Category: Fashion Feature

So, you’ve made a commitment to shop locally. Thank you. You’re doing your part to help the economy, at least in your own backyard. But there’s more. Now, let’s save the planet — one commute at a time. By changing the way you get from point A to point B, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and your waistline (yea!) while putting more cash into your pockets.

EASY RIDER. Why bike? For starters, you’ll stop pumping carbon monoxide into the atmosphere and you’ll start pumping endorphins. The health benefits of cycling include boosting metabolism, minimizing risks of coronary heart disease, and increasing stamina. Beyond that, imagine how cool you’ll look on this super-stylish on/off-road beauty. As an extra bonus, you’ll save money on gas and parking is a breeze. This bike features power-assisted, one-hand 8-speed shifting, plus leather grips and saddle. And if getting fit, saving money, and cutting down on your carbon emissions aren’t enough to convince you, check out the rave user reviews at bikeforum.net. Bianchi Milano Café Racer, starting at $600. Find it locally at Outdoors, Inc., 833 N. Germantown Pkwy. (755-2271) or 1710 Union (722-8988).

RUN TIME. According to Eric Flanders, owner of Fleet Feet, the biggest thing in “green” running is the new BioMOGO foam midsole from Brooks. Typical midsoles use EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) and take about 1,000 years to decompose in a landfill — now that’s a serious carbon footprint. The BioMOGO foam used in some of Brooks’ newer shoes is treated with a product that attracts microbes that will consume the foam (in a landfill environment, not on your foot) causing the shoe to break down in about 20 years. Pick up the Brooks Trance-8 for $140 (men’s and women’s). Fleet Feet, 571 Erin Dr. (761-0078).

GET SMART. If driving is your only option, there are a few ways to at least drive smarter. One option is to invest in a car equipped with a hybrid engine; the other is to drive a smaller, more fuel-efficient, gas-powered vehicle. Say hello to the Smart Fortwo. It may not be the fastest car on the road, topping out at around 90 mph, but the Smart Fortwo gets a reported 46.3 mpg in the city and a super-impressive 68.9 mpg highway. And according to Mike Butler, new car sales manager at Infiniti Memphis, the Smart Fortwo isn’t just for tiny folks; the interior is roomy enough to accommodate a driver or passenger over 6 feet tall. Infiniti Memphis has one on the lot, a silver Fortwo Passion for $23,500. Infiniti Memphis, 1831 Getwell (744-1111).

ECO-HIP SUV. What’s that? You have a long, bike-prohibitive commute? You have kids, dogs, soccer gear, and you need to carry more than one bag of groceries at a time? Don’t beat yourself up. You still can be a savvy, eco-friendly traveler and do your part to save the earth, one mile at a time. The ever-gorgeous Lexus RX 400 hybrid gets 21 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway and wildly favorable reviews from the likes of U.S. News & World Report. Starting at $49,555. Lexus of Memphis, 2600 Ridgeway (362-8833).

Shop This is compiled by Shopgirl. E-mail shopgirl@memphisflyer.com with tips and suggestions for items to be promoted. Please send a daytime phone number and print-quality digital images for consideration.

ROCK STAR: Diamonds are commonly regarded as the “go to” luxury item for special occasions — engagements, anniversaries, births, and the like. But what if a common diamond just isn’t enough? What if you need something truly special or undeniably perfect — the Rolls Royce of diamonds? Enter the Hearts on Fire diamond — a luxury brand for the luxury item. These perfectly cut gems are so brilliant they almost generate their own light. But beyond being, well, perfect, they are also conflict-free. Hearts on Fire adheres rigorously to the Kimberly Process, an international agreement formed by the United Nations and all diamond-producing countries to ensure the stones are not “blood” diamonds. Hearts on Fire diamonds are the diamonds used in the $6.5 million Victoria’s Secret fantasy bra, and they aren’t just for the super-wealthy, with prices at King Fine Jewelry starting $1,350. Not the diamond type? Check out the line of Frederic Duclos silver jewelry — particularly the silver dangling disc ring at $135. All available at King Fine Jewelry, 4568 Poplar, in Laurelwood. 767-5464.

