Shop the season's top designers and trends
Leifsdottir at Susan Lynn's
By Racquel Russell
Anthropologie’s newest clothing line, Leifsdottir, has garnered much fanfare since its 2008 debut, thanks, in part, to its wide accessibility—available not only at its parent retail store, but also major upscale department stores and chic boutiques, including St. Louis’ own Susan Lynn’s. As for the other (I’ll argue, main) reason behind Leifsdottir’s success? Well, the clothes are just downright cute!
Keeping with Anthropolgie’s aesthetic, the Leifsdottir collection is made up of unique pieces infused with an artsy, vintage-inspired feel. Design director Johanna Uurasjarvi’s focus is consistently bold, sophisticated “girliness”; each of her romantic blouses, conservative cardigans and flowy dresses is adorned with delicate trims, such as pearl buttons, bows and ruffle detailing.
For fall, Uurasjarvi introduced frocks and separates in colorful, novelty prints. Fresh from the runway, shop the latest Leifsdottir looks at Susan Lynn’s.
Available at:
Susan Lynn's
1122 Town & Country Crossing
Town & Country
636.530.7337
http://www.susanlynns.com/
Geren Ford at Byrd Style Lounge
By Katie Stephens
It all started with designer Geren Lockhart’s love affair with New York City. In 2002, she launched Geren Ford, a classic, carefree, cool collection inspired by the art, film, music and architecture around her.
Incorporating daring and fun color combinations and comfortable silk fabrics with ample movement, unique touches—including custom prints, studs and pleats—make it easy to spot one of her Geren Ford originals.
Ever sexy and versatile, the line’s growing celebrity fan base already includes Heidi Klum, Kate Hudson, Lindsay Lohan, Courtney Cox, Ali Larter and Cameron Diaz. In fact, as a result of being photographed on Jessica Simpson, the Geren Ford silk kimono dress recently became an instant must-have among young fashionistas.
My favorite collection to date, the Geren Ford Fall/Winter 2009 collection—heavy in leather and luxe wool—is now available at Byrd Style Lounge.
Available at:
Byrd Style Lounge
8117 Maryland Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63105
314.721.0766
http://www.byrdstyle.com/
John Varvatos at Moris Fashions
By Katie Stephens
According to Detroit native John Varvatos, "I try to do clothes for guys who want to look masculine, but don't want to have the worry about looking like a fashion victim." And that's exactly what he does.
Fashion is music to John Varvatos, who has always loved rock ‘n’ roll. He brings a musical sensibility to his athletic, modern designs. Composing a collection of vintage-inspired denim, knitwear, woven shirts, dress shirts, ties, outerwear and footwear, John Varvatos' rock aesthetic gives rise to funked-up classics. The rocker vibe, inspired by classic icons including Iggy Pop and Alice Cooper, remains the unifying theme of the brand. It is musicians with strong character and electric style that help influence Varvatos' modern, tailored and uniquely-detailed collection. And many have opted to roll with his rock-based collection; his star-studded cult following includes Lenny Kravitz, Will Smith, John Legend, Zac Efron and Jimmy Fallon.
Available at:
Moris Fashions
26 Maryland Plaza
Central West End
314.361.6800
http://morisfashions.com/
Visit Website: click here
Corey Lynn Calter at Mary Jane's
By Moira Dorsey
To say that a fashion line has "something for everyone" may be cliche, but—when it comes to Corey Lynn Calter, who has outfitted everyone from Miley Cyrus to Christina Hendricks (of "Mad Men")—there seems to be no more accurate description.
In viewing her collection, it's easy to see that a mishmash of "mixed cultures, art and textures and girls and doors" inspire Calter. According to the designer, "I combine old and new looks, quirky fabrics and sophisticated cuts."
For spring, Calter debuted a collection of sweet and edgy styles, many with a vintage feel and all encompassing silhouettes flattering on all body types. Consistent with seasons past, her latest ranges from spunky, 9-to-5-appropriate tops and skirts to dresses and rompers perfect for nights and weekends. With a wide range of fabulous color and ethnic prints, it's safe to say that—when shopping Corey Lynn Calter— every sophisticated, feminine, trendy and hippie fashionista can find something personally-perfect to add to her closet.
