Archive for June, 2010
Forget the Fashion Rules! Volume II
Jun 30th
This may be a tough one for many people to let go of, but I will still do my best…
Fashion Rule #2: Don’t wear white before Memorial Day or after Labor Day.
White is a fabulous neutral. It is literally the epitome of “fresh and clean,” it goes with everything, it makes one look tan, and it is the coolest color to have on one’s body on a hot and steamy day. What’s not to love?! And why would one want to limit its use?
Well, you don’t have to anymore. If we were to be graced with a beautiful – and warm – day either before Memorial Day or after Labor Day, please feel free to don your “summer whites.”
Also, white denim can be used well into the fall. It makes for such a nice stark contrast when tucked into dark chocolate suede boots and pairs incredibly well with a plaid menswear shirt and a classic navy blue blazer.
Finally, when winter arrives, try out a “winter white” coat or jacket in order to break up your wardrobe of dark and gloomy neutrals.
Hip-hip-hooray! for white year-round!
Don’t stop reading now! There are still two more rules to be broken…
~Marisa, Director of Styling, Second Time Around
Jellies are Back and Ready to Jam
Jun 28th
Paging 1996: you lost your jelly shoes and they somehow ended up in 2010. I was thinking about sending them back, but then I reconsidered. While I may not be ready to publicly fess up to my secret love for BSB and snap bracelets, after seeing the recent comeback of jellies, I may be ready to take this romance public.
It’s not difficult to see why we have revisited this trend. It’s almost like the shoe gods all got together and thought of a way women could have cute, comfortable shoes that can’t be ruined unless you set them on fire. Even then I’m pretty sure you can mold them back together. The only problem was they were hideous, to put it mildly, and I have the emotional scars to prove it when I tried to bring them back in the eighth grade. But now that one glitch has been solved as designers such as Tory Burch and Burberry have stepped up and taken on the challenge.
Tory Burch Jelly Reva
The main difference between what we wore 15 years ago and what is being shown now is the color scheme designers are using. It’s all about going opaque for a modern twist. We all remember jellies as being horrifically transparent, like Saran Wrap laced across your feet. But now you can use jellies as a way to update your current wardrobe choices with flats, flip flops, and sandal options. Everyone and their mother has a pair of Tory Burch Reva flats, and while they are now a classic staple, you can experiment with Burch’s jelly Reva flats in bright pink or blue, guaranteed to make you stand out and withstand a freak rainstorm. Or go for classic black for a hint of edginess behind your seemingly demure footwear.
Stuart Weitzman Jelly
Ready to rock the world with your jelly footwear? Go for it with a pair of magenta, gladiator jelly sandals from Diane von Furstenberg paired with a romper for weekend fun in the city or at the beach. Or go with a pair of clear, embellished d’orsay flats from Stuart Weitzman – a true tribute to the ‘90s. Only for the truly fashion fearless, you can wear these with a bright sundress to really stand out, or go for the shoes in black for more versatility (and to look less like you still worship NKOTB).
Valentino Jelly Sandal
Should you not be ready to fully revisit the days of Saved by the Bell and Tamagotchi pets, you can always try the jelly trend in a subtle flip flop. Try a clear, check pattern from Burberry or a bright (and less jelly-like) pair from Tory Burch, great for a relaxing day outside or even a casual barbecue. Or you can go 2010-fancy with a pair of bow flip flops from Valentino – perfect for the weekend or if you happen to have a black tie event starring Lady Gaga. These could definitely venture outside of the beach without looking out of place, especially in opaque ivory or red. Or you could always keep your jellies as poolside-only attire, for those who prefer to keep their fashion risks on the down-low.
Remember girls, clear is for the risk-takers, opaque equals modern subtlety. Until next time!
~Ashley, fashioniSTA, Second Time Around
Forget the Fashion Rules! Volume I
Jun 25th
When styling clients, I often find myself repeating the sentence; “forget the fashion rules!” People cling to the fashion rules that have governed the world of style for, well…a really long time. However, the fact of the matter is that those rules have gone by the wayside. And “Thank God!” for that. After all, instead of enhancing fashion, these rules only really succeed in limiting one’s fashion choices and as a stylist, I certainly can’t stand for that! Over the next few weeks, I’d like to discuss some of the worst fashion rule offenders and the reasons why you should ignore them. Today, let’s review the worst offender: the black/brown/navy conundrum:
Fashion Rule #1 – Part A: Don’t wear black with brown
Black and brown seem to be the antithesis of one another to many people. And, as the building block of most outfits, most think that you have to choose one or the other when putting an outfit together. This is most decidedly not the case.
