Wisconsin Fashion Week: A Recap Continued ...

Streetwear & Emerging Designers Runway Show
This event was held at 345 West Washington, in between the under-construction Hyatt Place and the Capitol West condos. The venue was supposed to convey "urban"--and I think it was a unique place to show off young and/or emerging designers. Designers included UW–Madison's Textile and Apparel Student Associated (TASA), Internal Construction, N.E.W.D. Clothing and Sconnie Nation. If you click on the slideshow you can see what was shown.

My favorite collection was Internal Construction, the line designed by Becky Heller and Jessica Neumann. Pieces were fun and sassy rompers, perfect for a day-to-night look. And that's exactly what the two were going for--pieces that could be worn while biking to work or school but are still dressy enough to wear out at night. I liked the gray/black romper shown last in the show--unfortunately my photo is not great of that piece, but I assure you, it was cute!

One of the strengths of their collection was the total look--Heller and Neumann clearly paid close attention to detail. Each model sported colorful eye shades or stripes of bright, colorful makeup along with leggings in colors like fuschia, sheer black, silver and yellow. In sum, their collection looked pulled-together and fresh, unlike anything I've ever seen.

Some of the TASA students showed some strong looks as well--the fanciful Carrie Bradshaw-esque tutu dress was cute, along with the more conceptual black and white dress with structured skirt and the yellow/white dress whose skirt looked like it was composed of curled ribbons (see slideshow).

Sconnie Nation surprised me with their fresh, breezy collection of T-shirts, sweatshirts, long-sleeve Ts and underwear. Models wore retro-look plastic sunglasses and walked in pairs of guys and gals (I only have one photo of Sconnie Nation in the slideshow).

Other collections had hits and misses--I recall at least one dress that was cut so high it showed, um, the model's behind—which isn't the most flattering look! :) Tim Gunn would have certainly reprimanded said designer for allowing a model to go down the runway showing her goodies off!

Overall the event was fun and represented the look that executive producer Kristi Moe was no doubt going for--fun, youthful and cutting-edge. I think that more work could be done in pulling together an even more cohesive event--the collections (to me) didn't so much say "streetwear" as they did "new emerging talent," so perhaps if this event is held next year the event could showcase strictly streetwear or just the emerging talent.

NEW! Madison Mannequin: Finely Dressed Friendship

Guest blogger Alexandra Graves is an intern here at Madison Magazine and my eye on the streets for all things chic, eccentric or otherwise inspirational. So check back weekly for the latest “Madison Mannequin,” posted every Tuesday from now on. Lex will be conducting all interviews and providing commentary for this special weekly segment.

I caught up with this chic duo as they paid for smoothies from a sidewalk cart. In the late morning heat, the light summer pieces that outfitted Amy Chinanzvavana, 26, and Amrita Batra, 26, were like smoothies for the fashionable eye—airy, refreshing and tasteful.

Chinanzvavana (above) and Batra (below) met at Grinnell College in Iowa but parted ways geographically after—Batra now lives and works in Madison at an environmental NGO, while Amy struck out to Washington, D.C., where she works as a program assistant at the Open Society Institute.

Although they live a thousand miles apart, Chinanzvavana and Batra looked almost as though they had coordinated—big, bright bags, eye-catching jewelry and breezy ensembles. Surprisingly, the two have differing fashion sensibilities.

“I like to buy standout pieces,” says Batra, who listed Sarah Jessica Parker and Anne Hathaway as her modern fashion icons. “I wouldn’t be happy wearing a cardigan and jeans.”

“I don’t think I have a style,” says Chinanzvavana, who claimed she wasn’t fashionable enough to have a fashion icon. “I pick for fit.”

“You have a style—you have dreadlocks, that’s stylish!” Batra protests. I’d have to side with Batra on this one—Chinanzvavana’s lovely sundress doesn’t shout utilitarian, and while that bag may be useful, it’s certainly got style.

