Lana

The Black Friday Conundrum

The Black Friday Conundrum

I often feel like somewhat of a hypocrite…my love for denim and finding the perfect deals and classic pieces for my wardrobe often butts heads with my strong beliefs in supporting local shops, being thankful for what you have, and cutting down on mindless spending and consumption. I’m always kind of battling it myself…but as I get older I see the value in owning less, in enjoying what you have, and just living a more simple and conscious lifestyle. This is one of the reasons why my writing direction has leaned towards independent designers and eco-friendly, ethical fashion along with denim, and thankfully the two have been holding hands more than ever and squeezing tighter and tighter with each passing year. Of course, when a great sale comes around, I can’t help but look, especially to find some new pieces to freshen up my product reviews or outfit posts. I’m more of an online shopper though, and sometimes find myself swimming in anxiety in brick & mortar stores. At least online, you get an easier chance to put an item aside and really think about it for awhile to avoid impulse purchases. In the store, it’s a lot easier to feel silly wandering around while deciding if a piece is really worth a purchase or returning to the store multiple times to check it out. But the other deal is the retail workers…I actually did work at an e-commerce company once, so I also know that behind the scenes can be super stressful too, especially during the holidays. So, when Black Friday and some of the best deals of the year comes around, I’m at an impasse. I actually thought about not posting about sales today, and instead making a post about being thankful and all of that good stuff. But I figured why not make a blend, as I don’t want to completely avoid supporting the brands I love, especially not those who I’ve seen making considerable strides towards more ethical manufacturing processes lately.

This will be my last post of the week and I’ll resume Monday (hmm, maybe even Wednesday), so I can enjoy family time and not feel too involved in this whole consumerism thing. For now though, for those (like me) who like the guilty pleasure of a little holiday deal shopping, here are some of my favorite brands and their current sales which extend through Black Friday. These will be continuing throughout the week unless they switch anything up, so they should be good until good ol’ Cyber Monday. Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!

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Lana

BLANKNYC Matches for Women and Kids

BLANKNYC Matches for Women and Kids

I had it in mind to post about this awhile ago once I discovered how uniquely cute this is…but I just got another newsletter from BLANKNYC regarding new matching styles for women’s and kid’s, so I figured it would be a great post to start out the Thanksgiving week with, when families everywhere will be reuniting to spend some quality time together. BLANKNYC seriously grows on me more and more as I find myself wanting pretty much the entire store every time I revisit it. Just about everything you could possibly want (or so it seems at least) when it comes to denim, jackets and shirts is available in a multitude of styles and washes, and even tons of styles you didn’t know you wanted. There are so many classic, tongue-in-cheek fun and edgy styles at really good prices for a premium brand. Many denim brands have kids lines obviously, so that’s not new…but BLANKNYC seems to make it a point to overlap many of the women’s and kid’s styles for a street-style worthy way to prepare your little ones for style stardom. Or at least, just to dress like them if you wish. I’ve never really seen a kid walking around in black leather-like leggings but, why not? I would totally dress the part with my future little one to add a little spunk and fun into family gatherings or just for some “omg where did you get that?!” street looks. There are a ton of matches for women’s and kids in the brand’s denim, outerwear and shirt collections, so check out all the ones I could find below and shop in the links within the captions!

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Lana

Marc by Marc Jacobs x Disney at Shopbop

Marc by Marc Jacobs x Disney at Shopbop

Image: Shopbop

Marc by Marc Jacobs x Disney at Shopbop

I love collaborations…whether it’s in the music or fashion industry, it’s always awesome to see your favorite brands or companies come together for double the awesomeness. With all the disappointing and depressing things happening in the world today I always find it nice to see the whimsical things that made up our innocent childhoods pop up and applied to adulthood to bring out the inner spark that really never grows up. Marc Jacobs is obviously a household name and just about any fashionable lady has the brand on her radar and often craves a piece every now and then…and who didn’t love Disney growing up? Or at LEAST Alice in Wonderland…this story never dies. I was all excited yesterday morning to see this collaboration present itself to me via a Shopbop newsletter, and I have to say I’m in love! This collection includes several accessory pieces, such as iPhone cases, wallets, bags, jewelry, and even a scarf, as well as a few tees and outerwear pieces. It already looks like the pieces are going fast, and I’m not surprised. This Marc by Marc Jacobs x Disney collection is freaking adorable! The backpack is definitely my favorite and even after it sells out I’m sure I’ll be scouring eBay (as usual) for it. The two Garden Flower coin purses are my second close favorites! Check out the images from the beautifully-photographed lookbook below, and my little roundup of favorites after that!

