Striped Coincidence

I work in the fashion industry, and yesterday so many people wore vertical striped shirts in my office that I just had to mention it here.

Wearing vertical stripes in my office yesterday:

-2 designers
-1 sales associate
-1 production assistant
-1 sample maker
-2 interns

Since all the people behind the scenes in fashion seem to be in agreement (that virticle stripes are hot hot hot) I figured they deserved mention.

All of the stripes were either a dark navy blue mixed with white or a shade of purple with white.

A few great ways stripes were worn yesterday:

- 3 quarter length sleeves with jeans
- collared button down with pink suspenders and jeans
- with shorts and boots, plus a khaki blazer on top

Buy your own super cute striped shirt at Polyvore.com: http://www.polyvore.com/rvca_zoey_stripe_womens_tee/thing?id=13139745

Florals

I am loving this summer's floral prints!

Harper's Bizarre shows off this fantastic floral dress by Tory Burch for $465.00 (and belt for $150.00) in their article:

 

20 TOP TRENDS FOR 2010

Harper's Top 20

This tank top is super cute from Urban Outfitters for only $28.00

Check it Out

This dress by Juicy Couture is adorable!  It can be found at bloomingdale's for $298.00

Check it Out

These shoes are beyond fun!  Picture wearing these to the local garden party.  Actually, just throw the local garden party yourself for an excuse to show off these fabulous shoes by Guess.  Buy them for $89.00 at shoes.com.  

shoes.com

This precious skirt is currently on sale at American Eagle for only 19.95!  Buy it online at http://www.ae.com/.

Hipsters

I moved to New York City about 4 years ago.  And ever since I moved here the word "hipster" has come up in conversation over and over and over again.  Flat Rate movers had subway ads that poked fun at "hipsters", Youtube features funny sketches like the hipster olympics (check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAO4EVMlpwM).  All this time, I kept asking repeatedly "what is a hipster?  And despite the many conversations about hipsterdom, i still don't get it completely get it.

Here's what I've gathered from the stereotypes:  A hipster wears way too tight jeans (be it a guy or lady), converse shoes, trucker hats, big vintage glasses, and tight flannel shirts.  They tend to have vinyl record collections, sport sleeve tattoos, listen to indie bands and party hard.  Guys tend to have some form of facial hair.  Hipster's "reject" popular cultural things like fashion, TV, celebrity gossip, etc.  

Why hipster's get such a bad rep: 1) The idea that they are "rejecting" popular culture and conformity is a little backwards considering the popularity in hispterism itself.  2) All hipsters seem to deny that they are a hipster.

#2 is interesting... based on what my friends and coworkers claim defines a hipster.... many of them seem to be hipsters themselves.  However none of them admit to being hipster, and may even possibly take offense to the label.

Some people believe hipsterism is dying.  Other's believe it is the up-and-coming counter-culture turns mainstream story that our country has seen repeatedly over the last century.  The beatniks of the 40's were ostracized only to become mainstream in the 50's.  The hippies of the 60's were shunned, but an overwhelming cultural force by the 70's.  In the 80's the punks were the outcasts of society, and by the 90's mall stores were dedicated toward their mainstream style.  Are hipsters the next chapter in this repeating pattern?  Shunned today only to be the majority tomorrow?  Who knows!  Frankly, I'm still trying to figure out just what makes a "hipster".

Time Out New York totally bashed hipsters!  Check out their article, it's totally from a hater's perspective but gives quite a detailed analysis of hipsterism: 

http://newyork.timeout.com/articles/features/4840/why-the-hipster-must-die

Gnovis Journal is a blog dedicated to understanding and or participating the hipster counter-culture: http://gnovisjournal.org/blog/what-we-can-learn-learning-about-hipsters

Wall Decals

I am always looking for ways to update my apartment.  I was looking on Etsy.com for creative home decor ideas, and came across these awesome wall decals!  I think this is a fantastic idea for anyone who wants to add a special touch to their walls.  It is like a mural, but less work.  Weather you  just want color without having to paint, or want to add a design to a painted wall, these are really fantastic!

These particular designs are from Wow Wall.

Check out these Etsy shops for more home decor wall decals:

Wow Wall - http://www.etsy.com/shop/WowWall

Extra Design - http://www.etsy.com/shop/extradesign

Surface Inspired - http://www.etsy.com/shop/surfaceinspired

Leen the Graphics Queen - http://www.etsy.com/shop/LeenTheGraphicsQueen

The Little Black Dress

Every girl needs a simple little black dress.  Or several.

Here's Why:

- It will always be in style.  Jennifer Anniston looks as fashionable today as Audrey Hepburn did over 50 years ago, using the same secret: The little black dress!
- They can be worn for any season.
- Black is a slimming color - that's right... you look skinnier.
- It is so versatile.  Dress it up with hot shoes and flashy accessories, or dress it down with a denim jacket and a cute hat.  Wear it to work, wear it to a club, wear it to a dinner party, it's never inappropriate.





