RED HOT!

I have to confess that, often times, the posts I have the most fun writing are also shameless self-promotion... But disclaimer aside, there is much excitement on the lolly.brand horizon, and if you've been following the oh-so-fabulous I LOVE LOLLY.BRAND group on Facebook (And if not--well, you should! For you slackers, click here!), you may have already seen a little sneak preview of what's RED HOT (quite literally) for spring and summer... Hello, I'm talking about the new brand.L Skateboarder Hoodie!

I know I say this every time, but I swear I always mean it: this sweatshirt is my favorite yet. Reinvented with a longer fit, a bright new color, and a bigger/bolder graphic, I wasn't kidding when I said red hot! Printed on American Apparel®, this irresistible hoodie features: brand.L's signature skateboarder graphic on the back in black and the logo along the left sleeve; cozy fleece lining; and contrasting white zipper tape and silver zipper.

And yes, there's more... It's now available online (yayyy!) so be sure to shop brand.L for him (or her)--and add that long awaited pop! of color to your wardrobe. If you're feeling patient, you can also check out the lolly.brand booth for this and other fashionably sweet styles at Boston's Stylefixx next month. But I have a feeling you're not going to want to wait on this one. I mean, they do say that good things come to those who wait--but whyyyy wait when you don't have to?! Happy shopping, fashionista friends!!

All images: Benny modeling the new brand.L Skateboard Hoodie from brand.L by lolly.brand $50 (available online at www.lollybrand.net under the "shop brand.L for him" tab).

The Curator: Have I Changed My Mind?

Last spring, we voted on harem pants in Episode 3 of Love It or Loathe It?, but my new found love for (obsession might actually be a better word) J. Crew's Curator Pant has made me question my conviction. The fact that I have to make a conscious effort to not wear these pants to work everyday makes me wonder: have I changed my mind??? Gasp.

Just to reminisce a bit, here is what I said on the subject last year: When harem pants first returned to the runway some time ago, I cringed, vowing to myself that I would definitely NOT be embracing this look. Then I began to wonder if my reaction was my typical "I fear change" knee-jerk response, the same way I initially responded to skinny jeans, leggings, and pointy-toed shoes.

However, my ultimate conclusion was this: I think it's fair to say that any apparel selection hinting of Aladdin and/or Jasmine should be put back on the rack, unless it's Halloween. That said, my conclusion is this: harem pants, SO NOT HAUTE!!! Just say no.

Yet, here we are--and I won't even try to argue with the fact that the Curator bears some resemblance to the harem pant. HOWEVER, I fully believe that their appeal lies in the fact that they are a more subtle amalgamation of the harem pant--with a noticeably less saggy butt (I know, I know--but it needed to be said). To clarify: where the harem sags, the Curator slouches--and that, dearest fashionista friends, has made all the difference. And not for nothing, but wouldn't you much rather be a curator than a member of a harem??? Just sayin'.




Image: Matte Jersey Curator Pant $168 by J. Crew (www.jcrew.com).

Please Mind The Gap

Happy Monday, style mavens! After discussing Paris at length for the last few weeks, I thought that we might kick off this week by dishing about what the Brits are wearing. Between doses of proper English tea (and all the delicious goodies that go with it), Sarah and I were able to fit in a lotttt of shopping into just a few days in London--and with it, a lot of style watching too! Read on for a few trends of note that can easily be incorporated into your spring look...

Punk rock is all the rage amongst crowds of youthful London girls--but they don't make 'em like they used to. Today's punk rock look is a contemporary re-interpretation of the age-old trend, characterized by destroyed tights; bright colors worn in layers; biker jackets; heavy eye make-up; and hair for daysss (in all directions humanly possible, albeit with the help of hairspray). If there was ever such a thing as punk rock couture, then it can be found in London, where rocker is part runway, part imagination, and--at times--utterly feminine. And you know how I love the edgy/girly duality!...

The world is flat. As Sarah reported back in her dispatch from across the pond in September, London "women walk everywhere and for once, their footwear reflects the adage of form following function." But make no mistake, style is not up for negotiation. In fact, I've never seen more variation of flats: neon, patterned, blinged-out bejeweling... You name it, they wear it. Although a heel lover myself, my trip across the pond has made a convert out of me--especially after days of walking and majorly aching feet. I now totally understand the flat appeal: live it, love it--wear them!

Heavy bangs are everywhere, and though I may have had trouble committing to my bangs, the ladies of London are definitely not having the same commitment issues. After observing the ease with which they rocked their edgy cuts, I was half tempted to return to bangs myself--but with summer (and humidity) just around the corner, the necessary maintenance of a heavy bang was a deal breaker for this American girl. I guess I'll leave that one to the British babes.

Ankle boot obsessed: It seems that I have a little something in common with the girls across the pond, for they too are obsessed with ankle boots. I noticed them everywhere, especially in the flat variety (which makes sense, obvi, considering our above discussion of flats). In fact, Elle UK reported that ankle boots will be the summer's surprise fashion hit, especially when worn battered and boyish--like you're not even trying (even though we'll know better).

