Ok, so I know it's only Wednesday, but I'm getting very excited for the weekend. Which sorta, kinda starts tomorrow, with a fab trunk show at French Pharmacie. All day Thursday and Friday, 10/25 and 26, the Colorado sisters who design The Woods jewelry line will be at French Pharmacie showing their stuff. You might remember the rough cut diamond bracelet I've been lusting after at FP? Available for a mere $8 large or so? Yeah, that's The Woods. But I've been assured that not everything in the line is so pricy - apparently prices start around $250 or so. I do have that birthday coming up...
Saturday's a big day, as well. I'm planning to check out the Indieana Craft show at the Irving Theater during the day. You read that right; it's "Indieana." Apparently this craft show won't feature the usual country crap, crocheted potholders and doilies - it's a little edgier than that. As it's styled after the Renegade Craft Shows held in various major markets across the country, I think it will be cool. Plus, I'm a bit of a knitter myself, so I enjoy communing with fellow crafters.
Saturday night is "Strange Fruit," at the Wheeler Art Center. This should be a very cool event, with tons of artists' work on display, and a wearable art fashion show. I also think the crowd will be fun, with some interesting ensembles, I'm sure, the Saturday before Halloween. There's an after party at Radio Radio, so the whole thing sounds right up my alley.
I just need to decide what to wear...
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Genius Jeans!
As a shorty (I'm only 5'3"), I'm used to having nearly everything shortened - particularly jeans. And I understand it - after all, it's at least doable to shorten jeans (even if it means having the original hem reattached, an absolute must with jeans unless you want to look like a geek who's hemmed their jeans), but if the jeans are too short on the tall girls, there's clearly nothing to be done.
But over the weekend I discovered Joe's Jeans "Provocateur" fit - designed for us shorties! That's right, no hemming required. Supposedly, more than just the length is designed for pipsqueaks - something about the knee break at a different spot and special fading to lengthen the leg. Not sure I buy all of that, but I'm happy to save the $15 alteration fee.
I found these particularly Joe's Jeans at Von Maur at Castleton Square Mall, but Joe's Jeans are available all over the place - Nordstrom's, Saks, probably Frankey's, and a million places on line.
But over the weekend I discovered Joe's Jeans "Provocateur" fit - designed for us shorties! That's right, no hemming required. Supposedly, more than just the length is designed for pipsqueaks - something about the knee break at a different spot and special fading to lengthen the leg. Not sure I buy all of that, but I'm happy to save the $15 alteration fee.
I found these particularly Joe's Jeans at Von Maur at Castleton Square Mall, but Joe's Jeans are available all over the place - Nordstrom's, Saks, probably Frankey's, and a million places on line.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Sort of Over the Designer/Discount Retailer Partnership Trend
I'm starting to feel like the whole super high-end designer creates a watered-down collection on the cheap for a discount retailer trend needs to go away. I'll admit, I've been sucked in by some of the Isaac Mizrahi for Target stuff, and I liked a few of the Libertine pieces for Target this summer, as well. Oh, and there's the Behnaz Sarafpour for Target stuff I bought last year and have never worn. Ditto the two pairs of Abaete for Payless shoes - I needed both colors, after all - that gave me blisters just walking around the house.
I've seen it done well - I'm thinking particularly of the Gap DIFFA collection, with different designer takes on the classic white shirt. It's no wonder that stuff literally flew off the shelves at Gap stores around the country; everytime I've worn the Claire McArdell-esque whith shirtdress from that collection I've gotten loads of compliments. I'm also due for another trek to Lafayette Square to see what SJP's done for her Bitten line for Fall (I know, I know - she's not exactly a designer, but she is a fashion icon, IMHO).
