Flirt Brooklyn

Check out our final project video!

This is our creative press kit for the store. We wanted everyone to know that they make handmade clothing. We then decided to go with the idea of a sewing box!

#10 Doggie Fashion

Meet Valentino the Yorkie. He is one fashionable pup.  He has a personal stylist that enjoys finding adorable clothing, myself. Since I have a brother, we call him Tino for short. Below, is a short clip of some of his clothes. I must warn you, he has tons of clothes!

Tino is our first dog and I had no idea how many retailers have clothing/accessories for dogs. Your dog can be as fashionable as you are! Below are a few retailers that do carry items.

#9 New Show Formats

 What would we do without technology?

Project Runway Season 8 was all about new technology and how we can incorporate it in fashion. With the new technology with HP Touch Smart Desktop it is now easier and faster to create a textile design. Just think, your fingers can be the next big textile design!

  

Below is also from Project Runway Season 8. This is the HP Touch Smart Notebook. The designers used the notebook to create there sketches without using color pencils/ markers or pencils/pens. This is also reducing the use of paper! Maybe one day we won't be using pencils or paper.

 

 

#8 Fashion Look Books

 

Watching the above video about H&M Spring/ Summer Look book, I enjoyed looking at the clothes.  I have not personally purchased anything from H&M, but these clothes look rich and expensive. They sure did get that image across to the viewers.  Most of the looks that were shown I actually would buy.  I liked how they had models walking and they also showed the back view. Having the models walking, I could see how the garment would move on a person. The music that was added to this video was great. If they didn’t have music, I would find this boring. Overall, H&M did a amazing job with this look book!

The next video below is also H&M. Versace has teamed up with H&M and this line with be hitting the stores this month (November 2011). This is very exciting!!!  This video does showcase both a collection for women and men. I must say, most of the video shows the women's collection and only a few looks from the men's. Some of these looks are a little too out there for me but all the black ones, I would definitely rock them. At the end of the video, they showed some of the men’s clothing…. These looks are way out there! Whoever who will wear these are a trend setter. I wonder if this will be as big as Missoni was for Target?

 

Nordstrom BP

 

This video above is Nordstrom BP (Brass Plum). This is the first department and retailer that I worked for when I was 16 years old. BP targets to teenage girls/ young adults.  Their price point is very reasonable and reminds me of Forever 21, but with better quality. This video is very creative and targets to their customers. I liked how this look book has a story and it’s something you won’t forget!  

#7 Trunk Show

This trunk show was presented by Boaz Mazor for Oscar de la Renta, Spring/Summer 2009 collection. In my opinion, Boaz Mazor did an wonderful job. He first started out explaining what a trunk show is and the history behind it and he went over some of the pieces that were featured on the runway. He, of course, had a model showcase the piece and he also showed how it was pieced all together on the runway. He is very detailed oriented and also shares information about the creation behind each piece.  From this collection, I feel that Boaz Mazor featured some of the best pieces to show to his small audience.

IPhone 4S "Trunk Show"

(The above link is from the New York Times online.) 

David Pogus brings the IPhone 4S to show and tell. There is a kid, who is the teacher while the students are the adults. I thought this was a funny twist, to share information about the new IPhone 4S.  This was most definitely a very creative way of putting on a "trunk show".

#6 Fashion Videos

 

Watching Gareth Pugh’s Winter Collection for 2009 made me have goose bumps. This collection is very dark and somewhat scary. I do enjoy all the special features that were added. The music also ties in very well with the theme. It is definitely a video you cannot stop watching. Gareth Pugh’s collection for this season reminds me of Alexander McQueen’s, with the box hat and the ruffled flowing dress that was featured in this video.

Below the Alexander McQueen’s Fall/Winter 2006 Collection. This video is only the second part of his shoe. At the 2:40 time mark is where the ruffles start appearing, with long flowing dresses. At the end of his collection, there is a hologram of model Kate Moss in the middle of the runway, where she is twirling around in a flowing dress, which somewhat reminds me of a ghost.

