shopbop shoptalk

Fashion, Friends & Food! Shopbop at the Who What Wear Book Signing

Back row, from left: Michelle Finocchi from Cynthia Rowley; Cynthia Rowley; Elena from Shopbop; Michelle Goldstein from Shopbop. Front row, from left: Hillary Kerr from Who What Wear; Morgan Wendelborn from Shopbop; Katherine Power from Who What Wear.

When we heard Katherine and Hillary of Who What Wear were going to be at the Cynthia Rowley store in Chicago signing copies of their Who What Wear book, we just had to drop in and hang out! They had SUCH an amazing turnout at the store, it was packed.

After a long day for them (and a long drive in the rain for Shopbop marketing guru Michelle and me), we wanted nothing more than a nice dark booth in the back of a restaurant. I was so excited to be able to sit down with Hillary and Katherine for longer than the length of a fashion show, and Graham Elliot was the perfect place for a little wine, a little shoptalk, and a lot of fun. We had the perfect group: Hillary and Katherine, Cynthia Rowley, Elena, and some close friends. Cynthia looked stunning as usual, Elena’s charm lit up the room, and Katherine and Hillary are so fun—I can’t wait to see them all again! We swapped stories about New York Fashion Week, our favorite shows, and even planned some collaborations, so stay tuned!

Much love to WWWD and Cynthia Rowley!

--Morgan

4 tips: how to wear tie-dye denim

Style Notes by Morgan, Senior Stylist

Bleached, tie-dye jeans are huge for fall, and while they look super-chic and fashion-forward in magazines and on the runways, the look can be pretty intimidating to pull off in real life.

I’ve played around with this a bit (check out our tie-dye denim lookbook), and wanted to share my tips on the best ways to make this ‘80s comeback just right for right now (and into fall).

Tip 1:
Think sophisticated and grown-up with an oversized button-down shirt in a solid neutral color (like this one by Elizabeth and James) to temper the eye-catching jeans. The juxtaposition of classic and edgy keeps the look really wearable.

Tip 2:
Most print tops are too intense for such bold bottoms, but blouses that are soft, sheer, and feminine look amazing with super-faded tie-dye jeans. Try this blouse by Patterson J. Kincaid with these bleached Current/Elliott jeans.

Tip 3:
To avoid looking costume-y, stay away from styling bleached denim with flannels and logo or band T-shirts. It’s stylish to update retro inspiration, not to look like you’ve stepped out of a time machine. Instead, try pairing with a chunky cable-knit cardigan, like this one by Vince. A little prep provides a chic contrast.

Tip 4:
Tie-dye jeans look hot with big chunky black boots! They anchor the look and keep it fashion-forward, not grungy. Whether you go with a clean-lined button-down or a soft floral blouse, these shoes are the way to go.

I would love to hear your tricks for styling tie-dye denim! How do you guys wear it?

--Morgan

ultimate closet: fashion week edition

 
Morgan (left) and Kate after the DVF show.

Packing for Fashion Week is always a brain tease for me. Trying to get eight days of FW-worthy looks together combined with attempting to dress for February’s notoriously unpredictable weather? It’s the ultimate sartorial challenge. But with our recent Ultimate Closet feature still fresh in my mind, I started with the essentials for this time of year: outerwear, shoes, and handbags.

I love my YAYA leather jacket. Not only has it become my signature piece, but it’s also really warm for how light it is. I can throw it on wherever I go this week, so it’s all I need. Done.

Next: shoes for whatever FW throws at me. For boots, I went with studded combat boots from the What Comes Around Goes Around store, my incredible shrinking over-the-knee-boots (everything but the heel is spandex and suede, so they compress into a tiny ball), and my square-toe booties. (Both of the latter are from Jean-Michel Cazabat.) And of course I had to take my favorite chunky, strappy patent L.A.M.B. platforms.

As far as bags go, I've got my “everyday bag” from VPL. It’s huge and holds my toiletries (gotta have my eye drops and blush at the ready), so I save room there, and my studded Miu Miu wallet (a gift from my sweet girl Le, a shopbop model) doubles as a clutch for all after-hours activities.

Now that I’ve got the essentials squared away, I move on to clothes. My mom works for Goodwill, and I always make a killing when I go home to see her. Last time I went crazy with shoulder-padded items, which are sadly not the best space saver. But no matter, these things are too good to leave at home. I found this amazing blazer (black with black satin polka dots) that reminded me of the sequined mini-dress I saw at the Alexander Wang show last spring, so that one’s a given, plus a cropped houndstooth jacket. To my festival of shoulder pads I add an oversized denim shirt, a Pencey from last season, and a Binetti dress I’ve been dying to wear. Bonus: it comes with a slip that I can style a different way on its own.

So that’s my Ultimate, er, Suitcase. Here’s my final packing list:
 

--Morgan

Stretchin' It to the Max

Style Notes by Morgan, Senior Stylist

As many of you may have already done, I recently decided I need to reassess my personal shopping strategy, or more accurately, my shopbop Wishlist. I want to get a few key items that will take my current closet to a whole new level this season, and get more bang for the buck! I've updated it for those friends who know my birthday is coming up, but it’s also a great place to keep track of things I’m saving for. That way I can see what goes together and what doesn’t—my online dressing room, if you will.

All of this really got me thinking: What can I do to stretch my current wardrobe to the max? Here’s what I came up with for a few things that are already in my closet.

1. I've got a ton of chunky platform sandals. I can totally make them wearable during colder days by adding some tights. (I’m loving the Falke thigh-highs and socks. They create an instant fall/winter shoe!)

2. I just bought this Beckerman jacket, and I totally wear it as a dress as well as a jacket. IT’S AMAZING! I've already worn it with tights and flat boots, and socks and my platform sandals. It’s like two pieces in one. (DKNY has another jacket that I can wear as a dress too, and I’m dying to get it!)

3. A black bag—it goes with everything! Mine’s by Foley + Corinna, and it’s got enough room that I can stuff it for day, or fold it over and make an oversized clutch out of it for night. Win win!

4. Skirts and tanks are so versatile—you can make a dress out of them! Just add a belt to this and this, and you have a perfect party outfit. And since they’re separates, you can keep mixing and matching—the possibilities are endless. It’s so much more than just one outfit.

5. And finally a dress I can wear several ways, like this one from Elizabeth and James. It’s got at least three parties in it!