LUX LIFE: Lux isn’t just for the ladies anymore. Gold and silver are showing up in more men’s shops thanks to brands like Supra and Creative Recreation. Both make court shoes that play nicely in all arenas, from sports to social. Supra’s chrome mesh limited-edition Suprano High is technically a skateboard shoe and a technically good shoe, at that. It features superb ventilation, extra heel protection molded into a lightweight EVA insole, and a mid-sole injected with SupraFoam, which provides impact resistance for the entire foot and optimal board-feel. Yet, none of the high-tech allure of these kicks compromises the fact that they look and feel as cool as the other side of the pillow. Supra Suprano’s, $129. Another hit on the shine radar: the Magistrate T by KidRobot, $50. Both available at R.Sole, 374 S. Grove Park, in Laurelwood. 761-1230.

SHINE ON: Here’s an idea to help you save on airfare this season: Stay in Memphis to shop. James Davis’ Cami Krablin has already taken that dream New York shopping spree for you, and she’s brought back Armani. This gorgeous, embossed, shiny patent crocodile-print trench is supremely appropriate for every season and all occasions. (The lining is almost as fabulous as the exterior. You’ll want to expose it at every opportunity.) Trench, $1,925. But if you haven’t stopped in James Davis lately, it isn’t all Armani, Etro, and Missoni. James Davis now carries L.A.M.B, Vince, and this great find — Blank/Conditions Apply black dress with metal coin detail, $325. All at James Davis, 400 S. Grove Park, in Laurelwood. 767-4640.

HEAVY METAL: Your clothes don’t have to be the only things that radiate this season. Here are a couple of quick picks to brighten your day and your complexion. Stila’s eye-shadow trio in gold glow: Yummy, sheer, shimmery hues bring out the golden girl in everyone, $26.75. Meanwhile, the light-reflecting pearls in Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil give complexions an ethereal quality that lasts all day — and the mineral formula is so light, you’ll love wearing it. Bonus: It comes in several shades/finishes, if a little sparkle isn’t for you. All from Zóe, Memphis’ own beauty and skincare super-store (despite its small footprint), 4564 Poplar, in Laurelwood. 821-9900.

BRIGHT FUTURE: A little vintage-inspired sparkle is the perfect way to look current this season, according to Joy Moore, owner of Bead Couture. The store mainly caters to people who make jewelry. But when it comes to shopping locally, you can’t get much better. Bead Couture also sells jewelry from local artists. Vintage necklace with Austrian crystals, $275. Bead Couture, 2847 Poplar at Humes. 323-9213.

Shop This is compiled by Shopgirl. E-mail shopgirl@memphisflyer.com with tips and suggestions for items to be promoted. Please send a daytime phone number and print-quality digital images for consideration.

Baby, it’s cold outside, except when the afternoon heat wave rolls in. With the mercury dropping and energy costs rising — not to mention that pesky global warming — now is the time to experiment with scarves and sweaters and reevaluate any irrational anti-fleece rules.

IT’S A WRAP: This cotton and silk Leigh & Luca stunner of a scarf is the perfect weight to stylishly transition from fall to falling snow. If dragons don’t slay you, Joseph carries other L&L options. And don’t forget to check out their guide: “Six Ways To Wear a Scarf.” Dragon scarf by Leigh & Luca, $235, at Joseph, 418 S. Grove Park, Laurelwood.

THE COLOR PURPLE: Regarding color trends for winter: Purple is hot. This ombre-dyed scarf will keep you warm while looking oh-so-cool. For those who’ve already stocked up on a season’s supply of purple, relax. This scarf is also available in several perfectly wonderful not-so-purple colors. ShanaK scarf, $45, at Muse, 517 S. Main.

TWICE AS NICE: The word “reversible” doesn’t auto-matically summon the word “cashmere,” but in the hectic days ahead, wouldn’t it be nice to have a sweater that looks great and multitasks? Thanks to Raffi, this cashmere crewneck sweater leads a quiet double life. Reversible Raffi sweater, $250, at Oak Hall, 6150 Poplar.

HOLIDAY SPIRIT: The Tigers are ranked #12 in most pre-season polls, and with lots of home games this season, U of M fans will have ample opportunity to show their school spirit and their fashion sense. What better way to show your love for the Tigers than with this blue fleece jacket and coordinating scarf? Turfer jacket in men’s and women’s sizes, $44.95; the Game rugby scarf, $19.95, both at Tiger Bookstore, 3533 Walker.

