Madewell welcomes their largest NYC store yet with an all-day fête.
This week, Madewell debuts their second and largest NYC location, occupying a 6,500-square-foot spread at Fifth Avenue and 19th Street. Staying true to Griffith Thomas’ original 1868 structure, the new space features double-height historic windows, original moldings, and cast iron columns—perfect to display all the summer must-haves I can’t wait to shop. To commemorate the grand opening, the Flatiron location will feature a special “Hometown Heroes” pop-up shop with a selection of some of their favorite NYC brands, including In God We Trust, Love Adorned, JF&Son, and Albertine, as well as summer-ready music picks from Other Music. The Madewell celebrations continue this Saturday, April 30, with an all-day Hometown Heroes party, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Enjoy special surprises every hour, cool styling tips, treats, and more. Of course, as they say, some things are just better in twos: Two Madewells means double trouble for your wallet.
Though the weather has been on the unpredictable side lately, there’s one thing I know for sure: It’s warm enough that we don’t need to wear tights or a jacket all hours of the day. And we’re certainly savoring every minute of bare arms, legs, and open toes until it officially becomes too hot or humid to want to wear anything at all. I’ve put together three plus-size outfits that are perfect for those cherished spring outings—like al fresco dining and long, wandering park strolls, and casual bike rides. See ’em all below! 😉
Gallery Hopping—Cool and casual, the lightweight suedette pants bring an element of sophistication to an otherwise low-key outfit. Bright and architectural accessories like this structured yellow bag and awesome wooden heel make it perfect for an afternoon of art-viewing.
Above, from left: ASOS Leather Boxy Lock Bag, $89.65, available at ASOS; Forever21+ Cotton V-Neck Top, $5.80, available at Forever21; Evans Collection Suedette Harem Pants, $74, available at Evans; ASOS Cafe Effect Cuff with Screw Detail, $26.90, available at ASOS; Jeffrey Campbell Always Punctual Wedge, $179.99, available at Modcloth.
Brunch—This breezy, printed dress with a light color palette and ultra-feminine flourishes is essential for weekend brunching and shopping with friends. Strong accessories like a cross-body bag in a bright color or chunky heel add weight to the feathery materials of the dress and jacket.
Above, from left: T-Bags Printed Scoopneck Dress, $198, available at Saks; ASOS Curve Tailored Drapey Jacket, $134.48, available at ASOS; Torrid Silver and Light Blue Stone Statement Ring, $12.50, available at Torrid; Marc by Marc Jacobs Natasha Leather Cross-body Bag, $350, available at Net-a-Porter; Dolce Vita Jade Wedges, $179.95, available at Solestruck; House of Harlow 1960 Horseshoe Bangle, $48, available at Shopbop.
Wine Bar—Spring evenings are one of our favorite things about the season, filled with outdoor dining and visits to wine bars that have their windows wide open. An airy black dress can easily transition from daytime picnics to those evening dates by incorporating bright accessories like a patent belt or a cute, fringed cardigan.
Above, from left: Carmakoma Mockingbird Dress, $88.88, available at Carmakoma; ASOS Curve Skinny Belt, $10.76, available at ASOS; Genevieve Savard Dark Crystal Tote, $320, available at Convent; Forever21+ Fringe Trip Open Cardigan, $19.80, available at Forever21; Torrid Black and Gold Glitter Bangles, $14, available at Torrid; ASOS Holly Leather High Sandals, $98.62, available at ASOS.
Sanrio has announced a partnership with the American Red Cross to continue their support to earthquake stricken Japan and the Pacific nations affected by the tsunami. A portion of the proceeds portions from all collaborative items to be donated to the American Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief efforts. Love these new Hello Kitty products:
Hello Japan Tote – a special canvas tote produced in collaboration with Loungefly Inc. and featuring Hello Japan artwork will be available in limited quantity by mid-April – in Sanrio Boutique stores nationwide, at sanrio.com and loungefly.com, as well as select specialty retailers. The bag will retail for $10, with Sanrio and Loungefly donating $6.50 from each bag to American Red Cross.
