Get : Style

These Boots Are Made for Walkin’

Liana Peterson — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:00:00 GMT

With options ranging from lace-up ankle booties to slick over-the-knee stunners, there seem to be more boot trends this season than ever before. However, it's not exactly practical to trek out in the imminent slush and snow in those over-the-knee suede boots with the hidden wedge heel that you've been lusting after all fall. Even if you are the type of style-phile who's willing to blow a whole paycheck on a pair of traffic-stopping shoes, let's face it: we all end up wearing rugged boots once the ground goes white. Wellies (preferably with warm liner socks), duck boots, and even cold-weather styles with exposed faux fur or shearling are not only functional but add a sort of casual cool with their utilitarian look. It's about time you toss those soggy old Uggs or cheap polka-dot galoshes and upgrade to a more sophisticated and practical winter boot. These styles are perfect for pairing with jeans, leggings, or the thickest wool tights, so there's no reason not to try incorporating the boots you're actually going to be wearing this winter into your daily wardrobe.

A. Sorel Joan of Arctic boot, $125, available at The Tannery

B. The North Face Alana boot, $165, available at City Sports

C. Hunter glossy wellies, $115, and Hunter striped fleece welly sock, $40, available at Moxie

 Where to Shop:
City Sports, 480 Boylston Street, Boston, 617.267.3900, citysports.com
Moxie, 51 Charles Street, Boston, 617.557.9991, moxieboston.com
The Tannery, 11A Brattle Street, Cambridge, 617.491.0810, thetannery.com

Fall Blaze

Liana Peterson — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:00:00 GMT

It's no wonder why some women gave blazers the cold shoulder for a good decade. After all, no one's looking to get mistaken for a linebacker, and traumatic memories of our collective penchant for power suits during the '80s and early '90s were enough to lead many to a closet purge. Yet in recent years, the blazer has worked its way back to wardrobe-staple status - sans shoulder pads, of course. And lucky for us, blazers no longer have to be as boring as the staid black suit jacket you likely wore to all those fresh-from-college job interviews. Here are a few favorites chic enough to make us shelve our comfiest cardigans and hoodies.

A. See by Chloe blazer, $240, available at Cusp; "The Kaiser" T-shirt, $32, available at Bodega

B. Alexander Wang tailored motorcycle jacket, $690, available at Stel's; Doucette Duvall LaLa tank, $248, available at Stil

C. Marc by Marc Jacobs admiral's jacket, $458, available at Marc by Marc Jacobs; Single Needle Tailoring Lucas shirt, $98, available at Passport

D. 3.1 Phillip Lim double-breasted asymmetrical blazer, $595, available at Dress; Monrow double-V tee, $98, available at Passport

E. Monrow double-breasted tux jacket, $275, available at Passport; Adam by Adam Lippes draped dolman top, $295, available at Dress

Where to Shop

Bodega, 6 Clearway Street, Boston, 617.421.1550, bdgastore.com

Cusp, 199 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill, 617.244.6081, cusp.com

Dress, 221 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.424.7125, dressboston.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs, 81 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.425.0707, marcjacobs.com

Passport, 43 Brattle Street, Cambridge, 617.576.0900, passportboutique.com

Stel's, 334 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.262.3348, stelsinc.com

Stil, 199 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill, 617.527.7845, stilinc.com

Tick Tock, You Don’t Stop

Liana Peterson — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:00:00 GMT

How many times a day do you reach for your phone to check the time? As the hours crawl by, have you ever wondered what happened to that watch your grandma gave you? Okay, so it might seem like people haven't paid much attention to watches since it was cool to rock a beeper. But a shift in focus from function to form can be a good thing, and a watch is still a timeless way to make a statement. Forget what flashy rappers and stuffy socialites suggest - you don't need a timepiece that costs as much as a compact car to look cool. Your best bet is to have some fun with it, so consider something a bit more whimsical than your regular old chronograph. Take some cues from the '80s: instead of stacking Swatches, take a few watches that can easily be mistaken for bracelets and pile them on as you would bangles or cuffs. Or stop squinting to see where that little hand has landed and opt for a watch with a digital face. Retro and easy to read, it'll surely get a conversation going. Lots of digital watches come in bold colors or metallics reminiscent of those sweet calculator watches that got you in trouble during your second-grade math test. And with the ever-changing upgrades of cell phones these days, you'll definitely get a lot more mileage out of a watch, which really never goes out of style.

