Review: Jovovich-Hawk for Target
February 29 | Collections Agent

Here’s my advice about this line: run do not walk to your nearest Target because it will go fast!  Target’s website says Jovovich-Hawk is available starting March 2, but I happened to go this morning for more practical purchases (toothpaste, paper towels etc.) and I was surprised to see that not only were the clothes already out but some of the styles were almost sold out.
 
It’s not surprising because there’s a lot to like.  The vintage-inspired looks that Jovovich-Hawk are known for is well represented but there are styles for more mass appeal.  I haven’t blogged about the Go International line in a long time because I haven’t been impressed with the quality of the clothes or even the designs but this is the best collection ever. 

Jovovich-Hawk for Target apron dress.

This dress didn’t really catch my eye when I saw it online but the pattern is quite nice in person and it’s relatively well made.  I had to clip some stray threads around the crochet trim at the bottom but that’s not really a complaint.  I think flat gladiator sandals would look cute with the dress.  I also liked a black floral print smocked dress and halter dress in the same print, which looked perfect for a warm night out.  Those dresses weren’t pictured on the preview page of Target’s website.  In fact, there were a lot of styles I saw today that weren’t on the website.  Scooped back tees with ties at the back of the neck, thin striped tees and floral print tank tops all had that retro feel that would look great with wide legged jeans or slouchy trousers.  I grabbed these two tops…

Jovovich-Hawk for Target short sleeve hoodie & printed t-shirt

I think the best thing in the collection was the blue linen vest.  I debated whether to get it, but I am just not a vest person.  Too bad for me, but perfect for the girl that can pull off the boho layered look.  And for those of you looking for a new swimsuit the flirty bikinis are a bargain at $16.99 for each piece.

One thing to be aware of: sizing is all over the map.  It could be tricky ordering online.  I was a small in one top and a medium in another.  One of the dresses I looked at ran so small I would have tried on a large.  Speaking of sizes, some of the best styles were already down to just two sizes (S and XL).  So if you want a piece of this action act fast.

Question of Cool
January 26 | Collections Agent

It kills me to admit this but I question whether or not I am cool enough for Alexander Wang.  The slouchy trousers, the kicky tank tops and silk dresses, the super-short shorts; these aren’t looks for your modest Jane.  This Jane doesn’t want to be just another skirt in the crowd but do I have what it takes not to look like a fashion victim? 

Back to Alexander Wang for just a moment.  Every fashion savvy gal and her mother and her brother are talking about him.  He’s been mentioned in all the requisite fashion publications and has gathered accolades faster than a possessed shopper at a sample sale.  I can see why he’s getting all this attention.  His clothes are fresh, forward and definitely youthful.  Check out the designer’s website.  Even that is a breath of fresh air.  Often designers, especially the big fashion houses, have these boring or frustratingly difficult-to-navigate websites.  Wang’s starts off with a blast of music, courtesy of The Cure (one of my all time favorite bands) and displays looks from both his men’s and women’s collections.

Looks from the Alexander Wang Resort collection

So back to the question: am I cool enough for Alexander Wang?   Models, musicians and art students aside, I’m not sure if many people are “cool enough” but what does it matter anyway?  I don’t need to relive my 20’s but I definitely don’t have to dress like a grandmother, at least not until I am one.  Thankfully that won’t be for a very long time.   With smart mixes with the right pieces I can pull of my own looks that are age and lifestyle appropriate and - dare I say it - cool.

Knitty Gritty
December 5 | Collections Agent

One of the smartest things I bought for the season is a dark gray Vince shawl collar cardigan.  It feels like a warm blanket without the obvious problems of actually wearing a blanket – which would be very unfashionable and quite unwieldy.  Vince knitwear is my favorite.  The rest of the sportswear line has some nice pieces but I love their knits best of all.  The hoodies are casual but luxurious while the cardigans and sweaters will remain timeless.  Low key never looked better.

my favorite looks from the fall collection all available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Pop Art
October 16, 2007 | Collections Agent

Maybe it’s just me but I’m already bored with this year’s fall collections.  Everything I see at stores and online have been looking the same.  It doesn’t help that in this age of easy access via the internet, we’ve seen the fall lines months ago and they seem about as fresh as lime Jello.

