Hi, it’s Ava time and I am in from the fashion trenches with more great Loehmann’s buyers news!!

 If the phrase “Ed Hardy Tunic Sale” does not get you excited, then you have not been paying attention to fashion trends of late.  The Ed Hardy line is just the latest stunningly successful endeavor of fashion impresario, Christian Audigier and that alone is enough to get Hollywood excited.  These days say ”On sale Ed Hardy Clothing” out loud and you’ll get the attention of everyone within hearing distance, but it wasn’t always like that.

Ten years ago, the idea of unknown Audigier and tattoo inspired fashion, would have probably made many fashion forward folks laugh out loud.  After arriving unemployed in the states in 2001, Christian Audigier is now at the center of one of the most meteoric rises in fashion history. He is known far and wide as the top designer for Diesel, Fiorucci, Bisou Bisou and Von Dutch and now adds Ed Hardy to his collections as well.

A true case of life influencing fashion can be seen in the story of Ed Hardy. With the popular followings of tattoo shows such as Miami and LA Ink, tattoos and the art inspired by them have been slowly seeping into the mainstream line of sight.  As a true artist and traditional tattooist, Don Ed Hardy can be seen as one who has been waiting for this day to come for quite some time. With an honorary doctorate from the San Francisco Art Institute, this California native is recognized around the world for his hypnotic imagery as a painter and printmaker and his tattoo influenced designs as fine art are shown in galleries and museums all over the West.  Audigier saw the writing on the wall in 2004 and licensed the rights to produce the Ed Hardy clothing line, which is based on Hardy’s imagery.

The collection represents an entire lifestyle of street couture, appealing to both men and women, with high quality, intricately designed tee shirts, caps, wovens, and outerwear.  Ed Hardy fresh and inspirational designs are hot, hot hot! As Audigier keeps track of which celebrity is wearing his clothes today, Loehmann’s offers a great selection of discounted Ed Hardy screened tattoo tee shirts, jeweled and glittered tee shirts and I will have even more coming in real soon. With prices at 34.99 to 149.99  (elsewhere $54 to $265), you can’t go wrong with this hot trend.

 If you want to keep on top of the trendy scene, you need to get yourself an Ed Hardy tattoo tunic.  Fun and casual, they pair beautifully with casual shorts or a skirt. And when hitting the town for dancing the night away, a sweet Ed hardy designed graphic tee goes perfectly with a pair of well fitting jeans and heels.

And that’s the Loehdown,

Ava

Hi all,

Yes, it’s back.

When tens of thousands of viewers watched American Idol each week to watch Ryan Seacrest and future pop stars like Michael Johns don the two finger width skinny tie, I knew this trend had some staying power.

In “non-skinny” times, the neck tie varies from 3 and one half inches to 3 and three quarter and back again, making it is a fashion rarity when the tie dares go to 3 inches or less.  Skinny ties and more can be attributed to the resurgence of 80’s influenced fashion trends including the bubble skirt and asymmetrical zippers, but like many of the 80’s trends, the roots are back in the 1950’s.

Originally worn and copied by such 1950’s legends like the ratpack, it became a fixture of the mods before it was absorbed by the new wave and punk rockers of the 1980’s. I know I have quite a few embrassing pictures from high school dances! Back again, the skinny tie now says more than just cool; it’s elegant, sophisticated, driven, yet relaxed and casual and that’s why it is back with a vengeance.

According to Men’s Flair : “A tiny bit geek, a tiny bit chic, skinny ties have an attitude that’s all their own.” Geek is the new cool.

What is clear is that the trend is here in full force;  designers Alessandro Dell’Aqua,  Lanvin, Narciso Rodriguez, and Rag & Bone show them on the runways. Rockers Pete Doherty, Fabrizio Moretti,  Ryan Adams and celebs; Jude Law, Orlando Bloom, Zac Efron, Daniel Craig, Patrick Dempsey, Brad Pitt and David Beckham wear them on the red carpets with style. The reporters get them on film and then countless American men want to be that snazzy too.

It’s not a bad idea, as long as one knows how to rock that skinny tie. Most concur that there are fashion faux pas that need not be broken when wearing a skinny tie, most skinny tie tips are pretty easy to follow:

“It’s going to look totally incorrect on a big-collared shirt,” warns Carlo Brandelli. And a bit silly, unless you have a narrow lapelled suit and some narrow pants.”

Wear your skinny ties with an equally modern suit. No double breasted suits at all.

