Diary of a Labellover By A. Fashionista

Shopping for the Social Good

Mashable coined the term "Summer of Social Good." Now with August coming to a close I thought I would do my part and write about a shop owner, Ms. Ashley Judge, who recently contacted me about her online consignment shop, Tra Tutti.  As a blogger, I receive tons of PR requests and I do review every single one of them, if they have a professional pitch. 

What I like about Tra Tutti is the simple but cute design and the fact that they are giving back 20% of a customer's purchase to a charity.   Granted they are not the first the consignment shop to do this, Christabelle's Closet began donating in 2004 to the Michael J Fox Foundation because of her mom. Nonetheless, it is great to see this trend in e-commerce spreading.

As someone who has paid full retail price for anything in years, the first thing I look for in a consigment shop is the level of brands they carry.  Many shops claim to be high end and that often translates to "Banana Republic."   On the other end of the scale, I know several brick and mortar locations in the city that  request you "ask for assistance when handling the Chanel."  No names, folks as I am a regular! Tra Tutti fits nicely in the range of the higher end, offering the trendy Diesel and Dolce to the classics of DVF and Pucci.  Ashley's designer's range is sure to cure any fashionista's shopping fix!

No, her site is not "tricked" out in a fancy programming language that will serve you your non-fat moca latte, but I can search by size, designer, or style and frankly, Im not a fan of mocha lattes anyway. That shopping is a cinch and isn't a 2.0 experience should be food for thought to the Milennial generation.  Ultimately, it is the way Ashley presents herself - as approachable and authentic that will draw customers in.   She has chosen charities that are local and clearly mean something to her - charities aimed at the empowerment of women - Dress for Success and Rosie's Place, Big Brother's Big Sisters, AIDS Action Committee and MSPCA for animals.  If you are in the New England area, AShley will even host a trunk show for you, which is a fabulous way for related companies to generate brand awareness, and raise money for a good cause, while building social responsibility into the brand's equity.

Dubbed "Couture with a Conscience" this shopping experience is like eating dessert with any of the calories!

Why the Brits Do it Better

I realize it has been awhile since I have posted but generally I just haven't been feeling that inspired.  However, a recent visit to a Hudson News stand while I was waiting for the train to AC changed all of that.

British Esquire v. American Esquire

Battle of the Rags

 

Let's get down to brass tacks.  I've read the latest Esquire issues cover to cover and I stand behind the old saying that the "Brits just do it better."  Now before you call emigration, keep in mind that I can validate my reasoning.

1.  "No Strings" sex advice - The columnist provides no anesthetic when it comes to doling out advice to insecure hubbies and boyfriends. Everything from bedroom manners to ex-distress is discussed.   Whether An advisory message should come with it for weak-hearted men who "Can't Handle the truth" as Jack Nickolson so passionately put it in "A Few Good Men" is the only question that I want to ask...

2.  Grade A Masculinity - British Esquire is Redbull and American Esquire is Diet Coke.  The Brits uncannily get how to represent the well-rounded man - a sprinkling of executive tips, a dash of fashion & grooming tips, a pinch of party etiquette blended with inspiring down to earth articles on pioneering entrepreneurs. Simmer and serve....

3.  Cover looks - This may be a tighter race because the Coverboy has to do more with personal taste. Daniel Radcliffe v. Gerard Butler?  I'll leave that decision up to you, except to say that here again we see the "well-rounded" card being played more often in the British edition.  Extra points, of course, go to the Brits too for a cleaner design layout.  Using different typefaces just looks messy on the front cover rather than intended purposed of  "creative and rugged".

4.  Virtual Rag - No contest here.  The Brits rule.  The site takes on a blog like feel where the US site is way too commercial and busy.

5.  The "IT" Factor - Taking into consideration design and layout, the up and comers featured, and the cutting edge brands, the Brits definitely have the "IT" factor.

Note: A. Fashionista is single.  If you know a dishy, charismatic Brit, feel free to send him my way. :)

Proper Cloth Gets Funky with a New Fabric Selection

It's no secret that I am a huge fan of Seph Skerritt's virtual made-to-measure shop, Proper Cloth. In all honesty, the biggest drawback to the site for the longest time was the fabric selection - I'm not afraid to say that it was limited. Recently, however, that has changed with the addition of 20 new fabrics - 10 in the accent patterns for those who like to be different, and 10 in various weaves to suit every budget and style in 100's, 120s and 140s.

