Levi's Curve ID Jeans

WWD had an article on Levi's Curve ID last August 9th. It reminded me of this body scanner at the mall that I worked retail at five years ago. It was Intellifit. I stood in the middle of a booth, held my arms out and these red lasers spun around me and did their thing. A few seconds later, out comes a print out and a card with a bar code suggesting my sizes for tops, different fit bottoms (pants and denim), dresses for a few specialty chain brands that participated or maybe sponsored Intellifit. I thought the technology was sooo cool in a nerdy kind of way. So off I went to the stores to check accuracy. Tops of course are always easier. Bottoms, specially denim are always, always a struggle. Intellifit though pretty much got it down. I kept my Intellifit card but my googling has proved futile. They must have changed company names.

Levi's has used a similar 3D scanning technology in their newly launched denim offering. 

Which curve am I?
(photo credit: levi.com)

Here's their SVP of Merchandising & Design discussing the new system.

Wow, 54% of women try on at least 10 pairs before getting even slightly close to the one? I'm nodding to that! It can be such an ordeal! When I find a pair that fits, I semi-hoard! Levi's claims that their Slight Curve, Demi Curve and Bold Curve IDs represent 80% of women. They're in the best position to make the claim! After all, Levi's INVENTED jeans right? I love it when brands take consumer insights and feedbacks to heart so I'm going to find me a Levi's store and give these a shot soon! 
I'm hopeful! It's hard enough finding the one, we can at least have help with THE ONE in jeans! =)=) Toink! Good lucky girls!!!!

- the one that elongates

- the one that doesn't gape in the waist

- the one that enhances your butt

- the one that is the right length (for heels & flats)

- the one that doesn't cost an arm and both your legs 

etc.... etc....

I Want Slim Cargo Pants

Cargo pants are popping in stores. There must be a utilitarian trend going on. I own two pairs that are cargo-ish from at least five years ago that I still actively wear.

A pair from Topshop circa 2004 I think 

As you can see, the legs are straight. Mind you, these are old!!! The updates that's seen across bottoms a few seasons now are that the legs are narrower - skinny, slim, ankle, cigarette. Whatever your terminology maybe.

Why not cargo pants too? I repeatedly saw J.Brand Houlihan Slim Cargo Pants as the IT pair in trendier blogs. They'll set you back by $231 at Bergdorf's. Toink!

(photo credits: bergdorfgoodman.com)

Of course, there are alternatives for us without trust funds. YAY for specialty chains! Back in March, there was that J.Crew pair that I gushed about. I perused the site. Look!

In ripstop - wear later!

In camo!! ha!!

In silk - linen - wear now!

(photo credits: jcrew.com)

I saw nices ones at Loft . Here are two of four colors for $59.50.  

(photo credits: anntaylorloft.com)

Of course I try them in petites! =)

I like the length and the absence of bulk where pockets would ordinarily be - slit pockets!!!

Alternating feminine cargos with your skinny denim sounds like a Fall plan to me. I'm anticipating deals for these already. 

I Want Gap's Legging Jeans

Back to school season means denim on denim on denim in stores. Gap goes all out every year, obviously it is a core business. It has been years since I last bought jeans from the Gap and worked retail for them - in denim no less!!! I'm quite particular on fits and for awhile, their jean offering was just well, blah. Except for their long time Long & Leans and now discontinued 1969 Western Boot Cuts. Nothing fit me. I'm petite with a little meat! I don't know of anyone who's had it easy finding THE ONE. 

- the one that elongates

- the one that doesn't gape in the waist

- the one that enhances your butt

- the one that is the right length (for heels & flats)

- the one that doesn't cost an arm and both your legs 

etc.... etc....

I have leggings, I have skinny jeans. But I don't own and have fallen behind the "jeggings" trend! (By the way, I'm cringing as I type. I hate the sound of that term!) About two weeks ago, I spied these legging jeans from the Gap. 

Retails at $69.50

I tried them on and they fit me gooood!!!! 

