Rip City Style

Portland Trail Blazer fans are rip-roaring with the start of this years 2009/2010 season. Over the past few years, our franchise has been rebuilding its staff and players. Seen within this positive movement, is the support and love for the team. If you are from Portland, you really never lost hope. But for those fans that did, or turned their backs when things got rough…are back!

How do we know this? The multitude of red, black and white clothing seen all over town, and especially at Blazer games. Fans truly have brought back their excitement for the game and the team. One example is the t-shirt shown above “rip city.” This slogan was started by Blazer announcer Bill Schonely in the 70s, and has stuck. These shirts are seen everywhere and the phrase is said by every fan.

Another style seen on women, men and children are Blazer Jerseys. An example of a jersey is shown above on the right side. Brandon Roy is a current Blazer, but fans wear any jersey they have, and it doesn’t matter if the person still plays for us or not, it’s all about showing support.

The last Rip City style seen out and about, is the checkered or flannel Blazer colored shirts. This look is mostly seen on women. One style is a flannel shirt, paired with skinny jeans. This look can be worn with boots or flats, like the picture shown above. Another common look is to wear a longer flannel shirt with leggings and boots.

Have you shown your Blazer colors recently? Now that you know who’s wearing what, go shopping in your closet and show Portland your red, black and white style. See you at the games!

Why Nau

In the current economic climate, people are hesitant to spend a lot of money on clothes. As sales for fast-fashion, at retailers like Forever 21 and Target, soar consumers increasingly must be persuaded to spend any money on high-end pieces. There is one label, Nau, that produces produces garments definitely worth investing in if you have the disposable income.

Founded in right here in Portland, Nau makes outer/urban-wear that is not only fashion forward and very high quality, it is produced with environmental sustainability and social responsibility in mind. In fact, those two considerations, along with economic responsibility, make up the triple-bottom-line mentality that is cornerstone to Nau's philosophy. 

As previously mentioned, the product isn't cheap--the price of a jacket ranges from about$200-$425. Still, because their clothing is made to last forever, purchasing a few well selected pieces from the label may actually save you money in the long run. This is because Nau's dedication to environmental sustainability goes beyond the production process, into actually reshaping the way people consume. While most apparel companies, regardless of price-point, strive to get consumers to buy as much as possible each season, Nau's goal is to reduce the number of products the consumer must buy, therefore reducing the overall waste produced by the company.

This mission is even incorporated into the design process. While their designs are innovative and fresh, Nau's overall aesthetic leans toward neutral color palates and classic silhouettes. As a result, garments by Nau tend to stay in style season after season, and go with just about Everything.

In Portland, Nau's clothes can be found at Lizard Lounge (www.lizardloungepdx.com). In addition their collection is sold on their website-www.nau.com, which features not only the online store, but a lot of additional information on how the company is run with their ethical code in mind, and what they are doing to give back to the community.

So if you have a little extra money in your clothing budget, and want to spend it on something that's worth it's price, go check out Nau. You won't regret it!

Rain=Winter

As I look outside and see the leaves clogging up the sewers and the heavy rain coming down I realize fall is over and winter is here. Puddles started to flood the streets and winter fashion came out of the woodworks and back on to the streets. Walking around Portland changed rapidly from people in their jeans and tee shirts to bundled up in their coats, scarfs and umbrellas.

Rain boots are my favorite part of winter in this city. Walking to the Art Institute in Portland I am always noticing peoples new cute rain-boots. If you are going to have to wear rubber boots why not make a statement with them.

As I am standing on the streetcar trying to keep out of the rain on my travels to and from school, I look down and see the cutest rain boots in my opinion this year. I was nervous, my heart beating. Do I ask where she got them or would she think I was a total freak. I had to. I really wanted a pair and had to know. Pink and black my two favorite colors, it would be worth the strange look I would get just to get a pair of my own. So I asked. “Hey I love your rain boots where did you get them?” She told me of this site online with extremely cute rain books that aren’t that expensive! I was so excited, came home and immediately went to look them up!

