Style Insights

Coat Insight: The Duffle Coat

Jerald — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 04:50:36 +0000

The Duffle Coat, also known as the Toggle Coat, is a great option for cold winter days and finally winter weather has hit NYC. It’s called a Duffle Coat because it was originally made from duffle, a thick, wool material. This coat was first worn by military personnel of the British Navy during World War I. It reached the masses in the 1950s as a military surplus item. Despite its rich history, my first encounter with the Duffle Coat was at a very young age when I saw it on the dapper Paddington Bear.

To this day, it is still a stylish choice because of its distinguishing feature, the toggles and loops in the front of the coat. The Duffle Coat is definitely a nice alternative to the ubiquitous peacoat you see around every fall and winter.

Outfit Details:
Jerald
Duffle Coat – TOPMAN
Flannel – Uniqlo
Pants – Banana Republic
Boots – Red Wing

Jeanna
Duffle Coat – H&M
Pants – American Apparel Denim Disco Pants
Boots – TOPSHOP
Bucket Bag – Alexander Wang Diego

Location: Prospect Park, Brooklyn

Eyewear Insight: Warby Parker

Jerald — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 05:20:03 +0000

Even if you have to wear glasses everyday, the right pair can definitely complement any outfit. I was blessed with poor eyesight and actually started wearing glasses in the 1st grade.

1st Grade Pic: Black Circle Frames, Button Up, Cardigan, and a Comb Over.

I’m very familiar with going to the optometrist and having to pick from the frames they have available. You can say that is now the old school way of getting a pair of glasses. I came across a fairly new player in the eyewear industry, Warby Parker. You won’t find this brand at your local optometrist. You can only purchase their glasses through their website. You’re probably thinking, “but I need to try these glasses on before I buy it.” Warby Parker has you covered. You can upload a picture of yourself onto their website for a virtual try on or take advantage of their Home Try On Program. The virtual try on is helpful, but it’s difficult to gauge the exact size of the frames. I really need to try glasses on to know how it fits my face.

Warby Parker Home Try On Program: It’s easy and free! Choose 5 frames, they send it, try on for 5 days, you send it back. Warby Parker pays the shipping both ways.

This is what you’ll receive.

What’s inside.

Squared Frames

Round Frames

The Fillmore in Tennessee Whiskey

It’s really tough to choose just one pair. Their frames have classic silhouettes, you really can’t go wrong. Warby Parker has simplified the process of buying glasses online and in general. They only have 2 prices points: $95 for one pair with prescription lenses and $125 for one pair with high index prescription lenses (thinner lenses for blind people like me). These are great prices in comparison to what I have paid for in the past even with insurance. With insurance, I would still have to pay $200-$300 out of pocket because of course, the frame I want costs more than what the insurance covers. Also, high index lenses and anti-glare are added charges buying from an optometrist.

Another reason to consider Warby Parker for your next pair of glasses is when you buy a pair, they give a pair to someone in need. So check them out, if you’re in the hunt of your next pair of glasses!

Cold Weather Insight: The Down Vest

Jerald — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 02:58:36 +0000

There are days when it’s not that cold for a heavy jacket and not that warm to ditch the jacket. On those certain days, consider the Down Vest. It is also referred to as the Puff(y) Vest, Bubble Vest, and the Goose Down. It’s a practical option for those active in cooler temperatures.

Ducks and geese have a layer of feathers, known as down, that help keep them warm. These feathers are the insulation in down vests and jackets. The first known down garment was created by outdoorsman, Eddie Bauer, in 1936. To combat cold weather, Eddie Bauer designed the “Skyliner” a down-insulated jacket. Shortly after the creation of the down jacket, the down vest was born. Down Vests first gained widespread popularity when worn by Winter Olympians in 1968. Down insulated garments were first worn by the military, then utilized in the sports arena, and now a staple in the fashion scene.

Eddie Bauer’s design of the first Down Insulated Jacket

Not only is the Down Vest a practical option in cold weather, it is also a fashionable option. You’re able to showcase your shirt, polo, button-up or hoodie. A vest will complete your outfit.