For her part, Batra’s quest to stand out from the crowd knows no boundaries—one of her favorite new designers, James Ferreira, operates out of Bombay, where he makes seamless pieces that Batra loves. Her blue-and-white striped shirt was a new Anthropologie purchase and she got the Marc Jacobs arm candy as a birthday gift.

Chinanzvavana’s bag was also a birthday gift and her bracelet was a gift from Batra. These two may have different approaches, but their looks are as strong as their friendship.

New! Madison Mannequin: Global Green

Guest blogger Alexandra Graves is an intern here at Madison Magazine and my eye on the streets for all things chic, eccentric or otherwise inspirational. So check back weekly for the latest “Madison Mannequin,” posted every Tuesday from now on. Lex will be conducting all interviews and providing commentary for this special weekly segment.

I spotted Emily Larsen at the Farmers’ Market on May 2, just as a week of rainy chill gave way to a brilliant spring day. Everything was coming up green, including Emily’s ensemble, assembled with pieces from around the world.

Emily imported her springy green Boden trench from the U.K. Underneath, she wore a Zara blouse from a shop in Miami and finished her weekend look with a bag she picked up in Italy.

“Even though it’s a winter bag, I’m workin’ it in the summertime,” says Larsen, 28, who visited Madison to see Elvis Perkins in concert at Memorial Union. A communications manager at M&I Bank in Milwaukee, Emily loves dressing for the weekend when she can “wear flats and be casual but still sophisticated.”

Emily may technically be a Milwaukee Mannequin, but I’d steal her put-together style for myself any weekend.

— Alexandra Graves

Chic Coifs

Last night I attended the fanciful Hair Affair show put on by the Art League of MMoCA. As I blogged about earlier this week, organizer Elizabeth Tucker says this event is a first for the museum. I sure hope it’s not the last. Everyone thoroughly seemed to enjoy themselves and dressed fab! I saw a silver dress with blouson sleeves over leggings and uber-trendy heels on one woman; a hot-pink strapless short cocktail dress with a flared skirt on another and a Jessica Catherine design on Natasha Vora (see picture!)

More importantly this event signifies that there are people in this city willing to put on an edgy, fun, FASHIONABLE event! An event that raises funds for the museum and is more than the standard cocktail party—it’s a (trendy) feast for the eyes!

The looks were part fantasy—but part reality: many of the looks rocked trends we’re seeing for spring: tribal/nature inspired looks, rock-n-roll edginess, metallics and touches of retro glamour were all woven in.

The models looked so different that I didn’t even recognize someone I knew—Lissa Koop, who gracefully modeled the nature-inspired look designed by Rachael Drechsel of Elements (photo, left). Nice job, Lissa!

Photos, top to bottom:
"Spring Fantasies" by William Jon Salon. Hair: Jekaterina Agapanova; Fashion: Egita Pearson; Model: Ashley Nelson.

"TexturEvolution" by Hair. Design team: Julia McConahay, Zach Zaricor; Model: Cat Ross.

"The Fix" by B.fix Salon. Hair: Adrian Borseth; Makeup: Shiva Borseth; Jenna Kundert; Fashion: Meg Koglin, Kyra Lawrow-Svedvik; Model: Kyra Lawrow-Svedvik.

"Earth and Air" by Elements. Designer: Rachael Dreschsel. Model: Lissa Koop.

"Migoto" by Aniu Salon Spa Yoga. Design team: Bentley Kreier, Melissa DeNure, Kim Martens; Makeup: Kendall Frisbee.

"'On' Wisconsin" by Ultimate Spa Salon. Design team: Mitchel Levey, Donald Fredrickson, Ericka Stellflue; Model: Carisa Meyer.

"Rockabilly Mama" by Cha Cha Beauty & Barber. Hair, Makeup and Fashion: Alice Ezrow, Sigrid Fanalé, John Bass, Gen Smith; Model: Marilynn Johnson.

"Post-Apocalyptic Warrior Princess" by Deonne Salon & Day Spa. Designer: Jenny Polito; Model: Jessica Fanone.