What I love about Proper is that they understand what a man is looking for in style, customer service and in a website experience. The shopping experience is thorough without being overcomplicated, showing you several different perspectives of the fabric -the experience almost mimics a visit with your tailor. They styles they have let you build and develop your own. Starting off with the conservative basics, they appeal to both the conservative male and the edgy guy by providing accent fabrics in the collar and cuffs.

 With Father's Day right around the corner, why not target your inner fashion designer and design the ultimate Proper Cloth shirt? Proper Clothing makes the man.

 photo credit: flickr courtesy of carbonated

Holy Stripe! Men's Fashion Inspired by the Scrum

I have to give credit to my fellow twitter friend @trymyfashion, for pointing out the latest and may I say, hottest men's fashion trend, Ive seen in awhile.  I am so excited about this that I am dedicated an ENTIRE blog post to it.  What is it?  Horizontal stripes.

When I first saw this piece, my first reaction was, " inspired by Rugby."   It made be think back to when I was in college and how I dated and later married a Rugby player.  Nothing was more exciting than watching him in the scrum, locked arm-in arm in those classic navy/gold -wide-striped shirts. Yes, it appears that men's fashion is looking to it's down and dirty roots to marry that sleek but casual look. Considering the fact that Rugby is the most masculine and feral of all gentleman's sports, I find it to be a natural fit. 

Check out my favorite looks of this modern interpretation on a classic sport that allows a man to be versatile and sophisticated...

 

 

Photo credits:  Elissa Wiehn

The Battle of Luxury Brands - Fighting to Stay Chic

 The battle that luxury brands fight to in a downturn economy definitely separates the um.. shall we  say,  gentlemen from the boys.  While the average consumer may not be contemplating  purchasing an authentic Louis Vuitton, Hermes or Chanel handbag, there is still a segment of the market for which a $3,000 accessory still applies.   It appears 'quality over quantity' seems to be top of mind for this consumer in an economy experiencing a down cycle.

According to market research company Millward Brown who conducted the survey using the BrandZ database of their WPP parent company, Louis Vuitton ranked highest followed by Hermes, Chanel and Rolex. What does this mean when a brand notorious for never discounting their products is ranked #1 in a struggling economy? Clearly it speaks volumes that when a brand holds true to its identity it pays offs.  These brands understands that SUPERIOR customer service is a critical factor in keeping wealthy customers happy.  And while it's true most people have been affected, they just aren't purchasing the entire luggage set anymore but rather resorting to  purchase of  only the carry on.  Since top tier management is involvement in almost every aspect of the business from manufacturing to the customer experience, it doesn't come as a surprise that these brands are able to hold their own in tighter times. 

That is not to say that all luxury retailers are basking in the glow of resilience.  Many jewelry designers are losing their sparkle.  Cartier which has long been know for their blinged out watches saw a 12% decrease in sales in Q4'08*.  The attitude of ostenatiousness clearly has taken a backseat to one of understated elegance.   Scarily, jewelery  designer Fred Leighton, long known for bedazzling Hollywood A-Listers for red carpet events recently filed for bankruptcy protection.

Another reason brands might fall out of favor in the high net worth consumer's mind?  Brand exploitation.  Brands such as Armani have too many line extensions, which can cause cannibalization especially with the lower-end lines or moving too far away from the roots of what made you great. Luxury clientele appreciate specialty and when a brand like Armani starts branding themselves as hoteliers, it results in depreciation of the name.

The best advice to prospering in tough economic times?  Concentrate on innovation of product in what you do best and ensure that your customer experience, whether in-store or online, is seamless and attentive.

*Luxury Institute, The Two Top Luxury Brands Louis Vuitton and Hermes Show Resilience, May 09

The Hip Hostess Tugs at a Man's Apron Strings

Move over June Cleaver, there is a new hostess in your 'hood and she is too hip and fashionable to be square.  By chance, @thehiphostess started following me the other day on twitter, and although her updates are protected (not sure why) I was intrigued.  Clicking thru to her site, saavily named thehiphostess, I was amazed at how fashionable her designs were.  After all, we are talking about aprons. 

