shopbop shoptalk

C&C California: Sun-kissed Summer Cool

Summer is officially upon us, and while many parts of the country are still stuck with spring-like temps, others are sun-soaked and deliciously warm. Yeah, I’m talking to you, Southern California. It’s a blessed corner of the country, not only because of (or perhaps despite) its throngs of famous faces. Here, the sun always shines, which invites a certain laid-back cool that Northerners accustomed to turning their backs on the brisk winter wind only taste for three months out of the year. And it’s this brand of casual chic that C&C California captures so well.

Launched as a collection of must-have layering tees in buttery-soft jersey, this brand has branched out to maxi dresses that catch the breeze just right, tunic tops that transition from seaside to shopping, and new this season, a C&C swimwear collection that’s equal parts surfer queen and beach beauty. Basically, this brand does SoCal style in its purest, most delectable form: full of color and always comfortable.

Wear the C&C dresses (long or short) with Havaianas and the classic Ray Ban Wayfarer, and pair the tie-dye with gold jewelry for a less DIY-hippie, more “where did you get that” look. And those bikinis? The timeless silhouettes are as at home on the beach as they are paired with denim shorts and a vest.

We can’t all be California girls, but we can fake it convincingly, thanks to C&C.

--Amie
Shopbop Shoptalk

meet our new magazine

Here at shopbop we have so much fashion inspiration to share, so much that sometimes it's hard to fit it all into our regularly scheduled features. But finally we have a forum where we can really stretch out and talk style: our new magazine, The Edit. What’s in the inaugural issue? Ten plus pages chockablock with the best in summer fashion, including Senior Stylist Morgan's tips on how to wear maxi skirts and understated neutrals, the lowdown on how to get shopbop model Elena's off-duty style, a behind-the-scenes interview with Mara Hoffman, and Fashion Director Kate's take on two-step summer dressing.

We’re all looking for summer fashion inspiration. Find it in our new magazine, The Edit.

first fashion

Our Favorites from What's New
When I’m shopping, any dress/jacket/necklace I come across can garner a vastly different response from me: “Hmm, that’s kinda cool,” “I could definitely see myself wearing that every day,” or even, “I wouldn’t be caught dead in that.” But today I came across three pieces in What’s New that just had me thinking “Ooh, that’s so pretty!”
	The dynamic combination of a print bodice, bold paisley skirt, and solid pink overlay is sure to garner its share of second glances. Tibi – Maori Strapless Dress
	Sophisticated, sexy, and completely unique. LBD perfection. Rag & Bone – Monica Dress
	A beautiful style to rival the wildflowers, this lightweight scarf lends a little spring fever to any jeans-and-tee combo (and acts as a classic, feminine counterpoint to on-trend destroyed denim). Virginia Johnson – Flowers Scarf
Get a lovely eyeful of What’s New. --Tonya

style it: tattered luxury

As a self-professed girly girl (a closetful of crayon brights, a garden party frock here, a chiffon rosette there), I’ve been having fun at the other end of the fashion spectrum lately by mixing some street rawness into my look. I’ve been experimenting with shades of grey and have been digging slouchy handbags, scuffed ankle boots, tarnished studs, and unraveling scarves. And with the arrival of a few shopbop newcomers, my tattered luxury fascination continues.

 

Every girl needs more R&R in her routine—Rock & Republic, that is. Some R&R styles are high-roller flashy (case in point: the backside of the Berlin Skinny Jeans), but I’m partial to the Posey Low Rise Skinny’s grungy wash and razored rips.

Since the Poseys are ankle length, showcasing megawatt heels is a priority. I’ve been obsessed with Elizabeth and James’s downtown dresses and dagger necklaces, and now I can add Elizabeth and James shoes to my list of infatuations. I love how the Jazz Button Pumps put a temptress twist on a traditional style.

Maureen was wearing this Fallon necklace with a black jersey maxi yesterday, and my reaction came out about as eloquent as a tween boy’s: “Whoa! You look hot!” But that’s the point. A piece like this doesn’t prompt flowery poetic waxing; responses are apt to be visceral and hard-hitting.