Instead, consider breaking up an all-black ensemble with brown footwear, a brown belt and a brown bag. If you are creating an office appropriate look, try some paler, camel-colored accessories in polished matte or patent leather. The accessories will pop against the all-black backdrop. On the flip-side, if you are going for a more casual look, pair your black skinnies and black draped top with well-loved, distressed brown leather boots, a slouchy caramel-colored hobo and a thick beat-up belt of the same persuasion.
The possibilities are endless…if you are willing to let go of Fashion Rule #1!
Fashion Rule #1 – Part B: Don’t wear black with navy.
Part B is more or less a repeat of Part A, but with the color navy in the place of the color brown. However, it is still definitely worth mentioning.
Black and navy blue have long been ostracized from one another and I am here to put an end to that!! If you have a navy suit on, add a black silk dress shirt, black shoes and a black belt. I promise that the suit will not only look fresh and new, but it will also give the suit a much-needed shot of sophistication.
Also, give the black and blue mix a try with an evening look! Pair a structured navy cocktail dress with black patent-leather heels and waist-defining belt to make the look both sleek and stylish.
Tune in again to find out about other fashion rules that you can break! OOhhh, what fun!
~Marisa, Director of Styling, Second Time Around
Celebrity Designers: Successes and Failures
Jun 21st
It seems that almost every celebrity – both A-list or otherwise – has come out with their own clothing (or shoe, or jewelry, or hand-bag) line. Most are just ho-hum, but some are very successful. What is the defining factor you ask?
The successful brands are those labels which can exist independently of their creator based upon the quality of their design. While the style or personality of the celebrity informs the spirit of the brand, it is not solely the link to the celebrity that gives the label validation.
Want some examples of this success? Here are my favorites:
Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B.
One part new-wave preppy, one part rocker-chic and all parts cool, Gwen’s higher-end line (she also has a diffusion label named Harajuku Lovers after the Japanese street style that she loves so much) is extremely successful. The singer, songwriter and fashion plate is incredibly talented. Although her rock star status came first and most certainly informs her collections, there is no doubt about her designing talent. Pun intended.
Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s The Row and Elizabeth and James
The world’s most famous twins’ high-end ventures into designing have cranked out some very cool duds. Famous for their “homeless chic,” M-K and Ashley have produced a line of very wearable basics and fashion pieces for the downtown girl who loves fashion. Slinky tees, menswear-inspired pieces, sexy dresses, shoes and jewelry abound.
Mila Jovovich’s Jovovich-Hawk
Model turned actress turned designer, Mila Jovovich, teamed up with her friend Carmen Hawk to make “clothes that are relevant to the lives of independent, hard working, creative, funny, elegant and romantic women.” The look is extremely feminine with a heavy vintage influence and has a strong following.
Justin Timberake’s William Rast
The pop prince’s label with his childhood friend Trace Ayala consists of premium denim and coordinating casual pieces. The look is classic Americana with a rock and roll vibe. The look has a very universal, easy-to-wear appeal and the jeans fit like a second skin.
Victoria Beckham by Victoria Beckham
Posh Spice certainly knows a thing or two about fashion. She knows how to shop for it, how to wear it and – as evidenced by her clothing line – how to design it as well. Her collection consists of dresses, denim and eyewear, undoubtedly 3 of Mrs. David Beckham’s favorite things. I believe that the dresses are the most successful. They are fitted, sexy and polished – the kind of things that you could wear to the office with a jacket, but also rock out at the club in with the addition of some sky-high heels.
What are your favorites?? I am sure that I have overlooked some… Comment above!
~Marisa, Director of Styling, Second Time Around
Victoria Beckham in her line
A TIMELINE OF TRINKETS: Jewelry Through the Decades
Jun 18th
Every jewelry aficionado has at least one piece in their collection that stands out, be it for eye-catching glitz, overly ornate details, or understated simplicity. But where do these pieces come from? Heirlooms? Antique shops? Your local department store? All jewelry, be they from yesterday or yesteryear, can be credited in design to certain eras. Join us as we scour the cases at our Harvard Square location, hunting for pieces to help highlight the ongoing heyday of personal adornment!
