Posts tagged H&M
Three Looks for a FashioniSTA Girls’ Night Out
Jul 20th
Every once in a while we all need that one night where we can dress up, have a few cocktails, gush about men, discuss the newest additions to our shoe collections, and dance the night away with the girls. This fashioniSTA is getting ready for an evening with the ladies and put together a few different looks for a night out on the town. We paired the high end with the budget-friendly, and mixed in a few treasures from STA, to give us looks that will have us looking chic for any girls’ night out.
Dinner Party
Unless you plan on attending a black tie dinner party, chances are the attire for girls night will be much more casual. Skinny jeans, pumps, and a sassy top is the perfect outfit to take you from day to night- just add a cardigan at the office and you’re good to go!
J.Brand Jeans, Walter Baker top, Chanel pumps, leather turn-lock clutch.
Fun and Flirty
We’ve all seen every episode of Sex and the City, (maybe more than once or twice), and for a night out at the bar or lounge, think “Carrie Bradshaw” and go for that feminine, flirty frock. Keep the look grounded with a pair of edgy heels and a oversized clutch.
Dress by Scout, BCBG MaxAzria “Haze” heels, CC Skye chain fringe clutch.
Just Dance
A night out dancing is the best time to show off your favorite stand out pieces. Try an LBD with on-trend details, like mesh cut-outs, peplum, or a sexy body-con silhouette. Throw on a statement heel and sharp blazer to top off your look.
H&M cut out detailed dress and colorblock blazer, J.Crew necklace, Loeffler Randall “Keira” platform sandals.
~Lisa, fashioniSTA
It’s Easy Being Green…with the Right Designers
Apr 19th
It’s easy to go a little green in your closet, whether it’s an organic t-shirt here or a vegan leather bag there. But if you’re someone who craves high-end designers, you’re also in luck. A number of designers are jumping on the eco bandwagon to offer green pieces or full lines of earth-friendly items. Here are a few of our favorites that are sure to make you and the earth look good.
Stella McCartney: This is the mothership of high-end, non-leather/non-fur fashion. While this label does use wool and silk in some of her designs, some of her shoes and handbags are completely vegan, while all of them are leather and fur-free. This label is living proof that you don’t need leather to be considered high-end, which is a pretty incredible realization out of an industry that glorifies leather-loving labels like Louis Vuitton and Hermes.
Edun: High-end, but slightly more contemporary, this label has emerged as a fashion week power player. Using only certified organic cotton grown and stitched in sub-Saharan Africa, Edun’s line is all about promoting sustainability through making change in Africa. They have a real positive relationship with the continent, and encourages us all to change through fair trade.
Organic by John Patrick: Devoted to sustainable fashion, John Patrick pioneered a line that uses natural fibers such as organic wool, flax, cotton and recycled fibers. Discovering that one could grow cotton in different colors, he has produced lines sold by Barneys and has been recognized by the CFDA/Vogue Fashion.
H&M Conscious Collection: While it doesn’t scream upscale, I think it’s worth mentioning since it’s such an omnipresent brand, with everyone from teenagers to celebrities flocking to the store. This new Conscious Collection is made from organic cotton and And with its recent announcement of its high-end line “& other stories,” maybe it will be another label to take green upscale.
March Madness: Round 1 Winners
Mar 21st
Round 1 was a tough first battle, with our Sweet Sixteen Trends competing against each other to be the top spring trend of 2012. From the celebrity endorsements to the accessibility to women everywhere, these trends broke out the big guns to make it out of the gate. Check out how each game turned out:
1. Top Knots vs. Crop Tops
The Knot trumps the Crop when women everywhere realize that only celebrities and people with personal trainers on speed dial can actually wear crop tops.
2. Peplum vs. Marni for H&M
The hottest silhouette goes up against a designer with a cult following now at lower prices (which is still all relative). It was a pretty dead-heat battle until Peplum whipped out its ability to flatter anyone’s midsection. Game over, Marni.
