Friday, February 28, 2014

34th Street Weekend Picks: Crocs, Lady Foot Locker, and Skechers

Lady Foot Locker (and Foot Locker)
Find Super Bowl shirts for 50% off, and a wall of the most fun, colorful kicks you''ll ever see on sale. Also, stroll over to Foot Locker and check out the pom beanies. They are irresistible. 110 West 34th Street just west of Broadway


Yes, the classic clog is on sale! This is a good time for the family to stock up before spring/summer 2014. Buy two pairs of clogs and get 25% off.  152 West 34th Street just east of Seventh Avenue


Skechers
Buy one get one 30% off almost all Skechers shoes, and 20% off apparel. Then there's the winter shoes in the back on sale for up to 40% off. 140 West 34th Street between Broadway and Seventh Avenue



Thursday, February 27, 2014

DSW Shoe of the Week: Ralph Lauren Collection Boot

Usually when I read "timeless and elegant" I want to yawn and look at my watch, but then I see boots like the below and am like "Oh, yeah, totally timeless and elegant."


Ralph Lauren Collection, $199.95, compare at $850 (and about $200 less than the online price - which makes me wonder if these are mislabeled? #yikes). And yes, these are the epitome of timeless, elegant perfection.


DSW
213 West 34th Street just west of Seventh Avenue

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Live From Paris: H&M Studio A/W '14

Two hours and counting to the livestream of the H&M Studio A/W 2014 show:


Click on the above for the livestream link. That coat illustration is such an effective teaser. #CantWait


Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Orva Shoes: On the Move at 34th Street

There have been signs of this in the past, but now it's official: Orva Shoes has moved from their space at 34 West 34th Street. But no fear, Orva fans, as they are coming soon to 1282 Broadway at 33rd Street. 


Speaking of signs, Orva is on it with information about its move. See you soon around the corner on Broadway, Orva Shoes! 


Updated to add: We just heard that Journeys is moving into the old Orva space at 34 West 34th Street. Journeys previously was in Herald Center, so we are happy they've found a new home in the 34th Street district.


Orva Shoes
Now closed at 34 West 34th Street
Coming soon to 1282 Broadway at 33rd Street

Monday, February 24, 2014

Fashion Week Day Eight: Hernan Lander and Mischka Velasco

Hernan Lander

Our last show for Fall 2014, Hernan Lander, certainly did not disappoint. Each of his pieces was sculpted in an architectural way, with interesting lines and cutouts. His color palette was limited to classic monochromatic whites, blacks, and greys for winter, with the exception of a rich, deep-blue gown and houndstooth detailing on a coat. To balance the elegance of the gowns, he added an edge with fingerless leather gloves and bold accessories. Visually captivating with flattering tailoring, we predict that Lander's striking runway collection with its flattering cuts will be a crowd pleaser in-stores, too.

      

      

      
All photos from MBFashionWeek

Mischka Velasco 
“The String Theory”
Set among amazing views of Midtown and Madison Square Garden, two musicians, including Broadway's Peter Sachon and recording artist Serena Tideman, played cellos to set the mood for Mischka Velasco's show. The beginning of the show struck an unusual mood with a man in a mask speaking in a heavy accent, then shortly after his dialogue came an array of dresses, coats and men’s clothing. Velasco used bold colors and patterns with multi-colored strings woven into many looks. The men’s coats featured oversized buttons and exaggerated shoulders, giving them a more avant-garde look. Highlights included dress-and-cape combos that spoke to an of-the-moment and modern, draped look.

      

      
All photos taken by Dana Rock

Fashion Week Day Seven: Lie Sang Bong, Kaufmanfranco, Betsey Johnson, and Zang Toi

Lie Sang Bong

Lie Sang Bong, often referred to as the Korean McQueen, is definitely a name to start recognizing in the US market. A new addition to New York Fashion Week (he usually shows at Paris Fashion Week), Lie’s collection is a perfect fit for the downtown girl with boxy shapes, clean lines, and easy-to-wear full length coats. You simply cannot look away from the bold, satin red gown with lace detailing and black paneling. Or the fusion of swirling molten red lava and digitally printed houndstooth. Or the pop of a beautifully fit cobalt trouser and matching shirt. Each coat is already exceptional and statement-making, but to fortify his utilitarian ideals, they are also reversible! 

      

      

All photos above from Angelito Jusay Photography

      

      
All photos from WWD

Kaufmanfranco

Kate Moss’s effortless style was the source of inspiration for Kaufmanfranco’s Fall 2014 collection. Aside from an impress line up of red-carpet gowns, Ken Kaufman and Issac Franco balanced the glamour with gorgeous oversized and structured coats, neoprene, and leather. I loved the simplicity of the styling with low, side-swept ponytails and natural faces. Glacial blue pieces dominated the second half of the collection; striking and refreshing, they perfectly displayed Kaufmanfranco's interesting cutouts and geometric shapes. The collection managed to be both subtle and sexy, and conveyed an ease of dressing. The show stoppers of the night? A glittery silver long-sleeve gown and a strapless navy dress with a sheer bottom. 




      


All above photos from Angelito Jusay Photography

      
Photos from MBFashionWeek

Betsey Johnson

True to her brand, Betsey Johnson’s collection was as fun, sexy, and entertaining as ever, and appropriately, this flashy spectacle was broadcast live in Times Square. Inspired by the 1970’s and 80’s disco era, there was no shortage of neon, mini dresses, knee high socks, and platform heels. Brightly colored lace cat suits were layered with equally bright sheer dresses and cardigans. There was a strong push for accessories, from bold chain necklaces to large rings in the shape of rats. But beneath the over-the-top styling can be found great separates, from faux fur jackets, sequin party dresses, animal print bags, and knit caps.