- Liana Peterson

WOMEN'S

A. Neves Tie watch, $78, available at Salmagundi

B. Nixon Alice watch, $190, available at Karmaloop

C. A/X Armani Exchange Black Leather Strap watch,
$120, available at Macy's

D. Movado Ono watch, $1795, available at E.B. Horn

MEN'S
A. G-Shock G-7800L Limited Edition watch,
$170, available at Bodega

B. Diesel watch, $120, available at Macy's

C. Nooka Zub 20mm Zot watch, $190, available
at Karmaloop

Where to Shop

Bodega, 6 Clearway Street, Boston, 617.421.1550, bdgastore.com

E.B. Horn, 429 Washington Street, Boston, 617.542.3902, ebhorn.com

Karmaloop, 301 Newbury Street Boston, 617.369.0100, karmaloop.com

Macy's, 450 Washington Street, Boston, 617.357.3000, macys.com

Salmagundi, 765 Centre Street, Boston, 617.522.5047, salmagundiboston.com

Style Spy: Keeping an eye on Danielle Kupsc of Flock

Liana Peterson — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Ken Oringer’s Coppa isn’t the only new kid on the block — “the block” being Shawmut Avenue. The South End’s newest retail addition, Flock (274 Shawmut Avenue, Boston, 617.391.0222), gracefully entered the Boston shopping scene a few weeks ago. With a contagiously optimistic energy and warmly welcoming atmosphere, Flock offers an array of designs that you’ll want to keep in your closet forever. We recently chatted with owner Danielle Kupsc, a 26-year-old Cohasset native, about her latest labor of love.

What’s the inspiration for Flock? I want women to realize that they can dress comfortably without sacrificing their style. Boston tends to follow a lot of trends, and it can feel forced at times. I want to bring more of a laid-back style here, a slice of the West Coast in the South End.

What kinds of lines are carried at the store? We try to mix familiar lines like C&C California, Lauren Moffatt, and Siwy jeans with lesser-known designers. We carry an excellent organic basics line designed by a husband-and-wife team called Stewart+Brown that is very easy to dress up.

Who shops at Flock? Flock is this kind of place where a mother and daughter are able to shop together. When it came to buying product for the store, I did it with my mom and [my friend] Maegen [Thornton] so we could find a good mix for everyone. Our customers are easygoing, and as far as personal style goes, I’d say “sophisticated hippie.” But I use the term “hippie” very loosely.

How did you get into business with your mom, Lisa? Well, my mother has always been my inspiration when it comes to style. During the seven years I lived away from home, we always found ourselves bonding over shopping trips when I came back. I would always joke around about opening a store myself, and one day she said, “Let’s do it!” and really pushed me to make it happen. She understands my vision.

What’s the difference between your personal style and your mom’s? I’m pretty laid-back and easy, whereas my mom dresses up a bit more than I do. I love to live in my jeans, cotton tanks and tees, and cute flats. I don’t like to take too much time getting ready in the morning but still want to look put together. My mom loves to keep up with the trends.

What does every woman need in her closet? A good pair of jeans that you can just throw on without a thought. And an accessory that you can wear with almost anything, like a necklace that is special to you, is easy to wear, and goes with whatever you’re wearing.

What are some of your style tips for this fall? I think accessories as well as ready-to-wear pieces with studs are great! We have a great black Chris & Jaime dress with a studded belt, which adds to the outfit. The Linea Pelle bags we carry also have that studded detailing, which is the perfect little pop on a simple leather bag. I think investing in one great coat for the season is a must. Everyone should have a coat that’s versatile enough to throw on with anything — jeans in the daytime but also with a dress for a night out. I love mixing vintage pieces that I find with my new fall wardrobe. There’s something about mixing a worn, comfortable piece with a new, fresh piece.

