Merchandise It: Texture Frenzy

The Lori's Insider Report

—Ashley Lacey, Lori's staff and author of Stiletto-Chic

Anyone who knows me knows that I love to "merchandise it up" in the words of my fashion icon, the über-fab Carrie Bradshaw. (I am well aware that she is fictional but to me, she lives.)

I love to create a multi-dimensional look centered around one core item. It is paramount to have a statement piece, whether it be a pair of platforms, a necklace, a bracelet or a bag. Pick an item to be the center of attention and make it the star of the show!

When picking your pieces be sure to incorporate texture. Add items that don't seem to match. This trend is epic right now. Match a dressier item, such a sequin top or a light weight chiffon skirt, with a blazer or edgier boot as seen below on Gwyneth Paltrow. Her amped-up boots are obviously the main attraction! Get her sexy combat boot look with our Vancouver boot by Sam Edelman.

No need to match your belt with your pumps. No need to wear only complementary colors. Take a look at my fave "mix-n-match" runway Fall 2010 looks [courtesy of Harper's Bazaar]. These looks illustrate color remixing, the pairing of items of various textures, layering and the dominance of a muted color palette.

How does one style a "statement piece"?  How much is too much? You decide! Exercise your own judgment. I believe that fashion has no rules. Adorn yourself with fur (faux fur if you prefer), ethnic or Geo prints and texturized tights. Wear what your fashionable heart desires!

Hue tights, Boutique 9 wedge booties, earrings, and Cut N' Paste bag all available at Lori's

The Case of the Perfect Fall Shoe

Hello, Nancy Drew here!

You might remember me as the young crime-fighting darling with the ability to crack any mystery sent my way. 

Well, I have hung up my crime fighting ways in search of something a little more mysterious – finding the perfect fall shoe to compliment my style.

I have always been a girl with a love for flats. They are agile and quiet, perfect when sneaking around looking for clues. Oxfords and loafers are my favorite flats this season. They are the perfect blend between masculine and feminine (and oh so cute)! However, sometimes after a hard day's work solving mysteries, I could really use a night on the town with the girls. For this, I always grab my heels! I love Progetto heeled boots with clog bottoms.

Shoes not sold at Lori's

No matter what I do or where I go I must always remain low-key and inconspicuous. Therefore, I tend to shy away from bold looks like leopard print or fur. But there are those times when a girl must let loose and bring out the animal within. So a little fur handbag may be the perfect fit to the puzzle. Wouldn't you say? 

Your Friend,


Nancy

p.s. Don’t forget your fall shoes’ partner in crime: socks! Plush thigh-highs to sheer crew cuts, they are all a must-have this fall!

– by Kitty Cotten of Geisha Pearl

Shoe Addicts Report: Versatile handbags

Cross shoulder by day, chain strap by night.

By Carrie from Barestyle 

Color isn't typically what I gravitate toward. I may wear mint green nail polish, but when I commit to something like a bag or shoes, basic black and neutrals are my preferred shades. The Sabina 4524 bag was an obvious choice. It arrived from Lori’s last week and I was immediately drawn to its buttery soft feel and unique look. I pulled it out of the box, transferred my items over and threw it across my shoulder. I was meeting some girlfriends for a pedicure and dinner but had just enough time to snap a few shots before I left.

Why I love it? This bag is ideal for any season and style. Black is no longer a winter shade; there’s no Labor Day rule or seasonal colors as far as I’m concerned. And as for mixing brown and black? Yes, please. This piece will transition seamlessly into fall and winter and pairs nicely with casual and dressy pieces.
 
How would I style it? I paired it with casual summer pieces – vintage denim shorts, a long sleeveless cardigan from Seventh Door, classic aviators and my Jeffrey Campbell “Snick” clog wedges. This is one bag that will literally work with ANYTHING. It’s not too big, not too small, and can convert to whatever look you’re rocking. For an evening out, I’d wear a mini-dress or a tunic with leggings and carry it like a clutch. I’m never one to shy away from dispensing styling advice, but this is a piece that needs no direction.

 



















And a little bonus... I have to admit that I’m not exactly gifted in the organization department.  More than twice I’ve slammed on my breaks, narrowly missing the car in front, all because I was desperately digging in an over-sized bottomless bag for my phone (or lip gloss, or sunglasses). Pockets are now a requirement and the Sabina meets my needs with flying colors. Just name an item and I’ll have it out in less than two seconds with my eyes closed.

