Fashion Orbit

Geren Ford’s Western Oxford Shirt I don’t know what...

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:42:04 -0700

Geren Ford’s Western Oxford Shirt

I don’t know what kind of Annie get your gun moment I’m having here, but I’m really kind of digging Geren Ford’s Western Oxford Shirt.

My general concern with light denim shirts is looking like some sort of Folsom Prison escapee, but I do love that Geren just embraced the western-ness of it all and threw in some grommets and a back yoke.

Currently on sale at $99 (originally $198).

Sale Roundup

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 23:08:39 -0700

Some of our favorite new sale items from around the WWW. The Clothes Dolce Vita’s Electra...

Chie Mihara’s Jatan Chie Mihara is one of my favorite...

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 20:25:37 -0700

Chie Mihara’s Jatan

Chie Mihara is one of my favorite go-to footwear brands - super comfortable and well-made, classic yet acceptably funky. The Jatan is signature Chie: sexy and nerdy, with a clever play on the t-strap and outfitted and a chunky heel to ensure that you won’t be crying by the end of the work day.

Currently on sale at $255.94 (originally $319.92).

Designer of the Week: Bensoni

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 20:09:01 -0700

A collaboration on a senior thesis project at Parsons and a shared aesthetic led designers Benjamin...

This Week In Sample Sales

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:27:04 -0700

Online Tuesday, 7/20 Jump, Nelli, Roar and Crash & Burn at Beyond the Rack Wabi Sabi...

Taylor Momsen Fronts Madonna’s Macy’s Line Genius...

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 22:36:08 -0700

Taylor Momsen Fronts Madonna’s Macy’s Line

Genius marketing move or synchronized shark jumping? Via BNET:

For the tween/teen fashion shoppers who think of Madonna as Lourdes’ mom, Macy’s (M) has hired its very own bad girl to be the face and boost the credibility of its Material Girls line for potential customers who are trying to cut the apron strings.

A fashion brand that has design input from Madonna and her 13-year-old daughter Lourdes Leon is bound to generate lots of publicity, which is what Macy’s was counting on when it signed up the singer via Iconix, the brand licensing company that works with Kohl’s (KSS) –- and, lately Britney Spears — on the Candie’s brand. Yet, a mom-and-daughter project may seem a little too quaint for some teens, even if Lourdes is referred to by her nickname of Lola in association with the brand.

So, enter Taylor Momsen, the punky, 16-year-old Gossip Girl actress and wannabe rocker who has distinguished herself from the rest of the cast by dragging on smokes and dropping F-bombs. Could Macy’s have found a better reflection of the breakout punky pop singing wannabe actress Madonna from the Reagan years? Maybe, but this one suits the breaking Material Girl advertising campaign, at least for now.

With Momsen, Macy’s and Iconix have hedged their bets nicely. In the Material Girl introduction, Macy’s can promote the edginess associated with the past Madonna and the current Momsen for teens who are traditionally skeptical about whatever mom wants them to wear, even if mom is Madonna. At the same time, it has the warm if not altogether fuzzy story of the Madonna/daughter collaboration to sell the moms of Material Girl’s target audience. They, after all, have ultimate control of the credit the cards that will determine if the brand lives up to Material Girl rolling-in-bucks aspirations.

If Momsen acts up - in the wrong way, that is - and turns out to be more of a hindrance than a help moving the brand as back to school progresses toward the holiday season, Macy’s can dump her in a flash. It’ll still have an ace in the hole with Lourdes, or Lola. The name used may depend upon how much damage Momsen has done and just how Macy’s wants to spin the line in the aftermath.

I have to admit: beyond finding Madonna to be sort of joylessly pursuing the shadow of her former notoriety these days, her devotion to all things Ed Hardy (not to mention her semi-disastrous tracksuit line for H&M some years back) make her a dubious choice to helm the latest celeb fashion line. As Stylelist points out, much like the lady herself, “the collection is a mishmash of Madonna’s greatest fashion hits from the early years.” Which is to say, an 80s retro meet not-quite-ready-for-Topshop look.

And then, there is the Momsen. Much like Little J, Momsen has been on a particularly bratty winning streak as of late, which does somehow does solidify her as a natural choice for spokesmodel.

My prediction? Despite the interesting marketing choices, this collection will most likely fizzle like those ill-fated velour tracksuits, especially when celeb-driven shoppers can find much more solid wardrobe pieces from the Olsens and Gwen Stefani. Madonna, of course, will keep on keeping on, Lourdes will remain one to watch, and Taylor Momsen? Well, that’s anyone’s guess, although the Courtney Love path is both a cheap shot and a good guess.

Your thoughts?

Image credit: Macy’s/Material Girl Collection

Tylie Malibu’s Runaway Pouch Set It’s a little early...

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 13:22:55 -0700

Tylie Malibu’s Runaway Pouch Set

It’s a little early to start seriously thinking about affordable gifts, but if you’re the type who stockpiles for future occasions, this set of three Tylie Malibu pouches is perfect for breaking up into multiple presents (because, really, what single person needs three matching bags?). Grey/gold is always one of my favorite color combinations, although the set is also available in a gorgeously rich orange-y brown, as well as a classic black and darker grey.

Currently available at $99 (originally $170).

Save Until Midnight

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 10:54:52 -0700

Discount codes ending today: Robyn Rhodes: Take 20% off sitewide using code PEOPLE20 (expires...

