Clutch 22 » Press

C22 Quoted in the Inside Source

JordyBee — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:41:05 +0000

Fashionista.com editor Lauren Sherman, who I recently met at a few NYFW events, wrote a story for eBay’s The Inside Source this week on three of the toughest trends to pull off from the runways – lightweight leather, socks with sandals and sweatpants (in a non-loungy way). She came to me as a source for her story and I was beyond flattered to weigh in. I think my first reaction was, “What? You remember me and have been to my website?!” Check out Lauren’s story below. Which of these three trends are you most likely to sport and how would you style them on yourself?

Lightweight Leather

Seen at Zero + Maria Cornejo, Celine and Loewe

Zero + Maria Cornejo (Photo by Mark Von Holden/Getty Images), Celine (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images), Loewe (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images)

From designer Phoebe Philo’s much-copied leather t-shirt at Celine to Stuart Vevers’ perforated and ruffle leather skirt at Loewe, leather for warm weather is everywhere. But how do you pull off such a subversive fabric against bare skin? Particularly in the sweaty summer? Ali Privitera, author of popular style advice blog Three Inch Heels, suggests “Lightweight leather looks best paired with other textures. Denim, of course, but also silk, ruffles, and cotton. I especially love the way a ladylike dress with a small pattern looks with a cropped leather jacket.” And most importantly: Keep things simple. “if you choose a leather mini (or even shorts), pair it with a camping style white blouse tucked in,” she says. “Also, flats look best with these styles.”

Socks with Sandals

Seen at Dior, Burberry and Chloe

Burberry (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images), Christian Dior (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images), Chloe (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images)

Socks with sandals might be the most difficult of this tough trend triumvirate to pull off. Why? Because, unless you live in a world of fashion elites, people might still think it looks a bit weird. But who cares? Jordana Bruner, a public relations exec, says that it’s possible to pull off. Bruner runs Clutch 22, a fashion and shopping blog that recently got her noticed by AOL’s Stylelist. She went on to compete in the fashion site’s competition for America’s Most Stylish blogger.

There are two different ways Bruner suggests rocking the look: “The first is in line with Dior—take a dressy peep-toe wedge and wear with mesh socks that come up to your ankles,” she says. “To add a little edge, wear a sheer patterned sock.” The second, if your style is a bit more daring, is to try a chunky pair of sandals with a bold-colored or floral-printed sock. “For the rest of the look, you’ve got to show some leg to get the full effect,” says Bruner. “One piece of advice for my fellow short-legged ladies—elongate your legs by sticking with sheer neutral tones for the socks.”

Sweatpants

Seen at Diane von Furstenburg, Rag & Bone, and Alexander Wang

Diane von Furstenburg (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz), Rag & Bone (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images), Alexander Wang (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images)

They might look sloppy when not done right, but when they are done right, we can’t help but love high-fashion sweatpants.

When it comes to wearing sweatpants in more formal situations than, say, when you are doing laundry, the best way to make it work is to keep it simple. “Play off the harem pant look and find a pair that is slouchy up top and tighter around the calves down to the ankle,” says Bruner of Clutch 22. “Wear them with a semi-fitted graphic tee, a chain necklace and chunky wedges. And to keep warm during chilly spring nights, wear a long fitted cardigan over top.” She also suggests sticking with subtle colors, such as black and marled grey. Whatever you do, don’t wear a super-loose top. “If you mix baggy with baggy, you’ll look like a bag.”

Cupcake Kisses & Special Thanks

JordyBee — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:58:47 +0000

First, thanks to everyone who has voted so far for me in America’s Most Stylish Blogger. I’m posting the next challenge shortly, but you can vote right now (once per day) and watch Nicole Miller weigh in on challenge number three!

I also wanted to give a quick shout-out to all my fabulous blogger friends who have kindly helped spread the word.

Also, I can’t leave out these lovely ladies who have been pimping me out like crazy through Facebook and Twitter!

Jess of Fresh Jess
Jennine of The Coveted
Sara of SPUN Clothing
Nadine of Girl’s Guide to Seattle
Julia of Fashion Pulse (get well soon my friend)
Birdie of Bonne Vie
Kim of Boutique Culture
Ashley Keller
Lindsay Hartsoch
Erin Barnard
Maggie Martin

Sorry if I’ve missed anyone. Let me know if this is the case and I’ll be sure to update!

Photo credits: Flickr via iheartcuppycakes1 and cakeheart

Featured! September Issue of DList Magazine

JordyBee — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:00:36 +0000

Thank you DList Magazine for selecting me to be featured as “The Blogger” in the first annual Young Seattle issue! Having met several bloggers in the area, it’s a true honor to have even been considered, let alone chosen. Special thanks to Summer Wilson, a talented and delightful local photographer, for nominating me!

Among the ten individuals featured in the spread was also a Seattle independent fashion designer, Suzanne Jaberg of Suzabelle (above on the left). Check out her latest pieces here - AMAZING!

About the shoot

This was my first magazine photo shoot and though it was a blast, I have a whole new respect for models! The only thing I was asked in advance was to wear all black, so I of course thought of ways to sneak color into my picture. I brought my mint green Pour la Victoire pumps and my Vivienne Tam HP digital clutch. I thought the mini notebook, which I won through my blog at the IFB Dress Up Soiree at the last NYFW, would complement the story they were trying to convey with “The Blogger.” Everyone seemed to love the idea, so it was cool to feel I helped ”accessorize” the shoot. For the dress, I wore a 1950′s vintage dress from Stella.

What made the experience even better were the people and the setting. AlixRose, one of my blogger BFFs, is a stylist for DList Magazine and it was really great to see her in action. She also kept me calm and confident during my shoot. Additionally, everything took place at Seattle notable Hotel Max. If you ever make a visit out here, I highly recommend it! It fully embodies the Seattle lifestyle, art and culture vibe; all packaged up in a chill boutique setting. If you decide to check it out, ask for my friend Jen Joyce and tell her you want to Twitter deal; she’ll take care of you.

Surprisingly, once photographer Jean-Marcus Strole started my shoot, it only took a few minutes! I am super critical of how I look in pics…hence the reason I always look away in outfit photos, but I am happy with the result. Along with Alix, fashion editor Kristen Puckhaber (aka Puck) was in the room and fashion director, Jenascia Chakos played a big role in setting up the shot. The experts knew exactly what they were doing with me. Dusty Bolyard is the model in both mine and Susanne’s features and his attire is from The Finerie.

I also have to give a shout-out to Sara Kendall, the makeup artist who got me back into vibrant lip colors, and Kermit Allen, the hair stylist who fixed the poodle-ish mess I walked in with.

Finally, I am attending the magazine release party this Wednesday night. I can’t believe the first Seattle print feature comes out just a week before I have to say goodbye to the place I’ve lived the past seven years!