Simulated Sunshine

by Rachel Decker

March has been terrible. Well, at least is has been with regard to the weather. Portland is close to breaking the record for the number of rainy days in the month of March, and I’ve been wearing all black lately as a result. This got me thinking: interior designers use color to evoke various emotions all the time, so perhaps it’s time for me to dress for the mood I desire. Here are a few trendy colors for summer that will brighten up even the rainiest of days:

Coral

Ranging from orange-pink to coral red, this tropical color inspiration is both cheerful and sexy. These tones will not only brighten your day, but make you feel romantic, empowered, and passionate.

Bag by Cynthia Rowley, image courtesy of RevolveClothing.com

Yellow

A hot color for spring, there’s no better option than yellow for those days when you need a little bit of sun. Look for hues that resemble goldenrod or daffodils.

Maxi dress by Michael Kors, image courtesy of Style.com

Honeysuckle

Last but certainly not least, the Pantone color of the year: Honeysuckle. A dynamic reddish pink, this summer hue is bold, encouraging, and uplifting. It looks great on virtually everyone, and will bring out your summer spirit.

Shoe by Loeffler Randall, image courtesy of Barneys.com

From Russia with Love

Moscow, Russia is becoming one of the most stylish and elite cities in the world. With Mercedes Benz Moscow Fashion Week just around the corner, here are the top Russian Designers to watch for this season.


Arsenicum by Dimitry Loginov luxuriously represents the essence of the immaculately dressed modern Russian woman. Arsenicum hit the fashion scene in 2004, and has produced two collections each year. Furs, delicate silks, and lace dresses dominated his Fall/Winter 2010/2011 collection. His work has been featured in magazines like Harper’s Bazaar, GQ, Elle, and Millionaire International. Loginov creates both menswear and womenswear. Arsenicum is definitely on the radar of global fashion, and has even garnered comparisons to Dior.





TEREXOV- Terekhov is a master of draping and he designs with the contemporary spirit of Russia. Upon graduation he won an award to train under master courtier Yves Saint Laurent. Terekhov has had little commercial success in the United States but is very well known in Russia, and the major European fashion cities. Terekhov has collaborated with popular Japanese retailer UNIQLO, and has shown collections in NY and London Fashion Week. His work is clean, sophisticated, and captures the essence of the modern Russian woman.


Lena Vasilyeva is recently new to the Russian fashion world. Her line launched in 2010 at Volvo Moscow Fashion Week, and is set to show her Winter Collection this March. Feminine lines, soft silhouettes, and hints of the sophisticated 30’s women inspire her extremely wearable collection. Vasilyeva designs wedding gowns, and also works exclusively with French accessory label Alexandre de Paris. Vasilyeva has been named one of the freshest faces in the Russian fashion world.






From Russia with love,

Kayla Rekofke

Walking on Broken Glass

By: Anna Branch

On an eerily quiet Portland street one night I unintentionally walked through a mess of broken glass and was accompanied by an echoing crunching under my feet for several blocks. In a flash of inspiration, I imagined a floor covered with shards of glass and broken mirrors with a show-stopping pair of heels captured in a flood of shadows and reflections.

I shot this series in the basement of my apartment building with the help of some amazing friends and of course lots of spectacular shoes!

All photos taken by Anna Branch

Palace

Palace Boutique
The search is over, I can rest easy now knowing that I have found by far, the best vintage shop in town. After my latest blog post “The 3 P’s Of Second Hand Shopping,” I thought it necessary to bring you the ideal second hand shop to make shopping a little easier on you. Conveniently located on Belmont and 34th, this SE gem took me by surprise with its modern, yet classic atmosphere and easy to shop merchandise. I was eager to get to the bottom of the boutiques origin, and was lucky enough to pick the brain of shop owner Charlotte Reich.

It’s always fascinating to me to learn how businesses, especially successful ones like Palace got their start, and a lot of the time it’s always the same story, plenty of passion and the willingness to take risks. An old pro at buying, Reich took her hobby of shopping “the bins” and turned it into a career. Reich was a former co-owner of Rad Summer but after a while the urge to have something completely her own was too much. With nothing to lose and the perfect location presenting its self, Charlotte opened Palace Boutique with high quality merchandise and craft in mind.

