DC Goodwill Fashion Blog

Guest Blogger: Midwest Style

2009-07-17T09:00:00.003-04:00

Some people of the world would argue that the phrase "Midwest style" is a completely and total oxymoron. I, as a lifelong Chicagoan, obviously beg to differ. And, with the first lady (a homegrown star) making heads turn stateside and abroad, I think that it's time that the world takes a closer look at how we Midwesterners wear our threads.

Chicago is full of talented designers and hip boutiques which keep locals looking stylish on any given day of the week. And, whether they are transplants or born-and-raised, they love this city and wouldn't trade it in for the world. Well, maybe for a winter in Brazil.

One great example is Anna Fong (above). Her designs have been featured in magazines from Lucky to People en Espanol. The graduate of Columbia College (Chicago) was nominated as the 2008 rising star of new designers by Fashion Group International. She continues to draw and maintain a loyal fan base with her 1940s- and 1950s-inspired collections.

Believe or not, there are many more great designers where she comes from. In fact, the City of Chicago has an office and initiative designed around promoting the "Chic" in Chicago. Corny? Perhaps, but I couldn't resist!

The Mayor's Fashion Council works hard behind the scenes to develop workshops and other resources focused on growing local talent and attracting it from other cities. To help outsiders (and some insiders) navigate the scene, the Council is behind the amazing website "Chicago Fashion Resource." This website allows your to browse through local boutiques, designers, and fashion-related events.

Launched in 2006, the Council continues to make huge strides in developing our fashion persona. This month, Tommy Hilfiger announced that he will be the master designer for the Chicago Fashion Incubator. This initiative is a joint venture of the Chicago and Macy’s established in 2008 which annually provides six emerging Chicago-based designers with the resources to launch their careers in fashion. Not to mention, the 5th annual Fashion Focus Chicago will bring fashion shows and celebrities to the Second City in October.

The Chicago Fashion Resource website sums up Chicago style as "artful design without the attitude." That statement reflects the culture of the city itself. A big city with a small town feel is the best way that I can describe Chicago. Now, obviously, the city will not shed its cargo short/t-shirt/flip-flops image anytime soon, but it's good to know that attention is being paid and we are on the right path to showcasing our serious style!

Today's guest blogger is Karyn Brianne. Karyn Brianne is the editor of The Fabulous Giver, a blog focused on chic and stylish ways to live a charitable lifestyle. When she's not chained to her MacBook, she can be found walking the streets of Chicago and enjoying life.

*The views expressed in this blog are solely those of Karyn Brianne and do not necessarily reflect those of Goodwill of Greater Washington or the DCGF.

Can’t Touch This

2009-07-15T18:55:00.008-04:00

Is it Hammertime again?

I was lying on the couch, assuming the position with blanket and remote, when I stumbled upon a new reality TV show. It’s “Hammertime.” So I answered my own question. It is definitely Hammertime.

He is back doing his thing, practicing his legendary dance moves with his family - the “Running Man,” the “Butterfly,” and, of course, the “Hammer Dance.” He’s still got moves.

I don’t know if he colluded with designers, if they had a hand in planning his new show, or if it’s just mere coincidence, but Hammer Pants are back. (I swear, I did not mean to do a series on 80’s fashion!)

Color me very skeptical. This is one of those times when I have to get quiet, sit cross-legged, burn some incense, and look deep inside my soul. I must contemplate just how trendy I am, and how committed to fashion I am willing to be.
They can call them “harem pants” in Milan and Paris, but I can’t get this image out of my head:

Of course, these scheming designers are trying to put lipstick on a pig by making the pants out of luxurious fabrics and pairing them with high heels or fitted, cropped blazers.

I nearly spit out my drink when I saw this video:

Even some of my favorite designers are getting into this trend, like YSL, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and Rick Owens (why, Rick?), who offers a slick, toned-down version of harem pants. But I can’t get away from the saggy drawers look. I can’t stomach it!

I still think they look like the Hip-Hop-Opotamus.

