Going Ga Ga for Gladiators

I'm totally getting suckered into the gladiator sandal trend for spring. I know, I know - gladiators have come and gone over the years, and to be honest, I've never been much of a fan of them. First off, I don't wear a lot of flats, and I've also never been huge on the going up the ankle thing. I just think that can be a tough look to pull off, particularly if - God forbid - you have a bit of a cankle.

But this year somehow the gladiator thing seems different. Maybe it's because more designers are doing a modified gladiator, even with a heel in some cases.

Of course, the one I love happens to be Prada's version, and costs nearly 600 bucks. A lot for what will likely be a relatively fleeting trend...so I'll be on the hunt for some sort of reasonable knock off (Steve Madden, where are you when I need you?). I know it won't come in this lovely shade of grey, but oh well...

Et tu, Aldo? Please?

Jovovich-Hawk Hits the Target

I made it to Target yesterday to check out the Jovovich-Hawk collection, the latest "GO Designers" to hit the racks. All-in-all, I liked it much better than the last couple of GO collections. I think the dresses are the strongest part of the line, and despite the inexpensive prices (dresses top out at $39.99), the fabrics seem nicer than some of the previous GO designer collections. But maybe that's because it's easier to do summer on the cheap...

You'd better hurry if, like me, you're a Nora Target shopper. The collection debuted just yesterday, and as of yesterday afternoon sizes were already starting to get a little picked over. I can't wait until that new Target opens at Glendale. In the meantime, your best bet might be to hit a SuperTarget in Carmel, or order online. Be warned that you might have to go up a size if you want the dresses to be long enough. And the little blue linen gauchos fit funny, so I'd avoid those unless you have very narrow hips.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, I've been alerted that French Pharmacie will be expanding beyond just offering manicures and pedicures and will be launching a day spa on April 1. I'm told that the decor will be very dark and sexy - no doubt it will be fabulous knowing Stacy's taste. Book your appointments now!

Finally, an early warning on this Friday's First Friday event at the Harrison Center, from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. The theme is "Road Trip," and it looks to be a typically fun Harrison Center with lots of performances and interesting stuff going on. This is one of the quarterly artist open house events, as well, which are always my favorite. Sadly, I can't attend as I'll be out of town, but I highly recommend checking it out.

Trend Alert - Boyfriend Blazers

From the "everything old is new again" files, one trend that I keep seeing over and over again is the boyfriend blazer. Elizabeth & James (MK and Ashley's line) has a super-cool version with feathers on it, and other versions seem to be popping up everywhere.

Now, back in college I used to comb the Greencastle Salvation Army store, picking up men's blazers and wearing them with my jeans (folded in to be "stovepipes" at the bottom, of course). I had one in particular that I absolutely loved that I picked up from Dinwiddie's (still going strong in Broad Ripple) - it was a black man's blazer that had been customized with an awesome leopard collar.

While my Salvation Army stash is long gone, I find myself planning a Goodwill run this weekend to comb the racks for - you guessed it - a great man's blazer. Only this time my plan is to pop it on over cute little dresses as a way to transition into spring, ala Heidi Klum on last night's Project Runway. I realize I'm not Heidi Klum, but I think it's a cute look for regular girls, as well.

Speaking of Project Runway, Tim Gunn said two things last night that I cannot wait to incorporate into my own conversation. 1) "My gag reflex is kicking in," and 2) "This is like when you go into the monkey house at the zoo and think, 'God it stinks in here.' But after you've been in the monkey house for a half hour you think, 'It's not so bad.' And after a day in the monkey house you can't smell a thing. You've spent too long in the monkey house." Both of these classic Gunn-isms came in response to Chris March's use of real human hair in his designs, and both illustrate why I can't get enough Tim Gunn.

Make it work, people...

Jovovich-Hawk Arrives in Target on Sunday

Mark your calendars - this Sunday, March 2 marks the arrival of the Jovovich-Hawk collection for Target. Especially if you shop at the Nora Target like I do, where the GO Collection gets picked over quickly, it's very important to get there early.

