Fashion Trend
The Shrinking Plus-Size Apparel Market
What: To no one’s surprise, apparel sales have been going down over the past year - but the plus-size market has been hit especially hard. This is a bit counter-intuitive, as the number of plus-size women in America (and the world) is actually increasing. So, how could this be? Well, there are a few possibilities - full sized fashionistas aren’t always as open to buying clothes that’s marketed as plus-size. Some prefer (or are forced) to shop online - in privacy - for such items.
What They Say:
According to the NPD Group, a market research company, the overall women’s apparel business is down about 5 percent and plus-size is down almost 10 percent from the 12 months ending in May 2009 compared to the same time the year before.
What We Say: We’re not sure what the latest trends are, but if department stores ignore the plus-size customer, they’re ignoring a significant chunk of the population. We don’t predict the plus-size market will disappear, but that it might be introduced to shoppers in a different way in the near future (ie Old Navy’s move to put their plus size section online-only)
If you’re a plus-size fashionista, we’d love to hear your thoughts on this…
Fabric Necklaces: Fall Fashion Guide 2009
1. Crazy Fabric Necklace, $19.99 at Etsy.com
2. Urban Renewal Studded Jersey Necklace , $14.98 at Urban Outfitters.
3. Pleated Bead Trim Ribbon Necklace, $6.80 at Forever21.com
4. Spring Fabric Necklace, $9.95 at Etsy.com
5. Fireworks Fabric Necklace, $38.00 at Anthropologie
Here’s a really excellent tutorial on how to make your own fabric necklaces (http://www.cucumbersome.com/diy-recycled-fabric-necklace/).
Butterfly Necklaces : Fall 2009 Fashon Guide
1. Wooden Butterfly Pendant Necklace - Red - with FREE GIFT BAG, $8.90 at Etsy.com
2. Butterfly Wing Pendant , $15.00 at Etsy.com
3. FULL TILT Butterfly 16” Necklace , $5.99 at Tilly.com
4. Butterfly and Blossom Necklace, $8.80, at Forever21.com
5. Vintage Butterfly Necklace, $36.00 at Etsy.com
Ten Fashionable Things to Buy Right Now for Fall 2009
1. Fabric Necklace
Etnyklcace, $19.95 at Etsy.com
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2. Thigh High Boots
A. MIA Women’s Midnight Stretch 3 Way Boot , $60.49 at Endless.com
B. Chinese Laundry Women’s Turbo Leather Wedge Boot , $59.90 at Endless.com
Check out our advice on finding boots for wide calves
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3. Plaid
A. Payton Plaid Coat, $99.50 at dELiAs
B. Plaid Tie Front, $28 at Forever21.com
C. CL by Chinese Laundry Women’s Alysha Buffalo Plaid Flat , $44.95 at Endless.com
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4. Leather Pants
2. Shape FX Boot Cut Control Leather Pants, on sale for $119.00 at Newport-News.com
But you can also head to your local Goodwill or Salvation Amry and scoop up a pair for well under $50 bucks.
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5. One Shoulder Dress
2. One Shoulder Bra Top Dress, $38 at Victoria’s Secret
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6. Velvet
2. Mandarin Collar Velvet Jacket, 41.00 at Spiegel.com
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7. Purple
A. Mossimo® Black: Sleeveless Tank - Yum Plum, $14.99 at Target
B. Women: Women's The Sweetheart Boot-Cut Cords , $29.50 at Oldnavy.com
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8. Snake Print
A. DKNYC - A-Line Mini (Stone), $85.58 at Zappos
B. Python Waist Belt , $8.99 Charlotte Russe
C. SR SQUARED By Sondra Roberts Snakeskin Muted Clutch , $55.00 at Endless.com
D. Calvin Klein - Ruthey Snake Print Heels , $91.00 at Zappos
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9. Blanket Coat
Wool Blend Cape, $169 at Eddie Bauer
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10. Statement Jacket
Plain Frill Jacket, $90.00 at Topshop.com
Fashion Trend: Floral Print Heels
What: Apparently, everyone’s adding a little spring to their step - with floral print heels.
