The Modern Materialist : Fashion

Sale Alert: Save Fashion

Shaun Seneviratne — Fri, 01 May 2009 13:26:00 GMT

There are a few words that come to mind when I think of Port Authority, the main bus terminal of Manhattan: sad, humid, commuters, piss tunnel, half price Au Bon Pain after 11 pm. I never thought that one of these words would be "fashion":

Save Fashion opens today and will remain open through the month of May. Save Fashion's goal is to revitalize the fashion industry, which has taken a serious beating because of the recession. The store will carry top indie designers including Band of Outsiders, Rachel Comey, Earnest Sewn, Gryson, and more.

The best part? SAMPLE SALE PRICES. For example, a "sharply tailored body-hugging houndstooth dress by Lyn Devon" is marked down from $1,400 to $130!

Also, every week the designers in stock will change!

If you don't take advantage of this at all, you might seriously be retarded.

UPDATE: Men's sale starts in mid-May. I was really upset when I got there this morning and was surrounded by dresses.

[Save Fashion]

[Via Refinery 29 Pipeline]

In the News: Lauren Conrad Goes Low-End

Steph Auteri — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:26:00 GMT

It appears Lauren Conrad's high-end fashion line hasn't been performing as well as she'd hoped. Which is why she's going low-end, collaborating with discount retailer Kohl's to create a line of California-inspired clothing that will retail for $20-$60.

The line will launch in October, and go by the name LC Lauren Conrad.

Just in case, she's at a loss for inspiration, I have a tip for her:

[WAS $225/NOW $134.99, Lauren Conrad]

Why not just slash the prices on her original line even further, and sell those at Kohl's? I mean, they were overpriced to begin with, right?

Vegan Sandals That Look Like Leather

Diana Vilibert — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 19:47:00 GMT

In honor of Earth Day on Wednesday, I wanted to share these lovely sandals--proving that "vegan" and "fashion" can come together in very chic ways. More about this vegan shoe, after the jump:

These chic spring Olsen Haus ‘David’ sandals look like leather but are actually made from 100% vegan, animal/cruelty-free faux patent leather. Olsen Haus produces only environmentally conscious and animal-friendly clothes and accessories, so if you're looking to green up your wardrobe, this is the place to do it.

[Olsen Haus via Trendhunter]

Branding? No. Cartoon hearts? Yes

Shaun Seneviratne — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:30:00 GMT

Is this some alternate dimension where brands have been replaced with beady-eyed hearts?! Nope. In fact, these cartoon hearts are branding in and of itself:

These heart stickers--available at Colette, Bed, Bath & Beyond, and Volkswagon dealerships--are Comme des Garcons marketing strategy for their PLAY line, a line of clothing bearing this cartoon heart.

Since I'm a total sucker for heart logos (I really wanted an Alkaline Trio tattoo in high school. Good thing I couldn't make decisions like that then), I love this line of clothes. Here are some favs:

[£71 - £74 (approx. $105 - $110), Dover Street Market]

[£195 (approx. $288), Dover Street Market]

[14,700 yen (approx. $149), Bobos]

[£56 - £58 (approx. $83 - $86), Dover Street Market]

Check out more of the fine collection at Dover Street Market.

[Via Refinery 29 Pipeline]

The Jacket Version of a Mullet

Diana Vilibert — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 21:46:00 GMT

This jacket is like a mullet in clothing form. Business in the front, and...

...crazy party in the back! Actually, I love the jacket, but the price ($312 AFTER being 50% off) truly is crazy.

[$312, YOOX]

Love It or Leave It: Mask Sunglasses

Shaun Seneviratne — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:01:00 GMT

Y'know, I must be the only comic nerd that still hasn't seen the Watchmen movie? I feel like it's too late now, and besides, my most trusted sources said it was awful. I wonder if designer Bernhard Willhelm was influenced at all by Nite Owl for these ridiculous ~~Bernhard Willhelm~~ Linda Farrow Sunglasses:

If you think this is bad, just wait till you see these:

Okay, so these two are somewhat socially acceptable. And by "somewhat" I mean "not at all" (unless you are a crimefighter).

And the most socially unacceptable award goes to. . .

Add a helmet and you've got the pink Power Ranger.

The worst part about these sunglasses? Some of the styles are already sold out. God help us all.