-Alicia Jelinek

Here are a picture of them. If any of you are looking for cute new winter rain boots a great site is: http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/division.do?cid=15957

“Trends for spring and Summer 2010”

 

This up and coming spring and summer season is going to be filled with vibrant colors that will come from nature, and the great outdoors.  This spring/summer season’s colors will be based on the hues of the 70’s and will have inspiration from a fresh and clean style.  The color palette will be ranging from pinks, purples, browns and some earthly beige colors that will be pulled from nature. 

 

As predicted by Pantone.com for this spring 2010, they have centered their colors on the concept of “ Splashes of Summer.”  They predict that vibrant bright colors are going to be seen on the runways, and in the store windows.  These bright and colorful colors are going to add excitement to the store windows and will be available for the consumer to purchase to brighten up their personal wardrobe, and add some excitement to their closet.  Also, for spring/summer 2010 there are going to be a wide variety of practical nuetrals that will be out they’re for the more cautious consumer to be able to purchase so they will have a safety net for those classic looks. 

 

Some of these colors seen will include turquoises, blues, and violets.  These colors are seen in nature and can be pulled from the shades of a calm ocean sea, or the hues of a blue sky on a sunny day.  Peter Some, who works for Pantone, have predicted that, “ a warm, optimistic palette of bright ranging from Tangerine Orange, Sunny Yellow and Hibiscus Pink to shades of Blue in Azure Lagoon and True Navy; Dove Grays and shades of White ranging from Optic, Buttermilk and Ivory anchor the palette.”  Som finds his inspiration for these colors from his need in life to be happy, and the want of having colors that can lift someone’s mood from a bad day.  

 

Fashion designer Nanette Lepore foresees the colors of this spring/summer 2010 to be pulled more from the warm end of life.  Lepore pulled her colors from the inspiration of her, “ childhood memories of country garden sunsets at a seaside summer home.”  She foresees colors to be ranging from a warmer palette of citron, tea rose, and firefly.  These colors will help intensify anyone’s wardrobe for the summer, and could help bring excitement to someone’s everyday life. 

 

In sum, the colors of Spring/Summer 2010 are being based off of the emotional feeling of happiness, and the want for adventure in life. 

Click here http://www.pantone.com/downloads/articles/pdfs/Pantone-FCR-sp2010f.pdf to see the colors predicted for spring/summer2010 by Pantone.com.

by Christine McBeth

AlexSandra's Vintage Fashion Show & Sale

AlexSandra & Tony Starlight

Celebrity Themed

Vintage dresses, hats, jewelry, purses & coats, if you love them then you would have loved the Vintage Fashion Show & Sale that took place Tuesday, November 3rd. The event was held at Tony Starlight's Supperclub & Lounge, a swanky jazz bar scene tucked away on Sandy Boulevard. Live music, cocktails, and a lobby full of clothing set the scene for the fashion show. AlexSandra's Vintage Emporium,where I have been interning since April, hosts a fashion show on the first Tuesday of every month, each month with its own theme. November's was Celebrity, which included models portrayed as Katherine Hepburn, Coco Chanel, Ingrid Bergman, and more.


As the house lights dimmed, Tony Starlight began the event singing while AlexSandra came out, cocktail in hand. Before the models came out to the lit stage, a little story was told about the celebrity, full of unknown facts and jokes. Adorned with sparkling jewels, elegant vintage ensembles, and a graceful gait, all of the models came out looking fabulous. My favorite ensemble was that of a 1960's Julia Child, modeled by recent graduate of the Art Institute, Britta Hellquist. She was dressed in a smart, crisp green button up shirt, with a 60's beige woolen pencil skirt. Of course she had to have a cotton apron on which was intricately embroidered with flowers. To top off the look Britta held an original copy of Julia Child's cook book, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, which sold right after the show. Which leads me to the other great thing, everything you see on the models is for sale! The fashion show is also a good reason to wear your vintage hats and garments for a night out, if you need an excuse.

After the show wrapped up with Coco Chanel, in a beautiful 1940s black suit dripping with pearls, the models brought out all of the garments seen in the show to be merchandised in the lounge. Everyone flocked to the hats and jewelry, looking like a group of kids playing dress up. It seems no matter how old you are there is something for everyone.

As the customers left, AlexSandra began packing up her merchandise, gearing up to prepare for the next month's show. You are always sure to find the perfect coat, cocktail dress, and jewels at every Vintage Fashion Show & Sale. Can't attend one of the shows? Stop by the Vintage Emporium located at Interstate Avenue and Dekum in North Portland. The max takes you right there at the Rosa Parks stop, see you there!