Wild Things

Liana Peterson — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Nature’s spots and stripes have stalked their way back into fashion’s spotlight, and we couldn’t be happier. When worn well, animal prints can add some fun flair to your wardrobe, and designers this season seem to agree. Hell, even America’s favorite “as seen on TV” product, the Snuggie, has hopped on the bandwagon by offering special-order leopard and zebra options. (Note to readers: that was just an FYI, not a suggestion for an actual purchase!) To some, fauna-inspired attire might come across as a tacky trend, even when well-done, and difficult to work into a regular wardrobe. Our advice to you? Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize. Embrace woodland, sea, and sky creatures with killer handbags, sexy shoes, and dainty jewelry. Can we get a meeeoooow?

Rebecca Minkoff crocodile-embossed “Morning After Mini” bag, $550, available at Luna Boston; Nokona Brands brown leather envelope clutch, $130, available at LIT: Rachel Comey cheetah-print calfskin belt, $275, and mini leopard-print calfskin ballet flats, $345, both available at Stel’s

WHERE TO SHOP

Luna Boston, 205 Newbury Street, Boston, 866.910.3900

LIT, 236 Hanover Street, Boston, 617.391.0086

Stel’s, 334 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.262.3348

What’s a Man to Do?

Liana Peterson — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Guys, we need to talk. There is more to dressing outside of work than polos and button-down shirts paired with khakis or poorly distressed jeans. A little creativity now and then would be greatly appreciated. We sympathize with you over the lack of men’s fashion boutiques in town. That’s not to say there aren’t great places for suits, custom-made shirts, and the like. But where’s a dude to go for something cool and easy to wear? We checked in with the owners and managers of a few local stores to get their take on the must-buys of the season. From investment pieces that will last a lifetime to affordable wardrobe staples, these expert picks are sure to get you out of your style rut.

Yigal Azrouel black leather jacket, $1430

“This calf-skin jacket is softer than traditional cow
hide and has the fit of a classic leather jacket, with forward detailing without being showy, like hand-stitching on the neck.” — Jon Callahan, co-owner of Stel’s, 334 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.262.3348, www.stelsinc.com

Modern Amusement wool cable-knit sweater vest, $115

“A sweater vest is going to get you through fall. It’s a great layering piece that you can wear with long or short sleeves and even dress up with a shirt and tie for work.” — Gary Ritacco, owner of Uniform, 511 Tremont Street, Boston, 617.247.2360, www.uniformboston.com

Chaser LA NPR T-shirt, $39

“This lightweight, vintage-style tee gets a knowing reaction thanks to NPR’s great presence.” — Jason Chehade, co-owner of Motley, 623 Tremont Street, Boston, 617.247.6969, www.shopmotley.com

Nudie Easy Emil jeans, $195

“These are the new, relaxed-fit jeans made of organic, raw denim that makes them clean and sophisticated. It comes in three washes — raw, regular dark blue with some wash, and a dark wash.” — Riccardo Dallai Jr., co-owner of Riccardi, 116 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.266.3158, www.riccardiboston.com

Bodega x Vans Chukka boot, $100

“It’s got the look of a desert boot with the comfort of a sneaker. Plus, the lining is made with ‘Realtree’ camouflage, staying true to our New England heritage.” — Oliver Mak, co-owner of Bodega, 6 Clearway Street, Boston, 617.421.1550, www.bdgastore.com

Brixton Flat Cap, $38

“The perfect stepping-stone hat from a dirty
baseball cap — a modern classic for a sharp and relaxed look.” — Jessen Fitzpatrick, co-owner of Salmagundi, 765 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, 617.522.5047, www.salmagundiboston.com

