Apparel

Miu Miu Launches E-Commerce Site

Ladies, get your credit cards ready!

The Italian fashion house Miu Miu has recently launched their e-commerce site. Known for their eclectic and innovative designs against classic silhouettes, Miu Miu consistently creates fashions that make a statement while transcending trends.

Miu Miu's online store features their full collections, online-only exclusives and our personal favorite -- The Fashion Show selection where you can shop looks straight from the runway.

As much as we may love online department stores and luxury e-retailers, let's face it, they don't always have the latest or the widest range of clothing and accessories. The more fashion companies enter the e-commerce race, the better for the consumer. More options equals better selections and deals. Happy shopping!

Have tips or suggestions? Contact me @marsha712

Tags: apparel, e-commerce, handbags, miu miu, online shopping, shoes

R13 $300 Sweat Jeans

by Marsha Reid (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

Comfort is key when getting dressed. That's a no brainer. But many of us, including myself, forgo comfort to somehow squeeze our bodies into a piece that we most certainly know will instill pain.

The pair of sexy jeans that are so tight, you avoid sitting at all costs. Or the "gotta have it" high heels that forces our toes to look like they have taken on another life form. And when you take (insert painful article of clothing or accessory here) off, it feels so good that you swear you'll never put yourself through that again, but knowing that you really will. It's insane what we put ourselves through for the love of fashion.

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Tags: apparel, jeans, pants, R13, sweatpants

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Men's Socks by Subscription: The Sockscription Review

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Men's Style, Modern Gentleman

The idea of the Sockscription is pretty simple (we first discussed it here). The guy who never thinks about buying new socks gets them delivered via mail direct a few times a year. It also makes good business sense for Blacksocks as they know they have your ongoing business. Convenience services such as this make a lot of sense for the modern busy guy - but you also run the risk of having just too many socks. The problem the service tries to avoid is you having hole-ridden business socks when you least want to.

Tags: apparel, business, gift, mens socks, review, sock, socks, sockscription, subscription

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The Fashion Statement: The Shirtwaist's Enduring Influence

by Kristin Young (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, The Fashion Statement

I read with interest Ruth La Ferla's article in the New York Times about the shirtwaist.

As you may have heard by now, Friday marks the 100th anniversary of one of the worst workplace tragedies in history -- the Triangle Waist Company fire where 146 people, mostly women, were killed in a New York garment factory. The factory was one of the largest makers of the shirtwaist. That event changed the labor movement forever, not to mention mandated laws like sprinkler systems and unlocked exits in public areas.

As newspapers and TV documentaries chronicle this terrible turn-of-the-century event, some people have asked me, "What exactly is a shirtwaist?"

As La Ferla points out in the Times, the shirtwaist was all the rage in America at the turn of the century. It was a combination of a tailored shirt and a skirt that showed a bit of leg (it would show even more leg years later). The shirtwaist began to take on historical significance in fashion. After the fire, it signified women's demands for better working conditions and a kind of liberation.

Several decades later, it morphed into Dior's famous New Look of the '40s, typified the way most women dressed in the '50s (think: Donna Reed) and, later that same decade, became an emblem of the civil rights movement.

Tags: apparel, fashion, shirtwaist, The Fashion Statement, Triangle Waist Company

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The Fashion Statement: The Plight of Japanese Designers

by Kristin Young (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, The Fashion Statement

Lakme Fashion Week Japanese Designers Designs

Normally, Tokyo follows India in the global fashion week calendar. But in the wake of the earthquake, the tsunami and nuclear explosions that rocked the country, shows were canceled. Although Tokyo wasn't directly hit by catastrophe, the decision to halt the shows came down to an iffy electricity supply, transportation snafus and the safety of attendees.

Yet some of Japan's top designers showcased their collections at Lakme Fashion Week (pictured above) in India. Tokyoeye, an initiative by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, brought the best of Japanese fashion talent to India. Designers Motonari Ono, Tamae Hirokawa and Sara Arai showed on the very day the tsunami hit their home country.

Arai, implemented a dying art from Japan called Yohenzomei, in the form of a fabric that changes color under light. She hoped to make an impact on India in order to "send cheer back to her countrymen." Designers Hirokawa and Ono noted that they were influenced by their country's traditional weaves and craftsmanship.

Tags: apparel, fashion, Japanese designers, Junko Shimada, Kaito Hori and Iku Furudate for Commuun, Lakme Fashion Week, Motonari Ono, Sara Arai, Tamae Hirokawa, Tokyo Fashion Week, Tokyoeye, Tsumori Chisato, Yohji Yamamoto

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Roberto Capucci Exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Art

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is currently featuring more than 80 sculptural fashion creations by Italian designer Roberto Capucci in an exhibit called "Art Into Fashion." Capucci is known for his wild and interesting use of silhouettes and structural design elements to create fashion that's as much art as it is clothing. The exhibit marks the first survey of Capucci's works in the United States and also includes various sketches and drawings from past years.

Roberto Capucci was born in Rome in 1929 and sold his first design at age 18 to the wife of film director Roberto Rossellini. The "Art Into Fashion" exhibit runs through June 5, 2011.