SITTING PRETTY: Considering the evolutionary hoopla about humans walking upright, we sure spend a lot our waking hours sitting down. We sit in traffic, we sit in meetings, we sit on the sidelines of our kids’ soccer games. And we usually don’t think much about it — we just plop down in whatever chair is available. But this chair will have you thinking ahead. Shown here, it pops with color, but endless fabric choices help it fit effortlessly into any room. The Nicole chair by Thomasville, starting at $750, depending on fabric, is available at Samuels Furniture & Interiors, 5508 Poplar or 1615 N. Germantown Parkway.

BABYSIT: The Bloom Fresco isn’t just a high chair; it’s a baby-feeding super-pod. This chair grows with your baby through the toddler years until — well, until you’re brave

enough to let him or her eat at the table unrestrained. The seat reclines to a cradle position for newborns up to 6 months, or use the chair with or without the super-sized (and dishwasher safe, hooray!) feeding tray. The Fresco also swivels, has “pneumatic-assist” height adjustment, five-point safety harness, micro-suede upholstery, and it just oozes futuristic cool. It’s available for $399 at Mango Street Baby, Saddle Creek, 2055 West Street, Germantown.

SIT UP AND BEG: The leather armchair

goes gorgeous. Manly without being obviously a dude’s chair, the Caldwell by Bassett will own whatever room it’s in. Sorry, guys, it doesn’t recline, but with the matching ottoman it’s just as ready for napping. If chairs could talk, this one would purr, “Bring me a martini.” The Caldwell chair by Bassett starts at $749 (in fabric) and $1,099 (leather). The ottoman is sold separately. Both are available at Bassett Furniture Direct, 2382 N. Germantown Parkway.

SIT TIGHT: This scrumptious chair mixes

modern lines with Italian fabric, and the combination is nothing short of fabulous. It would be equally right in a sparse minimalist space or a lavishly layered room. The Andrea chair is $709 at Cosmic Closet, 48 S. McLean.

Shop This is compiled by Shopgirl. E-mail shopgirl@memphisflyer.com with tips and suggestions for items to be promoted. Please send a daytime phone number and print-quality digital images for consideration.

GOTH FRIDAY: Friday goes to the dark side this month, dropping Halloween into the TGIF slot. And spooked by the economy or not, the holiday season officially starts with Big Pumpkin Day. Haunted house parties and costume bashes for kids and adults require a bit of ghoulish flair. So, here are some not-so-scary options for keeping the Halloween spirit real while doing your part to celebrate and shop locally.

EVIL SPIRITS: Need to bring a happening hostess gift but aren’t sure what wine goes with your Sarah Palin costume? Don’t fret. Pure Evil Chardonnay and Evil Cabernet Sauvignon fit the bill. Gorgeously packaged and deliciously appropriate for any occasion, these wines are available at Buster’s Liquors and Wines,
191 S. Highland; $10.99-$12.99.

DRESS UP. What’s a zombie cheerleader without a naughty nurse riding shotgun or Deluxe Jango Fett to sweep her off her feet (that’s right, Deluxe Jango Fett)? Whatever your masked desires — from sexy kitten to killer clown, slave princess to crocodile hunter — may the force be with you as you seek that perfect Halloween attire. All available at the Fun Shop, 634 S. Highland; starting at $30.

SWEET LIFE. Don’t have a costume? Worried because that pumpkin sweater your mother-in-law knitted is starting to look like haute couture? Never fear — there’s more to the holidays than fashion. There’s food! Step away from the closet and head down to Sweet Bistro for a little Hallows Eve sweetness. Assorted delectables at Sweet Bistro,
938 S. Cooper; prices start at $7.

Shop This is compiled by Shopgirl. E-mail shopgirl@memphisflyer.com with tips and suggestions for items to be promoted. Please send a daytime phone number and print-quality digital images for consideration.

Former Memphian Andrew VanWyngarden’s band, MGMT, is huge in Europe, with the tune “Time to Pretend” sitting in the top ten in France and England. And now Italy’s fashion icon Gucci is rocking MGMT in its summer men’s collection.

Gucci designer Frida Giannini had “Time to Pretend” playing as the models moved down the catwalk at her latest show, and she attributed her new “hippie/gypsy” chic design to MGMT’s influence in various press releases.