Crystal quest

Liana Peterson — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Crystals may conjure thoughts of Ouija boards, love spells, and your short-lived high-school obsession with The Craft, but you don’t need to dabble in the occult to appreciate their aesthetic charms. The crystal pendants long worn in hopes of attracting positive energy and good luck have reemerged within influential fashion crowds as a fresh take on layered necklaces. The trend has been blazing across go-to style sites on the Internet and can be seen around the necks of the most progressive dressers in town. But for those entranced by the look, finding an ideal quartz-crystal necklace in Boston is almost like a spiritual quest — it’s not as easy as a simple stop at a mall kiosk or a visit to a storefront psychic peddling “healing stones.” The few New Age shops in the area (Salem is full of them) offer the most affordable options, but several small contemporary designers whose work is sold at local boutiques have begun to work with rough crystal. Leading the way in the metaphysical accessory trend is Unearthen (www.seeunearthen.com), a line that combines bullet casings and colored crystals, available later this fall at Stel’s. Here are some other shining examples.

A. Small crystal pendant, $22, with silver chain, $10, available at Horai-San Book & Crystal Shop
B. Natural rutile quartz necklace by Within by Denise Peterson, $300, available at Rick Walker’s
C. Aesa ghost agate necklace, $395, available at Barneys
D. Antique silver chain and quartz necklace by Gabriela Artigas, $240, available at Dress

Where to Shop

Barneys, 100 Huntington Avenue, Boston, 617.385.3300, www.barneys.com
Dress, 221 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.424.7125, www.dressboston.com
Horai-San Book & Crystal Shop, 242 Washington Street, Brookline Village, 617.277.4321, www.horai-san.com
Rick Walker’s, 306 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.482.7426, www.rickwalkers.com
Stel’s, 334 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.262.3348, www.stelsinc.com

The Tie That Binds: Keeping an eye on local designer Nicole Deponte

Liana Peterson — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 07:00:00 GMT

In a time when people are rethinking how they dress and how they invest in their wardrobes, originality goes a long way. With endless options orbiting the fashion sphere, it’s nice to connect with a brand that stands for more than just style. Lilian Asterfield by Nicole Deponte puts a novel spin on eco-conscious design. Nicole Deponte, an artist who attended Massachusetts College of Art and Design (where she was a sculpture major), creates chic and unique handmade necklaces, ascots, neckerchiefs, and even belts by upcycling vintage ties. Her Lilian Asterfield collection blossomed just as her art career was taking off, with shows at the Judi Rotenberg Gallery and Art Basel Miami. Her do-it-yourself meets romantic-urban style has been blowing up at indie craft shows, attracting influential clients and fans from local style bloggers to MTV along the way.

How did your art career evolve into accessory design? About two years ago, I started working at Turtle in the South End while I was showing my work at galleries and doing a small line of jewelry that was sold at the store. I was starting to pull away from the fine-art thing and was becoming inspired by what others were doing. My twin brother, who’s a fashion designer in Chicago, and I began collaborating at the time. He does steampunk clothing, which has an edgy dandy look, so I started creating accessories for him. I was given a few bags of ties, including some of my grandfather’s, who had just passed away. I knew I could do something with the ties. We did a launch event at Turtle. It went well, and people started getting excited about what I was doing, which is when I decided there was nothing to lose.Who exactly is Lilian Asterfield? Lilian Asterfield is an alter ego. The name came from my grandfather, who has long been my style icon. When I think of neckties, I think of my grandfather. Lilian Asterfield was his pet name for my mother (whose name is Sarah) growing up. It’s as if you are being Lilian Asterfield at that moment, like a tomboyish English girl running through the countryside in her pretty little dress covered in grass stains and mud, with feathers in her hair, birds and chipmunks on her shoulders.Where do you find the ties you work with? I do auctions, eBay, and, of course, regular visits to Salvation Armies in the area. I walk in [to the Salvation Army] and they know me by name. They’ll put ties on the side for me. I’ve probably had a thousand neckties go through my studio.You sell at Salmagundi in Jamaica Plain as well as Turtle in the South End. Where else do you sell your wares? Check out my Etsy shop (www.lilianasterfield.etsy.com). I also get a lot of calls for custom work. Or come visit me at a show. I started doing indie craft fairs over the holidays last year.What’s next for Lilian Asterfield by Nicole Deponte? I have a few new designs I’m going to be working on — a headband and a unisex messenger bag. I’m trying to develop more men’s pieces, like simplified and layered ties and a masculine wrap cuff. I’m just doing as much as I can do. There are a lot of designers who will go full throttle too fast and end up failing. I don’t want to end up like that, and I want to keep it rolling forward rather than having to pull back.

