Closet Couture Preview Sale: Rodarte

Posted on October 30, 2008 by Joanna Shopping + Trends

We’ve got big news, Closet Couture members! On MONDAY, November 3^rd, Closet Couture will be having an exclusive preview sale of archive clothing and accessories from Rodarte, all available for purchase through the Presse closet on our site. Beginning at 11 a.m. EST, seven one-of-a-kind runway pieces selected by Rodarte designers, Kate and Laura Mulleavy, will be up for grabs. We have a sneak peak of what’s included!

- A blazer from spring ‘08 that was made using an archive textile.

- A stunning crystal and lava necklace from spring ’08 that was designed by their mother.

- Silver studded gloves inspired by Japanese anime that were designed for their spring ’08 show.

All items will be sold exclusively on Closet Couture in the Presse closet one hour before they become available to the public through Presseboutique.com. Happy Shopping!

What to Buy to Wear This Weekend: Statement Cuffs

Posted on October 30, 2008 by justin Shopping + Trends

Back in March, when the models at Balenciaga's Fall show came down the runway in those structured black dresses, with glittering cuffs on each wrist, everyone stopped and took notice. These were Wonder Women, empowered, and ready to take charge.

A couple of months later, a super-hero-themed Costume Institute Gala inspired many a bold wrist wear choice, and though this fall, over-the-top necklaces may have risen to the top of the accessory ladder, we'd highly suggest that you don't count the statement cuff out. It's not only perfect accessory for one-shoulder tops and dresses–or any asymmetric neckline, which can look awkward with a necklace–but also a great way to add a bit of sparkle in the coming holiday season.

Alexis Bittar's Studded Lucite Cuff has a bit of a punky twist, and perfectly captures the essence of edge that has been pervading the runways as of late. We'd stack it with a couple of other bangles for a grouped effect. Neiman Marcus' intricate Crystal Cuff is unabashedly glamorous with a hint of deco detailing. It would be great with a jewel-tone sheath dress. And we're totally ga-ga over Christian Lacroix's neo-baroque black cuff, which is inset with stones in an ombre pattern. It's a totally unique piece that would add instant interest to any ensemble.

Our suggestion for this coming weekend? Try doubling up, wearing the same cuff on each wrist. You could have your very own Wonder Woman moment this Halloween.

In the News: A Fashion Goldmine at Christie's

Posted on October 30, 2008 by Joanna Style Icons

Katy Rodriguez and Mark Haddaway, founders of the Resurrection vintage boutiques in New York and Los Angeles, have assembled one of the most highly regarded collections of vintage clothing and accessories now up for auction at Christie’s in London. Consisting of 250 pieces, some worn by celebrities and rock stars, the collection features items by legendary designers including Paco Rabanne, Rudi Gernreich, Zandra Rhodes, and André Courrèges. An aluminum bomber jacket designed for Brigitte Bardot in 1967 by Paco Rabanne is estimated to sell at £6,000, while the most expensive item (another of his designs) is expected to go for £10,000. It is said to be the most unusual item in the auction – a “space-age” wedding dress commissioned by a Middle Eastern bride, but never worn.

The green hooded Azzedine Aläia mini-dress sported by Grace Jones in 1986 is also up for auction, as is that perfectly scandalous bondage-inspired buckle dress designed by the late Gianni Versace, famous for putting Elizabeth Hurley in the spotlight. What really piques our interest (and makes us envious) is the extraordinary World’s End and Vivienne Westwood pieces from the renowned Seditionaries, Witches, Savages, and Pirates collections. Up for bid is a toga dress from the Nostalgia of Mud collection, first shown in Paris by Westwood and her former partner Malcolm McLaren; punked-out t-shirts from the Seditionaries days; a pair of those coveted “Pirate” boots; and several ensembles dating back to 1977.

Zandra Rhodes Yellow Wool Maxi Coat (1969)

Paco Rabanne “Bardot” Jacket (1967)

Vivienne Westwood Pirate Boots (1981)

For more information visit www.christies.com

What to Listen to Now: Transition Playlist

Posted on October 29, 2008 by Joanna Culture

By Melissa Poulos

You’re rifling through your closet, trying to clear out all the sundresses and tanks to make room for sweaters and coats. A little music could make all that work a little easier, right?And just like transition seasons, there is transition music – lulls in between when your favorite bands are coming out with new albums. That’s exactly when you discover something new or rediscover something old, something unexpected or something familiar that has been sitting in your iTunes Library for years, time stamped 03/04/2003 ‘last played.’ Here are some of the tunes on our playlist these days – we even surprised ourselves…

NEW! TV On The Radio – Dear Science – Amazing new rock-solid album from innovative indies (check out track 10, “DLZ”)

NEW! t.A.T.u. “How Soon Is Now?” – You’re thinking, what? That one-hit-wonder, Russian pretend-lesbian act? And we know, it was just on Gossip Girl. But this is a pretty sick Smiths cover…

New Order “Temptation” – Just when you thought you’d had enough ‘new wave of new wave’ (you can never really get enough of “Love Will Tear Us Apart”, can you?) The fade-in is just so underused, and SO good.