Here's What It Is!

2009-07-15T17:00:00.000-04:00

It's an African Drum!

What Is It?!!

2009-07-15T11:48:00.002-04:00

Dear readers, what is it???!

Goodwill Good Buy of the Week!

2009-07-14T11:06:00.008-04:00

Today we have a very, very special Good Buy of the Week. It's a beautiful Diane von Furstenberg dress in Wildrose Blue, new with tags! Description from Saks Fifth Avenue website: “A bold abstract silk floral is wrapped and draped, with fresh and flattering results.”

It's a fully-lined size 8 chiffon-like floaty halter dress with a wrapped and shirred detail at the center front of the square neckline. Flat straps begin at center front and separate into two in the back. Ruffle detail at the bottom and the dress is slightly longer in the back than the front. The empire waist dress has side seam pockets and a side zipper. The print is an abstract floral in dark blue, white, black and pink.

Retails for $345!!! Get it here for much less! Check later on shopgoodwill.com! Happy bidding dear readers!

Any purchase made at a Goodwill Retail Store or on shopgoodwill.com funds Goodwill's mission of training and employment programs for people with disadvantages or disabilities. Copyright Goodwill of Greater Washington.

Paris Wrap

2009-07-13T09:00:00.001-04:00

Paris Couture Week finished up last Friday. Not surprisingly, the shows were less theatrical than usual (read: economical), and many were held at the ateliers instead of at rented palaces, train stations, etc. We’re bringing you some favorites from the shows.

Maison Martin Margiela

Always one for the bizarre, MMM made fashion uncomfortable. Models were presented wearing pantyhose over their heads, giving them an alien appearance that was disconcerting. The hoods make the models anonymous and force you to focus on the clothes rather than the model’s individual appearance. There was a vest created from Bic pen tops, and the requisite bodysuit, pants status: unnecessary. The vest in the picture is made of something sharp, like nails or barbed wire.

It’s edgy, disturbing, creepy, and I love it.

Gaultier Goes Glam

Perhaps best known for his cone bustier worn by Madonna in her Blond Ambition Tour, John Paul Gaultier went back to his roots with this collection is inspired by Old Hollywood. In fact, Kylie Minogue attended the show wearing a cone gown from the JPG Archives. His models’ hair and makeup were styled in the manner of movie stars such as Monroe, Hayworth, Crawford and Deneuve. Bombshells, Barbarella and Bacall made an appearance of sorts.

Givenchy

Ricardo Tisci pushed the boundaries of political/fashion discourse with his bedoin-influenced collection. Models donned black head scarves, black burka-like sheaths and gigantic harem pants. I thought it was interesting that the burka tunic was elaborately trimmed with gold headgear that was anything but understated. I liked the contrast between black modesty and the gilded headscarf. I wonder if women in Saudi Arabia will start wearing gold headgear over their hijabs? That would be a hoot!

Christian Lacroix

A farewell show? It appears that way, with Christian Lacroix entering receivership. It’s a sad state of affairs that this may be Lacroix’s final couture show, unless he finds a white knight of finance. The embroiderers, beaders and staff worked for free, the location was donated free of charge, and Roger Vivier provided the shoes for free. The designs were mostly dark, in keeping with the sad mood of the show, although one piece was made of cream satin complete with heavy gold embellishment, yellow and red roses, crosses, lace and an enormous headdress. Let’s hope this was not really his last show.

Guest Blogger: African Style

2009-07-10T12:19:00.015-04:00

African style is like Rodney Dangerfield-no respect (in the mainstream Western press). Every few years, like this year for example, it's dusted off and presented as a new trend which always perplexes and amuses me.

When I'm asked to describe African style, I describe it as art that originated from one of the 53 different countries that is universal and graphic.

It can be a great contemporary painting, a flowing evening gown or a simple t-shirt. What it's NOT is fleeting, but African style gets surprisingly presented as such.

