Posts Tagged ‘Spring 2010’

What’s IT for Spring?

April 6th, 2010
Furla Corniola Bag

Furla Corniola Bag in Turquoise

Last year was ruled by the maxi dress and the fedora (even worn together sometimes).
The romper came in third.
The year before is was the gladiator sandal, which carried into last year.

But this year, is there one piece that each of us must have?

Is it a color?
Turquoise has been seen everywhere. Or perhaps the neutral look is the palette of the year.

Dolce Vita Woven Cuffed Thong $210.00

Dolce Vita Woven Cuffed Thong $210.00


Is is a shoe?
The cuffed sandal is definitely being promoted by editors, although I haven’t seen many people wearing it. (Maybe because of the weather yet). Personally a completely flat shoe is uncomfortable to me, and the cuff can make some people look like they have cankles.

The clog is an option that is coming on strong. Chanel certainly set the stage for this to be big. My favorite clog is this sandal version by Bloom coming soon to Kindred Sole.

Bloom Clog at Kindred Sole

Bloom Clog coming soon at Kindred Sole

Is it shorts?
Shorts have been scarce the past few years, but now we are seeing some wearable versions from almost every designer.
There are the 50s inspired, loose fitting shoes in floral prints that are forgiving on most figures. There are bubble shorts, and there are shorts with an “apron” panel – aka. “skorts.”

And then there are the 80s-style, shorter cuffed shorts that look fantastic with tights.
(Caution is advised with this look, it definitely for the young-at-heart).

Porter Grey Bubble Shorts

Porter Grey Bubble Shorts

Sequined Tee at TopShop

Is it cat-eye sunglasses?
I think they pair so perfectly with the floral prints and vintage looks right now. But the allure of the big frames is still there.

Is it sequins?

I have to admit I love seeing just a touch of sequins on an otherwise casual tee. And you can find them anywhere right now.

So what’s your choice for this season’s most important trend?

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Spring’s (Scary) Stark White

February 8th, 2010

Black Halo Paris Sheath

Black Halo Paris Sheath

I spent last week unpacking the spring orders at my boutique.
It’s generally a happy occasion when I remember, “oh yes, I ordered that. “
But then every so often – and any buyer should admit to this – there will be an “uh, I hope people like this” moment. Which is what I thought when I opened this season’s version of white.

I’m not talking just white or bright white.
I’m talking put-down-the-teeth-whitener-you-are-glowing white.

Is it practical? Will people embrace it?
Will people buy it??

I did a couple of pairing tests.
One of my favorite looks is crisp white against browns or tans. The very stark white of this spring looks uneven against earth tones. This shade of white will pair best with blacks, primaries and metallics.

And with the primaries, this spring’s white is strongest with graphics prints. Florals looked unnatural when paired with the unrealistic white. A more subtle white – one that might actually be found in nature – would pair much better. The metallics however, look fantastic with this shade.

Piazza Sempione Sheath

Piazza Sempione Sheath

Burberry Hooded Jacket

Burberry Hooded Jacket


Marc Jacobs Satchel

Marc Jacobs Satchel


Maybe it when it warms up
someday (a gal can dream), it won’t seem so dramatic.

A few years ago, I felt the same way when I opened a box full of bright orange bags. My initial reaction was “are these meant to be caution cones?”
It took a day or so, but I fell in love with that color.
And that color turned out to be my biggest seller – ever.

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One Pair Fits All

January 6th, 2010

Do you have a great pair of sandals that you wished you had in every color?
Chicago’s Annie Mohaupt has solved your problem without draining the bank account: Mohop Shoes.

Annie Mohaupt

Annie Mohaupt

Made in Annie’s Logan Suqare studio, the Mohop Shoe (aka., Infinity Sandal) is a wooden wedge platform that you wear with whatever ribbon makes you smile. And since the wooden wedge is both a major trend for the spring and environmentally friendly, this is the shoe to have.

Each shoe comes with 5 ribbons (you select the palette) and you change it up to suit your fashion needs. You can also let your imagination go wild – buy your own ribbons, add other pieces (I’m thinking vintage costume jewelry), whatever strikes you. The Mohop website has a ribbon-how-to page for inspiration if you get stuck. Last summer Mohop even had a Facebook contest on tying Mohops – I’m convinced this is because Annie wants you to have as much fun with your shoes as she does.

Beyond the fashion, the shoes are amazing. Since Annie is an architect turned shoe designer, when someone says Mohop shoes are architectural, they really are. Being a builder, Annie figured out a design (patent-pending) to let the ribbons be changed easily, to let the ribbons give when they need to give (eliminating blisters), and to provide support for the entire foot.
So many options

So many options

How to order:
Choose Height
Low – about 1”
Mid – about 2.5”
High – just under 4”

Choose Wood
Maple
Cherry
Walnut

Then choose toe shape, size, and select your 5 ribbon set.
There is also a limited selection of Mohop sample shoes available on Mohop’s esty.com page.

I just ordered the mid-heel cherry, Maryam with the neutral ribbons, can’t wait!

www.Mohop.com
www.etsy.com/shop/mohop

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