A Dark Cloud Over the Fashion World: Mayle to Close Up Shop

Last week, designer Jane Mayle announced in WWD that she would be shutting down her decade old namesake line.  The Holiday/Resort Collection, in stores now, will be her final delivery and there will be no Spring 09  Collection. She sited accelerated market dates, promotional pressures as a few of the factors that lead her to make this decision. 

"It seems like a commercial cul-de-sac in a way that the customer gets tired before collections even hit stores," Mayle said. "How I came into this business was all about dreaming and building a wardrobe you would be seduced by. That mystery and remoteness ans insouciance have disappeared from fashion in order to accelerate the product. I feel I have just become another cog in that machinery."

Personally, I am crushed.  I am finally getting close to affording more than a piece a year from her collections and she leaves me!  After cleaning out the NoLita store yesterday, I have been furiously scouring online stores such as Shop Zoe, and La Garconne to scoop up all the product (much of which is on sale!) I can before the final store closing in February.  The lovely girl at the store yesterday assured me that there would be a MAJOR sample sale before the store shutters so get ready for that, but just be sure you stay away from my size!

Get a Little Ruffled.

It's like an epidemic. They're everywhere slowly creeping into department stores and boutiques all around you.  You may not notice them at first but they're there.  Ruffles.  I've had a major aversion to these little layers since the days when Laura Ashley ruled the roost, but I have to say in their latest incarnation these little frills have lost their froof and gained an edge.  Take exhibit A. for example, the wool ruffle skirt from 3.1 Philip Lim.  How they do it I'm not quite sure, but this skirt adds a dash of volume, a touch of high waist and simmers it all together with ruffles that won't leave a sour taste in your mouth.  It's just what the doctor ordered.

  

 

FIRST LOOK: Rock & Republic Wants to Make You Pretty

It's not often that a denim company branches out into something non-fabric related, but Rock & Republic likes to keep you on your toes.  Their new cosmetics line hits stores September 15th and bursts onto the scene with a Swarovski crystal covered bronzer sure be adored by the Hannah Montana set, yet priced out of reach at $225.   Priced more affordably and capturing my interest are the Mousse Blush ($28) that boasts a "air brush finish" and the Gel Eye Liner ($24) promising "extra long wear".  I have yet to give these products a road test to see if they're worth making space for in your make up drawer but, I've been assured the products are on their way.  Stay Tuned, my friends and keep your eye out for this new line that will be available at Neiman Marcus,  Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom.

Grey Boots Make My Heart Go Beat Beat

If boots were made for walking then these grey wonders were made for stalking.  I love grey because it is as versatile as black, but adds a bit more depth to an all black ensemble.  Plus suede makes you remember how fun it is to embrace all the different textures Fall allows. Which makes me not as depressed about the end of my favorite steamy season. 

Paul and Joe T Strap Pumps. $764

Loeffler Randall. $575 at Saks.com

Miu Miu $575 at Net-a- Porter.com

Chloe Raised Leaf Boots $1,495 at Net-a-Porter.com

Pre-Fall Thoughts: Part 1 (The Pants Progression)

With Labor Day just around the corner many of us are consumed with thoughts of what to purchase and wear for this upcoming fall.  One thing that seems to be on every mag's must-list is pants and after scouring Style.com (nice new layout-BTW) I have selected a few looks that I hope will provide you with some inspiration as you are putting together your fall look. 

The tapered wide leg is an aggressive look for the average gal but absolutely worth a try.

United bamboo

I love the yellow, it's so mellow.  Over super skinny pants or even leggings.

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Loose on top, tight on the bottom.  Mr. Wang I want to know you... in the biblical sense.

Alexander Wang

 

A Horse is a Horse, Unless it's Fashion of Course.

With Olympic fever sweeping these here United States many of us are wistfully thinking back to the day when we took part in competitive athletics.  For this blogger, there once was a time when all I could think about was horses.  I used to scoff at fashion ( believe it, it's true) and focused completely on riding and training my horse, Sargent Pepper, into a blue ribbon winning machine.  Because of this equine time of my life, I still chuckle a bit when I see "Equestrian Style" trying to stake a claim for fall.  This season it seems to be trying harder than ever to find a place in my closet, but I stand rooted to my claim that this look is stronger in it's natural state.  Don't get me wrong,  I love shrunken blazers, tall boots and skinny pants, but I find this is a case when the parts are stronger then the whole.  Below see a few of my picks and suggestions on how to take the reins on "Equestrian Style" without looking like you just came from the barn.

Rag and Bone blazer at Shopbop.com shown here paired with skinny jeans if fine, but why not try a pair of high waisted wide leg pants to shake things up a bit.

