Tag Archives: trendspotting

F is for Frocks

26 Feb

Sheena Matheiken of the Uniform Project (http://theuniformproject.com)

Let’s face it: the weather is cray cray. It’s been snowing, raining, and sunny all in one week, which means getting dressed in the morning can be a bit challenging. What works best is layering of course, but adding layers doesn’t mean dressing in a collage of dull sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, and hoodies. You can dress-up your layers by mixing and matching short dresses with fun legwear, tanks, cardigans, and accessories in a whole host of colors. And don’t forget, cotton is your best friend during these awkward temporal transitions. This way, when weather swings you a curveball, you can shed a layer or two but still look great while remaining seasonally appropriate!

Here are some of my cross-seasonal favorite frocks:

1. “Fine in Dots and Lines” from Modcloth, $55 USD

2. “Brush Strokes Skater Dress” from ASOS Curve, $57 USD

3. “W’s Ponte Sleeveless Dress” from Uniqlo, $50 USD

4. “Silence and Noise Striped Bustier Dress” from Urban Outfitters, $59 USD

5. “Otta Dress” from Anthropologie, $168 USD

6. “Mariposa Grove” from Shabby Apple, $86

and for an all-weather party look:

Victoria Peplum Dress from Nasty Gal, $58 USD

front

back

- Retail DJ

Trendspotting: Colorblock

28 Jul

Everyone loves a little Mondrian, and fashion is so certainly no exception. Decade after decade, the bold, colorblock design finds it way back into the mainstream with geometric patterns and accents jutting out like sartorial architecture at every turn. Though fall sometimes signals the beginning of the end for bright colors, this year, the dull, washed-out creams, tans, and grays took over for summer, meaning that colors would be a welcome alternative for fall fashion. And while big-label designers have always looked to Mondrian’s work for inspiration, there’s enough to go around for those whose money doesn’t grow on trees. Stores like ASOS, H&M, and Forever 21 are offering up solid fall options in an array of colorblocked styles.

I recall seeing the models of Fall 2011 week galloping down the runways on television and thinking to myself, “F*ck. The 60s are back.” I was a little less than excited to know that the era that put forth some of the most beautiful, but also the most garish pieces had found itself in fashion’s favor once again. Though the colors and styles are beautiful, the result once translated to and consumed by the masses can be contrived and costume-y, leading me to dread fall fashion (an honest first considering my love for fall and all its back-to-school madness). Luckily, my fear was proven a tad bit unreasonable, as the quick-consumer fashion response to the Mondrian/Colorblock/60s+70s trend is actually moden, refined, and beautiful. It has clean lines, simple silhouettes, and patterns that add a little life to a season known for . . . well, the death of most flora and vegetation.

One of the other benefits to the trend is that many designs from the 60s and 70s (maybe with the exception of disco bodysuits and tight bellbottoms) were flattering on many body types. With a-line cuts and sturdy fabrics, it’s all a win-win.

H&M

H&M

H&M

ASOS

ASOS

Forever21

- Retail DJ

Trendspotting: Neo-Frump

2 Mar

Frump Diplomacy

Though frills are in style for spring (much to my chagrin), there’s also another trend rearing its head this season. Much to my surprise, frump is in!

Frump chic has managed to revive itself from the ashes following the hipster burnout of tongue-in-chee 80s cheese. Though the librarian look isn’t for everyone, it’s certainly easy to accomplish, fairly inexpensive (vintage, vintage, vintage!), and not costume-y if paired with the proper accessories.

For example, if you wear a longer, loose skirt, be sure to add in high heels; for slightly shorter, knee-length skirts, wear flats or low heels. It’s great for those of us who are penny pinching because with the right adjustments and accessory changes, the look can easily go from day to night with ease, and will be appropriate to all situations, be they dressy or casual.

Midi Leather Skirt by Whistles (ASOS)

 

Royal Introduction Dress (Modcloth)

 

River Liffey Dress (Modcloth)

Anadyomene Cardigan (Anthropologie)

Suede Pump (Urban Outfitters)

 

- Retail DJ

Trendspotting: Clowning Around

23 Feb

Collar'd Up

I am not a big fan of spring fashion. It’s usually the same thing regurgitated up from the bowels of fashion mediocrity year after year after year: florals, dainty cuts, “feminine” silhouettes and details, and ruffles…lots and lots of ruffles.

