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Fabulous, Forever Pieces
Text by J. Ecochard
Followers of fashion styles may be trembling in anticipation for telephone directory thick, September magazine issues…but by now they’ve been partially placated, or perturbed by printed snippets of Fall trends.
Early peeks that rank on the drool inducing end of the scale- are courtesy of couture houses' dazzling creations or advertising/fashion/layout glimpses of cheap, but stylish capsule collections at mega-chains Target, H&M -where Robert Cavalli's line where insight panademoniuim in November 2007. In between the balancing ends are the subtle or blatant rip-offs by name brand clothing designers- that are theoretically an ‘homage’ to styles of past decades.
Oh please!
Big shoulder pads in jackets and tops are not going to be snapped up by most women…because unless one has Grace Jones/Katherine Hepburn/Rhythm Nation- Janet Jackson proportions, including razor sharp cheekbones…it looks ridiculous and dated. (Whereas the authentic vintage garb can usually be worn with great panache).
On the other hand, timeless looks are always in demand and sell… think the genius Gap Design Editions' white cotton shirts attributed to Thakoon, Doo Ri and Rodarte.
Sold out/Missed out? Luckily, smallish labels designed by women, are producing chic pieces of high quality, made in the USA, classic clothes and accessories at reasonable price points- with impeccably fresh cuts, top-of-the-line materials and alluring trims.
The White Shirt:
Every fashion season conjures up a feminine version of the man tailored, cotton white shirt. At the upscale ENK produced Intermezzo Collections/Accessories Circuit, the The Finley Shirts’s display booth was jammed with buyers writing up orders for the line’s architecturally inspired versions of the crisp, clean white cotton shirt. Owner-designer Finley Moll and her business partner, Heather McNeill are two Texan women that just get it right when it comes to this must have luxe wardrobe staple. Plus, Finley’s tailored shirts come in a variety of colors, sumptuous fabrics and flattering, seamed or looser cut, button up styles… that are effortlessly dressed up with sparkling shells or rhinestones, seductively cinched at the waist - or casually draped, sweater like, over tank tops. No wonder smart boutique owners across the country carry the line.
The Seasonless Handbag
Splendid craftsmanship -Texan-wise-is clearly contagious. The thoroughly gracious Marnie Cooper, purveyor of Marnie Bugs handbag/satchel line of plush, buttery smooth leather, suede or shiny patent bags, hails from Austin. The locale partially explains the elegant braided trims and gold hardware touches that seem inspired by horseback riding accoutrements. However, these roomy carryalls, clutches and make-up bags are destined beyond home on the range territories-because the functional shapes, durable straps and side pockets are decidedly 21st century urban friendly. Better yet, the complete absence of over the top bling metal and overused logo initials, contributes to the wearable, lasting beauty of the collection.
The bottom line?
Marnie Bug’s artful handbags (a ladybug ribbon fabric serves as the inside label)…don’t scream for attention, but will cause those who recognize and appreciate luxurious leathers- to cast more than mere appreciative glances.
Photos courtesy of The Finley Shirts/Marnie Bugs
Fabulous, Forever Pieces
Text by J. Ecochard
Followers of fashion styles may be trembling in anticipation for telephone directory thick, September magazine issues…but by now they’ve been partially placated, or perturbed by printed snippets of Fall trends.
Early peeks that rank on the drool inducing end of the scale- are courtesy of couture houses' dazzling creations or advertising/fashion/layout glimpses of cheap, but stylish capsule collections at mega-chains Target, H&M -where Robert Cavalli's line where insight panademoniuim in November 2007. In between the balancing ends are the subtle or blatant rip-offs by name brand clothing designers- that are theoretically an ‘homage’ to styles of past decades.
Oh please!
Big shoulder pads in jackets and tops are not going to be snapped up by most women…because unless one has Grace Jones/Katherine Hepburn/Rhythm Nation- Janet Jackson proportions, including razor sharp cheekbones…it looks ridiculous and dated. (Whereas the authentic vintage garb can usually be worn with great panache).
On the other hand, timeless looks are always in demand and sell… think the genius Gap Design Editions' white cotton shirts attributed to Thakoon, Doo Ri and Rodarte.
Sold out/Missed out? Luckily, smallish labels designed by women, are producing chic pieces of high quality, made in the USA, classic clothes and accessories at reasonable price points- with impeccably fresh cuts, top-of-the-line materials and alluring trims.
The White Shirt:
Every fashion season conjures up a feminine version of the man tailored, cotton white shirt. At the upscale ENK produced Intermezzo Collections/Accessories Circuit, the The Finley Shirts’s display booth was jammed with buyers writing up orders for the line’s architecturally inspired versions of the crisp, clean white cotton shirt. Owner-designer Finley Moll and her business partner, Heather McNeill are two Texan women that just get it right when it comes to this must have luxe wardrobe staple. Plus, Finley’s tailored shirts come in a variety of colors, sumptuous fabrics and flattering, seamed or looser cut, button up styles… that are effortlessly dressed up with sparkling shells or rhinestones, seductively cinched at the waist - or casually draped, sweater like, over tank tops. No wonder smart boutique owners across the country carry the line.
The Seasonless Handbag
Splendid craftsmanship -Texan-wise-is clearly contagious. The thoroughly gracious Marnie Cooper, purveyor of Marnie Bugs handbag/satchel line of plush, buttery smooth leather, suede or shiny patent bags, hails from Austin. The locale partially explains the elegant braided trims and gold hardware touches that seem inspired by horseback riding accoutrements. However, these roomy carryalls, clutches and make-up bags are destined beyond home on the range territories-because the functional shapes, durable straps and side pockets are decidedly 21st century urban friendly. Better yet, the complete absence of over the top bling metal and overused logo initials, contributes to the wearable, lasting beauty of the collection.
The bottom line?
Marnie Bug’s artful handbags (a ladybug ribbon fabric serves as the inside label)…don’t scream for attention, but will cause those who recognize and appreciate luxurious leathers- to cast more than mere appreciative glances.
Photos courtesy of The Finley Shirts/Marnie Bugs