But the real beauty of the Fallon necklace?  It packs a knockout punch in the first round when coupled with nothing fancier than a featherweight Helmut Lang burnout tank, trashed jeans, and killer kicks.

--Suzanne

a rose by any other name

Just in time for all the summer weddings on our calendars, Thakoon Addition has arrived here at shopbop. How is it different from the spring Thakoon runway collection? As designer Thakoon Panichgul puts it, “I see Thakoon Addition as a place to store ideas. In any given season, I’ve got ideas flying around that don’t fit what I’m planning for the runway, but belong somewhere.” Also a home for enduring customer favorites, the supplementary line brings us more of the refined yet wearable pieces Thakoon is known for.

The results of the months-long wait? A polished romper graced with a whimsical heart print, silk dresses (both mini and maxi) with Thakoon’s signature rosebuds and flattering silhouettes, a lightweight summer dress in on-trend mini floral, and no-fuss frocks with functional yet fashion-forward draped pockets. Luckily these gems weren’t abandoned on the cutting room floor or left to collections past: we wouldn’t want to miss out on one ounce of Thakoon brilliance.

--Tonya

first fashion:

Our Favorites from What's New
I’m an accessories junkie. During my sojourn in France, I learned to appreciate the pashmina and have since accumulated an impressive collection of scarves; I have more shoes than will fit in my closet’s shoe rack; I’ve collected a lovely lineup of sunglasses that perch in their cases on top of one of my bookshelves; and I have jewelry scattered about every table, desk, dresser, and counter in my apartment (the pieces never seem to make it into my jewelry box). And yet, I still want more. (I blame our designer dresses sale, where I picked up a couple new frocks just begging for pieces to accent them.)
	I’ve wanted one of everything in Elizabeth and James’s collection since it arrived at shopbop, and now that they’re making shoes, my wish list just got longer. This pair is go-anywhere perfection. Elizabeth and James - Edge Huarache Sandals
	One of those jewelry pieces that will add instant glam to any ensemble. I’ll throw these on when I feel the need to add a little luxe to my look. Bing Bang - Joan of Arc Earrings
	I’ve been trying to work yellow into my wardrobe for ages, and these may just be the perfect statement-making style to do it. Ray-Ban - Wayfarer Sunglasses
Add to your accessories collection with finds from What’s New. --Amie

customer service chic

Shopbop’s Customer Service reps are the voice of shopbop. They field questions from shoppers every day about everything from style advice to fit tips, so it shouldn’t be surprising that they’re a pretty stylish bunch. Want a behind-the-scenes peek? Meet Kayleigh:

Tonya: First things first: what are you wearing?

Kayleigh: I’m wearing Seven jeans, a KAIN Label tee, Tory Burch flats, and a Gorjana necklace.

T: How would you describe your personal style, and how has it changed since you started working at shopbop?

K: I’d probably describe my style as casual chic. In addition to working as a CS rep here at shopbop, I’m also a full-time student! Because my days are so busy, I need a collection of great basics and staples, but to keep things current I’ll work in a few on-trend pieces. Since I’ve started working here, I’ve become more open to adding different styles and brands to my wardrobe.

T: What is the best tip you give to shopbop shoppers when they call in for advice on building an outfit?

K: We love helping customers choose outfits, but it’s always helpful to know style and brand preferences. This way we can help build a custom look that still reflects your style.

T: I love how your outfit is office-appropriate but still unique. Do you have any advice for staying fashionable at work while avoiding the dreaded button-down-and-trousers?

K: Don’t let drab staples limit you! I like to sneak in unexpected bright colors, scarves, or a great piece of jewelry to keep things interesting.