At 5'0, I always have issues with length (sometimes even in petite sizing), these worked out. Some bunching at the hem but not at all sloppy looking right? I checked the label (always been a habit) and there was ample stretch which held and gave in all the right places. Anything over 2% spandex though, I'd be cautious. I've made the mistake of buying denim in excess of 5% spandex and those just sag, sag, sag (at the knees and butt) after wearing them a full day. This cut would pair well with all your sandals, flats, heels and tuck nicely into boots as we transition into the Fall. 

These are the washes from the website. I picked the faded dark wash and faded black wash in the pictures. For the most part, I like my denim dark and pretty solid. 

(photo credits:gap.com)

Denim's always a challenge to buy isn't it? I have helped a lot of women (& men) find their fit during my retail days and gotten thank you hugs! I understand how frustrating it can be! I have spent hours in fitting rooms trying all fits at all price point levels at several denim bars for myself. When I find THE ONE, I buy in multiples and wear them to shreds. I've gone through Old Navy, Banana Republic (Petite!), Express (Short!) and Topshop. Now, I'm on a Madewell and Loft (Petite!) phase. Am I glad I don't do so well with designer denim - saves me a ton of moolah!!

As soon as I get wind of a coupon / offer / promotion with a substantial discount, I'm getting at least three pairs! Relaunch after relaunch after relaunch, Gap got this one right! Hooorah!! I'm always loyal to the Gap!

Go try 'em on girls! 

Be The Buyer at ModCloth

I like browsing ModCloth - a clothing site that started with selling vintage and vintage-inspired pieces by college sweethearts. Although they have since evolved, they have stayed true to heir roots by still adding one vintage item for sale everyday. As I mentioned in my post on Sway, what differentiates ModCloth, is their Be The Buyer program. It works like this. They showcase some of their latest sample designs pre production, we cast our vote, they tally, disclose results, produce the winners and in a few weeks, pieces become available online. I'm thinking because pieces are chosen by would be buyers, items would sell out. Their answer to this? A notify me feature so that you get first dibs! 

Dresses are always easy and fun to look at, here's a few that caught my attention.

Loving the innocence and muted color palette!

Prints are always fun!

Not your ordinary solids! 

I'm really liking this new strategy that more and more companies are getting into. As someone aspiring to be heavily involved in the industry, it can be a window to what's hot and not in design, color, style, detail and category. As a shopper, we can get exactly what  we want! 

Go ahead and see for yourself, be warned though, there are a gazillion designs to choose from every clothing / accessory category! Enjoy becoming a buyer! 

(photo credits:modcloth.com)

Sway With Me!

Set to launch in the Fall, I think this concept is cool! I think it was in WWD or InStyle that I got first wind of Sway. The concept is similar to what Threadless does. Artists send tee shirt designs subject to public vote and get percentage of sales if their designs win and sells. Another company, ModCloth allows you to 'be the buyer' by voting for your favorite designs. It's a great market research strategy and that gets would be customers excited and involved! Consumer driven selling and shopping!

Once signed up, you get to be part of a community that gets a say in building the next Sway collection. You get to review and vote! The design / style with the most votes gets manufactured and sold on online. Being a member has its perks! You get first dibs at a substantial discount (I think at wholesale price or 50% off) for 24 hours!

Oh did I mention you get a $10 gift card just for signing up with this link? Get your friends to sign up too, according to the site, you get a free dress when one of them buys one!! Win-win right? 

Soo...let's Sway together!!! Join here!

J.Crew CEO Mickey Drexler Feature on WSJ

I pay attention to anything and everything I come across on Mickey Drexler. So much to learn from his legendary work. 
He is on WSJ Magazine's The Big Interview! Read the feature here and watch below. 

Now Open Online: Madewell

Madewell finally launches an e-commerce platform! Now I can oggle at the merchandise from the comfort of my room. No need to trek to SoHo "just to check what's new". 

Online, they offer free shipping and returns on jeans!! Throw them into your cart, check out, try them on at home, keep or send back - no hassle! When it comes to denim, I don't care much for brands. I obsess on fit! Madewell denim won me over at first sight and fit last year that I bought three pairs right off the bat. I tried on every style in practically every wash and was in the fitting room at least 1.5 hours! These two fits were my winners.

