GO TRY IT ON

Friday Focus: Will G. from Montreal!

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:30:00 -0500

Today we are connecting with one of the most stylist members of GO TRY IT ON, Will from Montreal! Day in and day out, Will populates our community with dapper looks that travel from casual to evening wear each with confidence and poise. This tastemaker’s journey to GO TRY IT ON started when he heard about us on the radio! To get feedback from this cutting edge dresser, add him as your personal stylist! Oh, follow him on Twitter, too!

GO TRY IT ON: How did you hear about GO TRY IT ON?

WILL: On the radio!

GO TRY IT ON: Are you a photographer?

WILL: I wouldn’t call myself a photographer and prefer my role as a model better. Photography is how I showcase my outfits.

GO TRY IT ON: You pull off menswear so well! How do you rock a blazer with a tie (regular or bow) at a casual function?

WILL: Try to go classic, but step out of the box. Finding an original type of blazer such as velvet or corduroy gives the outfit a casual look. Add dark pants like chinos or jeans to take it to a higher level.

GO TRY IT ON: What mens blogs do you read for inspiration?

WILL: Might be hard to believe, but not many. While I take ideas from magazines, walking through downtown Montreal is my inspiration.

GO TRY IT ON: Where do you shop?

WILL: The options in Montreal are endless— Zara, Guess, American Apparel and Urban Outfitters. The department store, THE BAY, is becoming popular.

GO TRY IT ON: Who in the GO TRY IT ON community do you rely on for advice (a few names would be great!)

WILL: Everyone in this community has such a great point of view. I think these people have a strong influence on me: GRAZIA.IT, Jessie G. from NY and also Bambi S.

GO TRY IT ON: Have you always lived in Montreal?

WILL: I was born in the Dominican Republic and immigrated to Canada for high-school.

GO TRY IT ON: How has your style evolved with age?

WILL: My style has evolved an incredible amount! As a child, my mom bought me jogging pants and cartoon’s shirts, so that was my wardrobe then. Now I’m obsessed with fashion. I would describe my style as : Preppy-Classy-Boho-Chic-Hipster like.

GO TRY IT ON: What are 5 facts that we must know about you?

I’m a hopeless romantic.
I love my family.
I LIVE for my style and what it represents.
I’m a nice guy.
I’m a shopaholic.

GO TRY IT ON: What are the top 5 stores in Montreal and what do you go there for?

Zara: Going out looks and sexy pants.
Guess: Something glamorous and cool.
American Apparel: Edgy-out of the box look.
Urban Outfitters: Boho-hipster look.
OGILVY

Grazia LIVE at David Beckham Launch for H&M! | Grazia Fashion

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:45:11 -0500

Grazia LIVE at David Beckham Launch for H&M! | Grazia Fashion:

Watch and drool…Happy What’s Happening Wednesday!

Trending: J.Crew Springs Forward!

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:43:29 -0500

After dissecting J.Crew’s spring catalogue and dog earring it like a fashion magazine, we came-to and saw the light: the New York based brand founded in 1983 is hotter than ever! First, they implemented a more interactive experience to their website. Then they opted to showcase the talent of their in-house stylists who have throw together top of the line looks (looks so good we wonder if we can do the same)…see above! And finally, they managed to make their catalogue one to read, rather than one go straight from the mail to the trash—or recycling if you’re one of the good ones! Head to J.Crew (either online, in-store or in-book) to bulk up your spring wardrobe. And if you need a “how to put it all together” tutorial (even though the current collection is one giant outfit), visit J.Crew’s official blog or another gem, J.Crewing.

Friday Focus: Sammy Brodsky of Two.One.Five Mag & A La Mode

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:36:28 -0500

Sammy Brodsky is a sophomore in college mastering the art of juggling between studying for class, writing her blog A La Mode and working for Two.One.Five Magazine. Wondering how she manages to do all this and “time travel through clothing?” Read on!

GO TRY IT ON: Where are you from?

SAMMY: The suburbs of Philadelphia.

GO TRY IT ON: When and why did you start your blog, A La Mode?

SAMMY: I started my blog in January 2008 (around my 16^th birthday). Growing up in a town where everyone looked and dressed the same it was hard to connect with people who shared my love and appreciation for fashion, so I started my blog or as I call it, my fashion diary. And now, four years later, I can connect with people who share my interests, while finding ways opportunities to further my career as a fashion writer. And I appreciate every moment of it.