But overall lately I've not been impressed with what's come out of these collaborations. I previously posted about my disappointment in Simply Vera - I'm still holding out hope for this one, as it's a long-term partnership and not just a one-off, and I'm a Vera fan. The latest Target partnerships, though, just aren't working for me. Temperley has a collection for the "GO" line in stores right now, and I've not seen anything I liked. I've not yet seen the Hollywould shoes for Target in person, but the pictures look fairly dreadful. Ditto the handbags that Devi Kroell did for Target this summer.
Here's the issue. The beauty of Temperley's "real" stuff is in the details - elaborate beading and embroidery that you just can't duplicate on the cheap. Same with Devi Kroell. It's not that her designs are so spectacular; it's the materials she uses - exquisite skins and leathers. In vinyl, that just doesn't translate. Now, Hollywould has fallen into the same trap. Hollywould designs done in lovely leathers with quality beading and fabrics = great; similar, cutesy designs executed in cheapy materials = not so great.
I'm still holding out some hope for Roberto Cavalli for H&M, due in stores on November 8 (don't worry; I'm planning a lunch excursion to Circle Center on that day to check it out). I know what you're thinking - Cavalli is all about the extravagant, from beads to feathers to insanely expensive materials; how can H&M do anything close to that inexpensively? Well, I think what just might save this one is that it isn't all that cheap. I think some of the pieces are going to top out well over $200. Expensive for H&M, yes, but add a zero plus some more to get into "real" Cavalli land.
Anyway, I think it's worth a look...I'll let you know.
I've seen it done well - I'm thinking particularly of the Gap DIFFA collection, with different designer takes on the classic white shirt. It's no wonder that stuff literally flew off the shelves at Gap stores around the country; everytime I've worn the Claire McArdell-esque whith shirtdress from that collection I've gotten loads of compliments. I'm also due for another trek to Lafayette Square to see what SJP's done for her Bitten line for Fall (I know, I know - she's not exactly a designer, but she is a fashion icon, IMHO).
But overall lately I've not been impressed with what's come out of these collaborations. I previously posted about my disappointment in Simply Vera - I'm still holding out hope for this one, as it's a long-term partnership and not just a one-off, and I'm a Vera fan. The latest Target partnerships, though, just aren't working for me. Temperley has a collection for the "GO" line in stores right now, and I've not seen anything I liked. I've not yet seen the Hollywould shoes for Target in person, but the pictures look fairly dreadful. Ditto the handbags that Devi Kroell did for Target this summer.
Here's the issue. The beauty of Temperley's "real" stuff is in the details - elaborate beading and embroidery that you just can't duplicate on the cheap. Same with Devi Kroell. It's not that her designs are so spectacular; it's the materials she uses - exquisite skins and leathers. In vinyl, that just doesn't translate. Now, Hollywould has fallen into the same trap. Hollywould designs done in lovely leathers with quality beading and fabrics = great; similar, cutesy designs executed in cheapy materials = not so great.
I'm still holding out some hope for Roberto Cavalli for H&M, due in stores on November 8 (don't worry; I'm planning a lunch excursion to Circle Center on that day to check it out). I know what you're thinking - Cavalli is all about the extravagant, from beads to feathers to insanely expensive materials; how can H&M do anything close to that inexpensively? Well, I think what just might save this one is that it isn't all that cheap. I think some of the pieces are going to top out well over $200. Expensive for H&M, yes, but add a zero plus some more to get into "real" Cavalli land.
Anyway, I think it's worth a look...I'll let you know.
Credit Where it's Due
I'll admit I'm not much of a Mary-Kate and Ashley fan. At 38, I'm a little old to really appreciate their acting oeuvre. I hated "Full House," and have never had the pleasure of watching any of their straight-to-video movies or the aptly titled "New York Minute," which I think was gone from theaters in a New York minute...
Frankly, I've also never been very impressed with their senses of style. Ashley tends to look better than M-K, in my opinion, but I've always thought for two pretty, skinny girls with all the money in the world they rock a better look than the homeless granny thing they've been doing for the past few years (M-K, anyway).
