Month: June 2009

Designer Collaborations: The Fall Edition

Posted on by Announcements
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Just when you think you’ve seen all the designer collaborations possible, brace yourself, because H&M has just announced their new collaboration with Jimmy Choo. As we all know, the rapidly changing partnerships of fast fashion will leave you with just enough time to run to the store in hopes of scoring those luxurious sky-high stilettos that we all love so dearly. Jimmy Choo will create a line of shoes, bags, and accessories for both women and men that will arrive in stores November 14th, so mark your calendars. Tamara Mellon, the founder of Jimmy Choo, has been quoted describing the collection as a “sophisticated, fashion forward, accessible and glamorous collection – the perfect party pieces to buy now and then wear out that night!” Sounds pretty good to me.

Come September, we’ll see Christopher Kane’s third collaboration with Topshop. However, this time it will be more than just a capsule collection; it includes bags, shoes, knitwear and dresses. Influenced by the aesthetics of nuclear explosions for his resort collection, I’m curious to see where he takes this collection. Although one thing is for certain- I’m sure it will be nothing but boring. Over at Target, Anna Sui will be joining the fall lineup’s Designer Collaboration series. In stores September 13, rumor has it that Sui has designed a collection inspired by the cast of Gossip Girl, incorporating aspects of New York City’s punk, glamour, art, and high fashion.

Mad Hatter?

Posted on by What to Wear
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When it comes to hats I am always hearing women say “sure, it's cute on her but I can't wear hats!” This boggles my mind because everyone can wear hats – YES YOU CAN! There is no face-shape, hair color, hair length or age that makes one person more fit to wear a hat. Wearing hats is a great way to keep cool in the summer and no matter what your age a great way to be proactive towards avoiding sun damage. Check out the styles below for your 20's, 30's and 40's from our beloved retailer shopbop.

In your 20's don't be afraid of unique details like this feather detail and contrast ribbed band. Eugenia Kim Max Feather Fedora.

In your 30's go classic with a twist. The open weave of this hat keeps it fresh and young but less of a statement accessory. Open Weave Fedora with Navy Band


In your 40's try more of a classic shaped fedora (think less of a brim flip). This is the perfect summer hat to pair with an airy floral dress. Eugenia Kim Bianca Fedora

To Bee or Not to Bee?

Posted on by Shopping + Trends
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Recently, I have been noticing a buzz worthy trend in the celebrity fashion world. The once stinging color duo of a bumble bee has now been spotted numerous times on the red carpet. Usually, I would agree that this dichromatic use of color is fatal to any outfit selection. However, I now believe that honey isn’t the best feature of a bee, it is their magnificent striped coat of canary yellow and midnight black.

Angelina Jolie’s dress is a prime example of this perfected medley. She is seen on the red carpet at The British Academy of Film and Television Awards wearing an Armani Privé masterpiece. As exemplified by Angelina, the secret is to keep it simple with a solid black cocktail look, subtly accented by a touch of yellow trim. This look demonstrates how Angelina’s use of these two shades can be quite amazing. Taken on too aggressively, however, could result in looking like a tasteless Queen Bee.

I also witnessed this color combination on Christina Ricci at her movie premiere for Penelope. She was photographed wearing a Nina Ricci designed dress, which like Angelina’s, was a simple black dress with yellow and crème trim. These accents of color appear down the front of her dress and compliment her slender figure well. I would have to agree that these two new hues, when styled correctly, can bee an excellent color choice for the red carpet.

By Kelli Wallace

Trend Alert: Neon Accessories

Posted on by Shopping + Trends
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While designers like Balmain and Alexander Wang have officially celebrated the return of the eighties on the runways this past fall, it’s hard not to notice the resurgence of this wonderfully spirited decade of dress. Over the past few months, we’ve seen biker shorts, body con dresses, the strong silhouette of the shoulder pad, those amazing Mathew Robinson day-glo phython platforms, and the Steve Sprouse fluorescent prints over at Marc Jacobs. Not surprisingly, accessories have undergone quite the fluorescent treatment as well. Turquoise has become an electric teal, yellows have become a blinding shade of highlighter yellow, and as well as a variety of eye-popping hot pinks and electric greens.