These gals were awesome, left to right: Kym, Mesa, Jenn Schultz, Angie Riker-O'Sheridan and Karen Wenning went all out.

I loved these table centerpieces—Barbasol comb jars with goldfish! The jars are very retro-chic, and reminds me of my grandpa's barber shop, where they have these!

Mad Mag unite: Tiffany Thom, our marketing director, dons a purple wig in her own photo. Myself, Katie Vaughn and Tiff also posed. I tried to fit in at the event with my feather headband, but it's pretty hard to see in the photo!

Ladies in red: Natasha Vora (wearing Jessica Catherine) and friend Sarah matched in red.

Read Kative Vaughn's blog, Liberal Arts, for her take on the event!

One Look, 10+ Ways

I love wearing things different ways: a cotton dress with gladiators for day and with heels and cardi for night; skinny jeans with boots and sweater and with heels and a tunic for night; and a blazer with a cotton tank for day and slinkier silk top and necklace for night.

Clearly, I like to make my dollar stretch. That’s why I love bop’s “Our Ultimate Closet (spring edition)" slide show. It’s not a new idea: taking fashion essentials (pencil skirt, belt, heels, button up shirt, whatever) and mixing and matching the pieces for different looks. But what bop does is showcase the pieces you need for THIS season—cutout platforms, scarf, fringed mini and jersey minidress—and pairs them all up in polished, fabulous looks. I’ve found that it’s worth it to spend extra money on those items that you’ll wear season to season and mix it up with less expensive items that are trendier.

I also think the cute Alexander Wang jersey minidress might be the least expensive item I’ve seen by the designer: a mere $85.

Shop the Closet:
http://www.shopbop.com/ci/features/fashion/ultimatecloset/ultimatecloset_0.html

Lucky Liz: Isaac Mizrahi Makes Over the Iconic Brand

Isaac Mizrahi Reinvents Liz Claiborne - The New York Post by style observer on Polyvore.com

(I posted the above for the photos so you can see Mizrahi's looks for Liz Claiborne!)
I don’t think I’ve ever bought any of Isaac Mizrahi’s line for Target before—his first foray into clothing at a lower price point for a mass merchandiser. I do think I would buy Isaac Mizrahi’s line for Liz Claiborne, though. Once again Mizrahi shines in the classic sportswear genre. He masterfully combines a number of eras in his looks—fifties Americana, sixties mod, eighties silhouettes—and combines them wonderfully for today. Bright, cheerful colors, sleek metallic accessories, mixing and matching, and tailored fits provide the necessary updates to his looks to prevent anything from looking too old-timey.

Mizrahi incorporates the true staples of a woman’s wardrobe in his first collection for Claiborne: a classic belted cardigan, fluid wide-leg pants, a tailored safari shirtdress, a sweet strapless party frock, a bateau-neck dress, sharp blazers, Bermuda shorts, a tie-neck blouse, a classic mackintosh coat and a satchel or two thrown in.

His cheeky "Colormath" philosophy on the website shows goof-proof ways to wear some of his looks—whether you mix one gingham piece with a neutral outfit or do the full-out shebang—head-to-toe gingham outfit with brightly colored accessories to boot.

Of course, his looks for Liz Claiborne run the more conservative route, and that’s OK. After all, Claiborne’s customers probably aren’t looking for cutting-edge harem pants or ripped white boyfriend jeans.

I speak with a (tiny) bit of authority on Liz Claiborne as I used to sell that line when I worked at Marshall Field’s (now Macy’s). Claiborne’s looks were always strong; dependable. Year-round you could find the pleated khakis in navy, khaki and white, the T-shirts were always stacked neatly on a fixture near the aisle and you’d always know to look for the non-wrinkle dress shirts (which changed colors with the seasons, of course). I cannot say that I ever contemplated purchasing any of Liz Claiborne’s clothing—as a college student her pieces just seemed way too old. Blouses and dresses were typically boxy and pleated khakis?! For shame.