What We Say: Floral prints in general tend to come and go, whereas floral print heels are a bit more timeless. They go with just about everything, though we suggest pairing them with solids, not other patterns. The rule of thumb is- the busier your shoes, the simpler the rest of your outfit should be - and vice versa. For those who are a little weary of this seasons’ floral print trend, flowery heels are a great, subtler alternative to printed blouses and dresses. We’ve got some affordable options for you, ranging from retro to church-ready.
Get It:
NaNa Emiko Keels, $19.99, Fashion Lives Online
Retro Floral Heels, $32, Electrica Clothing
Burgundy Floral Peep Toe Platform Heel Pump, $14.99, AMICLUBWEAR
Recession Trend: Wigs
They say that necessity is the mother of invention, but being broke is the mother of reinvention and one thing on the verge of being reinvented are wigs as a fashion trend.
Why are wigs going tomake a comeback? Well.. regardless of your ethnic background, getting your hair “did” 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. Wigs offer an easy, cost effective alternative to frequent trips to the beauty salon.
Before you go wig shopping, here’s some tips:
- Get over your wig-phobia. Wigs are no longer the domain of your grandma and the crazy lady on the corner. In fact you would be very surprised by the the number of people you know who wear wigs. Tyra Banks, Oprah, etc all wear what is called lace front wigs.
- If you’re a first timer, head to an establish wig shop- ask friends, family members or find them by typing in the words “wig and your city” into google. The reason why you want to go an established shop is that they will help you select the correct wig for your face shape as well as teach you how to place it correctly on your head (believe me it is not as easy as you think).
- Purchase a wig cap. A wig cap is a nylon/mesh, which can be purchased at your local wig shop for $1-$2, that flattens your own hair so the wig “sits” better on your head.
- When possible, purchase human hair. It’s more expensive, but it lasts longer, is easier to style and you can use regular style tools like flat irons, curling irons, etc without melting the hair. If you are unable to purchase then look for a wig made out of 100% Kanelklon, which is high quality, human like, hair.
- If your wig has a part, make sure it has a “false” scalp, that is the same color as your natural scalp.
- Never, ever, ever, claim that the wig is your real hair.
Some styles to try:
- Chic bob from The Beverly Johnson Line, for $38 at wigs.com
- Long contemporary wig by Forever Young for $44.95 at voguewigs.com
- Layered, tousled look by Forever Young for $49.95 at voguewigs.com
- An affordable human hair wig by Motown Tess for $52.00 at Wilshire Wigs
So, would you wear a wig? For those who do, what are your wig tips?
Aprons: The Hot New Fashion Trend?
What: Aprons, yes, aprons, are becoming a hot new fashion trend, with American Apparel releasing a line of wearable aprons.
From TrendCentral: From cook-offs and farmers markets to The Food Network and foodie blogs, all things culinary are cool at the moment, with the latest entry being kitchen fashion: One of our trend reporters recently picked up on a new hipster movement of aprons being worn over dresses.
What We Say: We guess this shouldn’t come as a surprise seeing the massive popularity of foodie shows like Top Chef. However, this is one trend that we think you should consider passing on, if for no other reason than March is Women’s History Month and this might send out the wrong message. However, if you must, be on trend, then our advice is to head to your local Salvation Army/Goodwill and pick one up for less than $5 or go for an ultra cute retro apron like this one from Jessie Steele, that looks more like a dress, than an apron.
Would You Wear an Apron as Fashion?
Web Round-Up: Isla Fisher, win $500 at Polyvore, the Cutout Bootie, and stores on Credit Watch
The newest celebrity fashionista, Isla Fisher, gets a beaming star of approval from Style Critics this week, for her structured white J. Mendel cocktail dress, sparkling Loubies and silver accessories. (Isla: So Cute!)
The folks at the fantastic Polyvore Blog offer a chance to win back up to $500 for a shopping spree! (Polyvore Fashion Sweepstakes!)