Check out a slide show here.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever been a fashion victim, an unglamorous “don’t.” Anyone? Everyone? (If you lived through the ’80s and you don’t have your hand up — you’re lying.) But who knows, maybe you never wore acid wash or put a scrunchie in your hair. Maybe you lived the last couple of decades in a cave. A very stylish cave. If not, odds are your life and wardrobe have been nudged more than once by the same fashion forces that caused the rest of us to go out in public wearing football-grade shoulder pads and Birkenstocks, or, heaven help us, to rock the Flashdance look.

Every new season is a potential fashion minefield. Remember the half-shirt? But so far, the 2008 trends we’re seeing in magazines and shop windows are beautiful, downright wearable, and — dare we? — even figure-flattering. After last season’s impossibly unflattering skinny jean, can it be so? The short answer is yes.

Here’s a fast tour of what’s hip, hot, and happening on the fashion front, with color commentary from some of the top trendsetters and style gurus in Memphis.

Trends Spotted: Color. Prints. Vivid lips.

Spring is all about dresses and prints. Bright colors — yellow is a must. Trench coats are a great option. Exotic skin bags are all the rage. Patent leather is really in for spring, and vivid lip color is totally “right now.”

— Alicia George, stylist

Trends Spotted: Retro. Chiffon. Boho chic.

The colors for spring are bright and fun—think citrus colors such as lime, lemon, and orange. Anything in yellow from accessories to dresses, jackets, or tops is perfect for spring. The styling of clothes for spring run from retro and structured to bohemian and flowy. You can’t go wrong with a great mix-and-match skirt suit or a beautifully tailored jacket. We love the ’60s-inspired shift dresses that can be embellished or come in a fun geometric print. Last but not least — boho chic tops in soft feminine chiffon paired with a super-cool wide-leg jean.

— Cara Fromin, Eve, Ella, Isabella

Trends Spotted: Yellow.

It’s all about colored denim, and yellow is the hottest color this spring. — Divine Mafa, Divine Rags

Trends Spotted: Wide-leg jean. Cool T’s. Skull graphic.

Bright colors and prints are a strong trend for women. Yellow and green are emerging as the colors for spring. The latest trend in denim is the wide-leg jean. We suggest the Candace jean by True Religion. The wide-leg style looks great on women of all shapes. Retro sports-team logos are great for any sports fan. Edgy, skull- and tattoo-inspired shirts by Affliction and Ed Hardy continue to work for the contemporary man. For the guy who doesn’t want a graphic but likes a comfortable, fitted basic or V-neck, Diesel is the way to go. Men are really enjoying new fits and washes by Diesel, 7 For All Mankind, and True Religion. After a long absence, lighter shades of denim in lighter weights are back, and Southern men can’t wait to wear them! — Julie Lansky, Lansky 126

Trends Spotted: Denim. Truth.

For men, jeans are always on-trend. This season, Baer’s Den is seeing comfort and true fit move to the forefront. Your jeans should match your individual style and body, and this season’s trends allow that to happen. Unique Japanese denim is definitely a hot new trend. — Jeremy Baer, Baer’s Den

Trends Spotted: Sheaths. Shiny leather.

What’s hot for spring? Knit jackets, sheaths, color, and patent leather.

— Jonathon Christian, Ann Taylor Loft, Oak Court

Trends Spotted: Heavy metals.

Yellow gold is enjoying a resurgence in popularity. White metals such as platinum, white gold, and silver have been hot since the early 1990s, but we’re selling more yellow gold right now than ever before. David Yurman’s signature cable designs in silver and gold with multicolored gemstones are perennial favorites.

— Jay Mednikow, Mednikow Jewelers

Trends Spotted: Brights. Geometrics. Florals and flappers.

The little white dress paired with bold, bright accessories will make the biggest statement for spring. Go ahead, pick the style that suits you best. Geometric designs, retro florals, abstract, pop-art designs. Brights are back — technicolor blue, grass green, juicy shades of orange. In accessories and shoes — medium- to wide-belted waistlines to all-the-way flapper style.

For the home, mirroring, pale colors, and silver are the rage. Think touches of silk, accents of brightly colored, patterned pillows, eco-friendly baskets, wood surfaces and bowls, natural fiber rugs, and throws.

— Lindy Young, marketing manager,

Avenue Carriage Crossing