Fashion News
Some Estee Lauder Cosmetics May Get Real Cheap Soon
What: Estee Lauder will be shuttering its Prescriptives beauty line by the time 2010 rolls around. The reason - clearly - is the recession, as Estee Lauder (wisely) has decided to reallocate funds to other more profitable lines. They’ll continue selling Prescriptives products until everything’s all gone, but the favored Calyx fragrance will still be sold at retailers for the foreseeable future. No one’s officially said it yet…but we’re guessing prices may go down because of all of this.
What Estee Lauder Says:
You may have recently heard that Prescriptives has made the difficult decision to close its retail counters globally, effective January 31, 2010. You can continue to purchase your favorite Prescriptives products here at www.prescriptives.com for US shipping while inventory lasts.
What We Say: If you’re a fan of Prescriptives, make sure to stock up on your favorite items before they’re gone. If you already buy Prescrives cosmetics, you may like this deal, which entitles you to five free products if you spend $32.50 or more. Although $32.50 is rather specific…guess they’re making you buy that extra lip stick just to make the grade.
Introducing the Seventeen Fashion Finder for the iPhone
What: Everyone is going mobile! We think that’s one of the best trends to come out of fashion retail of late. Seventeen Magazine has just unveiled its Fashion Finder app for the iPhone. And it’s pretty cool. Essentially, a “teenage” fashionista can browse an inventory that’s updated every month and features clothes right out of the magazine. After perusing the catalog, she can then find stores near her that have the item(s) she wants, and if she’s in a shopping mood, she can put the item(s) on hold - without ever talking to a store rep.
What They Say:
When you find something you love, you can enter your size and your preferred color—Seventeen Fashion Finder will track it down at a store near you, check to make sure it’s in stock, and even put it on hold for you to try on! You’ll receive an e-mail or text response from Seventeen Fashion Finder within 10 minutes (during business hours) with details on how to get the item. So simple—and so fun!
What We Say: Um…we really hope this is the future of shopping. Who wouldn’t want a personal shopper on their phone? Our only gripe is that this app is so teen-targeted. We’d love to see a similar app for the grown-ups (hint, hint, TBF development team..).
Flip-Flops = Fatal?
What: They say ignorance is bliss. And that’s definitely true in this case. Two brave journalists put our favorite summertime footwear - flip-flops - to the test. They each wore a pair of flip-flop for four days straight, in notoriously dirty NYC, and then took them to a lab. What they discovered was pretty disturbing. It seems that fecal bacteria and E. coli are the least of our concerns - while these bacteria showed up on the reporters’ (scary) sandals, it’s the “Staphylococcus aureus” that really worried everyone. This germ can not only make you sick if it enters your bloodstream, but kill you. Yes, indirectly, your flip-flops could kill you. So, if you’ve got a cut on your foot, maybe wear close-toe shoes the next time you’re out and about?
What They Say:
The $3.50 flip-flops harbored approximately 18,100 bacteria of the five most prevalent varieties found. (Unsurprisingly, the pair that made the trip to Coney Island and stopped off in the public restroom had roughly 13,900 more bacteria.)
What We Say: We’re not sure what the actual odds are that you’ll die from wearing flip-flops, and we’ve still got some questions - does the quality of the shoe have any effect whatsoever on the amount of bacteria it picks up? And how much grimier is NYC compared to other cities? Regardless…we’ll have a little trouble slipping on flip-flops for a while.
Rachel Roy’s Lower-Priced Line Debuts at Macy’s
What: Nearly four months after word spread that designer Rachel Roy was creating a diffusion line for Macy’s, the eponymous collection has finally debuted online. Although the full line of apparel, footwear, and accessories isn’t set to be released in stores until the end of August, eight pieces from the collection are already for sale online—including the Chain Tee ($59), the Origami Dress ($109), and the Brushstroke Print Dress ($99).
What They Say:
“The collection includes some modern dresses and chic tops. All of the pieces look like they are relatively easy to wear and they all have a slick, modern edge.”
What We Say: Rachel Roy is known for designing classy clothes for women of all shapes and sizes, which is one reason why so much anticipation has been building around the debut of her first diffusion line. The real question is whether or not her line can help Macy’s bottomline.
Breaking News: Wal-Mart to New York?
What: Rumors are circulating that big big box retailer Wal-Mart is looking into the possibility of opening a store in New York City. The retailer is looking into space in the outer boroughs (Queens, Bronx, Brooklyn, Staten Island for folks outside of NYC).
