Category: All Fashion
The Best Accessories for Spring
It may not seem like the best idea to wear coins around your waist and evil eyes around your neck – gypsy much? – but I beg to differ. Problem is, some of these spring runway trends can be oh-so-pricey. Welcome to Vinyl’s fashion-forward, fun, and best of all, affordable take on spring’s accessories trends. I’ve got a low cost handbag for all you hippie chicks and a wallet-friendly belt for every glamazon, and everything in between.
Let’s move from head to toe: first you’ll need a pair of sexy, face-flattering shades. Let 70s screen stars like Diane Keaton and Lauren Hutton inspire you as you choose large-and-in-charge aviators with lenses that’ll turn the world around you a shade of sepia. You could go the pricey 3.1 Philip Lim route…
or you could snag this $56 pair from Fab.com. I’m all for the latter.
Now that you’ve saved a little cash, it’s time to give the neck some attention. If you’re a bit of a girly girl, slip on a floral scarf, ascot style. Forever 21 has dozens of flirty styles that I adore, and that are much more affordable at under $10 than scarves by Marc Jacobs and other big name designers.
Not about to don some prissy flowers? Opt for my personal favorite jewelry trend of the moment, the evil eye. The symbol’s said to ward off evil spirits – maybe that’s why Kenzo’s evil eye collection got so much praise. For a cheaper, subtler alternative, hit up this Urban Outfitters string necklace. It’ll only cost you $16.
And what’s more important to your overall look than your handbag? It seems the seventies struck again at the likes of Dries Van Noten and Celine, where dramatic fringe draped nearly to the floor. I prefer this $99 H&M clutch. Because the fringe is already so dramatic, the cream color of the bag is ideal. Stash your lipstick and keys, and prepare to step out in style.
From the waist down, it’s all about figure flattery.
Find inspiration in Dolce & Gabbana’s thick gold belts to dramatically whittle your waist. I found a $48 option at Anthropologie that still maintains the theatrics.
And undoubtedly you’re looking for mile-long legs – who isn’t? Enter the mule, spring’s favorite shoe; they’ll make your gams go on for days! Alexander Wang has some sexy scaled ones, but similar Jeffrey Campbell mules exist for hundreds of dollars less – $90, to be exact.
Whether you wear the above all at once or one at a time is up to you. Onward, trendy lady!
Street Style Profile: Lawson Chambers
Lawson Chambers is a stylish Athenian who thinks of himself in general terms as “a story-teller.” Whether he’s performing stand up comedy, hosting his local radio show or working hard to earn his animation degree at UGA, he’s keep himself busy, and he looks sharp doing it. We sat down to find out more about Lawson and – most importantly – what his super power of choice would be!
VM: When it comes to your personal style, where do you get your inspiration?
Lawson Chambers: Well, I like to think that what you wear is reflexive of your personality, as if you were a cartoon character, so I try to wear things that represent a facet of my life. I may wear a Neutral Milk Hotel shirt with a leather jacket, so people can correctly assume I work at a radio station. Or I might wear a Homestar Runner shirt to make friends with other nerds. Usually though, I try to wear nicer clothes with bold colors to show that I care about how I look, but don’t take myself too seriously. I also like doing this, because whenever I perform stand-up, it helps me get across the kind of person I am. This practice is also an admittedly blatant rip-off of my favorite comedian, Paul F. Tompkins. To answer more succinctly why I like to wear nice clothes, I’ll quote Paul: “I dunno, I just like dressin’ up… (smiles) It’s fun.”
VM: You’re currently pursuing a fine arts degree, correct? What are you studying, and what is it that speaks to you within the realm of art?
LC: Not exactly; I’m actually pursuing an Independent Studies degree in Animation. I don’t know if I actually want a career in animation, but since I take both theater and visual art classes, I get to nurture two skill-sets that are important to me. I do like animation though, as all of my interest in art comes from the want to entertain, make people laugh, and to tell a story. Ideally I’ll end up working a lot of different, smaller jobs where I’ll get to do a variety of things; performing stand-up, writing for a TV show, cartooning, or going back in time to tour with a vaudeville troupe.
VM: As for stand up comedy, has this long been an interest of yours or it it a new hobby? And how nervous were you your first time on stage?