Guys - in case you haven't noticed, throwing dinner parties has become the "in" thing.  Why not make the woman in your life a "hip hostess" by purchasing one of these gorgeous aprons? The detailing is incredible, right down to the scalloped lace edging. I don't have to tell you that looking fabulous and protecting that chic Alessandro Dell'Acqua dress from getting dirty is top priority in your hot hostess's mind.  Why not give her the opportunity to remain cool under pressure as you cook and organize an amazing evening soiree for your mutual friends?

The aprons they make come in two styles:  demi and sheath.  Just like with lingerie and a demi-cup bra, it only covers half, so chances are only skirts or pants will be saved from any kitchen catastrophes.  This mother and daughter design duo have carried their artful and sophisticated design through to the packaging.  The polka dot gift wrap saves you time and scores you extra points for thoughtfulness.

Their recently launched blog, aptly named, "the hip hostess dish", is sure to bring lots of useful, modern and savvy tips for entertaining and cooking.  Looking forward! It's been awhile since I've thrown a dinner party...

Family Style Cooking

What would a hip hostess be without her mini sous chefs to help her in the kitchen?  Never fear, with a line of sheath aprons for your mini culinary master, you are sure to delight the both your child and guests alike. 

photo credit: The Apron Queen via Flickr "Teen time cooking with carnation milk" circa `1959

A. Fashionista's Crib Notes on the Critically Important Randoms

In providing crib notes on Esquire's Spring 09 The Big Black Book relating to style, grooming and etiquette, I have given men the tools they need to be confident in themselves.  This post is like the cherry on the sundae, giving the lowdown on those critically important random tips that every guy should bear knowledge of, if he's any kind of REAL man.

Critically Important Randoms

Beating the Heat - What's the fastest way to cool yourself down on a hot, sticky day?   Press a cold beer or soda can on the back of your neck - one area of the body most prone to overheating.  What NOT to do?  Splash cold water on your face.  Totally ineffective.  Rather, run cold water where your pulse points are.  This will help constrict the blood vessels that dilate when you overheat.  Medical advice 101 from Esquire!

Office essentials (that your office manager can't provide) - Collar stays (even I use them). A fresh packet of white undershirts.  Havaianas - the perfect summer commuter shoe- office to beach. Trust me, these flips are the perfect complement to the seersucker or linen suit.

Packing a 6 Pack or More? - I'm not talking about your abs. I'm talking about a cooler.  After all, the likelihood that you will be attending a bbq or outdoor event is pretty high.  Why not show off those mad Macgyver skills with a tight but efficiently packed cooler?  It's simple.  1) Chill everything overnight.  2)Cans go on their sides. Bottles go straight up. Fill any gaps with placing bottles upside down.  3) Cover with ice and continue to layer until full. 

Big head sunglasses dilemma - We have all had this experience. Somehow your beloved sunglasses manage to get stretched out! You know your head is not the culprit but mysteriously it plagues you anyway.  Of course, now that I have Silhouettes, that is never a problem anymore. The fix if they are plastic?  Esquire suggests immersing the arms in boiling water for a few seconds.  Dry.  Reshape. Dip in tepid water.  Voila. Newly reshaped glasses.  Magnifique!

Keeping your whites white - One of the summer "must haves" is white shoes.  While it is true that white is notoriously difficult to keep clean, Esquire has graciously provided tips to keep your shoes looking brand spanking new!  Share these with the woman in your life and you will be her hero!
    1) Leather sneaker - scuff marks can be easily removed with nail polish remover. For yellowing or darkening? A 50/50 solution of water and lemon juice with a day in the sun will bleach it out.
    2) Canvas sneaker - the water and lemon mixture works great here to.  However, add a tablespoon of baking soda for more stubborn stains. Need a quick fix? Try Hollywood Sani-White.
    3)  Leather shoes - A pencil eraser will erase the scuff marks.  Hollywood Sani-White works great on leather too!

The dirt on stain removal - Who needs a dry cleaner for every little stain? Try these Macgyver-esque tips for stain removal and make your Mom proud!
     1)  BBQ Stain - Rinse with cold water, then sponge the stain with white wine vinegar. Rinse.  Apply laundry detergent to the stain and let si for 10 minutes.
     2)  Chili Sauce - Mix cream of tartar powder with lemon juice. Apply
     3)  Grease - Sprinkle cornstarch or Gold Bond powder onto stain. Let dry. Brush off.

