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Great Consignment in Pheonix/ Scottsdale

Post from: Maureen's Blab & Blog

A fitting finale

I went to the Nanette Lapore show at 11 am.  I had been looking forward to this show because I personally like the line and buy it for myself.  It’s the type of collection that is fun but still sophisticated enough for 40 somethings and beyond.  I was relieved to find that Nanette did not use as many muted colors as the other designers I have been seeing.  I really like that she used a bright shade of melon, teal and turquoise.  The prints she used were very saturated colors with a festive feel.  She also showed short shorts and a cute mini jumpsuit.  What is up with these jumpsuits?  Since when does any self respecting woman wear a short jumpsuit?  Sorry, I digress.  Anyway, I loved Nanette Lepore’s flamenco inspired dressed with just enough ruffle to make it interesting, but not over the top.  This collection used more cotton and less chiffon which gave it a more casual feel.  The collection also paired striped shorts and pants with florals on the top.  There was a little leather in the form of a skirt paired with a silk blouse.  Lepore’s inspiration was lush gardens, paisley and stripes.  I loved the aesthetic and thought the line very inspiring indeed.

I was scheduled to see Milly and Mara Hoffman Wednesday evening…but in a New York minute I changed course and opted for some culture and philanthropy.  A friend in New York volunteers with an organization called “Bread and Roses”.  They sponsor a program called “unseenamerica”, which ‘gives cameras, lessons, and exhibits to the scores of people who have no public voice and little visibility in the larger culture’.  A group of Arab women were exhibiting their work at the Pomegranite Gallery in Soho.  Most of them were not in attendance because of cultural practices and not wanting to be in the public eye.  There was a wonderful performance artist who was half Arab, and whose performance was heartbreaking.  It was a very welcome change after all the glitz and glamour of the tents.  Sometimes you have to take advantage of a New York minute… 

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In a New York minute

On Monday morning I headed to Chelsea for a show called Caravan.  This was a show sponsored by Tide (the detergent maker) and featured 7 different designers. The shows premise was that all of the runway styles had to be machine washable.  It was an interesting show and all of the garments were pretty casual except for a few evening dresses/ gowns.  I was very impressed with the high style and low maintenance these garments had.  One of the lines, gr. dano, is designed a bay area native. 

Catherine Malandrino was held at the Chelsea Art Museum on 22nd st.  It was nice to see a few shows that were not held in the tents.  This show was staged in a way the really made use of the space.  The models walked a path that went up and down several rows of people.  This line was so beautiful this season.  Again colors were shades of nude, lights, sunrise and dusk.   These clothes were so beautifully draped and ruched, I could really imagine them on lots of women.  Because the fabrics were organza, tulle (lots) chiffon and jersey, the clothing was not overly clingy and lay on the body wonderfully.  There were a few leather jackets, but done in nudes and neutrals so that they looked a lot softer.  Malandrino also showed lace overlays, a trend that we are seeing a lot this fall.  I thought this collection was totally pretty and feminine.

Luca Luca was next on the schedule and back in the crazy tents.  Serena Williams, Ivana Trump and Eric Benet were all at this show.  Once again, the color story was pales:  cream, blue, green, taupe, peach and plum.  Luca Luca showed a lot of organza, and moire silk, along with very sheer, layered looks.  A lot of designers are including very short shorts in their collections.  There are a lot of them on the streets as well.  Tailored short jackets were also shown in this collection.

Betsey Johnson and Max Azria were Tuesday’s shows.  Betsey Johnson’s show was just the drama one would expect from her.  Fun, frivolous and festive were all accomplished.  She used lots of printed floral fabrics with crinolines, tiers and ruffles. She included a bridal segment complete with the models hands handcuffed behind them.  I guess she made her opinion of marriage crystal clear!  There were lot of cropped and skinny pants and more color than one person can take.  You come away feeling that Betsey Johnson loves her job! 