LC: I’ve always been a huge comedy nerd, but for a long time my only experience in doing it myself was creating silly comics about secret agent monkeys or singer-songwriter Morrissey. I didn’t think about doing it myself until a couple of years ago when I started listening to podcasts like The Nerdist where I would hear comedians talk about themselves, and I realized I was a lot like them. I shared both their love of comedy and a system of neuroses and anxieties that propels one to seek attention from strangers. So I first went on stage about two years ago, and it was horrible. I was extremely nervous, and I visibly shook. I think I may have gotten one laugh. But if you do anything long enough, and you care about it, you get better at it. So I’m still performing every week and getting slightly less horrible with each time I go up.
VM: Do you have any upcoming projects or shows you’re looking forward to?
LC: I have an ongoing radio show and podcast called Comedic Conversation with Colorful Characters that I greatly love doing. It airs on WUOG 90.5 FM on Tuesdays at 7 PM, and is available for download on iTunes or comedicconversations.tumblr.com. Basically, we invite on different comedians from around Athens and Atlanta to talk, play games, and just act silly. Other than that, I’m starting to get more into sketch and improv comedy, and hope to get some comedy friends of mine together soon to put on a variety show. Also, I want to make a web-comic series about a dad just being a dad and doing dad things.
VM: If you had one superpower what would it be?
LC: The only acceptable answer to this question is flying, or telekinesis – which would also give you the ability to fly. Popular opinion is that most people will say flying, but if they were being honest with themselves they would choose to read minds or turn invisible. I say that’s bull-honkey. It would be amazing to fly: at any speed and at any height. What kind of whimsy-less monster would rather hear gossip about themselves than soar through the air like a majestic bird of prey? Flying.
Check out Lawson’s playlist below!
Style Steal: Kurt Cobain
Jimi Hendrix rocked Woodstock in the 60s, Led Zeppelin rocked the entire United States in the 70s, and hair band after hair band sold out stadiums throughout the 80s. But the next music genre that swept the nation was something much more subtle than these rock giants. Polished, intense guitar sounds were replaced by raw, grungier music. And that’s how it got its name. “Grunge” music came out of nowhere, or actually, to be more exact, Seattle. And perhaps one of the most influential grunge rock and roll bands was Nirvana, led by front man and style icon Kurt Cobain. From converse, to flannels, to ripped-up jeans and t-shirts, Kurt Cobain changed the game. Now, as we see styles recycled, clothing too is being recycled and this worn out clothing has become the newest thing. We updated Cobain’s raw style to create a look that was both grungy and modern.
For this first look, Will Stewart, avid Nirvana fan and guitar enthusiast, wore a classic 90s style flannel we found at a thrift store layered over a worn out Hard Rock Café t-shirt. Any washed out, old, holy t-shirt fits the grunge style, especially underneath a flannel. Paired with old khaki shorts and worn out worker’s boots, anyone can go from Seattle factory worker to grungy rock star.
For this next outfit, bartender and art student Maggie Adams posed in red converse and another thrift store flannel for this shot. She rocked a striped shirt, a style Kurt basically cherished, that I found at a garage sale. The look is completed with black tights and ripped up jean shorts we made ourselves from old thrift store high rise jeans.
For our last look, Danielle Jordan, who works at American Threads in Athens, wore a fake leather asymmetric skirt from American Threads with knee highs and grungy green shirt, also from American Threads. Paired with another thrift shop flannel, Kurt Cobain is channeled through modern day fashion.
Kurt Cobain was much different than his predecessors. He favored thrift store clothing to elaborate costumes, and flannels to fringe. He favored holes to sequins and stripes to tie-dye. He dressed the way he played: stripped down, raw, and real. Using these qualities, we built modern pieces through which Kurt Cobain and his grunge music can live on in the modern world.
Awards Season 2014: Top 10 Best-Dressed
What’s awards season without some of the world’s most gorgeous designer gowns? This year, from Lupita to Lady Gaga, celebrities were seriously on their A-game. In a flurry of gorgeous brights and shimmering metallics, I bring you this year’s top 10 of the Grammys and Oscars. The Tony and Emmy Awards have some SERIOUS catching up to do later this year, no?
10. Ariana Grande in Dolce & Gabbana at the Grammys
D&G florals are eternal classics, and I love the retro look of this one in particular. Tea length? Check. Sweetheart neckline? Check. Old school satin? Check. In this gown, Grande emulates a 50s bombshell beautifully.
9. Katy Perry in Valentino at the Grammys
Vinyl featured this gown in our couture show coverage, and I’m just as in love with it as ever. It has a wonderful whimsy to it but also a pop of personality with the musical notes. So Katy Perry, am I right? And what better place to wear it to than the Grammys?