This year is no different, but I feel as though I have seen an even greater proliferation of ruffles this year, most particularly in collar form. Some renderings of this trend are so over the top the ruffled collars appear to simply be clown collars moonlighting under the guise of daywear. Considering I have boobs, I can’t quite rock all the ruffles, lest I look like a chicken let out of her cage. But for folks who are less well-endowed in the chest area, this look may work. Just be careful. Note that this look will a) make your head look small, b) make your chest look big, c) make your body appear oddly proportioned unless paired with the proper bottoms and accessories, and d) may age you well beyond your years (in fact, whenever I see ruffle shirts, I think about my 2011 Halloween costume: Ms. Slocombe from Are You Being Served?).

Here are a few runway examples:

Christian Siriano (Spring 2011)

 

Valentino (Spring 2011)

Here are examples from Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, and ASOS:

Urban Outfitters

 

Forever 21

 

ASOS (ugh, what IS this!??!)

But a few designers are trying to add a new twist to the excessive collar action. I am still note a huge fan, but the cutouts are a tiny bit better than all the ruffles:

Miu Miu (Spring 2011)

 

ASOS

 

Thoughts?

- Retail DJ

Trendspotting: Slick

5 Nov

For winter 2010/2011, leather dresses in a variety of cuts (that work for many body types) are in style. There are the conventional short-sleeve shifts that can even work for day, and more unusual cuts that are strictly for nights out. For those of you who wear animal-friendly items, never fret! There are plenty of faux-leather looks as well. Take a minute to check out what’s available in-stores now!

ASOS BLACK Dress With Leather Insert Peplum, $164 USD

Gestuz Mesh Yoke Leather Shift Dress, ASOS, $276 USD

Python Leather Mini Dress, Camila and Marc, $1000 USD

Strapless Panel Dress, Halston Heritage, $368 USD

Faux Leather & Jersey Tunic Dress, Aqua, $147 USD

- Retail DJ

What Is the Future of Music and Fashion?

1 Nov

What's It Gonna Be Then, Eh?

After last week’s slight scare from Gizmodo that Technics 1200 turntables were going to be discontinued and New York Magazine’s announcement that the hipster was indeed dead, it made me wonder about the future of music and fashion. Of course, the turntable announcement (which was later updated to show that it was only ONE model that would be discontinued, not the whole product line) frightened me more than that of the death of hipsterdom, but both made me think seriously about whether or not everything music and fashion would be reduced to something less tangible, less real. The real kicker came when I stumbled upon an article about the death of the web. The post focused on the increased growth in the app market and how its presence and obvious dwarfing of sites and internet-based programs that require some semblance of engagement (i.e. iTunes) may be a sign that the web is in its final days. There are always generational shifts and technology fears, but with our world changing so quickly, much more rapidly than ever before, could these pieces actually mean something?

(more…)

Trendspotting: Monks and Spats

24 Sep

Fold me over and color me camel and cognac- not necessarily my personal directives, but it certainly seems to be the route fall fashion has gone with a slew of spat boots at every turn. 

With thick folds of worn leather, these layered boots are perfect for those of who want to stay warm in the coming months and who feel the need to add a little bulk to their lower limbs. Spats, of course, are not for everyone and I have a feeling a few people might take the trend a bit too far, wearing them with EVERYTHING, including even bulkier legwear, when they are meant to be the accent pieces themselves (i.e. over thinner leggings or stockings). Nevertheless, boots are always a welcome addition to the set of fall trends, as long as they’re not peep-toe (fashion doesn’t have to make sense, but that is just stupid and a waste of money).

In other trends, I’ve noticed that quite a few new haircuts coming up, particularly the bowlcut, in its various forms. A nice replacement for the one-side shorn, asymetrical bob that everyone and their mother is rocking these days, the bowlcut offers a little bit more hair to play with and fits right into the 60s and 70s looks that we’ll see in the spring (Designers, can you push anything else so hard down our throats? We get it. The 60s and 70s are back, the 80s are out). I’ve seen basic bowlcuts, bowlcut bobs, and even a complete monk cut, with the sides and back completely shaven and only a mini-bowlcut on top. It won’t work for everyone, of course, but it’s nice to see a little variation to the punk-do that’s gotten a bit played out.