Now, I know I've soured of late on the "upscale designers partner with mass retailers on cheap fashion" trend. But I'm going to give Jovovich-Hawk a chance - the photos that I've seen of several of the dresses anyway look cute. We'll see in person on Sunday. Pretty hippy-dippy 70s-inspired, but that seems to be a trend that will never go away, at least if you take a look at what Anna Sui and Gucci continue to send down the runway.

See you on Sunday...

Forever in Love with Forever 21

As a new homeowner, I'm watching my pennies right now. Thank God for Forever 21 - a place where you can get a quick fashion fix for under $50. In most cases, for under $30.

I know the designers HATE Forever 21 - Anna Sui has even sent models down the runway in anti-Forever 21 t-shirts - and I can understand why. On a quick trip through the store, I saw looks "inspired" by J.Crew, Missoni, and Miss Sui herself.

Take this dress I just bought. It's a reasonable facsimile of the dress that J Lo wore to the Marchesa show during NY Fashion Week. And it was $29.80. No doubt the Marchesa version is more like $2,980. Now, I'm sure the Forever 21 folks saw this photo of J Lo and immediately got the kids in the sweat shops going on the knockoff, which is on the racks two weeks later.

Sure, I feel a little guilty keeping the sweat shops in business, but I'll get over it.

Becoming a "Localista"

As longtime readers of this blog know, IndyStyle has been conflicted from day one on what "Indy Style" should really mean. Does it mean that I will confine my shopping only to Indianapolis locales? It hasn't, but more and more I'm thinking it should.

So, inspired by the local food movement, I'm embarking on a little experiment. For the remainder of 2008 (essentially the whole year), I'm only going to spend my money at Indiana stores. I'm broadening it beyond just Indianapolis, because I think a Bloomington excursion would be just fine. The local food folks call themselves "Localvores;" I'm adopting "Localista" as my handle for shopping only locally.

This means no online shopping - for anything, including music. I'm going old school there - not taking the easy way out and downloading from iTunes, but going to record stores (even though they hardly exist anymore) to buy CDs. That alone will be interesting. It will certainly make it more difficult to get my hands on things like DJ Rekha's new disc, which I highly recommend (and thankfully downloaded yesterday, before this whole idea took hold). Ditto for books. I know, it's easier and quicker to just order what you want from Amazon, but where's the fun in that?

I'm also going to try - and this is just going to be an attempt - to frequent locally owned stores as much as possible. So avoid the chains. Now, I can't be completely strict about this, as a year without darkening the doors of Target or Sak's is just too much to bear, but I will try to support my own local economy as much as possible. French Pharmacie, thankfully, continues to be a safe haven.

This also means no vacation shopping. However, if someone (say, my mom) buys me a gift while I'm shopping with her on a vacation or something, that is acceptable. It's not my money, after all. She's supporting her own local economy...

I think this will be interesting. At the very least, it will allow me to better serve my readers, as I'll be forced to uncover more hidden gems.

Trendwatch globally, spend locally...

Elizabeth & James - No One-Hit Wonders

Mary Kate Olsen might not be the first person I'd want called if I accidentally od'd, but I have to hand it to her - she and her sister Ashley are winning me over with their Elizabeth & James line.

As you'll recall, I liked several of the pieces from their fall collection; spring is now here and there are some pieces I'm lusting after from this one, too.

The good news - Elizabeth & James is now being carried by Saks (at least on their website, www.saksfifthavenue.com if not in our local outpost) as well as Neiman-Marcus. The bad news - I'm totally broke right now. But I can always admire from afar!

Validation - I'm Not Crazy for Liking the Butterfly Bag

Ok, so apparently I wasn't absolutely off the mark in thinking that the ShopNBC butterfly bag is a somewhat reasonable facsimile of the Prada. Today, one of my coworkers saw it and asked, "is that one of those new painted Prada bags?" Yes! So I'm not crazy after all. Phew.

Reasonable Facsimile, or Hopelessly Tacky?

Obsessing over the Prada fairy bag - and feeling pretty certain that it will probably price out at $2,000+ - I've been on the hunt for a reasonable facsimile.

I've stumbled upon this Anuschka bag, available at www.Shopnbc.com (my predilection for TV shopping is well-known). I'm kind of feeling it. It's got that artsy, hand-painted vibe of the Prada bag, and a butterfly's kinda close to a fairy, right?

