Sartorial Summons

For his Fall 2011 collection Giles Deacon took his inspiration from the law — literally. It all started with the invitations which were designed, envelope and all, to be exact replicas of an official court summons (which I hear caused a few invitees to experience waves of terror!).

Deacon also drew inspiration from time spent in the Victoria and Albert Museum researching Victoriana and Edwardiana. This research, along with the designer’s use of law as a muse, was reflected in his usage of high collars and a bold black and white color palette.

As the collection progressed, texture and color were introduced.

As a perfect compliment to the collection the models were given matching red lips and nails. Sophy Robson, the hottest nail girl in London Town, was summoned yet again to manage the manicures. Last season’s Eek Manicure, one of my personal favorites, is still being worn today so I wonder if this season's vampy matte crimson talons will latch on.

Review the entire collection but move too slow and you may get a summons of your own - for a fashion violation!

Red lips and wing tips,

Marquis

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Big Boy Britches

From the opening look of a masculine overcoat draped over the shoulders of an oversized polka doted blazer and cropped rust colored trousers, it was obvious that Paul Smith’s woman is into borrowing her boyfriend's clothing this season.

Personally I am an advocate of boyfriend dressing. In my eyes it is one of the sexiest perspectives on womenswear. Any woman can put on a tight dress and high heels and feel sexy, but it takes a real woman to throw on slouchy jeans and one of her boyfriend’s cardigans and exude sex appeal.

Smith kept an air of softness and femininity by introducing more delicate pieces into the collection that come off as straight womenswear, such as this sheer silk blouse.

Some embroidered gowns were introduced towards the end of the collection, but probably could have been done without. I just don’t respond positively to a full-length wool gown embroidered with a floral pattern.

Here’s to borrowing your boyfriend’s britches!

Until tomorrow,

Marquis

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Savage Style

Get Ready to Ride the Wave of Nautical Wear

From seaside to sidewalk, you can never go wrong with an aquatic inspired outfit:

Name: Lauren Pruett, USC Student - Advertising

Spotted: On the Horseshoe

Wearing: Shirt and Skirt, J. Crew; Necklace, Fossil; Shoes, Target.

Loves her skirt for its versatility: "It can be worn with so many things!”

Don’t forget the shoes: A fantastic find for $9!

Think you've got enough style to be considered a shopping savage? E-mail Madison your photos at madison@shoppingsavage.com with a description of your outfit and what makes it "Savage". Your photo may be our feature of the week!

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Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow...on Burberry

Yesterday the world of fashion was revolutionized once again by the masterful hand of Christopher Bailey. The Fall 2011 collection perpetuated Burberry Prorsum’s time-tested reputation of expertly crafted outwear with a delicacy and refinement rarely seen. The show opened with a palette of bright gem tones and neutral army greens before moving into a wintry mix of black and white. I really enjoyed the little drop-waisted moments with the ruffled skirts. Here are some of my favorite looks:

Still images really don’t do the collection justice, especially because of the thrilling snow finale!

I love the addition of the little ponchos. So cute!

Watch the show and let me know what you think.

Yours in Style,

Marquis

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Prepare Yourself For a Dual!

With the downturn of the economy everyone is looking for ways to save a few bucks. However, trying to cut costs doesn't mean you have to cut corners on your beauty regimen! If you’re on a budget, or just want to save some cash, here are a few household items that have dual uses to fight the retail cost of beauty!

Toothpaste

Toothpaste is good for more than just fighting cavities. If your nails are yellowed or stained, try scrubbing them using toothpaste. For added whitening power, add a few drops of lemon juice.

You can even use toothpaste for an emerging acne emergency! Dab a bit on your pimple and leave it on overnight to help draw out the oil and bacteria.

Dryer Sheets

Dryer sheets are useful if your hair is not cooperating. Tame fly-aways by rubbing one on your hair. Not only will it rid your hair of its static charge, but it will also leave a lingering smell of freshness.

Baking Soda

Baking Soda is great to use in lieu of purchasing clarifying shampoo and I find that it works better. Simply mix approximately one teaspoon of baking soda with your shampoo and scrub your scalp and hair. Shampoo a second time using just your shampoo, then complete the process by conditioning your hair as normal. Be warned: this agent works so well that I don’t recommend using it more than once or twice a month to avoid completely stripping your scalp of its natural and necessary oils.

Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly works really well to remove nail polish from cuticles without damaging them. Just dab a very small amount on cuticles before painting your nails and then wipe away any polishing mistakes with ease!