 

Another Alexander McQueen’s show I enjoyed was his Spring/Summer 2001 Collection. I saw his collection when it was at the Metropolitan Museum of Art this past summer. I purchased the book Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty by Andrew Bolton. Here are some quotes from the book that pertain to the fashion shows I have posted and also some quotes that I think give some inside to his thought process –

“In this collection the idea was to turn people’s faces on themselves. I wanted to turn it around and make them think, ‘am I actually as good as what I am looking at?’ The show as staged inside a huge two-way mirrored box, whereby the audience was reflected in the glass before the show began and then models could not see out once the show started. These beautiful models were walking around in the room, and then suddenly this woman who wouldn’t be considered beautiful was revealed. It was about trying to trap something that wasn’t conventionally beautiful to show that beauty comes from within. There’s blood beneath every layer of skin” (Bolton 142).

When speaking about the shell outfit, McQueen states, “My friend, George and I were walking on the beach in Norfolk and there were thousands of ‘razor-calm’ shells. They were so beautiful I thought I had to do something with them. So, we decided to make a dress out of them. . . the shells had outlived their usefulness on the beach, so we put them to another use on a dress. Then Erin (O’Conner) came out (on the runway) and trashed the dress, so their usefulness was over once again. Kind of like fashion, really” (Bolton 146).

“You’ve got to know the rules to break them. That’s what I’m here for, to demolish the rules but to keep the tradition” (Bolton 30).

“My collections have always been autobiographical, a lot to do with my own sexuality and coming to terms with the person I am – it was like exorcising my ghosts in the collections. They were to do with my childhood, the way I think about life and the way I was brought up to think about life” (Bolton 142 ).

He was such an amazing and creative designer that will never be replaced. His collections were always a memorable work of art.


Reference:
Bolton, Andrew, Alexander McQueen, Susannah Frankel, Tim Blanks. Alexander McQueen: Savage beauty. New York: Metropolitan Museum Of Art 2011. Print.

Chanel also does an amazing job getting the views into the theme for each season by giving us the direction in which he shows on the runway. Chanel’s Fall/Winter 2008/09 Collection center piece was a very creative merry-go-round. Each model walked on the runway, each wearing unusual stockings – they were nude in the front and black on the back side. This gave the illusion that the models legs were skinny then they really were. Below is another Chanel Fall/Winter 2011 Collection show. This one is amazing using a winter-like atmosphere with ice. When the models come out onto the runway, they are actually walking on water, which represents the water that is melting from the icebergs in the background.

#5 Fall Color Trends for 2012

“When in doubt wear red” – Bill Blass

DVF

Last year around this time, must have color for lipstick was red.  Looks like this color trend has now made its way to the runway for fall 2012.  Fashion Snoops has reported that, “red will become one of the biggest colors for this season.”   Anywhere from clothing to accessories, you will most certainly be seeing this color one way or another.

I personally, enjoy wearing this color when I’m all dressed in black.  Wearing a simple little black dress with a red statement piece necklace just makes the outfit.  If you are not a big necklace fan then try a red purse or red flats/ high heels. It will definitely give a little pop to your black outfit.  Every skin color can look fabulous in a shade of red!

Fall Beauty Trend: Red Lips Published on September 17, 2010 10:56 AM By Carmindy

#4 Fashion Trend from New York City

Backpacks

Walking around 7Ave, I noticed both males and females are using different types of backpacks.  Most of the men were seen with, The North Face backpacks. While the females, were seen with printed ones. Since this is New York City, I did see some black ones.  I also saw a male that had a skateboard backpack on while carrying his long board. The first picture (above) the guy on the right has a Calvin Klein backpack on.  When it came to the females, the only backpack I could recognize is (Middle picture of pattern backpack) from Vera Bradley.

 

Printed Backpacks

Black Backpacks

 The North Face backpacks

  Many retailers are carrying a good amount of backpacks this season.  I actually purchased a Marc by Marc Jacobs, printed backpack a few months ago from Nordstrom.  When I went home to show my mother what I bought, she even went out and purchased Marc by Marc Jacobs backpack but in another print.  Here are some great backpacks that are available online!

 Nordstrom: The North Face

 Pacsun: Hurley

 Urban Outfitters

 Marc by Marc Jacobs

 Bloomingdales: Tory Burch

#3 New York Times

Michael Kors Spring 2012

Safari

This is what I have collected from reading Eric Wilsons Blog about Michael Kors: Poor Man's Safari.

Trend: Safari

Silhouettes: Sweaters, Shift Dresses, Trench Coats and Desert Boots with open- toe

Colors: Animal prints

Design/ Detail: Torn, Ripped, Sewn in Crude patchwork's and Holes

Fabric: Burlap and Cashmere

"Jargon": " Just dirty- looking", "Hillbillies on Safari", "Show was in a way about Africa", Kors mentioned about "the Rustic Modernism of the Lebombo Lodge."