Each groundbreaking design period had jewelry styles that are easy to identify, so let us begin with one of the earliest trends to break away from the mold of conservative cameos and basic gemstones…
ART NOUVEAU (all the rage: 1895-1915)
The graceful Art Nouveau period started with designers in France and those in America following suit. The most important characteristic of this kind of jewelry was its free-flowing nature. The whimsical lines found in Art Nouveau jewelry suggest the movement, passion, and youthful vigor in the new ideas of the turn of the century. At the heart of the Art Nouveau movement were nature motifs and fantastical elements such as fairies and wood creatures.
EXHIBIT A: Pieces in the style of Art Nouveau, ranging from $8 to $14
EDWARDIAN (all the rage: 1890-1920)
After the death of the UK’s Queen Victoria, the Edwardian era was ushered in when her son Edward took the throne. This was a lavish period with pearls and diamonds paired with emeralds, rubies and other gemstone accents. This era was proven to be a highly decorative and elaborate period, full of regal and bold components.
EXHIBIT B: Pieces in the Edwardian style, ranging from $6 to $16
ART DECO (all the rage: 1920-1935)
The period between the World Wars witnessed new interest in modernizing jewelry. Designers of the Art Deco period welcomed the clean lines of the machine age — forms inspired by nature or abstract sources followed geometric lines, a noticeable difference from both Edwardian and Art Nouveau jewelry. In addition to the strong shapes, this was a period of contrasting bright colors.
Motifs of the Art Deco period included screw-back / clip-on earrings and Egyptian-esque jewelry (King Tut’s tomb was discovered in 1922). Themes of this era are still prevalent today — new diamond cuts were introduced to accentuate the geometric taste, including the emerald cut, triangle cut, trapeze cut, and marquis cut.
EXHIBIT C: Pieces in the style of Art Deco, ranging from $6 to $14
RETRO (all the rage: 1935-1950s)
Even before World War II, jewelry was changing. The Retro look was an infusion of old and new – utilizing the curves of Art Nouveau with the clean simple look of Art Deco, but in a scale not seen before. Big was beautiful when it comes to describing jewelry of the Retro period, elaborate and colorful with an array of gold and gemstones. It had Hollywood for its inspiration, so the retro jewelry was somewhat larger than life in style. This was also the period when charm bracelets became a favorite jewelry item.
EXHIBIT D: Retro-esque pieces, ranging from $6 to $16
CONTEMPORARY (all the rage: 1960s to present)
Jewelry in recent decades has come a long way. Plastics were introduced, which provided a huge outlet for new colors and styles. Price points decreased and everyone was now able to find an affordable style to suit them. Bold, primary colors emerged, as did oversized cartoony shapes. This carried on well into the 1980s, but after the “massive consumption” years of the decade, less became more in the 1990s. The silhouette became neater as shoulder pads finally died and jewelry became non-existent or chic in its simplicity and barely-there quality. Floating necklaces were popular, as were simple studs for earrings. Moving forward, the ’00s weren’t so much about any one trend — it actually relied heavily on past decades for inspiration. Add in leather cuffs, arm bands and cocktail rings, and you’ve got yourself a complete ensemble from the early 21st century.
EXHIBIT F: Contemporary pieces, ranging from $6 to $18
CURRENT (all the rage: now)
Because women have a need for newness in their style, fashion will continue to offer changes. Some trends are emerging in 2010, but they are subtle and cautious. Big, edgy and bold pieces are still significant; statement necklaces, large cocktail rings and massive bracelets remain important. What has emerged this year is that metal is playing a larger role in jewelry designs. Chains are among the most simple and ancient forms of jewelry, but designers are using them in elaborate and modern ways this season. Designs run the gamut, from delicate dangling gold earrings to bold bib-style necklaces, composed of dozens of strands of chains. The newest necklaces are mixtures of gold and silver, shiny and matte metals, often dressed up with crystals, charms, stones and pearls.
Judging from the variety of styles that can be found in the Harvard Square Second Time Around alone, one emerging trend is simply to mix it up. Take a little Art Nouveau and toss in a little Deco, grab that Edwardian-esque set of earrings and contrast it with a dark chain necklace. Blur the lines of yesterday and today… and where better to go than a one-stop shop over in Cambridge!
~Kim, Manager, Second Time Around Harvard Square
Fashionable Finds for Father’s Day
Jun 16th
Even though Second Time Around is predominantly for women, we always like to try to include the guys whenever possible. In that spirit, here’s something for both the men and the women; a guide to selecting some on-trend fashion items for the men in your life who are celebrating Father’s Day on Sunday, June 20th.
