We made the cut for this week’s Links a la mode.  Read our post and lots of others below!  

Links à la Mode: The IFB Weekly Roundup

Posted by Julia • February 25th, 2010 • Printer-friendly

Project Beyond the Runway

Edited by Fashion Pulse Daily

Reading through the links this week, I realized that fashion week or no fashion week, fashion will most certainly go on! A winter snowstorm couldn’t even slow down New York Fashion Week, and the links below are testament to the wonderful style that exists beyond the runway, such as Ode to Awe’s jewelry discovery, how to look chic while lounging by Cafe Fashionista, and tips for vintage shoe shopping by Wicked Whimsy. Don’t get me wrong, I love being ‘in the know’ on runway looks and trends, but how you interpret them and work them into your personal style is so much more important than remembering which designers showed one-shoulder looks this season!

As expected, there was a fabulous round-up of links in the forum as well, all worthy of your eyeballs!

Links à la Mode : February 25th

39th and Broadway – A Side of the Industry Unknown by Most: Life as a Corporate Fashion Designer
British Style Bloggers – Cherish forever what makes you unique, ‘cos you’re a yawn once it’s gone
Cafe Fashionista - A step-by-step guide to looking luxurious even when lounging
Clutch22 -Up close and personal with Vivienne Tam as she expands her fashion+tech innovations to a new category
CMYKaboom – Independent Fashion Bloggers (IFB) ‘Tweet Up in the Tents’ event
Debutante Clothing - Vintage Jewelry: Q&A with Lucite line Circa Sixty Three
Fabulous Finds Gal – Moonstuck at the opera with photographer Bersa
Fashion Pulse Daily – Sonia Rykiel Pour H&M; the debut and the review
Holier Than Now – New Take on Florals (5 Under $50)
Idiosyncratic Style - A Girl’s Guide to Maternity Style
Independent Fashion Bloggers : Evolving Influence Recap : Part One
Individual Chic: – Would you have wanted a Computer Engineer Barbie when you were smaller? Or would you love one now?
Night Watch – 10 Questions with Model Clara Zapffe
Ode to Awe - Denmark based Alidra Alic’s Alice-inspired jewelry
Oranges and Apples – Rules for advertising and sponsorship on blogs
Retro Chick - The Ethics of Blogging
Smiles Go with Everything -10 Tips for Shopping on Ebay:  How to find great deals on awesome duds.
The Coveted – Visits Nine West HQ for a sneak peak of  AW10 shoe collections!
The Style PA – Gives Henry Holland a grilling ahead of his House of Holland show.
The Sunday Best – Do men get better service when they shop?
Wicked Whimsy -What to look for when buying vintage shoes
Workchic – Fall 2010 NY Fashion week collections: recreated runway to the office outfits

PLEASE READ IF YOU’D LIKE TO PARTICIPATE:

If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group will be published later today. ~Jennine

We know you love your knee high boots, but are tired of your pants riding up all winter. We have found the solution- Jean Straps! They are removable stirrups that will keep your jeans or pants neatly tucked into your boots.

Designed in San Francisco, Jean Straps clip-on removable stirrups minimize bunching and make pulling on your boots over your jeans a breeze. Eminently flexible, Jean Straps are easily swapped out from one pair of jeans to another with just a flick of a garter clip. Currently Jean Straps are available in brick red with a camel accent and are manufactured with high-quality elastic. Sold as a pair, they are available for purchase online for $9.99.

We asked Erin Tocalino, co-founder of Jean Straps, what inspired her and Tni Newhoff to create Jean Straps. Here’s what she had to say.

“My business partner and I had both just bought some fabulous new boots last year. While we were at a concert with our husbands, we started to discuss how much trouble we’d had getting the boots to play well with all of our jeans. Bunching knees, hard to pull on, riding up as the day went on — all the problems that can arise. We both remembered wearing stirrup pants back in the eighties, but figured there was a more flexible — and fashionable –solution. Basically, we wanted the convenience without having to revisit that chapter of our fashion history.”