8. Julie Delpy in Jenny Packham at the Oscars
I’m convinced that this is what Janis Joplin would wear to the awards if she were alive today. Love love LOVE the batwing sleeves – they make the deep cleavage totally sophisticated, not trashy. Plus, it incorporates just the right amount of sparkle. Only a frenchie could rock this dress so flawlessly.
7. Lady Gaga in Versace at the Oscars
Alright, I’ve got to admit it: this gown was featured on dozens of worst-dressed lists. But I’m totally lost as to why. Donatella’s favorite pop star looks absolutely stunning in this textural, lilac dress, and honestly, it’s so much tamer than, say, a meat dress. Do what you please, Gaga. Apparently they’re going to judge you either way.
Beyoncé in Michael Costello at the Grammys
Can Beyoncé do anything wrong? No? Okay, glad we’re all agreed. She absolutely shines in this sheer number and somehow manages to make it look totally classy. And, best of all, it hugs her curves in all the right places before ending in a mermaid-y train at the floor. Jay-Z is a lucky man.
5. Cate Blanchett in Giorgio Armani at the Oscars
I’m in disbelief that this woman is 44. I mean, this looks like something T-Swift would wear – but we’ll get to her later. It seems like we’ve seen a million sheer gowns, but this one is different somehow. Maybe it’s the way the flowers pop off of the dress so perfectly, or the bedazzled details. Either way, I’m sold.
4. Kristin Chenoweth in Cavalli at the Oscars
I’ll spare you the joke about Chenoweth looking like the Oscars trophy in this gown, and instead opt to gush about the fact that she looks like a work of art. That texture! That glitter! I also love that the gown almost has a punk flair with the subtle plaid below the hips. This dress is everything I’ve dreamed of and more.
3. Angelina Jolie in Elie Saab at the Oscars
I’m definitely an Angelina fan, but here I’ve got to give most of the credit to Elie Saab. The sparkle at the bust looks almost like a cityscape, reflecting flawlessly at the collarbone. It’s sexy and flattering with a nipped-in waist. If I keep typing about how perfect this gown is, maybe Saab will send me one? A girl can dream.
2. Taylor Swift in Gucci at the Grammys
Just as everyone was getting a little sick of Swift’s good girl display, she whipped out this chainmail-esque stunner. The mixed metals are so now, especially with the silver detailing just her neck and waist. No wonder T-Swift topped a dozen other best-dressed lists.
1. Lupita Nyong’o in Prada
Guys, I am actually gasping for air right now. Nyong’o couldn’t have looked more gorgeous for her win – the pale blue shines against her dark skin, making her look like a goddess when paired with the cleavage and drapery of the gown. And now I’ve realized the bottom is shimmery, too. Someone call me an ambulance, please?
A Style Monarch: Why London Ruled Fall Fashion Week
My typical favorite Fashion Week cities are as follows: Milan, New York and Paris tied for second, and finally, London. But this season, British designers from Tom Ford to Christopher Kane brought some serious sequins, lace and a dash of quintessential Brit humor. So, even with Paris Fashion Week before us, I’m declaring London this season’s best. Here’s why it simply can’t get any better than the city of tea, grunge, and Big Ben for Fall 2014.
It’s undeniable: London’s designers did everything those in New York and Milan did, but better. Love Marchesa’s sheer, lacy looks? Upgrade to Temperley London, where you’ll find the same delicate florals, but with a gilded baroque flair. Or if you’re more magnetized by bold sheer designs, House of Holland is your go-to. Its show featured rainbow tops and skirts with sexy chiffon cutouts – not for the faint of heart, but certainly for the attention-seeker.
One of New York Fashion Week’s highlights was Rodarte’s gowns printed with Star Wars characters and scenes. Besides making us pray for celebrities to walk the red carpet donning images of C-3PO or the Death Star, we love the nerd-chic humor of it all. But might we argue that Tom Ford did wit just a little better in London? Taking a cue from Jay-Z’s song “Tom Ford” – “I don’t pop molly, I rock Tom Ford” – Ford sent models down the runway in glittery, numbered dresses with the word “molly” crossed out near the waist. No doubt Hova was in the audience having a good hearty laugh.