One exception to the same old, same old is Seattle native Chris Benz.  I’m totally keen on his colorful and slightly bent take classic sportswear.  The witty pops of color are the perfect pick me up for days when you’re feeling uninspired.

Chris Benz Fall/Winter 2007
Chris Benz Spring/Summer 2008

One of my favorite pieces is this striped rugby.  Love the extra long button placket and slouchy but not schlumpy fit. Check out his website for the rest of the collections.  I like how his clothes are styled.  Some of the looks would fit girls in their 20’s much better than me, but you can take individual pieces and make them age appropriate.  Yuck.  What a horrible concept, but absolutely necessary.  Do you want Britney Spears running around Malibu dressed the way she is now in 20 years?  Think about it.  Anyhoo…you can find Chris Benz at shopbop.

Mad About Miu Miu
Collections Agent | August 6

There are plenty of summer days left but I’m already thinking about my fall wardrobe updates.  Summer doesn’t last nearly long enough in Portland so it’s easy to shift gears, and fall accessories are especially covetable this year.  Who needs more reason than that to start focusing on fall?  One of my favorite collections is from Miu Miu.   I’m in love with the handbags and those colorful patchwork shoes are a fresh look for footwear.  If only I could fill my closet with all these goodies!

Leather Vitello bag will never go out of style… love, love, love this bag.
Patchwork Naplak would look outstanding with a simple day dress and tights.
These pumps put a new spin on the old spectator shoe.

If you’re able to splurge, you can find all these looks at saksfifthavenue.com.  For now I’m going to have to be content visiting these beauties online. 

Paradise Found
March 28 | Collections Agent

Whenever there’s a warm weather vacation on the horizon, the first thing I go shopping for is a sassy little dress or two.  Sadly, there isn’t a rum soaked get-away to look forward to in the near future.  But one designer’s line has me aspiring for a look worthy of those glamorous Bain de Soleil ads from my childhood.

I’m talking about the fabulously flirtatious Milly line.  You can check out the entire spring collection on the Milly website to see what I mean.  From sexy bathing suits to retro-inspired dress prints, Milly suits the vintage lover in me who still wants something thoroughly modern. 

Show some serious leg with this eyelet dress

Love the fresh shape and color of this strapless jacquard dress

a vintage-inspired ruffled dress that isn’t screaming Carol Brady

This cashmere sweater and cotton shorts outfit makes me want to play croquet with a tasty bellini in one hand

And it seems I’m one of many on the Milly bandwagon.  I’ve seen this yellow ruffled dress in a couple of magazines.  I think I’m definitely on to something.

Definitely a No GO
February 7 | Collections Agent

It almost pains me to do this, because I really wanted to like this collection, but the Proenza Schouler line for Target’s GO International is a real dud. The preview pictures made it seem like the collection would have fresh and playful vibe that was definitely more youthful than some of the other GO International collections but would at least have a few looks for everyone. All I can say is, I didn’t wear this stuff when I was 13 and I can’t see too many teens getting excited about a poor imitation of a Member’s Only jacket circa 1986.

So where do I even begin? Like any optimist, I’ll start with the good.

This suede jacket was much nicer than I expected. It was soft and a good weight. The color left something to be desired, but that’s just me. I’m normally not a big fan of light gray because it washes most me out, but for review purposes I’m just going to ignore my own bias. I’m also not too keen on the cropped jacket look, but it would work for some gals.

In contrast, the chain print tank top in green was a great hue and good length. It’s definitely on the thin side so I’d wear another layer underneath if I was wearing this on its own.

