fashion loves people » Designer

Time for le big bag

Janette — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 22:48:11 +0000

I’m a small purse girl through and through — but now that I’ve got a baby on the way, toting around a diaper bag is all the excuse I need to get a fabulous big bag! Here’s a roundup of my favorite totes right now.

Rib & Hull Technical Tote, $183

What a beautiful bag. Handmade to order by Rib & Hull in their Warsaw studio of full-grain Italian leather, organic cotton canvas and Italian hardware. I’d envisioned a bag with mid-length shoulder straps, but it might be super convenient to have a cross-body strap like this. I’m just not crazy about the silver hardware. For me, I think this unisex bag skews a bit masculine.

Clare Vivier La Tropézienne, $320

Clare Vivier’s styles are so classic, and this one is just perennially beautiful. All Clare Vivier bags are made in Los Angeles. My main concern for my use of it is that it doesn’t close at the top, and it’s unlined, so any spills would be a no-no. Great strap length — straps come in both a 5″ and 8″ length, and I’d go for the 8″.

Treesizeverse Recycled Vintage Cotton Tote Bag with Leather Bottom, $169

Handmade in Belgium of a camel-colored deadstock fabric and black leather. The straps are adjustable and the top has a loose closure. I love the “organic” vibe of this bag — well-crafted but not overly manicured. The colors are lovely, including the touches of gold/brass hardware, and it’s fully lined. I’m really debating on this one — if it’s as sturdy as it looks, it might be perfect!

Shannon South – Remade in the USA Degraw, $275

Shannon South hand-sews all of her bags out of reclaimed leather jackets (either that she finds or that you send in!). “There is so much perfectly usable waste in the United States,” her website says. The bag is lined in organic cotton, and the complete lack of hardware lets it go with anything. The depth of this tote makes a closure seem less necessary.

Clare Vivier Messenger Bag, $345

A second Clare Vivier style — this one with the cross-body strap and a top zipper. Whereas the La Tropizienne is made of a very stiff leather, I’ve tried this in person and was surprised by how soft and droopy the leather was. I think it’s too soft for my preferences. To anyone who has a Clare Vivier tote — was it worth the splurge?

Longchamp Le Pliage, $149

This bag has a great mix of affordability and classic style. I see them around SF every once in a while, but they were ALL over Europe. The style has been around for ages; I know some women buy a new one every five years or so. I do wish I knew more about Longchamp’s manufacturing process; all I’ve learned online is that some bags are marked as Made in France and some are marked as Made in China. But for the most part, luxury brands don’t skimp on any part of their production processes.

So what do you think? Please let me know if you have any other recommendations!

The only I’ve gotten so far about a diaper bag is that you want to have lots of pockets (thanks Mary!), so with any of these bags, I’d use an insert like this in it.

Kate Spade X Women for Women International

Janette — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 18:15:55 +0000

I didn’t know today was International Women’s Day until I got this email from Kate Spade — so Happy Women’s Day! To celebrate, they’re unveiling a small collection of accessories handmade by women in Rwanda via Women for Women International, including these black-and-white seed bead pieces ($95 & $45), also available in several other colors. The pink bags previewed above will be coming soon. I wouldn’t mind getting my hands on some of those baskets on the wall, either.

Finds from the Alemany Flea

Janette — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 21:14:08 +0000

To everyone who’s taken my survey so far — thank you! I appreciate your feedback so much, and I must say, I’m flattered by your compliments. Thanks for being such great supporters. It means a lot. And it means that I’ll definitely start sharing more of my own style and proud finds here. Case in point!

Several weeks ago I went for the first time to the Alemany Flea Market, a weekly flea market in San Francisco’s Bernal Heights. The ring and purse I got there made my day.

Quartz earrings & necklace by Early Jewelry; vintage-ish blazer from KC’s Maj-r Thrift; jeans by Baldwin Denim, designed in Kansas City and manufactured in the U.S.; boots by Steve Madden (worn for about 3–4 years now); purse by Ferragamo, $20, and ring, $5, both from Alemany Flea Market.

The guy who sold me the purse was kind of hilarious — he did not look like the type of person who would say, “That’s a Ferragamo, right?” when I tried to talk $15 off the price. A flea market is truly the only place you’ll hear a guy like that rattling off labels like this! Those large gold “buttons” go all the way around it, with three platform heels on each.

And after I spotted this family photo, I couldn’t not get it. They’re all so beautiful and happy! I especially love the little guy on the right end of the front row, and the blonde woman in the back left. What a family.

