[FashionRatty] tag: savvy

H&M to launch homeware collection in February 09

Sat, 29 Nov 2008 00:46:26 +0000

From the H&M website:

NEW AT H&M A FASHIONABLE APPROACH TO HOMEWARE

Its time to inject fashion into the home. Early 2009 will see H&M revolutionizing the way style-savvy consumers shop for home textiles and accessories. Exclusively available online and through a directional mail order catalogue, this is H&Ms first foray into the interiors arena and will offer shoppers the opportunity to stylishly transform every room of the home. The first collection will be available from February 2009 in the markets where distance selling is already established: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Austria and the Netherlands.

This is a very exciting concept that takes H&Ms expertise in fashion and textiles and applies it to the home, says Maria Lindblom, head of H&M Home.
The range will be divided according to the different rooms of the home, so will appeal to a wide range of people, from those wanting to quickly update their bathroom with some plush towels to those looking to refresh the bedroom with crisp linen and blankets. They can also create a new look in the living room with some well-chosen cushions and curtains, or rethink the kitchen or dining space with a wide selection of tea towels, table linen and napkins. Whatever they want to achieve, H&M Home has the perfect pieces at great prices.

Simplicity and how easy it is to shop is key, says Evelina Kravaev Söderberg, H&M Homes head of design. We want to show people that it doesnt have to be expensive or dramatic to change your home

Covering various different tastes and style influences, the range includes something for everyone. Neutrals provide a great starting point and H&M designers have reinvigorated the basics with a selection of organic and slubby bedding and cushions in clean whites and soft beiges, with the emphasis definitely on texture. These can be enlivened with one or two hot accent colours, as seen on the candy striped accessories.

As in fashion, nautical ideas are a recurrent theme in interiors too, but H&M have injected this trend with a more sophisticated edge. The classic red, blue and white palette is there, but interest is added with artistically painted stripes and striking use of typography adorning duvet covers, pillowcases and kitchen textiles.

Type and specifically numbers can also be seen on the striking monochrome pieces that have been influenced by the worlds of architecture and illustration. Napkins and tablemats featuring a graphic tape measure motif, gridded tablecloths and geometric cushion covers bring ordered masculinity to any space.

The most fashion-focused customers wont be disappointed either, with an energetic and urban element to the collection, which features clashing bright neon colours, eye-catching striped bed linen and Jackson Pollock-inspired paint splatter printed cushions - all inspired by recent trends.

As with H&Ms clothing heritage, the idea across the Home collection is that consumers mix and match items and add to their existing décor and colour schemes. Its all about value for money, products with high quality with a real attention to detail across the range, such as zip and button detailing on cushions and hook tabs on towels.

CONCEPT: A value for money, great quality range of home textiles heavily influenced by fashion
COLOURS: From neutrals and monochrome through to nautical blues and reds and bright neons
FABRICS: cottons, linens, viscose-cotton mixes, organic cotton
KEY PIECES: Approximately 35 different cushion cover designs and 15 bed linen sets
PRICES: 4.90 to 14.90 for cushion covers, 14.90 to 49.90 for bed sets and 9.90 to 14.90 for shower towels

http://www.hm.com/gb/press/pressrele...rfashion.nhtml

Green is the new black vs. New, old treaures.

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:18:51 +0000

All over the fashion world, people are saying, “green is the new black.”

On the streets of Toronto a new kind of It girlis in town - and you won’t find her in Holt Renfrew. She is the recessionista - the thrifty woman with a killer sense of style.

With the global movement to “go green” in full swing, with everything from Earth Hour, to organic produce, it was only a matter of time before the fashion industry followed suit.

Major brand names like, H&M, as well as designers like Katherine Hamnett, are taking a step into living harmoniously with the hip, tree-huggers of the world, with their snazzy, new, green threads.

According to Katherine Hamnett’s website, organic cotton – one aspect of eco-friendly clothing – is cotton grown without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers in soil that has been chemical-free for at least the last three years. Besides being pesticide-free, organic cotton can also help farmers get as much as a 50% increase in their income, as it costs less to produce than conventional cotton, which is responsible for using 25% of the world’s pesticides.