Max Azria was next and the front was row filled with young celebrities.  The only person I recognized was Glenda Bailey, editor  of Harper’s Bazaar.  Max Azria was more homage to draping, movement and shaded neutrals.   This collection was mainly dresses and some seperates.  There was more draping, but this time it had a grecian feeling to it.  There were very plunging deep v necks and one shoulder dresses and tops.  There were skinny pants with belted vests over them.  There was more sheer chiffon and jersey and the requisite pantsuit (both short and long), which almost every designer I’ve seen included in their collections.   Max Azria did a good job with what is turning out to be a very muted looking Spring 2009.

Wednesday is Nanette Lepore, Milly by Michelle Smith and Mara Hoffman. 

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Never a dull moment...

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The shows must go on...

I had read about the museum at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) and really wanted to go there.  There were 2 incredible exhibits that really exceeded my expectations.  Arbitors of Style: Women at the forefront of Fashion was the first one and really an incredible collection of clothing from the 1850’s to present day designers like Dior and YSL.  I love looking at collections of iconic garments that really represent an art form in my opinion.  The second exhibit was called Gothic: Dark Glamour, and had just opened the day before.  Unfortunately, we just missed the opening reception the night before we arrived in N.Y.  This was also a great exhibit as it examined the influence of gothic undertones on fashion.  This started with “mourning” dresses and moved all the way up to designers like Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood and others.  This is an impressive museum and it is free!

Broadway beckoned, so the night’s activity was to see “Legally Blonde”.  Navigating Times Square in the pouring rain on a Saturday night was a sight to behold.  The theaters were packed.  Apparently there was an MTV reality show called “Search for Elle Woods”, that had aired.  The premise being that young women from all over the country auditioned to be the next lead in the broadway show.  A woman named Bailey Hanks won the part in front of a national audience and boy, can she sing!  My favorite number was “Gay or European?”–you have to see this!  The show was funny, the music high-energy and the costumes pink.  A big 2 thumbs up from this critic!

A late dinner at highly recommended Insieme followed the show.  I love being in a city where you sit down for dinner at 11 pm.  The city that never sleeps indeed!

Sunday’s shows include Tracey Reece, Herve Leger (by Max Azria) and Tibi.  More coming, stay tuned.

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Rain, rain go away...

BCBG Max Azria was first on the list.  This was a pretty popular show to attend.  They had chairs in the middle of the runway facing each direction.  I would imagine that it felt like you were part of the show.  The famed Anna Wintour, Editor of Vogue (purported to be the inspiration for the Meryl Streep character in “Devil Wears Prada”) was front row with her beautiful banged bob haircut and large sunglasses.  Also spotted was Vivica A. Fox, Nigel Barker, judge from America’s next top model, and some past contestants from Project Runway.

The show started with a very muted palette of grays, taupes and tans.  The fabrics were jersey and the main construction was draping.  The dresses were very short and bare, as one would expect from runway-worthy clothing.  After the more somber colors came some dresses in very bright melon, raspberry, blueberry and teal.  Forget wearing a bra with any of these beautiful creations!

Next was a show by Rubin Singer ( more on him later).  I was very surprised by this collection…in a good way.  His creations were the very opposite of BCBG.  His dresses were very architectural and made with more structured fabrics like satin.  He used an abundance of black and white stripes and polka dots, together and separately.  He used very constructed details like super wide lapels in his jackets and dresses along with very dramatic collars.  I thought that his clothing was very wearable and appropriate  for the New York or San Francisco markets.

After a short break and some unpacking, I set back off for the Erin Fetherston show.  Erin is a Piedmont native and Cal Berkeley alumni.  After graduation, she set off for Paris and lived and worked there to hone her design skills.  She seems to be a current media darling and designs for many of the red carpet celebs. 

Much to my 10 year old daughter’s delight, Emma Roberts (niece of Julia and daughter of Eric) was the much photographed celebrity du jour.  She was front and center for this show.  Fethereston’s designs were uber feminine.  She used a lot of chiffon in creating very flowy and ethereal pieces.  Her colors were very muted peach, tans and beiges.  She used sequins very beautifully in her wide leg trousers and sheath tops.  Her gowns flowed away from the body with exaggerated “poufs” and gathers around the mid-section and bottoms.  I really like seeing a collection that was so ”girly” and wearable at the same time.

