Showing posts with label luxury fashions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label luxury fashions. Show all posts

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Kimono Fashion

The kimono in fashion is an Asian-inspired trend in hot designer fashions. I first started talking about the kimono some seven plus years ago. Oh gosh, can you believe that. And even today, the kimono as you may know it has become uber-trendy in its influence on Western style clothing. The most popular is the kimono dress with a wrap-style and roomy kimono sleeves.

Kara Janx kimono dress from Project Runway
A recognizable designer today who's gotten a lot of buzz is Kara Janx from Project Runway. Her famous flirty and sexy kimono dresses are pictured here. What's great about Kara's kimona dresses is they are excellent travelware!

The kimono in fashion today has transitioned into some pretty cool designer fashions! Do you know that a recent eBay search for "kimono dress" revealed over 1,400 auction listings with nearly 600 store items? Read on to learn more.

It's an Asian-inspired trend in designer fashions that's really hot! It's Kimono Fashion! Uber-TRENDY!

Kimono Fashion Photo Credit: Kara Janx Kimono Long Sleeve.

What do you think of Kimono Fashion?
How many stars would you give it? Would YOU give it a thumbs up or a thumbs down? For me, I think it is a commanding five stars.

Kimono top by Roberto Cavalli
Kimono top by Roberto Cavalli

Yummy! Did you catch Vanessa Williams wearing this Kimono top on Ugly Betty -- when she prepared the large Thanksgiving meal?

I personally adore the Roberto Cavalli kimono top with the leopard trim. Yummy!

This is my pick for the IT Kimono Top! It is too cool.

Cream with brown/black/gold leopard-print satin trim. Surplice V neckline; tie waist. Wide three-quarter sleeves. 50% silk, 50% cashmere.

I spotted it at Neiman Marcus and eLuxury.


Kimono sleeve dress by Cavalli

Roberto Cavalli got into the craze with his Tiger Print Kimono Sleeve Dress.
This 100% silk, tiger print semi-sheer dress with deep v-neck was made in Italy. It has extra-long kimono sleeves.

It was available for $1,575.00 from eLuxury and a couple of other websites.

Kimono-style sleeves have been extremely popular in women's dresses, tops, and casual wear.

 Kimono Fashion Show



Kimono dress by Geren Ford
Kimono dress by Geren Ford

An in demand designer is Geren Ford who has been extremely popular.

This is a kimono dress that is styled with a contrasting sash and fabric that is reminiscent of the 40s.

So, this is a bit of a vintage-inspired kimono dress! Find a Geren Ford Kimono Dress on Amazon.


Ruth Kimono dress from Lord and Taylor
Kimono dress from Lord and Taylor

I am a fan of black and white so you've got to know that I'm loving this dress!

This is the Ruth Kimono Dress that was spotted and Lord and Taylor! Gosh this is gorgeous.

What makes this great travelware is its composition -- 96% Rayon and 4% Spandex, plus it's American made! Check out the Koh Koh Kimono Dresses at Amazon.


Kimono dress from Target
Kimono dress from Target

Would you believe??? This kimono dress was actually spotted at Target! It was designed by Sophie Albou for the Paul & Joe Beaubourg Chic Collection. Wow! If Target has it, the item has gone mainstream.

This dress is made of cotton and silky modal rayon. It has cool bat-wing sleeves that are accentuated by the fitted empire bodice trimmed with ruching. It has an a-line skirt that I love!
It's very cool -- it's a kimono dress that's affordable!

Kimono dress by Rachel Pally
Kimono dress by Rachel Pally

Oo la la! I love this -- it transitions from the typical kimono dress into something quite alluring and versatile. It's a mini; no, it's a top!

It's the Tie Kimono Dress by Rachel Pally!

An on-trend shape with an impeccable drape. Very soft, jersey dress with V at neck and back. 1/4" banding at neckline and tie at cuffs. Unfinished edges at bottom hem and ties. Long, dolman sleeves. 92% modal/8% spandex. Dry clean. Made in the U.S.A. I spotted this at Shopbop for $198.00 in yellow and violet.

