Co-creation in the fashion industry is a way of revitalizing the relationship between consumer and producer by enabling them to work together. What this means is that you have the power to enhance the products you like by customizing different components of the design. This may mean selecting your own color combinations for a new, favorite pair of shoes; or it could mean helping to design a software program that is more specifically catered to your needs as a fashion designer.
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Co-Creation in the Fashion Industry
Spring fashion trends: 70s
The runways of Paris Fashion Week certainly had some serious Studio 54 moments. The fabrics were flowy, the colors where saturated, and the waists were high as always. If you feel like injecting a little disco fever into your closet, here are some must-haves.
Diane von Furstenberg Newport Tux Pants
Not only are tuxedo pants becoming more of a wardrobe staple for the young and fashion-forward, they also fall into 70s territory when wide-legged and flat-fronted. A wide leg pant is one of the most flattering pieces you can add to your wardrobe and a pure white color also addresses the all-white madness that took over Paris Fashion Week. Pair with a sheer white top and you are killing three trends with one outfit.
Free People Kaleidoscope Top
Another vintage inspiration taking storm is crochet in the form of intricate tops, swim cover-ups and dramatic maxi dresses. Look for crochet pieces in earth tones like light yellow, browns, burnt oranges and cremes. Pair with some fierce, oversized shades and some casual wedges and you are Spring ready.
Lover Origami Romper
Jumpsuits and rompers are as easy and comfortable as they are high fashion. The great thing about jumpsuits is that you can find one for any occasion. This Lover romper is great for both day and evening. However, the origami and pleating accents are on their way out of Trendville, so stick to ones that are asymmetrical with sequin or jewel accents for evening. For the office, think power-jumpsuit with structured tailoring.
By Briana
A guide to blunder-free bibs
In my perfect world, all bib necklaces would come with a tiny disclaimer saying, “Do not wear without the fiercest confidence.” Bibs were made for those of us who have walked into a museum of fine art and wanted to somehow transform everything they saw into a wearable chunk of awesome. They are not for the faint of fabulous and are never to be an afterthought. Here are some tips on how to choose and pair your bib necklace.
As the bib trend is blasting into space, it is even more prevalent in 
wedding fashion. Bibs are ideally paired with strapless, lightly embellished gowns. This Tuleste Market interlocking circles crystal necklace (left) is much more than a necklace, but an absolute collar that will stand slanted against the base of your neck for some extra drama. This piece is perfect for those brides who are looking for the tiniest touch of black for their white wedding.
You can and should coordinate an entire outfit around a bib if it is worthy, but unfortunately, not all are. While the color and detailing of this Haute Hippie bib necklace (middle) is a retro revelation, the size and shape just ruin it. Note: A bib necklace is not actually supposed to look like a lobster butter shield. If this necklace doesn’t evoke the distant memory of being force-fed split peas, I don’t know what will. Bibs are best suited for a rounded shape. If it can be mistaken as part of your top or dress, it’s a good bib.
An important thing to remember about a bib is that it can drape and have some movement. This Dannijo Mahari necklace (right) does have a lot going on but its structure calms things down a bit. Again, this is best worn with a monochromatic top as seen in the picture above.
By Briana
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged bib necklace, bridal necklace, Navajo beaded necklace, retro necklace
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A touch of drama
Overdue for a girls’ night? New fancy restaurant you’ve been dying to try? No matter what the excuse we make up to buy a new evening dress, it’s our glimmering opportunity to be bold and bad. The smallest of details can take an ordinary cocktail dress into high-fashion territory and here’s three that do it with ease.
A sweetheart neckline paired with a ruffle skirt is nothing new. This standard 80s recipe spells party in all languages. But once this Designer’s Remix Sylfide dress (left) plants some points on that neckline and adds a fat copper zipper to the back, we suddenly get a little serious–about partying.
Playing around with corset lacing can be dangerous and put you on the verge of going Fredrick’s of Hollywood. Yet understated lacing detail on the Preen band dress (middle) is elegantly paired with bubble pleats, which almost makes this dress safe for daylight.
There’s nothing I like more than pleasant surprises, which is why this Lanvin dress (right) makes me giddy. From the front: a crinkly, coppery, cap-sleeve frock. Turn it around and surprise! A back ruffle that nods to Dynasty–but doesn’t take a bow.
By Briana
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged copper dress, one shoulder dress, sweetheart neckline
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Dandy deconstruction
When it comes to edge in modern fashion, punk rock is certainly still a dominant influence. Studs, spikes and chains are running rampant these days, especially in the world of handbags. However, if you want to keep your wild side a little more under wraps, the brand of edge you are looking or is distressed or deconstructed–and these three undercover badass bags are glimmering examples.
This Kooba Bryce bag (left) plays with slightly less aggressive detailing. Where you would normally cue the over-sized silver zippers for some added harshness, this bag has braided detailing and gold hoops for some texture than won’t bite.
If I ever had to pair an album to go with a handbag as a free gift, because how frigging cool would that be, I would definitely pick Nine Inch Nail’s Downward Spiral for the S.W.O.R.D. messenger bag (middle). While any bag that comes in a color called tobacco may seem just a little too dangerous, the shape is just too awesome. Like a lunchbox from hell.
