Question of the day: In today’s economic downfall, how are high-end department stores such as Saks and Neiman Marcus attracting their customers? Do wealthy people simply have that much money to continue shopping there, or is it their effective marketing strategy that is allowing their name to stay on top of the consumer’s minds?

I am currently studying marketing communications at my graduate program and my final project has got me thinking the difference between a well-known department store such as Saks to their competitors such as Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom. See, Saks isn’t doing too well with their sales and keeping their identity of sophistication, and are gradually being swallowed up by new stores. During the time of the economy downfall, it seems like even rich people are turning their heads towards a more economical way of shopping. Saks was established in New York in 1924 and they’ve created a reputation of selling luxury items and products, or in other words, timeless fashion. But is that not what people are looking for anymore?

For many, Saks is not only a luxurious department store where you can go pamper yourself and drop thousands of valuable dollars on a designer coat, but much rather an experience where you connect with your beauty. People generally want to feel like they are part of  high-end fashion and want to spend a day being involved with luxurious items. The smart thing that Saks (as well as other luxurious brands like Tiffany’s and Burberry) does is that they offer smaller and less expensive items that still allows customers to take home the shopping experience. For example, buying a keychain at Tiffany’s, that is still affordable to many, still comes with the little blue box that represents the brand. Knowing that you went into the store and bought something makes you feel like you belong there. “Out of place? What are you talking about? I have the little blue box to prove it!” I came across an interesting article about the gourmet chocolate brand, Godiva and what their approach is to keeping timeless taste: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/16/business/media/16adnewsletter1.html?_r=1&8ad&emc=seiaa1

In addition to stocking items for those with fat wallets, Saks is greatly known to be a department store that holds fond memories of going there with your mother/grandmother on a spree shopping day. As time goes on and you gradually have less things in common with your parents, Saks continues to be a base where we are able to close these generation gaps and relive our childhood or other tucked away memories. Sure, many can’t afford to buy much (me included) but the simple presence of being at Saks brings you the luxury experience.

Trendy or timeless? You decide.

Love always,

Mia

I have written about this brand before because there are so many controversies surrounding it on regular basis. First it was the rumor that Max Azria, the founder is not too nice to his employees. Then came the big layoff of 200 people. Nonetheless, the company is not giving up and continues to produce fabulous apparel. Launched in 2004, Max Azria Atelier is a couture gown collection that is geared to celebrities and their fancy events. Since not all of us have red carpet events to attend on weekly basis, in 2008 he launched BCBGeneration for us regular folk. This year, we will also be seeing BCBG at the giant Wal-Mart- a result of teaming up with Miley Cyrus for a juniors collection..(Hence the cute little promo shot above)

FCUK! No, I am not that upset that I even misspelled the curse word- I am just so excited about today’s sale on French Connection! Sure, the company has caused more controversy than Britney Spears ( remember the shirts “fcuk fashion” and “lucky fcuk”?) but the brand that started in 1972 in the United Kingdom has earned more fans worldwide every season. Perhaps by having the mayor of Boston prohibit the company’s banners all around the city is giving them exactly what they want- attention…

Its old news that the economy has been a big buzz kill of us shopoholics. Sadly, its not just the shoppers who are affected. Many big designer houses are cutting down on collections and laying off their employees. This year, for example, BCBG layed off 200 people and reduced salaries for those who stayed by 10%. If you know someone who works for dearest Max, you might also have the insight of other mishaps, like not having heat in the offices because the bill was not paid… So don’t feel bad if your lights go off during dinner (it happened to me last month.. at least they waited 3 months, perhaps hoping I will still send the bill! Oh, those optimists..)- it happens to the best of us.

It’s sad and unpredictable- but let’s not allow this to kill our spirits. Economy is like the ocean, waves may crash but they always rise again. (And as hard as it is to believe, this has happened before).

No one can deny that Marc Jacobs is among the most talented designers today. He dresses A list celebrities ( and I won’t list them because, well, he dresses ALL of them). He makes a fabulous creative director for Louis Vuitton and runs his own label, Marc by Marc Jacobs pretty smoothly. But his chiseled yet flamboyant looks are not the only things that makes people stare. He also wears SKIRTS. Yup, the good ‘ol pleated garment that is usually worn by us gals. In case you haven’t seen this fashion of a spectacle (its pretty hard, since I think his closet is 80% skirts, 20% trousers), feel free to google. Why would he do that you say? Because he feels darn good in it. And why not? Who made these rules anyhow? One thing we know for sure- he definitely stands out…

Forgive me if it seems like I am trying to educate you- it is by all means not my intention (maybe just a little!). When I look into a designer and research their story I kind of, well, get overly excited with all the things I come across. So when I write a piece on a brand we feature it is simply to give you some interesting facts about the company, so you know what you are putting on your back, so to speak. Some facts are not so interesting, I’ll admit. But some are not just interesting- they are inspiring.

Very often you can find beautiful dresses on our site that carry the label of Ellen Tracy. Now, don’t be tricked- the designer’s name is not Ellen Tracy. In fact, when Herbert Gallen started the line in 1949, he picked the name by random. You can say he was the company. He designed, did all the book keeping and shipping all by himself. ( He also sold a dozen shirts for 36 bucks, I think he should bring back the vintage prices for his 60^th anniversary!). Today, Linda Allard is the director of design, and has reinvented the brand every decade since her start as the assistant designer in 1962. Ability and willingness to change with the times (and perhaps the ads with a glowing Cindy Crawford!) have made Ellen Tracy one resilient brand. Judging from the gorgeous designs each season, I have a feeling they will remain a classic..

