The Style Exchange

Who needs big-name models when you have the vast, advertisement-laden entity that is Myspace? That, apparently, was the thinking behind Costume National’s fall 2008 campaign, which features 12 models who were found on Myspace by C’N'C designer Ennio Capasa.  “Social networking is one of the most interesting phenomena today on the Internet,” said Capasa. “It represents the great change and dynamism of a society that is increasingly a compulsive consumer of communication and contacts.”  While I’m a little skeptical that anything good can come from Myspace, I do like these advertisements, even if they’re a little plain.  Expect them to hit magazines in September.

A high-top lace-up buckle-up maryjane loafer for men?  Givenchy is certainly getting creative…if I saw these walking down the street I would not only give them a second look but I would stare, possibly point, and maybe giggle.

Photo from VMag

For those of you brave enough to venture to South Florida in hot, hot July, there is something to look forward to - starting Friday the 18th, the Raleigh Hotel in Miami is hosting the Mercedes-Benz 2009 Fashion Week for Swimwear.    Featured designers include Diesel and Tibi.  The event is by invitation only, but it’s Miami so there are bound to be parties happening all over the place, just waiting to be snuck into.

Michelle and I would love to go down to Miami and revel in the heat and bikinis with everyone, but I will be going to Chicago that same weekend, visiting friends and attending Pitchfork Music Festival! Of course it’s also the perfect opportunity to explore Chicago shopping, but I need advice: if any readers are from the area, e-mail me at styleexchange (at) gmail.com and tell me about your favorite shops, boutiques, flea markets — wherever it is you score the great finds!

Yesterday’s New York Times had an article about the rise in popularity of sunglasses and how they are even taking over the former It-status accessory, the handbag. Sales of handbags are down 14% this year, while shades are seeing a 10% increase.  With all of the troubles in the U.S. economy, it makes sense that buying bags worth thousands of dollars doesn’t feel like a smart move to women. You would think that sunglasses might be a more cost-effective solution to buying designer merchandise, but that isn’t always the case.  The article notes that “prices for designer sunglasses have jumped to $350 or more in recent months, from an average of $250.”  Bergdorf Goodman even sells a “high-end tortoise-rim version” of Wayfarers that cost $750!  Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a photo of these way-too-expensive Raybans, but I doubt there is anything that special about them to warrant the price tag.  Personally, I agree that sunglasses have been fairly prevalent lately and I think they can do way more for an outfit than a handbag can.  However, it is insane to pay over $200 (that’s being generous) for eyewear, unless it’s prescription. Go to the thrift store! Most of them have an ample supply of vintage sunglasses, many times less than $5.  I’m also a fan of the website 80s Purple — they have an 80s Collection sunglasses section with tons of unique vintage options, including the shades above, at $15 or less!  And if you just have to have the designer name on the glasses, there is always Ebay.

More from Stockholm’s fashion week!  One trend I’m stuck on, and thankfully so are the designers, is the maxi dress (and skirt).  Four designers have sent this look, for both day and night, down their runways so far and I couldn’t be happier. 

Acne, Filippa K

LiseLotte Westerlunds, Whyred

all photos come from Elle.se

As the models parade down the runways in the newest Swedish designs for S/S 09 (these seasons really fly by before you know it, don’t you think?) a lot of quirk and spirt have come with them. 

I love these jeans from Cheap Monday – they are so playful,  and personally, I am especially fond of the all white get up to the right.

My favorite look from Minimarket is the shorts suit, followed closely by the ladybug sweater.

Tiger of Sweden stood out to me for the way they played with proportions and for how the pieces they put together were unconventional pairs that fit so comfortably together.  

What Made Carin Wester’s basically neutral color palette so exciting was her mixing of silhouettes and fabrics to create simple yet dramatic pieces and ensembles.  

All photos courtesy of Elle.se

Here are photos from Coco Rocha’s spread in Muse, shot by Horst Diekgerdes.  She looks stunning, although not exactly realistic as a mother/nanny — people that good looking generally don’t push their own strollers. Pieces of interest for me include the nice variety of cardigans and a black sequined dress by Alexander McQueen.  Scans courtesy of styliste at Foto_Decadent.

I don’t know how or why it happened, but cheesy wildlife tees are everywhere right now! Sure, I’d see them occassionally in thrift stores, and I even have a wolf howling at the moon shirt somewhere, but at a party in Gainesville this weekend I saw more than a few boys sporting some incredible nature scene tees.  Perhaps they were inspired by Martin Margiela’s Women Spring/Summer 2008 line? Probably not, but either way, these boys make me want to find some more animal shirts of my own.

Boys, boys, boys.  Up until now here at the Style Exchange, we have nearly exclusively posted about girls and it seems like we are growing tired with only talking about the in’s and out’s of female fashion. 

Recently Band Marino, a (semi) local 5-piece from Orlando, Florida, has caught my eye once again (yes, I saw their ads in Paste Magazine) because of their cute outfits, cuter faces, original and pleasant music, artful posters, and because of a shirt of theirs my husband bought after seeing them in Tampa few months back. It’s because of that tee that I had to look up their myspace page to hear a little of what was behind the clothing. 

Not only does the band produce clever merch they also don themselves in sharp attire, for photo shoots and on stage.

Confession: I’ve never watched an episode of Gossip Girls, ever.   From what I read it seems like an interesting show, especially in terms of fashion, but I don’t have television and it’s not worth downloading for me.  Lately, I’ve been seeing a lot of photos on gossip sites of the cast filming episodes in the Hamptons, and I’ve got to tell you — the whole vintage beach vibe definitely suits Ed Westwick (”Chuck Bass”).  I know it’s a divisive look, but I think that if a guy’s got the legs for it, why NOT wear some really short shorts.  It’s summer, people! 

If you or a boy you know wants to try this look, here are some more short shorts to consider:

From left:

1.  Curduroy West Coast Short, American Apparel ($32)

2.  Short Surf Blue Stripe, Paul Smith ($155)

3.  Classic Board Shirting Shorts, Opening Ceremony ($131)