“The difference is ethical. By choosing organic cotton t-shirts you’ll feel how soft, stylish and luxurious they are. More importantly, you’ll help change thousands of lives for the better,” said Hamnett on her site.

“I will always try to pick the organic over the regular product, even though the price difference can sometimes be silly. I know no pesticides were used on it, and that helps me sleep better at night,” said Holly Jackson, who is in charge of a sustainability committee at the University of Maryland. “I think if people knew the bad effects of pesticides, they’d be a lot more inclined to pay the extra dollar for an organic item.”

The idea of ‘green living’ attached to organic clothing is supposed to be a key feature that should appeal to most fashion-conscious folks. However, with an average price of about $110.00 to let designers like Hamnett bring a little more ‘green’ to your closet, it’s no wonder the trend of the recessionista which is sweeping the city like your new, organic blush brush has come out to show us all how to look like a million bucks without actually spending that much. Amanda Reyes, a second-year arts and contemporary student at Ryerson Universityprefers the path of the recessionista over what she says is the sometimes, “expensive and sketchy,” ways of organic clothing in mainstream brands. Reyes uses the scandal surrounding Lululemon and their “seaweed t-shirts.”

In November, last year, a front-page expose in The New York Timesreported that its independent testing laboratory didn’t detect any seaweed in a randomly selected ‘VitaSea’ Lululemon T-shirt. “Personally, I would rather go to Value Village, CTS, or Black Market, and pay six bucks for a really cool, vintage-y blouse – as opposed to paying a ridiculous amount of money for a plain t-shirt,” said Reyes. “And besides, who wants seaweed in their clothing?”

At H&M, organic cotton t-shirts costs about twice as much as a regular t-shirts. This is why Brittany Schein from Oklahoma City, Okla. thinks that the ‘green movement’ is nothing more than a carefully-crafted marketing scheme. “Caring about the environment is the trend right now. They know that if people see a regular shirt versus an organic one, they will buy it – even if it is a little more expensive,” said Schein.

Nina B, a student from Boston, Mass. said, “I have one ‘organic cotton’ dress from H&M, but I would have bought it if it was regular cotton. The fact that it had a special tag didn’t influence my decision to buy it.”

Another online magazine that has set its sights on creating a greener closet for us all is treehugger.com, a website that “sympathizes with the fact that most people aren’t willing to compromise their current lifestyle in order to improve our shared environment,” and understands that by living green through “education and action … you don’t need to run off to live with the wolves to contribute to the betterment of Mother Nature.“

Though it may be true that most of us aren’t looking through Craigslistfor a new, howling roommate, it may just be a little unfair to say that we won’t budge to save our planet. The movement of the recessionista takes on a ‘Fashion without victim’ approach – one shared by Katherine Hamnett, only with a lower price tag.

“I do think that it’s [thrifting and buying vintage] exponentially more ‘green’ than ‘organic’ garments. Producing more clothing still uses more resources – even if some are ‘organic,’ still pollutes,” said Nina B. “To me, it just seems like a way for people to spend money and then pat themselves on the back for being ‘green.’”

Even some firm believers in the ‘green movement’ remain cautious when it comes to buying into ‘buying green.’ Jackson said, “A lot of brands ‘greenwash’ people now. By making an item seem environmentally friendly, when really, they only care about the profit.”

In the battle between seemingly eco-friendly corporations and savvy recessionistas, it is unclear which side is “greener” (pun most definitely intended). For one, buying more things – even if they are organic – isn’t necessarily ‘green,’ as valuable resources are still being used up. And, although it would appear that refraining from over-consumption of brand-new, fabulous threads is significantly greener, some used, vintage items like real fur and leather don’t exactly spread feelings of ‘eco-love’ to some of the Earth’s creatures.

So, just some friendly advice from one self-proclaimed ‘couture connoisseur’ to another – go ahead, shop new and organic, or shop vintage. Just remember to stay informed, stay thrifty, stay stylish, and try not to get caught up in all of the corporate hype. The choice is always yours.