These skinny pants from Vince are great and worn with heeled sandals as shown makes the look more rocker chic than horse-y.

These Steve Madden boots look like they could easily worn in the show ring.  Look for a boot with a slightly higher stacked heel and less rounded toe.

Coat Conundrum! A First Look at Fall Outerwear

It's the worst time of the year.  In just a few weeks we will say goodbye to summer Friday's, outdoor seating and lazy weekends at the beach.  So what's a girl to do to keep her spirits up as the barometer is falling?  Shop for winter coats of course!  Here are just a few favorites that are hitting stores now. 

The perfect classic trench from A.P.C. $440

A throwback to the camel coats of the 70's. DVF $725 at Net-a-Porter

A great escape from the sea of black.  See by Chloe $875 at Net-a-Porter

Love the origami like detail in this oversize coat. 3.1 Philip Lim $725 at Neiman Marcus

No wonder we're mad for plaid. Wool duffle coat from A.P.C. $420 at lagarconne.com

Essie's Neon Collection Earn a Place in the Nail Polish Hall of Fame

If one was going to give out awards at the end of the season to the most noteworthy trends, a Trend-i ( as they should be called) would surely be awarded to the Neon Collection by Essie.  Not since Chanel's Vamp has a group of colors so aptly represented the trends and moods of the season.  Personally, I adore the Hot Pink and Orange and I never feel the need to match my toes to my fingers.  Mix it up, paint a few toes with each!  Embrace the brightness and let's keep these shockingly sharp colors around through the fall, I'm not ready to give them up yet.

FitFlops: The Experiment: The Grand Finale

My good friend Catlin was in town this week and we have a long standing joke about how sometimes I choose comfort over fashion and wear as she puts it "orthopedic shoes".   And when she saw me in my FitFlops she screamed "What are those?!" and erupted in fit of giggles. 

I think that proves two things:  1) My dear friend is not reading my blog.  And 2) These things are really ugly.  

Do you remember when Uggs were on every third girl who walked down the street and all people could talk about was how ugly they were?  Well, I think FitFlops definitely have Uggs beat in ugliness department. Even my very neutral pair of beige flops stick out like an unappealing outfit anchor.  But I must admit this is really the only bad thing I can say about them.  As much as I wish I could say I regret ever buying them, I kind of secretly heart the FitFlops.  They're really the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn and what I love most is that the thickness of the sole keeps you above the ground and out of the subway muck.  Havianana's can't say that. 

In terms of their claim of being a workout in a shoe, I have to call shenanigans.  I really haven't seem much if any improvement in my legs however, I have started telling people I have.  I like to tell people I used be 20 to 50 lbs heavier (depending on my mood) and that I have FitFlops to thanks for my weight loss.  I think it helps me justify the fact that I'm wearing small Sloops on my feet.

So Catlin, my darling, I say to you "Eat it!".  I only have a few more months until the weather gets cold and I retire the FitFlops for good.  Also, I seem to remember a boxey pair of white and purple skater shoes that you used to wear on occasion, and you know what they say about glass houses.  Don't throw a shoe!

I'm spritzing for Fekkai's Sheer Hold Hairspray!

Hairspray can't seem to shake its bad reputation.   Ever since one bad can of Aqua-Net was held responsible for teased bangs and glue like sticky-ness hair spray, has been the black sheep of the hair product family.  But times have changed and with Frederic Fekkai Sheer Hold Hairspray I say " Viva la revolution!".  This hair spray lends a strong hold without the crusty sticky-ness.  It's great for giving your hair a mid-day boost or if you just want to add some texture to your everyday style.  This product is single handedly changing the way the world looks hairspray at it's available at sephora.com for $35.

My Boyfriend's Back... in Jeans!

I've never been one to steal clothes from my current beau.  Besides the occasional t-shirt to sleep in or a pair of boxers, I never made it a point to collect a graveyard of hats or sweatshirts that represent the ghosts of boyfriends past.  But maybe if I had been able to get my hands on a pair of my mans well worn Levi's I wouldn't be so fixated today on the next big trend in denim, the Boyfriend Jeans.

Making a strong case for the distressed dungarees is a new line called Current/Elliot and after several seasons of super tight and stiff skinny legs, we can all finally exhale.  With a slightly higher waist, wider leg and a couple of holes to boot, these jeans offer a fresh take when rocked with a pair of platform heels an old school sweater or both! 

I tried them on a few days ago to give them a test run for you and I suggest going down a size (which they were sadly out off) as their roomy fit makes for some seriously baggy jeans.