So this is one of those times when I have to ask, am I just deluding myself by thinking that this bag is even on the same fashion planet as the Prada? Is it actually hopelessly tacky, to be carried only by a large aging hippie with long grey hair, who wears a lot of purple? Or is it, indeed, cool and fitting with spring's painterly vibe?

I'm leaning towards cool. I welcome opinions!

Style Never Takes a Holiday

But IndyStyle does. Sorry for taking such a long break between postings, but you know how it is - between the holidays, buying a new house (more on that to come), etc., things have been almost as crazy as Britney Spears.

But now I'm back and ready to tackle all of the important style issues as they happen in 2008. First off, a couple of observations about the emerging trends I've spotted in my time away from IndyStyle, to help prepare for spring (or for some fab winter vaca somewhere warm):

1) Florals are huge. More specifically, huge florals are huge. We're not talking little "mumsy" floral prints, but big, bright florals that look like you're wearing a painter's canvas. In a good way.

2) Really, anything sort of hand-painted looking seems to be the rage. So in addition to the painterly florals, there are abstracts and - my personal fave - lovely painted fairies from Prada. If I had a first-born kid or a spare kidney, I would sell it for one of the Prada satchels with the fairies painted on them. Yes, it's a gorgeous bag for the spring season...but you can also display it in your home as a work of art.

3) I'm still all about the dress. For a variety of reasons. But mostly because you just throw them on and go. And most of them are pretty seasonless. Even a sleeveless dress - put a turtleneck under it, and you're set.

That's just a topline view. Much more to come, of course.

A note for your calendar: next Thursday, January 24, French Pharmacie is hosting another one of their fab events - a "Welcome 2008" party. In addition to loads of new spring stuff (including I'm sure lots of trends we haven't even thought of yet), the event will also feature an appearance by the designers of "The Woods" jewelry line, a personal fave of mine. Also, you can make an appointment to get a free blow out or polish change to spotlight the new beauty services that FP is so brilliantly offering. Finally, I'm sure it will attract a very stylish crowd, so if you want to meet fellow fashionistas, this is the spot. I'll be there with my boots on!

Christmas Comes Early to French Pharmacie

I had one of those moments today where you feel like the Fashion Gods are looking out for you. I decided to head to French Pharmacie today for a last-minute Christmas gift (no, not for myself), and as I walked in, my favorite salesperson Jessica was just getting off the phone with owner Stacy Kosene. Stacy had called to say that all the fall and winter clothing and shoes was now 50% off. That's right, 50%.

So run, don't walk to FP while the selection is still good. I picked up three fabulous dresses, pretty much for the price of one (yay), and the most incredible boots EVER.

I nearly passed on the boots because I got stuck in them in the store - thanks, Jessica, for helping me yank them off - but after a quick consultation with a shoe repair, I think they can be stretched just slightly to accomodate my slightly pudgy calves. And, serious diet season starts in one week, so hopefully my calves will be the first spot to slim down. Unlikely, but you never know. One fashion prayer was answered today; maybe a second one will be, too.

Seriously. Stop reading and go to FP. Now. You'll thank me.

Fun Night at French Pharmacie

French Pharmacie hosted a holiday open house last night, which was of course fabulous. Even though I didn't win any of the door prizes (like a Balanciaga wallet or a cute fur hat), I drank plenty of champagne and made new friends with some fellow fashionistas.

FP has started to receive some resort wear, and it's very cute. Lots of Tory Burch and 3.1 Philip Lim. I purchased a very cute Philip Lim dress that I can wear now with a black turtleneck underneath and some black tights (thanks to Stacy Kosene for that great suggestion), and then pull it out for parties in spring/summer on its own. I think it would be perfect for, say, a wedding on the beach in Naples, FL - should such an event crop up on my social calendar in '08 (fingers crossed).

There's also some GREAT stuff on sale at FP right now, including a ton of jewelry marked down 50%. That's right, 50%. So of course I couldn't resist snapping up a ring I've had my eye on essentially since I moved back here in April. Merry Christmas to me! And it looks great with my new dress.