Available at:
Mary Janes
387 N. Euclid Ave.
Central West End
314.367.8867
Visit Website: http://www.maryjanesshoes.com/
Vava by Joy Han at Ivy Hill
By Moira Dorsey
When designing her Spring 2009 collection for Vava, the more-affordable sister line of her popular Voom brand, Joy Han decided to scew somewhat bohemian and extremely feminine—to the "joy" of girly girls everywhere.
Complete with amazing embroidery, Vava's gauzy, flowy tops and frocks for spring are reminiscent of '60s hippie favorites—but with a modern silhouette. Thanks to fans such as Jessica Alba, Kim Kardashian, Miley Cyrus and Emmy Rossum, getting celebrity style this season is as simple as slipping into one of Han's floaty peasant tops, funky tube dresses or baby doll halters.
According to Han, "I feel the need to create pieces that make a woman feel young, beautiful and confident." Shop the latest Vava by Joy Han collection and reap the benefits!
Available at:
Ivy Hill
304 N Euclid Ave.
314.367.7004
http://www.ivyhillboutique.com/
Visit Website: http://www.vavabyjoyhan.com/
Poleci at Valerie Mills
By Moira Dorsey
It's all in the details...
A fan of understated elegance with a touch of edge and deconstruction, Poleci designer Janice Levin-Kroc is known for her skill at transforming minimalist pieces—using fabric and texture to create anything but your basic black dress.
Often incorporating beautiful sculptural elements—which manifest themselves by way of architectural draping, beading, silhouettes and tailoring—Levin-Kroc prides herself on her garments' perfect combinations of fit, fabric and texture. In addition, her minimalist prints and tame palettes lend themselves to the ideal dress for one's big-night event or a special separate within a workweek wardrobe.
Structured pieces with delicate details define the Poleci collection. Feminine and sophisticated, these are ideal anchor pieces for any modern woman's wardrobe. Fans include Winona Ryder and Kelly Ripa.
Available at:
Valerie Mills
139 Carondelet Plaza
Clayton
314.727.4545
Visit Website: click here
Ella Moss at Alixandra Collections
By Moira Dorsey
Ella Moss has what every girl wants—clothes that are cute, comfortable and effortlessly stylish. Thrust into the spotlight after fashion icon Carrie Bradshaw wore her green, striped cotton dress on "Sex and the City', the Ella Moss collection has been going strong ever since.
Described as "flowy femininity with the comfort level of a t-shirt" by designer Pamella "Ella" Protzel Scott, the Ella Moss line consists of better-than-basics like tees, tanks and hoodies, as well as adorable dresses, skirts, pants and rompers. Available in a variety of colors and prints, supima cotton and silk are behind the collection's signature, super-soft material.
Wherever your vacation takes you this summer, stock up on travel-ready Ella Moss. Going to LA or New York? You'll fit in with the likes of fellow Ella Moss fans Cameron Diaz, Paris Hilton, Angelina Jolie and, yes, Sarah Jessica Parker.
Available at:
Alixandra Collections
9814 Clayton Rd.
Ladue
314.997.2360
Visit Website: click here
Trina Turk at Susan Lynn's
By Moira Dorsey
Once, when asked to describe her customer, Trina Turk responded, "What's the opposite of a wallflower?"
Today, Trina Turk reigns supreme as the quintessential designer of clothing for the girl who is always California dreaming. Known for her fabulous prints and patterns, her line is ideal for fashionistas who love color and a great silhouette—and who want to be noticed. Inspired by Palm Springs' poolside lounging, cocktail parties and architecture, a Trina Turk item is a must for summer in any city.
Whether you're looking for a fun and flirty top to pair with jeans, the perfect sundress—long or short—or sassy suiting to spice up your work wardrobe, you'll find it within the Trina Turk collection. Each beautifully-tailored garment guarantees the perfect fit and garners ample attention. In fact, spotlight-loving stars including Taylor Swift and Eva Mendes are longtime Trina Turk fans.