3. Neons vs. Art Deco jewelry
Right out of the gate the Neons powerhouse slams down Art Deco jewelry’s effort. Even with the backing of Rachel Zoe, since no one has the time to search for Art Deco jewelry – and it hasn’t made it to H&M just yet – it proves to be no match for the rising publicity and street cred that Neons has gained.
4. Day clutches vs. Shorts/Menswear
The nighttime-gone-day accessory (Day clutches) goes up against the daytime-gone-night trend (Shorts/Menswear). This is a decent competition, what with celebrity endorsements on both sides. Ultimately, Day Clutches squeak by as a winner as soon as we (as in all womenkind) realized that our legs weren’t quite shorts-ready just yet.
5. Celebrity nail polish lines vs. Jennifer Lawrence
Yes, Celebrity nail polish lines have the backing of The Hunger Games and Nicki Minaj, but adding the over-exposed Kardashians to the mix makes this trend just a little more annoying. And with Jennifer Lawrence’s runway choices for her red carpet premieres and her growing superstardom, the girl on fire reigns supreme.
6. Hi-low hemlines vs. Pleats
A great battle with a deadlock outcome. These truly brilliant competitors form an alliance to create a superpower spring trend – Pleated Hi-Low skirts and dresses. Now they’ve set their sights on knocking out Peplum to form an alliance with Neons.
7. Mint vs. Mixing & Matching
The starring pastel of the spring (Mint) against a trend that stylized breaking major fashion rules (Mixing & Matching) was a tough battle from the start. But the infiltration of downtown divas throughout the world has made Mixing & Matching a new style art, which left Mint in the dust.
8. Fashion Star vs. Graphic prints
Graphic prints hit the runway with legitimate backers, such as Milly and Erdem, and a solid cause to modernize the classic spring floral. However, the star power and accessibility of a television show proved too powerful by helping three retailers sell out (within hours) new items by no-name designers. That’s the definition of winning.
Stay tuned to see who wins the round 2 match-up!
March Madness: Spring Trends
Mar 13th
It’s March Madness time again, but why does basketball get to have all the fun? This year we’re turning our attention to spring 2012 trends, and pitting them against each other in our ultimate style challenge. Each week we’ll bring you the rundown from the fashion competition, as we start the games with 16 major spring players. Stay tuned as the competition unfolds, it’s going to get cutthroat.
May the odds be ever in your favor!
Meet the Sweet 16
1. Neons
Likened to a “Career Trend,” it has a hidden superpower to turn into colorblocking at a moment’s notice.
Celebrity Nail Polish Lines
The latest in noteworthy nails is the influx of celebrity-based lines. In its corner is the Kardashians for Nicole by OPI, Nicki Minaj for OPI and the Hunger Games Capitol Couture for China Glaze. If nothing else, at least the Hunger Games knows how to fight.
3. Mixing & matching
You can mix prints, you can mix metals, you can colorblock by mixing solids. A solid competitor with a driving street style force behind it.
4. Crop tops
A former superstar in the ‘90s with a taste for 21st century vengeance.
5. Hi-low hemlines
New to the style game (unless you liken this to a mullet hemline…which we don’t), but it’s taking the street style world by force.
6. NBC’s Fashion Star
In its corner is a singer/designer, a model/designer, a reality star(?)/designer and a real designer. Let’s just say it’s got a lot of designing power behind it.
7. Top knots
A hairdo that has the ability to go messy or sleek, a key attribute when worn by a woman who has to look good with limited time. Which is every woman.
8. Day clutches
Another switch-hitter that has come into the running. With its larger size and diverse details, this opponent has a killer A-game.
9. Marni for H&M
A designer with a cult following. A store with a universal following. The combination will prove very hard to beat.
10. Peplum
This daring competitor has brought women everywhere a way to disguise their midsections and hips. Opponents beware.
11. Graphic prints
A new superpower has risen from basic pastel florals and springtime prints. Has the backing of designers like Altuzarra and Prabal Gurung.
12. Jennifer Lawrence
The one who took on Katniss Everdeen is out to prove she’s a style star as well.
13. Shorts/Menswear
What used to be reserved for casual wear has taken a daring turn into the formal arena. Has a leg-up with special reinforcements like tuxedo details, satin finish and a full-leather armor.