[$175, Seven New York]

[Via High Snobiety]

Let Them Wear Louboutin

Laureen Mahler — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 17:10:00 GMT

You guys already know how much I love Marie Antoinette, so when I heard that French designer Christian Louboutin created a new line of shoes dedicated to her, I had a predictably gleeful fashion freak-out. These beauties are collaborations with renowned embroiderer Jean-Francoise Lesage, and they are limited to 36 pairs per design.

Any guess as to what they cost? Close-ups, more designs, and pricetag after the jump.

[Christian Louboutin]

They are indeed gorgeous, and they've got the pricetag to prove it: a pair of these Marie Antoinette shoes will set you back about $6,300. I'm pretty sure all the shoes I've ever owned wouldn't collectively cost half that much.

[via Trendhunter]

Opening Ceremony at Unqilo Prices

Shaun Seneviratne — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 16:30:00 GMT

Dear Modern Materialists,

If you are reading this message, I am sorry. Opening Ceremony, the high-end boutique of fine clothing, has teamed up with Uniqlo, a reasonably priced big box fashion store with nicer clothes than H&M, to bring us a collection of super awesome clothes for ridiculously cheap (everything is under $80 when Opening Ceremony clothes usually start at $200). Why am I apologizing? Because these items were made available to the public this morning. . . and I'm sure all the good sizes will probably be gone by 5 p.m.

Right now I am on my lunch break making the mad dash from the Upper West Side to SoHo to pick up these beauties:

I understand if you're upset, I just hope you'll forgive me in time. I'm sorry.

XOXO,

Shaun

[Uniqlo]

[Via High Snobiety]

These Hoodies Blow [NSFWish]

Alex Zalben — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:02:00 GMT

I think you can figure out what's going on from the above picture. But in case not, Sander Reijgers, a 31 year old male designer and artist from Utrecht, designs wearable pieces of art out of blow up dolls. And here's a few more:

[Mama Anders Design]

[Via Fashionably Geek]

Related: One-of-a-Kind Sarah Palin Doll

Nixon Makes Watches From the Future Circa 1982

Shaun Seneviratne — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 19:46:00 GMT

Damn this watch is nice. Prepping for the Tron remake? Maybe. . .

More colors after the jump:

The best part of this Nixon Newton watch? It's totally affordable.

[$100, Nixon]

[Via Kanye UniverseCity]

Take a Bite Out of This Belt

Shaun Seneviratne — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 17:44:00 GMT

[photo via zigwamp's Flickr]

Hey, want to take a bite out of my belt? Well you can't, they've already got a set of teeth on them. . .

The "Chompers Teeth" belt from Original Fake isn't pearly white, but tar black (the belt must've been a smoker).

[35,800 yen (Approx. $360), DeepInsideInc]

[Via High Snobiety]

If Batman Were Into Fashion

Shaun Seneviratne — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:10:00 GMT

Like this, but fashionable:

This Jil Sander's Utility Belt has space for everything a 20-something superhero could need--flask, iPhone/BlackBerry, Altoid tin, condoms, etc. Though it's nicely designed, I can't see anyone seriously rocking this. Am I wrong about that? Anyone?

[Jil Sander]

[Via Selectism]

Year of the Shoe

Shaun Seneviratne — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 21:31:00 GMT

My Chinese Zodiac Horoscope for the Ox says:

Oxen believe in security, and thus don’t usually take wild risks or financial gambles. They are meticulous about spending money and work hard to ensure they will be able to retire comfortably.

That doesn't sound like me at all. The latest thing to tickle my fancy? These Chinese Zodiac themed Onitsuka Tigers by Asics:

Click for more sweet Asics:

So that orange one is the Year of the Rabbit, but I'm not sure what the next two are. . .Year of the Sheep?

I'mnot even going to guess this one.

Year of the Snake?

[Onitsuka Tiger]

[Via High Snobiety]

Fashion Origami

Diana Vilibert — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 20:57:00 GMT

Origami was a really big thing in my middle school when I was growing up. I never got into it, mostly because I didn't care about making various types of birds out of paper. Little did I know, I could make so much more. Like these heels, and this dress:

I think I'm ready for origami to make a comeback.

