In spite of the firestorm of criticism, the team fired back in their next game with a solid black uniform, a yellow and red ombre sleeved jersey, and matte black helmet with a sliver of the checkered Maryland State flag’s crest in the center. While more subtle than their first showing, compared to West Virginia, positively electric.

ESPN’s sports fashion critic, Paul Lucas, ridiculed Maryland’s first uniforms by calling them “costumes”. The fact that ESPN even has an opening for a “sports fashion critic” speaks volumes about the importance of fashion in sports. Where the tennis court used to be the only venue for athleticism and fashion to coexist, football just got more interesting with this show of fashion fortitude. Gentlemen, it’s time to get with the program.

Watching the game between Maryland and West Virginia is like seeing a team from the future play a team from the 1990′s. Who cares? Perhaps the other team. There’s something intimidating if not distracting about playing a team that looks so extraordinary, like a band of superheroes. Call them “costumes” if you may, but it’s whatever gives your team an edge and extra boost of confidence on the field, and for all you football fans makes your wife or girlfriend want to watch a little football with you.

Not all teams are as likely to impress.

Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) has made no significant updates to its uniforms in the last 50 years. To describe the uniforms as retro would be absurdly flattering because there’s nothing to note. I hope they play spectacularly because they are otherwise entirely forgettable. Like Maryland, they are also unranked. Funny how some controversial fashion can make you the talk of college football. What did LeBron tweet about Penn State? Exactly.

Maryland has broken ground in uniform styling innovation because it has broken free of the typical attempts made by other teams who are stuck using blinding colors, cheesy mascots and tired returns to vintage styles. Clemson University’s attempt to draw attention to itself draws more barks than cheers. Are they sponsored by Iam’s dog food? I can only imagine how embarrassing it feels to play in “Road Work” orange. Like plays, not all attempts to create a fashion splash are equally effective.

Critics of fashion savvy teams like Maryland University and University of Oregon aren’t having their view of the game obscured, so why complain? However, given that this could add a new dimension and fascination to the sport why not dress to impress? While the NFL lags behind with its conservative uniforms that are a veritable snoozefest, NFL team owners should take note of Maryland’s soaring notoriety when trying to fill their stadiums to capacity or get national television coverage. When it comes to getting attention, this kind of publicity can’t be a bad thing if your team becomes a talking point on every sports show across the nation. If young people set the trends, we have a more visually stimulating field to look forward to.

ARTICLE by MIKO LAUBE

The bomb building, machine gun totting, philanthropic mercenary Fiona Glennane (Gabrielle Anwar) brings the fire power to USA Network’s uniquely cerebral and stylish Miami based series, Burn Notice. She and her equally electrifying co-star Michael Weston (Jeffrey Donovan) are seriously dangerous and dangerously sexy. Aside from the fact that there’s something HOT about woman who knows her plastic explosives, can handle an automatic weapon and always fights for the underdog (and wins), Fiona (affectionately known as Fi) pulls together sexy, stylish casuals with polished effortlessness, perfect for the Miami heat.

Her pieces are revealing yet understated, fashionable yet functional enough to be “spy worthy”. Her bronzed skin, minimal makeup paired with simple ponytails, pigtails or just freshly washed hair keep her looking invigorated. From her trademark sky high wedge sandals and wrap around shades, to her (can you believe?) fanny pack, Fiona has created an iconic style that isn’t just for girls who like to blow things up. Fi’s fashion choices are available at affordable prices and may already exist in your wardrobe.

As we bid farewell to another season of Burn Notice (Buy it on iTunes) absorbing what we know about Fi’s styling choices can leave us with a lasting impression on how to apply her fashion sense to our own ensembles.

Fiona takes an outfit that is in essence t-shirts, shorts and sandals and makes it extraordinary. You wont find her in a shapeless tee. When she’s not showing off her brilliant biceps in a sexy fitted tank, she layers thin tees in different shapes, lengths and colors to create a top that’s textured. She spices it up with cargo shorts that have pockets and ties which add dimension to plain shorts and give them an urban quality. She adds the “WOW!” factor with sky high, platform wedge sandals in nude or tan, which combined with short shorts elongate legs. Expending a little more effort towards these everyday wardrobe decisions clearly makes a huge difference.