Kimono tunic top by Paul & Joe
Kimono tunic top by Paul & Joe

This is the Anagra Tunic Top by Paul & Joe. For a kimono-style top, this is quite what you'd expect, particularly for the styling, and fabric design.

Kimono-style top with a beautiful combination of creams, peaches, greens, and purples, creating a gorgeous japanese floral design. A blue/green trim on the v-neck and under the bust creates a wonderful contrast. 100% Silk. This was spotted at Pink Moon Boutique.

Kimono jacket by Matthew Williamson
Kimono jacket by Matthew Williamson

Wow! This jacket has a lot going on! It's a bit of handcrafted wearable art. It's Matthew Williamson's Kimono Sleeved Embroidered Jacket.

The wide open neckline leads into an invisible button-fastening front. Miniature pom poms in fuchsia and green trim all edges. The jacket is covered in entwining and blossoming flowers that come in colours such as green, fuchsia, purple, turquoise and brown all on a cream stitching background.

Long wide kimono sleeves. The hemline falls to the hips. A tie front belt sits high on the waist. Cream chiffon lining. Fantastically detailed, this is a stunning jacket, wear casual with jeans over a skinny t-shirt and flats or smart with wide legged trousers and some stomping platforms. Be embroidered. 100% Silk. This was spotted at Browns Fashion.

Kimono coat from Teski
Kimono coat from Teski

Yes, this indeed is a kimono coat! It's the Saki Kimono Coat and it's Italian leather! Wow--it's sexy too.

Straight cut Kimono coat. Soft, supple leather with fire-red embossed waist blocking. Hidden eye-and-hook closure. Satin lining in golden-yellow with floral jacquard pattern.

East meets west. Imported Italian skin. Black with fire band. I spotted this at Teski, based out of San Francisco.

Kimono coat by Andrew Gn
Kimono coat by Andrew Gn

This beautiful coat has an authentic styling about it! It's the Andrew Gn 'Antique Gold' Lame and Lace Kimono Coat.

Three-quarter sleeves. 'Antique Gold' lame detail on sleeves and bottom hem. Viscose lining. Virgin wool/linen/polyester; dry clean. Made in France. Collectors.

I spotted this at Nordstrom for $2,075.00!


Find a Kimono Coat

Looking for a variety of Kimono Tops from jackets to coats? You'll want to check out the varied selection of kimono coats at Amazon. You will be amazed at the variety!

Thanks for visiting!
Have you gotten into the kimono craze? Do you own a kimono-style dress? What's your favorite kimono dress designer?

History: Kimono Fashion : Uber-Trendy Chic was originally created on Squidoo by JaguarJulie on August 10, 2007. Highest lensrank ever achieved: #425 overall. Lens #61 in the quest for Giant Squid 100 Club Charter Member 2007.

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Givenchy the Designer

Givenchy : Audrey Hepburn Style! When I think of Givenchy, I think of Audrey Hepburn! I feel passionate about the Givenchy designer brand as it is my favorite designer line and I am a collector of Givenchy signature logo accessories. Naturally, I was compelled to publish this particular article. It is my prediction that this is a designer to watch and that there will be a resurgence in the brand.

audrey hepburn with cat art poster
Welcome to the Gallery of Givenchy, my designer profile. This is my personal tribute to the fabulous Givenchy brand name.

You'll find coveted items from my personal Givenchy collection that I am presenting for sale as listed in my eCrater store. By the way, I still have that awesome polka dot Givenchy designer skirt suit to sell. So, if you want a one-of-a-kind, vintage Givenchy design, let me know and I'll get some photos published.

I simply adore the ever-appealing style of Givenchy! It's Audrey Hepburn style that is so fashionable and in demand today!

Photo Credit: Audrey Hepburn with a Tabby Cat. Ah, style!