Finally, there’s the battle of the art punks: New York’s Jeremy Scott versus London’s Christopher Kane. While Scott is usually one of my all-time favorites, this year he went a tad too far for me. Call me a girly girl, but I’m not one in favor of seeing kneepads on high fashion runways. But while Scott was sporting it up, Kane went in a more sophisticated direction, albeit still totally artsy. Continuing his love of graphic flowers, he placed blown-up images of them behind boxy panels on an otherwise basic skirt suit, and then proceeded to create chiffon dresses with dozens of book-like pages. The piece’s movement was, in a word, unreal.
We salute you, London, and Paris? Good luck.
Target x Peter Pilotto Collaboration
Target is a company full of geniuses. Right in time for Fashion Week, when we’re all coveting the world’s most expensive clothing, the mass retailer dropped its collaboration with designer duo Peter Pilotto – a range of clothing items priced from $14.99-$79.99. From sexy skirts and jackets to quirky sunglasses and bathing suits, the collaboration makes it easy to look like a million bucks without maxing out your credit card.
Peter Pilotto – the brain child of designers Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos – is a brand known for its eye-catching prints and joyful colors; thankfully, they didn’t let their creativity slip when they began work on the Target line. In a collection eerily – and excitingly – similar to that of their Spring 2014 Ready-to-Wear show, neon-bright yellows, blues, reds and oranges pop out of graphic patterns like a call for summer from all us fashionistas.
My favorite piece in the collection is a sunny yellow bikini top structured like a bustier, with a blue and black floral print creeping up to the bust. It’s playful and attention grabbing, but still sophisticated enough to be flattering. And who could resist all those fitted printed dresses? They could take you from work to cocktails in a pinch. Finally, for all those shy gals out there, you can get your pattern fix with fun accessories like rounded sunglasses, slip-on sneakers and beach totes and towels.
The collaboration was released February 9 and is still surging strong through London Fashion Week. I suggest ordering your favorites online – stores are emptying out like it’s the Apocalypse! But, hey, who could blame shoppers for picking up thousand dollar designs for less than $80? I say join ‘em.
Style Steal: Jimi Hendrix
Our generation has been called the hippies of the new millennium; pot is legal, alternative couples can marry, and love and music are abounding in our culture and in our lives. And just as history repeats itself, so does fashion. Styles come back around and gypsy clothing has seen a new era of popularity. Who better to take fashion tips on that style than the man who led the Band of Gypsies himself? Jimi Hendrix truly pioneered the psychedelic look. Yet while styles come back around, they change and adapt; they take on new meanings and new variations to reflect the new people that are wearing them. Danielle Jordan, sales associate at American Threads, and I put together some modern looks inspired by the big man himself.
There’s no doubt Mr. Hendrix was the king of bright colors and fringe. This first outfit was inspired by Jimi’s outfit at the legendary Woodstock Music Festival. We paired this cream fringe kimono and velvet bell bottoms from American Threads with a brightly colored crop top from NastyGal.com to create a look that is equally prepared to take the stage at Woodstock or go out on a Friday night. Don’t be afraid to mix colors and prints that don’t traditionally go together. If people had never mixed musical instruments that did not “belong” together, we would have never had rock and roll. Get your grandmother’s fashion rules out of your head. She may make delicious cookies but I’m betting she never lit a guitar on fire in front of thousands of applauding audience members.
This next look was inspired by Hendrix’s passion for fur and hats. We layered a fur vest on top of a vintage dress (both found at Goodwill!) and topped it off with a black hat from American Threads. Bad hair day? Throw on a groovy hat and fix everything while looking totally cool. So simple. The shape of the hat is a bit more feminine and updated than the traditional top hat Jimi loved to wear, but it brings a bit of a contemporary feel to the outfit. Layering is imperative for the modern woman. You can wear as much or as little of it as you want based on the temperature or vibes of the day as it progresses.
The top in this next outfit is a total original. Danielle found it at a shop during Hulaween Music Festival last fall. Luckily, we found some similar dresses and tops on StyleHive.com. The shirt paired with homemade jean cut-offs and Minnetonka moccasin boots is pulled together by the flower crown atop Ms. Jordan’s head… that she made herself. Head to Pinterest.com or Google to find tips on how to make one of your own. With the fringe, brightness and flower-child halo, Jimi would certainly have been proud.
The last outfit we put together was one inspired by Hendrix’s use of earth tones and, of course, tie-dye. These bell bottom pants were another unique creation of Danielle’s. She started with white pants and tie-dyed them before bleaching the bottoms. However, if you don’t have the time or creative energy to tie-dye a pair of pants yourself, you’re in luck; we found a similar style on ThreadSence.com. The handmade bottoms went perfectly with the white linen, embroidered top. The shirt was my Mom’s from “back in the day” and of course, she has no idea how she came across it. However, a little searching on Etsy.com came back with a bunch of similar tops. We topped it off with a totally radical headband from American Threads and plenty of rings and bracelets.