After this revelation, development started almost immediately. Months of trial and error and many prototypes later, Jean Straps were born!

When we saw this product we were amazed by the simplicity and effectiveness. Great products are usually born out of necessity and these are no exception. We recommend every women add Jean Straps to her accessories drawer. End the bunchy knees and walk through the rest of winter with ease.

While these are recommended for your denim, we tried them with trousers and found they were just as effective. So don’t save Jean Straps for Casual Friday. Wear them all week with your favorite boots. 

Let’s recap the top reasons to buy:
   • Hold jeans down when putting on boots.
   • Keep jeans taut, minimizing bunching.
   • Attach to any pair of jeans.
   • Wear comfortably; no bulky metal clips.

Visit www.jeanstraps.com to pick up your new pair today!

Today through Sunday save at New York & Company. Receive 30% Off Any Purchase With Code 2027 - Shop Now!  They have new Workchic styles we love for Spring.

On a casual day in the office the Eastside Shirtdress is the perfect solution for mixing casual and professional style.

For business casual style this Spring, try a Sleeveless Boyfriend Jacket. We love that this piece is belted. For added interest swap out the attached belt for a style that fits your personality. We found a Wide Turnlock Belt that will also add an unexpected touch of color.

Ruffled blouses are still important for Spring. These two sleeveless styles will layer under your favorite blazers without adding unnecessary bulk. Both Yellow Dots Blouse and Thoughtful Blue Printed Blouse are $36.95.

Spring is just around the corner and you can start purchasing updates to your work wardrobe now. Today through Sunday, February 28th, shop New York & Company and receive 30% Off Any Purchase With Code 2027 - Shop Now and Save!

We often find that we may have the outfit down but forget about the coat we are wearing over the outfit.  Wearing the right coat with your outfit completes the entire package on making that lasting impression.   That is why we believe a trenchcoat is the must have basic to add into your wardrobe this Spring season.   It can easily be dressed up or down and  worn over your business suit or your favorite pair of jeans.   We are seeing lots of great options out there with utilitarian and topstitching detail. We are even loving a denim trench featured below.  Consider a light khaki color even if you normally tend to gravitate towards black.  Khaki works with all colors in your wardrobe.  Remember to look for trenches that fall right at your knee.  It is universally flattering on any silhouette.  Just at some celebs spotted in their trenchcoats courtesy of Google images.

Here are some of our must haves for the Spring season:

 
Gap trench coat-$59.99

Banana Republic Classic trenchcoat- $198.00

Banana Republic Indigo 3/4-length trenchcoat- $175.00

Banana Republic Womens Tall Classic Trenchcoat-$149.99

Stay tuned for Workchic Wardrobe must haves every Tuesday!  Happy shopping!

Get 25% of orders of $100 or more at BananaRepublic.com from 5 PM EST to 11:59 PM EST. Enter BR25AFTER5 at checkout.  Good from 2/23 5pm EST to 2/23 11:59 EST.

What could be more perfect than a no iron easy shirt that you can easily throw on and feel confident whether on a business trip or in the boardroom? We suggest checking out the Jones New York Easy Care Shirt Sale! You can save up to 30% when you purchase multiple Easy Care Shirts. These Non-Iron and Wrinkle Resistant Shirts are the perfect staple to any great career work wardrobe!
Offer is valid, February 22 - 28!  Plus Free Shipping on Orders over $75!  Here are a few of our favorites below:

Chestnut Hill No Iron Bias Mitered Stripe Shirt (Petite)-$40.99
No-Iron Easy Care Classic Fitted Shirt-$59.00
Rose Combo No Iron Fitted Stripe Shirt-$59.99
No-Iron Easy Care French Cuff Shirt-$75.00

Happy Shopping from Workchic.com!