So there you have it, all the trends you'll need for a charming--yet utterly chic--London style. At least, that's the word according to this fashionista's trend spotting. While not all of these trends work for me, I am most definitely embracing flats this season, which is actually a big change for me (despite all 5 feet and 11 inches of me). Until next time, thanks for stopping by--and please mind the gap.

Images, in order of appearance: (1) London street style, photo thanks to Refinery29 (http://www.refinery29.com/); (2) Studded ballet slippers (a DIY project!), image from the Material Instinct blog (http://materialinstinct.blogspot.com/); (3) Kate Moss, photo from The Daily Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/); (4) London ankle boot street style, photo thanks to Elle UK (www.elleuk.com).

I Love Paris, Part 2

As you might have gathered from last week's post, there are many reasons why I love Paris. Among them is one that I haven't yet mentioned: the fresh, new shops. No matter where you go in the U.S., you're mostly faced with the same selection. I suppose that's what happens when department stores take over the world? Of course, while you can usually find charming independent boutiques scattered throughout our great cities and towns, there's often repetition with the lines they carry. So what's a girl to do?--Go to Paris!

Shopping in Paris is like starting over. With the exception of the big designers (the blessing and the curse of that pesky fashion monopoly I mentioned earlier), there are countless lines that (a) I have never heard of, (b) are unavailable in the States, and/or (c) both. There are the fabulously infamous concept stores like Merci and Colette (to be discussed in more detail by Miss Sarah when she returns from Egypt--did I mention how jealous I am of my jet-setting friend?), as well as the smaller--yet equally edgy--independent shops as well. And somewhere along this fashionable spectrum is Swildens.

Anne Sophie, the enchanting and bubbly shop girl (as a fellow shop girl, I mean that as a term of endearment--just to be clear) who was part British and part French, might have had a liiiittle something to do with my new found love for Swildens. With the size and appearance of a pixie and the energy level of Mary Poppins, she went above and beyond--going so far as to swap music recommendations with Sarah and telling me that I looked like the model in a music video her ex-boyfriend produced (yes, she actually proceeded to show us the video). Definitely one of my more unique shopping experiences, shall we say? But I digress... The point, dearest fashionista friends, is this: Swildens offers a stunning array of boho chic apparel--made of luxurious fabrics in a variety of solids and prints, always with a flattering cut. And you can't really argue with that.

I, for one, totally fell for a long hippie-esque maxi dress with bell sleeves, which miraculously filled a void in my closet: a maxi dress with sleeves. Anne Sophie helpfully offered some style advice about how to effectively work the dress: wear my hair loose with just a few strands pulled back from my face (the ultimate flower child 'do), with an assortment of long, delicate chains at my neck. While I don't really go for long necklaces--with the obvious exception of pearls--I could definitely agree to the hair style, seeing that it's not all that different from my daily look.

So, if you haven't already guessed, I bought the dress--which is now waiting patiently in my closet for its summer debut. Clearly, Anne Sophie is one fabulous sales person--and with that bit about me looking like a model? Please, she had me at bonjour.

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Paris street scene, photo thanks to the uber-talented, jet-setting fashionista, Miss Sarah Barton; (2) Merci, store homepage (online at http://www.merci-merci.com/); (3) Swildens, shop window, photo thanks to Little Style Box (http://www.littlestylebox.com/); (4) Swildens, summer 2010 dress selection (online at http://www.swildens.fr/).

I Look Just Like Buddy Holly

Last year, I took a class at the Rhode Island School of Design (known more commonly as RISD) on trend forecasting for home and apparel. In class, we often discussed the importance of wearing "trend goggles" while we were out and about during the day, so as to observe current and/or up-and-coming trends. Well, after spending a week abroad, I think it's official; the aforementioned "trend goggles" might as well be Buddy Holly style glasses--aka Hipster Glasses.

From London to France and back again (quite literally--I was on the train), Hipster Glasses were everywhere during my travels last week. This was not neccessarily surprising, for I had noticed this trend prior to my departure for the UK, and I had actually been entertaining the idea of scoring my own pair. The trend is understandable; geek chic has been on the rise for years now, which is fabulous for a dorky little self-proclaimed fashionista like myself. And of course, let us not forget Weezer's Buddy Holly ballad, not to mention Rivers Cuomo's general look... Geeky is in!

Personally, I wear contacts most days, but I occasionally choose to rock my glasses--usually on a cloudy day (my eyes are waaaay to sensitive to forfeit sunglasses if there's even a hint of sun in the sky). When I do wear my glasses, my boss usually tells me that I look like Sarah Palin; maybe that's a sign I need to update my look? But I digress... Anyway, after touching down at Heathrow, I noticed the omnipresence of the Hipster Glasses almost immediately. Really. I'm talking about in the line at customs.