NEW! Radiohead “Reckoner” remix – A favorite off of In Rainbows, now you can have it any way you want it. Take your pick or play them all at the same time: www.radioheadremix.com/reckoner

Tahiti 80 Extra Pieces – Poppy, sweet beach music to get you through the winter doldrums.

NEW! Land of Talk – Some Are Lakes – Loved their first album in 2006, love this one. A little mellower than Applause Cheer Boo Hiss but still full of Elizabeth Powell’s raspy poetry. Perfect, as the weather gets colder…

Smashing Pumpkins “Thirty-Three” – As you’re digging out your chunky cardigans, look for your copy of Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, one of the best-selling double discs of all time from the most famous band people love to hate. This radio-friendly hit has a crisp, clean sound. And the “new” SP will be coming to a venue near you soon.

Vintage Pick of the Week: Bandage Dresses

Posted on October 29, 2008 by Joanna Shopping + Trends

If there is any decade that gets a bad style wrap, it’s the ‘80s. The acid-washed jeans, the crimped hair, and monster shoulder pads did fashion no justice during that era. But as they say, “everything old is new again”, and the ‘80s are totally back. The spring collections were teeming with curve-hugging silhouettes, zippers galore, and structured shoulders, with the bandage dress ruling the runways. Asymmetrical body-con cuts at Narciso Rodriguez, color-blocked strapless numbers at Alexander Wang, and form fitting embellished dresses at Balmain were part sex-kitten and part rock & roll royalty, without being vulgar.

Now that the ‘80s are considered “vintage”, we turned to one of our most beloved Ebay stores, Libra Vintage, to search for the best in bandage. A dress covered in a neon geometric print reminiscent of Pucci, a cap sleeve style adorned in gold beads, and a sleeveless, black lace mini-dress all made it to our watch list. Should you decide to bid, be sure to take our advice on how to wear these head-turning pieces – with confidence.

Vintage '80s geometric bandage dress:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI…=tab%3DWatching

Vintage '80s gold studded bandage dress:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI…rksid=p3907.m29

Vintage '80s black floral lace bandage dress:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI…rksid=p3907.m29

Celebrity Style: Kristin Scott Thomas

Posted on October 28, 2008 by justin Style Icons

Okay, we admit it: we know jumpsuits are a huge trend this season, but we also think they’re a bit tricky to pull off. Fit is often a huge issue—and, like when you’re considering any other item in your wardrobe, bad fit should always be a deal-breaker. However, when done right, the jumpsuit can be staggeringly chic. Case in point: Kristin Scott Thomas, in this black strapless number.

Why does it work? For starters, this jumpsuit, unlike most others—which tend to be more relaxed, with a blouson top and drawstring waist—is tailored to a T: both the sweetheart neckline and the thin, lady-like belt highlight the actress' figure. Moreover, the pant is fluid without being baggy, and the length is spot-on. In fact, we'd highly suggest trying an ankle length pant for evening, especially if you're wearing an interesting shoe.

Plus, we absolutely love that her gold necklace and cuff—while quietly evoking a certain 70s glamour—don’t go over the top. That goes for the hair and make-up, too: a loose chignon and a red lip are the perfect sophisticated take on relaxed elegance.

Accessory Report: Clutches

Posted on October 28, 2008 by Joanna Shopping + Trends

Bags have been a symbol of status in our fashion-obsessed society for as long as I can remember. In sixth grade, I carried a fake (dare I say it) Louis Vuitton duffle bag with a matching wallet that my aunt had purchased for me on a trip to New York, only to find it stolen out of my locker before the end of the school year. I was devastated, not because I lost my lunch money and my Six Flags kaleidoscope keychain, but because I would no longer be able to flaunt my fake LV logo. Thankfully, I’ve moved on, and so have the days of logo mania. Small leather satchels, minus the bells and whistles, have become my bag of choice for day, and I’ve been favoring vintage clutches as my hold all for night. In the past year, the clutch has become favored amongst those wanting to make a style statement without lugging an oversized tote. It has become the new “must-have”, and I must say it deserves the title, albeit cliché. From feathered fold overs to dainty embellishments to bold hardware, the clutch is an accessory that will stand the test of time, season after season.