What I also find funny is how often the trend is recycled. Friends and I joke that we're only in style every 3rd spring. So-called "classic style" is only presented as European or American, while African style (and Asian style, too) is relegated to being trendy.

However, I suppose that I should be happy that every 3 years or so African style is given its due and allowed to go mainstream.

During our "unfashionable" time, costume, ethnic/exotic or "charity wear" is our niche. During the costume period, African style is only for people who want to express affinity for Africa.

In the ethnic/exotic period, African style aficionados are posited as those who are fascinated or interested in the far-away land which is not so far away and more and more accessible by travel and technology. My least favorite phase is the charity phase where we're reduced to a usually pious slogan on a t-shirt.

To me, African style is like any other- it is evolving and personal. Hoop earrings, skin bags, leathers. Batik, mud, kuba cloth.

Donated, specialty and artist t-shirts. Skims, showcases, flatters. All that and much more. Most importantly- simple, graphic, universal.

Today's guest blogger is Kou Moore. You can reach Kou at http://www.peppersoup.info/ .

*The views expressed in this blog are solely those of Kou Moore and do not necessarily reflect those of Goodwill of Greater Washington or the DCGF.

Off the Wall

2009-07-09T09:00:00.004-04:00

I am not referring to a Michael Jackson album. Nope, not this time.

No, I mean literally off a wall. The Berlin Wall, to be specific.

The Berlin Wall, a symbol of division, oppression, and communism was also a great, large place for graffiti art. A very famous image on the wall is “The Mortal Kiss” by Russian artist Dimitrij Vrubel, depicting the former leader of the Soviet Union, Brezhnev, in a kiss with the former head of East Germany, Honecker. When the wall came down in 1989, parts of it were preserved by the East Side Gallery and are undergoing preservation in anticipation of the 20 year anniversary of the wall coming down, which is November 9, 2009.

In honor of this anniversary, Daniel Rodan, a German haute couture leather designer, has created a special line of clothing called Mauerkleider, or "Wall Clothes," using images taken from the wall. Rodan is well-known for designing leather outfits for Tina Turner and David Hasselhof (that figures). He has designed pieces for both women and men, and the menswear includes some strong pieces. It’s clearly not an afterthought to the women’s collection.

The iconic lip lock takes center stage on this tiny little strapless minidress. I love the positioning of the red straps trimming the top edge of the dress, the lone suspender and the low-slung belt, in contrast to the grey/blue leather of the background. The other dress in the picture features white barb wire trim against a black background and another image from the wall.

My favorite piece is this dress using images painted by Keith Haring pieced together by black leather straps. It’s a little risque with lots of skin showing between the straps and wider pieces of leather, but the whimsy of the colorful faces adds something other than your run-of-the-mill sex appeal. It’s edgy, political, artistic and just hot. I love the armband and the necklace with more Haring images.

To me, the collection is a celebration of freedom, and it's notable that we have reached a point in history where we can take somber images of the Cold War and turn them into something fun and fashionable. The clothing will be worn by German celebrities and athletes at an auction later this year, and the proceeds will be donated to charity. More pictures of the collection can be found here.

I would like to deeply thank Em Hall for her hard work and dedication on behalf of Goodwill for the past 2 years. I consider myself very lucky indeed to follow such a talented person’s legacy and to build on the foundation that she created as the original DC Goodwill Fashionista. And to you, dearest readers, I welcome all your feedback, good, bad, and otherwise. Thank you for granting me the opportunity to talk fashion with you, while supporting Goodwill’s critical mission of job training for people with disadvantages and disabilities.

Signing off from the intersection of art, politics and couture.

Here's What It Is!!

2009-07-08T17:00:00.000-04:00

It's a donut phone! This item can be found on shopgoodwill.com for your bidding pleasure!

P.S. Orginial price was $40! Come on dear readers, I know you can get a bargain on this phone!

What Is It?!!

2009-07-08T10:39:00.002-04:00

Ooooooh dear readers, what is it?!!

