Petite Fashion Challenge #10

Challenge:

"put together a look appropriate for fall using summer pieces like dresses, skirts, shorts, tank tops etc."

** I forgot to turn on auto-focus and the shot was not in focus :( -Sorry! 
But I am sharing two Summer to Fall transitions.**
Summer look A:

Theory shorts, Ann Taylor racerback tank, Gucci wedges, Gold rosary, Datejust Rolex

Fall takes on summer look A:
1: Same shirt style in a brighter color to hold onto summer.

 

Contrasting Theory blazer, Steve Madden oxfords, J Crew gold studded belt, Wolford decorative stockings, Submariner Rolex

2: If it is not cold enough for a blazer, I tie a silk scarf above the tank corset/tube top style so that I have a scarf if the temperature drops.

Hermès scarf as top over tank

Summer look B:

J Crew maxi dress, H&M bracelets, Gucci wedges, Gold rosary,  Submariner Rolex

Fall takes on summer look B:

1: Scarf with crossover neck tie.

2: Scarf as a drape neck top.

3: Not a good option for me but maybe a button down over a maxi would work well on someone else. If I owned a wide Alaia belt I bet it would look better.

Pinstriped Express shirt, Louis Vuitton sandals, Bimba & Lola metal feather bracelet

Click to see list of all challenge participants!

See my Fashion Challenge #9 entry here

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Your suggestion is requested

I need your help.  :)
In hopes of keeping anonymity, I have hidden my face in different ways but I would like to know which way you think is best. The post directly below this one shows a range of options but I am sure there are more and I can just crop photos to show from the neck down.

I imagine that switching between these different options can be distracting or annoying so I want your suggestions.

Which way do you prefer for hiding my face?

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Fitting room fun at H&M

I tried on this feminine party dress because of the petite friendly length but I actually would prefer it shorter and with a slightly fuller bottom. I also did not care for the seem on the side of the top. 

Another feminine number:

I love the colors on this dress and it is good for work and play but failed to flatter my figure.
Style tip: H&M made a cropped blazer (like Theory's gratian) that would go lovely with this!

The price was fair at $49.95 but I do not need another sheath dress at this time and it was not worth it to me to invest in the alterations I would want for this piece even though I like the shimmering blue color.

  

Although I tend to stay away from polyester, I like the versatility of this top. It works belted or unbelted and I imagine it works well tucked into skirts. Plus it is currently on sale for $14.95 from $24.95.

I love silk blouses but lately the upkeep turns me off. Two I bought from J Crew only lasted me through the summer but I have a random polyester and rayon maxi dress that I have owned since high school and is still in perfect condition. Is this just bad luck or do you have similar experiences?

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$100,000/episode: champagne budget with keg stand standards

My iPhone still of the bags in the episode. 

In tonight's episode of Jersey Shore, Ron bought Sammie a white (possibly leather) quilted flap bag with interlocking chain and material straps from a street vendor. Sound familiar? It should. :) But there was no mention of Chanel.

Do you think most people buy inspired goods without knowing the design origin?

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On a recent shopping trip, I was shocked to find a store selling mostly inspired pieces. The store was nestled between many high-end stores so I was thrown off a bit but I amused myself by pointing out the usual suspects: VCA, Hermès, and Chanel designs.

Replica bags inspired by Chanel's vintage circle flap and
iconic Chanel flap pictured here from store mentioned above

The bags pictured above (although IMO morally wrong) are not considered Chanel replicas because aside from dropping the interlocking Cs they do not (as far as I can tell) purport to be by Chanel. Yet, a bag not being a replica does not mean it is not infringing. Recently, the Kardashian Kollection for Sears had a satchel pulled from its handbag line because designer Monica Botkier found it to be a copy of her design.

Do you think these designs are altered enough to not be infringing?

OMG infringement case

Hells Angels, a large motorcycle club listed by the U.S. Department of Justice as an OMG (outlaw motorcycle gang), is suing Wildfox for copyright infringement because of this shirt. The Hells Angels are giving Amazon heat for selling it but let's focus on Wildfox.

Shirt reads "MY BOYFRIEND S A HELLS ANGEL"

Would you wear this shirt?

