Tag: fashion

Trends Tuesday: Pretty Peplums

Dana PhelpsBlog, Trends, , , , 3 Comments on Trends Tuesday: Pretty Peplums

Clairemont intern, Margot Horgan, gained major points with me on this Trends Tuesday post. She introduced me to a new word, peplum, and used the word flouncy. I love flouncy! And I suspect you trend watchers will love this post! –Dana

Spring is the quintessential season for ultra feminine fashion. Pastel colors, lace and classic silhouettes always dominate the trends, but this season a newcomer is on the scene and making a big statement in the most ladylike manner.

Fashionistas, meet the peplum, a short overskirt or ruffle attached at the waistline of a jacket, blouse or dress. This flouncy detail made its modern debut in the fall lines, but this spring is the pepulum’s real coming-out party into society.

This trend cinches in the waist and accentuates curves, giving the allusion that all of us ladies have already gotten back our summer beach bodies. It dominated the lines of fashion powerhouses like Alexander McQueen and Yves Saint Laurent and is available in a slue of ready to wear stores like J.Crew, Nordstrom and Anthropolgie.

We can’t wait to sport this perfect day-to-night spring trend in the office and around town. The peplum has already won us over with her simple flirty details, but what about you? Is she your new fashion must-have, too?

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Whaddaya Think About Color Blocking?

Josephine ButlerBlog, Fashion, Furniture PR, , , , 1 Comment on Whaddaya Think About Color Blocking?

This post originally appeared on Tips and Trends, the blog for Drexel Heritage (Clairemont client). In fashion, color blocking has taken the nation by storm, and we just can’t get enough of it! Whaddaya think?

Posted on 17. Jan, 2012 in Fashion and Design, Trendy Tips.

For those of you who read our previous post, Penchant for Pattern, you know that color blocking has been on our radar. Now we’re here to tell you that these big, bold blocks aren’t going anywhere! From the runway to your living room, these exciting color combos exude glamour.

We love this Eliza J dress from Nordstrom. The idea is simple, but the outcome is anything but. With the dramatic color and a few accessories, it’s all you need to have a runway-worthy look!

This trend is not just for garments. We, too, have caught the color blocking fever! Our Essie Bench looks fabulous with color-blocked upholstery. The eye-catching combination of colors spruces up any room and can be customized with your favorite Drexel Heritage fabrics.

How are you incorporating this timeless trend into your personal style and home décor? We’d love to hear about your winning combinations!

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Trends Tuesday: Put Your Blues Behind You

Josephine ButlerBlog, Trends, , , , , , 2 Comments on Trends Tuesday: Put Your Blues Behind You

For today’s Trends Tuesday, we’re hearing again from our resident fashionista, Ashely Hurteau!

Did you see this article in Real Simple? The editors are loving colorful denim, too!

Brightly colored jeans are the new trend that will leave you anything but blue. In the past year, designers have made a simple alteration to classic blue jeans that has transformed them from supporting roles to leading ladies.

From Target to Neiman Marcus, these ultra chic jeans are hot on the racks and can be found at any price point. For those of you who want to be conservative with your wallet, check out these sunny yellow jeans from Forever 21 for just $15. A splurge, but well worth it, is this pair of Joe’s Jeans in tangerine. As I mentioned last week, Pantone named Tangerine Tango the 2012 Color of the Year. Whether you’re pairing them with a simple blouse for work or a barely-there tank for night, these sultry yet sophisticated pants demand attention.

Worried that bright hues are only for spring? Fret not because vibrant jeans can be worn 24/7, 365. Personally, I like to spice up the drab of winter by pairing my electric blue jeans with layered grey tops and sweaters. I am bundled but bold, and exude fashionista wherever I go. In the spring and summer, combine them with a great sandal, sheer top and bronzed tan for a fresh and luminous look.

Be blue no more, these effervescent jeans are here to stay. I’ve told you how I like mine; now share how you wear your ROYGBIV jeans!

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Trends Tuesday: Leather Weather

Dana PhelpsBlog, Trends, , , , , ,

Want to know the latest trends? Tune in on Trends Tuesday!

Leather is the word of the day, as we conclude a series of posts inspired by the InStyle article 5 Ways to Wake Up Your Work Wardrobe. And here is InStyle’s advice for workplace wear: Incorporate Leather — Make skins safe for the office by choosing unexpectedly feminine shapes, darker tones (bright shades might be too kooky), and refined textures. Even a single piece of leather jewelry will inject edge. 

Leather bangles available at Bloomingdale's.