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Tags: apparel, fashion, museum, philadelphia museum of art, roberto capucci

Is It Possible to Wear Shorts in the Winter?

by Marsha Reid (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Handbags, Shoes

Is It Possible to Wear Shorts in the Winter?

It seems like a crazy question to ask - who would wear a pair of shorts baring their legs to the harsh elements of winter? Most likely no one. But even the dreariest and coldest winter season has mild days where outfitting yourself in a pair of shorts doesn't seem like an insane idea. And with a little sense of adventure, it can become one chic outfit.

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Tags: alexander wang, ankle boots, apparel, blouse, clutch, diane von furstenberg, Falke, Iro, leather jacket, Preen Line, Raphael Young, scarf, shorts, tights, Yves Saint Laurent

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Victoria's Secret Spring Swim Preview

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

The Victoria's Secret sirens have brightened up this miserable late winter weather with a preview of sexy swim fashions for spring and summer. The lingerie leviathan whisked South African stunner Candice Swanepoel (above), Brazilian bombshell Alessandra Ambrosio, Minsk minx Maryna Linchuk and more to St. Tropez to frolic in the sun in their latest creations. Leopard prints, bright batiks, near-psychedelic patterns and a smattering of sequins make for an anything-but-understated selection of swimwear. The full collection can be seen in the new Victoria's Secret Swim 2011 catalog hitting mailboxes this week, featuring 50 pages of eye-popping pix. Check out the gallery for a preview.

Gallery: Victoria's Secret St. Tropez Swim 2011

Tags: Alessandra Ambrosio, apparel, beach, Candice Swanepoel, fashion, lingerie, St. Tropez, supermodels, swim, swimsuits, Victorias Secret

France's Faconnable Launches Jeans Collection

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Men's Style

France's Faconnable Launches Jeans Collection

French fashion label Façonnable, born from a tailor's atelier in Nice in the 1950s, has always been one of our favorite men's style staples. Now the company, which is committed to innovation, quality fabrics, impeccable cuts and singular details, is launching a new line called Façonnable Jeans, adding a contemporary spin to its portfolio. Inspired by the relaxed lifestyle of the Côte d'Azur, Façonnable Jeans offers the best of the world of denim while adhering to the principles of fine tailoring the brand is known for.

Refined stitching; the finest materials such as Japanese chambray; and contemporary fits distinguish the new collection, while prewashing and hand finishing guarantee a soft feel and unique patina. The new collection encompasses more than just jeans to round out the wardrobe, including khakis, washed cotton polos and T-shirts, and various styles of jackets, along with stylish accessories such as pocket squares and handmade ties, shoes, bags, belts, scarves, caps and boxer shorts.

Gallery: Faconnable Jeans Collection

Tags: Apparel, Denim, Façonnable, Faconnable, Fashion, France, Jeans, Mens Clothing, Mens Style, Nice, Shoes, Tailoring, Ties

Alexander West Custom Cashmere Blend Shirts

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Men's Style

Alexander West Custom Cashmere Blend Shirts

Alexander West, a Manhattan-based clothier specializing in the finest custom-tailored shirts, ties and cufflinks for stylish swells, has debuted an ultra-luxurious new cashmere blend collection. With an extremely soft hand, the weight of the luxe fabric transitions perfectly from winter to spring. The bespoke shirts, available in three colors – stone (above), granite, and solid eggshell – feature a button-down collar and flap pocket, and retail for $295 apiece. Other West designs, available online and by appointment in New York City, are woven from premium cottons and feature luxe mother of pearl buttons, personal monogramming, and precise, detail-conscious craftsmanship. The company also offers a "Send Your Shirt" program, in which they will replicate the fit of a favorite worn-out shirt in the fabric of your choice.

Tags: Alexander West, apparel, bespoke, cashmere, clothing, custom, mens style, New York City, shirts

Express Celebrates Men's Style Staple at Super Bowl

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Events, Sports

Express, the stylish clothing brand for the young-and-cool set with a staggering $1.8 billion in annual sales, is celebrating the 10th anniversary of their most popular menswear item with a VIP bash at the Super Bowl. Since it was first introduced in 1991 the brand's 1MX shirt (above) has outfitted millions of men tired of shapeless sacks, upping the style quotient across the country. Offered in a range of 10 staple colors with an additional 10 colors rotated in per season, the highly-engineered 1MX features an calibrated collar, sleeve caps, hand patterned interlining, French seams, and 97% cotton / 3% spandex stretch fabric for a "custom" fit, available in two styles.

As the slimmer shirts are particularly popular with athletic types, the company is hosting an Anniversary event featuring a three-day gifting suite during Super Bowl XLV in Dallas. The exclusive event, taking place February 3rd – 5th at the historic Belmont Hotel, will be hosted by Jacksonville wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker who'll welcome the elite athletes and VIPs in town for the big game. The Express suite will feature an on-site monogramming station for attendees to individualize their personal iconic 1MX shirt as they enjoy signature cocktails and mingle with the crème de la crème of the sports world.