The last show of the day was San Francisco’s own Academy of Art University MFA student show.  Don’t be fooled by the “student” moniker..these people are TALENTED.  There were 11 collections, including 3 menswear.  There was textile designs, and Missoni-inspired knitwear.  Each of the collections was unique and wearable in its own way.  Oakland resident, Anne Jones, collaborated with textile designer and student, Michelle Clarke on a wonderful collection.  They used very vibrant blue hues with oversize sequins that almost looked like colored glass!  Their collection was very evening  with a microfiber dress, jacket and skirt along with grey silk pants and a pink printed sequined dress.  Anne and Michelle did a wonderful job of merging interesting textiles and cutting edge fashion.  AAU just launched their new magazine called “180″ referring to the street number of the fashion school.  There was a copy on every seat…

It’s a rainy day today (Saturday) in Manhattan and museums and possibly a show are on the agenda.  More to come… stay tuned!

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Let the fashion begin!

Let’s start with the hot colors of the season.  Pantone, the authority on color, names blue iris as their color of the year for 2008.  In addition, berry colors are very popular this fall season.  Already the stores are brimming with raspberry colored clothing, handbags and shoes.  Cooler shades of blue, green and purple are also showing up as well as subtler variations of red, orange and yellow.  Warmer autumn hues like chocolate, brown and steel grays are also big.

Leather jackets are a “must have” item this fall.  Styles are very tailored with minimal detailing.  Think of this as a substitute for a blazer.  Leather jackets can be dressed up or down and are perfect for our bay area microclimates.  Try a leather jacket in brown instead of black for a sophisticated change.

Another HUGE trend is lace.  Every variation of lace is used in this falls styles.  Lace dresses and tops, even handbags and shoes are lace covered.  It seems that every designer is doing this treatment.  You’ve heard the term “leather and lace”?  This is the season to pair the two and make it work.

Working off the lace trend, romantic tops are making waves for fall.  You’ll see them in lace, of course, as well as ruffled pleated, pin tucked and flounced versions.  They are sleeveless, long sleeved and everything in between.  You can wear these with a suit or a pair of jeans, whatever your mood.  You can find them in cotton, organza, silk or satin.

Pants are one category where anything goes this season.  Pants are full cut, high waisted, wide legged, skinny, cropped and even HAREM pants are showing up.  The beauty of this is that no matter what your figure type, there is a pant style to suit you.  Skirts are also having an identity crisis.  Skirts are longer, to be sure, and they are fuller as well.  Tailored pencil skirts are in, as are the dirndl and A line.  So many choices, oh my!

Layering is one way you can make your clothing dollar go further.  Take that cute summer dress, and layer a long, thin knit cardigan, top with a thin belt, and Viola!  You’ll look like you stepped off the pages of Vogue magazine.  Chunkier sweaters are also important this season.  Like leather jackets, sweaters can be a great substitute for a jacket.  There are great versions of both thin and chunky sweaters everywhere from H & M to Barney’s.

Shoes and accessories are not to be forgotten this season.  Heels are high, and so is the vamp.  It’s almost like the cold weather version of the gladiator sandal.  The foot is very covered up in this type of shoe, which might help counter balance the height!  Boots are continuing to be a great fall investment, and I’m happy to report that there are lots of flat to moderate heeled boots.  I think that Aerosoles does a great job with their boots, they are comfortable and affordable, a winning combination.

Some handbags are staying neutral this season, while others are going the “berry” opposite.  It’s nice to see some color, so I am supporting a little boost of color via your handbag.  Keep in mind that I am carrying a bright yellow bag right now.  Speaking of bright colors, hosiery is positively popping with color.  Bright colored tights are seen in all of the fashion magazines, but it’s too soon to tell whether anyone will wear electric blue tights with a gray or black skirt, stay tuned.  Even Chanel is showing a two- toned tight, with the front half black and the back half tan.  I think it’s for those of us who just can’t make up our minds…

Lastly, statement jewelry is really a hot commodity this season.  Just because you can’t afford the real thing, doesn’t mean you can’t wear some bling.  Jewelry is big and overstated, even on some of these waif-like models.  My only warning is to keep the jewelry in scale with your body size and shape.

