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