Marc by Marc Jacobs x Disney at Shopbop - Lookbook image 2

Image: Shopbop

Marc by Marc Jacobs x Disney at Shopbop - Lookbook image 3

Image: Shopbop

Marc by Marc Jacobs x Disney at Shopbop - Lookbook image 4

Image: Shopbop

My favorites from the collection:

View the Marc by Marc Jacobs x Disney collection lookbook at Shopbop here, or get right to shopping here or via the widget below!

Lana

Joe’s Fahrenheit Returns in Time for Winter

Joe's Fahrenheit Returns in Time for Winter

Image: Joe’s

Joe’s Fahrenheit Returns in Time for Winter

Jeans are definitely a given in the wintertime, as a fabric that is generally warmer than most…but last year I was thoroughly impressed with Joe’s Jeans (yet one more time) on their introduction of the Fahrenheit Collection, which is made up of jeans that are engineered to keep you warmer. Right as California FINALLY cooled off quite a bit (seriously it was as if a switch was hit right as the time changed), I pulled out my Joe’s Fahrenheit Curvy Skinny in Retta that I reviewed last year (see post here) and wore them for just about a week straight. After their Cool Off collection was launched this summer, I figured it was safe to assume that Fahrenheit was a success. They must have been, because now I’m happy to see that the brand has brought them back this year just in time for winter! This time, we have the Riding Jacket, the Honey and Vixen skinnies, along with the Cigarette and Icon fits. I am familiar with the Vixen skinny after reviewing it this summer (see that here), and I am really happy to see them include the Honey Skinny this time around as well, since it is a curvy fit, just like the one I reviewed last year! I’d say Joe’s did a great job at keeping this collection well rounded for different body types, although I tend to find Joe’s fits all bodies pretty well.

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Lana

The Quietly Ubiquitous Jumpsuit

The Quietly Ubiquitous Jumpsuit

Some styles tend to never truly disappear, even if you think they have…I would say the jumpsuit is one of them! It’s almost up there with overalls. It seems if you pay attention to the fashion world (and bloggers especially), jumpsuits are always there, and always hold a decently popular place, even though they may not be seen around as often as skinny jeans or Uggs. It’s one of those styles that always keeps tapping me on the shoulder, tempting me to give it a try, because, well, don’t they look comfortable? Who doesn’t want a simple, effortless way to get ready in the morning or before a long trip? However, for some reason, there’s still that hesitation, even though fashion is all about taking risks and trying new things. Why the stigma on the one-piece? Who knows. Either way, I’m seeing some seriously stylish models, celebrities and bloggers out there constantly rocking jumpsuits, and whether or not I feel I could pull it off, it’s always on the back of my mind…and I am sort of fascinated by the fact that these looks stick around despite their seemingly-low fanbase. I was writing a piece for Denimology about the super cute Bella Dahl Utility Jumpsuits, and ran across a large collection within Shopbop. I felt I should share! I think the Bella Dahl piece above and maybe some of the more comfortable ones in the last image below would be most likely to grace my figure, even though some of the denim ones look pretty awesome. I’m still not sure though…what do you think?

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Lana

Etienne Marcel Skinny with Side Zip in Khaki Review on Denimology

Etienne Marcel Skinny with Side Zip in Khaki Review on Denimology - Front Angle View 2

Etienne Marcel Skinny with Side Zip in Khaki Review on Denimology

I love reviewing all denim, and somehow can never tire of the classic blue wash jean, but I am always so excited to discover and try new designs and washes from time to time! I had heard of Etienne Marcel denim from a local boutique, then later from a past review for the Skinny in Javel done by a previous Denimology reviewer. As a big fan of zippers and other hardware details, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a pair of jeans from this brand, which was born in 2011 and modeled after the fashion forward streets of Europe. The Paris-based design team studies the materials of the best innovators in fashion and style around the globe (especially from Italy, France and Japan) to ensure the highest quality possible.