GET THE LOOK: Camisole and Cargo Shorts by Victoria’s Secret, Cargo Shorts by Willow and Clay at Piperlime.com

GET THE LOOK: Wedges (clockwise from top left): Steve Madden, Nine West, BCBG and Calvin Klein at Piperlime.com

With such an array of wedge sandal available, look for tan and nude variations with cork, leather, weaves and fibers.

Sometimes it’s just that simple. When Fiona pairs a flattering, long sleeve Henley shirt in her signature military green with jeans and accessorizes the look with a glamorous set of shades, she makes looking good look so easy. For you that could mean finding just the right fit in a simple shirt, knowing what colors look good on you and finding the perfect pair of jeans. So much of the polish that makes people look fashionable and put together comes from perfecting fit not paying more. When trying to find the perfect pair of statement shades, whether you buy your sunglasses at Gucci or the gas station, it helps to have a second opinion. Statement sunglasses are a perfect way to put the polish on a simple outfit, but if they look ridiculous you will look well, ridiculous.

GET THE LOOK: Henley Shirt by Victoria’s Secret, Sunglasses by House of Harlow at Piperlime.com

Not many girls can rock a fanny pack (or “belt bag”) but how else is Fi going to carry her ammo, lock picks, and bomb making tools as she dodges bullets and sprints away from explosions in her 5″ wedges? You may just be toting a harmless lipgloss, cell phone, ID and credit card but there’s an advantage to going hands-free. This is especially true at places like amusement parks, night clubs and concerts (or even just pushing around the grocery cart!) when you you’d like the freedom to move around and use both hands but there’s no safe place to put a pesky hand bag. If the rustic leather version isn’t your taste consider the versions designed by labels like Gucci which combine practicality with a bit of bling. If it seems like a big investment, consider it one less lost set of credit cards, driver’s license, car keys, cell phone and cash and the fanny pack just paid for itself.

GET THE LOOK: Baby doll Shirt by Long Tall Sally, Fanny Pack by New Look

Part of getting away with the perfect crime is the element of surprise. Fiona hides from the enemy in innocent getups consisting of baby doll tunics and dresses in sweet pastel shades, complimented by ponytails and pigtails that are positively girlish. These looks don’t just conceal Fi’s lethal fire power but take years off her age and divert our attention from some universally unflattering some sun damage. Her sculpted physique and no nonsense attitude take these outfits from cute to youthfully sexy on someone so womanly.

GET THE LOOK: Ruffled Hem Babydoll by Victoria’s Secret

GET THE LOOK: Cowl Neck Halter and Open Back T-shirt by Victoria’s Secret

Fiona is easily television’s sexiest crime fighter because of her sexy show of skin during one of the most action packed series on TV. In exposing just an open back or a bare shoulder, she shows enough skin appropriate for the scorching Miami heat and sexy style of South Beach without alienating us and making us cry “Slut!” It may seem improbable that she wear a backless top or mini dress with platform sandals during a shootout or chase on foot and yet audiences watch with fascination and envy. We want our superheroes to defy reality and root for them. Yet as a wardrobe choice for the everyday, it’s not as impractical. Incorporating one element of unconventionally revealing clothing, like backless top, can create similar intrigue when balanced out with modest wardrobe and styling choices. Make the change and your same old tank top and jeans just got a whole lot more interesting.

Mesh Halter Top by Victoria’s Secret

Crochet Tank Top by Victoria’s Secret

Fiona is a perfect example of a woman who embraces her shape. With such petite proportions, Fiona has the luxury of experimenting with textures such as ruching and crochet which can add bulk to larger frames but in addition to being pretty can create depth and curves on smaller ones. With so many women springing for breast implants and padded bras it’s refreshing to see a TV heroine who’s not afraid to work a small bust. On the show none of Fi’s shirts or dresses are padded, in fact she’s best known for going au naturale. Fi choses shirts with decorative and embellished necklines to detract from the size of her bust and to draw flattering attention to her immaculately sculpted arms and shoulders instead. It sends a positive message that you can pick up a set of dumb bells to get this look without ever having to set foot in a plastic surgeon’s office!