Lastly, who doesn’t love a bucket bag? These are literally the answers to the prayers of those who are terribly sick of hobo bags but longing for their space and function. The Tila March Bonnie bucket bag (right) has the utilitarian look of luggage with a shape that makes it ultra modern and fashionable. It takes a femm spin on the messenger bag and doesn’t cop out with ruffles or bows.
By Briana
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Power jackets
Whether you’ve just landed your first big-girl job or you’d just like to take your wardrobe to the next level, the suit jacket is a relatively simple solution. There are basic jackets that everyone should have for that rainy-day interview or the corporate meeting and more versatile jackets you can easily transition from night to day.
This M Missoni short jacket (far left) evokes a little Jackie O with a rich tweed and ultra feminine trim detail. While the chick yellow can scream a little “grandma,” the added gray edges things up a bit. Wear with jeans or a skirt. However, watch pairing it with slacks as it could go past mature and into menopause.
Also taking a crack at a classic cut is the Brian Reyes angular gaucho jacket (middle). While I’m extremely not fond of the matchy-matchy pairing of dress and jacket in this picture (it makes her look like a gigantic piece of slate), the jacket’s collar is stunning and the fabric’s texture brings it soaring into the 2010s.
What the red tie does for the corporate male, the red jacket doubles for the professional woman. Not only does this Arabelle jacket by Diane Von Furstenberg absolutely demand your attention, it also moonlights as a cute, casual outfit finisher. I’m not sure if I’d pair it with a mauvie pink dress like in this picture, but I do like its structure set against a delicate dress.
By Briana
When your prints are wearing you
Every well-rounded wardrobe should have at least a few printed garments. Prints not only pump a little life into an outfit, they also serve as a pretty effective camouflage depending on the shape of the piece. However, prints always walk a fine line between gorgeous and gaudy and it’s important to know when a print just won’t do it for you.
The pattern on this lovely Velvet Isobail dress (pictured left) has a mix of about three colors. The print itself is small but large enough to distinguish the florals from a distance. A medium-sized print like this is one that can be worn by any body type. The orientation of the pattern is also important. This floral print will not force your eye to any specific part of the dress but allow you to look at it as a whole.
The print of the BGN floral print mod shift, however, has florals in varying sizes. There are also a lot of colors in play, yet they all equal out to this sort of festive oatmeal hue. Notice that the bigger elements of the pattern demand your visual attention first, drawing the eyes in all directions and taking the attention off the most important element: you.
Overall, think of patterns as air traffic control for your eyes. While they should be invigorating and interesting, they should also make sense from a design perspective.
By Briana
The dos and don’ts of shirt dresses
Personally, I have a couple of theories for the invention of the shirt dress. The first and most likely: It was probably the twin to the boyfriend cardigan when a little androgyny seeped back into mainstream fashion for two seconds. The second one: It was inspired by one glamorous walk of shame (or stride of pride) where a little fashion McGyvering turned a mens dress shirt into a supremely better alternative than wearing a sequin tube top out at the crack of dawn.
Regardless of who we have to thank for the dress shirt, it is important to know that there are rights and wrongs connected to it. Dress shirt are versatile garments with the right accessories but disastrous with the lack of them.
If the hem of a shirt dress scallops at the sides, consider the top of the slit to be the bottom of the dress, which often makes it pretty darn short. Leggings are the go-to accessory in this case, turning your dress almost into a tunic. However, because it is still too long to be considered a shirt, lay off the jeans unless they are in jegging form.
Go for shirt dresses with feminine detailing like a plunging neckline or ruffled collar like this Ella Moss boardwalk plaid belted shirt dress. Be careful with faux-demin dresses. If they are too plain or boxy, it can be a stitch away from a full-on denim momdress. The Kova & T ross denim shirt dress steers clear of this. Belting is also usually needed for extra structure. The Chloe rolled sleeve eyelet shirt dress with its built-in belt will nurture your curves.
By Briana
Top heavy
If you watch “What Not To Wear,” there should be some cardinal rules of fit that echo in your head every time you scour the sales racks. Some of these include emphasizing the smallest part of your waist and creating a balance of volume between your top and your bottom.
However, some of the hottest looks of the year are damning the rules and creating some silhouettes that have been retired since the mid-80s. Indeed, the days of baby tees are gone and replaced by a dynamic and bold top heaviness. Hello, over-sized sweater and jeggings.
Broad shoulders and ruffled sleeves are the new mark of the powerful, successful modern woman, only made more voluminous against skinny jeans and leggings worn as pants. Military jackets that create a handsome solidness to your torso fiercely demand respect. And get it.
If you yourself are top heavy, this really is your time to stop fighting your shape and creating illusions with your clothes. Rather than going the extra mile with shoulder pads, stock up on form-fitting bottoms to accentuate your thinner hemisphere.
By Briana
Pictured from left:
Elizabeth and James, Doris Silk Floral Dress
Sass & Bide, My Turn Jacket
Daughters of the Revolution, Ruched Blouse