coutorture --

Gap Wool Blazer

coutorture — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 08:43:58 -0700

Speaking of The Gap, this wool blazer is an affordable take on this season's surefire trend. From Alexander Wang's herringbone blazer which, at $758 in the middle of August, is flying off the shelves, to Alexander McQueen's double breasted blazer which, even at nearly $2,000, seems to us like a wise investment, the options are plentiful and tempting. But, no matter how much the over five hundred dollar options tempt you it's possible you'll need invest in this trend without spending so much. The Gap, for 98 dollars (no tax), is selling a wool blazer in heather grey, oatmeal, and chocolate and we have to say that it's a tempting option. Buy it a size larger than normal, roll the sleeves up, and pair it with a burned out t-shirt and a great pair of shades and the look quickly becomes of Alexander quality. The bonus is what you can do with all of the cash you didn't spend on the more expensive options. To which we say, shoes, vacations, and champagne with lunch.

Back of My Neck Getting Dirty and Gritty

coutorture — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 07:14:20 -0700

The dripping doldrums of summer are starting to get to people. Its not just us mumbling to ourselves about how the sun doesn't care. Our community is starting to feel the heat. The Coveted illustrates just how done she is with summer by showing off a pair of sunglasses by Klavers van Engelen that are literally melting.

We personally aren't so into making the point that we are sweaty and gross via extravagant accessories but our favorite antidote to the downsides of summering in the city happens to be a very simple garment indeed. When showering becomes pointless because you now you are just going to get moist within minutes the loungey, why bother, just throw something and get out the door garment becomes crucial. And thus you have the falling off your sweating limbs tank top. Why invest in clinical strength deodorant when you can just get a few new shirts.

Hot town, summer in the city
Back of my neck getting dirty and gritty
Been down, isn't it a pity
Doesn't seem to be a shadow in the city

Vogue Misreports Uniqlo-Wang Situation

meganzanke — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 07:18:41 -0700

This just in, Wang at Uniqlo apparently doing well in British minds. In today's daily news on Vogue.com the Alexander Wang for Unqilo collection is said to be flying off the racks. They report, "the collection is instore now and selling out fast. Plan your purchase now."

Sooo, uh, yeah. We were there just yesterday and happened to take a photo of just how much Alexander Wang is sitting in the store. It blows our minds that Vogue editors think that A. This is worthy of heading up today's top news stories (Er, Yves Saint Laurent just passed away. That's all you could come up with!?) and B. That they don't bother to investigate whether this is actually true across the board.

So, the real news today is that news, apparently, can be inventive and untrue and that if you want that dress, pictured in the Vogue.com story, there are about a million at Uniqlo in Soho so it clearly isn't selling out globally. We really don't feel like British and American consumers are that wildly different.
To be fair, we did notice that other pieces from Wang's collection were sparse, however, the collection has been on sale for about a week now, which should be plenty of time to sell out the inventory. We're going to stand on the other side of the fence and say that this collaboration was somewhat of a flop. If Wang and Uniqlo (hipster vocab if ever) come together right before summer, in the middle of Soho, and there are still garments left after a week of them sitting in front of the door, something has gone terribly wrong.

Today's Outfit: Tone It Down, Stay Cool

coutorture — Wed, 14 May 2008 10:15:37 -0700

When warm weather first hits people get really excited. Out come the bright prints, the short shorts, the panama hats. There is something to be said, however, for the woman who takes it in stride. She doesn't get all rambunctious and crazy with her wardrobe, she saves the 'Summer is here' outfits for when summer is actually, you know, here. During these spring months she just rolls out on to the street in something that is decidedly optimistic but not over the top. To this end, we think this outfit is something that sort of fashionista might wear. The Mayle Mariachi Sun Bag has the popular Native American thing going on, it's a summertime purse that is still substantial and sturdy, the Rag & Bone Dalton Cropped Pants and Alexander Wang Drop Needle Rainbow Tank evoke a casual and feminine mood, and the Rachel Comey Pimm Oxfords, a bit of menswear to balance things out. Here's to the girl who knows a little bit about how to mix optimism and reserve.

Collab Mad: Alexander Wang Poised For Uniqlo

coutorture — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 07:05:14 -0700

Prepare for total chaos. The highly anticipated guest collection by Alexander Wang for Uniqlo is poised to hit stores by the end of May. Pictures of the collection have started to circulate, so expect a building sense of consumer anxiety over the next two months. As big business and hot designer collaborations go, this one is about as brilliant as Kate Moss for Topshop. That is, many of Wang's fans are those more likely to recreate his aesthetic with thrift store finds, given the retail price. It's a safe bet, then, that Wang's collection for the Japanese retail chain will sell out immediately. With eight exclusive looks priced between $29 and $79 dollars, Wang fans will have access to this sliver of fashion history, just as long as they're able to wait in line.

Link: Alexander Wang Fall 2008 Fashion Show

We also have impressive designer video interviews and original editorial spreads. May we cordially suggest perusing our selection? Enjoy New York Fashion Week Designer Video Interviews from Oscar De La Renta, Donna Karan for DKNY,Michael Kors, Isaac Mizrahi, Nicole Miller, Erin Fetherston, Ashleigh Verrier , Adam Lippes, James Coviello, John Varvatos , Monique Lhuillier, Joanna Mastroianni, Tory Burch, Neeam Khan

Hip(ster) Hip(ster) Hooray, Pant Rolling Is The New Popped Collar!

coutorture — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 09:06:21 -0800

We love styling trends. This 2008 (both seasons, though more predominately for Spring 200 the styling trend is rolled pants. Let's clarify the technique first, that is, this is not folding nor tight rolling. The look is a bit messier, a little less type-A, and makes you appear as if you're two seconds away from jumping into the ocean like a crazy person. This Spring 2008, the young designers jumped on this trend (Alexander Wang, United Bamboo, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Preen, Y-3, and Sari Gueron to name a few), possibly out of a dependence on the skinny jean and a reluctance to embrace the new wide leg silhouette. Expect, for that reason, that those who wear skinny jeans will follow suit in transition. We love this trend because it makes us feel like a nerdy English tomboy (academic and rosy cheeked) and effects our gait such that we feel like stirring up schoolboy mischief. Our gallery of the trend, from Spring (and little Fall) 2008, below.

We also have impressive designer video interviews and original editorial spreads. May we cordially suggest perusing our selection? Enjoy New York Fashion Week Designer Video Interviews from Oscar De La Renta, Donna Karan for DKNY,Michael Kors, Isaac Mizrahi, Nicole Miller, Erin Fetherston, Ashleigh Verrier , Adam Lippes, James Coviello, John Varvatos , Monique Lhuillier, Joanna Mastroianni, Tory Burch, Neeam Khan