GET THE LOOK: Embellished Halter Top by Victoria’s Secret

GET THE LOOK: Peasant Top by Old Navy

GET THE LOOK: Jersey Mini Dress by Riler and Fount at Piperlime.com

GET THE LOOK: Sleeved T-Dress at Venus.com

When using a dress to impress, Fiona sticks to simple, single colored dressed and to-the-minute fashionable footwear. Wear a simple dress paired with a statement accessory and let your your natural good looks and bravado do the rest of the talking. Simple dresses are generally more affordable and have greater longevity because they are less ‘trendy.’ Keeping a healthy stash of great accessories is enough to continue updating your dress year after year. In addition to shoes, great accessories that can change the look of a simple dress include bold jewelry, fashionably sized belts (which change from year to year), camisoles, tights, head bands and scarves. Summer dresses become winter wearables with the help of luxe cardigans, structured blazers, fur vests and chunky sweater jackets.

GET THE LOOK: Corset dress by Victoria’s Secret

Fiona is easily television’s hottest Bond Girl. In this popular Dolce and Gabbana dress worn by celebrities like Khloe Kardashian, Lauran Conrad and Michelle Kwan, there’s no question that Fiona wore it best. In trying this corset dress look for less, keep it ‘Oh so Fi’ with natural, minimal makeup and finish it with a clean ponytail . . . and (don’t forget!) fabulous shoes.

With summer and this season’s Burn Notice coming to an end it might seem like we have to kiss Fiona’s fabulous fashion good bye. With one episode left (September 8th, 2011 at 9/8C) it’s not too late to get obsessed with Burn Notice (Full episodes available online at USANetwork.com). And with the heat still lingering it’s not too late to raid your own closet in search of Fi-like finds and start putting your outfits together Fiona style. The good news if you’re looking to score these kinds of duds is that they’re likely on clearance in-store and online. Whether you’re looking to go out in a blaze of summer glory Burn Notice style or save on fashion purchases for your winter vacations or next summer, now is a great time to make savvy investments on clothing that are more about a methodology of dressing than trend. Props to the USA Network for giving us a show we will gladly watch with our significant other and for a character that motivates us to make inspired fashion choices.

ARTICLE BY: MIKO LAUBE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF USA NETWORK, PIPERLIME, VISTORIA’S SECRET, OLD NAVY, LONG TALL SALLY, & NEW LOOK

Victoria’s Secrets garments available online, subject to availability.

For Steven Lemay, owner of Retro Fit (910 Valencia, San Francisco, 415-550-1530), vintage is a way of life. The assortment of clothing here is no a haphazard collection of used goods. Unlike thrift stores which rely on donations or consignment stores which mostly buy, sell and trade newer clothes, Lemay is adamant about the quality and authenticity of his hand-picked vintage gems. Tough economic times have led to fewer clothing donations and the rise of heirs pillaging through Grandma’s vintage closet to sell on eBay, lending itself to slim pickings. But Lemay continues to expand his impressive selection, he says “I look for timeless pieces” through estate sales, auctions and the occasional walk-in. Staying on top in his field also means staying “on trend” with what’s currently fashionable as well as carrying the kinds of vintage items that suit the needs of the modern woman. “You just have to be accepting of fashion and see where fashion is going. Like OK I can see where this is going and I can play your game.”

Lemay has identified the current trend in “early 1960′s dresses having clean lines [that are] very classic [in] very muted tones” stemming from the popular series ‘Mad Men’. “People are realizing that this style will last forever.” With the current demand for 80′s fashion, “big shoulders, pouffy skirts and colorful abstract prints”, by the younger crowd of ‘hipters’, Lemay has realized that like all fans of vintage clothing “You like things that you didn’t live through.” 1970′s clothing is hugely popular for costumes as “it’s the easiest genre for people to grab on to to create a party around and it also tends to be the least expensive since it’s still relatively new . . . there’s a lots of it and it’s longer lasting because it’s polyester.”