GO TRY IT ON: You’re currently writing for Two.One.Five Magazine. Can you elaborate on your job with them?

SAMMY: I was recently hired to write for Two.One.Five Magazine’s style section to cover my an event on 1/26. Philly is a city with an amazing creative legacy, filled with talented people across industries and Two.One.Five is an online lifestyle magazine reflective of the true creative culture of Philadelphia, specifically music, style & events.

GO TRY IT ON: Being a student, how do you juggle your blog, work for Two.One.Five and class work?

SAMMY: I am a sophomore at Drexel University, and school comes first. Did I quote you there correctly mom? I try to complete my work/studying before blogging. Being a fashion blogger is definitely not easy, but juggling has become second nature.

GO TRY IT ON: Do your peers on campus take an interest in fashion, too? What inspires you?

SAMMY: Very few of my classmates share the same interest in fashion as I do. As far as what inspires me, a hat from the 1940’s does as much as an artist is inspired by a rocking chair. The hat and the rocking chair are the centerpiece that helps illustrate the larger and cohesive look, idea, and concept. Fashion is a form of art because it is an external, and aesthetically pleasing manifestation of self-expression. So I to get back to your question, my outfits tend to be vintage-inspired with a modern twist. I like to mix and match decades to create various and fun ensembles. When you think about it… how cool is that? You can time travel through clothing!

GO TRY IT ON: Where online do you find inspiration?

SAMMY: Refinery29 and StumbleUpon.

GO TRY IT ON: What are your favorite places to shop online?

SAMMY: Etsy, ModCloth, ShopRushe, Pixie Market, Bona Drag and Thread Sense.

GO TRY IT ON: What are your favorite places to shop offline?

SAMMY: There are a few cute thrift stores here in Philly like Bella Boutique, Retrospect, and Aids Thrift. I also really like Urban Outfitters and H&M because you either leave with nothing or something super cute hidden on the sales rack worth digging around for.

GO TRY IT ON: What is the biggest challenge, according to you, for people your age? How do you overcome it?

SAMMY: I’m at an age when people expect you to be an adult but treat you like a kid. On 1/31, I’ll turn 20 and while I am young, it’s scary because I am not a teenager anymore. The biggest challenge my age group seems to face is the overwhelming pressure to decide what to major in so you can graduate, get a good job, have a steady income. So, everyday I wake up and say to myself “never give up on something you can’t go a day without thinking about”.

What's Happening: Read First, Watch After!

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:30:06 -0500

In the spirit of award season (check out the Oscar Nominations here), we are excited about profound novels challenged by Hollywood and adapted to the big screen. To some these may be familiar stories, but even so, don’t knock a reread! Pick a book and catch the movie before the Oscars on Feb. 26—because who likes going to a concert without knowing the lyrics?

The Help

This page turner is just as riveting as the two hour film which received 4 Oscar nominations yesterday. Set in Jackson, Mississippi in the 1960s, Emma Stone, Jessica Chastain, Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer (who steals the show!) takes us back to the days of inequality using love, sadness and a whole lot of sass to do so.

Moneyball

Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill took on Michael Lewis’ baseball hit in a film that got both of the stars an Oscar nomination. Pick up the book and get your a** to this movie!

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Have you ever dreamed about being a fearless, leather wearing, motorcycle riding twenty something genius? Meet Lisbeth Salander, the novel’s protagonist who was played by Rooney Mara in a film that captured every image imagined while reading the mystery.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

Here is a story about a boy who embarks on a journey to find a lock that fits to a key which belonged to his father—who died in 9/11. Tom Hanks and Sanrda Bullock star in this story up for best picture.

and for next year…

The Great Gatsby

A 3D adaptation of The Great Gatsby (F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Long Island-set novel), stars Leonardo Dicaprio (as Gatsby), Toby McGuire, and Carey Mulligan. The film hits the big screen next Christmas which gives you time to familiarize yourself with this classic.

Trending: Sheer Like Cher!