Michael Teperson Alligator and Feather Clutch, Available at Vivre, A Closet Couture Retailer.

Marni Acrylic Detail Clutch, Available at www.netaporter.com.

Hollywould Black Clutch with Croc Trim and Hardware, Available at Hollywould, A Closet Couture Retailer.

Stylist Profile: Dana Asher

Posted on October 28, 2008 by Anne Style Icons

Dana Asher, stylist extraordinaire, is available around the clock to help you with all you sartorial needs. Read below and check out her profile in the “Styling” section of the site.

When did you know you wanted to be a stylist?

I have always been into clothes. I went to fashion school and worked in the fashion industry for 10 years before I got married. I was married for seventeen years, and one day my husband came home and told me I had to get a job because he lost his job and couldn’t find work. That week I ran into another mom at my kids school and she told me “you always look so great, can I pay you to shop for me?”. I now shop for most of the studio executives, and as they say, the rest is history.

How would you describe your own personal style?

Fun, sophisticated and great shoes. It’s all about my shoes.

Recent luxe buy?

Obviously it falls into the shoe category. I bought Christian Louboutin black suede platform boots. I kiss them every day and don’t take them out of the box.

Recent budget buy?

Target socks. No one makes better pima cotton socks.

Collecting:

I have a weakness for collecting purses and shoes. I got my first Gucci bag on Madison Avenue when I was thirteen years old. I still wear it.

Worst fashion faux pas:

Wearing spandex in the eighties

Pining for:

Monogramed sheets from Pratesi and a crocodile mini Birkin

Style inspiration:

Watching reruns of Get Smart and seeing what Barbara Feldon wore.

Favorite stores:

Target and Neiman Marcus

What is the best part of being a stylist on Closet Couture:

Getting exposure and being able to help all kinds of different people feel better about themselves through clothes.

How do you feel that you can help users on Closet Couture to be or feel more stylish:

I am a people person. I feel I can help people have more confidence by feeling good in their clothes.

What is your favorite feature on Closet Couture:

My favorite feature is the forums. I like to hear what people are saying about different topics in fashion.

Get Your Vote On: Runway to Change

Posted on October 27, 2008 by Joanna Culture

Politics have never been known to make an appearance on the runway. Well, there is PETA, but they’re usually not invited. This year’s election has captured the interest of prominent designers, all of them uniting to bring style to the political campaign of Barack Obama with the “Runway to Change” project. T-shirts, totes, and other wares designed by Derek Lam, Alexander Wang, and Zac Posen to name a few, feature Obama’s campaign logo or his message of hope, all in the signature style of each designer. The merchandise is available online in exchange for contributions to the campaign. There is only a week left until Election Day, which means now is the time to decide on what to wear to go vote. For more information, visit www.runwaytochange.com.

If you're interested in McCain merchandise, visit http://shop.cafepress.com/mccain.

*Be sure to find out if your state has rules on wearing campaign paraphernalia to the polls. Contact your state board of elections to find out specifics.*

Photos from left to right: Maria Cornejo tee, Alexander Wang tank, Derek Lam tote

Trend We're Loving: Native American

Posted on October 27, 2008 by Joanna Shopping + Trends

From feather headdresses to tarnished turquoise jewels to fringe moccasins, the Native American trend is still going strong. The influence continues to be seen on the streets, and designers are referencing the past by looking to other cultures for inspiration. But if wearing a headdress (like so many hip, young things are doing) out on the town is your idea of donning a costume, take note of these options both high and low that are sure to help you get the Native American style without looking like you’re headed to a pow-wow.

Lindsey Thornburg, one of New York’s rising independent designers, is becoming well known for her covetable cloaks inspired by Machu Picchu in Peru. Made from a printed wool blend, the cloaks have silk lining and are available in full size and mini. They are an investment, but there’s a price to pay for keeping warm.

Out of the boho trend came fringe, which has made its way onto clothing and accessories and is one of the season’s hottest trends. Tory Burch’s budget friendly fringe messenger bag has Native American chic written all over it.

The moccasin gets an update with a wraparound tie at the ankle and contrast stitching. These suede booties by Dolce Vita are not only comfortable, but can be worn with jeans, dresses, and skirts. At $105, they’re a steal.

Splurge: Lindsey Thornburg Mini Length Cloak, $928, Available at www.oaknyc.com

Save: Tory Burch Fringe Messenger Bag, $535, Available at www.shopbop.com

Steal: DV by Dolce Vita Marcy Moc Bootie, $105, Available at www.shopbop.com