Of the 5 trends InStyle wrote about, as a business owner, I have the hardest time seeing this one as office friendly. I’m not saying it can’t be done, I would just say to proceed with caution. The safe way to go is with accessories… leather shoes, handbags andbelts are a given. Think about how to expand your leather accessories by changing from a gold or silver watch band to an updated leather one or, as InStyle suggests, try leather jewelry which can look quite sophisticated. I like this House of Harlow leather drop necklace and crystal and leather bangle bracelets.

In home decor, leather seems to be making a comeback. As we blogged about a few months ago for our client, Drexel Heritage, leather in bold greens and mustards are hot in decor. See Traditional Home‘s leather faves in our post called Fashion Forward.

Am I being narrow-minded about the office attire? What do you think? Leather pants for a client meeting? How about a fitted leather jacket for a client event? Workplace fashionistas, let’s hear what you have to say!

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Whaddaya Think, Nancy Webster?

Dana PhelpsBlog, Fashion, , , 1 Comment on Whaddaya Think, Nancy Webster?

Whaddaya Think Wednesday is a regular Q&A feature on the Clairemont blog. We ask people “whaddaya think?” on a variety of topics. This week, we share thoughts from fashion industry leader, Nancy Webster.

Q: Nancy, I know that you really have two roles right now – leading your own company and working with North Carolina State University. Can you tell us a bit about each?

I joined NCSU College of Textiles as practicum professor this fall to co-teach the new Fashion and Textile Design program (FTD 104) which is a studio class that focuses upon the fundamentals of design including color, pattern and form.  We have 30 students in our inaugural class who will obtain a BS in Fashion and Textile Design upon graduation.  Here I am able to teach, guide and mentor the students with industry experience which incorporates the real world application of design and how the design discipline is incorporated into business decisions as well as business success.  In our global society, we all know that creativity and innovation are the differentiators of successful companies.  It’s all about who is quick to ideate and then market their creations.

The clients and projects of my consulting company, Nancy Webster LLC, allow me to remain active in the retail and manufacturing environments in design leadership.  I work closely with retailers such as Macy’s and Pier 1 recommending color palettes and design direction for their indoor and outdoor home collections.  International travel to trade shows such as Heimtextil and Maison et Objet provides a plethora of ideas and inspiration allowing a constant flow of new approaches to these product categories.  Much time is spent in consumer research, analyzing and understanding the present business climate of each retailer in order to customize their assortments to deliver profitability goals and margins.  Thus, my role integrates design, merchandising, marketing, global supply chain and management – an all-encompassing perspective which results from 33+ years of corporate experience and exposure.

Continual involvement with industry and retail allows my contribution to academia to be current and relevant based upon industry and retail needs.  My goal is to mentor and prepare design students for the demands and expectations of their potential employers.  They should be prepared to contribute immediately upon securing their first career position.

Q: As an NCSU College of Textiles alum and former executive with widely popular and recognizable brands (including Target and Thomasville), what’s it like to return campus and work with the next generation of leaders in the fashion industry?

Exhilarating!  I love working with the students and observing their progress as creators.  Some are great at color, others have an innate ability for two dimensional design while others quickly master the art of three dimensional form.  In each case, my challenge is to meet the student on their level, evaluate their strengths as well as their opportunities and then with positive support, guide their maturation in the creative discipline through exposure and experiential activities.

In the corporate world, creativity reigns supreme.  Throughout my career, I have contributed to the development of many products and brands…now, I have the opportunity to assist with the development of creative talent which will likewise impact many products and many brands!

Q: You are leading the charge to bring a world-class fashion event to Raleigh in April. What is that about and why is NCSU an appropriate host for the event?

Fashion Week 2012, scheduled for April 11 – 13, promises to exalt creativity and innovation with a global perspective unlike anything NCSU has ever sponsored.  The three day show will educate and showcase professional and student innovation through fashion shows with global participation from Donghua University, Hong Kong Polytecnic University, London College of Fashion and the Fashion Institute of Technology, educational forums focused upon innovation and creativity, exhibitions featuring students design work in wovens, knits, prints and non-wovens and a marketplace of artistic professional talent.  This week is not to be missed as many high profile professionals will be in attendance – company presidents, well-renowned fashion and home designers, international academic leaders and government officials.

NCSU is the perfect host for this Fashion Week event with Raleigh recognized for innovation and creativity leadership as well as our proximity to the Research Triangle Park.  The College of Textiles is also the perfect College to champion this endeavor due to their strong leadership role in blending the art and science disciplines and our close industry ties in the areas of fashion and textile expertise.

 

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