coutorture --

An Ode To Mayle: Shop It

coutorture — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:34:59 -0700

With news that fashion brand, Mayle, is closing down after Resort/Holiday 09, we think a spread is due. Perhaps you've only loved the Mayle aesthetic from afar, perhaps you've indulged in every smart frock and pair of trousers from previous seasons, or perhaps the brand hasn't meant much to you until now. Either way, we have a feeling these last deliveries will mean much more to many of us. To think, just last week we wrote up an immaterial about a shearling caplet that is part of the Fall 08 collection. Little did we know it would be one of Mayle's last quirky offers. If anything, this should stand as an example of how difficult is is to run a fashion business in general, and how the contemporary companies in particular, often get thrown the wolves if they don't peddle their clothing properly and act as total slaves to the buyers (who have peddle on their own accord). It's not easy, especially in our current economic climate, to endure the season-less demands of the contemporary shopper. Jane Mayle, in her conversation with WWD, referenced perfumery and home goods as being her next endeavor so we're sure we haven't seen the last of that magpie/indie girl aesthetic. That said, it's still the end of a clothing line beloved by many young burgeoning chicsters. Below, our spread of Mayle from Spring 08 (all on sale) and Fall 08 (just delivered). If you shop only for the sake of archiving, we won't blame you.

Mayle Wintertime Brilliance

coutorture — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 10:36:12 -0700

After posting on our reluctance to purchase anything resembling a 'fashion coat' this winter, Mayle solved all of our problems. First of all our love for shearling is strong. When we saw shearling this season from Richard Chai, Matthew Williamson, and Preen, we were just about beside ourselves. Shearling is like the morally sound alternative to fur and it's likewise really, really warm. Although we've never donned a pair of UGGs, we've long been fans of shearling. So Mayle, ever the clever indie star, came up with a little shearling caplet which can drape around the collar of your favorite trench or not-so-warm 'fashion coat'. It's darling, really, and might just solve your warmth problem come snowstorm time. The only snag in this plan is that the caplet itself is $240 dollars. Now, that might be nothing to some fashionistas and if so, all the power to you. We do know, however, that not every chicster will want to spend that much post-coat purchase. The only answer we can come up with is to act like Steve Madden and hit up the garment district on a DIY adventure, or, make the fashion coat purchase now and save the caplet investment for later, when you've long forgotten the former investment.

Halter Without The Hideous

coutorture — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 07:30:51 -0700

The halter top is saddled with all kinds of unfortunate cultural associations. Your editor had a veritable closet full during her sorority days thanks to the good folks of Express Fashions (ask her about her miniskirt collection someday). Thus, when community partner Fashion Pad reminded us that baring your shoulders during the hot summer months is a good look for many women and not to mention quite cool, we did a double take on the halter top. We didn't want some boob hugging up in your face "why don't you buy me a drink, spare the roofie please, check out my sequins" contraption obviously. We wanted something that was in line with the fashion we already consume. A quick shopping trip has shown us that we are being rewarded by the gods of merchandising this summer. The hippest of the hip from across the cool spectrum including Martin Margiela, Mayle and Humanoid all have options we can sincerely endorse.

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.