Kickin' it at the Eurocup

For all of our Euro-phile brethren, the excitement reaches fever pitch at this time of year. For those of you recording skipping out of work to watch the semifinals over the next two days, the real question is, as it always should be, what is the proper cheering attire?* 

Spain v. Portugal. As we are rooting for Spain, the old country, as it were, naturally this means something red and/or yellow. Which leads to tomorrow's plan - 10:30 a.m., get on line for and subsequently dominate the Amanda Uprichard sample sale with the efficiency of Alonso's feet. With any luck, we will snag this and pair it with one or more red bangles: 

Italy v. Germany. Another of our homelands, Italy's Forza Azzurri is our pick. The eponymous nickname necessitates blue apparel. Leave it to the Italians to nickname their team after their uniforms. For this game we turn to Improvd for a blue maxi-dress, avant-garde couture designed by Valentino Vettori, who is, fittingly, one of our favorite Italian designers based out of NYC:

 

Buona fortuna, buena suerte, and so forth! 

*Because, trust us, you know no self-respecting European would dare be seen in anything less than form-fitting clothing perfectly contoured to their annoyingly petite bodies. Seriously, have you seen the Italian fans? Wistful sigh. But we digress...

Countdown to...New York Fashion Week!

Once again, it's the most wonderful time of the year...fashion week!! Stay tuned for coverage beginning with the Katie Gallagher and M.Patmos shows on Thursday! Much, much more to come!

Need fashion week fun to tide you over in the meantime? Reminisce with our September fun here, here, here, here, and here.

Blue Logan Exhibition Takes Flight at Improvd

Over the past few months, Improvd glammed up their Meatpacking flagship with sketches by UK fashion illustrator Blue Logan (centerpiece pictured above). The exhibition concluded last week. In an homage to self, Improvd exhibited pieces inspired by their striking SS 2012 presentation. 

While enjoying free cocktails, we browsed through Improvd’s latest offerings, which include some of the most interesting and understated sparkle of the season (i.e.  black glittering hip-skimming cardigans and gold jumpsuits). The brand’s designer, Valentino Vettori, was also present, mingling in his characteristically charming and unassuming way.

The ladies of Improvd

We were tipped off to an upcoming Gilt City event that is taking place on November 30^th. Among the goodies offered will be a 20% discount on in-store purchases.  After recovering from Thanksgiving’s glut of canned cranberries, discounts on already “affordable avant garde couture” sound like the perfect way to kick off a happy holiday!

StyleShifter's coverage of Improvd’s SS 2012 presentation here and here. 

Improvd Spring 2012 Presentation at Lincoln Center New York Fashion Week

The air vibrated with anticipation as the room fell dark. Suddenly, blue light slashed violently through the obscurity and the Improvd presentation began.

Act I. An introduction to avant-garde couture.

The models emerged in expertly draped clothing constructed from high quality and beautifully hued material. 

 

Act II. Amplified avant-garde couture.

Bolder colors and basket-woven leather filled the room. Feminine allure redefined as simultaneously palpable yet imperceptible.

Act III. A new world.

Springtime bloomed with an unexpected and previously unknown beauty at the Improvd show.

Improvd can be found at Jessie James, a boutique located in NYC's West Village and in Hoboken. The boutique's knowledgeable staffers are extremely helpful and the clothing is carefully curated.

Backstage at Improvd, New York Fashion Week

StyleShifter went backstage at today's Improvd show - check out the hair and makeup below! Full coverage of the breathtaking show to follow shortly!