For more variety and budget-friendly options, take a look at these:


  












Sabina 4588

 

 Big Buddha - Daisy

 

 



Melie Bianco W9-373

Convertible Stirrups for Fall

 Photo Courtesy of Stiruppz

You can't reinvent the wheel, but you can certainly realign it from time to time. Fashion is no exception. What was old is new again this fall: witness the return of the stirrup. Again. Dating back to 500 B.C. as a humble toe loop beneath a rudimentary saddle, who would have guessed the stirrup would evolve into a fashion must-have with regularity? From tights to leggings designers are "stir" crazy.

Convertible fashions (and here we nod to local fave Lara Miller) had a high profile this spring, so it follows accessories will have their moment. Unlike leggings or tights, these detachable stirrups by Stiruppz connect to the base of cuffed jeans to minimize the annoying tugging, pulling, tucking and shifting that goes into your skinny-jean-tucked-boot look. Use them over and over again on your favorite jeans to perfect that clean, put-together look.

You don't have to square the circle to come off polished. Stiruppz arrive in August. That gives you a solid month to source the perfect skinnies ... and just in time to order with your fab new fall boots.

Trend Report: Leggings in 2010

Last week we took a cheap shot at denim leggings, or rather, the branding of denim leggings. (Lori’s insisting we call them “leans” in lieu of “jeggings,” but we’re having none of it.) We have nothing against denim leggings – we heart them quite a bit – but socks had to have their moment. We’ll circle around to leggings soon enough (probably at the expense of socks; we are so fickle).

In the interim we had a chance to sit down with some industry friends in New York working in the hosiery trade and talk about once and future trends. Men are not excluded: in the interest of a well-heeled (heh) story, we got the skinny on menswear trends as well.


Lori’s: Let's start with a review of 2009. What did you find were the big trends?

Women’s: OPAQUE. We had a huge push for an opaque leg. We also saw a trend in patterned opaque

Men’s: Casual. Men are dressing down more than ever and even if they are dressing up they are probably wearing casual socks, meaning heavier weights.


Lori’s: At the store we did brisk business with a lot of patterned leggings and embellished pieces – zippers, studs, sequins, etc.

Women’s: Embellishments for spring 2010 will be seen in socks using Lurex yarns in a playful way carried through into fall as a bolder spangle-like option. Still lots of shine!


Lori’s: Now that we are in 2010, how are those trends evolving or new trends emerging from them? What will be the must-have colors and textures for spring and fall?

Women’s: Spring colors will start off soft with lilacs, pinks going into splashes of dark tangerine followed by saturated pinks. We are seeing textures evolving in an interesting way by combining sheer and opaque. For fall we’re seeing a lot of deep greens like spruce, forest and loden with aubergines for a sophisticated leg using rich textures.

Men’s: Spring is “ath-leisure”: a combination of casual and athletic. This translates into casual socks with arch support, cushioning, anti-microbial and wicking properties. Fall is always the classic argyle! The argyle comes in a casual and dress weight. Colors trend towards heathered/marled looks. Brown heather, oatmeal heather, loden, wine heather. The fashion color is Royal Purple seen in pops of color on a sophisticated dress sock or a heathered plum on a casual sock.


Lori’s: Which are your favorite looks and how would you accessorize them?

Women’s: My favorite spring/fall look is an anklet peeping through ankle boots paired with cropped or rolled skinny jeans, a great tank and cardigan topped off with a cozy scarf! My favorite winter look is a mini paired with a solid opaque leg or texture leg worn with a peep toe heel.

Men’s: Socks are where men can really step out without being too much. The banker that has to wear a suit can wear an over-the-top dress sock with shots of purple in the pattern. The more casual guy can hide the pink contrast on the heel and toe of his sock in his shoe.


Lori’s: What is the "look" for spring?

Women’s: An oxford paired with an anklet or crew length sock worn with a relaxed pair of shorts.

Men’s: I think that the overriding element for spring is more athletic type socks and no-shows or peds for guys so they can wear their loafers with a no-sock look.


Lori’s: For fall?

Women’s: Dresses are still very important for fall so we will continue with an emphasis on the leg seeing rich textures and bursts of saturated colors.


Lori’s: How are leggings a part of that look?

Women’s: I still think the legging will be important in 2010. It’s an easy, comfortable wear.


Lori’s: We have a huge demand for denim leggings – the ultimate skinny jean. What's your take on it?

Women’s: Personally I love the look, paired with a comfy tee and/or sweater … making sure the length hits just right!

Men’s: The overall trend for guys are socks that work for them – anti-microbial and wicking, arch support, mesh top for breathability, placed cushioning so the sock is fit for left and right wear, socks that don't shrink when you wash them. SmartWool technology: the sock is cool in the summer and warm in the winter. A seamless toe or a reinforced heel and toe for comfort. Socks that stay up and don't fall down the leg over the course of wear.