What Wal-Mart said in Crain’s New York:
“Now, more than any other time in recent memory, New York City residents want and need better access to our stores so they are not forced to travel to New Jersey or Long Island to benefit from the savings Wal-Mart provides for working families,” wrote a spokesman, Philip Serghini, in an e-mail message. “Hopefully we will be able to bring a store to New York in the near future.”
What We Say: If KMart can open a store in Manhattan and Target open several stores in the outer boroughs, why can’t Wal-Mart? The big issue appears to be getting labor unions on board, a problem that the retailer has yet to work out, however Wal-Mart’s labor issues aren’t isolated, Target and Kmart both have their issues as well and were able to open stores in the area.
What do you think about Wal-Mart coming to NYC?
Fran Drescher Gets Organic with New Skincare Brand
What: Fran Drescher—the former Nanny star who now runs her own nonprofit organization called Cancer Schmancer—has yet another project in the works. The actress, comedienne, and health activist is launching a line of organic skin-care products called FranBrand together with HSN. The nine-piece collection includes facial cleanser, toner gel, lotion, eye gel, night creams, and lip balm, all of which Drescher says are packaged in organic, paraben-free, and carcinogen-free materials to make them as safe—and non-cancer-causing!—as possible.
What Fran Says:
“Women are schmearing stuff on their décolleté, wondering why we’re all getting breast cancer. Once you wake up and smell the coffee, it’s hard to go back to sleep. So I’m sounding the alarm,” Drescher says. “I couldn’t possibly sell something that wasn’t good for me. I’m still in therapy because I put other people’s needs above myself.”
What We Say: Say what you will about Fran Drescher, but the woman does have very nice skin. Of course, neither HSN or Drescher has announced the prices for any pieces in the collection just yet, so we’ll have to wait until the brand launches on November 10th before making a full judgment.
Forever 21 Magazine In the Works?
What: It seems there’s no stopping Forever 21. After making plans to make its name in the world of home and beauty products, one of our favorite retailers also hinted at an upcoming magazine (via Twitter).
The Tweet:
“Ok tweeps: let’s say, hypothetically speaking, an F21 magazine is in the works. What content would you want to see in said hypothetical mag?”
What We Say: While most of the fashion biz is sinking, the sky’s the limit for Forever 21. Even though print’s going out of style, we’d totally read an F21 mag, especially if it had exclusive discounts and actually focused on real trends, rather than pushing its own merchandise.
So, whether or not you follow the store on Twitter, chime in here - would you subscribe, and if so, what would you expect to see and read?
Vogue Gets Budget Friendly?
What: You know recession-chic has gone mainstream when even Vogue is buying in. The fashion bible has gone “budget-conscious” for its July issues by introducing “Steal of the Month” items, along with a section full of clothing and accessories all under $500. The frugal focus is part of the magazine’s attempt to become cost-conscious—in light of the economy—and incorporate more products from designers like Phillip Lim and Alexander Wang, who have created high design collections for lower priced retailers in recent months.
What They Say:
“It was a very deliberate decision,” Ms. Singer [Vogue‘s fashion news and features director] said about the cheaper items. “In the past year, I feel a greater need to signpost certain elements we’ve had in the magazine. Maybe we need to make sure the reader can find them more easily.”
What We Say: Call us crazy, but the $145 beach chairs and $449 croquet sets offered up as “recession friendly” options in Vogue hardly feel like budget buys. Nonetheless, it’s nice to see a high-fashion magazine at least attempting to make an effort to list the frugal finds everyday people can afford—even if we’re still not sure who these everyday people are spending hundreds on designer croquet sets.
Swine Flu Chic? You Knew It Was Coming
We get a lot of crazy pitches here at The Budget Fashionista, like the celebrity mobile spray tanner guy, but this one has to take the cake. Today, we received a pitch for a line of respirators, called FLU Fashion Respirators and we’re glad that folks are finally realizing the only thing worst than a global health crisis, is a global fashion crisis.
According to the press release, this high fashion collection of “Surgical N95 Particulate Respirators.... uphold a filtration level and fluid resistance universally recognized in the prevention of the inhalation of airborne microorganisms”, while apparently making you look like a member of the LA Crips gang.
Depressionista: Economic Challenges Lead to the (re) Emergence of Old Trends
Wigs: Why are wigs going to make a comeback? Well.. regardless of your ethnic background, getting your hair done is expensive- in most cities a cut starts at $20, relaxers and blow outs at $40, and weavers and braids $100 and up. Women are already starting to cut back on beauty services and opting for at-home-beauty-products. Wigs offer an easy, cost effective alternative to frequent trips to the beauty salon and, unlike coloring your own hair, requires little to no hair care skills. Plus top celebrities like Tyra Banks, Oprah Winfrey, Gwen Stefani and Jessica Simpson have been wearing lace front wigs, for years.