Check out www.nicoledeponte.com to see more of Deponte's work and upcoming show dates.

(Re)Work it!

Liana Peterson — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Upon entering Beacon Hill’s Holiday Boutique (53 Charles Street, Boston, 617.973.9730), customers are immediately greeted with a certain type of feminine flounce that mixes lady-like details with a dash of the undeniably Brahmin style that the neighborhood has been cultivating for centuries. Among the racks of enviable pieces from the likes of Scout and Loeffler Randall are hidden gems that owner Jessika Pavlic and her sister, Andrea Goranson, have dubbed “Pretty Little Vintage.”

After opening the store almost seven years ago, Pavlic — a life-long vintage lover with a killer eye for one-of-a-kind pieces — would often turn to Goranson’s stellar sewing skills to revamp her flea market and thrift store finds (“I’d rather be at a flea market then a department store,” says Pavlic). The results brought unending compliments and requests from customers. Realizing that many of her clients don’t always have time for the hours of treasure hunting involved in vintage shopping, Pavlic teamed up with Goranson to create a line of reworked vintage pieces that now makes up about 10% of the boutique’s merchandise.

The idea is simple but brilliant: making something old new again with a few strategic adjustments, like the addition of some sweet details or the shortening of hemlines or sleeves. The resulting singular styles — which rock a retro flair without running the risk of looking outdated — have made the line a success for Holiday. However, with these difficult economic times, we can’t all slip some Pretty Little Vintage into our recession-ravaged budget, which is why we asked Pavlic and Goranson to give us some tips so we can create our own to-die-for designs at home.

Pavlic’s first piece of advice? “Don’t be a snob.” What may look like something you wouldn’t typically wear (take a white long-sleeved maxi dress from Mexico, for instance) could easily be transformed into a covetable addition to your closet after a few snips with a pair of pinking shears to the sleeves and hem. Suddenly, you’ve got a summertime wardrobe staple, a perfect little white dress topped off with a touch of ethnic embroidery. Most importantly, Pavlic stresses taking the time to dig around flea markets and vintage stores to find well-priced items that will make your pieces look special as opposed to straight-up arts-and-crafts-y. Here’s some inspiration to get you started on your own collection of homemade vintage upgrades.

Create a No-Sew Scarf Top

Find a 36” × 36” square scarf and fold it in half into a triangle. Double knot the top of the triangle and lace a substantially sized necklace through it. Put on the necklace and tie the scarf behind you, and in under three minutes flat, you’ve got a halter top hot enough for any summer’s day. This piece was inspired by a Pretty Little Vintage scarf top that sells at Holiday for $145. In that case, the necklace is securely sewn in and the sides of the scarf are hemmed to prevent any wardrobe malfunctions. But this look is so easily achievable at home in such a short period of time that it’s worth a shot — as long as you can tie a tight knot.

For more DIY ideas, click here.

Short & Sweet

Liana Peterson — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Summertime has always been the ultimate excuse to show some skin and get away with it. And though the no-pants look is suffering a major backlash (much to the chagrin of Lady Gaga), shorts remain a go-to summer staple once the city begins to sizzle. After a few attempted seasons of shorts-as-formalwear, designers have now found a happy balance between dressed-up and wearable looks. Looser fits allow for more room in the leg, providing relief from the camel-toe woes of short shorts. Soft-structured shorts also prevail this summer, offering an alternative to the mini skirt for those who might be walking a fine line when it comes to their office dress codes. Higher waists add emphasis on feminine curves, while pleats occasionally make an appearance to add fullness (and possibly a comparison to your mom’s shorts if not done right, so buyer beware). With lengths running the gamut from demure to dangerous, stick with something that falls mid-thigh, a style that can actually make legs look leaner. Paired with a sleek top, the latest incarnations of the short are chic enough to rival the appeal of a polished skirt or playful dress any day of the week.