For the first time vintage shopper, racks of individual items in only one size can seem daunting. Lemay sympathizes, “Sometimes you just want to come in and buy one thing and be like ‘I’m done!’ ” But if you own just one item of vintage clothing he suggests a day dress that’s “not too flashy or [with] too much of a pattern. If you pick more of a simple color palette it will last longer . . . Girls like dresses that move well because nowadays girls are more active [so it] can’t be too tight or too constricting . . . If I had to pick a genre it would be late 50′s, early 60′s.” Alternately, given San Francisco weather Lemay suggests upping your game from your primarily functional modern coat to something more special. “Back in vintage days your jacket was an integral part of your outfit, sometimes it even matched your outfit.” L.Q. sees the value in a vintage piece’s test of time, “You know you have something truly timeless because it still looks good.”

Lemay shares that operating a store with such delicate, one-of-a-kind merchandise can be trying when people fail to appreciate that “those clothes are older than you are and they need to be treated delicately. . . That garment made it in one piece for 70 years and they don’t need to ruin it with one touch.” Sizing can be tricky as the girth of dress sizes has grown over the decades and Lemay has to use some discretion when faced with requests to try on clothing. “I ask them ‘Do you know your bust size, your waist size?’ . . . I’m not asking them to be mean, ‘Oh well you’re too big!’ [Instead] I ask ‘Do you think that’s really gonna fit you?’ and I do offer help to get them in and out of the garment.”

Stepping inside Retro Fit is to be transported in time. The collection of preserved maps, travel guides and books stuffed in an antique suitcase at the door is appropriate for the journey inside. There are cases filled with every iteration of sunglass, eyelash, mustache and makeup, rows of wigged heads stare down watchfully and flashier garments hang from the walls like tapestries.

Lemay’s background as a performer and drag queen influenced him to include costume items and theatrical makeup in his merchandise. But his wigs aren’t just for parties and performances. “Everyone loves a wig! It doesn’t have to be for a costume. . . They can get a beautiful dress and then some hair to compliment that. . .We try to carry styles that would compliment vintage ensembles.” You could come in as one person and with his help walk out as someone from a completely another era, as if through a time machine.

Many thanks to the extremely knowledgable and charming Steven Lemay for allowing us into his store and for giving us access to his fabulous finds! And thanks to our beautiful and delightful Melissa Martinyak for modeling Retro Fit’s gorgeous clothes and embodying the different eras (in the rain!!!) Photos and interview by Miko Laube.

Admittedly, after following each cycle religiously, I too lost track of the model potential who endured months of Tyra Banks’ unbearable ego, nonsensical commentary from her and her cohorts, demanding photo shoots (some positively disgusting), deliberately dangerous runway challenges, and the catty personality clashes that make the show kind of a drag.

Since balancing trays of candles on your head and posing in trash dumps have so much to do with being a high fashion model, one can only assume that this kind of torture is derived for our viewing pleasure. In the show’s psuedo-Roman Coliseum, Tyra and her “experts” rip newbie models apart using lots of pretty pictures, and even resort to undressing them when they “don’t look like a model”.

The coveted cover prize seems to have deteriorated over the 16 cycles from Elle to Seventeen, and now reduced to a cover and spread in Italian Vogue’s supplement, Beauty in Vogue, with some coverage in Italian Vogue and on their Italian language website. This has been pumped up as a stepping stone for “editorial” work but considering the magazine is rarely available in the US, it only reinforces the lack of a modeling future stateside.

Winners receive representation from Elite Model Management, which also approaches early castoffs that they see more potential in. There is of course the 100,000 dollar contract with Covergirl cosmetics, but with Drew Barrymore and Taylor Swift representing their line, I can only assume this is just spending money for clothes, shoes and hopefully sandwiches!

Why watch . . . for 16 seasons??? For most Americans, like the contestants, ANTM is as close as you can get to the designers and photographers that shape the fashion industry and chance to travel to some of the most beautiful cities in the world. The photo shoots, however bizarre, are even more stunning than the contents of a high fashion magazine because each concepts is so creative, unconventional and challenging to the models.

