May is For Miracles: Chico’s

Chico’s FAS, Inc., and its family of brands – Chico's, White House Black Market, Soma, and Boston Proper – announce the launch of its fourth May is For Miracles campaign, a multi-faceted program to raise funds for the 170 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® (CMN Hospitals) across the United States and Canada. Since 2011, Chico’s FAS, Inc. has raised over $3 million for CMN Hospitals.

Beginning now, the Chico’s brand is selling an exclusive, limited-edition Miracle Key necklace and White House Black Market, an exclusive, limited-edition Creating Miracles necklace.  Both necklaces will be sold in boutiques and online for $20, with $10 from the sale of each necklace benefiting local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.  Also, Soma will donate $1 for every Embraceable Pajama separate (up to $20,000) and Boston Proper will donate 10% of the proceeds for any purchase from their Starburst Icon Collection (up to $10,000) to local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals through the month of May.   

In addition, from now through the end of May, customers can donate at any of the retailer’s 1450+ boutiques nationwide, outlets and online, as well as through the 3^rd annual interactive website and Facebook experience, Send A Smile. The goal of the year’s Send A Smile campaign is to raise $50,000 for local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and salute moms and caregivers. In partnership with HelloWorld, the leader in rich engagement campaigns across mobile, social and web, users can create their own unique virtual card through a customized, mobile-enabled microsite. It’s completely free to create a card, and Chico’s FAS, Inc. will donate $1 to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital of the user's choice for every card created. If users get social and invite their friends to create a card too, Chico's FAS, Inc. will donate an additional $1, combined up to $50K. Users can access this fun, shareable experience on their mobile phone, tablet, or desktop through any of the brands' Facebook pages or these brand-specific URLs: www.chicos.com/sendasmile, www.whbm.com/sendasmile, www.soma.com/sendasmile, www.bostonproper.com/sendasmile.

#SendASmile

Chico's also supports the American Heart Association.  Check out our support a cause article from earlier this year.

By the way, do you remember the Miracle Bracelet from Chico's last year. That was a fantastic design.

Homemade Nail Polish by Allison Rose Spiekermann

Have you ever been inspired to wear a nail color that just "didn’t exist" yet?

Well, have no fear! Introducing “Homemade Nail Polish,” a new book packed with full-color photos and step-by-step instructions that will have you crafting an infinite number of gorgeous polishes for every occasion.

With this guide, you’ll learn how to create an endless number of shades (secret ingredient: drugstore eye shadow!), style one-of-a-kind nail art (hello, colorful galaxy nails!), and learn the pro’s secrets for flawless polish application (hint: never go past the cuticle line).

“Homemade Nail Polish” will teach you everything you need to know to create the nail polish of your dreams.

Homemade Nailpolish

Create Unique Colors and Designs For Eye-Catching Nails

By Allison Rose Spiekermann

You can find the book at Amazon and other book resources.

Kate Middleton in DVF Wrap Dress

You might have heard that Kate Middleton wore this great DVF wrap dress, which immediately sold out!

So in case you're working on any get-the-looks, thought I'd check in with these few wrap dress options from the leading customizable online retailer eShakti.com!  The wrap dress is a universally flattering style to begin with, and eShakti makes it fit even better by tailoring specifically to the customer's exact measurements, height and style preferences including adjustments to the hem length, neckline and sleeves.

Flutter sleeve cotton knit wrap dress

Cotton knit wrap dress

Claudine dress

eShakti is a style-driven women's online fashion retailer that offers something unique- customizable women's clothing that can be easily personalized by size (0-36W), measurement and style. They offer distinctive designs (dresses, skirts, jackets, tops, even bridesmaids), quality fabrics, unique details and dressmaker finishes. eShakti offers empowerment for women to get clothes that best suit their personal size, shape and style all at an affordable price ($39-$199). The brand delivers unparalleled fit via easy online measurement tools. Custom styling capabilities allow shoppers to tailor any item to their specific tastes, whether it's a hemline, neckline or sleeve length, to ensure a flattering fit and custom-made look.

Long live the queen...

Thread Count Defined

Here is the Apparel Search fashion industry lesson of the day.

Thread count is the actual number of warp ends and filling picks per inch in a woven cloth.  Texture is another name for this term.  In knitted fabric, thread count implies the number of wales or ribs, and the courses per inch. 

OK, I used a few words that you may or may not understand in the above explanation.  Here are a few tips:

Course (courses) – the row of stitches across a knitted fabric.  Corresponds to the weft or filling in woven goods.

Warp – the yarns which run vertically.

Filling – an individual yarn which interlaces with warp yarn at right angles in weaving fabric.  Also known as pick or filling pick.  Filling usually has less twist than warp yarn.  Weft is an English term for filling, is used in this country in the hand-weaving and the carpet trades.  The term, at times, is rather misleading and is often confused with woof, the English term for warp.

Learn more about thread count and other garment industry definitions on the apparel industry glossary section.

We hope that you have found this information to be helpful. If you have comments or questions, please add your thoughts in the discussion area below.

CHOO.08 Shoes 2014

Launch of CHOO.08 by Jimmy Choo.

Their new CHOO.08 collection is a masterclass in urban luxury.

Here is the Preston.  A natural spotted leather wedge sneaker.

Wedge sneakers continue to be at the top of the style agenda. Crafted in natural spotted leather, Preston looks sleek and will add an urban edge to off duty outfits. Heel measures 70mm/2.7''.

London CHOO.O8 Style.

OK, we will show you one more stunning example.