As for neon off the runway, my sentiment is that in small doses of color via accessories, it can be a strategic way to add a little jolt of color to your ensemble, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be a blinding Day-Glo party. Contrasting to the neutrals and whites of summer, something as simple as a shoe or bag can instantly electrify your look.

It’s about time to have a little fun and invest in some colorful pieces. Why not try a colorful patent leather clutch, like this Envelope Clutch from Armani Exchange. For the beach, I'd suggest these hot pink Havaianas from Endless, a pair of bright citron Tory Burch ballet flats found at ShopBop for an everyday pop of color, or for a more dressy occassion, these Proenza Schouler electric pink and yellow criss cross sandal from Kirna Zabete. On the jewelry front, I'd suggest something along the lines of these 80s inspired vintage earrings from House of Lavande. And finally, for the full on neon effect, I'd reccomend this hot pink neoprene tote, coutesty of Pierre Hardy at Kirna Zabete.

The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion

Posted on by Culture
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On exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art until August 9th, “The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion,” is a fascinating exhibit tracing the evolution of fashion and beauty throughout the 20th century. Through the idealized aesthetic of the fashion model, the exhibit shows the evolving relationships between the model as a muse to not only designers, photographers, and the fashion world at large, but to project a persona representative of an era. From the ‘Golden Era of Haute Couture’ to the cultural crosscurrents of the sixties to the geometrically derived futurism of the ‘Youthquake' to the 'Body Politic' of the seventies, each decade reveals a shift in cultural, societal and political values.

The installations are a sensory overload. Between the video and music instillations to the beautifully restored gowns and surreal wigs created by the spectacular Julien D’Ys, each room embodies the fashion and sartorial evolution of women’s dress. Standing in front of Richard Avedon’s iconic photograph, “Dovima and the Elephants,” I overheard a delightful conversation of two ladies discussing the first time this photograph was published in 1955 and I really couldn’t help but smile. In this way, the exhibit has something to offer everyone: the historian, the photographer, the politician, the art lover to just a general appreciation of how much we are all driven and inspired by the muses of our respective generations.

Style Profile: Winifred Grace Jewelry

Posted on by Style Icons
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Winifred Grace Jewelry embodies beautifully simple, yet modern jewelry that combines an elegant edge of nature inspired colors and designs for a truly magnificent outcome. Using a variety of oxidized metals, fresh water pearls, and Swarovski crystal rhinestones in pale pinks, blues, and opals, this inventive jewelry designer is definitely onto to something quite extraordinary. Using rich colors and textures, each season Winifred Gundeck renegotiates art, nature, and the feminine mystique to create her exclusive collections for which she is now a recipient of The Fashion Group International's Rising Star. I had the opportunity to interview the up and coming jewelry designer to discover some of the brilliance behind her work.

1. Tell us about your current collection.

WG: I am currently working on Winter/Holiday 2009 which incorporates many muted, subtle neutral tones indicative of the season. Smokey, sexy, soft and romantic in color paired with the oxidized chains to give it that harder, more modern edge. I'm really excited about this particular collection!

2. What inspires you the most? I've read that you gain great inspiration from nature. How are elements of nature incorporated into this season's collection?

WG: The colors I have chosen are very natural and soft. The fringe that I create with the different rhinestone chains is reminiscent of many of the repetitive lush patterns & texture found in nature. I am also incorporating large asymmetrical Swarovski crystal pendants which are cut in such a way that they appear to have just been uncovered from some amazing source and polished up for use. There is raw quality to their shape, while the perfectly polished surface lends itself to luxury.


3. Who are your personal style icons?

WG: My maternal grandmother was always a personal style icon for me. She always dressed in a very free, youthful and creative way. Nothing was ever too restrictive, but always had a great element of style. Massive amounts of ethnic, handmade jewelry she had procured from her travels around the world, paired with a feminine silk blouse, trousers and men's shoes. It was a great mix of feminine & soft paired with practical & masculine. VERY Annie Hall. She never ever thought of her self as old, and it showed in how she dressed. I really miss her.

4. How would you describe your personal style?

WG: On any given day in the summer I can be found in flip flops or the classic dr. scholl's. I have a closet FULL of safari sleeved shirts. Praire skirts. I wear less pants, and more skirts – although I do have a pair of bell bottomed painter pants that I can't seem to get enough of. There is a STRONG influence of the early 70s, and though I LOVE pattern in my home, I mostly wear solid colors. In my every day life, I am quite casual – but when I do get dressed up there is a very strong GATSBY influence. 1920s, flapper girl – long necklaces, long dresses, subtle sexy curves and shape. This shows up in the jewelry I design.

