Urban Outfitters
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 The quilted pattern is classy and traditional, while the bright red keeps it from looking outdated.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.
New York City Fashion Week Spring 2009: Jordache
What: Jordache Runway Show, Metropolitan Pavilion, New York City Fashion Week, Spring 2009
The Lowdown: Color and frivolity were the keys to this collection, and the crowd was loving it. While Jordache has lost some of its popularity over the decades, they honored their legacy by clothing each model in a pair of their iconic-label jeans. Washes ranged from very dark to old-school blue to bleach white, and they were all skinny and tight. The high-waisted jean was just one aspect of the retro mood of the collection. Tie-dye, metallic body suits, short shorts, jumpers and a model who flashed the Peace sign all evoked the mood of the seventies. Jordache’s emblem, the horse, was emblazoned in Swarovski crystals across several off-the-shoulder shirts which were paired with the skinny jean of 2008. The hot pink, purple, silver, gold, cyan, and fuchsia colors put the crowd in a flower power mood. We weren’t in love with the back pocket embellishments nor the tiny metallic body suits, but this collection pleased us greatly. Unlike many other shows this week, accessories were plentiful—long, silver chain necklaces, pocket chains and a few cuff bracelets accented the clothing.
Budget Solution: Our favorite budget store when we want to look bohemian and laidback? Urban Outfitters. This loose-fitting fuchsia racerback tank would look at home in the seventies, while this high-waisted jean hearkens back to an era when low-rise denim did not exist. If you’d like to pump up your outfit with just a bit of tie-dye, consider this tie-dye scarf from Charlotte Russe. The jumpers in the collection were a bit iffy, but never say never—here’s one from Forever 21 that fits our budgets nicely.
Image courtesy of our friend’s personal photographs
New York City Fashion Week Spring 09: DKNY
What: DKNY Runway Show, Tent at Bryant Park, New York City Fashion Week Spring 09
The Lowdown: For Spring, DKNY is giving us easy shapes and a typically urban vibe painted with bold pinks, lime greens, and clear blues against backdrops of taupe, navy blue and, yes, black—with a little denim thrown in for good measure. Strong structure up top and lots of leg found their way to the runway, accented with more thin horizontal stripes (like we saw with Charlotte Ronson) and necklines were highlighted with thin fringed scarves and long swingy chains. The details? Drawstrings (some on anorak style jackets) and big bows (used sparingly and on just the right scale), adding to the 80s-but-updated feel of the collection on the whole . . .
Budget Solutions: The focus on black will make it easy to transition into these trends from winter, meaning from a budget standpoint (assuming you have a black jacket or, say, a short black skirt) you’ll really just need to worry about adding the pops of neon color and stripes if you want to stay on the urban DKNY trend . . . and Forever21 will probably be the place to do that. Hit up Claire’s for some long chain necklaces now, as well and for the scarves? Keep Urban Outfitters in mind as the season draws near. . .
image courtesy of Coutorture.com
Accessories: What to Buy Fall 2008
Fall fashion trends are great and all, but if your bank account is running a little thin these days (and seriously, whose isn’t?) picking up a few accessory updates and calling it good might just be the way to go. This season, of course, has it’s own accessory trends, but they’re ever so easy to get for less. Just keep reading:
The Cloche Hat
We’re totally thinking of making the cloche hat our signature piece—it gives that 20s vibe we’re loving right now without quite taking it to that fringed flapper dress level . . .
Felt Cloche with Bow, $12.80, Forever21
Cloche Hat in Jersey Knit, $20, Berkeley Hat.com
Bold Cuffs
Wrists will make a statement this fall with cuffs ranging from metallic to embellished black leather.
Wrapped Wire Cuff, $5.80, Forever21
Leather Cuff Bracelet, $20, Urban Outfitters
Textured/Colored Bags
Think mock-crock, python, quilting, and a roomy bag with a top handle. Black, metallic, or rich color. Sounds expensive, but it doesn’t have to be.
Botkier for Target Hobo Bag, Fuschia, $39.99
Botkier for Target Satchel, Gray Python, $39.99
Faux Croc Satchel, $29.80, Forever21
Ankle Boots
The ones you bought last year are totally fine (we love it when trends runneth over) but the new ones? They’re a little more daring . . . and quite frankly Newport News is all over this one.
Red Patent Ankle Boot, $39, Newport News
Platform Ankle Boot, $39, Newport News
The Standout Belt
This is our standard advice anyway—kick up the basics with a statement belt—and it’s completely on trend this fall to boot . . .
Fashion Trend: On the Fringe
What: The latest thing in fashion embellishment—fringes.
What We Say: We thought maybe it was just us, but we’ve definitely noticed a significant increase in fringing lately, on everything from shoes to handbags to dresses . . . and as long as they’re not on the sleeves of a cropped purple suede jacket with giant shoulder pads, we figure they might be okay to try out. With the Roaring 20s being touted as the next big decade for fashion inspiration (more on that later) we’re kind of partial to a fringy dress (and especially after seeing it on So You Think You Can Dance’s Cat Deeley on the show’s finale—so cute). As with all embellishment trends, moderation is key. If you love it, pick one piece to have fun with and stash the rest of your cash for a rainy day.