Available at:
Susan Lynn's
1122 Town and Country Crossing
Town and Country
636.530.7337
Visit Website: click here
Spring Trends at H&M
By Jip Prapaisilapa
Warm up your wardrobe with the hottest trends available for Spring. Whether you're wanting to suit up in a classic look, sport fresh-from-the-runway looks or are simply stuck in the 20th century, H&M has what you need to update your look for the season.
In search of modern business style? Look to the streamlined "Tailoring" trend currently being hyped at H&M—defined by ladylike pencil skirts and fitted, traditional blazers. Or, if you're more of the trendy type, go "Ethno-American" in H&M‘s new Wild West-ready vests, corsets, jean jackets and leather belts. Still stuck on the '80s? You're in luck! Make a bold statement this season in the latest "Eccentric" fashions, best described as vibrant, glossy and tight. Finally, those who are super-girly can scoop up the "Romance" trend; think retro, as in the voluminous skirts worn in "Grease" or pouffy dresses seen at your high school prom.
Available at:
H&M
Saint Louis Galleria
314.726.0677
H&M
West County Centre
314.821.7767
Visit Website: click here
English Laundry at Jecca
By Moira Dorsey
For fashion-seeking fellas in St. Louis, life just got a little easier—thanks to Jessica Young, owner of Jecca boutique. Her Clayton style mecca now houses the Spring '09 collection of heavy-metal British label English Laundry.
English Laundry is best defined as an eclectic mix of old-world British tailoring and '60s and '70s mod- and rock-inspired designs. The entire line—composed of short- and long-sleeved woven shirts, vests and jackets—is hand-tailored and hand-laundered and comes in a variety of stripes, plaids and solids.
Becoming increasingly popular among celebs, edgy and embroidered English Laundry styles have already been seen on a slew of infamous bad boys, including musician Scott Weiland—who recently introduced a namesake collection under the label—and England's actor-slash-former-footballer Vinnie Jones.
What's more, trendy, tailored English Laundry shirts are sold at a great price point. Style and value? Rock on!
Available at:
Jecca
12 Meramec Ave.
Clayton
314.862.5322
Gold Hawk at Pulse
By Moira Dorsey
"Female beauty comes from within."
Take just one look at the delicate camisoles, slip dresses, cashmere sweaters and skirts from the Gold Hawk collection and you'll realize exactly what designer Michele Dahan means.
The Gold Hawk line is contemporary, with winks and nods to the visions of the past. Sweet and pretty, Gold Hawk is perfect for the romantic, feminine girl who likes pink toenail polish and sundresses on a summer day.
The anchor of every Gold Hawk line is the camisole, which Dahan refers to as "the new tank top". Trimmed in lace and inspired by California's vibe, the camisole is a must-have item for every girl on the go. Pair it with jeans for a night out on the town or under an of-the-moment blazer; either way, you'll look every bit the fashionista—like fellow Gold Hawk fans Charlize Theron and Cameron Diaz.
Available at:
Pulse
1644 Clarkson Rd.
Chesterfield
636.519.4022
website: click here
Built by Wendy at Byrd Style Lounge
By Jill Manoff
A NYC-based line of women's and men's clothing and accessories, Built by Wendy was founded in 1991 by Chicago native Wendy Mullin—whose fashion resume includes stylist for multiple music videos and creative director for a specialty denim collection for Wrangler Jeans.
What began as a small line sold in mini-boutiques she set up in the back of record stores in which she worked, Mullin's Built By Wendy label is now coveted by a slew of stylish celebs (Sonic Youth and The White Stripes love her guitar straps; the Beastie Boys wear her tees; starlets such as Sofia Coppola and Parker Posey sport her ready-to-wear line) and is sold in four Built By Wendy stores and select boutiques across the country—including exclusively in Missouri at Clayton's Byrd Style Lounge.
Best described as simply-tailored and Americana-inspired, Wendy Mullin's Spring/Summer 2009 collection is a must-shop. According to Byrd Style Lounge store owner Julie Stotlar, "Built By Wendy sent us some amazing crochet tops and dresses that are perfect for this time of year! The weather is crazy, but these pieces can be worn on chilly days with a fab pair of boots or when the sun is shining with a cute pair of flats."