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:08:44 -0500

Early this Monday morning when our coffee cup was still heavy, we stumbled upon Who What Wear’s trend alert: Sheer Sleeves. Our minds immediately filled with images of ’90s legendary “it” girl, Cher Horowitz of Clueless. The blonde powerhouse introduced then-teenagers (now 20-somethings) to designers like Alaia, wheels like Wranglers and trends like plaid skirts—way before Brittney Spears. But one of Cher’s sexier more rebellious ensembles was the sheer blouse, which she donned in both white and black (portraying two very opposing attitudes). Today, we warmly welcome back this sexy but coy trend with pieces from Asos and Free People.

Friday Focus: Susannah of The High Low

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:11:00 -0500

Happy Friday! To celebrate the weekend (as always) meet Susannah Edelbaum, the voice of fashion and tech behind The High Low. Upon each weeks close, we are entertained and taught through the wit and wisdom of our guests. Today is a particularly exciting conversation as GO TRY IT ON explores the fashion and tech marriage on a daily basis. To connect with Susannah, read and follow The High Low

GO TRY IT ON: Tell us about your background as a writer?

SUSANNAH: It’s all over the place. While I like writing on fashion’s tech-focused side, which is what I do now at The High Low, I’ve also written about galleries, old Italian restaurants in Brooklyn, and crime.

GO TRY IT ON: How did you become interested in both fashion and tech?

SUSANNAH: I’d written on fashion before, but found the way the industry is growing to embrace emerging technology to be one of its more interesting sides. And that was something I got expand on a lot after joining The High Low.

GO TRY IT ON: The fashion and tech industries have really overlapped in NYC this year. Why do you think that is?

SUSANNAH: It sounds nerdy, but fashion needs to explore its techie side — because yup, it has one — just to keep up with the times. People want interesting apps. They want to find cool things online in a unique way. And all that needs to translate to mobile, and to tablet-friendly form, and so on.

GO TRY IT ON: What are your favorite types of stories to cover and why?

SUSANNAH: Writing about sites that address a need and then fulfill it — like you guys! It’s interesting to see how technology enables such a broad spectrum of really useful web-based, fashion-focused start-ups to thrive.

GO TRY IT ON: Who is the most fascinating person you have interviewed and why?

SUSANNAH: I loved getting to interview Claire Mazur and Erica Cerulo, the co-founders of Of a Kind. They’re really cool and their site is so original. They offer exclusive, limited edition pieces with a lot of back story. It’s a really thorough, appealing concept.

GO TRY IT ON: What surprises you about today’s fashion and/or tech industry?

SUSANNAH: Just how much the one has embraced the other! I mean, just a few years ago, it seemed like the entire fashion industry was like, internet….what?

GO TRY IT ON: What excites you about it the fashion and/or tech industry?

SUSANNAH: Have you played around on any of the sites that let you design your own clothes in 3D? They’re pretty awesome. Check out UnitedStyles…I think what they’re doing is so fun. I feel like these really sleek yet DIY design sites will be way more mainstream in a few years.

GO TRY IT ON: Name your top 5 go-to apps right now:

SUSANNAH: Instagram, Foursquare, Pearescope (my friends made this, it’s still in beta but it’s going to be great), and iChakra. Oh, that’s only four. Sorry! I think I write and learn about apps more than I use them!

GO TRY IT ON: Favorite places to shop in NYC

SUSANNAH: Dear Fieldbinder, in Brooklyn, and the Century 21 down in Bay Ridge. It’s a little less crowded and way less picked over.

GO TRY IT ON: Favorite places to shop online (and how often do you shop them)?

SUSANNAH: Yoox and the Outnet — and I try to stay away (sort of) (maybe not really successfully).

GO TRY IT ON: When you’re not writing, you’re…(i know the answer but tell them!)

SUSANNAH: At my studio, tearing apart old electronics, mostly laptops and cell phones, and making the pieces into other shapes on canvas.

What's Happening: The Slutty Brownie

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:30:05 -0500

We recently came across the blog The Londoner which then led us to The Slutty Brownie: oh so easy, and more than a little bit filthy. If you’re feeling anything like we did yesterday at 4pm, then it’s impossible not to crave this decadent treat. The Londoner has provided The Slutty Brownie recipe, which you can whip up in no time to satisfy that sweet tooth. (And she reminds us, don’t forget to lick the bowl!)

Trending: Michelle Williams, Angelina Jolie and Claire Danes Go Up!