Melissa and I always enjoy reviewing the designer collections at New York Fashion Week. This season we would like to wrap up by showing you the styles that inspired us the most from the Fall 2010 collections. We have selected a few of our favorites and recreated outfits inspired by each look.

Tracy Reese by Workchic featuring Ralph Lauren tops

When Melissa first reviewed the Tracy Reese collection she was impressed by how the collection had a chic take on layering. We don’t only look at layering as physical garments being piled one on top of the other. You can also layer pattern. Melissa was so inspired by the mixing of plaid and polka dot that she set out to recreate her own spin of this runway standout.

The tweed pencil skirt is a more sophisticated take on plaid while still complimenting the polka dot sweater she selected. A faux Persian Lamb Jacket provides an extra layer of textural appeal. The ankle booties with taupe strap detail paired with a foldover leather bag are the perfect finishing touch for this runway to real office style outfit.

Diane von Furstenberg by Workchic featuring Tusnelda Bloch blouses

We have a love-love relationship with Diane von Furstenberg. Most of this stems from her simple and always classic wrap dress. When Melissa reviewed her fall collection she was so impressed by the use of menswear fabrics in feminine and flattering silhouettes that it immediately became the focus behind this redo.

Cropped pinstripe trousers provide the masculine edge while the twilight purple ruffled blouse is all feminine style. The sequin blazer adds unexpected shimmer when you’re ready to leave the office and head out on a date. Patent leather heels make a statement when worn with cropped trousers. Finishing the look with a sleek laptop tote brings the conversation back to business.

ADAM by Workchic featuring Jessica Simpson accessories

The mix of structure and seemingly effortless volume called my attention at the ADAM show. While the palette was more muted, it highlighted the subtle differences between draping necklines and architecturally sculpted skirts. This look was an instant favorite of mine and work appropriate from the onset.

To help you create a look you can wear now and wear later, we layered two sweaters. The first is lightweight and will keep you warm until the weather changes. The second provides the cowlneck and textured pattern the outfit is boasting. We found a wide leather belt to cinch your waist and provide a break between the intricate sweater and cascading lines of the skirt. Tights are optional, but we like the way it causes the leg to look long and lean melting away into the shoes.

Anna Sui: Runway to Office by Workchic featuring Marni accessories

Our last runway to office redo is more on the casual side but I could not let print escape this recap. Anna Sui created a beautiful harmony between art history and modern fashion with her Fall 2010 collection. We love how this ruffled neckline dress picks up on the mixing of patchwork and a softer floral print. By layering a demi-cami from Second Base under the dress the neckline is more office appropriate. We selected a style with lace trim to compliment the lace hosiery. Anna utilized tights throughout her show to continue the intricate pattern work story. Instead of winterizing this look with boots we went with a chocolate suede pump and light, airy accessories.

Runway shows of late have continued to showcase styles that are more and more obtainable for the mass consumer. Yet they still have a certain amount of showmanship that does not translate to everyday style. We hope our coverage helps inspire you to look for elements that will compliment your work wardrobe and give you fun seasonal updates. You truly can take runway glamour to the office!

Leave a comment and share your thoughts about Fall 2010 Fashion Week with us.

For Tory Burch and her ever expanding fashion empire the task at hand is how to move forward. How does she keep incorporating the more fashion elements into her collection while staying true to her Reva flats consumer who’ve been loyal to her brand since its inception?

Burch’s Fall 2010 collection took a step out of the box and mixed key elements. The clothes were styled by mixing uptown-downtown, country-city, day-evening, classic-edgy, and feminine-masculine pieces together. In doing so not only did she create fun and chic outfits but a collection that appealed to a variety of age ranges. A feathered tunic, a powerful and professional tweed suit, print dress with beaded sleeves, or one of the luxurious handbags was bound to get one’s attention no matter what their age.
This is one of the few fashion brands that can actually offer good news during this economy which includes a plan to open 100 stores in the next five years. We can’t wait to see what lies ahead!  Though we couldn’t pick just one here are a few of our favorite looks from the runway. Runway photos courtesy of Style.com.

