Fashion News
Loro Piana Cashmere at J Crew Prices: TBF Investigates
Direct from a staff member at Loro Piana, the high, high end cashmere shop: Turns out that the cashmere sweaters at J. Crew (on sale now for $98.00), described as made of “the very best: luxurious cashmere from a world-famous mill in Quarona Italy” are being made in the Loro Piana plant by Loro PIana, using Loro Piana cashmere. The difference between the two sweaters? About $1000...
Thanks to our secret source…
Read More
The Downside of Liquidation Deals
What: If you’re headed to a local fashion boutique or mega retailer that’s shuttering its doors soon (hint: Gottschalks has just begun liquidation), you’re looking forward to once-in-a-lifetime kinda deals. But make sure to try on those clothes and leave second thoughts behind, because if you find a defect later on, you may be out of luck.
What the Denver Business Journal Says:
Read More“Retail liquidations are a trend that’s playing out more and more as store chains — such as Circuit City, Mervyns and Linen ‘n’ Things — increasingly go out of business because of the current ...
Designers Face the Music
What: Retailers, like Macy’s and Saks, are fed up with paying top dollar for designer fashions that probably won’t sell too well anyways. Who wants to buy a thousand dollar dress these days? So, instead of devising some marketing strategy to convince shoppers that they really do need a new Gucci purse, they’re just asking designers to lower prices. Why didn’t they think of that before?
What We Say: We agree with the The Cut’s take on all of this - while designer fashions might be cheaper for us down the road, they won’t be that much cheaper. If we don’t have a budget for $700 stilettos ...
Read MoreJil Sander: Fashion Designer Turned Consultant
What: German designer Jil Sander is the latest designer to jump into the low end, as new consultant for UNIQLO, a Japanese brand we love for its cheap, functional clothing. She joins the brand after leaving her eponymous label in 2004.
What Jil Says:
“The challenge for me is to develop a democratic priced line of the highest possible quality. A lot of you might know me, but let´s not talk about the past, I want to focus on the future. I´m here in Japan for something completely new and different than before.”
What We Say: This partnership makes total sense—both cater to a very ...
Read MoreSkechers Moves to Eyewear
What: Is Skechers planning world domination? It’s already on our feet, and now it’s moving onto our heads… with a new eyewear line, set to launch spring 2010. Skechers is pairing up with Viva International Group, the company responsible for the eyewear lines of Guess, Candie’s, and Tommy Hilfiger.
What They Say:
Read More“We understand what an incredible opportunity it is to showcase the first SKECHERS eyewear collection. The unique trend appeal of the SKECHERS brand allows Viva to instill design detailing into every facet of the frame, delivering a diversified collection for the entire ...
Lauren Conrad’s Line Is Over, Kinda
What: MTV “reality” star Lauren Conrad launched a line in 2007 that we had mixed reactions about. It managed to stick around for a few years. However, Lauren won’t put out any more collections and instead will “revamp her line and design with more high-end fabrics.”
What We Say: Sounds like Lauren’s backing out of designing altogether - after all, it’s her last season on “The Hills,” the show that allowed her to be a designer in the first place. (Or you could go as far back as “Laguna Beach.”) Anyways, no one in the industry has ever taken her seriously and considering she’s selling a ...
Read MoreElisabeth Hasselbeck Has a “View” on Fashion, Too
What: “The View’s” talkative token republican, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, has officially unveiled her new clothing line for QVC, with pieces ranging from $40 to $80.
What We Say: Well done. While some of us may not agree with Hasselbeck’s political views, we can definitely find common ground via her fashion line, which is targeted towards 40+ fashionistas who want to have style, without looking like a poor woman’s version of Betsey Johnson (whom we love, but, seriously…). Many of her tops are great for the office, with crisp, clean lines. We’re not, however, a fan of the price point ($40 ...
Read MoreMichelle Obama Reminds Us Why We Love Pearls
What: Recently, we reported that Tiffany & Co was shutting down all 16 stores of its pearl jewelry chain, Iridesse. So, maybe we’re crazy to think that pearls are “in” for 2009, but Michelle Obama could bring the elegant trend back. PearlParadise.com is the latest retailer to cash in on the First Lady’s affection for pearls, with a new piece inspired by her.
What We Say: Black pearls, akoya pearls, seed pearls… it’s hard not to love them all, and Michelle Obama - the (reluctant) fashion icon - certainly loves hers. But pearls are timeless, so maybe the question isn’t are pearls ...
Read MoreGet Free Stuff via TopShop Heartschallenger Vans
Topshop, the British style mecca that makes Forever21 look like K-mart, is giving way free stuff on the streets of New York City via it’s Heartschallenger Vans. From now until April 1st, find the van via it’s GPS tracker, head down to where it’s located, and score a goody bag from the store. Rumor has it that they’re giving away $30-$500 giftcards.
Note: Sorry this post is for folks in New York…I know it’s not fair, which is why I suggest you contact the TopShop folks and encourage them to open up a shop near you. Here’s a link to their contact page. Tell them I sent you.
Photo: Via ...
Read MoreRecession Trend: Garage Sales
Everyone from Michael Jackson to your next door neighbor is doing it - they’re throwing garage sales left and right. Those who are down on their luck are selling their belongings so they can keep the lights on. We recently talked about the art of haggling your way into a good deal at the store and a garage sale is the perfect place to practice your negotiating skills.
The recession garage sale is really a win/win situation. Can’t finance a new wardrobe? Get rid of your old one with a well-executed yard sale and you’ll make enough extra money to justify a trip to the mall. Better yet, ...
Read MoreAdvertisement
Featured on TBF
Advertisement
Copyright 2003-2009 TBF Group, LLC.