So if you've still got a little money rattling around in your pocket after your holiday shopping, head to FP and buy yourself something shiny to put in your stocking.

Tonight is First Friday, so I'll be attending the opening of the Indianapolis Art Center show at Barnes & Thornberg (11 S. Meridian), followed by the Harrison Center and possibly Big Car in Fountain Square. Should be fun!

Upcoming Events

Hi, all. I thought I'd let you all know about a couple of important events coming up next week.

On Thursday, December 6, French Pharmacie will be hosting a holiday open house from 4-8 p.m. In addition to a jewelry trunk show, I understand that there will be music and other fun things - perhaps even some discounts...which could add up at FP! Another new development at my favorite local store - there is now a manicurist in-house so you can squeeze in a mani/pedi next time you're out shopping. Genius!

Next Friday is another First Friday in Indy, so the Harrison Center will be hosting another of their quirky yet fabulous opening nights. December's exhibit is titled "What You Crave" - a play on White Christmas/White Castle (one of the sponsors), so I've got to believe there could be some slyders served. At any rate, the show is a group show of Harrison Center artists, many of whom will also be opening their studios. The event runs from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Big Car also has a First Friday event. Their December show is "Under the Weather: Paintings and Other Things by Alfred Eaker, Bill Ross, Keith Banner and Joe Griffith." I'm not familiar with the artists, but the show looks interesting (at least from the postcard). Big Car's opening night goes from 6 p.m. - midnight, with live music happening at 10 p.m.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

Penguin Project a Smashing Success!

Wow, so much to catch up on after a week's vacation. I'll just go quickly, and a little bit randomly.

First off - the Penguin Project has worked out far better than I ever expected. When I returned home from vacation on Saturday night, I had two rather large packages waiting for me - a box of two smallish plastic penguins, and another with a 4-ft plastic reindeer inside. As I had some free time yesterday, I went to Michael's and picked up the special Krylon Fusion spray paint, made specially for plastic. I painted the penguins yesterday afternoon, and they turned out fantastically well! Not exactly like Cracking Art's "Red Penguin," mostly because they are much smaller, but a nice homage, if I do say so myself. Hopefully my landlord won't notice/mind the flecks of red spray paint left when I did a little touch up in my breezeway...I'll be painting my reindeer black this weekend.

Second - I finally caught up on the first two episodes of "Project Runway." I think it's true that this season will be better than ever. Spoiler alert - on the second episode, the challenge is to design an outfit for SJP's Bitten line, to be sold at Steve & Barry's. I've not yet gone to Steve & Barry's to see the winning design in person, but a trip is in order this weekend, I think.

Finally - I'm normally not the biggest fan of outlet malls, but I had some good success on vacation at Sawgrass, which is in Florida outside of Ft. Lauderdale. I picked up some cashmere sweaters at the J. Crew outlet for $65 each, which was my best find. If you're down there, it's worth a trip. I will say, however, that I was VERY disappointed in the restrooms there - there weren't enough of them, and they were filthy. Not at all what you'd expect from a mall with a St. John outlet, alongside Valentino, Barney's, Saks Off Fifth, a Neiman's Last Call...you get the pictures. Simon brothers, if you are listening/reading - an upgrade is sorely needed.

The Woods Trunk Show Follow Up

Thanks to a faithful reader, it was brought to my attention that I never really followed up on my preview post about trunk show of The Woods jewelry held at French Pharmacie a couple of weeks ago. It was pretty fab, I have to say. This line features a lot of lovely old rose cut diamonds, set into interesting new settings. Considering that diamonds are involved, the prices are pretty reasonable, too. Well, aside from the unbelievable bangle bracelet that's $8,000+, but it has a ton of diamonds in it. I had some birthday money burning a hole in my pocket (thanks, Mom), and I was able to pick up both a necklace and a pair of earrings, with only a small added contribution on my part.

In addition to the rose cut diamonds, the other pieces I thought were really cool involved black or brown diamonds pave set into black metal...very dark yet sparkly.

