Feb 3, 2010 | Fashion
I never noticed it before, but he’s lurking in the background of this ad for Liz Claiborne from Lucky Magazine‘s October 2009 issue.
I used to like the dude a little when he had his talk show “Isaac” back in ’05. He seemed warm, engaging, a little flighty, but overall, an entertaining host. Then the debacle that was The Fashion Show aired on Bravo and my opinion of him dropped to rock bottom. It was excruciating watching that show after being primed for a fashion reality show like Project Runway…Mizrahi appeared self-absorbed and extremely unconcerned in motivating the designers to produce their best work (unlike Tim Gunn and the judges panel on Project Runway- who, although their critique can be harsh and they do have judges’ favorites from season to season – I find their critique to be spot-on and invested in causing the designers to grow, mature, and produce great work. In most cases.) Mizrahi, however, seemed uncaring and his workroom critiques (which were edited to be unbelieveably short) consisted of “Oooh! I like that” or just a furrowed brow and folded arms. Many people’s criticism of Mizrahi is that he is less a talented designer than simply a lucky one – and being appointed as Creative Director for Liz Claiborne (after a stint designing for Target) last year has had many tongues a-wagging as to whether he was indeed the best choice to revamp the line.
To many young women now the Liz Claiborne brand is still seen as “my mom’s clothing;” sort of dowdy, bland separates that many were unsurprised to see falter back in the late 80’s. A few places have praised Isaac Mizrahi’s infusion of “whimsy” and “wit” into the label, and even Michelle Obama has worn a piece from the line (above). It’s interesting to see an array of ages and body types in their ads (though in a screaming “look at this! We’re showing a range of women!” sort of way) – but who is their target demographic? The current lineup of styles has been panned as being “frumpy” and “all over the place.” [It’s also interesting that Tim Gunn, Liz Claiborne’s Chief Creative Officer, was the one who poached Mizrahi from his gig at Target in the first place. ]
Mizrahi has also been labeled by many as a “fame whore” – an image not exactly helped by his behavior whilst the cameras were running on “The Fashion Show,” and his hawking of cheesecakes on QVC last summer.
How about you? What’s your take on Miss Miz? (Did you buy a cheesecake from him?) How about Liz Claiborne and the line? Have you ever bought anything from then – and do you think his image helps or hurts theirs? Chic or cheap, readers?
-Carly J. Cais
Liz Claiborne can be bought at LizClaiborne New York stores across the country- click here for a list of locations. See full Fall 2009 lookbook here.
(images from Liz Claiborne Fall 2009 Lookbook from Coutorture.com)
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Jan 30, 2010 | Fashion
Just a casual day, mixing up patterns…we got brushstroke letters, script letters, thick stripes, and plaid – oh my!
Outfit:
*Men’s Mossimo Western Shirt
*handmade jersey scarf
*black pearl n chain necklace
*Jus Animalium A Hen’s Poem organic t-shirt
*unknown bag
*Genetic Denim Riley Ripper Bootcut Jeans
*Fergie Gallop Ankle Boot
*Claire’s Infinity Diamante Ring
*Priscilla clip-in extensions
*Men’s Mossimo Western Shirt (now sold out online, but similar style here) taken in at the side seams for a more feminine fit. I totally wanted a black n gray plaid shirt, but the women’s ones I found that weren’t overtly frilly or way too Western started at $25 wherever I went…and I’m so cheap, I even skimped on the couple bucks difference and picked up a men’s shirt in a size S from Target…and took in the side seams to make it a little less baggy.
*handmade jersey scarf – I wanted a striped scarf, but couldn’t find one I liked, so just bought a yard of jersey for $7.99 from the sewing store, and sewed myself one. (Cut strips 12″ wide, join together at the ends to make 80″, then fold together right sides together, sew the seams, leaving a small gap at one end, turn right-side-out and topstitch. Easy-peasy…and super-soft!)
*black pearl n chain necklace (similar style here) – a Christmas gift from my Grandmother-in-Law (yup, I just wrote that!) Would that we all had stylish grandmother-in-laws (grandmothers-in-law??) who would send us lovely presents from Japan that are all over the street style fashionistas and girls in the know! The best part about this is the bow:-) [I won’t mention the frilly thong underwear she also sent me…oops, I just mentioned it.]
*Jus Animalium A Hen’s Poem organic t-shirt – an organic and eco-friendly brand that strives to end animal cruelty. A dollar from every Hen’s Poem t-shirt sold is donated to the Animal Legal Defense Fund.
*unknown bag – bought in Japan in like 2000 or something.
*Genetic Denim Riley Ripper Bootcut Jeans from RueLaLa – can’t say how much I love these jeans. The rips are actually reinforced underneath with no-show denim patching so they won’t rip further – LOVE that attention to detail. And they came with a little removable XX pin! So thugsta. Right now Rock & Republic denim is on sale at RueLala – if you’re looking for more discounted designer denim check them out here.
*Fergie Gallop Ankle Boot
*Claire’s Infinity Diamante Ring (similar style here)
*Hair: (similar style clip-in extensions here) loose messy bun with Priscilla [Japanese brand] clip-in extensions
As you can see, I’m trying a different layout for my outfit info above…Let me know what you think or if I should go back to the previous layout. Sometimes methinks I get too wordy and it must be curtailed. And I say “methinks” alot LOL.
I’d love to hear your feedback re: outfit posting format!
And have a great weekend!
xoxo
Carly
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Jan 29, 2010 | Fashion
To all my lovely Readers out there:
I’ve added a new feature here at Chic Steals called the “Ask Me Anything” box, powered by Formspring.me.
Something that occurs to you while reading and you don’t want to bother with email? Have a burning question but want to ask anonymously? Just type it straight into the form box in the right hand sidebar and I’ll answer you back asap!
xoxo
Carly
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Jan 28, 2010 | Fashion
A couple more fashion polls for your clickety-clicking pleasure over at Ideeli:
What designer or brand will win your vote for The Innovator Fashion Award?
What designer or brand has the best Online Video, Twitter presence, Blog, Site…and what’s the Best New Thing out there?
-Carly J. Cais
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Jan 28, 2010 | Fashion
I’ve just received an award from The Owl’s Closet! (Among many of the other fabulous bloggers listed there:-) I love the affordable, off-the-radar fashion picks showcased on this blog, as well as her other musings on home, travel, food, and pop culture. Please stop by her blog if you get a chance!
To fulfill the requirements of the award, I have to nominate 10 other lovely blogs:
Thank you for the lovely award – I am so honored!
xoxox
Carly
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