Goodwill Good Bye of the Week

2009-07-07T07:28:00.005-04:00

Well, dear readers, all good things must come to an end. As you have probably noticed, many of the recent blogs have been written by Gillian Kirkpatrick, and I would like to officially welcome her on board - starting today - as the new DC Goodwill Fashionista!

The last two years have been an honor and a privilege: how many of us get to combine our favorite hobby with our full-time job? Not many. And there's the mission. Goodwill of Greater Washington continues to be a non-profit that's close to my heart for a multiplicity of reasons. As I started out as a volunteer there, so I hope to continue.

So, without any further ado, I bid you adieu. But really, I never can say goodbye...

Corrosive Couture

2009-07-06T09:20:00.015-04:00

When I think of acid wash, I think of this:

It ain’t pretty. So when I caught wind of the resurgence of this trend, I was highly skeptical. All I could think of was Def Leppard, gigantic feathered hair, too much makeup, and how happy I was when this trend died its timely death shortly after it came into style. Good riddance!

Thankfully, twenty years have passed, and those years have apparently provided designers with 20-20 hindsight because the excesses of the 80’s are gone from these acid wash jeans. The fabric is still made in the same manner, by washing denim with bleach, rocks, and heaven knows what else they put in those gigantic washing machines to fade and soften the fabric. But the cuts are much more flattering, and a minimalist approach has taken hold. Whew… (I really don’t need to see acid wash AND white fringe EVER AGAIN.)

I must admit that I really like some of the new styles. Skinny jeans are still going strong, and we can find plenty of acid-washed skinny jeans in every price range. Even Lindsay is wearing a pair by Jet by John Eshaya.

J Brand has gone all out with this edgy pair of bleach-spotted and destroyed stretch skinny jeans. They are a limited edition style and are available at ShopBop for $218.

Bebe has the most attention-grabbing pair for a decent $89. This acid wash looks a lot like tie-dye. I just love the pink dye and the leggings styling.

I haven’t seen anything like this fabric anywhere else, as most of the acid washes are more subtle in terms of color. Most washes are denim blue and uniformly faded.

In keeping with the recession, I must mention that Forever 21 has several styles to choose from in prices ranging from $22.80-27.80. Not bad, for a trend that I doubt will sick around for very long.

Personally, I’m not a big fan of spending a ton of money on fleeting fashion trends. I will dig deep for a good basic, but when it comes to short-lived looks, I like to spend conservatively.

As far as styling goes, it goes without saying that the jeans themselves make a very strong statement. There is no need to add more bling bling to the mix, so keep your top simple when you’re wearing them. Simple white or black works well. Understatement is key. Unless you are going to a costume party, then add studded belts, a neon top, jelly bracelets and knock yourself out!

*The views expressed in this blog are solely those of Gillian Kirkpatrick and do not necessarily reflect those of Goodwill of Greater Washington or the DCGF.

Any purchase made at a Goodwill Retail Store or on shopgoodwill.com funds Goodwill's mission of training and employment programs for people with disadvantages or disabilities. Copyright Goodwill of Greater Washington.

Happy 4th Of July!

2009-07-03T10:07:00.005-04:00

From our Goodwill Family to yours, we wish you a safe and happy Independence Day. In honor of the holiday, many Goodwill Retail Stores will have shorter hours so that our employees can also enjoy the holiday. Please check with your local store to see their exact hours.

That's the original Star Spangled Banner at right; we're so fortunate here in DC to have a treasure trove of history at our fingertips!

Guest Bloggers will return next Friday, with a fresh round of fabulous fashionistas. Know anyone (including you) who should be featured on a Friday? Hit us up at fashion@dcgoodwill.org.

Finally, look for a MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT next week on this blog. Like Sam Cooke said, "But I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will..."

Icon

2009-07-02T09:00:00.002-04:00

When I heard about the death of Michael Jackson, initially I didn’t feel much of anything. I had somewhat ambiguous feelings about him like the rest of the world. But when I started listening to his songs, watching his videos and seeing TV coverage of the Jackson Five, I became overcome with grief. I was surprised at my emotional reaction to his death and sought out the cause of my strong feelings.