[$12, Fred Flare]

Related: Equations: Origami Pillow

In the Shadow of the New York Skyline (And Your Gut)

Shaun Seneviratne — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 17:47:00 GMT

It'd usually be insulting if someone said your waist reminded them of the vastness of the New York City skyline, unless you were wearing this Skyline Belt.

[$14, Beetnik Aesthetics]

[Via The Awesomer]

Literal Clothing Designs

Shaun Seneviratne — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:01:00 GMT

Smokers lung?

Wild night?

Designer Sancho Hemelsoen takes fashion design to near-literal heights:

Note to self: keep pooch on a short leash.

Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives.

[Via Fashionably Geek]

Knit Chain Necklace

Diana Vilibert — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 20:39:00 GMT

This is freakin' badass. And it gets better:

I want this girl on Project Runway, pronto.

[Yokoo]

Related: Equations: Get Your Kniit On

Love It or Leave It: The Naked Dress

Diana Vilibert — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 19:27:00 GMT

So I think I'm supposed to mock this and denounce it as a crime of fashion, but I must admit, I think it's kind of artsy and badass. And I'm loving that it's not a Playboy body, which makes it a little more wearable. Am I the only one? The backside view after the jump:

What do you think--love it or leave it?

[Cloud Outloud]

Hoodie + Thong

Diana Vilibert — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:57:00 GMT

Sometimes, two kinds of clothing come together as one, and it makes you question the sanity of the designers. Ugg Crocs have always held the #1 spot on that list for me, until today, when I discovered the Hoodie Thong. And yes, it's exactly what you think it is:

So many questions, so few answers that would satisfy.

[Hood Thong]

Wear With Caution

Shaun Seneviratne — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:01:00 GMT

[photo via]

Warning Tape Vans! Too cool not to post.

Oh yeah, whatever awesome Vans I find from now on will be included in a weekly dedicated post which I will call "Vans Wednesdays". Or something.

[Available at ABC Mart]

[Via High Snobiety]

Sink Your Teeth Into These Vans

Shaun Seneviratne — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 20:01:00 GMT

I'm not even going to try and resist posting about Vans anymore. These Watermelon Vans are both entirely ridiculous and utterly awesome:

You can sink your teeth into these sneaks in March.

[Via Hypebeast]

Playing Dress-Up With Your Man

Steph Auteri — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:55:00 GMT

[Photo via]

Aside from the winning combination of dark-wash jeans + blazer, male fashion is a mystery to me. In fact, I typically just buy my husband snarky T-shirts every Christmas.

Judging from the way he dresses on his own, male fashion is a mystery to (most) males as well. (My friends Dan and Matthew are exempt from this judgment, as they look perpetually like Ken dolls.)

Give a guy a hand:

[$13.45, Barnes & Noble]

I think I have to trust Esquire's judgment re: male fashion more than my own.

[Via MadeByGirl]

An Informal Affair

Shaun Seneviratne — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 21:06:00 GMT

[photo via]

The tuxedo t-shirt, quite possible the most recognizable novelty shirt of our time, has just been upgraded for blustery weather:

This Tuxedo Windbreaker from Billionaire Boys Club spring/summer 09 collection is perfect for that winter/spring formal (if your intention is to be entirely informal).

[¥55,440 (Approx. $610), Billionaire Boys Club]

[Via High Snobiety]

Canvassing For Paul Smith + "Contest" Reminder

Shaun Seneviratne — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 20:28:00 GMT

I enjoy my Vans a lot. . . so much so that I was blogging too much about them and told myself I would cut down. Alas, these aren't Vans--these are Paul Smith's canvas slip-ons.

Guess how much they are?

$204. For canvas shoes.

Yeah, I understand that they are Paul Smith, but they aren't even as nice as the Marc Jacobs Vans from three years ago (they were cheaper too--$85).

Anyways, if you'd like the opportunity to get awesome clothes from designers like Paul Smith at sick sample sale prices, please comment here for an invitation to Gilt Groupe (this is the "contest"). I will be sending the invites tomorrow afternoon, so hurry up!

[Via Hypebeast]

I Can See Your Ankles . . And Your Tendons

Shaun Seneviratne — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:03:00 GMT

Because you can't show enough skin. . .or muscle. . .or bone.