Cheers to a fabulous summer!
   

Part II: A. Fashionista's Crib Notes on Men's Grooming

One of the things that I love about Esquire's The Big Black Book is that it is comprehensive.  While I am all for appreciating clothes and the elements of wardrobe, there is so much more that goes into a man's style.  Grooming and etiquette are equally important in creating the ultimate urbane gentleman. When I say urbane I think of Frank Sinatra or Cary Grant.  I don't mean metrosexual - this is the ultimate turnoff for a woman.  It is critical, that men should always keep their masculinity but adopt refined mannerisms.

Crib Notes on Proper Grooming

Put your best foot forward - While the thought of a pedicure may just be to metro for most men, foot care is important, especially in the summer when your feet are almost always exposed. At the v. least pay a visit to your neighborhood pharmacy andspend  $3.99 on a pumice stone to keep the heels nice and smooth.  3 extra minutes in the shower won't kill you! Tip #2 - If you are choosing to go sockless with your shoes, sprinkle a little Gold Bond's or Dr. Scholl's Foot Powder to keep your dogs feeling fresh and dry!

A cut above the rest - Shed the winter blues winter blues with a stylish new haircut.  Of course this is dependent upon your face shape and lifestyle (how high maintenance you are or want to be).   Esquire does a great job breaking it down:  if you have a slender face, show it off with a Caesar or traditional crew cut, depending on your personality.  Ask for the crew cut version of the faux-hawk  if you have curly hair - the perfect way to keep the runaway coif in check! Although personally, I prefer longer hair on guys. ;)

Three steps to great skin - Exfoliate. Cleanse. Moisturize. With special skincare lines just for men, there is no excuse for guys NOT to take proper care of their skin.  After all, everyone grows old so you might as well do it as gracefully as possible.  Amenity carries a great range of products and they donate to a charity I am a proud member of the Cancer Research Institute.

Scent of a Woman - The olfactory sense is highly sensitive. It is a known fact that wearing certain scents can attract the opposite sex.  The key here is to go easy with how much put on.  There is no reason to smell like you have bathed in it.  Limited the spraying to the pulse points only.  Many guys I have dated have had a signature scent - whether it be a cologne or an aftershave - a reflection of their personality.  Personally, I love Cartier's Declaration. It is strong, dominating, sensual and complex - which is true of the type of guy I date. A terrifc aftershave is Acqua Di' Parma.

Looking razor sharp - Straight edge or safety?  This is the endless debate when it comes to shaving.  Once things is for certain, nix the electric and Bic from your life.  Your a grown man now, its time to shave like one.  Invest in a big boy shaving kit:  complete with a real badger hair shaving brush so you can get a clean, close shave, shaving soap, and a good double edge safety razor.  Say goodbye to razor burn and ingrown hairs...

Keeping trim - Without getting too graphic, there are certain places on a man's body that should never be reject when comes to trimming.  Once is the nose and the other is the nether region.  If I may speak candidly, women wax, thread and exfoliate themselves so that their man is happy - it would be nice if a man returned the favor by allowing the woman to see the trees through forest.  There, point made.

An Ikonic move to battle BO - Nothing is worse than sweating in your suit and finding yellow ring stains from your aluminum-bases anti-perspirants that may be keeping you cool and fresh but is ruining all of your beautiful shirts.  Luckily the folks at Zirh have developed Ikon deodorant that will mask any offending odors and keep you staying dry.

Check back tomorrow for crib notes on gentleman's etiquette...

A. Fashionista's Crib Notes on Men's Style

  On Friday afternoon, before I hopped on the train bound for the Garden State, I came across Esquire's Spring 2009 The Big Black Book.  The guy behind the register made sure to reiterate that I was paying $9.95 for what he seemed to think was a waste of money but I somehow I knew it would be money well spent. My instincts were spot on.  In honor of Editor-in-Chief David Granger's first ever spring edition of the Big Black Book, I thought I would offer the crib notes version considering how chock full of etiquette tips and style advice can be found between the pages. That said, every day will be devoted to a different topic  today being - the fashion must haves for summer. Who said print was dead?