They can’t be past your belt and should not be more than 3 inches above.

If you are a big guy, then you cannot wear a skinny tie: “Skinny ties really only look good on skinny guys .”

Really, you need the collared shirt. You can be untucked if you must, but no tee shirts please, though a vest will do nicely.

The classic black skinny tie is still smart on a crisp white shirt, but mixing up your colors and tones can add a more modern look.

Avoid the black and white checkerboard unless you are going to a 1980’s themed party.  Shades of gray on gray look sharp, though my favorite look in skinny to date: a men’s fleur de lis tie on a shirt with a very subtle check….smooth.

Some warn that the very conservative office might not accept a skinny tie, but what is fashion if not a bit edgy?

The necktie might have begun as a symbol of love, but it’s a fashion staple now, and at Loehmann’s, it won’t make you choke.  You’ll find a great selection of discounted designer skinny ties at Loehmann’s from Ben Sherman, CK, Nicole Miller, Penguin and Theory.

You heard it from Jack!

This summer’s baby doll dresses are much like the Maxi dress with the huge range of versatility. There is a baby doll dress out there for everyone, every style, every body type, and every preference.

Traditionally, the baby doll dress is a shorter shirt, usually above the knee with a flattering empire waistline. Since there are just so many variations this season, other style versions will be considered as well.

Classic baby doll:

Probably the most recognized version of the baby doll dress, this dress is perfect for summer. Usually sleeveless with an empire waist, these dresses are often in cotton with embroidered trims and eyelet details. They often are embellished with many of the beautiful details that fall under this summer’s romantic dress theme. Imagine the perfect casual dress for a perfect summer picnic and you have to have a babydoll dress. 

Pinafore baby doll:

Depending on the cut, the pinafore dress can be worn as a sleeveless dress, or, traditionally, as a smocked top over a tee or collared shirt.  In a darker color, they say school girl, while in a check it might make you think Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. Extremely comfortable and very cute, they have the ability to mitigate the seasons and work well with leggings, tights, boots and sweaters into the colder months as well.

The smocked peasant dress:

One of the hottest looks this season is the continuation of the Boho / hippie look transferring to the designer peasant dress. Usually with a flowing cap sleeve, either just off the shoulder, mid range or three quarter, the appeal is in the details. Influences can range from all over the globe; Mexican, Gypsy, and Indian and usually are in the form of of intricately detailed embroidery down the bodice, sleeves and often in the hem.  Either with the empire waist or with no waist line at all, the smocking and shirring of the skirt allows for ease of movement and comfort, plus no need to break out a hot iron in the sweltering summer heat. Continued details in the skirt hem incorporate some of the other trends this summer: founced hems, ruffles, more embroidery in multicolored threads.

Trapeze dresses:

Not quite a true baby doll, but close enough, the trapeze dress is named appropriately so. Sleeveless, with a simple neckline, this dress’s fabric flows down and opens up in the shape of a triangle, allowing for great comfort and style. Again, very flattering to many body types, these types of dresses can be paired down with a simple sandal or flip flop, or dressed to the nines for a more formal event. Available in a wide range of colors and fabrics, there is one for very mood.

Ballet dresses:

 A more exact version of the baby doll is the ballet dress. With a romantic,  scooped neckline and flouncy cheerleader type skirt or a simple shift, this dress is simple yet stylish and perfect for summer.  What’s more, they go perfect with the still favored ballet flat, or mix it up with a flat gladiator sandal. Either way, it’s classic.

Dress Up game Series: Intro

The Romantic Dress; dress up game series part 1

Rockabilly Dresses; dress up game series part 2

Maxi Dresses; dress up game series part 3

Hi all,

Jack here and it’s time time to tell you about some upcoming Men’s arrivals at Loehmann’s:

Diesel denim line for men:

Even though the Diesel brand was developed over 20 years ago, it is still one of the most popular and edgy-fashion lifestyle brands in the marketplace!  From classic washes to ripped, frayed, and torn contemporary styles, Diesel lives up to their motto of “Diesel–For Successful Living.” 

Look forward to seeing a nice selection of jeans for 89.99 ($175-$220 elsewhere) and designer sportswear adveraging 120 ( over $500! elsewhere). 

Men’s Graphic Tees

Graphics range from simple message statements to all-over tattoo and Asian inspired artwork in a wide array of colors. I know I love them.

