Tag: Fashion Designer Mark

  • An ‘influencer thrift store’ wants to tackle fast fashion waste

    An ‘influencer thrift store’ wants to tackle fast fashion waste

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    An influencer may wear an outfit in just one post before banishing it to the depths of the closet. It may stay there, unworn and unused, until it’s time for the occasional wardrobe cleanout. At best, the garment will be resold or donated. At worst, it’ll end up in a landfill.

    Detoure, an online consignment shop, wants to change that.

    The company, which describes itself as an “influencer thrift store,” is trying to lessen the burden on overflowing landfills by tackling influencers’ overflowing closets.

    Accelerating trend cycles are only adding to the fast fashion industry’s nearly insurmountable toll on the environment. Detoure sells influencers’ trendy clothing — most of which is either new with tags or has been worn only once — for a small fraction of the cost of buying the garments new. 

    “The way social media’s going, influencers wear the clothes once for a photo and then they never really wear it again,” said Detoure’s founder, Meghan Russell. “And so what happens to the clothes then at that point?”

    In the year since Russell launched Detoure, the store has partnered with about 50 influencers, and Russell plans to expand the roster in the coming months. Primarily an online store, Detoure has gone viral on TikTok for its Los Angeles pop-up events, which it started hosting this year. 

    The way social media’s going, influencers wear the clothes once for a photo and then they never really wear it again. And so what happens to the clothes then at that point?

    Meghan Russell, DETOURE FOUNDER

    The line for Detoure’s July pop-up — which took place in a borrowed streetwear store — stretched down Melrose Avenue. Drawn in with promises of being able to buy affordable clothing without having to dig for it, as at a traditional thrift store, hundreds of hopeful shoppers flocked to the event Sunday. 

    For $5 to $10, customers could snag crop tops from fast fashion brands like Pretty Little Thing or Zara. A powder blue midi skirt from the brand ASTR the Label, which originally retailed for $98 last season, was priced at $30. Among Detoure’s most expensive pieces was a dainty lace dress with the original tags still intact from the brand For Love & Lemons. It’s a significant drop from buying the dress from retailers like Revolve or Dolls Kill, which priced the dress at $278. 

    “We’re all pressured to buy something that’s super trendy right now, but next month, it probably won’t be,” Russell said. “I think this allows consumers to buy what they want to right now but also feel good about their purchase, because it’s not contributing in any way to the waste.”

    Doing the behind-the-scenes work

    Russell, 24, became passionate about ethics in fashion in college, where she studied global health and the rampant human trafficking in the textile industry. After graduation, she worked with influencers for a marketing job in sustainable fashion. A conversation Russell had with an influencer, who was “ranting about how her closet’s overflowing,” inspired her. 

    “She didn’t have time to sell on Depop or Poshmark,” Russell said. “And she didn’t want to throw it away, because she didn’t want it to be in a landfill. A lightbulb moment went off then.” 

    Russell decided to finally pursue the idea after she was laid off weeks into the pandemic. She began messaging people to pitch her idea, and through word of mouth, she developed a cohort of fashion and lifestyle creators thrilled to clear out their closets. 

    Influencers Karsen Kimball and Carolena Huseby assist with organizing inventory during Detoure’s pop up.
    Influencers Karsen Kimball and Carolena Huseby assist with organizing inventory at a Detoure pop-up.Courtesy Meghan Russell

    Although many influencers and lifestyle creators resell their clothing on Depop and Poshmark, it’s a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. Detoure takes on most of the burden by collecting inventory, determining prices, posting listings and handling shipping. Detoure also took a smaller commission when it launched. Depop takes a 10% fee, and Poshmark takes a flat $2.95 for items under $15 and a 20% fee for items over $15. 

    Karsen Kimball, an influencer who posts try-on videos on TikTok, described partnering with Detoure as a “crazy blessing.” 

    “I’ve always struggled with trying to list things on Poshmark,” Kimball said. “It’s obviously super time-consuming, and it’s not a typical part of our jobs.” 

     Carolena Huseby, a creator who makes travel and lifestyle content, “started with Poshmark” but found that it was “taking away” from her working hours because it took so much time. 

    “You would get a PR package and it could not have a tag on it, and you wouldn’t know what to put [the price] as,” Huseby said. “So it was hard to do the behind-the-scenes work.” 

    A need for size inclusivity

    The location of every Detoure event is “secret,” and to get the address, attendees have to register in advance. Detoure sends out text and email alerts with the addresses a few days before the pop-ups.

    Russell estimates that 500 people attended the most recent pop-up. There, Huseby and Kimball assisted with restocking and crowd control.

    At some earlier events, Detoure sold out of inventory in less than two hours. To ensure that everyone had a fair chance to shop — and to prevent overcrowding inside — the pop-up operated in shifts.

    About 50 attendees were allowed in at a time, and they had a 15-minute window to peruse the racks. At the end of each window, Detoure employees herded shoppers to the checkout line, restocked the racks and allowed in 50 more attendees. 