As I looked back, I realized that Michael Jackson was a huge part of my childhood and teenage years. It’s no surprise, considering that so many people grew up listening to his music. You couldn’t avoid it, even if you tried! He was just that popular. And I can’t separate his music from my memories of roller skating with my girlfriends, racing with the boys and beating them, playing Off the Wall over and over and over on my record player and making up dance moves to go along with it. They were happy, innocent child-like memories, and when I heard the music after he died, it felt like a part of me died along with him.

It seems like every time I experienced a coming-of-age moment, Michael was there. My first date, my first school dance, prom, graduation… he always provided the soundtrack. I will really miss him.

Enough with the sad, or with the “Eugoogolly” as Derek Zoolander would call it. I want to celebrate his fashion because he was a seriously fly and influential dresser.

I picked out some 2009 fashions that were clearly inspired by Michael Jackson, in keeping with the whole 1980’s fashion resurgence going on at the moment.

Michael just LOVED sequins!

They looked great on stage and emphasized his dance moves as they glittered under the bright lights. I am sure he would have loved this jacket by Robert Rodriguez.

The cut is so unusual with the cape back, ruching and the way the collar closes. A shout-out to the 80’s with a modern cut.

Next up, these tight tight tight skinny jeans by Silence & Noise.

Michael was frequently seen donning tightly tailored black pants, and I could see him pairing a similar pair of pants with a white shirt and his signature fedora.

These pants are a reasonable $68 from Urban Outfitters online.

And finally, Balmain is obviously a fan of Michael, and Michael was a fan of Balmain.

Beyoncé wears this jacket so well. You can find this piece at http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/41597 (sort of, because it’s on sale, but it’s also sold out).

It has Michael, Michael, Michael written all over it, from the Sergeant Pepper styling to the sequin trim.

The foreshadowing of recent collections is kind of creepy. Long live the King of Pop.

*The views expressed in this blog are solely those of Gillian Kirkpatrick and do not necessarily reflect those of Goodwill of Greater Washington or the DCGF.

Here's What It Is!

2009-07-01T17:00:00.000-04:00

It's a sword case!!

What Is It?!

2009-07-01T10:42:00.002-04:00

Dear readers, what is it?!!

It’s Johnson. Betsey Johnson.

2009-06-30T09:15:00.008-04:00

I remember a friend of mine saying this to me with a deep seriousness when I complimented her on a dress she was wearing. Betsey Johnson was her favorite designer, and she was quite pleased with herself for picking up an authentic Johnson.

You, too, can pick up an authentic Betsey Johnson for a deep discount on this week’s Goodwill Good Buy of the Week.

We have a rose floral print spaghetti strap dress in a size 4 that is in excellent condition. It is a deep rose/burgundy background with large multicolored flowers, and it has panel insets in a light pink floral pattern that compliments the main fabric. The insets create a subtle flounce handkerchief hem that moves when you walk. The straps are adjustable, and the top of the bust is trimmed with ivory lace. It’s flirty, it’s feminine, it’s silky and delicate.

There are some very tiny spots just under the ivory lace trim that may come out with a spot cleaning, and in any case are almost microscopic and hardly noticeable when the dress is on.

A new dress similar to this one is current selling for $350 on the Betsey Johnson website. Save yourself a pretty penny and pick this one up here instead!

Look for measurements later on Shopgoodwill.com!

*The views expressed in this blog are solely those of Gillian Kirkpatrick and do not necessarily reflect those of Goodwill of Greater Washington or the DCGF.

Any purchase made at a Goodwill Retail Store or on shopgoodwill.com funds Goodwill's mission of training and employment programs for people with disadvantages or disabilities. Copyright Goodwill of Greater Washington.

A Sparkling Aura

2009-06-29T10:23:00.017-04:00

Colorful prints have almost become a wardrobe basic. They are becoming more and more ornate, none more so than the 3-D optical crystal prints seen in some recent collections. Like crawling inside a fiery crystal and looking into the sun, they glow with an otherworldly beauty.

