Posts tagged Ralph Lauren
Gifts for the Graduate on Any Budget
Jun 15th
It’s the second week of June, school is out, and your schedule is most likely full of weekends away, barbecues, and graduation parties. While showing up and looking your best is usually enough, with graduation parties it can be tough to find the perfect gift. Here are four fabulous gift ideas for every budget.
1. The Inexpensive Yet Stylish
A colorful scarf (like this Lauren by Ralph Lauren http://bit.ly/MJwHbm) is a fun, personal gift for any grad. Whether she spends her summer celebrating, preparing for college, or job searching, the scarf will take her from dinner with the girls, to interviews, to the office. A scarf is a great way to add personality to any look without putting in a lot of effort, something every woman appreciates, no matter what her age.
2. The Moderately Stacked
Alex and Ani bracelets are not only the new version of the charm bracelet, but they have become some of the most popular and stylish stackable bangles for fashionistas. They are made completely out of recycled metals, and while helping the environment, the more you add to your collection, the better they look. Give your grad a set of bracelets with some personalized charms, like her initials, zodiac sign, or the “Path of Life” charm which is perfect to lead her into the next chapter of her life. And the best part? You can purchase one or an armful depending on your budget! www.alexandani.com
3. The Splurge
If your graduate is either going off to college or the office, a go-to carryall for her everyday needs is a must. The Louis Vuitton Neverfull tote is a classic and will bring her from one stage of her life into the next for years to come. You can also have the leather monogramed for a personal touch. Who wouldn’t love a little Louis? http://bit.ly/Lc6RkY
4. One Size Fits All Budgets
Lastly, every grad needs a new wardrobe to update her look for her new life in the “real world.” What’s better than a Second Time Around gift card to get her all the classics, staples, and on-trend pieces for the college girl or working girl’s closet? www.secondtimearound.net
~Lisa, fashioniSTA
Met Gala Trends, Who Wore Them Best?
May 8th
The Met Gala is arguably the most high-fashion red carpet event of the year, where the style risks are lauded and the boring are never invited again (if only). This is a great night for the avant garde to sneak in with the red carpet glamour, giving us great pieces that are sure to inspire (or give us a sneak peek at) upcoming runway collections. Here are the top four trends of the night, and who wore them best!
1. Dripping in Metal
Gold has continued to earn its weight worth, at least in the style arena, and it was definitely a key power player last night. Between Anna Wintour’s gold detailed Prada, Karolina Kurkova in a full-on Arabian-inspired Rachel Zoe ensemble, and Jessica Pare’s square neckline/cap sleeve dark golden L’Wren Scott gown, there was enough sparkle to go around. Not only was all of this glitz great to watch on the red carpet, but it inspires the rest of us to break out the bold metallics when we have our less-formal (but still fabulous) events to attend.
Who wore it best? We’re torn between Lana del Rey’s flawless sweetheart Altuzarra and Camilla Belle’s plunging Ralph Lauren. Both style stars donned the dark gothic makeup to accentuate their dresses’ lighter metallic shades, but Camilla Belle’s flawless accents with her hair/makeup/earrings put her in the lead.
2. Embellished Mermaids
Instead of body-hugging silhouettes or outrageous ball gowns, the biggest shape contender last night was hands-down the mermaid silhouette. And since we’re pretty sure that these ladies weren’t trying to hide oversized calves, we can only speculate that the mermaid trend is stationed to take to new heights in the near future. From the tame - like Julianne Hough, to the outrageous - Beyonce in a lace and feather concoction - these ladies added appliques, feathers, tulle and pretty much every other material on the planet to create dramatic volume below the knees.
Who wore it best? While it seems a demure choice, Reneé Zellweger gave us all a shock when she decided against wearing her signature Carolina Herrera. However, dressed in Pucci (left), she rocked the long sleeves, sheer details, and an embellished mermaid train without looking like a trend wreck.
3. Feather Intensity
A flock of feathers covered the red carpet last night. This trend popped up everywhere from Donna Karan’s clutch to Kate Bosworth’s backless full-on feather Prada dress. Amy Poehler looked shockingly chic in a Fontini black peplum gown with a mermaid train of black feathers, and Diane Kruger’s purple Prada gown swept the carpet with the trim and train drenched in feathers. The red carpet had it’s grand finale when Beyonce arrived in a jaw-dropping Givenchy Haute Couture embroidered gown with a purple ombré train of feathers, proving to us that she properly holds the title of World’s Most Beautiful Woman. I guess stylish birds of a feather really do flock together.
Who wore it best? We have to go with Cate Blanchett in Alexander McQueen. Don’t let the black dissuade you from far away, the actress brought the glamour by marrying intricate feather detailing from the bodice to the train with impeccable fit.