Hutch

Add rock n roll edge to your fall wardrobe with these multi buckled, chunky heeled boots from the CHOO 0.08 Collection. Team with a black leather jacket for serious attitude. Heel measures 80mm/3.1”.

So, what do you think?  Do you like what you have seen thus far.  Well, if you want to see more, you can simply go visit the Jimmy Choo website at http://us.jimmychoo.com/

Summer Night Looks 2014

Day to night summer looks and the perfect weekend wear.  Yes, we have done the hard work and found a few lovely selections to share with you.

Aella

For the women who WEAR the pants in everything they do, AELLA is latest collection that captures style and fit in one. An innovative collection of chic and polished pants and separates for women, the line founded by Eunice Cho fills a void that the designer had noticed first hand in the fashion market—perfectly tailored pants for women. The minimalist creations are crafted with the finest fabrics and fitted with precision, allowing women to power through their day with comfort and luxurious ease. There’s no need to search any further for wardrobe staples that are stylish and suitable for all occasions, AELLA ensures that you will feel confident and fit for wearing the pants in your life—after all, pants are the new black. Prices range from $185-$240 visit www.aella.co for more info.

Slip into something cheeky this summer with The Royal Native. The boho- gypset themed line of colorful shorts is the way to go to show off those gams this summer! Made from African wax prints in bold eye catching colors, these shorts are sure to be a summer wardrobe staple. Pair with a basic white tee or a crochet crop top, channel your inner jet set chic in the Royal Native. A collection of vivid shorts and accessories, shorts are $110 . For more information visit www.theroyalnative.com

Let's not forget that summer days and summer nights may also need fashionable items underneath your outer layer.  Apparel Search has a few items to suggest for your review.

Be bold and beautiful from the inside. A collection embodying the concept of ‘Loving yourself’, Naja Lingerie melds the world of lingerie and artistic craftsmanship. The limited edition ‘themed’ collections come in an array of prints and sheers, all made with the highest quality without sacrificing your budget. Intricate details such as beautiful artwork printed on the INSIDE of the bra cups to words of inspiration on the bottom of panties, Naja Lingerie is the line for YOU. Made for women by women, Naja also helps women in poverty get jobs by training them. A percentage of sales go to fund this program. For more information visit www.naja.co #lingerie

What do you think of the selections above?  Share your comments below.

Taste of Teresa Moore

On April 16th, 2014 (a few days ago) model Teresa Moore celebrated the launch of her Food and Fashion Blog - www.TeresaTastes.com in NYC at Beauty and Essex, presented by The Daily Front Row. The event showcased her site which serves as your one stop shop for 'Where To Eat and What To Wear'. Being the international model she is, who has shot campaigns for Ralph Lauren, H&M, Diesel, Neutrogena, L'Oreal and many more, Teresa is your go-to expert for all things fashion.

What may come as a shock is that Teresa breaks the stereotype of a model in many ways, including that she is a huge foodie! The girl loves food but also loves maintaining her lean figure, in which she shares all her secrets on the blog. Teresa created and curates this blog entirely herself, from the concept, content, layout, updates, social media, it's all her! The blog serves as a bible for all things food and fashion. Because let's be honest, what you wear is just as important as where and what you have for dinner right?



The room was full of beautiful and interesting people, who were able to chat with Teresa, enjoy Belvedere Mango Passion cocktails, hors d'Oeuvres from Beauty & Essex, and check out the blog on Samsung Tablets.

Teresa wore a Mango dress, Jimmy Choo heels, Janis Savitt Jewelry courtesy of LoveGold, hair by Adel Chabbi at Adel Atelier. Images below!


Hope you can check out the site and may it become one of your favorite food & fashion sites! www.teresatastes.com

Learn about The Daily Front Row at http://www.fashionweekdaily.com/

Learn about Beauty & Essex at http://beautyandessex.com/

View more of Teresa Moore here on the Apparel Search fashion blog.

Ready for bathing suit season?

Bathing suit season is fast approaching and what a better way to get prepared then a slimming yoga class, or high intensity cardio! The best outfit ideas for this prep? The Girls Apparel and Soffe have all your slim down needs! With tummy control bottoms, mesh tops and more! All under $50, celebrity fans of The Girls Apparel include: Charlize Theron, Olivia Wilde, Sofia Vergara, Isla Fisher, Mila Kunis (and more!) and celebrity fans of Soffe include Vanessa Hudgens, Alessandra Ambrosio, Nikki Reed, Miley Cyrus, Kaley Cuoco (and more!).

click image to enlarge to better read the text...

Uye Surana Collection 2014

Nothing spices up your summer attire more than delicate and flirty lingerie. Uye Surana’s collection of initimates add a touch of luxury and a hint of sexiness to any wardrobe. With bras & bralettes, panties and more created from lightweight fabrics including lace & silk, your summer nights are bound to become a bit steamier.

All pieces are available now at www.uyesurana.com.
 

Easter Fashion Fix 2014

Lighten up for Spring by getting your Easter fashion fix with Tangerine NYC, NIC+ZOE, and Julie Brown. 

From Left to Right:

Tangerine NYC Dress (www.tangerinenyc.com)

Julie Brown top and skirt (www.juliebrowndesigns.com)

NIC+ZOE top and pants (www.nicandzoe.com)

No outfit is complete unless you feel good from the inside out. Ditch the colorful chocolate eggs and make a change this spring with healthy food choices. Healthy eating can be as simple as a click of your mouse with cibo verde’s organic gluten-free meal delivery service (www.ciboverde.com).