This is not something that’s just for goths anymore – this autumn, capes and cloaks are making a real impact on the fashion scene, along with shorter wraps, capelets, shawls, and stoles… you get the general picture – if it’s over the shoulders, it’s in this autumn.

I’ve been looking around for something that will match to the trend while still being somewhat useful in cold weather.  So far I really like this Erin Fetheston cape from Shop Bop – it sort of has a cool cape/coat hybrid look about it, and I think it’ll be a lot warmer than a short wrap, so it’ll be more practical.

I haven’t quite figured out how their stock works – they have pages and pages of clothes in each category, but it seems like there are limited numbers of each item, and once they’re gone, they’re gone.  So if you see something you can’t live without, don’t hesitate.  My favorite buy so far?  This “perfect pencil dress,” which lives up to its name with its mid 20th century faux-First-Lady look.  I’ll be spending a lot more money on these clothes, for sure.

Think of shopping with a friend, holding up a shirt or dress against your body and asking, ” Is this me?” Fashionista, a new service from San Francisco recommendation provider RichRelavance, takes this experience and replicates it in a way that is authentic to the online world. Created using technology from interactive marketing agency Zugara,shoppers visiting online store Tobi.com can try on up to 300 pieces of clothing using a Webcam and a computer. The process involves calibrating a Webcam by holding a design marker printed out on a page. When the site recognizes the marker, it starts projecting images of clothing on the computer screen. If you don’t like it you just raise your hand and hit a visual “next” button and you will see another clothing item in its place. You can give items a thumbs up or thumbs down using another virtual button and then later see all you favorite clothes, along with recommendations for matching items. If you need further affirmation, you can open yourself up to compliments or criticism by sharing the experience with friends on Facebook. I think this is a very cool concept and a right step in the direction of making shopping for clothes a truely visual experience. (via ClickZ)

From our friends at Season Five ]]> http://blog.thefind.com/2009/11/online-shoppings-new-reality-show/feed/ 0 http://blog.thefind.com/2009/11/michael-kors-santorini-rattan-clutch/ http://blog.thefind.com/2009/11/michael-kors-santorini-rattan-clutch/#comments Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:08:21 +0000 Stephanie http://blog.thefind.com/?p=9250

It isn’t very often that I come across a handbag that works for the Spring, Summer and Fall months. However, today, I’ve found one. Leave it up to genius designer, Michael Kors to come to my rescue. In fact, I would expect to find a tote or a hobo that could cross seasons without a glitch, but clutches can be a little more difficult. Furthermore, I am not talking about a black clutch, I am talking about a clutch that is clearly a little more trendy.

The Michael Kors Santorini Rattan Clutch is the perfect handbag for sprucing up so many of your outfits. Since we are in the midst of November, I am going to start off by saying this clutch would be so fabulous with a deep, dark and rich outfit. I love the how the light brown rattan clutch contrasts against the dark brown leather strap. This color combination plays off of one another so well. The decorative buckle offers just a hint of sophistication to the otherwise simplistic bag. Add a hint of stitch detailing and a snap fastening which opens to a completely lined clutch and you have an amazing accent to your outfit. I love how the clutch can be dressed up or down with just a simple change of shoe or top. Once again, Michael Kors succeeds!

From our friends at The Purse Blog

Shopping season is upon us! Lovely presents for good little girls and boys, trinkets, tinsel and toys. Who doesn’t love to shop? Well except maybe straight boys. This weekend you can get your shop on at THREAD’s Two-Day Holiday Event, and cross off everyone on your nice list- there will be items for girls, boys, old and young!

The event will take place at Fort Mason, November 20 and 21st, from 11 to PM.

Enjoy a photo booth, style lounge, live art, art and fashion shows from Art Now SF, drink specials, as well as remarkable steals and deals on clothing, jewelry, and one of a kind finds from local artisans and emerging artists! And check out the giant clothes swap happening, so come and recycle your slightly used stylish clothes and upgrade for different ones.