Plus Size Fashion: According to Women Wear Daily, plus size is one of just a handful of market segments that offers growth for the retail industry, which makes sense, as a poor diet often correlates to those with a low to middle economic status. In addition, many people will turn to comfort food as they look for ways to cope with financial and personal challenges.
Even “thin friendly” segments of the fashion industry are embracing the trend. Anna Wintour, Editor in Chief of American Vogue, recently praised the red carpet fashion of plus size grammy winner Adele, leading many to believe that a full figured model could make an appearance on the cover of Vogue this year. And the final hint that plus size is a major trend? Forever 21 is launching a plus size line this spring.
Garage Sales: While online auction sites, like eBay and Bonanzle, continue to thrive, so do old school garage sales. There’s been an increase in the number of weekend merchants, who often partner with their neighbors for community-wide sales and skip newspaper advertisement for free services like craigslist.
In New York, where space is limited, some women are talking it a step further, opening up their own closets to shoppers (Wall Street Journal). While clothing swaps continue to be a hot (for tips on how to hold a clothing swap, pick up a copy of my book “How to be Budget”).
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Update on a few of the predictions featured in January’s Lessons from the Sales Rack
- Prediction: Michelle Obama will redefine fashion and the role of African American women (and moms) in fashion and in the media. Within the last month, the first lady has appeared on the covers of People, Vogue (only the 4th black woman and 2nd first lady in history) and is the first person to share a cover with Oprah Winfrey on April’s O magazine.
- Wal-Mart will be the top store to watch as it will be the only store to successful address the challenges facing middle (and coastal) American families. According to Business Week, Wal-Mart posted a 5.1% increase in same-store sales, for February, while Target fell 4.1%. Furthermore, the publication notes that “same-store sales tallys by the International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs was down 0.1 percent for February; excluding Wal-Mart, it fell 4.3 percent.” Anecdotally we’ve noticed quite a few Zipcars in the parking lot of the Secaucus, NJ Wal-Mart.
Fashion and Retail Predictions for 2009
My 2009 predictions for the retail and fashion industry (click here to read my 2008 predictions), center around the intersection of new media, shopping, and our economic challenges. From the impact of our new first lady to online shopping to an increase in the number of designers producing budget lines, 2009 will be a year of great change.
- Michelle Obama will redefine fashion and the role of African American women (and moms) in fashion and in the media. She’s already inspired instant sell outs, cover stories, and probably helped saved J.Crew’s 4th quarter. Along with her husband, Mrs. Obama has inspired the recent collections of several TOP designers, including the use of more models of color. First Lady Michelle Obama will continue to have a major impact on fashion and what (and who is) considered fashionable.
- Wal-mart will be the top store to watch as it will be the only store to successful address the challenges facing middle (and coastal) American families. This isn’t to say that other stores can’t do the same, Target could if they focused less on being “cool” and more on being “cool AND useful”, but right now Wal-Mart is the only major mass market store which does not have to make fundamental changes in order to accomplish this goal.
-The Bon-Ton and several sports apparel stores (Champs, Footlocker, etc) will all close or face bankruptcy. All of these stores, with the exception of K-Mart, depend on a mall environment to stay alive and the mall, as we know it, is dead. K-Mart has been dead for a while, so at this point we’re just waiting for the funeral.
- Big Lots, Salvation Army, Value City, Costco, Sams Club will all be hot stores in 2009. Costco will be VERY hot in 2009 and shoppers will find creative ways to get the most out of their membership, including membership co-ops.
- Lipstick, at home hair coloring systems, and nail color will be the big beauty sellers in 2009. These are quick, easy, and relatively inexpensive ways for people to change their personal style.
- The mall will die. Malls, as we know it, will be dead by the end of 2009 and shoppers will do a majority of their shopping online. The malls that do exist, will turn into outlet mall like structures (ex: the Bergen Mall in Northern New Jersey)- featuring the outlets of top retail brands. Even Saks Fifth Avenue, who for years have maintained a rigid distinction between its high-end stores and its outlet stores by referring to the later as “Off Fifth- Saks Fifth Avenue Outlets”, changed the name of their outlets to the equally cumbersome Saks Fifth Avenue Off Fifth.
- Moms will be marketing darlings. The marketing focus of several top brands will shift from the youth market to hip moms as more businesses realize that moms are the ultimate influencers, affecting the style and consumer habits of their kids, husbands/partners, and friends.
- Consumers will want darker, neutral colors. Gray, black, brown, red, and dark blue will continue to be the colors to watch as consumers look for easy to wear colors.