Do you love this luxury fashion brand?
  1. Yes, without a doubt
  2. Just learning more about this brand
  3. No, don't care for it

Givenchy, a Fashion Statement
For half a century, Hubert de Givenchy has been the perfect gentleman of couture; i.e. haute couture. His elegant and lady-like fashion enchanted the aristocratic Parisians who became addicted to his sharp vision of femininity. Ladies dressed by him include Jacqueline Kennedy and the Dutchess of Windsor.

However, the woman most associated with Givenchy was by far Audrey Hepburn whom he dressed. His style was known as elegant, pure, sculptural, and refreshing. His clients were women for whom elegance meant everything.

It was a shock to the fashion world when Givenchy decided to retire in 1995. Ten years after Hubert de Givenchy retired, Riccardo Tischi joined the design house. He has studied the archives carefully and is determined to maintain the high standards of Givenchy.

Givenchy Facts
  • In 1988, Givenchy sold his business to Moet Hennessy-Louis Vuitton (LVMH) for financial reasons.
  • Hubert de Givenchy (like Dior) is a division of Europe's largest luxury products manufacturer, Moet Hennessy-Louis Vuitton (LVMH), which is owned and operated by Bernand Arnault through the investment company Financiere Agache.
  • LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton is the world's largest luxury goods company, with brands that are bywords for the good life.
  • In 1993, this brand achieved total sales worth of $176 million (up 25%), making it the second largest apparel division of LVMH.
  • The House of Givenchy is a member of Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture et du Pret-a-Porter.
  • This luxury brand had only two boutiques in 1993.

Givenchy IT Bag: Nightingale Satchel
Have you seen this brand's IT bag? A number of celebrities had been spotted sporting the Nightingale bag. It was available in a black, white, ivory and other colors plus in a few different sizes. I've seen variations of metallic and patent leather. The authentic bag is made in Italy. The medium is 12" x 19" x 6" and retails for ~$1,295.00. The large is 23" x 16" x 8" and retails for ~$1,695.00. Something to know! I have seen many non-authentic Nightingale handbags for sale on eBay.

Black Patent Leather Pumpkin Bag!
They did it again with a desirable IT bag known as the Pumpkin Backpack-style Bag. This bag had been seen on the runway! What makes it even more stylish this season is that it's a black patent leather ... patent leather is the rage. The bag is embellished with tassels - one of my favorite design elements for accessories. It's also loaded with pockets - nearly one dozen. All hardware is of course engraved with the brand name. This bag is rare and hard to find. However, I do happen to have a chocolate brown leather pumpkin bag available to purchase!

Givenchy on Audrey
  • Audrey had a big personality. In the choice of her dresses, in wearing them with such elegance, chic, and simplicity. In a very personal way, she created her own look : 'The Hepburn Style.'
  • She knew exactly how to shape her strong, independent image. This naturally extended to the way she dressed. And she always took the clothes created for her one step further by adding something of her own, some small personal detail which enhanced the whole.
  • One thing that struck me about her, apart from her charm and elegance, was her ability to make herself loved and admired by women as well as men.
  • She was capable of enhancing alI my creations. And often ideas would come to me when I had her on my mind. She always knew what she wanted and what she was aiming for. It was like that from the very start.
Audrey Hepburn
The most ambitious and personal account ever written about Hollywood's most gracious star.

Audrey Hepburn by Barry Paris is a "moving portrayal" that truly captures the woman who captured our hearts.

With the insights of family and friends who never before spoke to a Hepburn biographer-and never-before-published photographs-Paris has created an in-depth portrait of the actress, from her childhood in Nazi-occupied Europe, through her legendary career, and into her UN ambassadorship.

Some of the most fascinating material in this delightfully readable volume concerns the impact the ever-elegant Audrey Hepburn had on women's style and self-conception.

I am a Givenchy Collector
Givenchy Chocolate Brown Leather Pumpkin Bag with Tassels
Givenchy Pumpkin Bag with Tassels
I've been collecting Givenchy fashion and accessories for a few years. I am showcasing the variety of designer items bearing the brand that are in my personal collection.