 You don’t have to wait until Fall to find some stylish and chic Tory Burch items.  In fact we love the classic shoes and accessories that we found on Shopbop.com. They will mix and match with all of your basics in your work wardrobe to create a chic work look.  Take a peek!

Tory Burch Julianne Open Toe Logo Wedges
Tory Burch Clayton Classic Hobo
Tory Burch Embossed T Zip Continental Wallet

Fashion week may have come to a close but we are still bringing you office looks straight from the runway!  Stay tuned for our recap this week! 

Anna Sui curates a collection that mixes influence from many genres. The abundance of research and careful design used to recreate stained-glass motifs in printed fabric or embroidery reminiscent of a Charles Rohlfs’ chest of drawers is inspiring. While these details are spectacular, they do not overtake the garments. Instead they flow through the work as subtle testament to Anna’s acute sense of cultural embrace. We were reawakened to the beauty created when mixing motifs and patterns into ones wardrobe.

We love how she pulled motifs from the garments into the tights. This should inspire you to continue to embrace patterned tights throughout 2010.

Here ice blue, polka dots, and plaid mingle in a feminine embrace. This continues to showcase the mixing of patterns but also pulls your favorite plaid shirts through to next season.

Remove the hat and this look could literally walk off the runway into your office. Here orange makes a statement in a batik printed blouse. The color carries in subtle detail along the jacquard hem in both the skirt and jacket. It’s not ended in the garment though. It peaks out in a bracelet and in delicate details on the toe of her oxford pumps.

It was difficult to select only a few photographs from this show. Each look had a reason to shine. Here is a snapshot of a few more outfits all courtesy of Style.com.

You can wear Anna’s creative pattern work to the office for Spring. These blouses can be matched with trousers or skirts for business casual or with denim for Casual Fridays.

We hope you enjoyed Anna Sui’s runway collection as much as we did. If you missed any of our runway to office coverage of New York Fashion Week be sure to catch up now. We want to hear about your favorite shows. Leave a comment and share your opinions with us.

The show put on by DKNY may have had a little more schoolgirl charm then we would recommend for the office, but we still found highlights perfect for your work wardrobe. There was a definite focus on separates. We were especially drawn to the sweaters with bold graphic colorblocking.

As you can see these pieces also have amazing layering details. Look how shades of camel, black, charcoal, and brown all play together. These colors have a very sophisticated appeal and break all the “color rules”.

We look forward to incorporating these cozy yet polished ideas as fall comes back around. For now we will turn to DKNY for chic dresses and cardigans. These styles, perfect for the office, were found at Dillard’s.

Fashion Week has drawn to a close and the tents are being taken down in Bryant Park. We still have one or two more designer collections to bring you though. So, keep your browser on Workchic.com!

We would love to hear your thoughts about this year’s shows and how you plan to incorporate the looks into your work wardrobe. Leave a comment on your favorite fashion week posts.

Pictures courtesy of Style.com.

It always amazes us to see so many variations on the suit jacket. This runway season proves that business dressing doesn’t have to be boring! Take one of our favorite designers, Vera Wang, she added fur trim in some unexpected places.

When tired of fur, she utilized frayed organza to lighten the look.

Throughout the collection she gave a nod to classic style, by piling on pearl necklaces.

While fur and organza probably won’t cut it in the office, it sure is inspiring. Luckily you don’t have to wait until Fall to score Vera’s style. In fact, you don’t even have to wait for a sale. You can shop the Simply Vera Collection at Kohl’s.  The pieces are both practical and stylish.

For example, this tie front jacket will layer beautifully over a printed dress for Spring.

Finish the look with a statement necklace and peep toe pumps. 

Would you believe we found all these pieces and only spent $130? This is why we love when designers create secondary collections, the affordability is amazing!

Stay tuned, we still have a few more designers to review and show you how to take their looks from the runway to the office with style.  Photos courtesy of Style.com.