A) Pleated harem shorts, $79.90, available at Zara; Poleci tank, $88, available at Stil. B) Alexander Wang shorts, $345, available at Stel’s; Bruuns Bazaar shirt, $138, available at Stil; stylist’s own belt.
C) Kaila linen shorts, $140, available at Reiss; belt, $90, available at Reiss; Poleci shirt, $338, available at Stil.

Where to Shop
Reiss, 132 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.262.5800, www.reiss.co.uk
Stel’s, 334 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.262.3348, www.stelsinc.com
Stil, 800 Boylston Street, Boston, 617.859.7845, www.stilinc.com
Zara, 212–214 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.236.1414, www.zara.com

Veg out

Liana Peterson — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Walk into a restaurant and ask for a vegetarian option, and you’re more than likely going to get the grub you’re craving. Taking the Acela train out of town? They’ve got vegetarian options too, even if they’re not always the most appetizing (though they still tend to look more trustworthy than the meaty fare). Even many wedding receptions are responsive to the needs of the non-meat eaters on the guest list. Veggie-friendly alternatives have, for sure, become more status quo in the past decade. But any reusable bag-toting, Whole Foods-shopping vegetarian will agree that it is quite challenging to fully live a vegetarian lifestyle — without sacrificing the style part.

In fact, it can seem nearly impossible to avoid fashion choices that conflict with the sustainable views of a vegetarian. Sure, choosing not to wear fur, leather, or suede sounds easy enough, but good luck finding a chic handbag or pair of shoes. Even harder to find are vegan options that use no animal byproducts at all: when fabrics like silk, wool, and cashmere are added to the forbidden list, you may end up feeling like your style scruples have landed you in some kind of polyester purgatory. Yet slowly but surely, more cruelty-free accessories are making appearances on store shelves. Yes, the days of associating leather-free fashions with cheap-looking products that even tween Hot Topic shoppers would be vaguely embarrassed to buy are behind us. Pleather may still sound like a dirty word, which is why a lot of companies refer to their “better than the real thing” animal-friendly fabrics as vegan leather, even though most are created with plastics. But thankfully, advances in microfiber technology and fabric blends that don’t rely on synthetic materials are growing exponentially, meaning we can depend less on those landfill-clogging, chemical-leaching plastic-based products. With an ever-expanding interest in vegetarian fashion, the options can only get better. Compassionate brands and designers like Matt & Nat and Stella McCartney (a lifelong vegetarian and animal activist) are blazing the way, so vegetarians no longer have to compromise their convictions to keep their style on point.

LEFT: Deux Lux bag, $125, available at Luna Boston; Melissa + Campana zig-zag ballet flat, $60, available at Saks Fifth Avenue

RIGHT: Matt & Nat Leda bag, $275, available at Passport; Stella McCartney elastic heel, $665, available at Barneys

Where to Shop

Barneys, 100 Huntington Avenue, Boston, 617.385.3300, www.barneys.com
Luna Boston, 205 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.262.3900, www.lunaboston.com
Passport, 43 Brattle Street, Cambridge, 617.576.0900, www.passportboutique.com
Saks Fifth Avenue, 800 Boylston Street, Boston, 617.262.8500, www.saks.com

Eye spy

Liana Peterson — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Keeping incognito is just as important as keeping out of the sun’s glare these days. Whether casing out a scene or going undercover to avoid bumping into an ex, a good pair of sunglasses can go a long way. And knowing what to look for can make the search for the perfect pair much easier. Investigate subdued retro styles (that aren’t as over-the-top as last year’s Kanye West‑inspired statement shades) and Ray-Ban Wayfarer styles, which have become less conspicuous and more classic after a recent breakthrough resurgence. Ladies should scrutinize the ever-glamorous oversized-square shape made famous by Jackie O and sift through the many options of round, mod-like frames. Check out a few of our favorites.