Stiletto Jungle gives the rundown on the “New & Hot” this season: the Cutout Bootie. (New & Hot: Pelle Moda “Kammi” Cutout Bootie)
Fashionista gives a sobering economy forecast that directly affects fashionistas everywhere: find out which six department stores have been placed on credit watch. (Department Stores On the Slide)
Fashion and Retail Predictions for 2009
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. The Bon-Ton, Kmart, Sears, JC Penneys, 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.
4. 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.
5. Moms will be king. 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.
6. 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.
7. The mall will die. Malls, as we know it, will be dead and most 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.
8. Gray, black, brown, red, and dark blue will continue to be the colors to watch as consumers look for easy to wear colors.
9. 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.
10. 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. I think the following designers will also do budget lines in 2009- Ellen Tracy (maybe a replacement for Isaac Mizrahi at Target), Tory Burch (Kohls? or Macys), Burberry (H&M?), Paul Smith (TopShop for Men?), Vivienne Westwood (Topshop or H&M), Donna Karan (Macys?).
Women’s Belts as a Budget
What: The hottest looks in belts for fall? Think statement—meaning big, bold, embellishment, metallic, color.
What We Say: Belts are one of our favorite budget ways to update the wardrobe without borrowing from our 401k (and these days, there’s not much there to borrow). It’s an item you don’t have to spend a fortune on, because, quite frankly, at a glance we can’t tell the difference between a $6 patent skinny belt from Forever21 and a $185 patent skinny belt from Barney’s. This fall belts are particularly fun because there are so many options to choose from—everything from big bold pieces with gems and studs, metallic finishes, and so much more. So go ahead and pull out those tried and true basics—the white button down, the black skirt, your favorite pair of jeans—and make them modern, for less. Some fall belts we think just might do the trick (all under $25 each):
Fashion Focus Black Faux Leather Wide Belt, $24, Bluefly.com
Tuxedo Triple Latch Belt, $8.80, Forever21
Belt with Silver Mod Style Buckle, $8.49-$16.99, Target
Double Rose Sash Belt, $24, Spiegel
Skinny Sparkle Metallic Leather Belt, on sale $19.99, J.Crew
Plus Size Fashion at Target: Fall 2008
Finding plus size fashion that’s actually, well, fashionable, is always a challenge—but fortunately for us, a handful of budget-friendly retailers are starting to get the picture. Target, of course, is one, and this fall they’ve got plenty of trendy/stylish pieces to pick from, in sizes 16W-30W.
Some tips for wearing the pieces to their best advantage, couresty of Target:
~ Printed, voluminous tops are updated for fall and elongate the torso when paired with simple bootcut black trousers.
~ A deep scoopneck tank draws attention upward and looks flattering when layered with a cozy cardigan and slimming dark denim.
~ Empire waistlines create a slim silhouette, and sequin embellishments add just the right amount of glitz and glamour for a look that is feminine and chic.
~ Pleated button-down blouses in pretty jewel tones minimize the midsection and are universally flattering on a curvy figure.
Pieces now available:
Plus Size Mossimo Cardigan Sweater, $22.99
Plus Size Mossimo Denim Trouser, $29.99
Fashion Trend: Cross Body Purses
“THESE PRODUCTS ARE NO LONGER BEING SOLD”
A friend of ours recently arrived to a party with a small, white leather bag with a long strap worn across her chest. Inspired by her off-the-beaten-path style, we set out to find these purses at our favorite shopping haunts. Since our friend is in love with fashion, we weren’t surprised to find that the small purse is growing in popularity; we assume it’s a reaction to the gigantic totes and hobos we’ve been carrying for a few seasons, and we’re happy to see that there are more options out there for those of us who don’t carry everything and the kitchen sink on our shoulders. The return of the clutch heralded the return of smaller purses, and the options are encouraging. But don’t worry about looking like you came from the 80’s in a time machine—this millennium’s embellishments, fabrics and details have been applied to the decades-old shapes.
Use the chain-link strap that comes with this raffia clutch from Old Navy—it’s currently $4.99.