Hello Japan T-Shirt – a junior’s t-shirt produced in collaboration with Mighty Fine will be available at retail by the end of April. The scoop neck, short-sleeved t-shirt will be available at Sanrio Boutique stores nationwide, at sanrio.com and welovefine.com, as well as select specialty retailers. The shirt will be aimed to retail for $20 with Sanrio and Mighty Fine donating $15 from each shirt to American Red Cross.
Hello Japan Chocolate Bars – in collaboration with Dylan’s Candy Bar, two premium Belgium chocolate bars in milk and dark will feature the Hello Japan customized graphics and will be available in both Milk and Dark Chocolate.. Target availability will be early May in Dylan’s Candy Bar locations, DylansCandyBar.com and Sanrio Boutique Store locations in the U.S. The bars will retail for $4.00 with Sanrio and Dylan’s Candy Bar donating $3.00 from each bar to American Red Cross.
In addition to these products, Sanrio Inc., designated March 31 as a “Day of Donation”, with participating Sanrio stores in the U.S. and sanrio.com donating over $50,000 to American Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief efforts. Sanrio Inc. has also collaborated with Ty on the creation of a special I Love Japan Hello Kitty Beanie Baby that will hit retail in mid-May. Additional contributions can be made at http://www.redcross.org or by texting REDCROSS to 90999 on your cell phone.
Ranging from bad-ass South African gangsterism to the fresh-faced grace of a Brit songstress, the tunes blaring on our iPod are almost as varied as the musicians who craft them. And with this mishmash of sound—think Zola Jesus’ ethereal operatics or Jessie J’s pop-friendly dance tunes—each artist comes with wildly different and incredibly covetable styles. Suddenly, on top of singing along to Oh Land’s “Son Of A Gun,” I now want to blunt-cut our bangs like Die Antwoord’s Yo-Landi, and go thrift-shopping for beach style with Tennis’ Alaina Moore. Not every musician has to be a fashion inspiration, but I must admit: It’s awfully awesome when my fave artist look as good as they sound rocking the stage. Here are the songbirds currently inspiring ME !
Yo-Landi of Die Antwoord
The Sound: Irreverent, grimy, and unapologetic, Die Antwoord became an Internet sensation in early 2010, radically popularizing the part-electro, part-crunk sound known in South Africa as “Zef.” Rapper Ninja aggressively alters between English, Afrikaans, and Xhosa, and Yo-Landi spits deceptively sweet-sounding rhymes on hooks.
The Style: With hyper-short baby bangs and a penchant for gold and glitter, her style is not for the faint-hearted. Of course, we love her fearless sense of self in a cropped top or a scene-stealing graphic tee.
The Goods: Adidas Originals Hi Cut Sneakers, $110, available at Adidas; Laura Lombardi Brass Bar Earrings, $32, available at Refinery29 Boutiques; Urban Decay Bobby Dazzle Eyeshadow, $20, available at Beauty.com; See By Chloe Pants, $295, available at Shopbop; VPL Bra, $95, available at La Garçonne; Baebae Geometric Double Knuckle Ring, $99, available at Refinery29 Boutiques.Rye Rye
The Sound: Emerging from mix-tape culture, the hard-hitting emcee Rye Rye was discovered by M.I.A., who called the young artist the “voice of Baltimore.” We fell in love when she brought her boogie-tastic beats to Alexander Wang’s post-Fashion Week carnival last year, and her kinetic energy and club-friendly tunes keeps our booties shaking.
The Style: Once a protégé of the always stylish M.I.A., Rye Rye has stepped out of her mentor’s shadow—but has borrowed a couple of her brightly colored tricks. Where M.I.A. embraced global patterns and an inherently Brit sensibility, Rye Rye rocks some real-deal Baltimore street style. We love matching her hair with her clothes, the excess of pink, and of course, those incredible door-knocker earrings.