    Shoppers wait outside of the event in hopes of snagging a trendy designer piece at a fraction of the usual cost.
    Shoppers wait outside the event in hope of snagging a trendy designer piece at a small fraction of the usual cost.Courtesy Meghan Russell

    Those who were still waiting in line to check out during restocking were asked to abstain from buying any of the newly added clothing, so the next group could have a chance to buy it.

    Whatever inventory was left over was donated to the Downtown Women’s Center, a Los Angeles organization that serves unhoused women.

    While Detoure’s pop-up did include a wide size range, there was still a disparity between the sheer volume of straight-size clothing and the more limited selection of plus-size options. 

    Many of the shoppers flocked to the XS to L racks, which were picked through minutes into every shopping window. Detoure employees balancing baskets of garments restocked the racks with fresh waves of inventory every time sections looked bare. The plus-size rack was far from sparse, but it didn’t feature the abundance of designer pieces that the straight-size sections had.

    Alina Murillo, who was visiting a friend in Los Angeles and had waited in line for an hour and half, said she was impressed by Detoure’s size range. But she said she didn’t think it was worth it to wait so long to shop such a limited selection of clothing. 

    “I’m a little bit on the curvier side, so I was reluctant that I wouldn’t really find anything that fits me, but I did.” Murillo said as she checked out. “For more petite girls … it’s where they had really cute stuff. I just can’t fit in it. [I’d] like a little more inclusivity with curvier ladies, but I was impressed by what they actually had.” 

    Russell acknowledged that traditionally, “influencers have been one type of body.” Detoure carries sizes XXS to 4XL, and Russell said the brand is “working to get a lot more influencers of different sizes” on the roster. 

    “I never want someone to not feel like we represent them,” she said. “As we grow and expand to more and more influencers, that’s something that we’re really going to keep in mind and that we’re really going to prioritize.”

    Encouraging sustainable shopping

    The fast fashion industry is wasteful and exploitive, but it’s growing faster than ever. Shein, a Chinese retailer known for selling cheap duplicates of trendy designer pieces, was valued at $100 billion this year. Micro trends popularized on TikTok are driving fast fashion sales; the rapid turnover of “must-have” wardrobe staples encourages consumers to keep buying new clothes. 

    Clothing brands marketed as “sustainable” or “ethically sourced,” meanwhile, are often prohibitively expensive. “Slow fashion” claims to use renewable resources and pay its workers fair wages, but the high cost of a single garment is a deterrent for the majority of consumers. A summer dress made of plant-based viscose fabric from the brand Reformation can cost $248. A polyester lookalike from Shein, however, costs $14. 

    The actual sustainability of “sustainable” fashion is dubious. The lack of transparency in fashion manufacturing, acco The Financial Times reports, allows brands to “say whatever they want.” Environmental watchdog groups have raised concerns over “greenwashing” in fashion — a marketing tactic companies use to make misleading claims about their commitment to sustainability without actually changing their practices to be more sustainable. 

    It’s unlikely that fast fashion will slow down in the near future, and banking on “sustainable” brands to lower their prices to compete with fast fashion brands is unrealistic. 

    The most sustainable way to shop, Russell said, is to buy secondhand clothing instead of contributing to waste. 

    “The main goal was to make it affordable for people,” she said. “Pushing sustainable fashion isn’t going to change anything if people can’t afford it.”

    Shopping in a conventional thrift store can be like sifting for gold. Occasionally, a shopper may find a coveted designer item for the same cost as the Shein knockoff. “Thrift flipping” — the practice of tailoring an outdated thrifted garment to make it trendy and modern — is on the rise, but it requires technical skills and patience that few people have. 

    Russell hopes that by curating clothing that’s already in style, Detoure will encourage consumers to be more conscious of shopping sustainably. 

    “People get really excited to find the treasures out there,” she said. “We do the filtering for you.”

    CORRECTION (Aug. 3, 2022, 4:56 p.m. ET): A previous version of this article misspelled the first name of Detoure’s founder. She is Meghan Russell, not Megan.

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  • Want to buy a shopping center? Fashion Square Mall auction bidding starts at $2.3M

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    SAGINAW TOWNSHIP, MI — Once the retail centerpiece of the region, Fashion Square Mall itself will become a purchasable item for shoppers next month.

    The Saginaw Township-based indoor shopping center — which remains open for business — will be available in an online auction beginning Monday, Aug. 22, according to the real estate firm-operated webpage overseeing the event.

    The opening bid: $2.3 million.

    “The 67% occupied mall enjoys a great mix of both national and local tenants and benefits from strong anchors such as Macy’s, JCPenney, AMC Theatre, and other surrounding retailers,” reads the marketing for the online auction.

    News of the planned sale is not surprising to people familiar with the mall’s recent status. Officials with NAI Farbman, a Southfield-based commercial real estate development firm, last year said the company expected to put the property up for auction in 2022 on behalf of Wells Fargo.

