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Archive for the ‘Women’s Fashion’ Category
Stylist Ann Prentice, on set at Anne Cramer's Spring 2012 photo shoot. (First time they've given their girl a guy!)
Photo shoot on Friday; collection launch on Feb. 21. That’s a crunch, even by harried fashion industry standards, but Anne Cramer, intends to debut her new wedding collection and spring line on Valentine’s Day. And Cramer’s timing is always impeccable. Last spring’s endearing striped Flynn skirt gave way to the full length Flynn, which has become a favorite for bridesmaids–and has had Cramer working overtime to fill orders around the country. Now, the Minneapolis-based designer is gearing up for another wave of national exposure, with pieces from her latest collection due to appear in spring issues of top bridal magazines, including Cramer’s dream come true: Martha Stewart Weddings.
Spring Ready to Wear will launch along with the latest pastel striped full length Flynns. “I’ll always have a stripe,” says Cramer, who–per usual– is feeling at once elegant and irreverent. This season, she’s headed to the country club, but prefers ping pong to tennis. With a bedazzled paddle.
She let me peek in on the photo shoot at her South Minneapolis studio today for a preview. For the first time, Cramer has created her own fabrics, printed with her unique mix of preppy crests and quirky ping pong paddles. There’s a sunny dress and a light sweater with elbow length sleeves (“the most flattering length,” Cramer says, “especially over 40.”). These are pieces that will work with Tretorns by the pool or with heels for dinner.
Order online starting Feb. 14. Look for the latest from Anne Cramer in stores, including Melly at the Galleria, next month.
Tags: Anne Cramer, Anne M Cramer, bridesmaids, Flynn Skirt, melly, minneapolis designer, spring 2012
Posted in MN fashion designers, Special Occasion, Women's Fashion | No Comments »
Here’s a sneak peek at doo.ri for Macy’s Impulse Collection, the next in a series of fashion forward designer partnerships for the department store. It launches Feb. 15 at select Macy’s stores nationwide, including downtown Minneapolis, Ridgedale, Southdale, Rosedale and Mall of America.
Doo-Ri Chung worked with Geoffrey Beene for five years before launching her own label in 2003. Her Macy’s collection includes bold prints, detailed knitwear, jersey mixed with leather and doo-ri’s signature draping. Prices range from $39 to $159.
Meanwhile, Macy’s is already looking ahead to its next partnership: Alberta Ferretti will launch April 17 with a bohemian influenced collection of affordably priced feminine dresses, lightweight pants, peasant style blouses and knits in the season’s essential oranges, pinks and teals…
Tags: alberta ferretti, Doo-Ri, macy's, Macy's designer partnerships, macys impulse collection
Posted in Women's Fashion | No Comments »
Trench coat, $54.99, by Jason Wu for Target
Step aside–the black trench is mine. Jason Wu’s capsule women’s collection is scheduled to debut at Target stores and Target.com on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 5. It’s the perfect follow-up to Target’s web-crashing Missoni frenzy: Tons of positive buzz, but more manageable scope. (Pleated skirts and tie-waist shirts alone, no matter how pretty and affordable, are probably not enough to bring down target.com). At 53 pieces of women’s apparel and accessories, Wu’s Target collection is considerably smaller than Missoni for Target, which included everything from tumblers to journals.
And yet, on the heels of Target’s smash success with Missoni, which blew out of stores in hours, there is heightened anticipation for Wu. Now we know: snooze, and lose out on designer fashion–this time, for $60 or less. Wu is a hot, young designer who skyrocketed to fame when First Lady Michelle Obama wore his dress to an inaugural ball in 2009. Last week’s New York launch party for Wu drew plenty of star power, including actresses Blake Lively, Emmy Rossum and Jaime King (all dressed in Wu for Target, of course).
It’s worth noting that Missoni hit Target on a Tuesday, as opposed to the more typical Sunday launch cycle, like for Wu. I pressed Target’s publicists to find out if pieces might trickle in early…particularly at a store like downtown Minneapolis to capitalize on weekday traffic…but the answer was a firm “it doesn’t arrive in stores until Sunday.”
Fine by me–I’ll take chips and dip for the big game to go with my new coat.