The Goods: Manic Panic In Green Envy, $9.50, available at The Bruised Boutique; GirlProps Wing Earrings, $7.99, available at GirlProps; Jessica Simpson Ruffle Bustier, $29.99, available at Jessica Simpson; Deena & Ozzy Clear Metal Trim Purse, $39, available at Urban Outfitters; Diane von Furstenberg Miggy Poplin Shorts, $200, available at Net-a-Porter.Jessie J.
The Sound: We couldn’t be digging this influx of smart, savvy pop mistresses hitting our ears—Robyn, Adele, and now Jessie J., who sounds like Pink and Nicki Minaj’s love child…if she were born across the pond.
The Style: Imagine Katy Perry’s dark side, with flat-ironed black hair and thick swipes of black eyeliner. Except Jessie isn’t just vamp: Her playful style of pin-up elements with killer tights, cheeky hair accessories, and mega-hoops show the singer can switch effortlessly between sex-kitten and LOLcat.
The Goods: House of Holland Fringed Tights, $27.99, available at Modcloth; Vena Cava Bomber Jacket, $310, available at Refinery29 Boutiques; Juicy Couture Multi-Layer Fringe Bracelet, $100, available at Ssense; MAC Russian Red Lipstick, $14.50, available at MAC; Halston Heritage Sandals, $225, available at Net-A-Porter.Zola Jesus
The Sound: With a flair for the dramatic (maybe stemming from her opera background), front-woman Nika Roza’s otherworldly vocals are dark but not goth, flitting through Zola Jesus’ echo chamber-like soundscapes. We love.
The Style: Aside from being haunting musically, Nika’s signature style leans to the dark. But the singer mixes it up, pairing a pencil skirt with a silk top or adding flowing layers of black for texture. Porcelain skin and red lips, however, is a must.
The Goods: LauraKranitz Two-Sided Headband, $29.95, available at KarmaLoop; ASOS Long Sleeve Slinky Dress, $32.27, available at ASOS; K-198 Nevin Hoodie, $315, available at Nicholask; Smashbox Brow Tech To Go, $26, available at Sephora; Pamela Love Cuff, $378.01, available at Pamela Love.Alaina Moore of Tennis
The Sound: How’s this for an adorable story? Post college, married couple Alaina Moore and Patrick Reilly sailed around the world and returned to write beachy, nostalgic sounds about their experiences. Think slow dances, kisses under the boardwalk, and rubbing your toes in the sand.
The Style: A summer-obsessed retro sound should have a summer-obsessed retro style, and when it comes to casual shorts, convertible-ready hair, and rocking out on your organ, Alaina is set. We love her use of patterns, from nautical stripes to floral.
The Goods: Deena & Ozzy Foldover Boot, $68, available at Urban Outfitters; Warehouse Palm Print One Shoulder Dress, $113, available at Warehouse; Lowestoft Sunglasses, $89, available at Jack Wills; Living Proof No Frizz Styling Cream, $35, available at Sephora; Vanessa Bruno Hawaiian Print Shorts, $364.50, available at Matches.Oh Land
The Sound: There’s something about the music of Nanna Øland Fabricius, or Oh Land, that reminds us of a romp through the mythic and mysterious Danish forests. Driving beats harmonize perfectly with her rapturous voice, like a percussive-heavy Florence and The Machine. The Style: If you can ignore Oh Land’s model-like looks (if you can), you’ll see an imaginative, colorful world filled with capes, maxi dresses, and a couple beauty tips swiped from Twiggy. Of course, Oh Land learned from the best for her gorgeous stage style: Designer Christian Joy works with both her and our girl-crush Karen O
The Goods: Unique Printed Mesh Dress, $450, available at Topshop; Modekungen Space T-Shirt, $98.02, available at Modekungen; Modcloth Never Felt This Way Hat, $24.99, available at ModCloth; Nars The Multiple In South Beach, $39, available at Nars; Minimarket Space Shoe, $219.95, available at Solestruck.Ellie Goulding
The Sound: It will be nearly impossible to mention 2011 in music without talking about Ellie Goulding. The Brit It-Girl not only sweeped at the BRIT awards, but she’ll be at every summer festival you can name. Her upbeat sound and breathy voice is the soundtrack both to our workouts and our evenings at home.