Does the Tech-Savvy Baby Boomer Exist?

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 23:55:00 +0000

Last week my friend spent 4 hours teaching her 64-year-old mother how to program her brand new Ti-Vo to record her two favorite daily soaps. After 4 hours Mama Brown asked her daughter to return the "useless" machine to the store and bring her a good ol' VCR that could easily record her shows. While there are many baby boomers like Mama Brown who couldn't send an email to more than one person at once, or like my mother who takes 10 minutes to type a text message, there are just as many who have embraced technology as ...

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[Source: Computers-and-Technology Articles from EzineArticles.com - Posted by FreeAutoBlogger]

Even Oprah Feels The Pinch With This Years Favorite Things For The Thrifty

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:30:53 +0000

Oprah's much-anticipated Favorite Things episode premiered this afternoon, just in time for the upcoming shopping frenzy. Unfortunately, it was re-named 'How to Have the Thriftiest Holiday Ever' and nobody took home obscene amounts of gifts and gadgets, thanks to Oprah's decision to remain sensitive to our economic climate. Although we understand her reasoning, we'd still feel secretly miffed if we were a member of that audience.

Our new Queen of Thrift showcased swapping parties as an excellent and savvy way to score gently used clothing by exchanging unwanted items with friends. We already know what a stellar idea this is, having mentioned it a month ago.

In terms of gift-giving, Oprah was big on personalizing your present. She suggested a box of endearing letters, but we think a custom necklace from our Custom-Made Guide would be much more fashionable.

Although they weren't featured on the show, The Jo Malone bath oil set ($85) and Philosophy's Hope In A Jar ($15-$60) made Oprah's list of great gifts under $100 in O Magazine.

Around the Web...

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 13:00:00 +0000

Some links for your Thanksgiving eve:

When siblings develop "sympathetic allergies" -- Health.com
Improvements need to be made in kids' mental health systems -- CNN.com
Self magazine ranks Bethesda, Maryland, the healthiest city for women -- USA Today
A Thanksgiving survival guide for savvy women -- Jezebel
Some healthy Thanksgiving options for those of you cooking tomorrow -- Lost 100

Heidi Klum Digs Milk

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:32:47 +0000

Heidi Klum is the latest celebrity to hit the spotlight for the “Got Milf Milk” ad campaign. I always wondered why there was so much focus on something that almost everyone drinks anyways…you would never see me trying to down a bowl of Rice Crispies with something like orange juice. If they really wanted to do something amazing, they should try a Kool-Aid campaign. I would love to see people the world over grinning with blue and red tongues and teeth before being klobbered by an overly aggressive pitcher of sugar water.

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Saks Fifth Avenue 70% Off First Cut Designer Sale Begins Online Tonight

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 23:52:48 +0000

The buying frenzy at Saks Fifth Avenue over the past few days has reached epic proportions as consumers snapped up bargain priced designer goods as fast as they could or as much as their credit cards allowed. Tomorrow, November 25, marks the day that merchandise will be marked an additional 50% off on top of the 40% off giving a total savings of 70% off original retail prices. But you already knew that and you most likely got your loot on presale, ready to be picked up tomorrow. Savvy Saks shoppers also know that at 1:30AM (eastern time), the online sale at saks.com begins. If you missed out on the grabbing and fist fighting in stores, then rest easy and let your fingers do the shopping tonight. It can probably get as stressful as being in the store fighting over a pair of Louboutins but hey, no pain no gain right?

There are slim pickings but good bargains still abound. Start planning your purchases now so you can pounce when the floodgates open. Here are my picks:

Prada Nappa S Satchel
Was $1920 sale $1151.90 minus 50% off = $575.95

Prada Vitello Mordore’a Shoulder Bag
Was $2,795.00 Sale $1,676.90 minus 50% off = $838

Christian Louboutin Booties
Was $845 Sale $506.90 minus 50% off = $253.45

Jimmy Choo Hallie Knee-High Boots
$1,195.00 Sale $716.90, which I got for $358.45!

