Impractical Fashion: Chanel beach Bag

Via dressempire.com

This new Chanel beach bag from the Spring 2013 show has definitely been getting some mixed reviews. Its basically a bag made with two hula hoops. I'm pretty small so the bag is probably about the size of me. The thought is that it can stand up on its own and you can drape your towel over it. Since it is Chanel you can image what the price point will probably be. Would you really want to put your very expensive Chanel bag in the sand, then drape your wet towel over it? Wouldn't putting your towel on the back of the beach chair be more effective? It just seems like another heavy thing that you have to carry down to the beach. Some people think it is genius but I believe it is just another example of impractical fashion.

Interview Attire

Interview Attire by karalynfactor featuring leather tote bags

Chiffon blouse
vj-style.com

Chloé pleated pants
$495 - farfetch.com

Miu Miu kitten heels
net-a-porter.com

3 1 Phillip Lim leather tote bag
net-a-porter.com

Stud earrings
$280 - kabiri.co.uk

Dolce Gabbana square scarve
thecorner.com

Gucci tech accessory
$270 - profilefashion.com

Impractical Fashion: Hobble Skirts

In the Edwardian Era designer Paul Poiret started freeing women from their corsets. But this freedom came at a price. No piece in fashion history was more impractical than Poiret's hobble skirt. Inspired by the tiny steps of the geisha, the hobble skirt restricted women's movements to tiny steps with it's extremely narrow hem. Women would also wear a "fetter", which is a belt worn around the ankles to restrict movement, so women had "hobble" around. Poiret also designed a tunic top to be worn with this skirt. Only a man would design a skirt where women could not walk. This trend of course did not last as soon designers such as Chanel began to take over.

Anara Original Ring giveaway!

I will be giving away an Anara Original ring to one lucky winner! Anara Original is a custom design house based in Delaware. This piece will definitely make a statement with any outfit. All you have to do is post a comment with your email address and follow Anara Original on facebook or twitter. The winner will have to post a picture of themselves wearing the ring on either their facebook or twitter.

The winner will be selected randomly on July 31st.

Interview with Abby and Katie of Smak Parlour

Photo Courtesy of smakparlour.com

Abby and Katie, best friends since high school, created their own clothing line at a very young age. They created something that is uniquely them and uniquely Philly. They opened their Old City boutique in 2005 and their website followed in 2011. Recently I was able to ask them some questions.

1. What college did you both attend?

Drexel University

2. What made you start your own line?

A passion for design and fashion and a love of entrepreneurship.

3. What do you do to find inspiration?

We find inspiration from each other, as corny as that sounds. We've developed a unified and distinctive aesthetic through the years. We design and carry what we want to wear and hope other people want it too!

Split neck dress, 76.00 smakparlour.com

4. Is it hard being business partners and friends?

No. We've been bf's and practically inseparable since we were 16 years old. We fundamentally understand each other and work very well together.

5. Why start a boutique in Philadelphia?

We love Philly and feel that the girls of Philly needed some SMAK. Old City is a great spot for us being amongst other indie boutiques.

6. Is there a chance that you will open another location?

In the future, maybe, but [we're] not thinking about that now. We're devoting all of our spare time and energy to the website.

7. What is some advice that you could give to people who want to get into the business?

Its hard work to own a shop and design clothing. You put in long hours and have to be sure you're willing to put in the work and time required in order to be an entrepreneur! We wouldn't trade it for anything though.

If you have a passion and a dream, go for it. There were many people that didn't believe we could do it on our own and actually be successful. Its scary taking the plunge but you only live once (don't listen to dream- crushers).

Old City Store

You can shop their collection on their website smakparlour.com

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American Apparel: Hipster Chic

I have never understood American Apparel. Its hard to understand who their demographic with their Cosby sweaters, 80's hair bands and body suits, and high prices. I never took the store seriously. If I ever needed an 80's workout costume, I would go to this store. Flashdance anyone? Not to mention some of their ads show more skin than a Victoria's Secret catalouge.

Then it hit me. American Apparel is so out dated and uncool that it is cool. The only explanation is that it is aimed towards hipsters. Who else would find all this spandex appealing?

Blogging event

Next Saturday I will be at the PNK Elephant on South St for the Walk the Talk event. This is the second year for this event but it is the first time that I will be attending. It should be fun. Hope to see you all there!