4. Sculpturesque
One of the biggest trends on the Fall 2012 runways was the architectural shapes and details, and it carried over onto the red carpet last night. While January Jones stepped out in a Versace hip-action number that we feel like we’ve seen her in a million times, stars like Elizabeth Banks (in a somewhat bizarre Mary Katrantzou dress) and Jessica Stam (in a pale blue, ornate Christian Dior Couture design) brought over-exaggerated sculpted details to the event.
Who wore it best? Ok, don’t judge us, but for some reason Thakoon-dressed Christina Ricci’s oversized bow and architectural neckline really spoke to us (right). Maybe it was the risk or maybe we’re having a Casper flashback. Don’t ask, we really can’t explain it.
Do you think someone else wore it better? Tell us in the comments, post on our Facebook wall or Tweet us!
~Ashley and Lisa, FashioniSTAs
Fun Fashion Risks for Winter
Jan 4th
While we all make the shift from fall ensembles into winter outfits, this is a great time to try out some of the riskier trends that are popping up in stores. If you happen to be someone who genuinely enjoys dressing up for Halloween, then take that enthusiasm and apply it to your everyday wardrobe with a couple key fall risks. Drab to fab is just one key piece away.
Multi-Colored/Patterned Tights
This is one trend that can be universally applied, no matter what your style might be. I’m not suggesting wearing anything striped or patterned, but a pair of raspberry-colored tights against an all-black ensemble makes a great and easy statement. If you happen to be slightly more adventurous than that, go with a pair of argyle tights for a preppy statement, or you can try out the textured tights that are making their way into every high-end store. I wouldn’t suggest going with anything that you feel borders on a wicked witch motif, but trying a diamond-stamped pair would modernize a traditional shift dress.
Leg Warmers
Are you a Dancing with the Stars fan? Of course you are. They wear leg warmers on the show like their legs would fall off without them. Since I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t want a body like a DWTS dancer, I feel like wearing leg warmers might make me look a little more like them, and then I’m one step closer. Go with a pair from Alexander Wang or Rag and Bone, and whether you choose to scrunch them down or wear them straight, the possibilities are endless. Wear them scrunched and pair them with leggings and a jersey top for a fitness fantastic ensemble, or pull them straight and pair with a knit dress for a modern - and warm - look.
Not into the whole 80s vibe? Try a pair of heavy knit knee socks under Hunter rain boots – or brown leather knee boots or those rare sunny days – and pair them with leggings or a knit dress for a cozy, autumn look.
Pea Coat Vest
Tommy Hilfiger has put out what I think is the latest and greatest in fall outerwear. Basically taking an army-green pea coat and cutting off the sleeves, he managed to create a great vest that looks like it’s straight off of the Onassis yacht (only truly fabulous people yacht in the fall). This soon-to-be staple is the perfect combination of preppy and innovation, and I’m personally dying to own one. Pair it with a turtleneck, jeans and riding boots for an equestrian-friendly ensemble. Or try it with a long-sleeved dress and knee-high, heeled suede boots for a more urban-chic look.
Tommy Hifiger Icon Sleeveless Trench
Military
I know that there are a lot of simple and subtle ways to introduce the military look into your wardrobe, so this should not be shocking. But instead of sticking with just an army-green piece or a jacket with “military-inspired” gold buttons, go for a real military risk. Check out a runway-worthy military jacket from Juicy Couture or Of Two Minds, or go all out and find one with military detailing on the shoulders.
If all of this is a little extreme for your risk factor, try one statement piece in a subtle camo print, like LaRok’s sequin camo skirt or Manolo Blahnik’s camo flats, sure to make you army-chic in no time.
Fur
There’s nothing that Rachel Zoe loves more than a fur vest, so if you happen to live to watch her die over everything vintage she finds, this might be a good place to start. Try a vest from her own QVC line for something moderately-priced. This season there are also some great fur boot options that are sure to be your new best friends once the temperature dips below freezing.
While it seems like a fashion risk, the right faux-fur (or real fur) jacket in a winter white color can be a classic piece for fancy events. The off-white option from Juicy Couture this season is a great example, and is sure to keep you warm when wearing a cocktail dress as well as make sure you’re cold-weather chic.
Pattern Knits
Whenever I think of wintertime, I always think of those Jan Brett picture books from when I was younger, and pretty much all of them involve a little girl wearing a Swedish-inspired knit sweater, usually with large snowflakes knitted into it. Although I’m sure no one else would think that’s a basis for a current trend, these sweaters are popping up all over the place (and not just in the children’s section). Go for a Fair Isle sweater for a low-key risk, or pump up the risk factor with an all-over print like the ones this season from Rag and Bone and Marc Jacobs. Should you want to exude Christmas spirit early, go with See by Chloé’s reindeer pattern sweater (right), it’s like it was ripped straight from the pages of my favorite childhood books. Or if you happen to be feeling a little saucy lately, try Ralph Lauren Blue Label’s off-the-shoulder snowflake sweater.
