September 2, 2010 – 4:32 am
Haven’t you heard? Pants are the new Jean this fall, maybe the new dress as well… An abundance of styles can be found out there in so many shapes, fabrics, and colors- and this is what we LOVE about pants! Such variety should not be daunting-it just requires you to think outside of the box or step out side of your “comfort bubble” and find some pants to suit your mood and personality. Our favorite new shape is the slouchy cropped version with a tapered or elastic hem, which slightly resembles a track pant or sweat pant, but can be surprisingly sexy when paired with heels and a slinky, fitted top. Not only is this look comfortable, it looks new, fresh, and youthful. See some examples in photos below. If these still aren’t your cup of tea, skinny pants have come a long way and can be worn by many different body types. More sturdy (aka “sucking-in” power) than a legging, try a pair with stretch worn with a longer top or a mini dress. Unless you are a model or look like one, a good rule of thumb is more “pant-like” = shorter top, more “legging-like” = longer top.
Cargo pants are everywhere, riding on the wave of the military trend, and much more flattering these days then its predecessors from the 90’s.
Silk pants, printed pants, and high-waist, 70’s style wide leg trousers also get an honorable mention. Why don’t you try on a pair for your next night out? Be different then the other gals out there, and remember-different is ALWAYS better!
August 31, 2010 – 7:28 am
Unless you haven’t picked up a magazine in the last 5 months, shopped online, or watched TV, you probably have heard a lot about this Military craze. The question is, how do you make it work for you? We don’t suggest going head to toe military unless you are IN the military… Instead pull details from this trend and incorporate them into the rest of your wardrobe.
Try some cargo pants-there are so many flattering styles that are all woman…we especially love cropped cargos paired with heels. Cargo pants aren’t your thing? Go for silky button down with double cargo breast pockets…a fitted version looks great tucked into a pencil skirt. You can belt an oversized version over leggings for a sexy, “borrowed from the boys” look. Also look for gold accents, such as studs, metal stars, and big brass buttons (you can even switch out the plain buttons on an old shirt for some shiny gold ones! Just make sure they’re the right size.) Epaulets, tabs, and drawstrings are easy details to mix in as well. Of course, olive green and all shades of this flattering color go hand in hand with this trend.
Finally, why don’t you try mixing in some leopard, sequins, or fur with your military pieces to add a little unexpected glamour? You will be the envy of your friends and MOST importantly…you won’t be boring!
*click on pictures below to enlarge.
August 25, 2010 – 5:37 pm
For fellow fashion lovers all over the world, no matter what your age or status in life may be, the start of fall (as dictated by designers-NOT the weather) can bring us right out of our fashion doldrums. Its time to put away the flip flops and cover-ups.
Remember the feeling you would get before school started when you would plan your outfits? We challenge you to recover that excitement and creative energy you once had. Whether you’re ready or not, fall has started and 2010 carries some of the freshest trends we’ve seen in a long time. We encourage you to do your research (there are lots of 10 pound magazines on shelves at the moment) and find the looks that get your heart racing.
To help get you started, we have poured over our own photos, designer lookbooks, magazines, and blogs to create our own top ten list of our favorite fall trends- call it our inspiration board. We will post one or two a week in no particular order. As always, feel free to call or email us with any questions or comments!!
This blog we wanted to focus on the sleeve. So many options, but none would dare to be plain. These sleeves have a great way of enhancing a waist and a neck, they add drama for hand-talkers, and are just really beautiful!
*click on images to enlarge
August 17, 2010 – 11:25 am
We are very excited about the huge comeback pants have made this fall! With many different cuts, styles, shapes, and fabrics to choose from, we feel confident every girl can find a pair she feels good in. We would like to encourage all of you dress lovers out there to try out some pants on your next night out. We feel very confident that pants can be just as sexy and have just as much “wow” factor as a dress. We aren’t trying to knock dresses here; we love em’ too- but as always, we encourage you to step out of your box and hope to guide you in doing so. We adore the slouchy, slinky pant with either a rolled or elastic hem hitting just above the ankle paired with some killer heels. Throw on a simple tank and maybe add a cropped jacket and you will look like a million bucks! This pant works for day as well… add some flats on the bottom and a skinny military-esq button down on top, pile on some bangles, and you will be the envy of all of your friends.
We are also loving the skinny legging/pant hybrid… more substantial than a legging with lots of stretch for comfort, there are so many variations of this pant for fall, from equestrian detailing to motorcycle inspired styles. For those of you who say you can’t wear leggings or skinny pants, I kindly disagree… these pants are forgiving and slimming and nothing like those all too scary leggings some of you wore back in the 80’s. If you are worried about the size of your derriere, a longer top/tunic will conceal all manor of sins… add some heels, a longer structured blazer, and banish those negative thoughts from your mind as you strut it like you mean it! Boyfriend button downs and off shoulder, slouchy tees are a perfect top to this bottom as well.
