Miranda Kerr has been Down Under for over a week now, promoting the Spring/Summer '09 collection for David Jones, Australia's oldest department store. First she took the mic in tangerine, then she hit the catwalk. Her runway looks range from flirty contemporary to ladylike chic and all-out sexy. An adorable white-ruffled swimsuit even makes a cameo. But my fave is this delicioso orange asymmetrical dress. And check out that strut . . . watch out or you'll get smooshed.
Last night, the CFDA gathered around the stone at a town meeting where industry leaders discussed the future of the fashion industry. The debate was whether fashion shows should be targeted towards consumers or the industry. “We design for the consumer, and right now, I believe the consumer is completely confused,” said Donna Karan. Basically, who is going to purchase a wool coat — even if it's the most amazing coat ever — in August? That said, designers faulted the recession, discount-driven shoppers, the vast difference between runway looks and in-store merchandise, and the constant pumping out of collection after collection.
“We should truly focus on the problem and the solution. The consumer has been trained to buy on sale. The clothes in stores are not in season, so she is confused. Why should she go out and spend money early in the season, when in fact come September and October, when the season actually changes, the next season is there and it’s called resort? We are putting all the energy into something that the consumer isn’t really getting, because by then it’s on sale,” continued Karan. On a sillier note, Anna Wintour, suggested putting together a committee that could create rules for when stores could discount merchandise stating, "We have friends in the White House now.” That's most likely not going to happen but the issue remains, should the fashion industry cater towards the consumers or the industry?
Sequins have been popular for a few seasons now but the trend has most definitely evolved. These days, in order to be fashionable, sequins really have to stand out. Whether it's a bright color, interesting pattern or statement-making texture, this season's sequins are all about unabashed optimism.
We don't know about you but we feel like summer only started last weekend. If you're not quite ready to delve into the new fall deliveries, there are plenty of sample sales and affordable summer clothing to indulge in. One style we've always loved is a seventies-inspired beach look. Slip on a pair of worn-in bell bottoms or a brightly printed tunic and you're 90% there. After that, just let your hair air dry, wear minimal makeup and add a few retro accessories.
Most online retailers have a year round sale section. Such is not the case with La Garçonne. So as you can imagine, its Spring/Summer sale is a special treat. The sweetest pieces we're after are Alexander Wang's boxy oversized romper ($396, originally $565), VPL's drogue knit top ($228, originally $325) and Rachel Comey's winnie slingback wedges ($242, originally $345). There are also a few baby clothes for those fashion forward tots in your life.
There was a time when wearing a romper meant you were a risk-taker. Such is not the case now that the trend has permeated the market. This Summer, attempt to stand out from the crowd via one of our favorite two-tone rompers, above. They appear to be separates but are conveniently one-piece.
Velvet was a notable trend on the Fall 2009 men's and women's runways--and now it's time to shop the look. A little jacket is a great place to start and, luckily, there are plenty of options on shelves right now. From the strong shoulder jacket to the classic moto jacket, there are silhouettes in all varieties. Our favorites (and where to buy them) in the gallery below.
This season, quilting isn't reserved for iconic handbags and winter-weather jackets. A variety of sporty accessories and sexy cocktail wear has cropped up quilted and we think it might be the beginning of a trend. Quilting gives the appearance of texture and can go sporty or futuristic depending on the design. Our three favorites, above.
Speakal's best-known product is the freakishly cute iPig iPod Speakers, a stunning example of how you can make something that's become so common and boring — iPod speakers — back into a must-have product based on its looks.
The iPom, an upcoming product from Speakal, is, like the iPig, sweet enough to make me rethink my satisfaction with my current flock of iPod speakers and add to it.
I've heard good things about the sound quality from Speakal, and I've plugged my iPods into enough boring white or gray speakers to know that I'd delight at using "flowers" to play my favorite jams each time. Plus maybe I'll stop bugging my boyfriend to buy me flowers. Maybe.
Uh-oh, little smooshy Samson has a problem, and the name is pollen! LilPeaPod took Samson to the vet over the long weekend, having lately noticed lots of sneezing, droopy and goopy eyes, and one other interesting symptom: red, itchy paws. After a few painless skin tests, she found out that Samson has allergies!
Right now is the height of pollen season, and allergies aren't just for humans. Your pets can inhale lots of pollen as they walk with their noses to the ground and even be allergic to grass, just like Samson is. If you notice your pets licking their paws, scratching their face, or even an extra wet nose in the Spring and Summer, they may have allergies. Thankfully, it can be relieved with (pet-safe) antihistamines so your pets can enjoy the fruits of Spring, just like the rest of us.