    NAI Farbman is listed as one of the online auction’s managers, along with Ten-X, an Irvine, California-based real estate firm.

    The mall’s previous owner — Great Neck, New York-based Namdar Realty Group — in 2020 defaulted on $34.8 million in mortgage debt owed to Wells Fargo, setting up the lending giant to grab the property last year as part of a foreclosure auction.

    Community leaders also were anticipating an ownership transition at the mall. The Saginaw Township Board of Trustees last fall finalized a community master plan that outlined a strategy for helping Fashion Square Mall’s next owners revitalize the nearly 50-year-old commercial property.

    “While the current mall is almost entirely a retail district, future redevelopment of this collective district may include numerous non-retail — or even non-commercial — uses and concepts,” the new master plan states. “The township will continue engaging with stakeholders to consider proposals and investments beneficial to the community at the Fashion Square Mall district.”

    Not all of the mall is available in the sale.

    While most of the shops at the 100-unit mall are tenants, Macy’s owns its own box there.

    Sears also owned its own box at the northernmost corner of the facility, although the store closed in 2019. Hoffman Estates, Illinois-based Transformco — which now owns Sears and its former space in the mall — hired Stokas Bieri Real Estate to sell the old Sears unit. The property remains up for sale.

    Fashion Square Mall opened Oct. 4, 1972, when shoppers first stepped through the doors of the facility built on 71 acres of farmland.

    At the time, anchor tenants JCPenney and Sears were the site’s main attractions. Other inaugural retailers included Town & Country Fashions, William C. Wiechmann Co., Bintz Sports, Carter Shop, Seitner’s, Alfano’s Stride Rite, and Tait’s Hobby Shop.

    Fashion Square Mall swelled with customers during the mall boom that helped define American culture in the 1970s and ‘80s. In turn, the shopping center fed a hungry commercial district in Saginaw Township, attracting business growth down Bay and Tittabawassee roads during those early decades.

    In 1993, a new food court was added, keeping customers fed during long sessions spent browsing stores.

    Eight years later, the facility underwent a $10 million facelift that applied a 21st century sheen to its 1970s-built body.

    Foot traffic thinned in recent decades, though, both as a result of the region’s shrinking populace as well as consumer buying habits shifting toward online stores.

    In January 2001, Chattanooga-based CBL & Associates Property Inc. purchased the complex along with 20 other regional malls and two shopping centers from the mall’s original developer — Cleveland-based Richard E. Jacobs Group Inc. — for $1.2 billion.

    Fifteen years later, the mall was sold in July 2016 to Namdar Realty Group — along with The Lakes in Muskegon — for an aggregate price of $66.5 million, including the assumption of a $38.2 million loan secured by Fashion Square Mall.

    Read more on MLive:

    Republicans campaign for returned control of Saginaw County commissioner seat

    Republicans vie for county commissioner seat representing Saginaw Township

    Democrats square off for Saginaw County Commissioner’s 6th District

    Incumbent Bridgeport trustee faces primary election challenger in August

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  • How a regulated labelling system would make sustainable shopping easier

    How a regulated labelling system would make sustainable shopping easier

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    Ecosia shopping sustainable shopping

    Germany’s Green Consumption Assistant flags to online shoppers which products are more sustainable. Source: supplied.

    When Berliner, Anna Maierski went online shopping for a new pair of jeans, she was overwhelmed with choice. Not only were there hundreds of jeans from dozens of outlets around the world, some claimed to have eco-friendly credentials. As an environmentally aware consumer, Anna was interested in the eco-labels but wary of ‘greenwashing’ — when companies give themselves fake or puffed-up green credentials to increase sales.

    Anna is certainly not the only one to experience such confusion with online shopping. But research shows that when provided with clear and reliable information about sustainability, consumers are willing to, and do, shop greener. A growing initiative from Germany is trying to transform good intentions into real behaviour.

    Private consumption is a key driver of climate change and environmental degradation. But although environmental awareness is increasing, sustainable consumption — where consumers purchase the greener option — remains niche.

    A lack of detailed and reliable information about the environmental impacts of products was presumed to be the problem. The first sustainability label was Germany’s Blue Angel, back in 1978. In recent years, with a rise in environmental problems and awareness, sustainability labels have flourished.

    By promoting transparency and trust in sustainability-related qualities, the labels are supposed to facilitate greener purchasing and encourage companies to improve their environmental performance. But sustainability labels have become a confusing “label maze” — too many different labels, no way to compare them, and lack of credibility. Rather than encouraging consumers to make sustainable choices, the maze of eco-labels may discourage people from reading labels at all.

    The need for a better solution

    This bamboozling sustainability information and the resulting limited effectiveness of eco-labels were the inspiration for the Green Consumption Assistant, a joint project funded by the German environment and consumer protection ministry. Partner organisations the Technical University of Berlin, the Berlin University of Applied Sciences and Technology and the green search engine Ecosia are developing features that are continuously released, tested and tweaked on the Ecosia website.