5. What has been the most rewarding part of your career as a jewelry designer thus far?

WG: Every time someone buys a piece of my jewelry. Every time a store places an order. That reassurance that what I am creating is something people actually want. And then developing long lasting relationships with those people – that is quite rewarding. Also, when I look back to what the business used to be and where it is now it is extremely satisfying to know that I did it all on my own! What has been the most challenging? I probably spend about 5% of my time actually designing jewelry and the rest of my time is spent running and managing the business. This has been extremely challenging, but maybe one of the most rewarding parts. I wasn't trained in business, but it is exciting to learn.

6. Who would you like see wearing Winifred Grace Jewelry?

WG: Women, any age, who care about fashion, art, other cultures, and being good people.

http://www.winifredgrace.com/inspiration/

As told by Winifred Gundeck to Courtney Peterson

You are what you eat? Food, Inc. Film Review

Posted on by Culture
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The proverbial expression ‘food for thought’ took on a new dimension this past Wednesday when I had the privilege of attending Coralie Charriol Paul’s new film series, React to Film, in a screening of Robert Kerner’s new documentary, Food Inc. This award-winning filmmaker deconstructs the myth of the American farmer to reveal the shocking and disturbing truths about the industrialization of our food culture in the US.

Through an incredibly effective and engaging narration, this thought-provoking film communicates the realities of how our food is actually being made and the consequences of large corporation’s scientific and technological approach to producing massive quantities of food. Food, Inc. features interviews with industry experts like Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation) and Michael Pollan (The Omnivore’s Dilemma) to reveal the critical issues at hand: children’s diabetes, E. coli outbreaks, and a national crisis of obesity just to name a few. For the sake of sounding overly dramatic: Just go see the film yourself.

Not only is Food, Inc. informative and compelling, this documentary shows us the ways in which we can become an agent of change. To learn more about Food, Inc. and where it is playing near you, visit the website: http://www.foodincmovie.com/

Retail Report: Shopbop

Posted on by Shopping + Trends
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Did you all know that you can shop from some of the best retailers right on Closet Couture? You can try on fabulous new items with what you already have sitting in your CC closet! Just click “Shop” at the top of the CC homepage and browse by item or retailer, and choose must-have pieces from Zappos, James Perse, Shopbop, and more.

With summer just around the corner I thought it appropriate to show you some of the pieces that our beloved retailer shopbop can barely keep in stock for summer ! I'm pretty sure I can't live without these Elizabeth and James Wedges. Happy Shopping!

Elizabeth and James Haley Buckle Platform Wedges

KAIN Label Pocket Tank

Ray- Ban Wayfarer Skinnies Sunglasses


By: Ashley Roberts

Where the magic happens….

Posted on by Announcements

I thought today, in the name of fashion appreciation day (it must be somewhere, right?), I’d give a shout out to the two people who have the job of actually building Closet Couture.

Sheldon is our lead engineer, and his fashion sense runs the gamut – here at CC we have been subjected to months of Sheldon testing functionality with his own clothing. Despite what I believe his strong preference for tie-dye shirts and rainbow socks, Sheldon’s day to day style would make any fashion company proud…. Lots of black t-shirts and jeans often distressed, intentionally or not. Though we gently kid him about his sartorial style, we stand in awe of what he has built here on Closet Couture. Every button you click, every function you use, Sheldon has engineered and executed it. We are very lucky to have Sheldon and know that he now knows more about women’s fashion and women in general than he ever thought possible!

I would be amiss not to give another big shout-out to Aihui, our tech strategist and work-checker and general genius at large. Don’t let her cute style sense or dress collection fool you – she is one tough tech lady! Aihui might be the queen of Silicon Valley (at least in this writer’s opinion), and she has been known to send otherwise shy quiet engineers into fits of giggles when mentioning her name – you know who I am talking to, you Microsoft engineers! But we love Aihui for her Asian-inspired mixing and matching to always look perfect in her world – holding court with the tech guys by day and cooking wonderful feasts by night.

Thank you both for your great talent, style and endless great work – without you, we’d be back to dressing ourselves alone in front of our closets.