While leafing through fashion magazines, Sarah and I discussed the look. We agree: love it. The bigger question is the longevity of this look. Miss Sarah is actually spending this week in New York City (quite the little jet setter!--I'm jealous), and she has observed far fewer pairs of Hipster Glasses since she was last in the city in December. At least on US turf, this trend may be falling out of fashion, but I'm not one to let go of a classic too easily. In fact, I still want a pair so that I too can--at long last--look just like Buddy Holly. But don't worry, you can be Mary Tyler Moore.

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Buddy Holly in concert, image thanks to Wikipedia's entry on Buddy Holly (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddy_Holly); (2) Rivers Cuomo with a "Buddy Holly" look and (3) Scarlett Johansson in hipster glasses, both photos thanks to the Jumperdress Blog ( jumper-dress.blogspot.com).

J'adore Paris!

Last week, I had the opportunity to spend three glorious days in Paris, though it took merely a few hours for Sarah and I to agree that Paris might be the most amazing city in the world. Between the food, the history, the gorgeous architecture, and the striking fashion--well, I die. But since this is a fashion blog, I bet you can guess where this is going...

The truth is, dearest fashionista friends, j'adore Paris--and the masses of lovely little fashion plates running wild all over the city. Comparatively speaking, I have never felt like such a hobo (hobo chic?--not so much...), and I have never been more inspired. Merely walking the streets, I was struck by countless trends, and while shopping--well, you can only imagine how much I could have spent (if I didn't have Dallin to answer to, OR Bank of America trying to freeze my spending--true story). But barred by my pledge to carry on my bags, I had to (somewhat)control my urge to splurge. Yet, fortunately for me, many of these fabulous Parisian trends can be replicated right here in the good ol' U.S. of A.--though they're probably a bit more fabulous on Parisian soil (sigh).

Allow me to share a few noteworthy fashions that you might wish to incorporate into your American wardrobe:

Stripes are everywhere. The classic Parisian look, embodied by a thin-striped boat neck tunic, is back, and arguably better than ever. In almost every shop Sarah and I visited, we saw versions of this timeless look, sometimes embellished, cropped or reinterpreted--though I'm partial to keeping traditional with this particular trend. I mean, if it ain't broke, why fix it?

Ooh la la, hello short skirts! With my height, I would likely be arrested (though perhaps not until I returned to the U.S.) if I were to embrace the much, much shorter hemlines favored in Paris. Mostly donned in the style of form-fitting minis, itty bitty skirts were everywhere, often wore over opaque--mainly black--tights, which makes this look a bit more wearable.

And speaking of tights... I have never seen more fabulous variations of leg-wear than the few days I spent in Paris. Beyond the spectrum of colors or your basic fishnet that you can get in this country, I saw tights that were bejewelled and/or embellished like you wouldn't believe. In fact, I got SO excited about shopping for tights that Bank of America (who I'm NOT so happy with right now for reasons about to be mentioned) put a hold on my card for suspect purchases as I went stocking crazy at the Gallery Lafayette. Don't worry, I just used my other card; stirrups and seams, anyone?

Military-inspired leather jackets: Moving beyond the basic appeal of the bomber style, Parisian fashionistas have appropriated all military finery to the leather jacket--often double-breasted, with a high collar, defined shoulders, and perhaps featuring antique brass hardware. From what I observed, this trend has carried over to London as well (which came first, I can't say), which bodes well for its arrival on this side of the pond, especially considering the exchange rate isn't exactly in our favor these days. I should also note that, though we're officially in spring, the temperature wasn't always so cooperative during my travels. Happily, this gave me the opportunity to see the military look applied to some fantastic wool coats as well. I'm seriously considering it for next winter...

Not for nothing, there were also many trends I observed in Paris that are also present here: Converse are everywhere, skinny jeans appear mandatory, flowing scarves abound, and red lipstick is as pretty there as here. It seems some trends are global, which made me happy--as I would hate to be a completely unfashionable globetrotter! But despite many similarities, there are clearly some things that the pretty, pretty Parisians have a leg up on. I'm happy to report that, after returning home, I feel a bit more dialed in--and ready to make a few choice purchases. What can I say? J'adore Paris!

Special thanks to the lovely Sarah Barton for allowing me to use some of her amazing photographs for this post!

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Metro sign, photo by Sarah Barton; (2) Macaroons, also thanks to Sarah Barton; (3) Striped Tunic, photo thanks to Modelinia (http://www.modelinia.com/); (4) Girl in military-inspired wool coat, another gorgeous photo by Sarah Barton; (5) My less-than-glamorous Converse and jeans, also by Sarah Barton.

I'm Baaaack!

Dearest fashionista friends, I hope you didn't think I abandoned you! Rather, like the international jet-setting fashionista I've always wanted to be, I was cavorting around London and Paris with my always fashionable fellow blogstar friend, Sarah. The verdict: utterly fabulous. Intrigued?--not to worry. This week I promise a re-cap of our adventures, our style finds, and much, much more. And if you're lucky, maybe--just maybe--my lovely ginger-haired Sarah can be convinced to write another dispatch from across the pond. I guess you'll just have to stay tuned to find out... Until then, cheers!



Image thanks to the Fashionista (www.fashionista.com).