Vintage Royalty

Monday, December 29, 2008

Have You Seen my Cerulean Crayon?



I found it ya’ll…and its lovely!!!

Wondering what I’m talking about?
JEANTRIX CLOTHING.

So because of the wonder that is Myspace, I discovered this gem called Jeantrix Clothing. The head designer NYCE, says that Jeantrix is the clothing line for the “out of the box consumer”. And when they say “out of the box” they mean that shit.

The designers use the technique of distressing and manipulating to create avant-garde clothing and accessories for the crazy girl (or homeboy) in you. Think Peter Pan’s “Lost Boys”, mixed with 80’s Revival, mixed with Vivienne Westwood. I think…

Have you noticed I’m having trouble comparing them to anyone? It’s because I haven’t seen clothes like this ever. And the stuff is so creative, I naturally get about 4 million ideas just looking at it.

Two young designers founded the line back in 2003. These artistic geniuses’ are based in Philly and have taken the damn city over. They have done fashion shows all over the U.S of A and have been featured in many publications including UCE and Convention. And if you think they’re not mainstream yet, they have also styled many a celebrity…including my fav boys from the Chi “The Cool Kids.”

I really can’t explain these clothes like I want to, but I just need you to think about your old school box of 24 Crayola’s, maybe a graffiti wall in NYC, and your first finger painting circa 1992. Then look at the pics. Jeantrix is going places people and in case you didn’t know, now you do.

Check them out at www.myspace.com/jeantrix or via email at jeantrixclothingco@yahoo.com

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Organically Tested Tried and True



Ok so I’ve heard of Covet me, covet yours, covet now….but alas there is Covet this, the world renowned organic clothing line for men and women. Now, the line is called Covet which is not Sarah Jessica Parkers perfume, but the best damn organic thing since wheat bread. Actually I think these clothes might be healthier for you and better for the environment.

I must admit when I first saw this line I didn’t say to myself, I must get this because its eco-friendly and I’ll be helping the world. The clothes are freaking wonderful. In fact, I didn’t even know the line was Organically based, with natural fibers and honestly I didn’t care. The clothes are made well, look great, and accentuate my butt the way it should.
All jokes aside, your going to want to help the universe when you try on these clothes and feel what organic-cotton, hemp, and bamboo is like on your skin. Nothing itches, nothing pulls, and no animals died in the process.

To break it down, Covet was developed by designer Tara St. James and the line is based out of Canada. Covet was inspired by the Japanese culture with a hidden bondage look throughout the line. St. James focused on having a mixture between soft and hard, delicate and tough, feminine and masculine. This balance is what the line stands for. They aren’t like other lines that just do organic t-shirts and thinks it’s saving the world. Covet still incorporates style and unique detailing that sets it aside from everyone else. Some of the details that I especially enjoy are the intentional mis-matched sleeves and buttons, the high-waisted wide leg pants, and the off-the-shoulder sweaters. And one of the coolest things is that one piece has a million and one different ways to wear it. Hoodies can be flipped upside down, scarves can be worn as vests, and shirts can be worn like skirts. Who else can say that? It’s like getting 100 pieces for the price of 35. Dang!

St. James designed the line to be comfortable, roomy, and avant garde; like a mix between the grunge era and M.C. Hammer sprinkled with Stella McCartney. This line is for the girl who is distinctive, beautiful, and stylish and for the guy who likes to look different than all of his friends. Remember the most important thing about Covet is its single fight to help save the world. But don’t hate me for just caring about the clothes…their just so damn cool.

Visit them at www.covetthis.com with a listing of stores and for everything else you might have wanted to know.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Zara, Are you Lost???