Available at:
Byrd Style Lounge
8117 Maryland Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63105
314.721.0766
website: click here
Diesel at Boxers
By Kris Cunningham
Always innovative, Diesel is the unmistakable, rebellious ready-to-wear label that is best known for its killer denim with signature red stitching; Diesel introduces at least 50 new styles and colors of denim each year.
A complete lifestyle brand, Diesel also creates equally-coveted lines of footwear, eyewear, jewelry, fragrances and more.
Diesel swimwear and intimates—available locally at Boxers—take the design aesthetic the cutting-edge, international fashion brand has built and bring it to a selection of briefs, bikinis, t-shirts and trunks ranging from colorful and retro to sexy and seductive.
Sure, they're fashionable and you'll be tempted to show them off; just bear in mind—they're called "underwear" for a reason.
Available at:
Boxers
1305 Washington Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63103
314.454.0209
website: click here
Bolongaro Trevor at Byrd
By Kris Cunningham
London-based Bolongaro Trevor recently invaded Byrd Style Lounge, home to such coveted collections as ADAM, Elijah and Missoni.
In addition to Byrd, the complete menswear/womenswear line—designed by husband-wife duo Kait Bolongaro and Stuart Trevor, founders and former designers of cutting—edge, leather-clad All Saints Retail, Ltd.—is stocked in over 100 stores worldwide, including the best independent stores the States and the UK.
Best described as "power dressing of the '40s, '50s and the '80s, with the magic of military, reworked for rockers and femme fatales", the line is already loved by such style icons as Agyness Deyn, Daisy Lowe and Peaches Geldof. Therefore, in anticipation of the debut of the Bolongaro Trevor Fall/Winter 09/10 collection at Saint Louis Fashion Week, those in the fashion know are buzzing about as much as Beatles fans in the '60s:
"The British are coming!!"
Available at:
Byrd Style Lounge
8117 Maryland Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63105
314.721.0766
website: click here
Shop Pulse
By Kris Cunningham
With nearly as many mentions as Jessica Simpson in such magazines as People, Life&Style and In Touch, local Pulse boutique houses every "It" fashion line, from William Rast and Salvage to Genetic Denim and Joe's Jeans.
Whether you're looking for of-the-moment jewelry (think Dogeared necklaces, Michal Negrin earrings and Freelook watches), a hot new handbag (by the likes of Tano, Junior Drake or Melie Bianco) or a dress that has been seen on an A-list celeb, Pulse is your go-to shop for head-to-toe trends. Shop Sky, Free People and Miss Me online or at the Chesterfield store.
Available at:
Pulse
1644 Clarkson Rd.
Chesterfield
636.519.4022
website: click here
ATRIUM Fashion Week Market
Saturday, 3/28
11am - 5pm
Lumière Place Casino & Hotels
999 2nd Ave.
Downtown
314.881.7777
No ticket required for admission.
Wrath Arcane at Splash
By Mary Bayne
From Madonna selling Louis Vuitton to Lindsey Lohan pushing Miu Miu pumps to Victoria Beckham going head-first into an oversized Marc Jacobs shopping bag in the name of an ad, it can often be hard to tell what designers are selling—fashion or hype. For those who are less about celebrity—drenched campaigns and more about cutting-edge clothes, there's Wrath Arcane.
One would not likely list Cleveland, Ohio as a top fashion capital, but—for Sean Bilovecky and Brian O'neill, the designers behind the international menswear label Wrath Arcane (meaning "secret anger" or "forgotten rage")— it's the perfect home base for their streetwear-inspired collection, which aims to get consumers thinking about their sociopolitical environments in addition to the clothes on their backs. True to their message, they work with domestic manufacturers and environmentally-conscious fabrics.
Though many labels claim designer quality and production, Wrath Arcane is dedicated to paying the utmost attention to detail and never relies on the model to sell the clothes (hence their models' masked faces). Their Fall/Winter 09/10 collection is best described as Revolutionary War-meets-high school football, with a hint at badass—which further validates their decision to steer clear of hype; Chase Crawford could never play "badass".