I'm particularly fond of the signature logo handbags. I don't think I can bare to ever part with those ... but if the price is right, I will.

Over the past few years, I acquired a polka dot skirt suit from a seller on eBay. Funny, I must be a collector, because I had the suit cleaned and put away in my closet - waiting for that special occasion to wear it.

Any time I can acquire something that satisfies two of my passions -- polka dots AND Givenchy -- well that makes me a happy camper!

By the way, that is a photo of my Givenchy Chocolate Brown Leather Pumpkin Bag with Tassels. It is quite amazing and quite a large pumpkin bag too.

My Personal Collection

Givenchy Signature Brown and Tan Tote
Givenchy Signature G Tote

This signature G logo tassel tote with leather trim was a recent acquisition of mine. I am partial to the canvas print with the pretty contrasting colors of tan and brown. In my opinion, this designer line is much preferred over that other "tan and brown" French line!

Givenchy Signature Logo Chocolate Mini Baguette Bag
Givenchy Signature G Baguette
This signature G logo petite handbag with leather trim was purchased by me at the Paris International Airport in a boutique store. By far, this is the priciest handbag that I ever purchased while on a vacation costing about $250.00. It was previously featured in the 2006 Top Ten in my Best Bags review.

I also happen to own another Givenchy Signature G baguette in black and gray. The baguette shape and size is a great little special occasion bag.

I also have an amazing Givenchy Signature G Black and Chocolate makeup bag that is available in my eCrater store.

Givenchy Signature Logo coin purse
This coin purse is overflowing with style and personality. I don't believe I've ever owned a coin purse that I've liked better than this one. It has the recognizable designer canvas with the sweet leather tassels and gold tone hardware. I've not added to beautiful item to my eCrater store. If you are interested in acquiring it, please let me know.

Givenchy Beauty Items
There are literally thousands of items with the brand name of Givenchy available on Amazon. You can smell good and look good if you are a man or a woman. Check out the incredible array of Givenchy Beauty items on Amazon!

Thanks for visiting!
Are you a designing man or woman who might be fond of Givenchy? Or, do you have a personal favorite designer? I'd love to hear from you.

History: Givenchy : Audrey Hepburn Style was originally created on Squidoo by JaguarJulie on April 19, 2006. Highest lensrank ever achieved: #426 overall. Lens #20 in the quest for Giant Squid 100 Club Charter Member 2007.

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Cache Luxe Luxury Fashions

A luxurious concept from Cache, that is the line of Cache Luxe fashions. Cache has long been known for luxurious line featuring an assortment of better sportswear and evening wear in rich fabrics, patterns and textures.

cache luxe graphic
I've been an unofficial Brand Ambassador for the Cache brand for a lot of years. Some of the finest evening gowns that I've worn, over the years, were Cache!

If you've ever had the opportunity to wear Cache fashion, you're going to LOVE the Cache Luxe brand. It was launched in 2006 when Cache closed its Lillie Rubin stores. Keep your eyes peeled for more from Cache and Cache Luxe.

is in! It's a luxurious concept from Cache ... Say hello to luxury and say hello to Cache Luxe!

Image Credit: Graphic of Cache Luxe statement prepared by JaguarJulie.

More about the company behind the brand!

Hoover Profile:
cache logo
Caché, Inc., 1440 Broadway, New York, NY 10018
NY Tel. 212-575-3200 | Toll Free 800-788-2224 | Fax 212-944-2842

Type: Public
On the web: http://www.cache.com
Employees: 2,860 | Employee growth: 5.9%

Caché sells fashions that bring cachet to the soirée. The upscale women’s apparel retailer owns and operates nearly 300 specialty stores in malls in 44 US states, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands under the Caché and Caché Luxe banners, as well as an online shopping site. Sportswear, including casual wear, collections, and separates, accounts for nearly two-thirds of apparel sales.

It closed all of its Lillie Rubin shops in 2006 and launched a new format — Caché Luxe.