Half off at Mociun

Janette — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 16:25:27 +0000

Oh, this dress! It comes with two pieces — the sheer shell and the black under dress — and has so many possibilities. (I especially love the tank dress alone, tucked into those fantastic leggings.) Caitlin Mociun‘s gorgeous, sustainable designs are pricey, but at half off, this Earthquake Dress is $212 — just $106 per dress if you think about it. I’m definitely tempted.

Lots of Mociun pieces are half off now, check them out!

(I think these are still the photos by Alyson Fox, but I’m not positive. The models’ “movement” throughout them is so beautiful, like in this arrangement.)

Via Lena Corwin

“Project Runway” winner Gretchen Jones on sustainable fashion, personal style and what it takes to win

Janette — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 19:06:52 +0000

Before Gretchen Jones was on Project Runway, she was a sustainable fashion designer in Portland, merchandising her slow-fashion line MothLove. But to take her work to the next level, for the sake of both finances and fame, she knew she needed some kind of jumpstart — so Season 8 it was. I got to chat with her by email last week about where she’s come from and, more importantly, where she’s headed next.

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From the beginning of the season, it was great knowing that Project Runway had a sustainable designer in the mix. Were you able to incorporate sustainable fabrics into your designs? How?

Gretchen: Mood is a end-run stocked store, so although I did let go of my personal connections to sustainable materials, I knew by circumstance I was creating out of re-used materials.

As the season went on, Project Runway viewers saw you cast in somewhat of a negative light. Do you think you were accurately depicted?

Gretchen: It’s all about context. Rarely do we all openly discuss how we feel about ourselves and others. Rarely do we have spotlights on our every action. Even more rarely do we expose ourselves to others in such a raw way, ready to be exposed and vulnerable… I believe that I, in an environment so completely foreign and challenging, stayed true to myself. A part of the risk of participating in something like this is to let go of the control of representation. And this was only a mere fraction of a representation into who I am.

What I hope is that I was able to represent myself as thoughtful, informed, honest and kind, but fiercely competitive and talented. You have to be in this industry. And then you have to let go…

Did you watch Project Runway before? What made you apply for it?

Gretchen: Yes I did, but never for the on-screen drama, only for the clothing/design. It’s inspiring watching others create, how they create and what things turn out like… I was always very aware of the differences between reality and reality television.

I applied because it became very clear that in order for me to reach the successes I aspire to reach, I was in dire need of exposure. Coming from a humble background, having no connections to the high fashion community/industry and realizing that fashion and fame go hand-in-hand made me realize that it was time to take the risk and apply. Also — PR had had me on their radar for quite some time, as well as a few of my retailors understanding my situation [who nominated me] which involved my failing business, it seemed serendipitous and meant-to-be to apply.

So what’s next for “Gretchen Jones”? Where and when will we see styles, how can we buy them and, obviously, will it include the jewelry?

Gretchen: I have moved away from Portland already. En route to New York, as I realized through this experience that I have many more ambitions to pursue. My goals are lofty and it is time to take the next step and reach for the ‘big’ dreams. I intend on finding a luxury brand mentorship, exploring styling and writing and honing my skills so I can sometime soon launch my own high-end brand… which very much will include the jewelry line! I’ve wanted to dip into jewelry for some time now. I also have my fingers crossed that working with Piperlime.com will come sooner than later. It seems as though my wares are in high demand! What a dream come true!!

I know you’ve traditionally been a fan of the slow fashion movement, including your conscientious use of materials, local production and sew-on-demand model. Will your new fame (and thus demand) be a platform for those values, or will you need to change your approach?

Gretchen: Slow fashion has many facets. As I move foward and upward with goals of being a luxury designer, I believe slow fashion will easily follow suit. Hand Craft = slow. Couture = slow. And sustaining domestic and native craftsmen/women all play into my personal ethics. I still intend on producing as sustainably as possible, but for my own personal moral convictions. As I said on the show, I want to be supported and purchased for the design/fashion, NOT for being sustainable. I believe good design IS sustainable, because it has a place in every woman’s [and hopefully man's] wardrobe. Also — I maintain that over-production is not necessary on a large scale, however production always has glitches and should be accoutned for when mapping out manufacturing.

You mentioned in another interview that you’re part of a revolution of young, modern women designers who are creating clothing for their communities, which I would agree with completely. Who are some of those other designers you admire?