The store itself, often flooded with western light is a modern and chic space that incorporates old and new products creating the perfect balance of a store that appreciates vintage style and highlights new local labels like Rabbit on the Run, as well as Indie labels like Seneca Rising and Mina Stone. My favorite part about the store however is the ease in which it can be shopped. The merchandise is color coordinated and unisex, not to mention neatly displayed and not over cluttered. You can browse the wide selection of perfect vintage tees and sweaters with low stress and oftentimes great success.

Don’t just take my word for it, see for yourself! You can follow Reich’s blog at http://mypalacestore.blogspot.com/ or at the website www.palacestore.com. But most of all visit the location at 820 SE 34th Avenue Portland, Oregon 97214 Mon-Sun 11-7.
Erin Enos

Palace Boutique

John Galliano: Misfit or mishap?

By: Sabrina Taylor

The things that John Galliano said are completely unforgivable, but coming from him, is it so unbelievable?

This past February, Galliano went on a tirade with racist remarks such as “I love Hitler” and "People like you would be dead today. Your mothers, your forefathers would be f**ing gassed and dead," after getting into an argument with two other diners at the Paris café La perle.

Although this sort of behavior is inexcusable (hence getting the boot from Dior), is it so surprising? Designers like Galliano live their lives to design the most outrageous ensembles possible. They want to be the first of the first. So was his outburst just taking himself one step further in the notorious category? Was this just a ploy to show the world that he is willing to take just about anything to the next level?

Although I do not know if John Galliano is a racist, I do think that he could have found another way to deal with these people that he was fighting with.

Image courtesy of: http://www.inquisitr.com/99717/john-galliano-fired-from-christian-dior/

Fascinating People

New York Times street style photographer Bill Cunningham is not only eccentric but he and his life is completely entertaining. Riding around on his Schwinn, he goes out no matter rain or shine to photograph the most fashionable on the New York City streets. A documentary has come out about him, and after watching the trailer I couldn't be more intrigued.

"There is no reason to be doom and gloom and think that fashion is finished"
-Bill Cunninham

Watch the Trailer here


By: Brittany Deyoe


(images from cupofjo)

Spring is Back with a New Twist

Spring is here Portland; break out your oversized shades and sheer maxi dresses? That is right, Spring 2011 calls for floor-sweeping maxi dresses in nudes and blacks. The twist this season is they are sheer, peeping at your stems and covering up just enough to stay classy. This trend can be worn by just about anyone, Portlanders do not have to worry about a tan, which is something hard to find here!

The sheer maxi dress is fun and different, but what is most exciting is our stray away from the military look. The military trend has been a part of each season for almost two years now. Finally, this trend has evolved into “biker.” Leather jackets with biker buckles and metal detailing is called for. This edgy twist on structured jackets is a perfect pairing with these elegant yet racy maxi dresses. Make way for spring; this one is going to be all about sass.

Photos by: http://www.oohwee.net/2011

By Anna Shipps

Don’t be scared to BARE it to the World

I know you may be thinking no way, but I’m here to say yes. It may seem hard to step out of that comfort zone especially to display your midriff, but it’s possible. Not everyone is able to pull off this trend but plenty fashionistas can. They’re dos and don’ts to this style that can make you or send you to worst dressed in People. From the picture the chic way to wear this trend is with a high waisted pant, knee-length skirt, or shorts, depending on the season. Now it’s time to show that midriff, but don’t be frightened only show as much as you feel comfortable. Alexa Chung chose to display only a little slip of skin alongside Jessica Szohr. But DON’T show more than a slip of skin above your belly button if you wear shorty shorts and low rise denim. People like cake but they don’t want it all in one sitting, so keep it classy and only give them a piece.

By Alexa Stevens

Images courtesy of: whowhatwear.com

http://www.whowhatwear.com/website/full-article/trend-report-bare-midriffs/

Denim Focus

by Lily Liu

A new alerting trend is denim decorations. Denim will never go out of style and here are some highlights of new denim detail and embellishment inspirations.

Military

The denim detailing concentrates on ornate, ceremonial dress. Key elements are epaulettes with chains and hardware, ornate and decorative trims such as rope. A Michael Jackson favorite, multi-button fitted jackets with frogging details.

Chains, Chains, Chains!

Updated front pockets with dramatic and dressy fine chains for girly looks. Weft threads mingle with varied chain designs for surface interest.

Chanel-inspired chain trim updates denim edges.