Tags: apparel, athlete, clothing, Dallas, Express, football, mens style, shirt, sports, Super Bowl, Super Bowl XLV

The Classicist: Barbour Launches the Ltd. Edition Steve McQueen Collection

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Sports, Men's Style, The Classicist

EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW: Two icons of authentic sporting style come together in classic British outerwear brand Barbour's cool new limited edition collection designed in homage to the great Steve McQueen, set to launch this fall. In celebration of the 75th anniversary of their iconic International clothing range, which the King of Cool wore while motorcycle racing in the 1960s, the capsule collection of 19 pieces features several new jackets, shirts and sweaters inspired by archival photos of the actor racing motorbikes and driving his collection of classic sports cars. McQueen first donned a Barbour International jacket when he represented the United States team in the 1964 International Six Day Trials (ISDT) motorcycle race in East Germany. The ISDT (now known as the International Six Days Enduro), one of the most challenging moto racing events in the world, requires each rider to cover 200 miles a day over hellish terrain.

Prior to the event in '64 Steve McQueen and other members of U.S. team stopped off in London and bought six-pocket Barbour Internationals, derived from a one-piece racing suit first offered by the firm in 1936, as a defence against the vagaries of European weather. McQueen quickly became enamored of the International's weather-defying qualities and rugged utility, wearing it in several grueling moto races over the years. Classic images of McQueen in his Barbour grace the linings of the jackets in the new collection. Standout pieces include the Penton (above, $799) and Baker ($599) waxed cotton jackets featuring stars and stripes linings and U.S. flags on the left chest, faithfully recreating the jacket that McQueen wore in the '64 ISDT. Two other wax cotton jackets, the Trophy ($429) and the Greenham ($399), reflect McQueen's effortless style on and off the racecourse. [cont'd]

Gallery: Barbour Steve McQueen Collection

Tags: apparel, Barbour, Barbour International, celebrity, ISDT, jacket, London, mens style, motor racing, motorcycle, racing, Steve McQueen, UK

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Tod's Unveils Men's A/W 2011-12 Collection

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Shoes, Men's Style

Tod's Unveils Men's A/W 2011-12 Collection

Famed luxury goods firm Tod's has just unveiled its luxe men's collection for the Autumn / Winter 2011–2012 season, amping up the formality a notch while remaining the epitome of casual elegance and chic refinement. Highlights for the upcoming season include new takes on Tod's classic Winter Gommino boots as well as more formal black patent leather loafers (above, right) with a distinct wedged black rubber sole that come in a range of lace-up and slip-on versions. Other featured items include an impressive selection of bags, luggage accessories and small leather goods such as wallets and iPad cases in a range of leathers and precious exotic skins such as crocodile and python. A standout piece is the black transversal 24-hour bag (above, center) in matte black crocodile, a stylish cross between a business and weekend case. The colour palette for next fall also includes natural hues of rich chocolate brown, warm honey, marble, stone and earthy sand, including a suede bomber jacket (above, left).

Tags: apparel, crocodile, luggage, mens style, shoes, Tods

$150 Blank-Label Giveaway Ends Tomorrow

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Men's Style

Whether you missed the original post or just didn't get your entry in yet this is a friendly reminder that our $150 Blank-Label giveaway ends Tuesday (tomorrow) at 5pm EST. Whether you're frustrated with "off the rack" shirts because of fit issues like too-short sleeves and tight/loose spots in all the wrong places, or just want an opportunity to inject a little of your own unique personality into your wardrobe, Blank-Label has it covered with the ability to build your own dress shirts from the ground up. Enter to win a $150 Blank-Label gift card by leaving a comment on the original giveaway post (click here) telling us why you're frustrated with buying "off the rack." Good luck!

Note: Although comments left on this post are certainly appreciated be advised they won't count as an entry.

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Tags: apparel, blank-label.com, giveaway

12 New Year's Eve Party Dresses

by Marsha Reid (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

The Holiday Season is in full swing. Christmas is quickly approaching and before you know it, New Year's Eve will make its arrival. And you know what that means? The search begins, if it hasn't already, for the perfect dress to attend the world's ultimate party.

So what makes for the perfect dress? First off is comfort. If you don't feel comfortable and confident in what you are wearing, don't wear it. Even the most expensive dress by the best designer will not work if you don't feel comfortable. Second, forget the trends and wear a dress that works for your body. Find a complementing silhouette, color and length.

To help your quest for the right dress, we've searched and found a collection of some breathtaking and seductive dresses. We start with a gorgeous strapless party dress from Tracy Reese. The Curving Cloudcover Dress ($398) is made with various pieces of delicate chiffon that are layered together against a form fitting a-line silhouette. A dark color combination of black and grey with hints of sequins makes for a versatile dress that would complement all skin tones. Reese's elegant and ethereal dress is fashionable enough to be worn with minimal jewelry and sexy high-heeled patent leather pumps for a knock-out outfit.

Take a look through our gallery below of chic dresses to bring in the New Year.

Have tips or suggestions? Contact me @marsha712

Gallery: 12 New Year's Eve Party Dresses