Style Pirate

One woman’s encounter with a fashion kleptomaniac. 

A friend of mine approached me today and asked if I had ever dealt with a style thief.  This friend we’ll call Diana, has an acquaintance that after seeing Diana wear a skirt to the gym, went out that very same day, bought the same skirt, and wore it to the gym the following day.

This wasn’t the first time the style rogue commandeered Diana’s look.  This woman has been showing up in Diana’s clothes for over a year now.

Diana’s concern is that she didn’t want to look like the Bobbsey Twins on their way to Disney Land. 

I understand her concern.  At least once in our lives, nearly all of us have been somewhere and another individual is wearing the same shirt or outfit.  I read recently that during her time as First Lady, Laura Bush arrived at a White House ball only to discover not one, but, several women were wearing the exact same red Oscar de la Renta gown.  How embarrassing is that?

Unlike the gaffe at the White House, our style thief in question is deliberately purchasing an identical wardrobe.

So what’s your advice to Diana?  How would you approach this woman?  Has this ever happened to you?

 

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Fashion Sensei Says…

 

 

 

 

 

Mad Men Fan Must Read…

Photo Credit: AMC.com

If you are a fan of costume designer Janie Bryant from Mad Men, then I highly recommend Elle.com’s new interview.  Find out which movie stars inspire Bryant’s designs for the uber cool cast of Mad Men actresses and how to incorporate their look into your own wardrobe.

 

One Day Only…

Save 30% on full priced items In-Store Only today at Banana Republic.  See store for details.

 

 

Were The 2009 Collections More Diverse At NYFW?

Check out the statistics put together by the blog Jezebel on the diversity quotient for the NYFW runway models.  You may also be interested to know which designers did not cast one model of color–the results may surprise you.

 

What?!

Speaking of surprises, according to the Cut, rapper, former back up dancer and Britney’s babies daddy—Kevin Federline is said to be developing a line of children’s clothing.

“It’s a really tough business, I’m trying to take it seriously and make a quality product for kids but not have parents pay like $500 or something ridiculous for a pair of jeans," he told WWD.

I’ll let you leave your own punch line in the comments section below…

 

This Girl REALLY Need Help…

Folks are gasping at the site of Lindsay Lohan these days and not because of her substance abuse.  It seems that LiLo has a serious weight issue going on.  The two photos on the left are from May and June 2008 respectively and the last is her most recent photo–taken this month.

Photo Credit: Huffington Post 

According to a story on Feb. 16th in the Huffington Post, Lohan was asked by US Weekly at NYFW about her weight loss and she said that it was “unintentional”

"I eat. I had my Big Mac yesterday from McDonald’s," she told Us Sunday at the Matthew Williamson NYC store opening. "I eat just as much as I always have."

The 22-year-old actress (who has raised eyebrows before for her skinny frame) said she thinks she has just been "working a lot." She said she also blames "stress … and lack of sleep when I travel."

Honestly, PLEASE eat a few of those Big Mac’s more often, you look unwell.

 

More Funny Fashion…

Do you remember the Pac Man themed fashions I posted on Halloween last year?  Well Giles Deacon didn’t disappoint during London Fashion Week with this zip-up party hat and the herculean proportions on the cropped jacket below.

Photo Credit: Style.com

While I’m at it, here’s a few doozies that are worth noting from NYFW.  Starting with these remarkably phallic ensembles.

Photo Credit: Style.com

Click on each image for complete collection and designer information.

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Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week F/W 2009: Emerging Trends

I have rounded up some photos of trends that I have noticed this week at New York Fashion Week.  Take a look and let me know what you think.

 

Click on each photo for designer information and a slide show of the full collection.  Photo Source: Style.com

Peek-A-Boo Cut Outs

 

Metallics

   

 

One Shoulder

 

 

 

Lace

 

 

Statement Jacket

 

 

 

The New Blue

 

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Bye-Bye “It” Bags

Say hello to the hottest new accessory for spring.

Style.com

In a reversal of fortune for the high priced seasonal designer handbag, otherwise known at the “it” bag- bangles, bracelets and cuffs are all making a comeback this spring.

Style.com

Seen stacked high and dancing on the arms of runway models, bracelets add a little personality to your overall look.  Although the price of some bracelets combined can cost just as much as a designer bag (think Hermès) stores like Forever 21 and H&M offer some of springs latest trends for a fraction of the price.

To get the runway look, why not use the above photos or pictures from your favorite fashion magazine, as a guide while shopping?  Here are a few other options I found online in a variety of price points.

(Click on the image for shopping information.)

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Fashion Sensei Says…

Barbie Does NY Fashion Week…

In celebration of Barbie’s 50th birthday, the doll who has everything, will have a fashion show in her honor on Valentine’s Day. 

In tribute to each of Barbie’s years 50 years, 50 of fashion’s biggest names will be designing Barbie inspired confections for life size models while stomp’n it out in Christian Louboutin shoes. 

The color? Pink of course.

