentiate yourself from other trenches.
Here are a few examples from the Fall 2007 Collections:

Philip Lim 3.1


Sonia Rykiel



Dior Homme


Yohji Yamamoto


Wunderkind



Karl Lagerfeld


Betsey Johnson


Salvatore Ferragamo



6267


Trend to watch for: military inspired trench/pea coats

Valentino



Ralph Lauren


Burberry Prorsum







Although, I do suggest quality when purchasing a staple or a classic such as a trench. Here are some more affordable alternatives.

Forever 21 $37.80- you can make this more interestin by adding fun/vintage buttons.


Forever 21 $34.80


Old Navy $39.50- Spice this baby up with a colored/patterned belt!


Banana Republic $188.00


Juicy Couture $428.00


Mike and Chris $276.00


Find more trench coats at Shop Bop.

Of course this is only an introduction. I will be posting more examples. And for those of you still on the fence about trench coats... perhaps these stylish dudes will help you in your decision making process.