Prep
Trend #1: Prep
Always in style, the preppy look has cycled back to the forefront of fashion this season. Select khaki and olive twill pants and show the proud dad in your life how to loosely cuff them at the ankle. Add plaid and gingham shirts to the mix as well as golf shirts with a vintage or sun-kissed wash.
Urban Athlete
Trend #2: Urban Athlete
Futuristic fabrics aren’t just for the gym anymore! Incorporate “workout” textiles like micro-fibers, nylons and fleece into the wardrobe of the father on your list. Select sleek black, heather grays and classic navy blue and white accented with bright colors such as race-car red, caution-sign orange, and sunshine yellow.
Safari
Trend #3: Safari
Dress the fathers in your life in a monochromatic ensemble of white, cream, stone, khaki and gray. Fabrics such as linen and light-weight twill are best for this look. Select pants and jackets with patch pockets in order to lend any safari-inspired ensemble authenticity. If your man will wear them, try a scarf or a woven canvas belt.
Everyone here at STA wishes all of the fathers out there a very happy (and fashionable) Father’s Day!
~Marisa, Director of Styling, Second Time Around
An Inside Look at Cannes
Jun 15th
View From the Top: Cannes Red Carpet
Whenever I click on the TV to watch the awards shows I am so entranced with what looks like effortless beauty radiating from every actor and actress that grace the red carpet. There could be a hurricane barreling through; wind, rain, the whole nine yards and the stars would still be statuesque. It wasn’t until this May that I was actually able to get up close and personal with the Hollywood scene and watch as they transcended down through paparazzi lights and shouting fans. Though I hate to admit it they are pretty perfect but a lot more goes into it than I ever imagined.
Our FashioniSTA on the Red Carpet
The festival was grandeur! I was afforded the opportunity to intern for a public relations company over in Cannes and I jumped on it quick. The publicity side of things was very interesting but what got me most was how fashion and style was so commoditized on and off the red carpet. Never in my life have I been able to walk down the street and see so many people with immaculate personal style. It was fascinating.
Seeing this relationship between the famous wearing haute couture and civilians wearing their best was intriguing and really took away mystery that surrounds the elite. After all, they are just like us but with bigger bank accounts and an entourage. My point is, that style doesn’t just come from a designer or a fashion magazine it really comes from the person wearing it
Make that sidewalk your red carpet and price and designer aside, your confidence makes the look.
Top Red Carpet Trends:
Camilla Belle in Gucci
1. Leg Baring Evening Attire
2. Chanel and Gucci Gowns
3. Old Hollywood Red (lips, dresses, heels, you name it)
4. Off-the-Shoulder Gowns
5. Tuxedo Dresses
Top Sidewalk Trends:
1. Jumpsuits
2. Flowery scarves (on men too)
3. Tailored trousers
4. Shoulder pads in jackets
5. Oversized striped shirts
6. Small chain link shoulder bags
7. Clubmaster Ray-Bans
~Kirsten, FashioniSTA, Second Time Around
Sarah Burton named Creative Director of Alexander McQueen
Jun 14th
Back in February, I reluctantly and sadly blogged about the untimely death of Lee [Alexander] McQueen, the founder and designer of the Alexander McQueen brand. At the time, the future of the design house was uncertain. Lee was in his prime when he took his own life and the thought of a successor had never crossed anyone’s mind. However, the Gucci Group promised that the label would live on and live on it did.
Sarah Burton
Sarah Burton – McQueen’s right-hand woman for over 14 years and head of womenswear design – completed the Fall2010 collection that he had begun and showed it in a private parlor setting to critical reviews.
So, it came as no surprise that Burton was named creative director on May 27, 2010.
Burton will present her first set of autonomous work as a pre-collection in June and her first full spring collection in Paris in October.
I can truly say that I do not envy her. Not only is she working in the absence of her close friend and mentor, but she is also working in his shadow – a shadow that is very heavy and far-reaching. My thoughts are with her. One can only hope that her connection with McQueen is more than corporeal and that the fashion world is kind to her.
~Marisa, Director of Styling, Second Time Around
To Dye For…
Jun 8th
Joie Skirt
Remember that sense of pride that you had as a child when you returned from camp and could parade your newly tie-dyed clothes around your non-camper friends? It’s like that feeling all over again, except instead of Hanes dipped in food coloring, designers are taking the tie-dye trend and applying it with new sophistication through different materials and dye patterns. I have always loved this trend because of its unexpected versatility, from traditional tie-dye to modern, monochromatic examples. This trend can span the realm between preppy and bohemian without looking out of place. What used to be just reserved for tee-shirts is now making a breakthrough with tailored pieces and even cocktail attire.
