Thursday, November 10, 2005

Stella McCartney Madness at H&M

Do you love battling for clothing early in the morning at large retail chains? Then you'll love the new Stella McCartney line at H&M. The lines at Boston and New York City H&M locations were formed early, before doors opened, and by the time the crowds all went inside, much of Stella McCartney for H&M was gone. Why? Sales Associates were telling many customers they just didn't have enough of the line to sell; SA's in the Boston store told customers that New York City stores received priority for new shipments over all of the other H&Ms in the U.S. (note to H&M corporate: there are Stella lovers all over the U.S.!). Even in NYC, however, there was not enough merchandise, some shoppers noted. It all seems a bit odd when the line was heavily promoted (magazine ads, the articles in magazines devoted to the line--you could even sign up on the H&M website to receive an email reminder of the line's November 10th debut), enough to bring people to the stores before they opened. Many fans of Stella McCartney, however, were disappointed with the line when it was previewed on the H&M site and stayed away from stores today, the official launch date of the retail chain's limited edition line. While some are less than thrilled at the design and merchandise, we're still hopeful we'll be able to snag a sweater or two before they're gone forever.

Friday, November 04, 2005

Stam, Stam I am


Marc Jacobs has a created the new "it" bag: the quilted "Stam." But how does one create an "it" bag? Send it to celebrities, cross your fingers that they'll carry it, get photographed by unyielding paparazzi, and incite a massive craze! In this case, that's exactly what happened. First Lindsey Lohan carried one to a Coldplay concert in early September in the 'petrol' color, then Nicky Hilton was spotted toting the taupe color (pictured at left), and well... you know the rest. Now the Stam is sold out in Marc Jacobs boutiques across the U.S., and people are stalking department stores and online sites, hoping some person will change their mind, and return one of the wonderful stams (unlikely). So where can a soul desperate for a Stam find one of the gems? Where else, eBay! The bag, which retails for $1,200 has been selling for nearly $1,800 on the auction site. According to Marc Jacobs boutiques, the stam will return for Spring 2006, this time in all sorts of colors suitable for the warmer weather. If you're feeling stalkeriffic, you can check out NeimanMarcus.com, BergdorfGoodman.com, ELuxury.com on a daily basis to see if anyone has cancelled their (back)order.
Photo credit: Eluxury.com.

Thursday, November 03, 2005

Military ruffle neck jacket


Tired of your boring pea coat? The military ruffle neck coat made of wool, and available at Urban Outfitters is the perfect antidote. The jacket, which is fully lined, hits at almost mid-thigh, and is slim through the waist area so as not to achieve that bulky effect some pea coats have. Retails for $140, but you can probably find a code on Reesycakes.com.

StyleChronicles is also loving Free People's Fitted Wool Coat, also available on Urban Outfitters. Also made of wool, it features a cozy little faux fur trimmed hood, cool buttons, and a lot of details that make it a better-than-average fall/winter jacket.
Photo courtesy of UrbanOutfitters.com.