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In the past, Hells Angels have successfully brought infringement cases against larger brands: Disney, Saks, and Alexander McQueen.

Despite past success, Hells Angels could lose this case against Wildfox on a copyright infringement claim.

I hope that Wildfox does not give into a settlement and instead looks for a fashion lawyer who can help the brand successfully claim an exception to copyright infringement. The Copyright Act allows fair use as a common law defense, which could work here.

Fair Use is determined by a 4 Factor Test:

1. Purpose/character of use
2. Nature of copyrighted work
3. Amount/substantiality of portion used
4. Effect of use on potential market

Non-exhaustive Fair Use Uses:

1. Criticism
2. Comment
3. News reporting
4. Teaching
5. Scholarship
6. Research

Fair use is an affirmative defense, so the burden of proof falls on Wildfox here. My thought is that given the right argument, a court can find that the use of "Hells Angels" on the pictured t-shirt constitutes fair use.

Wildfox's possible Fair Use argument points:

• the shirts serve as a criticism or comment
• even if the original intent was not a parody, the defense is available as long as a parody can be reasonably perceived as commenting or critiquing an original work
• the shirt design was purposely made grammatically incorrect to help serve as a parody (mocking the seemingly missing apostrophe in the Hells Angels name
• the shirts do not and will not cause cognizable harm to Hells Angels
• generally, a commercial nature behind a parody weighs against fair use, but despite commercial nature of this shirt, if a court were to do a balance of harms test, the benefits to the public are greater than any harm
• the shirt serves as a parody
• the shirt does not serve as a market substitute
• the shirts use an acceptable amount of copyrighted work because it uses what is necessary to make a parody (the name and wings trademark)

Possible counterargument for Hells Angels:

• the court has ruled that a supposed satirical work did not justify a fair use because it was too hard to tell how it critiqued the original work

Can you think of more arguments in favor or against Wildfox's design?

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Show up perfectly polished for interviews

Last week, while on campus interviews were going on at my law school, I witnessed a chipped lime green manicure parading on the hand of an otherwise perfectly polished woman.  I wanted to raise my objection to this fashion mayhem but the girl was a stranger to me and just minutes away from her interview.

For all I know, the woman could be a future Chief Justice of the United States but I could not help but instantly think the nails could hold her back.  Of course, I believe and hope that a person's ability, potential, and commitment to do a job is what will matter but I cannot help feel that going into an interview with chipped lime green polish is like wearing a pant suit hemmed into shorts--the interviewer may not notice but in all likelihood (s)he may realize it and focus on it.  -Sure, passing off shorts as a skirt is more of a conscious decision as opposed to the chipped polish oversight but which do you think is worse?  Can someone claim to be detail-oriented but show up with an old manicure?

For interviews, I stick to a basic french manicure or a neutral/light pink color.  If I have the misfortune of chipping my polish I rather remove all color and put a clear shine on them or keep them bare but clean.

Shellac French
Lasting wear is perfect for multiple interview days

 Do you have a preferred nail look for interviews?

Pink Manicure
I prefer a more subtle color for interviews
but I find this shade fine for daily wear

I wear solid bright or trendy polish (if appropriate) to work--but never to an interview.  Even if the lime green manicure had not been chipped I would not have been a fan of it for an interview.  On the other hand, I can understand someone wanting to showcase personality or individuality by letting personal style shine during interviews.

How would you stick out from the crowd for an interview?  

As a law student, I tend to prefer a more conservative look for interviews since it plays off better with a broader range of people in the legal field.  

Louboutin's court loss can be his gain

Louboutin's lawyers are going back to Judge Marrero today to argue for their trademark.

While there are many people discussing this case, I have not seen or heard of anyone else discussing the trademark case Louboutin lost, wherein Louboutin had to cease production and sale of blue soled shoes.  I am almost convincing myself that this trademark infringement case did not exist.  Do you know this case?  I also think it may have been in Europe...?

