Midtown, NYC
Words/Images Judith Ecochard
The three Kellwood owned brands we previewed: Jolt, Democracy and XOXO are contemporary, fashion minded--- and affordable--- all have their own niche and style.
We love Jolt---a very fun, lifestyle collection--- with teenage and twenty years old in mind (though we wear because the sizing is better for us)....
For Spring 2011...Shorts, Shorts Shorts--- and nice ones too...that can be dressed up with heels, or worn with flip flops to the beach.
All agreed almost any age/ gal in shape could wear the above, rolled up or down...and below---our fav...with a silky drape to it. Fancy enough--- if worn with tights.
Incredibly affordable (shorts average $34)---with no short-cuts on the trimmings...buttons, tabs, snaps are well sewn in/placed and of quality materials that will survive laundry day.
Denim, of course, is still a huge seller for JOLT. Here---lots of rinses...some faded but none really destroyed---a look we knew had a short life span.
Back pocket details---some ornate---are well done, we thought. Not one's taste---there are lots of options, including jeggings, cargo style, clean cut trousers without the frills...
Rompers---polished with roll-up hems---$40.
We thought the tops were adorable...shirred, ruch...our top pic are the two above...loose tanks with pretty graphics and sequin pocket details--- in a soft silky cotton blend. Prices---$20-$25 for most.
Great for layering---sheer lace top comes in several basic colors.
Last summer we saw alot of young gals wearing long dresses instead of jeans for an easy outfit for a night out....
Jolt has many for Spring 2011 ($40)---the best ones with racer back styles out of lace or knotted for a craftsy feel.
DEMOCRACY
Aimed at "a modern woman who grew up with fashion, but got busy with life," the value label Democracy has grown beyond the sporty stuff--- jeans, jeggings, tanks into a fuller line of pretty separates for Spring 2011.
We saw a tasteful selection that we thought was quality made---basics with nice details---mindful of the trends---(boho, ethnic prints, cargo/safari) ---but we would not call this a trendy line. Priced above JOLT with tops-$50-60, dresses around $100...and in sizes that are cut for Americans...4-16, we can see how that customer base is huge.
XOXO
For the college grad or Cosmo gal--- out in the world, XOXO is made for them---with a full head-to-toe wardrobe choices of accessible contemporary clothes with flirty flair.
For Spring 2011, XOXO had three themes going---with the three delivery waves...
"Baton Rouge" southern style ruffles, pretty pastel prints, a few knits and jackets with feminine lines...
"From The Sea" including swimwear and separates ready for a cool ocean breeze---and what we thought were particularly strong---the dresses...with terrific sleeveless options, gently ruched, fabrics with shape retention and stretch so they will fit RIGHT...
"First Encounter" that baffled us a tad---but included lots of nice long dresses---the updated version of the patio dress--in solids and cool prints.
WHAT ELSE? ACCESSORIES and FOOTWEAR!
XOXO always has tailored options---we think probably get overlooked but are perfectly presentable.
Lingerie too---sassy fun.
Words/Images Judith Ecochard
The three Kellwood owned brands we previewed: Jolt, Democracy and XOXO are contemporary, fashion minded--- and affordable--- all have their own niche and style.
We love Jolt---a very fun, lifestyle collection--- with teenage and twenty years old in mind (though we wear because the sizing is better for us)....
For Spring 2011...Shorts, Shorts Shorts--- and nice ones too...that can be dressed up with heels, or worn with flip flops to the beach.
Denim, of course, is still a huge seller for JOLT. Here---lots of rinses...some faded but none really destroyed---a look we knew had a short life span.
Back pocket details---some ornate---are well done, we thought. Not one's taste---there are lots of options, including jeggings, cargo style, clean cut trousers without the frills...
Last summer we saw alot of young gals wearing long dresses instead of jeans for an easy outfit for a night out....
Jolt has many for Spring 2011 ($40)---the best ones with racer back styles out of lace or knotted for a craftsy feel.
DEMOCRACY
Aimed at "a modern woman who grew up with fashion, but got busy with life," the value label Democracy has grown beyond the sporty stuff--- jeans, jeggings, tanks into a fuller line of pretty separates for Spring 2011.
XOXO
For the college grad or Cosmo gal--- out in the world, XOXO is made for them---with a full head-to-toe wardrobe choices of accessible contemporary clothes with flirty flair.
For Spring 2011, XOXO had three themes going---with the three delivery waves...
"Baton Rouge" southern style ruffles, pretty pastel prints, a few knits and jackets with feminine lines...
"From The Sea" including swimwear and separates ready for a cool ocean breeze---and what we thought were particularly strong---the dresses...with terrific sleeveless options, gently ruched, fabrics with shape retention and stretch so they will fit RIGHT...
"First Encounter" that baffled us a tad---but included lots of nice long dresses---the updated version of the patio dress--in solids and cool prints.