Who doesn’t own a pair of Lucky jeans? The brand that started in 1990 (it seems like they have been around for much longer!) is now one of the top denim brands world wide. Even with the high demand, they manage to manufacture most of their jeans in United States and get this- its all done by hand! Besides the washing process, all the detailing is done right here in downtown Los Angeles. Styles like skinny, bootcut and flared have all been explored by Lucky and the designers are not planning to stop innovating. With the Lucky Foundation helping disabled children and a hippy rock n’ roll spirit, no wonder the brand has earned followers like Brad Pitt, Sandra Bullock, Matt Damon, Will Smith and John Travolta.

It’s time for some honesty- when writing a piece for the following day I take a look at what outfits we will feature that day and see what catches my eye. Perhaps it’s a certain trend that is dominating or a designer that I have learned more about recently and would like to share my knowledge with the readers. Sometimes its not interesting for everyone, I am sure. I have my own way at looking at things. I love knowing random facts about brands and designers ( for example did you know that Ralph Lauren’s birth name is Ralph Rueben Lifshitz?? Come on, you know that’s a bit funny). Something about knowing a personal story of theirs that makes me more connected to the company I help profit. Today, as I was reading more about one of my favorites- Calvin Klein, I noticed a pattern that seems to now be as clear as it can be. As I read about various business leaders, and their successes I notice one thing they have in common- failure. Whether its Christian Audigier who had multiple business go bankrupt until he made his millions, or Calvin Klein, who was about to declare bankruptcy in 1992 but ended up winning the “best designer of the year” award in 1993 ( and all that was AFTER his Brooke Shields advertisements).– the most successful people today didn’t get there riding on a cloud. They worked hard, and failed. Then they picked themselves up and failed again. But their perseverance is what got them to where they are now- at the top of their field, admired and respected. So, what if we might not have our dream jobs just yet, if we want it- it will come. After all, Ralph Lauren (or Mr. Liftshitz) himself wrote in his high school yearbook, that he will become a millionaire. I am sure the ones who laughed are now wearing a certain polo on daily basis….

Its nice to know when a brand not only makes trendy apparel but also does something good for the world. Thankfully, there are more and more of these kind of companies. One of them would be Miss Sixty- a label that has been making jeans created with every line of the woman’s body in mind, since 1991. They are also partnered up with charity:water to bring clean water to those in need. They have already helped over 2000 people to gain access to non contaminated aqua. If thats not a good trend, then I don’t know what is…

Today you will notice that all of our outfits have the shirts tucked in. Yes, you guessed right. Its not just because we don’t want to looks sloppy- not only is it  the best way to classy up your outfit,  it has been a big trend for this season.  As the weather gets colder, having a belly shirt jut wont cut it. We need to protects our behinds and by tucking our tops in, we do it that fashionably. Check out Kim Kardashian who loves the look of a baggy shirt tucked in- just what she needs to make her curves look even more fabulous..

Her fabulous shoulders is not the only thing I envy about Jessica Biel. Her ability to be comfortable and sporty yet still look chic is something I could never accomplish. But a girl can try, right? So, I tried to track down some of her cute outfits and see if I could score good deals on the same look. Surprise, surprise, my good ‘ol 365hangers saves the day once again. Ella Moss is a brand that has been dressing not only Ms. Biel but also Kate Moss, Gwenyth Paltrow and Cameron Diaz. Designer of the label, Protzel Scott knew she had to share her talents when her friends came to “shop” in her closet. She did after all, have a gift for vintage shopping as well as handmade her own t-shirts once in while. Today she is inspired by art and traveling, thats why her collections are comfortable yet fashionable. You can always run to Barney’s to get her latest-or, check out 365hangers often to score some amazing deals on a designer who once dressed Carrie Bradshaw.

You gotta love websites like 365hangers who introduce you to some amazing designers that you somehow missed. Trina Turk is a regular on our shopping list labels, and thats because we know you love her. (If not yet, buy one thing and you will be addicted). I guess one can’t be surprised when knowing a few things about the designer. After all, she did learn how to sew at age 11 and later went on to work for Britannia Jeans and Ocean Pacific. After working mostly in the junior market, Trina decided she wanted to start her own line- a more contemporary collection. She is inspired by architecture and multi culture of Los Angeles and concentrates on creating classics.

Today, you can get her stuff at Barney’s New York, Saks and Fred Segal or just admire it on celebrities like Taylor Swift and Vanessa Hudges among many..

Who said high waisted is out? Forget all that “mom jeans” talk- high waisted pants are perfect for this autumn. It compliments every shape and accents the very much loved curves of a woman. Sure, low rise has been the main trend since the mid 90′s , but higher zippers are not left in the 70′s after all and are as sexy as they were on the gorgeous Farah Fawcett in Charlie’s Angels.

Who doesn’t want to hide those love handles? The higher rise pants not only keep everything together, they also make your legs look longer! (Can you tell I’m a fan?)

Carrie rocked the blue, before we ever knew.

There is no doubt about it- Blue is the color of the season. Not the boy blue, a clear sky during a sunny day- but a midnight blue, the color of royalty. Its deep, vibrant and has been on every runway this fall. According to the legend, the color was invented by millers who were trying to win a competition by making a dress for Queen Charlotte. Today, we can all feel like queens. Its no longer just the color of Kansas City Royals (thats baseball, ladies). It has become a color thats all of us should incorporate into our outfits.

I guess the girls of the city were ahead of their time, and the famous blue made it to the first “Sex and the City” movie. The sequel is just around the corner, which means only one thing- a peak at the next fabulous trend!