So for fall and winter, there will be a little more coverage below and, for some, more coverage above as well (afterall, bowlcuts serve as lovely means of protecting the ears, if on the longer side). Either way, with warmth as an overall goal, each option is a win.

- Retail DJ

Trendpsotting: Junkyard Wrists

10 Jun

For years, children have been wearing controversial bracelets.

I remember for my generation, the candy bracelet become a source of debate because it somehow promoted tooth decay amongst youth (and later because they were associated with rave culture):

Then during my grade school years, the slap bracelet was a big no no. “It cuts their wrists!” parents cried, alarmed that such a fun accessory could lead to accidental kiddie suicide attempts.

In more recent years, band bracelets have come under fire as being “distracting.” At one point, there was a crisis (at least for parents) surrounding these bracelets specifically because they were thought to be a symbol of sexual conquests, with each bracelet symbolizing some degree of hooking up. And now, they are simply too colorful and too abundant to stop looking at, “too distracting” having been cited as the primary reason kids have to kick their favorite bracelets to the curb.

Luckily, adults are not burdened with these rules (at least, not beyond the workplace), so they can make a mess of their wrists if they so choose. An interesting trend I have spotted as of late is just that: junkyard wrists. In other words, I’ve seen women wearing bracelets of a variety of styles and textures, though generally in the same color family (as pictured above). I am into the trend, even though I personally never wear bracelets. I think it allows for a lot of creativty and expression, and the style works really well to add some extra “oomph” to a monochromatic outfit. It also ironically lets adults just pretend they’re kids again.

- Retail DJ

Look Who’s Wearing Splash Print!

6 May

Look who’s wearing Splash Print! Love it. Maybe Michelle reads Retail DJ?

Trendspotting: Splash Prints

4 May

Pollock Meets Party?

I’ve heard from dozens of fashion editors and email alerts that the trend for spring is neutrals. Yes, boring beige, washed out white, dull dusty grey. But from what I’ve seen on the street and in ads, the real trend is anything but. In fact, I’ve noticed that people have bucked the trendmachine all together and gone for splashes of color. With all the talk being that beige is the new black (ironic, much?), the fashion industry has projected itself once again as the last people on the block to hear the news. Paint splash prints are where it’s at.

The trend was big in the spring of 2008, though with much less subtle tailoring. The print was relegated primarily to hipster threads and teeny bopper summer gear as opposed to being a design on clothes you could wear to both work and the party. Jackson Pollock would be proud. Here are some recent finds that I think fit the bill:

1. Silk Tank Jumpsuit by Zimmerman ($174 USD)

With a cardigan, thin belt, and cute flats (or low kitten heels), this could serve the purposes of attire for work, and sans as a casual outfit for running errands. Then with dressier jewelry, a great outfit for going out. Due to its shape and its ability to be manipulated by way of accessorizing, it also works well for a variety of body types.

2. Opie Fitted Paint Splash Dress by Olivia Rubin ($380 USD)

This could be work  functional with the inclusion of stovepipe black slacks, a cardigan, and (once again) flats or kitten heels. The results mirror the classic East and South Asian combination of a tunic/dress-like top + flared bottoms, but with a more urban, American twist. For party, this dress can simply be paired with a great pair of dark heels or flats, and voila! instant cocktail outfit.

3. Splish Splash Jersey Dress by Marc Jacobs ($238 USD)

 

Because this dress is the perfect length for work, there’s little needed beyond a cardigan or blouse to cover one’s shoulders. It’s perfect for the spring/summer outdoor barbeque or housewarming party.

4. Jilly Printed Dress by Coast, $112 USD

Perfect kimono-inspired dress. All it needs are stockings or leggings for work, and you’re set, thanks to the full sleeve coverage. While it’s great for clubbing, it also works for the post-work happy hour. Convenient no?

- Retail DJ

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