It is silly to think that Louboutin fans are not going to stray to other shoes simply because the shoes also have red outsoles.  If I were Louboutin, I would twist color not being a possible trademarked for use on an outsole into bringing back blue-bottomed shoes for use as "something blue" in weddings.  Judge Marrero's decision is the perfect opening for Louboutin to attack the potential blue sole loving market!  Do you agree with me or do you want Louboutin's trademark upheld?


Related posts:

• Seeing Red? Louboutin loses the first battle but will he win the war?
• Are we seeing too much red?

A legal situation for The Situation

Jersey Shore love and/or hate aside, let's discuss The Situation with Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F).

Yesterday, CNN Money reported that A&F offered Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino compensation to not wear A&F merchandise.

A&F released the following statement:

"We are deeply concerned that Mr. Sorrentino's association with our brand could cause significant damage to our image. We understand that the show is for entertainment purposes, but believe this association is contrary to the aspirational nature of our brand, and may be distressing to many of our fans," an Abercrombie & Fitch spokesperson said in a statement. "We have also extended this offer to other members of the cast, and are urgently waiting a response."

The greatest surprise to me from this  bribe compensation offer by A&F is the revelation that "The Situation" and other cast members wear (or wore) A&F.

A&F not wanting their brand being synonymous with these reality stars is a fail for two reasons:

1. The Jersey Shore has coined "G.T.L." as a representative term for their daily agendas of "gym, tan, laundry."  A&F decided to use G.T.L. on it's shirts.  Jersey Shore cast member, "DJ Pauly D" tweeted:   "Hmmm if They Don't Want Us To Wear Those Clothes Why Make GTL Shirts #yourPRsuxyfrog.com/h2w37ryj" 

   

   G.T.L. shirt by A&F

   (undoubtedly influenced by Jersey Shore)

2. A&F's proposition seems hypocritical.  This offer potential contract between A&F and cast members surprised me because I thought the cast's brand loyalty was to Ed Hardy and brands exclusively sold at Metropark USA.  (Hmm, did Metropark USA recently go out of business because of this perhaps common belief?  Or better yet, is Metropark USA relaunching with the Jersey Shore cast as their models?)

I wonder, who at A&F made this decision?  For a brand, as with a celebrity, do you think negative attention is still positive publicity?

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Jersey Shore's possible legal action against A&F:

• Trademark Infringement
• Generally speaking, a trademark is any word, name, symbol, or device, or any combination thereof used by a person as a source indicator
• G.T.L. would be considered a "fanciful" slogan or trademark because it is a made-up term and as such can be protected
• To succeed here we need someone to go through the Jersey Shore seasons to see if a cast member ever sold "G.T.L." clothes at the shore store where the cast worked
• Copyright Infringement
• Copyright protection subsists in 1) original 2) work of authorship 3) in a tangible medium of expression
• A work is ''fixed'' in a tangible medium of expression when its embodiment by or under the authority of the author, is sufficiently permanent or stable to permit it to be perceived, reproduced, or otherwise communicated for a period of more than transitory duration
• The growth of Jersey Shore's "G.T.L." was videotaped and disseminated by MTV
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED)
• Although this standard requires extreme and outrageous conduct, it can be argued that the special duty of common carriers and inkeepers to patrons is appropriate here in the relationship of a retailer and a shopper :)
• Plus, relevant to proving IIED, it is clear that A&F knew the term G.T.L. so this could prove they also knew of sensitivity, or "supersensitive adults," on the cast
• Actual damages are required... sadly, it does not count that A&F stock has been plummeting

Sheaths are simple but sleek

After an early business lunch I had a doctor's appointment so I needed something office appropriate and comfortable for running around the city.

[Enter a sheath dress]

(Petite Friendly) Dress: Calvin Klein
Necklace: Amrita Singh 'White Jade' Maylen
Belt: Hermès 'Gold' with GHW
Shoes: Hermès 'Gold' Oran Sandals

I am not crazy about this particular blue on me but I got this sheath dress for a great deal (on beyond the rack) and since I could wear it without alterations I kept it.  As you will see, I am a firm promoter of sheath dresses having a place in every professional woman's wardrobe.  

I kept my shoes in my nylon Prada purse and wore the Prada ballet flats to work.

