Fashion.edu

Today at work, a customer was talking about fashion and how she didn't really "get it". She made a comment about that what she sees people wearing on the street is nothing like what she sees in fashion magazines. She, like many other people, did not understand that fashion is meant to be a form of expression, it is made to inspire you; almost as if you are playing dress up, or trying on costumes. I began explaining that the fashion she sees in magazines is art and what she sees in stores is intended to be more wearable.

I thought it might help if I gave you a crash course on product life cycle in the fashion industry.

Clothing fashions are separate from the fashion industry. By the time you see a certain clothing style appear in the mass markets and department stores, it is too widely spread to be on the forefront of the fashion industry. Fashion (the industry) is about creativity, inspiration, and individuality. Mass merchants put styles out for, drum roll please... the masses. Fashion is not about the masses, it is about individual self expression and putting garments together in a way that lets the world know who you are, or at least who you are for tonight. 

Fashion products have a life cycle (there is a seperate life cycle for basics) this life cycle relates time, the adopters of the fashion, and sales.

The introduction of a new style is worn by "fashion innovators" usually editors, directors, bloggers; the fashion is hard to find and in low supply, sometimes straight from designer show rooms or in exclusive boutiques. This introduction stage is special because the style has vision and meaning. At this stage fashion is art to be seen on magazine pages and to be worn by few.

Next come the early adopters. The style has been available for a little longer, making it possible for high end boutiques and department stores to stock the style. The people who adopt the style at this stage in the game are observant and interested in the fashion industry. They understand the meaning behind the style.

The longer the style has been available, the more people have access to it... hence "mass adoption". Sales for the style spike, it can be found in most chain stores. This is the stage where most people notice a new style.

"Late adopters" join in on a style once the sales have peaked, and the item can be found in discount stores and off-price retailers. In my opinion, many people who could be classified as late adopters are only such because they are hesitant to try a new style.

"Laggards" adopt styles once they hit the clearance bins and sales have begun to decline.

Our goal (at least right now) is to be early adopters; to understand fashion and what it means. We have a need to be creative and inspiring and we express that through our fashion choices.

So... the next time you see something you like but haven't seen any of your friends wear it... get it! Get and love it and bask in the glory of being an early adopter!

(I learned this from one of my college text books about trend forecasting) That was my attempt at including a reference.

New Nudes

Nude shoes pack an instant punch without being too noticeable. These leg-lengthening hues cause passersby to take a second glance and leave them wondering how something so simple looks so amazing.

Try a nude shoe in your favorite style, whether it be a sky-high heel, flat, sandal, or wedge. You can wear them with almost everything!

Take extra care to be sure the shoe goes with your skin tone. Blush will compliment skin that has a hint red or pink in it, while a shade closer to taupe will compliment olive skin tones.

Go Glam

Go Glam!

70's glam that is.

 

Think Studio 54 with a modern twist.  Wide-leg pants, flowing blouses, platform sandals, and statement jewelry make this spring trend super easy to pull off.  If you are feeling ultra chic, try a full length jumpsuit!

 

Wide-leg jeans are great for every body type. Super slim or petite frames might opt for a flare leg instead of a trouser fit to avoid looking overwhelmed. A wide-leg or trouser fit jean is so flattering because it continues to lay away from the body after it hits the hips (most people's widest area) all the way to the feet. This creates an ultra long look for the leg, and when done in a uniform dark wash, makes the leg appear even longer and slimmer. 

 

Add a sheer flowing blouse in a print or solid and then layer on the accessories. A stack of bangles or statement cocktail ring or necklace adds just the right amount of glam to the look, suitable for day or night.

 

Shoes must have a platform, and wedges or espadrilles make the look wearable all day.  A neutral like taupe or cognac can be worn from now, straight into September.

 

Can you dig it?

The Reformation sheer top $70; Old Navy sheer blouse $23; Thakoon Addition silk jumpsuit $990; Hudson bootcut jeans $195; Seven For All Mankind $130; Via Spiga wedge sandal $175; Steve Madden wedge sandal $100; Gold diamond ring $729; Oscar de la Renta art deco necklace $318; MNG by Mango bangle bracelet $36 - jcpenney.com

novo

Novo is a latin word meaning to make anew, refresh, revive, invent.


The great thing about fashion is that it is constantly changing.  You have the ability to constantly reinvent one thing in your life and that is your closet.  Spring is a great time to start fresh and the best place to begin is from the bottom up.

Take a chance on a shoe you wouldn't normally wear.  Toss out all of your old excuses like "I can't wear something that tall" or "my feet will hurt" or "I can't spend that much on a shoe". The truth is, being too tall is like being too rich (impossible), and the other too excuses are cured with the fact that cheap heels only lead to two things: sore feet and an aversion to all other heels.

Try this idea for your first spring outing:  a solid colored dress (corals look great on most skin tones) and nude sandals. The nude is a great alternative to boring brown or harsh black.  Layer on a couple of necklaces or bracelets and you will have a fresh look that will take you straight into summer.

Via Spiga "Horizon" $185

Marc by Marc Jacobs $155

Hello

I've been contemplating starting a blog for a few months, but after this last work week I decided I couldn't put it off any longer.

I work at Nordstrom in Women's/Salon Shoes. Everyday I sell shoes to women who say things like "I don't have anywhere to wear those", "Those would make me too tall", "Thats too trendy for me, I'm a mom"

Hearing beautiful women say things like this makes me crazy. They think fashion doesn't apply to them because they have children, don't have anywhere important to go, are over 40, etc...

I see it as my responsibility to explain current trends, functions, and ideas in fashion and assure these women that there is absolutely nothing wrong with pushing one of those oversized kid-friendly shopping carts around Target in Cole Haan espadrilles. (yes, some people are even scared of a wedge heel)

Living in southern suburbia sounds boring, but it doesn't mean we have look boring. Let me teach you how to appreciate fashion for the art it is, and make runway trends work for your lifestyle.