MAKE IT RAIN!

I know, I never thought I’d actually want it to rain, but with the news of Burberry’s soon-to-be launched customizable trench coats—I’m going to be praying for a monsoon!

InStyle.com just reported that Burberry is introducing a new on-line customization option so you can bedazzle, monogram and color block your very own Burberry trench. I mean who wants the play-it-safe nova check when you can create your own fabulous combination of plaid and studs? The Creative Director of Burberry says that there will be over 12 million options…why, I think this means a coat for all occasions!

We all know what I’m going to be adding to my wish list next year…

Posted by Alyssa

“Boyfriend [insert article of clothing]”: The Proven Trend Formula

In 2009, the “Boyfriend Jean” was made famous as Katie Holmes and SJP were spotted wearing loose-fitting distressed jeans, cuffed at the ankle. It wasn’t long before this trend became a staple in gossip magazines as the paparazzi snapped more and more photos of young Hollywood mamas in their casual wear. Not long after, the Olsen twins and Lauren Conrad were among the many young (read: “hipper”) starlets seen out in baggy flannel button-downs and tight-skinny jeans; the “Boyfriend Shirt” quickly became a wardrobe regular for the care free, city-girl look. So it should have come as no surprise when the “Boyfriend Blazer” hit the scene with models such as Agyness Deyn and Kate Moss pairing over-sized, cuffed blazers over tight party dresses (my personal favorite).  I could go on and mention the chunky “Boyfriend Watch,” or the short-lived “Boyfriend Trouser”… but I think I’ve made my point.

Just when I thought the fashion world had run out of articles of male clothing to transform, Rebecca Minkoff debuted her “Boyfriend Bag” as part of her Fall 2010 collection ($295, rebeccaminkoff.com). Designed to be worn messenger-style, Minkoff’s leather BF bag features a sturdy metal-link chain and will be available in a palate of rich fall colors including electric orange, deep olive and slate grey.

So, there you have it. As designers, bloggers and columnists frantically rattle their brains to spot the latest fads, Minkoff proves that cross-dressing remains a safe, yet reliable, trend platform in the fashion world.

Posted by Emily

Adults Are Getting Silly Now

There has been a lot of media coverage of late (see: The Boston Globe, CBS News, TIME, etc) about the out-of-control popularity of these skinny rubber bracelets, called Silly Bandz, amongst the kiddie set. I first saw them worn by my teen cousins (cool, male cousins, mind you — it’s not a girl thing only!). They look like jelly bracelets but are actually formed into shapes (farm animals, dinosaurs, etc) and the company is doing really well — they have over 240,000 Facebook fans and over 2500 Twitter followers! Wild! It’s one of those gimmicky ideas that just took off. They’ve been banned in a lot of schools because they can be a “distraction” and have been used as projectiles in the classroom. Random, but ok — schools need to do what they have to do to keep kids in line!

Well, I’ve grown to like these bracelets…for myself! While I was vacationing on Nantucket this past weekend, my sister bought a pack for me ($5 for a box of 24 bracelets) and we sported them with every outfit the entire weekend (this is a pic of my sister’s wrist). Girls and guys (in their 20s and 30s) were begging us for them and we ended up handing out a bunch (it was a huge conversation starter too since people kept asking us what was on our wrists). Towards the end of the trip, when our stash was low, we stopped by an upscale boutique, Eye of the Needle, and found that they were actually selling them at the counter alongside other accessories. We picked up the “Princess” pack (I’m not kidding) and brought ‘em back to Boston to wear the rest of the summer. You may think they’re cheap, kiddish or just totally random but, I’m telling you, more and more adults will be wearing these. Please don’t ask me for mine, just order them here: http://www.sillybandz.com/.

Posted by Brianne