But I've got to hand it to them, I'm liking their new Elizabeth & James line. Cute dresses and jackets, and I'm also liking the skinny leggings and stirrups - although I think we need to set a weight limit for those. Unless you only outweigh M-K by about 10 lbs. or so, those aren't for you. Needless to say, I'll be taking a pass. But seriously, a lot of the pieces in the line are very cute. There's a silk trapeze top with a bow at the neck that's lovely, and I'm loving the "glam jacket" - just ignore the fact that it's made of goat fur. Not that I'm opposed to fur - I'm certainly a fan - it's just the "goat" part that seems a little ghetto. But whatever. It looks great.
So far, it looks like Elizabeth & James is only carried at Neiman-Marcus and Intermix - including on their websites. I've not seen it anywhere in town, but maybe Saks - or my friends at French Pharmacie - will come through for me. I'll keep you posted.
Frankly, I've also never been very impressed with their senses of style. Ashley tends to look better than M-K, in my opinion, but I've always thought for two pretty, skinny girls with all the money in the world they rock a better look than the homeless granny thing they've been doing for the past few years (M-K, anyway).
But I've got to hand it to them, I'm liking their new Elizabeth & James line. Cute dresses and jackets, and I'm also liking the skinny leggings and stirrups - although I think we need to set a weight limit for those. Unless you only outweigh M-K by about 10 lbs. or so, those aren't for you. Needless to say, I'll be taking a pass. But seriously, a lot of the pieces in the line are very cute. There's a silk trapeze top with a bow at the neck that's lovely, and I'm loving the "glam jacket" - just ignore the fact that it's made of goat fur. Not that I'm opposed to fur - I'm certainly a fan - it's just the "goat" part that seems a little ghetto. But whatever. It looks great.
So far, it looks like Elizabeth & James is only carried at Neiman-Marcus and Intermix - including on their websites. I've not seen it anywhere in town, but maybe Saks - or my friends at French Pharmacie - will come through for me. I'll keep you posted.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Herschel's Shoes Reincarnated?!
My special shopping issue of Indianapolis Monthly arrived over the weekend, so of course I immediately began poring over it to see what shops the IM editors recommend. Overall, I'd say there were very few, if any, surprises in there - all the usual haunts you see regularly referenced in this blog were spotlighted. French Pharmacie, Frankey's, Saks, Nordstrom - pretty much what you would expect to see.
However, as I was reading the "Shoes" section, one entry jumped out at me - Tooflee By Herschel's. Yes, Herschel's...as in Herschel Cohen's old place at KatC that continues to occupy a special place in my heart. I still remember some favorite Herschel's purchases - particularly some black Kenneth Cole loafers with a pointy toe and some silver doodads on them, bought as "school shoes" my junior year in high school and worn literally to death. There was also a pair of Kenneth Cole boots I loved, black bottoms with blue sweater tops that scrunched around the ankles. I know, I know, both of those sound pretty dreadful but it was the 80s and they were cool, I promise.
Anyway, needless to say I was absolutely thrilled to see that maybe Herschel's lives again, this time at 86th and Ditch. As I found out about this new store on Saturday late in the day, my only option was to put it on my Sunday "errand" (read: shopping) list. I remembered from my youth that the old Herschel's was always closed on Sundays, but I thought maybe its new incarnation had dropped that rather antiquated practice.
So I trekked out to 86th and Ditch on Sunday, only to find that yes, Tooflee by Herschel's is also closed on Sundays and - yikes! - the store appears to be getting ready to close for good. There are lots of "store closing - everything on sale" signs in the window, so I guess my only hope is to swing by there this Saturday for perhaps one last vestige of the old Herschel's. From my digging around about the store, I've gathered that it's actually Herschel's son who opened it with his wife, and their wares look to be heavier on comfort than style. But we shall see...Maybe I'll add a Collection 94 stop to my list on Saturday and make it a real blast-from-the-past day.