While the trunk show was a two-day affair, French Pharmacie always has some pieces from this line in the case, so you can check it out at any point. And hopefully they'll be doing another trunk show again. That is, if the nice sisters who design this line are willing to return to Indianapolis. Apparently there was some fiasco where their prepaid hotel room at the Westin was given away to some of the Future Farmers of America in town for the big convention. They ended up staying at some flea bag motel out by the airport where the doors opened straight to the outside, "sleeping" with their jewels clutched to their chests. Welcome to the Fashion Capital of the Midwest! Maybe that's why H&M shafted us on the Cavalli.

Tragic Day for Indy Fashionistas

As all of you know, IndyStyle has been eagerly anticipating today's arrival of the Roberto Cavalli collection at H&M. Well, imagine my disappointment after I trekked over to Circle Center for an early lunch to check it out...only to find that our H&M will not be carrying the collection. The closest store to us to have it is the Michigan Ave. store in Chicago, which I'm sure is an absolute madhouse today and will be sold out of the best pieces of the collection by the weekend, if not sooner.

What gives, H&M? Do you not think we Hoosiers are cool enough for Roberto? That we hicks won't "get" the collection? Or is the concern that the price points - some even up to $300 - are a little to rich for our hillbilly blood?

I'll tell you, I've gone from disappointment to anger at being excluded from the A-list markets that are enjoying some bargain Cavalli as we speak. Perhaps these are the natural phases of fashion mourning - disbelief turns to disappointment which morphs into madness.

Well, I've sent a somewhat strongly worded email to the H&M media department, demanding an answer to why we won't have Cavalli in our town. I will, of course, let you know.

One positive development - the Taco Bell is now open at Circle Center, so lunch wasn't a complete loss. At least I was able to drown my sartorial sorrows in a burrito supreme.

Bargain Cavalli Tomorrow

That's right, tomorrow is the day that Roberto Cavalli's fashions arrive at H&M stores around the country, including our very own Indy outpost at Circle Center Mall. From everything I've seen, we can expect plenty of Roberto's signature animal prints; I only hope that somehow they've managed to translate his phenomenal leathers at a more reasonable price point.

I'm going out on a limb. If the Roberto for H&M stuff disappoints, I might just have to admit that this whole designer/discounter partnership trend has jumped the shark. (I know, I know...saying "jumped the shark" has probably jumped the shark). But I digress. I have high hopes for this collection, since the price points are actually quite high for H&M. From what I understand, several of the pieces are well into the three figures - not exactly the $29.99 - $49.99 H&M sweet spot. But that's a good thing, IMHO. My problem with these partnerships lately has been that the quality/detailing of a designer line just doesn't translate to really cheap prices. Part of the joy of buying a designer something is that there is some luxury involved - good fabrics, nice details, quality workmanship. You just can't get that for under a hundred bucks, no matter how many little Chinese kids you've got sweating for you in the factory.

So it is with high hopes that I will trek to Circle Center tomorrow at lunchtime. Of course, I'll keep you posted...

P.S. Early warning on an upcoming Indianapolis Art Center benefit: On Friday, November 16, the Art Center will be hosting "Fiesta Friday" at Adobo Grill, starting at 10 p.m. It promises to be a very spicy evening, with salsa dancing lessons from 10 - 10:30 p.m., followed by an open floor for more salsa. So go get your mambo on - if Jane Seymour and Marie Osmond can do it, you know you can, too.

Rocky Mountain High Fashion

I was just in Bachelor Gulch, Colorado, for a lovely weekend at the Ritz Club. Bachelor Gulch is right outside of Beaver Creek, which is very close to Vail. While it seems like early November would be an off time to go - and it is - I found that is actually an advantage; meals and spa treatments were discounted, and many of the stores in Vail were having sales.

While I didn't buy anything except for a candle, I can definitely get into the whole Western/Nordic vibe they've got working out there. If you go, a visit to Gorsuch is a must. They also have a website that's worth a look, www.gorsuchltd.com. Just keep in mind that you'll pay top dollar for their stuff; if you want the Germanic Gorsuch look for less, check out www.mydirndl.com. It's not the easiest site to navigate, but you'll save $1,000 - $1,500 on a traditional German/Austrian "trokken" (leather or suede jacket). But forgo the matching liederhosen...

Big Weekend Coming Up

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...

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.