The transformation of your average pretty or even just plain awkward girl through hair styling, makeup and wardrobe is positively inspiring because it could happen to you. The tips from pros to get the models to take stronger photographs can even improve how you pose for your own snapshots or build you a more confident walk with tips from Miss J (who FYI has a bellowing baritone voice and is more masculine that the Hulk in-person. He does not wear makeup or do any kind of kitschy model walk).

But where are they now? There have been a few breakout stars, not all of whom won. Many have had successful print campaigns and most notably cycle 8 winner Jaslene, who was cut as a semifinalist the previous season, and repeatedly ripped, cycle 10 castoff Katarzyna have made careers in high fashion and have done runway work. Admittedly, I’d like to feed them a sandwich . . . or five. Here’s what some of the “successful” Top Model contestants have been up to.

But for every girl that said on the show that her ONLY dream in life was to become a model, most went on to live out bigger, better dreams with lots of carbs. This runway show for a designer you all know as “The Mall” features 40+ familiar faces from the various cycles. Jaslene and Katarzyna are determined to prove they are “real models” but the rest don’t seem as resolute to prove they “made it”, just happy to be recognizable to their many fans.

Reality shows rarely produce anything other than entertainment at the expense of the participants. They can hope at best for some notoriety and exposure which when approaching the modeling and entertainment industry as a no-name is invaluable. The women who’ve succeeded post ANTM may not be the most attractive, talented or even appropriate for the industry, they may just have parlayed their 15 minutes of fame more efficiently than some resting on their laurels as a contestant or winner. If there’s a lesson to be learned from the success and failure of their modeling careers, it’s that ultimately it may be less about natural selection of the fittest and more about maximizing precious time in a window of opportunity. Winning America’s Next Top Model must be nice – tear. Getting eliminated and developing a more successful career than the person who won is better. (So is getting to say “Suck it!”)

Catch up with live episodes of America’s Next Top Model!

ARTICLE BY MIKO LAUBE, PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL AND THE CW NETWORK.

Craptastic Fashion (def.): To take a totally unappealing, out-of-date or otherwise unwanted item of clothing and transform it into a fashionable look using other clothing items and accessories in an existing wardrobe.

We’ve all been there in one way, shape or form: the hideous bridesmaid’s dress, unflattering uniform, even a piece of clothing never worn but too expensive to discard. Clothes can make you happy, but in instances like this they are downright depressing.

The Craptastic Fashion Challenge is about creating cocktails from fashion’s lemons. Being fashionable isn’t just about getting your hands on all the hottest new trends every season. With real life limitations on our wallets and closet space, fashion savvy is learning to work with what you’ve got and through this you define your own brand of style.

The Popcorn Top Challenge

These stretchy, expand to fit, scrunchy-like tops were found in a bin at Walgreen’s, just $10 for two. (Arguably we could have done better at Old Navy but for the sake of the challenge . . . ) Upon seeing the pale pink and bright purple specimens, fashion contender Melissa Martinyak, 25, let out a wale of laughter!

The recent San Francisco transplant is in the midst of a shopping frenzy at the city’s vintage stores, but the bulk of her wardrobe from hometown Saratoga, CA stems for mainstream stores like H&M, Forever 21 and Nordstrom Rack. From these wallet friendly fashion sources Melissa built an eclectic assortment of pieces. “I never buy anything to match or go together, I only buy things I like individually.”

Her wardrobe packs so much punch that she frequently has to hold back, “I attract so much attention but it’s the wrong kind of attention, from the wrong kind of people. They want to talk to me.” A total stranger recently approached Melissa about a pair of sheepskin clogs she was wearing, “Those are strange,” he said walking away. (Gee thanks!)

Her latest fashion find? Wigs! Why? “They’re great. I don’t have to do my hair!”

Sightseeing: Rainbow Bright!

Melissa broke out the Crayola playbook for her daytime look. When matching the bright purple top, instead of dulling it down with basic black or denim (my automatic thought), she played up the top’s color with other bright hues for a dynamic daytime look. This sporty outfit is designed for the tourist that needs to get up, out and about to see the sights, be easily recognizable to friends and most of all look photogenic for all those pictures in this digital camera-happy generation.