The gray cropped cardigan gets big points for looks with its pretty shawl collar and cable knit. The yarn is a little stiff for my taste (I’m guessing it’s a cotton blend since I forgot to check out the label) but for 30 bucks, it’s not bad at all.

I’ll also give honorable mention to a couple of skirts, since Proenza Schouler is known for their skirts. The button front denim skirt and the pencil skirt have potential has a wardrobe staple. The black empire dress and striped coat are also winners for nice construction and universally flattering cuts.

Now for the bad, and I’ll try not to get too carried away here.

These t-shirts come in different colors and they are all just wrong. It’s apparently supposed to fit boxy because it’s called “boy” tissue tee but I’d rather buy a three pack of Hanes and call it a day. I don’t understand why the sleeves are rolled up. Nothing should be rolled. Not jeans, not sleeves, not socks. Period.

The purple silk wrap tank was another disappointment. I really wanted it to work out but the straps are awkward and the material doesn’t quite lie correctly against the body. Next!

I’ve saved the worst for last because I have no idea what Hernandez and McCollough were thinking with this cheap wonder. Is it me or do you hear Billy Jean as you’re looking at this? It literally feels like a plastic grocery bag.

I also give dishonorable mention to the seamed twill pants because… well, there’s no need to explain after you see it. Enough said.

For me, this is the most disappointing GO International collection. As much as I’m looking forward to spring and being a frugal fashionista with my wardrobe upgrades, I won’t spend a penny on this collection.

Sunny Delight
December 12 | Collections Agent

After several days of fun in the sun, I return to rain, rain, rain.    At least I can rely on my sunny disposition to get me through the craptastic weather.  Why the good mood you ask?  I’m sitting in front of a computer looking at resort fashions.  Never mind that I just got back from a resort.  I’m already suffering from solar withdrawal.  It’s all about flimsy, floaty dresses with open-toed shoes.  Do you know how hard it is to keep my feet bound in socks for six months straight?  It’s not pretty.

So for all you gals stuck in mucky weather, here’s a look at three of my favorite looks from Philip Lim’s resort collection.

The perfect dress times three

If you must get your hands on warm weather looks right now Satine Boutique, is a great place to shop for this collection.  I love this site.  I could browse for hours.  But now I’m going to remove myself from the computer.  My husband is taking me out tonight and I’ve got to go get pretty!

Reviewing Go: Behnaz Sarafpour
November 2 | Collections Agent

Frugal fashionistas get your fannies over to Target now that the latest Go International collection has hit stores.  This one boasts serious couture cred with Behnaz Sarafpour behind the line.  Her fall ready-to-wear line is just gorgeous and I was hoping to get a taste of that elegance on a much smaller budget.   

To be honest, I have yet to love any Go International collection.  I think my expectations are too high.  At the end of the day, these items are made cheaply so they can be sold cheaply.  Maybe I should keep this in mind so I won’t be disappointed when the sweater that looked cute online isn’t so great up close.

This short sleeve voile shirt was my favorite

I’ll start with what’s good in the collection.  For $17.99, the voile shirt is a no brainer.  It has nice little details and most importantly, it doesn’t look cheap.  Just make sure the collar is even.  As with all of these foreign factory produced clothes, construction is all over the map.  Some shirts are fine and others look like they were put together by a junior high Home Ec student.  I would have liked the voile shirt in black but they were out of my size.

Surprisingly well made velvet skirt

This is very cute and the perfect weight, unlike those dense and scratchy checked skirts in the Paul and Joe collection.   Worn with the right little black jacket and great shoes, this skirt can look much richer than the $29.99 price tag.

Elegant faux fur jacket

This faux lamb jacket is another winner.  It would dress up jeans nicely for an evening out.  It’s hard to tell in the picture, but you get the luxurious Astrakhan look without actually wearing the skins of fetal lambs.  Yuck.