Tags: Blake Lively, Emmy Rossum, Jaime King, jason wu, Jason Wu for Target, Jason Wu party, michelle obama, Missoni, Target designer collections
Posted in Events, Shopping with celebs, Uncategorized, Women's Fashion | No Comments »
Ann Taylor revamped its collection in 2009–showing the career girl how to step out of her suits–and now its time for store updates to match. Mall of America will get a new Ann Taylor concept store this year, scheduled to open in May. Think white washed maple hardwood floors, crystal chandeliers and modern furniture. A more residential look and feel will give Ann Taylor places for new product, like fashion books, framed images and jewelry vitrines (that means cases).
New “styling rooms” will feature floral wall coverings, luxe ottomans, plush carpeting and a new proprietary lighting system with back lit mirrors that are supposed to be extra flattering. A private lounge area near the fitting–oops, styling–rooms will feature a large touch screen monitor with direct access to anntaylor.com. (The website carries additional professional styles, more shoes, petites and tall sizes and the weddings and events collection).
Service is getting an overhaul, too. Store “stylists” will be available for appointments.
Ann Taylor has been rolling out its updated stores since fall 2010. New concept stores have already opened in major cities including New York, Boston, Miami and Seattle.
Posted in Twin Cities retail, Women's Fashion | No Comments »
Everybody’s getting sporty–including J. Jill, which is touting a new fitness inspired line, Pure Jill Fit. Intended for running, and running around, the line includes stretch yoga pants and tank tops, casual fleece and cotton tees, all in J. Jill’s easy style. The line has been introduced at just a handful of stores nationwide, including J.Jill at the Galleria in Edina. Through Monday, Jan. 16, get 15 percent off Pure Jill Fit purchases in store or online.
Tags: fitness fashion, Galleria, J.Jill, Pure Jill Fit
Posted in Recreational Gear, Women's Fashion | No Comments »
Ooh, look what’s coming! Stuart Weitzman is bringing back Mary Janes for spring in retro mint and blush. Grandma always said, what goes around comes around…and sometimes, delightfully, gets a silver tipped update in the process. $395. In stores in February.
Tags: spring 2012, stuart weitzman
Posted in Footwear, Women's Fashion | No Comments »
 Girl Scout meets Gossip Girl in the Spring 2012 collection from Jil Sander Navy, the designer’s lower-priced line. Knee-length A-line skirts, bermuda shorts and buttoned up blouses were shown on the runway with ankle socks and shiny platform sneakers for a preppy look that is extremely wearable…especially in pieces. See for yourself–Jil Sander Navy is now available at Grethen House. (The average price point is $280). 4930 France Ave. S., Edina, 952-926-8725
Tags: grethen house, Jil Sander Navy, spring fashion 2012
Posted in Women's Fashion | No Comments »
You’ve got new goals, a new outlook and extra space in your clean closet (resolution 2012?). Now you need a new pair of jeans for a new year. Here are a couple of new lines you will want to wear next.
Mother Denim is a new luxury line from former execs at Citizens of Humanity and 7 For All Mankind. They’re going for classic appeal: The silhouette is high waisted, the colors are vivid, and the fabric is soft as cashmere. $170-$220, Grethen House, 4930 France Avenue, Edina
Mother Denim
Bluelab reversible denim gives you two looks for the price of one. One side has that of-the-moment glossy finish; the other is more traditional. Available in a variety of color combos. $215, Stephanie’s, 758 Cleveland Ave. S., St. Paul
Bluelab
Tags: Bluelab, denim trends, grethen house, Mother Denim, premium denim, reversible denim, stephanie's
Posted in Women's Fashion | No Comments »
Alice & Olivia, Nanette Lepore and now, Amanda Christine. Galleria boutique Arafina has picked up social occasion dresses and separates from the Minneapolis-based designer. Get a look at these modern holiday designs, and meet Christine at the store Thursday, Dec. 1, 1-4 p.m.
Tags: Amanda Christine, arafina, Minneapolis designers
Posted in MN fashion designers, Women's Fashion | No Comments »
The ladies of Primp are busily pressing dresses and folding sweaters in anticipation of their Thursday opening at Shops at West End. I got a sneak peek on Monday and can assure you they’ll be ready: the spacious boutique, between Hot Mama and Anthropologie, is full of everyday basics and trend pieces, plus sweet little dresses and sparkly numbers perfect for holiday parties. Oh, and did I mention? Virtually everything is under $100; find many items for less than $50. Stop by the new store from 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday for wine, treats, and first dibs on those dresses!
(You can also visit Primp’s original location at Selby and Dale in St. Paul.)
Tags: primp, shops at west end
Posted in store openings, Women's Fashion | No Comments »
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