New York state of mind…I will be heading off to New York Fashion Week starting on Sept. 5th, for a fun filled week of spring 2008 fashions. Confirmed tickets so far are Piedmont’s own Erin Fetherston, The Academy of Art University (the ONLY student show in the tents), Tibi, Catherine Malandrino, Luca Luca, Betsey Johnson, Reem Acra and more as the shows approach.  Stay tuned as I may be invited to see the Finale show of Project Runway’s three finalists!  I will be blogging every night (or morning) during fashion week with show reviews, impressions, celebrity sightings and much more, so check my website frequently at www.maureenfrench.com, and don’t forget to ask questions and make comments.  I’d love to hear from you… Auf Wiedersehen.

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Fall styles all over the map

Getting started is the hardest part. I use a rolling rack set up in my bedroom as the staging area. These racks can be purchased at Target or Container store and can also be used for hanging coats up at a party. The heavy duty commercial rolling rack at Container Store is my favorite. Make sure that all of your potential clothing choices are laundered or dry cleaned. You don’t want to be running around a day or two before your trip picking up dry cleaning. I usually start about a week before a big trip and few days before a small one. Our worst packing choices are made in haste, when we are running out of time.

Exactly what to bring depends largely on what type of vacation: city sightseeing, beach, adventure, sports related. All of these different types of vacations require very different gear. Both www.frommers.com and www.packitup.com are two of many websites that offer free downloadable packing and activity planners. The Frommer’s site has a list geared toward each of the above mentioned trips. In addition to making packing easier, these lists can be really useful if the airlines lose your luggage and you need to make a claim with them or with your homeowner’s carrier.

As you are laying out your clothes, there are a few things to remember. First, plan to have 2-3 tops for every bottom. This is the same ratio you should see in your closet! If you take darker bottoms, it is easier to wear them longer, as they do not show wear and dirt as much as lighter colors. Fabrics should be as wrinkle resistant as possible. Cotton blends are a better choice than linen, and any type of synthetic is going to be better to travel with than silk. Lightweight, tech fabrics are great, as they can be washed out and dry in very little time. Please note that sticking with one color scheme (black or brown) allows you to take fewer shoes, which take up the most room in your luggage. After you are done, instead of adding to the choices, challenge yourself to take away one piece every day. Most people pack much more than they need.

Once you’ve accomplished the above step, the hardest part is over. Now it’s time to fit everything in your suitcase or duffle. According to my research, the hands down winner are the “rolling” method of packing. People swear by this philosophy. As you start, roll all of the larger pieces like pants, coats, etc. They should start on the bottom of your case. As you get to the smaller things like bathing suits and tee shirts, they can be placed around the bigger pieces in the corners and crevices.

An interesting packing product that is gaining in popularity is “decompression bags”. They are the plastic bags that can be packed with clothes and then decompressed with a household vacuum. These bags seem to be a great solution. The only drawbacks I see are if you are moving around a lot, or cannot get access to a vacuum on the way home. These bags are available at the Container Store and can be used many times over.

Once your clothes are in the suitcase, it’s time to use my favorite packing instrument, the ever-useful Ziploc bag. These are perfect for lingerie, socks, toiletries, jewelry and many other items. I use both the quart and gallon size depending on what I am putting in them. They are reusable and can serve other purposes when you arrive at your destination, like transporting sweaty workout clothes or a wet bathing suit.

I always pack shoes on top or in the zippered compartments on the outside of the suitcase. The outside compartments are great for sandals, flip flops, magazines, books and maps. I use the plastic bags that the newspaper comes in to keep my shoes from soiling any of my clean clothes. Again, these bags are reusable and the perfect size for shoes.

Once your bag is packed, make a commitment to LEAVE IT ALONE. Clothes should not go in the suitcase until the day before. You don’t want too much time to ponder all of the clothes you WANT to bring! If traveling with children, I always pack healthy snacks (mostly). I also find that energy and breakfast bars are great to have for layovers or long waits on an aircraft. Lollipops work well for takeoff and landing. I also love books on CD, which can be downloaded onto an iPod. My 10 year old twins used to love The Magic Tree house. I also brought along little toys and games that could be doled out periodically on a long flight.