The firm buys its merchandise primarily from domestic suppliers, but it has begun to source more overseas. Director Andrew Saul and his family own nearly 19% of the company. Caché acquired Adrienne Victoria Designs in July 2007.

Key numbers for fiscal year ending December, 2006:
Sales: $279.0M | One year growth: 4.7% | Net income: $8.3M | Income growth: (38.3%)

Officers: Chairman and CEO: Brian P. Woolf; President and COO: Thomas E. Reinckens; EVP Finance and CFO: Margaret Feeney

Competitors: Ann Taylor, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus

Dow Jones MarketWatch

Cache, Inc. is a retailer of social occasion sportswear and dresses targeting style-conscious women. The Company owns and operates two separate store concepts, Cache and Lillie Rubin, each of which carries its own branded merchandise. Cache targets women between the ages of 25 and 45 while Lillie Rubin stores offer a line of social occasion apparel targeting women between the ages of 35 and 55. Both store concepts focus on social occasion dressing designed for contemporary women.

The Company’s Cache and Lillie Rubin lines extend from elegant eveningwear to its day-into-evening sportswear, which encompasses a variety of tops, bottoms and dresses versatile enough to be worn during the day or evening.

The Company operates 267 Cache and 39 Lillie Rubin stores primarily situated in central locations in high traffic, upscale malls throughout the United States. The Company’s merchandising focuses on providing a selection of sportswear and dresses extending from eveningwear to day-into-evening sportswear.

The Company also maintains a key item strategy, providing some popular and core items for longer periods to meet ongoing customer demand. The Company designs and markets three general categories of merchandise:
  • Sportswear consists of related tops and bottoms, versatile enough to be worn during the day or out for evening affairs.
  • Dresses range from special occasion long dresses to shorter lengths for cocktail and day-into-evening wear.
  • Accessories consist of jewelry, belts and handbags intended to complement its sportswear and dress selections. The Company’s apparel design and merchandising are organized around the spring and fall seasons.
SPOTLIGHT ON LUXURY!

They say that luxury is relative in society at many levels. Learn more about the nuances in The Lure of Luxe: Climbing the Luxury Consumption Pyramid.

Upgrading socioeconomic status is commonplace, mostly in emerging markets.

In the nineteenth century, self-appointed tastemaker of New York society Ward McAllister claimed that four generations were necessary to breed a gentleman.

Today, due to rapid wealth creation and accumulation, the digital revolution, and the relative ease and affordability of travel, the process of developing a level of taste that is deemed acceptable by high society has been sped up dramatically.

Do you love the brand of Cache?
Heard about Cache Luxe yet? Own any? If you are looking for some really fabulous evening dresses, consider the Cache brand. I'd recommend searching on eBay as I've found many of my Cache dresses there.

History: Cache Luxe : Luxury Fashions was originally created on Squidoo by JaguarJulie on December 14, 2007. Highest lensrank ever achieved: #3,792 overall. Lens #202 in the quest for Giant Squid 300 Club.

Lillie Rubin Fashion

Welcome to Lillie Rubin Sophisticated Fashion. It is sophisticated social-occasion apparel for women. Lillie Rubin has targeted women between the ages of 35 and 55, offering a sophisticated line of social-occasion apparel that appeals to women seeking more mature designs and classic styles.

Lillie Rubin strapless designer dress
Photo Credit: Lillie Rubin strapless designer dress
Photographed and owned by JaguarJulie
This fashionable brand may be rather difficult to find as it's parent company Caché, Inc. closed all of its Lillie Rubin shops in 2006 and launched a new format -- Caché Luxe! But, rely on good old eBay for finding such fabulous fashion.

In the spotlight is a Lillie Rubin designer dress from my inventory.

Why this page? Gosh, I’ve been loving the line of Lillie Rubin since I was a young gal in my twenties. I competed in a few beauty contests back then and learned of this brand of women’s stylish fashions. Many gals in the pageants would pick their runway apparel from this brand. And, the other brand that they often selected was Cache.