Solid sheath dresses are more versatile since you can change up how you accessorize them (think scarves vs. necklaces or skinny belts vs. wide belts, etc.).  Both solid and patterned sheaths can be paired with cardigans and blazers in different colors or long sleeved blouses or turtlenecks with opaque stockings during winter months.  A fitted one may even be layered with a skirt over it for a color blocking look.

Here you can see there is detailing on the side of this dress.  When you have a dress with such minor detailing, do not be afraid to accessorize over it.  

Keep in mind that over-accessorizing can make you look messy or like you are trying too hard.  I used a belt to break up the blue color and wore the necklace to bring the line of vision up.

Get ready to suit up

Discover your perfect blazer size

• Find a jacket that properly fits your shoulders 
• The seams should follow your shoulders and you should comfortably be able to raise your arms without feeling as if your jacket will rip down the middle a la incredible hulk.
• When buttoned, the jacket should not gap or pull
• Check the tag
• Not the brand tag, not the price tag (well maybe), but here I mean the lovely little tag that tells the material used.  The fabric tag will let you know whether you are getting what you are paying for.  Most suits are made of wool but even if this is claimed you should check the tag to see whether you are paying fancy prices for something that is mostly a polyester blend.  

Other fit issues such as waist fit, overall length, and sleeve length, can be addressed by a tailor.  Keep in mind that some revisions are more costly than others.  A general rule on alteration pricing is that it is determined by how much time and effort is needed.  For example, imagining buttons are not an issue, changing the sleeve length on a linen jacket can be quick and easy but if the problem is slimming the sleeve of a silk lined blazer, the alteration can be $$$.


Find your perfect tailor

• A good tailor can elevate your look.  Recommendations from well dressed tailored people are great starters but let's imagine none of those are around and yelp cannot help you in your quest.

Do not simply settle on tailors at dry cleaners (unless you need a quick and easy job I suggest you go to someone who has survived in this economy solely working on clothes because that is a sign that they may be getting repeat business).

I have had the luck of finding a tailor who makes custom dresses for opera singers.  When he talks about this work his passion for his career shows.  He tells me that designing and making these dresses is challenging but exciting.  Finding someone who is confident and can make such garments is a good sign.

A good start is to find a tailor who claims to make custom garments well.  Go to this tailor and investigate!  A good tailor should not have a problem with showing you samples of his/her work.  A good tailor should be proud and maybe even have photos of pieces (s)he has completed.  When you are shown garments what you want to look for is validation of awesomeness. ;)  To do this, check for a seemingly parallel construction.  It is critical to take a closer look at the stitching.  Is it falling apart?  Does it look clean and secure?

Knowing your needs and expectations before you go makes for good conversation with your tailor.  While your tailor will likely know about how a garment should fit and what it takes to get it that way, only you know your specific needs and personal style.  Discuss general style preferences with your tailor to make sure (s)he does not hold an outdated view of fashion.

It is important that you get along with your tailor enough that you both can successfully communicate with one another.  Before having any work done, check the delay time and make sure you are happy with the turnaround time.  If a tailor can commit to a usual turnaround time of one day you should consider whether (s)he has all this time on his/her hands because (s)he lacks customer loyalty.  A good tailor may be busy and take one week to return your clothes.  Also, you should not have to pay the full balance the day you drop off your items--you should be able to inspect your items.

When you find a tailor who you think you can trust, test the tailor before dropping off a big job or pieces that are important to you.  Maybe you have an ill-fitting skirt than can use some slimming or a hem?  Leave that one piece.

When picking up your alterations, you should be able to try on the piece again to test the fit.

Lastly, a good tailor will let you know whether an alteration for a particular item is worth it.  When I have arrived early for an appointment time or my tailor is working on another client at the same time, I have heard him tell the person if he thinks the alterations will be more costly than buying a similar item new.  A great tailor will not waste your money.  Maybe you can test your potential tailor by bringing in an old oversized coat to see what the tailor suggests :)

Good luck in your quest!

Do you have a trusted tailor?  How long did you search for one? Do you have other tips on finding one?