Once the packing is done, you’ll be free to strike out and discover the wonderful places you visit. I’ll leave you with a quote by Susan Sontag that I love: “I haven’t been everywhere yet, but it’s on my list!” Safe travels…

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Summer packing can be a breeze

Designers getting into eco-friendly garments, shoes and handbags are truly multiplying at a staggering rate.  Denim brands like 7 for all Mankind, James Jeans and even Levi’s are all doing eco-friendly versions. Skinny, wide legged and boot cut styles are all covered.   Most are made with organic cotton with some stretch thrown in, some even using recycled zippers, buttons and rivets.  One company will even “fix” the gaping holes in your favorite old pair of jeans by reweaving them with matching thread… www.denimtherapy.com.

Stella McCartney, talented designer and offspring of Paul has never used animal or fur products in her designs.  As a lifelong vegetarian, her designs align with this long held principle.  She even has shoes in her line and watch out, they are high and tres chic!  Terra Plana (www.terraplana.com) is another shoe line that is made from sustainable or recycled materials.  This line includes everything from sandals to dressy pumps.  Tom’s Shoes also adheres to the socially conscious concept by donating a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair you buy (www.tomsshoes.com).

If it’s handbags you want, no worries, there are plenty of green alternatives.  Canadian designer Ashley Watson (www.ashleywatson.com) makes every bag out of recycled leather, which makes each one a little different from the next.  Ella Vickers (www.ellavickers) is one of several designers that use old sail boat sails to make roomy tote bags, duffels, backpacks and dog beds as well.  You have to love Kim White handbags (www.kimwhitehandbags.com) because they are all made of reclaimed car upholstery from the 70’s and 80’s!  She also uses furniture upholstery from the 50’s to 70’s.  I never thought the “Gremlin” could look this good!

In a similar category, my favorite shopping bag, beach bag, and all around great tote is the Envirosax line (www.envirosax.com).  They are carried locally at Maison d’Erte, 5640 College Ave. in Rockridge.  This line comes in many different colors and graphic prints, is paper light and folds up super small.  They are reasonably priced and last forever.  This is my very favorite gift giving item.

White Apricot (www.whiteapricot.com) is a great website for those of you who want to take green fashion to the next level.  They have great top ten lists and feature only designers, clothing, shoe and handbag lines that are eco-friendly.  They make dressing green easy to do.

In addition to buying green, there are many ways to make what you already own green.  Obviously, recycling clothing by giving it to a worthy non-profit is a great way to reuse clothing.  Re-purposing clothing by having it altered is another way.  A good seamstress or tailor is very important in this endeavor.  The main alteration I suggest to clients is to shorten long pants to a Capri or walking short, and shortening a traditional trench to knee length or shorter.  Consigning current styles and making some money back is another way to guarantee more wear from a stylish garment.  Vintage is one of my favorite ways of recycling.  I happen to love the lines and shapes of vintage handbags.  They take me back to a different time, and I find myself wondering who once carried my stylish bag.  I have a wonderful vintage Christian Dior handbag that I just love using and I can feel good about reusing.

On Saturday, April 26, 2008 is an event that I think is the epitome of the whole green movement.  “Discarded to Divine” (www.discardedtodivine.com) is the brainchild of Sally Rosen with the St. Vincent DePaul society.  Academy of Art University, City College of San Francisco and FIDM students have created over 100 garments from the discard bin at St. Vincent DePaul.  50% of every garment is discarded material including curtains, upholstery, old wedding dresses, bedding and many other materials.  The event is being hosted at the Academy of Art Tent at 601 Brannan Street from 7-9:30 p.m. on April 26th.  There will be both a silent and live auction and all proceeds from the ticket sales and auctioned items will be donated to St. Vincent DePaul.  All of the food, drinks, models fees and venue have been donated and the theme of the event will be …you guessed it, GREEN!

This event really closes the circle of recycling and giving back to the community, what a potent combination.  It should also be noted that Oakland born, later Piedmont High School Alumni, Amanda Cleary is one of the Academy students that has designed a couture dress for the event.  The dress is featured on the www.discardedtodivine.com website.  Tickets are $45-$90 and they are going fast!  Happy Earth Day!

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Fashion goes “Green"