The designer to watch this year with this trend is Tory Burch. Branching out from the usual tie-dye motifs, she has made this trend office-appropriate and applied it to new materials, like leather (which, for the record, I didn’t even know you could tie-dye). While I’ve never been a big fan of leather shorts, Burch has made hers look more uptown chic than like lederhosen. If shorts aren’t your thing, there’s also a leather skirt in the same pattern. Burch has also used tie-dye on her blouses, testing the versatility of this trend with casual tanks as well as work-appropriate blouses. While I wouldn’t recommend wearing one of these blouses with a full, conservative suit, if you work in a creative field, you can pair it with a neutral-toned skirt or linen pants for a breezy, summertime look.
Other designers are jumping on this bandwagon as well, from casual C&C California to upscale, lavish designers. If you’re feeling extra bold, you can incorporate this trend into your eveningwear. Try a tie-dye maxi dress from Alice + Olivia or a shorter, striped version from Leyendecker. Another option for the fashion risk-taker: tie-dyed accessories. Designers aren’t excluding handbags and wallets from this trend, so should you be feeling courageous, try out a tie-dye statement accessory like one of the ones this year from Rebecca Minkoff or Tory Burch.
Tory Burch Top
These are definitely for the fashion extrovert, so if your style isn’t quite that outgoing, you can still include this trend in your casual-wear. Going for something like a tie-dye stripe pattern in a skirt from Joie or a loose tank top from Patterson J. Kincaid is perfect for a weekend or vacation look. Or you can always go super casual with a tie-dyed bikini, a sure-fire way to make you stand out at the beach or pool—in a good way, of course. Designers such as Tyler Rose, Martha Rey, and Victoria’s Secret have put out colorful options that’ll make your all-white cover-up pop.
Rebecca Minkoff Bag
There are also pattern variations of tie-dye that are popping up in designer collections. The dip-dyed trend made waves with Alice + Olivia and Graham + Spencer a few years ago and has equally evolved. Not to be confused with ombré’s gradual color gradation, this technique is when there is a stark contrast between colors, making it look like the garment has been dipped into the dye. Check out the options from Juicy Couture, like their silk shorts that you can pair with a white cotton tank and metallic, flat sandals. This is a softer way to try the tie-dye trend if you’re unsure of the real deal.
If you’re still afraid of looking like you stepped out of a child’s birthday party, you can always take this trend subtle with a tie-dye summer scarf. Take one with a monochromatic tie-dye or dip-dye pattern in a bright color –think orange from Juicy Couture – and make it pop against a white tee-shirt and skinny jeans for an easy and chic look perfect for summer. Or try a tie-dye headband, like the ones from Bop Bijoux, perfect for keeping your hair out of your face while running errands or at the beach.
Juicy Couture Dip Dye Scarf
Whichever way you choose to experiment with this trend, tie-dye will breathe life into your wardrobe, adding a punch to your summertime ensembles.
Until next time,
Ashely, FashioniSTA, Second Time Around
All Saints opens on Newbury Street
Jun 4th
Joining the ranks of other top British boutiques currently gracing Newbury Street, AllSaints Spitalfields recently opened its doors to Boston. Since this boutique took over what was once a Pottery Barn at the end of April, it is only one of four currently open AllSaints outlets in the entire country. As a collection of sharp style mixed with a vintage feel, this store has gained a cult following, with its debut appearance on Newbury Street highlighting Boston as one of the emerging fashion capitals.
With its rustic décor and bohemian vibe, this store blends its structured style with its earthy roots to create tailored jackets and vests along with jeggings and embellished, draped dresses. AllSaints describes itself as a “unique brand of sharp edge, directional clothing,” and it brings both graphic tees and cocktail attire into the mix
Not limited simply to women’s clothing, AllSaints also branches out into menswear and childrenswear, in addition to their homeware collections. As the voices at the retailer put it, “AllSaints collections blend culture, fashion and music into a potent formula of desirable clothing that expresses individuality and attitude.” This edgy addition to the many Newbury Street staple stores we all love is sure to round out the style selection that this city offers, bringing together preppy shopaholics and bohemian fashionistas.
~Ashley, FashioniSTA, Second Time Around