For the over-achiever, Juicy Couture’s Faux Fur-Trimmed Cardigan covers two fashion risks at once, but if you’re only feeling up for one, the fur collar is detachable. With all of these options, you’ll be all set for anything, from the apple orchard to the ski slope.
Remember fashioniSTAs, you’ll never know your true style potential until you take a risk!
~Ashley, fashioniSTA, Second Time Around
Fight Breast Cancer with Fashion
Oct 25th
Fashion embraces Breast Cancer Awareness from the runway to real products.
Pink is October’s signature color, and products that benefit Breast Cancer research are popping up everywhere. Beauty supplies, jewelry and clothing, and even home goods are doing double duty by looking great and supporting a worthwhile cause. A true fashionista cares about her wardrobe and the wellbeing of others, so do both with select products from some of our favorite brands. From Estée Lauder to Tory Burch, these designers are reaching out to give even more pink support to October.
Clinique Lip Gloss Key Ring
Probably the easiest way to support the cause is through beauty products, not only do we as girls go through beauty supplies like they’re candy, but compared to larger items on the market, these are relatively wallet-friendly. Clinique is offering a lip gloss key ring for $16, with $4 from each sale going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. They are also offering their signature lotion with Breast Cancer charms around the bottle, donating $10 of the $45.50 price. Estée Lauder is also supporting the cause, featuring a lipstick trio in a pink, croc print clutch for $25, with the company donating $500,000 to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. This product is sold out online, but I’m sure you can sweet-talk the Estée Lauder representative at your nearest department store into slipping you this coveted case. Not to be overexposed, Kim Kardashian has debuted a Pink Edition version of her fragrance, with the packaging designed by one of her fans. 10% of the sales of this rollerball version will be donated to the Young Survival Coalition.
If beauty products aren’t your thing, there are clothing options as well. Hit the gym with Under Armour shorts ($30, 10% going to breast cancer charities) or an Ellsworth Project Pink workout tank ($60, 20% benefitting breast cancer research). Or take Line & Dot flowy magenta tank out on the town ($74, 20% going to Susan G. Komen for the Cure). Yumi Kim also has a great floral blouse option ($138, perfect for a day at the office with a pencil skirt or a pair of jeans for the weekend. You can also take the cure close to your heart – and body – with Wacoal’s hot pink lace bra ($2 goes to Komen).
Since we’d never want to give accessories the cold shoulder, of course we have to include the great handbags and shoes that we found to benefit the cause. Tommy Hilfiger has a red leather bag (right), perfect for fall and all of your fall essentials for $398 with 50% of the proceeds going to Breast Health International. Coach also features a pink leather Mia bag, for those of you who want to embrace October’s signature color, in both large ($358, 20% goes to BCRF) and mini ($198). Should you be all set in the handbag department, go for Tory Burch’s Pink Logo rain boots ($150, 15% benefits BCRF) and umbrella option ($45) and hit the stormy weather in style.
As always, Ralph Lauren’s Pink Pony collection benefits the cause, with products ranging from cashmere to candles. 10% of the proceeds go to benefit cancer care and prevention, and as a special edition product, 100% of the sales of their Pink Pony Alligator Wallet ($3995) will go to the cause. Can’t pony up that kind of cash? One of my favorite products that they offer is the “Decorate Your Pink Pony Tee” ($150). Not only do you get the signature Pink Pony black tee, but it’s also like arts and crafts for adults. They had me hooked when they included individual crystals.
Decorate Your Pink Pony Tee
Remember, you can always support Breast Cancer Awareness Month with us at Second Time Around. Pick up a pink wristband at any of our stores, and while you’re there, browse for a pop of pink to add to your wardrobe!
~Ashley, fashioniSTA, Second Time Around
Spring 2010 Trends Report – Part 2
Mar 18th
Last week we focused on the more feminine elements of the spring 2010 trends – the predominantly pale hues of the season and the “underwear-as-outerwear” look. This week we would like to focus on the more masculine trends of spring 2010.
Utility
Traditional “work-wear” and military inspired pieces had a strong presence at the spring 2010 shows. Virtually every type of garment showed up in a denim version - dresses, skirts, shirts, shorts and jackets – in addition to the ever-present jeans. Military inspired buttons, epaulets, badges and seams were prolific and the “working man’s” cargo pants, khaki and plaid abound. Ralph Lauren, Balmain, Chloe, L.A.M.B. and D&G all took this trend to the next level.
Bold Shoulders
Shoulders were enhanced in as many ways as designers could dream up. Garments stomped down the runways with just one shoulder, with epaulets, with beaded and bedazzled shoulders and with padded and structured shoulders. The look is bold, but somehow, still incredibly wearable. Maison Martin Margiela, Alexander Wang, Balmain, Lanvin and Givenchy “shouldered” the trend with ease.
Enjoy shopping for your masculine side and catch us on the flip side for our final Spring Trends Report installment.
~Marisa, Director of Styling, Second Time Around