[Via NOTCOT.org via PICDIT]

Related: Smarter Socks

New Years Resolutions + "Contest": Handyman and Dapper Dan

Shaun Seneviratne — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 20:03:00 GMT

= New Years Resolution! (plus a "contest" for all Fashion Mavens)

One side of me wants to become more manly (that's where Ryan Gosling in The Notebook comes in). I want to grow a beard and build things--all sorts of things! Bird houses, walls, stairs AND staircases, bookcases. . .you name it, I'll build it! If I can build a bookcase for less than $30 as opposed to buying one for $200, why not?

But the other side of me wants to become more dapper, which sounds like a really stupid thing to attempt in an recession. I've budgeted my money so that I have enough for rent, student loans, savings, and splurging. I promised myself I would buy at least one nice thing a month. Whether that be a pair of Rachel Comey dress shoes or a David Hart & Co bowtie, some purchase must be made each month (I started the resolution early and bought a blue and white checked dress shirt from Club Monaco yesterday).

Anyways, here are some of the resources that will aid in my resolution:

Resolution 1) Handyman

Instructables

This website has user-submitted tutorials for almost anything you may want to make.

The Freecycle Network

A classifieds network for free things (without all the scams of Craigslist). You can join a Yahoo! group of the area you live in and give stuff away and pick things up. In one day I managed to get rid of speakers, a stereo, and a printer and pick up a filing cabinet. Now to pick up some old furniture to turn into handyman projects!

Curbly

Really great DIY crafts projects. From modular bookcases to hand-made scarves, Curbly has all sorts of practical crafts projects. I'm in the process of making those scarves now. Next will be the bookcase.

Resolution 2) Dapper Dan

Gilt Groupe

This website gets the most exclusive brands and offers them at deep discounts. From John Varvatos to Cynthia Rowley, men and women alike will be satisfied by the sales they offer. A new sale starts at noon from Monday through Thursday and lasts only three days, but if you want the good stuff you better act in the first half hour (I've missed out on sizes by waiting five minutes too long).

The catch? It's invite only. However, I will send an invitation to anyone that comments on this post. Just leave your e-mail address in the comments section and you'll be well on your way to high-fashion savings.

I will send invitations out until Jan. 5, so please comment before then.

ASOS.com

Really great UK shopping site. The prices, even when converted to dollars, aren't that bad. And shipping costs the same as it does in the UK, it just takes a few days longer. ASOS also makes its own line of clothing which can compete with the best at less than half the cost.

Oak

Super nice, super high fashion, super costly clothes. Oak's shoe selection is to die for. I can't believe I actually said that.

Oh yeah, Happy New Years to everyone!

For The Indecisive Hat Wearer

Shaun Seneviratne — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 19:03:00 GMT

Keep your head warm while coordinating with your outfit. These cotton flannel reversible two face hats from Shapel are perfect for the indecisive fashionisto.

[Shapel]

[Via Selectism]

Twin Peaks Sneaks

Alex Zalben — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 20:27:00 GMT

Like Twin Peaks? Then you'll love these sneakers:

They've got the blue owl, blueberry pie colors, "black as moonless winter night" coffe black suede, plus many more small features. They're not cheap, but then wrapping yourself in plastic and talking backwards in your own Twin Peaks sneakers is an experience you can't put a price on. Thanks to Jodi for the tip!

[$125, Caliroots]

Recap: Gifts for Hip Guys

Shaun Seneviratne — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 16:01:00 GMT

As much as I wanted to blog about every cool piece of clothing I came across, I had to resist for the sake of price constraints! Here is a recap of gifts you can buy that hip boy in your life for less than $100 (for the most part).

Gifts Under $25 for Hip Guys
Gifts Under $100 for Hip Guys

Gifts Under $25 for Hip Guys

Shaun Seneviratne — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:07:00 GMT

[photo via]

Shopping for the hip, fashion-forward dude can be pricey. Here are some gift ideas under $25:

Every Man Jack Holiday Shave and Body Kits

All natural "beauty" products for men. For $10 you can get a body kit with a travel shave kit or vice versa.

[$10, Every Man Jack]

[Via Valet.]

Topman Clean Fairisle Scarf

Tassles rule. Knicks fans can appreciate the colors too.

[$24, TOPMAN USA]

East West Messenger Bag

Okay, it's $5 more than I said it would be, but it's definitly one of the best messenger bags I've seen at this price.

[$30, Urban Outfitters]