Betsey Johnson RTW Fall 2014      Betsey Johnson RTW Fall 2014

Betsey Johnson RTW Fall 2014      Betsey Johnson RTW Fall 2014

Betsey Johnson RTW Fall 2014      Betsey Johnson RTW Fall 2014
All photos from WWD

Zang Toi 

Equally powerful and feminine, Zang Toi opened his Fall 2014 collection with masterful grey trouser suits and dresses. Beautifully tailored and accessorized with mysterious fedoras, leather gloves, and fur stoles, Toi evoked Shanghai in the 1930’s. If I could take away any piece from the collection, it would be the flawless wool tweed cape, perfectly styled with the fedora and garter-like stockings. Bright jade and opium tones lit up the runway, while a mohair jade coat over a zip up sweater and an opium silk brocade jacket with fur trim and matching pants beautifully intertwined the oriental influence of Shanghai with modern cuts and trends. Zang's evening gowns are as glamorous as ever, this season in jade and black satin and fur, and encrusted with elaborate crystal collars.

Zang Toi RTW Fall 2014      Zang Toi RTW Fall 2014

Zang Toi RTW Fall 2014      Zang Toi RTW Fall 2014

Zang Toi RTW Fall 2014      Zang Toi RTW Fall 2014

Zang Toi RTW Fall 2014      Zang Toi RTW Fall 2014
All photos from WWD

Fashion Week Day Six: Libertine, Concept Korea, Pamella Roland, and The Art Institutes

Libertine

Clashing patterns have never looked so good. Libertine presented an eclectic mix of cross-hatched neon tights, embroidered and sequined wool coats, and text-heavy knits. Please, please let those stockings, clever socks, and patterned pumps look as stylish and effortless on us shoppers as they do on the runway models. In an ideal world the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week gods would bestow the following items upon all drab wardrobes STAT: white-washed trench coat, diamond-eye socks in muted tones, and a 50’s inspired red wool coat embellished with a fur collar and sky blue gemstones. Yes, that sounds heavenly.

      

      

      
All photos from WWD.

Concept Korea

This group show does every season which few such shows manage to ever accomplish: effectively promote their country and its talent as a growing source of emerging design talent. This season's collections, from Kaal E. Suktae, Choiboko, Beyond Closet, and Big Park were a powerhouse of talent, and an impressive all-around showing of a similarly eclectic yet strongly individualistic aesthetic. Below are my picks from each designer, and while all were memorable, Kaal E. Suktae's structural tailoring stood out from the pack, while Big Park presented a young, urban (with a fun, tongue-in-cheek spirit), and highly marketable collection.

Kaal E. Suktae
      

Choiboko
      

Beyond Closet
      

Big Park
      

      
All photos from WWD

Pamella Roland 

Inspired by the 1930's art deco architecture of her home, as well as the glamour of city life, there is no lack of glitz and sparkle on the runway at Pamella Roland. Her collection consisted of feminine silhouettes and strong, yet conservative, cuts. While her beaded fringe dresses and evening gowns are beautifully made, the trade-off is a lack of daytime looks. Roland's navy parka with faint sequin tiling had a great understated beauty many pieces could have emulated. Although her collection as a whole would have benefited from more ready-to-wear pieces, her evening collection was undeniably masterful. The mix of pleats, leather, and fur was a refreshing play of textures for Fall 2014.

Pamella Roland RTW Fall 2014      Pamella Roland RTW Fall 2014

Pamella Roland RTW Fall 2014      Pamella Roland RTW Fall 2014

Pamella Roland RTW Fall 2014      Pamella Roland RTW Fall 2014

Pamella Roland RTW Fall 2014      Pamella Roland RTW Fall 2014
All photos from WWD

The Art Institute

Thirteen students and recent graduates from The Art Institutes presented looks from their collections at this Mercedes Benz Fashion Week student show. Stand-out pieces include Anna Charest’s caplet over a pleated dress with rope design, and Joshuan Aponte’s avant-garde silver puffer coat. Christopher Maracha also delivered a strong menswear collection, mixing sportswear with sheer and mesh elements, and Lorena Cabrera impressed with beautiful sculptural pieces. 

The Art Institute of New York City RTW Fall 2014      The Art Institute of New York City RTW Fall 2014
                               Designer: Lauren Barisic                                                  Designer: Luis Aponte 


The Art Institute of New York City RTW Fall 2014      The Art Institute of New York City RTW Fall 2014
                               Designer: Anna Charest                                                  Designer: Rie Yamamoto


The Art Institute of New York City RTW Fall 2014      The Art Institute of New York City RTW Fall 2014
                              Designer: Christopher Maracha                                         Designer: Simone Young

The Art Institute of New York City RTW Fall 2014      The Art Institute of New York City RTW Fall 2014
                              Designer: Joshuan Aponte                                          Designer: Samuel Ciccone

The Art Institute of New York City RTW Fall 2014      The Art Institute of New York City RTW Fall 2014
                              Designer: RG by Ryan Edmonds                                  Designer: Gustavo Alonso
                                              and German Madrigal   


The Art Institute of New York City RTW Fall 2014      The Art Institute of New York City RTW Fall 2014
                              Designer: Lorena Cabrera                                             Designer: Michael Doyle 
All photos from WWD