Some of the other items in the collection were okay, like the brocade skirt and the lace trimmed mini.  Then there were a few things that fell way short.

The lace trim cardigan and white taffeta dress weren’t so hot

 

To be fair, the cardigan is actually cute on the hanger.  I tried on the black version.  When I took it off, my white t-shirt was covered in black lint.  I really don’t like leaving clues that I’m wearing cheaply made clothes.  The taffeta dress looked dingy on the hanger.  I don’t know if the particular one I saw was dragged under the wheel of a cart then put back on the rack, but it wasn’t what I’d call a pretty party dress.  It was also excessively poofy.  I wear a small and I’d still think twice about all that volume.

This jeweled t-shirt – tacky much?

Oh mercy.   By far the worst thing in the collection.  If you’re riding Greyhound with a bunch of seniors to pull an all nighter with the nickel slots in Reno, this is your shirt.  Otherwise, it’s no gem.

I want to get my hands on this lace duffel bag

The item I was most curious about was no where to be seen.   I have some trips coming up and I wonder if this would make the perfect carry-on bag.  I guess I’ll have to look for the duffel bag the next time I’m at Target.  I’m hesitant to order this online because I want to see if it’s actually cute or a dud like the t-shirt. 

So I left Target without buying Behnaz (although I did by a nifty electric toothbrush) but I’m not giving up on finding fabulous looks for less.  I have a date with H&M and Zara in two weeks.

Ladylike Styles to Test Your Feminine Wiles
October 25 | Collections Agent

I’m always on the lookout for small labels that are about more than flash in the pan trends and offer a modern interpretation of classic styles.  That’s exactly what designer Alex Gaines dishes up with her line of sportswear that’s simple but never boring.

Gaines was one of the people behind premium jean label Paper, Denim and Cloth, but left in 2003 to launch her own line of picture perfect ready-to-wear.  I like the mix and match aspect of the collection.  You could take a puff sleeve sweater and wear it with the wide leg pants or the tulip skirt or even topping a dress.   I love everything in the current collection.

My favorite looks from the Fall Alex Gaines Collection

You can find Alex Gaines at saks.com or Active Endeavors, and view the entire collection at alexgaines.com.

Cheap Monday… On Friday
October 13 | Collections Agent

Do you even bat an eye when you see a pair of jeans for $200 or more?  Even with the denim market completely saturated with labels from Japan to New York, we are still willing (if not able) to shell out the big money for our beloved jeans. 

Enter Cheap Monday.  This Swedish denim maker is taking prices down to a more manageable level and bringing along a new take on quality denim.  It has the cool, new kid buzz and from everything I’ve read these unisex jeans deliver the goods, but let’s just say I’m not sold on all the looks.

Cheap Monday Eiffel Tower Jeans

 Apparently you can wear these just under your bra line or scrunched down.  Hmm… yeah, I think I can pass on this one.

Cheap Monday Narrow Jeans

These I can deal with.  I’m personally over super skinny jeans but I do like this look with a comfy oversized sweater and high heeled booties.  I’m feeling very contrary this Friday.  Anyway, for $65 it won’t leave you broke for giving it a spin.  I also like this coat.

Cheap Monday Wool Duffel Coat

You can by Cheap Monday online at Barneys Co Op and caliroots.com (which provides an interesting window into Sweden’s hipster set).   Happy weekend!

Thoroughly Modern Mini
October 4 | Collections Agent

I admit that part of the reason I dig Brooklyn designer Samantha Pleet’s collection is because it reminds of the things I loved to wear as a teen.  Don’t get me wrong though, her clothes are not totally derivative of the past.   (Hmm, I must be feeling very nostalgic this week.  See yesterday’s post.)  I love the medieval references, making the collection fantastically fun. 

Samantha Pleet Behind Bars dress

Mini dresses are predicted to be big for spring.  I’d wear this with jeans or tights for cold weather.  I can’t believe this is Samantha’ Pleet’s first collection.  She also has pictures from her Spring 2007 collection up on her website.  If you are in the buying mood, as I sadly always seem to be, Satine Boutique offers Samantha Pleet including this dress.

