Fashion's Worst Finds

There comes a point when you have to ask yourself if something is really fashion or if it’s just plain hideous. Odds are if you even have to ask that in the first place, it’s probably not. It seems like designers now-a-days are trying to push the envelope so much that some of their pieces are losing taste (and for others it’s long gone.)

Not only was I unsure of what this was at first, I didn’t even think it was a piece of clothing. Come to find out it’s a jacket/scarf. But figuring out what it was can’t be half as difficult as putting this on. This…thing…is by Bless and priced at a penny-pinching $931- what a steal!

Incase you’d like to look like you’d just gotten attacked by an animal we bring you the Dion Lee silk blazer, complete with cut-out elbows. Perfect for the workplace! This piece of chopped up fabric will set you back $823.

Comme des Garcons is typically known for flawlessly constructed couture, well, until now at least. This piece is from the new Fall/Winter collection. I am really at a loss for words when it comes to this, considering it is a bunch of small rags tied onto a large brown sack. The good news is that it’s half wool so maybe it can keep you warm….if you’re willing to pay the $1280 to purchase it.

Just when you thought they couldn’t put a price on ugly...it got a little more expensive!

Juicy Airports

Like most other luxury brands, Juicy Couture has been struggling through our current economic times, resulting in 13% decline in the 3rd quarter. But don’t let that fool you… Juicy is still willing to drop the big bucks in hopes of making it. While other companies are cutting back, the designer brand now owned by Liz Claiborne is going forward with a plan to set up shop in airports across the world.

With locations including JFK International Airport, Athens Airport, Taiwan TaoYuan International Airport and Miami International Airport (where they will launch) Juicy hopes that these new spots will be perfect for reaching their target market.

Senior VP of global marketing at Juicy Couture, Ellen Rodriguez commented on the brand’s new strategy saying:

“We know that our customer is traveling and she’s in the airports. Women are always wearing our tracksuits, especially to travel in. We just don’t think she’s being targeted by other retailers in these airports, so there’s a real opportunity there for us.”

Sounds great, aside from the fact that if they’re traveling in a tracksuit, odds are the customer is probably already wearing it when they get to the airport...

But Juicy must be doing something right- they managed to keep sales up to $600 million dollars last year and like all other designer brands, hope to come out of the recession thriving as they were before.

Representatives of the brand told WWD that the new airport shops will be designed “to showcase the best of what Juicy is known for” including watches, charms, baby gear, sunglasses, and the almighty tracksuit. Selective stores will also feature specialty city-specific merchandise, like their newly-designed shirts with the slogan “Choose Miami.”

Skeptics say these new airport shops will make or break the company because of the magnitude of their cost in such tough economic times, but it seems like Juicy has the utmost confidence!

I think they might be onto something..and if all else fails, Juicy Couture has some of the most loyal shoppers of any brand out there. I mean, who else could sell the same pair of pants and jacket at $200+ for over ten years now and still have customers begging for more? Best of luck, Pam & Gela!

Gossip Girl Downgrade

Gossip Girl star turned “singer,” Taylor Momsen has gone from semi-cute to completely trashy in the blink of an eye. This season on the show the sixteen year old plays the recently turned “badass” Jenny Humphrey. The new look is NOT working for her. Mind you, on set it’s a little more fashion-forward and a little less grungy hooker. No wonder why Gossip Girl ratings are down this season. Lose the cheap extensions, prostitute wardrobe and pounds of eyeliner and maybe we’ll reconsider.

Sorry Little J, definitely a downgrade.

Real Life Fashion Police

A recent article reported that police in Flint, Michigain are “saying no to crack”... and they’re not talking about the drug. Police Chief David Dicks announced in late June that the city of Flint would begin arresting people whose pants were “too baggy”. Apparently Flint finds baggy pants extremely offensive. With the implementation of the laws, Chief Dicks released a statement saying: "This immoral self expression goes beyond free speech; it rises to the crime of indecent exposure/disorderly persons." This is considered a misdemeanor and is punishable by three months in jail and a fine of up to $500!

Just recently representatives from Flint’s police force issued this guide to remind its citizens to obey the law when getting dressed in the morning!

Personally, I think the embarrassment of walking around with your butt exposed is punishment enough. Plus, what about girls? Obviously this crackdown (no pun intended) is aimed at younger men. I’ve seen way more girls guilty of this “indecent exposure” and not for baggy pants.

Naturally, many citizens of Flint are outraged, and argue that Dicks and the rest of the police force are violating the First Amendment. Which brings us to the question: should the law be able to say what you can or can’t wear?? Most say no, claiming that there are more important issues that police should be dealing with. I couldn’t agree more. Here’s a thought- maybe the Flint police should focus on its murder rate, which is 3 times the national average just a few years ago. Or maybe a separation of fashion and state is in order?