However, as I was reading the "Shoes" section, one entry jumped out at me - Tooflee By Herschel's. Yes, Herschel's...as in Herschel Cohen's old place at KatC that continues to occupy a special place in my heart. I still remember some favorite Herschel's purchases - particularly some black Kenneth Cole loafers with a pointy toe and some silver doodads on them, bought as "school shoes" my junior year in high school and worn literally to death. There was also a pair of Kenneth Cole boots I loved, black bottoms with blue sweater tops that scrunched around the ankles. I know, I know, both of those sound pretty dreadful but it was the 80s and they were cool, I promise.
Anyway, needless to say I was absolutely thrilled to see that maybe Herschel's lives again, this time at 86th and Ditch. As I found out about this new store on Saturday late in the day, my only option was to put it on my Sunday "errand" (read: shopping) list. I remembered from my youth that the old Herschel's was always closed on Sundays, but I thought maybe its new incarnation had dropped that rather antiquated practice.
So I trekked out to 86th and Ditch on Sunday, only to find that yes, Tooflee by Herschel's is also closed on Sundays and - yikes! - the store appears to be getting ready to close for good. There are lots of "store closing - everything on sale" signs in the window, so I guess my only hope is to swing by there this Saturday for perhaps one last vestige of the old Herschel's. From my digging around about the store, I've gathered that it's actually Herschel's son who opened it with his wife, and their wares look to be heavier on comfort than style. But we shall see...Maybe I'll add a Collection 94 stop to my list on Saturday and make it a real blast-from-the-past day.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Another Great Art Center Party!
I of course attended the Amuse Bouche fete last night for the Indianapolis Art Center, and had a fabulous time. The food was great - particularly the little crepes filled with smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers and red onions - but that's to be expected as Petite Chou did the catering. And, there was plenty of champagne, which is probably the fastest way to IndyStyle's heart.
Perhaps because French Pharmacie was a sponsor - and stayed open late to accomodate partygoers with a fashion jones - the party attracted a fashionable crowd of people who seemed happy to be finally busting out the fall finery.
As always, I loved what I saw at FP. One particular Thread Social dress jumped out at me - I would probably own it today if they had it in a size larger than a 2! I know that line runs large, but seriously...Actually, it's probably for the best because I've decided that French Pharmacie's strongest suit is its jewelry selection. I'm a sucker for great baubles, and FP's got them. As I mentioned in a previous entry, I treated myself to a really cool tiger's eye ring from FP not that long ago. Well, last night I did it again (Yes, my name is Cathy and I'm a jewel-a-holic), and picked up another - totally different - cocktail ring. In my defense, this one was actually kind of a steal. I know, I know - "steal" and "French Pharmacie" don't exactly go hand-in-hand. But seriously, for the size of this ring and the materials (read: real gems), I truly expected to see a four-figure pricetag. Anyway, I snapped it up. I also tried on an absolutely lovely rose-cut diamond bangle bracelet that shames the standard tennis bracelet. Unfortunately, that was $8000 - a bit out-of-reach for my budget. But my birthday's coming if you're looking for ideas...
Perhaps because French Pharmacie was a sponsor - and stayed open late to accomodate partygoers with a fashion jones - the party attracted a fashionable crowd of people who seemed happy to be finally busting out the fall finery.
As always, I loved what I saw at FP. One particular Thread Social dress jumped out at me - I would probably own it today if they had it in a size larger than a 2! I know that line runs large, but seriously...Actually, it's probably for the best because I've decided that French Pharmacie's strongest suit is its jewelry selection. I'm a sucker for great baubles, and FP's got them. As I mentioned in a previous entry, I treated myself to a really cool tiger's eye ring from FP not that long ago. Well, last night I did it again (Yes, my name is Cathy and I'm a jewel-a-holic), and picked up another - totally different - cocktail ring. In my defense, this one was actually kind of a steal. I know, I know - "steal" and "French Pharmacie" don't exactly go hand-in-hand. But seriously, for the size of this ring and the materials (read: real gems), I truly expected to see a four-figure pricetag. Anyway, I snapped it up. I also tried on an absolutely lovely rose-cut diamond bangle bracelet that shames the standard tennis bracelet. Unfortunately, that was $8000 - a bit out-of-reach for my budget. But my birthday's coming if you're looking for ideas...