The print of this blue dress from UK shop Warehouse looks like a microscopic picture of a snowflake at night. This 100% silk dress is a steal at approximately $40 (£20) and is available online at www.warehouse.co.uk.

In the same color family, we have this vivacious clutch by Alexander McQueen. He never disappoints.

McQueen began making clothes for his sisters at a very early age. He attended the prestigious Central Saint Martins in London, where his graduation collection was bought in its entirety by Isabella Blow.

He has often been termed the “enfant terrible” of fashion design for some of his controversial collections, including one entitled “Highland Rape.” He won British Designer of the Year an amazing 4 times.

I’m trying to figure out if I can buy this dress if I only eat beans for the next 2 months. Or perhaps I should miss a mortgage payment?

In any event, this dress rocks my world!

And, it’s on sale, so instead of $1695, it’s now a more reasonable $679. Still way out of my price range. I do like having place to live.

I will probably hold out for a really good knock-off.

Zara copycat designers, get to work! I’m about to do something with my credit card that I will surely regret.

From a brilliant, yet relatively unknown designer, Marios Schwab, we have this lovely kaleidoscope-like piece. I noticed it is sold out on net-a-porter’s USA site, and at $995, that’s a feat in this economy.

The colors really pop in the rich silk jersey.

Schwab will not be unknown for long because he has just been hired to be the new creative director at Halston. Congratulations to a deserving new talent!

Schwab is a London-based designer who also attended Central Saint Martins. He won the award for Best New Designer at the British Fashion Awards in 2006.

Schwab's dresses are popular with many celebrities such as Kate Moss, Kylie Minogue, Chloe Sevigny, Thandie Newton and Clemence Poesy.

*The views expressed in this blog are solely those of Gillian Kirkpatrick and do not necessarily reflect those of Goodwill of Greater Washington or the DCGF.

Any purchase made at a Goodwill Retail Store or on shopgoodwill.com funds Goodwill's mission of training and employment programs for people with disadvantages or disabilities. Copyright Goodwill of Greater Washington.

Guest Blogger: Fat Fashion

2009-06-26T09:18:00.005-04:00

Although the average American woman wears a misses size 12, I am nevertheless stunned by the whole-lot-of-ugly that comprises what I see in plus-sized fashion. It would seem easier to lose the weight that separates me from being able to shop within the parameters of "normal" sizes than it is to try to find something that fits, right?

Wait, hang on... it's tough to type with that Ding-Dong in my hand.

While designers like Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Jones New York as well as private labels like INC as sold by Macy's have made some solid efforts, collectively they struggle to provide pieces that the size 2 and size 22 women both expect from their wardrobes: pieces that can effortlessly move from the office to happy hour mixed in with pieces which reflect current trends. [Apparently, they also can't even see fit to put their plus-size clothing on plus-size models, as evidenced by the JNY dress at right. -ed.]

Unless the trend is capris pants which distort the Russian Nesting Doll proportions of a size 20 woman.

Fat clothes are typically 20% more expensive than the same item sold in misses, a fact which I suppose is justified by actually having more material. That said, a size 14 from Talbots looks a lot like the same garment in a size 14/16 from the plus side of the store. In the Big Beautiful Women world, this is known as the fat tax. Does this mean if I lose 100 lbs, I'll pay 20% less for a size 0 pair of pants?

Strip malls and town centers host stores like the Catherine's, Fashion Bug and Lane Bryant (all owned by the same parent company, Charming Shoppes), The Avenue, Torrid and Dress Barn offer the same uninspired selection of flammable clothing made in fabrics that the 2-14 set wouldn't be caught dead wearing. Georgette. Nylon Acetate. An over-patterned dress with empire waist might be comfortable, but don't be surprised when someone on the orange line starts patting your belly sweetly asking, "boy or girl"?