Melissa’s additional wardrobe items to complete the look comprised of her “Joan Jet” wig and yellow beaded drop earrings. She paired her yellow hooded jacket with layered bloomers and green short leggings. She accessorized with a wide yellow belt, red leather bowler bag and old school Nike high-tops with lace laces. (Yes, shoelaces made of lace!)

Nightlife: Urban Dance

Melissa’s evening look didn’t just have a different feel, it was of a different pedigree. A frequenter of the live indie-rock scene in San Francisco, Melissa was looking for a way to rock her craptastic popcorn top on the dance floor at her favorite local bars and clubs.

The places she frequents put a premium on unique style over brand names. Melissa toys with contradictions: her homme/femme ensemble is business on top and party on bottom. She incorporates the popcorn top into a pale pink backdrop with a coordinating blazer and her fair skin to feature a signature piece, her layered tutu skirt in black tulle and bright Chinese silk. A designer consignment find? No, “It’s from Hot Topic. But don’t tell anyone that.” (Oops!)

Melissa matches a pale pink blazer, with grey and black accents, to the shade of the top to draw attention to her black and fuchsia tutu skirt. Her accessories match from head to toe, the black dangling earrings with floral silver engravings coordinate with her black ballet flats with silver zipper rosettes. The shoes are a perfect match but also the right choice to keep her feet in sweet shape to dance the night away!

Melissa didn’t just she manage to make a good thing out of a bad situation, her combinations brought out a few positive qualities of the popcorn tops. Melissa molded the top’s shape by belting it at the waist and pulling it to her desired length. Having created such streamlined looks, we can appreciate the unique texture of the popcorn tops even under a jacket. The craptastic fashion object connects and contributes when part of a great outfit. And that’s the moral of this craptastic story.

SEE THE WHOLE PHOTO SHOOT!

Click to view slideshow.

(Left: nicole by Nicole Miller blouse $35, leggings $18.20, Right: Nicole Miller Resort 2011)

(Left: nicole by Nicole Miller poncho $35, boots $49.99, Right: Nicole Miller Collection)

The beauty of course is that whether you live in Manhattan or Wichita, you can wear a designer label every day of the week! And the more savvy designers are finding more approachable ways to share their brand. In Nicole Miller’s collection for JCPenney, nicole by Nicole Miller, the designer takes a practical approach to designing the kind of clothes people look for at the mall. Rather than luring you to JCPenney just to buy “wannabe” Nicole Miller clothing, the pieces she’s offering are better alternatives to the tunic tops, blouses, wrap dresses and knits you’re already looking to buy. Miller concentrates her attention on the kind of tops perfect to wear with the basic leggings you already own. Her dresses are comfortable yet don the same edgy patterns as her designer collections, especially her 2011 Resort Collection. There are visible similarities between the nicole by Nicole Miller and Nicole Miller’s designer collections that can be seen in the shapes, color choices and Miller’s signature pattern creation. This casual line offers women a more polished, fashion forward approach to the favorite separates they wear daily. Best of all, unlike her collection, you can throw your nicole items in the delicate cycle!

See a side-by-side comparison below

Click to view slideshow.

(Right: Vera Wang for Wedgewood – Vera Lace Gold 5-Piece Place Setting, Right: Vera Wang Bridal Collect Spring 2011)

A select group of designers are showing longevity and commitment to sharing their designs with the masses, notably Vera Wang for Wedgewood and Christian Siriano for Payless. Both designers have translated their success as clothing designers into other products. It’s not a stretch for brides admiring Vera Wang bridal couture to make the leap to register for Wang’s china, flatware or home decor at the local department store. While not every bride can afford to wear a Vera Wang gown on her wedding day, thanks to her guests she can spend happily ever after feasting on the designer label, literally.