Barbie Trivia: 

Full Name:    Barbara Millicent Roberts 

Birthdate:     March 9, 1959

Hometown:  Willows, Wisconsin

Designers Participating

Alexander Wang                            Anna Sui Baby Phat Badgley Mischka Betsey Johnson Bob Mackie Brian Reyes Calvin Klein Carmen Marc Valvo Catherine Malandrino Chris Benz Costello Tagliapietra Derek Lam Diane von Furstenberg Donna Karan Erin Fetherston House of Field Jeremy Scott Juicy Couture Kai Kuhne Kenneth Cole Koi Suwannagate Lyn Devon Marchesa Michael Kors

Monique Lhuillier Naeem Khan Nanette Lepore Nicole Miller Norma Kamali Peter Som Rachel Roy Rag & Bone Rebecca Taylor Reem Acra Robert Best Rosa Cha The Blonds Three As Four Tibi Tommy Hilfiger Tory Burch Tracy Reese Trina Turk Tuleh Twinkle Vena Cava Vera Wang Vivienne Tam Yeohlee Yigal Azrouel

 

Louboutin’s Fashioned For a Queen…

 

In more Louboutin news, the shoe designer has teamed up with embroidery extraordinaire Jean-Francois Lesage of the House of Lesage to create Marie Antoinette inspired shoes.  With only 36 pair available for sale worldwide, these numbered Limited Edition pieces of art, are sure to be coveted by shoe and art collectors alike. [Fashion Week Daily]

 

Sex And The City Sequel One Step Closer…

Photo Credit: New Line Cinema

According to Entertainment Weekly, the sequel to last spring’s SATC movie is set to start filming this summer.  Although none of the four stars have formally signed a contract, all are said to be on board. 

It will be interesting to see if the girls will be touched by our real life economy.  I’m curious to see if any of the girls have joined the recessionista crowd or how Big’s investments are doing.

 

Mad Men Designer Working On Her Own Line…

Photo Credit: AMC.com

Fans of the acclaimed AMC show Mad Men will be thrilled to hear that costume designer Janie Bryant is developing her own clothing line.

Bryant who was nominated for a 2009 Costume Designers Guild Award (and should have won) inspired designers Michael Kors and Peter Som’s fall 2008 collections with her 60’s style pencil skirts and suits.

The collection is reported to be more contemporary and reflect the designer’s southern roots.  The line is currently being finalized and Bryant teased “I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I’ll have news in the next couple of months.”  I can’t wait. [Heard On The Runway]

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Guest Post For Running With Heels

Hi everyone, I hope you had a wonderful weekend and enjoyed the festivities of the Super Bowl last night.  I know that I could definitely use a nap today! 🙂

I wanted to share some exciting news with you.  I was asked by the editor of the fabulous online shoe magazine- Running With Heels to write a guest post.

I had the great fortune to write for them last year and am thrilled to be asked back. 

You may be wondering what I wrote about.  Well, it involves high heel shoes, exercise and an embarrassing spill.

I’m on the front page Features section-come check it out!

Fashion Sensei Says…

 

Hi everyone, this very late edition of Fashion Sensei Says… comes with some fancy new fonts that I have been experimenting with.  I just discovered that there is a new edition to Windows Live Writer so I have been playing with some of the new features.

My apologies for the scarcity of posts.  I think the stomach virus’ that have been wreaking havoc in my household have finally subsided (fingers crossed).

 

Man Skirts?

The NY Times is blaming Marc Jacobs for the new skirt trend seen on Paris runways during Men’s Fashion Week.  Designers, including Number (N)ine, Comme des Garçons, Yohji Yamamoto, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Rick Owens- all had fellas strutting their stuff in skirts.  What no minis?  On second thought, I don’t want to see that either. [Photo Source: Vogue.com]

 

Silly Monkey…

(click on images for photo source and shopping info.)

Someone reportedly paid $2,025 on eBay for a pair of Naughty Monkey shoes that Sara Palin wore during her campaign for Vice President.  The shoes that regularly retail for $100 were sold by a person who identified herself as Palin’s niece.  As a bonus- the Alaskan Governor is supposed to sign the shoes too.  [the cut]

I did a little searching and found the exact same pair on Endless.com marked down to $86.90.  I mean if you want to be a Naughty Monkey, why not go for a pair of shoes like these?

I “Double Dare” you…

Check out more about Governor Palin on the cut, where they also report her $180k wardrobe has been stuffed away in garbage bags.

 

Forgive Me For Finding Humor In the Following Statement…

I was just reviewing a long list of press releases and this one struck me as funny: “L.L. Bean Recalls Ice Cleats Used During Winter Weather Due to Fall Hazard”  [PR Newswire]  Man that sucks.

 

This One’s Not So Funny…

“Vermont Teddy Bear’s Limited-Edition ‘Recession-Proof Love’ Bear Brings a Bit of Humor to this ‘Bear Market’ “  [PR Newswire]

There’s nothing humorous about losing 40% of your 401k’s value.  Nor would I want a broke bear to remind me of it.

 

 

 

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Shoppers Cast Your Vote!

When you go shopping, you want to feel good about your purchase, right?  You also want a helpful sales person or customer service associate available if you need assistance.