Anna Fabian

All Photogrpahy: Chris Allen

Model: Britta as Julia Child

Model: Britta as Peggy Olson

Model: Meghan as Coco Chanel

Model: Rachel in front of the Sinatra shrine

The 2009 chic holiday gift guide

It's that time of year again! 'Tis the season for finding the perfect holiday gift for all people on your list! Below I've complied some of my personal favorites for inspiration. All of these gifts are super chic and vary in price-points to match anyone's budget!

For the ladies:

1. CHANEL Le Vernis Nail Colour in Forbidden. $23. Nordstrom.com

This nail color is perfect for the holiday season. The deep, rich brick red is right on trend and adds a little cheer to anyone's tips. The shade is universally flattering and looks great on all skin tones.

2. CRISTALINO BRUT CAVA. $7.99. Wine.com

Cava is the sparkling wine of Spain and a more affordable option then champagne. This dry, crisp wine is the perfect gift for your "good time" girlfriend.

3. BURBERRY 'Regent Check' Umbrella. $275. Saksfifthavenue.com

Classic luxury meets practical accessory, especially in our rain-ridden city.

4. CFDA "American Fashion Cookbook". $45. Amazon.com

Perfect for your fashion-forward friend, this book compiles 100 recipes from some of the best known fashion designers of our time. Isaac Mizrahi's mushroom truffle spaghetti is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

5. J Crew 'starlight glitter' ballet flats. $125. Jcrew.com

Girls are like barracudas. We see something sparkly and we can't help ourselves. These glitzy flats are both festive and functional.

For the gentleman:

1. AMERICAN APPAREL 'unisex mustache mask'. $14. Americanapparel.net

What's with guys and mustaches lately? Give him the gift of facial hair minus the scratchy kisses.

2. DWELL magazine subscription. $19.95. Dwell.com

Dwell magazine is intelligent and thought-provoking coverage of the latest in modern architecture and design.

3. LEATHERMAN 'skeletool'. $70. Leatherman.com

For all those rugged outdoorsmen, this multi-tool is ultra lightweight and great for everything from helping pitch a tent to opening a stubborn package of sunflower seeds.

4. J Crew 'heavyweight buffalo check' shirt jacket. $98. Jcrew.com

Classic look, modern fit. This shirt jacket is the ultimate layering piece for him and guaranteed to look good with leggings when you accidentally steal it on a particularly cold day!

5. DeLonghi cast aluminum indoor grill. $99.95. Williams-Sanoma.com

Graduate him from his George Foreman to this surprisingly sleek and compact indoor grill. He can make dinner tonight!

"There's a blog for that"

Blogs are literally everywhere...across the internet world that is.

You can find a blog about anything nowadays. It's the new form of special interest groups or fan clubs. Who needs to physically go to a club when you can be part of the following online in the comfort of your own home. And once you get started, there's really no stopping you, because one blog leads to another which leads to another. You become intrigued by your blog and which blogs yours follows...you begin to wonder where your blogs' followers are when they are not home! It's quite the chain reaction, and sounds a bit like an unfaithful relationship.

So not only are blogs a new form of intimate relationship, they seem to be taking over the role of newspapers and even magazines. Look at what they're offering; they are updated regularly, you can comment when you feel like it and they are hobby/interest specific...no nonsense, straight to what you like without the fluff that comes along with the other two.

I have an idea for you to try, a suggestion for the blog follower or a person who is completely new to the blog world...take a moment to pick a personal interest, hobby, or passion, google it (or bing it, yahoo it, whichever search engine you prefer) see what you find. I guarantee there's a blog for it, sort of like the new "there's an app for that" slogan..."there's a blog for that" should be the new slogan for blogspots. If you're already a blog follower, take a few moments to check out your favorite blogs following, you might just find a new favorite or find more to follow. There's a whole realm of blogs out there that are right up your ally and waiting for you to find them.

Mindy

check these out

Fashion: beausandarrows.blogspot.com

Legos: legoblockblock.blogspot.com

Coffee: purecoffee.blogspot.com

Australian Golf: aussiegolfer.blogspot.com