Some brands that have the Down Vest as a staple in their collections are: Eddie Bauer, The North Face, Polo, Patagonia, L.L. Bean, and Land’s End.

Outfit Details:

Down Vest: Banana Republic
Polo: Ralph Lauren
Corduroy Pants: H&M
Saddle Shoes: Cole Haan
Socks: Merona (Yes, from Target! We love Target!)
Newsboy Cap
Leather Messenger Bag

Location: Brooklyn, NY

Transitional Garment Insight: The Denim Jacket

StyleInsights — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 06:25:46 +0000

The end of September usually marks the beginning of Autumn, but we all know that California weather during this time of year is still up in the air. It can seem like one day, it’s cooling down and then the following day, it’s scorching outside. We have days in the Inland Empire where the daytime is just too hot to handle and nights where it gets pretty chilly. Though it’s not cold enough to break out your winter jackets, you still need some kind of outerwear to bring along with you on the nights that the unpredictable weather decides that it will be a cold night. For those nights, the denim jacket is your perfect outerwear companion; not too heavy and not too light.

The denim jacket is an iconic piece in American fashion. It’s been worn by bikers, hippies, punk rockers, and the Malboro man. What do they all have in common? They were all in some way characterized as the “rebels” of society. Putting on a denim jacket doesn’t make you a rebel. With knowing the history of who has been associated with denim jackets, you can’t escape that extra added attitude in you when you have one on.

In the 80s and 90s, people didn’t want to wear the same denim jacket as the next person. Those people customized their jackets with studs, pactches, and pins and made it their own. It has evolved to be a fashionable garment that can be found on high fashion runways.

On a day that felt like it was cooling down, we decided to walk around Victoria Gardens in our transitional piece while window shopping. In between checking out what the shops had in for fall, we wanted to show you how we outfitted our Denim Jackets.

Jeanna’s Outfit Details: Denim Moto Jacket by Uniqlo, High Waist Paper Bag Khakis by H&M, Rosette Corset by J.Faye, Metalfall Bracelet Ring Chain by J.Faye, Silver Metal Cuff Bracelet by Forever 21, Vintage Grey hat, Nerdy Status Wayfarer Frames by J.Faye, Why Stop shoes by Jeffrey Campbell

We love the versatility of the denim jacket. You can dress it up or down. Ladies, you can pair with a dress when you don’t want to feel too dressed up. Gentleman, when it gets cooler you can wear it with a cardigan or sweater underneath for added warmth and style.

Jerald’s Outfit Details: Standard Trucker Jacket by Levi’s, Shirt by 21Men, Tie by BDG, Pants by H&M, Boat Shoes by Sperry Top-Sider

The denim jacket is an iconic piece throughout fashion history. It has taken on many different silhouettes, fits, and designs, but always manages to stay a staple in the wardrobe. Here are some of our favorite celebs wearing their denim jackets.

Aggy Deyn rockin' her cropped denim jacket with a dress

Kanye circa "dating Amber Rose" rockin' his piece with a monochromatic palette

Everyone's favorite 2nd wife Chloe Sevigny rockin' her's with a military green dress

Mr. JT in William Rast denim

Etsy Insight: I.E. Style

Jeanna — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 15:57:15 +0000

As an Etsy shop owner myself of J. Faye:

I was excited to find other Inland Empire based artisans with Etsy shops as well. A couple days ago we reached out to our followers on Twitter and asked what were some of their favorite Etsy shops and we found these:

This first shop we found by way of her (Danielle Urena) twitter is called Your Guilty Pleasure based out of Alta Loma.

The shop features sweet accessories that look like you can eat them up! On her website outside of Etsy she mentions that she’ll be starting a clothing line to accompany the accessories which I can’t wait to see! My favorite featured item in the shop are the custom design nails. I’ve never seen anything like them and the designs are so cute. Here’s my favorite, inspired by Sesame Street’s Cookie Monster:

For more, visit YGP’s Etsy Site, Website, Blog and follow on twitter.

The second one was brought to our attention in an e-mail of a fan of our blog. The shop is run by a girl named Leilanie called Sistargirl:

The shop is full of redesigned doorknocker earrings with flamboyant prints as well as other jewelry. My favorite doorknocker earrings designed by her have to be these purple joints right here:

For more info visit her Etsy shop, website and follow her on twitter.