Over the years, when I needed a classy dress, I would turn to either Lillie Rubin or Cache.

My place to go for such timeless and classy fashions? Well, eBay of course.

I am so thankful that we have eBay because you can find so many vintage designer brand fashions there for affordable prices.

Are you really into FASHION as I am? Then, you need to get this book.

The Fashion Book has a lot of great photographs coupled with information on the fashion designers and the fashion industry.

More about the company behind the brand!

Hoover Profile:
cache logo
Caché, Inc., 1440 Broadway, New York, NY 10018
NY Tel. 212-575-3200 | Toll Free 800-788-2224 | Fax 212-944-2842

Type: Public
On the web: http://www.cache.com
Employees: 2,860 | Employee growth: 5.9%

Caché sells fashions that bring cachet to the soirée. The upscale women’s apparel retailer owns and operates nearly 300 specialty stores in malls in 44 US states, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands under the Caché and Caché Luxe banners, as well as an online shopping site. Sportswear, including casual wear, collections, and separates, accounts for nearly two-thirds of apparel sales.

It closed all of its Lillie Rubin shops in 2006 and launched a new format — Caché Luxe.

The firm buys its merchandise primarily from domestic suppliers, but it has begun to source more overseas. Director Andrew Saul and his family own nearly 19% of the company. Caché acquired Adrienne Victoria Designs in July 2007.

Key numbers for fiscal year ending December, 2006:
Sales: $279.0M | One year growth: 4.7% | Net income: $8.3M | Income growth: (38.3%)

Officers: Chairman and CEO: Brian P. Woolf; President and COO: Thomas E. Reinckens; EVP Finance and CFO: Margaret Feeney

Competitors: Ann Taylor, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus

Dow Jones MarketWatch

Cache, Inc. is a retailer of social occasion sportswear and dresses targeting style-conscious women. The Company owns and operates two separate store concepts, Cache and Lillie Rubin, each of which carries its own branded merchandise. Cache targets women between the ages of 25 and 45 while Lillie Rubin stores offer a line of social occasion apparel targeting women between the ages of 35 and 55. Both store concepts focus on social occasion dressing designed for contemporary women.

The Company’s Cache and Lillie Rubin lines extend from elegant eveningwear to its day-into-evening sportswear, which encompasses a variety of tops, bottoms and dresses versatile enough to be worn during the day or evening.

The Company operates 267 Cache and 39 Lillie Rubin stores primarily situated in central locations in high traffic, upscale malls throughout the United States. The Company’s merchandising focuses on providing a selection of sportswear and dresses extending from eveningwear to day-into-evening sportswear.

The Company also maintains a key item strategy, providing some popular and core items for longer periods to meet ongoing customer demand. The Company designs and markets three general categories of merchandise:
  • Sportswear consists of related tops and bottoms, versatile enough to be worn during the day or out for evening affairs.
  • Dresses range from special occasion long dresses to shorter lengths for cocktail and day-into-evening wear.
  • Accessories consist of jewelry, belts and handbags intended to complement its sportswear and dress selections. The Company’s apparel design and merchandising are organized around the spring and fall seasons.

SPOTLIGHT ON LUXURY!

When I have a special occasion coming up, I like to browse the brand of Lillie Rubin on eBay to see what treasures I can find. It's amazing what designer dresses you can find at great prices. You'll find more of Lillie Rubin vintage on eBay than probably any place else on the internet.

When you want a special designer gown, the brand of Lillie Rubin won't disappoint. You might have to look for vintage or older dresses, but this brand holds up and can be that something old that is new again.

Oh wow! I'm not sure if this item is still available, but I saw a tailored jacket with fur trim on eBay. It doesn't get any better than this! The tailoring in Lillie Rubin fashion is impeccable.

History: Lillie Rubin Sophisticated Fashion was originally created on Squidoo by JaguarJulie on December 14, 2007. Highest lensrank ever achieved: #5,466 overall. Lens #201 in the quest for Giant Squid 300 Club.