Fashion and Photoshop

As a little bit of a plug, I must praise my school, the International Academy of Design and Technology (IADT). I will complete my certificate program in Fashion Design this January, and going "back to school" after being at the head of the class as a teacher has been pretty incredible. Incredibly challenging at times, but overall incredible in a good way.

It's so incredible, in fact, that tonight I became a proud user of Photoshop, and may have found my newest hobby! If you've ever been a scrapbooker, collager, or maker of anything that combines multiple images, Photoshop is like the second coming, in a way.

My first foray...a "Mood Board" for Computer Graphics which combines two inspirations: Art Nouveau and Glassware.

Please enjoy!

Thirty years of Irish Hair

A brief look at Bono's various styles throughout the years...remember, the 80's was a time when EVERYONE did odd things to their hair, myself included. "Judge not lest ye be judged..."





A brief look at Bono's various styles throughout the years...remember, the 80's was a time when EVERYONE did odd things to their hair, myself included. "Judge not lest ye be judged..."

More U2 musings..let's talk about Bono's hair

"How's my hair?"

Several friends have told me they really enjoyed how Sunday's entry brought pop culture (via U2) to the blog, so I decided to do a short and sweet "day after" post about U2. This time, let's talk about a different sort of style: hair-style.

As you can guess from yesterday's post, I am a great admirer of Bono. I think his sense of style is always appropriate, and distinctive without being outlandish. His "lea-thuh" and shades (see yesterday's entry) suit him to a T.

I have mixed feelings about his new cropped 'do, though.

Bono's hair has only been super-short twice: during the Popmart tour era ('96-98), and at present (about 2006-now). For visual reference...


LEFT: Bono in 1997, almost a dead-ringer for Elvis Costello

RIGHT: Bono in Long Beach, CA in 2008, smiling for the ladies at the annual Women's Conference



My ultimate "Bono hair" preference would probably be Bono's dark locks in the "Achtung Baby" (1990-1993) era. Likely, this is because "Achtung Baby" was what really got me listening to U2, and I was instantly drawn to the look of videos such as "Mysterious Ways" and "One."

And if I may say, he looked quite attractive in both videos :) Judge for yourself below...

U2's Sense of Style :)

Ah, Bono.

Where do I begin?

Bono and his cohorts in U2 opened their "360 tour" in Chicago last night. A stadium tour which (from where we sat) had great views all around, the lads are promoting their multi-textured latest release, "No Line on the Horizon" to tens of thousands of people each night. As possibly the biggest U2 fan in the Chicagoland area (and having been such since I was about 8 years old), my evening at Soldier Field was simply awe-inspiring and downright excellent.

(Our excitement could not be contained to just a photograph, but we tried..at right, my best friend Monica and I in our seats before showtime)

However, since this is a fashion blog, I feel we must turn to the matter at hand: what were the boys in the band attired in?






We'll start with Bono

Let's start with my hero/favorite/dream husband, Bono.

NOTE: my husband supports my Bono love...all is well in the Kendall household.

Last night, Bono took the stage attired in a black tee, black trousers, and piecework black leather jacket (along with the perfect specs). He truly made it look easy to perform in front of almost 70,000 people and not overheat in his "lea-thuh."

The original "black leather Bono" appeared during the band's 1992 ZooTV tour, and has come in various inceptions since then (lined with an American flag or red silk in the 2000's, glossy and lizard-y in the early 90's). The current inception seems natural, far from costume-like, and pretty cool to boot.

CONCLUSION: It seems leather and shades = the essence of Bono. Keep it up, Mr. Hewson :)

Edge, anyone?

U2's virtuoso genius, The Edge, has so many things going for him. The trademark facial hair, stevedore cap, and Chuck Taylors...alone, they are basic. On Edge, they are as recognizable as the opening riff of "Where the Streets Have No Name."

Edge also debuted this look during the ZooTV tour in 1992, though, again, it had theatrical elements to it. The jeans now are simple and broken in: back then, they were black and BeDazzled. The button-down (or tee shirt, which he also favors) is casually cool: the ripped vests of '92 were purple and loud.

CONCLUSION: Edge's fashion sense is akin to pizza: there's really no such thing as bad Edge (pizza), just different varieties (mushroom vs. peppers, the journey from glam to casually cool).