Making of the Bag
September 26 | Collections Agent

There’s a fantastic article in The New Yorker (September 25 edition) about Fendi’s role in the proliferation of status symbol handbags.  The article profiles Silvia Fendi Venturini, accessories designer for Fendi, but it also delves into what it takes to crank out the next It bag.   Venturini actually provides an inside look at the process to make said handbag, from concept to creation to presentation at the runway shows.   At the time of the article, Venturini was working on a bucket bag to complement Fendi’s Fall 2006 Ready-to-Wear collection.

The next big bag?

Fendi conjures up two images for me: fur and that copied-to-death Baguette.  I’m not a fur fan (although I don’t have a problem with those who are) and the Baguette has been done to death, whether it’s the real thing or made in China.  But I do like Fendi’s RTW collection. 

Lux looks from Fendi Fall 2006

As for that bucket bag, I think it looks clunky.   It’s supposed to be soft but it looks like you could use it in a hammer throw.  Or fight off a mugger with one swift whack across the face.  In some places, I suppose that’s a good thing.

Illuminate Me Marc Jacobs
September 13 | Collections Agent

I know I said I wouldn’t analyze the latest collections just yet, but here’s my two cents about the Marc Jacobs show since everyone and her mother is weighing in.  First off, I had to look at the collection a few times to even form an opinion because those strange 80’s inspired cycling caps were throwing me off.  What’s up with that?

The hat looks like a wardrobe reject from Quicksilver but the rest is fabulous

What I did love right away was the atmosphere of the show.  The green zigzag double runway was a great showcase for a spring collection.  The light reflecting fabrics and accessories were also inspired.  Same goes for the air-whipped ruffled dresses.

Holographic & metallic

But the head-scratcher award goes to the billowy bottoms.  Some are already calling them MC Hammer pants, but my first thought was I Dream of Jeannie.  Well, whatever image they conjure, you can’t touch this.   Same with the pantaloons.

Perhaps this is a look better left on the runway

As for the accessories, I’m glad quilted handbags are sticking around.  Marc Jacobs infuses the looks with metallic skins and geometric quilting, giving the trend legs for next season. 

I’ll take one of each… I wish!

So I guess I really liked the collection.  And I think we’ll start seeing some distillations of these looks in lower priced collections at a store near you.  However, I still want an answer on those hats.

The Peppy Preppies
September 7| Collections Agent

I was at the bookstore recently and saw a woman in a cute striped cardigan.  I thought to myself, “That’s Trovata.”  Weird.  I didn’t even know I had that little nugget of information tucked away in my cluttered mind.   So I checked out the Trovata website.  Because of my journalism background, the whimsical but totally content-deficient site rendered me a little frustrated.

One of the Look Book pages on the Trovata website

It’s a good thing style.com is around.  When are designers going to learn they need a good presence online? 

Looks from the Trovata Fall 2006 Runway

It’s hard to go wrong with an adorable St. Bernard as an accessory.  Speaking of adorable, what about the four designers behind Trovata?  Just like the dog, I want to ruffle their hair and say, “Dude, you guys are so cute.”  Read their charming interview with New York Magazine and you can see where I’m coming from. They must have won the 2005 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund because they are so refreshingly delightful, like lemonade on a hot day.

So back to my original thought, I guess the website and the fall collection both leave me wanting more.  Granted many of the individual pieces, both men’s and women’s, are fun.  But for the amount of attention they’re getting, I hope their upcoming spring collection isn’t lacking for content.  As for their presentation, I’m sure they’ll deliver.

If you want to buy Trovata online here are a few places to start:  Active Endeavors, Revolve Clothing and eLuxury offer a lot.  My favorites are the toggle coat, sweater dress and the twill trench.

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