Gretchen: Vanessa Bruno, Rachel Comey, Vena Cava, Mara Hoffman, Samantha Pleet, Mociun, Isabelle Marant, etc… Gretchen Jones!

On that note, you were a beacon of personal style inspiration this season. Did you really fit all those clothes in your suitcase?!

Gretchen: The secret is in rolling your clothes! It makes a HUGE difference in packing. AND — I only packed 2 [big] suitcases… and didn’t wear the same outfit twice!? Crazy! But very important. I need women to look up to not only my design aesthetic, but personal style. IT’s how you build a brand. The reality of the situation is you are buying into ME. The fantasy I create. I certainly feel that way about the designers I support. I want a little bit of them in my closet!

Thanks, Gretchen! Best of luck with your next phase!

***

You can view Gretchen’s full design portfolio from the show here and more of her own outfits here, and if you didn’t catch it all, you can watch full episodes of Project Runway at mylifetime.com.

Manimal Fall 2010: Alaskan Winter

Janette — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 16:27:30 +0000

At Pivot Boutique in 2008, during the world’s most incredible eco fashion sale you’ve ever seen, I bought a pair of Manimal ribcage earrings marked down to $10. They came in a kraft paper box, spray painted with a stencil in gold paint, with a little feather inside for awesomeness.

Aren’t sweet little touches like that the best? I could tell this brand was special!

I’ve gotten about a million compliments in the life of wearing those earrings, and after designer Kristen Lombardi was amazing enough to send me one of her scrap necklaces, I got about a million more on it.

People are always like, “is that suede?” And I’m like, “yeah, it’s from Manimal, it’s leftover suede from making moccasins.”

So this summer as I was planning the re-launch of my own apparel, knowing I wanted to partner up with some of my favorite jewelry designers for accessorizing my photoshoot, I was quick to ask Kristen to participate. She let me offer two of her necklace styles for sale in my store prior to the launch of her full fall line, Alaskan Winter. What an honor.

And here Alaskan Winter is now, in all its glory! Inspired by Inuit imagery — masks, totem poles — Kristen has created a color palette to die for and, to go ahead and get specific, a tote bag for the gods. (Isn’t it amazing?)

All images here are from the newly updated Manimal site, where pieces are available now for $30 (the pouch necklace) to $220 (the double fringe bootie). Something for everyone.

Oh and also: Baby moccasins!

Suno Spring 2011

Janette — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 17:12:12 +0000

Another amazing collection from Suno! There’s so much good styling inspiration here.

All ethically made in Kenya. Shoes designed as a collab with Loeffler Randall. Check out more close-ups over at Style Bubble! Suno is available at Opening Ceremony.

Images from Style.com.

The latest from FLP Tees: “Seeing Dots,” plus jewelry from my favorite indie designers, available now

Janette — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 13:40:35 +0000

Drumroll please…

The latest Fashion Loves People ♥ Kirk design, Seeing Dots, is now available in our online store!

And possibly even more exciting is that for the launch, I’m lucky enough to be collaborating with four of my favorite jewelry designers in the world: Alyson Fox, Manimal, Early Jewelry and Adoura Demode. Limited-editions and pre-releases of their pieces are for sale in our store.

For now, I’m going to let you read the press release for more info. (Which I wrote of course, though I do my darnedest to make it sound like I didn’t!) I’ll be hitting you with plenty more details, and even a few events, soon enough.

***

Fashion Loves People ♥ Kirk partners with indie jewelry designers to launch newest design

This morning, Wednesday, Aug. 4, Fashion Loves People ♥ Kirk introduced its newest design: Seeing Dots.

In collaboration, four indie jewelry designers — Alyson Fox, Manimal, Early Jewelry and Adoura Demode — have contributed limited-editions of their work, which are for sale in the Fashion Loves People online store.

Alyson Fox is exclusively pre-releasing four necklaces from her fall additions to her A Small Collection, each an evolution of the forms and innovative use of materials her designs are known for. One of each style is available. http://asmallcollection.com/

Manimal designer Kristen Lombardi is exclusively pre-releasing two styles from her fall collection, titled Alaskan Winter, made of suede and other leathers and inspired by Inuit imagery. Beautiful new shapes and color palettes expand the brand’s down-to-earth repertoire. Three of each style are available. http://www.save-the-manimals.com/