Item of the Day: Pencey’s Lace Blazer Summer is ordinarily...

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:56:03 -0700

Item of the Day: Pencey’s Lace Blazer

Summer is ordinarily not the season for dedicated blazer wearers like myself to don our garment of choice. Pencey’s Cotton Lace Blazer, with its raw edging details, cropped sleeves and adorably wilted black bow manages to be seasonally appropriate while maintaining a certain slouchy formality.

Currently on sale at $196 (originally $392; take an additional 20% off until tomorrow at midnight using code EXTRA20).

Discount Code Roundup

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:44:16 -0700

Looking to spend less? Here are some of our favorite current discount codes from around the WWW....

This Week In Sample Sales

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 20:39:22 -0700

Online Monday, 7/5 Matisse and Metta Catharina at Beyond the Rack Red Kiss and Blowout at...

Sale Roundup

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 21:21:55 -0700

Some of our favorite new sale items from around the WWW. The Clothes Perfectly preppy and perhaps...

Item of the Day: Jenni Kayne’s Gauntlet Studded Suede...

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 15:24:21 -0700

Item of the Day: Jenni Kayne’s Gauntlet Studded Suede Sandal

A classic taupe shade vamps up with stud details and spiky snake heels in Jenni Kayne’s Gauntlet peep toe sandals.

Currently on sale at $346.50 (originally $495).

Save Until Midnight - The 4th of July Edition

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 09:53:15 -0700

Happy 4th! For those of you shopping between mouthfuls of pie and hot dogs, here are some discount...

Item of the Day: Lauren Merkin’s Silk Lotte in...

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:14:08 -0700

Item of the Day: Lauren Merkin’s Silk Lotte in Feathers

While I’m generally a fan of Lauren Merkin’s perfect little clutches, I have a tendency to be boringly monochromatic with my own wardrobe, refraining from some colors entirely.

Despite the oft-avoided flashes of teal, I am totally drawn to Lauren’s Lotte in Feathers - the brightness of the teal contrasts perfectly with the richer and darker patches of olive and ochre.

On sale for $89 (originally $180).

Discount Code Roundup

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 08:08:00 -0700

Looking to spend less? Here are some of our favorite current discount codes from around the WWW....

Exclusive Fashion Orbit Discount: 20% Off Mapel Until July 31,...

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 19:09:49 -0700

Exclusive Fashion Orbit Discount: 20% Off Mapel

Until July 31, Fashion Orbit readers can save 20% on all non-sale items at Mapel using the discount code ORBIT20.

Beyond carrying affordable boutique favorites like BB Dakota, Tulle and Alternative, Mapel has a newly expanded denim selection, including labels Citizens of Humanity, Joe’s Jeans and 7 For All Mankind.

We personally heart the favorite-tee-goes-luxe look of the Champagne Lace piece shown above (currently available at $34, $27.20 with discount). Some of our other favorites include:

Best skinny jean with a heart of gold: 7 For All Mankind’s The Skinny in Indigo ($149; $119.20 with discount)
Deceptively spendy looking (and vegan!) bag under a Benjamin: Compose’s Studded Brown Shopper ($68; $54.40 with discount)
Best blue jean to be buried in: Citizens of Humanity’s Dita Petite Angel ($172; $137.60 with discount)
Best sophisticated summer short: Tulle’s Canvas Shorts ($32; $25.60 with discount)
Best piece to channel Blair Waldorf in: Champagne Lace’s Holiday Silk Headband ($18; $14.40 with discount)
Best secret weapon for the board meeting: Pico’s Summer Shirt Dress ($52; $41.60 with discount)

The fine print: Take 20% off full-priced items at Mapel using the discount code ORBIT20. Offer expire July 31, 2010 and cannot be combined with any other promotions/discounts.

For Me to Poop On: Cynthia Rowley Designs for Pampers Oh, hell....

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 20:59:01 -0700

For Me to Poop On: Cynthia Rowley Designs for Pampers

Oh, hell. From Luxist:

Fashion designers have been creating more and more inexpensive tie-ins lately but Cynthia Rowley’s latest creations are meant to be used and tossed away. The designer has collaborated with Pampers on a line of designer diapers. Pampers by Cynthia Rowley will be available in 11 colorful styles - for boys and girls - beginning in mid July 2010 at Target stores and on Target.com.

The diaper collection will be available in pastel designs including madras, stripes and printed ruffles. “As a mom, I wanted other moms and dads to have more options in every part of their lives - even diapers,” said Rowley. “It’s the first piece of clothing your baby will ever wear, and it should be special.”

Maybe I’m crazy, but I generally think that non-special things should be reserved for pooping. The only good to come of this apparent designer diaper craze is the sublimely ridiculous limited edition denim Huggies commercial.

Discount Code Roundup

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 21:27:07 -0700

Looking to spend less? Here are some of our favorite current discount codes from around the WWW....

Item of the Day: Anna Molinari’s Embellished Wool-Blend...

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 18:32:13 -0700

Item of the Day: Anna Molinari’s Embellished Wool-Blend Dress

Given that the Bay Area has decided to correctly interpret summer weather for once, it’s not really the time to consider adding wool to one’s wardrobe, but this jaw-dropping Anna Molinari dress has me thinking ahead.

Plus, it’s totally appropriate for a number of occasions, like your ex-boyfriend’s wedding or favorite frenemy’s funeral.

On sale at $268 (originally $1340).