Shopping

April 12, 2012

When it comes to pushing the fashion envelope in footwear design, Jeffrey Campbell continues to shock and awe us with his skills and imagination. In true daredevil style, the JC girl is undaunted by the hype of her” can’t-touch-me platform,” a true collector of the latest, greatest, statement-making shoes.

The latest Jeffrey Campbell shoe collaboration is with Black Milk Clothing, now available for pre-order, only at Solestruck.com. This idiosyncratic alliance makes sense in its own odd way. Black Milk Clothing is most well-known for their patterned leggings, from Beetlejuice stripes to Galaxy prints, the way-out patterns shun the trends that guide the popular fashion world. Jeffrey Campbell creates shoes from a vintage angle, also with the bias for a street style sentiment. The new collection flaunts the “Sick of Men” print and a “Galaxy” print, to name few, in heels and platforms that just plain rock.

Go ahead, stop traffic.

-Alana Quagliariello

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April 11, 2012

My Morning at T.J. Maxx

by Julia DiNardo

With Lindsey Calla of the blog Saucy Glossie accompanied by Vogue Market Stylist Cara Crowley hosting, and a bevy of spring 2012 covetable pieces on display from T.J. Maxx, getting an early start this morning wasn’t so bad! Over breakfast at the Manhattan store on Sixth Avenue, myself and some fellow bloggers saw some of the latest finds available at the store, from brands such as Kate Spade, Diane von Furstenberg, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and many many more. I guessed the price, and was the closest to it for a great rafia bag and Marc by Marc Jacobs wallet/clutch (pictured below), that I got to take home with me ! Three models rocked some great on-trends looks, as we were taken thorugh some mannequin styled ensembles and accessories (my favorite part) as well.

Great deals are to be had in any T.J. Maxx location, with 10,000 items hitting stores on a weekly basis, you’re sure to have your pick! Some great tips I got from the event:

Identify the managers at your local/favorite T. J. Maxx, and find out what day they expect shipments, so that you can get first dibs on the merch!
Work the parameter of the store to find the latest goods!
Items that could very well still be in department stores at full price can be found at T.J. Maxx!

If you are willing to share, which T.J. Maxx location have you been in that has been AMAZING? (For me, I really love the one on the Upper West Side in NYC).

–Julia DiNardo

April 10, 2012

Gimme Some Marchez Vous, Si Vou Plait!

by Julia DiNardo

[Some of FPD’s favorite styles from Marchez Vous; all photos courtesy of Marchez Vous]

Admitting that she never ever wears flats, Yeardley Smith stresses the importance of a comfy shoe and sees no reason why style has to be compromised in the promise. In speaking with the buoyant shoe lover and voice of The Simpsons‘ character Lisa Simpson, Smith founded Marchez Vous (“you can walk!” in French) with a penchant for high quality footwear (the shoes are made in Italy) without sacrificing style.

[Yeardley Smith at the spring 2012 presentation]

Upon meeting the lovely entrepreneur at her fall preview event, she showed me styles from the new collection (coming soon!) and explained that she writes all of the copy for the shoes, all named after women. For example, the Claudine Claret style: “Capucine has a family, a full-time job and a tattoo on her left butt cheek. She runs her life with military precision. At home, her kids half-jokingly call her “The General.” Gotta love it! I now have a great admiration and respect for Ms. Smith, for making strides in the footwear industry with the line, and can’t wait to wear my new kitten-heeled Marchez Vous!

Shop Marchez Vous online, or check out the store locator fora retailer nearest you.

–Julia DiNardo

April 9, 2012

Norma Kamali’s Latest Design Innovation: KamaliKulture

by Julia DiNardo

Timeless, classic style, all under $100, online only. I thought we’d cut to the chase and I’d give you, right off the bat, exactly what Norma Kamali’s brand new line, KamaliKulture, rotates upon. Norma, who’ve I’ve been fascinated by for as long as I’ve had an interest in fashion, for being an innovative pioneer, incredible female entrepreneur, but with the offset of a totally modest personality, is someone whose vision and spirit I can 100% get behind. Plus I own literally 16 items from her Norma Kamali for Wal-Mart collection, so I guess you can say I have a bit of an obsession with her designs!

In a size range of 0-18, Norma has created styles for KamaliKulture that look great on every body shape, can be worn in a myriad of circumstances and isn’t attached to a trend or season, so you will get TREMENDOUS bang for your buck!

I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Norma, who devoted practically an hour to me, one-on-one, to discuss our joint love of olive oil, technology, education, and of course, fashion. What I learned from Norma is that constant curiosity, to optimistically approach trial and error, perseverance, and passion are essential to remaining relevant and successful in this ever-changing fashion industry.

Norma also understands what most of us want — incredible value AND style at a manageable price point. The all in one dress, plus many others (u-neck, shirred sleeveless, side-draped, more), swimwear, suiting, dresses, and eyeglasses can now be purchased at KamaliKulture, Amazon, and Zappos. Here’s an explanation on KamaliKulture in Norma’s own words, plus a fun video to watch the clothes in action! Enjoy the new collection, and let us know which piece(s) you purchase!