(Left: Christian Siriano Spring 2011 Collection, Center: Chirstian Siriano for Payless, Right: Shoes for Christian Siriano Spring 2011)

Christian Siriano’s flamboyant personality and notoriety as a Project Runway Winner made him a perfect fit for shoppers at Payless Shoesource, who likely watched the show. The self-admitted shoe addict concocts too-tough-to-trot creations for the runway (check out the models who fell – ouch!) but translates them into remarkably wearable solutions for Payless that not only resemble the runway shoes but aspects of his clothing collection as well. Even though you pay less, you can get a real piece of Siriano’s love for footwear.

One thing is clear, if the trend of designer collaborations is going to last it has to make sense. Churning out “not quite” couture is out of time, because instead of smelling like Designer Imposter most of us would rather head to Bath and Bodyworks to find something that just smells right. If designers like Nicole Miller, Vera Wang and Christian Siriano can deliver what we already need, whether it’s chic casuals, wedding China or new shoes (always!), then anyone with good taste will likely partake . . . whether or not they feed on designer labels.

ARTICLE BY MIKO LAUBE

Dress by Ulla Maija at Marina Morrison, San Francisco

Taking a picture can be as simple as pointing your camera phone at the mirror! Dress by Pronovios

Is My Dream Dress Out There?

Absolutely! Start by trying on dresses well in advance, bridal boutiques recommend shopping six to nine months in advance to allow time for ordering and alterations. Bridal magazines are great for exploring what silhouettes, fabrics and embellishments exist but until you try them on you won’t know what suits your body type and look. You may gravitate towards certain styles on the rack but keep an open mind to suggestions by the assistants you work with. After all they are professionals! Be polite but assertive about what you don’t like: explain the aspects that matter because it could lead to retrieving something befitting. The dress should flatter as well as expresses your personality and stay true to the theme of your wedding.

If you experience what I call the “Cupcake Effect”, it’s only normal. If you’ve never tried on wedding gowns before, seeing yourself in so much lace, beads, satin and tulle can be a bit overwhelming. Breathe.

Examine the dress from multiple angles and whenever possible take photos! Not only does this allow you to compare dresses between stores but it offers you a perspective that will matter on the big day. Your wedding photos will be the lasting memories you have of your dress, so make sure it looks as good as you think it does.

Dollar for Dollar : The Three Broad Budget Categories

Buying a used or sample dress requires a careful examination of any irreparable damage, here at Glamor Closet

Discounted Dresses $500 – $2000

Websites such as oncewed.com, recycledbride.com, and woreitonce.com, blowout sample sales and specialty stores like Glamor Closet sell sample (floor samples from boutiques), once-worn (pre-owned) or change of heart (ordered but unworn) high-end and designer gowns for a fraction of the price. You may have to live with some damage to sample and pre-owned dresses as well the responsibility to clean them (which can take up to two months), you will have to fit the size available and even some alterations made to once-worn and change-of-heart dresses. But for the unfussy fashionista on a budget who vowed to get married in Vera Wang on their wedding day, this may be your best bet.

This luxe looking gown by Pronovios costs $1100, seen at Novella Bridal, San Francisco

Economical Bride $300-$1500

Try playing the “Bridal Price is Right” game with any bridal magazine that indicates each gown’s costs and see whether you can tell whether a gown is “dirt cheap” or “totally pricey”. You can’t always tell, which means you too can find an inexpensive dress that impresses and no one needs be the wiser. Designers are able to create inexpensive yet gorgeous looking gowns by cutting costs using synthetic fabrics and mass producing in standard sizes. They may not be as hearty as more expensive ones, but for something you only wear once it may be a corner worth cutting.

Designer, Custom and Couture $3000 +

If you’re a sucker for details like draped silk shantung, handmade lace and cascading buttoned seams, and if you salivate at the thought of wearing a runway designer or one-of-kind dress, you may want to rethink the hosted bar and splurge on this instead. The main advantage of pricier gowns is how well you can have them crafted to your specifications, a huge advantage if you’re petite, full-figured or tall. The level of service at high-end boutiques makes the experience stress-free when you don’t have to contend with finding a tailor for alterations since everything is done in-house. One less hassle may be worth the price.

In Sum . . .