Shall we talk Adam Clayton?


Adam has always held the air of an English nobleman to me, which definitely suits his place as King of Bass in U2. Adam creates what Bill Flanagan once called the "fat, funky bottom" of U2's rhythm, and he himself has allowed his fashion to truly be funky as well. In a good way.

Observe last night's dark trousers and gorgeously detailed jacket. Rock star-appropriate, but not garish. The ZooTV tour brought out Adam's colorful side, plus a very bright blond hairdo. The close-cropped style he wears now definitely suits his features. Also, if instruments are fashionable, Adam wears bass couture on the 360 tour.

CONCLUSION: Lord Clayton has a valid claim to the throne of fashion royalty.

And, of course, the beloved Larry Mullen, Jr.

U2 would not exist without Mr. Mullen, a fact that many biographers relish with added stories of the band practicing in Larry's kitchen early on. Larry is, as Bono said last night, "the thunder and lighting of the band." He is the solid, steady force that makes the band as tight as it is.

Larry's fashion statement is the equivalent of the infinitely cool transfer student who sat behind you in high school English class: with only a tee shirt, jeans, and two drumsticks, he has no need for airs, for posing, or for extraneous speaking: he just is. And this is why we love Larry. He has worn this variation for many years, and has every right to do so for many more.

CONCLUSION: Both Larry's drumming and sense of style are direct, honest, and strong. If only we all could be so minimalistically cool.

Storefront Style #2: Loehmann's

Our Storefront Style feature #2 is overstock haven Loehmann's. As in the last S.S. post, here are the fit letters:

LETTERS
A= Athletic (broad shoulders, muscular build)
C= Curvy (hourglass/pear shape)
F= Full-figured (big and beautiful)
P= Petite (5'4" and under)
T= Tall (5'8" and up)

Encore Resale and the NSAR Thrift Store were the backbone of my wardrobe growing up. Compelled by necessity AND ingenuity, my mother, sister, and I would spend hours peeking at the racks of these places, unearthing truly great finds each time. The marvel really came when the cash registers rang up the totals and our grocery bag full of clothes totaled out at $75 or so. Bargains galore!

Flash forward twenty years, and I am loading my arms up with $39 DVF blouses, $79 Alice & Olivia dresses, and beautiful knit sweaters for less than $30. Loehmann's, I love you!

According to its website, " more than 87 years after opening its first off-price apparel store in Brooklyn, NY, Loehmann’s continues to distinguish itself as a preeminent, upscale, off-price specialty retailer for name brand designer fashions." For those who sometimes get overwhelmed by the never ending racks at TJ Maxx or Marshall's, Loehmann's seemed like the promised land to me!

And for the most part, it was. While shopping for a petite client, I was struck by the classic cardigan below from MICHAEL Michael Kors, complete with his signature logo belt. It was chic, perfect for the season, and a flattering shade most of us can wear. Running for $59.99, it's a deal when you think of how often we wear these cardis in Chicago.

LETTERS: C, P, T


After finding my client's pieces, I headed back downstairs and found this beautiful display, which featured a gorgeous pink and black zigzag print Alice & Olivia dress for $79 (a bargain indeed...it might normally retail in the $300's). While the dress itself is short and sweet, adding the capelet topper lends a bit of modesty to the look and making it very modern and chic. After all, the rule of "Mams or Gams" should never falter. A great pick for fall, esp. if paired with opaque tights.

(A further explanation: "Mams or Gams" refers to the decision a woman makes when selecting to highlight her top ("Mams'') or bottom ("Gams)." The general rule is never reveal both at the same time, unless a swimsuit is involved. It's all a balancing act, ladies!)

LETTERS: A, C, P, T

Store Information

Loehmann's
151 N. State Street
Chicago, IL 60602
312-705-3810
http://www.loehmanns.com

STA Press Coverage

Hooray for NBC5 Chicago! They did a great featurette on STA's opening last week, and if you look at the 25 second marker, you;ll see a lady who looks a bit like me :)

LINK: http://www.nbcchicago.com/around-town/fashion/Real_Housewives_Wears_Resale_Chicago.html