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Frankey's vs. French Pharmacie
So, in my 6 months or so here in Indianapolis, many people have recommended a visit to Frankey's - apparently the cognoscenti view Frankey's as sort of THE boutique in town. I must say, I've resisted a bit - I was a little turned off by the strip mall location.
Over the weekend, I finally paid Frankey's a visit. It was way bigger than I'd anticipated, and frankly more upscale. I'd heard that it was a good place to go for jeans, but didn't realize just how much other stuff - and fancy stuff - they had.
While I appreciate the lines they carry - Diane Von Furstenburg, See by Chloe, Vince, Elijah...and many more, plus some cool shoes - I found the whole experience not quite up-to-snuff for the price points. Merchandise is pretty crammed into every nook and cranny, making it very difficult to see what's what.
I much prefer the French Pharmacie experience. One of the reasons I like to shop in boutiques vs. department stores (although for my money the Saks here is a better, less overwhelming shopping experience than Frankey's) is that I appreciate the editing that a good boutique owner does. French Pharmacie rocks because Stacy Kosene is a great editor. And, as a result, the fab finds in there have room to breathe - and shine. Call me crazy, but I prefer to leisurely peruse more sparsely populated racks, particularly when I'm prepared to drop several Benjamins on something special.
The great experience at French Pharmacie brings back fond memories of shopping with my mom at Davidson's, when it was located at its original Glendale location, not the later incarnation at KatC. Aside from the creepy mannequins in the window that hadn't been updated since the 60s, longtime Indy residents will recall that Davidson's was once the ONLY place in town - besides maybe Ayres' Crystal Room - where you could buy designer clothes. They carried St. John, Louis Feraud, and other high-end designers, along with their own private label which was pretty great back-in-the-day. And it was a terrific shopping experience, once you passed by the weird mannequins. The shop floor felt almost empty - yes, there were racks on the floor, but they were far apart and hung with just enough choices. And there were always other "special things" in the back that the sales people would pull out for select customers. Once a year I'd go with my father to pick out a Christmas gift for my mom, and then the sales ladies would parade in front of us with options they thought my mom would like, while he sipped a glass of wine and I had a Sprite. Now that's shopping!
But that's what you expect from a great boutique. Calls when new merchandise arrives. A sense for what each of their customers like. Just great customer service.
So I bought nothing at Frankey's. I'm saving my money to do some shopping at French Pharmacie, during the upcoming "Amuse Bouche" event to benefit the Art Center. Join me, si vous plait!
Over the weekend, I finally paid Frankey's a visit. It was way bigger than I'd anticipated, and frankly more upscale. I'd heard that it was a good place to go for jeans, but didn't realize just how much other stuff - and fancy stuff - they had.
While I appreciate the lines they carry - Diane Von Furstenburg, See by Chloe, Vince, Elijah...and many more, plus some cool shoes - I found the whole experience not quite up-to-snuff for the price points. Merchandise is pretty crammed into every nook and cranny, making it very difficult to see what's what.
I much prefer the French Pharmacie experience. One of the reasons I like to shop in boutiques vs. department stores (although for my money the Saks here is a better, less overwhelming shopping experience than Frankey's) is that I appreciate the editing that a good boutique owner does. French Pharmacie rocks because Stacy Kosene is a great editor. And, as a result, the fab finds in there have room to breathe - and shine. Call me crazy, but I prefer to leisurely peruse more sparsely populated racks, particularly when I'm prepared to drop several Benjamins on something special.