Saucie Insight: Interview with Saucie Garments

StyleInsights — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 07:16:05 +0000

We first caught wind of Yesenia of Saucie Garments via Twitter. We had to follow her because she’s a fashion designer from the I.E. She shared a few twitpics of her work and just recently dropped her first lookbook. Check out the full collection on her blog. We wanted to learn more about her and her brand, so we sent her a few questions. Knowing a little more about a designer, makes you understand and appreciate their work that much more. (all photos are from the Saucie Garments lookbook)

Tell us a little about yourself and how you got into fashion design.

“My name is Yesenia Martinez. I’m a 22 yr old Cuban. I was born in West Covina, CA, but was raised most of my life in the I.E. I have been living in Moreno Valley for the past 12 yrs. Although I don’t come from a place known for its fashion sense, I found my way to get my share in. Naturally I was always a little weird as a child. I would change into 8 outfits a day. At a young age, I was always into art. I started drawing at age 11, grew an obsession for Disney and took 3 yrs of animation. I started sewing when I was about 10, got my first baby (sewing machine) at 16 and started designing a few things for ppl at my H.S. At age 17, I was accepted to FIDM. I graduated in 2008 and majored in visual communication. Throughout my college experience and being back in L.A., I worked many fashion weeks and worked closely with the designer, Heatherette. I also worked for a style firm and was a visual for Forever 21 for a few yrs. After gaining a great foundation of experience from the industry, I decided it was my time to take that knowledge I had gained and create a line of my own.”

How did you did come up with the name, Saucie Garments?
“I always wanted to design a line that targeted every woman. With that said, I decided to design a brand that would only make every individuals’ style better. For example, the sauce doesn’t make the food it only makes it better. Since I believe that we are all born as a one of a kind spirit, I felt that the best way to support individuality is to design one of a kind pieces. Every woman has her own brain and heart, why shouldn’t she have her own garment?”

From your BrickToYaFace interview, you mentioned Jeremy Scott as one of your inspirations. Where else do you draw inspiration from?

“I am inspired by anything that is universal. I believe my brand has many faces, with that said, I feel that it naturally unites all types individuals.”

Saucie garments is your own venture. What’s your part with Queens of Success?

“Queens of Success is the line I design for COS. I am the creative designer for the line. I work one on one with our graphic designer for any graphics. I design every season’s themes and colors. I design the photoshoots and work with our buyer to pick fabrics and styles of cuts. I do any cut and sew samples and minor sewing work for the men’s line. My over all goal with this line is to express what success means to a woman.”

When you’re not designing, what do you find yourself doing?
“I am always designing (seriously lol) if its not physically, then its mentally. I even dream about it. If I’m not working on my line or QOS, I’m working on my next project with a different designer. I am currently working on my collaboration with honeybgold.com for their next lookbook.”

Where can we purchase your pieces and what can we expect from your brand in future collections?
“You can shop at sauciegarments.bigcartel.com first thing fall! I’ll have cut and sew pieces randomly added to remain consistent. I’ll have silk screen printed logo sweaters soon to support the collection. Following that, I’ll have a winter lookbook!”

Follow @SaucieGarments

Exclusive Insight: Interview with Ingenious Style

Jerald — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 04:53:15 +0000

Ingenious Style is a brand with roots in the I.E. We noticed their big moves with red carpet interviews and music video styling. We had to capture some insight on the brand before they move to New York. Best of luck in NY from us at Style Insights!

Tell us a little about yourself and why you created Ingenious Style?

“My name is Phylicia Dee, I am a Jr. at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and I am an Apparel Merchandise Management Major. I am also The CEO of Ingenious Style. I originally started Ingenious Style because I want to wear clothing that I actually liked. I would wear something just because of the color or the brand but it was never because I really liked the apparel; so I made my own.”

Phylicia Dee, CEO of Ingenious Style

Describe your target customer.

“Ingenious Style is no longer just a clothing line, we also do media, styling and image consulting so we target EVERYONE. As for our clothing line, the t-shirts and urban apparel is really targeted toward anyone who is fashionable.”

