Independent Fashion Bloggers Conference: Evolving Online Influence
WWD covered (and we attended) the IFB conference last week and learned much about the industry we thrive in, and the players who are driving it. We ran into many of our friends and fellow bloggers, including Pamela- founder of Market Publique (a self-proclaimed DesignerSocial fan) and Suzanne Xie of Weardrobe.com.
The conference was a great way for fashion bloggers to come together, share ideas, and learn from eachother. One of our favorite discussions centered around “The Future of Blogging,” with Britt Aboutaleb and Lauren Sherman of Fashionista, Marc Jacobs muse Bryan Boy, Tavi of StyleRookie, Susie Bubble, and Phil Oh of Streetpeeper. Here, a couple of common myths dispelled:
Myth #1: Editors hate bloggers- To quote Fashionista’s Aboutaleb, “A lot of the fuss is made up.” And the inverse is also true. We at DS have worked in print and love our editor friends. They bring a much revered “diva-fabulousness” to the fashion world. Whereas, we bloggers are generally more comfortable behind the scenes.
Myth #2: The social media “hype” will die down- There is no denying the growing and exponentially greater influence that the Internet will have, not just over the fashion world, but the world in general. Blogging is the next iteration of print. Similar, but different.. like radio vs television.
So ready or not, it’s fashion Darwinism- survival of the fittest. May the best Bloggitor (Blogger + Editor) win..
D2D: Direct to Designer Rebecca Minkoff Fall 2010, Paris Je t’aime
Despite the horrid weather, Rebecca Minkoff said the show must go on, and oh it was definitely on. Inspired by fashionable Parisiennes, Rebecca does it again with this très chic and très wearable collection of apparel and handbags. Pleated skirts over tights, moto-jackets in softer fabrics, sweet dresses under trenches and oversized blazers.
These models looked like they were stylish girls hanging out downtown who just walked into the show and onto that platform… of course with their zippered, studded, and tasseled handbags in amazing textures and colors. We LOVE that.
But we don’t have to keep trying to describe it to you… watch the video and see for yourself, then visit DesignerSocial to shop Rebecca Minkoff handbags.
Music: DJ Mia Moretti and Caitlin Moe- 2010 Grammy Mix
CHANEL’s getting crafty with the online videos..
Like this one shot for their Spring-Summer 2010 collection. Interesting, but somehow I expect more from them. I mean this is so clearly staged, that it almost defeats the purpose of featuring it on a blog.. a classic example of what happens when a HUGE conglomerate of a company tries to go “rogue” with their marketing efforts.. something gets lost in translation.
-Hire two gorgeous supermodels… CHECK!
-Have them run around in gorgeous clothes.. CHECK!
-Find a motorcyle with the Chanel logo on it.. CHECK!
Not to mention the fact that it’s called “Vol De Jour” which means theft of the day, and features said gorgeous supermodels stealing from every store in Paris.. interesting message to put on the internet. Especially when some of their couture gowns cost over $100,000. Take a look and tell us what you think. You have to scroll down a bit.. (5th feature on page).
Heads(bands) Will (Rock &)Roll
This Vallerina headband by Corrie Wright is one of our favorite pieces currently on DesignerSocial. It screams super sweet at first glance, with the girly tan bow… but upon close inspection we see the amazing gold zipper detailing and brass studs that are far from your little sister’s hair accessory. We kind of think it’s the perfect topper for the sweet turned edgy Jenny Humphrey on Gossip Girl.
posted by BC: Back to DesignerSocial
Zip It Good
It isn’t new news that motorcycle is all over the place this season. We’ve got publications spanning from Elle to Lucky to Teen Vogue telling us how to “rock out” style-wise. What does that mean exactly? Leather and zippers.
As the fashion cycle rears its ugly head, we’re inundated with zips to the point of overkill. If you’re not careful you’ll end up looking like a tacky gutter punk wannabe. How do we dabble in the trend in a subtle sophisticated way?
Kooba has the answer this Winter 2009, with the Jagger bag. Soft supple leather with single zips on the front, back and sides that complement the shape while keeping it simple and elegant.
It’s the perfect in-between look. As Goldilocks would say- not to soft, not to hard… these Jagger bags do it just right.