Fitting room fashion

Here is my first attempt at blogging my fitting room fun:

Loft

Belted green leopard tunic (similar here)

I really liked this top because it is one that can be worn with jeans, leggings, or suiting separates.  Although the blouse was nice and airy it is 100% polyester.  I could not justify the $59.50 price for that material even with my student discount.  Please tell me if you see this (XS) one on sale! :)

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Banana Republic

Panama hat on sale for $25

       

      

These are the Sloan fit in 0P.  They have stretch in them so they hug curves.  This style was formerly known as the 323 Martin fit.  These are good for when you need to convert a professional look into a fun look after work because you can keep your heels and swap your top.

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H&M

Skirt: $24.95

I think this skirt is good for muted color blocking.  You could easily pair it up with a shell and blazer all in different solids.

I love blazers with contrasting elbow 'pads' so I was excited to find this one (also available in gray) for $39.95.  I did not buy it because the flap in the back protruded too much for my liking.  I am thinking of getting it and just sewing it shut.  Any suggestions?

This vest may have been cute in the smaller size but this size 4 was the smallest they had.  I like how short it hit at the back but the front panel would have to get tailored to rise it a bit and without being fitted the vest disguises my waist=not flattering.  Btw, the tan shirt below the vest is seemingly good for petites.

Seeing Red? Louboutin loses the first battle but will he win the war?

Louboutin v. YSL update:

US District Judge Victor Marrero denied Louboutin's request for a preliminary injunction to prevent the sale of YSL's red out-soled shoe (featured in YSL's 2011 Resort Collection). 

So, while you can still pick this shoe up (here), this is likely not the last we have heard about this case.  Louboutin's lawyer, Harley Lewin of McCarter & English LLP, alluded to this not being the end of it, noting that they are still studying the decision.


Related post:

• Are we seeing too much red?

The Interview Suit

Dress for the career you want--not for the job you have.  Whether or not you wear your suit to work, having a suit is a Professionnelle must ;)

*Disclaimer: I did not put any on for purposes of this post but I suggest wearing stockings that match your skin color.  If you cannot stand stockings maybe throw some bronzer on your legs or has anyone had success with spray on stockings?

With law school interview season starting up this week, I will be covering basic interview looks here.  For these types of interviews I think a more conservative look is best.  So, I usually opt for a Brooks Brothers button down under a skirt suit, and minimal accessories.

Custom Italian Suit from Italian Boutique with ivory buttons
that match the mother of pearl face of my datejust Rolex
Classic Chanel shoes
Bottega Veneta Roma Purse

I like this purse because although it is designer, it is quality without the flashy factor.  It also has 3 compartments which easily hide contents such as heels or flats and my MacBook Air.  If you can get away with a smaller purse, I say go for it but a purse like this makes it easy to carry documents such as extra copies of your resume, writing samples, and lists of references.

For interviews, do you prefer button down shirts or shells?

A shell may be appropriate for others but I am top heavy so if I wear a shell with embellishments, such as ruffles, I look more quarterback than professional chic.  

Exhibit A:

Ruffled shell=full torso muffin top shape

If you are going to be around the area you interviewed at and do not plan on keeping your jacket on, consider the firm culture.  Are bare arms appropriate?  Are shells too casual?

Law students going through OCI have higher chances of being spotted by interviewers before and after interviews.  My tip: maintain a professional look.

If I know I will only be seen with my jacket on, I do not mind the aforementioned shell with my suit.

  

Shoes: Navy Anne Klein (Similar here and here)
Shell: Banana Republic
Purple Purse above: Louis Vuitton Bowling Montaigne 

If you plan on changing into heels just before the interview, you should wear a professional closed-toe pair that would be appropriate if you were to be seen outside of the interview by interviewers and appropriate if you forgot or could not change into your heels.

I use my trusty purple ballet flats that have been going strong for 3 years and counting :)

Prada Degrade Purple Ballet
(Similar here, here, and here)

Do you prefer diamonds or pearls?
My usual interview accessories:

If you will only own one suit or you are just starting a professional wardrobe, I suggest a dark navy suit.  Navy is versatile and flattering on most skin tones.  The one I have here is navy but it is hard to tell from these pics.

Good luck to those of you with upcoming interviews!