Crystallized

Crystals and diamantes add color flicker to denim pieces. Intense crystal embellishments put in glamour to punk rock looks along with shoulder and lapel jewel and spikes. Scattered placements add romantic appeal to skirts, dresses, and shorts.

What’s great about this trend is everyone can create and customize their own statement denim piece by d.i.y.

All images courtesy of stylesight.com

The Scoop on The Newest Trend in Portland, Feather Hair Extensions

By Zena Trammell

I am proud to say Portland Oregon is the founder of the newest and greatest trend in hair fashion, the feather hair extension or should I say the lovely Geneva Sutter is. (featured on the left) But to Geneva feather hair extensions isn’t a new thing. About six years ago she first started her jewelry line called Bird Crap Feather wear, with beautiful hair length feather earrings. Three years ago Geneva’s friend Amy Snighter invited her to have Bird Crap Feather wear jewelry be featured in the swimwear fashion show located in Portland. As Geneva was putting earrings on the models before the show started, she noticed the hairstylist was hair spraying feathers into the models hair. Instantly the idea was formed, why not add feathers into the hair just like the concept of hair extensions.

Geneva had no idea the potential success behind this fun new innovation. She soon added the feather hair extensions to her product line and website. We now see this trend hitting all over the west coast and soon to be all over the country. Salons here in Portland are trying to get their hands on the feather materials but supplies are now becoming limited due to high demand.

Geneva’s production studio located between 27^th and Gladstone here in Portland is where she hand crafts her earrings and sets up appointments for costumers to come in, sit and get their hair feathered. What’s so great about doing your feather extensions at her studio is you’re not only supporting the innovator but also receiving the best price in town. There’s no bird crap, you just pay for the feathers and that’s it! Five feathers for $8 no more and no less not even a charge to put them in. Feathers can be blow-dried, curled and even straightened. Big shout out to Geneva Sutter for letting us put fun colors in our hair without the regret!

Never Forget to Accessorize

With Spring closely approaching we and our fellow Portlanders are collaboratively saying "THANK GOODNESS!" Now while I cant say that the saying "May showers, brings April flowers" comes from Portland, OR I think anyone that lives here can agree that it should/could of. Not only natural growing flowers, but with the spring season comes floral prints, necklaces, rings, bracelets, ect. This season more than ever the floral accessories are really starting to become a huge part of the outfit. Possibly because the floral pieces are becoming actual size, it's hard not to notice them.

^^^^

We obviously have seen this in many different places over the past couple of years. Such as, the ever so famous ring Samantha Jones attempted to purchase for $50,000 dollars at an auction. However, with spring finally returning to us we are going to start seeing it more and more. No worries, we will not all be having to pay as much as the wonderful Samantha Jones. These jewelry items are starting to become more than just an add-on to your outfit, they are starting to become apart of it. Something for people to take notice to has a fashion statement.

Short Film Gives Us a Peak Behind New Collection

By: Jessica Brown

Fashion Designer Damir Doma gives us a look behind his Spring/Summer 2011 collection in a short film called “Exercise”. The video below gives us an idea of the mood, feel, and idea behind the line.

I’m loving the concept behind designers creating short films to convey inspiration and a message behind their work. This would be an exciting trend if fashion designers started summing up their new collections through a short film. Not only does it let us outsiders into their design process, but it also allows us to get to know the designer on a more personal basis. Being able to see the clothing up close and watch the way it moves is an amazing way to experience clothing!

Dior Cuts Ties With Galliano

Image courtesy of thegloss.com

Amidst swirling whispers and outright statements of condemnation, the House of Christian Dior has announced that John Galliano has been “laid off”. The dismissal comes after an internet video was released of Gallliano in what appears to be an alcohol-fueled racist rant. In the footage, Galliano claims to “love Hitler” and tells a woman people like her would be “dead today” and that her mothers and forefathers would have been “gassed and dead”.

This unfortunate event has caused many such as Jewish-American actress Natalie Portman, the new face of Christian Dior Parfums, to speak out, saying she is “shocked and disgusted” and will not be associated with John Galliano. Dior’s president and CEO, Sidney Toledano, stated Galliano’s remarks are in “total contradiction with the essential values that have always been defended by the House of Christian Dior.”

It is reported that Galliano is entering rehab, has hired the attorney who defended Kate Moss during her cocaine debacle, and will be fighting his release at Dior. It looks as though Galliano is not going out without a bang.

By Sarah Dunford