1. Mosley Tribes yellow gingham sunglasses, $180, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
2. Square-framed sunglasses with a gradient lens, $98, available at Marc by Marc Jacobs
3. Proenza Schouler white-framed sunglasses, $310, available at Louis Boston
4. Ladies hexagon sunglasses, $12, available at Salmagundi
5. Blue-framed sunglasses, $110, available at Marc by Marc Jacobs
6. Oversized zyle frame sunglasses, $545, courtesy of Morgenthal Frederics at Louis Boston
7. Purple aviators, $98, available at Marc by Marc Jacobs

WHERE TO SHOP
Louis Boston, 234 Berkeley Street, Boston, 617.262.6100, www.louisboston.com
Marc by Marc Jacobs, 81 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.425.0707, www.marcjacobs.com
Saks Fifth Avenue, 1 Ring Road, Boston, 617.262.8500, www.saks.com
Salmagundi, 765 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, 617.522.5047, www.salmagundiboston.com

Eye on the Pie

Liana Peterson — Mon, 18 May 2009 16:28:00 GMT

Named for its resemblance to the British meat pie of the same name, the porkpie hat — with its short, indented crown and small, flipped brim — is often confused with another style that’s been topping hipster heads for a while now, the fedora. But there’s no mistaking the fact that the porkpie, whether it appears in felt, straw, or linen incarnations, packs major personality. Just as relevant today as when it first hit the scene in the mid-19th century, the hat has long been a chapeau of choice among rebellious types, from Rat Packer Dean Martin and jazz legends like Thelonious Monk to Jamaica’s rude boys and drug-addled Brit rocker (and former Kate Moss fling) Pete Doherty. Most recently, the hat has become a key wardrobe piece for Walter White, the high school chemistry teacher turned crystal meth cooker played by Bryan Cranston on AMC’s Breaking Bad. This storied style is not for everyone though — its stingy brim can seemingly cut off the top of the head, and it looks best on rounder, more compact faces. Still, its association with legend makers and rule breakers makes this small-statured hat as bad ass as the guys who can pull it off. Foreground:Bigali Panama Telescope pork pie, $72, available at SalmagundiTop to bottom:Bailey Charlie pork pie, $56, available at SalmagundiNice Collective pork pie, $168, available at AchillesTarget brand pork pie, $12.99, available at TargetBrixton Drifter, $42, available at Orchard Skateshop

Where to Shop:Achilles, 283 Summer Street, Boston, 617.423.2257,  www.achilles-project.com Orchard Skateshop, 1562 Tremont Street, Boston, 617.730.5700,  www.orchardshop.com Salmagundi, 765 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, 617.522.5047 Target, 7 Allstate Road, Dorchester, 617.602.1921, www.target.com

Jeanetics

Liana Peterson — Mon, 04 May 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Finding the Perfect Pair

It’s safe to say that jeans aren’t going out of style anytime soon. But with hundreds of brands, washes, cuts, and styles out there, it’s hard to keep up with what’s cool and what works best for particular body types. Alison Barnard, denim expert and owner of in-jean-ius (441 Hanover Street, Boston, 617.523.5326), helps women overwhelmed by all the options define what they want out of their jeans at her North End store. Barnard gave us the basics of the crash course she provides for her customers. Consider this your cheat sheet for navigating through the stacks.