    Sustainable products are identified in Ecosia’s shopping tab with an easy-to-understand ‘sustainable’ (nachhaltig) banner and a leaf icon on the product images. The aim of the recommendation system is to facilitate sustainable consumer decisions through credible product information direct to people searching online. The products are classified as sustainable based on the German initiative Siegelklarheit (label clarity), which evaluates labels based on a previously developed Sustainability Standards Comparison Tool (SSCT). It is a transparent and reliable ranking of products, unlike many other online-store sustainability tags, filters or browser extensions, which in most cases rely on non-transparent product information or uncertified private labels.

    Private labels, which are not certified by a third party, lack independence. There is a risk that some unscrupulous retailers might use private labels for greenwashing, conveying weak sustainability requirements or even disseminating false information to consumers. Even independent labels struggle to weed out underperforming companies.

    A recently published report identified a worrying lack of accountability and independence across even well-known initiatives such as Cradle to Cradle certified or the EU Ecolabel. The report found no evidence of enforcement or consequences for companies who committed to targets but failed to meet them.

    At the EU level, the issue of greenwashing is currently being tackled by the initiative on substantiating green claims. The legal framework proposed aims to ensure companies provide evidence of the environmental footprint of their products using standardised methods.

    The Green Consumption Assistant GreenDB database was developed to select and score green products.

    The database is updated weekly and currently contains more than 300,000 products from the largest online retailers in several European countries. The GreenDB deliberately focuses on products that are in high demand: an analysis of search terms from Ecosia users determined the 26 product categories, currently mainly fashion and electronics.

    The GreenDB is publicly available for research purposes and can be used for other AI applications to make sustainability information more transparent and trustworthy. For researchers, the GreenDB has not only promoted sustainable consumption but also provided an overview of sustainability information in online shopping.

    Only 14% of the products in the database are certified with credible sustainability labels. An overwhelming two-thirds of the products in the database have private eco-labels. This shows how difficult it is for consumers to identify sustainable products.

    The low uptake of sustainable consumption, the proliferation of confusing, unreliable and niche labels, and the clarity provided by the Green Consumption Assistant all point to the need for a more strongly regulated labelling system.

    If assigning sustainability tags were exclusive to a familiar and credible third-party-verified label, it would remove some of the obstacles to greener consumption. Previous research has come to similar conclusions. A joint labelling program by policymakers and retailers could make progress in developing and promoting a truly helpful sustainability label.

    Maike Gossen is a researcher at the Department of Social-Ecological Transformation at the Technical University of Berlin. 

    This article was originally published under Creative Commons by 360info™.

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  • Shop the 45 best fashion deals now

    Shop the 45 best fashion deals now

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    Save big on dresses, jackets, shoes and more with these incredible fashion deals available today at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale 2022.

    — Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission.

    We’re making a style statement this summer with fashion finds at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale and our closets and wallets are loving it. With deals on Spanx, Free People and Nike, there’s no shortage of savings on must-have dresses, handbags, menswear and more. There’s just a few days left to scoop the savings and we’re bringing you directly to the discounts. 

    Shop the Nordstrom Anniversary sale

    There’s more where this deal came from. Sign up for Reviewed’s Perks and Rec newsletter and we’ll keep ’em coming every Sunday through Friday.

    Among the major markdowns? Spanx’s comfy-yet-luxe faux leather leggings. Our tester says the shapewear brand’s best-selling leggings “check all the boxes” when it comes to “quality, fit and style.” Score them today at Nordstrom for $64.90, a whopping $33.10 markdown. 

    If you’re looking for a cute caryall to complete your outfits, consider the Madewell stripe strap transport tote, available for $124.99—$63.01 off the full $188 list price. Our reviewer is a fan of a version of the bestselling bag (and so are celebrities like Meghan Markle). 

    The Nordstrom Anniversary sale ends in one week: Shop the best 100+ deals now

    Samsung deal: Reserve the upcoming Samsung Galaxy devices and earn up to $200 in Samsung credit

    Whether you’re stocking up on everyday essentials or searching for statement-making styles, we’ve rounded up several ways to save at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale 2022.

    Nordstrom Anniversary sale 2022: Shopping guide 

    The best fashion deals at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale 2022 

    Shop the top five fashion deals at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale 2022 for savings on cult-favorite leggings, stylish sneakers and more. 

    1. Spanx Faux Leather Leggings for $64.90 (Save $33.10)
    2. Adidas Swift Run Sneaker for $69.99 (Save $15.01)
    3. Nike Air Pegasus 83 Premium Sneaker for $71.99 (Save $18.01)
    4. Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite Circle Cardigan for $79.90 (Save $36.10)
    5. Eileen Fisher Sleeveless V-Neck Dress for $119.99 (Save $78.01)
    6. Madewell Stripe Strap Transport Tote for $124.99 (Save $63.01)

    Women’s clothing deals at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale 2022

    Thanks (or should we say Spanx?) to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, you can save on items like the Spanx Faux Leather Leggings.