What sets your brand apart from all the streetwear labels out there?

“Our style is ingenious so our clothing line is nothing like any other streetwear line out. Our clothing is inspired by the urban lifestyle whether it is music, television, or even just something we see on the streets.”

Smoove from California Swag District in an Ingenious Style tee

Ingenious Style in the “Teach Me How to Dougie Remix” Video

What can we look forward to from your brand?

“Our brand is rapidly expanding. You can look forward to seeing more custom pieces and clothing that is unique and like nothing you’ve ever seen before. A portion of our line and some of our representatives including myself will be moving to the East Coast so you can look forward to seeing the clothing line and all of Ingenious Style on the East Coast. You can also look forward to seeing Ingenious Style Media on the Red Carpet of many events and interviewing some of your favorite celebrities.”

Yonathan, Ingenious Style Media Anchor, interviewing Twista

Where can we purchase your pieces?

“You can purchase anytime on our website at IngeniousStyle.com

Follow @Ingenious_Style

Hometown Insight: Trip Back to the Bay

StyleInsights — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:35:02 +0000

If you have read our “About Us” page, you know that we were both born and raised in the Bay Area. Jeanna was asked to sing at her friend’s wedding and that prompted the trip back home. We, of course, had to do some shopping and meet up with some friends.

First stop: Have lunch with two of our friends that work at Facebook. If you have seen pictures of the Facebook offices, you know that they are serious about work and equally serious about having fun.

Shopping time! Whenever we go home, we always set aside time to visit the shops on Haight St. Here you can find the most organized and curated vintage shops, streetwear at TRUE, and shoes at Shoe Biz. If you’re ever in San Francisco, be sure to go to Haight, it’s a one of a kind shopping experience.

One of our first stops was Shoe Biz. Shoe Biz has two locations on Haight Street: one that sells athletic shoes and another that sells more casual/formal shoes with a section dedicated to Adidas. The first one we visited was the location that sells athletic footwear. There, we discovered this shoe art below.

Shoe Monster

This is inside one of the vintage shops, Held Over. There’s a section called the Meat Locker.

Inside you will find vintage suits, sportcoats, hats, and vests – all organized by the decade in which that particular piece was in style. It’s definitely a little slice of heaven for the dapper gentleman.

The room still has the original meat hooks hanging from the ceiling.

Check out the wall of blazers and sportcoats...

Vests and Waistcoats...

Still inside Held Over…

Suspenders! Have you read our post about them?

Freshen up your formal wardrobe with some Ascots.

Walking further down the street we discovered this man on the historic street corner of Haight and Ashbury. We picked our subject, “fashion” and our price “$7″.

A man giving us his words of wisdom on fashion

The man at work.

The finished product

Further discovering the link to his myspace he left behind, we’ve come to find that his talent extends past words and translates into music also. He’s a musician and was actually born and raised in Southern California in Torrance. You should definitely check him out.

Day 2 of our trip brought us to the Marina on Union Street.

Walking to Union

SF Chillin'

Later that day we attended the wedding Jeanna sang at.

Dress: J. Faye designed and constructed, Accessories: Vintage, Shoes: Jessica Simpson Dany

Blazer and Slacks: H&M; Shirt: J. Crew; Pocket Square: Fendi; Tweed Tie: Burberry; Saddle Shoes: Cole Haan

That pretty much sums up our trip in the pictures we took.

Summer Insight: The Clog Comeback

Jeanna — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:17:32 +0000

I know we’re not the first to blog about the clog being the “it” shoe for the summer, but I thought it necessary to express how perfect the shoe is for summer. Clogs, like denim, were first worn by workers as a protective kind of footwear for working in factories, farms and mines in Europe as early as 1890.

1890 Clog Wearers (image via Wikipedia)

Countries like Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden were the first to wear these wooden shoes that had steel capped toes and steel on the sole to reinforce the shoe. Obviously, these aren’t the lightest shoe to wear and they make a lot of noise. Taking the noise factor into consideration, they were made into dancing shoes.

Dancing Clog Shoes (image via Wikipedia)

Clogs; Swedish Clogs to be more specific, make their first appearance into the fashion world in the 70′s and 80′s. Unlike their wearing predecessors, who wore clogs with socks, the clogs during this era were worn without socks.