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:35:15 -0500

Last night’s 69th annual Golden Globe’s gathered Hollywood’s A-list under one roof to toast actors’ talent over the past year. We’re here to toast their bods—or what covered them! Ladies like Michelle Williams, Angelina Jolie and Claire Danes covered up their assets with a high neckline and swept their tresses out of the way in a glamorous up do (not to mention, two of the three took home a trophy, but we’ll spare you the spoiler.) We’re wondering if this high neck, high hair combo will repeat itself on the Oscar red carpet in March…stay tuned.

Friday Focus: Annie of Monkeyshines!

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:20:26 -0500

We’d like to welcome Annie Chang to our Friday Focus! Through her blog Monkey Shines, Annie proves through her wardrobe that living in Durham looks no different than Paris as far as the dress code is concerned! Her ability to put an outfit together that is both on trend and functional is why you must add her as your personal stylist, follow her on twitter and of course, read and take not on her blog!

GO TRY IT ON: What is Durham, NC like? Have you lived there always? What is the fashion like there?

ANNIE: I just moved here half a year ago for grad school and I absolutely love it. Although it’s not a fashion focused city, the artists and musicians provide an artsy culture, which along with the weather and scenery, has been my inspiration.

GO TRY IT ON: What are your five favorite places to shop?

ANNIE:

Durham: Vert and Vogue Boutique, Magpie
Online: Nastygal, Shopbop, Romwe, Need Supply Co, Zara, ASOS

GO TRY IT ON: Where does the name MonkeyShines come from and how did your blog come to be?

ANNIE: Monkeyshines means to have fun and prank which hints at what I intend to deliver!

GO TRY IT ON: How do you manage to wear so many individual pieces together at once, without looking overdone?

ANNIE: I am a big fan of layering and found a significant part of my closet are simple, plain pieces. To avoid looking overdone with layering, I try to compose my outfits with simple pieces and play with the lengths.

GO TRY IT ON: What’s your secret to accessorizing?

ANNIE: I love bunching up bracelets but often wear one statement piece and add some fun too the look with thinner bangles/bracelets. I definitely pick most of my accessories depending on my mood of the day!

GO TRY IT ON: What’s your favorite aspect about fashion today?

ANNIE: I love the strong comeback of retro and vintage trends.

GO TRY IT ON: Who are your 5 favorite people to follow on twitter?

ANNIE: Other than all my friends, I love voguemagazine, CFDA and refinery29.

GO TRY IT ON: How long have you been a member of GO TRY IT ON?

ANNIE: About half a year. I enjoy the user friendliness, and I also like the nearly-instant responses from other users.

GO TRY IT ON: Who takes your photos (we love how artistic they are!)

ANNIE: My sister is my photographer in Taiwan, and my friend from grad school is my current photographer in Durham.

What's Happening: 2012 Fashion Exhibits in a City Near You!

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:30:00 -0500

Everyone has their own unique relationship with museums. They might remind you of a time where you were hungry and bored (think a family vacation) or a few hours that provided inspiration and thrill (Alexander McQueen’s Savage Beauty). Whichever you identify with, the 2012 lineup of fashion exhibits (thanks to Fashionista.com) scheduled to display at major museums around the world promise as much education as they do taste and talent. While New York is promised Prada, London gets Louboutin, Marc Jacobs in Paris and YSL in Denver. Wherever you live or intend on traveling to, mark your calendars accordingly…fashion just got a whole lot wiser!

What: “Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada: On Fashion”
Where: The Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
When: May 10 – August 19

What: “Christian Louboutin,” a retrospective of the designer
Where: Design Museum, London
When: March 28 – July1

What: “IMPACT: 50 Years of the CFDA”
Where: The Museum at FIT, New York
When: February 10 – April 17, 2012

What: “Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950″
Where: Victoria and Albert Museum, London
When: May 19, 2012 – January 26, 2013

What: “Yves Saint Laurent — The Retrospective”
Where: Denver Art Museum, Denver, Colorado
When: Opens March 25

What: “Louis Vuitton Marc Jacobs,” a retrospective of Jacobs’ work at LV
Where: Les Arts Décoratifs, Paris
When: March 9 to September 16

What: Diana Vreeland
Where: Fortuny Museum, Venice, Italy
When: March 2012

What: “Fifty Years of James Bond Style” with pieces from Giorgio Armani, Prada, Oscar de la Renta and other designers
Where: The Barbican, London
When: April 2012

Trending: Head First!