When visiting New York a few years ago, I discovered the store Zara. I had heard about the store-chain many times in my fashion school classes and research, but never visited the store. I instantly fell in love with the layering techniques they have mastered, the mesh between hobo and street chic. The store reminded me of a more fashion forward H&M, a more expensive Forever Twenty One, and a less revealing Bebe.
So to my surprise, Zara has opened its door in my native Chicago. I was more than pleased when I heard about this wonderful happening, until I found out where they actually opened the store….Skokie!
For those of you not from Chicago, Skokie is a north suburb of Chicago, maybe 25 minutes by car from the Loop in downtown Chicago. Why would you take forever to come to Chicago, and then open in Skokie? Away from everything cool. We have the Louis Vuitton store, we have Prada, and we even have Marc by Marc Jacobs in Chicago, so why would Zara feel the need to go up north?
Anyway, if you feel like driving all the way up to Skokie, practically Wisconsin…be my guest. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. For Fall 2008, Zara has created and perfected its wonderful layering techniques, voluminous shapes, asymmetry, and grunge inspired clothes. The collection is sure to please experts like Comme des Garcons, Martin Margiela, and Marc Jacobs just to name a few.
The address to Zara is below for my Chicagoans and for all other locations go to www.zara.com. I’m going to have to call off work one of these days and take a travel kit and go. I’m from the south suburbs so it will take me at least 4 years to get there.
Enjoy!

4999 Old Orchard Center
Skokie, IL 60077
(847) 329-0808

Friday, December 19, 2008

Welcome to Miller Town


The Miller sisters are ready to move onto the next level. Their luxe brand Twenty8Twelve is doing very well in the fashion world, and the design team has decided that showing at London Fashion Week was their next step.

Sienna and Savannah Miller started the line over 5 seasons ago. They have 2 stand-alone stores and are also represented in Neiman Marcus and Selfridges to name a few. London Fashion Week is known for its fun and over-the-top designers, also showing collections from famed Christopher Kane and Vivienne Westwood Red Label.

The sibling duo is planning on showing in February 2009, the year when British Fashion Week is celebrating 25 years. Expect their beautiful feminine dresses, tailored jackets, and to-die-for accessories. It seems like the sister-duo thing is the meal ticket way to go. Paris and Nicky, Penelope and Monica, and of course Mary-Kate and Ashley. It looks like I have to grab my sister and start something soon…before the new trend is brother duos.

Check out www.londonfashionweek.uk.com for a complete list of all the designers for February 2009.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

A+A=Success





When I heard that Lanvin designer, Alber Elbaz was creating a collaboration line with Stockholm-based company ACNE; I wasn’t sure if I should believe it or not.
Lanvin is known for their couture shaping and voluminous cocktail dresses. ACNE however, is known for its denim and rebellious attitude. What are these two doing together?

Well just like Paula Abdul once said, “Opposites Attract.” And when they come together, they usually seem to birth a creation of pure wonder and awe. ACNE’s creative director Jonny Johansson (what a name); said that he enjoyed having the same urban aesthetic he’s always worked with, mixed with the couture elements of Lanvin. The ACNE/Lanvin collection includes dark indigo denim jeans, classic belted trench coats, tuxedo jackets, and bags. The collection seems effortless and an instant classic. The vibe is cool and chic. And if you can’t muster up enough money right now, start saving up because this collaboration will be an annual venture.

But for those of you with daddy’s credit card, you can grab this luxury denim line from all ACNE and Lanvin flagship stores…NOW.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Ode to Marc.



I cannot help but to love Marc Jacobs. He can do no wrong in my eyes. Each collection he seeps out of his mind is genius. His latest Spring 09 RTW collection was like looking into the past of a classy, eclectic, eccentric gypsy woman. Every piece was colorful and carefully put together to form this being of vintage beauty. She looked like she got her outfit handmade in India 30 years ago. Layer after layer after layer proved to be more detailed and intricate than the last. Hats, scarves, bracelets, necklaces, hair bows, cardigans, jackets, blouses, skirts, pants, belts...WOO!

There are Asian influences, mixed with African Ethnic influences, mashed with American Prairie girl, and Indian detailing. A United World of Fashion and Style.

I'm exhausted and excited for more all at the same time. Is February here yet so I can see what he's going to do next. I have a feeling Fall 09 will be the same rich color palette but even more layers, oversize knits, wide stirrup pants, rich leathers, velvets, and suedes....

Sorry I'm forecasting, I'm so impatient.

I Heart Marc. Do you?