Recently, the results from the National Retail Federation Foundation/American Express Customers’ Choice survey were released.

Here are the top ten:

1. L.L. Bean
2. Overstock.com
3. Zappos.com
4. Amazon.com
5. Lands’ End
6. New Egg.com
7. JCPenny
8. QVC
9. Coldwater Creek
10. Nordstrom

The survey, which polled 8,167 consumers asked, “Thinking of all the different retail formats (store, catalog, internet, or home shopping), which retailer delivers the best customer service?”

So my dear Fashion Sensei Readers, this is my question to you today.  Who would you choose? (It doesn’t have to be anyone mentioned above.) Who would you vote as having the WORST customer service?  Be sure to leave a comment.

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Fashion Sensei Says…

Happy Friday!

It’s been some week here in the Sensei household, I was sick,  then my oldest was sick, followed by my youngest who spent the past two nights throwing up…  I need to find the number to call in for a mom’s personal day.  If anyone knows it, let me know! 🙂

 

That’s A’lotta Bananas!

Yesterday I went to Banana Republic to redeem a $50 customer appreciation card that my husband so graciously gave me.  It’s a long story how he got the card, but the long and short of it is, B.R. couldn’t find a pair of pants that they tailored for him for several weeks, so they gave him the card.

Anyway, I can’t believe how low some things are marked down.  I purchased $339.20 worth of merchandise for only $79.15.  When you take off the $50 discount card, my total bill was $30.17!

My best deals were a pair of jeans for $14, reg. $89 and a black sweater from the fall collection for $9.74, reg $79. I almost felt a little guilty…but then I came to my senses! 🙂

Banana Republic is having an extra 25% off today online if you want to get in on the sale, but there was a much better selection at my local store.

Fashion Royalty

 

So let’s talk about Michelle Obama.  Beautiful at the inaugural address in Isabel Toledo, stunning in Jason Wu at the inaugural balls- but what I want to talk about is the amazing dress she wore to the National Prayer Service on Wed.  I did some hunting and it turns out that the 50’s style dress with an Asian inspired print, was designed by ex-surfer Tracy Feith.  The first lady  bought the dress at the ultra chic boutique Ikram, in Chicago.  No doubt that if there are any of these $720 dresses around, they have been snatched up by now.

There is some good news for those of us who do not have the budget to buy a $720 dress, Feith has been tapped by Target to design a collection for their GO International line and will make it’s way to the stores on May 17th.

Now That’s Hot!

(click on image to enlarge)

The temperature here in MI is supposed to take another dip tomorrow, so if you see me walking around in one of these, don’t be alarmed.  At first I thought these were some kind of new snow suit.  Turns out, they are sleeping bags by Lippi Selk Bag. 

 

From Fashion And Back

January 22nd kicked off the exhibition of British designer Hussein Chalayan at London’s Design Museum.  The exhibition will include a retrospective of his experimental and conceptual designs spanning the past 15 years.

His collections are not only art, but encompass technology, philosophy, anthropology and much, much more.  The video above includes a moment where a model literally steps into a table and walks off with a skirt; a crystal and LED lit dress; and magical dresses that literally transform before your eyes.

If you are in the area, this is a must see. If not, here are some links that you can experience some of the incredible and inspiring moments from his collections and learn more about this exceptional art and fashion visionary.  First, a sneak peak of the exhibition from Telegraph.co.uk,  a video retrospective of his work from style.com, an article from Telegraph.co.uk revealing more about the artist/designer and finally a link to YouTube for a collection of videos from his runway shows.

That’s it for today guys, have a great weekend!

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Be sure to check out the Fashion Sensei Services page for more information on Fashion Consultations in the Metro Detroit area and more.

Free Cosmetics

As part of a class action settlement, some of retail’s biggest names such as Macy’s, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue have begun dispensing some $175 million worth of free cosmetics and you can get yours too.

First, click on this link to see which stores near you are participating and what they will be giving away. 

Next, boogie your butt on down to the mall today! Even though this free cosmetic bonanza last’s 7 days, I just returned my local mall and the free cosmetics were going fast.  Some items were already gone when I arrived at my local Nordstrom.  I cued up in a line of about 30 people to receive my free mascara from Lancome.  There is one catch, you only get one item.

As I understand it, you are limited to one item period.  But I spoke with one woman in line who had gone to each of the four local participating stores.  She said “I spend a lot of money on this stuff.  They are only giving out sample sizes and I don’t feel guilty about going to each store.  We should be suing the lawyers who got this settlement!” 

I asked another woman in line how she knew about this and she said that a couple of her co-workers came back from their lunch break with several bottles of perfume. 

As I left Nordstrom, the trash cans were overflowing with the paper bags holding the free cosmetic.  Why?  Well, it appears that they were stuffing it in their purses and making a bee line down to Macy’s to get more free stuff.  While the rest of the mall was deserted, women could be seen wearing a path from Nordstrom to Macy’s and I saw another woman giving directions to another shopper to Neiman’s and Saks.

So if you want to get in on the giveaway, I suggest you check it out tonight. 🙂

P.S. Thanks Shannon for the tip!

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