Or, if you’re searching for a solution to dry, rough feet before sandal season, liberally rub petroleum jelly on your soles and wrap them in plastic wrap. Cover them in socks and wear overnight. After the first application you will notice a significant difference! Just be careful when you get in the shower the morning after applying - your feet will be very slippery!

Eggs

Create your own hair mask made of egg yolk and olive oil. For my shoulder-length locks I use 1 egg and 2 tablespoons of oil but this can be adjusted for your hair length. Apply this mixture to your hair as you would a conditioner. Place a shower cap on your head and let it set in for approximately 5 to 10 minutes. The egg yolks help to strengthen hair while the olive oil conditions hair from root to tip.

Toilet Paper

If splurging on oil-blotting sheets is not really your style, use a square of toilet paper instead. These work just as well to soak up excess oil from your T-zone.

Cooking Spray

Use cooking spray after giving yourself a manicure rather than using a quick-dry spray. They both work the same but cooking spray can also help remove unwanted nail polish from cuticles. Use a non-fragrant and/or flavorless option to avoid having your hands smell like, well, a cooking product.

Clear Tape

Use clear tape to test a new nail polish color by covering your nail with a piece. Or if you need to remove dead skin from your lips, press the adhesive side to them and gently remove.

Yogurt

If you burn yourself with your curling iron, cover it in yogurt! The cool temperature will help ease the swelling and the yogurt itself will speed up the healing process and reduce the redness.

Oatmeal

Have dry, itchy skin in the winter? Or perhaps irritated skin in the summer? Run yourself a warm bath and put cooking oats in it to soothe aggravated skin.

Hope these natural alternatives for skin care and beauty tips help you in your quest to cut costs and highlight your natural beauty!

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Welcome to London Town!

My faithful fashion followers, we've moved from the Big Apple to Big Ben! Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors are so last week. Cue the entrance of such greats as Vivienne Westwood, Jonathan Saunders, Matthew Williamson and The House of Holland. Known for his youthful aesthetic, Henry Holland decided to give an interesting display this season by juxtaposing his youthful eye with garments that hold a bit more sophistication. Impeccably tailored pieces done in fun and unexpected colors were paired with quirky patterns such as this blue tweed sheath paired with patterned tights:

As usual, nail diva extraordinaire Sophy Robson was in charge of the manicured perfection that graced the runway this year (and for previous collections).

Take a moment to take a more in-depth look at the entire collection.

In addition to designing for the House of Holland, Holland is currently in the developmental stages on a collection of sunglasses due for launch in September. Keep a look out!

TTFN ~ Ta Ta For Now,

Marquis

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Made in … The United States?

Andrew Rosen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Theory, is in negotiations with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg to establish a "one-stop manufacturing facility" in New York City’s Garment District. This facility would give designers a multitude of services right at their fingertips. "This would be a place for designers to come and create. That’s more important than giving them money," Rosen remarked.

The building would incorporate grading, marking, cutting, pattern making and manufacturing. With the opening of the facility, it would be a great way to fully compete with the Asian market.

On February 11, 2011, Rosen and a group of major fashion players, including J Brand’s Jeff Rudes and Tommy Hilfiger, discussed the possibilities of the opening of this facility as well as the other great opportunities it could bring to the United States in front of a group of students at the New School. Some of the topics and ideas discussed were:

• Connecting with Apple and other technology companies may segue into advancements in fashion production that would possibly help make the United States more competitive with the Asian market.
• Developing more technically advanced fabrics.
• Setting up a conglomerate of apparel executives who choose to mentor anyone who might need advice in the ever-growing fashion industry.

With a number of United States' designers creating sample runs in the country, but mass manufacturing over seas, the idea would be to eventually have them finish here in the United States as well. "There’s a huge advantage to [manufacturing] locally," American designer, Rogan Gregory, explained. “The speed-to-market is so much faster and minimums aren't anywhere near what they do over seas."

Tommy Hilfiger expressed to the panel more about the financial and technological viewpoints of having this facility open. "If we had an infusion of technology, people would then come to America from all over the world to produce clothes," Hilfiger said. Rudes added that, "just as iPad readers can now touch an image of an outfit and be directed to a site that sells it, the evolution of technology stands to be a major plus for the apparel industry."

Does the United States stand a chance at convincing designers to discontinue outsourcing and manufacture locally? Its still too soon to tell, but there is a chance. Even if it's hanging on by a thread.

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