Summer Fashion Must Haves

Hot shades keep you looking cool - Esquire men recommend the Ray-Ban Wayfarer,  Aviator or Persol.  After all, everyone knows, that rocking a flattering pair of sunglasses ups your style quotient at least 50%.  Honestly, I prefer my Silhouettes - innovators of rimless eyewear.  Constructed of titanium- they are virtually weightless.  Recognized by NASA as their official eyewear for their astronauts. If its good enough for a space monkey, it's good enough for a fashion junkie. 

The Guy wore white - Shoes that is.  Top Siders. Bucks. Canvas trainers.  Pick your favorite sole that best fits the occasion and personality. The rugged Top Sider for the casual/active type. After all, this shoe's whole reason for being is it's flex appeal and the ability to provide grip on the slipperiest of surfaces. Bucks for dressier soirees.  Leave the good old canvas trainers for those times when the need calls - necessity was the mother of invention, after all.

Sartorial Summer Sense - As you get older, chances are your summers will be filled with events that require you to break out the sartorial splendor of a suit.  In general, the tighter the weave in the fabric, the less porous it will be.  Chances are, the gabardine suit you wore to cousin Sarah's wedding isn't going to do you any favors in the summer heat. Therefore, choose an open weave fabric. Enter my personal favorite - Seersucker - the perfect summer solution.   The porous material keeps you cool, yet the texture and design of the fabric will make you a style standout.

Surf's Up - Summer means one thing:  bathing suit season.  As someone who has spent every summer at the beach since she could walk, I do know a thing or two about mens' swimsuits. For instance, like their dry land counterpart, the only real option for every guy, no matter what type of shape you are in is the board short, which typically falls right above the knee and has a fitted waistband.  The only other swimsuit tip I can offer is break out of the boring hawaiian flowerprint and go for a more cutting edge pattern. Vilebrequin, is innovative swimwear from St. Tropez that is colorful and technologically advanced. Manufactured from a smooth, synthetic cloth that air dries instantly, the minute you step out of the water.

Flash of Ankle-  The Italians, whom we should ALL take lessons in style from believe that when a man is wearing a pair of trousers that he should go sockless. While flashing a bit of ankle may seem out of character for many hot blooded American men (after all it requires a shorter/cuffed pant), I have found that this classic European look is v. sophisticated and a bit sexy.  It's important to push your style boundaries once in awhile...

Time is of the Essence - I have always believed that a man is not complete without a good watch strapped to his wrist.  I'm sorry the smart phone is not a replacement for a watch, a timepiece.  I have blogged about this before and my ex, who has since passed away, was a brilliant entrepreneur/ int'l businessman, and a HUGE fan of IWC. Technomarine makes great diving watches with pinache. Esquire also highly recommends Breitling, Longines, or for the world traveler -Jacob & Co.'s World GMT which has the ability to track 33 different locations. 

You complete me - It's all about the other half to add compliment to your captivating manner.  Summer is the time to relax and step out with that special someone in your life.  Companionship is the perfect accessory to top off that stylish outfit. Single in the summer? So yesterday. Work/life balance is key to a successful career, cherish the downtime by creating  great memories!

Check back tomorrow for the Black Book crib notes on grooming tips.

A Bespoken Investment

A recent article in the FT talks about how revenue is rising in mens' tailored clothing, while womens' fashion is on the decline.  There is good reason for this and it has much to do with the shopping patterns of men v. women. While men tend to shop based on necessity and therefore tend to buy enough to last for an entire season, women are the opposite.   The shopping habits of females are more sporadic and based on mood and trend.  Lastly, while some men consider it a non-issue to spend a month's salary on clothes, a woman is always seeking value and mostly likely will purchase the sale item over the full priced item even if she isn't in love with it.

Although bespoke may be  more expensive on the upfront, it is an investment well worth making, given that a a handmade suit can last 10 years. To the rational-minded male this is something that clearly seems to be resonating as sales amongst Savile Row tailors have risen 12% in 2009.   A recent survey* of high-end customers revealing a dissatisfaction  due to "mass market luxury"  and lack of customer service only reinforces that custom is the perfect fit.  

Photo credit:  Savile row, Norton & Sons

*62% of wealthy consumers, according to Luxury Institute survey (March, 2009)