Below is a link on his View

Erin Wilson's View on Michael Kors Spring 2012 Collection

In my opinion, Eric Wilsons view’s on Michael Kors collection is over exaggerated and a bit harsh.  Yes, we have all seen this trend before.  If you are into the Real Housewives of Jersey as I am, I feel like this whole animal print theme kicked off when Teresa and her little girls started wearing it about a year or so ago.  Now, everyone has had at least one item in their closet that relates to animal print.  If you don’t, have no fear.  Almost every retailer is carrying this trend for fall 2011.  Anyways, back to my thoughts on his collection -  I believe this “safari”  look should be left in Africa and shouldn’t have been on the runway for his spring 2012 collection.  You are now thinking that I am the one being harsh, but I’m going to be sick of this trend by the end of winter.  On the positive side, I did enjoy some of his clothes that were featured on the runway.

# 2 Trend 2011

Fit and Flare Dress

Dries Van Noten- Paris (Fall 10/11)

 I chose this Fit and Flare trend from Fashion Snoops.  The reason why I am obsessed with this is for multiple reasons.  First, this style helps women that have curves by hiding the hips and making their waists look smaller.  Secondly, this trend targets to a wide range of customers.  The below examples are from retailers such as J.Crew and Bloomingdale's.

The first dress is from J. Crew

• Details- Button up in the front, A-line skirt, Belted waist
• Fabric- Silk
• Sizes- 00-14
• Comes in three different colors

1. Pale Camel (as shown in the picture)   
2. Dark Navy      
3. Poppy

• Price- $ 178 
• If you would like more information about this item here is the link:  J.CREW 

Second Fit and Flare Dress is Lafayette 148 from Bloomingdale's

• Sleeveless Leopard Print A-line Dress
• Details- Round neck, sleeveless, A-line skirt, back zipper
• Fabric- Polyester
• Sizes- 4-12
• Color- Espresso Multi
• Price- $498 
• If you would like to know more information about this item here is the link: Lafayette 148 from Bloomingdale's 

Third Dress is T Tahari from Bloomingdale's

• T Tahari Roma Short Sleeve Denim Shirt Dress
• Details- V-neck, short sleeves, belted waist
• Fabric- Polyester/viscose rayon/elastane
• Size- 14
• Color- Indigo
• Price- $128
•  For more information, here is the link: T Tahari from Bloomingdale's

Last dress is Bloomingdale's Aqua

• Aqua Ponte Fit and Flare Dress
• Details- Scoop neck, sleeveless, a-line skirt with pleated detail, back zipper
• Fabric- Polyester/rayon/nylon
• Sizes- XS-L
• Color- Red
• Price- $88
•  For more information, here is the link: Bloomingdale's Aqua

Saint Petersburg Russia

Spas na Kravi Church

This season, J.Crew destination inspiration came from Saint Petersburg, Russia. There ads in their catalog for this season captures the Hermitage Museum, Spas na Kravi Church and much more!

Here is J.Crews blog where they go into detail about the different locations: Destination Inspiration for Saint Petersburg, Russia

 

Jennifer and I went to J.Crew on Thursday, September 8, 2011 to look at what's in the stores now.  We went to their store located in Rockefeller Center (30 Rockefeller Center NY 10112).  This is what we found are the trends for womens.

This visual display is right in the middle of the selling floor.  The left and right mannequins are wearing the same floral pattern but in different silhouettes. The left mannequins are dressed in the floral skirt while the right mannequins have that same pattern in a dress.

As you can see, this mannequin is also wearing an orange top with the same pattern as the above picture but in pants!

 

Here are five garments that we fell in love with:

1. Button down, Long sleeve shirt

  

Silhouette - Feminine, fitted long sleeve shirt

Color - Golden hickory leopard motif

Fabric - Cotton,
Fiber - 100% Cotton

Detail - Long sleeve cotton shirt with roll up sleeves, button down, collaredneck.
MACHINE WASHABLE

Price - $78.00

2. Pencil Skirt 
*Key Item*

Silhouette - Pencil

Color - Vibrant Flame

Fabric - Wool

Fiber - 100% Double-Serge Wool

Detail - Double serge wool pencil skirt, sits at waist with back zipper. Back vents. Fully lined. 23½“ long. Import.
DRY CLEAN ONLY