Fit Is First

“The length of your torso is very important because it determines where the jeans fall,” advises Barnard. Lower rises complement shorter torsos, while higher rises work well for longer torsos without having the “mom jeans” effect. Where the back pockets fall on your bum also affects fit. Lower pockets make a butt look flatter; higher ones make your bottom look fuller. And the further apart pockets are placed, the wider your rear will look. But many women tend to carry weight either in their waist or hips/thighs, so Barnard recommends styles like Hello! Skinny ($188) for those concerned about their middle because of its thinner leg and wider waist and the AG Club fit ($172) for those of us with curves because of its fuller thighs. Also, remember that most designer jeans have an average 34-inch inseam, so tailoring is often needed. For women of smaller stature, always ask if there are petite cuts, such as Joe’s Provocateur, which will need fewer, if any, adjustments.

The Trends

The Boyfriend Jean — This looser, less-fitted style is a lot harder to pull off than actually throwing on a pair of your boyfriend’s jeans sounds. This trend works best for women who are 5’5” and over because the bagginess can easily overwhelm a more petite frame. Barnard suggests rolling the legs up to mid-calf and completing the look by “femming it up” with heels and a fitted shirt. Boyfriend jeans are also a great way to work in the distressed look, but Barnard recommends against going too overboard with tears and holes. (1)Paige Premium Denim Jimmy Jimmy jeans, $188.

Skinny Jeans — Slowly becoming a standard for some women, skinny jeans emerged over the winter as a practical style for tucking into boots. Now that the snow has melted, focus on skinnies with smaller openings that don’t gather too much at the ankle (warning: this style can make removal a challenge). If you’re afraid that your hips will look big, cover up with a longer shirt that has a bit of volume. Barnard feels that skinny jeans can be “glam” for a night out with a hot pair of stilettos and a great top. (2) Paige Premium Denim Skyline Drive jeans, $178

White Jeans — Whether or not you play by the rule forbidding white before Memorial Day, white jeans are making their way back into the denim repertoire. White makes bright colors pop and pastels less drab, and it’s most effective for a New England nautical look. While white is generally not the most slimming color (nor the easiest to wear if you’re stain-prone), you can choose a style such as a flare or crop to help with proportion issues. (3) Joe’s Jeans Provocateur jean, $158

The Classics

Since denim has become a staple item in every woman’s wardrobe, there are always a few styles that can outlast or adjust to any trend. “People underestimate the power of the straight leg,” muses Barnard. It’s still a classic, and with a quick cuff, it can look just as hip as any pair of jeans you supposedly borrowed from a boy. At in-jean-ius, Barnard notes that boot cuts continue to be a standard because of the balancing effect that a wider leg opening has on the hips. Mid-rise jeans are also making a return as the norm after years of bikini wax-mandatory low riders. These styles are versatile and easy to wear, and they come in just about every wash and finish imaginable, making them ideal silhouettes for trying out trendier approaches to denim, such as all-white or distressed finishes. (4) Kasil Vixen 7.5 jeans, $178 (straight leg). (5) Joe’s Jeans Starlet jean, $174 (slim boot cut).

Make a statement

Liana Peterson — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 07:22:00 GMT

There is no need to go overboard with trends this season when some serious accessories are all that’s necessary. Create a polished look in a flash with a substantial necklace or oversized earrings, a beautiful cuff or an eye-catching cocktail ring. Consider something geometric, ethnic, or all-in-all eclectic to build upon the most basic outfit — it’ll elevate that T-shirt and jeans combo or little black dress to a whole new level. With clothing trends leaning toward the minimal, now is the time to balance your look with jewelry that has something to say. Focus on the significant and let the piece speak for itself — major adornment can be quite the conversation starter. Proportion is key when pairing statement jewelry, as it can easily be overdone. Simplicity can articulate elegance in the most singular sense.

Taupe jeweled necklace with ribbon tie by Lanvin, $2610, available at Barneys, 100 Huntington Avenue, Boston, 617.385.3300, www.barneys.com.
Black chipped “Knight Sky” ring by Knight & Hammer, $480, available at www.knightandhammer.com.
Gold and turquoise chandelier earrings, $20, available at Macy’s, 450 Washington Street, Boston, 617.357.3000, www.macys.com.
Cuff bracelet, $40, available at Bobbles & Lace, 26 Prince Street, Boston, 617.248.0419, www.bobblesandlace.com.