London Lowdown, part 1

I went, I conquered, I returned! 
I was fortunate enough to be invited along on my friend's "European shopping trip" that she takes four times a year for work. This is no personal shopping trip, (well.....). We scour the stores looking for the next must have items, new denim washes, innovative fabrics, exciting details and all out latest trends. We are relentless in our pursuit of finding inspiration, bringing it home and reinterpreting for her 2 clothing lines. I know that I have been reporting on Fall 2011, and Spring merchandise is already in our stores, but what shows up in Europe now will show up here next year (Spring 2012), the ultimate sneak peek!
Here is the lowdown on what we saw as major SPRING trends and themes.


1970's - Tons of flared bottom and high waisted denim pants and shorts. Flaired pleat front trousers, short sheath dresses in 70's prints, jumpsuits for day and evening, bell sleeves and lots and lots of CROCHET.

Notice the printed pants on the hangers.....

Reminds me of Lauren Hutton

Lots of soft and slouchy trousers, wide leg AND tapered showed up at all the stores.



FLOWER GARDEN - Ditsy floral prints, ditsy floral prints, ditsy floral prints... Dresses, rompers, jumpsuits, tees, blouses, shoes, scarves and jewelry. Every store had  huge statements of these vintage inspired, ditsy floral items. Challis was the fabric of choice. This was the major theme in majority of window displays. Theme crossed over from Junior stores to designer brands.
 

Notice the mixing of different floral patterns!

Can you say "Printed Palazzo Pants!"

NAVAJO ITEMS TO GET NOW!

While I was surfing through Etsy, one of my very favorite sites, I came across some amazing Navajo items that work perfectly with today's version of this old theme. While they are on trend, they are not too "costumey" and obvious. Hurry, they are all one-of-a-kind and sell out fast.



www.etsy.com - Store: Country Line General

 www.etsy.com - Store: Hinterland Vintage

www.etsy.com - Store - BB Vintage
Vintage Woolrich!!! $58.00

 www.etsy.com - Store: Fluffy Pink Bunnies

www.etsy.com - Store: Moxie Apparel

www.etsy.com - Store: joolaholic

(If this one is gone when you try to buy it, you can borrow it from me!)





Sneek Peek!!!

I have so busy collecting new information the past month that I have not had a moment to post anything. I have been to Vegas and covered MAGIC, Project, ENK, Capsule & Accessories The Show.... 3 days, 5 shows, did March LA Market and snuck in a trip to London in between!!!!

So much to show you..... Stay tuned.  Here's a preview!

 

Navajo/American Indian trends everywhere!!! I guess the wolves beat the vampires after all!!



LOOK WHAT WE FOUND!!

What was turning out to be "just another day at the office" quickly changed to pure excitement and elation when we bumped into Lisa and Natasha. They told us about a new line in their showroom called Thursday Friday.  This genius company screen prints cotton tote bags with images of the worlds most iconic bags, do I smell a lawsuit here? Hopefully not before I get mine. They retail for $35 and are back ordered until MARCH!!! Check them out at www.thufri.com before they "cease to exist!"

Blue

Red

camel

Even the bottom and sides are printed!

More I told you so......

This is turning out to be a very good month! First my flares prediction came true and now its looking like my printed pants forecast is following close behind. Seem like my crystal ball is back in action! Recently I have received some catalogues in the mail with lots of printed pants to choose from, (the pictured ones below made the cover). If you have warmed up to the idea and want to buy a pair, check out the items below!


Free People Cataloge. http://www.freepeople.com/





Assortment of styles and prints from Urban Outfitters
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/



Rag and Bone

$290 at Saks Fifth Avenue. http://www.saks.com/



Snake print from www.topshop.com
$80.00



Forever 21- Callico Harem Ankle Pants
$19.80



"I told you so!!!"

One of the best things about my job is that I get to say "I told you so!" It's not too often but often enough to keep me satisfied and my clients feeling like I am actually doing my job. If you have been a dedicated follower from the beginning you will remember the pair of skinny/flared jeans that I posted, the "fleggings," as I called them. I also said, flares will be a trend for Spring! Well it looks as though some of the biggest stores are now pushing the flare trend as well...... www.shopbop.com, Intermix, Free People and a slew of others...............
"I told you so!" 
 BREAKING NEWS!!! CITIZEN OF HUMANITY IS ALREADY TAKING RE-ORDERS FOR THEIR ANGIE, HIGH WAIST, SUPER FLARE JEAN!

Caption from http://www.shopbop.com/







Current Elliot Lowbell Jeans

  


Textile  Elizabeth and James
Jimmi Flare Jeans

    


Genetic Denim
Adriane Mid Rise Quilted back

 


JBrand Martini Bell Bottom Jeans



Citizen of Humanity, Angie high-rise, super flare jean
available at http://www.shopbop.com/

On my radar.... printed pants.

SPRING HAS SPRUNG: Although the weather in LA is finally getting cold and I still have sweaters, boots and coats to buy, I am already looking at March Deliveries. That means Spring has sprung in the fashion world. Actually, you may have already noticed Resort items popping up in the stores, a waste if you ask me!
When Winter is at it's coldest, raining and snowing in January and February, there wont be a scarf,  mitten or sweater to be found anywhere, in any store......
I haven't got even a close to complete read on Spring yet probably because most designers are holding back a but due to the sluggish spending climate.
With that said, I am thrilled that my Radar is buzzing with a new trend for Spring.......... printed pants. Last June, my Fashion scout partner texted me from Barcelona and said "printed pants everywhere." My immediate reaction was "WHY???" but then I had a change of heart when I saw Dries Van Noten's & Isabel Marant's version strut down the Spring runway. Since then, I have come accross (and even bought) some very wearable and totally stylin' versions. Personally, I think that it looks best styled with heels and boots, a leather jacket or blazer. These should not be confused with lounge or beach wear. From runway to reality, this one works!

Dries Van Noten Spring '11 runway



Isabel Marant's Spring '11 Runway

 

The girl with the floral jump suit.
Picture taken at Project, Las Vegas August, 2010

A vintage pair

Love Shop's printed wide leg pant available for February Delivery
(notice the feathers!)

  

More prints from Love Shop



Show Me Your MuMu's version.
Notice yet another peacock feather print!
Maybe I am on to something here.