(spot)light - Swedish Garbs

H&M officially opened its doors in Newport last Thursday offering 2 floors of skintight clothes. The location carries ready-to-wear for men, women, tweens and rug rats. Cutting through the mall I could not ignore the blaring beats of Ke$ha, matched only in annoyance by the gaggle of giggling schools girls flocking to the newly opened retailer. While the men's section was half the size of the ladies, it still offered some stylish and affordable (i.e. Made in Bangladesh) choices. This store is yet another small step in H&M's quest to rid the world of baggy jeans and solid colors.

The real story is not in this small, somewhat inconsequential opening, but in H&M's rise to the top of the retail food chain. H&M (Hennes & Mauritz) has climbed its way up the ladder becoming the world's 2nd largest fashion retailer. H&M has over 2,300 stores in 41 countries and made a staggering $716,000,000 profit between June and August of this year alone. Can't get enough of the euro apparel but find yourself under court ordered house arrest? No worries, the US online store is set to launch in spring of 2012.

Wandering around Newport? Make your way to the often-ignored Payless Shoes wing.

(spot)light - Street Styles - Van Vorst Park

Hello (in)Flux followers, Colby Kelly here writing a blog for ChrisTopher.  If you don’t already know, I’m your local vintage stylist entrepreneur and I am here for all of your questions and concerns, really, try me!

So the new thing I am doing this summer, aside from sporting color-blocking attire, is setting up a table at flea markets in our local parks. Not only will I have my own amazing goods to offer, but also I’ll be checking out and highlighting some of my best finds.

(If on main page, click read more just below.)

(night)crawlers - Musings at Midnight

Timeless Chic; 3rd and Monmouth

Quickly becoming my favorite spot for (night)crawler showcasing, 3rd and Monmouth provides the beautiful white light and background a studio would offer; minus the expense and wicked equipment. While I imagine those living around the spotlights do not think of them so kindly, for me, it's the absence of color waiting to be filled with the stylish threads of JC (night)crawlers. It's also a good reason to stop by Abby's for a quick pint and smoke. It was here that her timeless chic caught my eye.  I respectfully complimented, smiled, glanced and stared, all while enjoying 2 pints of Yuengling and an ever amusing flow of chat. A sudden dearth of tolerable tunes was the perfect opportunity to suggest we take our intimate antics elsewhere. It also provided a moment to team the power of compliments with the power of suggestion. Perfectly posed on the white brick wall, my muse and occasional partner in crime rocked an amazing Italian leather patchwork jacket found at the Salvation Army. Black sleeves and outline surround the rich orange and yellow, highlighting the slim cut. Complimenting the 70s jacket was a pair of modern, skintight jeans and Baker shoes. Due to the fluctuating temperature layers were essential. Resting on her upper back was a dark blue hoody, while her sleeves frilled with 90s plaid. Finally, she toped it off with a purple headband, adding a touch of the 60s. While each item may connect with an era, the combination certainly does not.

Parker meets Baker; 3rd and Monmouth

(day)breakers - There's the Sunshine

Spring Casual; 8th and West Hamilton

Besides allergies, there is little that doesn't excite me about the coming of spring and summer. Due to this past winter's fury, I find the slight uptick of mercury in the thermometer overly exciting. Last week the temperature, albeit just for a day, hit 70°F (21°C). The parks exploded with humans of all ages, taking in the heat and doing something that has escaped us for months; soaking in some vitamin D. With the change in season, comes a change in style. All wear less, girls tend to get tighter. Though recent male trends have embraced form-fitting t-shirts and cut skinny jeans. I applaud and certainly partake. Seems to be the democratic way. Now all, no matter of gender or orientation, can enjoy the tightening and disappearance of clothing. So to hell with wool and tweed; bring on the cotton, spandex and glimpses of skin. We thoroughly deserve it.

Cole Haan meets Jegging; 8th and West Hamilton

I have yet to develop a solid way of stopping someone in the street when they catch my eye. On the positive side, all who I have asked were game. Negative side, I'm painfully awkward. I think it's the compliment and camera that seals the deal. I first saw this fashionista reading in Hamilton Park. I was test riding 30+ bikes and couldn't help but steal peaks as I rode by. I'm sure my constant change in bike was baffling. I was drawn to how casual, yet stylish she looked. Especially when reading a book in the setting sun. Not to interrupt her reading, I waited until she left the park to make my request. Think more respectful and less creepy stalker. She was chill and wished me luck. I did the same.  

(night)crawlers - Aging with Grace

Levi meets Ralph; 3rd and Monmouth 

On a recent stumble between one (watering)hole and the next, I bumped into my nephew who's 5 years my junior. We both enjoy drinks in smoke-filled rooms, so we proceeded to have a pint at Abbys. My nephew is stylish but does it with ease. He rocked a pair of Levis and Ralph Lauren boots - Bench made; both of which were worn-in and aging gracefully.

Recently entering my 30s, I get excited when people think I'm 20 something. I don't ever feel old until that happens; my mind's admission of its desire to be young(er). I have no interest in fighting the inevitable but I do wonder how it's going to go down. Will I age like a pair of Jordache or Levis? I'm hoping for the latter.  I guess it all comes down to good genes.

In case you're following, all posts entitled "(night)crawlers" will chronicle the style worn by other creatures of the night.

(day)breakers - Post Office, Parcels, Pregnant and... Stilettos?

You might think it strange that my second blog post would highlight fashion, especially with the intensity of the current news cycle. It was always my intention to cover the garbs that dawn JC locals and it's times like these that call for some mindless observations.

It’s quite apparent why our mother-to-be caught my eye. While some might scream in horror over her homage to MC Hammer, I find the juxtaposition of her baby bump and stilettos quite satisfying. 

Just another day at the (Post) Office

Fire Island Fierce; Montgomery and Washington

Just in case anyone's reading, all posts entitled "(day)breakers" will chronicle daytime fashionistas of every sort and style on the converging streets of JC.