    From cozy pajamas to an effortless athleisure dress, the Nordstrom Anniversary sale 2022 has a slew of stylish savings in store.

    Men’s clothing deals at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale 2022

    Stock up on essentials during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

    Keep cool this summer with hot savings on T-shirts and shorts, or prepare for winter with deals on jackets and joggers.

    Shoe and accessory deals at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale 2022

    Step up your style with savings on footwear and accessories.

    Top off your look (and your Nordstrom cart) with deals on designer bags, shoes and sunglasses.

    What is the Nordstrom Anniversary sale 2022? 

    Head to the Nordstrom Anniversary sale to scoop the best fashion deals on clothing, shoes and accessories right now.

    The Nordstrom Anniversary sale is a once-a-year shopping event that boasts deep discounts across all categories, including fashion, home and beauty. The Black Friday-level sale sees massive markdowns on cult-favorite brands including Madewell, Zella, Barefoot Dreams and Olaplex. During the limited-time sale you can save up to 50% on beauty essentials, summer styles and fall fashion for the whole family. 

    When is the Nordstrom Anniversary sale? 

    The Nordstrom Anniversary sale 2022 opened to the public on Friday, July 15

    Select Nordstrom cardholders, however, were able to access the sale early. Icon cardholders, or Nordy Club shoppers who spend $15,000 or more at the department store each year, were able to access the pre-sale on Wednesday, July 6 while Ambassador and Influencer cardholders gained early access to the sale on Thursday, July 7 and Saturday, July 9, respectively. Nordstrom cardholders who spend at least $5,000 per year at the store are considered Ambassadors and those who spend between $500 and $5,000 have Influencer status.

    In addition to getting early access to select Nordstrom sales, store cardholders also enjoys tons of other shopping perks—like points earned for qualifying purchases. If you’re not a cardholder yet, you can apply today to get a $40 bonus note to use towards your next Nordstrom purchase. 

    Learn more about the Nordstrom credit card

    When does the Nordstrom Anniversary sale end?

    The Nordstrom Anniversary sale is slated to end on Sunday, July 31. That means, you have just under one week to scoop the best discounts on fashion, beauty and home essentials. 

    What should I shop for during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale 2022? 

    The Nordstrom Anniversary sale regularly includes savings on top fashion brands, and this year is no exception. With deals on customer-favorite brands like Eileen Fisher, Free People, Alo Yoga and more you can score major savings on everything from activewear to business casual looks. The Anniversary sale is the perfect opportunity to refresh your closet on a budget and shop massive markdowns on fall wardrobe essentials. 

    Shop the Nordstrom Anniversary sale

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    Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.



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  • A Guide To Shopping For Iconic Vintage Pieces And Statement Accessories Online

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    A consummate style ally looks beyond trends. They can spot a good pair of stilettos and a true investment-worthy satchel from a mile away. “It” bags or must-have shoes hardly rouse excitement in them. You can, however, expect a generous serving of compliments from a full-bloodied fashion aficionado when they set eyes on limited edition collaboration collections or an unusual chunky strap on a pair of slides. Just the same, the are likely to pass over logo strewn garments, but gush over a well preserved, rare vintage dress.

    In a boundless digital space that houses countless of retail platforms, you’ll be lucky to find a handful of sites that offer a distinct product offering, quality, and at reasonable prices. There are the extremely popular luxury multi brands that are spot on when it comes to introducing only the freshest, most coveted pieces from the runways. They are inspiring digital spaces to visit when you want to stay current. You’ll also likely max out a credit card with only two or three pieces when you shop through there.

    Pre-loved designer platforms are absolute treasure troves. Not only is pre-loved shopping a more sustainable way to enjoy and consume high fashion, it also elevates any wardrobe with iconic vintage pieces. TheRealReal is a remarkable style space that houses an impressive collection of wares from Alexandre McQueen dresses (circa 2010), Alaia laser cut bags to ethic-inspired Dior skirts. When shopping vintage online, make time to find out about the condition of the items you’d like to add to cart. The Obsessions feature is also a great way to edit through the countless finds before making an actual purchase. There are other vintage online sites worth taking a look at, but I personally find that TheRealReal does the best job at curating, presenting products, and securing that every piece is authentic. The other sites I’ve seen so far leave much to be desired when it comes to visual merchandising online.

    The truth is, well-rounded, modern wardrobes are a mix of vintage pieces and new ones. A fresh pair of shoes, or that current bag that has cause sleepless nights is an occasional indulgence that completes our fashion experience. When I first fell in love with Bottega Veneta’s Woven Leather slides in 2019, it seemed all hope was lost at getting my own pair. During a trip to Paris that year, sales personnel across all the boutiques in the city confirmed that “Bien sur, all fashion girls stocked up on those shoes. Desole, mademoiselle.” It was the same in other key fashion capitals, and even at airport luxury boutiques. That year, I heard the word sorry in at least five languages.