Tickets are $10 at the door or $8 if you RSVP online before the show. Entrance includes shopping tote and free cocktails for the first 250 guests each day.

See you at THREAD!

From our friends at BrandHabit

Photo Courtesy of NBC New York Blog

The Beauty Snob reviews the new “Wish Upon a Star” collection from Shu Uemura, a collaboration with fashion designer Tsumori Chisato.

Who doesn’t love a little black dress? A strand of elegant pearls? A short tweed jacket? An always forever classic set of “c’s” interlocking? Ah Chanel- my one true yet very expensive love! You’re back from hiatus, vacation, fashion week? Who knows, all I heard is that you left me months ago, leaving me and our spot at Maiden Lane all alone to be sad, depressed and fashion-less.

Whats that? Your back, and you’re opening your pristine doors once again to an even better, and more extravagant boutique in San Francisco. Glory be, music to my ears, how I waited for this day. We shall be reunited once again! But I am not a jealous gal, I know I can’t keep you all to myself.

So here’s the deets: November 20, and 21 from 10am-6pm, the official re-opening of the renovated boutique. Enjoy the festivities with complimentary makeup sessions, and discover the Cruise Collection exclusives.

Au revoir mademoiselle!

From our friends at BrandHabit

THE SCENE: For one of the most anticipated designer collaborations, H&M this time was duly prepared for the launch. There was a long line outside of the store, however once inside, the crowd was calm and controlled, an army of staff was available, and the ground floor of the H&M flaghip on 51st and 5th Avenue was completely rearranged to accommodate the day. An hour and a half into the doors opening, the racks and display tables were still neat and fully stocked with a range of clothe and accessories while peoplke seemed to mill about and wait in the other line at the back of the store to try on shoes. This was the most interesting part of the whole event: people had to go to the second floor to get a wristband and then proceed back down stairst o wait in line to be entered into the “shoe holding pen” in groups  — on a time limit! Once you’re time was up, you had to get out of the ring and head right to the cashier, which was a row of waiting employees, one foot away. Kudos to H&M for finally figuring out how to properly manage these launches!

The COLLECTION: Although I’d been looking at pics online for ages, I realized that seeing the clothes and just looking at pictures of them can be two entirely different things! The clothing tended to be more of the evening sort and of on par quality with H&M, with embroidery and sequins galore, faux fur vest, jumpsuits, suede dresses, and plastic clutches, while the shoes were actually a little less exciting in person. My suggestion: less clothes, more shoes, overall lower price points.

If Jimmy Choo & H&M expect people to pay $100-$150 for four-inch-heels that provide zero padding or support, why won’t they just charge $50-$75? Lest we not forget that a designer collaboration in this nature is a teaming up of a designer brand with a lower-priced retailer — just because I’d like to pay less money for a pair of Jimmy Choos doesn’t mean that my tolerance of footpain would be any different than anyone who would pay $500 or $600 for a pair of shoes.

So in conclusion — good try, but I, and I think a lot of other people,  would at least be willing to rationalize 4-inch-heels that are killers, for $49.99, but the pricing of this collection is a little too much to rationalize on that front. Even though we may be pinching pennies these days, there are certain things that just shouldn’t be sacrficied-like well-made, comfortable footwear. Walking over to the H&M flagship I dropped off three pairs of shoes that I love to be re-heeled and re-soled for a total of $60 — now that’s a deal!

More photos from the Jimmy Choo for H&M launch…

From our friends at Fashion Pulse Daily

Tulip skirts are a great way to add a bit of shape and volume to the hips area – perfect for women who struggle with square or small hips.  They also help make the legs look longer, and they have a bit of a princess quality about them.  Tulip skirts are pretty and feminine, and can really help create the shape you want if you usually have trouble wearing short skirts.  I love this satin pleated tulip skirt from Arden B. – it comes in several colors, and it’s only $44.  It even has pockets!