Some Fringe Finds We Like:
~ Silence & Noise Lace Trim Tank Dress, $98, Urban Outfitters
~ Flapper Dress by eDressme new york, $72 (comes in a host of vibrant colors plus black)
~ Tasha Fringe Hobo, $34.50, Delia’s
~ Savannah Beaded Wristlet, $23.99, eBags
And For Something More Subtle:
~ Tiered Fringe Earrings, $9.99, Urban Outfitters
~ City Style Multi-Colored Scarf, $16.95, New York & Company
Best Green Fashion on a Budget: Reader Advice
Green fashion and budget shopping—two phrases that don’t seem to go together easily. Finding green, or organic, or eco-friendly, clothing to begin with isn’t easy—but finding it without a gasp-inducing pricetag? Well, we’re just about stumped. Urban Outfitters has their Urban Renewal line, which is made from re-purposed fabrics and materials, but we’re not convinced it’s truly budget ($48 for a Knit Halter? Not exactly cheap). So tell us—have you found a great source for green fashion on a budget? We really do want to know!
Urban Outfitters Summer and Swim Accessories Sale
The Deal: Urban Outfitters Swim Accessories are on sale right now!
What We Say: You’ve got your bathing suit, sunscreen, and flip-flops. But if you want to pump up your look at the pool or beach, head to Urban Outfitters for very cute sunglasses, sandals, headwraps, and totes. The bright colors and fun patterns mesh with this season’s trends in that neo-bohemian way Urban is known for. We love walking to our lounge chairs in shades, clutching our bags to our arms, and glancing at the on-lookers admiring our style. If you want that feeling too, check out our picks.
The Reuse Me Tote features whimsical black butterflies on a white background. Throw in your towel, iPod, sunscreen and other items. Use it for groceries during the colder months—it’s made out of sturdy canvas. Now only $8.99.
This beautiful Ikat Headwrap comes in three colors—we like the light blue for the summer. Keep your hair out of your face in this heat. $16.
Pictured: These are frames that we’d definitely include in our fantasy swim ensemble. The Pink Moon Sunglasses have great details like the metal trim and textured frame, plus you can choose from unconventional colors like dark gray, purple and pink. Now $9.99.
Fashion Advice: Budget Flats
QI have to wear flat shoes for health reasons and I’m also on a budget. I feel like I spend days or weeks looking for fashionable, non-frumpy flat shoes which I can afford. What are some good sources for flat shoes on a budget?
A I’m a big fan of flat shoes and wear them on a daily basis because I do so much walking (New York is such a pedestrian city). Here’s some of my favorite places to score flats for a reasonable price:
Baker Shoes— This mall base store is a great place for trendy flats under $40. Never, ever pay more than $40 for a pair of flats from Bakers because several of their shoes are manufactered by the same folks who make shoes for Payless. Sometimes, you can even find similar styles at the both stores.
Aerosoles—In store, Aerosoles can tend to skew a bit grandma like—but online the store has a wider selection of stylish flats.
Old Navy—Old Navy has a solid selection of ballerina flats in leather and other types of materials for well under $20.00. The shoes won’t last you about 10, maybe 15 wears, and then you’ll have to throw them away. However, from a cost per wear standpoint, the shoes are only $1.50 to $2 per wear. A solid value
Urban Outfitters—Almost always has a few very trendy flats, usually well under $40/ most under $30. Be aware that many of the shoes sold at Urban Outfitters aren’t leather.
Steve Madden—Huge selection of stylish flat shoes in a ton of different colors from patten leather with pilgrim buckles to your basic ballerina flats in cheetah prints. Prices tend range from $29.99 to $89.99. If you see a style you like that tends to fall on the higher end of the price range, wait a week or two—they almost always go on sale.
Barefoot Tess—Great online based store with a HUGE selection of flats from folks like Jeffrey Campbell and Delmans. Most flats are around the $50 to $60 range.
Bluefly.com—Sometimes you can find a deal or two on designer flats from Kate Spade, Delman, Christian Louboutin, etc. Not exactly cheap, but definitely cheaper than retail.
Nine West - Another mall based store with a solid website. I actually think the website is better than the store. Every year, it seems like things get pricier and pricier. However, it’s definitely worth taking a peek at the store.
and Zappos.com, of course.
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Fall 2006 Fashion Preview: The Wide Belt
The wide belt is another accessory making a major comeback this fall. The belt, sometimes called an “Obi”, from the belt/binding used to hold a kimono in place, was poping up everywhere during NYC’s Fall fashion week—over sweaters, dresses and even winter coats.
How You’ll Wear it:
- Over a grandpa cardigan sweater
- Over a black fitted sweater and black pencil skirt
- As a belt for your basic winter dress coat
- To add a bit of color to a basic black sweater dress
Where to find it:
Urban Outfitters, Target, eBay (great collection), H&M, Forever21 or make your own by purchasing a strip of leather and a vintage (or vintage looking) belt buckle from your local fabric store.
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