    That’s how I came across then newly launched luxury multi brand e-commerce site, BALTINI. Not only did the site have the coveted Bottega shoes I’d been dreaming of, they also had it in my size and in a wide range of colors. I was particularly impressed by how efficient and prompt logistics were. Considering I was receiving packages from all the way in Manila (Baltini’s offices are in Dover, DE), my box arrived promptly. Updates as my package was en route were frequent and most importantly, accurate. Customer service channels were not only easy to access, they were responsive, too.

    After writing about BALTINI two years ago, several first-time customers sent me private messages asking if the site was legit and reliable. To which, the response was: “They’ve exceeded all my expectations in terms of service, product range, quality, and price.” More key accessories–shoes, mostly–have been added to my cart since. And in that period of time, I’ve witnessed the platform’s range expand and customer experience elevate.

    As I decided it was time to park my favorite pair of slides and find a new one, I returned to BALTINI. This time around, designer selections had grown to include independent and emerging talents. Brand founders Vincent Moiras and Josh Leonardi explains: “We try to include as many brands as we can on our website. Not only do we specifically choose brands that are highly popular amongst our customers, but we also try to introduce independent brands.”

    Whereas collections in popular shopping sites tend to look almost identical, pieces at BALTINI are noticeably more distinctive. Vincent and Josh admit, “We do not have any exclusive items, but we personally curate every collection on our website to caters to our customer’s needs and demands.” This includes an exclusive collection of designer digs at 65% off, which is made most of past season best-sellers. “Just because it’s from the past, doesn’t mean it is not in demand.”

    The site’s secret to staying competitive especially in sphere of luxury fashion lies in the partnerships they’ve forged with speciality boutique across Italy. According to the retail duo, they’ve kept their working relations with their Italian partners strong throughout the years. “We are able to get our items straight from Italy, which allows us to provide costumes with higher discounts.”

    New collaborations are high on the priority list of the BALTINI team this year. It founders disclose that, “We working with a couple of local brands in Itialy and the collection should be released by end of the year.” The website’s back-end is a constant work in progress, especially for a company that is dedicated to giving customers a seamless luxury shopping experience online. Vincent and Jost end, “We will also have a member vip area where members can gain an exclusivity to shop exclusive pieces as well as high demand goods at special price.”

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  • A Fashion Guide To Miami

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    When it comes to the beach and sun, Miami is your best bet. But it’s also a shopper’s paradise, from upscale shopping malls to the Design District, art museums, selfie-ops and more that prove that this city is much more than just the beach.

    With the rise of the Brickell district, Miami is obviously becoming a luxury fashion paradise. And it has its roots in fashion, too. Miami was the home of Gianni Versace before he passed away in 1997 (his former home Casa Casuarina is now a hotel and event venue), and in this city, the legacy of high fashion stays strong.

    “I love the diversity of fashion that is so prevalent in Miami,” says Barnette Holston, a style and fashion expert who blogs as the DCFashion Fool. “People tend to embrace the color, warmth and vibrancy inspired by the South Beach scene. I see people paying homage to the city by wearing Versace, or looking to brands like Casablanca to give that Miami feel.”

    Here are some must-see fashion hotspots across Vice City.

    Boutique shopping by foot

    The design district in Miami is where fashionistas head to shop and dine in style. This new, revamped area is where you can shop, see live music, and visit the Institute of Contemporary Art Miami or the De La Cruz Collection.

    One highlight beyond your typical luxury shopping fare—like Gucci, Chanel and Off White—is Gaucho, an Argentinian luxury brand that recently opened their first flagship in the country. Gaucho is a Buenos Aires-founded brand, and is one of the few luxury fashion brands out of Argentina, offering lifestyle and home décor. They recently expanded from e-commerce to their first retail flagship in Miami. It’s what the brand’s CEO Scott Mathis says is “a visceral glimpse into our growing portfolio,” adding that the brand seeks to create “a global community built on a shared passion for living well, on our estates, through our products and in homes across the world.”

    Lincoln Road in South Beach is another shopping destination, filled with boutiques, al fresco dining options and major brands, like Zara. “I always love shopping at Zara, it’s a European brand with different, unique styles,” says Estefania Salinas, a journalist based in Miami.

    To Lauren Foster, a trans model and style influencer based in Miami, some of the best boutiques include Fly Boutique “for all things vintage,” she says, as well as “Ease on Sunset for simple, chic looks from The Row and Rick Owens.” Foster also recommends the Bazaar Project in Coconut Grove. “They have the coolest selection of home décor, gifts, clothes and funky jewelry.”

    Shopping Malls

    Bal Harbour Shops is the foremost luxury shopping mall in Miami. It is home to an exquisite collection of designer boutiques and department stores set in an open-air tropical garden-like design. It includes boutiques by Alexander McQueen, CH Carolina Herrera, Stella McCartney, Oscar de la Renta, Prada, and Neiman Marcus. “When it comes to style and fashion, to me, it’s more than just the look, but also the experience,” said Jonathan Bonanno, the CEO of The Showroom Miami. “That’s why I only go to the best, Neiman Marcus Bal Harbor not only carries the latest styles fashion has to offer, but my personal shopper Andy Bisbal goes above and beyond.”