The Style: Perfect for the warm weather, Ellie’s bright eyes and pale lips are anytime-appropriate. Girly, effortless, and classic, her girl-next-door vibe is always modernized with a bright print or her dreamy, flawless waves (can her hair be any more perfect?).
The Goods: Lover Coppelia Cotton Lace T-Shirt, $350, available at Net-a-Porter; Lancome Hypnose Waterproof Mascara, $24.50, available at Buy; Kyler By Joy O Coyote Pendant, $78, available at Kyler Designs; Topshop Cream Rose Dress, $75, available at Topshop; Madewell Striped Spring Polo, $59.50, available at Madewell; Beauty Is Life Lipstick, $28, available at Barneys.
If you’ve got an eye for style and got what it takes, you may want to enter this contest sponsored by GUESS.
From Amsterdam to LA, the new Global Street Chic feature on ELLE.com will capture the best street style looks from the most fashionable cities around the world. Together with GUESS, ELLE launches a casting call to find the “Global Street Chic Ambassador” who will travel around the world taking pictures of the best in street fashion from global style hotspots. A ‘Fan’s Favorite,’ the finalist who receives the most votes on GUESS’s Facebook page, will receive a wardrobe of GUESS product. To enter, simply upload a photo of your best Global Street Chic look from April 25th to May 25th onGUESS’s Facebook page. The two winners will be announced at the end of the summer, good luck!
I’ve heard every excuse in the book: “I’m too short,” “I feel like a kid,” “But how will I pee?” Quit complaining, because no matter what you call the onesie, jumper, or romper, it can look kind of amazing on most any body type. We love clothing that shortens our early-morning closet shuffle, and this one-step item incorporates the convenience of a dress with the practicality of a pair of shorts. I’ve selected a few stand-out rompers that are fitting for daytime escapades, special evenings, even the office. But before you step into one, scan my styling tips, which are sure to help you avoid any one-piece blunders.
A Little Cinch Goes A Long Way—Clothing that’s cut to fit your entire body can lose definition at the waist. Add a belt, or select a romper that includes a cinched waistline to enhance your natural curves.
Keep It PG (Or At Least PG-13)—Be sure to select a romper that covers your derrière (we recommend jumping around in the fitting-room to make sure!). The weather may be warm, but that’s not really an excuse for a full moon.
Prints, Prints, Prints—There’s no shortage of bold prints, and we encourage you to try them all! But, be selective. If you’re very petite, a large, loud, floor-length print may swallow you up. So, opt for a print and silhouette that’s a little more understated.
Work Those Gams—A romper, whether shorts, cropped, or full-leg, can make your gams look like they go on for miles. Play them up and avoid sandals with thick ankle straps that can segment your shape in an unflattering way.
Matilda Ruffle Romper, $19.98, availabe at G By Guess.American Rag Jumpsuit, $49, available at Macy's.3.1 Phillip Lim Tie Front Romper, $425, available at La Garconne.Forever21 Faded Checkers Romper, $16.90, available at Forever21.ASOS Pleated Open Back Jumpsuit, $107.58, available at ASOS.H&M White Jumpsuit, $24.75, available in-store at H&M.Akira Button-Front Romper, $36.78, available at Akira.Pins and Needles Voile Romper, $38, available at Urban Outfitters.Bess Daze Cutout Jumpsuit, $650, available at Net-A-Porter.Line & Dot V-Neckl Floral Romper, $60, available at Moxsie.Ali & Kris Axtec Women's Romper, $24.99 available ay Tillys.Dolce Vita Evie Romper, $108, available at Need Supply.Topshop Jumpsuit by Love, $72, available at Topshop.Suno Baggy V-Neck Onesie, $555, available at Opening Ceremony.H&M Loose-fit Jumpsuit, $25, available in-store at H&M.BCBGeneartion Ruffled-Flounce Romper, $88, available at BCBG.Rory Beca Leona Romper, $172, available at Shopbop.