If you want a more classic purse, try this camera purse from Urban Outfitters. We love its rich cognac color. Now $24.99
The snake trim clutch from Topshop is a bit of a splurge, but since it’s quality leather, you’ll keep it for years. 30 pounds.
This little red cross body purse was found in a thrift shop and embellished with pieces of jewelry. The quilted pattern is classy and traditional, while the bright red keeps it from looking outdated. $19.00.
What to Buy Fall 2008: Wet Seal
Wet Seal—can’t we do something about that name? Okay, at least it tells us one thing—we don’t need to take the fashion we find here too seriously. It’s trendy, yes, but that’s the fun of it—pick up trend-of-the-minute pieces (this season, that means sweater dresses, shiny tops, and plaid and houndstooth) on the cheap, meaning a guilt-free fashion indulgence. Our picks for this fall:
Plaid Mary Jane Low Heel, $22.50
3/4 Sleeve Pencil Dress, $25.50
Houndstooth Pencil Skirt, $24.50
Distressed Bomber Jacket, $39.50
Fall Fashion Trend: Feather Accessories
“SOME PRODUCTS ARE NO LONGER BEING SOLD”
We’ve already commented on the proliferation of fringe, and now for a related embellishment—feathers. We could employ all kinds of bird and feather puns, but we’ll reserve them for another day; instead, we’ll just say that we like the bohemian edge that the feathered look gives us, and it’s very budget friendly as well—there’s no need to wear more accessories when we’ve got feather earrings on. Some of these are soft looks, and some are more edgy (like the Asos pendant necklace)—meaning there’s something for everyone:
Feather & Chain Earrings, Forever 21, $4.80.
Charming Feather Cluster Necklace, Urban Outfitters, $18.00.
Feather Dangle earrings, claires.com, $8.50.
ASOS Large Feather Pendant Necklace, $18.60.
ASOS Large Enamel Feather Brooch, $14.88.
What to Buy Fall 2008: Gap
Gap has had its ups and downs as far as variety and stylish offerings—and as far as we’re concerned, they still have a ways to go. However, we do love Gap for sort of all-purpose, casual weekend wear and the occasional work piece. And their jeans are still fab, if sometimes a tad overpriced. Our picks from the Gap for Fall 2008:
Striped Roll-Sleeved Cardigan, $58 Wear it with jeans (see below), a t-shirt, and some ankle boots.
The Classic Trench, $148 This is one of the TBF Perfect Ten pieces—wear it with everything.
Wide Leg Trouser Jeans, $69.50 You know what to wear jeans with, but if you need a suggestion, we’re going with mary jane pumps and a cute little swing jacket.
Cable Cardigan, on sale $36.99 Pair with plaid trousers and some t-strap pumps.
The Perfect Plaid Trouser, $59.50 Wear with a ruffled, feminine top and/or a cardigan sweater, with some retro pumps.
Sheer Ruffle Top, $58 Perfect with jeans or a pencil skirt, and some cute heels.
What to Buy Fall 2008: Walmart
Some of you might turn your nose up (still) at shopping for clothes at Walmart, but it’s our experience that amidst some of the fashion don’ts, Walmart is also a source of some super-affordable, surprisingly decent quality style do’s. And in this economy? We are sooo not above a cute wrap dress for under $20. We’ve picked some basics that will become part of your regular wardrobe rotation well into winter . . .
George ME Women’s Flounced Tweed Skirt, $19.82
George ME Ibiza Jacket, on clearance $8
Mock-Croc Laptop Tote Bag, $25
No Boundaries High Heel Mary Jane’s, $16.74
George Women’s Jersey Sleeveless Belted Faux Wrap Dress, $19.82
Katie Holmes Trench from New York & Co.: Look for Less
You know we love New York & Company —one of our favorite affordable stops for super cute and current workwear separates—and apparently Katie Holmes does too. The Tom Cruise-wife, Suri-mom (isn’t she an actress too?) is increasingly viewed as a chic fashion trendsetter, but apparently she’s not all designer, all the time—she was recently spotted rocking this fab plaid trench from NY&Co., which is currently available in stores for only $74.95 (it will be available online in December). Plaid, of course, is super hot for Fall . . .