Hendrix’s love and talent for music made him a legend; his style made him an icon. Whether he was playing an extended psychedelic version of the “Star – Spangled Banner” or shredding on his Fender Stratocaster while it was behind his head, he was always decked out, head to toe, in bright colors, far out patterns, fur, fringe, and tie-dye. His style was completely original and, in the end, timeless. Inspired by his appearance and mixed with a bit of modern fashion sense, you can be a real “Foxy Lady.”
Burberry Prorsum Womenswear Autumn/Winter 2014 Show – Burberry introduces The Bloomsbury Girls
Burberry has unveiled the Burberry Prorsum womenswear Autumn/Winter 2014 collection, The Bloomsbury Girls.
The collection takes creative inspiration from the British decorative art of the Bloomsbury set and Charleston, the country home and meeting place for the writers, painters and intellectuals who formed the group. The show marks the start of a partnership with the Charleston Trust, on a project to help protect the creative and cultural heritage of Charleston for the public.
Live British music performance
As the show started the custom-built show space opened up to reveal British musicians Paloma Faith, Ed Harcourt and Rhodes performing live to the 1500 guests at London’s Kensington Gardens. The specially arranged runway tracks will be available for download on iTunes, evolving the brand’s Runway Made to Order service and creating a dedicated home for Burberry music on iTunes.
NYFW: Street Style Edition
Fashion Week is pretty much a 2-for-1 special, thanks to the to-die-for street style that consistently graces the sidewalks. The Fall/Winter 2014 Ready-to-Wear shows are no different, offering us a glimpse into the impeccable, real-life closets of the world’s most coveted models, designers and bloggers. And what better place for wardrobe envy than New York? Take a peek at the city’s finest right here.
Prints, prints, prints!
From florals to stripes and everything in between, bold prints were a NYFW favorite. The difference between this set and your typical houndstooth wearer: their ability to mix and match patterns flawlessly. We’re taking mental notes; what about you?
Foxy Furs
Something about fur just screams old Hollywood – and we can’t get enough. Start slow with a subtle fur collar, and work your way up to full-blown coat. Don’t worry: faux is just as fabulous.
Grungy Leather
Okay, the typical black leather jacket can get a little tired. But these fashion gurus know how to mix it up, whether it’s with a pop of color, a girly tutu or even a simple sundress underneath. Oh, and studs are ALWAYS a plus.
Pretty Pastels
How refreshing! Amid a sea of black, these girly pinks and blues managed to still look winter-y. Stick to wool, fur and other thick materials to stay in season, and dodge chiffon and silk like the plague.
Winter Wren Grand Opening
Atlanta’s newest fashion boutique, Winter Wren in Virginia Highlands, celebrated its grand opening Thursday night with a chic evening of great food and drinks, while offering 20% off all store merchandise. The soiree, which lasted from 6-9 p.m., was an opportunity for the retailers to show their appreciation for the neighborhood, which has already embraced their new addition, as well as their other boutique, 310 Rosemont.
Complimentary Sushi was provided by Genki Sushi, a local staple located just a few steps from Winter Wren in Virginia Highlands. Refreshing cocktails made with Cathead Honeysuckle vodka mixed with lemonade, mint and cucumber, combined with warm spring fashions almost made the crowd forget it was February. A jazz trio comprised of bass, saxophone, piano, and beautiful female vocals complemented the store’s elegant atmosphere.
Complete with a Free People shop-in-shop, the boutique also carries designer fashions from Michael Kors, Rebecca Minkoff and 7 Jeans, just to name a few. There are presently numerous sales throughout the store including some as high as 50% off on Michael Kors bags.
Store Manager Carrie Cala said, “Winter Wren comes in at a lower price point than 310 Rosemont and includes designs targeting younger customers, while maintaining sophistication. It will be a good opportunity for women in the area to get the brands they want without having to drive to Lenox Mall.” Besides factors of convenience, Winter Wren can also offer young women something most other design retailers do not; a student discount. Show your student ID and receive 10% off!
Winter Wren looks like the closet every girl dreams of having. With an eclectic variety of designs there is truly something for everyone, at prices everyone can celebrate.