14. Mint
Saturated pastels are big this spring, and mint is definitely their all-star.
15. Pleats
This multi-faceted competitor that can go long or short when needed
16. Art Deco Jewelry
Sharp, angular designs make this competitor almost deadly, and it has additional strength when stacked.
Rank your favorites with our blank bracket below, and let us know what trend you want to reign supreme on our Facebook www.facebook.com/staconsignment.
Dress the Part: Day-to-Night
Jul 15th
Let’s say you’re spending your weekend lounging in the backyard with a plate of delights hot off the grill, relaxing on the patio, iced tea in hand. Sounds like heaven, right? But suddenly your phone flashes and there’s (insert BFF’s name here), begging you to be her wingman as she cruises for man candy downtown in a few hours. Being the gracious soul that you are, you agree, but only later realize how quickly time flies when you’re having fun in the sun. You can’t meet her out looking the way you do, all casual and toned down, but you only have 15 minutes to freshen up before you head out again! Ahhhhh!
They key to transitioning from day-to-night without a complete outfit change lies in your accessorizing. You can change almost any outfit from casual and classy to glam and dramatic by simply swapping out the hardware! Check out our STA Harvard Square picks below to see the transition from simply day to sultry night.
Day Look: Dress, Free People (size 6) $39 / Necklace, $14 / Flats, Banana Republic (size 10) $19 / Wicker Bag: Lewis $19
Night Look: Dress, Free People (size 6) $39 / Jacket, Earl Jeans (size L) $39 / Necklace, $14 / Bag: Salvatore Ferragamo $99 / Shoes, Madden Girl (size 6) $25
Day Look: Cardigan, Ann Taylor (size M) $19 / Dress, no label (size M) $19 / Necklace, $12 / Bag, H&M $9 / Sandals, Michael by Michael Kors (size 7.5) $49
Night Look: Dress, no label (size M) $19 / Necklace, $18 / Studded Belt, $15 / Bag, L.A.M.B. $79 (NWT!) / Sandals, Aldo (size 7.5) $25
~Kim, FashioniSTA/Store Manager Harvard Square
MODERNIZING VINTAGE: Select Your Style!
Nov 16th
If you follow fashion trends, you may have already figured out that one secret to staying current is simply identifying styles from the past and wearing them in new ways.
Retro is the new modern, and there’s no better way to dress vintage than by wearing the real thing. “Vintage” is usually defined by the era of 1940 to 1980 — earlier than 1940 would be considered “antique” clothing. While today’s designers often reproduce looks from the past with a few modern twists, there’s a certain satisfaction in wearing an authentic vintage dress, skirt or sweater. It gives you a fashionable flair and is always a conversation-starter.
But pulling it off isn’t always the easiest. However, if you follow a few key guidelines, it can become as effortless as throwing on your old pair of jeans.
The most important thing to keep in mind is this: modernize it, don’t relive it. Head-to-toe vintage can look too much like a costume, so blending yesteryear with today is key. Use a sweater or skirt with items you already have. Mix and match new with old to create a style all your own! You want to look reminiscent of days gone by, not like you’re on your way to a theme party. Which leads us to our first tip…
TIP #1 – Keep it Simple
Do not try to put together a whole vintage outfit, top-to-bottom. If the vintage piece you’re incorporating is loud or flashy, make it your accent piece and make sure the rest of your ensemble is understated. If your main garment is vintage, be sure accentuate the ensemble with more modern pieces. Pair a vintage neck-tie blouse with skinny jeans and flats. Wear a 50’s shirt dress with new patent leather pumps. The opposite works just as well; feel free to use a touch of vintage (scarves, jewelry, a fun jacket) to gussy up an otherwise regular outfit.