The great experience at French Pharmacie brings back fond memories of shopping with my mom at Davidson's, when it was located at its original Glendale location, not the later incarnation at KatC. Aside from the creepy mannequins in the window that hadn't been updated since the 60s, longtime Indy residents will recall that Davidson's was once the ONLY place in town - besides maybe Ayres' Crystal Room - where you could buy designer clothes. They carried St. John, Louis Feraud, and other high-end designers, along with their own private label which was pretty great back-in-the-day. And it was a terrific shopping experience, once you passed by the weird mannequins. The shop floor felt almost empty - yes, there were racks on the floor, but they were far apart and hung with just enough choices. And there were always other "special things" in the back that the sales people would pull out for select customers. Once a year I'd go with my father to pick out a Christmas gift for my mom, and then the sales ladies would parade in front of us with options they thought my mom would like, while he sipped a glass of wine and I had a Sprite. Now that's shopping!
But that's what you expect from a great boutique. Calls when new merchandise arrives. A sense for what each of their customers like. Just great customer service.
So I bought nothing at Frankey's. I'm saving my money to do some shopping at French Pharmacie, during the upcoming "Amuse Bouche" event to benefit the Art Center. Join me, si vous plait!
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
The Most Stylish New Show on TV
Without a doubt, "Gossip Girl" is the most stylish new TV show this season. I had high hopes for the show from the moment I heard about it, as I am a fan of the Gossip Girl book series. Yes, I know they're a little young for me, but I enjoy some teen fiction as much as the next girl does. Or at least as much as my 16-year-old niece does. Plus the clothes HAD to be good - after all, the series centers around a group of filthy rich private schoolers in Manhattan - Upper West and Upper East sides, to be exact, so how can you go wrong?
The show has lived up to all of my expectations. I was thrilled to see that Serena sported the gold sequined Tory Burch tank dress on her big date in episode 1 (I'm happy to report it is the very same frock that IndyStyle busted out at Artsparkle a few weeks ago).
The website is also fab - I know this isn't a new thing, but I still think it's absolutely genius when a show website allows you to get the deets on the stuff the characters wear, with a link through to buy online. This area of the site could be more robust, but I'm hoping as the season goes on that will happen. I'm convinced this is the way we'll all shop sooner or later - see it on the air, click it, buy it, done. Amazing! I also enjoy that you can get all of the music on the show. Of course, in my compulsiveness, that wasn't quite enough for me, so I had to click over to iTunes to download the full CDs by Rooney, Ferraby Lionheart, Gym Class Heroes and The Bravery. I know, I know - let's all just take a moment to bask in the coolness...
Check out Gossip Girl on Wednesday nights on the CW. I believe it's on at 8 or 9, but you'll just Tivo it (trust me, get the season pass) so it really doesn't matter.
The show has lived up to all of my expectations. I was thrilled to see that Serena sported the gold sequined Tory Burch tank dress on her big date in episode 1 (I'm happy to report it is the very same frock that IndyStyle busted out at Artsparkle a few weeks ago).
The website is also fab - I know this isn't a new thing, but I still think it's absolutely genius when a show website allows you to get the deets on the stuff the characters wear, with a link through to buy online. This area of the site could be more robust, but I'm hoping as the season goes on that will happen. I'm convinced this is the way we'll all shop sooner or later - see it on the air, click it, buy it, done. Amazing! I also enjoy that you can get all of the music on the show. Of course, in my compulsiveness, that wasn't quite enough for me, so I had to click over to iTunes to download the full CDs by Rooney, Ferraby Lionheart, Gym Class Heroes and The Bravery. I know, I know - let's all just take a moment to bask in the coolness...
Check out Gossip Girl on Wednesday nights on the CW. I believe it's on at 8 or 9, but you'll just Tivo it (trust me, get the season pass) so it really doesn't matter.
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