Go to New York & Co. to find a store near you.
Shrinking Models, Ballooning Pant Legs, and Black Lace
Fashion Week has been such a blast, we wish it didn’t have to end. While TBF filled you in on all the upcoming looks for Spring 2009, here’s what you had to say about the hottest looks for this season:
~If the recent onslaught of balloon pants has you doing a double take, and not in a good way, you’re not alone. Celebrity fashionistas are rocking this look in full force, but our TBF readers aren’t so sure that it has legs. 85% of you said these pants should do the Hammer dance on out of here, while 11% think it might be fun for a season or two. Only a scant 2% profess to loving them.
~Lovers of white pants, rejoice! This Fall, the fashion powers-that-be have proclaimed that it’s not only okay, but downright stylish to wear white pants, skirts, and accessories after Labor Day and the vast majority of our readers will be partaking in the trend. 48% admit though, that the look can be a little tricky and wearers of white must make sure that both their shades and fabrics are season appropriate. 41% weren’t so picky, claiming that the bold, graphic, and modern look of white is great for any time of year. But a few traditionalists (10%) said they just couldn’t get past the old fashion rule and will reserve their whitest whites exclusively for the summer months.
~Black lace is turning up everywhere in the designers offerings for our fall wardrobes. But use sparingly, warn 34% of our readers, or you’ll end up looking like Madonna circa Desperately Seeking Susan (and we all know how well that film fared!). 26% think black lace should be saved for the boudoir, while 11% plan to sex up their look with lace shirts, dresses, and skirts. The remaining 28% said “no thanks” to black lace, claiming that it’s just not their style under or over their clothes.
~With the average American woman rockin’ a curvy size 12, it’s a little unrealistic that designers should expect us to look like the skinny minnies that strut down their runways. Instead of promoting an unhealthy body image to the masses, 68% of readers believe that ultra-thin models should be banned from the runways. 27% were unsure, since they believe it would be equally unfair to discriminate against naturally uber-thin models. A wispy 4% remainder believe that the hanger-like frames of super skinny models make the clothes look better and would prefer things remain the same.
~Does the Western wear trend have you saying yee-haw? If so, you might be a little perturbed at the prices high end designers are charging to sport this look. Not a single reader was willing to fork over top dollar for the trend, but 39% would seek out similar duds at bargain prices. Another 19% thought Western Wear looks cute on others, although they wouldn’t wear it themselves, while the majority of readers (40%) said it just wasn’t their thing, no matter how low the price might be.
Got something to say? Tell us what you think everyday by voting in TBF’s Daily Polls. Then catch up on all the action this time next week.
Want to dish or get advice right now? Visit the TBF Forum.
New York City Fashion Week Spring 2009: Ralph Lauren
What: Ralph Lauren Runway Show, New York City Fashion Week Spring 09
The Lowdown: With all the fedoras, khaki, olive, and safari/expedition flavor, we think it’s possible that Indiana Jones had a hand in the latest collection from Ralph Lauren, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. And actually, there’s plenty more to be had here—shimmery gold, flowy dresses, satiny shine—so that the collection is probably one of the most cohesive we’ve seen. It’s gloriously retro, elegantly throw-back, and blends menswear-inspired styling and ultra-womanly gowns into one seamless vision. This week, it seems that collections have been either all about the color, or all about the pure neutral palette—and Lauren has opted for the latter. It’s the perfect choice, however, letting the garments themselves stand out. Our only complaints? The MC Hammer-inspired pants we’d rather forget, and all those crazy turbans . . .
Budget Solution: We love any excuse to wear a cool hat, so take inspiration and pick up a fedora (like this one from ArdenB), and create a long lean silouette that includes a little shine (with something like this layered-look sweater/blouse from Spiegel).
image courtesy of Style.com
Western Wear Inspired Looks for Fall: Daily Poll
Product Info:
Plaid 3/4 Ruffle Front Top from The Gap.
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