Finally, my search for black knee high boots is over! (Well, I hope this one fits as I’ve been having trouble with sizing of my recent shoe purchases.) I wasn’t too sure about calling around for it but after trolling around The Purse Forum for several days now, I decided to call the Columbus Ohio Saks store this afternoon. Luckily I got a helpful SA named Janet who found the Jimmy Choo Hallie boots in size 6, my boot size. Too bad they didn’t have any Chanel ballet flats in size 5 or 5 1/2 but then again, I only get what I need and stay within budget. Thank goodness I already got what I need. I don’t have to stay up late trying to snag a good deal. But then again, maybe I will…

I won’t keep you any longer. What are you waiting for? Go shopping at Saks now!

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New Designers for Target

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 19:06:09 +0000

Since Target started housing cheap designer duds, our retail addiction has only increased…dramatically. This time around footwear extraordinaire Trish Carroll is set to design a limited-edition collection called Miss Trish of Capri for Target. She is the fourth shoe designer to team up with the business savvy corporation. Her line will be available in 2009 from April 5th through July 5th. Who else has Target snagged? Lily Band and Sulaika Zarrouk of Felix Rey! The acclaimed handbag designers will start selling their wares under the name Felix Rey for Target from March 29-June 14, 2008. How convenient. That’s just in time for summer shopping. ~ Maria Denardo

Eryn brinié Sale from 11/28 to 12/01

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:57:20 +0000

Lots of sales going on due to poor economy and Black Friday is coming, I will posting lots of sale info so stay tuned and get ready to spend some money!

Eryn brinié is having their first ever sale this Friday, November 28th – Monday, December 1st. Eryn brinié carries everything from coats, dresses, vests, blazers, denim, leggings, shoes, jewelry, handbags, and the collection feeds into the mix-and-match approach which we all love. These tough times call for smart, savvy shopping and and newcomer Eryn brinié is a very accessible brand. Everything is $150 and below - very recession shopping friendly!

Eryn brinié
501 Broadway
212.308.6134

Sale Dates/Times: Friday, November 28th to Monday, December 1st
Friday, Saturday & Monday: 10am-9pm and Sunday 11am-7pm.

New Balance for Nine West Spring 2009 Collection

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:00:48 +0000

Back in July, news released that New Balance and Nine West have entered into an agreement to license, create and distribute a fashion-lifestyle footwear collection that brings together New Balance’s innovative performance and materials technology with Nine West’s renowned fashion styling. Shortly after the announcement a sketch of the shoe was released. The initial collection will offer active lifestyle fashion footwear with performance technology, and will be available in a limited distribution nationwide and internationally for spring 2009. The collection will be designed in partnership with Fred Allard, Nine West Creative Director, and Savania Davies-Keiller and Roberto Crivello, New Balance Creative Directors (owners of DDC Lab). Material, color and design direction will come from both parties in a true collaboration of talent.

Manufacturing and production for the collection will be split between the companies: New Balance will be responsible for the innovative material direction and insole technology while Nine West will be responsible for soft-tech styling and trend-right color. Also, look out for NWBI (pronounced NU-BEE) the product ambassador who personifies the New Balance for Nine West partnership. Colorful in dress and character, NWBI embodies attitude, spirit, energy, fashion savvy, and spontaneity…all elements that came together to inspire the collaboration. Big-ups to Whitney Shaw at Nine West for the great concept, NWBI is truly adorable- be sure to watch the video!

The collection is about 20 styles, key styles will include Icon - Jersey 410 ($89), Icon - Seersucker ($89), Kiki ($79-$89), DNA ($69) and Sheer ($79-$89). The collection will be priced between $70 and $100. It will debut at about 50 Nine West stores and an unspecified number of New Balance stores, and also at DDC Lab beginning in March 2009!

When I initially reported about this collaboration I didn’t have high hopes but when I went to the press preview and saw the full collection in person I was really impressed. The collection is fun and definitely rockable, totally loving the Icon sneakers- I want all of it!

More pics and info after the jump…

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