I should be grateful that clothing designers, manufacturers and retailers carry something apart from a pup-tents and muu-muus. Who cares if that bohemian print maxi dress makes me look like Mama Cass?

She was one cool chick.

Today's guest blogger is JavaJennifer. When Jen Johnson isn’t drinking coffee, she manages content for www.javajennifer.com and is a Sex and Relationships columnist for www.examiner.com/dc . A metro DC resident since 1997, Jen tells the funny and sometimes painful truths about love, sex and relationships. You can email Jen at strbux@gmail.com.

*The views expressed in this blog are solely those of Jen Johnson and do not necessarily reflect those of Goodwill of Greater Washington or the DCGF. I do, however, (heart) the Mamas & the Papas.

Stiletto Discounts

2009-06-25T09:15:00.002-04:00

This phrase jumped out at me. It was used in reference to steep “stiletto” discounts on merchandise at Saks, not necessarily on stiletto sandals. But whatever it was referring to, I knew I would like it. I like stilettos, and I definitely like discounts.

We are all hurting in this economy in one way or another. Those that are lucky enough to still have jobs are holding onto them for dear life, and many are threatened by rumors of pending layoffs. It’s no surprise that retail, and luxury brands in particular, is suffering in this climate. Layoffs, consolidation of underperforming labels, and store closings are just par for the course.

Designers are getting the message loud and clear. Consumers cannot, and will not, afford the excesses of the past. Market shares are declining, and they are slimming down their collections accordingly.

Dolce & Gabbana is one of the more aggressive designers who are cutting costs, with a goal of lowering prices by 10 to 20 percent while still maintaining quality.

To that end, they are using fewer fabrics and simpler constructions of garments and asking their suppliers to do their part by keeping costs low.

The result?

You can now get a silk corset dress for “only” $3589 instead of $5200. A pretty sizeable discount, no doubt, but it’s not going to send me running to Neiman to grab one, that’s for sure.

Many other designers are following suit. Vera Wang’s average price for her popular wedding gowns has dropped from $5500 to $3500 for Spring 2010. Thakoon has created a lower cost line, “Addition,” with dresses that will sell for $600-800 as opposed to $900-1200. Zac Posen is using stock fabrics rather than custom made textiles in order to offer lower prices. Speaking from experience, you can find some amazing stock fabrics in Italy’s fabric mills, so this is in no way a huge step down in quality or design.

Finally, as you have surely noticed, there is a strong ongoing trend towards collaborations between designers and big box retailers.

Matthew Williamson for H&M, Miss Trish of Capri for Target, and Kate Moss for Topshop are some previously successful collaborations.

One of the newest collaborations is between Wal-Mart and Max Azria of BCBG, who is creating a line with Miley Cyrus. The line will have a rock & roll flavor and will all be priced under $20.

And, of course, Jimmy Choo for H&M will surely be a smashing success. [Note to self: Camp out at Dulles Town Center H&M on November 13th for November 14th launch. This is the BIG ONE. I predict women will get violent in there. You heard it here first.]

It’s a great time to be a shopper (if you still have a job)!

*The views expressed in this blog are solely those of Gillian Kirkpatrick and do not necessarily reflect those of Goodwill of Greater Washington or the DCGF.

Any purchase made at a Goodwill Retail Store or on shopgoodwill.com funds Goodwill's mission of training and employment programs for people with disadvantages or disabilities. Copyright Goodwill of Greater Washington.

Here's What It Is!!

2009-06-24T17:00:00.000-04:00

It's Rolls Royce Phantom II 1931!

What Is It?!!

2009-06-24T10:00:00.000-04:00

Dear readers, what is it??

The Vintage Fabric Of Our Lives

2009-06-23T08:55:00.007-04:00

As I promised in last Friday's post, dear readers, there's an amazing Travelin' Trunk Show coming up this Saturday, from Noon - 3pm at Greater Goods on U Street. But for those of you who can't make it (or for those of you outside of the DC Metro Area), I present today a treasure trove of three vintage fabric swatches you won't be able to resist. It's a Goodwill Good Buy of the Week like no other!