Now available on DesignerSocial
posted by BC
New This Week: Resin Studded Cuff by Alexander McQueen
Two things that are very in this season… cuffs and studs. Add McQueen to the equation, and this piece can do no wrong.
posted by BC: Back to DesignerSocial
Love her or hate her, there’s no denying Lady Gaga’s iconic status. While everyone buzzes about her latest video Bad Romance, we’re taking a look at, what else- the fashion and accessories.
She’s rocking the Alexander McQueen Spring ‘10 collection like no other, and being that this song was on the soundtrack during the actual fashion show, we’re not surprised that his gorgeous pieces star in her video. As we ogle the amazingness of seeing McQueen’s fashions in the Bath Haus of Gaga, thanks to Nicola Formichetti’s blog, we have can give the rest of the fashion the credit that’s due.
We’d have to say our favorite is the Franc Fernandez diamond crown outfit. It’s like a statement necklace to the extreme, and you know how much we love our statement necklaces at DesignerSocial.
On DesignerSocial:
Make a statement like Lady Gaga (in a more wearable way of course), with these Kenneth Jay Lane pieces
Gun Metal Bib Necklace
Tribal Necklace
posted by BC: Back to DesignerSocial
Loving Lanvin
The understated elegance of pearls and the tough look of chains… two of our favorite accessory fixes. Yes, we’ve been layering our pearls and chains for years, melding our girly with our rocker. This is why we LOVE Lanvin’s pearl and chain necklaces.
Our current favorite on DesignerSocial is this amazing Lanvin Couture Pearl and Chain Necklace.
This incredible piece is the perfect extra for a casual skinny jeans and t-shirt look, or to give a simple cocktail dress a point of interest.
This necklace has been all over magazine editorial features. Get it right as Rita Wilson does here in Harper’s Bazaar, with her Growing In and Out of Fashion piece.
She really does know how to make a look fab at any age.
And speaking of accessories transcending any age, we could imagine twenty something Molly Gunn in the movie Uptown Girls rocking this neckwear. How would you wear this Lanvin piece?
posted by BC: Back to DesignerSocial
Taking it Back to Street Chic
In a city where different neighborhoods garner different lifestyles and dressing, Downtown Chic has transcended past it’s jurisdiction and become quite a national trend. Accessories designer Monica Botkier has lived this look, and has always been inspired by her downtown NYC roots. We’ve loved Botkier from her first collection with the Trigger bag, to this very day as we carry her amazing pieces from Fall 2009 on DesignerSocial. Titled, Rocker Chic on Crosby Street, we see the classic Botkier details which she describes best herself:
“Leather. Zippers. Studs… the Botkier Fall 09 collection flaunts all the details we love about Botkier. Taking it back to street chic NYC cool. Inspired by the seductive pulse of New York City streets and my favorite pair of worn in, black leather motorcycle pants. Handbags and shoes in a palette of moody darks and sexy neutrals that get better with age. Slouchy silhouettes that live with us. This is quintessential Botkier.”
View the rest of this street worthy collection on the Botkier site.
On DesignerSocial:
Get on DesignerSocial and get a jump on the season with these pieces from Botkier’s Fall 2009 collection.
Logan Satchel
Gorgeous distressed black lambskin tote. Fringe tassels and antique brass hardware complement canvas interior
Sydney Large Hobo
Lambskin with printed suede. Antique nickel hardware.
posted by BC: Back to DesignerSocial
Our Boot Runneth Over….The Knee
Fall is upon us, and so is boot weather. There of course is the ever so stylish ankle boot, but here at DesignerSocial, we’re pulling for the kind that one pulls a little higher. We love the over the knee trend, and these Pour la Victoire Wedge boots are perfection… extremely comfortable and one of the best looking styles out there.
A word of caution for those who want to sport the look:
- If you’re short or petite, go for a style that doesn’t completely throw off your proportions making you look stumpy
- Yes they may be stylish, but with sky high heels, you might start looking a little less chic and a little more Julia Roberts, a la Pretty Woman
(photo via Neiman Marcus)
Wear it with:
The Jimmy Choo Tulita Flap tote. The boots are fairly simple, with no frills, so the structured and sleek style of this Jimmy Choo tote would really complement them. It’s got just the right amount of gold hardware detailing to add a bit of interest to your look.
Tote available now on DesignerSocial.com.
BOTW- Bag of The Week
Daytime Satchel by Chloe $550
