Sunday 15 September 2013

What's Left: Target x Phillip Lim in Brooklyn

So you would think that after being lucky enough to attend the Phillip Lim x Target launch party I would've found enough goodies to satisfy my fashion thirst. Afterall I found myself with the mini Pashli and the Boom sweater dress. Unfortunately that wasn't enough because even at the preview event the merchandise moved fast and I found myself stalking Twitter and Target.com like a maniac last night. The first pieces launched just shortly before midnight and slowly as the hours unfolded people were finding one piece at a time available for purchase all while the @TargetStyle Twitter feed claimed that the wait was still on. No wonder by the time it officially went live at 4:17am so many of the pieces were sold out.
Thanks to my stalking I was able to snag the trench coat shortly after midnight but while I was waiting for a few more pieces, lost the lingerie/sleepwear that was in my cart at about 1:47am. This is a good 2 hours plus before the official launch. Feeling a bit of despair at my losses, I decided to forgo the leopard sweater and bleary eyed I headed to bed. By 8:07 am this morning, there was not much left but I sagged the online only leopard travel bag and the camo print men's backpack.
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I decided like a true devotee/fashion slave to hit up not one but two of my local Targets after the frenzy of the early am to see what was left in store.
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While Atlantic Avenue was pretty wiped clean it was interesting to see what remained. Guess the navy dress with sequins wasn't that popular or maybe it was the $79.99 price point that kept people at bay but it was available in a multitude of sizes. The crepe dress with embellished neck line also was pretty plentiful in both Blue and Black. Other than that a couple pairs of sweat pants and a few tee shirts with and without embellishment, a few of the sweater dress in grey, the black and white color block shirt dress, cascade ruffle blouses and beaded tuxudo blouses were all that remain. Sizes tend to mostly be available in XL and Large, although there were some Small, Medium and XS to be found
After refueling with a quick bite, the Target in Brooklyn Junction was my next stop.
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I was surprised to see that this Target didn't fare much better and was almost as equally wiped out by 2pm. There was more menswear on hand at this location. However they did have some different selection of merchandise than the Atlantic Terminal Target although some repetition of some of the more seemingly unpopular items. The embellished neck was also available here in blue and black but not as plentiful. The embellished tee in grey heather and the ruffle front sleeveless blouse was also available here. There were a lot more XS and Small sizes left at this location.
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Unlike the Atlantic terminal, I spotted several menswear pieces here including a lone pair of tuxedo pants, several color block pique tees, marled knit cardigans and 3 or 4 trenches in sizes Small to Large
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What this location had that the other Target didn't was the embellished neck peplum blouses and one lonely floral print peplum blouse. The sizes were mixed but what was leftover at this location tended to run smaller. A woman wistfully offered me up a color block black/white dress which she thought was too adorable for words saying it should fit me.
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I spotted a couple girls with baskets full of the last hint of leopard I could see at the store and several other items as they made their final decisions as to what to keep or return. It looked like they were keeping most of the scores.
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One thing I noticed while I was at check out, without any Phillip Lim sleepwear, was a sign asking that guests limit themselves to 2 of the same item. This looks very similar to H&M's designer collaboration policies. Probably an attempt to stave off any e-bay resellers and hoarders from taking over but judging by what was leftover, I am guessing those attempts were in vain. Staffers report that neither Target is likely to re-stock but you may want to pop by after a few days or so when the returns start to flood in.

Thursday 12 September 2013

NYFW Spring 2014: Calla


Calla Haynes first caught my attention last season with her Tetris inspired 90s-esque collection. This season the young designer who was a finalist for France's prestigious ANDAM prize for 3 years continues her 90s love with a surf inspired collection. The designer's love for the decade could in part be stemmed from the fact that it was about the time in her life when fashion first held it's influence.
Fortunately the designer did not hold us hostage in the past and lent her youthful aesthetic to creating fresh fashion for the modern age. Sure there were crop tops, bat wing sweaters, bralets and matching skirt suits (Hello, Clueless) but the proportions have been modified to become a lot more flattering through full skirts, loose trousers and figure skimming sheaths

For most part just a peek of skin shows at a time making the cropped tops a lot more wearable. Items skim the body without being too oversized or too mini. 
  