These swatches are perfect for making festive decorative pillows or - in the case of the third, smaller piece - a gorgeous pincushion. They're heavily embroidered and the first two have tiny mirrors sewn in - so chic! Measurements will be up later this afternoon on ShopGoodwill.com...

Jump Ball, Get It Get It!

2009-06-22T09:17:00.015-04:00

My love affair with jumpsuits started as a budding young girl with the movie Grease. I wanted to be the “bad” Olivia Newton John with the black, shiny, skin-tight catsuit, teased hair, heavy makeup, smoking cigarettes and causing a commotion.

Here we have Fergie copycatting her, and I can see why…

In the 80’s, a boy on whom I had a gigantic crush (“Termite” was his name) said, “Jumpsuits are So Hot.” This was long before Paris Hilton uttered those infamous words, and I went running, or rather, SPRINTING, to the mall to find a jumpsuit.

Back then, jumpsuits were made with horrible floral or graphic prints, stripes, shoulder pads and skinny belts. They were baggy in all the wrong places, and the fabrics were hideous.

Downright ugly.

My favorite jumpsuits are from the 70’s. Designers took them to the highest, loudest, shiniest and trashiest levels possible for the disco, and I thank God for that. Plunging halter tops, the widest bell bottoms, great colors, sequins, metallic fabrics, you name it – it was there, and it was definitely funky.

It was with great gratitude and nostalgia that I started seeing them again a few years ago. My first foray into jumpsuits in the new millennium was a tube top knit version from Target. It is black with a ruched top and a smocked drop waist, and it is so soft that it feels like I’m wearing pajamas.

I wear it with a gold metallic cardigan, gold heels and big gold earrings to work, and it is undoubtedly appropriate for the office. It doesn’t show too much skin with the cardigan on top, it isn’t too tight or revealing in any way, and best of all, it is interesting.

The knit tube jumpsuits are pretty tame, but lately, I have been seeing more of the 70’s-influenced designs on the runway, on starlets and in magazines. Interestingly enough, today’s jumpsuits can be described as sophisticated and even elegant, terms I probably would not have used to describe the vintage styles. Chloe Sevigny looks simply flawless in indigo satin with a gorgeous fuschia bow in the June 2009 issue of Elle.

Some of my other favorites include (from L to R, below) the narrow leg, drop waist, spaghetti strap design with belt by Aqua. Sexy. Meow. Silk Cowl Jumpsuit by Alice & Olivia; I love the Seventies feel w/cowl neck, flowing wide legs, open back, and luxurious silk fabric. Stella McCartney's Tuxedo Jumpsuit: Red carpet elegance in a one-piece suit. On sale, but still expensive.

And finally, to go out with a bang, Lady Gaga takes jumpsuits to a whole new level. David Bowie is singing your praises, Lady Gaga!

*The views expressed in this blog are solely those of Gillian Kirkpatrick and do not necessarily reflect those of Goodwill of Greater Washington or the DCGF.

Any purchase made at a Goodwill Retail Store or on shopgoodwill.com funds Goodwill's mission of training and employment programs for people with disadvantages or disabilities. Copyright Goodwill of Greater Washington.

Trunk Show Time!

2009-06-19T09:40:00.007-04:00

Oh, dear readers, I know you love seeing these two little words - "Trunk Show" - on this blog. I know I do! We're going to return to one of our favorite spots, Greater Goods at 1626 U Street, NW, on Saturday, June 27th from Noon - 3pm. This time, however, there's an extra twist: we've brought together an amazing collection of new and vintage fabrics, buttons, beads, and notions, in addition to the incredible selection of clothing you've come to expect from a Travelin' Trunk Show! I can't show you everything, but here's a exclusive sneak peek...

Any purchase made at a Goodwill Retail Store or on shopgoodwill.com funds Goodwill's mission of training and employment programs for people with disadvantages or disabilities. Copyright Goodwill of Greater Washington.