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:06:29 -0500

This winter is all about accessorizing the noggin! The sanctuary for everything that’s mustered up in your imagination should also look good and, we guess, keep you warm too! Whether you opt for a headband like these ladies or go a more functional fashion like a fur hat (ahem, Sienna!), go head first! If you’re into it, we pulled a few finds that you may fancy:

Friday Focus: Amy Creyer of Chicago Street Style

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:40:00 -0500

This weeks Friday Focus is Amy Creyer, a windy city “style hunter” who populates her blog, Chicago Street Style, with tips and trends from the curb! In addition to capturing Chicago’s bundled up babes (or at least today they are!), she also snaps looks for Refinery 29 and the New York Times. For more Amy, follow Chicago Street Style and on Twitter!

“There’s nothing more romantic than wandering around a giant urban conglomeration, underneath the shadows of skyscrapers, looking for amazing people to photograph.” -Amy Creyer, Chicago Street Style

GO TRY IT ON: Top 5 places to shop in Chicago, GO!

AMY: Ikram, Kokorokoko Vintage, Sarca, Cynthia Rowley, and Barneys.

GO TRY IT ON: Top 5 places to shop in New York, GO!

AMY: Alexander Wang, Opening Ceremony, Acne, Bergdorf Goodman, Trash and Vaudeville

GO TRY IT ON: You have 1 ticket to any NYFW show, where are you going?

AMY: Alexander Wang! His shows are phenomenal and his after parties are the best!

GO TRY IT ON: What is your most exciting fashion moment to date?

AMY: Having backstage VIP passes to all the runway shows at Milk Studios during the Spring 2012 shows in September.

GO TRY IT ON: How did you turn your love for fashion and photographer into a job?

AMY: I learned about photography when I launched my blog. I’m entirely self taught, although a couple street-style photographers who I met at New York fashion week were very supportive coaches who allowed me to work alongside them. I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor than Mr. Newton!

GO TRY IT ON: What is your favorite aspect about connecting with your readers?

AMY: My readers are overwhelmingly supportive, however, it’s the constructive criticism that I value most, like a comment about lighting or subject selection because it allows me to grow. My readers want me to share more of myself in the blog which is funny because as a street-style photographer, I am most comfortable behind the lens. Blogger friends like Andrea of Blonde Bedhead have made helped me feel more comfortable sharing my personal style and thoughts.

GO TRY IT ON: When shopping, what do you need to spend money on and what isn’t worth the splurge?

AMY: I spend more on items that are more flamboyant and less on basics. I learned this from an interview Sally Singer did with a magazine. She said the craziest pieces are timeless but the lines and proportions of everyday clothing shift slightly every season. I’m investing in pieces that have enough personality, without being bound to trends, to exist in my closet for several seasons.

GO TRY IT ON: What has shocked you most working in the fashion industry?

AMY: How nice most people are! When I first went to New York fashion week in February of 2011, I expected everyone to be ice cold fashionistas but very few people were.

GO TRY IT ON: You seem to have some incredible freelance experience! Do you change your voice and style to meet the publication you’re working with?

AMY: I don’t change my voice or my style when working with corporate partners. Companies and publications approach me to collaborate because they like my strong point-of-view and my photographs. Staying true to myself is the core reason for why I’ve built such a large following in such a short amount of time and why I have so many corporate clients. People respond to strength of character. Even though it’s tempting, never compromise your authenticity.

The pressure to produce good work is intense and some bloggers succumb to dishonest tactics, jeopardizing the good faith they’ve built with their readers for short-term gain. Corporate partners are especially concerned with authenticity since that’s the whole reason they work with bloggers. The absolute worst thing a blogger can do is lie about anything because not only does it tarnish their image, it tarnishes the image of the companies they work with. So always stay true to yourself, stay true to your voice, and be honest!

What's Happening: Fashion News Roundup 2012!

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:00:15 -0500

Iris Apfel, New York’s 90-year-old native whose trademark is rounded bold glasses, stark white hair and bold pout, is teaming up with MAC cosmetics on a makeup collection. In true Iris and MAC fashion, the line consists lipsticks, eyeshades and nail polish (to name a few)—all in heavy hues. If you ever doubted the saying “wisdom comes with age” pick up a piece from this collection on January 25 to be proven wrong…we’ll meet you at the MAC counter!