Below look: Shirt: 70s Vintage — $19 / Tank: Eileen Fisher — $25 / Denim: Seven for All Mankind — $59 / Shoes: Arturo Chiang — $29 / Bag: Longchamp — $79
TIP #2 – Mix Period Styles Together
Think about the style you are trying to achieve. Do you like the sleek sophistication of the 1920s-30s or “New Look” clothing from the ’40s and ’50s? Does your taste run toward mod 60s miniskirts or flowing hippie 70s styles? Or is it more 1980s, with big shoulder pads and high-waisted pants? Whatever your preferred style, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to blend the fashion timelines together. Styles have overlapped through the eras much like they do today, and combining elements from the decades will help to achieve a look that is all your own.
Below look: Cardigan: J. Crew — $29 / Tee: Three Dot — $25 / Skirt: 60s Vintage — $19 / Shoe: Stephane Verdino — $79 / Bag: 80s Vintage Anne Klein for Calderon clutch — $19
TIP #3 — Become a DIY Designer
As the decades changed, so did our culture’s eye for acceptable hemlines, necklines, and forms. The result? Many great vintage finds are passed over on the rack, deemed to “matronly” or too “boxy”. What to do? Alter it. Tailor that “piece with potential” to give it a contemporary fit. A long dress that looks dowdy at mid-calf length can be easily hemmed into a mini dress. Remove outdated shoulder pads and replace tacky buttons with new ones for an instant makeover. Add a few darts to give that sheath a new shape, and take the scissors to those bell sleeves to create a shorter cap.
Some vintage purists hate alterations, arguing that any modification to these relics results in them being rendered worthless — it would be like painting over a Picasso. This is a valid debate, and it’s worth pointing out that any items of high original retail or cultural value are best left in their original state. However, there are many vintage items on the market that were mass produced at very low cost in their heyday and are worth nothing more to history other than a sense of nostalgia — like that H&M sweater you might find at the back of your closet in twenty years. So do a little research into your pieces before putting your sewing skills to work. Then it’s time to get creative!
Below look: Jacket: Arden B. leather — $49 / Dress: 70s vintage — $25 / Shoes: Stephane Verdino — $79
TIP #4 – Fun First! Fashion follows.
This tip especially applies to your vintage choices. We here at Second Time Around truly believe that if you feel good, it shows. Confidence is the key in pulling off any style, so be sure to find the right look for your comfort zone. Whether your final ensemble is understated or bold, you will be well on your way to staying ahead of the curve… by following trends of the past!
Below look: Cardigan: 80s Vintage Adrienne Vittadini from Bergdorf Goodman — $39 / Denim: Marc Jacobs — $69 / Shoes: DKNY — $69 / Bag: Gucci — $109
~Kim, Store Manager, Second Time Around Harvard Square
Designer Spotlight: Stella McCartney
Aug 31st
Stella McCartney is one of my favorite designers. She makes clothing, shoes, bags and accessories that are timeless and trendless, yet always extremely fashionable. Her designs are – in essence – very simple. They have few embellishments, adornments or superfluous details. But, the fit, the shape and the proportion are unmatched in my eyes. They truly could be worn forever, no matter the ebb or flow of the style tide. In addition to her eponymous line, McCartney has also made numerous fashion collaborations. Adidas by Stella McCartney has been going strong since 2005 and her lines for LeSportsac, H&M and GapKids were extremely successful, often selling out in record time.
Aside from her work, I also love her for her personality. She is calm and quiet, never hogging the spotlight or making a fuss. In fact, she made a name for herself entirely on her own, never once relying on the fame of her parents – Beatle Paul McCartney and his first wife, model Linda Eastman. Also, she is friends with many celebrities – most notably Liv Tyler, Kate Moss and Kate Hudson – but is never seen out-and-about partying hard or making a fool of herself. Furthermore, she has refused to let her personal beliefs be sacrificed for her work. As a vegetarian, she use neither leather nor fur in the creation of her garments and accessories and all items are cruelty-free – a true rarity in the fashion world. It is clear that she takes both her work and her personal life - she is married with three small children – very seriously.
I have been lucky enough to snag a few fabulous Stella McCartney items at Second Time Around, and I am always keeping my eyes peeled for more. Have a favorite designer of your own? Hit up your local Second Time Around on a regular basis or get on one of the store’s wish-lists and you will be sure to find some treasures too.
Happy Shopping!
~Marisa, Director of Styling, Second Time Around