Kanye West hasn’t been able to take off the NEW Nike Air Yeezy 2 !! I can’t wait until these are released. I am definitely going to try to get them in my size. SUPER FRESH!
AT THE CHRISTIAN DIOR FALL 2011 PRESENTATION: CHECK OUT HER SUNGLASSES=LOVE!!
Fan Bing Bing is a Chinese actress and singer who is blowing us away with her outfits these days. Featured on a few magazines covers, I am sure she’ll soon be gracing many more. Check out the pics and my personal fav look… 🙂
Barbecues—Loose and draped are the key components of a good barbecue dress. Keep it casual but cute, and make sure it leaves room for seconds! Forever 21 Smocked Paisley Dress, $22.80, available at Forever 21; Cynthia Rowley Confetti Flirt Dress, $365, available at Cynthia Rowley; Marc by Marc Jacobs Multistripe Silk Dress, $685, available at Stylebop; AllSaints Ikat Dress, $165, available at AllSaints.
Day Weddings—A little peacocking never hurts during the daytime. Channel your inner Draper with ’50s silhouettes and dainty prints. Topshop Pink Tulip Pattern Fifties Dress, $100, available at Topshop; Leifsdottir Blue Morpho Shift Dress, $348, available at Leifsdottir; Conscious Collection Brocade Dress, $49.53, available in-store at H&M.
Formal Weddings—It’s time to wear that show-it-off dress you’ve been dreaming about. Choose bright colors in light but luxe fabrics. Sachin + Babi Angelina Dress, $660, available at 25 Park; Dorothy Perkins Coral V-Back Dress, $82.58, available at Dorothy Perkins; Gestuz Tie Dye Maxi Dress, $448.25, available at ASOS.
Beach—Those too-sheer, too-short, and too-seductive dresses are your friends in this case. Look for dresses in crumple- and bleed-resistent materials Topshop Cream Crochet Swing Dress, $100, available at Topshop; Calypso St. Barth Bandana Print Dress, $165, available at Calypso St. Barth; Rag & Bone Stripe Beach Tank Dress, $175, available at Rag & Bone.
Brunch—You’re not going to be moving around much, so this is the time to wear a dainty dress in a sitting-pretty silhouette. Just don’t spill! Nydia Dress, $105, available at Urban Outfitters; Thread Social Cutout Cotton Strapless Dress, $650, available at Net-A-Porter; French Connection Bright Check Maxi Dress, $173.92, available at ASOS.
Outdoor Festivals—You’re going to be rocking out in the beating sun all day, so, extremely lightweight dresses in bright, colorful prints are our festival M.O. Check out our Coachella fashion story for more suggestions! Sass & Bide Simple Not Easy Silk Maxi, $685, available at Glassworks Studios; Seneca Rising Odyssey Cutout Dress, $140, available at Nasty Gal; Parker Ruffle Dress, $188, available at Barneys New York; Forever 21 Abstract Print Strapless Maxi dress, $22.80, available at Forever 21.
Photos of Crystal Renn styled by Lori Goldstein and lensed by Nathaniel Goldberg in a turban-tastic editorial called “A Call for Camp” in Vogue Japan’s June issue just surfaced on The Fashion Spot. Hopefully this makes the impending doom that is Monday a little easier to take. Click through to see the whole shoot.
BubblesPop 