He kicked off his fashion career under the wing of celeb stylist Rachel Zoe and is now gracing Bravo TV yet again with his very own show, It’s a Brad Brad World. In addition, Brad Goreski is tacking on yet another impressive role to his resume: Kate Spade New York’s exclusive brand stylist! The two-year deal will call on Brad to raise brand awareness for the company as a whole as well as grow their ready-to-wear category. Kate Spade has been known for their accessories (remember the messenger bag and backpack?!) so we’re elated to see Brad incorporate the brands iconic prints into apparel!

teenvogue: Jazz up any winter look with an oversized ring, like...

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 13:13:04 -0500

teenvogue:

Jazz up any winter look with an oversized ring, like this multi-stoned stunner from Topshop. See more in our list of 25 stylish rings here »

Friday Focus: Paige from Berkeley!

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 10:56:00 -0500

This weeks Friday focus graces us from the fashionistas on GO TRY IT ON and the streets of sunny California—Berkeley to be exact. Her cool façade seeps through her bohemian outfits inspired by a town that dresses for comfort rather than style. And unlike the beaches of Southern California, Berkeley’s chill calls for warm weather clothing which Paige (who would love to shop with Vanessa Hudgens) finds from local thrift stores like Main Street Rags. Want more of Paige? Add her as your personal stylist here!

GO TRY IT ON: How do you put yourself together everyday? What is your go-to look?

PAIGE: My outfits are usually inspired by one main piece, like a necklace. A crochet sweater, scarves, jeans and boots are my go to—it’s what I’m most comfortable in!

GO TRY IT ON: You’re from Berkeley! What is the fashion like there? How is it different from LA vs other cities in California?

PAIGE: The fashion here is really relaxed! Most dress for comfort rather than style, but I try to incorporate both. Unlike southern California, it isn’t always sunny here so warm weather clothing—like boots!—is common.

GO TRY IT ON: If you could spend the day shopping with any person (alive or dead) who would it be and why?

PAIGE: Vanessa Hudgens for her laid back bohemian style.

GO TRY IT ON: If you could be dressed in one designer, head to toe, who would it be and why?

PAIGE: Head to toe, I’d want to be dressed in Chanel; so many beautiful and classic pieces.

GO TRY IT ON: What is the best store in Berkeley?

PAIGE: The plethora of thrift stores like Crossroads, Labels and Main Street Rags. I save money and score original pieces.

GO TRY IT ON: What is the biggest fashion risk you’ve ever taken?

PAIGE: Making the decision not to care what other people wear! In my town most people wear the same things. Mt outfits get more applause when they’re out of the box.

GO TRY IT ON: What is your favorite website or blog to get inspiration?

PAIGE: Tumblr!

GO TRY IT ON: What outfit makes you feel the most confident and why?

PAIGE: My Hudson jeans, moccasins, and a scarf.

GO TRY IT ON: What is your favorite part of being a member of GO TRY IT ON?

PAIGE: I get instant replies to my outfits and it’s a super helpful way to keep track of my outfits!

Trending: The Return of the Backpack!

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 10:30:05 -0500

School’s in! This holiday season we are embracing a class staple…the backpack! Whether you’re knee deep in books, enjoying time away from the hallway or far from a student but in the market for a carryall, the backpack is a timeless accessory that never loses our trust. Ashley Olsen may have rocked a Jansport during her days as Michelle Tanner on Full House, but today, the cutting edge lady is is designing them for her coveted brand, The Row. And ladies like us are also taking to the trend, throwing it over their shoulder like a 90s skateboarder (Norma) or wearing it like it was meant to be—with both arms strapped in (Linnea)!

Friday Focus: Green House of Fashion's Co Founder, Suzanna!

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 10:30:00 -0500

Today’s Friday Focus is a woman of all trades. Starting off in the finance world and ending up as the founder eco friendly fashion blog, Green House of Fashion, Suzanna Schumacher is actively achieving her goal for readers to dress well while minimizing their footprint. In addition to changing the world, one “healthy” outfit at a time, Suzanna is also a social media consultant. To reach her as your personal stylist, add her here!