Museum Quality 70s Clogs on Etsy from closetcaseVNTG

Today, clogs are worn with and without socks. Please don’t confuse rubber looking clogs like the dreaded Crocs for the “it” shoe this season. True clogs are made of a type of wood (or for you environmentally conscious fashionistas, wood-like material) and most have tacks that go along the silhouette of the middle part of the shoe to hold down the leather that encases the foot.

Clogs recently made a reappearance onto the catwalk during the Miu Miu, Jimmy Choo and Chanel Spring Summer 2010 Collections.

Chanel Clogs S/S '10 (via Style.com)

After seeing those clogs on the runway, I pretty much lusted over them. I loved the organic vintage 70s vibe that I got from how these clogs looked without them looking too “old”. Snapping back to reality, I woke up and remembered that I can’t afford $1,500+ shoes. I was elated when Jeffrey Campbell made their own wearable version of these shoes called the Charli. As soon as I found this out, I rushed to pre-order them. When I got them, it was the end of spring and they were perfect since it wasn’t quite “Pedicure Season” yet. I loved that they were an “easy on, easy off” shoe, making them perfect for summer. They’re pretty comfortable and I can walk around in them for a long time. Towards the end of the day though, my toes feel like they are getting squished, but that’s the price you pay to look cute in them. They’re perfect for you gals that are in-between pedicures.

Jeffrey Campbell Charli C Clog

Outfit details: Floppy Hat (Forever 21), Coco Chain Shades (J.Faye), Vintage Redesigned Bloomer Romper (J.Faye)

After having them in my possession now since the end of Spring, I’ve worn my clogs like crazy. Being even more obsessed with the silhouette of the clog, I love the different variations that Jeffrey Campbell makes. Splendid by Jeffrey Campbell was one of those must have shoes I blogged about. They are the most comfortable shoes I have in their series of clogs. The ones I have are suede so they stained my feet the first couple times I wore them but now that they’re worn in, they no longer do that. They have tons of cushion in them and my feet never hurt in them. A pedicure is necessary when wearing these ladies. You cannot hide any portion of your crusty toes in them so please, don’t try.

Jeffrey Campbell Splendid

Outfit details: Vintage Red Beret, Catty Shades (J. Faye), Frilly Ivory top (Forever 21), Gingham High Waist Shorts (J. Faye), Silver Cuff (Forever 21)

My most recent Jeffrey Campbell Clogs are these Snick Wedges; another platform shoe I featured in my blog post about Jeffrey Campbell. They’re perfect for you girls that want the best of both worlds; A Wedge and Clog. I did get these a size up since the size I usually am fit a little tight and there were no in between sizes. Compared to the clogs I already have by Jeffrey Campbell, they have a false sense of comfort. When you first wear them, they feel really comfortable as most wedges do. Throughout the day, they really do feel like you’re walking on wood. My feet were pretty beat by the end of the day. I’d wear these around if you don’t plan on walking too much, and just like the Splendid, a pedicure is necessary with these.

Jeffrey Campbell Snick

Outfit details: Tiered Skirt worn as a Top (H&M), Lucite Rose Elastic Belt (Forever 21), Panda & Tiger Rings (Forever 21), Floppy Hat (Forever 21), Satin Shorts (Express), Chain Gang Sunglasses in Blue and Silver (J.Faye)

In short, clogs are pretty much the shoe this season that will go with any of your summer outfits. Not only do they look cute, but the fact that they’re not the lightest shoe and are actually really heavy, they’ll tone your legs and keep them looking tight. You can throw that Shape Up sneaker shoe idea out the window as long as you wear your clogs this summer.

Upcoming Event: GLK Release Party

Jerald — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 06:08:54 +0000

This Friday, July 23rd, GLK (Glamorous Living Kids) will be throwing a party to release their latest collection. GLK is a brand based out of Victorville and they go by the slogan, “A better future designed for the world is painted by the artistic hands of tomorrow.”

Enjoy live music, a skate session, food & drinks, and much more! It has all the right ingredients for a great time! Follow @GLK_Company.