Price - $120.00

3.  Cable Weave Sweater

Silhouette - Straight

Color - Heather Acorn

Fabric - Cable Weave

Fiber - 46% Acrylic, 37% Superfine Alpaca, 18% Merino Wool

Detail - Three quarter length sleeves with cowlneck. Hits at hip. 3 gauge knit. Import.
DRY CLEAN ONLY

Price - $98.00

4. Corduroy Pant

Silhouette - Straight

Color - Vibrant Flame

Fabric - Corduroy

Fiber - 100% cotton

Detail - Relaxed, slim fit throughout thigh and hips, with a straight, narrow leg. Belt loops. Zip fly and traditional 5-pocket styling. Regular: 32" inseam. Short: 30" inseam. Import. MACHINE WASH.

Price - $79.50

5.  Floral Dress 

Silhouette - Fit and Flare

Color - Floral Taffeta

Fabric - Polyester

Fiber - 100% Polyester, 100% Polyester Lining

Detail - Sleeveless. Button front, with hidden side zip and chest pockets. Belt at fitted waist. Fully lined. Falls to knee. Import. 
DRY CLEAN ONLY.

Price - $228.00




Here are three must have Accessories:

1. Rigby Saddle Bag
*Key Item*

 This  leather saddle is absolutely to die for! The gold clasp were inspired by a suitcase lock. The exterior has a back- wall zip pocket while the interior also has a back- wall patch pocket made with cotton twill lining.  Also, there is adjustable shoulder straps! When I was looking at the price tag, I found another tag that basically told customers that this color may come off on your clothes.  Oh no! The retail price is $148.

Here is more information about why J.Crew decided to create this saddle. J.Crew Blog

2. Pattern iPhone 4G Cover

In the store there were the two designs for the iPhone case. When Jennifer and I were walking around the store we actually saw lots of customers having the leopard case in there hands to purchase! The cover is a stretchy pull-on cover. Retail Price is $22.50.

3. Wool Fedora

I loved this wool fedora so much that I purchased it! The amount of detail on this fedora is just perfect with a grosgrain ribbon trim with just the right size bow. Retail Price $49.50

MUST HAVE COLOR AT JCREW IS ORANGE!!!

Almost every silhouette had some type of orange.

#1 Blogs from the Web

I found the following fashion blogs when I surfed the net:

1.  What I Wore





I like how Jessica Qurk put this outfit together because she is wearing the mix and match trend by wearing a striped green shirt with a knee length electric blue skirt.  The striped green top shown in this picture is actually a mini dress which is tied at the waist.  I think it is great how creative she was when making the dress into a shirt.  Also, she is most definitely making the most out of her wardrobe!

I enjoy exploring Jessica Qurk Blog for multiple reasons:

1.  If you like one of her outfits, she tells you where she bought all the items.

2.  You can even search by a color and it will bring up different outfits

3.  She has a DIY selection ( do it yourself) where you can make creative things without breaking the bank!

2. V- Style

Vanessa's Blog covers a huge range of different topics, from talking about what she purchased for clients, to what fashion trends are celebrities wearing.  Here are some things that I found on her blog that I enjoyed reading.

The first post I read was Vanessa's client outfit featured blog.

 

This client is wearing a romper by Bar III which is a new line from Macy's.  What I have noticed about Vanessa is that she chooses affordable clothing for her clients which I appreciate!

Now, the number one blog I love is Vanessa's product reviews.  My mother always told me how honesty is the key and Vanessa does that so well! This Blue Moon Romper is adorable, BUT it is very short in the back!  So if you have some "junk in the trunk" this romper probably isn't the best choice for you.

Vanessa does show another picture of how short this romper really is on her blog site, so if you wish to see such a site here is the link! http://www.vstyleblog.com/.a/6a00d83548242253ef01538fb60402970b-pi

3.  Paper Fashion

Kathryn Rodgers, known as Katie, is one of the most creative fashion illustrators.  She has worked with Target, Coach and many more.  For all most every blog, she creates a beautiful image.

The above image was taken from one of her blogs where she talks about how much she likes the trend "color blocking". As you can see, the sandal on the left is real and the one on the right is the one she drew.  The image that she drew was painted using with watercolors! Looking at her artwork has really inspired me!

The image below was also taken from her blog.  The first picture Katie also used watercolors for this picture of Diane Von Furstenberg.  Her inspiration was photographer Jamie Beck. Jamie Beck photographed DVF at the CFDA Fashion Awards at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center in New York.