Rail Straight Jeans - As the name suggests, they fall straight from the hip. 

Skinny Ankle Jeans - Cut shorter than the Skinny Skinny Jean, perfect for us petite women! 

Dresses are so easy for summer, look at what caught my eye! Liking the print and racer back style of the first dress and the ruffles on the second. 

Such a relaxed looking lace print tee! It looks almost real to me. 

I'm digging these ropey soled espadrilles - just slip them on, these sandals - just zip them up. They both go with just about everything!

*Sigh* Oh, Madewell, you've done so well! Summer dressing's looking good already!

(photo credits: madewell.com)

Merchandising Degree? MINE!

The comfort of Manila was left behind five years ago now to rejoin family, pursue FIT and try for a career in the industry that makes me hyper excited. For awhile I thought I'd never get to study fashion merchandising.  I got the official diploma last December so the excitement from capping this thing off has pretty much worn off. Attending commencement exercises felt a bit silly and not having a job yet made it seem like a mockery. My family would have none of it so we went. Thank goodness for that! I would have regretted it if I hadn't gone. How often does one get the chance to graduate from famed Radio City Music Hall with the degree that feels right???

Watch the following speeches.

Marie Claire Fashion Director, Project Runway judge, FIT alumna and author, Nina Garcia.

Norma Kamali, '64 alumna and creator of the sleeping bag coat which has been reincarnated by many, many brands. Can you imagine winters without puffer coats???!?!

Allen Hasselfeld of Hasbro Industries, toy industry leader and maker of Mr. Potato Head. 

I'm bullet pointing my takeaways: 

• All you need to know is who you are
• Words matter, civility matters 
• Be citizens of the world
• Compassionate imagination
• Sensitive awareness
• Rebel in you, be your own rebel
• Hone it the right way
• Be your boldest
• Make some noise
• No doubts
• Create something new for the world
• Harness technology
• Wish of the love of what you do
• Never stop playing no matter the age

Many, many thanks to friends who were with me via live streaming and for encouraging me to be patient, proud and to simply own it. It took me some time to go ahead with this goal. Now it feels amazing to finally look back, I have done it all on my own!!!

Now, on to the next thing.... Picking the job and being good at it. I can't wait!!!!

FIT 2010 Commencement Live Streaming

It really is mine tomorrow!!

Club Monaco's Trenchette

The rain shower this morning made me think of my spring outerwear. How is it possible that I don't have a durable trench?? I have a short one that I'm not in love with anymore so that's been ignored and will be set aside. 

I trolled online and of course Club Monaco will give me exactly what I need. According to the site, the Rochelle Trenchette is made from "memory shape, water resistant fabric". That description sounds about right to me for a functional trench. 

I'm particularly taken by the soft blue one in the middle. It's a nice light color to break up an otherwise wet, dreary day. 

(photo credit:clubmonaco.com)

Bloomingdale's Catalog

I used to get catalogs from 888 different brands. It was too much. I have painstakingly called in a stop to most except for a few favorites. You see, I don't even subscribe to major fashion magazines. WWD on print provides my fix. I probably should get two or three magazines though. It is one way to stay on top of what's happening in the industry. Yes, you can see most of the stuff online but print just works out better for me as I don't just skim through the articles. I have that tendency online. 

One catalog that I have kept coming in is Bloomingdale's. These two are from Spring and the recent Beauty Event. 

The pages are jampacked with what's trendy for the season. 

Of the moment lucite fashion jewelry.

Sheeny tanks paired with slouch capris.

  

Looks from private label Aqua. I love the shape of that stripe tee. 

Ceramic, gummy and plastic wrist watches in fun spring colors. 

Oxfords, brogues to pair with everything.

Their latest swim offerings. 

The latest beauty products. 

Not bad for a free 'subscription' huh? Of course, these end up in our recycling pile after I have pored over each issue.