Available at:
Splash
Saint Louis Galleria
Richmond Heights
314.721.6442
website: www.wratharcane.com/
Lori Coulter at Macy's
By Kris Cunningham
Maybe you haven't been hitting the gym; maybe your addiction to Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia ice cream has finally caught up with you; maybe you look like Gisele Budchen, but have some unexplainable dissatisfaction with your right upper thigh. Whether or not body woes are the reason, most women do not like to swimsuit shop. Finding the right fit in a hot style can be grueling, days-long process.
Luckily, there's Lori Coulter Made-to-Measure Swimwear, an innovative one-piece, bikini and tankini line by St. Louis designer Lori Coulter. Thanks to her TrueMeasure process—in which a digital body scanner creates a 3-D model of one's body, takes 140 measurements and determines one's unique body type in less than one minute—the of-the-moment, vibrant Lori Coulter design of your choice will be tailored to fit every inch of your body. So, no more weeding through racks; no more spending hours in a fitting room; no more mixing-and-matching top and bottom sizes and hoping the saleswomen won't notice. Finally!
Available at:
Macy's
Chesterfield Mall
636.532.3800
website: www.loricoulter.com
Brown Shoe at shoes.com
By Autumn Sij
Somewhere along the line, women got it in their minds that it is shameful to seen in anything other than killer shoes (that's "killer" in every sense of the word). Maybe "Sex & the City" is the culprit. According to Carrie, "They pinch my feet, but I love them." Obviously Ms. Bradshaw, who denounced online shopping (as, "Shopping's my cardio!"), has never shopped shoes.com—where fabulous footwear comes in all shapes and sizes, including—but not limited to—sky-high stilettos.
Shoes.com carries the hottest brands, like our favorites by Brown Shoe—Via Spiga, Franco Sarto, Carlos Santana and known-for-comfort Naturalizer. Seen all over Tinseltown, from on the feet of Katherine McPhee and Mandy Moore to on the sets of "Desperate Housewives" and, yes, "Sex & the City", Brown Shoe's popular and covetable day, evening and weekend styles can be yours at the click of a mouse.
So, shop Brown Shoe at shoes.com with confidence. Complete with free shipping, free returns and online fashion finds none of your friends will have, believe us—no one will "shoe shame" you for your purchase. As for cardio? Don't worry. With the extra mileage you'll get parading around in your new pumps, you'll make up for it in no time.
Black Halo at Cortney Gene
By Kris Cunningham
A little naughty, a little nice. That pretty much sums up Kirkwood's Cortney Gene boutique, where the latest rocker-chic designer denim, going-out tops and upscale minidresses rule the racks. Owned by Kodey and Cortney Wintergate and inspired by West Coast style, the shop's edgy, sexy selection is essentially a one-stop shop for any VIP on their way to an exclusive booth or a concert, backstage. One of its top brands is Black Halo by Saint Louis Fashion Week designer Laurel Berman. True to its name, the brand is equal parts good girl and bad, with separates and dresses that easily transition from work to play. The unofficial uniform of sexy and confident women from coast to coast, the line's Jackie dress has been spotted on such socialites and Us Weekly regulars as Kim Kardashian, Kelly Ripa, Debra Messing and Paris Hilton. So add some Black Halo to your wardrobe because, no matter how sweet you play it, INXS was right; "every single one of us the devil inside."
Cortney Gene
200 S. Kirkwood Rd., Ste. 100
Kirkwood
314.965.4445
Bakers at Bakers
By Autumn Si
It's true. Bandage mini-dresses and sky-high pumps á la Kelly Bundy are back, along with everything else circa 1988. To some, it may seem soon to resort back to a time filled with shoulder pads and acid-washed denim; others can't wait to hop onboard the eighties bandwagon. Whether you're ever-eager to embrace the latest looks or prefer classic styles that you can wear season after season, you can rest assured that Bakers will have you covered—in the shoe department, at least.
This season, studs, exotics and ankle boots rule Bakers' inventory, making it easy to dabble in the retro, rocker-chic trend that footwear designers such as Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo and Giuseppe Zanotti have defined for Fall/Winter 08/09 At Bakers, it's all about scoring designer style at a portion of the price.
So hit the mall and head to your favorite shoe store, knowing that you'll always be greeted by fashion-forward, designer-driven styles and the utmost customer service; the experts at Bakers would never hire Al Bundy.