Early Jewelry designer Kylie Grater custom-designed a variation of her classic horseshoe necklace to mimic the lines of the skirt in the Seeing Dots illustration, in black oxidized metal with a dangling quartz, as well as spotted guinea-feather earrings with custom round ear wires. Each design features 100% recycled sterling silver. Two of each style are available. http://www.earlyjewelry.com/

Adoura Demode designer Danielle Teller contributed her rosary necklace, made of new and reclaimed materials. A hint of familiarity and irreverence on a beautifully detailed chain. Three are available. http://adoura.com/

FLP’s design Seeing Dots design is a 1972 fashion illustration by J. Kirk Davis, originally inspired by Norman Norell evening gowns. The sophistication of the drawing is juxtaposed on grey heather jersey, available as a racerback tank or a v-neck tee. Polka dots in the subject’s skirt are accented in white.

The shirts are ethically produced in Dominican Republic in line with the Fair Labor Association’s Workplace Code of Conduct, and certified by Worldwide Responsible Apparel Production (WRAP). The fabric contents are 38% cotton (6.25% organic), 50% polyester (6.25% recycled) and 12% naturally occurring rayon. All previously released shirts are 100% organic cotton.

Each shirt purchased from the Fashion Loves People online store comes with a 5″x7″ print of the shirt’s illustration, signed and editioned out of 50 by Davis, printed on 100% recycled paper.

Additional highlights:

• All shirts in the FLP♥K line are printed with vintage fashion illustrations by J. Kirk Davis, circa 1960s-1970s.

• 5% of proceeds benefit the Not For Sale Campaign, fighting human trafficking in the U.S. and abroad.

• Shirts are tagless, printed inside the back collar with a “Fashion Loves People (loves) Kirk” insignia.

• Shirts are printed in the U.S. with water-based eco-friendly inks.

• Shirts ship in recycled chipboard envelopes hand-stamped with the FLP logo.

• In retail locations, new hangtags are made of scrap birch veneer, paper-thin slices of wood that are an excess of the Colorado furniture industry. They are letterpressed by hand in San Francisco by IN HAUS Press. http://www.inhauspress.com/

• Fashion Loves People is an ethical fashion blog first (http://fashionlovespeople.com, founded by Janette Crawford in 2007) and an archetypical ethical apparel line second.

• Fashion Loves People ♥ Kirk was launched in 2009 by Davis and Crawford.

Fashion Loves People ♥ Kirk will soon release details on several upcoming events in the San Francisco area.

All apparel graphics created in partnership with Heather Hale, http://twineandtwig.blogspot.com. Online store photography by Darius Monsef, founder of http://www.colourlovers.com. Modeled by Laura Ellner, editor of http://www.ontheracks.com.

For wholesale or general brand inquiries, contact Janette Crawford at janette(at)fashionlovespeople.com.

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Summer sales

Janette — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 04:27:32 +0000

Two very exciting sales happening through July 31:

All Osborn Design handmade shoes are 20% off with code SUMMER, and all reMade USA upcycled leather bags are 20% off with code SUMMERLOVE.

Almost sounds like they called each other. :)

reMade USA sale via Green Grechen.

AG Jeans, saving water & energy with Ozone Technology

Janette — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:23:41 +0000

Earlier this year I bought the best-fitting pair of jeans I’ve ever owned: “The Legging” by AG Jeans. They are a perfect summer-weight denim with a sheen and a hint of stretch (though not the super-stretchy denim that the term “jegging” might conjure up). All stitching is dark, the same color as the denim. One night wearing these jeans I was asked where I work out — by a girl — and I don’t! The ultimate compliment. They just fit great.

AG Jeans manufactures in LA and Mexico (mine were made in LA!), using a relatively new Ozone Technology that saves water, energy and the use of chemicals. (I don’t know what company AG is using for this, but GreenTech appears to offer the kind of technology and support needed, for further reference.)

I bought my pair of AGs at By George in Austin while on the hunt for a pair of ankle-length jeans, though these are full-length. Without a trusted tailor now that I’m in SF, I haven’t had them hemmed yet, and now I’m debating whether to at all. I’ve been liking the kind of “accessory” that rolling or cuffing them gives. What do you think?

When shopping for jeans this time around, my priorities were: 1) Do they fit perfectly? 2) Can I buy them from a locally owned business? 3) Does the company respect people and the environment? Awesomely, I got every single one. Thanks, AG Jeans.

In my outfit, above:

Shirt by Wrangler, vintage
Suede-scrap necklace by Manimal
Denim by AG Jeans
Fringe sandals by Express (!), purchased at Austin’s Buffalo Exchange