But I like Mizrahi’s fresh perspective for Claiborne. Sure, it’s a little on the safe side—a gingham cardigan, high-heel loafers and a floral shirtdress are, admittedly, looks we’ve seen before. But I’ve often read (and seen) that when the economy goes awry, we turn toward “safer,” classic looks. Looks we can wear a long time. Hey, not having to buy clothing for a while always helps … well, not buying clothes for a while in an ideal world, right? ;)

Liz Claiborne is available at Boston Store, 215 West Towne Mall (I checked!). 833-9799.

lizclaiborne.com

My Spring Wish List (Part One)

… Because you never know if there'll be a spring wish list part two! Anyway, I’m getting bored of winter. You hear me, winter?! Go away! OK, so since that’s not going to happen I’m just going to sit and dream about my wish list for this spring and summer. The fashion websites I frequent (Who What Wear Daily, shopbop.com, InStyle, et cetera) have been reporting incessantly on Fall/Winter 2009 Fashion Week as well as rehashing Spring/Summer 2009 Fashion Week … and they’re making me antsy for new looks.

A maxidress
While I of course tout local, I still do shop at Target (hey, they’re still based in the Midwest, in Minneapolis!). I recently spotted some great maxidresses in beautiful, saturated hues of emerald and purple. I covet the purple one (especially because of the ruffle detail on the bustline!) and it’ll be perfect as my swimsuit cover-up. I’m hoping though, that I can wear it off the beach, too.

Pyramid-stud sandals
Part of the rocker trend, the ones I’m getting are bit more subdued—simple pyramid studs set on a crisp white flip flop. Of course that doesn’t mean I might not pick up some other items with some studs on them too … like a fab gladiator sandal or cute clutch. We’ll see.

Dressy denim
Perfect for spring and summer nights, I’d like to find a great trouser jean that’s a bit skinnier in the leg (in other words, nothing wide-leg) and looong (I’m tall) that I can pair with a cute top and blazer for spring into summer.

A ruffled piece
Hmmm, I already have this one covered—I have quite a few tops in my wardrobe with ruffles! I want more, though! A favorite detail of mine, I’m glad that ruffled items are in for spring. I’ve already picked up two affordable tanks with ruffle detail on the shoulder and plan on prowling for more when I see ’em. Ideally, I’d like to find a dressier sleeveless or short-sleeve blouse.

A tough handbag
It’s a rare instance where you would spot me with a black or brown handbag. I crave color, you see. My current handbag is fuschia. The one before that? A lovely shade of peacock blue. I’ve spotted a few handbags out and about that have made me crave a new one already.
Atticus carries an adorable fuschia clutch by Matt & Natt that’s on sale that I’d like to pick up. It would be PERFECT with most any outfit. For reals. It’s got a sort of rocker-ish look to it, with zippers and a fold-over front.
At Dazzle the other day I spotted a hot snakeskin-print pocketbook-style handbag. It’s got that perfect cocktail of ladylike chic (the pocketbook styling) mixed with rugged rocker (well, snakeskin, of course). I like the print most of all, which is hot, hot, hot for this spring.

A sexy tee
I have long aspired to be one of those model-types who look effortlessly hot in a T-shirt, jeans and cute heels. Since I don’t fancy myself a model anytime soon and I tend toward “dressier” fare in my wardrobe, I need to branch out! No more T-shirts just for working out! Bring on the T-shirts! Well, the fitted T-shirts, that is. I’ve always liked the screen-printed tees from Urban Outfitters. They’re soft, worn-in and sexy and have a nice V-neck. They come in a range of prints and they’re pretty affordable, at $24–$28 a pop.

A hot, heeled sandal
I was at Famous Footwear the other night and they had a really cute fringed sandal that fitted in cozily with all of the fringe stuff that’s en vogue for spring. I also covet chunky gladiator heeled sandal but we’ll see if that happens …