Bakers has several St. Louis locations, including:
Bakers Chesterfield Mall
636.532.5589
Bakers Saint Louis Galleria
314.725.6155
Bakers South County Center
314.894.8526
Bakers West County Center
314.966.6301
Bakers website
INC International Concepts at Macy's
By Kris Cunningham
From the runways to the racks, it's easy to find and afford the hottest trends of Spring 2009, thanks to Macy's INC International Concepts.
For her, INC's must-have pieces for the season include maxi dresses in a multitude of styles (solid, printed and with embroidered embellishments), bright bottoms at every length (think cargos, capris and chic short shorts) and colorful tunics in a palette of poppy yellows, oranges, blues and pinks.
For him, INC delivers of-the-moment modern suits, sleek denim, perfect-fit tees and a range of button-downs, from simple and streamlined to bold and embroidered.
With a reputation as quality, current and confident clothing, INC International Concepts doesn't disappoint for Spring. Shop Macy's for the line's freshest, sure-to-be-coveted, fashion-forward collection.
Macy's has several St. Louis locations, including:
Saint Louis Galleria
1550 St. Louis Galleria
314.726.1810
West County Center
2 West County Center
314.966.0017
macy's website
Love Brigade at lovebrigade.com
By Mary Bayne
Designers' inspirations run the gamut. Some look to nature, some look to the past, some look to grunge rockers and songs by Bob Dylan.
Introducing Love Brigade, a high-end, ready-to-wear men's and women's clothing and accessories label that its designers—Alyssa Key, Jamie Rockaway and Christopher "Tinypants" Dang—describe as "culturally aware and musically inspired." Relying on such muses has resulted in season after season of memorable collections—"Highway Dylan Revisited" meshed the music legend's lyrics with futuristic elements; "Love, Kurt" for Fall centered on the artwork of the late, great Kurt Cobain; and the latest, "VIVA LA FUTURE" (S/S 09) out of the new Ex-Oh diffusion line, stays true to Love Brigade's musically-charged roots, while being sold at budget-friendly prices.
Love Brigade represents the ideal of a fashion, music and love co-existence. The designers' vision has given them the opportunity to outfit a wide range of artists, from Cyndi Lauper to Metallica's Lars Ulrich. Each season, Key, Rockaway and Dang create a story by which they design, based on their trusty formula—one part trend, one part music inspiration. Based on the way Love Brigade has been embraced by the music and fashion worlds, we'd call it a recipe for success.
Shop the Love Brigade S/S 09 collection soon at these online retailers:
Love Brigade
http://www.lovebrigade.com/
Karmaloop
http://www.karmaloop.com/
Nasty Gal Vintage
http://www.shopnastygal.com/
Beach Bunny Swimwear at Jecca
By Jill Manoff
It seems most boutique buyers have a celebrity in mind when at market. The clothiers at Kitson? Paris Hilton. Shoppers for shopbop.com? Ashley Tisdale. Jessica Young of Clayton's Jecca? Sexy and stylish Carmen Electra.
A fan of L.A.'s Lisa Kline and Agent Provocateur, there's no doubt the ex-Mrs. Dave Navarro would have a heyday sifting through the rocker-chic selection of Salvage, Silver Dagger, Frankie B, Betsey Johnson—and upscale lingerie-inspired Beach Bunny Swimwear.
Designed by former model Angela Chittenden, whose bikini bod has graced the pages of such publications as Maxim, Stuff and FHM, richly-embellished (think European Lace and Swarovski Crystals) Beach Bunny Swimwear and loungewear have been spotted on celebrities Eva Longoria, Jessica Simpson, Sienna Miller and Jessica Alba, to name a few—and have been highlighted in slew of magazines, with more styles featured in the most recent Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue than any other brand. Flirty and feminine, Beach Bunny Swimwear—motivated by the motto "girls just want to have fun" — is the perfect poolside apparel for anyone whose ever played Pussycat Doll—like, for instance, Carmen Electra.
Jecca
14 Meramec Ave.
Clayton
314.862.5322.
https://www.beachbunnyswimwear.com/index.cfm
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