Loehmann’s is not taking this trend lightly, as I have a vast assortment to select from in all the popular premium labels.  (14.99-69.99 Compared to department store prices of $40-$105). 

Here are some of the exciting brands delivering in August:   Black Hearts Brigade, Junk Food, OTB, Drifter, Buffalo de France, Filmore,  Go Couture, and Z-Brand. 

Michael Kors

From the early days of receiving numerous designer accolades for women’s wear to his achievement of the prestigious CFDA menswear award in 2003, Michael Kors is no stranger to American fashion! Loehmann’s shoppers are in for a real treat this month, as I have secured over 10,000 Michael Kors men’s dress shirts for immediate distribution.   Patterns range from stripes to dressy checks, in 100% luxury cotton–in a full array of sizes–and will be offered in most of our stores at 39.99!  ($135 elsewhere)

Seven Diamonds

Always pushing fashion to the limit, 7 Diamonds sportswear is one to watch!

Committed to creating looks that are innovative and trend-right, the designers at 7 Diamonds use their knowledge of quality, fit, exclusive finishes, and designs to create a lifestyle brand that captures what we’re looking for in comfort, self expression, creative design and quality. Since 7 Diamonds has mastered the technical aspect of production, they continue to offer constant innovation and new designs, keeping your wardrobe ahead of the curve all season long.

I have 7 Diamond’s short and long sleeved shirts just arriving in select stores and more on their way.

Just around the corner for Men’s fashions:

Watch out for Hickey Freeman and Ike Behar shirts and ties to hit our stores soon.

Both brands are known for their tremendous quality and exclusivity…and will be offered at Loehmann’s at amazing discounts.

Continuing with the Boho vintage dress trend this year, one of the hottest looking (yet coolest wearing) continue to be the Maxi dress. Often looking like they were ripped right from the 1960’s time machine, we love these dresses so much; we wonder why they fell out of fashion in the first place!  You can go anywhere in one of these Boho summer dresses. Can we count the ways we adore you?

The Maxi dress is beautiful:

Available in every color of the rainbow and multitudes of patterns, there is a perfect maxi dress to suit every taste. Patterns can be found from traditional 1960’s maxi dress inspired paisleys to bright florals, small patterns or large all over prints, modern themes such as color blocks or huge graphics, then back to nature influenced leaf prints; there is no end to the possibilities nor a  bad look for a maxi.

The Maxi dress is versatile:

Perfect as a casual beach cover up or a day of strolling around the shops, the light and flirty feel of a maxi dress will not look overdone. On the opposite side of the fashion world, you can dress up a maxi dress to suit any occasion. Add a pair of metallic heeled sandals, pump up the jewelry and you are ready for a night on the town, romantic dinner for two or even a black tie event. Even better, the same maxi dress can be dressed up or down, giving you serious wearability for your fashion investment.

The Maxi dress is comfortable:

The range of fabrics is equal to the color and versatility adding to the immense possibilities. From a simple white cotton maxi summer dress perfect for the beach to an ombre dyed silk for afternoon summer wedding, natural fabrics allow for the warm summer breezes and ventilation.  Not to be outdone, one can find a cotton voile maxi dress, viscose-cotton, wrinkle free rayon, or maxi dresses that add spandex and lycra in the fabric mix for a smooth shape.  Plus the long shirt allows for comfortable sitting; the high waist is not binding, and the usually strappy bodice allows you to enjoy the summer sun.

The Maxi dress is flattering:

With the long flowing visual eye, the maxi dress can work for those naturally tall, or to help elongate a shorter stance. The flowing skirt hides a multitude of bottom heavy sins while the minimal top allows for full display of shapely arms.  The higher empire waste camouflages a belly bulge and gives a smooth line. Halter ties, V necks, and thin straps, combined with an eye catching neckline promote attention in all the right places. Again, there are enough variations to let everyone find their perfect Maxi.

The Maxi dress works perfectly with a ton of the other hot summer trends:

Gladiator Sandals? Boho silver hoop earrings? Metallic heels? Huge bags?  Big vintage inspired sunglasses? Chunky bangles and oversized summer jewelry? Fun flip flops?  Yup…all goes perfectly with a Maxi.

If you have been on the fence with jumping in on this trend, wait no more. There is the perfect Maxi dress in Loehmann’s for you. This year the summer goes to the Maxi.

Dress Up game Series: Intro

The Romantic Dress; dress up game series part 1

Rockabilly Dresses; dress up game series part 2

Baby Doll Dresses; dress up game series part 4