It’s important to factor not just the ticket price but also additional costs such as cleaning, petite sizing, rush delivery, muslin fittings, breast cup enhancements, and ALTERATIONS – the most standard being hemming and creating a bustle. You can ask for a cap on additional alterations at some stores and use the combined totals or estimates to compare your options.

Dress by Priscilla's of Boston, Available Nationwide

Size Matters

When you can’t zip up or are swimming in a sample dress it’s a stretch to imagine a version in “your size” fitting in all the right places. They will clip it in the back for you to show you an approximate fit but if something feels really off, chances are it’s something an alteration in your size probably can’t fix. Trust your instincts. From your measurements most stores account for where you are largest, order this size and alter inwards. Remember that alterations can be suggested but not promised.
Your wedding dress size will likely be two to four sizes larger than your usual dress size! Some brides wait months after ordering a dress only for it to arrive in the wrong size, so make sure you are measured carefully. Give yourself plenty of time (six months minimum) and make it a point to get to know the people you’re purchasing from, research them online and make sure you trust them.

Decision Making

Never let a store push you into a decision with a hard sell. Don’t sign anything until you’re ready to order! Be prepared to get phone calls and emails from the boutiques you’ve visited, sometimes with incentives to purchase sooner rather than later. Be mindful of production and fitting deadlines so your dress is ready in time, but make sure you feel like you’ve thoroughly explored your options. Countless unused dresses are for sale online by brides who lost interest in their original choice because they didn’t spend enough time looking. You don’t have to go to 11 stores! But if going to 12 gives you peace of mind, do what you have to.

Lucky number 11! Jin Wang's boutique carried MY Angel Sanchez choice

Your Day, Your Dress

Your dress should be a special part of your wedding experience. You should feel confident that you love it and confident in the people you’re dealing with. The right dress is one that leaves you feeling like you’re not making any compromises. Feedback from friends and family members is great, but ultimately the right dress will come from a feeling inside you.

“This is the dress that I not only want to get married in, but want to be buried in!” – The Author.

WRITTEN by MIKO LAUBE, PHOTOS by HELPFUL PEOPLE (Many thanks.)

Levi’s is the first brand to recognize that finding jeans can be as agonizing for women as trying on bras or bathing suits. In interviews conducted with women globally, Levi’s found that 54% of women try on ten pairs of jeans before settling on one.  Unlike men who blame the jeans for not fitting them, women typically blame their own bodies for not fitting the jeans. Through analyzing the three-dimensional body scans of 60,000 women worldwide, Levi’s identified four broad categories of women who they classified into the Curve IDs “Slight”, “Demi” “Bold” and “Supreme”.

Just what Curve ID are you? Generally speaking you can be diagnosed by problem type. If you experience pinching at the waist (the dreaded muffin top!) you may be a “Slight”. If you’re tight in the back but loose in the waist you may be a “Bold”. If you need more coverage for your backside, “the women who have suffered the longest and the most” according to a Levi’s spokesperson, you may be a (bootyful) “Supreme”. If you’re generally proportional and fit into most jeans you may experience an even better fit as a “Demi”.

A demonstration on live models with drastically different body types but identical jeans size to demonstrate the “Slight”, “Demi” and “Bold” proved Levi’s new mantra that fit is about “shape not size”.

Your ‘Curve ID’ can be evaluated by a Levi’s expert in their stores. With feet together, arms crossed, and bending from side to side, they determine your natural waist. This will be compared against the measurements around your pelvic bones and eight inches down at your seat, and the ratio will determine your ‘Curve ID’.

Levi’s is committed to its new women’s fit plan. Satisfied ‘Curve ID’ customers can continue purchasing the jeans that work for them in the future as the company brings these fits back in new fashions, finishes, and details. You may just have to try on a pair and feel for yourself.

Find a Levi’s store near you!

ARTICLE by MIKO LAUBE, PHOTOS courtesy of LEVI STRAUSS

The vision of fashion students feels markedly unrestrained compared to professional designers limited by the demands of commercialism and trends. Their zeal is contagious, their choices risky but their work would be merely hasty without proper guidance. Students at the Academy of Art University San Francisco are given the opportunity to develop and produce their own collections with the help of their instructors, which are presented in the city’s most inspired runway show.