We never like to give you too many rules here at penelope t… we firmly believe in personal style and love the gal who surprises us with interesting combinations. Find the pant that works for you this fall! Aside from the ones mentioned above, many designers showed a high-waisted wide leg look (so 70’s!). Cargo’s are still going strong, as are harem pants. Even printed pants have made a comeback (check out Proenza Schouler Fall 2010 RTW)
Here are some pics for your inspiration:
*Above picture credits from top to bottom: Something Else by Natalie Wood, A/W 2010. penelope t boutique, available for purchase now. Something Else by Natalie Wood, A/W 2010. Chanel RTW 2010. Genetic Denim, available at penelope t September 2010. Genetic Denim, available at penelope t September 2010. Isabel Murant Fall 2010. Isabel Murant Fall 2010.
August 9, 2010 – 11:27 am
Something Else is the brainchild/labor of love of seasoned designer and artist, Natalie Wood. Wood resides in Melbourne, Australia and is formerly the founder of cult-label, Sample, and also Creative Director of women’s wear for the globally successful fashion/skate/surf label, Insight.
Something Else fulfils Wood’s desire to combine fashion with music and art. Collaborations of creative talents give this collection a freshness factor that is hard to find in these days of “churn and burn” fashion. Something Else is high-fashion and luxurious, yet edgy and very cool- eclectic, fashion forward pieces for girls not afraid to experiment a bit with their style.
The label has been featured in key fashion media giants such as Vogue, Marie Claire, Oyster and Nylon. We are very excited to bring penelope t customers some of this amazing wearable art from the other hemisphere… check out a few looks from fall/holiday 2010:
pictures courtesy of www.something.net.au
I know this is a bit of a stretch for me to be talking about the beauty of food displays when this is primarily a fashion blog, but designers get their inspiration everywhere, and I think it’s important for all of us to open our eyes and see artistry in unexpected places. I must give credit to Wholefoods again for this one, their displays are seriously awe-inspiring in their Austin headquarters!
I just stumbled upon this website, Hypeed.com, which I thought was a truly unique and wonderful concept. Actually a Parisian fashion magazine, Hypeed was started in 2009 with the idea that any of us (guys too!) can be the inspiration. The site is filled with gorgeous images of real people around the globe of all different shapes and tastes who have submitted photos for other fashionistas to view and comment upon. This online community then collaborates to decide which photos best fit the theme and are therefore a part of the latest issue. Hypeed celebrates all that is unique and offers its readers a million and then some ideas to shake off the fashion doldrums. Check it out…http://hypeed.com.
photo credit: Hypeed.com
Who hasn’t picked a bottle of wine out simply because it had a beautiful label? I think if I ever choose a second career, it would be so much fun to design these mini works of art… it almost pains me to throw them away! I took these pics at the Wholefoods in Austin, TX, which is their headquarters. This trip to Wholefoods may have been the highlight of my entire trip (and it was a great trip!) Upon walking in, you are immediately hit with sensory overload… sights, sounds, smells- its amazing… the mothership of grocery stores (if you can even call it that). I know this is mainly a fashion blog, but I think all of us should look all around us for inspiration and enjoy beauty in all of its forms!
I Just wanted to share this recipe for a watermelon punch I created for a party we had at the store last week. I have been known by my friends and customers to throw together these concoctions when we have store events, sans a recipe- with mostly positive results. I must admit, this one was a bit of a disaster and cost me a dress and a steam cleaning, but that is due to the fact I attempted to make punch for 50 people. It was actually a great flavor and perfectly refreshing in the sweltering Florida heat. I also must give the disclaimer that I am guessing a bit on the amounts because I didn’t write anything down, so taste as you go and use your best judgement! So here it is, for lack of a better name- watermelon summer punch! (serves about 12 people)
Ingredients:
1 medium sized watermelon, divided in half
3 cucumbers, peeled and quartered
1 handful of mint leaves
1 liter of vodka
juice of 4 limes
2 cups lemon flavored club soda (or any flavor you prefer!)
2 bottles of chilled champagne
1-2 days before the day you want to serve the punch, pour vodka into a large pitcher and insert chunks of 1/2 of the watermelon, bunch of mint leaves (save aside a few for garnish later!), and peeled cucumbers. Refrigerate to let flavors infuse the vodka.
Next, pour through a strainer and throw out the soaked solid pieces.
Then, cut out the other half of the watermelon in chunks and puree thoroughly in a food processor. You might have to do this in batches as I did. Pour the pureed watermelon into a wire strainer (or any strainer with smaller holes) in order to strain out some of the watermelon pulp, as you will want to get all of the juice.
(That was definitely a messy part!)
At this point, you will combine the watermelon juice, infused vodka, lime juice, club soda, and champagne in your punch container. If you feel like its not sweet enough add more watermelon juice, or one small can of pineapple juice. Below are pics of the finished product! If anyone reading this is brave enough to try it I would love to hear from you! Enjoy!