- And they will want machine washable fabrics. Easy to care for fabrics will reign supreme as shoppers look for items that are machine washable, thus saving a ton of money on dry cleaning.
- More designers will skip their bridge lines and head directly for mass market/lower priced lines. Rumors have already started about budget lines by Zac Posen and Doo Ri. Who I think might also do budget/mass market lines 2009: Ellen Tracy, Tory Burch, Paul Smith, Betsey Johnson, Vivienne Westwood, Stella McCartney (has done a mass market line before with Target-Australia), and Lily Pulitzer.
News Alert: Designers on Video
What: Nordstrom is launching videos today to accompany their online shopping experience, according to WWD. The “Design to Inspire” videos, the first round of which is featuring Milly and its designer Michelle Smith, have the designers discuss the favorite pieces in their collection, their inspirations, where to wear them and what to wear them with. Consumers learn about what they’re purchasing straight from the item’s creator.
What We Say: We don’t plan on purchasing anything at the full price from Nordstrom, but these videos are an awesome tool for fashion-loving women like us who enjoy seeing what goes into the creation of a garment. Of course, watching this may make us swoon with jealousy for Michelle, who gets to play with beautiful dresses every day. Head to Nordstrom to watch the videos and get ideas for a budget version of the offerings from Milly. Many of the pieces are black and white, and all are elegant and very feminine.
Pictured: A dress by Milly ($585.00). Learn how to wear it—then find a budget version.
Image from Nordstrom
News Alert: Asos Opening Discount E-Store
What: Asos, an online store with designer merchandise for men, women and beauty products, is opening a discount online store. The offshoot will be called Asos Red and it’ll be launched in early autumn. They’ll sell names like Ted Baker, Diesel, Ralph Lauren, and Religion at a 75 percent discount.
What We Say: This is so exciting! We’ve browsed Asos before but couldn’t afford the prices. Now, they’re sharing the wealth with budget-minded people like us. Their style is very city-chic and edgy. Asos has an option to search by your favorite celebrity/style icon—we hope Asos Red continues that neat tool.
Pictured: A sample of what you can find at Asos—hopefully there’ll be similar great finds at the new store. Skirt, $54.08
H&M in the News
H&M, our favorite high-goes-low store has been in the new recently. Here’s some snippets from a few postings online at the British site Fashionunited.co.uk (sign up for their brilliant newsletters!).
Launches new line—Harmony.Swedish fashion chain Hennes & Mauritz has introduced Harmony, a new one-off collection for women which will launch in September. The collection will feature soft, body-skimming, feminine pieces that easily transcend the separation between evening, homewear and athletic wear. H&M wants to show women how to mix and match to carry over from day to evening and back again. The accent is on comfort and a personalized style.
TBF Note: Prices ranging from 7.90-14.90 pounds. I’m not sure if the line will be available stateside.
Going High end. Swedish fashion chain Hennes & Mauritz is going to launch a new retail formula for men and women next year. The new chain, which will have a brand new name, is geared towards a higher market segment and will carry higher-priced items….
Labor Issues. The Mail reported that H&M employees in Germany went on TV claiming that the firm bullies union activists, threatens staff who criticise it and spies on its workers. One woman said “like many of my colleagues, I was told to put in a daily report on peoples phone conversations or chats in the office, all under threat of dismissal if I did not cooperate”....
TBF Note: Now I would like see to those who crucified me for shopping at Wal-Mart stop shopping at H&M. All major retailers are culprits in one way or another.
Marketers think Madonna’s too old to be the face of H&M. Madonna has hit back at claims she is too old to represent fashion chain store H&M. Her spokesperson insists the 47-year-old has more energy than an 18-year-old… , plus.. Madonna has confirmed she and her dancers will wear H&M off-stage for the remainder of her sold-out tour “Confessions” world tour.
TBF Note: Madonna has more style in her left pinky toe than all the Hollywood starlets (and their stylists) combined
Searching for Counterfeiters. Hennes & Mauritz have enlisted the services of MarkMonitor, the leader in online corporate identity protection to help identify and eliminate online counterfeit and gray market sales of its fashion lines on illegal Internet auction listings…
TBF Note: Exactly how cheap do you have to be to buy a counterfeit H&M product.
Daily Telegraph- UK’s best fashion newspaper
Most Yankees read the New York Times for newspaper-based fashion news. I read the Daily Telegraph. Hilary Alexander and gang break down the Queens of the fashion world with a biting wit and humor that could only be produced by the British. Starting next month, we will be syndicating the fashion section of the Daily Telegraph.
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