--Tonya

elsewhere & otherwise

* Elizabeth and James shoes have arrived (the picture of city cool), and Mary-Kate and Ashley offer styling tips. [ Who What Wear ]

* Jezebel dug up a video of millennial fashion predictions from the 1930s. Jumpsuits and Grecian dresses? Check and check. [ Jezebel ]

* Fallon Jewelry designer Dana Lorenz talks to Teen Vogue about her spring collection. The inspiration? The original Beverly Hills 90210, ’80s runways, and Kit De Luca from Pretty Woman. [ Teen Vogue ]

* Alexander Wang has taken Tokyo, but it looks like the trip was all work, no play. [ WWD ]

* Carine Roitfeld talks to The Guardian, and her gems (“Fashion is not about clothes, it is about a look.”) are as worth the read as writer Jess Cartner-Morley’s way of describing the editor of French Vogue. She calls Roitfeld's accent "sharp and sweet, like the salted rim of a Margarita," and then later says the editor "looks, nonetheless, a little like Iggy Pop." [ The Guardian ]

* Last week it was Tim Gunn: Commencement Speaker. This week, Tim Gunn: Comic Book Hero. [ NY Times ]

* Nanette Lepore talks to The Independent about her annual trip to Venice, 1930s bias-cut dresses, and her Bakelite bangle collection. [ The Independent ]

* Kate's autobiography? Looks like it’ll be a novel instead about “a young female model’s life as she is plucked from obscurity and thrust into the A-list limelight.” Sounds familiar. [ The Sun ]

* The Huffington Post takes a look at the world’s most iconic swimsuits. [ Huffington Post ]

* And Pipeline takes it in a different direction, highlighting their top seven underwear moments. [ Pipeline ]

* The latest inductee into the celebrity designer club? Cloris Leachman. Yes, you read that right. [ The Cut ]

* Twitter’s looking to make their site into a reality show. Now, shopbop tweets with the best of ’em, but “putting ordinary people on the trail of celebrities in a revolutionary competitive format” just sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. [ Variety ]

first fashion

Our Favorites from What's New
Now that it’s past Memorial Day, the official start of the sartorial summer, you might think that we at shopbop will just slide into a hammock with a jersey maxi dress and a pineapple-garnished drink and lackadaisically lounge until fall. Well, What’s New never takes a siesta. It’s constantly buzzing with covetable newcomers such as Brigid Catiis and Rock & Republic, along with today’s animalistic arsenal of Alexander Wang pre-fall that you’ll want to snatch up before all the other urban huntresses.
	Rock & Republic denim has landed at shopbop. The brand is a jeans juggernaut for sure, but I’ve fallen hard for this eternally cool leather jacket. Rock & Republic – Cropped Leather Bomber Jacket
	Brigid Catiis has crafted a limited-edition line of rompers and sundresses exclusively for shopbop, featuring funky prints and 100% reclaimed fabrics. Not only is designing eco-friendly clothing the focus, the label donates five percent of profits to like-minded charities. Brigid Catiis – Jaclyn Romper
	We may as well dub Alexander Wang the official clothier of the 21st Century femme fatale. Here, he plays peek-a-boo with scintillating results. Alexander Wang – Cutout Dress
Summertime slacking doesn’t apply to fashion. Stay on top of your style game with looks from What’s New. --Suzanne

When in Rome: Cali Edition—How to Dress Like a Local without Looking Like a Wannabe

News from Our NY Editor at Large

Hi dolls, I am writing to you from 10,000 feet in the air, on my way back from the City of Angels. I took advantage of the long weekend to convince my childhood bestie to meet me in LA for absolutely no reason other than she’s never been to California, and I was itching to cruise around in a Mustang convertible (no shame, baby!). I’ve been up to my ears in deadlines, fall previews, and the anticipation of a jam-packed summer and needed three full days of no agenda to recharge my fashion batteries.

Meg and I rockin’ the white-hot Mustang convertible—no shame!

I don’t know if it is my astrological destiny (I am a Pisces, and we love to wear costumes), but I find the best part of traveling is embracing the culture, especially when it comes to fashion. On a recent trip to Newport, Rhode Island, with the stylish Marsha Welcher of Thayer, we showed up with weekend bags chock-full of nautical stripes and boat shoes. And just as I wore sleek black cigarette pants, classic ballet flats, and boy-meets-girl blazers and button-downs while in Paris, I set out to accomplish a similar fashion show while in LA. So to pack for my California weekend, I put the Eagles on repeat on my iPod, The Hills on mute in the background, and tried to channel me some Kate Hudson while surveying my closet. I’ve found that dressing like a local but still managing to feel like yourself is as simple as 1-2-3.