    Another great brand that Bal Harbour Shops is home to is Brunello Cucinelli. “Almost all of his pieces are timeless, and made in Italy,” said Tyler Biddle-Barrows, a sales executive with the Standard Residences in Miami. “Brunello Cucinelli has lots of linens to power through the Miami heat—his clothing is made ethically and is sustainable, and gives back a large portion of his proceeds to help others. I also love the design of Loro Piana, too.”

    Another shopping destination is the Brickell City Centre, which features four floors of luxury brands and dining options, alongside a Saks Fifth Avenue and luxury cinemas from CMX.

    Selfie Photo-ops

    There are countless spots to take picturesque selfies in Miami. The Roof at Esme Hotel in South Beach is a design lover’s dream, featuring a quaint rooftop pool alongside a stellar bar and set of pink striped sofas. Other options: Rent a chartered boat and cruise along Biscayne Bay from sunrise to sunset to take advantage of the best photo possible, or head to South Beach at sundown, then grab a cocktail in one of the restaurants set in one of many the Art Deco buildings, like at Pink Taco.

    Another key area for photo shoots is Wynwood, which has much of its industrial walls awash in murals. “I love the Rebecca Moses art mural in Wynwood, I first attended the opening of the project at Ralph Pucci International during Art Basel Miami Beach, and came back there during Miami Swim Week to shoot there,” said Katya Tolstova, an influencer and fashion blogger. “I also love shooting at The Miami Beach EDITION hotel because they have so many events there during Art Basel and Miami Swim Week.”

    The Vizcaya Museum & Garden is a short drive from South Beach and is worth the trip to see the sprawling manicured gardens and classy estate. The Design District is also home to numerous public art pieces worthy of photo shoots. And the nearby Mediterranean restaurant Mandolin Miami is a style scene hotspot, too.

    Stylish Stay

    The best bet for a well-rounded, stylish stay is at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, which is home to a sprawling palm tree-lined pool. The hotel also has private cabanas for rent by the day, which include their own private day beds, exclusive service, and private washrooms and showers in air conditioned huts with fridges and coffee machines. It’s the ultimate chic luxury.



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  • The Hottest Celebrity Fashion Launches You Should Be Shopping Right Now

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    The Hottest Celebrity Fashion Launches You Should Be Shopping Right Now

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  • Top Designer-Fashion Deals | Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2022

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    As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you’ll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.

    I have been hunting down deals from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale for many years now. As the shopping director, I get intel on the very best discounts everyone should look out for. If you are like me and love all things designer, I have curated a shopping guide to the markdowns that should be on your radar. Whether you’re looking for a high-end handbag or a well-made pair of boots, I’m spelling out what’s worth the splurge this weekend. It’s a great time to finally indulge in beautifully crafted pieces you’ve been coveting so that your wardrobe is all set for fall.

    Ahead, you’ll find heavily discounted pieces from brands like Gucci, Miu Miu, Stuart Weitzman, Missoni, Coach, and more. There’ll be nothing more exciting than unboxing a pristine clutch or a glossy gold watch when your packages arrive next week. I personally have my eye on the AllSaints leather jacket that a few of my favorite fashion girls wear — I know I’ll own it for years to come. OK, less talking, more shopping. Feast your eyes on the top 10 designer must haves everyone will be wanting this month.



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  • I’m a mid-size fashion fan & these seven keywords will help you find perfect fitting dresses when shopping online

    I’m a mid-size fashion fan & these seven keywords will help you find perfect fitting dresses when shopping online

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    CONSIDERING how we’ve been shopping online for the best part of 10 years, you’d think we’d be total experts by now.

    But every time a parcel turns up on our doorstep, we’re never quite sure how it’s going to go.

    Jess shared the seven styles she searches for for flattering dresses

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    Jess shared the seven styles she searches for for flattering dressesCredit: TikTok/@midsizefashioninspo
    The fashionista loves a tea dress

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    The fashionista loves a tea dressCredit: TikTok/@midsizefashioninspo

    Feel our pain? Then you might want to take a leaf out of fashion fan Jess’ book.

    Earlier this week, the TikTok star – who boasts 320,000 followers – shared her tip for always bagging dresses that look flattering on her tummy no matter where she’s shopping online.

    Jess captioned the clip: “Seven key things I search for – this has made shopping 100X easier!”

    First up, the fashionista – who is usually a size 12-14 – said tea dresses are a winner.

    We’re fashion experts - style rules for staying cool during heatwave
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    Modelling a pretty pink patterned frock, Jess particularly loves the V-neck cut, slightly puffed sleeves and flowy skirt.

    Next, the social media star moved onto dresses with a tie waist which cinch you in at the smallest part of your body.