GO TRY IT ON: Can you educate us a bit on Eco-Friendly Fashion? What exactly does it mean in terms of fabric, price, design, etc.?

SUZANNA: The definition of eco-friendly fashion varies by person. In my opinion, there are a few elements that I deem requirements to be considered ethical, which are:

Material: What is it made of? Is it recycled?
Location: Where is it made? Is it imported or local?
Treatment of workers

There is a lot of greenwashing out there (saying something is green when it’s not) so I advise people to check the label.

GO TRY IT ON: What are the best stores - both on and offline - to access Eco-Friendly Fashion?

SUZANNA: In addition to vintage and thrift shops near you, check out local spots that hand make clothing (it’s great to support local designers and artisans). FashioningChange.com, Etsy (obsessed), Juno and Jove and Future Standard are great online boutiques. Pure Citizen and Loving Eco are great sample sale sites dedicated to eco-fashion.

GO TRY IT ON: What sparked your interest in Eco-Fashion?

SUZANNA: I realized how wasteful and irresponsible the fashion industry could be and many consumers don’t think about what goes into making the clothes they buy. Fast fashion is easy, trendy and non-committal both in style and in price, but it’s also really harmful to the environment, people and animals. I became interested in ethical fashion and independent designers who utilize sustainable processes to produce killer stuff.

GO TRY IT ON: In your opinion, what makes a blog influential?

SUZANNA: Having a niche content is a huge reason for the bit of success GHoF has seen. There are few personal style blogs that showcase responsible fashion. Images and text are equally important but you often don’t need a lot of text to get your point across.

GO TRY IT ON: What are your favorite blogs to read daily?

SUZANNA: My automatic go-tos are Ecouterre, EcoSalon, Who What Wear, Refinery29, RackedNY, Ecorazzi, The Sartorialist.

GO TRY IT ON: What is your favorite non fashion related site/blog to check up on daily?

SUZANNA: Apartment Therapy

GO TRY IT ON: You have a very fashion forward out of towner visiting you and all he/she wants to do is shop. Where are you taking him/her?

SUZANNA: I’d take her to 5^th Avenue in Park Slope and hit up all the vintage shops. There are tons of them in a 10 block radius. We’d go to Beacon’s Closet, Odd Twin and Housing Works.

GO TRY IT ON: Favorite 5 restaurants in NYC?

SUZANNA:

Joya (Brooklyn) – has the best, inexpensive Thai food EVER
La Lanterna (Greenwich Village) – Amazing atmosphere, yummy pizza and post dinner drinks
Mad Dog & Beans (FiDi) – Delicious Mexican food on Stone Street
Milon (East Village) – Cheap, great Indian Food in a crazy atmosphere
Cafe Cluny (West Village) – awesome brunch spot

GO TRY IT ON: Last book you read? Best book you’ve read?

SUZANNA: The last book I read (well re-read actually), was Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I should said, re-read, because I’m going back and reading the whole series. I’m that cool. I’m currently reading an amazing novel called Cutting For Stone by Abraham Verghese and I highly recommend it.

What's Happening: Gift Guide, For Him and Her!

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:30:00 -0500

FOR HER: (clockwise from the top left)

Dainty Stud, Etsy

Daphne Guinness Book, NeedSupply.com

Fierce Triple Chevron Necklace, Etsy

Coffee Mugs, Anthropologie

Jar Vase for Wall, Etsy

Leopard Messenger Bag, Zara

FOR HIM: brother, dad, husband, boyfriend, coworker (clockwise from top left)

Etsy Love Note (masculine enough to keep on the end table)

Mustache Beer Top (because…why not?)

Topman Chinos (trust us, we’ve see them in person…)

Beer Mugs (again, always a win)

JCrew Blazer (to be worn from work to dinner)

Trending: The Holiday Reading Round-Up!

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:02:58 -0500

It’s always in style to be well read which is why this holiday season, we’re hand gifting you our favorite books to pick up for yourself, or wrap up for someone you love. If you’re looking for a novel that captures the journey of a young girl attempting a normal childhood in WWII (The Book Thief) or the success story behind Starbucks CEO, Howard Schultz, (Pour Your Heart Into It), we’ve got it. The pages below promise to expand your world—both in real life and fantasy!

Happy Holidays,

love GO TRY IT ON.