Mixing prints seems second nature to Ms. Haynes and neon or bright pops were balanced with neutrals like black and white or white and warm grey.

The overall effect is that the Calla woman is feminine, cute but not at all saccharine or dainty.

Wednesday 11 September 2013

NYFW Spring 2014: Marc by Marc Jacobs

The Marc by Marc Jacobs runway show takes is back to the late 50s with it's neck kerchiefs, polka dots, bomber jackets, optical lines and pinstripes. The silhouette is the precursor to the 60s straighter silhouettes and shift type dresses rule the runway.
Suits of every kind found that way onto the runway in the form of traditional pinstripes, play suits and jump suits. Thanks to being layered with pinstripes and paired with sneakers the look remains casual. Linen, satin and sequins are all made casual too with the pairing over a plain white tee. Very fitting and youthful for the Marc by Marc customer.
Soft pastel pinks and baby blues are paired with their more vibrant counterparts of cherry red and marine. Neutral mouse beige, cream and black create a base for this collection.
Graphic color blocking continues and bold motifs like studded stars and lightning give the collection a dose of rock and roll.
Interestingly enough, every menswear outfit seemed to have a female counterpart. Is it a uniform vision for both men and women or a resurgence in the dreaded couple look?

Nevertheless the final results were refreshing and fun although nothing new under the sun.

Tuesday 10 September 2013

Stylescape: Phillip Lim x Target Launch Party

Last week, Jeff and I had were lucky to be amongst the attendees at the Target x Phillip Lim launch party. The attendees were many and although we arrived 30 minutes ahead of doors opening, by the time we made it inside, shelves were being wiped clean. If the ferocious appetites of the fashion set for this collection is any indication, Target hit it out of the ball park with this collaboration.

I quickly made my way through the crowd grabbing what I could find forgoing drinks and temporarily overlooking the interactive screen that featured style setters from many cities including our own DJ Lani Love for Chicago. After I found the mini trapeze bag that resembled the Pashli in yellow, the leopard print flounce skirt, the floral print shirt dress and the boom scarf and sweater dress I took a moment to take in the scene. Fashionistas had struck and while I did better than most, I missed out on the leopard print sweater and the innerwear/ sleep wear that looked ever so adorable draped in the arms of others in line.

Apparently celebs like Solange Knowles and Jessica Alba were in attendance as well as Phillip Lim himself. I never saw much of any of them since the shopping event soon broke out in frenzy and I overheard some of the fashion set complain that Alba wasn't on the list but not likely to be turned away.

What I was most impressed with was the relative quality of so many of the pieces for a collaboration. Most of the pieces look impressively good and not like a Target collaboration but more like Lim's signature line itself.

The mini version of the Pashli bag has a dull pebbled leather appearance that doesn't look too plastic-y. It is a little stiff but nothing that affects it's performance. The front closure on the pocket looks like it locks closed but is actually a magnet. Some of the hardware had minor scratches which I am guessing were made long before the pieces hit shelves. The hardware was a nice brushed brass finish that doesn't look cheap. In some of the larger styles of bags I noticed the pockets got a bit skewed during application and didn't look great.

The Boom Scarf I picked up is printed poly chiffon. It is pretty smooth and even doesn't have a shiny quality to it. Probably as nice as poly can get but at the end of the day still poly.

The leopard print skirt has a nice vibrant tone and shiny satin elastic waistband. The fabric is a poly twill has good body and a nice matte appearance. There is just the right amount of flounce without being skimpy.

The printed shirtdress was one of the winners I picked up. The colors were beautiful and the fabric a nice stretch cotton/nylon. The fabric has a bit of a lustrous quality to it that I am hoping will last with washing.. The fit was very flattering on my boyish figure as well since the skirt doesn't cling too much.

There was a tuxedo shift that I didn't pick up that looked pretty awesome with it's matte black crepe and white satin lapels that were nice and clean looking. It was beautiful and looked pretty luxe but it wasn't quite my style.

Finally the Boom sweater dress. This one doesn't come off as quite as nice as the other pieces. Up close the sweater does not feel amazing and I didn't love the poly  flounce on the skirt. I may remove this because unless I was about 7-8" taller the proportions felt wrong on my 5'3" frame. 
However this piece is quite eye catching and a lot of fun. I may exchange it for the sweat shirt version that I was hoping to get my hands on.