Some great styles to check out:

This little black dress is by Juicy Couture, and can be purchased at shopbop.com for $178.00: http://www.shopbop.com/abstract-sleeveless-double-layer-dress/vp/v=1/845524441871270.htm?folderID=2534374302063651&fm=other-shopbysize

This super cute little black dress is by Aqua and can be found at bloomingdale's for $98.00: http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=484624&cm_mmc=Shopping.com-_-Womens-_-DRESS-_-Aqua_Black_V_Neck_Faille_Dress


This great bargain is from delia's and only costs $35.50! Check it out: http://store.delias.com/item.do?itemID=52913&mybuyscid=11351523243&cmpid=MBRecm

Even sporty companies like Moosejaw see the value of the little black dress.  This cute, easy-to-wear piece is only $69.00.  Check it out: http://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/shop/product_Patagonia%20Women's%20Kamala%20Dress_10091816____?cm_mmc=CSE-_-Shopzilla-_-na-_-Patagonia%20Women's%20Kamala%20Dress&ad_id=cseshopzilla&zmam=89081595&zmas=3&zmac=28&zmap=795243

Rings

Rings are very in style.  Funky, interesting, big, noticeable rings are making their way to the stores more each season.

Here are a few fun styles that are currently in stores.

This "Triple Threat Cocktail Ring" can be found at Henri Bendel for $78.00.  Check it out: HenriBendel.com

This "Ariella Collection Enamel Dome Adjustable Ring" can be found at Nordstrom for only $58.00
Check it out:
Nordstrom.com

This "Daisy Stone Adjustable Ring" by Juicy Couture is $78.00 at Bloomingdale's.

Check it out:

bloomingdales.com

Two Finger rings are all the rage.  This one is simple but makes a serious statement.  This "Sterling Silver Two Finger Bar Ring" by Elizabeth and James can be found at Bloomingdale's for $95.00.  Check it out:

Bloomingdales.com

From My Closet

The following are fun rings from my closet.

This fun pink elephant comes from Top Shop.  Look for more fun rings at Top Shop: topshop.com

Hot Colors for Summer 2010

PANTONE SPRING/SUMMER 2010 COLOR REPORT The following are this season's most popular colors in fashion, and home decor according to PANTONE, the provider of color standards for professionals world-wide. Colors were determined based on the most prominent colors in fashion in New York Fashion Week's designer runway collections.	For PANTONE's full report including designer sketches, click here:http://www.fashiontrendsetter.com/downloads/Pantone-Fashion-Color-Report-Spring-2010.pdf Turquoise - PANTONE 15-5519 C/M/Y/K 61 / 0 / 32 / 0 GOE 104-2-3C
	Tomato Purée - PANTONE 18-1661 C/M/Y/K 13 / 99 / 70 / 0 GOE 26-3-1C
	Fusion Coral - PANTONE 16-1543 C/M/Y/K 1 / 48 / 42 / 0 GOE 16-1-2C
	Violet - PANTONE 16-3320 C/M/Y/K 25 / 53 / 0 / 0 GOE 45-1-3C
	Tuscany - PANTONE 16-1219 C/M/Y/K 25 / 35 / 41 / 0 GOE 16-4-1C
	Aurora - PANTONE 12-0642 C/M/Y/K 4 / 5 / 72 / 0 GOE 2-1-3C
	Amparo Blue - PANTONE 18-3945 C/M/Y/K 81 / 47 / 0 / 0 GOE 69-1-6C
	Pink Champagne - PANTONE 12-1107 C/M/Y/K 1 / 10 / 20 / 0 GOE 147-1-1C
	Dried Herb - PANTONE 17-0627 C/M/Y/K 45 / 31 / 65 / 10 GOE 153-1-3C
	Eucalyptus - PANTONE 15-0513 C/M/Y/K 26 / 22 / 40 / 0 GOE 153-1-1C

Gold Statement Necklaces

An all metal, gold statement necklace is simply a must-have.

Why?
- It is classic.  My grandmother had one, and they are still fashionable today.
- They go with any outfit.  Dressed up or down, the piece will shine.
- Even on a budget, gold-plated statement pieces are equally fantastic to complete an outfit.
- Can be worn with ANY color, and any print and still look great.

Some personal favorites:

Fiona Paxton's "Sylvie" Necklace 42" can be found at Bloomingdales in stores or online for $300.  Click here for more info: http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=337857&CategoryID=3629



Lauren by Ralph Lauren Hammered Circle Necklace can be found at Nordstrom or online for $48.00 at: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3052695/0~2376779~6008000~6024156~6024234~6024250?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6024250&P=3

Elie Tahari's Sandy Necklace at Neiman Marcus can be found in stores or online for $348.00: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod100010142&parentId=cat21800734&masterId=cat4870734&index=9&cmCat=cat000000cat2830732cat4870731cat4870734cat21800734

This Sequin Necklace is a personal favorite of mine.  I own this interesting and unique necklace, and get compliments every time I wear it.  Can be found online at Charm & Chain for only $145.00:
http://www.charmandchain.com/products/tribal-necklace

Crazy Shoes

Because who doesn't love to admire a fantastic pair of shoes... and dream of owning them?  Why not?

Worn by Beyonce at the 2009 BET Awards.

The fringe is what makes these shoes fab by giving them chic movement.

Alexander McQueen's Outrageous shoes wowed the fashion world on the runway.

Balenciaga's colorful and industrial shoes are a statement.  A simple black dress and these shoes are all you need to be the talk of the party!

For those of us who can't afford Balenciaga, Steve Madden knocked off this great design.  And while I don't advocate knockoff's, I must admit I bought them, wore them, and got many compliments on them before I ever knew it was originally a Balenciaga design.

Another show stopper!  Simple and sophisticated, but still somehow over the top.  These beautiful Christian Louboutin shoes are super feminine with the lovely billowing bows in alternating colors.

On sale at: http://www.christian-louboutin-shoes.net/

Yves-Saint Laurent's spectacular caged shoes plastered the pages of nearly every fashion magazine earlier this year.

And last but certainly not least, Louis Vuitton makes some truly fantastic, jaw-dropping heels!