    Thirdly, Jess recommended other women with a similar shape go for slinky slip dresses which skim over your curves.

    After this, Jess said it’s worth checking out a brand’s collection of A-Line dresses.

    This universally flattering shape usually highlights your waist and then widens at the hem.

    And if you like A-Line shapes then you can’t go wrong with a fit and flare.

    For added drama, Jess picked a white frock with statement puff sleeves to offset the flared skirt.

    And if you’re self-conscious about your tummy, Jess recommended dresses which have some kind of ruching to draw the eye.

    Finally, the fashion pro says you can’t go wrong with a wrap dress either and modelled her stunning green floral design.

    Needless to say, Jess’ tips were a hit with her viewers.

    One replied: “I love how you help others gain confidence by adjusting for insecurities, yet you exude so much confidence & look🤩🤩 that I want to show mine off!!”

    I found my engagement ring hidden at home before my fiance proposed & I HATE it
    My girlfriend’s way hotter than I am, people presume I’m paying her to date me

    Another added: “I’m gonna need links for all of these!”

    “You are literally my inspo,” a third gushed.

    She also said you can't go wrong with a tie-waist dress

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    She also said you can’t go wrong with a tie-waist dressCredit: TikTok/@midsizefashioninspo
    A-Line is a universally flattering shape

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    A-Line is a universally flattering shapeCredit: TikTok/@midsizefashioninspo
    Jess also recommended a slinky slip dress

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    Jess also recommended a slinky slip dressCredit: TikTok/@midsizefashioninspo
    She urged people not to be scared of satin ruching

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    She urged people not to be scared of satin ruchingCredit: TikTok/@midsizefashioninspo
    Jess says a wrap dress is a classic for a reason

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    Jess says a wrap dress is a classic for a reasonCredit: TikTok/@midsizefashioninspo



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  • Noihsaf Bazaar Is Community-Driven Resale Site That Feels More Like Shopping Your Friend’s Closet

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    The first question you have when you stumble across Noihsaf Bazaar is probably how to pronounce it: “Noise-hoff.” “Noose-haf.” It doesn’t matter, according to the resale site’s founder, Kate Lindello. When creating the Instagram handle in 2013 to resell clothing she loved but never wore, she wasn’t focused on an easily marketable name. “I think it’s so funny my company has this crazy-hard name to spell and pronounce,” she shares. What matters is the meaning of the name: the word fashion spelled backward. “Fashion in general is intimidating and, being from the Midwest, is something I loved but never really felt a part of. Noihsaf Bazaar is for people like me,” Lindello says.

    Maybe you’ve never heard of Noihsaf Bazaar—the secondhand site curated not by A.I. but by Lindello and her team in shivering Duluth, Minnesota—but your fashionable friend who manages to pull off prairie chic in New York probably found it through Instagram years ago. Noah Kim, a copywriter in Southern California, refers to Noihsaf as “ideal middle ground between overly curated and underorganized.” He heard of it via word of mouth at a Twin Peaks concert. Another devotee, Valencia Shanelle, found Noihsaf after Lindello purchased a custom balaclava from Shanelle’s store. “I always creep on my customers a little, and I discovered her site,” she says.

    Lindello started Noihsaf almost 10 years ago while struggling with postpartum depression in Duluth’s coldest winter on record. Going through clothes she loved but never wore, she took to her phone. “It was 2013, and Instagram was just a lot of sepia squares of lattes. I thought it would be easy to create a handle to list some of my items for sale,” she says. Her own pieces started moving, and almost immediately friends asked Lindello to list on their behalf. Soon a community of like-minded, well-dressed individuals flocked to the account, submitting clothing with the hopes of it passing Lindello’s curatorial eye. Gretchen Jones, strategic business advisor and 2010 Project Runway winner, became an early adopter. “Finding an outlet to score covetable items that were hard to find even at full price via a tight-knit community of shoppers was refreshing,” Jones said. To this day, Noihsaf’s commitment to community, plus a tight curation, remains its bread and butter.

    Shopping on Poshmark is painful. The RealReal can feel overly curated. eBay’s a mess. But Noihsaf is the elusive, Golidlocks-just-right amalgamation of selective and delightful. Without an app, which Lindello calls “not necessary and expensive to maintain,” or V.C. funding—“you don’t have as much creative freedom when only the bottom line matters”—in the near future, the site is free to grow at its community’s pace. Users upload their pieces to the site, complete with detailed measurements and clear images, and await a green light from Noihsaf. Once listed, shoppers can comment, make offers, and receive their purchases directly from sellers. With a team spread across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and New York, Lindello manages to maintain Noihsaf’s silver bullet—its coveted curation—through good old-fashioned instinct. Highlighting independent brands, plus well-made basics from more recognizable labels, has always been the site’s purpose. Descriptions under listed items read like charming Instagram captions. Browsing feels like a spin through an indie-label wonderland. Even the site’s blog features an array of sellers from all walks of life.

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