I can't wait for the rest of the collection to hit stores this September 15th (which happens to be my birthday), can you?

Monday 9 September 2013

NYC Sample Sales: September 10-15, 2013.

I apologize for the delay in my weekly sales round-up but I was out of town for a friend's wedding and spending time with family. Hope that these sales will have you excited to shop again as NYFW starts to wind down. Let me know if you stop by any of these sales. Bendon Intimates has been a long time favorite, the prices at Clothingline sound out of control and the Mulberry sample sale has me dying of curiousity! Hoping to make it to at least a few of these sales. Let me know if you happen to stop by and what you find.

Who: Marais USA
What: All pairs of women's shoes priced at just $30. Cash only.
When: September 14-15, 2013. Sat noon-8pm, Sun noon-7pm
Where: 355A Bowery between E. 3rd and E. 4th Sts (no phone)


Who: Bendon Intimates Sample Sale
What: Snag lingerie from Stella McCartney Lingerie & Elle Macpherson Intimates, plus more brands
at 50-70% off. Shop bras, panties, sleepwear, robes and other great intimate apparel.
When: Sept 10-12, 2013. Tues 10am-7pm, Wed-Thurs 10am-5:30pm
Where: Bendon Showroom, 180 Madison Avenue (at 34th Street), Suite 1702, NY, NY 10016

Who: Mulberry Sample Sale
What: Up to 70% off on Women's handbags, belts, scarves, small leather goods and apparel. Also a selection of men's leather goods and accessories will be available. CREDIT CARDS only. No children under 12 and no strollers.
When: September 10-12, 2013. Tues-Thurs 9am-6:30pm.
Where: Soiffer Haskin, 317 West 33rd St (near 8th Ave). 718-747-1656

Who: Blowout sale at Clothingline
What: Everything for $10 sale. No designers can be named but they claim that some prices are 98% off retail
When: September 10, 2013. Tues 11am-8pm
Where: 261 W. 36th St (b/n 7th and 8th Ave)

Who: Artek Sample Sale
What: Up to 90% off on lighting and accesories from designers like Alvar Aalto, Elissa Aalto, Eero Aarnio, Shigeru Ban, Enzo Mari and more
When: September 13-15, 2013. Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun noon-4pm
Where: 199 Lafayette St, Suite 5D, 212-219-0589


Who: Showroom Seven New York
What: Designers such as Issa, Charlotte Ronson and Liebeskind at deep discounts
When: September 3-October 4, 2013. Mon-Fri 10am-7pm. Sat 11am-6pm, Closed Sundays.
Where: 263 11th Ave - 3rd Floor (b/n 27th & 28th St)

Upcoming Sales:
Who: HermĆØs Sample Sale
What: Discounts on luxury apparel and accesories
When: September 18-21, 2013. Wed-Sat 9am-6pm
Where: Soiffer Haskin, 317 West 33rd St (near 8th Ave). 718-747-1656

Friday 6 September 2013

NYFW Spring 2014: Costello Tagliapietra


The designers of Costello Tagliapietra have long been known as much for their personal style as they have been for their light handed approach to draping ultra-feminine dresses. This season they branched out of the their normal territory and made the collection a bit more personal by being inspired by their personal approach to dressing while introducing plenty of separates, handbags and shoes.
 
Naturally there was a nod to the plaid that they both love and have earned them the affectionate nickname of the Fashion Bears. However the plaid has been blurred out to it's most abstract form to create a softer print. The long cardigans they favor, button-up shirts, relaxed trousers and tailored jackets have all found their way into this collection. However this is not to say that this is a literal translation of the duos masculine style and there is no hint of hipster or 90s grunge present. It is more what the designer's vision of women borrowing from the boys might look like.
Don't think that this means the designers have given up on their first love of draping. There are feminine dresses a plenty. However this time around the silhouettes are less voluminous and more sleek.
The color palette of orange, aqua, baby blue, cobalt, olive, black and flame red lend a tropical feel to the collection. When it is layered and color blocked in many of the looks it becomes very striking.
Overall the results were successful in creating wearable, effortless, elegant clothing that is simultaneously modern and classic. I really appreciate how the designers have broadened their offerings, giving more choices to their customer and can't wait to see these pieces at retail.