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Lana

The Good Old Christian Dior Saddle Bag

I honestly had to laugh a little when I saw this…cue back to my college days, when I was itching something crazy for the ultra swanky, Celeb-favorite Christian Dior saddle bag, maybe in part because of my many years of being an equestrian. Back then, it was pretty easy to find fakes online, so like most naive college kids, I went for it. I searched far and wide for a replica of the denim with pink “leather” trim ones, and found it on the now-defunct Yahoo Auctions (which was an easy source for fakes). I couldn’t wait to wear it around downtown on a typical night out, and when I did, a very excited friend of mine saw it and made a beeline, breaking one of the metal handles when she grabbed for it in amazement (yes, even the metal was fake, I learned that night). So that pretty much ended my purchasing of fakes, and as I got older I realized how dumb that was to begin with anyway. The oh-so-popular (at the time) Dior Saddle Bag faded into the past for me as I moved on and grew older and other, more affordable brands came out with new designs to covet. Just yesterday, I was browsing around and I don’t know how on earth I ran across it, but lo and behold, the online consignment shop TheRealReal holds a huge collection of the Dior Saddle Bag. Yes, they are real…and yes they are used, but in gorgeous condition, and for UNDER $300. Shopbop’s What Goes Around Comes Around vintage shop has a few of them too for a bit more, but still significantly cheaper than the original retail price. I guess these are considered vintage now? Crazy! I still find it slightly amusing though, considering how much I wanted one…and even how slightly tempted I am to grab one now. Maybe, just maybe…

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Lana

Hemp Blue for Sustainable Denim

Hemp Blue for Sustainable Denim

Image: Hemp Blue

Hemp Blue for Sustainable Denim

I just can’t say it enough, I am SO excited to see all the efforts made by the denim/general apparel industries lately for sustainability! Some might say it’s a little too late, but it’s better late than never…and hopefully the good old USA will finally see the light when it comes to hemp as a very, very sustainable fabric. Many of the artists I highlighted in my post about alternative designers for festival style awhile back already use organic or sustainable fabrics, but it’s just not quite widespread enough, as it should be. There are so many designers I love in the apparel industry, but the older I get, the more I tend to gravitate towards supporting these independent designers if that’s what it takes! So, it touches my heart when I see brands come out via Kickstarter or whatever vehicle is necessary to get the cause out and get more designers and manufacturers on board. It just makes sense. So without much more ado, here’s a press release from Hemp Blue, a denim brand working hard towards the cause of the use of hemp for sustainable fashion. They are currently running through a Kickstarter campaign, and have pretty decent support. But lets go full on and show them even more love for a purpose that is totally worth it! The brand will present styles for both men and women, in a variety of denim pieces from jeans (including selvedge!) to shirts to jackets. So hurry on down before the funding period ends and help these guys out.

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Lana

New 3×1 Skinnies and Osiris Kicks

New 3x1 Skinnies and Osiris Kicks - Front View

New 3×1 Skinnies and Osiris Kicks

When I first started my denim collection, my goal wasn’t only on collecting different styles, but also trying out a piece from all sorts of different brands as well. Until just a few days ago, 3×1 was still absent from my stacks of jeans…until Hautelook had a sale, yay! These are the 3×1 Distressed Skinny Jeans in Tarnish. Aren’t these just freaking gorgeous? Pair that with another score…I’d been craving a pair of Osiris NYC83 kicks for awhile now and was pretty flabbergasted about how tough it was to find them, especially in women’s sizes. So it was off to Ebay once again! I lucked out and found my size and the color I wanted, brand new, at an amazing deal, and I honestly cannot stop wearing them. They arrived just in time for California to actually have a good rainy day and to finally cool down a bit! It finally feels like Fall, and I love the combination of the 3×1 jeans with my leather jacket from Victoria’s Secret (acquired years ago) with the high tops. I wore the jean/shoe combination for two days in a row, actually! I forgot how comfortable skate shoes were!

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Lana

New Vegan Handbag Collection by MeDusa

New Vegan Handbag Collection by MeDusa - Mini Billie Wallet

Image: MeDusa. Mini Billie Wallet

New Vegan Handbag Collection by MeDusa

I just love perusing Etsy for new “undiscovered” talent…so much of what I find just oozes with originality, creativity and I find it a travesty that they aren’t more well known in the style industry. This is one reason why I love to do what I do here! Last year I posted about a new favorite handbag brand, MeDusa (see post here), an Israeli brand that specializes in incredibly gorgeous vegan (and cruelty free) handbags! I was in love when I first made my initial post, but the true quality really became obvious when I got one for myself! You can see it here in a review I did for AYR. These are extremely tasty to the touch, very sturdy, well made, and the detailing was impeccable! I usually shy away from non-leather bags because usually they aren’t quite as durable as leather, but MeDusa is a winning exception! I loved the embossed, 3D designs in the original collection, and the clutches are designed with a chain so they can also be worn as handbags, making them super versatile. I wondered why, for the love of all that is good, is this brand not bigger than they are? Over the last year I’ve watched them grow, with multiple bloggers sporting their bags, and even being spotted in the hands of Jennifer Lopez! I’m so happy to see how far they’ve come, and now for 2016 they’ve released a brand new collection. The Reflections collection features more streamlined, contemporary designs that look just as good as I’d expect to come from the brand. I love the angles and metal detailing!

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